10B = THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FINALFOUR
118
FRIDAY,APRIL4,2003
Championship offers possibility of no classes
By Mindy Osborne
correspondence@kansan.com
Kansan correspondent
Call it another testament as to how powerful the Kansas men's basketball team is this year.
A torrential snowstorm nearly crippling Lawrence couldn't do it, but Roy's boys may be able to pull it off: no school.
Since early Saturday night, after successfully gaining revenge on the Arizona Wildcats, the dream started becoming more of a reality to students.
"I heard about the possibility of not having school last year when we were at the Final Four," said Kelli Moran, Overland Park sophomore. "I think it would be great if we didn't have classes because it would give the chance for people to celebrate. And besides, I don't think anyone would come anyway."
But Todd Cohen, assistant directory of University Relations, advises students not to get their hopes up yet.
"Right now I would say students should plan on going to class," he said.
Cohen said a welcoming ceremony for the team would be held when it returns.
However, he said fans and students should take it one game at a time.
"I think it would be great if we didn't have classes because it would give the chance for people to celebrate."
Kelli Moran
Overland Park sophomore
Despite the University's words of caution, a number of faculty members have postponed tests or preemptively announced class will not be held depending on the outcome of the championship game Monday.
Harry Shaffer, economics professor, has already postponed a makeup test for an exam that was originally scheduled Tuesday.
Shaffer said to his class, "We're not a 100 percent sure there will be class on Tuesday, so just be prepared."
On the other hand, some teachers have decided classes and tests will be held regardless.
Either way, students, faculty and administration are supporting the team. But with the possibility of a school cancellation, most students said they would be cheering just a little bit harder.
— Edited by Amber Byarlay
Gearing up for safe celebrations Police. University make preparations to protect basketball fans
By Eddie Yang eyang@kansan.com Kansan staff writer
This year's Kansas men's basketball team has some similarities with last year's national champion, the Maryland Terrapins. Kansas is enjoying its second consecutive Final Four appearance, it has a coach that hasn't won the big one and it has senior leaders who refuse to lose. But there is one difference. Kansas fans should have little trouble celebrating safely.
The Lawrence Police Department and the University of Kansas Public Safety Office are getting ready for tomorrow's Final Four game between Kansas and Marquette.
"We are aware that there is a game tomorrow," said Sergeant Mike Patrick of the Lawrence Police. "We have a contingency
plan for crowd control, but the specifics of our plan can't be revealed as far as numbers."
Pattrick said this was done for good reason.
The police don't reveal those numbers because they don't want to give fans an opportunity to thwart the officers' plans, Pattrick said.
The department has handled the situation before.
"Being in a Final Four game is nothing new to Lawrence," Pattrick said. "We've been in this situation before."
A representative for the public safety office said it would have more officers on patrol and the officers would block off certain streets.
Matt Norman, KU graduate, was in the riots that occurred in Columbus, Ohio, after Ohio State won the national championship in football and was in East Lansing when Michigan State won the basketball championship in 2000
"We have a contingency plan for crowd control, but the specifics of our plan can't be revealed as far as numbers."
Sgt. Mike Patrick Lawrence Police Department
"I'll never forget my first experience with tear gas," Norman said. "It was run, just run."
Norman said the activity that went on in East Lansing and Columbus didn't compare with Lawrence.
"There would be fraternities throwing couches on fire from their roof," Norman said. "I don't
think there are enough people in Lawrence for something like that to happen."
Last year after Maryland defeated Kansas in the Final Four, police in riot gear and riding horseback fired pellets into a crowd of about 400 fans. The crowd had amassed near Route 1 and Knox Road, looting stores, destroying two police cruisers and pelting officers with glass. About 10 people broke into a police car and stole flares that were later lighted and thrown at police officers.
Terrapin fans also rioted the year before following a Final Four loss to Duke that led to $500,000 in damages to College Park.
All this doesn't faze Pattrick.
Students make plans to get to game
"Sure, I think we're ready for any situation that may unfold," Patrick said.
Edited by Amber Byarlay
Money may influence decision for how to get to New Orleans
By Mindy Osborne
correspondence@kansan.com
Kansan correspondent
It's been a long, hard trip to New Orleans for the men's basketball team.
But the trip for fans doesn't have to be as grueling; the question remains, fly or drive?
For some avid basketball enthusiasts, flying the friendly skies is the only way to go.
Her parents received the KU Alumni Package, which allots four tickets, hotel reservations and airfare for her family.
For those who must fund their
Alison Smith, Salina junior chose flying because of the convenience.
"I am glad that I am flying just because it takes less time and is more comfortable," Smith said. "But if it came down to it, I would drive too."
trip, flying might not provide as good of a deal.
According to results researched yesterday on the Web site Travelocity.com, for a one-person, roundtrip flight, leaving Friday and returning Sunday, the cost would range from $334 to $649.
Minimum travel time would be about two hours. Airlines with the best rates included Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Northwest Airlines.
There is always the option of the college cliché that is the road trip.
While travel time varies
depending on the route and the possibility of less-than-roomy accommodations, pros outweigh the cons.
The trip will be much cheaper considering gas prices are on the decline and that is one of the trip's few expenses.
Also, the car would provide the ability to get around New Orleans without spending any more money on a taxi, bus or street car.
And for those with little money,the car could also provide overnight accommodations for the weekend.
Edited by Amber Byarlay