It is 2:15 in the afternoon at the gymnastics practice facility in the White Building.

Several gymnasts kick a soccer ball back and forth, while others argue over which song to play over the loud speakers.

The atmosphere is far more laid back than it was earlier in the month when the Penn State men’s gymnastics team was preparing for a national title meet.

But as soon as the clock strikes 2:30 p.m., the gymnasts are on the mats, stretching and getting ready for another workout.

Although the Nittany Lions’ season ended a week-and-a-half ago with a fourth-place finish at nationals, many of the gymnasts are using these sessions to prepare for a summer full of national and international competitions.

“The training never really stops,” said Casey Sandy, this season’s NCAA individual all-around champion. “Even though the season is over, there is still a lot to work for.”

Sandy will compete at the Canadian national championships and has set a goal of qualifying for the Canadian Olympic team.

And while it figures to be difficult for the junior All-American to earn a spot, he acknowledged that all he could do is perform his best in the competitions that take place before the team is decided.

“I just want to do well at Canadian nationals,” Sandy said. “If I do, hopefully I’ll do well enough to make the Olympic team.”

But Sandy isn’t the only Lion gymnast who will be busy competing this summer.

Fellow Canadian Warren Yang will join Sandy at the Canadian national championships, which will take place June 1-8, in Calgary, Alberta.

Similarly, sophomore Noam Shaham, will represent Israel in the 2008 European Championships on May 8-11 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“It’s a very high level of gymnastics,” Shaham said.

“You’re competing against guys from other countries that you look up to, so it’s a fun but very competitive event.”

Shaham, who spent time in the Israeli army, may be the most mature and experienced Lion.

This will be his fifth European Championship to go along with an appearance at the 2003 World Championships in Anaheim, Calif.

“It’s every kid’s dream to represent their country,” coach Randy Jepson said. “These guys are getting to do that.”

The experience they receive may be critical as the Lions look to contend for an NCAA-record 13th national title next spring.

Penn State will return many key contributors to a team that finished the season ranked No. 3 in the country and earned its second-ever Big Ten title.

Jepson pointed out that having so many of his athletes competing at such a high level this summer would only help the gymnasts’ routines and mental toughness, but acknowledged just what these tournaments are truly for.

“It’s definitely nice to have those guys out doing things and getting better,” Jepson said.

“But in the end, it’s really all about them.”