KU basketball, debate and football teams honored at Capitol

? Politicians put aside their differences Friday morning to honor Kansas University’s men’s basketball, football and debate teams.

From Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ office to the Senate and House chambers, several members of each of the teams, a phalanx of coaches and staff, and even Baby Jay, met with legislators, signed autographs, posed for pictures and waved to adoring fans in the Capitol.

At the end, the Kansas House sounded like Allen Fieldhouse as legislators and onlookers chanted Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

“It means a lot when our students can come over and see the kind of respect that the people have for them,” said KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway.

State Sen. Roger Pine, R-Lawrence, was one of several legislators who noted that no other state in the nation can claim the accomplishments of KU’s teams.

The basketball team won the NCAA championship, the debate team won the national title and the football team won the Orange Bowl with a 12-1 record.

State Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, produced laughs when she introduced the debate team by announcing their heights.