Redhawks gymnastics team out to build on 2010 success

Kristi Ewasko had an impressive debut season as the Southeast Missouri State gymnastics coach.

The strong 2010 campaign came when Ewasko handled the position on an interim basis.

Ewasko now is the Redhawks' permanent coach, and she expects the success to continue.

"We have high hopes," said Ewasko, whose squad opens the 2011 season Saturday at Illinois State and has its first home meet Jan. 21 against Western Michigan.

Southeast went 16-5 overall last year, including 9-2 in the Midwest Independent Conference.

Southeast Missouri State's Christina Sundgren competes on the bars during a meet last season at Houck Field House. (Kristin Eberts)

The Redhawks ended the season ranked 40th nationally, with the top 36 qualifying for NCAA regionals.

Southeast qualified three individuals despite missing out on a team regional berth.

"Last year was a great start for us," Ewasko said. "I think it was a year of overcoming challenges, growing and bonding as a program."

In addition to their success in the gym, the Redhawks again were among the nation's top academic squads. They finished as national academic runner-up after capturing the title the previous three years.

Southeast's 3.8905 grade-point average last year was the second-highest in program history. A program-record 18 Southeast gymnasts earned Scholastic All-American status as a result of 3.5 or better GPAs. Thirteen recorded perfect 4.0 GPAs.

"We came so close to winning it last year, and we had a great fall semester with a 3.9 GPA," said Ewasko, a former standout gymnast at Auburn who also was an assistant at her alma mater before coming to Southeast as an assistant.

Southeast is led by returning regional qualifier Brianna Gaddie, a senior who made the regional cut on floor for the second straight year.

Senior Christina Sundgren was a regional alternate on bars after making the regional field the previous season.

"They will be a solid rock for this young team," Ewasko said.

Southeast's youthful roster consists of five sophomores and six freshmen, along with four seniors and two juniors.

Other returning squad members are seniors Erica Moore and Jacqueline Heath, who redshirted last year; juniors Emily Mann and Christa Soekamto; and sophomores Sarah Brillhart, Emma Garrett, Margaret O'Neal, Angela Serafini and Taylor Westrick.

The freshmen class consists of Erin Brady, Megan Fosnow, Tamara Gent, Samantha Marrero, Kimberly Pickerl and Taryn Vanderpool. Brady will redshirt with an injury.

"They've all been working very hard," Ewasko said.

The highlight of Southeast's home schedule will be March 19 when the Redhawks host the Midwest Independent Conference meet.

Among Southeast's road meets are matchups at perennial powers Missouri and Auburn.

"We've got a very good schedule and we're excited about the season," Ewasko said.