Oct. 28, 2003

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Five members of the 2002-2003 gymnastics team were named to the Academic All-American Scholastic Gymnastics Team this week. Amy Cole, Talia Cover, Kelly Baldridge, Tiffany Hatfield, and Amanda Grimes each earned the honor of being recognized as a top student-athlete in the nation.

"For our program to have five All-Americans is an outstanding accomplishment," said head gymnastics coach Tom Farden.

The Southeast gymnastics team as a whole scored an impressive 3.0794 GPA, which ranks it 32nd nationally.

Cole, who graduated last year with a near-perfect 3.99 GPA, is now in the PhD program at Northern Arizona University, where she is studying to be a physical therapist. Cover, with a 3.72 GPA, transferred to Westchester, Penn., to be closer to her family.

Baldridge, Hatfield and Grimes are all sophomores on this year's squad.

"Kelly, Tiffany and Amanda exemplify the academic drive that makes Southeast gymnastics an outstanding scholastic program," Farden said.

Baldridge posted a 3.9 GPA, while Hatfield and Grimes scored 3.77 and 3.55, respectively.

Southeast will have its first meet of the season on Jan. 16 at Winona State. The squad will then host its first home meet a week later against Bowling Green State on Jan. 23.