Williams says no thanK-U
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Roy Williams’ worst fear — that he would hurt those he cared about — came to pass on Monday.
Minutes after an emotional meeting at 4:40 p.m. EDT at Allen Fieldhouse where he told Kansas’ players he would take the men’s basketball coaching job at North Carolina, one Jayhawk standout reacted harshly.
“I gave my right arm for him, literally,” said sophomore forward Wayne Simien, who missed much of the season with an injured shoulder. “I gave my right arm for that man.”
Williams spent a week considering his choice between staying at Kansas — where he coached for 15 seasons and led the Jayhawks to four Final Fours — and his alma mater of North Carolina. He knew his decision would be greeted with joy at one school, and with despair at the other.
Three years ago, facing the same decision, Williams turned down North Carolina, saying he would stay at Kansas out of a sense of loyalty to his players. This time it was Kansas’ turn to be disappointed.
— David Scott, Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service
Wrestling hands out 2003 awards
The Oregon wrestling squad gave out its 2003 season awards on Sunday at a team banquet.
Shane Webster was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. The sophomore went 31-8 at 174, finishing with an All-American honor and sixth place at the NCAA Championships.
Senior Tony Overstake won his second consecutive Dave Abraham Award — given to the wrestler exhibiting tremendous passion for the sport — after finishing the season with a 22-12 record at 149. Overstake finished his collegiate career with an 89-48 record, including the 157 Pacific-10 Conference championship as a junior.
Jason Harless also earned an award for the second straight season — the Johnny Miller Award, given to the wrestler who gives 100 percent in academics, athletics and citizenship. The junior finished the season with a trip to the national tournament and a 17-15 record at 133 after battling late-season injuries.
Junior Branson Phillips won the Jed Kesey/Lorenzo West award for the most improved wrestler. Phillips earned the starting spot at 157 in early January and finished the season earning fifth place at the Pac-10 tournament.
Tony Rolen, who became the Ducks’ only true freshman to start regularly, was named Most Outstanding Freshman. Rolen went 6-15 at 184 in his first season — highlighted by a winning streak of three matches.
— Mindi Rice
Kriz named field athlete of the week
Oregon’s Adam Kriz was named the Pacific-10 Conference Field Athlete of the Week in the first 2003 edition of the awards on Monday. The honor came after he launched a seven-foot personal best in the hammer in Saturday’s Pepsi Team Invitational at Hayward Field. The heave put him fifth on the national list and fifth all-time at Oregon in the event.
A trio of USC athletes swept the rest of the Pac-10 weekly awards. Ryan Wilson won the men’s track award, Virginia Powell won the women’s track award and Julianna Tuda won the women’s field award.
— Peter Hockaday
