Believe it! The BGM Bears are ranked # 10 by both the Associated Press and DSM Register

By DANN HAYES

You can bet there was excitement leading up to the GMG vs. BGM football game in Brooklyn on Friday, Oct. 23.

They were talking about it at the gas station and the hardware store.

And you can also bet it was the topic of conversation from Front Street to the Industrial Park just north of town.

"I think it's about the most awesome thing, ever!" said Beth Meldrem, Brooklyn. "Our school has strived for years to achieve this well-deserved ranking."

With BGM beating GMG 44-6 on Friday to end the regular season, things just seem to be getting better.

Let's see, there is the fact that they have qualified for the state playoffs for the second year in a row. And

•They have a 8-1 overall record (5-1 in district play).

•There's also Mike Long who rushed for 277 yards against GMG to finish the regular season with 1,344 yards on 199 attempts with16 TDs on the season.

•The Bears are listed 10th in Class A on a points scored versus points allowed basis.

So, a brief mention in the Associated Press and Des Moines Register polls that have them ranked 10th in the state?

"The kids have earned it," said Jerod Burns, head coach for the Bears. "We've beat some good football teams."

Marilyn Miller, grandmother to BGM player Jevohn Miller, got to the GMG game early, despite the wind and drizzle, to see her grandson play.

"It's exciting to see," she said. "It's nice to see my grandson winning. BGM has been losing for quite a while, so it's exciting for Brooklyn."

You'll even find BGM fans in other parts of Poweshiek County.

"I am really proud of them," said Jim White, owner of Bates Flowers in Grinnell and a member of the Grinnell City Council. "I'm glad the winning Bear is back!"

White is a 1968 graduate of BGM.

 Then there is Dr. John Roudabush, a former BGM football player and a team captain for the 1963 squad.

"People are really excited about it," he said. "It brings a lot of pride to the school and brings the town together to support them, too."

Roudabush said that when he played on the team, they also had a pretty good record, ranking as high as No. 3 before dropping after a loss.

"We only lost a couple of games and tied one," he said. "We were ranked, but this was before the playoff system they have now."

And individually, BGM is also gaining some attention.

"Having Mike named Athlete of the Week from KCCI and KCRG is quite an honor for him," Meldrum said. "It takes a whole team effort to achieve something like that.

"The whole community is proud of our Bears!" Meldrem said.

UPDATED October 30, 2009 10:30 AM