NOTEBOOK

Old face: The head equipment manager for Southern Illinois is Alvie Armstrong, who is a YSU graduate and worked for several years as the assistant equipment manager under Carmen Cassese for the Penguins. Armstrong met pregame with all his former friends and colleagues.

New stadium: Southern Illinois will be getting a brand new stadium in the next few years. With a big help from the city of Carbondale, which will give $1 million a year for 10 years toward the new stadium. Construction will begin in 2008 and the stadium, which will move across campus near the new basketball arena, is expected to be ready for the 2010 season.

Gone fishing: YSU’s radio broadcast duo of Bob Hannon and Dick Hartzell went fishing Friday behind the team’s hotel. Hannon had never been fishing and Hartzell, the expert, showed the rookie the ropes. Hannon’s biggest catch came in the hotel lobby as they were warming up when he hooked a hotel employee.

Walking wounded: YSU’s three injured senior players (tight end Louis Irizarry, tackle Matt Kishman and linebacker Joe Nicholson) made the trip. Irizarry and Nicholson helped the coaches during pregame drills, while Kishman, who is still on crutches, was limited to giving moral support.

Pete Mollica