HAMMOND -- Baton Rouge area alumni and other friends of Southeastern Louisiana University are invited to meet the university’s new head football coach, Hal Mumme, at a tailgate party on August 3.
      The “Mumme Mania” Tailgate Party, sponsored by the Southeastern Alumni Association, is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at the Country Club of Louisiana park in Baton Rouge, said Alumni Assistant Director Tom Dawsey.
      “Football is going to be ‘live from Strawberry Stadium’ again in 2003 and everyone’s excited,” Dawsey said. “One of the most exciting things about the return of football is the new head coach. We hope our Baton Rouge area graduates and other supporters will enjoy this opportunity to meet and talk with Coach Mumme.”
      Last month, Mumme was named the Lions' first football coach since the program was discontinued following the 1985 season. The university will resume play as a I-AA Independent in August 2003 before joining the Southland Conference, where it’s current 15 sports compete, in 2005.
      Mumme, who coached Southeastern Conference member University of Kentucky from 1997-2000, led the Wildcats to a 20-26 overall record in four seasons. Previously, he guided Valdosta (Ga.) State University to five consecutive winning seasons and compiled a record of 40-17-1.
      At the event, participants can also register for a cruise that will be given away during Southeastern Homecoming in November.
      For reservations, call Dawsey at 1-800-SLU-ALUM.