4 Otahks qualify for regional

Despite falling just short of qualifying for the NCAA South Central Regional meet as a team, Southeast Missouri State University interim gymnastics coach Tom Farden couldn't have been much happier with the way the season went.

The Otahkians went 15-7 for their first winning record since 1998 and learned Monday that they will send four competitors to the regional on April 3 at the University of Arizona.

"I'm extremely pleased with our performance this year," Farden said. "It was a very solid year."

Senior Ashley Godwin and sophomore Tara Boldt both qualified in the all-around while junior Alexis Traylor qualified on the floor exercise. Junior Katie Bloom will also make the trip to Tucson, Ariz., as an alternate for the all-around. Godwin will be making her third consecutive regional appearance.

Godwin, Boldt and Bloom each earned all-conference honors Saturday as the Otahkians wrapped up the regular season with a second-place finish at the Midwest Independent Championships in Normal, Ill.

"It is outstanding to have three all-arounders sent to regionals," Farden said. "And Alexis is one of the best in the nation on floor routine."

The Otahkians finished ninth in the rugged South Central Region this year and wound up less than four-tenths of a point from eighth place, which would have qualified them for the regional meet as a team. Five of the nation's top 20 teams compete in the South Central Region.