Coach Self and the Jayhawks Host `Ladies Night Out' at the Phog
Oct. 27, 2011
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Among the Crimson and Blue was a strong showing of pink Thursday night as head coach Bill Self and the rest of the men’s basketball team hosted the annual “Ladies Night Out” at Allen Fieldhouse.
The event benefitted Jayhawks for a Cure and all proceeds were donated to Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KU Cancer Center in an effort to fund cancer research.
“This is for a great cause,” said Coach Self. “This event sold out in about 36 hours, so that means we will be able to generate close to 40-thousand dollars for cancer research.”
The 450 women in attendance were treated to an opening introduction by Coach Self and the men’s basketball players as well as a special highlight video of Jayhawk basketball history. Once the lights were turned back on and the film reached its conclusion, Coach Self gave the female fans on hand a crash course in basketball fundamentals
“I’m excited because this a great way to learn more about basketball,” said Jayhawk fan and Lawrence resident Mary Kate Dobski
“Coach Self is just a personable guy,” said KU season ticket holder Megan Sheldon. “It’s really great to come here tonight with all of my friends.”
Once the on-court demonstrations wrapped up, Coach Self and 450 of his newest friends broke up into individual stations, where the ladies were taught skills such as dribbling, passing and shooting. The evening also featured an autograph and photo session with players and coaches for all participants as well as a lesson in strength and conditioning with KU sport performance director Andrea Hudy. After the ladies’ Crimson and Blue adventures came to an end, they were treated to one last outing; an hors d’oeuvres hour with Coach Self and his staff inside the Booth Hall of Athletics.
“Tonight these ladies got to see a different side of what this is all about,” the ninth year head coach said. “So I think they are just having fun seeing all the players and some of the special guests we have here this evening.”
One of those special guests included former KU coach and NCAA national champion Larry Brown, who was in town and decided to make an appearance.
Ladies Night Out with Bill Self is one of several Jayhawks for the Cure events that will take place throughout the 2011-2012 athletic year as part of a campus-wide initiative to bring awareness to cancer research. Student-athletes, coaches and staff work together with the university and the community of Lawrence to raise funds for cancer research at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and the KU Cancer Center.
For more information, go to the “Jayhawks For a Cure” official website at: http://www.kuathletics.com/ot/for-a-cure.html
