Gymmen ready for Illini

Coming off a win over Michigan State, the No. 7 Lions will be awaiting the challenge of the No. 6 Illini.

In most team sports, mistakes can be undone.

A shortstop who strikes out can make a great catch in the field and get another chance at the plate. A quarterback can throw an interception then fire a Hail Mary pass on the next possession. A guard can miss an open layup but come up with a big steal on the defensive end.

But gymnastics is a different story.

Sure there are teams competing against one another, but when an athlete steps up to an event, he is alone. He is given one opportunity to prove himself. There are no second chances, and no teammates to fall back on.

And even if the team hits every routine, gymnasts are powerless as they watch opponents do their best to top them. A gymnast can't tackle an opponent during the floor exercise or set a pick on someone sprinting toward the vault, no matter how much he may want to. Instead, he must sit while opponents and judges decide his fate, hoping his best is good enough.

The No. 7 Penn State gymnastics team will be putting itself through this test of mental and physical toughness at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Rec Hall when it hosts No. 6 Illinois. With both teams among the best in the nation, the competition should be close.

"I look at Illinois, at the experience of their performers," Penn State coach Randy Jepson said. "They've got some real solid talent. We match up very similarly with them in the top spots."

For Penn State, those top places will be filled by senior Joe Roemer, freshman Mike Dutka and junior Roy Malka. Facing off against an Illinois squad featuring gymnasts with international experience, the Nittany Lions will be looking to improve their scores in the floor exercises.

"I definitely think on floor we just need to be a little more consistent," Roemer said. "I just look to go out and be consistent and make all six of my routines."

For Illinois, consistency is also the key to success. With two talented squads competing, the difference could be the depth of the teams and completing polished routines and landings. While the Lions look to improve on floor, the Illini are focused on the pommel horse and parallel bars.

"If they can put together those routines, we should do well," Illinois coach Yoshi Hayasaki said. "We've had a couple of minor injuries. We're not full strength, but I think we're coming pretty close to that point."

The undefeated Lions (2-0) hope to continue the success they had against Michigan State last weekend. Penn State walked away with a win despite being behind after two rotations.

"We've kept some of that momentum from last weekend," Roemer said. "Hopefully, that will carry us through."