A Week in Review: Busy Days, Sports Highlights, and Sweet Treats in Chicago

Sleepy Oliver

What a busy week it was last week! The week flew by and it seemed like it was nonstop every day into the evenings. After being away for part of the prior week, I was playing catch-up at work. Carrie shared a picture of Oliver with me while I was away, showing him sleeping on the couch with his tongue out. I felt like Oliver after such a hectic week.

This week is shaping up to be busy too. Work will be demanding as I try to complete projects, and then we have the NCAA D2 tournament starting for Washburn, followed by the Big 12 tournament. It will be a fun week!

Washburn had a disappointing first round in the MIAA tournament this past week, so I'm hoping they can get off to a good start in the NCAA D2 tournament. Washburn went 26-2 for the season but experienced their third loss in the MIAA tournament. I'm hoping the loss in the first round of the MIAA tournament will help the team focus on the NCAA D2 games.

Kansas basketball has had a down year. After starting the season at number one, we lost 11 games in the regular season. We lost three games at home and are 4-8 in away games. The games this season have been tough to watch at times, and we have blown a few leads.

Staying on the topic of sports, I have enjoyed listening to many of the Royals spring training games. With spring training happening, it means it's time for fantasy baseball drafting to begin. I have my first fantasy baseball draft this week. I only participate in three leagues, and last year I struggled in all of them. I didn't draft well or make good decisions during the season, which left me at the back of the pack in all three leagues. Still, it's a fun time and I enjoy following players on the various rosters.

Dessert at Gibbsons in Chicago

At the end of February, I went to Chicago for a conference. The conference was great, and I hope to go back next year. It was my first time attending the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC) conference. I met many people from other Midwestern colleges and had good discussions. It was a smaller conference than I expected, with only about 65 people attending, but it was well worth the trip and time.

On Thursday night, the conference took everyone out to dinner at Gibbsons Steakhouse. The steak was excellent, but the thing everyone who had been in prior years talked about was the dessert. The dessert was shared with the table and it was fantastic. The picture to the left does not do it justice, as the slice was huge. We had a slice of ice cream cake and another of carrot cake. Both were really good. I want to take Carrie to Gibbons and also go back to Chicago. It was a fun trip and I ate well too.

A bit of a rambling post on this Sunday afternoon. I think that's all for today. Have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week. Hoping we can keep the warmth and avoid any more cold or snow.

Celebrating a Championship Season: The Washburn Ichabods Journey to Victory!

Ichabods Celebrating

This has been a fun year to be an Ichabod fan. Carrie and I have had season tickets for Ichabods basketball for a few seasons. We made it to the majority of the games this season, but we also missed a few. We were able to make it to the last two regular season home games. Washburn clinched the title on February 22. We finished the season 26-2, going the majority of the season undefeated. We played the last regular season game on March 1 and are ready for the MIAA Championship to start on March 6.

Michael Keegan Cutting Nets

Attending games and then watching games when they are away, I have some good memories of our players. Michael Keegan will be graduating this year. Michael has a fan club that travels from his hometown of Dyersville, Iowa. They were at the last game of the season, and I remember them last year at a game where they were all wearing shirts and holding signs cheering on their hometown guy. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to have lunch with Michael at an athletics event. It was fun to be able to talk to him and hear his insights on basketball, academics, and even his fan club.

Andrew Orr Celebrating

Another favorite from the team is Andrew Orr. Both Michael and Andrew are seniors this year. It is fun to see how Andrew progressed over his career at Washburn from his first year in 2021-2022 to this year. He is a force inside and can hit the short jumper. He has been fun to watch as an Ichabod, and I wish him all the best in his future.

Jack Bachelor Celebrating

Jack Bachelor has been a lot of fun to watch this year. He drives the lane with ease but is a big threat from the three-point line. He keeps opponents on their toes as a constant threat. I look forward to watching him play next year for his junior year.

It was great watching the team cut down the nets and celebrate. Following the team, it feels as though I know the players, and it is great to see their success this year.

Head Coach Brett Ballard Celebrating

It has been so fun to follow head coach Brett Ballard. Every time I talk to my mom to tell her we went to a game or that I was watching them later in the day, she asks who our coach is and how much she likes him. Coach Ballard played basketball for the University of Kansas, and she remembers him each time we talk. He has done great for Washburn, and I wish the team all the best in the postseason.

Join me in following the Ichabods on March 6 for the MIAA tournament. Go Bods!

Hattitude and Happiness: A Royals Fan's Perfect Sunday

Showing Off Our New Hats

Carrie and I attended the MIAA Day at The K game on Sunday, July 21. We had a great time. We got our new hats (pictured to the right) that have the Royals and Washburn on them. It was fun seeing other MIAA attendees with their hats. It seems as though Fort Hays State University had the most people attending the game as I saw their hats everywhere. It was a fun day and I am glad that we decided to go somewhat last minute (the day before the game).

The hats are really sharp. We tried to get additional hats but we were told they are not available. Sold out or something, but later I saw boxes of hats as we were leaving the game. Could easily put those on a site to sell them as they look great representing the Royals and Washburn.

The day was beautiful even with our seats in the sun but soon the clouds moved in and provided the perfect ending to the day. We met up with the Mosers' briefly before the game to have a quick beer. Plus we saw the Ybarras' in the ball park.

Section 248 at Royals Game

Our seats were good sitting in section 248 row MM. Good crowd on a Sunday afternoon which was good. It has been fun watching the attendance continue to increase as the Royals continue to win. This was my third Royals game to attend this season and so far the Royals are 3 - 0 when I attend their games. 

We need to find our next game to attend. This next week we play on the road the whole week. We are back in Kansas City starting August 5. Probably good we are away this next week as high temperatures are back in the area starting tomorrow.

Royals Win!

The Royals won 4 - 1 this day. Got a little burnt on my knees but overall it was a great day. So fun to go in for the Sunday game and back in time for Sunday evening relaxing. As I mentioned, we need to do more of these when it is a Sunday afternoon game. It is easy to get into the games and we are having fun watching our Royals play ball.

Until next time, have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week. Go Royals!