Tony Samuel

The Southeast Missouri State University football team's banner year has been highlighted with a host of year-end awards for several players as well as head coach Tony Samuel. Last week, Samuel received another award, one of national recognition.

On the eve of the Football Championship Subdivision national championship game in Frisco, Texas, Samuel was recognized as the FCS national coach of the year with the Eddie Robinson Award.

This is the first time a Southeast coach has been recognized with this award, and it's only the second time the award has gone to an OVC coach since 1987, the year the award was first started.

The Eddie Robinson Award is given in memory of the late coach whose career spanned 57 years. Robinson led his teams to a total of 408 victories over his career, making him one of the top three most winningest coaches in college football history.

While a decision about Samuel's future with Southeast has yet to be made, this award brings tremendous distinction to the university and its football program.

Samuel and his staff have been diligently recruiting in preparation for the Feb. 2 national signing day. The attention Southeast has received over the last several months is sure to benefit the program as the coaches look to bring top-notch talent to Cape Girardeau.

Congratulations to coach Samuel for all his coaching awards as well as the entire Redhawks squad for a phenomenal season.