After a third-place finish at the National Duals, a couple of stunning victories and agonizing defeats, the wrestling team finally makes its way back to the friendly confines of Rec Hall.

But before getting on more familiar mats, the Lions have one stop left to make.

At 7:30 p.m. today the Lions will be just down the road in Lock Haven to meet their former Eastern Wrestling League rival before venturing home to meet Oklahoma at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Rec Hall.

"I'm really looking forward to coming home and using the homecourt advantage," heavyweight Kerry McCoy said.

Lock Haven, one of the eastern foes that's still left on the Lions' schedule, has a young but talented team. The Screaming Eagles, however, suffered a serious blow when All-American Shannyn Gillespie had knee surgery, putting his season in doubt.

"He'll probably be out until the NCAA qualifier in March," Lock Haven Coach Carl Poff said. "We have a freshman (Brian Lietzel) who's been wrestling in his place and been doing a real good job."

Oklahoma will also be a tough test for the Lions. The Sooners are loaded in the weights that the Lions are the weakest. No. 7 Jason Leonard (167 pounds), No. 6 Quincy Clark (177) and No. 1 Andy Foster lead No. 14 Oklahoma.

"They're strongest in the upper weights," Penn State Coach John Fritz said. "Everyone knows that we can't afford to have a letdown."

The Lions got a big boost when they learned that 134-pounder Cary Kolat and 150-pounder Russ Hughes would be back in action for this weekend's duals, but 118-pounder Shawn Nelson will be out at least another week because of a knee injury.