Southeast women's basketball team gets early jump on practice

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team has taken advantage of a new NCAA rule to get an early jump on things.

Southeast held its first official practice Monday under the new rule that allows Division I women's squads to begin practice 40 days before their first game. They still are allowed only 30 practices, the same as under the old system.

The new rule is only for Division I women's teams. Division I men's squads are allowed to start practice Oct. 15, which is when Southeast will get going.

"I have no idea why they put the rule in, but I like it," said Southeast coach John Ishee, whose team opens the season Nov. 12 against Jackson State at a tournament in Oxford, Miss.

Ishee is fond of the new rule for several reasons, including that he believes it benefits a Southeast squad featuring nine sophomores, a freshman and three juniors. There are no seniors.

"One, it gives you flexibility. You've got 40 days to get the 30 practices in," Ishee said. "Two, with a young team, it gives you a little more teaching time, a little more time to work on fundamentals. You have more time to absorb things.

"Three, if you have some injuries, it gives you more recovery time."

Not all women's teams across the country have elected to start practice early, but Ishee is glad he had the option.

"I like it a lot and hopefully it will pay off," Ishee said.

Deal with Nike

Southeast announced Wednesday that the Redhawks have entered into a five-year agreement with Nike to be the official uniform, apparel and footwear provider for Southeast's 15 sports programs.

Included in the deal are new home and away football uniforms that the Redhawks already have been using.

Nike will provide uniforms, practice and training gear, headwear and footwear for all Southeast sports. The agreement will provide mid-six figure savings for the athletic department over the next five years, according to the university.