The crimson red cover of the Feb. 23 issue of Sports Illustrated features Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels in the middle of his wind up, staring at the magazine's readers.
That particular issue of SI has a special meaning to Penn State men's gymnast Casey Sandy.
He did not grow up in Pennsylvania, and is not a Phillies fan interested in keeping the magazine to remember their 2008 World Series title.
Sandy, a native of Brampton, Ontario, has a personal interest in the magazine's contents.
Following pages full of colorful photographs and athlete questionnaires, Sandy's face can be seen at the bottom of page 26 in SI's weekly "Faces in the Crowd" section. To the right of his photo is a small description of Sandy's performance at Minnesota on Jan. 31, which helped earn him a spot in the magazine's section for up-and-coming athletes.
The All-America gymnast did not have any warning he would be featured in the magazine, and only found out about his inclusion in it on Sunday.
"It really surprised me," Sandy said. "I know how it is a renowned sports magazine. "It was a big honor for me."
Sandy is not the first Nittany Lion gymnast to be featured in SI.
His former teammate, Matt Cohen, was in the same section of the magazine in 2007. Like Sandy, Cohen competed in the all-around for Penn State.
He was the winner of the 2007 Nissen-Emery Award, which has been called the "Heisman Trophy for gymnastics" and is given to a senior gymnast each year. Sandy has been considered a contender for this season's award.
Head coach Randy Jepson said there are some similarities between Sandy and Cohen.
"They both have a really sound work ethic," Jepson said. "They're both real faithful about their duties and doing what they're asked."
Jepson said Sandy has remained humble despite having success throughout his career, and although he has a lot to gloat over, he never would.
It's that attitude that Josh Borromeo is most impressed with about Sandy. Borromeo said Sandy wouldn't tell anyone about the awards he received unless they asked him about them.
"He is really proud of winning the NCAA Team Championship in 2007," Borromeo said.
"Whenever he's here he is team first and himself second, which is awesome to have someone as good as he is on our team think about the team over himself."
Sandy said he hadn't seen the magazine yet Monday afternoon, but planned on buying a copy. However, he said one copy wouldn't be enough for his mom.
"My mom said she's going to buy 15," Sandy said. "She's obviously exaggerating, but she said she's going to buy a few."
