ALL ENDS `WELL' FOR OTAHKS

Erin Chenier's dad couldn't advance beyond the starting block in the post-meet handstand contest.

During the meet, his daughter won everything.

Chenier, a junior from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, performed in front of her parents for Southeast Missouri State University for the first time Saturday night in the Wellness in Motion meet at the Show Me Center.

The Chenier's 1,700-mile trek was well worth it: Erin either won or tied for first in each of the four events and won the all-around as Southeast totaled a 192.325, its sixth season high in as many tries.

"They went on a holiday and came to see me for the very first time," Chenier said. "And I'm so excited; I'm so excited for them. This one was very special to me because my parents were here and I wanted to show them how I compete."

Chenier showed her parents a 39.050 in the all-around, a 9.850 on balance beam, a 9.825 on uneven parallel bars, a 9.775 on floor and a 9.600 on vault.

Said Southeast coach Kris Buchheister: "I just think it was a very special night for (Erin) and for everybody to see that. That's impressive."

Ball State placed second (189.325) in the meet and William & Mary was third (188.075).

"If we would have hit the beam sets we hit last week at Mizzou, look out," Buchheister said. "We would have scored in the real competitive range. We're a good team. What we need to do is get all four (events) together."

Southeast's Malia Roberts placed second in the all-around (38.250) and Ball State's Suzanne Racz was third (37.900).

The Otahkians' Aaron Craig tied Chenier on floor and Roberts placed third (9.750).

Roberts also placed second on bars (9.800) and Southeast's Kristin Frohlich was third (9.750).

The Otahkians swept vault as Jen Leaman and Kathy Smith tied Chenier for first.

On beam, Ball State's Laura Gregg placed second (9.825) and Frohlich and Racz tied for third (9.775).

"I think I'm more excited for the team than I am for myself," Chenier said. "Overall everybody did wonderful. I'm sure we hit 20 out of 24 routines, which is where we want to be. The way we're going right now we'll go to regionals this year, and we're going to kick some butt."