To the editor:

P.T. Barnum is credited with coining the phrase, “Do it big! Do it right! Give it class!” and he created “The Greatest Show on Earth.” This letter comes to praise Coach Roy Williams and the Kansas University men’s basketball team for “doing it right, doing it big and giving it class!”

Thirty-three and four is not a record to scoff at. Defeating teams like Arizona, Stanford, Missouri, Illinois and Oklahoma are no small feats. And let’s not forget an undefeated record in the Big 12 that has set a precedent for future Big 12 champions.

As an educator, coach and activity sponsor at the high school level for the past 15 years (and formerly a participant), athletic competition has been ever-present in my life. I know the effect of participating on a team. Feeling the sense of belonging, building a team, developing problem-solving strategies and learning to work together are only some of the benefits for the participants. But what about the observers? Have you ever seen the way an 8-year-old boy looks at an individual like Jeff Boschee or Drew Gooden? There is nothing but complete and total admiration and respect in the little guy’s eyes.

And to the critics of Roy Williams who I know will vocally express, “he just can’t win the big one,” I ask, “Have you ever been a part of a team?” The game is not won or lost because of one player or one coach. That’s why we call it a team.

So, to Roy Williams and his coaching staff and to each and every member of the KU men’s basketball team, I say, “thank you” for “doing it big, doing it right and giving it class!”

Karen Ruder,

Lawrence