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
  Mules Radio Sideline Reporter
  October 21, 2009
 

It’s not time to panic, it’s not time to jump off the wagon. Missouri Western showed me and the Mules why so many people around the country feel they are one of the top teams in the MIAA and in all of Division II. Let's not forget that the Griffons have 20 starters back from last season. Their offensive live is a veteran group that may be the best in the MIAA, Quarterback Drew Newhart is a big strong guy with great accuracy. This is their year to make noise in the league.

The Mules are a good football team with tons and tons of talent, but virtually all of the skill guys and impact defensive players are new and inexperienced. Coming to the MIAA is much different than Junior College or High School Football. With that being said, Central Missouri is 6-2, 4-2 in the MIAA and tied for third in the toughest conference in America.

This Saturday the Mules travel to Omaha, Nebraska to face the Mavericks. Both teams are 4-2 in the league. The other third place team is Washburn and they have to travel to Northwest Missouri, I would have to say that the winner of our game will have a leg up for a post season berth. Making the playoffs would be nice, but with so many new guys you almost have to set your sights on a bowl game. A bid to a bowl game would mean an extra month of practice and you can’t put a value on that.

The Mules and the Mavericks kickoff at 1 p.m. with airtime on 1450 KOKO and 98.5 TheBar at 11:50. The Mules will need to find a way to go on the road and have success against a very good Maverick team. The Mavericks are one of the best defensive teams in the MIAA and with the Mules offense struggling the task will be tall. The Mavericks are also very talented on offense. UNO is third in the league in total offense and they are led by QB Greg Wunderlick who has been battling a broken big toe. It should be an exciting game on Saturday. Tune in or make the trek to Omaha and root the Mules onto victory.

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