Southeast sets goal of making regionals

Tom Farden has few complaints regarding his interim season as Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics coach last year -- except for one thing.

"We barely missed making it to regionals as a team," Farden said. "We were so, so close."

Farden had the interim tag removed following Southeast's best record percentage-wise since 1991. And, as Southeast prepares to open the 2005 season today at Illinois State, he hopes a team regional berth is in the cards.

Last season, Southeast -- which went 15-7 for the program's first winning mark since 1998 while setting several team records -- finished less than four-tenths of a percentage point from gaining the eighth and final qualifying spot from the rugged South Central Regional.

"I think regionals has always been the goal, but last year, being so close, I think it provided some confidence for the athletes," said Farden, in his sixth season with Southeast's program, including four as an assistant. "It showed them that it's realistic. I'm hoping we can use that as a springboard."

His gymnasts agree.

"Our goal is to go to regionals," senior Alexis Traylor said. "We were very close last year and I think this year will be it."

Added junior Tara Boldt, "Yes, definitely, I think we can make it to regionals. All of our hearts are in it, and as close as we were last year, I think we can do it."

Southeast, which opens its home schedule Jan. 22 against Centenary, certainly appears to have sufficient talent to make a strong run for the program's first team regional berth since 1997.

Despite graduating three-year regional qualifier Ashley Godwin, who departed as one of the most decorated gymnasts in school history, Southeast returns nine athletes and has added four freshmen who should all challenge for spots in the lineup.

Topping the list of returnees are Traylor and Boldt, who both qualified for regionals last year. Traylor has the fourth-best floor score in school history while Boldt ranks second all-time on beam.

"We're excited," Traylor said. "We had a good season last year but this year is going to be even better."

Senior Katie Bloom, a regional alternate last year, also returns after posting the sixth-best vault score ever at Southeast.

Also back from last season are senior Crystal Eberhardt; juniors Kelly Baldridge and Amanda Grimes; and sophomores Lexie Hein, Brystol Powelski and Natalie Watts.

Joining the returnees are freshmen Danyelle Aber, Alison Ezell, Jennifer Kaye and Mindi Lineweber.

"We've got a great group of returning athletes and the four freshmen are coming along. I think a couple will be able to make significant contributions," Farden said. "Overall, we have a great group of athletes. They're dedicated and they work hard."

While Farden is proud of what his gymnasts do on and off the floor -- the team had a cumulative 3.129 grade point average last year -- he also beams when discussing the program's brand new dressing room area at Parker Gym.

The impressive 1,300 square foot facility includes a lounge with couches, big screen television and study area featuring high speed Internet, along with the actual dressing room that features 20 oak wood lockers.

According to Farden, the cost of the locker room facility was $53,000, with all the money coming from private donations and gifts in kind.

"Ed Leoni, Glenn Wade, and Vince and Jan Kelley were our three big donors, and Nip Kelley did the construction," Farden said. "The community has been so generous and this just makes such a big difference. It really upgrades our program."

Said a smiling Traylor of the new facility, "It's really exciting, and it helps us feel more like a team. Before, all we had was pretty much like a closet area. This is great."