SEMO football veteran Lunden Manuel 'grateful' for everything

At some point late Friday evening, when the Southeast Missouri State football spring game has ended, perhaps Redhawk senior defensive lineman Lunden Manuel will take a breath and be able to chill for maybe a moment.

Maybe, but doubtful.

The senior has been on a whirlwind schedule this year, as he has balanced football, academics, and an internship at Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine in Cape Girardeau AND Paducah.

“I’m grateful that I can do it,” Manuel said.

If you want to grasp why Manuel was one of seven Redhawks to be named on Thursday as a captain for the 2023 season, it isn’t the 47 tackles over 30 games that he has amassed in his career.

The reason Manuel is looked upon as a leader of the SEMO football program is the same reason that Broussard’s owner, Jason Coalter, brought Manuel into his business: This guy is special.

Gratitude from the outset

Who doesn’t moan when the alarm goes off in the morning to kick-start a busy day?

Lunden Manuel doesn’t.

“The way that I look at my life,” Manuel explained, “is I get up, and I’m thankful for that. I’ve got another 24 hours to do it. A lot of people didn’t get up (in the morning). A lot of people don’t even get this chance.”

Manuel spent this semester working two and three days each week (four during spring break) at the two Broussard’s businesses, which caused long days and short nights.

“I can’t sit here,” Manuel said, “and the first thing when I get out of bed is to complain about everything that I have to do. I’m grateful. I’m glad that I have a busy schedule and that I am able to do it.”

A team mentality

Manuel explained that Coalter has spent an inordinate amount of time meeting with 10th-year SEMO coach Tom Matukewicz because he wants to understand how ‘Coach Tuke’ turned a moribund football program into a championship-winning one because those lessons are applicable to the business world.

“What (Coalter) believes in,” Manuel said, “is the same thing that Coach Tuke believes in (with SEMO football). He believes in developing the person. How do you get the team better? You make the people better.”

So, bringing in a guy, who has spent thousands of hours listening to, and being taught by Matukewicz, made perfect sense for Coalter and his business.

“How do you get a 3-8 football team to win a conference championship,” Manuel continued. “How do you get a non-profitable restaurant location to be your best location?”

A young teacher

Manuel has worked in the restaurant industry “since I was about 15,” he said. “You could pretty much put me in any restaurant, and I could figure things out.”

Not only does Manuel bring restaurant acumen to the table (no pun intended), but he is also bringing the Redhawk “culture” to those at the business.

“I’m trying to develop people,” Manuel said. “I’m trying to instill a culture that Coach Tuke instilled in me, into the restaurant business, because it applies to everyday life.

“It is hard, because you are dealing with people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, and some of them have never heard of having a culture. Jason believes that you aren’t just coming to Broussard’s to work, we want to be a part of your life. We want you to be excited to come to work, just like we are excited to come to practice.”

No transfer portal necessary

When the SEMO football coaches want a recruit to fall in love with Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri State, they often have the young man spend time with Manuel, and for good reason.

“I’m from Memphis,” Manuel said, “but Coach Tuke has really advocated me staying in Cape and helping in the community. I’m forever grateful for this city. I’m forever grateful for Coach Tuke and this program. I’m forever grateful for this university.

“I feel, in a way, that I owe this city.”

Manuel said appreciation is a two-way street, as he has people talk to him when he is out on the town wearing SEMO football gear.

“Even though I wasn’t born here or raised here,” Manuel said, “this city has given me five years of love and support.

“I owe this town and this community, to give back.”

SEMO fans can catch a glimpse of the 2023 Redhawks today at Scott City High School in the program’s annual spring game.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m., CT with tailgating and other activities beginning at 5 p.m.

The intrasquad game-simulated contest will wrap up the team's series of 15 practices.

The night will feature Team SEMO (black jerseys) against Team Redhawk (red jerseys), with honorary coaches being Scott City and SEMO alumni, Brent Anderson (Team Redhawk) and Greg Klund (Team SEMO).

The event is open to the public and donations are encouraged. The proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club.

Sponsors include Scott City Chamber of Commerce, The Front Porch, JAC3 Contracting, QNS, and SoutheastHEALTH.