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Meet Notes: Southeast Missouri


CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The 2014 gymnastics season has arrived for Southeast Missouri. The Redhawks open the campaign hosting Kent State Sunday afternoon in Houck Field House. The dual begins at 1 p.m.
 
About Kent State – The Golden Flashes were picked to win the Mid-American Conference championship, according to the preseason coaches' poll. Kent State earned as high as a No. 23 ranking a year ago that saw a 19-9 record and an NCAA regional appearance.
 
In a preseason meet in December, an exhibition against Pittsburgh, Kent State scored 194.475 points while Marie Case won titles on the bars and balance beam. She scored a 9.825 on the bars and a 9.950 on the beam.
 
First Touch:
 
Opening at Home – Southeast opens its season at home for just the second time in the last six years. The last time Southeast opened its season at home in 2012 where it lost a razor-thin decision to Northern Illinois 190.350-190.100.
 
Welcome Back – The Redhawks welcome back seven returner's from a year ago, including five seniors. Taryn Vanderpool advanced to the regional as a junior while Megan Fosnow was a 2012 regional qualifier. Other seniors including Erin Brady, Samantha Marrero and Kimmie Pickerl. The sophomore class includes 2013 MIC Newcomer of the Year Taylor Penzien along with Haylie Huiner.
 
Welcome to the Team– Seven freshmen will look to make an impact on the team this year. They include: Chelsi Hamilton, Lauren Israel, Chloe Marshall, Alexandria Stokes, Ashley Thomas, Alyssa Tucker and Bailey Walker.
 
Trying to Head Back to the Regional – Taryn Vanderpool had a breakout junior season that saw her advance to the regional meet in Norman, Okla., a year ago. The senior will be poised to make another regional run after posting a 12th place finish. Hoping to join her will be 2012 qualifier Megan Fosnow. The then-sophomore competed in the all-around.
 
 
Vanderpool and Fosnow Tandem – The duo of Taryn Vanderpool and Megan Fosnow have a combined 98 scores of 9.700 or better. With a team that is half freshmen, the 98 times of 9.700 or better is more than 2.5 times than the rest of the roster who has combined for 39 scores of 9.700 or better. Fosnow has hit that mark 55 times while Vanderpool has hit a 9.700 or better 43 times. Vanderpool did so 30 times last season alone.
 
 
Academic National Champion - Southeast Missouri earned the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women academic national championship after posting a 3.8146 GPA last year. The Redhawks claimed the title over Western Michigan, who accumulated a 3.8086 GPA. Six Redhawks earned perfect 4.0 GPA's.
 
Welcome Jake Zenker - The Redhawks hired Penn State alum Jake Zenker in August. Zenker was a manager for the perennially-ranked Nittany Lions, helping run home competitions, tracking individual assignments and assisting with choreography on the floor routines. Zenker competed for the Penn State club squad, serving as a co-captain. He won a team national title in 2010 and finished runner-up in 2011 and 2012.