SE BEGINS COUNTDOWN

The old met the new Monday as all of Southeast Missouri State University's 1997 football players practiced together for the first time.

After 30 newcomers had workouts Friday and Saturday, the full squad went at it in two sessions Monday, early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

The first three days of full-squad practice will be held with only limited padding, as required by NCAA regulations. Full-pad workouts are scheduled to begin Thursday.

"We don't have pads on or anything. That's when the tempo will really pick up," said Southeast head coach John Mumford. "But things are going well so far. The attitude is good.

"I think we've learned a lot of things. The newcomers started off well with four practices and they've carried it over. There was also a lot of carryover with the veterans from the spring."

Two things definitely stood out about Monday's opening full-squad workouts. One is the increased talent level over last season. Another is the intensity level at which most of the players seemed to be operating.

There is no question that the Indians have upgraded their talent base considerably as they attempt to engineer a big turnaround from last year's disappointing 3-8 season. Seven transfers from NCAA Division I-A programs and some key junior-college recruits have definitely increased the overall athletic ability of the squad.

"The I-A guys look good. They've got a lot of athletic ability," said Mumford. "I think that kind of thing will carry over to the rest of the team as far as everybody else picking up their play."

As for the intensity, Mumford said, "There's a lot of spirit out there. You've got some older guys in the football program, guys like (preseason I-AA All-America defensive lineman) Angel Rubio and others, who have had it tough the last couple of years and want to turn it around.

"Then you have a lot of energy from the new guys. They're fired up and it carries over to everybody."

Added Mumford, "All I see is good right now. There is a lot of excitement around our program right now, but talk is one thing. You have to do it on the field."

The Indians will continue to hold two-a-day practice sessions until school starts on Aug. 25. The season opener is set for Saturday, Aug. 30, when NAIA Lambuth comes to Houck Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

INDIAN NOTES: Former Sikeston High standout Justin Landers, who has been a solid contributor when healthy for Southeast's offensive line, has decided to give up on trying to play his senior season for the Indians.

Landers, who has had two knee surgeries during his college career, did not pass his recent physical because of the knee.

The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Landers started at guard last season until he was sidelined with a knee injury after the eighth game. He was a medical redshirt in 1995 after having knee surgery and started in 1994 when he was not sidelined with knee problems.

"It's too bad for Justin," said Mumford. "He had worked hard to come back from one knee surgery, then he had to have another surgery. It was just too much."