Farden to head Southeast gymnastics

Tom Farden, Southeast Missouri State University's assistant gymnastics coach the past four seasons, will be the Otahkians' interim head coach for the 2004 campaign.

Cindy Gannon, an assistant athletic director who headed the search committee seeking a replacement for Patty Stotzheim, said the school decided not to offer the position to either of the two finalists who were interviewed on campus earlier this month.

"There were some question marks in regard to their fit and what we're looking for in the program," Gannon said. "We feel like we want to see what other candidates are out there and we're going to re-open the position in January or February."

Farden came to Southeast with Stotzheim when she took over the program prior to the 2000 season. Stotzheim, who resigned this year to attend law school in Minnesota, led the Otahkians to a 32-50 record, including an 8-13 mark in 2003.

Gannon said Farden would be considered for the full-time position when it is re-opened.

The two finalists who interviewed on campus earlier this month were Centenary head coach Bill Hardy and San Jose State assistant coach Tim Rivera.

Southeast opens the 2004 season in January.