STATE COLLEGE, Pa., February 15, 2001 - Penn State men's gymnast Chris Lakeman (Rolling Meadows, Ill.) was named the Big Ten's Co-Athlete of the Week which was announced today by the conference office. It is the second time this season that a Nittany Lion has received the honor.

Lakeman competed at the Winter Cup over the weekend and was crowned the national champion on the rings with a score of 9.600. He defeated 46 competitors at the two-event which included some of the nation's top gymnasts and current Olympians. The Winter Cup was sponsored by USA Gymnastics.

The ringsman has won on the apparatus at every meet this season, scoring no less than a 9.200. The senior is currently ranked second in the nation on the still rings.

Lakeman shares the honor with Ohio State's Jamie Natalie. The Penn State men's gymnastics team will compete this Saturday, February 17, at Temple. The meet begins at 3 p.m.

--LIONS--