FIVE SENIOR GYMNASTS READY FOR FINAL HOME MEET

It only seems fitting that the final home meet of the 1998 season for the Southeast Missouri State University women's gymnastics team is entitle `Showcase of the Arts.'

For coach Kris Buchheister and her Otahkian gymnasts, the '98 season is entering its stretch run and that means that it is time to say goodbye to the seniors.

Although the season is far from over, tonight's 7 o'clock tri-meet against Iowa and Illinois State at Houck Field House will mark the final home appearance of the campaign and the final chance for the Southeast seniors to perform in front of the Otahkian faithful.

For seniors Rebekah Brajcki, Kristin Frohlich, Jen Leaman, Cristie Logan and Erica Smith, a culmination of a lifetime of hard work comes to a home close tonight.

Said assistant coach Mark Sontag: "This is the most talented, hardest-working group of seniors I have ever had the privilege to work with."

Brajcki has been plagued by a knee injury for much of her Southeast career and will undergo surgery on March 12 to repair a damaged ACL. Still, she has been a vital part of the Otahkian program.

"Reba has a lot of big meets under he belt and that experience is a big addition to the start of our lineups," said Buchheister.

Frohlich is the co-owner of two school records (9.90 on bars and 9.925 on beam) that she shares with teammates Erin Chenier and Ericka Harrison.

"Kristin is a big-time performer," Buchheister said. "When that flag goes up and it's time to compete, you always know that Kristin is going to put on a good performance."

Leaman has also been a solid performer during her Southeast career, particularly on vault. And she has improved so much that Buchheister tabbed her the most improved award for the 1998 season.

"Jen's great attitude and spirit really contribute to the makeup of this team," said Buchheister.

Before complications following surgery on her ankle slowed Logan, she was on pace to be one of Southeast's top three competitors in every event. Logan has received a medical redshirt this year, leaving an option to return next season.

"Cristie looked better than ever going into the season and would have been one of our top all-around competitors," Buchheister said.

As for Smith, she suffered a seniors knee injury during her freshman campaign that kept her out of action for her entire sophomore season.

But Smith made an impressive recovery and has consistently been a top performer on the balance beam.

Serving as a team captain for the second consecutive year, Smith has drawn considerable praise from her coach.

"Erica sets the pace for us with her strong workouts and her commitment to leadership for our team," said Buchheister.