Jan. 21, 2005

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - (Friday, January 21, 2005) The Southeast Missouri gymnastics team will make their Redhawks and home debut tomorrow January 21 at 4:00 p.m. in the Houck Field House when the face Centenary College. Southeast will also attempt to pick-up their fifth-straight dual victory dating back to last season.

The Redhawks are coming off a season-opening 187.225-185.300 win over conference rival Illinois State in Bloomington, Illinois last weekend to start the 2005 season. Brystol Powelski (Franklin, Wis./ Salto Gymnastics) is coming off a marvelous meet in which she won the vault and tied teammate Tara Boldt (Lakeville, Minn./ T.A.G.S) for the all-around title. In the process she set new career-highs in both events.

Freshman Mindi Lineweber was the other first place finisher for Southeast at the dual winning the uneven bars in her first collegiate dual.

"The team is looking forward to competing against a very good Centenary squad tomorrow," said Head Coach Tom Farden. "But I think they are even more excited to be competing at home in front of our great fans and keep our home winning streak alive."

Centenary College opened their season on the road as well last weekend. They faced 16th-ranked Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama falling to the gymnastics powerhouse 195.325-187.650. Kristina Menne finished 2nd in the all-around with a score of 37.900 and teammate Sarah Racioppi followed suit with a 2nd place showing on the floor with a 9.850. They face 22nd -ranked Missouri in Columbia before traveling to Cape Girardeau.

Menne is the top gymnast for the Ladies after winning the USAG Individual All-around title last season and finishing fifth on the bars. Racioppi grabbed All-American honors on the floor last season with a second place showing on the floor.

Centenary won the USAG National Gymnastics Championship last season under fifth-year head coach Bill Hardy. Hardy was named USAG Coach of the Year for his efforts.

Southeast holds the upper-hand in the all-time series as they have 9-1 advantage in duals.

Last season Southeast hosted Centenary and defeated them 195.350-192.475 in Houck. The meet featured record-breaking performances by Southeast as Ashley Godwin earned only the sixth 10.000 in Southeast history when she scored the mark on the floor.

Saturday's meet is themed "Girl Power" and all members of the Girl Scouts are allowed in free of charge.

Fans can also purchase tickets to the Southeast Gymnastics Outback Steakhouse Luncheon on Feb. 12.

All members of the Redhawks gymnastics team will be signing the new 2005 gymnastics poster immediately following the meet.