BROADCASTER blogs
     (Random thoughts from Shawn Jones and Bob Jackson during the Mules trip
        to the Elite Eight in Springfield, Massachusetts) 
 
                                                                   
                                   Shawn Jones                                      Bob Jackson                        

(Monday - 3/19) - Bob Jackson
The Mules arrived in Springfield on Monday and were welcomed by the snowfall from the weekend in the Springfield area.  More snow is falling as I write this on Monday evening.  This is where UCM basketball enjoyed it's greatest night of achievement in March of 1984 when both the Mules and Jennies claimed the D-II championships on the same night.  I've had many people ask about the Mules team of 84 compared to this squad, and I will say the same to everyone...they are different and the same all in one!  The 2007 Mules have already etched their name in the history books with a record 30 wins, and no matter what happens over the next few days, they will have achieved something that no other UCM basketball team has done to date.  The last Mules squad to reach the Elite Eight, 1995 team coached by Bob Sundvold, should also be listed with these two teams in just the accomplishment of reaching the goal to make the Elite Eight.  That team gets overlooked a bit when comparisons are made about greatness of Mules basketball, but everyone that saw them play knows how good they were.  It's unfair to compare teams, especially from years so far apart, so let's just say that all three were real good.  I know there are fans who feel other Mules teams in the past may have been better than these three, and that's what makes athletics so fun, as everyone has an opinion about the era and team they saw play.  We'll watch with pride as the Mules take the floor on Wednesday evening and all of us associated with UCM will know that for now, this is the team!

(Tuesday - 3/20) - Shawn Jones  
Greetings from Springfield, Massachusetts, the Birthplace of Basketball!  It was a cold, blustery day in New England, but no one in Cardinal and Black seemed to care.  The Mules had their first practice at the Mass Mutual Center this afternoon.  Yes, it is the same building the Mules and Jennies won the dual titles in back in 1984.  Back then it was the Springfield Civic Center and it has since been renovated and  is still an outstanding venue for this championship.  It was neat to look in the rafters and see the “1984 Central Missouri” banner hanging amongst the national champions dating back to 1957.  After a good practice, the Mules prepared for a special evening. 

We headed to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame at 5:30 p.m. eastern.  Coach Anderson had a press conference at 6:00 p.m. and the guys had some time to take in the history of basketball.  As you might expect, Coach A did a great job in the press conference and the guys enjoyed the free time to enjoy the history of basketball.  At 7:00 p.m., we were treated to a great banquet at the Basketball Hall of Fame.  It was held at “Center Court” of the Hall of Fame.  The featured speaker was former Boston Celtics legend Jo Jo White.  In addition, each coach spoke about their team.  It was really neat to see Coach Anderson at the Basketball Hall of Fame podium in the middle of the Hall of Fame underneath the picture of every inductee.  It was truly a first-class event.  After the banquet, the guys had a team meeting, then off to bed to get ready for tomorrow’s Elite Eight opener against Montevallo.  5:00 p.m. central tip……4:20 p.m. air time on the Central Missouri Sports Network.  You can also watch the game via the web at www.ncaasports.com/dii.  It’s my understanding Bob and I will be providing the audio coverage of tomorrow’s Mules-Falcons game for CSTV and the NCAA on the webcast.  See you on the radio!

(Tuesday - 3/20) - Bob Jackson
It was a busy day for the Mules on Tuesday with a trip to the Westover Air Force Reserve Base for a tour of a C-5 Cargo Plane (Huge Plane by the way).  We appreciated the tour, and you can see some of the pictures of that trip by going to the "Mules at the Elite Eight" page, which also includes some pictures of the evening at the Hall of Fame and the Pre-Tournament Banquet.  Read Shawn's blog about that above.  Ready for the games to finally get underway on Wednesday!

(Wednesday 3/21) - Shawn Jones

WOW!  The Mules are in the NCAA-II Final Four after a “team” win over Montevallo.  Springfield is indeed a special place for Mules basketball.  In ’84, the Mules advanced to the Final Four in Springfield and that was the last win at this level until tonight.  The guys were so focused and determined. The game was called very close and the bench did a super job of giving the team big minutes. 

 Earlier in the day, we found out Zack Wright was not named All-American, but we would not trade him or any of these guys for anybody!  He was amazing.  His second half dunk off the ally-oop from Wadele Williams was spectacular.  Coach “A” is also in the Final Four for the first time.  At Mizzou, he came up just short as a player in ’76 and an assistant coach in ’94.  He is now a Final Four coach and that is so great for such a super person and the program he has built at UCM.

 Jerry Hughes wore his lucky red leather shoes that we wore here in 1984 and they worked again!  Now we play Winona State.  Defending National Champs, winners of 56 straight.  The game will be on national television on CSTV.  What great exposure for the university and a great opportunity to be the underdog and see what happens when we tip it up tomorrow night. 

 Special salute to the Mulekickers, Cheerleaders and Pep Band.   On the bus for 24 hours, arrived just before game time and now they get to stay and enjoy this a little more.  I hope you are enjoying this special ride as well.   As I said on the radio…..Stand Up Central Missouri, We’re In the Final Four!!!! 

(Wednesday 3/21) - Bob Jackson
A very impressive performance by the Mules in their Elite Eight Quarterfinal match-up with Montevallo!  Zack Wright proved why he deserved more post-season recognition that he has received, but he will just let his play do the talking.  Darryl Sommerset was big time again, as he has been throughout the post-season, and Charles Stoker continued to do the little things that don't go noticed in the box score...however he came up big with 15 points in the game.  A tip of the cap to the bench play as well with strong contributions from Kevin Wollbrink, Fred Dudley, and the return of Alonzo Brooks.

Great crowd and spirit group support and special recognition to those who drove many hours to get to the game.  We knew the atmosphere would be as electric as it was at the South Central Regional in Warrensburg, but our crowd did their best to bring some of that to the Northeast.

Mules face a big challenge on Thursday against a very, very good Winona State team.  But as the old saying goes..."To be the champions, you have to beat the champions".  It should be an exciting evening on Thursday and I hope that as many of our fans across the nation can watch the game on CSTV.

(Thursday 3/22) - Shawn Jones
A magical season came  to a close tonight in Springfield…The Mules went toe to toe in the National Semi-Finals with Defending National Champion Winona State and came up just short.  It was a fantastic game full of big runs and great plays by both teams.  The six seniors will be a group we will talk about for years to come.  Charles Stoker, Alonzo Brooks, Theo Jones, Daryl Sommerset, Wadele Williams and Zack Wright took Mules basketball from very good to great once again.  31-4….MIAA Co-Champs….MIAA Tourney Champs….South Central Region Champs……National Semi-Finalists.

The team will travel back tomorrow morning.  Monday at 4:00 p.m. join us in downtown Warrensburg for a parade to honor this team and the welcome home reception that will begin after the parade at the Multi.  It will be the last time this group is together.  Let’s have fun with ‘em one last time.  Thanks to you Mules fans as well.  You are the best!