April 10, 2003

CAPE GIRARDEAU - After winning the women's division, placing second in the men's division and winning the overall title at last week's Gatorade Classic, the Southeast Missouri State University track teams compete on Saturday at the Mississippi State Invitational in Starkville, Miss.

"This should be another good meet for us," said Southeast coach Joey Haines. "The Mississippi State women's team was 23rd at the NCAA indoor nationals, but I think our women can beat them if we have a good meet. I think we have better overall balance and depth. The Mississippi State men will be favored after placing ninth at the NCAA indoor championships."

In addition to fighting for the team titles, Southeast will be trying to qualify additional team members and relay teams for the NCAA Mideast Regional. The Southeast women have already qualified Heather Jenkins in the shot put and discus, Laura VanHoevelaak in the 400-meter hurdles and the 4 X 400-meter relay team of VanHoevelaak, Hannah Stuckenschneider, Brooke Woodruff and LaQuita Andrews.

"We think Lyndsey Stevenson will have a good chance to qualify in the 100-meter hurdles and the 4 X 100-meter relay team of Meleisa Greene, Andrews, Michelle Fortenberry and Rose Fulton is very close to qualifying," Haines said. "Woodruff in the 800, Stuckenschneider in the 400 and Courtney Haman in the javelin will also have a shot at qualifying on Saturday."

The Southeast men's team has already qualified Shelton Scott in the triple jump, Jay Heddell in the shot put and Brandon Myer in the discus. Heddell will attempt to also qualify in the discus while Myer will concentrate on qualifying for the shot put.