The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Indiana

As an alum of Ball State, home of the Cardinals, the fiercest robin-sized bird in the world, I can only say that, in addition to being thankful for all the blessings in my life -- family, friends, home, God, forgiveness -- I can now add a bright red cherry on top.

In the grand scheme of things, Ball State's perfect season -- which it sewed up Tuesday night with an emphatic defeat of Western Michigan -- doesn't mean a lot. We all have things in our lives that are much more important to us than that.

But, gee, in terms of sheer exhilaration and emotional rush, few things can beat this moment. The heart-pounding, misty-eyed glee at seeing the Cardinal fans swarm onto the field at Scheumann Stadium. delirious with joy and pride, will live in my heart forever.

And I can only wish -- from the soul that yearns within me -- that the two of my friends who attended the game in person, while I had to work in the office, both contract burning, gnawing skin conditions that require surgery.

Not that I'm bitter ...

Seriously ... go Cards!