Sept. 9, 2005

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - (Friday, September 9, 2005)  The Southeast Missouri State baseball team conducted a clothing drive on campus to help benefit about 175 hurricane victims that have recently been moved to Kennett, Missouri, approximately 100 miles south of Cape Girardeau.  Dustin Pritchett, a Southeast baseball player, is from Kennett and volunteered in his hometown to set up accommodations for the newly relocated residents.

"After talking with the coaches and team, we decided that we would conduct this drive to help out in the transition for these people.  They needed help and maybe this will benefit them in some way."  Pritchett said.

Players and coaches donated their own clothing as well as collecting about 20 large bags from other people on campus.  Head coach Mark Hogan praised the effort of his club.

"These players felt a need to do something and they organized this entire drive.  Hopefully this donation will make it easier for the relief victims in their transition to Kennet."

The Southeast baseball team would like to thank all of the people who donated clothing and would also like to challenge other baseball programs across the country to do the same in the wake of this tragedy.