The other teams that KU fans fancy

Thursday, February 28, 2008

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For interviews with Kansas fans who also cheer for other teams, listen to the podcast: Rooting for the right team.

Kansas fans agree on who to cheer for when the Jayhawks play, but fans are scattered when two other Big 12 Conference teams play each other. Fans have various formulas for deciding whom to root for. Here are five fan categories, though some fit into more than one category.

Hometown fan

Hometown fans root for the team closest to where they grew up.

“Usually I tend to root for Texas because I’m from there. It’s the next closest thing I guess.”

— Jonathan Sonnino, Plano, Texas, senior

“I go for Nebraska because I’m from there.

— Emily Muskin, Omaha, Neb., senior

Rival hater

Rival haters have two favorite teams: Kansas and whoever is playing Missouri.

“I never go for Missouri unless they’re playing someone ahead of us. Even then it’s hard to root for them.”

— Taylor Curry, Overland Park freshman

“I definitely don’t root for Missouri. Norm Stewart was awful.”

— Rita Napier, associate professor of history

The greater-good fan

These fans root for teams that would better Kansas’ standings in the Big 12 Conference.

“I root for Iowa State because they’re never a threat.”

— John McDonald, Colorado Springs, Colo., sophomore

“It just depends on how much it affects our standings. If it’s good for us that Texas wins, I’m going for them.”

— Megan Cattleman, Omaha, Neb., junior

Fans of individuals

These are the fans who root for a team because they like a coach or player on the team.

“Usually I would say that I cheer for Texas Tech, especially when Bob Knight was there because I really liked his history.”

— Mark Costanzo Kansas City, Mo., junior

“This year I’m more of a fan of Augustin and Abrams and how good they are. I also like Rick Barnes and some of the teams he’s had in the past.”

— Sean Stenger, Prairie Village sophomore

In-state fans

Some fans prefer to keep it all in the state. They cheer for Kansas State as long as the Wildcats aren’t playing the Jayhawks.

“I grew up in Kansas, so I’ll support K-State just because they’re a Kansas team.”

— Phil Wedge, assistant professor of English

“If K-State were playing another Big 12 team, I would root for K-State. They’ve really worked hard in recent years.”

— Rita Napier, associate professor of history

—Edited by Nick Mangiaracina

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