KU's Wayne Simien Honored at State Capital

March 30, 2005

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TOPEKA, Kan. –

Government officials at the state capital in Topeka honored University of Kansas men’s basketball senior Wayne Simien this morning for his academic and athletic achievements.

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Governor Kathleen Sebelius started the honors with a proclamation for Simien, honoring his many high school and collegiate achievements. Simien’s parents – Wayne, Sr. and Margaret, his sister Dione and KU head coach Bill Self also attended the festivities.

Following the governor’s proclamation, Simien entered the Senate floor for a resolution. Representative David Wysong introduced the resolution. After the Senate, the group proceeded to the House of Representative’s floor for another resolution. Both resolutions were passed unanimously.

Simien signed numerous autographs during and between ceremonies and visited with the representatives from his home city of Leavenworth, Kan., and counties of Douglas and Wyandotte.

The proclamation and resolutions honored Simien for his achievements throughout his Leavenworth High School and KU careers. This past season he earned consensus first-team All-American, first-team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Player of the Year accolades. Simien is a finalist for numerous national player-of-the-year honors, including the Naismith Award, the Wooden Award and the Bayer Advantage Senior CLASS Award.