Section B·Page 4
The University Daily Kansan
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Thursday, September 24, 1998
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University of Kansas Recreation Services
INTRAMURAL SPORTS COMING ATTRACTIONS
Bowling:
Entries Open - 9/28
Entries Close - 10/7
Entry Fee- TBA
2-Person Golf Scramble:
Entries Open - 9/28
Entries Close - 10/7
Entry Feë - TBA
Volleyball:
Managers' Meeting - 10/4
7:00pm, 156 Robinson
Officials' Meeting - 10/4
8:00pm, 156 Robinson
Entry Fee - $30 per team
Floor Hockey:
Managers' Meeting - 9/27
7:00pm, 156 Robinson
Officials' Meeting - 9/27
8:00pm, 156 Robinson
Entry Fee - $45 per team
For more information contact Recreation Services at 864-3546,208 Robinson. Student Senate
Running back position carries several duties
By Brandon Krisztal
Kanson sportswriter
Traditionally, the Big 12 has produced some of the best running backs in the country, and this year is no different. Texas Tech sophomore Ricky Williams, Missouri senior Devin West, Iowa State junior Daren Davis and Texas senior Ricky Williams are among the nation's top rushers.
Kansas also has been blessed with a pair of talented running backs: junior Mitch Bowles and sophomore David Winbush.
The key to any good offense is a solid running game. Many factors make up a good ground attack, but the essential element is a quality running back.
Both backs are small and extremely fast. Bowles is 5-foot-8 and 185 pounds and Winbush is 5-7 and 175 pounds
Winbush's size does not deter him
from doing his job.
"You have to be real confident in yourself. Speaking for smaller backs, you can't go out there and pay attention to all the talking, you're smaller than everybody."
"You have to be real confident in yourself," he said. "Speaking for smaller backs, you can't go out there and pay attention to all the talking, you're smaller than everybody. In a way, it's a plus for me, hiding behind the blockers and making them miss."
When Winbush arrived at college, he learned that his position demanded more than just carrying
David Winbush Kansas running back
the ball. It included reading linebackers, recognizing defensive fronts, memorizing pass routes and knowing how to take care of the football.
Kansas coach Terry Allen said that the first thing recruiters looked for in a running back was speed but that it was not the only thing.
"Across the board, they have to have good field awareness," Allen said. "They must have good hands and the ability to block a 250-pound linebacker. They have to have a compliment of physical talent that crosses the gamut."
Texas' Ricky Williams is one of the most highly touted running back this season and is considered by some to be the most impressive collegiate running back since Barry Sanders.
Williams credits hard work and dedication for his success.
The 6-foot, 235-pound Williams is not only one of the strongest players on his team, bench pressing more than 400 pounds, but he is also one of the team's fastest players, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.3 seconds.
"You obviously have to be extremely dedicated to football to be successful on the college level." Williams said. "It's important to work hard in the weight room and on the field to prepare yourself for peak
performances, but one of the things that can be overlooked is how hard you must prepare in studying the game plan and your opponents. Everyone is so talented at this level that it is extremely important to prepare in all facets of the game."
Being a running back involves more than being strong and fast.
"Several things go through your mind when you are running the ball," Williams said. "You have to know the play, read your line, read the defense and then make a split-second decision. People watch the game and think it looks rather simple. Either the guy is tackled quickly or he breaks through the hole, but there are tons of things going on in that short period of time. It isn't only the running back. It is an entire team effort."
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