IOWA CITY, IOWA – The Penn State men's gymnastics team claimed the 2019 Big Ten Championships title to earn the program's fourth team title, first since 2015, with a season-high team score of 410.350.
"This team never reached reached it full potential during the regular season and they were hungry to show everyone what they were capable of," Head Coach Randy Jepson said. "They came together and were relentless tonight and earned the Big Ten title. I am very proud of their tenacity and grit. This gives us great momentum and confidence going into the national championship in two weeks."
The Nittany Lions saw Parker Clayton and Sam Zakutney score 14.300 to lead the way in the first rotation as the Penn State squad started on the vault. Clayton's mark was a career-high. Wyatt Tyndall scored a 14.200 for a season high. Brennan Pantazis vaulted to a 13.900, while Braydon Borromeo scored a 13.850.
After the first rotation, Penn State was in first as the only team to break 70 in the first rotation. Penn State scored a 70.550 for the lead.
On parallel bars, Penn State saw Tyndall recorded a season-best and best performance of the day of 14.650 to lead the Nittany Lions. Zakutney followed with 14.500, while Michael Burns added a 14.050. Alex Frack scored a 13.450 and Pantazis recorded a 13.000. The team score was a 69.650.
Through two events, Penn State held the lead with a 140.200 with Ohio State in second at 138.800.
On high bar, Burns and Zakutney both scored impressive 13.700 to lead the way. Tyndall continued his strong performance with a 13.300. Favian Valdez scored a 13.200 on his first event of the evening, while Chris Sands scored a 12.400.
The Nittany Lions lead through three events with a 206.500.
On floor, Penn State saw Zakutney score a 14.150, while Pantazis recorded a 14.050. Tyndall has continued to be a steady rock for the Nittany Lions as he scored a 13.300. Borromeo added a 12.500 and Sands added an 11.950.
Penn State scored a 65.950 on floor and took a 272.450 overall score after four rotations.
Penn State then moved on to pommel horse where Stephen Nedoroscik scored a 14.950 on his routine. Freshman Nick Mock had a great showing with a 13.500, while Jack Baldwin followed with a 13.400. Valdez continued his strong meet with a 13.350. Burns added a 12.950 to close out his day. Penn State scored a 68.150 on the horse.
Heading into the final rotation, it was neck-and-neck between the Nittany Lions, Illinois and Michigan.
With the Blue & White on rings, Penn State stepped up and answered the call.
Borromeo opened things up strong with a 14.100. Tamargo added a 12.950 with a fall, and Clayton followed with a 14.050. Redshirt senior Noah Roberson came up big with a 14.300, and Isaac Hammett followed it with a 14.350 to seal the win.