Edgar brings his own cheering section to Southeast

An overflow crowd packed into a small meeting room at the Show Me Center for Thursday's introduction of Scott Edgar as Southeast Missouri State's new men's basketball coach.

While the majority of those in attendance had Southeast ties -- including players, administrators, boosters and other fans -- a few Edgar supporters made the trip from Murray, Ky.

Even though Edgar last coached at Murray State in 1995 -- ending a successful four-year run with the Racers -- he evidently left a strong impression in the community.

"I wanted to be here to support Scott," Kenny Roth said. "He means that much to me."

Roth was Edgar's top assistant at Murray State from 1991 to 1995. He later served five years as an associate athletic director at Murray State and one year as interim athletic director. He is no longer involved with college athletics, but still lives and works in Murray, Ky.

"I feel passionate about the job he can do," said Roth, who said he had plenty of conversations with Southeast athletic director Don Kaverman throughout the university's search process. "I feel passionate enough to put my integrity on the line by really recommending Scott to Don.

"The fans will be thrilled. The passion he gets his teams to play with will be unmatched. He has the ability to get his teams to play hard. They are getting a tremendous coach."

You'll get no argument from Gearl Suiter, who made the trek from Murray with his wife, Jeanette.

"I'm known as Murray State's No. 1 fan, but I'm also known as Scott Edgar's No. 1 fan," Gearl Suiter said. "He's more than a coach, he's family.

"He's the greatest. He loves his players, and the people here will love him."

Suiter said he plans to attend some Southeast games at the Show Me Center -- even on dates when his beloved Racers are playing.

And he added with a laugh, "Fifty percent of Murray State fans wanted him to get this job. The other 50 percent didn't 'cause he'll kick our butt."

Traditional Murray State supporters were not the only ones who appeared to fully endorse Edgar's hiring at Thursday's introduction.

Jerry Ford, a member of the Southeast Booster Club executive committee and a lifelong Southeast fan, could barely contain his enthusiasm.

"I think it's great. He was my first pick, based on the [public] interviews," Ford said. "He knows the area, he knows the conference, he's passionate about the game, and he plays a really exciting brand of basketball.

"I have seen almost every home game since about 1952. We're looking for a winner, and I think he'll produce a winner."