SOUTHEAST GYMNASTICS HOPES TO GET BACK ON WINNING TRACK

Patty Stotzheim's first season as Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics coach was admittedly a rough one, but an improved attitude and work ethic have her thinking that things will be much better this year.

The Otahkians defeated only five opponents in 2000 while losing to 15, and they won just two meets, both of them duals. It was only Southeast's second losing season since 1979.

"Yeah, it was a pretty rough season," said Stotzheim. "But I feel like things are already coming together this year. Everybody has worked really hard, the attitudes have improved and I've made some changes myself.

"It's still going to be kind of hard for us against some of the teams we go up against, but I think we'll score higher this year. I definitely look for a better season."

Southeast, which opens the 2001 campaign Saturday at the University of Iowa, has been hampered by some preseason injuries, which Stotzheim said could cause the Otahkians to start slowly.

Two injured Otahkians, returning gymnasts Kathy Smith and Amy Cole, should be ready for action in about two weeks, said Stotzheim. Smith, who had Southeast's top score on the balance beam last year (9.85) and tied for the top score in floor exercise (9.80), is the squad's lone senior while Cole is a sophomore.

A pair of freshmen who were being counted on to fill key roles have suffered more serious injuries. Jacklyn Doebbler had shoulder surgery over the summer and will miss the entire season while Alicia White had foot surgery over the summer and is still slowed considerably, although she should be able to compete this year.

Another injured Otahkian, returning sophomore Lauren Ross, is also out for the season because of back problems.

Last year, despite the overall struggles as a team, two Otahkians qualified for the NCAA Regionals: Malia Roberts and Stephanie Furman. Roberts was one of five seniors who completed their eligibility, but Furman returns to lead a strong five-member junior class that should be the strength of the squad. Furman had Southeast's top score in vaulting a year ago (9.80).

"We'll really rely on the five juniors. They've all made a lot of improvements," said Stotzheim. "Stephanie has worked really hard and is looking good."

Other returning juniors are Jessica Bagwill, Karen Hamilton, Michelle Walker and Elenor Wilson. Bagwill had the Otahkians' No. 1 all-around score last season (38.45) while Walker tied for the best score on the floor (9.80).

Candace Spicer is a returning sophomore for the Otahkians while Ashley Godwin and Kasey Karban round out what Stotzheim regards as a talented freshmen class. Godwin, in fact, might very well be one of Southeast's all-arounders this year, along with Cole and perhaps Spicer.

"It's a shame two (of the freshmen) have had injuries, but I really think our freshmen are going to be able to help us a lot," Stotzheim said.

As for the possibility of her team seriously challenging for a regional berth, Stotzheim said, "It might be a bit lofty to make it to regionals as a team, but we would like to send two or three individuals to regionals. I think we have a very good chance of doing that."

The Otahkians will have just three home meets, including one at the Show Me Center Jan. 27 against Illinois-Chicago and Hamline (Minn.), which is where Stotzheim previously coached and also competed.

Southeast's other home meets, both at Houck Field House, will be Jan. 13 (against Illinois State, Centenary and Wisconsin-Oshkosh) and Feb. 24 (against Winona State).

"We're really trying to do some things to improve attendance at our home meets," said Stotzheim. "Hopefully fans will come out to watch us."

Back for his second season as Sotzheim's assistant coach is Tom Farden.