One could say that Joe Corapi sweeps the Nittany Lion crowd off its feet at times during a match.

Corapi, a sophomore defensive sweeper, has been responsible for setting up the Penn State's offensive play and sweeping away opponents' offenses during No. 5 Penn State's current nine-game winning streak.

"His strength in leadership, along with the improved quality of our team has given us a new dimension to our style of play," said Coach Barry Gorman. "We are able to play our offensive style, without playing too conservative on defense."

But, don't be fooled by his sophomore status. Gorman said Corapi has more experience at this time of his career, than most seniors, in terms of playing top-notch international competition.

"Anytime you play against competition on the same ability level or higher than you, you learn a lot in a short period of time," Gorman said. "And I think Joe has benefitted from that, and learned that the team concept is important."

Corapi, who hails from Mississauga, Ontario, played for Team Ontario as a sweeper at the 1989 Canadian Summer Games and helped his team win the gold medal.

"That was a chance of a lifetime," Corapi said. "It definitely helped to improve my game, in teaching me my role with the team."

Corapi was also named to the 19-and-under-Canadian National Team in 1990, where he got to play three games.

Last year, Corapi started 16 games for the Lions, solidifying the sweeper position for the Lions. He scored one goal and had one assist, but was more instrumental in stopping opposing offenses. Corapi earned second-team All Big Ten honors and was named to the Mid-Atlantic Region team as an honorable mention.

Corapi the sweeper, knows his role on the team, and it isn't to score goals.

"If they come to me, I will take them, however my job is to play solid defense and to set up the offense," Corapi said. "This is a team game, and we have many quality players that can get the job done while they are in the game. There are no individuals when we are on the field."

His teammates have as much respect for Corapi as he does for them.

"He (Corapi) moves the ball around to everyone," said senior co-captain Steve Sergi. "He makes it that much harder for opposing defenses to cheat in on the play, which forces them to play honestly. That opens up our scoring opportunities, and gives us a better chance at a win."

Corapi's stalwart play continues to excite Gorman.

"He has come a long way in such a short period of time," Gorman said. "If he keeps progressing like he has over the past few years, I think he will be something to see when he is a senior, or even sooner."

That could be too soon for future Big Ten opponents.