A resounding number of individuals make it a point to bemoan the Worldwide Leader in Sports - aka ESPN. Some of it is legitimate, some of it is not. But one thing we do know: ESPN and sports journalists across the country have taken a huge step forward from what it used to be like.

As you probably know, Kansas and Missouri will play a pretty meaningful football game on Saturday, with the winner one step closer to a possible national championship. The rivalry is the oldest west of the mississippi river, and dates back to Oct. 31, 1891. To show just how much things have changed, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch re-printed their game story precisely as it appeared in the paper. As you will see, it's not exactly like it is today. Unfortunately, the author is unknown, so no credit can be given for his work:

"KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 31 - The Missouri University Foot-ball team went home very quietly to-night, and Monday there will be no exuberance in Columbia. The Kansas University boys on the contrary painted Kansas city red to-night, and will wake up old Lawrence for weeks to come. These contrasts were due to a hot and exciting foot-ball game at the base ball park this afternoon between the best men from the two universities. The score stood at the close 22 for Kansas to 8 for Missouri. the contest was not perhaps as scientific as some that have been held between Eastern college elevens, but foot ball is new to the West and the 3,000 spectators thoroughly enjoyed it. The Kansas boys excelled in team work, in tackling, in running and in general play, and won easily. Missouri started out finely, making a touch-down in the first fifteen minutes of play. This angered the Kansans and the ball was soon sent toward the Missouri goal, and there it was kept during the rest of the half. The Kansas boys made three touch-downs and a goal before time was called. Score: 14 for Kansas, 4 for Missouri.

In the second half both sides played with determination, and it was only after a hard fight Kansas secured two touch-downs almost at the very close. By forming wedge after wedge Missouri made a touch-down, but failed ignominiously to kick the goal. The work of Shawhan, Bradley and LaMotte for Missouri and of Champlin, Sherman and Hogg for Kansas was excellent."

How great is that? Just something to think about next time you criticize your local sports journalist ... hey, it could always be worse.

(Photo: Flickr)