OTAHKS CAPTURE OVC INDOOR TRACK MEET

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's track and field program had a big day Saturday as the women finished first while the men placed third during the Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Championship Meet.

The Otahkians scored 126.5 points to defend their OVC indoor title. Eastern Kentucky was second (104.5) while host Middle Tennessee placed third (95) among the 10 teams.

In the men's division, which featured seven teams, Eastern Kentucky prevailed with 166 points, followed by Middle Tennessee (122.5), Southeast (79.5) and Tennessee State (77).

"It was a great day for us," said Southeast coach Joey Haines. "We knew our women would have a battle with Eastern Kentucky and they really came through.

"Our guys also did super. We were picked probably fifth going in and to finish third makes you really feel good."

Two freshmen had big meets for the Otahkians as Natalie Talley won the 55-meters (7.06 seconds) and Heather Keltner captured the 400 (55.31).

Keltner was also second in the 200 (24.68) while Talley was fourth in the 200 (25.03).

Tammy Wenkel won the 800 (2:10.75), Heather Denihan captured the long jump (20-2) and Southeast's fifth win came in the mile relay as the team of Keltner, Yvonne Hente, Wenkel and Kim Stewart clocked 3:47.34.

Hente was third in both the 200 (24.88) and 400 (56.26); Janelle Quigley placed second in the mile (4:56.18) and third in the 800 (2:16.84); Leslie McNamara was third in the 5,000 (15:02.80) and fourth in the 3,000 (10:39.5); Denihan placed fourth in the high jump (5-4); Latricia Purham was second in the shot put (44-10); and Jennifer Phillips placed fifth in the shot put (41-11 3/4).

Southeast's men had just one individual victory, that coming by former Cape Central High standout Jim Fox, who cleared 16 feet in the pole vault.

Also in the pole vault, Jaret Wille was third (15-6) and former Cape Central star Chris Moore fifth (15-0). Bryan Alfultis was second in the shot put (53-0) while Jim Rhea was third (50-8). Jon Riley finished second in two events, the long jump (24-10) and triple jump (49-6).