Northwest Missouri State Begins 2009 Journey

By David Boyce

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- As hard as Northwest Missouri coach Mel Tjeerdsma was making sure the first day of practice ran smoothly, he was able to savor the process.

Tjeerdsma saw defensive coordinator Scott Bostwick guide a veteran group and spotted offensive coordinator Adam Dorrel begin to shape a new group of offensive linemen.

"For me personally, it's fun being out here and having the whole team out here to see everything in place," Tjeerdsma said.

"We have a lot of coaches and they are doing their job and the kids are focused and know what they are doing for the most part. That's the fun part. It makes you feel good that hey, we are back and we got to get going."

The players, like senior free safety Myles Burnsides, senior running back LaRon Council and junior quarterback Blake Bolles, eagerly answered questions from newcomers getting their first taste of what it means to be a Bearcat.

"From a leadership standpoint, it is good to have the younger guys come up to you and ask you questions because I remember coming in and asking guys like Joel Osborn and Josh Lamberson questions and stuff," Bolles said.

A perfect morning greeted the Bearcats Thursday. They trotted into Bearcat Stadium breathing 70-degree temperatures with a pleasant breeze.

It certainly was an atypical early August day in the Midwest, and definitely not what the Bearcats expect for their first game on Aug. 27 at Abilene Christian in Texas.

While Northwest Missouri players enjoyed the nice day, they understand some hot weather is needed to get them ready for their season-opener.

"I'd say we were definitely fortunate in the weather for practice No. 1. I think it is supposed to get hot this weekend," Bolles said. "I'm not necessarily looking forward to it getting hot, but we definitely need to experience it and get the body acclimated to it."

Like the most recent years, Northwest Missouri is coming off the best finish of any team in the MIAA. The Bearcats have finished Division II national runner-up the last four seasons.

Obviously, the returners still feel they have some unfinished business to take care of.

"It's always in the back of your mind that we were so close, so close, and that is one of the driving forces that motivates you all summer when you are running in 90-degree weather and busting your butt in the weight room," Bolles said.

"But we are totally focused on this season."

And that's exactly the way Tjeerdsma wants his players to approach the season. The last time he talked to the team about the 2008 championship game was in December when the game was played.

December 2008 is history in Tjeerdsma's eyes. For players who want to learn more about Northwest Missouri football history, Tjeerdsma motioned to the press box, which has the years the Bearcats were national champions, runner-ups and MIAA championships.

From all indications from the first day of practice, the 2009 Bearcats appear poised to add their mark to the program's storied past.

"The young guys came in this year and they were pretty knowledgeable," Council said. "A lot of them came up during the summer. They got a head start on everything so this first practice we were ahead of the game.

"We got a pretty good sense of urgency. We have a big game on the 27th. We have about 20 practices left."

Simply put, the Bearcats were just glad to be back on the field, playing football again.

"Oh man it is exciting, seeing all the new guys, the transfers," Burnsides said. "It's exciting finally to get back on the field and get back at it.

"We are just ready to start the season. We got a lot of guys back on defense and a lot of new guys on offense who are really talented and ready to show the conference what they got."

The quarterback always garners the most attention on a football team. Last year, Bolles was the understudy of Osborn. The opponents have some idea of what he's capable of. Bolles played at least a series or two in every game.

Bolles is now the No. 1 quarterback and embraces the responsibility that comes with that job.

"I love it," he said. "It's a great feeling knowing when the No. 1s are called I'm the one going in there. There is nobody else in front of me. But at the same time it is a privilege.

"You can't get complacent with it because we have a lot of great athletes here at every position and quarterback is no different. There is always competition. You just got to go out there and compete and do the best you can."

That's a trait the Bearcats have shown better than any team in the MIAA, lately.

It's only one day of practice that lasted two and a half hours, but Tjeerdsma liked what he saw.

"I always look at the enthusiasm and how excited are they to be back out here? I thought our enthusiasm today was as good as it has been," Tjeerdsma said. "Guys are anxious to get going. They can see the clock and know we are going to have a game three weeks from today."

Offensive player to watch: Senior running back LaRon Council, a graduate of Center High School, is a scoring machine. Last season he rushed for 1,739 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown.

Defensive player to watch: Senior free safety Myles Burnsides is coming off a season in which he was national defensive player of the year. Burnsides picked off six passes. He has a nose for the football and hits like a linebacker.

Key game: The season-opener at Abilene Christian on Aug. 27. Of course, the match-up with Pittsburg State at Arrowhead is always big. But the Bearcats will find out quickly where they stand against Abilene Christian. Last year Abilene Christian shocked the Bearcats with a 44-27 win in Maryville to open the season, and then Northwest Missouri returned the shocking favor with a 45-36 victory at Abilene Christian in the quarterfinals of the Division II playoffs.

On Friday: Emporia State volleyball preview.