MEYER POINTS TO PAST SUCCESS AT SOUTHEAST

The old saying suggests that you can't go home again.

While Phil Meyer wouldn't technically be going home, he would be in familiar territory if he is hired as Southeast Missouri State University's new head football coach.

Meyer, quarterback coach at Iowa State and a former Southeast assistant, was the second of four finalists for the vacant Southeast coaching position to be brought to campus for a series of interviews.

During a day-long session Tuesday, Meyer met with, among others, the search committee, the athletic department staff, Southeast athletic director Don Kaverman, Southeast president Ken Dobbins and Southeast boosters.

While speaking during an informal late-afternoon gathering at the University Center that included quite a few players and a couple members of the media, Meyer emphasized just how much coming back to Cape Girardeau would mean to him.

"My first full time job was here. I was making $15,000 and loving it," said Meyer with a grin. "I have fond memories of building this program up. I have a lot of friends here.

"I feel like it's a big positive to be able to go back to a place you've been. My wife is an SIU graduate and she's excited. I've got two young daughters (ages 2 and 3) and this is a great place to raise a family. I have a spot in my heart for this place."

Added Meyer, "I've always wanted to be the coach here. I've been preparing for this for a long time."

The 43-year-old Meyer coached at Southeast for five seasons from 1984-88, during which time he served as offensive coordinator and helped turn a struggling program into a solid NCAA Division II team.

With Meyer on board, Southeast won a pair of co-championships in the old Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association and the Indians featured one of the most potent offenses in school history.

Meyer recruited many of the players who helped turn the Indians around when they were in a similar situation to now, when the program is struggling on the Division I-AA level, having posted consecutive 3-8 records.

"The proof is in the pudding," said Meyer. "We took a team from 1-10 to two championships. We still hold numerous offensive team records and the 1988 team scored the second-most points in school history.

"The system works."

A native of Wisconsin, Meyer has been at Iowa State the past four seasons. He has also been offensive coordinator at both Illinois State and Southern Illinois; a part-time assistant at Illinois when the Illini participated in the Rose and Liberty bowls; and a guest coach with teams in the Canadian Football League.

"I've learned from a lot of good people," said Meyer. "I'm very confident in my abilities. I know what it takes to win. That's what you guys want to do."

Meyer, extremely personable, seemed to relate well to the players on hand as they asked him questions and he even asked them a few, drawing plenty of smiles and laughter along the way.

The first thing Meyer asked the players in attendance was, "You guys want to win, don't you? Are you guys willing to stay here over a part of the summer and make a commitment? Because that's what it takes, a commitment and hard work.

"We have to be in the best shape of our life when we open against Truman State (next September)."

Most of the players nodded their heads in agreement.

Meyer, whose background is primarily in offense and special teams, said he would run an offense that utilizes both the run and pass, and he promised to take some chances with the likes of reverses, halfback passes and other trick-type plays.

"I'm an offensive guy, but I know defense," he said. "I'll run the offense and call the offensive plays. I'll hire a defensive coordinator. I have a staff ready to go into action, some young guys, some older guys, all good teachers."

As had been the case Monday during Oklahoma State assistant coach Richard Wilson's visit, the players listening to and asking questions of Meyer wanted to hear that their new coach whoever that might ultimately be believes the Indians can be successful right away.

"From talking to coaches I've asked about personnel, I hear there is some personnel here," Meyer said. "I plan to win next year. I don't know how many, but there is no reason we can't win."

Meyer said he believes there are two primary factors in turning around a struggling program.

"One is being done here as we speak, with the facilities being improved," he said. "Second is recruiting. It boils down to players. We'll get good, quality athletes."

Finally, one player asked why Meyer feels he is the right man for the job, considering the fact all four candidates appear to be highly qualified.

Meyer didn't hesitate, saying, "It's a slam-dunk answer. I coached here before. I'm a link from the past. I've proven I can recruit and win championships."

Added Meyer, "I have a great job at Iowa State. There are only 12 quarterback coaching jobs in the Big 12. But I want to come here. I think the future is bright."

The third of the four finalists for the Southeast coaching position, Marshall defensive coordinator Tim Billings, will be on campus Thursday, with Jackson State offensive coordinator John Shannon coming to town Dec. 20.

Southeast is searching for a new head football coach after the resignation of John Mumford, who went 40-70 in 10 seasons with the Indians.