March 28, 2002

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - It's no joke, there will be track and field action at the Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex on Saturday when Southeast Missouri State University hosts the April Fools Invitational.

The men's and women's meets will begin with field events at 12-noon and running events starting at 1 p.m.

The non-scored meet will have team entries from Murray State, Bethel, SIU-Edwardsville, Missouri-Rolla, Florissant Valley and Southeast Missouri. There will also be unattached entries and a few athletes from the University of Missouri and the Air Force Academy.

"This should be some good competition against teams we don't see a lot," said Southeast coach Joey Haines. "The weather has hurt our preparation, but hopefully we'll have a good day on Saturday and have some good performances."

Southeast is coming off an impressive showing at the Alabama Relays. Pole vaulter Jaret Willi, shot putter Jay Heddell and discus thrower Heather Jenkins all claimed individual titles in the star-studded field.

"Our field event people have really been competing well," Haines said. "I think we will see more great performances in the field on Saturday."

On the track the Southeast women will be led by OVC indoor 400-meter champion Hannah Stuckenschneider and distance runner Amy Arteme who was third in the 10,000-meters at Alabama last week. The Southeast men will be led by OVC hurdle champion Glenn Haley and 800-meter runner Adam Shupe who was second at the Alabama Relays.

Following Saturday's meet, Southeast will host the 21st Annual ALL SPORT Classic on April 5 and 6 at the Abe Stuber Track and Field Complex.