For one night, at least, Chris Lakeman was the best in the country.

The Penn State senior posted a 9.600 on the still rings at last weekend's Winter Cup — a meet featuring the top American gymnasts of all ages ù and earned the title of national champion.

"Usually, I don't get nervous before a routine," he said. "But I was looking around and (two-time Olympian, five-time national champion) Blaine Wilson and Jason Gatson are both sitting two rows away. These are guys I idolized growing up."

The butterflies in Lakeman's stomach didn't stand much chance once he was up on the rings. He performed one of toughest routines in the meet and, though he didn't nail it, it was enough to top Chris LaMorte, who is generally recognized as the top competitor on the apparatus.

"I had watched Chris and his routine was strong," Lakeman said of LaMorte's 9.500 . "I really didn't know if I had topped him, but I didn't think I did."

The score flashed up on the board a few minutes after Lakeman had taken his seat on the bench with his teammates. All of them celebrated, save Lakeman.

"I was shocked, I was stunned, I was in awe," he said. "But I realized that all the work had paid off and that I really belonged."

He'll get the chance to prove he belongs at the Goodwill Games next August at the next US National qualifier in June. If he performs well there he will advance to a final event in August and face a vote to determine his status.

"It was great for him to prove that he can come through in pressure situations," head coach Randy Jepson said. "The whole idea was to get him some exposure, and he sure got that. The goal is the Goodwill Games, and he's put himself in a good position."

The other Nittany Lions in attendance did not fare so well. Sophomores Kevin Donohue and Matt Abboud both finished in the top 36 on the first day and qualified for the second day of competition. However, neither could finish the meet due to ankle injuries.

"Both guys came up short on vault landings," Jepson said.

The extent of Donohue's injury will not be known until later today, pending the results of an MRI test. Preliminary prognosis has him sitting until late March when Penn State hosts the Big Ten Championships.

"I came up really low on my landing," he said.

"I felt it cramp up right away, but I finished the day. When we got back to the hotel it was black and blue — pretty nasty — and I knew there was no way I could compete."

Abboud, who had surgery in November to repair several bone chips in his ankle, will not compete in the floor exercise or on the vault until Big Tens.

"I felt good Friday, except for a few mistakes," he said. "But on Saturday I was hurting."

Freshman Kevin Tan also had a rough weekend. Tan, who only arrived in State College this semester, said that the adjustment to college life has worn him down.

"It's rough getting to practice, getting all my studies done and dealing with everything," he said. "It has really taken its toll on my body. I don't think I was prepared for this meet."

Tan competed on the pommel horse, parallel bars, still rings and high bars despite a heel injury.

Injuries have plagued the team all year, and at last count, Jepson said, "just about everyone has something wrong with him."

"We're going to have to play it smart with everybody the rest of the year," Jepson said. "Hopefully we can get it in order for Big Tens and NCAAs."

Lakeman's win is a huge boost of confidence for the Lions, something they have lacked the last few meets.

They are currently ranked ninth in the country, but are last of the seven Big Ten gymnastics teams.

"It's great to have Chris win," Jepson said. "It serves notice to the rest of the NCAA; we've got the best guy in the country on our team."

Lakeman watched several of the more touted collegiate gymnasts at the meet last weekend

He said the Lions are capable of competing with them.

"We have all the skills," he said. "We just need to start hitting routines."

Lakeman hit his routine Saturday night and took the first step toward fulfilling a dream he once thought impossible. He celebrated the win with some Las Vegas-style fun (word has it he's got some black jack skills) slept the whole plane ride home on Sunday and was back at practice early this morning.

"Everyday counts," he said.

That attitude propelled Lakeman to the top spot on Saturday, and may lead to even bigger triumphs the rest of the year.