The annual Southland Conference football media event got underway Tuesday at L'Auberge du Lac Hotel and Casino in Lake Charles with conference related meetings.

            The main purpose of the media event - radio, television and newspaper interviews - will be held throughout the day on Wednesday with head coaches and two players from each team in the league participating.  Proceedings will begin at 7:30 a.m. with registration.

            On Tuesday, conference head football coaches and sports information directors held meetings.  Also, Byron Boston, the league's coordinator of football officials, gave his annual report.

            Besides interviews on Wednesday, the conference will announce its pre-season all-conference team as well as its pre-season poll.  A year ago McNeese State and Stephen F. Austin tied for the league title with 6-1 records.

            Head coaches attending the event are Matt Viator of McNeese, J. C. Harper of Stephen F. Austin, Clint Conque of Central Arkansas, Charlie Stubbs of Nicholls State, Bradley Dale Peveto of Northwestern State, Willie Fritz of Sam Houston State, Mike Lucas of Southeastern Louisiana, Brad Wright of Texas State and Ray Woodard of Lamar.

            Players in attendance are Josh Ellison and Terrance Freeman from McNeese, Willie Landers and Markell Carter of Central Arkansas, Bobby Felder and Patrick Dolan of Nicholls, Adrian Reese and Ledell Love of Northwestern State, Bryan Randolph and Jarvis Pippins of Sam Houston State, Simmie Yarborough and Mark Newbill of Southeastern Louisiana, Jeremy Moses and Jabara Williams of SFA, Da'Marcus Griggs and Marcus Clark of Texas State and Andre Bevil and J. J. Hayes of Lamar.