Delta State University baseball coach Mike Kinnison was thecenter of attention Tuesday night. When you win a nationalchampionship, folks like to hear more about it, especially if theyare DSU alumni.

Kinnison was present for the DSU Southwest Chapter alumnimeeting at the Brookhaven/Lincoln County Multi-Use Facility.Approximately 40 people who love the Statesmen were present. Theyfeasted on a delicious buffet provided by Broma’s Deli and thendigested information delivered by a group of DSU officials who hadflown in for the gathering.

“Yesterday was the three-month anniversary of Delta Statewinning the national championship,” said Kinnison. “I’ve been to alot of alumni meetings since then. It’s been enjoyable to see theimpact of winning the title has had on people.”

A Division II national football champion in 2000, the Statesmenare recognized for their all-around athletic achievements. Women’ssoftball and basketball have achieved national prominence, too.

Kinnison has nine players to replace from last season’s 54-11squad. Four of those are pitchers, two starters and two relievers.Two of those seniors, outfielder Jud Thigpen (Rockies) and thirdbaseman Mark Broome (Cardinals) are playing professional baseballin the minors.

Kinnison said all but two of DSU’s latest recruits had signedscholarships before the Statesmen began their historic march to theWorld Series title. The impact should have a positive effect forseveral recruiting years.

DSU alumnus Steve Jones and his wife presented Kinnison with apickled quart of spiced okra. The Fighting Okra are recognizedaround the world.

Hoopla recognized for fearless picks

Meanwhile, Professor Hoopla B.S., is recognized for his fearlessfootball forecast. Over the years, he’s been cussed and fussed atby some readers. It all comes with the territory.

In his first outing of the 2004 season, Hoopla predicted thewinners of 12 games and got 8 right. That’s a .750 pickingpercentage.

Here’s a preview of this weekend’s winners, starting with twoThursday night community college specials.

Co-Lin at Holmes: Tonight begins a new chapterin Co-Lin football as Glenn Davis makes a successful debut. Co-Lin17-13.

Northeast at Southwest: Bears find themselvesin a major rebuilding mode but they get lucky in Hurst Stadium.Southwest 10-8.

Brookhaven at Vicksburg: Will the real Panthersplease stand up. In a defensive struggle, Brookhaven 17-10.

Enterprise at Loyd Star: An epic Sting Bowltakes place on William E. “Sambo” Smith Field. Loyd Star 20-18.

Brookhaven Academy at Bowling Green: Cougarsare off to a 3-0 start and win their first District 4-AA test.Brookhaven Academy 26-14.

Bogue Chitto at Stringer: Bobcats make adifficult road trip to Red Devil country. Stringer 16-14.

West Lincoln at Wesson: Cobras rebound from adisappointing defeat. Wesson 21-12.

Mendenhall at Lawrence County: Cougars overcometheir mistakes and find a victory. Lawrence County 21-14.

Franklin County at Terry: Bulldogs count ondefense to tip the game in their favor. Franklin County 25-12.

In other area games, Hazlehurst would whipVelma Jackson 42-12, Columbia Academy should outscore CopiahAcademy 34-20, Tylertown should trounce North Pike 34-6, South Pikeshould dump Natchez 31-8, Parklane should stop Adams CountyChristian School 32-10 and Hinds AHS should sack Crystal Springs45-12.

Leaping to the collegiate scene, Hoopla sips a diet Sprite andsprings forward.

Tulane at Mississippi State: Green Wave spoilsthe long-awaited debut of Sylvester Croom. Tulane 32-14.

Memphis at Ole Miss: In a high-scoring contestin Oxford, the Rebels avenge last year’s setback. Ole Miss31-21.

In other action, Arkansas-Pine Bluff will clipValley State 18-10, Alcorn State will escape Grambling State 24-19,and Hampton will sack Jackson State 31-14.

In SEC games, Alabama should edge Utah State17-10, Arkansas should sack New Mexico State 28-7, Auburn shouldsquash Louisiana-Monroe 42-6, Florida should blast Middle Tennessee43-13, Georgia should whip Georgia Southern 35-10, LSU should waxOregon State 29-12, South Carolina should clip Vanderbilt 22-10. Intwo Sunday games, Tennessee should sink UNLV 49-12, and Louisvilleshould surprise Kentucky 23-19.