Billings expresses reasons for optimism

Southeast Missouri State football coach Tim Billings looked me squarely in the eyes at media day Friday and said he firmly believes the program will be back up and rolling again in the next two years.

To the casual observer -- myself included -- that might seem like a tall order after the way things bottomed out last season.

But Billings told me he is confident an increase in his recruiting budget -- after it had been slashed for a while -- has allowed the Redhawks to sign a number of high-level athletes, the type that were prevalent in 2002 when Southeast had its breakthrough 8-4 season, and even in 2003 when the Redhawks nearly won their first Ohio Valley Conference title.

And because of that, Billings said the Redhawks have seriously upgraded their speed, overall athleticism and depth -- things Southeast fans know were sorely missing last year, when the squad suffered a host of injuries and found it hard to adequately replace wounded regulars.

The downside for this season is that, because of so many new players and the presence of only 13 seniors, the Redhawks find themselves inexperienced in various key positions and relatively young at most spots.

A potential upside is that, if the Redhawks can at least show considerable progress this year -- and their speed and athleticism is as impressive as Billings believes -- then maybe he will indeed have the program headed back in the right direction.

Not to make excuses for Billings, but he and his staff were certainly handicapped financially the past few years, much like what happened to Southeast men's basketball. And basketball coach Gary Garner also believes his program will again be on a consistent upswing because of a bump in its recruiting budget.

Billings' words -- like Garner's -- might be fairly comforting to Southeast supporters, but Missouri being the Show Me State, the real proof will be them seeing it with their own eyes.

In less than three weeks -- the football opener is Sept. 1 at home against powerhouse Southern Illinois -- fans will begin to have that opportunity.

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I'll have more on the event in the days to come, but area streetball aficionados -- players and spectators -- are no doubt looking forward to next weekend.

That's when the popular Slamfest makes its yearly appearance at Indian Park in Cape Girardeau. The 14th edition of the outdoor basketball tournament is set for Saturday and Sunday.

It's always a great occasion, with some tremendous hoops and all kinds of other neat entertainment.

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Congratulations to Cape Girardeau resident Homer Dickmann, who has been selected as a member of the tournament staff for the American Legion World Series that begins Friday in Rapid City, S.D.

Dickmann is the American Legion Department Baseball Chairman for Missouri. He has been a member of the baseball commission in Missouri for the last 32 years and is an active member of American Legion Post 63 in Cape Girardeau.

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People who love barbecue -- count me among that group --need to mark their calendars for Thursday through Saturday.

That's when, by popular demand, the annual barbecue sale that benefits the Southeast men's basketball team and men's and women's track teams will take place outside CountryMart in Jackson. Sales will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days.

Garner and his staff, along with track coach Joey Haines and his staff, will once again prepare the meat that will be cooked by Greg Brune, Southeast's director of athletic development.

The available items, which can be carried out or eaten on site, include full sides of smoked pork ribs for $11.99, thick cut pork steaks for $2.49, whole chickens for $4.99, turkey drums for $2 and whole butts for $3.99 per pound.

There will also be barbecue pork sandwiches and Johnsonville Brats for $1.49 each. Cold soda and chips will also be available.

The barbecue is a good way for hungry Southeast fans to not only help out the two programs but also mingle and talk sports with the men's basketball and track coaching staffs.

I've had some of the food in the past, and trust me, it's delicious.

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Another popular annual fundraiser for a Southeast team is also on the horizon.

The fourth annual Insider Kickoff Party is set for Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. All proceeds go to the Redhawks football program.

Festivities will include live music, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres and door prizes. Valet parking and designated drivers will be provided. Tickets are $100 per person or $150 per couple. For information or tickets, call Laurel Adkisson at 334-1095.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.