HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana University standouts Holden Kareokowsky, Brandon Hayes and Cade Collier were named to the 2024 Southland Conference Football All-Academic Team, which was released by the league office Thursday.
 
Kareokowsky, a New Orleans native, Hayes, who hails from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Collier, a Mobile, Alabama product were among the student-athletes who were awarded for academic and athletic excellence. To be eligible for inclusion on the All-Academic team, student-athletes must have participated in at least 50 percent of the team's games and carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher.
 
Kareokowsky started all 12 games at center is his first season as a starter. An engineering technology major with a 3.71 GPA, Kareokowsky anchored an offensive line that averaged 29.0 points per contest versus Southland Conference opponents, helping the Lions to a 6-1 league record.
 
In his debut season in Hammond, Hayes was a first team All-SLC choice at kick returner, as his 26.7 kick return average was good for 11^th in the FCS. Carrying a 3.33 GPA while working towards a master's degree in business administration, Hayes also caught three touchdowns this fall.
 
Collier was fourth on the team with 17 receptions from his tight end position. Working towards his MBA and holding a 3.75 grade point average, Collier caught touchdowns in league wins over HCU and East Texas A&M while also serving as the team's long snapper on punts.  
 
The Southland All-Academic teams were selected by the league's head coaches, academic advisors and media relations directors.
 
Southeastern will open spring practice March 11. The Lions will open the 2025 season Aug. 30 at Louisiana Tech.
 
2024 Southland Conference Football All-Academic Team
Student-Athlete of the Year: Roy Alexander, UIW
 
Pos. | Name | School
QB | Robert Coleman | Lamar
QB | Pat McQuaide | Nicholls
RB | DeKalon Taylor | UIW  
RB | Collin Guggenheim | Nicholls
WR | Roy Alexander | UIW
WR | Twon Hines | Northwestern State
WR | Tyler Daniels | East Texas A&M
TE | Cade Collier | Southeastern
OL | Holden Kareokowsky | Southeastern
OL | Mason Williams | UIW
OL | Jadin Jones | East Texas A&M
OL | Norso Omezi | HCU
OL | Nate Adams | Stephen F. Austin
DL | Zack Bernard | Nicholls
DL | Zae Smith | HCU
DL | Caleb Williams | Lamar
DL | Myron Williams | UIW
LB | Jake Dalmado | Nicholls
LB | Braden Hay | HCU
LB | D.J. Harris | HCU
DB | Jeremiah Walker | Stephen F. Austin
DB | Khary Crump | HCU
DB | Boogsie Silvera | McNeese
DB | Emmonte Davis | UIW
DB | Zayteak McGhee | HCU
K | Chris Campos | Stephen F. Austin
P | Finn Lappin | McNeese
KR | Brandon Hayes | Southeastern
LS | Lane Gilcrest | Lamar
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net. Southeastern will continue offering mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets. All tickets will be available via e-mail or text message in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Football, follow @LionUpFootball and @Coach_Scelfo on X, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and follow lionupfootball on Instagram.
 
TOUCHDOWN CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the football program are encouraged to join the Touchdown Club. Lion football alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Touchdown Club and S Club (football) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern football program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics observes a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/clear.