NEW SE GYMNASTICS COACH SETS HIGH GOALS

First-year Southeast Missouri State University women's gymnastics coach Patty Stotzheim isn't very familiar yet with Division I competition.

But Stotzheim has gotten familiar enough with her new team to believe they have all the makings of an NCAA regional qualifier.

"Making regionals has been our goal from day one," said Stotzheim. "I feel we have a real possibility to make it. It will be hard work, but I don't think it's that much of a long shot."

Stotzheim will get her first look at the Otahkians in actual competition when they open the season Sunday, playing host to Ball State in a 2 p.m. dual meet at Houck Field House.

"Personally, I'm a little anxious (for the first meet)," said Stotzheim with a smile. "But I'm excited about getting the season started. I know the gymnasts have worked very hard and they are ready to compete against outside competition."

Stotzheim takes over the Southeast program from Kris Buchheister, who resigned last year to became an assistant at Iowa.

For the past five years, Stotzheim was the head coach at Hamline University in Minnesota, which fields a Division III program. Under Stotzheim, Hamline was a consistent contender for the Division III championship and turned out 25 All-Americans.

A collegiate gymnast at both Hamline and Division II Winona State, Stotzheim will be learning about Division I gymnastics on the fly. But overall, even though she got somewhat of a late start after assuming her duties Sept. 15, Stotzheim said things are going well.

"It's been a little bit of an ironing out process," she said. "But as far as the athletes, it's been great. They have adjusted really well. For the seniors, I'm their third coach, but they've been great."

Added Stotzheim with a grin, "I don't know a whole lot about the competition yet, but the seniors said we'll look good. Our gymnasts tell me we are ahead of where we've been the last few years and that is encouraging."

One of those seniors, standout Malia Roberts, said the Otahkians have high hopes for the season.

"Our goal is to make the regionals and I think we can do it," she said. "We haven't made it since I was a freshman and to do it as a senior would be nice."

Roberts has qualified individually for regional competition the past two years, but she could not compete last season as she suffered a torn achilles during the final home meet and had to have surgery.

While the injury was very serious, Roberts has recovered well and will compete Sunday, although not as an all-arounder.

"For this injury, I'm coming along well," she said.

As for the transition the Otahkians have had with a new coach, Roberts said, "I think we're doing well. It's tough for the team to go through, but the coaches ( Stotzheim and assistant Thomas Farden) are really positive and that helps."

Roberts is one of five senior returnees from last year's team that went 12-12 and graduated several standouts, including the sensational Erin Chenier.

Other seniors are Heather Browning, Jessica Dunbar, Cari Egbert and Ericka Harrison.

"We're counting on all the seniors," Stotzheim said.

Juniors returning from last season are Melanie Krehl and Kathy Smith, while another junior is Traci Mitchell, a transfer from Illinois State.

Sophomore returnees are Jessica Bagwill, Stephanie Furman, Karen Hamilton, Michelle Walker and Elenor Wilson.

There are also three freshmen on the squad in Amy Cole, Lauren Ross and Candace Spicer. Stotzheim has particularly high hopes for Cole, who could be one of the Otahkians' top performers during her rookie season.

Stotzheim said she will be looking for the Otahkians to improve on their scores from last season.

"Last year, they averaged anywhere from 189 to 193," she said. "I want to start out at 190 and end up at 194 of 195. That's the score that can get us to regionals."

The Otahkians will, as always, face a highly competitive schedule. Some of the more notable opponents are Auburn, Michigan State and Missouri.

In addition to Sunday's competition, other home meets will be Jan. 29 (Illinois State), March 4 (William & Mary) and March 16 (Midwest Championships).