PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University head football coach Tom Anthony announced today (Mar. 26) the Gorillas have selected 2024 team captains.

Following the squad's first day of spring camp, Anthony revealed six captains as a result of the team vote:  redshirt senior linebacker Jack Barkley (Tulsa, Okla.), redshirt senior defensive end Malik Berry (Lawrence, Kan.), senior quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. (Jacksonville, Fla.), redshirt senior linebacker Alex Gaskill (Webb City, Mo.), redshirt senior running back Noah Hernandez (Tulsa, Okla.) and redshirt senior offensive lineman Riley Teutsch (Catoosa, Okla.). Barkley, Dodson and Gaskill also served as team captains during the 2023 season, while the remaining three players are first-time captain selections.
 
Pitt State enters the 2024 season with high aspirations once again following an 11-2 season a year ago. The Gorillas claimed their second straight MIAA Championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II national playoffs. Pitt State was ranked No. 5 in the final 2023 AFCA NCAA Division II Top 25 poll released Dec. 21.

At Tuesday morning's practice, Anthony, and his staff, welcomed back 13 players (six offense, seven defense) who started seven or more games during the Gorillas' 2023 MIAA Championship campaign.

Pitt State also will conduct practices Thursday and Friday mornings at 6:20 a.m. this week; and the Gorillas will host their 2024 Coaches Clinic Friday (Mar. 29). Pitt State's Spring Game is set for Friday, Apr. 26, at 7 p.m. (CDT).