SEMO TRACK LANDS TOP-FLIGHT RECRUITS

The Southeast Missouri State University's men's and women's track teams should be ready for runs at the Ohio Valley Conference indoor and outdoor titles with the announcement of another strong recruiting class.

Southeast coach Joey Haines has announced seven new recruits -- all from the high school ranks -- for his women's squad that won OVC indoor and outdoor championships last season.

Heading the list of recruits is Darla Hannon of Vienna, Ill. She won the 100-meters and 200-meters at the Illinois Class A State Meet and was named the Southern Illinois Female Track Athlete of the Year.

"Darla has great range from the 100 to 400-meters," Haines said. "She excelled despite the fact her high school did not have a track. She will be a great addition to our team."

Other female recruits include Kaci Pilcher of Harrisburg, Ill., and Lyndsey Stevenson of Olney, Ill. Pilcher was second in the Illinois Class A 800-meters and was all-state in cross country. Stevenson was second in the Illinois Class A 400-meters.

Jennifer Burke of Wright City, Mo., was all-state in cross country and in the 400-meters. Megan Youse of Hannibal, Mo., was a place-winner in both the shot put and discus at the Missouri State Meet.

Laquita Andrews of Smyrna, Tenn., was the Tennessee state runner-up in the 400-meters while placing third in the 200-meters. Jennifer Love of Jackson, Mo., qualified for three events -- including both hurdles -- in the Missouri Class 4A State Meet.

Highlighting the new performers for the Southeast men's squad is Emmanuel Opoku of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is a transfer from Baylor who has personal bests of 10.3 seconds in the 100-meters and 21.0 seconds in the 200-meters.

"Emmanuel will team with senior sprinter Derrick Brown to form the best one-two speed combination in the OVC," said Haines.

The other men's recruit is Wes Armbruster from Ste. Genevieve (Mo.) High School. He was an all-state performer in cross country and in the 800 and 1,600.

"The new performers will certainly make us stronger," Haines said. "Our women's team has the potential to be the best team in my 19 years at Southeast. Our men's team should be as good or better than the 1995 and 1996 teams that won OVC championships."

Southeast's women have claimed three indoor and four outdoor OVC championships. The men have captured two outdoor titles and one indoor crown.