In the picture on the right, you'll see our view of the court nearly an hour since the Lady Wildcats won the national championship. No one wants to leave - parents, coaches, fans, administrators - people who have followed this team to end of the earth, or at least to Iowa. When you think about all that goes into a moment like this, it really is overwhelming..so many stories on that court...so many ways they will remember this moment. I'm not a working journalist anymore, but I'll always be a storyteller and those who have been here this week have tried to faithfully tell this story, that now has the perfect ending.

Here's one more shot of some of the team that has brought you this week of special coverage on Wildcat Central and WIWU-TV. And we're not done yet. Check out this website Wednesday for tons of postgame coverage, lots of photos and video highlights. We'll also have a special edition of Wildcat Week on Thursday where we'll recap some of the euphoria. So Wildcat Central is not done yet. Thank you for staying with us and thanks to this media team for working hard more than 7 days now (another late night is coming and then a long van ride home. Thanks most of all to the Wildcats, men and women, for giving us such a great journey and honoring God with their talents.

Two years ago, I was privileged to cover another NAIA tournament with the women's team from Point Loma Nazarene University. During a postgame interview after a quarterfinal game, PLNU's head coach Bill Westphal said on-the-air that the good news was his team was in the Final Four, the bad news was he was out of clean underwear because he didn't pack enough clothes to stay through the weekend. Those comments were in the San Diego newspaper the next morning.

Here I am with a team in the Final Two, and I realized last night I wasn't going to make it with the clothes left in my suitcase. Either I can't count, or in my subconscious I didn't really think I would be gone this long. So there I was this morning, hunting for a laundromat in Sioux City. I deserve that inconvenience for doubting what was possible with this team that has met every challenge this season. I don't know basketball that well, but after seeing last night's contest, I don't see how they lose tonight.

Sorry to bore you with my "dirty laundry", but wanted you to know the WIWU-TV team will be there again tonight for all the action. I'll be there too, confident, and clean.

Go Wildcats!

“Seeing is believing,” but I’m still not sure I believe quite yet what we witnessed tonight. It was a clinic! Absolutely stellar defense and lights-out shooting were all on display tonight by the Wildcats. They put together the best game of their season. The ladies of IWU are heading to the national championship game after beating Cedarville University. Wow, that sounds kind of nice.

All season long Coach Brooks has been telling us that this team was able to shoot better but we just haven’t seen it, until now that is. Thankfully though, they have been the best defensive team in the country and it carried them to undefeated season. In sports they say “defense wins championships,” and that old adage rings true. (Coach Brooks would say that comes from Woody Hayes, I credit Bo Schembechler.) A little bit of offense doesn’t hurt though and we saw a whole lot more than a little from the ‘Cats in this one.

Here’s the one saying though that has come to my mind the most often tonight. In Isaiah, we read that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Tonight we saw Bre Miller soar. When she entered the contest late in the game and scored a basket our hearts were lifted as well. Her life and the beauty of her testimony as she has battled leukemia for the last year and a half are both a blessing and challenge to each of us. No one deserved this victory tonight more than Bre.

The WIWU-TV field teams reunited Sunday to bring you the final days of the women's championship tournament. Those of us from Missouri are mostly just trying to help out when we can, since Stephanie, Ryan and Ben have already developed some very efficient systems to get content back to you. Branson was great, but from a media standpoint, Sioux City really has this tournament down to a smooth machine. It's great to have our own location in the arena and places to work while watching the game.

We thought you'd like to see the team that brings you all the action on Wildcat Central. I'm proud of these folks and the staff back home in Marion. It's truly been a special week.

Okay, we aren't in California, but I wish we were. Last night we decided to create a set out of our lovely Hotel Lobby. I'm tellin ya...the Americ-Inn has some potential. We had a crowd hovering on the second floor balcony screaming and clapping at 10:30 at night...that probably wasn't the smartest idea. Nonetheless, they did it for tv. And let me tell you, our show turned out awesome.

Katy, Kat, and Sarah joined us for a special edition of Wildcat Week. We sat down with the girls for the evening in front of the fireplace and they went through the highlights with us for Monday's edition of the show.

I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't an easy setup. We used 3 lights and a lamp from the hotel to light the set. We had 6 XLR cables, at least 4 BNC, 2 RCA cables, 4 lapel mics, 2 cameras, a switcher, audio board, 4 pairs of headphones, record deck, 2 Macbooks and a great digital camera that Roger used to capture the moment on. Needless to say, we had whispers and questions when the Ozarks team walked through the lobby. It really was one of the most fun things we've done so far, though. Its great to have an audience thats so excited. On top of that, we had some fun with the set. Ben and Ryan walked in and set the stuff down and turned to me with an expression that screamed "go!" They told me to work my magic and create a workable set. Not only was that encouraging that they believed in my creative strengths, but fun since I had complete reign over the look of it all. I had a lot of plant stands and blankets to put back after all said and done, though.

It’s somewhat sad to see the season come to an end for IWU men’s basketball team. It’s not so much that they lost the game but rather a matter of knowing that this very special season for them has come to a close. This group has been a joy to cover for WIWU TV and this tournament experience was truly that. The guy’s played hard and gave great effort, however the Pioneers of Mid-America Nazarene were just too much.

We’ll miss Joel, Eugene, Jared, Lance, and Brandon. These five seniors, each in their own way, helped lead the Wildcats to the most successful season in the history of IWU men’s basketball. Their accomplishments are worth repeating: most wins in school history (30); most wins in conference play (14); first ever conference regular season championship; and first appearance in the national championship tournament. Not only will these guys be missed on the court, we’ll miss them as members of the campus community.

So now we pack up our gear and head to Sioux City, IA to join our colleagues to track the Lady ‘Cats as they make their first ever Final Four appearance. What an incredible season they have had! Now matter how it finishes, just like the guys, we are extremely proud of them and what they represent.

For now we say "so long Branson." Thanks for a great experience. Oh, before we go though…we look forward to being back next year.

WIWU-TV launched Wildcat Week this year with the help of a great staff, some hard-working student producers and IWU's athletic department. This week, with the show on the road, we've been looking for the perfect backdrop and today, at least in Branson, I think we found it. (take a look at our third show to see the least perfect location for a television show).

Each day, while driving on the campus of College of the Ozarks for the tournament, we passed a beautiful fountain. Once I saw we had patio furniture nearby, electrical power and a day without rain, I knew we just had to try shooting one time in this spot before leaving town. Coach Tonagel was his usual gracious self, waiting around after the final game of the season to analyze and answer our questions. You can see the results in these photos (and how it looks just out of camera range - see if you can spot Dr. Mike Fratzke sitting nearby).


Anyway, TV geeks like us get excited when we can make a little magic, working under adverse conditions. And when you try to do TV on location, Murphy's law is always operative. Unfortunately, we can't show you the final result on video yet, because technical recording problems caused us to lose our segment from Sioux City. We will fix the problem and bring you this edition of Wildcat Week on Monday, so you can see just how hard the ladies and men played in their third-round games. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the content here on Wildcat Central and this brief glimpse behind the camera of the people working hard to bring these tournaments home to you.

One of the most exciting games I have ever seen live, occurred today when the Lady Wildcats defeated the #2 seeded Hastings who was last years national championships. This was not an easy win by any means. IWU pulled out a defense that has not been seen all year...The Zone...and ran it very very very well. Wildcats won the game by the score of 61-52, but it was not until the late minutes that IWU pulled away. Hastings had cut it to a one point game, but a Liz Howerth three, and then a steal and a layup put them up by 6. Then with the shot clock winding down, Sarah McGill fired up and off balanced shot beyond the arc to beat the shot clock and banked it in. It was then the Wildcats knew they had the game sealed. This was not the ordinary Wildcats...Their late production came out of no where. Hastings had the Wildcats on their heals, until those last few minutes.

The buzzer sounded, Wildcats shook hands without a yell of excitement. There was a prayer in the middle of the court and they walked to the locker room with their heads held high. Once they were in the locker room as Ryan and I chased them in to find footage. There were screams for joy. Liz Howerth said, "There was another strength out there playing other than us." It was the sixth man. The Wildcats all year have used the phrase an Audience of One. And today the first thing Coach Brooks said in the locker room was "We played and praised God with our playing today, and that is what we are here for. We know what has got us here, and it is all for him." If you watched the game you knew it was true, because these girls came out of no where and were hitting shots they couldn't hit, or shouldn't of made. There was something different about this team.

The team knows it was not themselves who had the talent to win, but someone bigger than them...someone bigger than the game of basketball. Ask any of the players and they will say God came through for them today, and they could not of done it without him. Think about that...it is more than just a "team effort" it is a "God effort". They relied on the one being who gives them the gifts they have, and knew it was in his hands. Now am I saying God decided basketball games? I don't know...I am not God, but the girls know there was a sixth man out on the court today they allowed them to knock down their shots, play God honoring basketball, and keep their heads held high...no matter what the outcome was. When the girls got back to the locker room, the first thing they did was pray. Thanked God for the ability to play, for the ability to have fun and honor him. Then the celebrating began. It is just amazing to see that they know there is a player they could not forget, and put first before celebration. A God Honoring team, honored their Sixth man as they pulled through an Elite Eight game and on to the Final Four.

We just witnessed a great site. Wildcat fans who have come from many miles away gathered outside the men's hotel as they boarded the bus to today's game. No matter what the level of competition, there's something special about playing for a championship...and there's something special about this team. Win or lose today, they have given our community something very special - tradition. And it's not just about winning, it's about doing things the right way, with character, discipline and the right spirit.

Millions will be swept up in the March madness in a few weeks. But that is more a media spectacle than college athletics - multi-million dollar entertainment for players who will be in the NBA next year, sans a college degree. These students will be back in class next week and some will walk in the graduation line in Luckey this spring. Their basketball careers will be over, so to see them board the bus for the big game, maybe for the last time, it meant something to form the victory line.

Justin Bryant wrote in an earlier post that it's for moments like this he came to college. Ditto those of us who teach and serve as staff. Our students develop their God given talents for a chance to prove what is possible. It's the same for students producing the media content you've seen. This is our championship and the outcome is less important than knowing we've been faithful with what God has given us. Covering these teams is inspiring and we hope all of you share just a piece of the energy we felt today at the bus.

When you drive onto the campus of the College of the Ozarks you are greeted by a sign that reads “Welcome to Hard Work U.” Every student at C of O pays for part of their tuition by working on campus. Today, after the effort given by the Wildcats against Oregon Tech here in Branson, I’m calling IWU “Hard Work U East!”

After failing behind by eight points early in the first half, the men from Indiana Wesleyan went to work and fought their way back into the game. They held Oregon Tech scoreless for the final 3:30 and took a one point lead into the half-time on the strength of a nine point run.

Then in the second half, they stepped it up another notch and pulled away to a thirteen point victory. Playing great defense, winning the rebounding battle, and controlling the interior is the result of consistent effort. And that is exactly what the Wildcats gave. It was the best half of basketball from this team the entire season and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Oregon Tech is a very good basketball team, ranked #5 in the nation, and is coached by the legendary Danny Miles. He has won well over eight hundred games and a national championship during his career.

So tomorrow the Wildcats will face Mid America Nazarene University out of Kansas. Once again the Wildcats will take on another outstanding team and this time it's for the opportunity to move onto the Final Four. The Pioneers are 31-2, ranked #2 in the nation, and are the #2 seed in the tournament. It will be another big job. Judging by their performance in this national championship tournament so far, coach Tonagel and his squad will be well prepared and ready to get back to work.

This is why I came to college. The Wildcats 95-82 win over Oregon Tech was intense. I was on the edge of my seat twitching and fiddling around like I had a severe case of attention deficit disorder.

No, I didn’t come to college to become a video game addicted youth that is constantly twitching and can’t pay attention. I came to college for games like today’s (especially when my team comes out on top). Each possession was crucial as the mounted runs cutting into each other’s lead. On press row, I’m surrounded by radio announcers and other media members who are from the local press and I can’t help but look like the most bias journalist of all time pumping my fist and having the occasional outburst cheering for the Wildcats.

Sure I am here as journalist furthering my education in communication but I’m here as a fan. A fan who thrives in atmosphere such as the ones we experienced twice this year at Huntington. And now even though we don’t have as big a crowd, the gymnasium is filled with that special electricity. I cannot put an exact word on the feeling of being here nad cheering on the Wildcats. I can barely take my eyes off the court to keep notes for my article. I can’t help but give a little fist pump each time Jon Moon knocks down a 3-pointer from 3 feet behind the line or when Zach Coverstone gets the lay-up and the foul like he did so many times today.

Yes, I came to college to earn a degree. But college is often called “the best four years of your life” and following this IWU team is definitely something I will remember from my four years in college.

Here's another post telling you how we make the sausage...Both crews in Iowa and Missouri work harder when the game is over than when it's actually going on. Such is the nature of our - not quite live - coverage. Derik (the magnificent) spent both halves today on his knees shooting highlights of the men's game vs. Oregon Tech. I flew in from Savannah, Georgia after attending a family funeral and headed straight to the game, courtesy of a volunteer driver from College of the Ozarks. Immediately after the game, we shot about 6 interviews (lots of players wanted to talk about this game) What's left for us today is 4 or 5 hours of shooting Wildcat Week, editing tomorrow's update, compressing and editing videos for the Web, sending photos and blogging. On days like this, our workday will end around 1 a.m. Fortunately, tomorrow's men's game will be later, so we may actually get a little sleep. But of course, when we're catching our breath, the WIWU-TV staff in Marion is posting all of this material for you to see. And yes...we'll be full out on Saturday, just as we were each day this week.

On a personal note, thanks to Roger Alcock, Derik Hughes, Dr. Scott Turcott and Dr. Mike Fratzke for helping out any way they could while I was absent. As Roger posted earlier, Derik did pull out a lot of work by himself, but other gave help where they could - carrying tripods, driving the van, making phone calls, etc. We're here as long as they keep winning and so far both teams are showing they want to stay a while too.

The lady wildcats just finished up their victory over Tabor and I made a few observations during the game. This is the first game that I've actually sat on the sidelines taking pictures/video during the game. This puts me in great view of both teams and both teams' fans. And I must say....we have the best fans there are. While playing Tabor, their fans were yelling at the refs....screaming at their players...and getting so mad over the littlest things. Now, these are the types of fans you would expect: dramatic, hardcore fans. Our fans are different. Our fans aren't yelling at the refs. Our fans aren't yelling at the other team. Our fans aren't screaming profanities when one of our girls misses a shot. Our fans are the ones that are cheering so loudly when we steal the ball or a hit a three. Our fans are dedicated, polite, honest, and respectful of the game. I just sat there amazed at the difference. They are nothing short of being the best fans out there. There isn't a person here that can be mad because of something one of our fans said or did during the game....because they know how to cheer on a winning team. Its no wonder everyone is out to get us...they want to see us broken down and mad. But, we won't get that way...because we know that no matter what....our girls are winners and we love them for that.

So, thank you, fans....thank you for being such a great representative of what our girls stand for. You are noticed.

NOTE: I meant to post this last evening but couldn't get a connection. Sorry for the delay...

Thursday, March 8th
When you work 18 hours a day get very little sleep it’s difficult to put together a coherent rant. But, I’ll give it a try anyway. It’s been another extremely busy day here in Branson, MO. We got up early, grabbed a quick “breakfrist” and headed out to the Keeter Gymnasium to cover the first ever game for Indiana Wesleyan in the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championships. After the game we conducted some player interviews and spent the afternoon and evening putting together the next edition of Wildcat Week.

The IWU men’s team put together an incredible effort this morning. They played a very strong defensive game and were simply on fire from the field, particularly in the second half. It was a lot of fun and a joy to watch this team play so well. It’s been just as much fun having the opportunity to interact with the coaches and players during along the way. They are great group of guys and a true credit to our university.

IWU is now the last team from the MCC alive in this tournament. The University of Saint Francis lost last night to College of the Ozarks and this evening Huntington was upset by Florida Memorial. We watched in near shock as HU struggled all evening long to get something going. For those of you who have seen the Forester’s play this year, you can understand our surprise. Now the Wildcats carry the MCC banner alone.

Before I go…a note of recognition. MANY THANKS to Derik Hughes for all his work here in Branson! He has been working literally around the clock getting footage of practices, games, and interviews then producing all the packages for you to enjoy. It is a very time and labor intensive process. If you enjoy catching tournament updates and the tournament editions of Wildcat Week from Branson on Wildcat Central, then you have Derik to thank for it.

I just witnessed the most amazing thing I have ever seen with the Indiana Wesleyan Lady Wildcats, but it was not on the court. All year you have heard about the Lady Wildcats and how they play…how they are the number one team in the nation…and how they are undefeated. As the voice for the Lady Wildcats I have seen every attribute of them…so I thought. Tonight I got to see a sight of the Lady Wildcats and coach Steve brooks that many never see…I had the opportunity to step in on the team devotions tonight, and I must say I will never ever view these Lady Wildcats or Steve Brooks the same way again.

A couple of weeks ago Coach Brooks took time to talk about the spiritual life of the Lady Wildcats on WIWU’s Wildcat Week, but other than Brooks’ televised statement of the girls faith, knowing the girls personally, or knowing the Wildcats are from a Christian University, one might not know what role faith takes in their life. Especially at the national tournament where nobody knows who these girls are other than their records. I never fully understood it until tonight.

On the Court you see Coach Brooks with a red face, and yelling at his girls even if they are playing well. Today in the locker room when the girls were up 30-9 Coach screamed his head off, because the girls were not playing to potential. But tonight a somber Coach Brooks showed his soft side. I was blown away to see Coach Brooks laughing with his players, joking with his players, teasing his players, and opening his heart to his players. It was then I realized this is not a team, it is a family. Brooks didn’t have 15 players; he had 15 daughters in the room. Not only did the faith pour out of the coach, it poured out of the players. “We wish everyone could get to know him that way,” Said Katie Hinkle.

I was intrigued by my discovery of a deeper side of the Lady Wildcats and wanted to dig deeper, so I sat down with Katie Hinkle and Sarah McGill to talk for a bit. “I wasn’t brought up in a Christian home, and coach introduced me to this idea of having God in my life and living out my faith on a daily basis” Said McGill. The girls have a motto and to them it is more important than “playing on Monday”, it is their life motto as athletes. “Play for an audience of one.” Hinkle and McGill explained by playing for God alone relieves the pressure of wanting to do well for the fans or for coach or for themselves. “You are there to glorify God, because he is the only one that matters. Playing with your faith is a life changing experience. Coming to Indiana Wesleyan was one of the best choices I have ever made” McGill said. Hinkle explained that faith is dominant in their team. “In your faith you are required to lean on one another. If you try and do it on your own, you will fall flat on your face. And I think it relates to basketball because we have tremendous pressure put on us, and we have to look to one another. We have to become servants to each other. If we look inward to handle the pressure then we will build the pressure and fail. By having weekly devotions we see it is more than just about me. It is about us. And I think it shows why we are so successful on the court.”

The Wildcats show their faith by their actions. Bob’s Point After is the sponsoring team for Indiana Wesleyan University, and owner Bob Roe says the team is “different” and is what he loves about the Wildcats. “We try to live out our lives as encouragements towards others and hope they see Christ in our lives. It is so much more than basketball; we pour our lives out with our faith.” Hinkle and McGill explained.

By living out their faith, it draws the Lady Wildcats into unity. McGill said, “We are real with each other, we are vulnerable with each other, we trust each other on a deeper level, and we know we are there for each other.” The ladies went on to explain through growing in their faith; they have grown closer as a unit. “Everyone comes with a different level of spirituality, but we want everyone on the same page going the right direction” Hinkle said. The seniors told me they bring the freshmen girls in and show them what a relationship with God is and hope they would catch the idea of growing together as sisters in Christ and not just as a basketball team.

The team has obviously caught on with this philosophy, because I now know why this is the best team out on the court. It is not because of skill, but because of chemistry. It is not because these girls have played together for 4 years; it is because these girls have grown in their faith together for 4 years. The results show on the court. This team plays to the rhythm of a different beat, and playing for an audience of one. I hope by reading this, you receive some insight that many do not get to see in the team. The Lady Wildcats are the best team out on the court. They are not the best because of their record; they are the best because of who they are.

It has been a rough couple of first days. Between technical difficulties, lack of sleep, and just trying to get in the groove, frustration started to set in early. It was not until this evening, as I sit in this uncomfortable chair editing away that I remembered what it was all for. Just today Wildcat Central had over 2,000 hits. There are people from all over the country relying us to keep them in the loop. Most might say that is a lot of pressure, I see it as an honor, a privilege, and most importantly a responsibility. As a student, there is more to learn on this trip than anyone could ever teach in a class room. However, on this trip, I cannot have a student mentality. Here I am held to a standard of excellence, and while I will be learning every step of the way, I have to conduct myself as a professional and hold myself accountable for the mistakes, blunders, and mishaps that happen in every production. This experience is going to be something I will never forget, and something I wouldn't trade for the world. So for all those college students soaking up the sun on a beach somewhere, you are missing out. Missing out on some of the best basketball in the country, 12 hour work days, and most importantly the amazing hospitality tent!

Isn't this great? I mean honestly...think about it. There are two teams in two parts of the country trying to achieve one goal...Win a National Tournament. We at WIWU TV are in Missouri and Iowa covering our teams road to the National Championship so that you at home can follow the Wildcats in this tournament. It is amazing how you can find out how both teams are doing here at this website. Both teams from WIWU are working their tails off to send updates, interviews, and wildcat week to the station back home so you can be up to date...but it's more than us who is working their tails off...and they need to be the ones who have the recognition. Our boys back home work extremely hard to get these blogs, updates, and wildcat week on the web and TV....Not only that they get it on there fast. Kyle has done an amazing job designing this website so that everyone around the globe (and yes..people around the globe have checked out this site) can follow their Wildcats to the National Championship. Nathan and Paul work extremely hard to edit our material so it can be displayed for all to see. These guys do a heck of a lot of work and deserve all the credit. What we do here...the hours we spend working is not nearly as important as the work these three men have put in. We would not be here if it wasn't for these guys. So while we get a great food, a hotel, and some amazing food covering the girls basketball team (and the team in Missouri covering the guys)...they are at home making things happen. I felt the need to thank these three guys for putting their time and effort into it. I know the team here in Iowa appreciates it, and I assume I can speak for the team in Missouri when I say...Thank you for all you do. You guys deserve all the credit and should be recognized for all the hard work you put into this tournament coverage. So as I close this blog I once again say thank you to Kyle, Nathan, and Paul.

- WIWU TV crew (Iowa edition)

Maybe we can get Hank Williams, Jr. to record a new intro for the special tournament editions of Wildcat Week. It’s all basketball all the time here in Branson as the best small college basketball teams in country are competing for a national championship. If you like basketball this is the place to be. Both today and tomorrow, the schedule is packed with eight games a day. As soon as one game finishes, the next teams have only ten minutes to warm up before tip-off. Halftime is even shortened to ten minutes. And so it goes from early in the morning to late in the evening as each game follows in rapid succession. It’s obvious that the players and coaches must be mentally focused and ready to go when game time arrives. Coach Tonagel has done a great job getting his team ready for tomorrow morning.

On a more savory note, during our lunch break today I did have the honor of introducing my favorite restaurant, Famous Dave’s, to a few of our crew. I’ll admit that I let out a shout for joy when I saw the red sign for Dave’s. Almost immediately I had visions of beef brisket dancing in my head. This may sound like I’m going a little bit overboard but you fans of the barbecue king know what I mean.

I would love to stay and keep writing but it’s time to go. Another game is ready to start and after that… it will be time to eat again!

As I'm sitting here beginning to type this...the small pep band just finished playing "Hey Baby" and I had a flashback of my high school color guard days when we'd stand up and sing the song really loudly during pre-game of the basketball games. I almost sang it....then I realized that I might get some funny looks...not to mention the fact that I barely have a voice this week, anyway. So, I'll stick to just writing about it.

Sioux City, Iowa is one happening place today. The staff here has arranged for our team to have this great set up in the upper concourse of the arena. We have a table set up for editing and switching...a whole area for our Wildcat Week set-complete with a view of the court just below us....and the food tents nearby (seriously...I have 2 guys with me this week, I have to think about these things). We're at halftime of the Cornerstone/William Jewell game and our girls just came out to warmup on the court before they play in just an hour. I took a picture to show you the view.

We caught Coach Brooks sneaking his breakfast this morning as the girls were nearby practicing. When Ryan mentioned that he was grabbing his breakfast, too, Coach grabbed an extra muffin. Keeping us on our toes already. Also please note that when aquiring our press credentials this morning...we realized that they didn't have our names...they had the names for the team from Missouri. So, for today, I'm Roger Alcock. Well I'm going to close this short and sweet message out so we can set up for the rest of our exciting day, but I wanted to end on this random fact from Iowa: The WIWU-TV crew here matches today. Seriously....we match.

Now thats what I call dedication!

It should be written on every media professional's desktop that the audience doesn't care about how you create the message, just whether it's good or not. Nevertheless, I can't help but be amazed at what computers and the Internet are making possible in our Wildcat Central coverage. When people have learned we are sending video back to WIWU-TV for broadcast, they ask how? Satellite? Fiber Optic? Nope, just video compression and a wireless Internet connection. What we're doing now wouldn't even have been possible two or three years ago, at least not at the quality standards necesssary for over-the-air television. Add to that the photos, clips and blogging - (and a 30 minute edition of Wildcat Week to be produced on location that still has us all a little anxious) and you have a real multimedia enterprise. Now you know why my first question about our hotels was not the number of beds, but "do you have high-speed Internet?"

The 7 people on location in Iowa and Missouri and 3 back at WIWU-TV are working very hard to make Wildcat Central a great resource for IWU's fans. But as great as the technology is, it's the hard work of talented people that is still at the core of our communication efforts. Pray for us, as well as the IWU teams, as they work to bring home championships and we work to tell their stories.

Working three jobs at the same time isn't easy much like trying to stop a 3-on-1 one fast break where every time I finish one job another one presents itself wide open underneath the basket. But I'm not complaining as I work as a student sports information director, honorary clock manager at practice, and official sports correspondent for the Marion Chronicle-Tribune at the NAIA DII National Tournament, because it all provides with a great opportunity to see what and how the team is doing in its first ever trip to nationals. Here is what I saw.

The Wildcats held their first practice in Branson this morning at Hollister High School’s gymnasium a mere ten minute drive from the team hotel. I have two views of today's practice. As student sports information director and honorary clock manager at practice, the practice appeared to go smoothly and efficiently. As a sports journalist, the team seemed to be a little lackadaisical in their seven-minute scrimmage finishing with a 14-4 win for the starters amongst many turnovers from both sides. Hopefully, any early morning grogginess will be out of the team's system come Thursday morning.

The team then came back to the hotel for showers and quick meeting before going out to eat at Fuddrucker's and Coldstone Creamery for dessert. After that the team took a trip to the National Tournament's gym. During a rest period back at the hotel, I went to work interviewing and writing an article for the Chronicle-Tribune focusing on the team's two-year turnaround from last place to Mid-Central College Conference co-champions and an at-large berth in the NAIA Nationals.

At six this afternoon, the team attended the Tip-off Banquet at the Dixie Stampede, enjoying a show of horse, pig and ostrich races among other things along with a pork loin and chicken dinner.

Right before curfew, the team listened to motivational speaker Joe White. White graciously took time out of his schedule to talk to the team about being champions not only on the court this week but also in their lives and walk with Christ. The Wildcats' alarms are set for a 7:30 wakeup tomorrow in order to head back to Hollister High School for an early practice.

As my third day in Missouri is in its early morning, I've realized another job I have. My fourth job--if I can call it that--is being a fan. And as fan, all I want is for Thursday to come. It is great to be out here but bring on the competition and let’s get some adrenaline pumping.

"Good morning" came just a little bit earlier today. The vans were scheduled to pull out of the PPAC parking lot at 6:30AM sharp and I did not want to be the last one aboard. Everyone gathered on time and each crew set out for their destinations. One van departed for Sioux City, IA to follow the Ladies on their quest for a national title and and ours headed for Branson, MO to cover the Men's team. Ten hours later Dr. Mike Fratzke, Dr. Scott Turcott, Dr. Randall King, Nate Foster, Derrick Hughes, and I rolled into Branson ready to meet up with the Coach Tonagel and his Wildcats at the Dixie Stampede. Along the way, I learned that with such a wide array of "expertise" populating our van, it's amazing what jewels of knowledge and life lessons one can pick up on.

Put these little nuggets away for later use someday: An iron can be used to cook a steak if absolutley necessary; Northwood University, a potential second round matchup for the men, is coached by the legendary Rollie Massimino; some people actually catch catfish with their bare hands; the mascot for Aquinas college is a saint bernard named Nelson; there really once was a Chef Boyardee; and In-N-Out Burger is hands down the best hamburger chain ever! This is only but a sampling of the profoundities that we discussed.

Part of the fun of a road-trip is getting to know each other a little better by sharing stories in order to pass time along with the miles. However, it's time to get back to "work" now and talk about why we are doing this in the first place. This next week will be the culmination of the most successful season in the history of Indiana Wesleyan University Basketball. One that has been a privilege to cover as WIWU TV play-by-play voice for the men's team and host of Wildcat Week. Congratulations to the coaches and players of both teams on what they have already accomplished. Now, best wishes for an even greater finish. Let the games begin!

It all starts here...The Road to Monday, well Tuesday really...but "Monday needs to come first." All season long Coach Steve Brooks of the Lady Wildcats has stated "Play on Monday" as their phrase for the year. If you were wondering what that is all about, let me break it down for you. The MCC Conference Tournament Championship game was played on Monday and The National Tournament Final Four game is played on a Monday as well. So it would make sense for Coach Brooks to use both "Monday's" in his inspiring phrase, or does it? When I spoked to Katrina Spitler (IWU Guard) I asked her, "Don't you want to play on Tuesday too?" She responded with. "I told Coach that same thing, but he told me Monday has to come first...Let's play Monday, then worry about the championship game on Tuesday." I guess it would make sense. I mean why would you have a phrase "Let's play on Monday....and Tuesday?" I mean honestly. 32 Teams..... 31 games....1 Champion. And Hopefully our Lady Wildcats will be crowned the 2007 NAIA DII National Champions. But they have a lot to worry about.

When walking into the banquet the Indiana Wesleyan University Lady Wildcats were faced with staring eyes. Why were the other 31 teams watching? I will tell you. Everyone knew the Lady Wildcats were the #1 Seed, and the team to beat. It makes sense, the lady Wildcats are 33-0 (the only undefeated team to enter into the National Tournament in 10 years), won their conference in the regular season, won their conference Tournament, were ranked #1 for most of the season, and are the favorite to win the National Tournament. Sound like pressure? Sound like the girls have a lot to worry about? Nope. The Lady Wildcats were all smiles tonight as they were welcomed as the #1 seed. The girls' night was filled with laughter..Even Coach Steve Brooks cracked a smile and had some fun (Check Picture). Rest assure the girls came to Iowa with a goal in mind, and they plan to achieve that goal, but nothing has changed. Their practice style has not changed, they are focused, determined, skilled, prepared, have experience, they are calm, humble, and most of all they are ready. Because of all those factors, pressure,and hoopla around these parts in Iowa, the girls are not phased. That is why they are the favorite to win the NAIA National Tournament. They came here for one goal...To play on Monday......and Tuesday.

Fourteen players, three coaches, two managers, and I were packed and on the bus by two o`clock Sunday afternoon when we pulled out of the Recreation and Wellness Center parking lot. Immediately, I realized I had forgotten something vital to the long road trip. I left my pillow in my dorm room and missed its soft comfort when I decided to take a nap midway through the trip.

Before my nap, we began the trek to Missouri by watching and analyzing some game film of our first round opponent, Aquinas College (MI). We put in "Rocky III" after watching the first half of Aquinas versus our Mid-Central College Conference rival Huntington University. Most of the team relaxed and went to sleep while others took in a game of euchre. I uncomfortably took a nap without a pillow.

I woke up and read a book before we decided to watch "The Greatest Game Ever Played." We arrived in St. Louis around six o`clock to the bright city lights reflecting off of the Arch. We stopped at Smokin Al`s BBQ where we enjoyed barbecued ribs, chicken, and pulled pork with sides of homemade coleslaw and baked beans.

We spent the night in St. Louis at a Courtyard by Marriot. The coaches held a quick team meeting in a conference room before the team relaxed in the pool and hot tub. We had curfew at 10:30 p.m. Central time (11:30 p.m. Eastern time) and I fell asleep soon after.

The Wildcats first game in the NAIA DII National Tournament is Thursday morning at 8:30 and the coaches are training the players to get up earlier and earlier each day beginning by getting up at 7:30 today. Our hotel is located next to St. Louis University, home of the NCAA DI Billikens. The coaches arranged a practice at the University’s practice facility where the team was able to fire up some shots and handle the ball to stay in rhythm in between long bus rides. We were back on the highway around 11:30 a.m.

We made two stops on our way to Branson, Missouri. Our first stop was Bass Pro Shop where we wandered around for forty minutes. The Shop is huge and has something for about everyone. One of the most intriguing sights was a 170 pound, seventy year old turtle in one of the aquariums. Our second stop was for food at Lambert`s--Home of Throwed Rolls. The team received plenty of rolls thrown in their direction from the waiter as well as thrown at each other. We concluded our trip at Comfort Inn in Branson, our home for the next week hopefully, and settled in for the night with comfortable pillows to rest our heads on.

We welcome all of you to WIWU-TV's coverage of this year's NAIA tournament. As you can see on the "Wildcat Central" website, we have much planned and making it happen is beginning to seem like moving a small army into position. We are sending 3 people to each tournament site with a battery of video equipment, computers and peripherals. They will not only be sending video reports back to WIWU-TV, but are doing double and triple duty by gathering the words, images, sights and sounds for the website. This is the world of modern media, thinking of the Web as a 24/7 information outlet. Many of you will look at this website as the first place to get updated information and we plan to be ready to meet your interests.

As many of you know, WIWU-TV is also a teaching media outlet, where IWU's Communication students learn their craft. I'm pleased that two students - Ryan Dunigan, sports producer and Ben Backer, play-by-play host for IWU Women's basketball - are spending their spring break on this great adventure. They will learn many things to help their careers while bringing the tournament news home to you.

Please check the website and this blog frequently. We will share our behind-the-scenes perspectives as the tournament progresses and we welcome your feedback here also. The teams are on their way to Iowa and Missouri. Our WIWU-TV teams will head out Tuesday morning. We're ready for some exciting times. Go Wildcats!