Go, Tarheels!

My normal rules of sports engagement include the phrase “root for those who took you out.” If I were to follow that tonight, I’d be bleeding Michigan State Spartan green; the Spartans did get the best of the Jayhawks in the Midwest Regional.

But I’m not. NC Coach Roy Williams has forever endeared himself to me from his coaching years with the Jayhawks. After his children graduated from high school, I was hoping against hope that whoever was coaching North Carolina would be meeting with unparalleled success, so there would be no incentive on NC’s part to seek a new coach. That hope quickly vanished.

Fast forwarding a few years, Coach Williams has won a National Championship, and the ‘Hawks, with Coach Bill Self at the helm, cut down the nets one year ago.

So, for the deep historical connection between the ‘Heels and ‘Hawks, dating back to the Dean Smith days, I gotta say:

Go Tarheels!

I plan to tune into the game, at the conclusion of tonight’s 24. Roots can only run so deep, after all.

-k-

March Madness will Never be the Same

Packer out, Kellogg in as CBS lead announcer

I must admit that it took me a while to get used to Billy Packer, but after having done so, I appreciated his observations, and obvious passion for the game of college basketball. And, after 38 Final Fours, I’ve had ample opportunity to hear Billy’s comments.

So long, Billy, best wishes in your future endeavors, and thanks for adding spice to an already great game.

-k-

Out of Uniform

To commemorate last night’s Kansas basketball triumph, I’m forsaking my all-black garb for one day only. Today, appearing in a shabby cubicle near you, will be an old man attired in a tasteful white polo shirt, with an understated Jayhawk embroidered on the left breast.

It’s the least I can do. My little bride will do her part by heading to her office pool’s betting window, to claim my winnings in that contest1.

All that, and a boatload of Red Hat systems to upgrade today, and a couple of Solaris boxen to jumpstart.

I’m tired already.
-k-
[stags]Life, Kansas, kujayhawks[/stags]


1 I know the amount of the winnings, and how much should be deducted for the entry fee she paid. Just for accurate accounting, you understand.

One Hour

Time left until the tip-off of the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship game. I’m 110% for the Kansas Jayhawks, while trying to remind myself that at some level, this is just a game. I just want to see both teams play their best; that is what got them both on center stage tonight. I still think college basketball is one of the finer forms of competition left, the NCAA’s and teevee’s efforts to turn it into yet another sideshow notwithstanding.

What other sporting event pits 64 teams against each other in a winner-take-all, single elimination extravaganza? Small school teams and large school teams have but to win six in a row, and cut down the nets and claim the trophy. And tonight, it happens. There are no Cinderellas on the court tonight; nevertheless, the drama will be intense.

And that part about just another game? It’s another game the same way open heart surgery is just another operation.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!
-k-
[stags]Kansas, kujayhawks, NCAA, March Madness[/stags]

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Seasonal Header Graphic

To commemorate the Kansas Jayhawks’ ascendance to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game, I thought it appropriate to adorn the old blog header. From the Flicker, and Jeff Croft, this panorama of historic Allen Fieldhouse.

I loved this description of Allen that Jeff posted with the picture:

Feels like the Lambeau Field of college basketball, to me.

Indeed. Even though Monday Night’s game won’t be played in Allen’s Friendly Confines, Memphis is well-advised to Beware of the Phog.

Rock Chalk!
-k-
[stags]NCAA,kujayhawks,allenfieldhouse,March Madness[/stags]

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Fictional Birds can Too Fly

The Kansas Jayhawks have another date with destiny on Monday, as they have advanced to the championship round in the men’s NCAA basketball tournament. My little bride and I will be tuned in at 9:21 EDT on Monday, as the Jayhawks take on Memphis for the crown.

My only regret is that I can’t call my Mom right now, to talk about the win. She loved them Jayhawks, and would have been absolutely beaming right now.

On Monday night, Mom, these ‘Hawks are for you.

Rock Chalk!

-k-
[stags]NCAA, kansas, kujayhawks[/stags]

Hoops tonight

Memphis/UCLA at 6PM, followed by North Carolina/Kansas thereafter. We’re making lasagna, salad, and bread, something that’s a no-brainer to throw together in advance, and can be ready by gametime. In such a fashion, we can be nourished whilst absorbing all the exciting action.

This is a first for me; my picks for the Final Four are exactly the ones who are there. And I’m in the running to win my little bride’s office pool. Should the Kansas Jayhawks win the national championship, I’ll forget all about office pools. Though their winning would greatly boost my pool-winning chances.

And, in yet another exhibition of enlightened sports scheduling, the Nextel Nationwide Series 1race runs immediately prior to the tip of the opening game.
-k-
[stags]Kansas,kujayhawks,NCAA,NASCAR[/stags]


1 Previously known as the Busch Series

Finally, the Final Four

Kansas over Davidson, 59-57. What a nail biter that one was. Davidson’s Cinderella shoe now has slipped off this year, but we now know:

  1. Where Davidson is
  2. The Davidson Wildcats aren’t sneaking up on anyone any more

Congratulations to both teams, for proving again that March Madness is the best madness of all.

Now, on to San AnTexas, Tonio, where the Dance continues.

-k-
[stags]Kansas, kujayhawks, Davidson, NCAA[/stags]

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