Slogans, mascots aren't all they're cracked up to be

"Experience Southeast. Experience tradition."

I always thought that was a bold statement --no disrespect to the athletes and teams that have emerged through Southeast Missouri State University's athletic program, or to the ones to come.

But look at the facts. Southeast's men's basketball program entered Division I in 1991, just 12 years ago. And their record since? One NCAA Tournament appearance and a 153-158 record against Division I opponents.

The football team has an all-time record of 395-416 and isn't in the upper rung of Division I.

Southeast, with an enrollment similar to Cape Girardeau's public school district, isn't going to fight the NCAA on this issue or any other issue.

And as smaller universities give in to the NCAA's request to change their nicknames, the larger ones will too.

It's not earth-shattering. It's just business. That sounds like a better slogan to me. You can't fault Southeast officials for wanting to change the university's mascot. Besides, it could work out for the best.

The football team is picked to win the OVC conference title this year and for the moment appears to be on the rise. The basketball team made its first trip to the NCAA Tournament three years ago, and they will be back.

A fresh start in the marketing department coupled with winning teams could be just what the medicine man ordered for Southeast Missouri State University.

Here's what your medicine man ordered for your week ahead:

Today

The Cardinals host the Pirates at 12:05 p.m. It's the last home game until next Tuesday. The Cardinals travel to Montreal (not Puerto Rico) Tuesday. I used to have a problem with the Expos playing their games in Puerto Rico because it isn't in the United States. Then I remembered, neither is Montreal.

Tuesday

Time Warner is giving away a "special gift" to fans entering the Memphis Redbirds game on Tuesday. It's probably a set of handcuffs -- you know they're cracking down on cable theft. You've seen the commercials. Who steals cable anyway? The Redbirds host the Tucson Sidewinders at 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday

Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Petty, Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader will be at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo, for racing and autographs. General admission is $20, and all proceeds are donated to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, which was founded by Paul Newman for seriously ill children.

Thursday

The Gateway Grizzlies are giving away Sonic hats for their game against the Richmond Roosters. The ZOOperstars will be at the game for your entertainment (hasn't anyone punched those goofy things yet?). And kids can run the bases after the 7:05 p.m. game.

Saturday

These promotional nights get stranger every week: Pepsi is giving away Celebriducks to the first 1,000 fans that come to see the River City Rascals host the Richmond Roosters at 7:05 p.m. I don't know what you do with a Celebriduck.

Down the road

Auto Tire and Parts Racepark will pay a tribute to NASCAR star Kenny Schrader on Aug. 13 with the Fenton, Mo., racer scheduled to race two cars.

David Wilson is a senior at Central High School and a columnist for the Southeast Missourian. His column appears each Monday.