Monday, August 17, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 7
Kansas volleyball team members practice in Robinson Gymnasium. The team began practice with new coach Ray Bechard last week. Photo by Augustus Anthony Piazza/KANSAN
New coach hopes to dig team out of losing record
By Laura Bokenkroger
Kansan Sports Writer
A new coach and a new arena will contribute to a season of changes for the Kansas volleyball team.
A new, smaller arena that is yet to be named is scheduled to be ready by mid-November. This improved complex will amplify the cheers of smaller crowds. Senior setter Laura Rhode said she hoped to play several matches in the building located just west of Allen Field House.
Rhode said, "It's going to have air conditioning. It's going to build a great tradition for volleyball."
The other major change in the program is the hiring of the former Barton County Community College coach, Ray Bechard. He has won the most games of any collegiate volleyball coach.
Beachard said he looked forward to the season and to bringing his winning ways to Kansas. The team has been plagued with inconsistency and have posted a losing record the last four seasons.
After finishing last season 2-18 in the Big 12 Conference and 9-24 overall, the Jayhawks face an even stronger conference this year. Nebraska and Texas are placed in the preseason Top 10 and Colorado is ranked at No. 12.
The Jayhawks, who began practicing last week, lost four seniors from last year's squad and have four newcomers joining the team this season.
"There are some spots that need to be filled," Bechard said. "One key will be keeping healthy because there are spots that we can't afford to lose through injury."
Beachard said the Jayhawks would need to improve on defense. They finished last in digs in the Big 12 and in the middle of the neck in blocking.
"Our offense is strong, but good defense will win games," said outside hitter Moira Donovan.
Bechard said that his goal for practices was to challenge and reward his players. Establishing good relationships between the players, the staff and the coaches is important, he said.
"Our focus isn't so much on individual players as on how the team comes together," he said. "I know there is a time for individual recognition, but we need to focus on our core covenant and spreading the responsibility equally."
Bechard said that playing in three tough tournaments early in the season would prepare the Jayhawks for Big 12 play and provide them with the opportunity for success.
"I want to win a lot more matches this year," Rhode said. "Coach is supplying a lot of incentive."
Bechard said it was important for his team to play with intensity.
"There are teams in our conference we would have to play exceptionally well to beat," Bechard said. "So it's important that we don't look back on games we could have won and say 'what if!'"
Bechard said he hoped to move his team into the middle tier of the Big 12 this season and begin a new winning tradition a Kansas.
"We would like to supply a good product to the fans, be a team that is organized, disciplined and who gives tremendous effort representing the University of Kansas in an exemplary fashion," Bechard said.
The Kansas volleyball team will participate in a community service event today at the Family Service and Guidance Center in Topeka.
Commentary Reflections on summer sports
By Kevin C. Wilson
Associate Sports Editor
The fun-loving days of summer sports soon will give way to the brisk autumn air of September and the upcoming football season. But before we leap headfirst into the gridiron grind, let's take a moment to look back at some of the most memorable summer sports moments.
Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., and Sammy Sosa. Utterting these names instantly will spark a debate about which of these bashing behemoths eventually might break the most hallowed record in sports history.
Their unprecedented assault on 61 home runs has captured the attention of the world and even has overshadowed Michael Jordan's indecision as the lead story of the summer.
in regards to that reigning King of the Court, I hope that Mike decides to hang up his Air Jordans and let our last memory of him be perfect. That crucial steal and series-clinching jump shot catapulted the Bulls to their sixth NBA title and embodied the essence of what Jordan has provided for this game.
Grit, grace, and a killer instinct have allowed Jordan to continue to dominate his sport, even though he no longer is the explosive slasher who once soared and scored at will without seemingly ever touching the ground.
As disheartening as it may seem, it is time for the greatest player ever to step on the hardwood to leave the game he elevated to its lofty status.
It is time for Jordan to keep his promise and not play for any other coach than Phil Jackson.
it is time for Scottie Pippen to spread his wings and fly into free agency and the millions of dollars that await him.
It is time for Dennis Rodman to escape to Hollywood and team up with Shaq O'Neal and Kobe Bryant to form a star-studded Lakers team with a legitimate shot at adding another championship ring to Rodman's jewelry collection.
It is time for the Bulls to rebuild and embark on the Tim Floyd era, as scary as that is for Chicago fans to imagine.
Mike, it is time to lift the weight of the NBA off your shoulders and pick up the golf clubs. You have done enough, and you have won enough. Go out on top.
Because of the ridiculous NBA lockout, draft day became little more than an excuse for tall young men to put on gaudy new hats.
Even though Raef LaFrentz and Paul Pierce have not yet been able to become acquainted with their new teams and coaches, when they finally do, they should do so with a smile.
LaFrentz was snatched up by the Denver Nuggets with the third overall pick in the draft and should blossom under the tutelage of former NBA great and current Nuggets general manager Dan Issel.
LaFrentz received even better news on draft day when his main competition for the starting power forward spot, Tony Battie, was traded to the Lakers as part of a deal to acquire former All-Star point guard Nick Van Excel. Not only does this open the door for LaFrentz but it gives him a
young, talented playmaker to ease his adjustment to the professional level.
Pierce unexpectedly slipped out of the top five and fell into the lap of the Boston Celtics at the No. 10 spot. Rick Pitino's up-tempo style and frequent substitution patterns will give Pierce the opportunity to contribute immediately.
By joining a team that already is loaded with young, talented players such as Antoine Walker and Ron Merer. Pierce has the chance to
Kevin Wilson
play exciting basketball and possibly reach the plavoffins in his rookie season.
That is if or when, the NBA resumes play
The most popular sport in the world staged its grandest show this past summer. In case you missed it, World Cup '98 provided high-scoring games, spectacular goals and tremendous drama.
Although the U.S. team fell flat on its face in the first round, plenty of action and intrigue was left to keep the attention of the small population of U.S. soccer fans.
The England vs. Argentina classic, Bergkamp's blast, and Croatia's run to the semi-finals, highlighted the monthlong battle for the Cup and set up the final between the unheralded host nation, France, and the ultra-talented defending champion Brazil.
French midfielder Zinedine Zidane used his building head to push two first-half corner kicks past the Brazilian goalkeeper en route to a stunning 3-0 rout and the first World Cup title for the French.
Although this summer provided us with the magical Yankees, the Kerry Wood fastball and the emergence of Se Ri Pak, it was not all flowers and honey.
Tennis teen queen squabbles, the dismantling of the World Series Champion Florida Marlins and the reinstatement attempt by the convicted criminal and savage animal Mike Tyson have reminded us about the underbelly of sports.
As for me, I choose to focus on the positive side of sports and bask in the glory of the home-run chase.
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