Volume 125 Issue 55
kansan.com
Thursday, November 29, 2012
SETTING UP TO WIN
for the football or basketball team.
TARA RRYANT/KANSAN
Junior librarian Brianna Riley dives for a dig in last Wednesday's match against Saint Louis University. Riley set the university of Kansas record for number of career digs in the team's last match against Texas Tech.
first-round matchup between the Jayhawks and the Cleveland State Vikings, 3,222 fans watched Kansas defeat Saint Louis. The Jayhawks' normal home, the Horejsi Family Athletics Center, holds 1,300 fans.
Even though the Jayhawes are playing at home, they must get used to playing in Allen Fieldhouse instead of Horeksi. Besides the victory against Saint Louis, Kansas will have practiced for six days in the Fieldhouse by Friday's match, keeping its routine as close to normal as possible despite the change in venue and not playing its typical Wednesday match.
Boub, junior setter Erin McNorton and junior defensive specialist Brienne Riley said the Jayhawks are adjusted to the way the ball moves and the depth perception issues of playing in a larger arena. Now, they are just looking forward to the chance to play in front of what will likely be the largest crowd of the year.
"We are at home and we get to be in our own locker room," Riley said. "We have all of our fans here which makes such a
huge difference."
By earning the tournament's 11th overall seed, Kansas hosts the first and second round. If the Jayhawks defeat Cleveland State Friday and then dispose of the winner of the Arkansas-Wichita State match on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Kansas will go to Austin,
Texas, for the program's first-ever regional semi-final appearance.
The Vikings' only win against an NCAA Tournament team was against IPFW. Cleveland State did beat major-conference opponents Indiana, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh finished in the middle of its respective conferences, while Indiana
Although Cleveland State is a
mid-major from the Horizon League, the Vikings finished the year with a 23-6 record, won their conference tournament and ride a 13-match winning streak into Friday's match against the Jayhawks.
"Well you can play anybody this time of year, and if you don't show up you're done," coach Ray Bechard said. "We have every intent of preparing for Cleveland State like it's a quality Big 12 opponent, because that's where they would fit into our league, is a quality Big 12 team."
and West Virginia finished near the bottom.
Senior outside
hitter Kara
Koch leads
the Vikings with 4.71 kills per set, which is good for seventh in the NCAA. Cleveland State has two other hitters that average at least two kills per set. Bechard said both the Jayhawks' front and back row would have to work together to slow down Koch's attack while still respecting the Vikings' other hitters.
"If you can't get good touches at the net with her, you better funnel the ball to the area you want to funnel it to," Bechard said. "But she's pretty diverse in that she can
hit from the back row, from row, much probably like an Allison Mayfield last year, who had a ton of reps because she was a six-rotation player, and we set her across the front and the back."
Although this is Kansas' first time ever hosting an NCAA Tournament match and its first appearance in the tournament in seven years, Boub said the layhawks are excited, not nervous, and are ready to play now.
"Enough practicing; we just want to play." Boub said.
If Kansas does beat Cleveland State, a matchup with either Wichita State or Arkansas awaits. The Razorbacks defeated Kansas in the season's opening weekend, but Kansas felt like it controlled the match and should have left with a victory. Bourb said the Jayhawks do hope they can play Arkansas if they beat Cleveland State.
"Well in my mind I would be so excited for that, a chance to beat them and get revenge almost," Boub said. "I think it's in everyone's minds."
Edited by Stéphane Roque
LOCAL
DERRYBERRY WEEKEND WARRIOR
Enjoy Lawrence holiday cheer
WYLIE LEMON/KANSAN
Nothing says "Happy Holidays" like awkward family photos, ugly sweaters and fake Christmas trees. Lawrence offers a unique mix of traditional holiday festivities and ironic fun, so be on the lookout this weekend for an early celebration of winter.
Whether they know it or not, I am in a seasonal war with the hipsters and sorority girls of this town. We all have different reasons for taking part in this battle, but despite their supposed needs, they need to back off and quit taking all the ugly Christmas sweaters. It happens every year, and although it may be caused by my poor planning, I can't find any '80s knit sweaters featuring snowmen, reindeer or Santa. How else am I to stay warm this winter, attend Ugly Xmas parties and take awkward family photos? These itchy, steamy, smelly fashion statements have become a hot commodity in college towns, gathering quite the following of moustached hipsters, theme party-planning socialites and at least one weekend column writer. So for all of us who missed out, we'll just have to live through others' ironic joy, Luckily, even though the holidays are a few weeks away and I'm sweater-less, Lawrence is abuzz with Christmas spirit this weekend and there's plenty to bring out the good cheer in us all.
Saturday is a busy day for the holly jolly residents of Lawrence. Starting at 2 p.m., the town is hosting the Ugly Sweater Run, a 5k for those who like to run or just like to wear the sought-after sweaters. The starting line has snow machines and your favorite Christmas tunes blasting, and once runners are done, those of age can enjoy Sam Adams Winter Lager, a sponsor of the race. Same-day sign-up is a bit pricey at $40, but if nothing else, you can go watch and cheer on the joyous joggers as they make their way around town. The race starts at Watson Park at 7th and Tennessee, so come celebrate the holidays and ugly sweaters.
If you're like me and running has always seemed more like punishment than pleasure, don't worry: There are still plenty of non-exercise-related activities. This Saturday also marks the 20th annual Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade. Featuring horse-drawn carriages, cowboys and, of course,
Santa Claus, this unique spin on Christmas parades should be a lot of fun. The Eldridge is also offering a breakfast before the parade, so if you can manage to pull yourself out of bed between 7 and 11 a.m., stop by for a tasty start to the day. The parade begins strolling down Massachusetts Street at 11 a.m., so get there early for a good spot and be sure to bring something warm to drink.
Christmas time goes hand in hand with gift buying, so be sure to check out all of the unique sales going on, too. Sure, your siblings may want some new video game, and your parents could go for a nice bottle of wine, but take a different route this year and give them a unique handmade gift from a local artist or seller. The Lawrence Arts Center and Douglas County
The winter holidays always offer fun times, but trust Lawrence to offer unique twists on more seasonal traditions as the month goes on. We're nearing the end of the semester, so fun times are coming few and far between. However, don't forget to make some time to enjoy the holidays before you head off for break. Whether it's walking down Massachusetts Street and enjoying the lights or drinking too much eggnog in a garishly pink Christmas sweater, make sure your holiday is a happy one.
Fairgrounds are both having fairs this weekend, so check in to see if something fills a spot on your gift list.
Edited by Megan Hinman
ASHI FIGH LFF/KANSAN
CAMPUS
Mrs. E's on Daisy Hill will be getting more than $3 million in renovations starting in May and will be complete by Aug. 23. Along with renovations, KU Dining will be updating the menus.
Mrs. E's renovations to begin this winter
RACHEL SALYER
rsalver@kansan.com
Most 19-year-olds don't need a facelift, but after serving thousands of meals daily, Mrs. E's is due for a makeover.
KU Dining will begin more than $3 million in renovations to the dining food court and dining room. The construction on the Engel Road entrance will begin during winter break and may continue over spring break, with the rest of the changes slated to begin after Commencement in May and should be completed Aug. 23.
"We're looking at about 72 days to get everything done," said Sheryl Kidwell, KU Memorial Unions assistant director. "It's going to be a quick turnaround, but well worth it."
But Mrs. E's look isn't the only thing changing. KU Dining is updating the menu, or zones, to add variety and inclusiveness.
A U-shaped bar will be for specialty diets, such as gluten-free, kosher, vegan or vegetarian, and it will include Islamic foods for a halal diet.
But for Clay Center sophomore Shannon Livegood, the most exciting part is the addition of a carving station.
"We are making a conscious
effort to make it all-inclusive," Kidwell said.
"I feel like I'm eating the same thing all the time," Livegood said. "I'd like to see more turkey or beef."
"We are making a conscious effort to make it all-inclusive."
Another addition to the meat department is a BBQ smoker.
SHERYL KIDWELL KU Memorial Unions Assistant Director
"When you'r this close to Kansas City, you've got to get in BBQ game." Kidwell was.
"I think it would be good to have more options where you make the food yourself," said Nora Walthers, a sophomore from Chicago.
Popular favorites like cereal and dessert bars will stick around, but the pasta bar, or "Noodle Niche," will include pasta from around the world as well as stir fry, and students will be able to select their own ingredients.
The deli will change to include toasted sandwiches and Paninis.
And with Mrs. E's being the busiest dining hall, serving about 3,400 meals a day, Kidwell said an expansion in the menu was
needed to keep up with current dining trends.
Kidwell said they were trying to make the space more open and revamp how they do things.
"Most of the cooking and
Mrs. E's was named after Lenoir Ekdahl, a dining director for more than 30 years who helped plan the center. Kidwell said she was known for her dedication to staff and students.
preparation will be done in front of students." Kidwell said.
"She's been well-loved, but those of us who have been her 20 years know it's time for a facelift," Kidwell said.
Edited by Stéphane Roque
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