View From The Press Box

View From The Press Box with Shawn Jones, Joe Moore & Greg Hassler
November 7, 2007	VFTPB Archives
Shawn Jones is in his eighth 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 seventh 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.
As I was sitting at the kitchen table working on my homework (yes, I’m back in school) and watching the New England-Indianapolis game, a thought came to mind. “Haven’t I seen this game before?” I asked myself. And then I said to myself, “Why self, yes you have! You’ve seen this game every week for the past eight weeks!” You see, the Patriots and Colts played a nip and tuck battle, filled with hard hits, critical decisions, and big plays. The game was a nail-biter that came right down to the wire. That same kind of game has been played every week in the MIAA. Not once in a while, mind you; every week. And not just once a week, no. In fact, of the 40 MIAA games played thus far, 16 have been decided by a touchdown or less, two every week. That’s 40 percent of the contests played in conference action. Now that’s what I call parity. That’s why the MIAA is so exciting to watch. That’s why we need more bowl games in Division II, so the great teams that don’t make the playoffs can get some love at season’s end (but I covered that issue a couple weeks ago). I also want to deliver some kudos to some Mules I believe are highly deserving. First, to Kendall Ricketts, congratulations 2-1 on setting the school record for tackles! I played with Joe Grubb, and he was a stud (he hit me once in practice and my fingers still go numb in my left hand from time to time). I can think of no better Mule to surpass his mark than you, my friend. And the fact that you did it after you came back from what was once thought to be a season-ending injury says a lot about your character and toughness. PUH-LEEZE make some team’s roster next year so I can keep watching you bust your hump! You are true joy to watch. Next, I want to tell Eric Czernewski how much I appreciate him. Eric, you got the starting nod, you struggled a bit, and you got benched. Did you pout? No. Did you ask “Why me?” It doesn’t appear so. Did you rebel? Definitely not. You battled. You fought. You prepared as though you were the starter, you won your job back, and you’ve done a fine job. Yes, you have more growing to do (you are just a sophomore, after all), but I’m glad you are my Mules’ quarterback. I like your talent and I love your grit. Keep working it, young man! Congratulations to Glenn Milner, too, for going over the century mark in rushing. We got spoiled by Kegan Coleman and Lee Thompson for what seemed like 10 years, but we’ve seen the past couple seasons that 1,000 yards is not an easy mark in this league. You converted from a wishbone fullback and got your chance to shine, and I appreciate what you’ve accomplished. Finally, to Coach Willie Fritz and his staff, thanks for another exciting year of Mules football. It isn’t ending like we had hoped, but you got a young squad playing with determination and toughness. You overcame a plethora of injuries on defense. You plugged along early until you had a fully healthy offensive line. You entrusted a young, inexperienced quarterback to run your offense in a league that feasts on youngsters and you put up a balanced attack. And you reinforced how key good special teams are to a team’s success (boy are we going to miss you, Matt Frankel, but I’ll enjoy watching you on Sundays). This is my last column for the season. It’s been another exciting season of Mules football. I already can’t wait for 2008! And so, in closing, with one final contest this Saturday, I say “Go Mules! Beat Fort Hays!” Later!
"View From The Press Box" is published every Wednesday throughout the football season.