The Roller Coaster of Sports: Jayhawks, Washburn, and Chiefs

The college basketball season is finally here, and wow, it’s already been a ride keeping up with my teams! As many of you know, I’m all in on two squads: the Kansas Jayhawks and the Washburn Ichabods. I’ve been a Jayhawk fan for as long as I can remember, going to KU games as a kid was a big part of growing up. My Ichabod loyalty started when I attended Washburn in 1994 and grew even stronger when I began working there in 1997.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have been a powerhouse for years, but honestly, the last couple of seasons have been tough to watch. There were games last year where I just turned the TV off because we were playing so poorly. I was hoping this year would be different, but here we are, still struggling. We’re sitting at 3 - 2 right now, and it feels like it’s going to be another roller coaster season.

Washburn Ichabods

Newly Renovated Lee Arena

Now, Washburn basketball? Completely different story. Lee Arena just got a major facelift, and it looks incredible! Carrie and I went to the first game of the season, and seeing the new paint, court, and scoreboard in person was awesome. Washburn has started the season with an impressive 6 - 0 record.

View from our Seats

Last year, Washburn made it all the way to the NCAA Division II championship game. We didn’t win, but following that run was so much fun. This year, they’re ranked number 2 in the country, and I’m pumped to see what’s next. Our next home game is Tuesday night, and you better believe I’ll be there.

Other Sports Frustrations

Of course, being a fan isn’t all sunshine and wins. KU football? Rough year. Washburn football? Same story. And don’t even get me started on the Kansas City Chiefs. Sitting at 5 - 5, they’ve had games that were just painful to watch. I keep hoping they’ll turn it around, but so far, not so much.

The Roller Coaster of Sports

That’s the thing about sports though, it’s a roller coaster. Some days you’re frustrated, and other days you’re jumping out of your seat because of a last second shot or an upset win. Those are the moments that keep us coming back. They’re the stories we share with friends and family, asking, “Where were you when that happened?”

Until next time, enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Here’s hoping your teams give you something exciting to cheer about this season!

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!

Royals Opening Day is this Sunday

Excited for the start of the season for the Kansas City Royals. It all starts on Sunday evening with the Royals playing the New York Mets at 7:30 pm CST. Ready to get the season started and the hunt for blue October going again. A few changes in the team, but the core is back and it sounds like they are out to prove again this season that the Kansas City Royals can play ball.

I was hoping to get tickets to the home opener, but that did not happen. Plus, the tickets are way too much, so instead, Carrie and I will be going to the game on April 8. We then also have tickets to a game in a few months too. My brother and I plan on going to a game in July and just need to figure out when we will be going.

The overall hope is to make it to a number of games this year. Last year, I only made it to four regular season games. Then of course there was the Game 1 of the World Series game which I will never forget and would gladly give up going to regular season games to repeat that experience again. Using the Ballpark app from MLB, it tracks games that I attend and my keeps my record when attending those games. It is cool to be able to look back and see the history of games I have attended. The first game I attended using the Ballpark app was June 8, 2013 and I have been using it ever since to track games I attend. My record since 2013 is 15 - 2 for Royals home games. Not bad!

Hoping the weather is nice for the start of the season. Keep the snow away and get off to a great start! Makes it feel as though spring is almost here with the baseball starting up.

Get ready Royals fans!