By Mark Schremmer, Special to TK

One of the recognizable faces of Pittsburg State University Gorillas football left his post earlier this week. Yes, the name Bill McMillen (a.k.a. The Fearless Forecaster) is synonymous with southeast Kansas sports, and most notably, Pitt State football.

As many of you know, McMillen’s last day at The Morning Sun was Tuesday night after nearly 30 years of service to Pittsburg and the surrounding community. Most of those years, McMillen was in charge of the Sun’s sports department, mixed in with a stint as news editor. Through it all, he served as a dedicated journalist, an entertaining and often hilarious columnist and a mentor to the many young reporters who have come and gone over three decades.

This is time to honor Bill and all that he has accomplished over the years. And, I believe, there is no better place to do that than at the home of the Gorilla gridiron. McMillen has been Pitt State’s beat reporter through five head coaches (Ron Randleman, Bruce Polen, Mike Mayerske, Dennis Franchione and Chuck Broyles). He’s seen the low points and he’s been there through the program’s many highs. He covered the program’s rise under Franchione and was there when it reached its ultimate goal with Broyles in 1991. McMillen also covered the 1992, 1995 and 2004 title appearances.

As has been said before, McMillen wrote the book on Pitt State football — literally. After the 1995 season, he authored “Pride, Poise and Power: Pittsburg State University football (1908-1995).” The book chronicles the whole Gorilla tradition and gives insight into the days under Carnie Smith.

There aren’t too many people out there who know more about the Gorilla program than Bill McMillen. His game analysis is usually dead on and the behind the scenes stories that he has are amazing. Think about it. McMillen has been associated with the program longer than any coach on staff.

But even with all of that on his resume, McMillen may be best known for his role as “The Fearless Forecaster,” where he predicted the outcomes of high school, MIAA and Division I football games. It was through this alias and as a colmnist that McMillen truly shined. He did it perfectly. He picked who he thought was going to win but he always wrote in a lighthearted tone, rarely offending anyone. Dedicated readers looked for the jokes that were hidden in between the lines, as well as catch phrases like “since Moby Dick was a minner.” It was funny, entertaining and unique to the area. Others may have done prediction columns, but none quite like Ol’ Fearless.

As I said, this is a time for fans of the Gorillas and southeast Kansas sports to say thanks to Bill. There’s no doubt he’s earned it. I believe it’s safe to say that we all wish him luck in whatever his future endeavors may be.

So, as a Pittsburg native, one of the many young journalists tutored by Bill, and as a friend –Thanks, Bill. I promise your work has not gone unappreciated.