Gymmen in need of win

The freshmen demonstrated they can perform like veterans. The seniors showed they are capable of leading the squad. The team proved it can compete with the best in the country.

Now it's time to start winning again.

The No. 3 Penn State men's gymnastics team is coming off a strong showing in a loss to No. 1 Ohio State last weekend that featured career performances from several gymnasts. This boost of confidence will carry the Nittany Lions (3-1) into this weekend when they host No. 9 New Mexico at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in Rec Hall.

With freshman Mike Dutka finishing third in the all-around at Ohio State, coach Randy Jepson said the meet against the Buckeyes proved the Lions can compete with the best in the nation.

"Obviously, we didn't want to walk out of there with a loss, but we were basically with them every event," Jepson said. "It really gave them a shot in the arm of confidence going into the rest of the season."

The rest of the season begins with a New Mexico team that has beaten Penn State in the past. At last year's Lobo Invitational, the Lions finished second to the hosts.

"That was one of our better meets last year," Jepson said. "There's always a friendly atmosphere when we compete. At the same time, I'd just as soon have them walk out of here without a win."

For the four seniors on the Penn State team, the New Mexico meet is their last in Rec Hall. Tyson Bryant, Tom Ellefson, Jean Marc Michel and Joe Roemer will all be honored at Senior Night, as they look for one last home win.

"For us it's going to be a special night," Ellefson said. "There's been a lot of good memories in Rec Hall."

But the meet could be a disappointing memory for one of the seniors. Michel will probably not compete this weekend after injuring his ankle at Wednesday's practice.