A change of heart -- and a sprinting defensive coordinator -- brought Gus Toca to Pitt State. In turn, he helped bring a trophy home. Now the 2012 TK Player of the Year reflects on his career.

While it's tough to see Valdosta State hoist the trophy, now is the time to appreciate what can happen when a good team seizes every opportunity fate allows.

Gorillas extend winning streak over Missouri Southern to 19 with 26-14 win despite adversity

Lindenwood's Denodu O'Bryant reels off three scoring plays of more than 80 yards en route to 44-33 win over Pitt State.

After two games in which Pittsburg State’s newfound passing attack struggled to score points, the Gorillas went another direction.

Carnie Smith Stadium saw a pair of records Saturday as PSU suffers worst home loss in front of largest crowd. Western rolled the Gorillas 63-14 on homecoming.

Northwest Missouri comes back from a 14-0 deficit to down No. 1 Gorillas 31-21 in the Fall Classic at Arrowhead XI.

John Brown may be the most prolific of PSU's wide receivers, but he's far from the Gorillas' only option.

The Pitt State Gorillas knew they would be tested at some point. That test came, and No. 1-PSU passed it with a 30-21 win over Central Missouri.

Last year the Gorillas did not fair well after their first bye week. This season Pitt State hopes it can use what it learned in the playoffs to defeat the Mules

No. 1 Gorillas use stingy defense, big plays, running game to pummel MIAA-newcomer Lincoln, 59-17.

On a mud soaked field in Bolivar, MO, the Pittsburg State University Gorillas ran their record to 3-0 with a dominating performance that included 52 unanswered points en route to a 52-9 win.

The Gorilla Defense made big plays early and then shut down the Bearcats for the rest of the game. Then as the rain fell, the Gorilla offense poured it on.

You can ask anyone who's ever attended a Pittsburg State Gorillas game, you will understand that you don't need 80,000 fans to make a tremendous atmosphere for football

PSU makes mistakes, but 10,754 fans watch as Gorillas beat Central Oklahoma 34-19 in first home game since winning the 2011 NCAA Division II national title.

Pittsburg State shows off firepower with 41-20 win over Northeastern State as the defending national champs oven 2012 season.

Pitt State football continues its one-game-at-a-time approach as it begins title defense.

Read about the 40 signees and see video highlights of them

PSU quarterback Zac Dickey cemented his place in Gorilla lore. Now the hometown kid is the 2012 Teamkong Player of the Year.

More than a trophy: With this award $50,000 is be awarded to four local charities and $20,000 to PSU Scholarships

'Twas the Night Before Christmas - A Teamkong tradition

Call it a fairy tale if you want, but don’t call these Gorillas “Cinderella”

Pitt State players celebrate national championship as brothers

Pittsburg State overcomes rough start and hangs on for first national title in 20 years.

Pitt State aims for national title with numerous state stars leading the way

Gorillas blow through playoffs as second seed, while Wayne State barely made the postseason. Nonetheless, they'll meet for the title Saturday at 10 a.m.

Jack Overman will be making his 7th trip to Florence, Ala. This week he gave his thoughts on everything from football to the secrets of staying virile at 93.

PSU's defense turned Delta State's vaunted offense over on downs five out of six times, plus had a second great goal-line stand in these playoffs.

Despite two years of adversity, these Gorillas never had a doubt

Pitt State destroys Delta State 49-23 to earn a trip to the NCAA Division II title game. PSU will face Wayne State in Florence, Ala. Saturday at 10 a.m.

Gorillas face the Delta State Fighting Okra at 6:05 on ESPN 3

Relentless, swarming defense propels Pittsburg State

Gorillas beat Bearcats twice in same season for first time since ’04 title run

Dickey, Brown form lethal duo as Pitt State downs Northwest 41-16. PSU will host Delta State at 6:05 p.m. Saturday for semifinal matchup.

The Gorillas square off again vs The Bearcats for a spot in the National Semi Finals

Jason Spradling has emerged as a major piece of the Gorillas rushing attack.

Pitt State avenges loss to Washburn; Northwest looms in quarterfinal showdown

Pitt State holds on downs twice in final period to stop explosive Washburn offense.

Pitt State overcomes dismal first quarter to dispatch Washburn, 31-22 in NCAA Division II quarterfinals.

The Gorillas look to avenge their only loss the season against a very good Ichabod team.

The Gorilla offensive line has been a key to the Gorillas success in 2011

President Steve Scott looks on as the Gorillas celebrate after winning the MIAA and clinching a home playoff game just 23 months after hiring Tim Beck.

Pitt State’s blueprint for revenge

A breakdown of the key pieces to Pitt State’s conference championship team

Pitt State faithful gather at Carnie Smith Stadium to hear Gorillas rewarded with the second seed. Northwest Missouri, Missouri Western and Washburn also make the cut.

PSU beats Southern 51-28 and Washburn falls to create perfect storm for Gorillas.

The Gorillas are playing for a share of the MIAA title and a home playoff game.

Luke Stringer has proved to be an outstanding partner to All-American Nate Dreiling to lead Gorilla Defense

Pitt State lost in ugly fashion, but the Gorillas still have plenty to play for

Despite a great performance from John Brown, the Ichabods have their way with Pitt State

Washburn stands in the way of Pitt State avenging yet another loss from 2010

Keeping with the one-game-at-a-time attitude, PSU know the No. 9 Ichabods will be a huge test.

Playoff positioning, the conference title, and an unbeaten record

A recap of MIAA and D2 Top 25 action while the No. 2 ranked Gorillas enjoy an off weekend

Gorillas head into off-week on the verge of completing a dream season.

Pitt State's dominant 38-17 victory takes them to 8-0

The Pittsburg State Revenge Tour continues on Saturday, when the Gorillas travel to Warrensburg, Mo., to face the University of Central Missouri.

We turn our attention to the first of three huge games Pitt needs to win to finish on top.


The Gorillas celebrate homecoming by blasting the Blue Tigers in front of a third consecutive home sellout crowd.

No. 7 Pitt State looks to stay unbeaten against conference foe

The Gorillas use another big third quarter to break open game against Fort Hays (Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com)

Pitt State's offense, defense team up for solid road win after dramatic comeback a week ago. (Photo by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com)

After an epic, come-from-behind victory at Arrowhead, the Pittsburg State Gorillas must focus on Fort Hays State.

Senior placekicker Chase McCoy has been a big piece in the Gorillas 2011 success.

Zac Dickey and the rest of the Gorillas show fans they have what it takes to be champions

Pittsburg State puts together a staggering second-half to snap No. 1-ranked Northwest's 49-game MIAA winning streak.

Sixth year Senior Spencer Worthington is a key piece to the Pitt State Defense

No. 15 Gorillas look to upend No. 1 Northwest Missouri at 10th annual Fall Classic at Arrowhead

After a decisive tune-up win, the stage is set for a championship showdown.

No. 15 Pitt State put away the Cardinals early, but they insist they weren't looking ahead to Fall Classic X

No. 15 Gorillas not happy with last week's performance; look to improve.

Saturday’s road win gives fans the good, the bad and the ugly

Gorillas overcome Truman State -- as well as themselves -- in 27-26 thriller.

A big-time talent who has waited his turn, #23 is make the most of his chances.

PSU looks to stay perfect as they take on Truman State Saturday in Kirksville. But they aren't taking anything for granted.

Despite Saturday’s big win, the Gorillas have plenty of work to do offensively

PSU laid a 38-14 beatdown on the Emporia State Hornets Saturday night with members of the 1961, 1981 and 1991 teams in attendance at Carnie Smith Stadium.

This year's Gorillas get some words of wisdom on what it takes to be champs.

The Gorillas will be looking to avenge a loss from last season when they host the Emporia State Hornets at 7 p.m.

The first installment of Greg's weekly commentary

The Gorillas combined a potent offensive attack with a shut-down defensive performance to earn the win in the season-opener between the MIAA foes.

Pittsburg State kicks off the 2011 campaign with a trip to St. Joseph, Mo., to take on the Missouri Western Griffons at Spratt Memorial Stadium.

Joe Uzzel is a backup defensive end but his fire and passion could make him an impact player as a reserve in 2011.

Zac Dickey is determined to make the most of an opportunity he's waited for most of his life.

Pitt State opened practice on Thursday night with approximately 100 players.

The 4th Annual Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, August 13th. A great event to raise funds for the PSU Athletic Scholarship in Tommy's memory. Get a team signed up today!

Pittsburg State has announced the 2011 Schedule, Parking, Seating and Season Ticket Changes.

Coach Tim Beck announced 19 high school and 4 Junior College recruits for the 2011 Class.

For the eighth consecutive year, Gorilla fans have selected the most outstanding Senior.

The Pittsburg State Gorillas gave Concordia-St. Paul a steady dose of Briceton Wilson en route to a 13-9 victory in the Mineral Water Bowl Saturday afternoon.

Nate Morris has proved to be a important piece to the Gorilla offense the last half of the season.

Nate Dreiling and Gus Toca are two reasons the future of the Gorilla defense is a bright one.

Nate Dreiling put together quite the resume as a redshirt freshman linebacker for the Pittsburg State Gorillas.

The Gorillas have accepted an invitation to the Mineral Water Bowl. They will face Concordia-St. Paul in Excelsior Springs, Mo., on Dec. 4.

A deflected pass on fourth down gave Northwest Missouri a 22-16 win Saturday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.

A memorable touchdown, a bone-rattling hit and a nerve-wracking final drive.

Well, it may not have been pretty. And it may have been closer at the end than it needed to be. But the Pittsburg State Gorillas got out of Carnie Smith Stadium Saturday afternoon with a 17-14 victory over the Truman State Bulldogs.

For all the talk about finally figuring out “Gorilla Football”, the Pittsburg State Gorillas did the exact opposite on Saturday afternoon, losing 48-27 to Nebraska-Omaha at Carnie Smith Stadium.

Pittsburg State deviated from the script by scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to beat Fort Hays State 38-21

Gavin Lutman and the Pitt State offense know they must build on their second half play against Wasbhburn in order to beat Fort Hays today.

A miserable first half left PSU facing a 28-7 hole. But a spirited halftime talk helped spur a comeback that fell short in double overtime.

The Pittsburg State Gorillas gave up a 14-0 lead in the second half to fall 17-14 at Emporia State.

Senior punter Jared Witter and freshman kicker Jake Craig are playing a prominent role in PSU's fortunes.

Freshman kicker Jake Craig kicked a 27-yard field goal with 2.2 seconds left to give PSU a 24-21 win over Missouri Southern.

It's "Rivalry Week" at Carnie Smith Stadium. The Gorillas welcome the Lions to the Jungle. Camo Jersy's and All.

Join the Gorilla Football team & the ROTC Gorilla Battalion as they join forces on October 2nd against Missouri Southern. The Gorillas will wear Army ACU Themed Jerseys during the game that will be up for auction in a ROTC/Football Fund-raising Event.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Sometimes it’s the most mundane aspects of the game that can be the difference between a win and a loss.

The contributions of six outstanding alumni from Pitt State Athletics were honored on Hall of Fame Weekend.

The Pittsburg State Gorillas seized some early momentum, but were unable to capitalize as Central Missouri records a 37-20 loss.

Zac Dickey and the Gorilla Offense are ready to put the skeptics to rest.

While Coach Broyles officially retired in December, Saturday at Carnie Smith Stadium was his day, and also the unofficial change of the guard for the Gorillas.

The Pittsburg State Gorillas scored on their two of their first three possessions before holding on for a 14-3 win over the Chadron State Eagles Saturday afternoon at Carnie Smith Stadium.

The Pitt State defense came up huge in the season opener – forcing six turnovers in a 31-20 victory over the UCO Bronchos.

Significant effort has been placed on team chemistry this year, working to blend all the new faces into the program.

Long-time play by play announcer Tom Van Hoy will be doing daily Gorilla Football updates Monday through Friday throughout the season.

PSU President Steve Scott introduced Johnson to the community at a news conference and reception held in the Wilkinson Alumni Center.

Tim Beck named Pittsburg State University's 14th Head Coach