I remember when I was in the 4th grade two kids came up to me and asked me, "What are you a Jayhawk or a Wildcat? I had moved to Kansas from California so I really didn't know what they were talking about. However one of the kids asking me was my best friend, so I picked his favorite, "The Jayhawk".
The next year I got my chance to finally see The University of Kansas and learn what all this Jayhawk/Wildcat thing was about. Our class had planned a field trip to go to the museum on the KU campus. I remember walking through the Union when I looked over and there was this couple sitting there smiling at all of us. I looked at them and they both smiled at me and gave me the thumbs up. I don't know why, but I thought that was the coolest thing. I was sold on KU. I told myself right there, "Someday I am going to go to school here!"
After high school I along with 2 of my best friends packed up our cars and drove from Emporia, KS. to Lawrence. The campus was amazing. I remember walking around feeling like I was at an Ivy League school. I know that may sound strange to some of you, but go to Emporia, KS. and live for 17 years. So many peoples only perception of Kansas is what they saw on "The Wizard of Oz." A movie which most Kansans do not particularly like. :) Well let me tell ya, The University of Kansas' Campus is like nothing you will see in the before-mentioned movie.
Basketball season starts.
Now before I go any further I have to be honest with you. I didn't like basketball. I thought it was a stupid sport. (I know I know, I was an idiot!) I had bought the total ticket package at the start of the year so I thought, "I might as well go and use these tickets."
It turned out some guys on my dorm floor were die-hard fans. They were the ones camping out for days for seats. Gameday came and I went with these guys. (if I knew then what I know now, I would have appreciated those seats a LOT more.) We're talking golden seats here people. So anyway, here I am at my first KU game. Someone who doesn't like basketball probably just doesn't understand the game. That was me. My friends slowly explained the rules and general premise behind the game. But more than that they taught me KUs history. I was blown away. Here I was in historic Allen Field House watching the 1991 Kansas Jayhawks. Could life be any better? Yep I was sold. I was in love, but I wasn't quite a freak yet. NEXT >
