Jan. 16, 2008

By Matthew C. Worthington, Gymnastics Contact

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO - The Southeast Gymnastics Program is set to begin the 2008 season as they host the No.18 Kentucky Wildcats, in Houck Field House, Friday night at 7:00 p.m. for the annual Outback Invitational.

The Redhawks have remarkable talent and depth this season, causing the Division I gymnastics coaches to take notice. For the first time in head coach Tom Farden's tenure, the program has received multiple votes for the 2008 GymInfo Preseason Coaches Poll (Top 25). While the votes weren't enough to garner a spot on the list, the recognition from the other coaches shows the high level that coach Farden and assistant coach Brogan Evanson are taking the program.

The Redhawks are coming off a great season in which they finished 17-9 overall and cracked the Top 25, spending time ranked 22nd nationally. Last year's success is only a stepping stone for the ladies as they are aggressively seeking to make their marks in the record books. Striving again for a NCAA team berth, Southeast will be looking to start the season off with a bang against the Wildcats.

The University of Kentucky (1-0, 1-0 SEC) is coming off a victory against SEC foe, Auburn University, in their home opener. The Wildcats were led by sophomore Emily Green who finished second in the all-around and won a title on the vault.

Along with coming out to a great competition, fans are invited to purchase a ticket to the Outback Steakhouse dinner to be held Saturday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. To get your ticket, call 573-651-2604 or see one of the Southeast gymnasts.

!!!GO REDHAWKS!!!