SEMO FB Notes: Enduring adversity creates teaching moments
Tony Capobianco ~ Tcapobianco@semoball.com
FCS programs are dropping out of this spring season with some degree of regularity, as this unique year winds down. Illinois State pulled the plug on its season recently, while Chattanooga and Cal Poly both did on Monday. However, there is no such talk lingering through the halls of the Rosengarten Athletic Complex.
“There is always an excuse,” seventh-year Southeast Missouri State coach Tom Matukewicz said. “There is always a reason to shut it down. (But) That is not what we should be teaching people.”
Matukewicz made it clear that he was addressing his program and not passing judgment on any other team, but the football gods have given Matukewicz “an out” if he wanted to pursue it.
Following Sunday’s win over Tennessee Tech, Matukewicz spoke of his surprise and frustration as it related to the amount of injuries that his team has endured this spring.
Matukewicz said his injury list heading into Sunday’s game included an astonishing 25 players.
“We’ve never had this many injuries,” Matukewicz said. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
The Redhawk offense was without starting running back Zion Custis, left tackle Ja’Chai Baker, and wide receiver Aaron Alston.
SEMO utilized 16 freshmen against Tennessee Tech after playing 14 the week earlier at Jacksonville State. But that isn’t enough to alter the thoughts of Matukewicz in regards to this season.
“When (life) is the hardest,” Matukewicz explained, “that is when your character shows up. It has never been about winning and losing here. The goal of our program is to use the sport to make better men. I believe that. Winning is a part of that, don’t get me wrong. But there are great, teachable moments, even when it is not going your way, we’re not going to sit here and have a pity party.”
The Redhawks (2-4, 2-3 Ohio Valley Conference) are tied with Tennessee State and this week’s opponent, UT Martin, for fourth place in the league. A third consecutive berth in the postseason won’t happen this spring, but that hasn’t diminished the attitude being exhibited by the SEMO players and coaches.
“If I said ‘Hey, I don’t want to play,’” Matukewicz said, “I could probably get that done. But what does that teach people?
“We’re going to enjoy these last two weeks together.”
Smith recognized
Fifth-year senior wideout Zack Smith had the most productive game of his career against the Golden Eagles, as he totaled 10 receptions for 173 yards and a pair of scores. For his efforts, he was named as the OVC Offensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.
“He’s played a lot here,” Matukewicz said of Smith, “and he had a career game. “The guy has gone through a lot.”
Smith’s 10 receptions were the most by a Redhawk since 2015 and his 173 yards were the second-most in the league this season.
He currently leads the OVC with 61 receptions and is tied for second with 365 yards receiving.
“For him to have that kind of success is a great teachable moment for the rest of the team,” Matukewicz said. “For guys who are unsatisfied with the results that they are getting, if you go watch the 2019 season that (Smith) had versus this spring season, it is a testament to his character.”
In 2019, Smith’s numbers regressed from 44 to 31 receptions, from 477 yards to 207, and five scores to three.
“Taking (the fall) off from football was hard,” Smith said of the missed 2020 season. “I really worked on my body and getting on that Jugs (passing) machine every day, so I knew that I wasn’t going to drop any balls.”