Southeast on course for sellout in finale

~ More than 6,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's games against Austin Peay

Frank Cuervo had high hopes when Southeast Missouri State announced its "Show Me Sellout," which was his idea less than three weeks ago.

But never did Cuervo, Southeast's first-year associate athletic director for external affairs, expect the promotion aimed at packing the Show Me Center for Saturday night's final regular-season basketball games to go over so well.

According to Cuervo, more than 6,000 tickets already have been sold for the contests against Austin Peay. The women's game will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7:45 p.m.

"We're really excited," said Cuervo, who began his new position Jan. 4 and includes marketing as one of his areas of emphasis. "I had a good feeling when we started this a few weeks ago, but I had no idea how good the response would be.

"It's been remarkable. Folks have been remarkable about getting behind this."

The Show Me Center, which is listed as seating 7,000 for basketball, last had a sellout for a Southeast game with an announced crowd of 7,241 against Murray State during the 1999-2000 season. That was the year the men's team made its only NCAA Division I tournament appearance.

Cuervo said he is hopeful of a sellout Saturday.

"Now we have to make sure people who have tickets use them," he said.

Specially priced group tickets can be purchased for $5 each, with a minimum purchase of 20 tickets. Fans also can sponsor tickets for local youth groups.

Those wishing to sponsor a group can donate the purchased tickets to the department of athletics and they will be distributed on their behalf.

"We've had dozens upon dozens of individuals and businesses step forward," Cuervo said. "They've purchased $100, $200, $300 worth of tickets at a shot."

Cuervo said quite a few businesses have purchased tickets for area youngsters.

"A lot of kids who might not have otherwise had an opportunity to come to a game will be able to," Cuervo said. "And I want to emphasize that there are still tickets available, including some lower level seats."

Cuervo said Southeast students are encouraged to pack the 850-seat "Redhawks Nest" student section. All Southeast basketball tickets are free for Southeast students with a valid ID.

In addition to Saturday's games being senior night for both teams, a variety of special events are planned.

From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the upper level east concourse, there will be face painting for children, photos with Rowdy the Redhawk and autographs with Southeast teams, with more activities to be announced.

"We expect a great night," said Cuervo, who added that all Southeast fans are encouraged to wear red.

Both Southeast teams, while mired toward the bottom of the Ohio Valley Conference, still are alive to make the OVC tournament. Home wins Thursday against Tennessee State and Saturday against Austin Peay, combined with some help, could extend the seasons for both squads.

Southeast men's coach Dickey Nutt and women's coach John Ishee both are excited about Saturday.

"It's a great thing, what Frank and his staff are doing. We appreciate the effort so much," Nutt said. "Crowds help win games. It's a proven fact that home-court advantage is very significant in basketball. We want our supporters to be the ultimate sixth man.

"And we're gearing up for a big recruiting weekend. We'll have several recruits at the game and a sellout with them on hand would be a great selling point for our program."

Said Ishee: "Fans have always been really supportive of our programs. We want to finish the season strong, and having a huge crowd would be a big help for us."