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 Joe Moore
  Central Football Radio Analyst
  September 30, 2009

 

Football: It's a Family Affair

Two weeks ago, the University of Central Missouri celebrated Family Weekend with a 23-14 win over Pittsburg State University (I'm still a little giddy about that, despite last week's loss). This weekend it's "Take a Kid to the Game Day", with free admission for kids (ages 16 and under) with a paid adult admission. It is also "Mo's Maniac Family Day", with free admission for all family members of our "Mo's Maniac" group, when the Maniac member displays their membership card.

Every Saturday in the fall parking lots are packed with fans glad in their favorite teams colors. The smells of burgers, brats and any number of homemade concoctions mingle in the air. Fathers and their young sons toss mini footballs with visions of Super Bowl touchdowns dancing in their heads. Those who don't enjoy the tailgating tradition often put on a pot of chili, put the suds on ice, and invite a handful of friends over to cheer for good ol' State U.

What is it about football that brings families and friends together? Baseball doesn't do it, unless it game seven of the World Series. It doesn't happen in basketball, except for the Final Four and NCAA Championship game. Perhaps it is because their are so few opportunities during football season (11-12 games as opposed to the barrage of events in the other sports). Or perhaps it's the pageantry that surrounds the game. Whatever it is, it's a beautiful site to behold! My fondest memories growing up are when I would put on my helmet and shoulder pads and run around the back yard with my dad doing his best Roger Staubach. My boys are just starting to get to the age where they can attempt to catch the ball (they still don't have the subtleties of the button-hook down), but I anxiously await the day when I can share the experience with them.

This Saturday the Mules renew one of the oldest rivalries in NCAA Division II. For the 93rd time UCM takes on Truman State University. It promises to be a great game with beautiful fall weather. So dads, grab your wife and kids. Kids, get your moms and dads. Wear your Cardinal and Black, cheer on your Mules, and share some memories. Football and families. It doesn't get any better than this!

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