PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. – Day one of Spring brought more than just nice weather. Many metro college basketball fans took advantage of the sunshine and made their way out to watch the Kansas Jayhawks compete in the NCAA Tournament.
Many of the youngest Jayhawk fans got to cheer on their team since they’re not in school because of Spring Break. Kansas took home a 75 to 56 win over New Mexico State.
“I like KU and basketball!” “Rock Chalk Jayhawk!” one fan exclaimed.
There was no doubt who many of the families at Johnny’s Tavern in Prairie Village were rooting for Friday morning. Dozens of Kansas fans packed the neighborhood hotspot for the Jayhawk’s NCAA tournament opener against New Mexico State.
Melissa Bergkamp and her husband brought their 11-year-old twins along to watch the game.
“We’re huge college basketball fans. They play basketball, my husband played basketball, it’s all we do,” she said.
That type of family influence is what brought some of the youngest Jayhawks out to watch the teams face off.
“It’s the biggest moment kind of, of basketball history. If you lose you’re out, do or die,” Melissa’s son, Gus, said.
“It’s kind of like being a part of a team that all wants the same thing,” Stella Hokanson , another young KU fan, said.
Her little brother Owen wasn’t as concerned about the score.
“I don’t really pay attention to the game. I just play on my iPod sometimes,” he said.
Kids weren’t the only ones taking advantage of Spring Break and the nice weather. FOX 4 caught up with a group of insurance brokers who work down the street. Gerald Rappold said they consider Johnny’s Tavern their “south office.” He brought along his iPad and said he was working, so he believes “hookie” would be too harsh a term for how they spent their afternoon.
“I’m just trying to keep up with a little work today,” Rappold said with a laugh.
The final score: Kansas advances in the Big Dance, taking home a 75-56 win over New Mexico State.
