As Southeast Missouri State University's track and field program prepares to open the outdoor season today at the Memphis Invitational, coach Joey Haines is excited about a change in how athletes go about trying to qualify for the national meet.

For the first time ever this year, NCAA Division I will have track and field regionals. Southeast will compete in the regional at Ohio State and once athletes meet the regional qualifying standards, they are in the meet with a chance to compete for a spot in the national finals.

In years past, athletes had to meet certain national qualifying standards based on times and distances without head-to-head competition being factored in.

"We think the regional meet will be a real benefit to college track and to our program," Haines said. "We have a lot of athletes who are capable of qualifying for the regional championships."

As for today's outdoor opener, Southeast has several competitors who are likely to challenge for titles in the non-scored meet that will feature about 10 Division I programs and several smaller colleges. Haines said several of his athletes will have a strong chance to attain regional qualifying standards.

Following today's meet, the Otahkians will host the 22nd annual All Sport Classic next Friday and Saturday.

Football scrimmage today

Southeast's football team will wrap up its fourth week of spring practice today with a 1:30 p.m. scrimmage at Houck Stadium. The public is welcome to attend. There is no admission cost.

The Indians will have one more scrimmage next Saturday before the spring game April 12 that concludes spring drills.

Gymnasts at league meet

Southeast's gymnastics squad will close the season today by competing in the Midwest Independent Conference Championships hosted by Centenary in Baton Rouge, La.

Along with Southeast and Centenary, other teams in the conference are Illinois-Chicago, Illinois State, Winona State and Texas Women's.

"Illinois-Chicago is really good, and they'll be the favorite," Stozheim said. "If we have a really good meet we could come close to Chicago, but they have more depth than we do."

Otahkian junior Ashley Godwin is virtually assured of qualifying in the all-around for the NCAA regional meet April 12 in Columbia, Mo. Godwin was a regional qualifier last year.

Softball starts OVC slate

Southeast's softball team will look to put a tough non-conference schedule behind it when the Otahkians begin OVC play today with a 1 p.m. home doubleheader against Tennessee State. The squads also will have a 1 p.m. game Sunday.

The Otahkians are 4-14 while the Tigers, who have already started their league schedule, are 5-18 overall and 2-3 in the OVC.

Tennis has home opener

Southeast's tennis squad (1-3) will have its first home match and open its schedule today when Eastern Kentucky (7-5) visits for a 10 a.m. match.

The Otahkians will have another home match Sunday against Austin Peay (1-15) at 2 p.m.

Southeast has had more than half of its scheduled matches so far either postponed or canceled by bad weather.