Southeast football begins a new era

There's a new excitement about the Southeast Missouri State University football program. The Redhawks have a new head coach, Tom Matukewicz, whose leadership to this point has brought energy and a new team culture.

Last week Southeast Missourian and semoball.com sports editor Rachel Crader highlighted how success should, or should not, be measured in coach Tuke's first season. "Every success and setback this season will impact the future, but for now the successes might not all be wins. Sometimes success is just believing you can succeed," Crader wrote.

Based on past performance, programs that Matukewicz has been a part of have improved over the course of a few seasons. Could this year be a break-out season for the Redhawks? Sure. We hope it is. Nevertheless, building a winning team can take time. It requires buy-in from the players and team leaders. It looks like Southeast has that type of attitude, a can-do mentality with players believing they can succeed. That's critical and gives us reason to be optimistic.

The motto since Matukewicz took the reins has been "brick by brick." Tonight is the first opportunity in a game situation to start the building.

The Redhawks will play Missouri Baptist beginning at 6 p.m. at Houck Field. The start of any new season brings enthusiasm, and college football traditionally has a strong following. We encourage you to consider attending tonight's game and others this season.

Follow the Redhawks all season online at semoball.com and in the Southeast Missourian.

We wish the football team and all Southeast teams well as they embark on their seasons.