Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Football Prepares for Western Illinois
03/19/2001 | 12:00:00 | Football
October 02, 2000
The stage appears to be set for SIU's football team to put an end to its almost unbelieveable 16-game losing string to Western Illinois' Leathernecks. The Salukis' last win over WIU was in 1983 and the two teams have met every season since. Seldom, however, have the Salukis had a Homecoming crowd in support and at a time when they were unbeaten in Gateway Conference play.
The SIU (1-3) vs. WIU (4-1) matchup figures to be a key game in the Salukis' 2000 season. Already possessing a victory over a favored Northern Iowa club (34-14) in their last outing in McAndrew, the Salukis are in a two-season mind-set . . . the Gateway season and the overall season.
Head coach Jan Quarless appeared somewhat confident in his weekly press conference Tuesday, although respectful of WIU's overall strengths and certainly Charles Tharp's running skills.
"The losing streak to WIU actually doesn't mean much to me," Quarless said. The fourth-year SIU head coach has only been part of the most recent three and said, "It really makes sense when you take into consideration all that's happened (over that period of time)."
"We still are in control of our journey in the Gateway," Quarless said. "Obviously we still have to perform and play well, but we're confident of our chances (in the Gateway)," Quarless said.
Nevertheless, Quarless is concerned about several phases of his club's game. Long known for putting top-ranking punters on the field, SIU's kicking game this season is one area Quarless is watching closely. Place-kicking specialist Scott Everhart has been forced into filling in for last year's ace, Jonah Fore, who unexpectedly decided to give the sport up this past summer despite having two more years of eligibility. And, Everhart, although a standout kicker, has struggled somewhat handling the club's punting assignments. He presently is averaging just 34.4 yards per punt and may be replaced at any time by walkon Dan Seman who has a 35.6 average on just five tries.
"We don't believe the punting responsibilities have hurt his kicking skills," Quarless said, "but he's ineffective and inconsistent as a punter and we're looking at both of them this week in practice."
The Salukis had one of their toughest scrimmages of the year last Friday as they took advantage of an off week following their loss at Kansas Sept. 23. "I think our attitude is pretty good and I think we'll be ready to play," Quarless said. He appeared to be far more concerned about Tharp's fine running skills than the mental stance of his club. "Tharp plays with a good deal of confidence and you have to give him a lot of respect and credit. He's good going against the grain and is a fine cutback runner."
