March 20, 2009

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Southeast Missouri State gymnastics squad travel to Normal, Ill. for the Midwest Independent Conference Championships this weekend. The Redhawks are currently in first place after going undefeated in conference (7-0) and at home (6-0).

"We are excited to head into the conference championships undefeated," said head coach Tom Farden. "We have just as good a chance as any to win it."

Southeast (10-3, 7-0 MIC) is currently No. 36 in the nation and boast a Regional Qualifying Score of 194.555. Their goal is a team berth to the NCAA South Central Regional. To obtain that goal they must remain in the top 36 after the conference championships.

Along with finishing the regular season No. 1 in conference, the Redhawks hold the top spot in the MIC on bars, beam and floor as a team. The team also possesses the top gymnast in the MIC on bars, balance beam and the all-around.

This season's squad has placed their names in the Southeast All-Time Record Books 14 times including nine times as a team; team total (195.750-2nd, 195.500-4th), team vault (48.825-6th), team bars (49.175-1st, 48.950-5th), team beam (48.975-5th), team floor (49.350-5th, 49.275-6th, 49.150-9th).

"This team has put together outstanding performance all season and especially this last month," Farden said. "We expect nothing less for Saturday."

The Redhawks will face host Illinois State, UIC, Texas Woman's University and Centenary College beginning at 4 p.m. in Redbird Arena. Live audio and video coverage will be available through the Illinois State Redbirds website. A one-month subscription is available for just $6.95 and can be purchased HERE.