The hard work and determination of the Kansas basketball team gives Jayhawk fans around the world reason to be proud.

Call it shallow, but even in difficult, challenging times people should have a reason to celebrate.

The Jayhawk basketball team is giving just such an opportunity to Kansas University fans everywhere.

After Saturday night’s victory, cheering and fireworks reverberated across Lawrence. Even in more formal settings, people were smiling and feeling good. Tonight, KU fans across the nation, will be nervously sitting in front of their television sets cheering their Jayhawks’ effort to “finish the job” and win the NCAA championship.

Members of the 2002-2003 squad have set a goal and are planning to give 100 percent effort to accomplish it. Everyone with KU ties admires their determination and focus. We love a team that wants to win by hard work and all-out effort. It makes us proud to be associated with the same university as the players who now carry our banner in New Orleans. We aren’t on the team, we won’t play the game, but they represent us and we can share in and support their accomplishments.

Another group that currently is carrying our banner are those serving in the U.S. military in Iraq. Before the beginning of the NCAA tournament, the possibility was raised that the event should be canceled because of the war. But when reports and pictures from Iraq show how U.S. troops are sharing in the joy of the tournament, it puts events in a different light.

The Jayhawks’ advance in the tournament obviously isn’t a life-and-death matter. And, yet, the effort of classy, determined college athletes symbolizes one aspect of life in America, a way of life many people believe is worth fighting for.

KU alumni and friends are so proud of their Jayhawks and Coach Roy Williams not only because the team is playing and winning but because they do it the “right” way. They work hard, play clean and make no excuses. KU basketball players are all-American youngsters striving toward important goals. They play hard on the court and work hard toward completing their degrees. They set an example for others to follow.

It’s a great time to be a Jayhawk. Best wishes to an outstanding team.