Gymmen runners-up in first meet

The team finished second Friday night behind only No. 5 Iowa at the West Point Open. Coach Randy Jepson was extremely pleased with the team's performance.

"We had a good weekend," Jepson said. "This a great indication of where we stand this year."

Jepson said the team will face all of the teams in the eastern half of the country in the first two meets, and that will only help the team's competitiveness down the stretch and into the regional competition and possibly nationals.

One of the team's senior leaders, Tom Ellefson, contributed to the team's strong finish.

Jepson said the seniors will have the responsibility of helping the freshmen develop a good work ethic.

Along with Ellefson, seniors Tyson Bryant, Jean Marc Michel and team captain Joe Roemer will help instill the work ethic and set a good example for the freshmen.

"There is no question that this year's freshmen are top notch," said Ellefson.

One of the newest and most talented is Mike Dutka. In his first-ever college competition, Dutka finished first in the all-around competition, winning the horizontal and parallel bars and pommel horse with a score of 54.95.

Winning the all-around means taking the highest average score of the following six events: floor exercise, still rings, pommel horse, vault, parallel bars and horizontal bars.

Dutka, who has been a gymnast 13 out of his 18 years, has a bright future ahead.

Dutka said he was not nervous for his first college meet because he practices his routines daily now, unlike the past in high school.

Jepson has confidence in his freshman class and said he looks forward to watching the group develop.

The Lions travel this weekend to Chicago for the Windy City Open, and the competition will only get tougher.

"The key is maintaining our health," said Jepson. "Once we do that, we can make steady progress toward nationals."