After a disappointing season for Ball State's football team, it is easy to look down on the players and coaches' efforts. However, it is encouraging to know that among all the darkness there is at least one bright, shining star.
Thursday night, junior Dante Ridgeway was Ball State's star as he sat amongst the crowd at the 2004 ESPN College Football Awards Show. Ridgeway earned his way to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. to be present at the show; he was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award for the nation's top receiver.
Although Ridgeway did not win the award, it still goes without saying that being a finalist alone is quite treasurable. For Ball State, Ridgeway represents the best the school has to offer, and it's certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Since the beginning of his freshman year, when he played in all 12 games of the season, he has made 238 catches and tallied 3,030 yards with 22 touchdowns. Both Ridgeway's catch and yard statistics have broken Ball State records.
He was one of two Mid-American Conference players up for an award Thursday, and only the second MAC player to compete for this particular award since its inception in 1994.
Indeed, Dante the Inferno is not looking to go dormant anytime soon. In fact, he may only be beginning to erupt.
After the season ended in November, Ridgeway said he will consider passing up his eligibility for his final year to join the NFL Draft. Whether he takes the leap this year, or plays his senior season and is drafted after that, Ball State's fans will be able to say one thing that no one else will.
"He is one of our guys."
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