★
FEATURE
Freshm
J&W
Cheesy music fills the air, colored lights flash all around and the smell of popcorn permeates as students and Lawrencians of all ages gathered to experience the third-annual carnival hosted by SUA last Saturday. With a KU ID, students entered free of charge and received 10 tickets to use on games and rides, with additional tickets available for purchase. The weather could not have been better — a cool breeze could be felt on the stomach-dropping rides or a relaxing trip on the Ferris wheel.
Can't get enough fun? For a multimedia slideshow, visit Kansan.com
Or
A
and
duo
be a
Turner
Both
Get Set:
Sands will have the majority of carries in the Jayhawks backfield during the 2010-11 campaign.
The 6 foot-1, 231 pound starter, Angus Quigley, looks to be the driving force of the dynamic Jayhawk offense, by exploiting every hole and consistently busting through the line.
The sixth year senior is ready to return to the running back position after winning the starting job, beating a deep, talented group of running backs.
Quigley not only earned the respect of his coaches on the field, but when
he touched the ball. But it hasn't been all sunshine and roses with Quigley's tenure at Kansas, he had to miss the 2005 and 2006 season due to injury, and he was moved to
Both of them are. And I am excited to see what they can do on game day"
KALE PICK
Sophomore Quarterback
linebacker in 2009 while dealing with well-publicized issues with former coach Mark Mangino.
Quigley's comeback has a strong effect in the locker room, and the coaching staff has seen how his posi-
man DeShaun Sands look to overwhelm the opponent on game day.
Sands came into training camp looking to impress his coaches and earn
his spot on the backfield.
"I was determined to play this year," said Sands.
And play he will.
Sands will be the No. 2 back on Gill's depth chart. Having two strong
"They're very talented. Both of them are. And I am excited to see what they can do on game day," said Pick.
Together, the bruiser and the burner will be working towards one goal: win. In the physical world of college football having tandem running backs is a necessary ingredient to a winning football team. Quigley and Sands are going to be ready to give it everything they've got come Saturday's fall.
— Edited by Lisa Curran
Go.
have new coaches and a new roster to which athletes have been added, lost and shuffled around between positions. I am no football coach, so I am inclined to trust their decisions on who should play with Kansas on their jersey, but like many other fans I feel an urgency to see that first victory on the schedule.
The fan base was left hurting after close losses or really bad losses last season, and a horrific offseason, but some of those wounds can
This campus thrives when our athletes are successful — when students can celebrate all weekend and pick up a Kansan on Monday just to remember how awesome Saturday was.
I wish the fans and the team a smooth first game with many great plays, chimes of the Campanile and a good waving of the wheat after the victory.
FOOTBALL
Edited by Michael Bednar
Family doesn't distract Gill
BY MATT GALLOWAY
mqalloway@kansan.com
Two people who helped shape who Turner Gill is as a coach, and as a man, will see him lead a team as head coach for the first time this Saturday; his parents.
Their attendance only brings more meaning to the game for Gill, who is making his coaching debut for the Jayhawks Saturday against North Dakota State following four seasons at Buffalo. The last time his parents saw him on the field was back in 1983 when he was quarterback at Nebraska.
Also in attendance will be Gill's daughter Jordan, a student at the University of Kansas. Jordan, by chance, was already attending the school when her father was hired.
"So that's what probably makes it a little bit more special." Gill said.
"My daughter being here, and then we are all here together as a family," Gill said. "You never dream of that actually happening."
While the excitement surrounding his first game as coach could be seen as a distraction, Gill insists he is focusing solely on the Bison.
who are coached by a man Gill has seen at many different times during his career.
the Northeast
Cornhuskers
from 1977-79,
the same school
Gill played
quarterback for
1980-83.
"He has done an
outstanding
job." Gill said.
"I know that his
team will play
hard. I know
North Dakota State coach Craig Bohl played defensive back for
"My daughter being here, and then we are all here together as a family. You never dream of that..."
Still, there is a chance the emotion of the moment could briefly get to Gill, who is not ruling out butterflies in the stomach as a pregame possibility.
that they have been coached well. I know he is a very defensive-minded coach."
TURNER GILL Coach
Gill likely will not be the only one on the sidelines with pre-game jitters. Freshman running back
and get focused on the job that needs to get done."
"Once the first snap goes, then you are kind of ready to go, even though I'm not going to go out there and get hit and all those types of things," Gill said. "But I get excited and I get passionate about the game,
DeShaun Sands,
who Gill expects
to complement
senior Angus
Quigley
this season, wants
to show his coach
i m e d i a t e
returns on his
plan to give him
numerous car-
ries this week.
"I just get
Gill has one request for Jayhawk fans in attendance this Saturday, including his parents and Jordan.
I just get goose bumps thinking about it," Sands said. "In front of 50,000 fans, my first time; I'm just nervous I guess. It was a dream to play here growing up."
"I would like for them to make sure to wear blue, make sure they come to the game energized and be ready to go with some enthusiasm," Gill said.
Edited by Clark Goble
Mike Gunnoe/KANSAN FILE & PHOTO
Coach Turner Gill's parents will watch him on the football field in person for the first time since 1983 this Saturday against NISU
V