The Jackson connection for Southeast Missouri State's track and field program will continue next year, as two Jackson High School seniors recently signed letters of intent to compete for the Redhawks' women's team.

Pole-vaulter Amy West and thrower Rebecca Martin will continue their athletic careers at Southeast. Former Jackson standouts Heather West -- Amy's sister -- and Lindsey Meyr are current Redhawks.

Amy West placed sixth in the Class 4 state meet last year in the pole vault, while Martin was sixth in the shot put, as both earned all-state honors.

"We're real happy to have both of those girls," Southeast coach Joey Haines said. "Amy has done very well in the pole vault, and Rebecca is really versatile. She also runs on their relays, but she'll be a thrower for us.

"Heather and Lindsey have both done very well for us, and we're glad to get two more Jackson girls."

Southeast is also recruiting Jackson senior Andy Glass, who has the area's best throw in the shot put this season. Under NCAA regulations, Haines cannot comment on Glass until he signs.

Loos to play for Maryville

Jackson senior Kelly Loos will continue her basketball career at Maryville University next year.

Loos, a 5-foot-4 guard, averaged seven points and four assists for the Indians this past season. Loos was the lone senior on a young squad which posted a 22-4 record. The Indians are 45-8 over the past two seasons.

Maryville is coming off one of its most successful seasons, a 22-5 campaign which ended in a loss in the conference tournament championship game. The Saints were a perfect 14-0 in regular-season conference play and feature local product Courtney Vickery, a Notre Dame graduate.

Loos will be entering the physical therapy program.

I-55 soccer tournament

Central, Jackson and Notre Dame will take on a trio of St. Louis area schools in the I-55 Girls Soccer Tournament.

Wentzville Holt, Lafayette and Northwest House Springs will make the trip south for the two-day event which begins Friday and is hosted by Jackson. Central and Holt will play at 5 p.m. Friday at Jackson, Notre Dame will face Lafayette at Notre Dame at 7 p.m., and Jackson will play House Springs at Jackson at 7 p.m.

Games will be played at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The top two teams will be awarded trophies.

SEMO Conference track meet at Dexter

Jackson, Central and Notre Dame will head south for the SEMO Conference track and field meet at Dexter on Friday.

This will be one of the final meets for each team before the district meet, which takes place May 14. Jackson and Central's girls teams will be the favorites in the conference meet, while Poplar Bluff is the favorite on the boys side.