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A busy weekend for SOU, AHS alumni By Joe Zavala,Ashland Daily Tidings Aug 30, 2004 12:00 AM A A Dusty McGrorty learned his NFL fate and Steve Baker kicked — a game-winning extra-point in what turned out to be an eventful weekend — for former Southern Oregon University football players. — McGrorty, fighting for a roster spot with the St. Louis — Rams since signing a free-agent contract April 25, thought his dream had — come to an end when he was cut Saturday morning. Then, on his way to the — airport McGrorty got a call from Rams general manager Charley Armey, who — said "Where are you? We want you back." — Soon thereafter, the release papers McGrorty signed were — ripped up and the Raiders' all-time leading rusher met one-on-one with — Rams head coach Mike Martz. — "He basically said that I had a really good future in — the NFL running the football and they wanted to keep me on the practice — squad," McGrorty said Saturday afternoon. "That made me feel good. I was — down at first. It's been a pretty emotional day for me." — McGrorty was told he would play on special teams in the — Rams final exhibition game Thursday against the Oakland Raiders, after — which he would be released. After clearing wavers, the Rams will then — re-sign him and place him on the practice squad, where McGrorty will be — paid about half of the original $230,000 contract he signed. — "I feel pretty good about it," McGrorty said. "There are — five running backs (on the roster) right now, so if someone gets hurt — I would go up because four backs are activated." — As for Baker, another Raider great who graduated in June, — he nailed a point-after attempt at the start of the fourth quarter Saturday, — providing what turned out to be the decisive point in a 17-16 Oakland — win over Arizona. — Baker, who re-signed with Oakland after being waved July — 26, is Oakland's primary backup for kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter — Shane Lechler.