COACH'S CORNER: SE FOOTBALL PROMISES AN EVENT IN '97

"It's not just a game, it's an event," is this year's theme for the Southeast football program.

While the athletic department has worked very hard to create the "event," our football squad has labored through two-a-days to make the "event" worth watching on the field.

How have we made our program stronger? Recruit, recruit and recruit some more. Our coaches have worked tirelessly in improving the talent level of our squad.

Another critical factor in our preparation has been the veteran players within our program and the hunger to succeed. We had a very good summer of training as over 40 players stayed in Cape to work and train.

After losing three excellent linebackers last season, we recruited three junior-college and two high school backers, and this summer we landed two "big time" backers in Zuri Buchanan and Chris Justice, from the universities of Florida and Oklahoma, respectively. Both are big, strong players that can run and make plays. Linebacker Gabe Jenkins has done an excellent job as a playmaker.

In front of the linebackers may be one of the better defensive fronts around, led by Angel Rubio and Troy Baglio. Brad Richardson is playing well as a true sophomore. Defensive ends Damon Hendrick, Jonathan Robinson and JC transfer Marcus McClellan, who was recruited by Clemson out of high school, can bring the heat.

Our secondary is as strong as ever. Seniors Ronnie Smith, Andrew Joyce and Willie Davis all have had good camps. Freddie Hambrick, Joe Williams and John Smith have all made big plays. Freshmen Isaac Powell, Glenn Haley and Leotis Belcher have all been impressive.

Simply put, our defense is headed to the top as one of the best around.

Offensively, we'll be glad to line up against someone other than our own defense. However, we have improved up front in a line led by Chris Kiefer, Ian Walters and James Williams. JC transfers Jessie Eaton and Carlos DeJesus have solidified our right side.

All-conference tight end Mitch Fryer returns with John Borne. This duo can block and catch.

Wide receivers Dante Bryant leads a talented group that includes Diandrai Webb, Marcus McKinley and Missouri transfer Leslie Weaver.

Our receivers will be catching balls from Justin Martini and Southern Mississippi transfer Heath Graham. Graham's shoulder has healed well and he is close to ready.

Our backfield is a group of players that complement each other well. Britt Mirgaux and Broderick Benson line up at fullback. Competing at tailback are Ricki Smith, Oklahoma transfer David Koleosho, Virginia Tech transfer Aaron Layne and Corey Williams.

Punter Justin Terrill has been hitting the ball well. Eric Warren and Nick Reggio are competing for the kicking job.

Competition at all positions have made us a better team. People tell me there is more excitement than ever! Impressive for coming off a 3-8 year.

Come find out Saturday night as we open at home with a tough Lambuth team that has been an NAIA power.

Who remembers last year anyway! We're out to win 'em all! See you Saturday.

John Mumford is the head football coach at Southeast Missouri State University.