vs. Illinois
7 p.m. tomorrow at Rec Hall

The Nittany Lions look to firmly grasp the horns of the bull, which Penn State men's gymnastics coach Randy Jepson has personified as the opportunity the 2004 season presents, while continuing to develop against No. 3 Illinois at 7 tomorrow night in Rec Hall.

The Fighting Illini pose one of this season's toughest challenges for the Lions.

"They're a very talented team," senior Zack Roeder said. "I would be surprised if they aren't one of the most talented teams in the NCAA."

The Illini should come to Happy Valley primed for this high-intensity matchup after competing in the Windy City Invite in Chicago to start their season this past weekend.

The Illini took second to No. 1 Ohio State but edged out a crop of the nation's most elite teams in No. 4 Michigan, No. 6 Iowa, No. 14 Illinois-Chicago and No. 8 Minnesota.

The Lions can expect to see standout performances from a variety of Illini gymnasts. The most notable is the defending Big Ten pommel horse champion, junior Ben Newman, who posted a career-best and first-place-clinching 9.800 on the horse in Chicago.

Sophomore Justin Spring nailed his floor routine for a 9.600 to garner the Illini's only other individual first-place winner.

The Lions will counter with 2003 NCAA All-American's Kevin Tan, Luis Vargas and Roeder.

-- By Chad Reott