Fans get first look at football players
- Aug. 15, 2012
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- udkne.ws/P00tef
The Kansas Jayhawks took to Memorial Stadium early Saturday morning, ready to practice on Fan Appreciation Day. Fans were in attendance and excited to see what the Jayhawks look like with Charlie Weis as the new head coach. Throughout scrimmage, fans could not help but like what they saw on the field out of the Jayhawks.
For every big play, Kansas fans cheered their team on, showing their excitement during practice as they wait for the season opener in three weeks against South Dakota State.
Freshman wide receiver and kick returner Tre Parmalee was a standout during Fan Appreciation Day. The biggest thing fans took away from Saturday’s practice was Parmalee’s speed and agility.
Parmalee caught a short pass from sophomore quarterback Turner Baty. Parmalee managed to turn the short reception into a touchdown play by dodging his defender and using his breakaway speed to reach the end zone. Parmalee said showed off his quickness again, putting fans on their feet with two kick return touchdowns during special teams practice.
“Tre’s turned into a great football player,” senior quarterback Dayne Crist said. “He’s incredibly motivated as a freshman who is not scared to compete. He’s coming in with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and trying to make his case that he should be playing. That’s great and we encourage that. He’s done a great job so far and I’ve been impressed by him.”
Following practice, Crist led his team to the 50-yard line, standing before the crowd in attendance and performed the Alma Mater in uniform with the fans. Shortly afterwards, the Jayhawks welcomed fans onto the field to sign autographs for 30 minutes.
While Crist continues to prepare, he gets his first big taste of the welcoming Kansas fans.
“It’s exciting and it’s flattering,” Crist said. “I feel bad that I was not able to get to everyone that came out today because I am really appreciative of them for coming out and for being around today.”
With tables setup on the track at Memorial Stadium, Crist had the biggest line with many fans thrilled to meet and greet him for the first time. Crist feels very comfortable in Lawrence and enjoys the positive remarks he has received from his new fans.
“The people here are so warm to everyone and receptive to myself and the team,” he said. “It’s great and it’s encouraging. We play for them.”
—Edited by Ryan McCarthy
