'EARTHQUAKE' VISITS SOUTHEAST

Kelvin "Earthquake" Anderson was all smiles Monday as he showed off his impressive Grey Cup championship ring.

"Now I need one for the other hand," he said with a laugh.

Anderson, Southeast Missouri State University's all-time leading rusher who is in his fourth season as a star in the Canadian Football League, was in Cape Girardeau for a visit with friends and former coaches at Southeast.

"It's always nice to get back and see people," said Anderson. "My old stomping grounds were around here."

The New Madrid County Central High School graduate has certainly made quite a name for himself in Canada as a standout with the Calgary Stampeders, who he helped lead to a win in last year's Grey Cup -- which is the CFL's equivalent of the Super Bowl.

Anderson appeared on the CFL scene in 1996 and was an immediate sensation, rushing for more than 1,000 yards to earn the league's most outstanding rookie award.

And he hasn't let up since. Anderson again rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 1997, then gained a career-best 1,325 yards last season, which was capped by the Grey Cup title.

So far this year, Anderson is second in the CFL in rushing with 627 yards (he's averaging 5.2 yards per carry) as the Stampeders are off to a 6-2 start.

"Things are really going well for me," said Anderson, who had been in the area since Friday and was scheduled to catch a Monday afternoon flight out of St. Louis back to Canada. "We played Thursday in Winnipeg and I was on the plane Friday. I like coming back to visit."

Anderson gained more than 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons at Southeast, compiling a school-record total of 3,392 yards from 1992-94.

After completing his eligibility at Southeast, Anderson had his sights set on the NFL. He wasn't drafted but signed with Seattle as a free agent and was a late cut by the Seahawks in 1995.

Anderson began his CFL career the following year and it's been smooth sailing ever since. He had thoughts about testing the NFL waters after last season but the Stampeders made it a priority to sign him quickly after the Grey Cup.

"They thought they were going to lose me, but they signed me up pretty quick," he said with a grin.

The 27-year-old Anderson still has hopes of some day playing in the NFL, but only under the right circumstances. He's plenty happy in Calgary, where he makes a good living and is one of the city's most popular athletes.

"I like Canada and I can make a good living there," he said. "I definitely would like to still think about the NFL if it comes, but it would have to be guaranteed. I don't want them wasting my time."