As temperatures soar and heat index figures routinely resemble an incredibly bad round of golf, people in south Louisiana who would admit to this as being their favorite time of year might be difficult to find.

But August, complete with its heat, humidity and hurricane tracking charts, couldn't have come any sooner for Southeastern Louisiana's first-year head football coach Dennis Roland.

Officially named the new head coach at Southeastern on January 18 replacing Hal Mumme who took a similar position at New Mexico State, Roland has been on a roller coaster ride over the last six-and-a-half months and August, which officially signals the start of football and getting back to a regular routine of practice followed by games, is just what the doctor ordered, so to speak.

Roland, diagnosed with cancer in May, has been undergoing progressively more successful treatments since his diagnosis. Recent tests showed significant improvement allowing Roland to focus on the other task at hand.

"I've been chomping at the bit to get going," replied Roland. "It's been an interesting six months but we've all remained positive and now our sights are squarely focused on helping our program take the next step. We're looking forward to getting to work."

That work, or more specifically, fall practice, will officially begin Wednesday as players report for physicals followed by the opening practice that evening at 9 p.m.

And Roland is well aware that work is still needed to refine his squad and ensure complete preparedness for both the opening game Sept. 1 against Jacksonville University and the tough Southland Conference schedule to follow.

"We're joining one of the toughest conferences in the country this season and, other than our open date, there are no weeks off on this schedule," remarked Roland. "We've got to be prepared both mentally and physically every week to be successful and what we do in these next few weeks will help decide how successful we can ultimately be this season."

Following the opening practice, the Lions will get into a regular practice routine which includes two scrimmages prior to the opening game. Scrimmages are scheduled for August 20 and August 25 at 6 p.m. The second scrimmage is part of the Annual Fan Day celebration at Southeastern and both scrimmages, as well as all practice sessions, are free and open to the public.

Season and single game tickets for the 2005 season are available but moving fast. Fans wishing to purchase tickets or to get more information, can contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at 985-549-5466 or log onto www.LionSports.net.

Tentative fall practice schedule

8/10 Players Report 5 p.m.
Practice 1 9 p.m.
8/11 Practice 2 9:30 a.m.
8/12 Practice 3 9:30 a.m.
8/13 Practice 4 9:30 a.m.
MEDIA/PICTURE DAY 1 p.m.
8/14 Practice 5 5:30 a.m.
8/15 Practice 6 6 a.m.
Practice 7 5 p.m.
8/16 Practice 8 9:30 a.m.
8/17 Practice 9 6 a.m.
Practice 10 5 p.m.
8/18 Practice 11 9:30 a.m.
8/19 Practice 12 6 a.m.
Practice 13 8 p.m.
8/20 Practice 14 (Scrimmage) 6 p.m.
8/22 Practice 15 TBA
8/23 Practice 16 2:30 p.m.
8/24 Practice 17 2:30 p.m.
8/25 Practice 18 (FAN DAY) 6 p.m.
8/26 Practice 19 1:30/3:30 p.m.
8/27 OFF
8/28 Practice 20 5 p.m.
8/29 Practice 21 TBA
8/30 Practice 22 2:30 p.m.
9/1 GAMEDAY
VS. JACKSONVILLE 6:30 p.m.