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.
 
"The decision you're going to make will affect the next 4 years of your life….but what happens in those 4 years will have an impact on the next 40 years of your life."  Coach Chuck Broyles  
 
As a young coach, sitting in the home of a recruit with Coach Broyles that statement hit home. I'll never forget it. For me personally, the decision to become a Gorilla was one of the most important and best decisions I have ever made. My coaches, professors, community and teammates at PSU became family. The values and work ethic that I learned are the same ideals that I would incorporate in my own life. That decision and those four years have had a profound impact on these next 34… and counting!
 
While some of my greatest memories at PSU are being a part of the football team, there were many days in the Fall of 1986 that I thought about quitting and going home. There was the "10 minute run" every Monday, three-a-day practices and playing work team LB against a guy that wore a spiked dog collar around town (Todd Mayhew, Love you brother!) There were a lot of tough days that Fall and I wasn't sure it was for me. It was hard and demanding.
 
Thankfully, the upperclassmen were great leaders. I really believe that that type of leadership is passed down from great administration to great coaches to great teams. We definitely had all of those. Everyone at every level expected your best, but everyone also encouraged your best. Fellow linebackers Bernard Brown, John Kemp and Kurt Thompson took me under their wing and gave me so much grace and encouragement. Countless others stepped into that big brother role. Thank God I stuck it out.
 
My teammates became my brothers and some of my greatest friends. My partner in crime - James Gray… I see you #35.  Today, we share stories of our families, the glory days and stand with one another in both our hardships and success.
 
Athletics has always been a huge part of my life and having great coaches and mentors became even more important for me when I lost my dad at a young age. I needed coaches that would push me, develop and challenge me and that would also hold me accountable. Jerry Kill, Dennis Franchione, Gary Patterson, Chuck Broyles and Tim Beck are a few of those good men.
 
The same high standards they expected of me as a player they expected of me as a person. These coaches were willing to invest their time and energy into not just me, but hundreds of other young men. Class and integrity a strong work ethic, drive for success and commitment to excellence were always an expectation.
 
As a high school coach, I am thankful to have gone through a program where every person is dependent on one another for the success of the team. Every year, I share this quote with my own team and I truly believe it.  "It is amazing what can be accomplished when everyone works together and nobody cares who gets the credit." When you become a Gorilla, you become family. It is all for one and one for all! Thank you, Coaches!
 
Developing tough, young men was a specialty of Al Ortolani. I fondly recall coming to Al on the sidelines, complaining about a shoulder injury. His 5'6", intimidating response was:   "Get your a** back on the field, your team needs you"! Much respect to our elite trainer and friend.
 
And, talk about top-notch administration and community, PSU and Pittsburg, KS are second to none. The community loves football and the university/football program is steeped in tradition. Alumni travel far and wide to support their Gorillas and the town always comes together to show their pride. If you know Pittsburg, you probably know some of the best people, some of the greatest places to eat and if you're lucky enough, even some of the greatest fishing spots.
 
I will always remember President Donald Wilson and his ability to make you feel important. How great is it when the president of your university knows your name and cares about how you are and what you are doing? President Wilson was just that type of leader; and so was Dr. Tom Bryant, my Academic Advisor. I've always joked with my youngest son, Tyson, that his score doubled my ACT score. So really, Dr. Bryant didn't have a lot to work with. But seriously, I had outstanding professors and educational leadership. Thank you also to Ms. Diana for typing one or two papers for me!
 
What started on that large patch of grass behind the Weede building helped develop my character and my life. Ultimately, my decision to become a Gorilla led to my four greatest blessings. I met and married the love of my life, Heather, and we have been blessed with three amazing children who have also been a part of Gorilla Athletics.  Hailey (women's basketball), John (football) and Tyson (track & field) have all graduated from this great university.
 
Through the eyes of this Gorilla, I can tell you that the education, experiences and friendships are invaluable. I have learned that nothing worth having comes easy. What you are willing to invest in others will be returned to you many times over and one of the best decisions you will ever make is Pittsburg State University.
 
Go Gorillas!
 
John Roderique
 
John Roderique was a two-time All-America linebacker at Pittsburg State. The Webb City, Mo., native was a consensus NCAA Division All-America selection as a senior in 1989, after earning honorable mention NAIA All-America accolades as a junior in 1988. He finished his career with 365 career tackles. Roderique, who was inducted into the PSU Athletics Hall of Fame with the Class of 1999, served as an assistant football coach for the Gorillas following graduation. He became head football coach at Webb City High School in 1997 and has led the Cardinals to 12 state championships.
 
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)
Vol. X - Tyson Cushman, Baseball Athlete (Apr. 27)
Vol. XI - Oscar Gonzalez, PSU Alum/Men's Basketball Athlete (Apr. 29)
Vol. XII - Russ Jewett, Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (May 1)
Vol. XIII - Ronald Moore, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (May 4)
Vol. XIV - Emily Regier, Volleyball Athlete (May 6)
Vol. XV - Wendi (Rickson) Horak, PSU Alum/Softball Athlete (May 8)
Vol. XVI - Josh Lattimer, PSU Alum/Football Coach (May 11)
Vol. XVII - Brad Buckley, PSU Alum/Baseball Coach (May 13)
Vol. XVIII - Piper Misse, Cross Country/Track & Field Athlete (May 15)
Vol. XVIV - Alexa (Bordewick) Dreiling, PSU Alum/WBB Athlete (May 18)
Vol. XX - Jen Gomez, Volleyball Coach (May 20)
Vol. XXI - Harlan Hess, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (May 22)
Vol. XXII - Kaity Kukowski, Softball Athlete (May 25)
Vol. XXIII - Eddie Lomshek, PSU Alum/Play-By-Play Broadcaster (May 27)
Vol. XXIV - Jenni (Miller) Croy, PSU Alum/Women's Basketball Athlete (May 29)
Vol. XXV - Jesse Wall, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (June 1)
Vol. XXVI - Marcus Canipe, PSU Alum/CC T&F Athlete (June 3)
Vol. XXVII - Kim Anderson, PSU Men's Basketball Coach (June 5)
Vol. XXVIII - Tucker Horak, Football Athlete (June 8)
Vol. XXVIV - Brandon Claypool, PSU Alum/Football Athlete (June 10)
Vol. XXX - Jacob Lenard, PSU Alum/Television Sports Director (June 12)
Vol. XXXI - Bo Farrow, PSU Alum/FB T&F Athlete (June 15)
Vol. XXXII - Bob Fornelli, Baseball Coach (June 18)
Vol. XXXIII - Dan Wilkes, Memorial Tribute to Homer Cole (June 21)
Vol. XXXIV - Drew Roelfs, Men's Basketball Athlete (June 25)