SEMO'S COLLIER, SIBODA TAKEN IN BASEBALL DRAFT

LaMonte Collier expected to be drafted while Dave Siboda never thought it would happen.

But the bottom line is that both Southeast Missouri State University baseball players were selected Wednesday as the 1997 amateur baseball draft continued.

Collier, a second baseman who put together a record-setting senior season for the Indians this spring, went in the 34th round to Philadelphia.

Siboda, a righthanded pitcher who struggled during his senior season this spring, went in the 48th round to Toronto.

Both expect to sign contracts in the next few days and head for various rookie league destinations.

"It's great for our program to have two guys drafted and it's a thrill for me as their coach," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan. "With LaMonte, we felt all year like he would be drafted. With Dave, he's got a real good arm and it just goes to show you that sometimes the numbers you produce don't mean as much as what the scouts are looking for."

Collier led the Ohio Valley Conference with a .426 batting average this year. He set a Southeast single-season record for doubles (20) and also led the Indians in home runs (8) and runs batted in (43).

"I'm excited and relieved," said Collier. "I just wanted to know where I'd be going. The anticipation was killing me."

Collier thought either the White Sox or Twins would draft him, but not the Phillies.

"I talked to them maybe one time all year. I was really shocked. I thought either the White Sox or Twins, because they had been in the most contact with me," he said. "But I don't care. I'm just ready to go."

Said Hogan, "It's a situation where LaMonte had an outstanding senior year and certainly deserves the opportunity. He has a lot of ability and he certainly has a chance to make a mark in professional baseball.

"He has an outstanding arm, he can run, he can hit and he can hit for a little power."

Siboda was 4-7 with a 6.43 earned-run average this year as he was bothered by a sore arm much of the season.

"I'm excited as can be," said Siboda. "I didn't think I'd be drafted because I didn't have a good season and I didn't personally end it on a good note.

"But it's been a lifelong dream of mine to be drafted. Now I got my foot in the door and hopefully I can take advantage of it."

The last Southeast player to be drafted was Kerry Robinson, who was taken by St. Louis in the 34th round in 1995 and is currently playing for the Cardinals' Double A team in Little Rock, Ark.

Another Southeast product, Steve Bieser, who last played for the Indians in 1989, is currently playing with the New York Mets.