Redhawks soccer inks five players

The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer program announced the signings of five high school players to letters of intent on Wednesday, the first day of the signing period.

The class includes one player from Missouri -- Casey Kraft from Nerinx Hall in Webster Groves, Mo. -- as well as a second-team all-state player from Washington and three from northern Illinois.

"This class is extremely talented and athletic," Southeast coach Heather Nelson said. "These signees have extensive experience at an elite club level and will elevate our intensity in training and positively impact our game performance."

Kraft, a member of J.B. Marine's 2004 national champion under-23 team, has scored 43 goals with 20 assists in her career so far at Nerinx Hall.

Nicole Bussman, from South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, Wash., earned second-team all-state honors as a forward from the Seattle Times. She led her high school team in scoring three out of four seasons.

The Illinois trio of Jessica Kaiz, Gianna Logston and Megan McGrath all played for the Eclipse Select club of Chicago. Kaiz, a defender, played high school soccer at Buffalo Grove High School in Arlington Heights; Logston, a goalkeeper, helped Neuqua Valley High School of Naperville to IHSA regional championships in her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons; and McGrath, a defender and midfielder, has earned all-sectional honorable mention honors and was recognized as one of the Chicago area's top sophomores by the Chicago Sun-Times in 2003.

Football signs two more

After signing 21 players to letters of intent on Wednesday as the signing period began, Southeast's football team has inked two more players, both high school seniors from the St. Louis area.

Signing with the Indians are defensive lineman Brandon Thomas (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) from East St. Louis, Ill., and offensive lineman Jeff Weffelmeyer (6-5, 285) from Rockwood Summit.

Southeast has now signed five players listed among the top 30 high school recruits in the St. Louis area by the Post-Dispatch newspaper, with Thomas No. 12 and Weffelmeyer No. 28.

Signing Wednesday with Southeast were No. 11 Andy Lozano (6-4, 275), an offensive lineman from Francis Howell; No. 24 Chris Nelson, a defensive back from Hazelwood East (5-11, 175); and No. 29 Jaunell Pugh (6-3, 275), a defensive lineman from O'Fallon, Ill.

"We've never done that well in St. Louis before," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "We're really happy."

Gymnastics on the road

Southeast's gymnastics team, 2-1 in dual matches, faces a tough test tonight as it has a triangular meet at Texas Women's University in Denton, Texas. Also competing will be Brigham Young, ranked eighth nationally.

"It's going to be a big challenge for us, but it's good for us to go against schools like that," Southeast coach Tom Farden said.

Farden also announced that Southeast's third annual Outback Steakhouse Luncheon will be Feb. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Outback. All money raised will go to the gymnastics program. The cost is $20, or $30 per couple. Those wanting tickets should call Farden at 651-2604.

Tennis at Evansville

Southeast's tennis squad will shoot for its first win of the season when it plays at Evansville today. The Redhawks lost their opener 6-1 at Arkansas-Little Rock on Jan. 22, with freshman Bryce Kristal notching their lone victory.

Track at SIU meet

Southeast's track teams began action Friday in the McDonald's Invitational hosted by Southern Illinois. The meet in Carbondale, Ill., concludes today.

--From staff reports