HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana opens the 2012 season Friday at 1 p.m. against Indiana State and the Lions return a veteran catching corps to work with a deep pitching staff.

After splitting time behind the plate with Lions record-setter Josh Cryer early last season, Jacob Fisher settled into his role as the primary catcher, starting 41 of Southeastern's 57 games. Fisher will again be behind the plate for the bulk of Southeastern's games.

“Fisher is big and physical,” head coach Jay Artigues said. “He should be able to hold up for the long haul.”

Last season, the senior from Zachary, La. Hit .207 and threw out over 37 percent of would be base stealers.

“Jacob did a great job last year,” Artigues said. “He provided a lot of leadership behind the plate. And Torin Lucas brings us a lot of valuable experience.”

Lucas, also a senior, owns a career .246 average in three seasons – the most successful three-year span in school history.

The seniors have competition for playing time from a pair of talented freshmen, Sam Roberson and Tyler Stoddard.

“Sam is the number two behind the plate, but how much he plays depends on how well he does,” Artigues said. “Bottom line, defense is number one for me at that position. Offense is secondary for our catchers.”

Stoddard spent the fall making his presence known on the gridiron, tying for the Southeastern team lead in tackles.

“Tyler is a big, strong, physical kid and he competes very hard,” Artigues said. “He's a little behind because he missed all fall, but we know how athletic he is.”

SOUTHEASTERN CATCHERS
Num. Name Pos. B/T Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown High School Previous School
19 Torin Lucas C R/R 6-2 195 Sr. Ponchatoula, La. Ponchatoula HS 
23 Jacob Fisher C R/R 6-3 210 Sr. Zachary, La. Zachary HS LSU-Eunice
30 Sam Roberson C R/R 5-10 190 Fr. Dallas, Tex. Plano West Senior HS 
39 Tyler Stoddard C R/R 6-2 200 Fr. Westlake, La. Westlake HS


Lions to pass out schedules

Before Friday's season opener against Indiana State, Southeastern players will canvas Hammond, passing out 2012 schedules.

“We'll go split the team up,” Artigues said. “Some of the players will go downtown, others will go over by the mall and we'll go up University Avenue. We want them to go into businesses, pass out some schedules, shake hands and meet some people.”

Players will be out around town Tuesday during the lunch hour.