HOBBLED SEMO GYMNASTS STILL ABLE TO MAKE NATIONAL WAVES

Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team has been rated among the best college teams in the nation over the years.

And while the Otahkians have gotten off to somewhat of a struggling start so far this season -- partly due to injuries -- the squad is once again currently ranked among the top 25 teams nationally.

The Otahkians come in at No. 24 and they are rated 15th nationally for the floor exercise event.

Malia Roberts, a freshman from Maui, Hawaii, who came to Southeast with top-flight credentials, is rated among the national top-20 for the all-around competition.

Sophomore Erin Chenier from Canada, who won the NIT balance beam last year, is ranked in the top 10 in vaulting, the top 15 in floor exercise and the top 20 for all-around.

The Otahkians will look for their first meet victory of the season Monday when they open their home schedule.

And it won't be easy as Southeast takes on Nebraska, Western Michigan and Texas Women's University in the KZIM/Schnucks Invitational set for a 7 p.m. start at the Show Me Center.

Southeast coach Bill Hopkins has been pleased with his team's performance so far and he's optimistic about the upcoming meets.

"I am very pleased with our individual performances and I know that we will get even better scores as a team when we are back at full strength," he said. "A number of individuals have stepped forward and helped us while we were hurting and trying to heal from injuries."

Added the coach, "Our team depth has kept us competitive and we will be even stronger when we get some of our gymnasts back for competition."