Gymman Dutka returns as team readies for OSU

The men's gymnastics meet between No. 4 Ohio State and No. 5 Penn State at 7 p.m. tomorrow in Rec Hall will be the first of three matchups in a little more than a month for both teams.

Tomorrow's dual meet will not only be between two of the elite gymnastics programs in the Big Ten, but in the nation.

The Lions (5-2, 3-2 Big Ten) will be bolstered by the return of 1997 Big Ten Freshman of the Year Mike Dutka.

Dutka, who this week was granted a waiver by the Big Ten Conference Academic Progress and Eligibility Committee, is available to compete in a meet for the first time this year since he was ineligible due to unsatisfactory academic performance.

"He will certainly make a positive impact for Penn State," Avery said.

Avery thinks Dutka's eligibility is good for college gymnastics as a whole because having a world-class gymnast compete raises the level of competition.

Jepson is also excited about Dutka's eligibility.

"He should add a great deal to our squad," said Jepson, stressing it would be Dutka's first competition this year.

The Lions' fate, however, will hinge on more than Dutka.

"We need a good, solid meet from everyone," Jepson said.

That includes Ron Roeder, Tobias Ekman and captain Roy Malka, who will be increasing the difficulty of his high bar routine at this meet with an aim of earning a higher score.

"His routine could make a big difference," Jepson said. "Especially if he does it cleanly."

Ohio State (8-2, 2-0), meanwhile, will be looking to Jamie Natalie, who is a front-runner for this year's Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor, according to Jepson.

Natalie is coming off a strong performance against Oklahoma, when he tied for first on vault (9.7) and pommel horse (9.7), and tied for third on rings (9.7).

"He's doing just phenomenally," Avery said. "I told him, 'You have to go out and get a 57 every week,' and he's pretty much done that."

"All around, they are very sound," Jepson said of the Buckeyes.

Illinois coach Yoshi Hayasaki, whose squad has already met both teams this year, defeating the Lions in Champaign and losing to the Buckeyes in Columbus, does not see either team dominating the meet.

"It should be a very good competition," Hayasaki said. "If both hit, Ohio State maybe has the advantage."

But being at home with the addition of Dutka just might give Penn State the edge, Hayasaki said.

But the Lions won't be counting on the crowd alone. They'll be counting on dedication, determination and desire, which are posted as the "three Ds" in the practice room at the White Building.

This week the Lions hope the addition of a fourth D -- Dutka -- makes a difference.