Kansas Basketball: A Jayhawks fan and his son

Being a fan of Kansas Basketball can be rewarding in itself. On this Father’s Day, being a fan of the Jayhawks is more about family than just wins and losses.

Being a sports fan is often times something that was passed down from father to son. As a young child, we all want to emulate what we see our father do. Even if your father was a casual Sunday afternoon football fan, you saw him watch and wanted to be a part of what he was interested in. Chris’ father was a fan of Kansas Basketball.

Now, Chris is a fan of Kansas Basketball. He has been since he was a little boy. Before he knew the history of the Jayhawks, or how spoiled he was about to become.

It’s part of a father’s influence, a part of something handed down from father to son. It’s one of the most important things that a father can do. Not only for his child but for himself. It serves as a constant connection between the two individuals.

Little boys and girls need their fathers. Fathers need their children. It’s so important to be there for each other. Fathers are heroes to their kids. A child gives a father the opportunity to be the most influential person that will ever come into their life.

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Chris’ parents got divorced before his first birthday, living with his mother in Oklahoma, and his dad living in Kansas. Every other weekend Gary would drive two hours South and Two hours North, twice. He did this until Chris could drive. He wasn’t around long enough to raise a child, but he was around enough to teach.

He taught Chris everything he knew about sports. How to throw a ball, how to catch one. How to shoot a free throw with your elbows in. Why you never run on 4th and 10. He taught Chris that the Kansas Jayhawks were the best team to root for and the proudest fanbase to be a part of. He taught Chris how to win with respect, and lose with grace.

Chris has only been to one game at Allen Fieldhouse, back in 1996. With his dad and stepbrother. He remembers everything about that evening to this day, 22 years later. The Jayhawks won 84-56. We sat up high behind the Kansas bench, watching Jaque Vaughn, Scot Pollard, Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz, and Jerod Haase dominate from start to finish.

It’s a childhood memory that will never go away. Other than a few creative Christmas’ and holidays, it was a memory that stood out. Nothing stood out as much as the next paragraph though.

The tiny, Southern Kansas town Gary lived in had a screwy cable system. One weekend he had made plans to watch a Ku/Mizzou matchup with his son. 20 minutes before the game started He found out the Kansas Game wouldn’t be on his small town.

Chris witnessed his dad refuse to take no for an answer. Noticeably upset, Gary yelled at Chris to get in the car. About nine miles later in straight silence, Chris’ father pulled in to a motel, parked the car, and walked into the main office. He walked out with a key in his hand.

Chris’ dad got a room for a night just so he and his son could watch the game together. Chris was around 13 at the time. After a close game was won by the Jayhawks, the two celebrated, turned the television off, handed in the key, and went back home.

Chris thinks about that day at least once a week, which makes him think about his father, which at times, leads to a phone call.

Sports is more important than many think. It brings people together. It gives people passion when passion may be rare in said persons’ life. It helps memories and relationships last beyond our physical presence here on earth.

Play with your kids, teach your kids, coach your kids.

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My dad is my hero. He isn’t perfect. I know this because I am his son. We are similar. My dad is the reason I love the Kansas Jayhawks. He is the reason I once was filled with useless sports knowledge. To each and every father that takes the time to play, and teach, and coach, and love your sons and daughters, thank you.

Happy Father’s Day Kingdom. Happy Father’s Day pops.

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