Thursday, September 25, 2008
So ESPN.com sportswriter Bill Simmons once had a great take on the television special, “VH1’s Top 40 Celebrity Feuds.” Simmons had a problem with VH1 not naming Tupac vs. Biggie the greatest feud of all time. As Simmons astutely points out, umm well, didn’t both of them die?
You could make the same argument about the Kansas-Missouri rivalry, right?
Well, Erik Ashel is making that argument. Ashel, who works at Metro Sports in Kansas City, Mo., (Full Disclosure: Ashel graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism in 2000) has spent most of the last year producing a documentary on the Kansas-Missouri Border War.
The documentary, which premiers in late November on Metro Sports, focuses on the origins of the rivalry — the bloody guerilla warfare during the Civil War between anti-slavery Jayhawkers from Kansas and pro-slavery Bushwhackers from Missouri.
“I think it’s the most historically significant rivalry in the country,” Ashel said. “To me, all other rivalries pale in comparison. I’m not just talking about KU’s Sunflower State Showdown with Kansas State, or MU’s Braggin’ Rights game with Illinois. I’m talking about all other rivalries anywhere. Maybe there’s a soccer rivalry somewhere in Europe with roots grounded in similar conflict or warfare, but in America, nothing compares to the historical significance of the Border War.”
So Ashel set out to show that, given the circumstances, using the term Border War is appropriate for this rivalry. He interviewed media members, historians and former coaches.
If nothing else, you’re probably going to want to check out former Kansas football coach Don Fambrough’s take on the rivalry. The man never disappoints.
And with the success of the Kansas and Missouri football programs during the last two seasons, there’s no better time to focus on the rivalry, Ashel says.
And even though Ashel grew up in Wichita, he doesn’t want you to think he’s biased.
“Growing up in Kansas, I was exposed to the Kansas side of things,” Ashel said. “Now I’ve learned how others east of the state line feel about it. I don’t think you can really tell the story unless you’ve been a part of it.”
But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been catching grief from the Missouri graduates at Metro Sports. “I sit next to a Missouri guy in my office. He’s always looking over my shoulder.”
Thursday YouTube Sesh
If you want to check out a trailer of the Border War documentary, go to YouTube and type in “Kansas - Missouri Border War.” Enjoy.
Thursday YouTube Sesh II
There’s no football home game this weekend. And that means the KU Band won’t be making its usual Friday night appearances at various Lawrence bars. Instead, check out this YouTube clip of the band playing the alma mater at the Hawk. Type in “KU Band, Alma Mater at the Hawk.” Enjoy.
— - Edited by Kelsey Hayes
Documentary examines Kansas—Missouri “Border War”
An alum’s film explores the rivalry — one that is rooted not ...
Carpenter: Kansas-Missouri rivalry will eventually continue
After both Kansas and Missouri cool off and reconsider things, they'll want ...
Kansas, Missouri rivalry heats up
With the heightened stakes riding on this Saturday’s game, the trash talking ...
Former Kansas students make YouTube hit
The video focuses on the history of the Kansas-Missouri rivalry.
He’ll always be a Jayhawk
Former head football coach Don Fambrough will never lose his love for ...
A look inside the Border Showdown
The Kansas-Missouri rivalry couldn’t be any bigger as the Jayhawks play the ...
Erickson: Remind me: Which state are we ...
Kansas spirit never wanes
Former Kansas coach Don Fambrough remains a staple in football program despite ...
Border Showdown's roots run deep
Rivalry linked to Civil War-era conflicts.
Galloway: Border Cold War will destroy legacies
With the end of the rivalry, students should take a moment to ...
Showdown brings unique rivalry beyond athletes
Team rivalries go beyond universities.
Morning Brew: Jayhawk mascot not mean enough
Wartime KU mascot “The Warbird” strikes more fear in opponents’ hearts, should ...
Morning Brew: A tough time for sports ...
New book explores old rivalry
KU alumnus writes about the long-time history between Kansas and Missouri football ...
Matson: Kansas should discontinue the Border War
The subject of continuing the Border War has generated much debate among ...
Petterson: Fambrough remembered as irreplaceable fan
Former coach Don Fambrough should be remembered for his loyalty to the ...
City to rename part of 11th Street ...
Don Fambrough, a former KU football coach, is remembered for his vigorous ...
Former KU coach dies at 88
Don Fambrough, noted for his passionate speeches before Border Showdown games, died ...
Joseph: Final chance for Border Showdown
Kansas and Mizzou battling for the Big 12 Championship would be a ...
Brew: Chicago is the last great American ...
The city produced our president-elect, Michael Jordan and may play host to ...
Mizzou we no likey: The rivalry lives ...
Morning Brew: Kansas is no longer a ...
Jayhawks don't make the top ten.
Border Showdown represents old rivalry
The year-long competition based on a point system continues the competition between ...
Morning brew: could Palin's puck drop swing ...
Lavieri: Border War over, for now
Who will Kansas play at the end of each season if the ...
Brew: Border War shouldn't end
Losing the Border War would only hurt the fans.
Morning Brew: Nose woes
Big men of the Big 12 seem to share a common weak ...
Morning Brew: Withey’s transfer could be giant ...
Bill Self received some holiday cheer in the form of a 7-footer ...
Morning Brew: Lil’ Wayne waxes poetic on ...
The rapper has his own ESPN.com blog, where he shows off his ...
Missouri natives feel rivalry’s heat
For some KU students, the Border Showdown hits closer to home
Name of the game shows principle
‘The Border War’ became ‘The Border Showdown’ after the start of the ...
Nelson: Rivalry will be missed
Missouri's decision to leave the Big 12 has unfortunate effects on the ...
Joseph: Kansas declares victory too soon
Don’t look at Missouri’s desertion as a win, look at it as ...
Morning Brew: Hawks could score Big 12 ...
A weak Big 12 North could be the key to Kansas' conference ...
Breckunitch: KU could reclaim home court
Since KU loss to the Tigers, anticipation of Sunday’s game in Lawrence ...
One more trip to Columbia for an ...
With first place in the Big 12 on the line, Kansas braces ...
Buser: Rivalry builds school spirit
Illinois senior reflects on four years of participation in Border Showdown
Morning Brew: Riggins brings back memories
Recalling John Riggins’ Super Bowl MVP performance and love of The Wheel
Dodd: Chiefs sign Mighty Quinn
Quinn Gray will replace hurt Kansas City quarterbacks
From left: Kimberlee Hinkle, Libby Johnson and Hannah ...
1 comment
Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
Lecture from Greg Mortenson, co-author of New York ...
0 comments
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID