sportsfanatics

Kansas Fans Celebrate Victory!

Daniel502 — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:05:00 GMT

Rock Chalk Nation is still celebrating KU’s improbable national championship victory. The game never featured more than a 9 point lead for either team. After playing a tight first half, Kansas fans watched in disbelief as the 5-point halftime lead was quickly erased just 90 seconds into the second-half.

The play of Memphis guards Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts was dominating at times. CDR scored 22 points but missed critical free throws down the stretch to leave the door open for KU. Despite Derrick Rose’s impressive 18 point performance, he too failed to convert freebies at the end of regulation that could have put Kansas away.

Kansas never gave up and worked hard defensively to create offensive opportunities to get themselves back into the game. A key play came with just over one minute remaining in regulation and Kansas down 7 points. Guard Sherron Collins stole an inbounds pass and hit a 3-pointer from the corner, cutting the Memphis lead to 4. The play re-energized the team and gave hope to the Kansas faithful who were praying for a miracle. After two missed free throw opportunities by CDR, a basket by Kansas forward Darrel Aruthr cut the lead down to just 2. After Rose converted just 1 out of 2 free throws, the door was left open for Kansas.

With just over 10 seconds left, Sherron Collins quickly dribbled up the court and passed to Kansas guard Mario Chalmers who shot from beyond the arc at the top of the key. Mario Chalmers’ 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left will go down as one of the biggest shots in Kansas’ rich basketball history.

Kansas never looked back.

Their dominating performance in overtime crushed a dejected Memphis squad who had seen its strangle-hold on the game evaporate. The story of the game might be the missed free throws by Memphis down the stretch, but without suffocating defense, timely buckets and perseverance, Kansas would not have been able to pull this one out.

Most Accessible MLB Stadiums

Daniel502 — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:39:00 GMT

Green grass is growing back. Leaves once again adorn the trees outside. The gloominess of winter is finally relenting to the rejuvenating power of spring. With the Spring season comes the start of baseball season. Over 75 million people passed through turnstiles at Major League ballparks last year, setting a new record. Despite the ongoing steroids scandal, Major League Baseball anticipates another record season for attendance during the 2008 campaign. Among the crowd will be patrons with disabilities. Although all major league facilities must be ADA compliant, some ballparks have made extra strides to be near the top of the accessibility chain. Here are some of the most accessible ballparks nation-wide:

Pittsburgh constructed PNC Park with the disability community in mind. The Pittsburgh Pirates offer accessible seating in all general seating areas, giving a patron with disabilities the same opportunity to enjoy the game as the general public. All concession countertops are lowered to be at wheelchair accessible height. Additionally, the large scoreboard in center-field features a captioning system for all PA announcements and game information. The only other facility that currently offers a captioned scoreboard is Minute Maid Park in Houston. Additional access details can be obtained by calling the guest relations at 412-321-2827.

American League East rivals New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are battling it out for most accessible park in the northeast. Yankee stadium currently boasts accessible seating in the majority of general seating areas. The Yankees offer accessible tickets along with a companion seat at discounted rates. Additionally, all accessible seating areas are accompanied by electrical outlets for recharging of power chairs or other medical equipment at no cost. Yankee stadium also features The Access Service Center, a booth dedicated to assisting guests with disabilities. Contact the ADA manager’s office in Yankee Stadium for additional information at (718) 293-4300 x 4510.

Red Sox nation should be proud that Boston’s historic Fenway Park makes special considerations for guests with disabilities by offering some great amenities. Fenway has several accessible seating areas and even utilizes special areas for both visual and auditory disabilities. All ATMs at Fenway feature a headphone jack for enhanced listening and Braille signage for those with visual disabilities. Additionally, Fenway Park offers large print and Braille season schedules at no cost to fans. Questions should be directed toward the ticket office by calling (877) 733-7699.

For baseball fans on the west coast, the Seattle Mariners’ Safeco field makes a concerted effort to provide guests with disabilities an enjoyable and convenient experience. Although service animals are allowed in all major league ballparks, only the Seattle offers to assist a patron to a service animal restroom area. In addition, the stadium will provide water and bowls at no charge for the animal. The Mariners instituted a program to better serve young guests with disabilities. This program allows children with disabilities ages 14 years and under, to have equal access to the field during batting practice. This program is extremely popular and reservations are suggested. Patrons may contact Guest Services for more information or to make reservations at 206-664-3660.

No matter who you are rooting for this season, you will be able to cheer for your favorite team comfortably at any of these accessible stadiums. These facilities go above-and-beyond the standards set by the ADA to ensure that all patrons enjoy their experience. So go buy your peanuts and cracker-jacks at the accessible concession stands and let’s PLAY BALL!

Top 3 Reasons KU Will Win the National Championship in 2008

Daniel502 — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:35:00 GMT

Followers of college basketball have long recognized the University of Kansas as one of the elite basketball programs in the country. The Jayhawks are a perennial top-25 contender and are usually a force to be reckoned with. This year, however, may be the best team the Jayhawks have assembled since their legendary 1996 roster which featured future NBA players Jacque Vaughn, Paul Pierce, Scott Pollard, and Raef LaFrenz. That team compiled a 34-2 record before being defeated in the elite 8 round of the NCAA tournament to an impressive Syracuse team.

The 2008 squad is equally impressive and has the fundamentals that can bring the National Championship to Lawrence. Here are the top 3 reasons that the 2008 Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team will capture the school's first title since 1988.

1. Sharing the Wealth - Kansas recruits some of the most powerful offensive talents in the country. Individually, they are dangerous, but collectively, they are nearly impossible to slow down. Kansas can hurt you with so many weapons - 4 Jayhawks boast double-digit scoring averages. These men are not selfish either. The Jayhawks have featured 7 different leading scorers this year.

2. Defense - As prolific as the Jayhawk’s offense is, Coach Bill Self is more proud of his team's suffocating defense. The Jayhawks finished the regular season with the #2 overall defense in the country, allowing just under 61 points per game. Kansas led the nation in margin of victory this season at +20.8. Kansas also features quick hands defensively. Guards Mario Chalmers is and Russell Robinson were numbers 1 and 2 respectively as the Big 12 Steals leaders. Both average over 2 steals per game. Kansas as a team ranked 21st nationally in steals.

3. Free Throws - Many KU fans remember the Jayhawks national championship loss in 2003 to Carmelo Anthony and the Syracuse Orange. Kansas shot only 12-30 for Free throws that night - a horrific rate of 40%. Kansas lost by just 3 points 81-78. Better Free Throw Shooting would have put the Jayhawks in a better position to win that game. This year’s squad shoots a solid 70%, giving them more chances to make those much-needed freebies. Making their free throws at the end of a game might preserve the Jayhawks' national championship hopes.

Rock Chalk Nation, get ready!

March Madness Descends

DanLawton — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 23:42:00 GMT

It's only mid-February, but it's never too early to speculate on this year's March Madness. On March 17, a small committee of athletic directors and NCAA college commissioners will quarantine themselves in a room and rank the top 65 teams in the nation. The results will cause inconsolable grief, incite tremendous happiness, create unbridled and borderline delusional optimism, and most importantly spawn water cooler conversation for the next three weeks to come.

So, what do you need to know right now? How about an overview of the top ten college basketball teams in the nation?

1. Memphis

At 24-0, the Tigers are the only undefeated team in the top ten. They've trampled almost all of their rivals in conference USA. Led by Coach John Calipari, the Tigers will be a dangerous squad to face come tournament time.

2. Duke

Led by great three point shooters and legendary Coach Mike Kryzewski, the Blue Devils are particularly tough this year. The fourth winningest team in NCAA history, Duke is looking to add to their 14 Final Four appearances with a strong finish this season.

3. Kansas

The Jayhawks have made the Final Four 12 times and have won two national championships. This year's team is 23-2.

4. Tennessee

Led by the play of Chris Lofton, Tennessee is a formidable opponent and may snatch a number one seed if they continue to win.

5. UCLA

The Bruins are reeling from a recent loss with Washington, but at 21-3 they're still a force to be reckoned with.

6. North Carolina

Despite the recent loss of point guard Ty Lawson, the Tar Heels still managed to win 3 out of their last 4 and stay in the hunt for a #1 seed. Leading the way has been Tyler Hansbrough, who's averaged 28 points and 14.8 rebounds since Lawson's injury.

7. Stanford

Tied for first in the Pac-10 with UCLA, Stanford is one of the most feared teams out west. The Cardinal are lead by Center Brook Lopez, who's averaging 18.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

8. Texas

This year the Longhorns have defeated Kansas, UCLA, and Tennessee--three potential number one teams. Unfortunately, there inconsistency has lead to four loses. But when Damion James is hot, Texas is as tough as they come.

9. Georgetown

The Hoyas continue to win close games, keeping themselves in the hunt for a #2 seed. However, a recent loss to Syracuse will likely hurt their seeding.

10. Xavier

A well rounded squad, the Musketeers are dominating the Atlantic ten conference at 9-1. Upcoming games at Rhode Island and Dayton should determine whether or not their presence in the top-ten is legitimized.

NBA Allstar Dunk Contest Video

Tim — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:26:00 GMT

Dwight Howard is the man, if you didn't catch this check it out:

Who's your team?

doctorhater — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:23:00 GMT

Hello all just trying to get this thing started. I'm a football fan first and foremost, absolutely love it! Hockey and Baseball are next, with real wrestling (college, olympics, etc.) whenever I can see it. Being a 49er fan was great in the 80's and part of the 90's but has sucked recently, as you all know. Luckily the Bears have been doing good lately as there second on my list. Sharks and you guessed it the Blackhawks are my hockey teams and last but not least Oakland A's and the Cubbies (maybe some year) in baseball. Can't go to many events anymore but try to make it to a live game at least once every two or three years. How about the Dolphins getting rid of Zack Thomas I have to look into that one. He's the heart and soul of that defense, must've gotton hurt or something. I've been sick and just heard about it so I'll have to get some more info. Anyway couldn't believe that super bowl but am glad N.E. lost, since that coach seems to think he's so much better than everyone else and cheated repeatedly then got mad when he got caught, after they told all teams they were going to watch for it this year. Doesn't make sense to me but I'm just a fan not the commish. I don't get online everyday maybe only a couple of times a week but I hope this can turn into a positive thing for me and all of you as well. I'm new to all of this so let's have some fun, yooo hoooo C'ya