36-24-36 Hike!
Wife or widow?
Sports life 'lonely'
By JULIE THATCHER Kansan Staff Writer
Jokes about the bridegroom missing the wedding aren't funny for Debbie Weir. Her husband, John, a starting guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, had football practice on their wedding night.
"I sat in Salina the night of our wedding and didn't know if he was going to come," recalls Debbie. "The coaches didn't tell him he could leave early."
He did make it to the church making Debbie the most recent to assume the role of KU football wife. Thirteen Kansas varsity
when players are home. "If they're extra tired or if the coach yelled a lot, you have to put up with the moods they're in," explains Dana Standage. Before a game Paula Salb concentrates on "getting out of Karl's way. I can't talk to him or be around him."
football players are married and their wives are facing problems caused by fame and dedication.
KANSAN features
Prolonged absences also mean mealtimes alone. "I always eat by myself," says Sharon Jessie.
When the team is on the field, the picture is not quite so grim. Football wives then become the sport's most enthusiastic supporters.
Loneliness requires the biggest adjustment. This fall is the first season for nine of the women. They quickly learned that during two-a-day practices, wives seldom see their husband-players. When they do, the men are exhausted.
Wives face another obstacle
Jim leaves around 6 a.m. and gets home about 7:30 p.m.," says Carolyn Hatcher. "I haven't seen him all day and I want to talk to him, but he's too tired."
Sept. 26 1969 KANSAN 13
Debbie Reeves feels, "Thrilled! So excited! Proud!" Lorie Mosier "really gets excited. I'm out there pulling for John. I catch every ball with him."
Players' wives have found many ways to fill the empty time between games. Several enjoy refinishing furniture and another has taken up decoupage and interior decorating. A fourth is starting a dress-making business with her mother. Others are interested in cooking, horseback riding, swimming and tennis.
Football wives also work, attend classes and care for children. Half work full-time for firms including a travel agency, a bank, an insurance company and a hospital. Five are enrolled in classes. Paula Salb also cares for 11-month-old Karen, Kurt, 17 months, keeps Sharon Alkins busy. Bryant Hatcher is 13 months.
Homecoming theme chosen
Marriage into the sport of football has necessitated many changes in these women's lives. They have learned to live in a contradictory environment full of headaches as well as joys.
"Kansas Cookout or a Spoonful of Pepper Helps the Buffalo Go Down" will be the theme of the 1969 University of Kansas Homecoming Nov. 8 when the Kansas Jayhawks meet the Colorado Buffalos.
Jecha, Timken junior; ceremonies,
William Ebert, Topeka junior;
decorations, Steve Rasmussen,
Overland Park senior; public relations,
Jay Cooper, Prairie Village senior;
Union Activities, Kent Longenecker, Shawnee Mission senior and queens, Jennifer Gille,
Topeka junior.
Russell C. Leffel, Prairie Village senior, is the student general chairman. Committee chairmen are: arrangements, Cecilia Ann
The choice was made by the Homecoming executive committee which is made up of seven students and administrative cochairmen.
"It's so exciting! I wouldn't trade it for the world, though sometimes I think I'd like to," says Debbie Reeves.
Richard Wintermote, director of the Alumni Association, is the general co-chairman.
LONG GONE
LONDON (UPI)—A circular which a public relations firm sent to the Priory of Augustinian Canons in Guisborough came back marked "gone away." The priory was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1540.
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