Simien especially poignant

By Ryan Wood Mar 3, 2005

Scott McClurg/Journal-World Photo

Keith Langford and Wayne Simien listen to Michael Lee's senior speech.

They saved the Big Dub for last, and there’s a reason for that.

Everyone knew Wayne Simien’s senior speech Wednesday was going to be the most special of the four, because a bond between a student and his school rarely is filled with more loyalty, love and compassion than Simien is to Kansas University.

Simien made his first trip to historic Allen Fieldhouse when he was about 10. So it’s no surprise that tears were flowing Wednesday, even before KU’s 72-65 victory over Kansas State on Senior Night.

“I’m going to apologize ahead of time,” he said while taking the microphone. “Get comfortable. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life.”

A Leavenworth native, Simien closed his Allen Fieldhouse career magnificently Wednesday, scoring 25 points and grabbing 20 rebounds only minutes after breaking down and crying as carnations were tossed his way in a pregame introduction.

Afterward, he gave thanks to everyone who made his career possible, from Leavenworth High coach Larry Hogan to his father, Wayne Sr.

Simien’s speech wrapped up a sentimental Senior Night, made even more special by the enormous impact made by Simien, Keith Langford, Aaron Miles and Michael Lee in their four-year careers at KU.

The quartet tried to crack jokes and play off the speeches like they weren’t important. But not one of them kept from shedding tears by the time they wrapped up the thank-yous, particularly the ones directed at their families.

“I’ve been crying all day,” Simien said. “I’m a big baby.”

All of them shared stories about their childhood — from Simien pretending to be KU legend Danny Manning in his driveway, to Langford getting spanked by his mom when he was 15, to Miles and Lee playing sports together since they were first-graders.

Lee, especially, used his stage to give advice about living life to the fullest. He and Miles both were saddened by the recent death of 17-year old Eddie Barnett, a Portland high school player who died suddenly of heart failure during a recent game.

Barnett started high school at Jefferson High, from where Miles and Lee both graduated.

“Appreciate the life you have,” Lee told the crowd. “It’s truly a blessing.”

The four received thunderous standing ovations after finishing their speeches, and most of the 16,300 fans stuck around for the duration, even though Simien’s wrapped up well after 11 p.m.

It seems the fans weren’t about to miss Big Dub’s farewell, no matter how sleepy the late night made them. Simien surely has more games ahead of him after his days at KU wrap up in the coming weeks, but he admitted Wednesday that he wished he could stick around in Lawrence even longer.

The experience, he said, was something he’d cherish forever.

“You’ve got the play the hand you were dealt,” Simien said, “and I can’t think of a better hand.”