Bob’s Blog

We’re here and it couldn’t be better. First of all, Omaha is a hop, skip and a jump from Wichita. Secondly, we made the trip up in a rented Ford Expedition, which costs about $300 a day. Just kidding, Eagle high-up types. But we packed four of us, with ample luggage, into the vehicle and had a comfortable ride up. We departed at 6 a.m. and arrived here around 11. My buddy Scott Paske drove the last 100 miles or so while I nodded off. Except I kept dreaming he was falling asleep at the wheel, which jolted me awake.

As I write this, I’m listening to the Eagles on my iPod. This is the first time I’ve listened to music while covering the NCAA Tournament. I kind of like it.

The day before games is spent listening interviews with players and coaches from the eight teams. There’s not usually any revealing stuff said, but it’s interesting to hear the coaches, especially, respond to questions. I’m going to write about KU coach Bill Self for Saturday. I think he’s one of the best guys in the business. I’ve been around him in this setting a lot in the past five years and nobody handles a news conference better _ including Self’s predecessor at KU, Roy Williams. The thing about Self is that he gives thoughtful answers to every question. He never demeans the person asking the question, even if  the query is absurd. And believe me, some are. Personally, I have never asked a dumb question, but I know reporters who have. Don’t ask me _ I’m not naming names. Anyway, I think Self is a fascinating person and coach. And I’m pulling for him to get to a Final Four. I know, that’s not being unbiased. Sometimes, the human being in me comes out. I hate that.

I received a couple of e-mails today asking why I always write about Kansas State and not KU. Oh, brother. That’s the kind of correspondence with readers that drives me insane. People actually believe I favor one or the other. If they only knew. But what can I do except continue to re-iterate that I look for the best stories and columns without regard to the schools. Today, I had a column about Kansas State’s David Hoskins, who missed the season with a knee injury. Tomorrow, I’m writing about K-State senior guard Clent Stewart, who has had to deal with the February death of his mother. That doesn’t mean I won’t be writing about Kansas. Tomorrow, I’m going to write columns out of both the KU-Portland State and Kansas State-Southern California games. People, I DO NOT HAVE ANY FAVORITES!!!

I was blown away by the conversation I had with Clent Stewart, Sr., Clent’s father, Tuesday night. You can read what he has to say about his son, about his late wife and about the relationships in his family in my Thursday column. He was gracious with his time _ I reached him at work; he’s an office manager for Office Depot in Oklahoma City. I was very impressed and wish the best for the Stewart family.

I like the direction of the St. Louis Cardinals. I’m not expecting a lot this season _ actually, I would be happy with 85 wins. But, finally, the Cardinals are infusing their organization with some young, talented players. There are probably 12-15 players at the Double-A and Triple-A levels who will soon get a chance to contribute in St. Louis. Players like Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, David Eckstein and others had a lot of success with the Cardinals, but it was time to let them go. I’m eager for players such as Colby Rasmus, Joe Mather, Brendan Ryan, Chris Perez, Jason Motte, Mike Parisi and a bunch of others to get their shots.