Hawks generate spirit, support, whimsy

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 5, 2003 by Capital-Journal

ANTHONY S. BUSH/The Capital-Journal

With assorted KU paraphernalia at her desk in the House, there is no secret who Rep. Barbara Ballard, D-Lawrence, is rooting for.

ANN WILLIAMSON/The Capital-Journal

Payless CEO Stephen Douglass is one Topekan who will be cheering for Marquette. Douglass is a Marquette graduate.

The Capital-Journal

Statehouse spirit

KU spirit was on display in force at the Statehouse on Friday. Many lawmakers wore Jayhawk stickers, crimson and blue clothing or displayed KU-themed paraphernalia.

Rep. Mike O'Neal, R-Hutchinson, who earned his undergraduate and law degrees from KU and is one of the biggest KU basketball fans in the House, wore a KU T-shirt under his suit coat --- but on top of his dress shirt.

Senate President Dave Kerr, R-Hutchinson, who earned his master's degree at KU (though his bachelor's degree came from K-State --- shhhh!), wore a Jayhawk tie and parked a KU-themed basketball next to the gavel on his desk at the head of the Senate as he presided over the chamber.

Sebelius support

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who proudly noted that she is one of only four KU graduates who have served as the governor of Kansas, said she will attend today's match-up with Marquette in New Orleans. She also fully expects to attend Monday's championship game.

During a Statehouse news conference on Friday, Sebelius distributed to reporters her list of the "Top 10 KU Basketball Facts." The list highlighted the accomplishments of the school's basketball program, its players and its coaches. Listed at No. 1 was the fact that Friday --- April 4 --- was the 15th anniversary of KU's last national title, an 83-79 victory over Oklahoma.

"I predict that April 7th will be the date of the next KU national championship," she said.

County jester

Avid Kansas State University fan and Shawnee County Commissioner Ted Ensley jokingly proposed Thursday that a resolution be passed banning employees, for a week or two, from wearing apparel that supported any university sports teams.

His statement was seconded by one of the other commissioners, but was greeted by laughs from people in the audience.

"Could we still walk off the job?" asked county financial administrator Trinket Harding, with a KU mug in hand.

Other people noted that Ensley wouldn't be able to wear purple if his proposed resolution passed.

"That's a small price to pay," he joked.

Ensley said after the meeting that he likely would cheer for KU in today's match-up, but it would cause him some pain.

Big screen, big game

The University of Kansas is inviting Jayhawk fans to watch the team's Final Four semifinal game against Marquette today at Memorial Stadium.

The game will be shown on the videoboard at the stadium. Admission and parking are free. The game starts at 5:07 p.m., but the stadium's south gates will open at 4 p.m. The Pep Band, Baby Jay and the dance team will be on hand to provide entertainment.

Before the game, entertainment will include a Family Funzone, Mardi Gras beads and music by Lawrence's KLZR 105.9 The Lazer.

No alcohol will be allowed on campus. Bad weather may force cancellation of the event. University officials will decide at about 1 p.m. today --- call (785) 864-7669 after 1 p.m. to hear a recorded message. An announcement also will be posted on the university home page at www.ku.edu. An announcement will be made only if there is a cancellation.

Campus street closings

Some streets on The University of Kansas campus will be closed during and after the Jayhawks' Final Four game against Marquette today.

KU officials say the closures were made to protect pedestrians and the campus. The following streets will be closed:

- Jayhawk Boulevard, eastbound and westbound, from the Chi Omega fountain on West Campus Road to Oread Avenue and 13th Street.

- Sunflower Road, both directions, from Sunnyside Avenue to Memorial Drive.

- Mississippi Street, southbound, from the entrance to the Memorial Stadium parking lots to the parking garage entrance.

- Memorial Drive, both directions, from Mississippi Street to West Campus Road.

A map of the street closures can be seen online at www.jayhawks.ku.edu/roads/closedstreets.html.

Surface parking lots and parking garages will be open and are free. To access the parking garage north of Kansas Union, enter from Oread Avenue. Vehicles can exit but not enter the garage from Mississippi Street.

Welcome home party

A community celebration to welcome KU coach Roy Williams and the Jayhawks back to Lawrence is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Lawrence. This is a change from the previously announced 4 p.m. time. This change is to avoid conflicts with classes on campus and to allow more community residents to attend.

More information about the event, including location, will be announced as details are finalized.

Sony picks Hawks

A Sony PlayStation2 college basketball game has predicted the Kansas Jayhawks will win the NCAA Tournament.

989 Sports simulated the tournament using the NCAA Final Four 2003 basketball videogame. Its Final Four prediction has Kansas beating Marquette 82-69 and Syracuse defeating Texas 73-64. In the finals, Kansas takes the national championship by overcoming Syracuse 91-82.