Winning a national title can be a peak for many collegiate programs. Earning that No. 1 ranking at season's end just once can be enough for some. But for the Penn State men's gymnastics team, that peak has occurred 11 times.

And while it may be satisfying for some teams, the Nittany Lions are still motivated to win yet another championship.

After finishing second at the Big Ten Championships in Minneapolis this past weekend, the Lions prepare for their biggest stage of the season, as the NCAA championships will be held at Rec Hall from April 12-14.

As always, No. 5 Penn State enters the competition as one of the favorites. The home advantage only further increases the team's chances of coming out on top.

In its history, Penn State gymnastics has the most team titles in NCAA history, with 11 championships. Even individually, the Lions have outpaced the field with 50 individual national champions. In both instances, conference rival Illinois is the closest opponent, with nine team titles and 46 individual winners.

While all the success at NCAA championships may put more pressure and lead to more scrutiny than other teams, Penn State head coach Randy Jepson thinks otherwise. In fact, he sees it all as a positive.

"It's a motivator. We have a rich history," Jepson said. "The guys want to duplicate that."

Since becoming the head coach of the Lions in 1992, Jepson has led the team to two national championships, in 2000 and 2004 (Penn State's latest), as legendary Lion head coach Gene Wettstone had nine. Regardless, Jepson's first title ended a 24-year title drought by Penn State.

To showcase the program's history, championship banners hang in the White Building, where Penn State practices.

Not only do they serve as a way to commemorate the program's rich history, but it also can be a reminder for the current team to stay motivated.

"It certainly does [motivate] having 11 championships and one Big Ten banner -- it's inspiring," Junior Vladi Klurman said. "We want to keep it going."

Since last winning the national title, gymnasts have come and gone. In fact, senior team captain Matt Cohen and Justin Miklos are the only current gymnasts who competed back in 2004.

Cohen, with his wealth of experience, is like a fourth coach for his teammates. And his experience of winning that national championship his freshman season just makes him all the more hungry to end his collegiate days the way they began: at No. 1.

"It's an unexplainable feeling to win a national title. I loved the feeling as a freshman," Cohen said. "It's an unbelievable emotion. I remember what it was like for the seniors on the team."

Come April 12, the top teams all across the nation will make their way to Penn State in hopes of winning a national title.

And even if one of those other teams happens to win the championship, they will still be chasing Penn State.