4B SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2009
RIDENHOUR (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
around and I had already committed, he was still out there watching me pitch. The commitment he showed to go and say, you know, 'We still want you.' It just seemed like he really, really wanted me to come here."
Recruiting Ridenhour gave new meaning to the words "last call" for the Jayhawks, though. Ridenhour was standing in Graves' office when he noticed a missed call — from a Minnesota area code.
"Even when I was moving in
on August 15,
because that was
the last day, I had
a missed call from the
Twins because
I just didn't feel it
ring. So I checked
my phone and was
'Hey, kind of
funny, Coach. I've
got a missed call
from the Twins.'
So he told me to call them back."
Graves remembers the incident well, and said it was nerve-wracking.
"Oh man, absolutely, that was," Graves said. "Like we talked about it's hard to predict and even though he's a 31st rounder, I mean, you're thinking the money won't be great. But it just really depends on what happens in front of him and they may end up having money for a guy like him."
Fortunately for the Jayhawks, Ridenhour wasn't buying what the Twins had to sell. They told him that they were waiting to see if their deal with another prospect fell through, but Ridenhour wasn't ready to wait any longer. He told the Twins thanks, but no thanks, and finally was sold on being a Jayhawk.
"I'm having so much fun here and we're playing amazing. I mean, we just swept Texas, you know."
to be the second choice."
"When they said that, I was just kind of the fall back, and that's fine, I have nothing against them." Ridenhour said. "But I didn't want
LEE RIDENHOUR Freshman pitcher
It's worked out well for both the Jayhawks and Ridenhour so far. Ridenhour won his first three starts of the season to work his way into a coveted weekend rotation spot and started in the third and final game of the Jayhawks' historical sweep of No. 1 Texas.
"I thought his upside was absolutely outstanding," coach Ritch Price said. "We thought that, if he continued to grow and improve, then he could develop
into an impact player. Obviously, that's what he's already become. He has the ability to be a legitimate Friday night starter in this conference — and those guys are special."
Ridenhour knows he has room to improve as a pitcher, certainly, but he had to learn the hard way that he has room to improve with the press. He told reporters after going eight scoreless innings against Wichita State that he had, after being recruited by both schools, chosen Kansas because Wichita State was "a program on the decline."
Not surprisingly, it found its way into the Wichita Eagle — and the Shockers have no doubt circled their next game against Kansas on the schedule.
"Obviously that's a very emotional game, a very emotional win for him, but there's some things that shouldn't be said." Price said. "He gave them some things to put up on the bulletin board. At the same time, you make mistakes and you grow from those. I'm sure next time he's interviewed, and he'll be interviewed throughout his career, he'll understand that."
Graves said not to judge him based on one quote after an emotional game.
"He's a more humble, wellrounded kid than, you know, some things he said would lead you to believe," Graves said.
Ridenhour was much more toned down talking about the differences between Kansas and Wichita State the second time around — "I just felt more wanted here," he said — and it seems like he's starting to show the maturation the coaches are asking for.
"I think that it was a better choice for me to go to college," Ridenhour said. "It's giving me a chance to really grow and mature. I don't know if I would have experienced the same thing in professional."
Ridenhour said he does think about how it might have gone had he decided to go pro, especially considering how successful he has been early on. It's a question that fellow freshman Zac Elgie also has.
Elgie was also picked in the 2008 draft, in the twelfth round by the Oakland Athletics. He said he started to wonder about what could have been when the Jayhawks took a road trip to play Arizona State. The Royals were holding their spring training in the same city the team was in and the collegians spent a little time with the big leaguers.
"There was a couple of guys who said that they had never went to college." Elgie said. "So, of course it made me think about, you know, what if I would not have gone to college?"
It's a question that neither freshman has a definitive answer to. But Elgie and Ridenhour aren't too worried about it right now.
"I'm having so much fun here and we're playing amazing," Ridenhour said. "I mean, we just swept Texas, you know. Unreal.
"No regrets."
As of now, Kansas (20-28, 5-9) sits at eighth in the Big 12 but could finish as high as fifth if the team can string together some victories against Texas A&M and Iowa State, with whom they play a two game series over the week-end.
SOFTBALL (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
going."
Earning a more favorable position in the Big 12 regular season standing could vastly improve the chances Kansas has going into the postseason tournament. Val George commented on the importance of these last two Big 12 conference series'.
"They're huge. From what I'm aware of, if we can get two solid sweeps we would be a good position to finish fifth or sixth and
not have to compete in the play-in game. Nobody wants to play the play in game"
Texas A&M (29-18, 6-8) has earned a sixth place ranking in the Big 12 thus far into the season and have only today's doubleheader with Kansas and a single game against both Texas and Baylor in order to make a push of its own.
The A&M offense, batting .271 collectively with a .369 on base percentage, is led by sophomore second baseman Natalie Villarreal (.353, 10 2B, 29 R), the only Aggie batting above .300.
With a .971 fielding percentage and only 40 errors, the Texas A&M defense is ranked third in the Big 12 and 22nd in the nation, which has been a big help to pitcher
Rhiannon Kliesling (20-11), who has shouldered the load for the Aggie pitching staff.
HORSE RACING
"This is the first year that I can remember so much parity in the Big 12.
The Aggies come into today's contests having split with Iowa State over this past weekend. This year's Big 12 conference has been one of the most competitive in years. Bunge spoke about the level of play throughout the 2009 Big 12 regular season.
One through 10, anybody can beat anybody, which, from a fan's perspective, is exciting to see. I've never seen a year where the winning team has four losses."
Edited by Realle Roth
I Want Revenge is derby favorite
BY BETH HARRIS
Associated Press
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — I Want Revenge was made the early 3-1 favorite for the Kentucky Derby, with Pioneer of the Nile and Dunkirk sharing second-favorite status Wednesday in the full field of 20 horses.
I Want Revenge is coming off eye-catching victories on dirt in the Gotham Stakes and Wood Memorial at New York's Aqueduct after leaving California and the synthetic surfaces there.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
"I Want Revenge should definitely go off as the favorite," Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia said.
Jockey Tie Talamo takes Kentucky Derby hopeful *Want Revenge* for a workout for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill on Tuesday in Louisville, Ky.
Trained by Jeff Mullins and ridden by 19-year-old jockey Joe Talamo, I Want Revenge drew the
No. 13 post position.
"It ended up perfect," Talamo said. "It's just what we wanted — to be outside of the early speed. I
think it worked out great."
thinly worked out great.
Pioneer of the Nile and Dunkirk
were made the co-second favori-
ties at 4-1.
KANSANCLASSIFIEDS
for sale
...
announcements
785-864-4358
hawkchalk.com/3466
FOR SALE
$400 - 2 overstuffed chairs w/ 2 pillow and storage ottoman. Like new less than 1 year old. Perfect for dorm suit or apartment. Contact Lauren 785-554-8069
1992 Buick LeSabre 129,938 miles Good Tires Good Battery Engine runs well Transmission needs some work Moving soon, must sell Please call Danielle 785-393-1519 hawkchall.com/3436
6 page paper shredder Used for 1 year.
Works great. $20. Interested 316-648-
6377 hawkchalk.com/3433
HP PSC 1315 all-in-one printer scanner copier. Interested call 316-648-6377 hawkchalk.com/3427
I'm looking to buy a decent used moped.
My number is 785-410-6330. Let me
know if anyone has something they're
looking to get rid of. hawkchalk.
com/3464
LOST: Pink Sony Cybershot camera. Last seen in the Hawk Pine Room Saturday evening. If found, please contact cohenli@ku.edu. hawkchalk.com/3479
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Attention runners, Attention runners on Sat, May 2, 2009 @ 9:00am Theta Tau will be sponsoring the Ashley Foster Bene-fit 5K Run. Register @ http://www.ku-tatetau.com. hawkchalk.com/3468
Ti-83+ calculator with usb cable included.
Also included is the instruction manual.
Interested call 316-648-6377.
hawkcalk.com/3426
Get ahead of the crowd!
Enrolling for summer and fall classes!
Neoaho County Community College
enrollment station at The Wheel
507 W. 14th, May 5, 6 & 7 1:30 pm -
4:15pm. For info. call 785-242-2067
Lost black and white kitten Junebug disappeared from her home by the stadium on Sat. Apr. 18.She is mostly black with white chest and paws. Cat 785-2492 with info.hawkchalk.com/3437
Canon G10 digital camera on 4-24.
Near Sunnyside and Sunflower Drive.
Please return my camera for reward-no questions. Desperate! 919-624-2670 or djacubs@u.edu hawkchalk.com/3480
ANNOUNCEMENTS
LOST CAT calico and white adult, short-
hair female cat from 18th & Missouri.
Needs medical attention. Please call
620-921-0144 with any info.
hwckhalk.com/3454
TRAFFIC-DUFI'S-MIP'S PERSONAL INJURY Student legal matters Residential issues divorce criminal & civil matters law office of DONALD G. STROLE Donald G. Strole Sally G. Kelsey 16 East 13th 842-5116 Free Initial Consultation
HAWKCHALK.COM
where caring counselors provide support for life concerns
www.hqcc.lawrence.ks.us
Absolutely hate your summer job? Call me, looking for 5 students to help me run my business this summer. Avg. student makes $800 a week. Call 620-222-2267
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS
$15 base-appt, FT/PT summer work,
customer sales/svc, no exp necessary
conditions apply, all ages 17+ Call Today
785-841-0900 For Location Nearest You.
Apply online at www.workforstudents.com
com
BARTENDING, UP TO $300/DAY. NO
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. TRAINING
PROVIDED. 800-965-6520 EXT 108
free ▼ 24/7
785.841.2345
JOBS
Help Wanted for custom harvesting. Combine operators and truck drivers. Guaranteed pay. Good summer wages. Call 970-483-7490 evenings.
6+ BRs, 2.5 BA, 2 kitchens, Next to Campus, W/D. 1208 Mississippi. August 1 $2286/mo. 913-838-8198.
Recovery Specialist, FT, M-F with some Saturdays. Create & implement solutions for consumers with delinquent accounts. Team player with positive attitude, solid phone/clerical skills. Prior sales/collection experience helpful but not required. $9.50 per hour plus benefits including health & 401K, potential for commission. Some app for advancement. Resume to mausint@haseandong.com
Do you speak Spanish? Raintte Montessori School is looking for a toddler assistant who loves working with very short people. (M-F, 10:30 AM - 5:30 p.m., $11.00 per call) Call 785-843-6800.
Camp Counselors, male and female, needed for great overnight camps in mountains in PA. Have a fun summer while working with children in the outdoors. Teach/assist with ropes course, media, archery, gymnastics, environmental ed, and much more. Office, Nanny, Bus Driver (CDL required) positions also available. Apply on-line at pineforestcamp.com
End your day with a smile. Raintree Montessori School at 4601 Clinton Parkway is located on 14 acres with pools, a pond, and a land tortoise named Sally. is looking for a late-afternoon teacher for children ages 3-6. Experience working with children and a sense of humor required. Experience working with children and a sense of humor required. (M-F) 3:15-5:30 p.m., $9.50/ml) Call 785-434-6800.
English speaker for Sapporo, Japan YMCA. No training required. KU $400/mo. Airfare provided. KU students apply to dmucci@ku.edu
Chauffer needed immediately due to lic-
cense suspension. Must be able to work
Wednesday-Saturday nights until 2am.
Call 785-215-9085, hawkchall/3430
928 Ohio 4-8 BR, 8.5 BA.
Walk-in closets, completely remodeled,
Avail. January 1, 2010. Call 785-423-
6665
Sitter wanted for 2 boys ages 9 and 10.
3-4 days per week. Must have referen-
ences
and a car. Starts May 26- July 31
785-760-4501
**STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM**
Paid Survey Takers Needed in Lawrence.
100% FREE to Join! Click on Surveys.
Help wanted, part to full time pharmacists,
pharmacy clerks and techs. Experience preferred. Apply at wamegodrug@yahoo - com
Undercover Shoppers Earn up to $70 per day. Undercover Shoppers needed to judge retail and dining establishments
ExP. Not Enl. CALL 802-724-4791
Personal care attendant job available.
$/hr. 20 hrs/wk plus nights, flexible schedule, no exp needed. For more info,
please call 785-218-0753.
58R house near campus/downtown needs roommate. 45 included utilities. Lease starts Aug 3. Fun students who work and play hard. Please email lilley@ku.edu if interested. hwckhak.com/3432
Entry-level Screener - PT, M-F, qftime hours. Fluency in Spanish/English req. Perfect for students. Requires analytical, clerical and typing skills. $9.00 per hr, opp for advancement. We help patients apply for medical benefits. Resume to: mausint@haaseandlong.com
I need a mural painted on a large wall.
Want a KU theme. If interested, you need to come and bid the project. Call 785.843.2169 hawkchalk.com/3447
Avail, June or Aug. 1 BR's, 9th and Emery, Clean, QUETIP, Speacial, CA, Balconies. No pts/Smoking, Starting $370/mo & utilities. 785-841-3192
$personal care attendant job available.
$/hr. 20 hrs/wk plus nights, flexible schedule, no exp needed. For more info,
please call 785-218-0753.
HOUSING
4bed4bath apartment 1 spot available
$443 monthly. Utilities included. Legends
Place. Pool, hot tub, fitness center, game
room, tanning. 913-710-2175 JOHN
hawkchalk.com/3470
hawkchalk
I BR, I BA. Block From Campus.
Available August. Located at 14th and
Ohio. Call Tom at 550-0426.
HOUSING
Houses and apartments, all sizes and locations 785-749-6084 www.eresental.com
Available in August 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath,
Hardwood floors, C/A, Central Heat,
W/D.Next to campus. 1025 mississippi
$t $330-815/00. mo 913-683-8198
BEST DEAL! SAVE YOUR MONEY!
Nice, quiet, well kept? B2 apartments.
Appliances, CA, low bills and more! No pets, no smoking, $405/mo. Now signing leases starting in June or August.
841-6868
California Apts, Newer 1.238's near 6th & 8th,
841-4935, www.widwestpm.com.
Canyon Court
CLASSIFIEDS@KANSAN.COM
Canyon Court
700 Compton Ln. 783-832-8605
Now Leaving, See in Special
1.2 & 3BFRs, pool, spa, free DVD rentals
www.firstpanagametics.com
Close to Allen Fieldhouse, 3 BR 2 BA,
1820 Alabama. Off St. parking W/D, A/C.
$1260/mo Avail. Aug. 2, 760-840-0487
Cooest apartments in town. 2BR & 4BF
loft apartments in N. Lawrence located
a 642 Locust St. Hardwood floors and
a modern conveniences. $875 for 2BR and
$1575 for 4BR per month. Available Aug
1st. Call 785-850-8499.
Country Club. Newer 2BR 2 baths. W/D.
etc. From $675, 841-4935
www.midwestpm.com
Discounted rent $250+ utilities! Desperate for summer subtle. Large, very clean duplex near target, walmart, and pools. May 24th - beginning of Aug! kait25@ku.edu*wahkcalhc/m3471
Female needed for Legends Apartment SubleaseOne|Sea BR/private bath.Rent $490/mo for everything.Available June 1-July 31.Earlier if needed.Call or text Brit-254 702 526 hawkchk.com/3451
Downtown Dreamt 906 Connecticut 4 BR,
1 BA, W/D, $1300/mo + utilities, pets
possible Owner managed 785-842-8473
For the Quality Minded
2, 3, and 4 BR, no pets. 785-843-4798
lawrencertals.com
HOUSING
Hanover Townhomes. Large 2BR's with garage. 841-4935. www.midwestpm.com
I'm a male looking for somewhere to live for the next school year, beginning august. I want something where rent/utilities is $400 or below. Let me know if anyone has something available. My number is 785-410-6330. hawkchalk.com/3429
Jacksonville Apts. Newer 1 & 2 BR's $460
& $550. 841-4935. www.midwestpm.
com
Lease now for Aug. 10th: 2BR, 1 BA, (2) off-street parking, large kitchen; CAY; full unfinished basement; sm.patio/yard; possible W/D. Some work available, pd hourly, especially snow removal, med-heavy lifting, $550/mo. No pets. 843-7736.
KU student looking to sublease from August to December. Great for those studying abroad in the fall. Call Terry 620-926-0873. kwahkchal.com/3438
MALE ROOMMATE for summer 09. 2
bdrm close to campus at meadowbrook
from June to July. Inquiry at 913581161
or email to kbeth@ku.edu
hawkchalk.com/3474
Vale roommate needed Aug 1 or sooner
vleadowbrook Apt, $340 + -$40 FUR-
NISHED, Bus route, 2pools, Gym, W/D in
building. NEED TO SIGN by May 1st!
913626-2962 hawkcalch.com 1431
Need female summer sublease for apt at Reserve 340/mo only utility is electric, room kitchens, free internet and tanning, pool and hot tub at complex sbarres108@gmail.com hawkchalk.com/3473
One bed: Rent-$579.Balcony that faces football stadium at KU. 785.843.2116
barkerdale@gmail.com,
*awkchalk.com/3448*
Only $265 PPI Great 3 BR 2 bath apartments on the bus route. W/D, DW, etc.
843-6443. www.southpointtec.com
Parkway Commons: Townhomes,
houses & luxury apartments, Garages,
pool, w/d, gym. Leasing for fall.
842-3901 3601 Clinton Place
poon and gym. Leasing for fall.
842-3280. 3601 Clinton Pkww
SouthPointe. 1-4 BR's now and fall.
843-6446. www.southpointeks.com
Very Nice Townhome! 3 or 4 BR, 2 BA
W/D. Pets with deposit. Call Paula 221-
3917 or 832-8727.
1
---