Penn State Men’s Gymnastics Hosts Stanford in Highly Anticipated 800 Strong Meet
Know Before You Go
Mark your calendars for an exciting evening of collegiate gymnastics as No. 7 Penn State men’s gymnastics hosts No. 2 Stanford on Saturday, March 1 at Rec Hall in University Park, PA. The doors open at 3 p.m., and admission is free. Spectators can find sport-by-sport parking information here.
Tune In
For those who can’t make it to the venue, live scores and a live stream will be available, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.
Promo – 800 Strong
The 800 Strong meet promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the strength and skill of both teams.
Last Time Out: Ohio State
In their last outing, the Nittany Lions faced off against Big Ten rival Ohio State. Despite recording 11 season-highs and achieving a team score of 323.850, Penn State fell short with a 325.000-323.850 loss. Senior Josh Karnes stood out, securing event titles on pommel horse, parallel bars, and high bar with three season-high performances.
Winter Cup Highlights
Penn State’s Matt Underhill made a strong showing at the 2025 Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, taking third on the rings with a two-day score of 27.000.
Scouting the Opponent: Stanford
Stanford, currently ranked No. 2, recently finished second in a tri-meet against No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 12 Greenville. The Cardinals posted a season-best score of 328.850 but were unable to overcome the top-ranked Sooners. Key players to watch include Taylor Burkhart, who is ranked No. 1 in the national all-around, and Asher Hong, who leads the still rings’ rankings with an average score of 14.500. Stanford sent seven athletes to the 2025 Winter Cup, with notable performances including Colt Walker’s title on parallel bars and Brandon Nguyen’s second-place finish.
Meeting History
The rivalry between Penn State and Stanford dates back to 2004, with the Nittany Lions holding a 2-1 edge. However, the two teams have not met in a regular season head-to-head matchup since 2007, making this upcoming meet highly anticipated.
2025 Season Preview
The Nittany Lions entered the 2025 campaign ranked sixth in the College Gymnastics Association (CGA) Preseason Coaches Poll. Head coach Randy Jepson returns for his 34th season, along with associate head coach Tony Beck and assistant coach Carlos Vazquez. The team finished the 2024 season with a 3-3 overall record and 1-3 in the Big Ten. Notable returners include All-Americans Josh Karnes, Michael Artlip, and Luke Esparo. Karnes, an NCAA Bronze Medalist, and graduate student Matt Cormier were named Big Ten Gymnasts to Watch. New to the team is graduate student Kellen Ryan, joining from the University of Minnesota.
Up Next
Following the Stanford meet, the Nittany Lions will travel to Columbus to face Big Ten foe Ohio State on Sunday, February 9 at 1 p.m. at the Covelli Center. The match will be streamed live via B1G+.
Key Information Summary
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Admission | Live Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State vs. Stanford | March 1 | 4 p.m. | Rec Hall, University Park, PA | Free | Live scores, Live stream |
FAQ Section
Q: Where can I park for the event?
A: Spectators can find sport-by-sport parking information here.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, admission is free.
Q: How can I watch the event if I can’t attend?
A: Live scores and a live stream will be available.
Did You Know?
Penn State’s Josh Karnes finished the 2024 season as an NCAA Bronze Medalist, securing his third-place finish in the parallel bars at the national championships. This achievement highlights the team’s strong performance and individual excellence.
Pro Tips
- Arrive Early: Doors open at 3 p.m., so plan to arrive early to secure good seating and avoid parking congestion.
- Stay Connected: Follow live scores and the live stream to stay updated on the action, even if you can’t be at the venue.
- Support the Team: Cheer on the Nittany Lions and show your support for both teams as they compete in this exciting meet.
Call to Action
Join the excitement and cheer on the Nittany Lions as they take on Stanford in the 800 Strong meet. Whether you’re attending in person or watching from home, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore more articles on collegiate gymnastics.
