Editor's Note:  This is the most recent piece in a series of stories shared by Gorillas to Gorillas as we all embark upon this new "season" in our lives. These certainly are unprecedented times, for young and old alike. Our hope is for Gorilla student-athletes, past and present, coaches and members of Gorilla Nation to read these pieces, awaken their Gorilla memories and then compose their own story to share with us. There is strength in numbers.
 
Where do I even begin?

If you would have told me four years ago when I stepped on campus that my final season would be cut short because of a virus I probably would have laughed and went about my day. Here we are today sitting at home wondering what to do next. How do we live a normal life in this new world? What is life without sports?

But then you remember the many adjustments it takes to play college athletics at a high level, and you realize that is has prepared you for life beyond the game. When Dan (Wilkes) reached out to me and asked for me to tell my story I was honored. After reading the last few weeks and how many historic alumni and athletes had already talked about their time at Pittsburg State it made me sit back and think about how special it was to be apart of this athletic program.

Since I was five, I've always had a baseball in my hand. It started out as just a boy in his grandpa's backyard hitting whiffle balls until daylight faded away. Then as I grew, I realized that maybe this was what I wanted to do. I dedicated numerous hours developing the craft that landed me here today. As I sit back now and realize how quickly time flies, I realize how blessed I was to play this game for as long as I did. Wearing the Pitt State uniform will forever be a highlight of my life.

So, what does it mean to be a Gorilla?

That was instilled in me from day one. Tom Myers came in and brought a new culture to Pitt State Baseball. There was some excitement around Gorilla Baseball once again. We had a new group of guys that were hungry to win.

A rough first season was a motivator for what was to come in year two. We went on to win 33 games and return to the NCAA Tournament. I can't thank the guys enough that played on that team for paving the way for myself and for the future of Gorilla Baseball.

The next year was just as exciting. Bob Fornelli came in and brought a winning culture. Hosting the MIAA Championships and playing in front of a packed house under the lights still gives me chills to the day.

My time here though hasn't been all about the wins and losses. Trust me no one wants to win more than me, but my time at Pittsburg State made me realize how important your teammates are. They become your family; we become brothers for a lifetime. I would do anything to put the jersey back on with my brothers I made while playing here. Those are the things that you will remember the longest.

I can't write this piece without talking about Jake Clark. He was the definition of what it meant to be a Gorilla. We lost Jake to a battle with cancer in March 2018. This is when I realized the importance of what it meant to be a family. Sitting with my 40 teammates in an ICU waiting room at eleven at night with a game the next day, we put baseball to the side and just loved each other. We grieved together and we remembered how Jake lived.

Jake was so resilient. He never gave up. During tough times with chemo he still came to the field with an infectious smile on his face and supported his brothers. Jake also had himself a sense of humor that could make anyone in the room laugh. I can speak for everyone on that team that we all learned something from Jake. He will never be forgotten.

I no longer step across the lines and lace up, but now I step into the frontlines of a fight against a virus that has ended so much for me. I will be entering into the nursing workforce in Kansas City to make an impact on individuals in need. I wouldn't be where I am today without Pittsburg State Athletics. They made me into the man I've become. From lessons learned on and off the field, I am prepared for the life ahead.

Finally, I want to thank my coaches and the School of Nursing for letting me battle the schedule of nursing school and athletics. I could go on for days about how much this school has meant to me. Pittsburg will always have a special place in my heart.

I believe that all things happen for a reason. I am saddened that it is over, but I have lifelong memories and friendships to always cherish. To the next generation of athletes to wear the red and gold, play hard, enjoy today, and love each other!

#OAGAAG!  #LiveLikeJake

Tyson Cushman
 
Tyson Cushman is an All-MIAA infielder for the Pittsburg State baseball team. The Blue Springs, Mo., native was batting .283 with 17 runs scored this spring when his senior season came to its unexpected conclusion in March. An MIAA Scholar Athlete honoree in 2019, Cushman is set to graduate from PSU in May with a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Please share your own personal stories/thoughts via email to dwilkes@pittstate.edu. We want to share them! (PSU Athletics reserves the right to edit content for space and appropriateness. We cannot promise to publish every submission, but we will do our best.) Thanks Gorilla Nation!
           
Through the Eyes of a Gorilla Archives
Vol. I - Dan Wilkes, Associate AD/Communications (Apr. 3)
Vol. II - Levi Wyrick, Football/Track & Field Athlete (Apr. 7)
Vol. III - Amanda Davied, Women's Basketball Coach (Apr. 10)
Vol. IV - Chris Hanna, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (Apr. 13)
Vol. V - Jeff Moreland, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (Apr. 15)
Vol. VI - Emily Hanenberg, Volleyball Athlete (Apr. 17)
Vol. VII - Ashley Balazs, Softball Coach (Apr. 20)
Vol. VIII - Peter Euler, PSU Alum/CC T&F Athlete (Apr. 22)
Vol. IX - Caitlin Demarest, PSU Alum/WBB Athlete (Apr. 24)