View From The Press Box with Sha

View From The Press Box with Shawn Jones, Greg Hassler & Joe Moore
October 3, 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 98.5 MIKE-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 Athletic Promotions Coordinator and Web Manager. Moore is a former Mules football player and UCM Athletic Media Relations Director. He is now an instructor in Central Missouri's Department of Communication.

What a tough loss for the Mules this past Saturday against #19 Pittsburg State. Losing 38-31 in double overtime is a heartbreaker. Now the Mules have to get ready for a tough stretch of games. Four of their last six are on the road, and it all begins this Saturday as the Mules head to Emporia, Kansas to face the Hornets. This game is not about the Hornets or what they bring to the table. It’s about the Mules and what they can bring to the table. On defense the Mules resemble a MASH unit. They are the walking wounded with up to four starters out on defense. They say injuries are not an excuse -- maybe not in Division I, but in Division II, schools have less money and less experienced talent at the backup position. There is going to be a drop off when you get to the two’s and three’s. It will be a challenge for the defense each and every game from here on out. Offensively the Mules can run the football. Glenn Milner is a stud at running back, averaging 127 yards per game. The question is can the Mules pass the football? They are 8th in the league throwing the ball averaging only 163 yards per game. The Mules need to balance out the offense to have success. This game against the Hornets is a big one that will determine the direction for the rest of the season. Tune in this Saturday on 1450 KOKO, 98.5 The Bar, 90.9 The Bridge or www.warrensburgradio.com. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Emporia.
"View From The Press Box" is published every Wednesday throughout the football season.