Feb. 5, 2010

Nine Innings with Butler's Steve Farley on the Colts

Nine Innings with Jay Artigues

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

This week, we are going to have head coaches from Indianapolis and the New Orleans area give us their thoughts on Sunday’s Super Bowl between the Colts and the Saints.

Today we continue with Jay Artigues, who enters his fifth season as the head coach at Southeastern Louisiana University. The Lions finished second in the Southland Conference a season ago with a 21-12 mark and posted a record of 37-22 overall. Prior to his arrival in Hammond, Artigues had successful stints at Bossier Parish (La.) Community College and Pearl River (Miss.) Community College. His teams have averaged more than 35 victories per season in his 10 years as a head coach.

Artigues gives his perspective on the NFC Champions, the New Orleans Saints.

First Inning – What was the defining play of the season for the Saints?

I would have to say it was in the Redskins game when Brees was intercepted and Meachem stripped the DB and ran it back for a Saints' touchdown. It just seems that we have had a lot of things go our way this season. I'm not big on talking about "destiny" but...
 

Second Inning – What would it mean for the city of New Orleans and the area to have the Saints win the Super Bowl?

Winning has really had a positive effect on not just New Orleans but the entire region. Spirits seem to be at an all-time high with everyone in the area. There are definitely a lot more Saints fans now than there were a year or so ago. Winning the Super Bowl would definitely be the biggest and best thing that ever happened to the area.
 

Third Inning – Which player from the Saints would you most like to have on your baseball team, and what position would he play?

Without question I would like to have Drew Brees. Drew is obviously a great player but what I think separates him from other players is his uncanny leadership ability. Drew makes everyone on the team better. Everyone seems to raise their level of play when he is on the field. He plays with a true passion and emotion that is unmatched.
 

Fourth Inning – Which player from the Colts do you fear most?

Peyton Manning. Peyton is the ultimate competitor. He is a tireless worker and is always prepared for whatever the defense throws at him...not to mention he's from Louisiana.
 

Fifth Inning – What do you admire most about Sean Peyton?

Coach Peyton is a tremendous leader. He holds all his players accountable. It doesn't matter if it is a practice player or Reggie Bush. If a player doesn't do his assignment Peyton is not afraid to get in their face and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Sixth Inning – Does the success of the Saints help all sports in the area?

I think it does in some way. It just picks up the spirit of everyone in the area. You definitely see a lot more black and gold around the community when the Saints are winning.

Seventh Inning –  Who on your team would make the best Saint, and what position would he play?

I would have to say Cass Hargis. When you look at the Saints they are not all household names on the roster. They are more of a blue collar type of team. They will do whatever is asked of them to win. They "will" their way to a lot of victories. That is how Cass plays. He came here as a walk-on second baseman.  After a redshirt year he turned into a freshman All-American centerfielder and now an All-Conference player and a leader on our team.
 

Eighth Inning – Who is the biggest Saints fan on your team/staff?

I would say me. A lot of guys in our locker room and on our staff would put up an argument here (especially assistant coach Matt Riser). Our team is full of Saints fans. I remember when Brees hit Devery Henderson for a touchdown pass against the Patriots my 9-year-old son looked at me and said "Dad are you crying?"...only a true "Who Dat" would understand (sorry Riser).
 

Ninth Inning – Why will the Saints win?

Like I said before, the Saints have "willed" their way to a lot of victories this season. They find ways to win. I feel if anyone can come up with a scheme to slow down Peyton Manning, it is our defensive coordinator...he is the best in the league. I believe this will be a tremendous game but with the leadership of Brees and the preparation of our coaching staff, we are going to "will" our way to a World Championship.
 

Extra Innings – What will the final score be?

27-24...WHO DAT!!! 

(photo courtesy of SELA Media Relations Office)