HOSTING THE NIT SHOWS A DESIRE FOR EXCELLENCE

If you thought warm weather brought a seasonal end to major indoor sporting events in Cape Girardeau, think again. Tonight provides something of a milestone for athletic programs at Southeast Missouri State University as the school hosts the National Invitational Tournament for Women's Gymnastics. It is a competition of the highest caliber in collegiate gymnastics, and we welcome the opportunity to host this event and these exceptional student-athletes in our city.

Southeast has some recent experience in hosting premier gymnastic events: In February, more than 4,000 spectators turned out at the Show Me Center for the Cap'n Crunch Invitational. This time around, the draw will be even better and the competition even keener. The NIT, sponsored by the United States Gymnastics Federation, will showcase teams from Auburn, Boise State, Michigan State, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois State, along with the host school. These universities are represented by teams that boast national rankings and impressive finishes in NCAA regional competition, as well as extraordinary individual performers. At least three athletes in tonight's tournament have qualified for the NCAA finals to be held later this week; one of them, Tammy Marshall of Massachusetts, was the national vault champion last year. The Auburn team is also on its way to Oregon State University for the finals.

The Southeast gymnastics team is not out of place in this superb company. Coached by Bill Hopkins (in his 14th year at Southeast, twice winning national championships at the NCAA Division II level), the Otahkians are formidable, particularly on home turf. Having been ranked nationally at times during the season, the Southeast squad has a chance to close its 1992-93 campaign on a high note.

What does all this mean in the grand scheme of Southeast Missouri State University? It is a piece of the puzzle. In areas of academics, extracurricular activities and athletics, Southeast is trying to send a signal that it embraces excellence; the school wants its students to have the opportunity to be the best. Fielding a top-notch gymnastics team and hosting a prestigious tournament like the NIT might have limited meaning in the context of an institution of higher learning, but it reflects the school's commitment to quality endeavors.

We hope the NIT attracts a large crowd tonight, and we hope those who attend appreciate all that went on to make the tournament a reality.