OTAHKIAN GYMNASTS GET READY FOR LONG TRIP WEST

Southeast Missouri State University's gymnastics team is getting ready to head west for back-to-back meets Friday and Saturday.

The Otahkians, ranked 38th nationally, travel to Oregon State Friday for a four-team meet scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. CST.

Oregon State is ranked 13th in the nation. Others in the meet are Michigan State (40th) and Seattle Pacific (52nd).

Then Saturday, the Otahkians visit Boise, Idaho, to compete against fourth-ranked Penn State, host Boise State (28th) and San Jose State (48th). The meet is set for an 8 p.m. CST start.

Southeast coach Kris Buchheister is looking forward to seeing her team go against the rugged competition.

"We are looking stronger as a team and we want to show the west coast that Southeast Missouri can compete with big teams," she said. "We can score well against big teams, but the gymnasts have to be mentally prepared and remain confident in their abilities."

In their last meet, the Otahkians scored a season-high 194.125 points in a triangular meet with Illinois and Missouri. Southeast finished second.

Following this weekend's action, the Otahkians will come home to host two meets next week. Southeast will take on Central Michigan Wednesday and face Auburn next Sunday. Both meets are at Houck Field House.