Redhawks gain recognition, receive votes in Div. I-AA poll

Southeast Missouri State is off to a 3-1 start for the first time as a Division I-AA program -- and at least a few people around the country have taken notice.

The Redhawks received five votes in The Sports Network Division I-AA national poll that was released earlier this week.

Tony Samuel, in his first season as Southeast's coach, said he didn't know about it until informed Tuesday by a reporter. He didn't seem overly excited.

"Well, I guess it's good. It's better than not getting votes," Samuel said. "But it doesn't really have anything to do with us getting ready for Eastern Illinois. I'd rather beat Eastern Illinois and give up the votes."

Southeast, which is 1-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference, plays at defending OVC champion Eastern Illinois (2-3, 1-0) Saturday afternoon.

Eastern Illinois, which has won 10 consecutive conference games, is the OVC's highest-ranked team at No. 20.

Tennessee-Martin is the only other OVC squad in the national poll. The Skyhawks broke into the rankings for the first time as a Division I-AA program this week, at No. 22.

The other OVC team receiving votes was Jacksonville State with 60. Among the 22 squads receiving votes, Southeast tied with three others at the bottom with five.

--Marty Mishow