Penn State Captures the Men’s Gymnastics Title; Titans 9th

Cal State Fullerton senior Scott Picquelle scored a 9.90 on the pommel horse Friday at the NCAA Division 1 men’s gymnastics national championships to qualify first in that event in tonight’s individual final.

The Titans, who qualified 10th for the championship, finished ninth in the team competition with a 277.85. Penn State qualified first with a 286.55. The Nittany Lions will compete against Nebraska (285.35) and Ohio State (284.05), tonight for the the team national championship

“I’m very happy with the character of this team. No one ever let down,” Titan Coach Dick Wolfe said. “Our individuals did an excellent job tonight.” In addition to Picquelle, three other Titans qualified for tonight’s individual championship: Ric Draghi scored a 9.75 in the vault to tie for second with Wes Suter of Nebraska; Russell Lacy tied for fifth with three other gymnast on the floor exercise, and Shawn McNulty tied with three others at 9.70 for eighth place in the rings.

The top eight scorers qualify for tonight’s final. The top six scorers from tonight’s competition will be named All-American.

Suter, a junior, won the NCAA all-around championship with a mark of 58.20.