Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Football Picked to Finish Seventh
07/26/2001 | 12:00:00 | Football
July 26, 2001
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - - League newcomer Western Kentucky was picked to win the Gateway Football Conference title in 2001, the league announced Thursday at its annual media day.
The Hilltoppers won the Ohio Valley title in 2000 and are ranked as high as No. 3 in national preseason polls this summer. Southern Illinois, coming off a 3-8 campaign, was picked to finish seventh.
Three SIUC players were named to the preseason all-conference team. They were RB Tom Koutsos (5-11, 210 Jr.), WR Mark Shasteen (5-11, 200, Sr.) and DL Bryan Archibald (6-3, 270, Sr.).
Salukis' Head Coach Jerry Kill spoke about the commitment his team has demonstrated during offseason workouts, noting that 60 players have stayed in Carbondale to participate in summer workouts.
"We're still assessing our football program," he said. "But they've adapted to our style and have come a long way in the last four or five months. We still have a long way to go, but they have a much more positive attitude and are starting to believe in themselves."
Archibald, who also attended media day, agreed that the attitude has changed among team members.
"There's much more discipline, and we've become a close-knit family," he said. "We're working out hard and coming together."
Southern Illinois led the conference in defense last year, and LB Bart Scott (6-2, 220, Sr.) said he expects the defense to be a team strength again this year.
"Our defense puts players in the best position to make plays," he said. "We're a fast defense and we're put into situations to use our speed and get to the ball."
2001 Gateway Preseason Poll (First place votes in parantheses) Western Kentucky (14), Youngstown State (12), Western Illinois (1), Illinois State (1), Northern Iowa, Southwest Missouri State (1), Southern Illinois, Indiana State
