Reflections

It is said that time heals all wounds when it comes to anything that hurts to the core of your very being. For Colorado State University-Pueblo football spring practice can't come soon enough. As the players turn their focus to passing finals this week instead of discecting Wayne State it will surely benefit them that for the most part they all go their separate ways for a month as they return to their homes. For those 15 seniors who put on the uniform for the last time even that might not be good enough to shake the sting of defeat. I have been asked by many people the past 24 hours my feelings about it all. Whether I was sad, angry, bitter or dumbfounded. To tell you the truth I really dont feel anything at all except just a little frustration knowing the opportunity was there yet it just slipped away. When Minnesota-Duluth took the field for warmups it was obvious this was one big physical football team. But the other thing that was clearly evident was Bulldog quarterback Chase Vogler was the right handed version of Tim Tebow. Watching him throw the football was borderline comical. The other thing I noticed was the long flowing locks of wide receiver Joe Reichert. Little did anybody know just how important the play of these two individuals would be in UMD's eventual win. Vogler would complete only eight passes on the day and was picked off once. But it should have been at least two and perhaps three that should have been intercepted which would have dramatically changed the outcome of this game. To top that off his lone touchdown pass was a pinball wizard special thrown behind the intended receiver in Tebowesque fashion that was deflected into Reichert's waiting arms laying on the goal line. Now we all know most of the time when a ball is deflected it comes down in the arms of the defense but this time it was the surfer dude who put the Bulldogs ahead on the first play of the second quarter. Despite Vogler's lack of throwing ability he proved why as the game went on just why he is now 7-1 in his illustrious career in NCAA playoff games. The guy can flat run the football and is fearless. Time after time it seemed the Pack had what they wanted only to see Vogler break contain for timely first down runs to keep scoring drives alive. Early in the fourth quarter he lauched an ill fated pass that Stephan Dickens picked off in the back of the endzone. Normally this would have been all the fuel CSU-P would need to lauch a game clinching drive with the wind. But like a call from the governor would do the Pack offense provided the stay of execution by dropping two passes and then allowing a huge crowd quieting sack. On the ensuing possession Vogler took off on a game defining dash around right end gaining 31 yards before seeing the season again flash before their very eyes as Damon Schiele punched the ball out. But in stepped the golden locked Reichert to pounce on the fumble at the nine yard line to keep hope alive. Vogler was hurt on the play but it didnt matter as three plays later UMD would score to take the lead. Vogler like Tebow proved a quarterback can impose his will with his legs despite having a suspect throwing arm. And Reichert proved it is not wise to judge a player by how much shampoo he must waste keeping that hair looking so good.
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----------DROPSIES-----The one most glaring thing about CSU-P's offensive performance was the half dozen or so dropped passes. Now it cant be discounted how tough a day it was to catch that brick of a football whistling through 30 mph winds. Add this to the mix. Earlier in the week on the John Wristen Show presented by Miller Lite the head coach was lamenting the fact new footballs from a different manufacturer would be used in the game. The RMAC has a ball contract with Rawlings. But the NCAA has a deal with Wilson. And to further compound matters the balls were late in arriving showing up last Monday. Now anybody that has picked up a brand spanking new football knows just how hard and slick they are. It takes time to break them in. Perhaps this played a factor but one thing is for sure. Josh Sandoval doesn't care what you throw his way or just how slick that ball is he is gonna catch it.
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----------RIGHT FORMULA-----When John Wristen popped the tape in to watch UMD it became quickly apparent they were a mirror image of the program he and his staff have built here in Pueblo. First you must be able to stop the run. Second you must play fast at all times and not take plays off. Third you must be able to run the football not only early in the game but most importantly late when the game is on the line. For the most all season long the Pack adhered to this ultimate winning formula. There is no shame in losing to a program that is the defending champion and winners of two of the last three crowns. Now we all know how good the Thunderwolves offensive line has become these first four years. But if it ultimately to win playoff games it appears to me they still need to get just a little bit bigger and meaner on the O-line. Coach Chris Symington is to be commended for molding the talent he has into the cohesive polished unit they are. One can only imagine just how good it could be with 280-300 pounders instead of 230 to 250 up front. The good news is this years unit will all be back and with hard work and dedication they will continue to bridge the "beef" gap.
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---------NCAA STUPIDITY AND GREED-----In the 2011-2012 budged revenue pie chart available on their website it calls for a total of 777,000,000 dollars to be collected. Thats 777 million dollars if you aren't good with zeros! The vast majority of this comes from their huge March Madness contract with CBS as well as all the mega million dollar deals with each network to broadcast Division One football. With that said I find it totally misguided and mind numbing to think they feel they must charge institutions such as CSU-P a measly 200 bucks to put on a live webcast of yesterday's game without any commercials. That's right 200 bucks to an organization that takes in 777 million. Of course CSU-P ponied up. I have no problems with them charging commercial outlets such as Clear Channel for radio rights although it is just a mere drop in the ocean compared to what they take in. The Center for New Media had entertained televising yesterday as well but the NCAA wanted 1500 bucks for a commercial free tape delay broadcast. Expenses alone for a typical CNM production are two grand. Couple that with the ludicrous rights fee and its hard to find anybody willing to pony up 35oo bucks for no return. Not even a thank you. Of course you could pay the 5000 to run a commercial based broadcast. But you couple that with the production costs and you can now understand why the game wasn't televised on a tape delayed basis.
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----------BIG MAC ATTACK-----Must we continue to feel this way each and every week following another Bronco victory? Do we continue to point out all the comical throws? Do we continue to point out the collective winning percentage of the teams he is beating? Those that continue to doubt Tebowmania really have it easy in my humble opinion. They cant lose. If he wins they point all this out. If he eventually loses they will continue to say hey I told you so. Next week the same scenario will be in play as the Broncos travel to 2-9 Minnesota. Expect another tough low scoring game. And if the Broncos win the critics will be quick to point out the Vikings playing without superstar running back Adrian Peterson as well as being directed by rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.
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----------RMAC HOOPS BEGIN ANEW-----With the Thunderwolves losing yesterday my focus turns solely to basketball now in my broadcast duties for Homer1350. This weekend the Pack men's team quietly went on the road and came away with two impressive wins in Grand Junction to run their record to 3-1 on the young season. The 22-game conference grind starts this weekend on the road Friday night in Alamosa against Adams State. Most so called experts believe the Pack men will be hard pressed to make the postseason tournament. But count me in the quietly optimistic camp from what I saw last weekend and from what I have been able to learn about the GJ trip. The team has a certain grit to it. Head coach Ralph Turner has a very impressive resume and is adamant about this squad being better and better as the year goes on. The early schedule is tough however with four of six RMAC games on the road against playoff teams from a year ago. Couple that with home games against teams that beat the Pack here at Massari and you get the idea just how tough it could get real quick and early. If they can somehow survive by going 3-3 in the early going look for a realistic shot at the post season. Anything less and the prognosticators most likely will be on the money.
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----------REVENGE ANYONE-----Late last season the Thunderwolves women were thoroughly humiliated by Adams State in Alamosa 96-45 in a game not as close as that score might indicate. The women get a chance right away to avenge that defeat in the RMAC lidlifter Friday night in Alamosa. The Pack warmed up for the conference season by splitting two games on the road in Monterey California. This squad is noticeably tougher inside with the additions of junior transfer Laurel Kearsley and freshman Katie Nehf. Couple that with much improved play by senior winger Jenelle Branting and point guard Alex Evans it gives Kip Drown hopes for a much different outcome. The road doesn't get any easier on Saturday night as the Pack travels to Durango to face RMAC heavyweight Fort Lewis.
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----------PROGRAM REMINDERS-----The final John Wristen Show presented by Miller Lite will take place Wednesday night at Buffalo Wild Wings. We take the air at 706pm on 590KCSJ-AM and www.590kcsj.com . You can listen to the show while enjoying dinner and a cold one on BWW's in house sound system. We would love to have you come on out and join us to celebrate a most remarkable season. Friday night basketball returns as RMAC play begins in Alamosa vs Adams State. Pregame is set for 545pm on Homer1350-AM and www.homer1350.com . Tipoff for the women is set for 6pm and the men at 8pm or 20 minutes after the conclusion of the mens game. On Saturday night we move to Durango to battle Fort Lewis. Pregame is set for 515pm on Homer1350-AM and www.homer1350.com . Women tip at 530pm and men at 730pm or 20 minutes following the mens game.

Blowin' In The Wind

One of the oldest sayings in sports is "I'd rather be lucky than good." Well I can improve on that one. I'd rather be lucky AND good! Minnesota-Duluth was just that today in front of over 11,000 bundled up fans at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs rode the cold arctic wind to a hard fought 24-21 win over number one ranked Colorado State University-Pueblo to advance to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals next Saturday against Wayne State (Michigan). The game was an epic battle as neither team led by more than one score all afternoon long. The Pack held a slim 21-17 lead early in the fourth quarter and looked to be in the driver's seat after all conference cornerback Stephan Dickens picked off Bulldogs QB Chase Vogler in the back of the endzone. Not only did the Thunderwolves have the lead but they had that northerly wind at their back. On first down CSU-P had what they wanted with a screen pass set up to the left but little used receiver Marquis McNeil dropped the ball. On second down another misfired pass to Paul Browning. Then on third down the Bulldogs put the capital D in defense sacking Ross Dausin for a 10 yard loss. Following a false start penalty the Pack had to punt from its own five yard line. Despite having the subsequent punt return touchdown overturned by an illegal block UMD set up shop in Thunderwolves territory at the 49 yard line. On second down from the CSU-P 45 Vogler took off on his signature run of the ball game racing 31 yards before Pack LB Damon Schiele forced a fumble punching the ball forward down to the nine. But as happened pretty much all afternoon long the ball bounced the Bulldogs way as WR Joe Reichert recovered the ball in a sea of red jerseys to give UMD 1st and goal. Reserve tailback Brian Lucas would score three plays later from the one to give the Bulldogs the lead for good. On the following kickoff into the wind and CSU-P looking for good field position Franex Dort slipped and fell with the ball at the 13. Another UMD sack of Dausin would force another punt from deep in Pack territory. This time CSU-P would hold to get the ball back but once again deep in its own territory. The Thunderwolves did magage one first down before another Dausin sack would turn the ball over on downs. Using its timeouts the Pack looked to have one final chance but a personal foul for unnecessary roughness on Corey Orth would seal the deal. In a post game interview Orth acknowledged he did pick up the ball carrier but stressed he didnt feel he body slammed him. Lets put it this way it was a definite penalty in the first quarter but in the fourth quarter referee Mark Hughes could have looked the other way but so be it. But I digress. With the automatic first down UMD went into victory formation to salt it away. As the Bulldogs left the field they not only took the wind out of the Pack's sails but they also mysteriously took the wind out of the stadium. As if on cue the wind died as did the cinderella season for the Thunderwolves. It all started in tremendous fashion for the home team as they smartly mixed pass and run marching 80 yards in 11 plays into the wind to take a 7-0 lead. On their next possession however the wind flexed its muscle knocking down Brandon Kliesen's punt for five yards setting up UMD at the Thunderwolves 34. But the Pack defense was up for the challenge forcing a 47 yard field goal attempt. I mentioned at the top the bounces that went the Bulldogs way all afternoon long. The last one led to the go ahead score. On the field goal attempt the first two of the day appeared. The snap was low and made it about two yards short of the holder who made a great stop not to mention getting the ball upright for the kick. For some reason CSU-P rushed no one on the play allowing placekicker David Nadeau to regather himself just enough to get the kick away. Bounce number two was the clank off the right upright. The ball snuck through however getting UMD on the board. Bounce number three would occur on the first play of the second quarter. Vogler was flushed from the pocket to his right and released a pass that was batted high into the air. Now normally on the tip drill its the defense that comes down with the interception but his time the ball dropped right into the lap of Reichert at the goal line to put UMD on top for the first time in the game 10-7. Late in the first half the Thunderwolves did get a huge break recovering an errant shotgun snap in the endzone to give them the halftime lead 14-10. The second half opened with a monumental 15 play 67 yard touchdown drive for UMD that should have ended on two different occasions. Facing fourth and a yard from the the Pack 35 Vogler was stuffed for no gain but CSU-P was ruled to be offsides and the drive had new life. On the next play from scrimmage senior All American candidate Lee Meisner dropped what looked to be a sure drive ending interception. Once again the bounces went UMD's way. But its not just getting the bounces its taking full advantage and thats just what UMD did as bruiser Zach Hulce went in from a yard out to give the Bulldogs the lead back. CSU-P would answer with a scintilating 12 play 80 yard march of their own highlighted by a gorgeous 29 yard reception by Josh Sandoval. Dausin would cap the drive on an electric 18 yard scramble on 3rd down and six to give the Thunderwolves the lead heading to the fateful fourth quarter. So much more to be said about this game but wanted to get my thoughts about the actual nuts and bolts of the game down before delving into that tomorrow. Plus this play-by-play guy has a cold adult beverage calling his name at a local watering hole. Congratulations to Minnesota-Duluth on a hard fought victory. I hope they win it all. As for our Thunderwolves the pain has to be immense. But someday soon they will reflect and realize just how special this season was. In four short years they have laid down a foundation for bigger and better things. The seniors that depart have left their mark but those waiting in the wings have the chance to be just as good if not better. They can only hope that 10 years from now the program in general will be as successful as the classy powerful Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs. We can also hope for less wind!

Bring on the Defending Champions

Thunderwolves head coach John Wristen surely meant no disrespect toward Saginaw Valley State but it was pretty clear to he and his staff that defending National Champion Minnesota-Duluth would be CSU-P's second round opponent this Saturday Nov 26th at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. Saginaw did put a huge scare into the Bulldogs forcing overtime before UMD pulled it out. Duluth features something that Defensive Coordinator Hunter Hughes hasn't really had to deal with much this season and that is a punishing ground attack. They compliment that with a decent passing attack. Two ways to look at this matchup in my mind. Duluth is the defending champion and have won two of the last three titles. That alone commands respect. Plus the fact of the afore mentioned power game that is tailor made to win football games in November and December. I can't tell you how many times this past week since the pairings were announced poeple have wanted to cry foul at why the Thunderwolves are drawing such a worthy opponent in their playoff opener. It is really quite simple. This Duluth team is not the same team that won two national titles. They have struggled mightily at times. The Bulldogs were held under 200 yards total offense in an early season 7-0 loss to Wayne State. Not the powerful Wayne State of Michigan but average at best Wayne State of Nebraska. It is also the same Duluth team that layed an egg in a late season 35-7 loss to rival St Cloud State. Despite being ranked in the top 15 in both national polls the Bulldogs faced a must win in their last regular season game just to make the field. With that said however the Thunderwolves will have to be at their very best to win this game. That is the way it should be.
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----------Hoops Roundup-----I really like this years Thunderwolves womens hoop team. Sure Rachel Espinoza and Amanda Bartlett are no longer there to rely on for clutch points. Rachel was the ultimate go to weapon to not only ice games with her ball handling but could also get free for game winning shots. Bartlett was a consistent scorer and provided great leadership as well. But despite those huge losses this team is better. In my view after two games much better. Alex Evans has those huge shoes to fill in trying to replace Espinoza but so far she has been up to the task. She looks like a completely different player this season in both her game and her physical appearance. She is lean and noticeably quicker after an extensive off season conditioning program. Kendall Babler is as tenacious as ever. Head coach Kip Drown calls her the smartest player he has ever been around. I marvel at her ability to rebound for being only 5-6. Plus she is fearless on big time drives to the hoop. But the real reason this team displays so much more potential is the play of newcomers Laurel Kearsley and Katie Nehf. Kearsly is a transfer from Southern Idaho that provides a certain toughness to this club. She is equally effective in the post as well as shooting threes on the perimeter. Last year's team was too soft inside. Freshman Nehf provides size and strength in the paint. She also has the experience of winning four straight state titles with Broomfield High School.
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-----------TURNER ERA BEGINS-----Spend a few minutes just shooting the breeze with new Thunderwolves mens hoop coach Ralph Turner and you come away thinking this guy belongs in Vegas doing a comedy lounge act. He is not only funny but an engaging personality. But dont let that ah shucks southern accent and country bumpkin delivery at times fool you. This guy is a passionate basketball coach. The jury is still out on just what kind of season this is going to be. A less than stellar returning cast plus a late start on the recruiting trail last spring have set the program back just a bit. The season opener was successful as the Thunderwolves rolled over an outmanned Colorado College outfit. On Saturday night the Pack ran into a buzz saw as two-time recent Elite 8 Midwestern State used two huge runs to roll CSU-P. However in defeat the Pack showed glimpses of solid play. I think it is clear at times this team is gonna be dangerous and win some games no one thought they could. But at the same time there are gonna be some growing pains as they will most likely lose some as well that they should have won.
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----------TEBOWRIFFIC-----It is painfully obvious that Tim Bebow couldn't hit the ball if he was throwing a broad side of a barn! Okay perhaps that is a stretch using the opposite of the old saying but the guy just cant throw the football with any consistency whatsover. But the guy is like watching a bad movie with a good ending. You sit there for three and half quarters looking around the theater for the exit signs. But you are damn glad you didnt get up and leave because Tebow does his best work late in the otherwise horrible movie. Suddenly the Broncos are in the playoff hunt just one game behind Oakland. Next up its Phillip Rivers and the Chargers. I hear the early reviews of this show aren't that good. But you will want to stay til the end.
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----------BCS NIGHTMARE-----It is almost comical watching all the BCS contenders fall by the wayside. All the talk has been we dont want to see "the rematch." Well my friends get used to it. It will be LSU vs Alabama. Get ready for that over hyped four hour slugfest between two powerhouses fighting their guts out. The first team to double figures will most likely win. And in the end it will be some little 150 pound kicker who decides the national champion.
----------VIVA LAS VEGAS-----It is common knowledge of my dislike for having to broadcast games at New Mexico Highlands University. It is a saga that has deep roots. Back in my early days of broadcasting I always packed my "Bridge Over the River Kwai" phone line real. It was my fail safe just in case all else fails broadcasting pack that included such things as the 500 foot phone line real and alligator clips in case you had to take apart a pay phone to get a broadcast on the air. Now most places we go on the road with CSU-P football and basketball no problems are encountered. In 1988 we didn't have cellphones to bail us out either. I used the 500 footer at Highlands when none of the courtside phone jacks were live. We found a jack in a room outside the arena and I had 50 feet of line to spare. Last basketball season we ran into problems again in Las Vegas and then again during our recent football trip. Two seasons ago my predecessors J.J. Valentine and Tony Wright broadcast the football game over a cellphone. We could get into a technical forum here but what is needed for modern broadcast equipment to work correctly is a "dedicated" phone line. Not one that is run through a switchboard at the university or facility of choice. Now add to that a hostile environment with a "mouthy" opposition, a stadium with poor lighting and press box without a separate room to work and you have a recipe for a prima donna play-by-play guy like myself to not be very happy. But we managed to get through it all by using my trusty little red cell phone to get the broadcast on the air. Now of course in a blog post right after that game I let the institution have it with both barrels. Well NMHU Athletic Director Ed Manzanares caught wind of my Blog from someone and decided he needed to call me out about it at Friday nights Al Kaly Shriners Basketball tournament at Massari Arena while I sat courtside preparing to broadcast the CSU-Pueblo women's game. He made it clear that I must either apologize or retract my statements about the Highlands program and then proceeded to walk away. I was in a commercial break and got his attention by asking just what it was I exactly needed to apolgize for. What followed was a nice spirited conversation albeit mostly one sided i.e. he spoke/vented and I listened. He did acknowledge their were a few problem players on their program but they were either suspended or dismissed outright from the program. As for their facilities he assured me that all the problems are or will be addressed and that it would be nice to have all the money CSU-P and the other "haves" of the RMAC have at their disposal. I could appreciate that and wished him the best. I do find his passion about defending NMHU honor and reputation commendable. Lord knows he does have a big job ahead due to the latest alligations against the football program ( http://lvdailytimes.com/2011/11/03/22-nmhu-football-players-investigated-for-two-possible-rape-incidents-17-football-players-investigated-for-gang-rape-of-a-female-student-and-5-football-players-investigated-for-possible-sexual-assault-of-a-female-nmhu-basketball-player.aspx?ref=rss ) Just reading the comments after this article that I linked to give you an idea that the NMHU administration has much more to worry about than a division II play-by-play guys "hobby blog." Time will tell if they can get their house in order. I came away from it all with a better perspective of his feelings. And to be honest all he really has to do for me is make sure that telephone line works when we go down there January 27th to do the basketball doubleheader. And if it doesn't I will do my best to not hold him at fault. I will have the trusty red cell phone at my disposal just in case. In closing let me just say NMHU facilities for basketball are just fine. The football stadium and press box could use a makeover. And they do have this going for them. Their football press box is like the Taj Mahal compared to the glorified Tuff Shed at the Mountaineer Bowl in Gunnison. Now lets see if the Western State AD gets to read my blog!
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----------PROGRAM REMINDERS-----John Wristen Show presented by Miller Lite will air as scheduled Wednesday night at 7:06pm on 590KCSJ-AM and www.590kcsj.com . We do the show from Buffalo Wild Wings and we invite you to join us. The program can be heard on BWW's sound system while you enjoy dinner and a cold one. Saturday's second round playoff game vs Minnesota Duluth can also be heard on KCSJ. Pregame show is at 11:30am with the Kickoff set for 12 noon MST.

Playoffs? Did You Say Playoffs?

Four years ago it was a monumental challenge to just get the program off the ground. Three years ago play began with an improbable win in their first game at a brand spanking new facility called the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. Two years ago this upstart program waltzed into the home of a program that hadn't a lost an RMAC game in 28 previous tries and beat them. Last year they would turn the trick again and for all intents and purposes missed the post season on the basis of one play. This season this same upstart program faced a daunting schedule with road games against perennial powers West Texas A&M, Chadron State and RMAC bully Nebraska Kearney. Victories at all three powers home stadiums seemed like the ultimate impossible dream. But if you are gonna dream you might as well dream big. It also helps to have a defense hell bent on not only winning football games but denying their opponents the common courtesy of a first down let alone a touchdown. When you wake up in the morning now you realize its not a dream but a blissful reality that CSU-Pueblo not only won those three huge road games but ran the table on everybody else to make the postseason. And as if that is not enough the Pack is the number one seed in Super Region Three. Oh and one other thing. This band of brothers with the coaching staff led by John Wristen will wake up Monday morning as the number one ranked team in all the land of NCAA Division II football.
Dreams are one thing but reality is knowing there is a distinct chance the defending national champion Minnesota-Duluth will be marching into the Thunderbowl to do battle with the Pack on Saturday November 26th at high noon. Win that and odds are that Nebraska Kearney will come calling December 3rd intent on avenging the defeat that cost them the RMAC crown. After that, any number of opponents will await in the final two weeks. One thing is for sure. It will be an opponent far more polished and talented than the Mesas, Western New Mexicos and Western States of the world.
That reality is just what Wristen and company want. The 1984 graduate of the then University of Southern Colorado told his players as much before the pairings were announced Sunday afternoon. "We can do this" he told the assembled players as they waited anxiously for the news they pretty much already knew. Now the challenge will be continuing to play at such a high level against competition that is just as battle tested as they are.
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----------TICKETS-----There will be no freebies for this one. Now of course the citizens of Pueblo can wait around as they are accustomed to do for CSU-Pueblo football to see what the weather forecast is going to be but something tells me you better not wait too long unless you want to be like all the kids sliding down Thunder Hill on a pizza box. Season ticket holders have already had their shot but now the general public will get theirs starting at 8am Monday morning. All seats are $10.00 http://csupueblobookstore.com/MerchDetail.aspx?MerchID=35152&num=0&start=&end=&type=1&CategoryName=2011-12%20COMBO%20SEASON%20TIX&CatID=759&Name=2011-12%20COMBO%20SEASON%20TIX
----------BIG MAC-----On my Facebook Fan Page I equated watching and enjoying the Denver Broncos option attack to eating McDonalds Big Macs. We all love that greasy burger with the special sauce but if one eats too many of them you get indigestion and eventually it just might kill you. A steady diet of Tim Tebow and company running the rock is fun but sooner or later some linebacker or safety is gonna knock Tebow into la la land. And watching Tebow throw the football is akin to watching someone lob hand grenades. All it takes is for one to hit its target and WHAMMO you are a goner as a defense. Something does tell me however 2-8 against the Jets will not equate to victory Thursday night. I think most of us will settle for a little 10-20. Call it a Quarter Pounder value meal. But as long Tim Terrific keeps winning pass the special sauce!
----------HOOPS ANYONE?-----Lost in all the hoopla surrounding the success of Pack football is the opening of this years basketball season. It all gets underway Friday night as part of the Al Kaly Shriners annual season opening tournament. The women under the direction of Kip Drown tip it off at 5:00 pm against Eastern New Mexico. The men follow at 7:00 pm versus Colorado College. First year head coach, Ralph Turner, takes over for Pat Eberhart in a season most see as a rebuilding campaign. But those close to the program see signs that point to the Thunderwolves men surprising some people this season.
----------PROGRAM REMINDERS-----The John Wristen Show presented by Miller Lite will continue on as long as the Pack stays alive in the post season. We will be at Buffalo Wild Wings Wednesday night as usual with the program getting underway at 7:06 pm on 590KCSJ-AM and www.590kcsj.com . You are always welcome to join us at BWW as the show can be listened to on their in-house sound system while you enjoy dinner and a cold one. And as an added treat you can help celebrate my 50th birthday before, during and after the show! I promise I won't go Harry Carey on all of you during the program but after the show It might get interesting!

60 Minutes

All year long CSU-Pueblo head coach John Wristen has celebrated what he calls a journey to cross a river with 11 stones dropping one in the water after each game to eventually make it across. It is a river that has had its share of sneaky deep holes but each time the Thunderwolves have encountered one they have managed to keep their collective heads above water with a chance to move on to that next stone. A win this week and the Pack will have accomplished their initial goal of winning a RMAC title and landing a berth in the NCAA Division II national playoffs. What is even more enticing is the overall number one seed in Super Region Three and all that goes with it.
Saturday's win over Western State was workmen like in the blustery conditions at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. Despite trailing after one quarter 3-0 CSU-P showed no signs of panic. In fact they seemed very content to play it close to the vest running the football continually even on obvious passing downs. Coach Wristen's plan was pretty much survive the first quarter playing into a stiff 30mph wind by running the clock at every chance and then take their chances playing with that wind in the second quarter. Kyle Major's 22 yard field goal on the second play of the second quarter tied it at 3-3. Then the defense and wind went to work on the Mountaineers. Three plays and a short punt gave CSU-P great field position at the WSC 31. Five plays later QB Ross Dausin hit Paul Browning on a gorgeous 17-yard back shoulder pass to the goal line to give the Pack a lead they would never relinquish.
On the Mountaineers next possession they faced 4th and one from their own 29 and elected to go for it rather than punt into the wind. The Thunderwolves were up to the challenge stuffing Chase Yeager for a two yard loss giving CSU-P the ball at the WSC 27. Three plays later Dausin hit Tyler Hamlin from two yards out for the junior tight end's first career touchdown.
WesternState had one chance to make a game of it in the second quarter recovering a Jamall Johnson fumble at the Thunderwolves 20. But the Pack defense rose to the challenge sacking Mountaineer QB Jamie Jensen twice on the ensuing series the last of which coming on fourth down. At this point with 1:34 left in the half I opined on the air that surely the Pack would play it close to the vest from their own 36. Boy was I wrong as Marcial Williamson executed a beautiful out and up move down the near sideline and Dausin hit him in stride for all intents and purposes 64 yard game ending touchdown. It was halftime and the Pack led it 24-3.
The second half opened with a little suspense as WSC recovered an onside kick at the Pack 47. But as they did so often all afternoon long the Thunderwolves defense forced a quick three and out. WSC punter Miles Gorham did pin the CSU-P down with a brilliant punt downed at the one yard line. But it would take the Pack only seven plays to march 99 yards with Dausin covering the final 13 yards on a brilliant 13 yard scramble to make it 31-3. A 40-yard Major field goal and a late three yard run in the fourth quarter by Pueblo County Hornet product Gio Rider finalized the scoring at 41-3.
The defensive numbers for CSU-P were staggering as they held WSC to six yards rushing and a meager 100 yards in total offense. They recorded four sacks and a remarkable 10 tackles for loss of yards. About the only negative thing all day was turnover differential as WSC managed to not turn the ball over while forcing just the one CSU-P fumble.
This Saturday Western New Mexico comes to town fresh off a 25-18 win over state rival New Mexico Highlands. Win that game and CSU-P will have achieved a remarkable achievement winning the RMAC outright in just its fourth year of existence. With that will go the number one seed, a first round bye and at the very least two home games granted they keep winning in the postseason. Another distinct possibility would be a third home game in the national semi-final. Wristen wants hear nothing of that. Surely he will have to come up with another rallying cry to follow the 11 stones analogy crossing the river. Those stones in all reality become boulders as the competition and stakes grow bigger with each passing game.
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----------LOOKING OUT FOR NUMBER TWO-----Saturday was chalked full of upsets in the Division II top ten rankings. Number two Pittsburg State (KS) fell to number nine Washburn (KS) 43-25. Number three Northwest Missouri State fell to Number 25 Missouri Western State 31-28. Number six St Cloud State (MN) fell to Bemidji State (MN) 19-14. Number one Delta State survived an upset bid by West Alabama winning 36-34. When the smoke clears Monday look for the Thunderwolves to move to number two in the nation. More importantly they will hold on to the number one seed in Super Region Three.
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----------COACH OF THE YEAR-----As the regular season draws to a close it means the beginning of all conference, all American and Coach of the Year season. The campaign has begun for one such award for national coach of the year. For the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, winning is only part of the equation. Created in 2006, the award recognizes one college football coach from each NCAA division (I-FBS, I-FCS, II and III), rewarding them for their sportsmanship, integrity, responsibility and excellence.Winners will receive $50,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, a $20,000 grant to each school's alumni association and the Coach of the Year trophy. The first portion of this nomination belongs to the fans. The top 15 vote getters advance to the finals. From their and elite committee will make the choice. The campaign for John Wristen has just begun and as of tonight finds himself 400 or so votes out of the top 15. Remember you can vote once per day. Wristen's charity is The Campaign for the Breast Center of Excellence at St Mary Corwin. Here is the link to find out more about this award and to get your votes counted http://www.coachoftheyear.com/default.aspx#fbid=AOPIlQ-2AHP
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----------GROUND FOX-----Despite all the whining and moaning about the officiating by Raider Nation, Denver's win was all about old fashioned hit you in the mouth over and over running game. In the most recent chapters in this storied AFC West rivalry it has been Oakland who has ran the ball down Denver's throat. But today despite falling behind by 10 points on two occasions the Broncos stuck with the power running game spearheaded by Willis McGahee's 163 yards and much maligned QB Tim Tebow's 118 yards. Although his passing numbers were a pedestrian 10-21 for 124 yards it did include two strikes for touchdowns. On this day it was retread Carson Palmer who was inaccurate launching three interceptions. And as usual the Raiders committed stupid penalties at all the wrong times.
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----------THEN THERE WAS ONE-----Pueblo West will be the only local team in the high school playoffs and realistically it will be a one and done proposition as the Cyclones draw number one ranked juggernaut Valor Christian on the road. PW won the free trip to Valor by defeating South in a spirited regular season finale at the Thunderbowl Friday night 34-20. The Colts played with spirit and dogged determination on both sides of the ball despite falling behind 7-0 after PW scored on their first drive of the game. This reporter was not very appreciated by the South hierarchy after perhaps unfairly calling them on the carpet after last weeks lackluster effort vs Fountain-Fort Carson in a 36-6 loss. South showed grit on defense and clever imaginative play calling on offense building a 14-7 halftime lead. But it all came crashing down early in the third quarter following a bad snap in punt formation. PW scored one play following that to tie it. Then junior sensation running back Derek Jackson ripped off a 82 yard touchdown run to put the Cyclones up for good. PW poured it on late scoring on an ill fated half back option pass interception for six and another Jackson TD run. On a bright note South did score on the last play of the season as Clayton Smith hauled in a pass at the goal line as time expired. By our count the Colts only suited up 27 players for the last game which volumes to the injuries and general attrition this team went through all season long. Nobody in Pueblo ever feels sorry for South with the exception of their "mostly" loyal fan base on the cities south side. Make no mistake Colt Nation should still be proud of the effort the battered lineup put out on Friday night. And for those of you who think my critique of the Fountain game was misguided and heavy handed (Coach Ryan Goddard in particular) then so be it. The criticism was aimed pretty squarely at the play calling and not the effort put out by the players. I always welcome feedback whether it be here in the comments field or on my Facebook fan page. I have reminded Coach Goddard on a few occasions that his predecessor faced a withering assault after his first year at the helm. It was downright ugly at times. But Mark Haering fought back the only way he knew how and that was by accepting nothing short of total team effort and discipline. Goddard was dealt a rotten hand this year. But he is young and I have total confidence he and his team will bounce back by applying those principles. He wont achieve it by aiming his wrath at a certain someone through third parties. That process started by the effort they put forth Friday night.
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----------PROGRAM REMINDERS-----Wednesday night the John Wristen Show presented by Miller Lite will air from Buffalo Wild Wings at 706pm on 590KCSJ-AM and www.590kcsj.com . As always the program is piped through the restaurant on BWW's sound system so that you can listen to the show while enjoying dinner and the beverage of your choice. Saturday's pregame show is set for 130pm and kickoff at 200pm on KCSJ. CNM Comcast 19 will have primetime football broadcasts every night this week. On M-W-F at 700pm the CSU-Pueblo vs Western State game will air. On T-TH at 7pm the South vs Pueblo West game will air. If you want the other airtimes drop me a note at jabrooksy@aol.com .
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----------COMMENTS-----I welcome your comments below. But if you dont want your comments open for public consumption then leave me a note the email address mentioned above. And as always everyone in Facebook land can access me on my fan page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jim-Brooks-Fan-Page/233638253346424