Team stands by Eads, optimistic about change

While firm in their support of assistant coach Alan Eads, several Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball players say they're excited about the change in the program.

Most of the returning Otahkian team members were at the University Center on Monday when B.J. Smith was introduced. He replaces Ed Arnzen, who retired.

Eads, Arnzen's top assistant the past eight seasons, was one of three finalists for the job.

"We all had coach Eads in mind, but this is something new and we'll make the best of the situation," sophomore center Tisa Thomas said. Smith "seemed pretty cool when we first met with him."

Junior forward Lori Chase, the Otahkians' leading scorer the past two seasons, appeared the most visibly upset that Eads was not chosen.

Fighting back tears, Chase first declined comment, then said, "I don't really know anything about him yet. They all were qualified."

Southeast athletic director Don Kaverman, who headed the search committee, said he understood the players' support of Eads.

"Coach Eads has done a wonderful job for us. It's understandable he'd have a lot of support," Kaverman said. "But I thought we needed a totally new direction, a fresh face on the program."

With Smith's hiring, Southeast's three assistant coaches under Arnzen are in career limbo. Lisa Pace, who has been with the program for two years, and Tameka Randle, who recently completed her first season, attended Monday's introduction of Smith. Eads did not.

Smith said he plans to interview some if not all of the current assistants.

"I'm going to see what their interest is," he said. "I'm very much interested in them. It would be nice to have some continuity."

At Northeastern Oklahoma A&M junior college, where he has been the past three seasons, Smith had two assistants. He said one has been elevated to head coach while there is a possibility he will bring the other to Southeast.

Eads, who expressed disappointment at not getting the job, said he did not know what his future plans might be, but he said he would consider remaining on board as an assistant under Smith.

"Maybe," he said. "I would be open to the idea of talking to him."

Pace and Randle said they would like to remain at Southeast.

mmishow@semissourian.com

(573) 335-6611, extension 132