The University of Minnesota might be in the same conference as Penn State, but it has a different view on women trying out as kickers for the football team.

Mary Nystrom saw an advertisement by the football team for a "quality kicker/punter," but when she went to the tryouts, the Gophers would not allow her to try out. Minnesota Assistant Athletic Director of Football Operations Tim Allen said that it's men's college football, and it is not a co-ed sport. Also, the university did not have to give her a tryout because schools can prohibit women from participating in men's contact sports under Title IX legislation.

Nystrom had the credentials and the family name to be able to try out for the kicking position for the Gophers. She kicked regularly for Cooper H.S. in New Hope, Minn., and her brother, Dan Nystrom, just ended his career as the Gophers' kicker this past fall. He is best remembered by Penn State fans for his last-second field goal in 1999 to beat the then-No. 2 Nittany Lions.

The Lions had a similar situation last season when Stephanie Weimer sent Penn State football coach Joe Paterno her recruiting portfolio as a kicker. Instead of receiving the same news that Nystrom received from the Gophers, Weimer heard back from Paterno two weeks later with all of the information needed to try out as a walk-on.

"I had to attend a group meeting for fall sports and fill out all of the paperwork necessary to try out," Weimer said. "They also gave me the time and place where tryouts would be."

In addition, Weimer was given contacts for strength trainers at Penn State to help her with any questions she might have with summer workouts and programs. She was also given a tour of the athletic facilities on campus.

"The coaching staff was more than generous to get in contact for strength training," Weimer said. "It felt like they almost went out of their way to help build my strength and kicking leg."

Weimer worked out all summer at her home in McKeesport without the help of a kicking coach in preparation for her tryout. When the time came for Weimer's tryout, she shined. In the horseshoe drill, where she had field goal attempts from various spots on the field, Weimer made eight of 10. She finished second in the drill among the other walk-ons trying out for the position. Despite her effort, Weimer did not make the team, but received positive advice from Paterno.

"Coach Paterno called me in my room and told me that I didn't make the team, but that the coaches were impressed," Weimer said. "He asked me to try out again if I wanted to and said that I needed to get a little stronger and needed 10 more yards on my kicks." Weimer's career-long is 45 yards. During her tryout, Weimer said the players were helpful and supportive, and there was no impression of intimidation. She has also become good friends with current Lions kicker Robbie Gould.

"Robbie really knows what he is doing," she said. "He gives me hints and tips on my kicking and my leg swing. He's a great kid and a good friend."

As far as trying out again next season, Weimer is nursing a pulled quadricep. She wishes she could try out again but has no plans to at this time and is taking everything one day at a time.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.