Spinning a yo-yo hardly seems like a fair trade-off for a day's practice on the pommel horse.

But as a member of the No. 2 men's gymnastics team, Joe Roemer would not mind if his life was a little less fair.

The sophomore suffered a wrist injury over the summer from excessive stress. While at home in Pittsfield, Mass., he worked out daily to stay conditioned for the season and is currently going through rehabilitation.

That's where the yo-yo comes in. In order to strengthen his right wrist, Roemer often plays jacks or practices with a yo-yo. Team trainer Angela Carlson has developed some of those exercises to break up the monotony for Roemer.

"I'm allowed to do some tumbling, bounce around on the tramp and do some range of motion things," Roemer said. "Angela really tries to make it fun for me."

Currently, Roemer is traveling with the Lions. Should he elect to redshirt this season, he risks missing Penn State's match-up with top-ranked Nebraska on Feb. 10.

Roemer is hoping his time off is almost over. His status on the team is presently in the air. He is considering applying for a redshirt to ensure his wrist ample time to heal -- he has until Feb. 10 to make a decision.

"Basically, the doctor says what I can do," Roemer said. "I make the final decision based on how I feel."

Roemer did not expect to be feeling the way he does now when he left Penn State for summer break last year.

"Joe has really paid a tough price," Coach Randy Jepson said. "He's in there for every workout and is truly committed. I take my hat off to Joe."

In fact, sitting out is not tough for Roemer, a gymnast who performed in every meet of his freshman season. He shows continued dedication to his team.

"I wouldn't say that I feel left out," Roemer said. "I still try to give as much as I can to the team. I get out there and support them when I yell and scream at the meets."

Regarding how long his position on the sideline is going to last, Roemer says only time will tell.

"I just want to play it by ear and make sure that I feel well," said Roemer (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies). "If the team needs me and I am up to it, then I will compete with a shortened season."

And just in case Roemer tries to put the team above his personal goals, his coach will demand that he looks out for himself.

"We want to do what's best for Joe," Jepson said. "I just want his year to be as profitable as possible."

And in the event that his year is not in the gym, Roemer will undoubtedly stake his claim as team yo-yo champion.