BIG FRESHMAN CLASS HELPS POWER OTAHK GYMNASTS

The best season in Southeast Missouri State University gymnastics history and the largest freshmen class ever for the program appear to be more than coincidence.

Southeast has reached new heights, breaking the school team-score record several times, elevating it all the way from 193.650 to 195.650. The record-breaking season has also landed Southeast the fourth seed in Saturday night's NCAA Central Regional in Ann Arbor, Mich.

While several perfect 10s have helped the Otahkians along the way, a freshman class of 11 has been just as vital.

The newcomers have complemented Southeast's more experienced gymnasts, such as senior Kate Farrington and standout sophomore Erin Chenier.

"The veterans really help us to be calm during performances and they are very supportive of all the freshmen," said Heather Browning, a freshman from California. "They have helped us to get adjusted to being away from home and adjusting to competition in the college arena."

The adjustment has come quickly for Browning, who has moved into the starting rotation with fellow freshman and roommate Jessica Dunbar. Freshmen Malia Roberts of Hawaii, Ericka Harrison of Washington and Jen Wall of Colorado have joined the pair to provide a potent scoring attack on the balance beam.

The freshmen have also adapted well in the classroom with nine of the 11 members of the freshman class recently recognized as scholar athletes.

A couple of perfect 4s were turned in in the classroom as Cari Egbert and Hazel Stricker both posted a G.P.A. of 4.0.

"The members of our freshmen class have a tremendous amount of talent and have played a big role for us," said Southeast coach Bill Hopkins.

The rookies have several top scores this season. Harrison shares the school record on the beam and Roberts combined with Chenier and Farrington to set a new school mark with three 9.9s in an event in a single meet. With Harrison's help, Southeast has moved into the national Top 10 floor rankings.

"I think the freshmen have done a lot for the team and have pulled through when we needed it," Dunbar said. "We all want to be consistent and help contribute to the team scores. The upperclassmen have been very encouraging and helpful as they have made us feel comfortable and have accepted us as part of the team."

Although many of the newcomers have made immediate contributions, Hopkins has a number of freshman waiting in the wings for a chance to break into the lineup.

"Some of our other freshmen would be in our lineup if it weren't for the fact that we have so many talented upperclassmen," said Hopkins.

With just Farrington graduating, the competition to break the lineup will again be tough next season. But that bodes well for Southeast.

Southeast has the potential to field an equally talented or more talented team next season when the record book may once again be under siege.