BLUE JAYS RING SOUTHEAST STANDOUTS

Jeremy Johnson was surprised he didn't go higher.

Dan Huesgen was surprised he went at all.

Those were the thoughts of the two Southeast Missouri State University products who were selected Tuesday in baseball's amateur draft.

Johnson, a record-setting outfielder from Egyptian (Ill.) High School, had expected to be taken Monday during the first 20 rounds of the draft. Instead, he was taken in the 26th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Huesgen, a right-handed pitcher from Pattonville High School in St. Louis, didn't think he would be drafted. But he was also grabbed up by the Blue Jays, in the 38th round.

"I'm disappointed with the round, but I'm happy to have a chance to play professional baseball," said Johnson. "I can't wait to get started."

Said Huesgen with a laugh, "I'm very surprised. Actually, I was shocked. I didn't expect it, but I guess you never know."

Johnson and Huesgen certainly more than left their mark at Southeast during exceptional four-year careers that ended this spring.

Johnson, a four-year starter, owns Southeast career records for hits, doubles, runs scored, at-bats and games played. This year, he was second in the Ohio Valley Conference in batting with a .408 average, and he led the league in home runs (19) and runs scored (61) while driving in 55 runs and playing errorless defense in right field.

The 2000 Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Player of the Year and also the league's Male Athlete of the Year for 1999-2000, Johnson said he was not about to take his draft position lightly, even though he thought he would go sooner.

"There's still a touch of disappointment, but I'm really happy about it. So many players dream about this and I'm not about to take it for granted," he said.

Huesgen, also a key contributor for the past four seasons, served as the Indians' No. 1 pitcher this year. He compiled a 6-4 record with a 3.31 earned-run average. For his career, Huesgen went 21-13 to rank third on the school's all-time victory list. He's also second in innings pitched and sixth in strikeouts.

"This is like a lifelong dream of mine," said Huesgen. "I've always wanted to play pro baseball and now I'm going to get the chance."

Both players said they expect to sign contracts with the Toronto organization in the next day or two, and both are scheduled to leave this weekend for a minicamp in Florida. Following the minicamp, the pair will be assigned to one of the Blue Jays' Rookie League teams, either in Canada (Medicine Hat) or New York (Queens).

"I'm anxious to get everything started and see what it's like," Johnson said. "The main thing is, I'm getting a shot. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time and I'm looking forward to it."

Added Huesgen, "I can't wait to get going. I'm really looking forward to it. And it's neat to be in the same organization as Jeremy. We might even wind up on the same team."

Southeast coach Mark Hogan was naturally elated for Johnson and Huesgen, and he said a few other seniors off this year's record-setting Indian team might eventually wind up signing free-agent contracts to play professionally.

"I'm real happy for both Jeremy and Dan. It's a great opportunity for them," Hogan said. "And hopefully we'll have some other guys get a chance before it's all over."

* Four other OVC players were drafted Tuesday.

Pitcher John Larsen of Eastern Illinois was the first OVC player selected as he was taken by the Pirates in the 21st round.

Other league draftees, all from Middle Tennessee, were: third baseman Bryan Peck (22nd round, Rockies); catcher Josh Pride (23rd round, Rockies); and pitcher Jason Moates (28th round, Reds).

* Caruthersville High School's Landon Kersey, a left-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Pirates in the 44th round.