In an effort to generate more interest in the football program, Southeast Missouri State University is using a slogan this year of `It's not just a game...it's an event.'

Toward that end, the university has instituted a number of new features surrounding Southeast games this season, including several events leading up to the first game and special events planned throughout the season.

In anticipation of the Aug. 30 season opener against Lambuth, there will be a football kickoff rally for Southeast students and fans on Aug. 28 beginning at 7 p.m. The event will be at Houck Stadium, with free hot dogs and soda for the first 500 in attendance.

Then the day of the game on Aug. 30 will mark the first opportunity for Southeast fans to use the new tailgate area that will be at the new parking lot just south of Houck Field House. Fans are encouraged to come early and get ready for that game as well as every home game.

Also on the day of the first game, the Southeast Kid's Club, limited to the first 500 eligible children age 12 and under, will lead the team onto the Houck Stadium field and will be involved in other athletic events throughout the 1997-98 school year.

Many of the past Southeast football teams will also be honored at some of the seven home contests this year, starting with the season opener when members of the Southeast squads from the 1940s and 1950s will be recognized.

Other past Southeast squads will he honored Sept. 13 vs. Illinois State (1970s), Oct. 11 vs. Tennessee Tech (1960s), Nov. 8 vs. Eastern Kentucky (1990s) and Nov. 15 vs. Southern Illinois (1980s).

* The preseason publication `College Football Preview' named defensive linemen Angel Rubio and Troy Baglio, quarterback Heath Graham and wide receiver Dante Bryant to its preseason All-America team. CFP also named kicker Nick Reggio as a National Scholar Athlete.

Rubio was also named to the `Sporting News' preseason All-American team and was ranked as the second best defensive lineman in I-AA football.

* Gabe Jenkins, one of 14 players from Southeast Missouri on the Indians' roster, has made a relatively smooth switch from fullback to linebacker and is currently listed No. 1 on the depth chart at outside linebacker.

Jenkins, a former Cape Central standout, was the second-leading rusher on last year's team with 234 yards. The 6-foot, 230-pounder played both running back and linebacker at Cape Central.

"Gabe has made a lot of progress since we moved him (to linebacker)," said Southeast defensive coordinator Charles Sabbatini.

Terrance Sterling, another former Cape Central standout who started several games at linebacker last year, remains sidelined by a leg injury suffered last season. He has not yet practiced this year and is undergoing tests to determine the cause of his continuing leg problems.

In addition to Jenkins, three other local players are listed No. 1 on the current depth chart: fullback Britt Mirgaux (Scott City), center Chris Kiefer (Perryville) and kicker Eric Warren (Perryville).

Mirgaux was last year's leading rusher with 661 yards while Warren made 11 of 13 field-goal attempts.

Others from Southeast Missouri on the roster are:

Wide receiver Diandrai Webb (Cape Central); linebacker Steve Ledbetter (Charleston); defensive back John Smith (Jackson); offensive lineman Chad King (Fredericktown); quarterbacks Bobby Brune (Cape Central) and Mike Gross (Jackson); wide receivers Marcus Lowe (Cape Central) and Andy Dunaway (Cape Central); and tight end Adam Esterline (Portageville).

Webb, Ledbetter and King all rank No. 2 on the depth chart at their positions while Smith is also pushing for playing time. Brune, Gross, Dunaway and Lowe are all true freshmen.

* Several members of the Southeast team have impressive blood lines.

The Justice brothers, linebacker Chris and defensive end Jason, are cousins of Cleveland Indians' star David Justice and Minnesota Vikings' defensive back Joe Justice. Their father, Jason, played football at Nebraska.

Defensive tackle Damon Hendrick is the son of St. Louis Cardinals' hitting coach George Hendrick.

Wide receiver Dante Bryant is the brother of Seattle Seahawks' defensive end Keif Bryant.