Southeast's turnaround has been a thrilling ride

It's almost hard to believe after their 0-5 start, but Southeast Missouri State University's football Indians are now just two wins away from their first-ever NCAA Division I-AA playoff berth.

Who would have thunk it?

When the Indians suffered their fifth straight loss to open the season -- being thumped at Samford in their Ohio Valley Conference opener on Sept. 27 -- they appeared to be a team reeling badly.

And when the Indians suffered a surprising home loss to Murray State on Oct. 25 -- it was their second conference defeat -- contending for their first OVC championship seemed like a longshot.

But these Indians have demonstrated the ability to bounce back on numerous occasions this year, and that resiliency has carried them a long way so far.

Saturday's wild 52-35 home victory over Tennessee State -- Southeast's fourth win in its last five games -- pushed the Indians' record to 4-6 and their conference mark to 4-2.

Southeast is tied for second place with Tennessee State and Eastern Kentucky, and all three are one game behind 5-1 Jacksonville State.

Having already beaten Tennessee State and Eastern Kentucky -- and with Jacksonville State visiting Houck Stadium in the regular-season finale on Nov. 22 -- the Indians' destiny is totally in their own hands.

If the Indians win their final two games -- including Saturday's contest at Tennessee Tech -- they can do no worse than tie for the OVC title. And the only teams they could then be tied with would be squads they defeated, meaning Southeast would gain the league's automatic playoff berth.

Southeast coach Tim Billings was quick to emphasize after Saturday's win that the Indians aren't thinking about two more games right now, just their next contest, meaning he doesn't want any of his players overlooking Tennessee Tech.

But I'm sure Southeast fans can't help but be excited by the possibilities.

Who would have thunk it?

The announced attendance Saturday was 5,375, although there appeared to be only about 3,000 fans in the stands at the most.

Which is really puzzling --and a shame -- because the weather, while chilly, was not bad at all for this time of the year and the game held so much importance.

If the Indians can avoid an upset at Tennessee Tech next Saturday, here's hoping Houck will be packed for the Nov. 22 showdown with Jacksonville State that could mark the program's biggest game since moving to Division I-AA.

Southeast's basketball teams had impressive exhibition performances Thursday that should offer fans plenty of optimism for the season.

Supporters of Southeast's women probably don't need much hope because the Otahkians, coming off their best-ever OVC finish, should be loaded. They did nothing to dispute that during a 84-66 rout of NAIA power Union (Tenn.).

The Otahkians have an exciting group of newcomers to go with a strong returning cast. How B.J. Smith is going to find court time for all his talented players is a mystery -- but it's a good problem to have.

On the other hand, Southeast's men have been down for two years, but an infusion of talent coupled with all five starters returning figures to have the Indians on the upswing. And two of arguably their top six or seven players --Reggie Golson and Norman Prather -- didn't even suit up during Thursday's 93-66 romp past Division II Truman State because of ankle injuries.

Once the Indians get everybody healthy, Gary Garner's squad could be a team to watch.

I realize that Southeast is going through some tough financial times, but -- and not that it would ever happen -- some people suggesting that the school drop sports is ludicrous.

Many students would not attend a school if it did not have intercollegiate athletics. Sports provide valuable entertainment and social aspects for the overall college experience.

And that's not to mention how valuable athletics are to the young people who compete. It gives them not only the chance to attend college -- which many might not otherwise have -- but also provides numerous lessons that will prove valuable during the rest of their lives.

Drop athletics? Crazy.

Kevin Phillips, a familiar area radio voice who has been broadcasting various local events for more than 25 years, is the new play-by-play announcer for Southeast women's basketball on KAPE-1550.

An attorney by trade, Phillips does about as good a job as any full-time broadcaster -- and his enthusiasm is unparalleled.

I think Otahkian fans will enjoy hearing Phillips -- and I'm not just saying that because he's been one of my best friends ever since I moved to Cape Girardeau nearly 20 years ago.

Central High School's football team sure knows how to turn it on at just the right time.

The Tigers, who struggled some midway through the season, won their fourth straight district title by crushing Poplar Bluff 49-28 Thursday night.

That Central beat Bluff was not surprising because I think most people had the game rated about even. But to totally dominate the Mules was quite impressive.

Good luck to Central and other area teams as they prepare for the playoffs.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.