SEMO GYMNASTS OPEN HOME SCHEDULE TONIGHT

Slowly but surely, Southeast Missouri State University's women's gymnastics team is getting healthier.

But whether the Otahkians will be healthy enough to prevail in their home opener tonight remains to be seen, according to coach Bill Hopkins.

The Otahkians will kick off their home schedule with the four-team KZIM/Schnucks Invitational, set for a 7 o'clock start at the Show Me Center.

Also in the field will be a very strong Nebraska squad, a solid Western Michigan team and a Texas Women's club that has won the past four Division II national championships.

"It should be a great meet to open the home schedule," said Hopkins. "We're getting a little bit healthier every day. But this is really a tough field."

Hopkins considers Nebraska to be a solid favorite in tonight's meet. But he says Western Michigan and Texas Women's are also strong teams.

"Nebraska will be extremely tough to beat because they're very good," he said. "Western Michigan is solid and Texas Women's has been the top Division II team in the country.

"It's going to take a very good performance by us to challenge a team like Nebraska. But everybody is looking forward to being at home."