Area digest 10/8/03

Otahkian gymnastics gets assistant coach

Former Oregon State All-American Lara Degenhardt has been hired as Southeast Missouri State University's assistant women's gymnastics coach.

Degenhardt was a first-team All-American in 2001 and made the second team in 2000.

"Her enthusiasm and passion for the sport is unquestionable," Southeast coach Tom Farden said. "She's going to be a great addition to the team.

"Her extensive postseason championship experience is something that will help this team. It will help us get to where we want to be."

Degenhardt had been coaching at a club in Portland, Ore.

Southeast softball gains academic honor

Southeast's softball team has been recognized among elite academic performers in the nation for the 2002-2003 school year.

The Otahkians had the third-best grade-point average in the nation (3.458) among Division I programs, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Indiana State finished first (3.466), followed by Seton Hall (3.461), Southeast, Morehead State (3.446), Detroit (3.434) and Southern Illinois (3.430).

Southeast has been honored academically by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association every year since 1998-1999. The Otahkians were second in 2001-2002 and third in 2000-2001.

Burford, Burnett win horseshoe event

Larry Burford and Bob Burnett won the SEMO Horseshoe Association's Tournament of Champions on Sunday at the Knights of Columbus in Jackson.

Ron LeGrand and Irv Vandevin took second, while Perry Seyes and Jake Kluesner finished third.

The association also gave out its year-end awards. Cori Stoverink placed first in trophy points, while Tyler Elfrink finished second and Seyes and LeGrand tied for third.

Most improved horseshoe pitcher was Bob Piper. New hall of fame members were Claude Whaley and Lee Sadler.

Scorpions strike late for rugby victory

Scott Johnston's scoring run in the waning seconds lifted the Kohlfeld Scorpions to a 19-14 victory over the rival St. Louis Royals Saturday at Forest Park in St. Louis.

Kohlfeld trailed 7-0 at halftime but closed the gap to 7-5 on a Johnston run. Trailing 14-5, the Scorpions' Alan Kloss narrowed the deficit to 14-12.

Kohlfeld will compete in the Union Championships on Oct. 25 against the St. Louis Bombers.

-- From staff reports