Only a few times in human history has someone been excited to go to Kansas City. Laura and my trip was one of them. My roommate in college and currently in Atlanta, Tory, proudly grew up in Kansas City (Tory is also a frequent CCRT 2010 commenter). Since 2004, he's regaled me with stories of KU, the Royals, Shawnee Mission West, and of course, Harms, Nug, Brady, Dill, and Mars.
For our trip, we tried to relive the first 19 years of his life in six hours. I think we came close, sans a trip to the casino, getting in goal at Shawnee Mission West, and eating a roast beef, cheese, and jalapeño sandwich at Mr. Good-Cents. Tory thought this was achievable, giving us the advice, "you only need a night to see Kansas".
Special thanks to Ryan Harms, who put us up. Harms was one of Tory's best friends growing up. The accommodations were like Cribs: Lenexa. He had a 4-BR house with a tricked out basement, large deck, broken hot tub, tribute to KU basketball, "Harms"-engraved pool balls, multiple big screens and bars, a huge dog, a closet-full of basketball shoes, and an SUV on 22s. Nothing in this paragraph is false.
I have to admit, it was strange to see KC without Tory there as a guide. After a fun night, there's a chance I'll be back. Maybe for next year's Lenexa BBQ competition?
Here's our journey in pictures:
Kansas, the most storied basketball program in history*
Standing in front of Phog Allen Fieldhouse, the best place in the country to watch a game*
"Rock Chalk Jayhawk", the best cheer in college sports*
Entering the KU basketball museum, with multiple game-like exhibits. If for whatever reason you are driving by KU, it's definitely worth a stop.
My favorite was an announcer's booth where I got to relive Mario's miracle and "Rock Chalk Championship"
Laura's reaction time was one of the best of the day. Thankfully I beat her in the vertical jump competition.
Probably what Tory wore to school from 5th-8th grade. "The first time I ever cried was when KU was knocked out of the tournament by Utah" in the late 1990s*. That line-up was "stacked", going 7-8 deep with NBA players.
Shaq - Harm's dog that is 190 lbs and growing. It was like the dog from Sandlot, or a horse*.
The house that Tory grew up in. (I'm not joking. Thankfully nobody thought it was weird we were taking creepy pictures).
Where Tory lived his high school years.
The Royals finally showed a heart*, winning with a walk-off single in the 10th.
*according to Tory through our thousands of conversations over the years.
Too funny. I'm honored that I was worthy of a CCRT stop. I almost find it depressing that you were able to see 18 years of my life in one night, but that's the charm of Kansas. When you come with me we are hitting a casino, the great Lenexa BBQ, and Mr. Goodcents (that's all that is left for you to see... literally).
ReplyDeleteOnly two corrections. I cried after KU lost to Arizona in '97 (not Utah) and I wore the #11 Jacque Vaughn (autographed) jersey growing up, not the Nick Collison #4. Otherwise, every single quote was accurate.
Good luck w/ the last week, see you on Friday for a fun weekend of moving.
Jeremy,
ReplyDeleteAfter years of ragging you about your blogs I have to give you credit and respect on this posting. Way too funny because of the near perfect accuracy.
Looks like you and Laura had a great time. Harms was the perfect guide (kudo's to Harms!).
Best wishes on your upcoming wedding and Harvard experience.
Signed "Big Sal"
Hilarious post Jeremy! I especially love all of the Tory quotes over the years. The only other Tory experience that would have made your trip complete is if you would have participated in one of Tory's classically unfair neighborhood baseball tournaments. Tory was renowned for stacking his team with his athletic friends and leaving Kevin with the neighborhood weaklings. Have fun on the rest of your trip. Don't hesitate to reach out if you and Laura need any Beantown/Cambridge advice. I'm jealous you guys are on the brink of two amazing years.
ReplyDeleteHad a great time guys, nice post. Happy to host again, Lenexa BBQ 2011 is right around the corner as well as another item on your bucket list, seeing a game in the historic Allen Fieldhouse
ReplyDeleteOnly correction: I do not have a broken hot tub, that was removed over a year ago.
Any you forgot to mention, watching some hip hop DVDs on the way to KC, MO
Good Times...
Rock Chalk.
-HARMS