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It’s tacky to take someone for granted. Some things need to be said, even if they don’t make for stop-the-presses moments.
Sometimes the obvious needs to be stated: We’re very fortunate that Danny Manning, who could have lived and worked just about anywhere he desired, chose Lawrence.
For one thing, Manning helps to make the Kansas University basketball team better by facilitating the growth of young post players as basketball players and men. He can show them moves that worked for him in college and the NBA, with healthy knees and after injuries forced him to become even more clever as a player. Plus, the players can go to school on how he conducts himself as a man, husband and father.
A better basketball team, especially around here, means a happier community. If that’s all Manning did, he’d be an asset to Lawrence. Nobody would criticize him or think less of him if he took that path of least resistance, burning a trail from work to home and back.
Not the case. Quietly, Manning and wife Julie have done a great deal for local charities that benefit those less fortunate.
Now, Danny is lending his name to an event and helping to promote it for the benefit of three charities he and associate athletic director Mike Harrity selected after putting their heads together: Lawrence Community Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Children’s Miracle Network, which raises funds for children’s hospitals.
The event: In the Lane with Danny Manning, a bowling fundraiser. The date: Aug. 15. The place: Royal Crest Lanes. The time: 6 p.m. to 8:30. The place to register: www.dannymanning.org. The cost: $75.
Manning’s a smart guy, so it’s no surprise he didn’t add yet another golf tournament to the crowded landscape. Instead, he chose a night of bowling. The setting creates better access to conversing with the grounded Manning. Plus, the reasonable cost does not mean only the wealthy are welcome. And let’s face the facts: Bowling shoes are way cooler than golf shoes.
Anything Manning puts his name on, be it the back of a jersey or a benefit, he pours his heart into.
Not all the trappings of celebrity thrill Danny, but the ability to use his name to help those who need it does.
“Absolutely,” Manning said by phone while driving home from a recruiting trip in Kansas City. “I feel very fortunate to have led the life I’ve been able to lead, just being able to be a part of the community. For me, this is home. I’ve always done different things that I’ve felt were charitable in my own way without trying to garner a lot of attention for it, just doing it because I want to do it.”
This time, he’s lending his name.
“Hopefully, my name will bring more people out, the charities can benefit, and it makes it all the better,” he said.
Again, Manning could have lived anywhere. Why Lawrence?
“It’s home,” he said. “That’s the best way to describe it. I went to high school here for a year and to college for four years. I met my wife here and have tons of family living here, a lot of friends. And it’s a great place to raise your kids.”
The Mannings — mom, dad, Taylor and Evan — do their part to make Lawrence an even better place to live.
Former Jayhawk Henry still unsigned August 25, 2010
Gameday returning to Allen Fieldhouse August 25, 2010
C.J. Henry, Chase Buford leave KU basketball team August 18, 2010
Julian Wright headed to Toronto August 11, 2010
Selby not yet cleared by NCAA August 5, 2010
Comments
JacquesMerde (anonymous) says…
a very nice, honest, and accurate tribute to a real gentleman.
dynamitehawk (anonymous) says…
"And let’s face the facts: Bowling shoes are way cooler than golf shoes." .... Did I just wake up in bizzaro world, and kusports.com and kentuckysports.com switch places?
BoulderHawk (anonymous) replies…
No he's right , Bowling shoes have way more cachet than golf shoes.
Funhawk (anonymous) says…
All of the summer stories on this site about former players is inspiring. Many players have brought respect to the sports program. This is in contrast to the stories about the non-players, those involved who are not the athletes. The cottage industry created by sports has brought scandal. Thank you for showing another positive role model.
DallasHawk (anonymous) says…
This makes me want to watch the '88 Final Four DVD again Tonight. Still gives me chills.... Greatest Ever
hailtoku (anonymous) says…
Keegan, I'm not sure if you're aware this but-
Its the University of Kansas.
NOT Kansas University.
OakvilleJHawk (anonymous) says…
Tom, you get a lot of criticism on this site, and some is justified, so it's only fair that you get a complement once and a while. That was a delightfully upbeat, feel good artilce about a genuinely special Jayhawk.
Danny Manning, if he had stayed healthy, would have been the Labron James of his day......without the attitude. Yet a greater legacy may be the scores of young men whose lives he influences for the better both as a man and as a player.
BoulderHawk (anonymous) replies…
Truer words have never been said.
jayhawkdon (anonymous) replies…
AMEN
hawk316 (anonymous) says…
Tom, a really nice piece. We are indeed fortunate to have Danny Manning as one of our outstanding citizens, and he is greatly appreciated in this town. It may be wishful thinking, but I would love to keep him around (at KU as well as Lawrence) for many, many years to come.
I just want to add one other observation. Tom, I think it's unfortunate that you felt the need to justify posting this article when you wrote the following:
"It’s tacky to take someone for granted. Some things need to be said, even if they don’t make for stop-the-presses moments. Sometimes the obvious needs to be stated: We’re very fortunate that Danny Manning, who could have lived and worked just about anywhere he desired, chose Lawrence."
I'm sure that a writer gets a little "gun shy" when he is the object of constant (and often) invalid criticism. You have a good journalistic feel for a story. Don't let the vitriol (often times coming from wet-behind-the-ears journalism majors) make you doubt yourself or get under your skin. Many of us appreciate what you do.
BoulderHawk (anonymous) replies…
I liked the article also but I don't think Mr. Keegan was trying to justify his article rather I think he was saying how important it was not to take Danny Manny for granted for the things he does for the community outside of the spotlight. I think it was a nice way to put it.
JHAWKNPHX (anonymous) says…
Danny has alway been my favorite JHAWK!!! Great Article!!!! rcjhgku!!!!!
Tuskin (anonymous) says…
Danny Manning only gets better with age. I appreciate him even more now than when we attended KU together.
BoulderHawk (anonymous) says…
You know after reading the Russell Robinson article and now this article, one would wonder if it is the school that produces the good man or the good school recruiting the good kid to produce the good man. Probably a bit of both.
sallyp (anonymous) says…
Great article about Danny Manning and we are so lucky he chose to live in Lawrence and help our basketball program. He's one great human being. And was when he was here, his National Championship game was out of this world. So thankful he's here coaching!!!