The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

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November 27, 2009

PSU football coach charged with DUI

By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

GALENA, Kan. — Pittsburg State University head football coach Chuck Broyles is to meet with his boss next week in the wake of having been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Galena police arrested Broyles on Tuesday night, according to police Chief Larry Delmont.

Broyles was arrested after a traffic stop at 9:53 p.m. at 23rd and Main streets. Delmont said someone came to the police station to take Broyles home after his arrest. He has been charged in Galena city court with misdemeanor DUI.

Broyles, who has been head coach of the Gorillas for 20 years, informed PSU President Steve Scott of the arrest on Wednesday, according to a statement issued Friday by the university.

“I am deeply saddened and profoundly disappointed by this news,” Scott said in the statement. “Drinking and driving is a serious problem, and we do not take these things lightly. I appreciate coach Broyles immediately bringing this to my attention, and I know he understands the gravity of this incident.”

Broyles said in the statement that he has always told his players not to do anything that would embarrass him, the football program or the university. He said he has told them that they shouldn’t do anything that would diminish the things that have been accomplished.

“Now, I’m the one who is embarrassed,” Broyles said. “I hope others will not judge me too harshly or let this incident tarnish the PSU football program, Dr. Scott or the university.

“I am the one who made a poor choice, and I am the only one who is responsible for my actions,” Broyles continued.

Scott and Broyles will meet again after the Thanksgiving weekend to discuss the matter further. PSU spokesman Ron Womble said Scott won’t discuss the range of actions he is considering.

Broyles, 62, also is the PSU athletic director. This was his first losing season at PSU, with a record of five wins and six losses. For his career at PSU, his record has been 198 wins, 47 losses and two ties.

Broyles became the first college coach since the late 1800s to reach his 100th coaching victory in less than 10 seasons on Oct. 23, 1999, when PSU defeated Washburn at Topeka.

He surpassed Missouri University of Science and Technology coach Charlie Finley on Oct. 30, 1999, to become the coach with the most victories in the history of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.

He became PSU’s all-time coach with the most victories on Sept. 29, 2002, when he passed Carnie Smith’s record.

The Gorillas secured the NCAA Division II national title under Broyles in 1991. The Gorillas are 19-14 in 15 trips to the NCAA-II playoffs with Broyles as coach.

The 2004 team broke records, with an 11-0 regular season record before advancing to the national championship game, where PSU lost, 36-31. The offense set records for points, total yards and rushing yards.

Broyles has served as PSU athletic director since 1996. Carnie Smith Stadium underwent a $5.8 million renovation in 2000. A $2.5 million renovation to the west side of the stadium followed in 2006, adding luxury corporate boxes.

The PSU annual scholarship and fund drive, under Broyles’ leadership, has topped $300,000 each of the past four years, including a record $370,000 this year.



As a player

Pittsburg State University head football coach Chuck Broyles previously played for the Gorillas, earning honorable mention National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-America honors as a senior in 1968.

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