Practicing in Holuba Hall, each ping of the aluminum bat connecting with the ball echoed off the steel rafters above, while a second ding often followed as the baseball then bounced off the same structure.
But this weekend, when the Nittany Lions baseball team travels to Florida to compete in the first Big East /Big Ten Challenge, the team need not worry about ear piercing echoes or obstructed fly balls.
"I'm looking forward to getting outside," freshman third baseman Jordan Steranka said.
During the tournament, the Lions will square off against St. John's, Northwestern, and Seton Hall.
With the first Challenge, this could also be the first season Penn State head coach Robbie Wine does not have a definite all-star on his roster, which opens up a wide possibility of lineups for the coach.
Even the night before leaving for Florida, Wine still had not set a definite order for the weekend's tournament.
"Mix and match -- that's the strength of this ball club," Wine said. "I'm happy with a lot of guys and a lot of combinations."
Wine mentioned at least two players who will occupy almost each position on the diamond. Seniors Mike Deese and Cory Wine will share time at first base, while last year's reserve catchers Ben Heath and Bobby Jacobs will split time behind the plate.
Pitchers expected to make their first starts of the season include former San Diego Padres' draft pick Mike Lorentson and senior T.J. Macy.
"For the starting lineup -- big deal," Wine said. "I want to try to get everyone on the field. We all know everyone's going to get an opportunity."
Strangely, a couple of the only sure-fire starts slated for the weekend will be two players new to their situation.
First-year starting pitcher Scott Kelley has been penned in as hurler for Saturday's contest against Northwestern, while freshman third baseman Steranka was the only player Wine mentioned at his position.
"I got my chance to have a little bigger role this year," Kelley said. "I'm looking forward to getting after it and doing the best that I can."
Kelley spent most of last season as part of the outfield rotation, where he started 18 games, but also saw time as a designated hitter and relief pitcher.
Since then, the senior has made the transition to a starting pitcher.
"I've started in the outfield, and I've pitched before in the past, so I won't be too nervous out there," Kelley said of his looming first start.
For freshman third baseman Steranka, the idea of his first collegiate start does not leave him quite as calm.
"Nervousness is going to be there, but once that first pitch goes I'll be fine," Steranka said. "It's nice that they have that confidence in me."
Wine may have found the confidence in his freshman third baseman because of Steranka's consistency. Last year, at Mt. Lebanon High School outside of Pittsburgh, Steranka hit safely more than 100 times and rang up 80 RBI.
If Steranka and the rest of the Lions can play that same type of consistent baseball, Wine believes his squad has a good chance to return from Florida with a winning record.
"If we play consistent, smart baseball, we are going to win," Wine said.
