Published: October 14, 2009 11:28 pm         

'Till It's Over: State of Sycamores … an imaginary conversation with Sam

TERRE HAUTE — The fall weather has been amazing in the Wabash Valley — aside from the rain, of course — and nobody’s enjoying it more than Sycamore Sam, the Indiana State athletics mascot.

Sam fit me into his/her — the furry, blue woodland creature has no species or gender — busy schedule to discuss Sycamore athletics.

I offered to buy Sam a beer to get the conversation rolling, but it turns out his/her drinking is limited to a couple glasses of white wine each week.

Even during the football losing streak, I asked?

The football season is no time to drink, said Sam, who assured me he/she is of legal drinking age. All of the 32 consecutive losses hurt equally, but alcohol is not the answer.

What is your answer for football turning things around?

When I was a baby growing up on the Wabash River all alone — my mother left me for dead, probably due to my freakish blue fur — I realized that you have to find where you fit in and embrace being part of a new family. When the folks at Indiana State brought me in, they treated me like one of their own. I think coach Trent Miles is trying to do the same thing with his players. It will take time, but he will bring in the talent to compete with the teams on their schedule and eventually win.

That may be, Sam, but some of those losses are pretty ugly. Shouldn’t we see some progress by now?

Do you see a headset on my giant head? I didn’t think so. I’m not a coach!

OK, calm down, Sam. I realize football may be a touchy subject for you right now. Let’s move on to the other ISU fall sports. Are you enjoying the volleyball, soccer and cross country teams?

Yes, I am. The Sycamore runners are looking good and the NCAA Pre-Nationals meet is coming up Saturday. This meet is huge, and always features some of the top contenders for the NCAA championship. This year is no different as Jenny Barringer — 9th place in the 2008 Olympic steeplechase — is back for Colorado and she is a course record waiting to happen. On the men’s side, German Fernandez of Oklahoma State is a future Olympian, but he’s only a sophomore for the title-seeking Cowboys.

I just don’t understand why the other schools don’t allow their mascots to come. But I warned that duck from Oregon not to come over here. I saw on YouTube a couple years ago that he beat up Washgington State’s Cougar pretty bad, and I text-messaged him that he wouldn’t stand a chance against me.

He took down a cougar, wow. That must be an impressive duck?

No, cougars are wimps. You know that cougar that was running wild around Terre Haute earlier this year? Let’s just say, I’ve still got stew in my freezer.

Well, I had no idea, you had such a vicious streak, Sam. Let’s change the subject to something a little more cheery.

Let’s talk about basketball, then. Geez, what kind of reporter are you? Ask me a question about basketball.

OK, Sam. Did you see the news about Jake Kelly being eligible for this season?

See the news? Jake Kelly is one of my top friends on Facebook. We chat. Get with the program.

Of course. So what do you think that means for the Sycamores this season?

It should be a great season. Coach Kevin McKenna has a lot of talent, especially in the backcourt. As Harry Marshall said in the Kelly story in the newspaper, it really helps the team’s depth.

Ah, so you do read the newspaper, Sam? I was beginning to worry we had lost the mascot demographic.

Despite all the talk about the demise of the business, I think newspapers will change with the times and remain relevant. There will always be interest in reading about sports, right?

I can’t argue with you there. So how many victories would you say for ISU? Does Kelly make them a 20-win team?

First off, there’s more to this team than Jake Kelly. Get over your man crush already … Harry Marshall has developed into a great penetrator in the backcourt, Louisiana Tech transfer Dwayne Lathan is also very quick and eligible, Koang Duluony has a 7-foot wingspan, Josh Crawford has added some bulk and Brant Leitnaker is healthy. These guys showed some promise last year, at least at the end of the year when Jay Tunnell was draining 3-pointers all over the place.

Speaking of draining 3-pointers, Kelsey Luna was among the NCAA leaders in 3-point shooting last year until her season-ending knee injury really hurt the hopes for the women’s basketball team last season. What do you expect from the ISU women’s team?

I think Luna will be outstanding in her senior season. If Illinois transfer Chelsea Buher can step in and take pressure off Luna to do the scoring, and the other newcomers can provide some quality minutes, then it could be a special season.

They also have 15 total players to work with, and, looking at the rest of the Missouri Valley Conference, I think it’s going to be a down year in the league. I know coach Jim Wiedie is hungry to make it to the NCAA Tournament so maybe this is the year that program finally makes it.

Sounds like you’re informed and ready for basketball season Sam. I’d imagine you’ll be at the Block Party on Friday?

Yes, the Block Party is a great way for fans to come out and meet the players on both teams and talk with other fans, while also getting a good look at the Sycamores in practice.



When he’s not having imaginary conversations with mascots, Craig Pearson can be reached by e-mail at craig.pearson@tribstar.com or by phone at (812) 231-4357.