Last updated July 27, 2014
Southeast Missouri alum and star wide receiver Willie Ponder returned to his alma mater to finish his degree and help coach the Redhawk football team.
Ponder joined the coaching staff as an undergraduate assistant and will work closely with the wide receivers.
Ponder and Tom Matukewicz have known each other since their days at Coffeyville Community College. Ponder redshirted there in 2000 when Matukewicz was coaching the offensive line and tight ends. The two have kept in touch and meet again, only this time as coaches at Southeast.
Ponder (2001-2002) played two seasons at Southeast and shattered a number of records during that time.
An Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association and Sports Network All-American, and First-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, Ponder still holds several of the school’s receiving records today.Â
Ponder was selected in the sixth round of the 2003 National Football League Draft by the New York Giants.
He expects to complete his general studies degree at Southeast in December.
