Penn State alumna Lynn Crane will compete on the Rec Hall floor once again tomorrow night. Not as a Lady Lion gymnast -- but as head coach of Illinois.

Both teams open their seasons at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Images of her days as a Lady Lion standout are fresh in Crane's mind. She said her senior year in 1991 was most memorable, as she guided her team to a No. 5 finish.

Besides outstanding performances in the all-around competition, Crane is also remembered as a leader and a friend. She was an inspiration to anyone who knew her.

"She's an outstanding person and gymnast," said tri-captain Karen Cimochowski. "She led by example and was very vocal in the gym."

Crane was characterized by her work ethic and is respected by many current Lady Lions.

One of Crane's coaches while at Penn State is current Lady Lion Coach Steve Shephard. Crane said she will be happy to see her former coach this weekend.

"Steve is a fantastic coach, and I have great respect for him," Crane said, adding he was a mentor and someone she called upon many times for inspiration.

Crane said it will be difficult to compete against Shephard, but she is glad to be at Illinois and remain in the conference.

Tomorrow, Crane said she will look toward her freshmen to step up. Freshmen all-arounders Stacy Redmond and Kelli Farrar have already had national exposure, and Crane expects great things from them right away.

"The season opener will tell what to expect," Crane said. "We're going to use fresh blood."

Shephard and the Lady Lions anticipate a tough match and realize everyone must perform well. Cimochowski expects Illinois to be prepared.

"It will be no easy win," said Cimochowski, who will compete on the vault and uneven bars.

The Lady Lion tri-captain seniors are not the only ones who expect to perform well.

" I have a lot of experience in competition," Foley said. "I think I will be counted on for a solid performance."