Lawrence and Douglas county
Baby Mangino bowls over the competition for 2008 Sports Human of the Year honor
January 12, 2009
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Bode Lubbers, Deadspin's 2008 Sports Human of the Year
Kansas head coach Mark Mangino glances up at the scoreboard during the third quarter Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
At 8 months old, Bode Lubbers is already an Internet superstar.
And all the young Wichitan had to do was let his mother put on an eyeliner mustache and a KU sweat suit. And, of course, channel his inner Mark Mangino.
As “Baby Mangino,” Bode has won the 2008 Sports Human of the Year award on the offbeat sports Web site Deadspin, beating several sports figures, including ESPN’s Chris Berman and Erin Andrews and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Baby Mangino began circulating on the Internet after making his debut on an electronic Halloween card, said his mother, Angie Lubbers.
The resemblance to the Jayhawk head football coach is impossible to miss. It started when the parents (two Wichita State grads) picked up a tiny KU sweat suit in a Target store. Lubbers put it on Bode, added the mustache, sent it to 20 friends and family, and an Internet star was born.
None of the 20 has confessed to sending the photo outside the group, Lubbers said.
She said the family has followed the online voting faithfully, and she remains constantly surprised at all the attention, having been interviewed on local Wichita television in addition to the photo’s online viral status.
“I keep saying it’ll end eventually,” she said. “But then it seems like someone else will pick it up.”
KU Athletic Department spokesman Jim Marchiony said that while he had seen the photo, and thought it was cute and offbeat, he did not think many others in the athletic department had taken notice.
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12 January 2009
at 7:14 p.m.
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wysiwyg69 (Anonymous) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
12 January 2009
at 7:26 p.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
I've been following this for the past couple weeks. Baby Mangino destroyed all comers. Congrats Bode.
12 January 2009
at 10:05 p.m.
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Keith (Anonymous) says…
Careful now, KU Athletics will sue the family for appropriating the coach's likeness.
12 January 2009
at 10:20 p.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
Only if they make money of it. Which, for poops and giggles, I hope they try to do. That'd be the most bizarre lawsuit ever.
13 January 2009
at 12:58 a.m.
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jayhawkologist (Anonymous) says…
This is a newsworthy event? Really? Really?
13 January 2009
at 6:39 a.m.
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nurse (Anonymous) says…
Mr. Marchiony - do you have a personality?
13 January 2009
at 7:30 a.m.
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redmoonrising (Anonymous) says…
Oops, I missed something here. Didn't realize this was a personality contest. Or that anything that didn't mention accidents, death, weapons, politics or anything debateable was a waste of printer's ink. Actually, I enjoyed reading the article, even (gasp) laughed looking at the photo because it was so cute and funny. How many lashes for me? I do agree with Keith though, KUAD probably has some lawyer already drawing up the papers.
13 January 2009
at 8:44 a.m.
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edjayhawk (Anonymous) says…
I wonder if Lew will try to get trademark rights to Baby Mangino…
13 January 2009
at 9:57 a.m.
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Gootsie (Anonymous) says…
LOL Nurse!!I think it is adorable. I received it from about 20 different sources, so I'm guessing athletics staff saw it a time or two.
13 January 2009
at 9:58 a.m.
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Gootsie (Anonymous) says…
moon, Nurse was referring to Jim Marciony's comment, not the writer of the article….no waste of ink here.
13 January 2009
at 10:45 a.m.
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nurse (Anonymous) says…
Thank you, Gootsie, for clarifying my post…Each time Mr. Marchiony is quoted in the newspaper, I have to laugh! As a spokesman for the KU Athletic Department, you might think he would be a bit more upbeat with all of KU athletic successes, but never so. However, I suppose he always keeps his quotes a bit deadpan and dry as not to face the wrath of Lew…
13 January 2009
at 10:54 a.m.
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50YearResident (Anonymous) says…
They are not fooling me, I know that picture is one of Magino's baby pictures. Taken when he was 2 years old.
13 January 2009
at 10:56 a.m.
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Omegatron (Anonymous) says…
I'd love to see Mangino pose for a shot with Baby Mangino. On the sideline… at a practice… the kid and the coach coaching together.
13 January 2009
at 11:04 a.m.
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flux (Anonymous) says…
stupid stupid stupid stupid
13 January 2009
at 11:12 a.m.
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jengaman (Anonymous) says…
Baby Mangino has a lot to live up to as he grows older.Nice little rant by redmoon up above. Geez…sour Tuesday?I agree with nurse too. How could Marchiony not be intimidated? When I see Lew out on the town I even get a little nervous. Like somebody is watching me…always watching…
13 January 2009
at 11:12 a.m.
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eotw33 (Anonymous) says…
and in other news the stoplight by me is currently red.
13 January 2009
at 11:23 a.m.
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flux (Anonymous) says…
We might as well be discussing why water is wet.
13 January 2009
at 11:49 a.m.
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The_Original_Bob (Anonymous) says…
Because wet is a word we use to describe the presence of a liquid.
13 January 2009
at 2:45 p.m.
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RedwoodCoast (Anonymous) says…
Maybe this is mean, but Mangino always makes me think of an engorged tick.
13 January 2009
at 2:57 p.m.
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countrygirl (Anonymous) says…
Poor kid! The picture did make me laugh though.
13 January 2009
at 3:37 p.m.
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flux (Anonymous) says…
STUPID
13 January 2009
at 3:50 p.m.
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Gootsie (Anonymous) says…
no problem, Nurse. I loved your comment!So flux, what do you think about it?
13 January 2009
at 3:56 p.m.
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mom_of_three (Anonymous) says…
Flux,Why do you continue to read and post comments on an article that you OBViously care nothing about? Now, that is what I consider stupid.
13 January 2009
at 4:08 p.m.
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KCinKS (Anonymous) says…
The poor child will be cursed for life! RE: RedwoodCoast (Anonymous) says… Maybe this is mean, but Mangino always makes me think of an engorged tick.I couldn't agree more!!!!!!!
13 January 2009
at 4:15 p.m.
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flux (Anonymous) says…
Because my opinion is nesessary.