University Daily Kansan, August 19, 1982 Page 9
Arbanas, Simmons respond during search for linebackers
By TOM COOK
Associate Sports Editor
Kyle McNorton and Chris Toburren spent four years together roaming the middle of the Kansas defense, continuing the legacy of outstanding Jayhawk both 1982 graduates, they reaped prizes, and the fiercest competitions in the same.
But now they're gone, and Don Fambrighou must find a pair of replacements suitable for the job. Fambrighou had been singing out Mike Arbousa and Edie Summers.
AS JUNIORS this season, Arbans and Simmons spent the past two seasons backing up McNorton and Toburen. But they have starting experience, Fambrough said, and their excellent performances in spring practice convinced Fambrough he had found a ton-notch duo.
Bill Malavasi and Kerry Bruno also have eased some of the doubts Fambrough carried into the spring about an inexperienced linebacking crew. Incoming freshmen linebackers, headed by prep all-American Darnell Williams, will provide further depth for the Jayhawks.
But right now, it's Arbans and Simmons who have been thrust into the limelight as the defensive signal callers. Each said he was confident he could do the job, and both said the task would be accomplished, helped them, become better players.
"LEARNED a lot playing behind Chris and Kyle," said Arbanas. "I gained a lot of experience watching them play and playing against them." Simmons echoed the sentiments of Arbanas.
"It was good for us to be able to play behind Chris and Kyle because we gained a lot of experience during our freshman and sophomore years." Simmons said. "We practiced with them a lot and they taught us the ropes."
According to Fambrigh and other KU coaches, Arbanas was the most pleasant thing to come out of spring practice. He made the switch from sideline linebacker during the spring, the position that calls the defensive signals.
Arbans accepted the role and did quite well, according to his coach, former KU all-conference linebacker Mike Sweatman. He took charge immediately, so he played and assumed the role of a strong, tough leader, Sweatman said.
"MIKE HAS A chance to be one of the best, all-time linebackers we've ever had."
At 6-foot-4, 220, Arban moves "surprisingly fast" for his size, coaches say. His 45 tackles and two stops behind the line of scrimmage in a reserve role last week are the two open linebacking spots this year.
"What I did last season and this past spring was really important," Arbanas said. "We linebacker-oriented, but if we get it wrong, then it will make us look ever better."
Arhanas said he didn't feel any extra pressure stepping in and taking over the table.
"They (McNorton and Toburen) are gone now, but I don't feel any added pressure. Football is a team sport and everybody has got to do his own job."
SIMMONS ENTERS the fall season after switching from strong side to weak side linebacker during the spring. He has the ability to play either position and says he takes pride in his aggressive attitude.
"I just work hard, wherever I'm playing, and I always try to do the best I can doing."
An excellent athlete with the potential to be one of the Big Eight's top linebackers, Simmons made his presence known last season against Oregon when he stopped the Ducks' massive Tiggy Greggin on a fourth-and one play.
"Eddie plays with a lot of leverage and he has an explosive hit," Swatman said. "He's one of the hardest hitters on the team."
Simmons has starting experience after filling in for Toburen as a freshman in the Kansas State and Oklahoma games. But he was in on only 19 tackles last year as he saw limited time because of Toburn's steady play.
A 6-2. 205-POUND speedster from Miragar High School in Miami, Fla. Sensions received praise from Fambrough for his ability to cover considerable
amounts of ground in a short period of time.
"Eddie has rockets and can cover the field from sideline to sideline," Fam
An all-state, all-county and all-city performer at Miramar, where he had 400 career tackles, Simmons, who has been a leader of starting at linebacker be too intense.
"Mike and I work real good together." Simmons said. "Just going through it together has really helped. He helps me and I help him."
Roger Foote, senior free safety, said he was confident Arbanas and Simmons would answer any questions concerning a weakness at linebacker.
"I HAVE ALL the confidence in the world that they'll stop those running backs before they get to me," he laughed. "No, really, working with them is amazing, playing, they both showed a great amount of leadership. They did a great job."
Gary Coleman, senior strong safety and one of the defensive co-captains, said the speed of Arbanas and Simmons would be their greatest asset.
"Mike and Eddie are faster than Chris or Kyle. Coleman said. "They are very aggressive hitters and they to get the ball fast. They use their quickness to make up for any lack of experience."
Eddie Simmons, left, and Mike Arbana have the task of taking over the reins of the Jayhawks' defense as linebackers. The pair have seen part-time duty in the past two seasons, but they now have been thrust into starting roles following the graduation of Kyle McNorton and Chris Troburen.
Stanclift: KU softball team still good despite loss of Clarke and Hoffman
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Bv TDM COOK
Associate Sports Editor
Just when things were looking up for the KU women's softball team, the squad's top pitcher and utility player decided to leave the crimson and blue of Kansas for the gold and black of Emporia State University.
The absence of All-Big Eight pitcher Rhonda Clarke and two-year starter Tammie Hoffman has put a hole in the nucleus of the team that finished 29-16 last season. Bob Scantill insists he still has a good number of young kids."
SIX OF NINE starters return this year, led by catcher-first baseman Becky Ascendo. Ascendo topped the club last season with a 347 batting average and was second in defense with an average, committing only two errors.
Also returning will be third baseman Becky Craft, second baseman Candi Boyer, shotstop Sue Sherman, center Pam Cox and left fielder Liz Coming.
stancifl也加 bolstered his squad with four freshmen, pitcher Tracy Bunge of Bartlesville, Okla., center fielder Ann Brent of Balwin, Mo., first baseman Erin Hammun of Topeka player Debbie Handel of Balwin.
Sherman, however, underwent knee surgery following the end of the school year and Stanciff said her status for the season was questionable.
"ITS A REAL chore to find people at this time of the year," Stancill said. "I thought my recruiting was done back in March or April."
But he said he was still on the recruiting trail in hopes of landing a pair of replacements for Clarke and Hoffman.
Bunge brings impressive pitching statistics with her to KU, but filling the shoes of Clarke will be awfully tough.
Clarke, who transferred to KU from Oklahoma State during her freshman
season, stymied opponents while wear ing a Jayhawk uniform.
HOFFMAN WAS the only player to start every game for KU last year. The team's back-up pitcher, Hoffman, came in her two years with the Jawhaws.
Her amazing command of pitches was exemplified by her strikeout total of $36, earned run average of 0.95, four no-hitters and 18 shutouts.
Last year as a sophomore, the only year of eligibility she had at Kansas, she pitched in 39 games, allowing just 148 hits in 279.2 innings work. Desperite her pitchers were one run defensively, she set a KU single-season record with 24 victories.
Bunge played high school softball at Sooner High. In only three years as a Spartan (she missed her senior campaign with an injury), she recorded 55 victories against just five losses and had a 0.02 ERA.
"Rhonda was good friends with Tammy," he said. "We had a difference in philosophy. We just didn't understand, so I asked them to change schools."
"I THINK I can get some quality players," he said. "I've been to California and Wisconsin to watch. Plus, we've got a big nucleus back from last year."
Stancill said Hoffman also would play softball for Emporia State, Clarke meanwhile, will concentrate only on softball.
Stancliff said Hoffman had become frustrated with her softball career and went to Emperor State to play basketball, which followed in her footsteps. Stancliff said.
Heading into his seventh year at the helm, Stancillit said he was confident he could find replacements for the missing starters. He cited recent recruiting trips to California and Wisconsin as the reason for his confidence.
"Tracy throws hard and already has good command of several different
"I HAVE SEEN Ann play more than any player I've ever played," said Stancilt. "In my opinion, she is the best all-around offensive and defensive outfielder that I've ever seen coming out of high school."
Brent played for Lafayette High School and the SL Louis Bombers of the American Softball Association. Lafayette's Most Valuable Player in both 1980 and 1981, she led the team with a 48 batting average as a senior.
ASA coaches named Brent the Most Outstanding Player in the St. Louis area in 1980. That season, the St. Louis Road-runners finished seventh among 32 teams at the ASA National Tournament. The team took home all but bats, home runs and batted in.
Hannagan attended Seamant High School, which does not have a softball program. However, she has played in the ASA for the past 10 years, most recently for the Topeka Amazons and Team Sporting Gifts Hit and Run.
pitches. "Stancil said. 'I see her as a good enough athlete to not only help us in the pitching department, but in other ways.'" He added, "the better hitter and strong defensively, too."
The Amazons were ASA State Champions in 1980 and the Hit and Runs were ASA State Runner-up in 1981. Hammann was ASA State Runner-up in 1980. ASA All-State Tournament Team
"WE FEEL THAT Erin can play at first base right away and help to strengthen our defense," said Stansford. "But one of her strongest points is hitting. Erin swings the bat but extremely slowly, so she makes the transition to college softball."
Randel tested out as one of the best all-around athletes for KU softball, Stancill said. She also was highly relied upon by many schools as a basketball player.
"Debbie is one of the most impressive high school girls to ever audition for the Kansas softball team." Stancliff said, "You can help us tremendously in the outfield."
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