THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2009
SPORTS
9A
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"The vision of a champion is someone who is bent over, drenched in sweat,and the point of exhaustion,when no one else is watching."
Anson Dorrance, women's soccer coach,
North Carolina
FACT OF THE DAY
Last season, Kansas scored the second-most goals (45) and attempted the second-most shots (358) in the 13-year history of the program.
—Kansas Soccer Media Guide
TRIVIA OF THE DAY
Q: What was the score of last season's opening match against Drake in Lawrence?
A: The Jayhawks won, 3-0
FISHING REPORT
Each Friday The Kansan will provide a fishing report for area lakes. This week we look at Clinton Reservoir but in future issues other, smaller lakes will be included. Feel free to send along reports (or even photos) of your own from around Lawrence to smontemayor@kansan.com.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reports that at Clinton Reservoir
WIPER are slow with anglers catching some while actually fishing for catfish using liver. Size: 2-4.5 pounds.
CRAPPIE are fair with some being caught over brushies on minnows or jigs. Size: 0.5-1 pounds.
CHANNEL CATFISH are good using worms, liver, stinkbait and spoons over baited areas. Size: 1-4 pounds.
-- Stephen Montemayor
Football fans should enjoy fantasy version
COMMENTARY
In our time of vampires, wizards and shape-shifting robots, my fantasies dwell in another realm: football.
The start of the school year also means the birth of a new NFL season. As popular as professional football is, there is still an untapped reservoir of fans not getting in on the fantasy action. I've met too many casual fans who could benefit immensely from joining a league.
Years ago, I did more than not watch football. I avoided it at any cost. But one year, I was put into a fantasy football league, not of my own accord. I put the effort into it and came in third in my first year while knowing absolutely nothing of the sport. Now Sundays mean a little more than just dreading school the next day.
When you watch games on television and they aren't your favorite team or players, how do you find joy? After all, value is determined by the individual. Terrell Owens' three touchdowns may mean nothing to you, but those are 18 points for me.
I've heard all the excuses, and none of them excuse anyone from the potential bragging rights, monetary winners or overall fun of fantasy football. Some don't have time to do it, but five minutes a week is really all you need to be somewhat competitive. If you have no interest, that's fine, but you don't know what you are missing. Even people who dislike sports in general should see it as a different kind of game or a source of income, whatever their preference.
Having your own fantasy team may sound lame to some, but as you become privy to new players, you learn their stories and connect to them on a personal level. Sports are a lot about finding a connection between you and the athletes. If you can find that link, you'll find a lot more to enjoy. When I'm enjoying my football on Sundays, there isn't a lot of, "Did you just see that play by so-and-so?" Instead it's, "That's my boy."
1. Draft as late as possible. You don't want to have it more than a month before the regular season in case injuries occur or Brett Favre decides to return midway through preseason. It should go without saying, but don't do it after week one, either.
I'd like to think I'm an expert on fantasy football. I have yearly Yahoo! trophies to prove it. So for those of you who do have teams, here's some quick advice you can use whether you are new or experienced.
2. Be wary of the experts.
Where's their time machine that makes them so special? Don't waste your money on the magazines. They are good references, but when it comes down to it, everyone knows the same amount
FOR THE MANAGERS
of information about who to draft and
information: nothing.
3. If you really want to perfect your team, do mock drafts. This is the best way to create the perfect draft strategy based on your numbered pick. You can try different approaches without any of the consequences.
Happy drafting.
Stephen Montemayor
Admission to the event is free.
Edited by Samantha Foster
VOLLEYBALL Volleyball team to host exhibition scrimmage
The volleyball team will compete publicly for the first time this season when it hosts an exhibition scrimmage against alumni players Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Horejsi Family Athletics Center.
The Jayhawks are coached by Ray Bechard, who enters his 11th season as the program's all-time winningest coach. His team's last NCAA tournament appearance was in 2005.
The Jayhawks, 13-16 last year, return five starters and 11 letter-winners overall. Four incoming freshmen complete the year's roster. Junior Karina Garlington was fifth in the Big 12 with 3.66 kills per serve. Sophomore setter Nicole Tate returns after earning All-Big 12 Freshman Team honors. Seniors Melissa Grieb, Katie Martincich, Page Mazour and Brittany Williams return for their final season.
FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL Mangino meet and greet at KU Football Kickoff
The fourth annual KU Football Kickoff will be held at Corinth Square in Prairie Village tonight from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
On hand as featured speakers will be new Kansas chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, football coach Mark Mangino and women's basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson.
The event will take place in the parking lot of Corinth Square, located at 83rd and Mission Road. It will feature Kansas inflatables, merchant giveaways, the Kansas pep band and a street dance featuring music by Recess.
Alumni Association and KU Med Center Alumni Association members can receive a free burger meal from Johnny's Tavern by presenting their cards.
Stephen Montemayor
BASKETBALL McCray a candidate for John R. Wooden Award
Named on Thursday as a preseason candidate for the 2009- 2010 John R. Wooden Award. The Wooden Award.
kansas senior guard Danielle McCray was one of 31 players
Award, which
McCrav
will be given to a women's basketball player for the seventh
year, is the NCAA's award for the most outstanding player.
McCray, who led the team last season with 21.6 ppg and 7.7 rpg, is the first ever Kansas player to receive a preseason nomination for the award.
"It is a great honor to be chosen as a Wooden Award preseason candidate," said McCray, who earned Honorable Mention All-America honors last season. "I have a great amount of respect for all of the players on the list, as well as for Coach Wooden, so to even be considered is a great feeling."
Ben Ward
FOOTBALL
Tigers scrimmage
"sloppy" overall
The Tigers, rebuilding after the departures of Jeremy Maclin, Chase Daniel and Chase Coffman, were "sloppy" overall.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri coach Gary Pinkel, who's replacing several skill players on offense, said the defense had the upper hand in a scrimmage on Thursday.
The Tigers have one more scrimmage next Thursday.
THIS WEEK IN KANSAS ATHLETICS
Associated Press
SATURDAY
Volleyball
Alumni Game,
Lawrence,
6:30 p.m.
Soccer
at Drake,
Des Moines, Iowa,
1 p.m.