} Sports University Daily Kansan / Thursday, February 15. 1990 9 21 sign letters of intent with Kansas By Brent Maycock Kansan sportswriter For the second straight year, Kansas has a shot at finishing with one of the top 35 recruiting classes in the nation, according to a recruiting expert. Tom Lemming of National Prep Football Report said Kansas had complemented last year's recruiting effort, which was kicked as the 34th best in the country. "I think they put two good classes back-to-back." Lemming said. "We have a good shot at making my top 35, but they are definitely in my top 40." Kansas coach Glen Mason said his staff's recruiting efforts this year were at least as good as last year's, if not better. "I'm pleased with the recruiting this year," Mason said. "We made improvements in the top players that we have taken over." "$10 of them but we got our fair share." Lemming, said Kansas received letters of intent from at least five players whom he had ranked in his top 100 regional players. He said Kansas could have more, but the information was not available. "Steve Harvey, Rodney Harris, Sylvester Wright and George White are the big players that Kansas got," Lemming said. Steve Harvey, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound linebacker from Leavenworth High School, was a member of the Parade All-American team. Lemming ranked Harvey as the 17th-play player in the Midland region. Harvey, also an all-class 6A choice, had 134 tackles and four quarterback sacks last year. He chose Kansas over Tennessee and UCLA. Signing a national letter of intent binds a player to his chosen college. The signing period, which began today, ends April 1. Rodney Harris was a USA Today honorable mention choice. The 6-6, 210-pound receiver from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan., also was a two-time firstteam all-metro and all-league selection. Harris was ranked 14th out of the top 10 players in the Midland region by Lemming. Harris also considered Missouri. Sylvester Wright, 6-3 24-pounds, was ranked 13th out of the top 50 players in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press. Wright was an all-state selection at linebacker for Detroit MacKenzie High School. He chose Kansas over Nebraska, Michigan State and Colorado. George White, a 6-10-180-pound running back, was an all-district selection last year. White, who attended Allen High School in Allen, Texas, was ranked 72nd out of the top 100 players in the West by Lemming. Lemming said that although the ranking might seem low, the quality of players in the region was very high. White also rushed for 99 yards last year had 15 touchdowns, three of them on kickoff and punt returns. He also considered South Carolina, Texas, Georgia Tech and canceled a trip to Miami, Fla., before deciding to attend Kansas. In addition to focusing on the big name players, Mason said Kansas wanted to keep local players from going elsewhere. "I think we definitely made improvements in one area that concerned me, and that was our local recruiting," Mason said "Without a doubt the general perception of our program has changed. They just feel that with continued good recruiting, we'll have this program on the winning side in the near future." Kansas gridiron recruits Besides Harvey and Harris, Kansas received letters of intent from four other players in Kansas and the Kansas City area. Harold Harris, a 6-1, 190-pound defensive back from Lawrence High School, was ranked 50th by Lemming. Although Harris played linebacker and running back for the Cardinals, he was selected as a defensive back in college. Sara Powell, a 5-11, 215-pound fullback/linebacker from Rockhurst High School, is projected as a fullback in college. Lemming ranked Powell as the 63rd-best player in the Midland region. Powell was a two-time first team All-State choice at linebacker for Rockhurst. He chose Kansas over Oklahoma State, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
NAMEHTWTPOS.HIGH SCHOOL
Khristopher Booth6-4297OLDetroit (Chadsey)
Doug Bowen6-3210LBParsons
Van Davis6-0190QBLakewood (Green Mountain), Colo.
Steve Douglas6-2255DLKansas City (Schlagle)
Dan Eichloff6-1210KFort Lauderdale (Northeast), Fla.
James Givens6-4170WR/DBHouston (North Shore)
Harold Harris6-1190DBLawrence
Rodney Harris6-6210WRKansas City (Washington)
Steve Harvey6-4220LBLeavenworth
Hessley Hempstead6-1270OL/DLUpland, Calif.
Brian Lambert6-3205WR/PFort Myers, Fla.
Chris Maumalanga6-2310OL/DLHawthorne (Bishop Montgomery), Calif.
Chris Powell5-11215LB/FBKansas City (Rockhurst), Mo.
Ashiki Preston6-1175QBFort Lauderdale (Glbbons), Fla.
Marlon Sanders6-3180WRLadue,Mo.
Larry Thiel6-4210LBEnglewood (Cherry Creek), Colo.
Frederick Thomas6-1180QBAlief (Elsik), Texas
Dennis Van Pelt6-3235TE/LBLong Branch, N.J.
George White6-0180RBAllen, Texas
Brent Willford6-4215TE/PDenver (Thomas Jefferson)
Sylvester Wright6-3240LBDetroit (MacKenzie)
Doug Bowen, a 6-3, 210-pound linebacker from Parsons, is the younger brother of current Jayhawk lineman Russ Bowen. The younger Bowen decided to come to Kansas last July. "He's a very good football player," Mason said. "Much like Charley Bowen, he's going to have an opportunity to help us right away." Steve Douglas is a 6-2, 255-pound lineman from Schleagle High School in Kansas City, Kan. Douglas was an all-class 6A selection at defensive lineman. Mason said Douglas, Hessley Hempstead and Chris Maumalanga were players who, although they didn't receive the publicity, were solid performers. Hempstead, 6-1, 270-pounds, was a first-team all-California Interscholastic Federation offensive/defensive lineman for Upland High School in Upland, Calif. Hempstead chose his position at State, Fresno State and Arizona State. "When you look on film they are just as good as anybody else," Mason said. Upland coach Pete Merandi said Hempstead was the strongest player he had had on his team during his six years at the school. Maulanga is a 6-2, 310-pound offensive/defensive lineman from Bishop-Montgomery high school in Torrence, Calif. He was first-tier All-State and defensive player of the year in the Angelus League. Maumalanga was selected as a pre-season Blue Chip Magazine All-American. He considered Missouri, Fresno State, Arizona State and UCLA before deciding on Kansas. Since quarterback Kelly Donohoe had used up his eligibility, Mason said Kansas had emphasized some of its recruiting efforts on finding a replacement. Mason said he has only one true quarterback on scholarship heading into spring practice, freshman Chip Hilleary. "I don't think there's any doubt that they looked and they think that they have the opportunity to come in and make an impact," Mason said. "We're out looking for the guy who can throw the ball effectively, but at the same time has the athletic ability to run the option." Kansas has received commitments from quarterbacks Asheiki Preston, Van Davis and Frederick Thomas. Mason also said Kansas emphasized the recruitment of linebackers "I think we got help in all of the areas we needed help in," Mason said. "We would have liked to have gotten two more linemen. Three of the linebackers we got were highly recruited guys." and linemen. In addition to Harvey, Wright and Bowen, Kansas also signed linebacker Larry Thiel from Cherry Creek High School in Englewood, Colo. Lemming said Thiel, who chose Kansas over Brigham Young and Colorado, was one of the top two linebackers coming out of Colorado. Kansas also received letters of intent from lineman Christopher Booth, Dan Eichloff, James Givens, Brian Lambert, Marlon Sanders, Dennis Vant Pelt and Brent Willeford. Mason said the four remaining scholarships had been given to Wes Swinford, a walk-on last year, Pat Rogan, a transfer from Ohio State, and Ty Moeder and Dana Stubblefield, who were Proposition 48 casulties last year. Football recruits sign with teams in the Big Eight The Associated Press KANSAS CITY, Mo. โ€” One of the fiercest recruiting battles ever staged between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State ended yesterday in favor of the Sooners. Cale Gundy, one of the most popular prep quarterbacks in the country and a standout on virtually every All-American list, made his announcement on live television. Oklahoma State, where his brother Mike set Big Eight passing records and now serves as an assistant coach. finished runner up. The player of the year in Utah and a host of highly sought local prospects highlighted coach Bill Snyder's second Kansas State class. "I believe it's going to turn out to be a pretty decent class," Snyder said. "You never know until a couple of years. I'm still in the process of evaluating last year's group. But on paper, I'm somewhat pleased." Particularly pleasing was the signature of Kent Rawlings, a wide receiver-running back from the Salt Lake area. Missouri nabbed an important quarterback of its own in Kansas City's Jeff Handy, a holder of numerous national high-school records. "We definitely have some excellent athletes here," said second-year coach Bob Stull. Handy threw for 345 yards per game, completed 281 passes and had a completion per game average of 28.1โ€” all national records. Handy was one of the most widely sought quarterbacks in the country. "He's is the No. 1 quarterback prospect in this area, really one of the best quarterbacks in this area we feel." Stull said. Among the top signers for Oklahoma State were lineman Jason Gildon of Altus High School and running back Russell Biernick of Carl Albert High School. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Gildon is regarded as the top defensive player in the state. Coach Pat Jones said he didn't feel solid about getting Gildon until Tuesday night. Iowa State's top recruits included quarterback Kevin Caldwell of Benbrook, Texas, and defensive end Troy Petersen of Davenport, Iowa. 3 to join Kansas volleyball By Paul Augeri Kansan sportswriter "We got two tremendous athletes that are fairly experienced settler." Albiza. tz. Albiza. tz. Kansas volleyball coach Frankie Albitz announced that Cyndee Kanabel, Erin Kramer and Shelby Lard signed national letters of intent yesterday, the first day of the signing period, to accept the three athletic scholarships Albizt had to offer for next year. "I am very happy with this class," she said. "They are an excellent bunch of athletes." Kansas assistant coach Karen Schoonewise recruited the high school seniors and said she was pleased with quality of the 1990 recruiting class. Kanabel, a middle blocker, led North Kansas City High School in blocking and hitting each of the last two seasons. Albitz was happy with Schone-wise's recruiting tactics. "This is the first time that I have ever had a full-time assistant," Albitz said. "And I think the progress will start showing up next year. We already have players in mind for next year." "I was more nervous after I signed," Kanabel said. "I felt like I was signing my life away. But this meant the world to my parents." Schonewise said the 5-foot-9 Kanabel is a versatile player and would be used at a position that is best suited for her jumping abilities. Erin Kramer, a 5-10 middle blocker from Park Hill (Mo.) High School, was a 1989 all-state selection. Park Hill won consecutive Missouri class A4 state championships during Kramer's junior and senior seasons. Park Hill coach Debbie Fay said he will be an asset for Kansas in several ways. "She is one of the top athletes in the city," Fay said. "Erin is far above average with her jumping and quickness abilities. She can play in the back row, is a very good passer and quick on defense." Kramer also holds two track records in the 100- and 300-meter hurdle events. Kramer chose Kansas over Missouri. Lard, a 5-foot-10 setter for 31-6 Gardner-Edgetton High School, was a member of the class 4A all-state team for two straight years. Lard chose Kansas instead of Barton Community College. "I was hoping KU would come through," Lard said. "I like the school, coach and the girls on the้˜Ÿ. Slowly but surely the team will be getting better in the next couple of years." Kansas finished the 1989 season 13-17 overall and 4-8 in the Big Eight Conference. 300th victory comes for Washington at MU By Paul Augeri Kansan sportswriter The Kansas women's basketball team defeated Missouri last night in a fashion befitting the 300th career victory of Kansas women's basketball coach Marian Washington. Guard Michelle Arnold hit a jump shot from the left side with one second remaining, giving Washington and the Jayhawks a 60-59 victory against Missouri at Hearnes Center in Columbia. "This will be a very memorable one," Washington said of the career milestone game. "Probably one day I will be able to sit back and look at the big picture. I am pleased that the 300th win is finally here and we can go on." NCAA officials said yesterday that Washington began the season with 281 career victories, which would have made last night's victory her 299th. However, Laurie Layman, KU assistant sports information director, said records kept by her office were correct and last night was Washington's 300th victory. According to the Layman's office, Washington has a career record of 300-195 in her more than 16 years as head coach of the women's basketball team. During that time, she led her teams to five Big Eight Conference championships and two NCAA tournament berths. Arnold hit the game-winning jumper after the Tigers went ahead 59-58 on a drive by forward Ericka Fields with 14 seconds left in the game. "I had just talked to Michelle about her concentration," Washington Forward Misti Chennault inbounded the ball to Arnold with 10 seconds remaining. Arnold passed to Arnold and returned to Arnold with three seconds left. said. "So I was very pleased with the way the situation turned out." Kansas battled back from an early 15-point deficit with a 16-6 run that tied the game 27-27 at halftime. The Jayhawks trailed 36-31 early in the second half, but a jump shot by Chennault, followed by a three-point shot by forward Shannon Bloxom, tied the game at 36 with 15:44 left. Kansas took its first lead of the game on a pair of free throws by Bloxom about five minutes later. "We got down in the first half, but we chipped away at the lead and just took our time," Washington said. "Anytime a team can come back in the way we did, it's a great accomplishment. I'm just so proud of them for their patience." After Chennault made one of two free throws with 1:94 remaining, Bax's jump shot pulled the Tigers to 88-57, with 44 seconds remaining. Bloxom fouled out two possessions later and Missouri forward Sharon Bax sank two free throws, cutting left. Bloxom finished with 11 points. The Jayhawks made 15 of their 20 free throw attempts in the game. The Jayhawks, winners of their last four games, snapped the Tiger's six-game winning streak. Kansas is in and 7-4 in the Big Eight Conference. Bax scored a game-high 17 points for Missouri. Forward Lisa Sandbotthe scored 13 and guard Marcia Brooks chipped in 12. Missouri dropped to 17-7 and 8-3. Chennault was the Jayhawks' leading scorer with 15 points. Braddy added 13. Kansas snapped Missouri's 11-game winning streak at Hearnes Center. The Tigers had won 32 of their last 36 home games. Young fans begin cheering careers early Bv Moliv Reid Kansan sportswriter At the south end of Allen Field House, poking their heads just above the photographers, four young girls clad in Kansas apparel, kick and cheer in time with the band. Regular fans at the Kansas men's basketball games may have noticed new additions to the spirit squad. the names of these 10-year-olds may sound familiar. Williams, Mason and Robinson are daughters of basketball coach Roy Williams, football coach Glen Mann and assistant basketball coach Steve Robinson. Hill is the younger sister of Crimson Girl Jenifer Hill. Kimberly Williams, Chris Mason, Shauna Robinson and Leslie Hill are remnants of this year's Junior Hawkettes. The girls then performed at a football or basketball game, depending on the session in which they participated. The fee also included a T-shirt and pompons. The Junior Hawkettes participated in one of two six-week programs offered by the spirit squad to raise money. The $40 program offered children from ages 6 to 11 an opportunity to learn and perform the routines of the spirit squad. Sprint squad coordinator Elaine Brady said that about 30 girls participated in the first camp and about 50 participated in the second one. Brady said the program concluded in December, but the coaches' daughters continued to perform because they already had season basketball tickets. Their parents also expressed an interest in having the children continue participation. "Shauna has wanted to be a cheerleader since she could speak," said Lisa Robinson, Shauna's mother. "We go to all the games so she was very familiar with all the cheers. This is a dream come true for these little girls." In order for the Junior Hawkettes to perform at a basketball game during the second program, the squad had to choose a game that was not sold out. They performed at the Elizabeth City State game Jan. 18, which was not sold out until game day. "There is no way we could do this with the Junior Hawkettes because there are too many." Brady said. "This is just extra. It's fun for everyone." Brady said the original plan was to allow the girls to perform as mascots in the pre-game, but because of positive reaction from the fans, the girls performed during the actual game. "The girls are enjoying it, and the people are enjoying them," she said. "They're getting better every game." The four remaining Hawkettes practice with Jenifer Hill every Sunday for an hour. "It adds color," she said. "The coaches' daughters have been picking stuff up because they've come to games for the last two years. They really want to know the more jamming stuff, like the Roger Rabbit." Jenifer Hill said she had taught the girls the two main fight songs, the Hey. chant and some eight-count routines. Brady said the mothers showed a great interest in having their daughters continue as cheerleaders. Chris Mason; Shauna Robinson, Kim Williams, and Leslie Hill, from left to right, cheer for Kansas. 57