UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; January 18, 2005 - The No. 3 Penn State men's gymnastics team will open its home schedule this weekend when it hosts Temple and Navy on Friday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in Rec Hall. In conjunction with the meet will be the national championship banner raising ceremony to honor the 2004 men's gymnastics team for winning its 11th national championship, an NCAA record. The first 500 fans will receive men's gymnastics national championship commemorative cups featuring the 11 national championship years. Penn State Athletics will also honor 2004 NCAA all-around champion Luis Vargas after the meet. Vargas was the first all-around champion for the Nittany Lions in almost 30 years.

Local youth championship teams will also be honored as a part of "Champions Night." Some of the teams to be honored are from YMCA Soccer, Centre Soccer, Assembly of God Football, YMCA Basketball, State College Little League, Local Cross Country Leagues, and the YMCA Volleyball League.

Men's and women's gymnastics 2005 home schedule magnets will be given to the first 1,000 people at the meet. Various promotions tailor-made for Penn State students will occur and dinner for two will be awarded to two lucky couples during the meet.

For gymnastics ticket information, please call the Athletic Ticket office at 814-863-1000 or 1-800-833-5533 outside of the State College area.