End of the Rainbow

With only one season of eligibility remaining, Keiki Misipeka was looking to go some place where he could make an immediate impact.

If his performances through the first week of practice are any indication, Misipeka (pronounced Kekey Misapeeka) should receive that opportunity at Southeast Missouri State University.

The rugged Samoan, a transfer from Division I-A Hawaii, has been one of the Indians' more impressive athletes so far during the preseason and figures to play a major role in helping Southeast make up for the loss of stellar running back Curtis Cooper, who completed his eligibility after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last year.

"Keiki has really looked good so far," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "He's a brute who gives us a different dimension, to go with (smaller backs) Iven Brown and Corey Kinsey. He should really help us."

Which is exactly what Misipeka had in mind when he left Hawaii after just one season. He played in four games for the Rainbows last year but received only two carries, for 11 yards.

"It's my last year so it's all or nothing for me," Misipeka said prior to Tuesday's late afternoon practice that was eventually canceled because of lightning. "My goal is to come and play and make a difference."

Misipeka, a rock-solid 5-foot-11, 225-pounder, decided to transfer from Hawaii after he felt he never really got a fair shake in his attempt at quality playing time following a standout junior-college career at both Snow (Utah) and Palomar (Calif.).

"The coaches at Hawaii made a lot of promises, but when I got there it was a whole different story," he said.

Family ties at Southeast

According to Misipeka, his position coach at Hawaii knew Southeast offensive line coach Mike Chavez, who was contacted when Misipeka decided he wanted to transfer. And helping make the decision on joining the Indians easy was the fact Misipeka's cousin, center Amos Misilao, had signed with Southeast after playing at Palomar JC last year, although Misilao did not arrive in Cape Girardeau until Monday night.