UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; January 12, 2006 - Freshman Casey Sandy (Brampton, Ont.) earned Big Ten Men's Gymnast of the Week honors for his standout performance in Penn State's season-opening win over Army on Sat., Jan. 7. Sandy helped the No. 5-ranked Nittany Lions gain a 206.650-199.150 victory in West Point, N.Y., their 40th against the Black Knights in a series that dates back to 1932.

Competing in his first collegiate meet, Sandy won the all-around outright by posting a score of 52.650 and tied classmate Shaun Antonio (Rio Rancho, N.M.) for first place in the parallel bars (9.000). The former Canadian National Team member also claimed second in the pommel horse (9.000), tied for second in the vault (9.150) and the high bar (8.450), and earned a third place finish in the floor exercise.

Penn State is back in action on Fri., Jan. 13 when it begins the home portion of its 2006 schedule with a dual meet versus Temple. Competition is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET in Rec Hall.

For more information on Nittany Lion men's gymnastics, visit the official website of Penn State athletics at www.GoPSUsports.com.