Having led good men in jungle combat a few decades ago, and with long tenure as a Fed/SWAT leader confronting bad guys across the spectrum, one might assume such active service would have dissipated any nervous anxiety that might now visit me at this less violent point of my life. That assumption would be wholly incorrect as there is nothing more nerve-wracking to this old 'Cat every single year than the approach of KU football week.
By now, my attentive family knows this and will give me a wide berth this week. And although the Maryland lady around here has never even been to Kansas, she is certainly aware of the clear distinction between "something called the Jayhawks"--as she tells her mom on the phone--"and his team, the Wildcats." She adds, "And his team wears purple.. Isn't that cooool?"
Here is something for younger 'Cats to think about--and to look forward to... I am 69 years old, long gone from Manhattan, and my aversion to Kansas University sports is stronger today than it was when Manhattan was in my rear view mirror in 1970.
In witnessing this annual behavior, many good friends over the years who realize I'm a fairly reasonable and grounded fellow have asked me what they think is a good question, to wit: Why do you hate that other school so much. And in response, I'm sure they find the answer unsatisfying because all I say is, "To loath them, you have to know them. And you don't know them. I damn well do know them... Therefore, I hate."
If we win on Saturday, I'm good for another year of sheer bliss on this issue. If we lose, I am inconsolable, as the lady would tell you.
So, I take nothing for granted. We only need win the game by one damn point, and I am fine with that. But we must win!
Go Cats! Beat KU!!
