Setting the scene for the Sweet 16

By Jesse Newell Mar 27, 2009

Nick Krug

Kansas forward Mario Little extends long to grab a few items to autograph from fans following the Jayhawks' practice Thursday, March 26, 2009 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. From left are Brent Huelsman, Indianapolis, brothers Ben Kocher, 7, and Charles Kocher, 12, of Shelbyville, Indiana, and Alec Leggio, 18, of Bloomington, Indiana.

Mike Earhart is back for some redemption.

The last time he came to Indianapolis to cheer on the Kansas Jayhawks was 1991. That didn’t turn out so well, as KU lost to Duke, 72-65, in the national championship game.

“I thought for sure we were going to win it all that year,” the Washington, Kan., native said.

After making the 11-hour drive from Kansas to Indianapolis, Earhart was back in his KU gear on Thursday, one of many KU supporters to take in the Jayhawks’ practice at Lucas Oil Stadium. Earhart, who manages a call center in Junction City, was cautiously optimistic about the Jayhawks’ chances today against Michigan State.

“If they make it to the Elite Eight, I think that’s got to be a pretty good season,” Earhart said. “It’d have to be something awful special for them to make it all the way.”

Nick Krug

Kansas fans Chad Renbarger and his three-year-old son Jay, Fishers, Indiana, watch the video board with bright eyes as they await the Jayhawks' arrival on the court for practice Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Chad Renbarger, from Fishers, Ind., decided to make it a “daddy-son day” watching the Jayhawks.

Jay, his 3-year-old son, quietly studied the Jayhawks as they went through drills.

Though he’s a Purdue graduate, Chad said he didn’t mind his son cheering on the Jayhawks.

“If he gets a scholarship, he can go wherever,” Chad said with a laugh. “If not, he’s staying in state.”

Chad’s wife, Holly, went to KU, and was friends with former Jayhawk Scot Pollard during her time there. Jay’s great-grandparents — Bud and Bette Lukens — still live in Lawrence.