The Daily Collegian Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1981-7

6—The Daily Collegian Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1981 A tall story: • Polak stands out with her height, ability showed her dan- easy for Lions to climb And she's a graceful, elegant dancer. Polak mountain FINK saw her debut in the Virginia that no By SHARON Hall West the Rec crowd cing ability to "They a 2-3 and a full-court zone." Collegian Sports Writer California meet. That By RICH SCARCELLA play Daily team is five Penn State-University of Southern That's what may test Penn State the average height on the women's gymnastics dance lessons that have Daily Collegian Sports Writer The nothing crowd saw the results of 13 years of had more than its share of Polak stands 5-6. In general terms, there's her dance sequenck Even a traditional cynic like a most. It has feet. Karen this helped Polak move smoothly through breaking zone defenses. In height she's a normal-sized person by Side Story back to gym- Philadelphia writer accepted the fact difficulties in unusual about her taking her routine to music from West has devised an offense to that Penn State's first 11 games, eight of fact, Harter country's standards. nastics' roots dance. problem and has also used a sport dominated by pixie-' dancer," Avener which were on the road, would be combat the in the world of gymnastics "Sh's a beautiful performer a beautiful guard Tracy Peal add pretty much of a giant in the little green , it challenging. 6-4 sophomore to sized athletes she's said. "eAnd she adds a great deal to performance And after that, he felt that the Lions some quickness to the Lions' slow- sprout patch of the Lady Lions. respect." that imposing comparedto the next big- can express herself would take a relaxing stroll through motion offense. Actually, Polak isn't Polak said she likes floor because she against a man-to-man," she's only two inches taller than 5-4 when talking about tak their next 16 games to a 20-win campaign "I like to play gest women on the team Debbie through dance even though she winces like drive to the basket and three inches taller than 5-3 and maybe even to a National Collegiate Peal said. "I to Lisa Ingebretsen ing dance things. that against heights of the other six gymnasts range from, stuff like that, but the Athletic Association bid. and create I can't do Alston. But the "I don't mind doing the jazz and touvament because it's packed in. I like the figures considered more along the gymnastics lessons of disgust. "It's essential, But that stroll may end up more like a a zone 4-11 to 5-2 ballet. ~" she said, with a trace I'm more comfortable doing . marathon race when the last bodies fast tempo. norm. it though; you have to have it. standards, Polak is a "tall gymnast." But They judgeyou on your grace.• cross the finish line in late February. that." So by those "Ballet is part of gymnastics. take more than just a suc- way for the freshnian from Coatesville. had it at least once a Penn State's grueling foot-race begins But it will wasn't always that soyou do need it. The last four years I've defeat West tall for a gymnast," Polak said. "I was short, wen I was. like, 5 the at 8:10 tonight at Rec Hall when the cessful zone offense to "I am pretty ninth,' week. And then 1 started off the ballet h short all the way 'til about 10th tap dance ." Lions ( 10-4 ) face surprising West Virginia. though. I was really ballet classes and the acrobatics and 40 Virginia (11-3) "We have to play minutes oT good grade. And then I shot up." Polak's performing grace is what helped bring her to Penn having made gymnastics difficult for Polak. Wett• "They're the best team we've played defense," Buffie said, "without In some ways, that State. Former Penn State men's gymnastics coach Gene on Marshall Avener said most women . year so far this season," Penn State coach any four- or five-minute breakdown Penn State assistant coach sone saw her win the state high school all-aroundtitle last to it to the collegiate level of competi- Dick Harter said. "They're better than either end of the court. We have be Polak's size rarely make and fell in love with her. Ite put in a good word for her to Mar six- or eight-point difficut for them to do intricate and advanced Temple, Rutgers and even Syracuse. able to withstand a Lion because it's shall and head coach Judi Avener. game can beautiful per- They're a 20 flurry that their running tricks. "( to us asaid. "rhis girl is a Top " team:". this far is her attitude, Avener Heame The Mountaineers didn't look like a start." The reason Polak has made it former.) Iccouldn't take mndy eyes off her,' Marshall said. "Ile would restore some of the And we agree." Top 20 team or even a Top 100 team in A Lion win said. desire," he thought she was really something special. lost in defeats to an unusual amount of dedication and team here. le December when they dropped contests confidence Penn State ~L~a. "She has than Polak wasn't sure if she Could make the like Tem- ~'..t. been in bringing her further highest lev to Marshall and Virginia Tech. But a potential tournament teams said. "That's instrumental she competed as a Class 1 gymnast the second Whiel v~:(~in go." Gymnastics 70-67 double-overtime loss at Ohio State ple, Boston College, Syracuse and most large gymnasts competition sponsored by the U.S. was the biggest part of dealing with of amateur gave them some credibility. Nebraska. It would also let the NCAA ~"t7 § The mental adjustment the rest of the Lady Lions competed as Elites tall, Polak said. Federation- its com- to " Since then, West Virginia has chalked tournament committee with going from small , the highest level of competition. selection process know the people say, 'Oh, it's so hard to he a tall gymnast,' why you're trying out up six wins over the likes of puterized "A lot of bars, coach said, 'Karen, I don't know available for any March it was hard 'cause with the I " • so ha get in Massachusetts (twice), Youngstown Lions will be she said. "And at first takedon't,. ..-"Myr Penn State,' Polak said, it's Photo by Chuck Andrasko the floor when I hang on. But it didn't nie•-'"fo 1. But I State, George Washington, Duquesne appointments. fit I can touch Penn State because everyone'ass'becEliteIandwause Clasrd tot Bonaventure. "We do need to beat a couple of the a long time to adjust to it, really. best shot; I tried my hardest." and St. than anything.••lf you let just gave it my real, real important game," good teams," Peal said. "The NCAA "I think it's more of a mental thing basically another reason Avener said he and "It's a it's going" to hurt your Height was Craig Buffie, who has started looks at your opponents' record besides at first it was it bother you mentally, then of course Polak. In body build and reputation, he said: said Lion to be a tall gymnast." And best you can." Judi wanted two games. "They're such a your record. We can't take any team of people say, "Oh, it's so hard gymnastics. But just go out and do the former Lady Lion Jan Anthony. the past 'A lot hang on. But it to her advantage. It pro- Polak reminded them of much better than lightly. Every game.is significant.'.' touch the floor when I If anything, Polak's height works Jan," Judi said. "And Karen good team. They're c the bars' I don't tit—l can said, favorite event floor "We were looking to replace Rutgers. They have great Harter muttered the same sentiment hard 'cause with bably helps her the most, she in'her coming through time after time Temple and really.' gymnasts flip and tumble also had the reputation of athletes, which is good. They're the kind "Every game hurts you when you me a long time to adjust to it, exercise. On floor, while the smaller counted, staying on the beam when you need didn't take routines, Polak uses her height to when it really like team you like to play." lose," he said. "Every game helps you Karen Polak vicariously through their of of movement. it. Yeah, especially if you like chasing when you win. They all count the same, establish a longer line in her flow five road-runners who can jump like don't they?" kangaroos You'd better ask the NCAA, Dick The Mountaineers' strengths are their NOTES: Greg Nance, a 6-9 forward, quickness and rebounding. They have leads West Virginia with 13.4 points and •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• [kT:EST outrebounded their opponents by an 8.5 rebounds per game. Mountaineer 6-1 , "0 ~0 00 1 • 11 rebounds per game. guard Greg Jones averages 12.5 per average of over face Virginia tonight at 8:10 .I=PMMIO . Mumma they at 1•11.1...... 1 ! . Dick when West ONLY "They rebound much better than game. . .The Mounts have a 47.1 field- .and freshman SALE • AMATEURS (a goal percentage. Rec Hall.. : CLEARANCE smaller,: like this layup by forward Scott Wolz Syracuse taller club)," Harter said. WINTER -11x14or l'enn State (10-4) will need more shots e optional fi at the • -mats f OLOR (if used 11x14 only). to, • sponsored by PSU -one prize per person. T,..•e 9 -$1 entry fee/ photo. SHOE OUTLET prize - top 40 displayed in ~,, 0 nd LOUNGE c 0 Famous.Brand Name Men's & Women's 0 CAMERA HUB GALLERY * jan.26-feb.2s. i'L. SHOES & BOOTS -enter at CC. darkroom ,A •• 7 AT UNBELIEVABLE1SAVINGS! CLUB in HUB basement 0 7-10 pm jan.ls- 21. 0 UP TO 75% OFF ®(suggested retail prices) • FO R I FO LL STE sparks lady cagers' win • Davies directly behind Hurry in for 0 ; :. Located , By PETE %VALDRON super bargains on 0 Daily Collegian Sports Writer : the South Allen St. .'l - fa all our stock of 0 0• In its first road trip in almost a month, :* Family Clothesline :1—,,,...47.,,„':,...40.'-:--,•---:,::::'il:IL:-.e. the women's basketball team did not ap- Alley) shoes & boots Temple, .* (Humes -, : pear homesick as it turned back •,' ''.: ' :47,.*„ :. ''' 89-63, last night in Philadelphia to earn : r. '• •.. •., :•, 00 iN•i,'As ;'''''.• ...,'.:.;'.•'4*.0,• 'lt'•'!'•• : " .11th victory. •,:pek. • ,;,,--.''... its ' ,:ioepoieepoisetiootaettbooseetiaibeeeee v. •...,4+ ."--'-'•. ~-• -,,,,„: .' the opening minutes it was anyone's .. In eivieoticieeee ..• , , • „ - . , r ~ ~ „:.: , .,.,.,..,....: ,...:. .. - -- ;.41....-.....! -.i.1.;... , . • , • • • , ...... ,,. •. . ballgame. The lead changed hands four MEI times until Penn State unleashed its secret weapon that had been dormant for several weeks because of illness: 6-2 freshman Cindy Davies Davies was the mainstream in the Lady Lion offense. She hit 10 field goals mid sank two-for-four from the line' to lead all 'scorers with 22 points. She col- lected 17 of them in the first half and . ;,:., many of her buckets came from 12- and ~.f;',.,..., ,,,':',e., 14-foot jumpers. i.,:i:,'=';!.:' ' Other players aiding in the scoring at- tack were guards Cheryl Ellison and Carol Walderman, both of whom finish- ed in double figures. Ellison connected for six buckets from the floor and one-for-three at the line to net 13. Walderman pumped in four from handle Raiders' placekicking duties in from the line Oakland's Chris Bahr, shown in 1976 when he played for Penn State, will the the floor and four-for-six Super Bowl XV on Sunday. for 12. After Davies' surge, Penn State in- creased its lead considerably, pushing it to as many as 30 points in Oakland As the offensekept rolling; the defense Bahr gets his kicks Lady Lions were did not lag behind. The out, it was, Bahr said, press and note: This is the second of a fora•-part series were from more than 50 yards able to execute a full-court Editor's most featuring former Penn State players participating in one of two low points in what was "for the part a deny the Lady Owls the ball. Penn State " control, Temple from Super Bowl XV. pretty good year took full stopping The other low point came on national television in a penetrating the basket. Broncos. It a 6-2 By TOM VERDUCCI Monday night game against the Denver Temple's Marilyn Stephens, but through success against Daily Collegian Sports Writer seemed Bahr kicked the ball everywhere freshman, had the only Cincinnati, Chris the uprights that night and drew stern criticism from the Lady Lion defense, as she scored 21 away in a sea of discontent in --)4., ,-, Cast 7 ".•• Howard Cosell. 4,- 'ird Bahr found himself rescued on the shores of California, The Mouth That Roared points. Bahr said, "but it's no big Lions had a hot where he was anything but washed up. "It bothers you a little," Although the Lady grain of salt. What he there was one When the Oakland Raiders pulled Bahr from the tides deal. You have to take him with a night from the floor, 14K GOLD CHARM other." throws. Penn of the waiver list, they gave the former Penn State says goes in one ear and out the disappointing area free HOLDER STARTER SET Bahr's ear did not please him. only 13-of-31 from the line for kicker a new life. And although he encountered some What went in Walter State sank Save on a a more vested For a limited time during the season, Bahr responded "Of course when it's your son you have a mere 41.9 percent. . •- . boxed 14K gold twin heart more choppy waters was disappointed not so much in Charm Holder with three animal with 98 points fourth best in the American Football interest," he said. "I charms. Howard Cosell but in the other two announcers who had Our Reg. $99.95 Conference (89) 04 on the bandwagor PENN sTATE And on Sunday in the New Orleans Superdome, played football who jumped 11-0 8, 6, Kutz 2 1-1 5, go with the jokes. It Callas 4 Larrimer 2 2-5 Bahr's season will have reached both the nadir and the "There's a limit to how far you Leimkuhler 1 0.0 2. Troyan 2 0.0 4, Walderman 4 4-6 12, SALE days like 13-6 5, Davies 10 2-4 22, Christman 3 0-0 6, $7497 pro football player's career: from receiving should only have been an 'all athletes have Serge zenith of a " 13, Totals 38 13-31 89. Ellison 6 1-3 Donovan 3 0-4 6. Photo by Janis Burger 4 30 Day Charge his release to playing in the Super Bowl. this' type of thing TEMPLE 1631 the Super Chris said the only thing he could do after a night like Kennedy 2 0-0 4, Gowan 4 1-39, Brennan 12.2 4, MeAt- action, * Ray°Wing and "I'msure you always think about playing in 2, 3 2-4 li,Cubit 4 Davies, shown in early season turned in her best t Accounts week" and kick his normal leer 0 1.3 I. Derderhm I 0-0 Illaszezyk Lady Lion Cindy Budget Installmen Bowl." Bahr said, "but it doesn't hit you until it hap- that was "wait for, next 2-3 111, Stephens It 4-7 20, Frame 0 3.4:3, Leßlanc 1 0-1 2. to pace Penn State to 8943 win over host Layaway next week. performance last night with 22 points 4s interest-Free pens. And so many things happen, before you get there number of 35-40 field goals during the Totals 24 15.27 03. and had come back Halftime---Penn Slate 52. Temple 32. Temple. Illustrations enlarged. • that you don't give it a lot of thought." Chris Bahr had been down before subject to change due to market conditions. 17when he All gold jewelry prices in this ad wasn't much that Bahr could think about after to beat adversity, and he did it again on Nov. Representative styles may not be available in all stores. There goal beat Seattle, 19-17 the Bengals waived him during training camp. kicked a last minute field to "All could do was wait," he said. on a Monday night. -mt;A.) I points in cage poll CUOM The waiting ended and a new life began with a Bahr finished the season with 41 extra 44 at- Louisiana Tech tops women's tempts 19 field goals in 37 attempts for 98 points. call from Oakland. _ and and 16th-ranked Top Twenty was won't put Bahr in the Pro Bowl, but ac- With 46 first-place votes and 1,464 their last home contest "I wanted to get out of Cincinnati," Bahr said. "I Those numbers Coca-Cola Lady to father, he does rank among the NFL's points, Louisiana Tech heads this week's Kansas State in the 1981 The Associated Press Top Twenty women's basketball not real pleased there. Oakland is first class all the way. cording his with first-place votes in parentheses, season best. poll of The Associated Press Top Twenty Lion Classic. teams They treat us great here." Domi- Top record and points. by been as good a kicker as there is women's basketball teams. Old Penn State has lost to all three 1. Louisiana Tech 1461 13-0 1 414, Bahr said he was not suprised that he was claimed "Chris always has (41 said. "He makes excellent contact with nion received four first-place votes and Twenty teams it has played so far. 2. Old Dominion 13.0 1 :15t.. another team, and neither was his father. Walt Bahr, around," Walt 3. Rutgers 11-1 1 292 misses, it's usually a mat- 1,380 points to hold the second position. Holding the sixth spot, UCLA handed Long 13-2 1,156 State soccer coach, said he "honestly thought he the ball all the time. When he 4. Beach Gordortr Penn defeat. Kansas 14-3 1 091 JEWELERS get picked up" and said Chris knew right away ter of right or left and not distance." Louisiana Tech and Old Dominion are the Lady Lions a 85-74 5. ,would a slight bias when it Coach squad also 6. UCLA 16-2 990 Oakland the right place. Of course, Walter Bahr may have the lone unbeaten teams in the Top Rene Portland's 7. Tennessee 9-3 892 AT GORDON'S: that was. have a Cheyney, 88-75, in the Pitt In- Cheyncy 9-1 687 IN COLLEGE—SHOP to Oakland said, comes to evaluating Chris Bahr, just as he might Twenty. bowed to 8. STATE • Logan "From the first time he went out he Kentucky 652 Mall, East College Avenue Also at " Superdome the eighth- Nittany family sit in the vitational and will face _ ...... and his 'Kentucky, . . .. 'What a difference this is for me,' Walt said. "lle felt slight bias when he Rutgers, Cheyney, 10use 1 1 111 i.594 Valley Mall in Altoona, Pennsylvania and Richland the Super Bowl. Jackson State ranked Lady Wolves again in early 11. Texas 12-4...... 581 • like he was part of the team and made friends quickly. this Sunday to watch Southern California and Mall, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania Shop Gordon's too objective about last year's just February 12. N.C. State 11-3 093 Even when they were 2-3, it was a godsend because of In fact, Walt wasn't all have one loss. 13. South Carolina 8.4 194 Coast to Coast. the name of Matt Bahr was do- on No. 10 USC also defeated Penn State, Maryland 7-4 346 the attitude of the coaches and players." Super Bowl. Some kid by Among the 20 teams holding a slot 14. the coaches and ing the placekicking for the Pittsburgh Steelers. the poll, six appear on the Penn State 103-80. 15. Virginia 14-2 259 But when the Raiders were 2-3, Pittsburgh, 16. Kansas Stale 16.4 • 242 opportunity to see your son are Penn State will also play 13-6 • weren't exactly enjoying it including Chris "It's a once in a lifetime schedule. Four of those six teams in 17. S.F. Austin 210 1-4-01-30 players guess for me it's in the poll but did 18. Oregon 12-5 . . 155 play in the Super Bowl," Walt said. "I the top 10. which received votes 19-1 Bahr Bahr and I are the Top Twenty. The Lady 19. Jackson Stale , 117 attempts in an overtime loss a twice in a lifetime opportunity. Mrs. The Lady Lions will face No. 3Rutgers not make 20. Illinois Slate 11-4 129 He missed five field goal on receiving of those extremely proud." in its last game of regular season play Lions and Lady Panthers will meet Also voles: Colorado, Pittsburgh, San Diego to the San Diego Chargers, and although three San Francisco. and will host 14th-ranked Maryland in Feb. 11 in Pittsburgh. State and