INDIANS FIRED UP AT 1ST PRACTICE: MUMFORD HOPES TEAM ISN'T BLOWING SMOKE

If there is one constant regarding the first day of official football practice, it's that enthusiasm will be at a high level.

So it was for Southeast Missouri State University's Indians Wednesday as they held their first full-squad workouts of 1999. The Tribe practiced twice, in the early morning and late afternoon.

Light contact two-a-days with limited padding will continue through Friday. Saturday will mark the first day of full-equipment, full-contact workouts.

"I thought the first day was excellent. We didn't look like a 15-win team over the last four years," said Southeast head coach John Mumford in reference to the total of victories the Indians have compiled in the last four seasons.

"The guys have a lot of enthusiasm and their attitude is great."

Then Mumford added with a grin, "But it's always like that the first day. We'll see in a few days."

The Indians, who went 3-8 last season, will be counting on a fairly large number of returning veterans plus quite a few newcomers. Mumford has been pleased on both fronts so far.

"Our retention was very good with the veterans and we've got a good looking group of newcomers," he said.

A couple of Southeast's seniors said they were glad to get back on the practice field and begin setting their sights on what they hope will be a surprise season.

"It's real exciting to be back out here," said senior tailback Riki Smith. "The summer took too long to get here.

"I think all the seniors have extra motivation to do well this year. People don't realize it until they become a senior but the time goes fast. We want to work extra hard."

Smith echoed Mumford's comments about the first day of full-squad workouts.

"I thought we got off to a real good start today," he said. "Everybody worked hard."

Said placekicker Nick Reggio, "We're excited to get it started. We've got extra motivation this year. We're trying to turn the tide and leave the school with a sense of winning."

Reggio said he can feel more of a sense of togetherness with this year's team.

"I think we're a lot closer this year than in the past," he said. "There's a lot more togetherness and not as many cliques."

Mumford is hoping that Reggio is right on the money.

"Our main objective during two-a-days is to come together under one heartbeat," said the coach. "We want to learn to respect each other and to play hard for each other. If we do that, then we'll be fine."

With very limited contact until Saturday, Mumford said the first three days of practice will emphasize conditioning and the installation of the Indians' basic offense and defense.

Then Saturday, the real hitting will begin.

"That's when you really start to learn about kids," said a smiling Mumford in anticipation.

* There is still no word as to whether Southern Illinois star tailback Karlton Carpenter will be allowed to suit up when the Salukis come to Cape Girardeau Sept. 2 to play the Indians in the season opener for both teams.

Carpenter, who rushed for nearly 1,900 yards last year, has gotten into some legal trouble in the past several months and he is scheduled to make a court appearance on a felony burglary charge just a few days after SIU and Southeast play.

SIU, like Southeast not highly regarded entering the season, is pinning much of its hopes on its senior runner.