May 2, 2008
By Matthew C. Worthington, Gymnastics Contact
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Redhawks Gymnastics team has wrapped up an exiting season in which they were the top team in the Midwest Independent Conference, defeated two top 20 teams (No. 18 Kentucky and No. 16 Arizona State) advanced to the NCAA Regional, had a gymnast qualify as an alternate to the NCAA National Championship, and earned a final national ranking of No. 30.
Southeast knew a special season was in store after starting the season off with the defeat of No. 18 Kentucky. While they couldn't get a second upset by defeating the University of Iowa, the Redhawks did open the conference with a win against Illinois State. The Redhawks hit the road after the loss against Iowa and saw Texas Woman's University squeak by with a win. The loss apparently affected the gymnasts as they came back home and posted a season-high 194.925 against Centenary College. Next up for the Redhawks was one of the toughest set of meets of the season as they faced No. 14 Mizzou at home before leaving for a four game road trip to include, No. 26 Southern Utah, No. 34 BYU, Illinois State, Illinois-Chicago and Ball State. While the gymnasts only earned two wins in the series, they turned in outstanding scores and jumped into the No. 33 spot in the nation. Southeast finished the regular season with a solid defeat of Texas Woman's and locked in a berth to the NCAA South Central Regional (second time in three seasons).
Southeast's RQS was a phenomenal 194.065 which was good enough to hold No. 34 nationally. They maintained the top spot in the MIC on vault, bars, floor and the all-around. The Redhawks also boasted the top gymnast in the MIC on vault (Brianna Gaddie), floor and all-around (Sandra Blake). This team also broke into the Southeast All-Time record book three times; team vault (48.9) - sixth all-time, team bars (48.975) - fourth all-time, and team total score (194.925) - eighth all-time.
After the exciting regular season, Southeast traveled to Centenary College in Shreveport, La. and took second place along with several outstanding team honors: Making the All-MIC First Team on floor exercise and the all-around was Sandra Blake. Named to the All-MIC Second Team were Sandra Blake (balance beam) and Rikara Turner (vault, floor exercise, all-around).
The Southeast coaching staff was also awarded for their hard work and dedication in transforming the Southeast gymnastics program into a national contender. Third-year assistant coach Brogan Evanson was awarded the Assistant Coach of the Year Award for the second straight year as she coaches both the floor and beam teams along with creating the choreography for the gymnasts.
Head coach Tom Farden was also recognized by the conference as he was named the MIC Head Coach of the Year for the third year straight. In addition to this honor, Farden was named the South Central Region Head Coach of the Year and was one of only four coaches in the nation to be nominated as the National Head Coach of the Year.
This was the last season for assistant coach Evanson as she and her husband Troy Evanson will be moving within the next few weeks. Her hard work and exceptional character will surely be missed by the team and administration.
"I would like to personally thank Brogan Evanson for her hard work and loyalty over the past three years, said head coach Tom Farden. "We wish her and husband Troy the very best in their next venture."
Coach Farden is currently conducting a national search for a new assistant coach that will have some big shoes to fill. On top of that, Farden will be busy designing and implementing a new practice facility (the team is moving to Parker North over the summer) and preparing for the 2009 season.
"We have a very intelligent and talented class coming in next season," said Farden. "I am optimistic next year since we return 23 regular season routines out of 24."
To see the final rankings of all the teams please go to http://www.troester.com/gym/WRankings/2008/Final/WTeamAll.htm.
