SE TEAM MANAGER MOTT AMONG DEPARTING SENIORS

The most unheralded -- and definitely unknown -- member of Southeast Missouri State University's men's basketball program has also been one of its most important.

So says Southeast coach Gary Garner, who sings the praises of team manager Jason Mott. The native of Chaffee, Mo., has been with Garner since he took over the Indians' program four years ago.

Mott, a senior who is wrapping up his work with the Indians this year, will be honored along with Southeast's five senior players tonight during the final home game of the season, against Morehead State.

"You couldn't run a basketball program without a manager and Jason has been a really good one," said Garner. "What they do behind the scenes...taking care of equipment, washing uniforms, helping out at practice. I could go on and on.

"Managers are here as much as, or more than, the players. They're here an hour after every game. When we get back from a long road trip like Morehead State at about 3 or 4 in the morning, they're here for another hour washing uniforms."

For Mott, a 1996 Chaffee High School graduate, the long hours put in away from the spotlight have been more than worth it.

"It's a lot of work, but I've really had a good time," he said. "It's fun to be a part of the team, going to some neat places, getting to know all the players and coaches really well."

Mott, who participated in basketball, football and track at Chaffee High School, said he became a team manager partly because he wanted to stay involved in sports and partly because he had his eye on a possible coaching career.

A sports management major, Mott has also been a volunteer coach at his alma mater since he graduated, helping out in football and track. He's not sure if he'll choose coaching as a career, but he hasn't ruled it out.

"It's an option. Being under the coaches here, I've really learned a lot," said Mott. "I'm thinking about going into some kind of sports marketing, but I might end up being a coach."

While Mott said he has enjoyed most of the nearly four years he's put in with the Indians, one particular highlight ranks above the rest.

"Getting to the NCAA Tournament last year, definitely," he said with a smile. "There have been a lot of highlights, but that's No. 1."