Championship teams receive praise at Capitol

Players from the basketball, football and debate teams met Gov. Sebelius, legislators Friday.

By Luke Morris (Contact)

Monday, May 5th, 2008

TOPEKA — The state Capitol turned into the hall of champions when members of the national champion basketball and debate teams and the Orange Bowl champion football team came to receive honors Friday.

The championship tour of the state house began in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ office. Sebelius, who earned her master’s degree from the University of Kansas, posed for pictures with each team. Sophomore quarterback Kerry Meier said the governor congratulated the teams and gave them pins to commemorate their accomplishments.

The players then visited the state Senate and House of Representatives . Legislators, particularly the ones from Douglas and Johnson counties, sang praises of the teams and the University.

Chancellor Robert Hemenway, Athletic Director Lew Perkins, other Kansas athletics staff and many coaches walked through the halls with the players.

Fans followed the teams everywhere they went, asking for pictures and autographs, and the players were happy to oblige.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into coming here, but it’s great that everyone came out to celebrate,” Meier said.

Laura Bricks, Topeka resident, said it was a great time meeting the players. As she followed the team around, she gathered plenty of autographs on the back of her basketball national champions shirt.

“I’ve never got to meet these guys that I love so much before, so this is a blast for me,” Bricks said.

Nate Johnson, debate team member and Manhattan senior, said the experience was like nothing else.

“It’s been pretty awesome sitting next to traditionally great teams, the basketball and football teams,” Johnson said. “It was great to be included in this.

“It was pretty surreal because we don’t get press conferences or parades after winning a big tournament, so this is pretty phenomenal.”

Chances are not much work got done in the Capitol Friday. Just like the legislators, janitors and other staff took some time off to celebrate the teams’ achievements.

“Our boss understands,” said janitor Dee Johns. “We’re all big Jayhawk fans, so we’re going to have our fun, too.”

— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld

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