Olympians and Collegians

Every time they come around, a sense of apathy washes over me.

"Is it that time again?"
"This couldn't possibly hold my interest this time."
"Winter sucks."

I suppose it's a combination of several things, really. February is usually a month of desperation. I'm constantly wondering how much longer it is before Spring arrives, or pitchers and catchers report. The last thing I want to give my attention to is a bunch of people wrapped up in parkas sliding around on some ice.

But then I watch a little. And I'm drawn in.

It's probably a combination of several other things, too. There are the joyous, proud, nervous faces on the athletes as they parade in during the opening ceremonies. There's the oddly intriguing spectacle of the opening ceremonies themselves. There's the fact that there is almost always someone to root for. And when someone wins, you realize that all their hard work and dedication and sacrifice has finally culminated in this once-in-a-lifetime dream come true.

Thankfully, that apathy runs off down the drain, happily replaced with a sense of perseverance, faithfulness and triumph. Somehow, the Winter Olympics have managed to win me over once again.

---


How on earth are freshman and sophomores this tough?


Apparently, because Bill Self wants them that way.


After a knock-down, drag-out battle in Stillwater last night, the young Jayhawks found themselves with another notch in the "W" column. And Self has molded a team full of raw talent and no experience into a team that will fight until they have the result they're looking for: wins. While many were questioning his methods early on, Self implemented his plan and his system until everyone was on board. Turning the ball over too much? Take a seat on the bench. Not putting in a full effort in practice? You're not starting. Taking ill-advised shots? Let's see what the walk-ons can do in your place. Self didn't take any guff from anyone early on and set the tone for this young team by making sure everyone knew they had to give their best effort at all times. And now it's paying off.

Eight straight wins have the Jayhawks ranked, within a half game of first in the Big XII and looking like a very dangerous NCAA tournament team. Would I have believed you if you told me this is how our season would look after KU's early-season failures? Not a chance. I figured this would be more of a "throwaway" season, just getting minutes and experience for the young guys and sacrificing wins in the process. Well, the experience has been gained, the minutes have been played and now the wins are starting to pile up. And in doing so, Bill Self has proven himself to be the best coach in the conference this year, hands down, and is slowly rebuilding his reputation, damaged after last season's 1st round tournament loss to Bucknell.