Track team posts six regional qualifying marks

The Southeast Missouri State track and field program turned in a host of stellar performances during Saturday's University of Mississippi Invitational in Oxford, Miss.

Going up against nearly 20 other schools -- including several from the Southeastern Conference -- Southeast met NCAA regional qualifying standards in six events.

"We had some great performances against a very talented field," Southeast coach Joey Haines said. "The weather was nice and warm and we were pretty worn out by the end of the meet, but we really performed well. It was just a very good meet for us."

Smith also anchored the 1,600 relay team that placed second in 3:07.33 to meet the regional standard by nearly 3 seconds. The group also included Alonzo Nelson, Chris Poindexter and Chaz Brown.

"Miles in the 400 and the relay team, those are just two outstanding times,"Haines said.

Also meeting the regional standard were Brooke Woodruff, who won the 800 in 2:08.61; Brian Knippen, who won the shot put with a distance of 55 feet, 5 inches; Kathy Coleman, second in the long jump with 19-11; and Nelson, second in 400 hurdles in 52.06.

Among the men:Brian Whitehead, second, 5,000 (15:23.89); Brad DeMattei, third, 3,000 steeplechase (9:41.01); Bill Nekula, third, shot put (53-3); Jason Theodorakos, fourth, javelin (176-6); Kevin McNabb, fourth, 1,500 (3:58.27); Gabe Lutes, fourth, 5,000 (15:31.09); Brandon Karcher, sixth, 5,000 (15:49.31); Brown, sixth, 800 (1:53.07); 400 relay, second (40.71, Jon Jefferson, Tim Jefferson, Poindexter, Smith).

Tennis wins on road

Southeast's tennis team defeated Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne 6-1 Saturday in a non-conference match played in Charleston, Ill.

The Redhawks (6-13) have posted their most wins in a season since 1997.

"We're pretty proud of that," second-year coach Jay Pacelli said. "We're making small steps, but the program is on its way up."

Bryce Kristal, Drew Kristal, Daniela Garcia, Ashley Hooper and Kim Roberts all posted singles wins for the Redhawks. The doubles teams of Kristal-Kristal and Garcia-Hooper also won.

Southeast ends the regular season Monday with a 2:30 p.m. Ohio Valley Conference home match against Tennessee-Martin.

Singles

1. Bryce Kristal (SE) def. Ashley Coulson 6-2, 6-3

2. Drew Kristal (SE) def. Hanna Hager 6-4, 6-1

3. Daniela Garcia (SE) def. Lisa Bartelheim 6-2, 6-1

4. Ashley Hooper (SE) def. Jill Carie 6-4, 6-7, 13-11 (super tie-breaker)

5. Beth Miller (IPFW) def. Kimmy Anderson 6-3, 6-3

6. Kim Roberts (SE) def. Jessica Zervynekt 6-4, 6-3

Doubles

1. Krista-Kristal (SE) def. Coulson-Carie 8-5

2. Garcia-Hooper (SE) def. Miller-Zervynekt 8-2

3. Hager-Bartelheim (IPFW) def. Miranda Petrea-Puja Paul 8-2