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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
SPORTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2004
KU sports scores high in first years of the century
By Paul BRAND
pbrand@kansan.com
KANSAN SPROTOWITHER
Editor's Note: To mark the Kansan's 100th year of publication, sportswriter Paul Brand will take a look at the "Top 10s" of Kansas sports. Have an idea for the next list? E-mail
Kansas fans celebrate in the south end zone after the win. Junior Linebacker Nick Reid enjoyed the celebration on the field.
pbrand@kansan.com.
Making reflections on a century that is not even five years old may seem impatient, but the 21st century has already brought exciting moments for the he University of Kansas Athletics Department. Call it the beginning of the crimson and blue
MANGINC
Kansan file photo
SELF
millennium or just a few steps in the right direction, but Jayhawk fans have much to cheer about in this young century.
With new leaders at the helm of the most prominent athletic programs, Kansas sports have seen an allaround revival of excitement and success. Though teams have felt their own share of heartbreak thus far, the century has had poignant moments. So far, here are the best:
10. Border War Beating: The Big 12 Conference 2003 football season opener brought sweet triumph to Memorial Stadium and goal-posts to Potter Lake. The 35-14 victory over No. 23 Missouri was especially satisfying, because one year earlier Tiger players helped
tear down the goalposts in Columbia, Mo., after beating a Jayhawk team that won only two games the whole season.
9. Lew Locked In: In an expensive move by the University, Lew Perkins is made athletic director in June 2003. During his tenure, the department has seen changes both popular and unpopular. The only hope is that football bowl games outnumber changes made to student ticket policy.
8. Tailgating Returns: The combination of drinking, college students and football is a successful trio. In August 2003 the administration decided to allow pregame alcohol drinking in designated areas near Memorial Stadium, and the decision produced more enthusiastic and entertaining fans.
7. New Faces: Kansas has recently received a major facelift with the addition of three big-time coaches. First, football coach Mark Mangino's hiring in December 2001 and then the additions of men's basketball coach Bill Self in 2003 and women's basketball coach Bonnie Henrickson in 2004.
6. Tangerine, Tangerine: Snapping an eight-year post-season drought, the football team earned its sixth and bowl-qualifying victory from Iowa State to close the 2003 season. With a 6-6 record, the Jayhawks went to Orlando, Fla., for the Tangerine Bowl. The result, however, was painful.
5. Kansas Kingpins: April 2004 brought Jayhawk sports fans something March Madness could not: a national title. In its first national championship since 1963, the Kansas bowling team knocked off Saginaw Valley State in the IBC finals, 2-1.
4. Final Four, Part One: The
2001-2002 men's basketball team entered the Big Dance with high expectations. After ripping through the regular season, its chances to win it all seemed as good as any team. After an Elite Eight victory against Oregon, 104-86, the Jayhawks eventually bowed out in the national semifinal, losing to Maryland, 88-97.
3. All Falls Down: An 11-game losing streak to Kansas State? Fallen. North and south goalposts at Memorial Stadium? Down. Two weeks ago, the 31-28 victory against the Wildcats produced joy in Lawrence, despair in Manhattan and a game for the ages.
2. Final Four, Part Two: After another year of growth, the 2002-2003 Kansas men's basketball team made a return trip to the Final Four. This time, the Jayhawks destroyed
Marquette 94-61 in the national semifinal, which was the fourth largest Final Four victory in history. Two days later, Syracuse delivered a painful loss that still stings the heart of any lajwhay fan.
1. Perfection: The 2001-2002
men's basketball team recorded the first 16-0 season in Big 12 Conference history, and few feats are more impressive. By running the table while playing in one of the toughest leagues in the country, the Jayhawks set expectations
Members of the men's basketball team celebrate during the first round of this past years NCAA Tournament.
Kansas file photo high and made history for a legendary program. Even better, the 16th and final conference victory was in Columbia, Mo.
- Edited by Marissa Stephenson
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