Section:
12A
Sports
The University Daily Kansan
Curiosity seekers
Dallas drew its second largest crowd in history yesterday as Dennis Rodman made his Mavericks debut.
Inside: Three Kansas football junior college transfers have enrolled for this semester to join in spring drills.
SEE PAGE 11A
Inside: Unexpectedly, six Big 12 teams are vying for the conference championship.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2000
SEE PAGE 10A
WWW.KANSAN.COM/SPORTS
Team's intramural fun leads to ejection, forfeit
By Ryan Mokalschock
sports@kansan.com
Kansas sportswriter
A comedy of errors turned into a dismissal of iokers Tuesday night at Robinson Center.
Shooting halfcourt shots, wearing wigs and running the three-man weave were just some of the comedy acts the B1 All Stars used to entertain themselves, as well as opponents and fans during intramural basketball games.
Tuesday night the comedy was brought to an abrupt halt as the B-1 All Stars were asked to leave the game by Jason Krone, assistant director of Recreational Services, and were forced to forfeit their game.
Erik Lund, team captain and Overland Park senior, was shocked at their ejection, claiming that his team was just having a good time
"We know that we're not great at basketball. We just have fun," Lund said."We're not out there to win really. We just want to entertain the crowd, the other team and ourselves. Yeah, it might be kind of obnoxious, but it's fun and all in good taste."
Krone has declined to comment on the situation. He said he only could discuss the situation with the participating teams.
During the B-1 All Stars' first game, the team dressed in costumes, was introduced with rock music by friends and was carried off the court by its fans after a surprising victory.
Not amused by the previous week's antics, Krone the team into a meeting before Tuesday night's game, Lund said.
Lund said that the team was told it could not play music before its games, wear costumes, or bring any of its own fans because of the court storming that had happened the week before.
"We didn't agree with the things he (Krone) told us, but we followed the rules and we followed the rules they made for us." Lund said. "We had no music, no costumes, we were in athletic gear, and we didn't even bring our fans."
Tuesday only one player wore a wig and everything else was by the book.
Olympians have about five minutes into the game, Lund said the game was stopped and the team was given a warning by Krone to start playing serious.
Troy Taduran, Lawrence senior and captain of Tuesday night's opposing team, did not
view the play of the B-1 All Stars as detrimental to the game.
"We were a little upset because we're trying to be competitive and get better," Taduran said. "But the way they were playing was harmless. They didn't break any rules; they were just crazy. We thought it was pretty funny."
For the remainder of the first half, the team continued to play in the same fashion it had before the warning was given. Lund said the team kept doing what it does best: having fun
But Krone told the B-1 All Stars to leave at halftime because their play was a mockery of the game, Lund said. When they refused, Lund said Krone told them they had 30 seconds or he would call the police.
Krone would not comment on whether that was true.
The team left Robinson, frustrated and looking for answers.
"We're upset because we didn't break any rules," Lund said. "We looked over the four sheets of rules and couldn't find one that we broke. We pay for Robinson, we pay for intramurals and we shouldn't have gotten the privilege of playing revoked."
Jonathan Alt, Winnetka, Ill., senior, was at Robinson Tuesday night watching another game when the B-1 All Stars' game caught his attention.
"It looked like a bunch of guys trying to have a good time playing basketball and the supervisor at Robinson not letting them," Alt said.
Jayhawks set to mess with Texas
Lund said that the team had not heard from Krone and planned to play in next week's game.
By Chris Fickett
sports@kansan.com
Kansas sportwriter
At this rate, the Kansas women's basketball team is hoping the Texas Longhorns don't bring a case of mad cow disease to Allen Fieldhouse tonight.
After Sunday's 75-68 victory against Oklahoma State, most of the No. 23 Jayhawks were anticipating tonight's 73-0 game against the Texas Longhorns, who are 15-7 overall and 63 in the Big 12 Conference.
But after Tuesday's practice, the team just wanted its health
"I think that right now they've just been trying to still
stay healthy," said coach Marian Washington of her players. "It's fortunate that we have a couple of days. Hopefully we'll be ready by Thursday."
TONIGHT'S GAME
Senior guard Suzi Raymont has hit with the flu since last week, senior center
Who: No. 23 Kansas women vs. Texas When/Where: 7:30 tonight at Allen Fieldhouse TV/Radio: Fox Sports Net (Ch. 45); 90.7 FM and 1320 AM
Heather Fletcher's back has bothered her and freshman center Jamie Shelite did not practice Tuesday.
Junior point guard Jennifer Jackson is also not in top form — an Oklahoma State player fell on her right ankle at Sunday's game. Jackson practiced Tuesday with her ankle taped.
Washington said that her four ailing players should be able to play tonight.
And considering Texas' explosive attack, she'll need everyone.
"They are such a balanced ball club." Washington said. "They have a number of players who can hurt you from the three-point line. They have a number of players who can break you down off the dribble."
Texas' entourage is led by senior guard/forward Edwinna Brown, a top 10 candidate for national player of the year honors. Brown ranks No. 3 in the nation in scoring, averaging 22.5 points per game. She also averages 5.9 assists and eight rebounds a game.
There's more for Kansas to worry about than just Brown, unlike their last opponent, Oklahoma State and its star player Jennifer Crow.
"We're working on what it is we really want to focus on, and what we may have to give up. They've got good size now in the paint, especially with Littleton," Washington said of 6-foot4 junior center Carla Littleton. "They play 10 players."
Lynn Pride gets caught in a trap set by the Cowgirls during the Jayhawks' 75-58 victory on Sunday. The Texas Longhorns hope to contain Pride in tonight's game at Allen Fieldhouse, but the Jayhawks want to apply some aggressive defense of their own. Photo by Jay Sheeperd/KANSAN
and I think their first nine average 10 to 12 minutes."
With such an athletic team, Texas game plan isn't a surprise to the Jayhawks.
"They're definitely an up-and-down team," said junior forward Jacyn Johnson. "So we'll have to put on our running shoes for that game."
To counter Texas' transition attack, Washington said that her team must establish the tone early — especially since Kansas, 165 and 72 in the Big 12, will be at home.
"Those first five to eight minutes will be important for
Texas has the same offensive potential as Iowa State — a team that the 'Jawhaws' suffixed.
us," she said. "And we really have to focus on our defense those first few minutes because they are such an explosive ball club."
Johnson thinks a similar attitude can work in her team's favor tonight.
"We're going to have to play aggressive defense — the same we played against Iowa State — and hopefully we'll come out with the win," she said.
Longhorns ride roller coaster into fieldhouse
By Melinda Weaver sports@kansan.com Kansan writeswritter
Tourists travel hundreds of miles to visit the "Texas Giant" at Six Flags Over Texas, but right now the biggest roller coaster in the state may be the Texas women's basketball team.
The Longhorns, 15-7 overall (6-3 in the Big 12) are 10-1 at home but 5-6 on the road. They beat No. 6 North Carolina State St 81-77 almost two weeks after losing to medioca Oklahoma State St 71-69. Four days after killing Baylor St 83-61. Texas was killed by No. 7 Texas Tech T 73-44.
"I feel like I'm on a roller coaster ride," said Texas coach Jody Conradt. "We are capable of playing well, and at times, we have not been very good. Hopefully, it is just a part of our youth."
But it's not as though the Longhorns are without hone.
"We are not at the point where we wanted to be or expected to be, but we have to keep taking steps toward where we want to be," said junior guard JoRuth Woods. "This game will be a good start. We need this win."
Texas is led by senior forward Edwina Brown, who ranks third among Division I scorers, averaging 22.5 points per game. Brown, a candidate for Naismith National Player of the Year honors, joined Kansas forward Lynn Pride as the only two college players to play in the Pan American Games during the summer.
"It will be really difficult to assign any one player to
stop her," said Kansas coach Marian Washington. "I know that she is the heart and soul of that team. So defense will be a main focus for us. I have to know what we are willing to give up and decide on that now."
Although she is one of only two players scoring in double figures, Brown cannot be the entire focus.
Freshman guard Alisha Sare, who averages 12.3 point per game and has earned Big 12 Rookie of the Week honors twice, has been a pleasant surprise for Texas.
"Alisha Sare is the catalyst on this team." Conradt said. "As she goes, so goes the team. She has had injury and adjustment problems, but she is doing excellent now. Her attitude makes a significant difference to this team."
Offense will not be the main focus against Kansas. Conradt said that her team need to stay composed and play a tough defensive contest to win the game.
STARTERS
Kansas (16-5; 7-2 Big 12)
F4 L39 Lynn Pride 6-2 Sr.
F5 Brooke Reves 6-0 Jr.
F4 12 Jacyn Johnson 6-1 Jr.
G1 Sui Zaymant 5-1 Sr.
G15 Jujen Jackson 5-1 Jr.
G16 Big 12
Ht. Yr. PPG RPG
G/F 24 Edwina Brown 5-1 Sr.
F23 Tracy Cook 6-2 So.
C44 Carla Littleton 6-4
G5 Alisha Sare 5-8 Fr.
F/G 20 JoRuth Woods 5-10 Jr.
Ultimate Frisbee club members flying high on road to national competition
Members of the HorrorZontals, the Ultimate Frisbee club team, scramble during a scrimmage behind Central Junior High on Saturday. The team has qualified for the national tournament in Boise, Idaho. Photo by J.M. Dailey/KANSAN
By Gary Cloward
sports@kansan.com
Kansas sportswriter
Kansan sportswriter
Throwing a Frisbee has come a long way.
He said the HorrorZontals, Kansas' Ultimate Frisbee club, was one of the older programs in the nation, entering its 20th year.
"The sport is growing now," said Will Spotts, team captain and Lawrence graduate student. "People are getting that hippie-dog idea out of their mind."
The season starts with an invitational tournament March 4 and 5 in Baton Rouge, La.
"A fluke really," he said. "I showed up one time. I was pretty good at throwing a disc. I had some preconceived notions and those were shattered."
Ultimate Frisbee combines elements of soccer, football and basketball in a fast-paced game, played with a Frisbee, where everyone is a quarterback and everyone is a receiver.
"It's a lot different than going out and playing with your dog," A.J. Delane, Overland Park senior said. "This is an extremely intense sport."
Danelay, Overland Park senior, got involved with the HorrorZontals by calling up recreational sports and asking if the University of Kansas had a team. Shortly after, a of couple players contacted him and
showed him a great time.
The team looks to continue their good times in the future, but it has not been all good for the HorrorZontals.
"When ! started we were national contenders," Spotts said. "But in 1994, a lot of the team graduated."
This year, the team has qualified for nation-
Graduation took the core of the team, and Spotts has been leading the rebuilding since.
als, which is being held in Boise, Idaho.
Funding for these trips is scarce. The University of Kansas gives the team $300 each year, which is not enough to cover expenses. Additional funding comes from player dues, which are not a set amount but rather out-of-pocket contributions, and various fund-raisers, including an annual fundraiser with the Kansas City Blades.
"We probably need to raise six to seven thousand dollars." Spotts said.
In addition to the trip to Boise, the team also will participate in tournments in Austin, Texas, Wilmington, N.C.; and Savannah, Ga., Regionals will be held either at Birmingham, Ala, or University, Miss.
Patience is a virtue in this sport. Patience to get the money. Patience to get the disc into the end zone.
"Patience is huge and is tough to teach." Spotsa said. "Eighty passes for a score is necessary. Some people think three and good, but you need that 80-pass drive if you are going into the wind. Anyone can score with the big play, but the good teams have the ability for the quick strike or to dink it up the field."
Spotts and Delaney hope to bring their sport out of the shadows.
"We need to let people know it is here, and it is waiting to be played." Delaney said.