Mangino to chat Thursday

Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino will chat with Jayhawk fans at 2:15. p.m. Thursday on KUsports.com. The online chat originally had been scheduled for Aug. 17 but was postponed.

To submit questions in advance, visit KUsports.com today and Thursday.

KU opens its season Sept. 4 with a 6 p.m. home game against Tulsa.

Kansas football

Fan’s day on tap today

Gates on the west side of Memorial Stadium will open at 5:30 p.m. today for Kansas University’s annual Football Fan Appreciation Day.

Fans will be allowed to watch the conclusion of football practice, then have the opportunity to take photos and obtain autographs after coach Mark Mangino introduces the team captains.

The first 1,000 fans will receive T-shirts and schedule cups. Other giveaways include football posters, schedule cards and key chains.

Parking will be free in all lots adjacent to the stadium after 5 p.m.

KU to honor McClinton

Former Kansas University fullback Curtis McClinton will be inducted into KU’s Ring of Honor during halftime of the Jayhawks’ season opener Sept. 4 at Memorial Stadium.

McClinton, a three-time all-conference selection, was named All-America in 1961 by The Sporting News and the Pro Scouts Organization.

He was the AFL Rookie of the Year in 1962 with the Dallas Texans before the franchise moved to Kansas City. McClinton played seven seasons with the Chiefs.

McClinton, a Wichita native, received a master’s degree from Central Michigan University, a doctorate from Miles College and completed post-graduate studies at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

A former Deputy Mayor of Washington D.C., he owns McClinton Development Co., Inc.

Detroit Lions punt former Jayhawk Ansel

Former Kansas University punter Curtis Ansel, an undrafted free agent, was released this week by the NFL’s Detroit Lions.

As a junior at KU in 2002, the 6-foot, 210-pound Ansel set a Big 12 Conference record with an 83-yard punt against Baylor.

Ansel, a Lakin native, averaged 41.2 yards per punt as a senior last season, placing 19 of his 47 punts inside opponents’ 20-yard lines.