I would link it, but I don't think this paper keeps its links accurate for > 24 hrs
Sports Headline - 06/11/2008
Prince of Manhattan
By MIKE COURSON [email protected]
Prince speaks about football, educationKansas State football coach Ron Prince headlined a cast of Kansas State officials and athletes at Tuesday night’s Central Kansas Catbackers Dinner and Auction at the Highland Hotel. Among the other speakers were Wyatt Thompson, voice of the Wildcats, football players Chris Carney and Ernie Pierce, and volleyball player Megan Farr.
While Catbacker contributions go to the Mike Ahearn Scholarship Fund, there are several major projects that will rely partly on donations in the works in Manhattan. The Wildcat Victory Facilities Campaign is a push to raise $70 million for the construction of a new facility next to Bramlage Coliseum, as well as improvements to Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Phase I includes the construction of a facility just outside Bramlage that the men’s and women’s basketball teams will use for practice. The facility would also include new coaches’ offices, a weight room, and a tunnel for easier access to courtside seating. The facility would also house the Wildcat Experience Hall of fame where visitors will be able to gaze upon K-State’s storied history and associated trophies.
The second phase includes improvements to the west side of the football stadium. More suites and club seats, as well as more restrooms and concessions, are in high demand, and would improve the fan experience.
After several speakers and a small auction including a chance to participate in K-State’s annual Harley Ride that went for $1,100, and a framed photograph autographed by top athletes in each sport at Kansas State that sold for $1,250, Coach Prince took charge of the microphone.
Along with humorous comments about his purple blazer, Prince spoke of the importance of a college education.
“I think someone has to be the adult in the relationship,” Prince said. “All you guys want to win. They want to play, but somebody’s got to be responsible for the fact that these kids are coming to college to become educated people. Unbelievably so, our culture needs that emphasis, and we don’t have it right now. We have the highest number of people in the world incarcerated. The segment of that these young people represent in many cases are the highest of those rates that are incarcerated, so their education is very important to me.”
Though Prince was unhappy with the way his football team finished last year, the academic success of his club is something to be proud of.
“It’s a shame the way the season ended because we had the highest number of kids on the Commissioner’s Big XII Honor Roll since we’ve been here,” said Prince. “We had 32 our first season, 36 this past season, and we just got notice that we had 38 again this semester. So the kids are doing what they’re supposed to do academically.”
Prince expects a tough season with games against tough opponents in the Big XII North, as well as Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech, who he feels could win the South. The Wildcats will also play Louisville in a nationally televised game on Wednesday, September 17.
The Wildcats are bringing back more upperclassmen than any team in the nation, and that could give K-State the edge they need.
“I don’t think anybody else has the combination of 21 seniors and 33 juniors,” Prince said. “I think that’s what we’ve been pushing towards, but we’ll have some decisions to make. That’s really got to be a leg up for us to have a lot of veteran players.”
After speaking, Prince stuck around and signed posters and various other items for local fans.
“I’ve worked at other institutions where you may do these things at the home of a big donor, and it’s more of an exclusive type thing, more of an invite-only thing, and I think this is great,” said Prince. “People come from all walks of life, and if you’re here tonight, it’s pretty low-key and people are enjoying each other.”
