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Monday, March 29, 1971
University Daily Kansan
Spring Drills Open Today
Football Back in Spotlight Again
Kansan Sports Editor
By DON BAKER
In November it was out with football and in with basketball but today it is out with basketball and back in with football as the Kansas Jayhawks open spring grid drills beginning at 4 p.m. on the practice field west of Allen Field House.
Depending on how you look at it, it's the new or old look Jayhawks as new head coach Don Fambrigh, a familiar sight in the KU football picture for the last 20 years, brings the old Wing. T offense that helped push into the 1988 Orange Bowl out of mothballs.
"I'm looking forward to getting started," Pambridge beamed last week while he
AROUND 99 CANDIDATES will participate in the drills that will culminate with the annual intra-squad game May 1. Included in the total are 36 lettermen, another half-dozen red shirts and around eight promising junior college transfers.
"Numbers do not always mean a lot but I think we have the nucleus of a pretty good football team" he analyzed. "We're going to spend the first three weeks concentrating on
personnel. We're going to experiment and
shuffle personnel around and try to get people
to learn more.
The three most definite switches will see junior-to-be Mike Cernie switch from Hawk to running back, junior-to-be Don Perkins switch from defensive lineman to linebacker and senior-to-be Chuck Schmidt switch from running back to linebacker or hawk.
More could be in the making but these three are the definite ones as practice starts.
The problem exists in a NCAA probation placed on junior-to-be Vince O'Nell for his part in the ACT scandal that also involved former Kansas State state Dick Steinberg, who was charged with assaulting games this fall (the first four games of the year) and this creates problems in the spring.
One of Fambrough's big question marks is at the running back position where he admits it could be strong or weak, depending on a lot of "its".
Senior-to-be Steve Conley returns to man a spot in the backfield and easily could be one of the Big Eight's premier runners come September.
But, as Fambrough repeatedly points out, death is the name of the name to a successful
team and some additional help has got to come from somewhere.
It potentially exists in a pair of untested sophomores-to-be. One is Delvin Williams, who did not play freshman ball this year and was not playing for the NCAA rule concerning high school class ranking combined with ACT score, and the other is Carlos Mathews, a sophomore.
If both pan out running back could suddenly become a fortalecek
ANOTHER BACKFIELD SPOT is the biggest problem of all--but it's a problem every coach dreams of. The spot is quarterback where KU will have no less than four signal callers that likely could step in at any moment and do the job well.
Of course the most glamorized is sophomore-to-be David Jaynes, a 6-2 and 200-pound product who is already being tabbed for super star status.
But ahead of him as drills start is an experienced man by the name of Dan Heck who kU to a 5-6 year last season. Also pressing for duty are Rich Jones and Bo Breugling. Jones was the backup man last year while Brugging was red-shirted.
"We have more depth at quarterback than any position on the football team," Fambrough understated. "Certainly that's a problem you like to have. Right now though we're a long way from deciding on a quarterback."
Other areas where Fambrough is satisfied with (at least on paper) are the offensive line, backlackers and defensive backfield. He also noted his specialty squads as looking good with the panting of Marc Harris and the place kicking of Bob Helmbaer.
BUT ANOTHER AREA is filled with questions and it could be the key to KU's success. The defensive line was a leaky sieve last fall and most of KU's junior college recruiting was aimed at getting instant help in this area.
On paper it looks as if it did just that with the addition of jaco All-Americans Milch Sutton from Fort Scott and Eddie Sheats from Hutchinson.
"There's really no way of telling." Fambroad advised of the two candidates. "But the first thing we've got to do in the defensive line is find depth-competition within the squad. This is what makes good football teams."
Football Coach Don Fambrough
Kansan Staff Photo by DAVID HENRY
... the new KU gridiron magician
Wooden Proud of Bruins; Jayhawks Finish 27-3
BY NOBLE COSGROVE Kansas Sports Writer
HOUSTON—The arrangements at the Astrodome could only afford one winner, and for the six time in seven years it was the UCLA Brains that took home top honors. However, in an NCA tournament final one team did not win every team that qualified were victorious.
Villanova was this years rival for UCLA and they played a hard fought game, but the Bruins have started a tradition in basketball where going to be reluctant to end it very quickly.
This final **68-62** victory for UCLA was particularly pleasing to the head coach, John Wooden, because he has now won 17 games in his last season winning team without relying on the giant super star (Lew Alcindor). Although the coach admitted that his last year's squad was more eager to prove this than his '71 team, both victories were very important in keeping the team's momentum going.
"I'm tremendously proud." Wooden said, and "well I should be. This team played very well under pressure and I felt that they should have won."
Villanova's coach, Jack Kraft, was also very proud of his team for there is certainly no shame in being ranked the second best team in college basketball.
"I'm satisfied because of the way we
Apparently UCLA wanted to play Villanova in a zone coverage because during the closing minutes of the first half and again at the beginning of the second period of play, the Bruins began to put on a stall. This caused their cover disapproval from the Villanova rooters.
played," coach Kraft said, "and not because we came close to beating them. Our boys came a long way and their performance should make all Villanovans very happy."
"I didn't feel that there was any way they could beat us in the zone," Wooden said. "We were hoping we could bring them out and open up the middle for the good shot."
Kraft was asked during the press interviews what he thought of UCLA beginning its research.
"Coach Wooden decided to hold on to the ball in order to draw us out." Coach Kraft "We need to have a strategy. Believe me, I would be the last to criticize any coach for using any legal tactic to win a game. Especially in a national champion where you are playing for all the
UCLA will lose most of its starters after its season and will have to rely on others if they can.
"It is quite possible that we will start three or four our freshmen next year." Wooden
Dome Great Showcase, Just Not for Basketball
By DON BAKER
Kansan Sports Editor
HOUSTON—The growing theme among KU faithful here Saturday night for the NCAA championships was "Kansas Will Be Back." Seems we've heard that before but, after two disappointing performances at the place finish, it seems very appropriate.
One thing that appears questionable to ever 'be back' though is the NCAA championships in the Astrodrome. Sentiment among fans, coaches and the press was that the Dome is a wonderful facility—for anything but basketball. Among the Ted Owens and Western Kentucky's John Oldham were the most critical.
“It’s different,” Owens began conservatively in his analysis of the so-called eighth wonder of the world. “I’m not sure a team coming to play for the national championship should have to play in a place not suitable for basketball.”
Oldham's sentiments were only slightly toned.
"The facility is wonderful," he said.
"But the floor, the seating and the arrangements can definitely be improved."
And, as fans found out at the 1968 Houston-UCIA game played in the Astrodome, the seats in the stands are for uniform numbers. The uniform numbers are difficult to detect.
The fact of the matter is none of the nearly 7,000 seats on the floor of the Dome were food for viewing the spectacle on the four-foot high floor. Not even the press seats situated three rows deep on the sides of the court were worth writing home about.
"I love it as long as this is the national championship," he said. "But 'it's a tough place to play, no doubt about it.' It tough enough to get around. I imagine the spectators had more complains."
Vilanova's Jack Kraft indicated he really didn't care where the tournament was played just as long as his team was in it.
"The Astrodrome is probably not the best place in the world to play a single basketball game, but it's a great place for a tournament."
UCLA's John Wooden appeared to be siding with the NCA4 officials.
Great place it may be—but only for the number of people you can get in, and of course, the amount of bills you can take to the bank afterwards.
★★
But even that may not be so great. The Astrodome rents for 15 per cent of the intake and much speculation among the audience has been growing, much much more than it did last year when the
event was held in the 14,000 seat University of Maryland field house. About 65,000
The season has been a long one having started Oct. 10. But for Dave Robichow it's not over yet as all star games will more than consume his time. Within the next couple of weeks the 6-10 American will play in all star tilts in Memphis and Hawaii. It is also possible he will participate in one to be played in Dayton, that one former KU athletic director Dutch Lonborg will coach one team.
★★★
Kansas had well over 5,000 fans (2,000 of which were students in the Astrodrome, far more than any of the other participating schools). Devoted fans is one thing KU possesses and probably one of the most in which is Wichita olinman Jim Hershberger.
Currently one of his main concerns is running, in anticipation of the Kansas Relays and, yes, the Olympics. At age 39 and owner of a 4:2-8:2 mile (run last October) he appears more like 25 or 30 and has the energy to burn of a teenager.
"I consider it the greatest health aid.",
Hershberger said over breakfast Saturday after an early morning workout. He just returned from a run to Rice University (three miles away) where over 50 "elders" were running at Rice Stadium.
The donor of $125,000 for the tartan track in Memorial Stadium, Hersburger's life is devoted to many things with the goal in all the same—excellence.
Not all the Houston trip was devoted to basketball as athletic department officials took time out to sign a top notch Houston forward. He joined the team, a Mia, a 6-2 and 185-pound running back of Jack Vates High School. KU has now signed nearly 30 prospects for the coming season.
Currently Hersberger's thoughts are the KU Relays. But after that it's the 1972 Olympics which will have five events for 40-year olds and over and with Hersberger's current times and training, he's a good bet to make it.
"I if I don't workout I don't feel as well," he said. "I do it I'm healthier and need less."
★★★
★★★
Tonight the icing will be on the cake for the current basketball season with the annual basketball banquet set to start at 6:30 in the Kansas Union. Few of the 500 $4.50 tickets remained available this morning.
Plaving His Last Game for Kansas
... Dave Robisch clears the board
Tennis Team Edges K-State
The Jayhawk tennis team hosted their intra-state rival, the Kansas State Wildcats, in dual competition Saturday and was a nail-biting victory for Kansas because the K-State team, which took second in the Big Eight last year behind Oklahoma, is tough and has several strong opponents.
"It was a great win for us," said Kansas coach Bob Lockwood. Referring to the rivalry he said, "It's even greater when you beat K-State."
With the match tied 3 to 3, it was all up to the number two doubles team, Williams and Simmons, to smash home a victory and win the meet for Kansas.
The competition began as scheduled in spite of a conflict with the NCAA basketball finals and started as usual with the singles. The warm sunshine and gentle breezes resulted in
nearly all the players wearing their traditional white shirts and tennis shorts. Only two days before, a meet with Emporia had to be postponed because of snow.
The sun was rapidly sinking in Daisy Hill when Williams and Simmons, with who their opponents were the last ones on the court, finally cinched the match 7-5, 6-4.
By DON BAKER
Kansan Sports Editor
HOUSTON: There really wasn't much to be said Saturday following Kansas' 77-75 loss to Western Kentucky for a fourth place finish. The Wildcats went on their way, time, putting the wraps on the current season.
The loss was only the third for KU as compared to 27 wins - a 900 win percentage and good in anybody's book. But still the Jayhawks wanted to go out a winner and it was obvious Kansas coach Ted Owens was a little disappointed.
That they did but it was still the same old problem that plagued them so greatly Thursday against UCLA—impotent foul shooting. Failing to break the game open numerous times, KU hit only 15 of 27 gift shots for a miserable 56 per cent.
"I'm not terribly disappointed." Owens said immediately after the game. "I thought I was going to win."
Still the Jayhawks were in control of the game until about the five minute mark when KU went to a delay game. It didn't prove Hawks were guilty of critical turnovers.
It seldom came and the Hilltoppers took advantage of everything that came their way.
"We thought we could spread them out a little hoping to get the layup or short jump."
"main came and the rintippers took advantage of everything that came their way." Kentucky coach John Oldham said, "more so on the other night."
No doubt Oldham cherished the win for it might have served as an evener after last season.
"Any win is important," Oddham said. "It isn't like it would be if we were in the next game."
"The University of Kansas has a great ball club. It was just a matter of us being ahead at the end. They are probably the most physical team in the country."
Dave Bischend bised his career at KU with 23 points. Similarly Roger Brown finished his career with 16. A pair of juniors, Bud Stallworth and Aubrey Nash, totaled 10 apiece for KU while Pierre Russell ended his playing career with 8.
"it's been a great season," Owens assessed. "I'm very pleased with our basketball team. I have no regrets. We worked very hard as a team."
LOS ANGELES—The UCLA Bruins subsided the Kansas Jayhawks Sunday here in a dual outdoor track meet. 84-70. It was the fifth game of the season, while it was the layhawks first outdoor outing.
UCLA Bops KU Again, This Time It's In Track
Pacing the Jayhawks was big Karl Salb.
Miranda Out of Indiana Picture
BLOOMINGTON, Inc.-Bob Knight, the head basketball coach at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Saturday accepted the job as head coach at Indiana dispelling all rumors that Kansas assistant Sam Miranda was headed for the job.
Miranda, whose name has been mentioned several times this year for head coaching jobs, was in Bloomington last week to talk to the students and staff of the graduate of Indiana having played for the Hoosiers in the early 1950s. It is generally felt the loss of Miranda would surely hurt KU's recruiting in the St. Louis and Illinois areas—it would have relied heavily on recent years.
Another production event for Kansas was in the two-mile where Jay Mason set a meet record with an 8.52 ding. Finishing the game, Doug Smith (9-00-4) and Rich Elliot (9-00-7).
Mike Bates and Greg Vandavever finished one-two in the highs with times of 13.4 and 14.5 respectively. Rich Jacques and Jim Neilhouse ran together in the 880 with Jacques claiming the top prize with a 1:50.7 effort.
The famed shot putter won his spectacle event with a heave of 63-34% but also won the disc with a peg of 183.0. Teammate Steve Wilhelm was close behind in both events taking third in the shot with a pit of 61-10½ and second in the disc with a 179.8 heave.
Doug Smith won the mile for Kansas with a 65.2 timing and John Callen claimed the second with a 65.3 timing.
"We got on the field yesterday and had a good workout both yesterday and today," KU coach Floyd Temple said Sunday adding he felt his team was ready to go.
Pitching the first game for KU will be Corky Ullom, the team's leading thrower last week.
Other multiple finishes for KU came in the 120 high hurdles and the 880.
Another record was set by Sam Colson. It came in the javelin and in his first effort of the year, Colson took a 56-43 lead.
Baseball Team Hosts C of E
Believe it or not the Kansas Jayhawks will again attempt to open their home schedule today with a doubleheader against College of Emporia beginning at 1:30 p.m. It will be the final game and play its initial home encounter after wet ground and snowiped two games off last week.
Kansas also picked up points in the 440 where UCLA won but was disqualified for missing a goal.
NBA Draft May Miss Some Stars
NEW YORK (UPI)—The National Basketball Association holds its annual college player draft Monday, but many of the teams have been by the time the first telephone call noose out.
The rival Ameri an Basketball Association, which already has held its draft, has signed七位 players, including former runners persist that Jim McDaniels of Western Kentucky, Howard Porter of Villanova, Ken Durrett of LaSalle and Wesley Johnson of Alabama sign with the ABA before the weekend is up.
If that happens it would give the ABA a real breakthrough in the signing war with the NBA. The ABA is lacking in outstanding big men but both McDaniels and Smith are 7-footers who are considered sure first round picks in the NBA draft. Gilmore was expected
Cleveland, which won a coin flip with Portland, will get the first choice in the NBA draft and with Gilmore no longer available and McDaniels said to be learning toward the ABA. The cavaliers are expected to select 6-8 forward Sidney Wickes of UCLA. Wicks, who led the Bruins in scoring and rebounding this season, pressed the best forward in the college ranks.
to be the Number one choice in the NBA draft.
There is also the possibility that the Cavaliers may trade away their Number one choice, an option made available to NBA clubs for the first time this year.Owner Nick Milet has been swamped with offers from several clubs and could deal draft rights for two, three or perhaps four experienced pros.Portland will follow Cleveland and the
Among the players who rate very highly on the respective scouting charts besides Durrell, Porter, Smith and McDaniels are Austin Carr of Notre Dame, John Roche of South Carolina, George Trap of Long Beach State, Willem Mantzer of North Dakota and Mananger of Marquette, Greg Northington of Alabama State, Curtis Rowe of UCLA and Stain Loop of Oregon.
cording to regular season records. Buffalo will pick third followed in order by Cincinnati, Atlanta, Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, New York and Milwaukee.
The draft will be conducted from the office of Commissioner Walter Kennedy by phone hookup to the various cities, beginning at 1 p.m. EST.
John Hadl Seriously Hurt in Riding Accident
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (UPI)—San Diego Charger quarterback John Hadd, two-time All-American from Kansas, was listed in serious condition at a hospital Sunday after he underwent surgery following a horseback riding accident.
Hadi, 31, suffered a skull fracture, severe facial injuries and multiple abrasions Saturday when he was thrown from a horse and struck his head on a tree.
Hadi, the number two passer in the American Football Conference of the National Football League last season, was knocked unconscious by the spill. He was
reported conscious when admitted to the hospital, however.
Woodward, who described the operation as successful, said Hadi's vision had not been impaired but that muscles which move the eye had been trapped.
The surgery, performed by team physician Dr. Paul Woodward, was to repair damage to the incision site.
"He will be sore as heck for a while from all the brushes, but he is coming along fine," Woodward said. Hadl was expected to be hospitalized for about a week.
Hadl and his wife were riding with Charger
"It was a horrible sight," said Mrs. Itland. "was riding so close behind him I couldn't see."
"I don't think anyone who isn't as tough physically as John could have taken a blow
defensive end Steve Delong and his wife when the accident occurred. It was believed that she was on a skateboard.
Charge head coach Sid Gillman arrived at the hospital shortly after Hailady was admitted. Former head coach Charlie Waller, now a Gillman assistant, also was present.
Hadl was chosen All-America as a halfback
in 1960 and as a quarterback in 1961. In addition, he was a big-Eight in 1959, 1960 and 1961. He led the Jayhawks to the Bluebonnet Bowl in 1961 where the Jayhawkes defeated Rice. 33-7. In a poll of fans in 1969, he was chosen as one of four all-time backs at Kansas. The others were Ray Evans, Gale McClinton.
Probably his most remarkable feat came against Oklahoma in 1959 when he had a punt of 94 yards. For his college career, he ran for 1,041 yards and passed for 1,341. His best collegiate passing game was in 1968 against Oklahoma when he hit 11 of 17 for 182 yards.