Notebook: Season-ticket sales improving

A computer glitch prevented an exact number Thursday, but a rough estimate of football season-ticket sales showed Kansas University continues to build its fan base.

According to associate athletic director Jim Marchiony, KU has sold around 27,000 season tickets prior to today’s game with Florida Atlantic, including just under 12,000 full-priced reserve tickets, the most profitable for KU.

Last season, the Jayhawks had 25,702 season tickets sold, meaning KU has shown more than a 5 percent increase despite a 4-7 record in 2004.

A marketing plan released in the spring set lofty goals for season-ticket sales, but KU fell just short. The athletic department was shooting to sell 28,850 season tickets by opening day, including 12,500 full-priced reserve ducats.

¢ Two quarterbacks: As sure as the sun rises, Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger will follow his interesting strategy with quarterbacks.

For every game but one in FAU’s four-season history, the starting quarterback has been yanked in the second quarter so that the backup can get some game experience.

That means starter Danny Embick likely will sit out the second quarter so backup McKinson Souverain, a freshman, can get some snaps. Embick then will play the entire second half.

It’s an interesting way to build for the future. Embick, who never has started a game at FAU, still has over 1,000 career passing yards.

¢ Lone receiver: FAU senior Thomas Parker was granted a sixth year of eligibility this week and will suit up as the most experienced wide receiver on the roster.

Parker used his first red shirt in 2000. Then, in 2003, Parker had stopped on the side of a road to help a stranded motorcyclist. While assisting, he was hit by a car, breaking his jaw and elbow. He missed the entire 2003 season and still can’t extend his elbow 100 percent.

He has caught 54 passes for 965 yards in his career.