ILLINOIS, MU GYMNASTS VISIT TODAY

Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team faces a tough challenge today as they take on the University of Missouri and the University of Illinois.

The triangular meet at Houck Field House is set to begin at 2 p.m.

Southeast, with a 7-2 record, is ranked 41st in the nation and eighth in the Central Region. The Otahkians defeated Missouri earlier 192.75 to 191.65 earlier this season at the Shakespeare's Festival in Columbia.

The Otahkians are coming off a Feb. 12 meet at Ball State where they scored 189.80, losing to Ball State (191.175) and beating Northern Illinois (186.15) and Winona State (186.65).

Last week Illinois, ranked 28th in the nation, posted its highest score of the season (193.750) but was unable to beat Penn State, which was ranked fifth at the time.

Missouri, ranked 23rd nationally, lost at Iowa State for the 10th straight time last week, but the Tigers' score of 193.150 was the fifth-highest in school history.

Southeast coach Kris Buchheister, a former competitor and assistant coach with the Missouri gymnastics program, realizes the Otahkians will face a tough challenge today.

"Missouri is performing very well, especially in their bar routines," she said. "We have not competed against Illinois, but they have very solid scores all the way around. The outcome of the meet will depend on who hits their routines."

Following the meet, the Otahkians will be off until March 5, when they visit Oregon State. Southeast will compete at Boise State the following day.