Archive for Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Jayhawks welcomed home by 25,000 fans
April 8, 2008
Advertisement
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."
Top ads RSS
- RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community is currently accepting applications ...
- BOOKKEEPER Great Plains Transportation, Inc., which specializes in bulk transportation ...
- FULL TIME DIRECT SALES REPRESENTATIVES Positions Available In Lawrence/Eudora Basehor ...
- SALES ASSOCIATES We are looking for the best Sales Associates ...
- KU Endowment Association
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- ‘Tea party’ is Palin’s people February 7, 2010 · 235 comments
- Two reportedly stabbed in morning incident February 10, 2010 · 4 comments
- Proposed constitutional amendment to block federal health care reform considered February 9, 2010 · 50 comments
- Kansans rally for statewide smoking ban, point to health benefits February 9, 2010 · 22 comments
- Poll: Paper, plastic or, no thanks, I brought my own tote bag? February 8, 2010 · 49 comments
- Bill would allow big-cat hunting February 9, 2010 · 73 comments
- Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77 February 9, 2010 · 89 comments
- Blog: Marion - Disappeareded 1-23-2010 January 23, 2010 · 806 comments
- The only choice February 9, 2010 · 55 comments
- Kansas Legislature considers poverty waivers for those looking to get married, but unable to pay fees February 9, 2010 · 35 comments
- Under her wing: Parent writes book on developmental disabilities February 8, 2010
- KU employee suspected of charging personal items on university credit card February 9, 2010
- KU communication studies professor is a finalist for MU post February 9, 2010
- Eudora man hospitalized after head-on crash into tree February 9, 2010
- Open house to discuss Highway 56 moved to Baldwin City school February 9, 2010
- KDHE orders salvage yard to change practices February 9, 2010
- Tour of Lawrence offers events for all ages, interests February 9, 2010
- New, legal, drug has law enforcement concerned — and it's already on a Lawrence store's shelves November 4, 2009
- Aldrich’s father gets to ‘live a dream’ — in Lawrence February 9, 2010
- House gives preliminary OK for Kansas universities to bypass purchasing requirements February 9, 2010
8 April 2008
at 5:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
wakarusan (Anonymous) says…
Hope that means he's staying!
8 April 2008
at 6:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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 9:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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.
Suggest removal
Permalink
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 ownhome-boys back….Mark Turgeon!
8 April 2008
at 10:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
admireed (Anonymous) says…
Newxt KU coach is at Memphis.