My day is off to a good start. Olathe South has been defeated in the semifinals of the Class 6A girls state tournament at White Auditorium in Emporia. I’m not sure why I dislike Olathe schools so much. Actually, I am. It stems back to Jon McFall, who used to (or still does?) coach the Olathe South boys team. McFall is a nice enough guy, but a geek. He used to wear the same thing to every game _ khaki pants and a silly looking blue and gold rugby shirt. McFall turned me off of Olathe; in fact, when I’m driving to Kansas City I take a different route just so I don’t have to go through Olathe. That’s a lie, but if there was a different route, I might think about it.
I’m here for the celebration of the Wichita City League (and Goddard) that is about to ensue. I grew up in Derby and will always have great affection for the Panthers. But I’m a City League guy from my days as a high school beat writer for The Eagle. That’s where I got my start in journalism and it’s really where I learned to do what I now do so very well. That’s a cheap plug, but I’m feeling insecure today. Anyway, covering the City League from 1975 through 1982 afforded me an opportunity to see many of the best athletes Wichita has produced. Guys like Darnell Valentine, Ricky Ross, Antoine Carr, Greg Dreiling, Aubrey Sherrod and a whole lot of other football and baseball players. That was the best sports era in the history of the City League and I was lucky enough to get to cover it. And that’s when I developed my passion for all things City League. I like the coaches in the league and, even though I’m supposed to be impartial, I like it when City League schools do well. What can I say? Blogs are a place for totally honesty, and I’m being totally honest.
I’ve enjoyed the blogging being done by our various high school writers at the six sites. It has been a really good added touch to our coverage. I hope you’re following it at varsitykansas.com. Another cheap plug.
As I get older, I’m noticing more bad driving. Especially on the Kansas Turnpike, which I drive so frequently that a portion of it should be named for me. People, do not drive in the left lane. That’s the passing lane. Which means it’s for passing only. Don’t make me pass you in the right lane. The right lane is not to be used for passing. And when I have to pass you on the right lane, I’m probably going to give you a dirty look as I’m doing so. It’s at that time I’ll also be hoping you’re not carrying a handgun.
There is an irritating chant being used by many of the student body crowds here at the 6A tournament. Any time there is a blocked shot, the students who are supporting the player who blocked the shot start to chant: You got swatted, you got swatted. When did this start? How soon can it stop?.
Emporia’s White Auditorium, which is where I am at this very second, is one of the most quaint and interesting venues in the state for basketball. I love this place. Whenever I’m here, I think about the South basketball dynasty under Steve Eck from 1987 through 1996. South won sixstate championships during those years, many of them right here.
OK, now I’m feeling bad about what I said earlier about Olathe. The Olathe South girls just congratulated Lawrence for winning the game and were gracious in doing so. OK, I won’t look for a detour when I go through Olathe. But I will not shop at your stores and you cannot make me.
I will check back later.