CAPE GIRARDEAU PROUD TO HOST NATIONAL TOURNEY

While the event may not turn up on the cover of national sports magazines, Cape Girardeau is home to some history this weekend. A national champion basketball team, NCAA Women's Division II, will be crowned at the Show Me Center Saturday night. That the national tournament is holding its Final Four competition here is a tribute not only to the Southeast Missouri State University Otahkians, who have swept up this area with their triumphs, but also to a community that will act as a grateful and gracious host. We welcome the tournament's players, coaches, fans and officials. We are proud to show off Cape Girardeau.

Obviously, no light shines brighter for Cape Girardeau than the one focused on the Otahkians. Coach Ed Arnzen's team, 30-3 on the season and within two wins (tough wins, admittedly) of a national crown, is the talk of the local sports scene. Last Saturday, the Otahkians drew a record women's attendance of more than 4,000; tonight, an even larger crowd is expected for the semi-final games in the Show Me Center. Otahkian crowds numbered in the hundreds during the regular season; on Wednesday morning, a line of two dozen people stood waiting for the ticket office to open at Houck Field House. This bandwagon deserves being jumped; it's exhilarating.

There are four successful teams remaining; only one was awarded the tournament finals for its home court. To achieve that, a lot went on that had little to do with on-court activities.

Perhaps trace this support back to the early 1980s and before, when civic-minded citizens began formulating ideas and plans for what is now the splendid Show Me Center. Certainly, the support of the university administration has been steadfast, making suitable bids that attracted the NCAA to this site. Business enterprises here have pitched in to promote the event and make the guests feel welcome. A spirit of community has arisen to embrace this tournament: Southeast Missouri Hospital, sponsor of a 900-plus person dinner, agreed to move its long-planned activity from the Show Me Center arena to allow university compliance with NCAA tournament standards.

Visitors are in our city from Norfolk, Va., Waltham, Mass., and Fargo, N.D. We confess a hope their visit is soured on the basketball court, but only there. When the guests depart, let them be talking of a beautiful community and warm hospitality.