Shawn Jones is in his tenth season as the radio play-by-play voice of Mules football, basketball and baseball. In addition to his radio and television duties as host of Sportspage, he is UCM's Associate Athletic Director for External Relations in charge of marketing, promotions, media relations, fund-raising events and special events. Greg Hassler is in his ninth season as the sideline reporter and pre and post-game host for Mules broadcasts. He is the Sports Director of flagship stations 1450 KOKO and The Bar 98.5 FM. Joe Moore and Bob Jackson will provide color analysis this season and Moore will also contribute to this column. Jackson has been a part of the UCM broadcast team since 1981 and is UCM's Athletics Promotions Coordinator and Web Manager. Moore is a former Mules football player and UCM Athletic Media Relations Director. He is now an instructor in UCM's Department of Communication.

  by Greg Hassler
  Central Football Radio Analyst
  August 26, 2009

 

Thursday night marks the season opener for Mules football. Every team is optimistic about its chance to compete for an MIAA title and advance to the national playoffs.  This Thursday night the Mules will face the Bearcats of Southwest Baptist. These are not the Bearcats that we all remember. SBU is very talented on offense and will test the Mules’ defense.  SBU’s  junior quarterback Steve Gachette is the returning Independent Collegiate Athletic Association Player of the Year. He is re-writing the record books in Bolivar with his arm and feet.  His favorite target is Johnnie King, who led the nation in receptions per game last year.  The big question mark for the Bearcats is their defense. recruiting for the defense was a top priority for the Bearcats.

The Mules come into Thursday’s game with high expectations.  The key pieces are in place for another great year on offense.  Eric Czerniewski returns under center for the Mules. Last year he had a record-setting season. His main target is All-American tight end DeMarco Cosby. All he did was catch 29 balls for 623 yards and 5 touchdowns.  Look for more of the same this year.  The question marks for the Mules will be the offensive line and the defense.  The Mules recruited these areas hard in the off season, but only time will tell on how the players will adapt to the MIAA. 

It should be a great game on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and our airtime is 5:40.  Don’t forget the street fair on Holden St. that begins at 4 p.m. it’s “Get the Red Out” this Thursday in the ‘Burg.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also this week we want to highlight new MulesCentral contributor David Lee of KDKD Radio in Clinton, MO. David has done several interviews for the site this offseason. His most recent one was just a week ago, as he chatted with head coach Willie Fritz and Associate Athletics Director and "Voice of the Mules" Shawn Jones.

"View From The Press Box" is published every Wednesday throughout the football season.