July 29, 2002

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Nine members of the Southeast Missouri State University football team have earned Ohio Valley Conference preseason honors including six players who were named first team all-OVC.

Wide receiver Willie Ponder, offensive tackle Dan Connolly, defensive lineman James Jenette, linebacker Ricky Farmer and defensive backs Prince Anderson and Demar Winston were named to the preseason all-OVC first team.

Quarterback Jeromy McDowell, offensive guard Eugene Amano and defensive back Dimitri Patterson were honorable mention all-OVC.

Southeast and defending league champion Eastern Illinois had the most players selected with nine each. Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee State and Murray State all had six players selected.

"The number of players from Southeast selected for the preseason team shows that we have definitely improved our talent," said Southeast coach Tim Billings. "Now we just have to win some games and move up in the conference standings."

Eastern Illinois was picked to repeat as OVC champion in the preseason poll of head coaches and sports information directors. Eastern Kentucky was picked second, Tennessee State and Tennessee Tech third, Murray State fifth, Southeast Missouri sixth and Tennessee-Martin seventh.