Gymmen to battle nation's top teams

By JENNIFER SCHOENFELD
Collegian Sports Writer

Despite the loss of senior gymnast Mark Cooper to a torn knee ligament, Men's Gymnastics Coach Randy Jepson still has high expectations for his squad.

"Mark was one of our most solid competitors in most of the events," Jepson said. "But we should still be able to put together a very strong team effort and hopefully win out there."

The No. 3 Lions (1-0) battle No. 1 New Mexico (4-0) and No. 2 Ohio State (1-2) at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Columbus, Ohio.

"We are facing the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country," Jepson said. "From what I hear, New Mexico is outstanding this year, and Ohio State has always been a very strong team. It will be a good opportunity for our guys to see what they're doing."

Even though the Lions put on a strong showing at Rec Hall last weekend, besting Nebraska 227.95-226.50, Jepson said he was not completely satisfied with the vault routines. In preparation for the Ohio State meet, the team has been working to improve its vaulting.

"People know that we're a solid team," Jepson said. "But if we're going to get to the NCAAs, we need to improve our vaulting."

Just as Penn State will be without a strong gymnast, New Mexico will be without Landon Scott, who competes on the vault and floor exercise. Because of that New Mexico Coach Rusty Mitchell is not enthusiastic about tomorrow's meet.

"I am not really thrilled that we are traveling to a competition while not having our strongest team," he said. "We are as ready as we will be, and I am looking forward to a good meet. It is tradition that we compete against Penn State. They have a fine team with many strong and solid gymnasts."

Standing out for the New Mexico team are Blaz Puljic and Shane Evangelist, who are both ranked nationally in the all-around. Puljic is second (57.6) and Evangelist is 14th (56.25).