So far, so strange here in KC. Beside the fact that JW has the sense of direction of a blind, cave dwelling seeing eye dog things have gone pretty smooth outside of the arena.
"No John the sun sets in the west and Wichita is not a short walk from our hotel"- me trying to help JW find a Skywalk to the media hotel.
Anyway, talk about information overload. In the past 12 hours we have reported on Marquis Gilstrap's career coming to an end, Craig Brackins still undecided about whether to turn pro or not (he gone!), and Alison Lacey upright, breathing, but probably still won't play.
Plus, JW has burned through one battery life on his cell phone trying to keep up on the rumors/speculation back home about the future and health of Iowa coach Todd Lickliter.
All of this adds up to much anxiety and no fingernails but hey this is what we signed up for right? (I just wanted the free shirts to be honest)
One of the toughest things we have to do in our business is going into a losing teams locker room. The scene Wed. night after ISU's season came to an end was a bit emotional.
Marquis Gilstrap was distraught. I mean a mess. It took him 5 minutes (this after a 15 min waiting period) to compose himself enough for us to stick mics in his face. This BEFORE coach Greg McDermott told him his appeal for another year was denied by the NCAA.
I remember feeling similar after my final high school football game ( I mean who would be the hardest working special teams/water boy after I was gone) The only difference, Qwez will have a shot to play ball for money next year. I immediately started preparing for my non-speaking role as a ghoul in one of the worst One Act Play productions south central Minnesota has ever seen. Clearly I've gotten over it.
K-State vs. Oklahoma State tips in 30 minutes. Gotta go. And no I will not be watching it from the cheap seats unless I decide to sell my press pass. Which of course I would never do because I am rollin in dough.
