4B
SPORTS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
BASEBALL
EBIDAY MARCH 16 2007
Two Top-25 teams on deck
Team to face Texas A&M, Oklahoma State during break
BY SHAWN SHROYER
During the next two weekends the Kansas baseball team will play two of its most critical series of the Big 12 season.
Kansas will take on No. 8 Texas A&M, which has won 17 of its last 18 games, starting tonight, and No. 14 Oklahoma State, which has won nine of its past 10 games, next weekend.
teams to impressive starts.
While the Aggies and Cowboys are two of the most complete teams in the Big 12, two seniors in particular have guided their respective
Texas A&M has been led by a stellar start ing pitching so far this season. Leading the pack is senior right.
hander Kyle Nicholson
Nicholson
As Nicholson posts a conference-best 1.02 ERA and 4-1 record, the Aggies are off to their best start since 2004, the last year they reached the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments.
This season has been rodempive for Nicholson and the Aggies, especially considering how last season ended. Texas A&M was swept by Kansas in its last series of the season, finishing the year with a 25-30-1 record.
"Everybody went into the off-season with a terrible taste in our mouth," Nicholson said. "There's no doubt that we worked harder than anyone in the country over the summer."
The dedication the Aggies exhibited has paid off as they enter Big 12 play with an 18-2 record.
"We've just got a really good team with some guys who stick together, are in it to win and hate losing more than anything in the world," Nicholson said.
Nicholson has experienced a
180-degree turnaround in his own performance. Leading the Aggies in starts last season, he also had the highest team ERA among starters at 4.35 and a pedestrian 4.5 record.
"It's hard to explain because I didn't really change anything mechanically or pitch wise," Nicholson said. "I'm throwing everything the same, but I guess I've matured into a better pitcher."
Nicholson and the Aggies know that their impressive start will be meaningless if they don't get back to the postseason. Texas A&M's ultimate goal is to reach the College World Series in Omaha.
"We're not satisfied. We've got a lot of work to do to get to where we want to be and that's Big 12 Champions," Nicholson said. "There's no doubt that everybody on this team believes that we can get into the postseason and what we need to do to get to Omaha."
One preseason candidate to reach the College World Series was Oklahoma State, led by senior second baseman Tyler Mach.
Mach
Coming off a
coming on to a junior campaign in which he won Big 12 Co-Player of the Year and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors as a third baseman. Mach had the opportunity to join the professional ranks.
However, he inexplicably slid to the 40th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft before being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals. After that, there was little doubt he returned to Oklahoma State.
"It it just depended on where I went in the draft," Mach said. "It made my decision pretty easy when I got drafted in the 40th round."
When Mach got back to stillwater,
Okla., in August, though, he found
out that hed need to move to second base to make room for transfer Matt Mangini at third base. Mach said he was more than willing to make the move. He now prefers the free reign of playing at second where he can be involved in relays and turning double plays.
The move has also paid dividends for the Oklahoma State offense. Mach is on a scorching pace, leading the Big 12 with a .500 batting average with five home runs, 29 RBI, 66 total bases and a .825 slugging percentage, while Mangini is batting.427 with four home runs and 26 RBI.
However, the Cowboys (14-4) have shown a tendency to go only as far as Mach will carry them. In their last three losses, Mach has gone a combined 1-for-12 with only one RBI.
Mach said that lately some teammates have kidded him about that, but he's poised to bear the burden of leading the Cowboys to victory.
"I hope every time I have a bad game we don't lose, but right now that's the situation, so I guess I've just got to have a good game every day. No pressure," Mach said.
While Mach is on pace to surpass the incredible numbers he put up last season, he realizes Oklahoma State's success will be measured by whether it can go deeper into the postseason than the opening round of the NCAA tournament, where it was eliminated last season.
Mach said that with the offense the Cowboys have, all they need is to stay healthy and get some help from the pitching staff to reach Omaha.
"There's no doubt that we can go all the way in my mind."
Kansan sportswriter Shawn Shroyer can be contacted at sshroyer@ kansan.com.
Edited by Kelly Lanigan
Kansas not only contender
》 DO THE DREW
To put March Madness in perspective, on Wednesday more
people showed up to cheer for the men's basketball team as it left for Chicago than were at the baseball game.
Everyone is high on the Jawhawks' making a run to the Final Four. The road begins today against Niagara.
BY DREW DAVISON
KANSAN COLUMNIST
DDAVISON@KANSAN.COM
Georgetown is a tough team with great post players in Roy
Let's look at how the regions break down:
The East is loaded with talent and is the most difficult region in recent memory. North Carolina, Georgetown and Texas are legitimate National Championship teams. A North Carolina vs. Texas Sweet 16 match-up would be similar to the first two Kansas vs. Texas games. Both teams have NBA-ready players. Arguably, it would be the two most athletic teams in the country on the same floor. I hope this game comes to fruition because it is destined to be an instant classic.
Hibbert and Jeff Green, but its guard play is questionable. The Hoyas should make the Elite Eight, before they fall to the Longhorns. After seeing Texas' Kevin Durant twice in person, it is hard to pick against Texas.
The South has a strong No.
1 (Ohio State), weak No. 2.
(Memphis) and good No. 3 (Texas A&M) If it plays out Ohio State vs. Texas A&M for the Final Four, I like Ohio State. The Aggies have the most clutch player in guard Acie Law IV, but it's hard to see Antanas Kavalaiskas handling Buckees freshman Grey Oden.
The Midwest region is the easiest, by far. Without Brian Butch. Wisconsin is not a serious contender anymore, and I don't see Oregon doing anything. Florida is the clearcut favorite in this region, although its second-round game will be challenging. Arizona has freshman stud Chase Budinger, and Purdue played its way into the tournament late in the season. Bottom line: Florida is talented, deep and has the easiest road to the Final Four.
Of course, I like Kansas in the West. The second round game, if it's Villanova, poses problems if it gets hot from beyond the arc. That's how Oral Roberts took down Kansas early in the season, but after two come-from-behind victories against a Texas team that was hitting threes, KU should be able to win even if 'Nova is on from the three-point line.
From there. I'd like to see Kansas in rematches against Florida and Texas. The games were great, and they both ended in Kansas' favor.
Davison is an Overland Park senior in journalism.
Edited by Kelly Lanigan
》 ROWING
Jayhawks return to Kansas River
BY CATHERINE ODSON
The Kansas rowing team returned to the Kansas River this week after being stuck indoors longer than expected.
The coaching staff put up a dock last weekend to get the team back on the water in time for its opening competition at the end of spring break.
"You can see the morale as a team a little more excited to be outside," senior coxswam Samira Naii said.
The Jayhawks continued to practice indoors because ice damaged the team's dock in February.
and Southern Methodist — opened their seasons last week. Texas will compete at the Longhorn Invitational in Austin, Texas, this weekend.
Catloth said the late start outdoors would put Kansas at a disadvantage for the beginning of the season, but that disparity would disappear over time.
Kansas' competitors — Texas
"Things even out toward the end of the season when people have been out on the water," he said.
Kansas ended a successful fall season by defeating K-State in November. Naji said that could give the team confidence as it entered the spring season.
Caloth said different teams focused on specific aspects of the
sport, such as technique and endurance, in the longer fall races.
"The fall season gives you a little indication of maybe how you can do in the spring, but the spring's really a brand new time." Catloth said.
The opening regatta will be at 9 a.m. March 24 at Burcham Park, Second and Indiana streets.
"In the spring, everyone's just trying to go as fast as they can," he added.
Kansan sportswriter Catherine Odson can be contacted at codson@kansan.com.
KANSANCLASSIFIEDS
Edited by Trevan McGee
PHONE 785.864.4358
HAWKCHALK.COM
CLASSIFIEDS@KANSAN.COM
SERVICES
Looking for a babysset or nanny? I'm your girl! I am CPR certified. If interested please call Dana at 785-550-8299.
Hawkchalk #1459
Want to start spring dead free?
Need a loan with no fees?
Give us a call & let the experts put you at ease. 1-888-360-9598
WANT TO START SPRING DEBT FREE?
NEED A LOAN WITH NO FEES?
GIVE ME A KEY TO THE
EXPRESS PUTS YOU EASE
1-888-360-9509
National Sexual Assault RV Tour to Speak at KU, Monday March 12, 2007
National RV Tour: "How to Help a Sexual Assault Survivor. What Men Can Do"
http://groups.ku.edu/onelour
nawkcah.com/1412
TRAFFIC-DUI'S-MIP'S
PERSONAL INJURY
Sustained criminal & civil matters
law officers
DONALD G. STROLE
Donald G. Strole  Salty G. Kisely
165 5116 5116
Free Initial Consultation
SERVICES
$5000 PAID, EEG DONORS
+ Expenses: N.mosking. Ages 19-29
SAT-1100 ACT-24>GPA-3.0
to report to: info@dgnorcenter.com
Affordable Piano Lessons
First Lesson Free!
Call Ben 785-856-1140
for an appointment
FREE SAFE BATHTO COURSE!
March 24th, 9:00am Call (785) 841-1419
or (785) 887-6868 for more details.
hawkchall.com/1404
STUFF
Red Specialized Mountain Bike for sale
Great condition. Rarely Used. Bike lock
included. $300 OBO
hawkcalk.com/1414
mini refrigerator for sale, great condition,
used only 1 semester, price negotiable,
call 214 718.0585 or write
@daukku@edu.hawckhall.com/1474
Hunter green couth for SALE!! Amazing condition, comfort and would look great in any apt, or house! Call (620) 433-7842 for more info hawkchalk.com/1475
For sale: Apex brand color TV ($20). A microwave oven ($10). Contact 785-727-9261. Hawkcalib #1476.
Want to buy a lift for twin mattress. Any material. Will pick up. Please contact mmmot@mail.com. Hawichalk #1441.
For sale 36" Mover $800/obu. Contact
hawkschools@gmail.com
HawkSchools #1457
STUFF
1 Full Size Use Refrigerator, perfect for a kegerator or home use. Price $40.
jwar@ku.edu; hawchak.com|1487
19. Sanyo TV for sale. $10. Contact Mae at mimetlot@gmail.com
18. Sanyo TV for sale. $25. Contact Mae at mimetlot@gmail.com
LOST & FOUND
Canon Eph Ecam Camera LT260; 26-52mm
panoramic价标:$100.00, priced
in stores at 200.00 line; 785-806-6406
hawkchalk.com/1399
LOST Wednesday 3/7 Men's gold wedding band, etched, with silver lining. Possibly near Watkins Health Center parking lot 117. If found, please call 864-8866 hawkchall.com/1997
Land Rover 1996 Discovery SE7,4x4,V6 leather interior, wood, near new Goodear wranglers, less than 10K miles on newly rebuilt engine, new exhaust system, excellent throughout, $8,500. Bob at B7s 87-87-6049
4-wheeler (black). Low hours, great condition! &KM air filter. FFM exhaust. Fiat or best offer. 891-658-8258 or kilkoppson@ku.edu. Hawkcall#1465.
AUTO
Mazda Protoge 1991 for sale. $950. This car is in good condition, runs well, won't fail you. For details call 785-979-6960. hawkchalk.com/1410
RVM Chrome 18" rims wrapped in Es-
sence Type R treads 22/540/48, wheel
18x8, 75t tread left, sale for
$800. Call please 393-1231.
AUTO
$500 Police impound! Hondas, Chevys,
Toyotas, etc from 500! For listings
800-585-3419 ext. 4565
1998 Honda Accord, V6 immaculate conditions, 83k miles, Asking $9000 obo. Call Daniel 785-979-2066 hawckali.com/1450
1966 Ford Escort LX 5.65p, great
gas mileage. Runs great, will get you
anywhere just fine $850 obo, call Daniel
785-793-9008 howchauk.com/t402
2001 Doge Interp -5K runs and looks
good, great leather, 4 disc CD, power every-
thing, plus more $6000/OBO
785-975-0623. Hawkchalk #1461
1999 Mercury Mystique 81k PL, PW,
AM/FM CD, automatic $3,100/offer.
785-550-4554
hawk.chalk.com/1452
Ford 2000 Mustang Convertible, Only
Wheels, Option 18 Tire, Option 48 Tire,
Wheels, 2000, 785, 785, 795
Ford F15- 150 Flaredes custom king cab, V6 fuel injection, auto. ht/wil w/ dual tanks, new Goodyear Eagle TJ tires, leather interior, fold away seats w/ fold down back seat for bed. Excellent condition, $7,900. Bob 785-887-6049.
Honda CBR60RR FOR SALE. Great condition, save gas, black battery, $550 Just call or email Kate at: (913) 220-8808@n8sku.edu hawkchau.com/1407
JOBS
Teacher needed now for our after school program and/or for summer. Please apply at Children's Learning Center at 205 N. Michigan. 785-841-2185
Earn $2500+ monthly and more to type simple ads online.
www.DataAdEntrv.com
PT help needed in in-home daycare.
Schedule according to availability. Inquiries call 865-2778.
Server / Dietary Aide. 48-pm daily.
Apply in person at Brandon Woods
Inverness Drive Lawrence, KS EOE
at prochakatera@brandonwoods.com
at prochakatera@brandonwoods.com
JOBS
GREAT SUMMER JOBS at the Tail Oak
Christian Camp at Lilwin, KS. (15 miles from Lawrence). Full time summer positions for living on site or drive in Lifeguards, Challenge Course Instructors, Equestrian Instructors, and Food Service.
We will train those who have basic skills in those areas, 18 or older preferred.
Call 913-301-3044 or email: director@tailsko.com
Accepting applications for servers. Don's
no late hours. Apply with 12/17, E.C. 230.
212/6, E.C. 230.
THE FRI
Attention College Students!
Apartment Leasing Consultant, Part-time/
20-30 hrs + some weekend hrs. Position
for enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated
individual. Good customer service
abilities. must have/own transportation
and cell phone. 842-3040.
COOLCOLLEGEJOBS.COM
Attention College Students!
We pay up to $75 per survey.
www.GetPaidToThink.com
I just at 1 Ren 913
BARTENDING, UP TO $300/DAY NO
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, TRAINING
PROVIDED. 800-965-6520 EXT 108
Help Wanted: light horsekeeping on small horse farm. Also need help moving contents of barn. 785-766-6836.
Winter / Spring Positions Available
Earn up to $50 per day
Exp not Required. Undercover
shoppers need to Judge Retail
and Dining Establishments.
Call 800-729-4791
Winter / Spring Positions Available
JOBS
Manager trainee: PT now, FT later. Learn about ethical business management, problem-solving, and leadership. Are you passionate about service (to the world), the environment, and fun? Apply at Z's Live Presso, 23rd and Harper. No Calls.
PART-TIME LEASING AGENT needed for Aberdeen Apartments immediately. Some afternoons & weekend shifts required. We need some dependable that will be here past August and is not planning any extending spring break or summer vacations. Must be professionally dressed & have an energetic friendly personality Bring resume to Aberdeen.
2300 Wakarua Dr., (785) 749-1288
PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN SAVE MONEY! Maine camp needs fun-loving counselors to teach all land, adventure courses. Call 888-444-8080, apply.campedcar.com
ROOMMATE/SUBLEASE
I just at the Ren 913
Root acra Elth haw 785
Root Naïl DW 785
Root cor +10
Root hor be cal 24 bit inc 81
11 A9 90
11 A9 90
Crta ku 21 st al 3 w d e A s t 7 F 5 t
Master BR avail now. Modern ranch style house win walking distance to campus, W/D, yd. bant $350/mo Call (816) 728 hawkah.calwalt.com hawkah.calwalt.com
Sublease Available Now till end of July
Parkway Commands. 1 and/or 2 BFs of a
2 BR $40 per room. No tenants or
rentals. 913 538 7479
hawkchalk.com/1413
Sublase for June and July. Recently remodeled, 1 bedroom apartment, only $420/mo + utilities Call Elise 913-961-8097 www.haycalch.com Haycalculch #1456
The Reserve on KU bus route 1BX18A
available in 4xLase. Lease ends July31
$3950串电 elect 1/4 WD,pool free
$3970串电 elect 1/3 WD,pool free
hawckall.com/1403