Thursday, April 10, 2008

Parade of champions planning progresses

By Mark Fagan

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Plans are in the works for Bill Self, Mario Chalmers and the rest of the NCAA Champion Kansas Jayhawks to ride down Massachusetts Street in the city's first championship parade in two decades.

Joining the team as parade participants Sunday will be athletics support staff, the pep band and members of the Spirit Squad. Unlike years past, there will be no room for public floats, good-luck charms or other folks who might want to join in.

This will be a parade of champions, and citizens of the larger Jayhawk Nation will be invited and encouraged to crowd and cheer from the sidewalks and side streets.

"The reason I came to Kansas was to be involved in an event like this," said Jim Marchiony, an associate athletics director-turned-parade planner in the wake of KU's 75-68 overtime victory over Memphis in Monday's title game.

"I'm just glad it's here, and our fans are glad it's here. We're just looking forward to a great day."

The parade is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Sunday at Seventh and Massachusetts streets, then move south down Massachusetts to South Park. From there, the team will head directly to Allen Fieldhouse, where members will assemble for an awards ceremony that is free and open to the public.

Fieldhouse doors will open at 5 p.m.

Comments

Strikewso (anonymous) says...

I wish I could be there!!

April 10, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CasperCorps (anonymous) says...

Thats fricken awesome, I wasn't ready for the celebrating to stop so soon!!! National Champs!!! Remember no bottles or cans..

April 10, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUbsee69 (anonymous) says...

I'm confused.

Marchiony now says "The reason I came to Kansas was to be involved in an event like this".

Previously, he said he was not considering a parade, that they would celebrate in their own way.

Anyway, remember to chant one more year to Brandon, Darrell, and Mario.

April 10, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

mr_lawrence (anonymous) says...

Please, don't guilt-trip the players. Let them know they are loved and appreciated but don't butt into their decisions. If some one were offering you a million dollars would you want 10,000 people screaming at you not to take it. Don't be a jackass.
Would it be great if they stayed? Of course!!! But be realistic. Besides the more hi-profile players KU puts into the NBA, the better our recruiting.

April 10, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KUbsee69 (anonymous) says...

How many times has the crowd at AFH chanted one more year to our players? I've personally witnessed it many times over the years. Does it influence the players? Probably not.

Is Mr. Lawrence saying all those fans, all those times were Jackasses?

The chant is an expression of love! I think they understand that.

Having said that, Mr. Lawrence, since this is America, I guess that you have the right to be wrong.

April 10, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

CaramelMacchMan (anonymous) says...

Tailgating anyone???

April 10, 2008 at 9:45 p.m. ( | suggest removal )