CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. Big Red danced with cheerleaders. Western Kentucky defensive coordinator David Elson did his version of celebratory jumping jacks. The Hilltoppers ran uphill in the end zone of Finley Stadium. They all had good reason to act silly it was time to celebrate a 34-14, I-AA national championship victory over McNeese State. I wish I could describe it, but you really cant, WKU quarterback Jason Michael said. Its almost impossible to comprehend, and you cant describe the feeling at all. In fact, most Hilltoppers couldnt comprehend what seemed like a ridiculous afterthought earlier this year. Even WKU coach Jack Harbaugh, who usually has plenty to say, was left nearly speechless. You cant describe it, Harbaugh said. Its everything you dream about and more. In Westerns football history, reality has sometimes been harsh. At one point under Harbaughs watch, the program was only one vote away from extinction because of a budget crisis. It survived the near-death experience. The 2002 season was also harsh for the Hilltoppers. Their playoff hopes hung on a thin rope as they started off the year with a 2-3 record far away, it seemed from making the playoffs. But WKU reeled off six straight wins throughout the rest of the year, continuing its streak in the playoffs with four magical victories to end a magical season. Although the Hilltoppers led comfortably throughout much of the game, the celebration could finally begin with 4:27 left in the game. Up 31-14, an interception by defensive lineman Corey Shaw (the first of his career) set off pandemonium on the Western sideline. Then the minutes slowly ticked off in the crisp Chattanooga air before the Hilltoppers officially became champions. Only minutes after winning the crown, Western had proof of its national championship, donning T-shirts and hats claiming them the best. Maybe Michael made the most sense of it Friday night. This is simply special.