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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
GAME DAY
Former football player paints final showdown
RACHEL SALYER rsalyer@kansan.com
Emotions ran high at Saturday's Kansas men's basketball game, and while many spectators savored the moment in Allen Fieldhouse, one man was busy emulating it on canvas.
John Bukaty, a former University football player painted "The Final Battle of the Border War" live court-side as the game unfolded.
"If we lose, I'm going to burn it on Mass. Street," Bukaty joked before the game. "I am way more nervous to watch the game than I am to paint. I do this all the time, but this game will only happen once. It's historical."
Bukaty thinks Saturday's game was the last time the Jayhawks will play Missouri in regular season play, and as a live artist and avid Jayhawks fan, he couldn't think of a better way to spend his afternoon.
"I think it's pretty impressive."
Chelsea Steel, a junior from Gladstone, Mo., said. "He can just stand there and do that in the middle of all this craziness."
The original painting will be donated to the University to keep in Allen Fieldhouse. An additional 600 prints will be signed by Bill Self and numbered by Bukaty. The prints will be sold on Bukaty's website, www.johnbukaty.com, and part of the profits will go to Self's charity, Assists Foundation, which provides funding to various youth initiatives.
Though the most memorable part of the game is the win, Bukaty said it's important for him to capture the entire game as a moment in time.
"It's about both teams, the venue, and the crowd all as one," Bukaty said. "It's about this moment in time, what people are wearing, who they're with and their excitement."
Eric Eisman, a sophomore from Independence, Mo., said he was
glad someone was able to recreate the moment.
"To be able to witness the game in person was indescribable," Eisman said. "You really could sense the energy and emotion and I am impressed that anyone was able to capture the moment and put it in color on canvas."
After the game, Bukaty said he was thrilled with his decision to paint the game.
"I didn't doubt us at half-time," Bukaty said, "I tried to smash all my negative thoughts, but man, I couldn't have dreamed it any better. I was even a little shaky at the end."
Prints will go on sale within the next two weeks. There are 500 20-inch-by-15-inch prints available for $100 each, and there are 100 40-inch-by-30-inch prints available for $1,000 each.
- Edited by Caroline Kraft
Former Kansas football player John Bukaty creates a painting throughout the game against Missouri Saturday afternoon in honor of the infamous rivalry.
JESSICA JANASZ/KANSAN
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
ELISE REUTER
ereuter@kansan.com
About the last Big 12 game of the Border Showdown?
SHANNON BUHLER Junior, Shawnee
What were your thoughts going into the game? "I was a little bit nervous at the first half. We weren't playing our best"
What was your overall impression of the game? "It was the most epic game in the Fieldhouse, but that was to be expected. It was not the best game we played, but it was good enough."
How do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? “I’m a little bit sad, honestly, because it’s so ingrained in both schools, so it won’t be as much fun. We’ll still hate each other, but we won’t play against each other. I’m happy to go out this way. It’s bittersweet.”
RYAN WORTHY
Freshman, Olathe
What were your expectations going into the game? "I expected us to win because the environment was so loud."
How did this game compare to other KU games this season? "This game was on a much higher level because of the rivalry and having two top-five teams against each other. It was just on a different level for players and fans."
How do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? "I felt a lot of relief because we were down by so much, but I'm so glad we won. It was great to send Mizzou out this way."
FUR FINLEY
Graduate student, Colby
What were your expectations going into the game?" "I expected this to be one of the biggest games in Allen Fieldhouse."
What was your overall impression of the game? "I don't even know of words that can explain how amazing the outcome was."
How do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? "It ended the way it usually does. It's a very nice "see you later" or "goodbye."
HAILEY LAPIN
Sophomore, Overland Park
What were your thoughts going into the game? "I was a little stressed. I knew it was going to be a tough game for the Jayhawks. I support my team and this is the best place for the game. I could not be happier that we won."
Do you think fans have an important role in KU Basketball? "It's so great for the Jayhawks to have such a supportive community. There's a reason Allen Fieldhouse is in the top sports venues."
What was your impression after the game? "My heart was racing!""
JON JONES
Sophomore, Salina
What was your overall impression of the game? "it was the loudest, most exhilarating time of my life to date."
What were your expectations going into the game? "I honestly expected at least a 10 point win, not an overtime. Not that close of a game at least."
How do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? "It's not really a rivalry, but it's kind of sad that we won't be getting those W's anymore."
AARON RULE
Sophomore, Caseyville, Ill.
What was your overall impression of the game? "I thought it was amazing. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I was kind of worried at first."
How do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? "I'm kind of happy and kind of sad. It's their fault for leaving. They're not going to make as much money. It's sad we don't get to play them as rivals anymore."
TAYLOR CASKEY
Freshman, Louisburg
What were your expectations going into the game? "I expected that we would win, but I expected that it would be by more. I'm just happy that we won, period."
How do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? "I'm kind of disappointed. To me, Missouri is our number 1 rival. It's not the same with K-State. I'm glad we ended on a good note, though."
KELSIE LANGE
Senior, Lawrence
How did you feel during the game?
"I was excited and nervous. I can't really put it into words."
What was your expectation going into the game? "I expected it to be intense and down to the wire. I wanted to expect a win, but it was scary to think that sometimes."
Do you feel about the Border Showdown being over? "It sucks, but I'm OK with it if we won like that."
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