KU Loss

There's not much else to add that hasn't already been said about Kansas' stunning second-round exit in this season's N.C.A.A. tournament to Northern Iowa.

For me, as a die-hard K-State fan, it was a very satisfying night. It ranks ahead of the night the streak ended with Beasley standing on top of press row in front of the angriest fans in the nation. It also ranks ahead of watching Jim Wooldridge try to collect pity points in his dying years, wearing a neck brace on the sideline. I miss the Wooly days. Ok, not really.

But it was very satisfying to see the demise this KU team took. This was worse than Rhode Island. Worse than Bradley. Worse than Bucknell. The Jayhawks have been roasted across the nation and it has been a joy to watch. In a way, it has weeded through the fans this season.

Think about it. 2008 was arguably the year of the Jayhawk. They won the Orange Bowl and the national title in basketball. Yes, I couldn't say much that season. It was frustrating, but I respected the accomplishments and didn't rain on their fans' parades. At least the fans I knew were invested.

This season has been a different story. This has been a year that has tested the wills of KU fans everywhere. Your football team was absolutely horrendous after entering the season with your slogan as "History Awaits." Mangino was nationally roasted and the program was nationally embarrassed by what all of a sudden turned to be soft. Amazing what happens when you're not winning. All of those warm, fuzzy feelings start to go away.

Now this. But this time a historic loss. This year was KU's title to lose. And they lost it. About two weeks before anybody thought they might.

Yes, KU fans are being weeded out right now. The ones that will truly stick with their programs I respect. Yes, their basketball team will always be in the Top 25 and always be in contention for a Big 12 title. I'm not so convinced on their football team, but they are making strides with the hiring of Turner Gill.

All of a sudden, it's not such of a good time to be a Jayhawk. Can't say that too often.

Yes, right now is the time of the Wildcat. As a long fan of the basketball program and watching the Wooly-led teams scrap for 15 victories a season, it makes this year's run so much more special. I feel like I can value it more, or appreciate it more than a fan who hopped on when Huggy Bear brought along B-Eazy.

There's not too many times when K-State is the nation's darling from the state of Kansas. It's a good time to be a Wildcat, indeed.