Feb. 8, 2008

By Matthew C. Worthington, Gymnastics Contact

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Redhawks gymnastics squad have a tough weekend of competition as they travel to Denton, Tex. to face Texas Woman's University at 7:00 p.m. before flying back to Cape as they host Centenary College on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Southeast (2-1, 1-0 MIC) is currently No. 27 in the country and is looking to advance even higher in the rankings. The team is currently in first place in the Midwest Independent Conference in every event as a team. Individually, repeat MIC Gymnast of the Week, junior Sandra Blake (Tri-Cities, Wash./Mid Columbia Gymnastics), is second in the MIC on vault and all-around while sophomore Rikara Turner (Hastings, Minn./Twin City Twisters Gymnastics) is second on the floor exercise and first in the all-around.

While the team had to count a close loss against No.28 Iowa last week, they were able to score the sixth highest team vault in school history. This score has contributed to Southeast currently holding the No. 20 spot nationally on the vault. The other top 25 event for the Redhawks is on floor, where they have spent two weeks at No. 23.

Texas Woman's University is currently second in the MIC and No.37 nationally. This season, the Pioneers are led by juniors Nicole poling and Amie Boles. Both gymnasts are coming off an outstanding meet in which Boles set a new TWU school record on the floor and Poling tied a TWU school record on vault.

Centenary College is struggling as of late, last place in the MIC, but are not going to lay down for Southeast. The Ladies are coming off two hard-fought losses to University of Illinois-Chicago and Illinois State. They will be coming to Cape with hopes of turning their season around.

The Redhawks would like to extend an invitation for all fans to come cheer them on Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. MIC competition is always exciting, and the Redhawks want your support.