We want a "Jumbotron" scoreboard, preferably at the south end of the stadium. We want a new sound system. We want the Chiefs Training Camp. The list goes on and on. And yes, all these things would be great, and many of them will come to pass in the near future. But you know, we already have it pretty good. Don't think so? Well a short journey to some of the other facilities in the MIAA might change that opinion.

Saturday, I made my first venture over to Bolivar, MO to watch the Gorillas and the "other" Bearcats play. Upon my arrival at Plaster Stadium Jr. (Sr. is over at SMSU) I was greeted by a line at the ticket window, approximately a block and a half long. The reason? SBU, in their wisdom, had only one ticket window open. One window, for about 500-600 fans, most of them PSU fans.

Kind of reminded me of the trip to Emporia a few years back, when the Hornet ticket sellers didn't open the gates until 30 minutes before kickoff. Wasn't that a blast, trying to get several thousand people in, one at a time? Many of those near the end of the line missed the first few minutes of the game, although they had arrived well in advance of kickoff time.

SBU this Saturday was similar. I got in line with about 23 minutes remaining before kickoff, and I walked through the gates just as the National Anthem was ending. Just my luck, the ticket people figured out they really COULD open that second window, just as I got to the front of the line. I found my way over to the bleachers, and got my seat (thanks Carl). Well, not really a seat, I stood on the back row, which is OK by me in normal circumstances, I really don't like to sit at games anyway.

However, these metal bleachers were kinda scary, and I really didn't feel all that comfortable standing there against the back railing. It had a feel as if it could have given way just about any time. And then there is the long hike to the other side of the stadium for concessions and restrooms.

Yeah, things at Pittsburg State aren't perfect, but they sure are a lot better than just about anywhere else in the MIAA, or Division II in general. Next time you feel an urge to complain about one of those "wants" or what our Athletic Department/Administration "should " do, take a little time to reflect on how bad it could be. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

OK, on to the game. Coming into this season, probably the biggest concern for most of us was the offensive line. Once you got beyond returnees Tyronne Armstrong and Nathan Baker, everything else was pretty much a mystery. Call Scooby Doo, and let him know we won't need his services; the mystery seems to be solving itself. This line, consisting of Armstrong, Baker, Jess Smith, Kris Dornan, Chad Weeks, Mike Rose, Nathan Blasi, Nathan Harrison and Laramie Todd, have gotten the job done, and then some.

Let's look at some numbers, shall we? 275, the yards per game rushing average. 194, the yards per game passing average. 470, the total yards per game average. 0 (that's right, ZERO) sacks allowed. Some of that particular stat goes to the mobility of the QBs as well, but most of it is the blocking of the line. After four games, the Gorillas have been called for Holding 4 times, and Illegal Procedure (usually a false start, so that's why I'm including it here) 6 times. 70 yards in 4 games is not too bad at all. Yes, I think these Gorilla lineman will be just fine. Certainly things have worked out better than a lot of people anticipated going into the season. Here's to this trend continuing on.

This weeks Unsung Hero Award goes to one of the aforementioned offensive lineman. Mike Rose is a 5th year Senior from Midwest City, OK. Coming into the season, he was expected to battle Jess Smith for the starting Center position. Unfortunately for Mike, injuries slowed his progress early in the year. However he has recently returned to the lineup, seeing time at the Guard position also. On Andy Majors' 65-yard TD run, Mike laid one of the crucial blocks that allowed Andy to get turned up field. While the rest of the line was going to the right to "sell" the play to the defense, Mike peeled back and laid out an SBU defender, clearing the way. That kind of dedication to work through injury, and give the extra effort to spring ball carriers is what we need, especially from a senior leader.

Well, this Saturday is Family Day at Carnie Smith Stadium. Let's pack the house. See you there.