By KEVIN HASKIN
TopSports.news
Musings at the mid-month:
• What makes us different is the stories we share.
• Not a house, a car, a boat, a section of land or a vacation getaway with beach access. OK, that last one might defeat the purpose of this narrative.
• It’s still the stories we share and the people we count on as family and friends, peers and mentors.
• Sadly, though, too many can share stories of random, senseless gun violence.
• That list includes an estimated million or so who attended the Chiefs Super Bowl rally, including busloads of kids.
• The same kids who barely know how to open a milk carton before learning active shooter drills.
• It was kids, or juveniles as police called them, charged in the shooting that marred the Super Bowl parade through Kansas City.
• In the time it takes to squeeze a trigger, the shooting and our mortality dominated discussions far more than Patrick Mahomes’ talent and immortality.
• That will change. The Chiefs will take the field again. We’ll fill the same seats we customarily watch the game from.
• And, we’ll engage with a hardened resolve to unite and support the city, the region and its football dynasty.
• But damn, that shooting sucks. All of them do. And, with them all, regardless of the assailants or their motives (if any), comes a wave of reflection, sadness, grief, anger and blame.
• Action is necessary. To take it, start with this foundational element: murder is a crime and should not be condoned.
• Sadly, this is our America. It’s part of our routine conversation, and unfortunately, part of too many stories we share.
• As we begin to see how the Chiefs construct their 2024 roster, I’ll pay attention without obsessing over every addition and departure.
• After all, Mahomes isn’t going anywhere. He will adjust to the talent that surrounds him, and during the biggest moments, know how to beat an opponent.
• It’s as if he tinkers in a lab coat for three quarters before devising the decisive blow alongside Andy Reid.
• Best Super Bowl revelation: Nick Allegretti played all 79 snaps in the Super Bowl, the majority with a busted elbow, after logging 79 snaps the entire regular season.
• Worth a chuckle: The extensive bandwagon of Swifties. The whole Taylor-Travis tryst seemed joyous to me. Unfortunately, many Americans tend to frown on joy, it seems.
• Andy dandy: Designing a play called Tom and Jerry (with a Corndog twist), allowing oft-maligned Mecole Hardman to score a walk-off touchdown to win the Super Bowl.
• Strangest concession: Many of the 49ers remarked that they didn’t know the overtime rules. But they could tell you about shoddy practice fields, false fire alarms and Super Bowl grievances.
• Best commercial: Must disqualify myself. Watched the game with a big group of Advisors Excel teammates in Cabo on our company trip. Didn’t pay enough attention during breaks.
• Helpful hint: Watching among a large group helps mute Tony Romo. Highly recommend it. Thanks, AE.
• We shouldn’t downplay the gauntlet that is the Big 12 and how it prepares any conference team when the NCAA Tournament begins.
• Time remains for KU to get righted. The road win over Oklahoma is a start.
• Perimeter defense and periodic offensive funks are the Jayhawks’ downfall. They seem listless at times, rarely a trait of a Bill Self team.
• Time has, in all likelihood, run out on K-State. When I watch, it always seems the Cats would benefit by having another key contributor. Wonder why that is?
• Big 12 outcomes riding on the outcome of any one call is a reason to be on edge about officiating.
• Yet two premier coaches got tossed from lopsided games — Kelvin Sampson with Houston leading big and Bill Self with Kansas down big.
• Those ejections can be seen as statements to the Big 12. Conversations will be had between coaches, administrators and the conference office.
• Complaints, however, will never cease, nor will the lousy perception about officiating. Again, it’s the world we live in.
• Potential help for the situation can begin at the university, though.
• Offer officiating classes. Get students involved. Begin feeder programs that enable students to officiate sports for middle schools or possibly high schools.
• It’s a thankless job, yes. But not so much if big-time coaches encouraged students to get involved.
• One reason for poor officiating is the pool of officials continues to decrease. The KSHSAA is constantly begging for people to give it a try. So do other state high school associations.
• It’s not for everyone. But someone needs to step forward before no one is left wearing a whistle.
• Davy Babb was remembered at a recent celebration as a caring soul capable of offering support with a quick smile or word of encouragement.
• I covered the Highland Park team he coached that almost derailed 6A powerhouse Wichita South in the 1988 state basketball final.
• The Scots did so as a No. 8 seed. After a blitzing start keyed a first round win, the opposing coach was asked what his team could have done differently. “Recruit Chicago,” he said.
• I remember Davy’s smile and wit, including one night after the Topeka Invitational Tournament concluded when we swapped tales into the wee hours with Willie Nicklin.
RIP Davy. Life is truly about the memories we make and the stories we share.
