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SPORTS
11A
ANSAN
5,2008
ason
THE UNIVERSITY OF DALY KANSAN
quote of the day
— Barack Obama
Today
fact of the dav
"I've always believed that we should have a playoff system in college football. I'm not sure who came up with the idea for the BCS formula we use today, but to borrow a phrase I've used over and over on the campaign trail, it's time for a change."
Michigan Athletics
Former President Gerald Ford played football at the University of Michigan, helping the Wolverines win National Titles in 1932 and 1933.
trivia of the day
Q: What character did former President Ronald Reagan play in the 1940 film, *Knute Rockne: All-American*?
A: George "The Gipper" Gipp.
schedule
Volleyball: Colorado, 7 p.m.
(Lawrence)
Soccer: Texas A&M 7:30 p.m.
(San Antonio, Texas)
Thursday No Events Scheduled
Friday
Friday
Swimming & Diving: Drury,
6 p.m. (Lawrence)
Saturdav
Football: Nebraska, 1:30 p.m.
(Lincoln, Neb.)
Swimming & Diving:
Evansville, 2 p.m. (Lawrence)
Volleyball: Texas Tech, 7 p.m.
(Lawrence)
Rowing: Kansas State, TBA (Manhattan, Kan.)
Some players make time to vote; others too busy
On Election Day, politics bleed into every crevice of life.
That includes a weekly gathering where the discussion generally addresses the gridiron. The presidential election lay on the tip of everyone's tongue Tuesday afternoon at Mark Mangino's press conference.
Mangino and reporters volleyed back and forth with typical questions and answers about Saturday's game at Nebraska, but eventually the writers — several emblazed with "1 Voted" stickers — had to ask the question.
Did you tell your players to vote?
"I did," Mangino said. "I told them that they have a right and they should exercise their right. Who knows, their vote could make a difference."
That's not likely, according to some of the players' responses.
Center Ryan Cantrell said his girlfriend forgot to remind him to register, and running back Jake
Sharp said he was too busy to get registered.
"Unfortunately you have to get registered way before to vote." Sharp said. "I think that's kind of silly."
Well, I've heard worse excuses. Full disclosure: I'm not registered by reason of apathy.
So they didn't vote, but that doesn't mean the pair is oblivious to politics. Cantrell expressed deep regret for missing out on the election because of its historic implications.
Sharp said he agreed, but added that voting for one man or woman didn't make the government.
"I feel like our president
doesn't actually do that much." Sharp said. "It's the Cabinet and Congress and things like that. Either way, I'm going to support our president."
Defensive back Justin Thornton said politics rarely snuck into the locker room, but it was a hot topic when players went to dinner or hung out.
Mangino emphasized constitutional rights in his speech to players, but eventually he steered Tuesday's impromptu political discussion back to football.
Do your players vote in Douglas County or fill out absentee ballots back home?
"I didn't get that deeply into it," Mangino said. "I kind of had Nebraska on my mind."
While some players could only mourn their lost voting opportunity, others had already hit the polls Tuesday morning.
HOLT-REESING IN '24!
James Holt blitzes and makes plays from several positions, making him a maverick among linebackers. You can guess which way his ballot swung.
"I see more eye-to-eye with McCain." Holt said.
The stauunch Republican joined another GOPer, quarterback Todd Reesing — a maverick in his own right — and rocked the vote on Tuesday. The duo views voting not only as a right, but also as a future career path.
"I'm hoping to go into politics when I'm done here," Holt said. "Todd also has a pretty good argument on where he stands. I could see him or I getting into politics."
Holt said he often discussed politics with Reeing away from the field, although the conversation occasionally amounted to nagging on Democrats.
Still, Holt's political motives are pure. Here's hoping they stay that way.
"You want to go back home and try to make a change in your community." Holt said. "It's a great honor that people would honor you and respect you that they want you to make decisions for them in what determines their lives."
In 16 years, there's no telling what the ultimate Jayhawk ticket could do for America.
SOCCER
One-step-at-a-time philosophy allows Jayhawks to stay optimistic
— Edited by Brenna Hawley
BY JAYSON JENKS jenks@kansan.com
Sections of games, they said, represented a season-within-a season.
All year, the Jayhawks chose to look at their season in parts rather than to view the 19 games as a whole.
It's not surprising, then, that the Jayhawks are once again taking that approach heading into the Big 12 Tournament.
"It's like our whole philosophy has been 'take it one step at a time',' junior defender Kim Boyer said. "This is a whole new kind of season. This is a whole other chapter."
If the lavahawks' season were a book, they'd likely want to rewrite the last chapter.
Needing a victory against Missouri to put themselves in a manageable position to reach the NCAA Tournament, Kansas suffered its worst loss since 1999.
But, as Boyer said, that part of Kansas' season is finished. And to reach the NCAA Tournament, the Jayhawks ultimately win the Big 12 tournament.
"We have absolutely nothing to lose," coach Mark Francis said. "We just have to control the things that we can control: execution, playing with confidence and competing for every ball.
"Outside of that, the chips will
fall as they do."
The Jayhawks have put the Missouri loss behind them and shifted attention to tonight's game against Texas A&M and the Big 12 Tournament.
The jayhawks knocked off the then-No. 6 Aggies 1-0 earlier this season.
"For our senior class, if we don't win this next game, our season, our soccer careers, are over," senior midfielder Missy Geha said. "Yes, we've beaten them, and we have the confidence that can beat them again.
"But, ultimately, we just want to go to the semifinals."
Edited by Becka Cremer
On the ball
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot at Athletic club, goalkeeper Lee France during their Champions League Group D soccer match in Liverpool on Tuesday.
Pay heed
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INTRUST encourages responsible credit card spending.
Member FDIC
yes you can. INTRUST Bank.