From: maryb@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.college
Subject: Jayhawk Posting #15
Date: 26 Sep 92 04:24:05 CDT
Organization: University of Kansas Academic Computing Services

From the front page of the Friday, September 25, 1992 issue of the
University Daily Kansan.

FANS VOICE THEIR SUPPORT DESPITE LOSS
by Kristy Dorsey, Kansan staff writer

   Thousands of fans packed the streets with their cars, crowded the sta-
dium with their bodies and filled the air with the aroma of grilled food as
they turned out for KU's first nationally televised football game since
1986.
   During the game against California, ESPN showed numerous shots of an
illuminated Campanile Hill, the Baby Jayhawk mascot and KU fans waving the
20,000 blue-and-red pompoms distributed before the game.
   On the Hill, children and adults tossed footballs of various sizes and
colors across the crowd as the Jayhawks came up short on the playing field,
losing to California 27-23. Despite KU fans' disappointment with the loss,
many fans said they would continue to support the team. "I was supremely
disappointed, especially for such a close game," said M.C., Parsons junior.
"It might have been different if we were blown out or something. They were
a good team, and I think we got intimidated. The loss wasn't for lack of
crowd support, though. Besides all of that, it was an entertaining game to
watch."
   With a red and blue "KU" on his face along with a yellow Jayhawk beak
across his nose and mouth, M.C. came to the game with 12 of his friends. He
said they would all continue to support the football team. "We've got a lot
of face paint left," he said.
   A.G., Fort Collins, Colo., junior, and his friends watched the game from
the Hill, despite the free ticket offer for all enrolled KU students. He
said they grilled food before the game and then stayed to enjoy the
atmosphere on the Hill.
   The team's offense was ineffective in the first half of the game, he
said. "It seems to me the defense kept us in the game," he said. "I guess I
was a little disappointed in the first half when we weren't kicking field
goals from 50 yards. I know that's a long field goal, but I think Dan
Eichloff can do it."
   A.G. said he was still happy with the team's overall performance this
season. "It's really neat to see the football team get some credit like the
basketball team," he said. "I think it's really great that we're ranked
No. 24."
   D.W., second-year law student from Dallas, said he heard many students
who were unhappy with Kansas coach Glen Mason during the game. He watched
the game from the stands. "I heard a lot of people calling for Mason's head
tonight," he said. "I think a lot of students are going to be mad at Mason,
but that's who you always blame."
   D.W. said he thought the loss would dampen the enthusiasm of KU football
fans. He also said he thought many people had unrealistic expectations
about last night's game, even though the team did much better last night
than they did the last time they played on television. "It's a good showing
for a team that lost 64-3 the last time they were on national TV," he said,
referring to the Jayhawks' 1986 loss to Oklahoma, televised on ABC.
   Sheldon Harris, KU employee, said he thought fans would not lose their
spirit after last night's game. "The support is going to keep going strong
now," he said. "We're in the top 25, although we many not be after tonight.
But I know I'm going to keep coming to the games. Now we've got to get
ready for the Big Eight. And then again, who would have thought that KU
would be 3-1?"

Posted to r.s.f.c. by "Kansas Mary"