RICHMOND, Ky. – Bob Spoo wanted Saturday’s football game more than any gridiron clash I’ve seen in my four years at Eastern. The veteran head coach was flat-out fired up for this conference-opening war at Roy Kidd Stadium.

Something tells me that just stepping foot in a stadium named after his coaching foe, was enough to get the 60-something year-old Spoo all riled up. But there was plenty more motivation.

It was the Ohio Valley Conference opener for his Panthers, who were picked in the preseason to win the conference. His team would find out for the first time what it feels like to be the hunted instead of the hunter. Eastern not only would put its chances for a conference championship on the line, but its No. 11 national ranking as well.

Eastern Kentucky is perceived as the crown jewel of OVC football. The Colonels have won 18 OVC Championships, more than any other team. Kidd has won 16 of those championships in his 37 years at EKU.

Spoo is in his 14th season as head coach at Eastern, and his sixth in the OVC. Eastern is still seeking its first OVC Championship. Saturday also marked the celebration honoring Kidd.

The Colonel coach was to be honored in a post-game ceremony commemorating his 300th win two weeks ago. It was Roy Kidd’s day at Roy Kidd Stadium and Bob Spoo and his Panthers were there to crash the party.

Even with the national ranking and preseason prediction, it still felt as if Eastern was the underdog because of the day’s circumstances. Aside from that, Kidd has only lost 30 games in over 32 seasons at his stadium. Kidd’s the winningest coach in Division I-AA and sports two national championship rings and has 17 playoff appearances to his credit.

Perhaps the Panthers weren’t the underdogs on the field, but they certainly were on the sidelines.

At the beginning of the game Spoo’s demeanor was typical enough. He calmly stood on the sideline, arms crossed patiently looking on. He’d make his occasional comment here or there to a coach, and had his usual chats with special teams.

But things would change.

At halftime Spoo and his team headed to the locker room to continuous chants of “Over-rated” from the crowd.

As the second half continued, Spoo began to pace the sidelines making occasional comments of encouragement to players. The Colonels took a 14-7 lead early in the third quarter, and Spoo and the Panthers had to answer.

The Panthers answered with a nine-yard touchdown pass. Spoo answered with a gutsy fake special teams play – his specialty. Instead of taking a tie with 12:13 left in the third quarter, Spoo went for the lead. The move stunned everyone in Roy Kidd Stadium, including Kidd himself who called the play, “something to learn from.”

Yes, Spoo was teaching the big-time a coach a little lesson on his big day.

As the end of the fourth quarter grew closer, Spoo’s paces along the sideline became faster. The sweat began to show through his shirt and he began to clap as his comments of encouragment turned into yells of enthusiasm.

When Kourtney Young made the game’s last tackle and the Colonels fell less than a yard shy of a first down with seconds remaining, Spoo threw his arms in the air in celebration. He had hugs for his players, coaches and even the media.

Yes, Saturday’s win was a big one for a lot of reasons. And for Spoo, I think it was a personal one, even if he won’t admit it. After all, he did call it his best road win ever.

After the game Kidd had his big ceremony and was presented with a diamond cut crystal football, a ring commemorating his 300th win, a brand new car and numerous plaques. He also received recognition from the state’s governor. He and his wife had a road named after them and the mayor presented them with a key to the city.

All were great acts of kindness and appreciation, but there was one thing missing from Roy Kidd Day – a `W.’ Spoo had that in the locker room with his players along with the key to a conference championship.