Redhawks to send six to NCAA regional track meet

The way Southeast Missouri State track and field coach Eric Crumpecker sees it, qualifying for NCAA regional competition is an impressive accomplishment.

Six of Crumpecker's athletes will try to take the next step today through Saturday at the NCAA West Regional on the University of Texas campus in Austin.

This year the NCAA combined the normal four regional sites into two sites. The top 48 in every individual event from each region qualified and the top 12 will earn a trip to next month's national meet in Eugene, Ore.

"To be in the top 48 in the region, against some of the top track and field programs in the country, is a big accomplishment," Crumpecker said. "It means you're one of the best in the country at what you do."

Southeast's regional entries include a local product, a returning national qualifier and a three-event qualifier.

Junior Rachel Kahle, a Jackson High School graduate, made the field in the 200 meters. Kahle has been a strong contributor for the Redhawks since her freshman season.

"She's having a really nice career for us and it's great she'll be in the regional," Crumpecker said.

Senior Samantha Espiricueta will be making her third straight regional appearance in the javelin after qualifying for the national meet last season.

"She had a great regional meet last year," Crumpecker said.

Senior Brandon Colbert will compete in his third regional meet as he qualified in the shot put, discus and hammer throw.

Colbert was named Ohio Valley Conference outdoor field athlete of the year this season for the third time.

"He's had a tremendous year and a great career," Crumpecker said.

Three more seniors round out Southeast's regional qualifiers: Juli Koenegstein in the 3,000 steeplechase, Ashley Brewer in the discus and Chris Gill in the 400.

Koenegstein will be making her third regional appearance, Brewer her second and Gill his second but first since he was a freshman. Gill won this season's OVC outdoor male track athlete of the year award.

"All six of these athletes have done really well this year and throughout their careers," Crumpecker said. "This is something everybody has been shooting for and it's a nice treat for them.

"It's a good way to wrap up their season and I think some of them have a shot to go to Eugene."