Lion alumni and fans converged together to meet the coaches of Southeastern Athletics at the 11th anniversary of the Coaches Caravan. Athletic Director Jay Artigues as well as coaches from all the different sports programs traveled around Louisiana to discuss the goals for next season. 

Each stop was hosted by a certain chapter of the Alumni Association. Baton Rouge, Mandeville and Amite were a few of the locations on the itinerary. 

“The caravans have been successful so far. We’ve had a nice turnout to all of them,” said Kathy Pittman, president of the Alumni Association. 

Artigues initiated all of the caravans.

“We teach about learning to be excellent in the classroom, in the community and in competition. Our coaches that we have understand that and know what it takes to excel in all three phases,” said Artigues. 

Once Artigues was finished building up the coaches and their teams, it was the coaches’ turn to get the crowd excited about the upcoming year. Newly named men’s basketball Head Coach, Jay Ladner, could not have set expectations for his team any higher next season.

“Our expectation and our goal is to win the National Division I Men’s Basketball Championship,” said Ladner.

Championships would be nothing new to Ladner. The Mississippi native was a member of the 1987 NIT Championship team for Southern Miss. Ladner, previously coached at Jones County Junior College, where he led the team to a NJCAA basketball title. 

Ladner will not be the only coach making a debut at Southeastern. The Lady Lions basketball team is to be led by former WNBA champion Yolanda Moore. As the former coach at LSU Eunice, Moore coached the program to its first Miss-Lou Conference championship. 

“They have a new mindset, and they want you to be proud of them,” said Moore. 

The Lady Lions hope to pack the University Center with crowds next semester.

“We want to make the University Center a really tough place for people to play,” said Moore. 

Baseball Head Coach Matt Riser was also in attendance for the Coaches Caravan. Coming off the first regional appearance in 20 years, the Lions captured the attention of many along with the Southland Conference title. 

“If you wear green and gold, we want you to be proud,” said Riser.

Ranked third in pre-season polls, the Lions football team looks to repeat on its success last season. Head Coach Ron Roberts has set expectations high for his team going into his third year with Southeastern. Roberts has faith the green and gold nation will be out in full force when football season starts back.

“I believe that Strawberry Stadium will be sold out every home game,” said Roberts. “When you win five championships, pride begins to develop.”

For more information on benefits and how to join the Alumni Association, call 985-549-2150. To learn more about Lion athletics, go to lionsports.net.