Indians go public, meet fans

Southeast Missouri State University football players and coaches are set to hit the field Monday for the start of fall practices, but for six hours Saturday over 20 players and several coaches signed autographs and chatted with fans at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park.

Following their first winning season since 1994, and their winningest season since 1969, the Indians have experienced a newfound excitement throughout the community. Saturday's autograph signing, in which Southeast players signed free posters provided by the sports marketing department, gave area fans a chance to meet some of the Indians' top players."

It brings the community together," Southeast fan Mark Elfrink said. "It's a real good atmosphere here, getting to meet the players. Some day you never know, they could be in the NFL."

Roger Stroup, a new professor at Southeast who's originally from Sikeston, used Saturday's autograph signing as a chance to acclimate himself to some of his potential students.

"I understand this might be the best team they've ever had," he said. "I'm lucky to come in now."

All of the Southeast players who attended the autograph session, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., volunteered for the duty.

Southeast head football coach Tim Billings said he was proud his players were so willing to give up their free time on their last weekend before practice.

"It just shows their commitment to the fans, to the town, to the community," he said.

Saturday's event was just one of many outreach programs Southeast's football team has participated in over the last year. Southeast players went to Jackson in the spring to help clean up after a tornado went through the city, and participate regularly in the Special Olympics program held at Central Junior High.

"They're part of the community and they want to give back," Billings said.

Southeast fans will get their first look at the team in action Sept. 6 when the Indians face SIU-Carbondale in a nationally televised game at Houck Stadium.

"I think they have a good chance of going to the playoffs," Elfrink said. "Especially since they have a real good quarterback in Tomco."

Billings said with an exciting product on the field, he hopes Southeast fans will come out in droves this season.

"I know I've seen more excitement from the fans than any year before," he said.

Southeast soccer players, coming off a second consecutive regular season Ohio Valley Conference championship, also signed autographs Saturday. Otahkian soccer fans can get a sneak peak of the team Aug. 17 when Southeast takes on the Busch-Hopfinger select soccer team in a home exhibition game at Houck Stadium. The regular season home opener is Sept. 12 against IUPUI.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171