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Tuesday, September 2, 1975
University Dally Kansan
Kivisto moves to women's sports
By KELLY SCOTT
Sneaks Writer
Sports Write
Staff Photo by DAVID CRENSHAW
Tom Kivisto
Some people might consider Tom Klivisto's jump to the position of coach of the KU women's tennis team a defection. But the former Jayawk basketball star said his new job reflected his feelings about the future of college athletics.
Kivisto was named coach of the women's team Aug. 21. He will work full-time while working toward his master's degree in architecture.
Recent NCAA rule changes suggest that professionalism and male-dominated programs in college athletics are on their way out. Kivisto said.
Tennis is one of the sports that eventually
will draw men and women's programs to
the court.
"ITS RIDICULOUS TO fight each other, 'One can't survive by the other'
Kivisto said he thought there was an impending shift from the overwhelming popularity of contact sports to an interest in sports like tennis, gymnastics and track.
These are the sports which can tie men's and women's athletics together because they could be scheduled concurrently, Kivisto said.
He said he favored ideas such as having women's and men's tennis or gymnastics competition in the same place at the same time. He also noted that regulations regulated by stagged handicaps.
'It's the uniqueness of sports that has
everyone captivated put them." Krivito said. "It's the uniqueness of a Riggs-King tennis match, or the one time we play we play a Field House that draws people's attention."
Kivisto said he didn't endorse equal funding of men and women's sports.
Women's sports enthusiasts should regard uneven state or Student Senate expenditures as an investment in the future of women in women's college-level programs, he said.
"SPORTS CAN BE EQUAL," he said.
But as it is now, what you earn is your way
"If people would have the foresight to look ahead, we could share now and both get the best."
Klivisto said it didn't bother him if some people thought he was being used by the women's program for his popularity and apparent public relations value.
"I'm not here to live up to anyone's expectations," he said. "They can think what they want. I think I was the most qualified for the job and they hired me. Period."
Kivisto said it was hard to compare the role of starting guard on a top college basketball team to his new role as women's tennis coach.
'THE PRESSURES HAVEN'T
been the press that motivates
hawaiians have just changed.
It's a'm coach on call.'
Kivisto he said he thought coaching was more personally rewarding because the pressures were more internal and because he was demanding more of himself.
"The external forces a player faces from coaches, fans, sports writers and family
aren't there. In some ways it's a little easier."
Kivisto said he would stress consistency through fundamentals to this year's women's tennis team and would attempt to build the team's awareness of the importance of mental conditioning in intercollegiate competition.
MEMBERS OF THE TENNIS team said they were "excited" when they heard Kivisto would be coaching them. Several knew Kivisto personally from his job as assistant tennis pro at the Lawrence Racquet club.
"Tom is an asset to both the tennis team and to the women's sports program." Tracy
Both Spellman and Debbie Hunt, Hutchinson sophomore, said Kivito already had created a united team feeling that hadn't previously existed.
"Last year, I strived to achieve my own soul," Hunt said. "Tom has made me think of you."
Hunt; Spellman; Mary Brodie, Wichita junior; Cecilia Lopez, Mexico City junior; and/or Dakta Swede, Sweden junior, play on the fall last. Fall is a walk-in, Kiviato said.
Although Kansas State University had the top women's tennis team in the state last year, Kivisto predicted KU would be No. 1 in 1975-76.
Put yourself on the map.
That's another way of saying... become a navigator in the Air Force. It's a responsible job with a challenge:
Think you're interested? Why not sample the Air Force ways by enrolling in Air Force ROTC in college? There are scholarships available, 4-year, 3-year, or 2-year. If you have the chance, And more important...you'll get the feel of the Air Force and an indication of what's come to you. And then the end is a rewarding, challenging job as an Air Force navigator. And the checkpoints leading to that end are "proven benefits" and "educational opportunities."
Put it all together in Air Force ROTC.
Sell it through Kansan want ads. Call the classified department at 864-4358.
ALL LEAGUER
SOCCER SHOE
- Long Wearing Vinyl Upper
- One Piece Cleated Out Sole
Black with White White with Black Will Fit Men or Women Boys Size 2 to Men's 12
University of Kansas Panhellenic Association
Announces
Academic requirement for the January 1976 membership program (sorority rush).
Watch the UDK for dates and times of these events.
1. Minimum 2.2O cumulative G.P.A., or 2.20 fall 1975 semester G.P.A.
2. Fourteen completed hours for fall 1975 semester.
Orientation meetings and registration will take place during October.
Panhellenic Association
220 Strong
864-3552
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