THE UNIVERSITY JAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY MARCH 26, 2009
NEWS
5A
ATHLETICS (CONTINUED FROM 1A)
booth, restrooms, and concession building with merchandise sales.
Jim Marchiony, associate athletics director, said the Athletics Department had been discussing the Olympic Village for at least a year now and was actively fundraising for the new facilities. Marchiony also said the Olympic Village was another step in improving facilities, which is a part of Athletic's five-year strategic plan for 2006-2011.
"I would say that the football facility and the basketball practice facility is a very important part, the new academic center, and other renovations for Allen Fieldhouse," Marchiony said. "This Olympic Village is another step toward what we want to provide our coaches and student athletes."
Ryan West, Ellsworth freshman, regularly attends baseball games, but said this was the first time he had heard of the Olympic Village. West said he thought it would be a nice addition for some of the nonrevenue sports.
Marchiony said that Athletics wanted to put the Olympic Village master plan into action as soon as possible and that the time frame for the start of the project was wide open.
"I think it's needed and a good idea if you're trying to give more money for the non-revenue sports and get the facilities in a compact area." West said.
West said he thought the Olympic Village process could take more time than projects such as the construction of the new football facility.
"These sports don't bring in as much money for the Athletics Department," West said. "I think the football stadium was on a tighter timeline and the Olympic Village involves more sports and facilities to improve."
Marchiony said Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins was leading the push for the Olympic Village.
"As director of athletics, he takes the lead on setting our priorities," Marchiony said. "And after talking to a lot of people involved in Athletics, this became one of our next projects."
Edited by Melissa Johnson
SUA (CONTINUED FROM 1A)
Dance groups had the opportunity to sign up starting in November and ending Wednesday — which one group took full advantage of.
Italian French, Shawnee senior, said his urban hip-hop group signed up at the last minute yesterday.
"I think we're going to do pretty decent and as long as we can perform well to our standards, that'll be enough satisfaction for me," French said.
Lauren Winchester, Olathe sophomore, is co-director of the morale committee for KU Dance Marathon in April and will be dancing with nine other members of the committee tonight. If her group wins the grand prize they will donate the money to Children's Miracle Network.
"None of us are great dancers but I think our dance is pretty fun," Winchester said. "The coolest thing would be to win because that would be $500 we could put toward Children's Mercy."
Sha said that she hoped the competition would be an annual event and that more people would be involved next time.
"We didn't think of it so much as a serious dance competition as much as a way for people to show off their particular style," Sha said. "But I think some groups are taking it seriously so I'm fairly certain that we're going to get some impressive performances."
— Edited by Heather Melanson
Members of the group Unity rehearse for KU's Best Dance Crew Wednesday night at the Kansas Union Ballroom. The event, hosted by Student Union Activities, will start tonight at 7. Matt Bristow/KNSAI
Matt Bristow/KANSAN
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