Archive for Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Jayhawks welcomed home by 25,000 fans
April 8, 2008
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Despite the rain, despite the cold and despite a party that did not end until 2 or 3 a.m., about 25,000 Jayhawk fans poured into Memorial Stadium this afternoon to fete their national champion basketball team.
After watching a replay of the title game, Coach Bill Self and his Jayhawk team — fresh off the plane from San Antonio and with national championship trophy in tow — came onto a stage at the center of the football team to a rousing round of applause. All the players and coaches were introduced with the loudest, most sustained applause for Monday night’s hero: Mario Chalmers.
“Over the years, these moments become mythic and legendary,” KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said to the crowd. “2008 means Super Mario and the overtime.”
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Athletic Director Lew Perkins also spoke. Perkins said the national title represented the end of the restoration of Kansas Athletics.
“Back in 2003, I said we needed to do some things and we needed to do them with a swagger,” Perkins said. “In January 2008, I said we were almost there. Well last night, we got our swagger back.”
While former Jayhawk radio voice Max Falkenstien emceed the beginning of the festivities, Self took over the end and lavished praise on his players and the fans.
“I think I speak for our team that this is totally overwhelming,” he said. “You are the most loyal, best fans. I can’t imagine there’s any place that’s better to coach or play at than right here.”
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8 April 2008 at 5:35 p.m.
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wakarusan (Anonymous) says…
Hope that means he's staying!
8 April 2008 at 6:08 p.m.
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Eride (Anonymous) says…
I am sure with a little bit of financial “security” from Perkins he will.
8 April 2008 at 8:28 p.m.
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monkeyspunk (Anonymous) says…
From what I gathered from interviews coach has given and answers he has made, for him “security” has more to do with years than $$$ signs.
To be flipping honest, I am more worried about Mario and Darrell leaving after this year for the pros than I am about losing coach. I like coach, but without that core leadership and without any top 5 freshmen prospects, we are going to be up poop river.
It's too bad we can't find some way to convince Darrell and Mario to stay. Maybe they can call Julian Wright and ask him if he is happy about leaving for his average 7 minutes of play time and 3-5 points per game for the Hornets.
8 April 2008 at 8:36 p.m.
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TtownKUlivin (Anonymous) says…
Better idea, don't call Julian Wright. He'll tell them he made more than Coach Self this year playing 7 minutes a game.
8 April 2008 at 9:03 p.m.
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Das_Ubermime (Anonymous) says…
I can't imagine that Chalmers, Rush and Arthur will raise their stock more than what they have accomplished in a national championship year. It would probably be smart of them to leave for certain money than to risk it all with an injury.
I really hope Self doesn't leave. The transition would be tough.
8 April 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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davidsmom (Anonymous) says…
Coach Self wants a contract extension, and I hope Lew gives him one that basically says, “Until you want to retire.” He also deserves a nice raise. I don't think he will leave for money alone, because there are things money just can't buy. Earlier this year Cindy said she hopes to still be in Lawrence five years from now. I hope all these things mean they will stay.
8 April 2008 at 9:24 p.m.
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gerbilsniper (Anonymous) says…
TtownKUlivin, I think you may be a little misinformed how much Coach Self actually earns. He makes a pretty penny on top of his University salary with bonuses and endorsements.
8 April 2008 at 9:36 p.m.
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unklemonkey (Anonymous) says…
I loved it when Sebilius said, “You guys are the best fans in all of Kansas.”
8 April 2008 at 9:42 p.m.
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Kookamooka (Anonymous) says…
I don't know about him staying. Our track record isn't good. What's the guy supposed to say? I wish they could be honest but now isn't the best time to pull the light away from the boys. They worked hard, let them enjoy their victory.
If he decided to “go home” as many do, it's probably a business decision. Then maybe we can have one of our own
home-boys back….Mark Turgeon!
8 April 2008 at 10:27 p.m.
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admireed (Anonymous) says…
Newxt KU coach is at Memphis.