Dutka showcases talent, promise

Even in the strongest of team efforts, there are individuals who stand out and perform so effortlessly they leave the audience in total disbelief.

It's not simply the physical and mental preparation and training but the few minutes of competition that count. Performing week in and week out at the highest level is excruciatingly difficult.

Yet, through all the obstacles, Penn State gymnast Mike Dutka can be counted on to nail each of his routines as if his life counted on it, even if it means doing a triple somersault off the horizontal bar and landing to the tune of thunderous applause.

Of course, just covering up one's mistakes works just as well.

"The pommel horse I actually messed up, but I covered it up good," said Dutka, a freshman.

Despite that, he still earned a 9.85, a season high.

Not only did he win that event, but he also hit his floor routine with a solid 9.7, surpassing the season high on an event that has plagued the team in competition.

His solid performance in all six events earned him all-around honors with an individual score of 57.45 -- his, as well as the team's, best score this season.

"I've known (Dutka) for a long time. He's just a super-talented gymnast," teammate Tom Ellefson said. "He's one in a million that you see out there, good naturally. He really works hard in the gym, and that really pays off. He doesn't really have a weak event at all. His skill basis is right up there with all of the rest of the world-class athletes."

Dutka, a Fairless Hills native, was chosen as January's Big Ten Men's Gymnast of the Month. While attending Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, he was the 1996 Junior Olympic national champion.

His talents were already known to Illinois coach Yoshi Hayasaki.

"You certainly have a very up-and-coming gymnast at Penn State," said Hayasaki. "It's so exciting."

His impact on the team has been enormous, and the season is only half over. There is still a great deal of competition to come, most notably a Feb. 21 meet at No. 1 Ohio State.

However, the future seems to be glowing blue and white for Dutka and Penn State.