LJWorld Reader blogs

In this business, it’s hard for sportswriters not to feel like they’re jumping on the bandwagon every now and again.

After all, the best stories usually follow the most successful teams and, because of that, the teams that go deep into the postseason typically get the best coverage. The reasons for this are many.

For starters, those teams usually are the talk of the town and the squad that most people have the greatest interest in reading about. What’s more, these winning teams are usually playing those meaningful games at a time when others have already turned in their equipment for the season, giving them sole possession of the spotlight.

In addition, it’s often easier to access these teams and talk to the players because they too are excited about the run they are on and usually don’t mind spending a few extra minutes going over the details.

Bandwagon jumping doesn’t always occur. Occasionally, the best stories are attached to those hard-luck teams that people feel a special connection to. Other times, a team will look so good from the outset that the scribes will hop on board from the beginning, therein avoiding the conflict of having to hop on the bandwagon after a team rattles off several wins in a row to open the season.

As for me personally, I don’t have any problem with bandwagon jumping when it comes to my job. As a fan, I’ve always been loyal to my teams and have never jumped off the wagon because of a bad season or even a bad stretch. But as a sportswriter, I’ve openly admitted that if a team is winning, I’ll be there to cover them. Most coaches and athletes understand this. Most don’t mind. That, too, makes my job a lot easier. But like I said, when a team is winning and playing at a high level there aren’t too many things that can bring them down.

With that in mind, I thought I’d throw together a quick Fans Guide to Bandwagon Jumping for the fall high school sports seasons. Use it with caution and remember, nothing you read below is guaranteed.

1. Free State High Gymnastics — No team in Lawrence returns quite as much talent (when compared to the overall size of the team) as Kathy Johnson’s Free State Firebirds. Half a dozen girls return from last year’s third-place state finisher, including senior Drue Davis, who placed in the top five in the all-around competition, and junior Kelcy Bowers, who just missed picking up a medal in the all-around competition. Both are dynamic, do-it-all gymnasts who are capable of winning the individual title at any meet and both will be in the hunt for the all-around title at state this October. In addition, the team has more girls this season, which means more depth and more team points in the final scores.

2. Lawrence High Volleyball — There are many reasons to like the LHS volleyball team’s chances of making a run at a state title this season. None of them stand out as much as the team’s belief in itself. With five regulars from last year’s rotation back to form the core of this year’s team, the Lions and third-year coach Stephanie Magnuson are in a great position to win a lot of games this regular season and a few more in the postseason. The best part about rooting for this team is the fact that, to them, anything less than a trip to the state title match will be a huge disappointment.

3. Free State High Girls Cross Country — If not for a couple of key question marks in the injury department, this team might be No. 1 on this list. Like the two teams above it, the Free State girls return a ton of talent from last year’s third-place state team and will be led by several, not just one, standout runners this fall.

4. Free State High Football — It’s going to be difficult for the Firebirds to follow up last season’s magical run to the state title game if for no other reason than those things just don’t happen ever year. But, if a few things fall into place, the Firebirds could be as prepared as anybody to make a return trip. Back is quarterback Camren Torneden, who was an all-league and all-state performer as a junior. He’ll be surrounded by a vastly different cast of characters this year, but the early word from FSHS is that the O-Line is sound and the new pieces that have been plugged into the skill position slots have great speed and talent. With a district that includes Lawrence High, Olathe Northwest and Leavenworth, the Firebirds should be in position to make another run this postseason.

5. Lawrence High Boys Cross Country — The Lions lost a few runners from last year’s state championship team but gained a ton of confidence by winning it. Add that to the fact that the Lions are working harder than ever before and several of the top runners are back, including possible state favorite Roy Wedge, and this team has a serious shot of challenging for the top spot again this season.