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The Doghouse welcomes a transformative new leader to Bulldog Nation - Athletic Director Matt Johnson, a 1992 Sikeston graduate who returns home after gaining valuable experience at schools across Missouri. After beginning his career teaching engineering and coaching multiple sports at Sikeston, Johnson's path took him to leadership roles with the Missouri Department of Education, Lebanon School District, and most recently as AD at Owensville.

Johnson shares his vision for modernizing Sikeston athletics while honoring cherished traditions. He's already implementing digital ticketing systems and streamlining operations, but his most passionate focus is building sustainable winning cultures across all programs. "There's a difference between winning now and winning culture," he explains, emphasizing the importance of creating proper structures, clear expectations, and strong community connections.

Exciting new initiatives are on the horizon, including "Bulldog Madness" - a comprehensive showcase event featuring basketball scrimmages, cheer, dance, and possibly wrestling demonstrations, all designed to create electric atmospheres for multiple programs. Johnson also plans to increase visibility for girls' sports by pairing varsity boys' and girls' basketball games on select Friday nights.

What makes Johnson's perspective especially valuable is his recognition of what makes Sykeston special. "Sikeston is special when it comes to community support," he notes, comparing his experiences at other schools. He specifically highlights unique Bulldog traditions like the Red Peppers and Bleacher Bums that create an unmatched game atmosphere.

With football's dominant 70-6 victory over Crystal City setting an energetic tone for the fall season, Johnson's leadership promises to elevate all aspects of Bulldog athletics while maintaining the community-centered approach that defines Sikeston. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to Bulldog Nation, follow along as this exciting new chapter unfolds!

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What does it take to build championship-caliber basketball programs at the Division I level? SEMO head basketball coaches Brad Korn and Briley Palmer pull back the curtain in this captivating conversation about their journeys, philosophies, and the state of college basketball today.

Coach Palmer's path from Farmington High School to Mineral Area College to the SEMO sideline reveals a coach deeply connected to Southeast Missouri basketball. Taking over the women's program with just two players on the roster in May 2022, she shares the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding a program from the ground up. Her authenticity and determination shine through as she discusses balancing family life with the demands of Division I coaching.

Meanwhile, Coach Korn, fresh off leading the men's team to their first-ever outright OVC championship, offers wisdom gained from two decades in college basketball at SIU, Kansas State, and Missouri State. With nine returning players from last year's championship squad, he provides insight into creating a culture where athletes choose program stability over transfer portal opportunities.

Both coaches tackle the realities of modern college athletics – from NIL compensation to the transfer portal – with refreshing honesty. Their perspectives on recruiting, player development, and the unique basketball culture of Southeast Missouri reveal why SEMO has become a destination where coaches and players alike want to build something special.

The conversation also explores the strong family atmosphere within SEMO athletics, where many coaches have remained for years despite opportunities elsewhere. This stability has contributed to SEMO winning multiple Commissioner's Cups as the OVC's top athletic program.

Whether you're a die-hard Redhawks fan or simply appreciate the values of determination, community, and perseverance, this conversation offers a compelling look inside two basketball programs on the rise. Come support SEMO basketball this season at the Show Me Center!

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The Doghouse welcomes Coach Jim May, who brings fresh energy and a clear vision to Sikeston football after 15 successful years at Scott City. What started as an unexpected career move has become a passionate mission to restore Bulldog football to greatness.

Coach May reveals the remarkable transformation happening in the weight room, where his players have improved from 5 bench presses at a lineman competition to 58 in just one year. This physical development mirrors the mental shift taking place as players begin believing in themselves and their potential. With legendary Coach Charlie Vickery back on the sidelines contributing over 50 years of coaching experience, there's a palpable sense that something special is building.

At the heart of May's philosophy is an up-tempo offense designed to keep defenses vanilla and a simplified defensive approach that allows players to compete with confidence rather than hesitation. "Winners win because they believe they're going to win, and losers lose because they believe they're going to lose," May explains, emphasizing that mentality shift is as crucial as physical preparation. His assembled coaching staff of nine dedicated "football guys" provides the expertise and energy needed to build a complete program.

The unique relationship between Sikeston's community and its football team emerges as a powerful theme throughout the conversation. May marvels at the extraordinary support from a town where athletics and identity are deeply intertwined. "I want it to be something the community can be proud of," he says, describing his vision of bringing back the Bulldogs' proud tradition with red helmets and a physical style that honors the program's history.

Ready to experience the rebirth of Bulldog football? Come witness a team that refuses to flinch, fights for every inch, and is building something special under Coach May's leadership. The doghouse is ready to rock again on Friday nights!

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