Indians new arrivals hit field for first time

Southeast Missouri State University football coaches got to take a look at the Indians' rookies on the practice field for the first time Saturday -- and they generally liked what they saw.

After welcoming about 40 newcomers to camp on Friday, those first-year Indians -- which includes freshmen, junior-college transfers and four-year transfers -- hit the Houck Stadium turf late Saturday afternoon for their first workout.

Although the players practiced without full padding, assistant head coach Kip Shaw was impressed by the overall athleticism of the group. Head coach Tim Billings was in Texas attending to some personal business prior to Monday's arrival of the Indians' veteran players.

"Overall it's a real athletic group and they look good," Shaw said, then added with a smile, "Of course, everybody looks good in shorts. But we're excited about this bunch."

The Indians' newcomers worked out in sauna-like temperatures, which Shaw said is always a concern. Heat is something all football coaches try their best to get a handle on during the early days of preseason practice.

"It's scary out there," Shaw said. "We just make sure they're getting plenty of water and we're giving them more breaks than usual."

The Indians return 17 starters from last season so there aren't all that many first-team spots open, but several of the newcomers -- particularly the juco and four-year transfers -- figure to either see plenty of playing time or start. And some freshmen could also fill key backup roles, although the majority will likely redshirt.

"A lot of these kids will play," Shaw said. "But the one good thing about this year, like coach Billings said, we don't need a lot of these freshmen to play right away. The last couple of years, they had to play right away."

Some of the key newcomers will include defensive lineman Ronald Byias (6-feet-2, 300 pounds) from Laney JC in California; linebacker Justin Komondoreas (6-1, 220) from Middle Georgia JC; offensive lineman Eric Krauss (6-4, 280) from Marshall University; center Amos Misilao (6-4, 315) from Palomar JC in California; running back Joe Morrison (5-11, 190) from Diablo Valley JC in California; and running back Keiki Misipeka (5-11, 215) from the University of Hawaii.

After taking today off, the newcomers will have two practices Monday and one Tuesday, then approximately 50 veterans will report to camp Monday. The Indians' first full-squad workout is scheduled for Wednesday.

Southeast opens the 2002 season Aug. 29 at home against Division II Arkansas-Monticello.