FanSpeak Nov21

Do some research

THIS NOTE is prompted by whomever wrote in FanSpeak about the Cardinals and the biggest baseball scam since 1920. What are you talking about? Please, someone explain to the writer that these players have filed for free agency. The Cardinals have not lost anyone yet. Next, please remind the author of this article of the 1997 Florida Marlins and the 2001 Diamondbacks. Both teams spent the money to win the World Series, and after bringing home the championship to their respected cities, the teams disbanned. Furthermore, what scandal occurred in the 1920s? Someone buy the author a baseball book in regard to the 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal. People, if you are going to write about anything, at least do a little bit of research. If the author's comments can get in the Southeast Missourian, then quite possibly my comments from Huntsville, Ala., can make the paper, too. If so, "Hi, Mom, I love you."

We stand corrected

I'M SURE this will not be the only correction you will receive concerning the incorrect information that the St. Vincent Indians football team has not appeared in the Show Me Bowl since 1998. They actually were defeated in the 2000 Show Me Bowl, 12-0 by the Santa Fe Chiefs. No apology necessary; just thought you would like to know the true story. It is imperative reporters get their facts straight before printing them in the paper.

(In this case, it was an editor's mistake. And we do regret the error in the Nov. 15 edition. More corrections appear on this page.)

Bell City on the brain

FINALLY, AFTER a long wait, the Southeast Missourian got to ordain another Bell City player as player of the year. I believe this call was made before the season was started. No one else had a chance. I suspect you have already chosen the 2005 player of the year.

Better parking needed

I ATTENDED the exhibition basketball game at Southeast on Nov. 13, and it was poorly attended. Therefore, there were plenty of convenient parking places near the arena in the parking lot the taxpayers had constructed. Nevertheless, I was required to park in a remote parking lot and walk some considerable distance to the arena. Does Southeast really think this policy encourages people to attend?

A great role model

IN OPENING, let me say how much Southeast Missouri State basketball player Derek Winans means to our heartland communities on and off the court. We are extending our thoughts and prayers to Derek as he progresses to overcome injury. God will provide. My wife and I have been counselors for many years in the heartland and have never seen so many individuals positively affected by the high moral values and athletic abilities that Derek reflects. Another reason I am writing is that my granddaughter was going through a medical illness, and it dawned on me how important a role model can be, as she held a poster signed by Derek, which included his name and a Bible scripture, Phillipians 4:13 -- "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." She did not let that poster leave her side and the words inspired her to full recovery. Mr. Winans, for that I am forever grateful, and although you have never met me, I will never forget you. You have the ability to be at a Duke or North Carolina, but I am so glad you chose Southeast. Derek is proof that great role models do exist. The NBA should pay attention. They could use several Derek Winans.

Geography lesson

I WAS wondering if the Bootheel of Missouri is considered Southeast Missouri. Again, you build up the northern volleyball teams and mention nothing about the Bootheel. Gideon defeated Bell City and placed second in the state. I feel it is a shame that no Gideon team member was placed on your team.

(Gideon is not included in the Southeast Missourian coverage area.)

Strange scheduling

I WAS just checking over local basketball schedules and one schedule came to mind. It was the Jackson schedule. I looked at their schedule and I wonder what happened to teams like Parkway Central, Columbia Hickman, Lafayette, even Doniphan, picking up a Perryville Shootout. Caruthersville's not bad. I know there are some obligations and contracts, but still, all in all, I think the schedule this year is absolutely weak.

Time for a change already

ENOUGH ALREADY, isn't it time for Southeast men's basketball coach Gary Garner to go? Southeast loses again to a Division II program, season tickets are way down, the talent level is barely equal to a decent junior college team, and no one seems to care. He has let the program go from the NCAA tournament to the bottom of all Division I schools. Get some youth in your program and say adios to old-school Garner. People don't want to spend good money to be put to sleep in the Show Me Center.

Ditto

I'M TIRED of watching Southest coach Gary Garner march out no-talent teams onto the court, play stall ball and end up losing in the last two minutes because he refuses to make adjustments. He needs to go.