Penn State freshman Shaun Smith was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year for men’s gymnastics, according to an announcement from the conference on Apr. 1. Smith is the fifth Penn State gymnast to receive this honor and is the first since Sam Zakutney in 2017.
The recognition highlights Smith’s performance during his debut season, including being a two-time recipient of the Big Ten Freshman of the Week award. He ranks 28th nationally on floor with a four-score average of 13.350 and stands at 14th nationally on vault with a four-score average of 14.100, achieving a season-best score of 14.200 in that event.
In addition to Smith’s accolade, junior Landon Simpson was named Penn State’s representative on the Sportsmanship Award team. Simpson enters postseason competition as a College Gymnastics Association regular season All-American on parallel bars, where he holds a four-score average of 13.800. He also ranks among national leaders: nineteenth on pommel horse, twenty-third on vault, and has posted one of the top ten all-around scores this season.
Smith, Simpson, and their teammates are set to compete at the Big Ten Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska this week. The team will participate in Friday’s contest before aiming for individual finals qualifications scheduled for Saturday, April 4.
Both days’ events will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.
