On Feb 2, Head Coach Mike Lucas and the football program held a recruitment bash to display the new football recruitments for the upcoming fall season.  Alumni, staff and volunteers of the football program were invited to see and preview the newest players for the Lions.

The evening began with Coach Lucas thanking the people in attendance and thanking all of those who have coached, volunteered and cheered on the Lions this past season.  Lucas also explained his issues with the past season and what he plans to do to accomplish his ultimate goal, which is winning the Southland Conference and defeating all of the in-state rivals this upcoming season.  He was very enthusiastic and certain that he and his team will be able to reach these goals with different practice strategies and improved attitudes.

Southeastern President John Crain then spoke. Crain thanked Coach Lucas for all his hard work and dedication.  He also made a point to address academics.

“Our students athletes are students before athletes,” said Crain.  

After the President concluded his address, Coach Lucas returned and began to excite the audience about the recruits and film they were about to see.

“We’re very pleased with our 2011 signing class,” said Lucas.  As the film rolled, all 28 recruits were introduced and highlighted to the audience in attendance.

There were 13 players recruited from Louisiana, two of them from the local Ponchatoula High School.  Lucas was especially proud of both Ponchatoula players, Johnathan Kinchen, a 280 pound defensive lineman and Kaleb Muse, a 250 pound linebacker.

“We like to recruit those local boys,” said Lucas

Many out of state players were also included in the recruits. Nick Lawhorn, Paul Kopesky and Denzel Thompson are only three of the 15 out of state recruits.  Lawhorn is 270 pound and an offensive linebacker from Foley, AL. Kopesky is a defensive back weighing 200 pounds, from Spring, TX. Thompson is from Clearwater, FL. He also serves as a defensive back, weighing 180 pounds.  

The attendees of the Recruitment Bash were excited to see all of these new faces and ready for the upcoming season.

“If you didn’t like recruitment, you wouldn’t be a college football coach,” says Lucas.

“It’s nice to get to meet the kids and to get to know their family on that level,” said Assistant Coach Allen Rudolph who shared Lucas’ enthusiasm.

To get any further information on the football program, contact the Office of Athletics at 985-549-2253.