Thursday, Dec. 5, 1963 University Daily Kansan
Page 5
Renko Reaches 'Condition' Rapidly
By Roy Miller (Sports Editor)
Five days ago, Steve Renko hadn't decided whether he would compete in KU varsity basketball this season.
The Kansas City sophomore, an all-state basket full player at Wyandotte High School, was more concerned about performing a good job as starting quarterback for KU against the Missouri Tigers in the last football game of the season.
Up to Saturday, the only basket-
ball he had agreed to was playing
for a fraternity in the intramural
league.
BUT. LAST NIGHT it became evident the Phi Dilt intramural team's loss turned into the KU basketball team's gain as the 6-4, 220-pounder helped the Jaw-hawks to a 73-60 season's opening victory over Arkansas.
Renko, after only two basketball practices, scored 10 points, looked good on the boards and at one stretch was three-for-three in field goal attempts.
Coach Dick Harp was elated Monday when he learned Renko would participate in basketball.
"Steve is a fine basketball player," Harp said in an interview Monday. "There's no question, he'll be fighting for playing time soon as he gains a minimum basketball condition. How long it will take him to reach that condition, I don't know."
THE 4,500 FANS in Allen field House were surprised by Renko's rapid transition. But something else surprised them, too. They saw what has to be considered an improved KU basketball team.
The game started like many others in recent years. The Jayhawks started sluggishly. But, by the time the Jayhawks had built a 19-point lead, 69-50, with 4:56 left in the game, KU fans forgot about the slow start.
"We're a long way from being a really good team," Harp said after the game, sitting in a chair munching popcorn. "We're just going to be better this year.
"With even more improvement.
I think by the time we move into conference play, we're going to hold our own. That improvement will come on the practice floor, not in a game."
THE VICTORY WAS KU's 10th straight season-opening success. The Jayhawks meet Cincinnati Saturday in their next game.
Harp said he was pleased with the play of all the guards last night. He said it will be a problem just who will play opposite Al Correll in the backcourt, the spot vacated by the graduation of Nolen Ellison.
"Wayne ((Loving) played a fine game and definitely picked us up in the first half," Harp said of the sophomore guard. "I thought Dave (Schichtle) played good in the first half and he had an excellent streak in the second half."
Asked if he was surprised by Renko's performance against the Southwest Conference's Porkers, Harp said;
"TVE SAID many times Steve is a fine basketball player. He didn't have to play the way he
the writer joked.
"I take my pre-Christmas flight from the North Pole just to have my working suit cleaned at Independent Laundry."
"I'm not going to coach him either," Harp joked back.
"And, I didn't even get touched in football," Renko laughed after the game.
- Independent Downtown Plant 740 Vt.
For the best in cleaning and laundering services,it's
- Independent Drive-In 900 Miss.
About that time, a sportswriter entered the little cubicle in which Harp was sitting.
"Coach, Renko's play tonight after only two practices just shows what someone can do without being corrupted by coaching."
did tonight to convince me. You see, Steve is blessed with fine vision and a good basketball sense. There isn't any reason to be surprised."
BABE RUTH'S LAST PUBLIC appearance was at the New York premiere of the movie "The Babe Ruth Story," July 26, 1948-21 days before his death.