NCAA News Archive - 2001

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Even small schools can host big-time game-day experiences


Nov 5, 2001 2:44:46 PM


The NCAA News

Even small schools can have big traditions.

At Pittsburg State University, a Division II school in southeastern Kansas, football is big-time and the Gorillas are the biggest game in town.

The game-day experience there starts in Gorilla Village, directly east of Carnegie Smith Stadium, with "GorillaFest," where live music meets tailgating.

As game time approaches, the Pittsburg State national champion spirit squad arrives in Gorilla Village to lead folks into the stadium, fondly dubbed "The Pitt."

This rowdy atmosphere, referred to as the "rumble in the jungle," has been good for the Gorillas, who became the winningest program in Division II in 1995. The team took home a national title in 1991, qualified for the national playoffs in 14 of the last 15 years and has captured its conference title in seven of 11 seasons.


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