3 victorious teams from KU get special recognition from state capitol
The Jayhawk football, basketball, and debate teams were recognized in a special ceremony with the Governor on Friday. Enlarge video
KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway
Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway comments on recognition by Legislature and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of the KU basketball, football and debate teams.
Kansas House Rock Chalks
The Kansas House chants for KU during recognition ceremony for schools' basketball, football and debate teams.
Topeka — Politicians put aside their differences Friday 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 fans in the Capitol.
At the end, the Kansas House sounded like Allen Fieldhouse as legislators and onlookers chanted Rock Chalk Jayhawk. A KU flag was draped over the gallery in the House and there was a healthy display of crimson and blue.
"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 for the second time in 20 years, defeating Memphis. The debate team won its second national title in three years, and the football team had one of its most successful seasons ever with an Orange Bowl victory against Virginia Tech.
State Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, produced laughs when she introduced the debate team by announcing the name of each member and their heights.
Comments
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cato_the_elder (anonymous) says…
It is very rewarding to see the debate team included in this celebration. Given what they have done in winning a national title 2 out of 3 years against the level of competition they have faced, our debate team members and twice National Coach of the Year Scott Harris have bestowed substantial recognition upon The University of Kansas, and deserve every honor for having done so.
situveux1 (anonymous) says…
I second that. Kansas has a very long tradition of debate championships, including Fort Hays State, Emporia State, Kansas State and Johnson County Community College. If you pass by on the interstate in Emporia, they have a sign claiming fame to their national title and so does KSU. KU should do the same when their replacing the signs on I-70 for the basketball team.If everybody knew what these kids went through and had to do in the "off season" to get that title...they'd never believe it.