Fans meet players at appreciation event

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Fan Appreciation Day got off to an ominous start Wednesday night at Memorial Stadium.

Photo by Adam McDonald

Kansas’ red-shirt sophomore quarterback, Kerry Meier, takes time after fan appreciation day at Memorial Stadium Wednesday evening to sign a t-shirt for a young fan. The team played a simulated game in front of their fans followed by an autograph session.

One of the first plays fans saw involved a scrambling Todd Reesing deeking defensive end Richard Alspaugh onto the turf. Alspaugh, clutching his ankle, was carted off the field after several minutes. The severity of the injury was not immediately released by team officials.

The remainder of practice went without incident. At 6 p.m., a whistle sounded and the players huddled. Coach Mark Mangino then addressed the fans.

“This will be a great season,” Mangino said. “We have 10 days to get ready for Central Michigan and we will be ready to go.”

Some fans were getting their first view of the massive construction taking place behind the south end zone of Memorial Stadium. Mangino expressed appreciation to the crowd for the football team’s improved premises.

“You are one of the reasons we will have a new football facility this year,” Mangino said. “Thank you.”

Mangino then allowed captains James McClinton, Derek Fine, Aquib Talib and Brandon McAnderson to address the crowd. They all briefly thanked the crowd for attending.

“Thanks for coming out,” Fine said. “It’s hot. You guys could have been out eating ice cream. Thanks.”

Mangino then opened the field for fans to mingle with the players.

Marty Carr, 9, raced from his seat to obtain player autographs. The back of Carr’s shirt soon had the signatures of Reesing, wide receiver Marcus Henry. Big Jay, Baby Jay, and Carr’s favorite player, offensive lineman Luke Templin, who works with Carr’s mother, Julie.

“I came so I could get a lot of KU football autographs,” Carr said.

He may have been the day’s most enthused fan.

“He’s been waiting since we found out about this,” Julie Carr said. “He’s been asking me every day for a week when we could come to the Stadium.”

Stacy Bain, Ness City junior, was among the first KU students in line.

“I think this is a great way to get pumped up for the first game,” Bain said.

Bain sat at midfield and snapped shots of her favorite member of the team.

“I love Mangino!” Bain said. “I think he is a great coach.”

For at least one day, hope sprung eternally for football fans. Bain predicts an 8-4 finish.

“I have high hopes for this team.”

— Edited by Meghan Murphy

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