Peter Kormann isn't afraid of the nine Penn State gymnasts his team will face at 8 tomorrow night.

It's Rec Hall that's haunting the Ohio State men's gymnastics coach.

Even though the No. 2 Buckeyes have scored as high as 279.90 compared to the No. 6 Lions' 275.60, Kormann insists the meet will be anything but easy.

"Those scores don't mean anything," he said. "All the ghosts of gymnastics past are lurking in the shadows of Rec Hall. It's like the same advantage the Boston Celtics have in the Boston Garden."

Couple that advantage with the home crowd Coach Karl Schier expects to see as both the Lions (4-1) and Lady Lions face Ohio State, and it's no wonder Kormann is haunted.

Schier said it is a rarity that the Buckeyes (4-1) get over 1,000 people to watch a meet. But Rec Hall usually brings in that many people, especially for a rival such as Ohio State.

But Kormann isn't alone in his fears. The Lions, too are haunted by the past. Last season, the Buckeyes dropped Penn State, 276.95-264.50. And their only loss this season is to top-ranked Nebraska.

"They've always been able to come in and bust out routines and leave," senior Karl Abraham said. "Right now, I'll have to go with my experience and my aggressions. I know what it's going to be like -- it's going to be crazy. But I want to beat them bad."

Despite the supernatural help Kormann sees, the mortal Lions still need to make up a four-point margin to catch the Buckeyes.

Last weekend against Northern Illinois, the Lions posted seven routine breaks, down from the 12 they suffered against Iowa. But, even seven is too many, Schier said.

"We lost maybe a tenth of a point each time," he said. "If we could have that kind of improvement for Ohio State, that could amount to three-plus points or so which would put us at 277 or 278.

"That score may win it, it may not. Ohio State may turn another 279 or higher, or maybe they won't be able to. But we can't afford the breaks."

Ohio State has a strategy for the upcoming meet too.

"I told all of the guys 'Don't fall off,' " Kormann said. "That's my coaching advice for them."

Senior all-arounder Mike Racanelli, a U.S. National Team member, will lead the Buckeyes. He is also a candidate for the Nissen Award, presented to a gymnast in recognition of outstanding achievement both academically and athletically.

Racanelli has scored as high as 57.40 in the all-around. Sophomore Wayne Cowden posted the highest score for the Lions -- a 56.60.

Last season, Racanelli finished second in NCAA competition in the all-around behind Nebraska's Patrick Kirksey.

"Some say he is the best all-arounder in the country today," Schier said. "I wouldn't be against that kind of an evaluation. Although Kirksey, the champion is returning, I'm not so sure Racanelli isn't the favorite to win this year."

As usual, the Lions will be paced by team captain Mark Sohn. The two-time NCAA pommel horse champion received a 10 from one judge last week, but his final score was a 9.9. Schier said Sohn slightly bent his knee during his routine and lost a tenth of a point according to the other three judges.

Schier said Sohn slightly bent his knee during his routine and lost a tenth of a Schier said that he has worked with Sohn to improve the trouble spot in his routine, and hopes this week he'll have it down.

This meet is also a chance for the entire team to iron out its rough spots and an opportunity for increased confidence.

"Mentally, I think if we did do well against them, if we could stand up to them, further down the road in regionals and NCAAs, it'll be a great boost," junior Jamie Downer said. "I think that's what the team needs right now -- something to show them that they can do it because we haven't really hit a meet yet."

And, a win, would be more than just an upset.

"It would be great -- especially if the girls could beat them, too," Abraham said. "That would just be excellent for Penn State gymnastics."