The K-State Mask

First it was the Growel Towel.

Then it was EcoKat.

Now we have 'The KState Mask.' 

"Angelo Pease.  Stop spinning.  It's not working.  Just run straight."

(The language is a little PG-13 ... so careful around your kids.)

I do like his new nickname for Arthur Brown, as well.

The Autograph

Collin Klein is a big guy. 

I know now because I met him Friday night and he was every inch of the 6'-5" listed in the media guide.  Thanks to my father-in-laws epic 'Golden Cat' status, the family was treated to a full tour of the football team facilities there at BSFS the night prior to the 2012 opener.

While waiting for the tour and reception, we had our chance to get our football signed by Klein.  It took him 12 seconds to make this signature.  Twelve seconds.  Think about how fast most guys sign their signature to something.  Three seconds?  Four?  Count that out and imagine someone signing their name to a piece of merchandise for a fan they just met. Five seconds is an eternity signing autographs ... and most of the time it's barely legible.

This took 12 seconds to write / draw.

He was gracious.  He thanked us for the support.  He high-fived my youngest daughter Erynn. (twice).  Everyone was a winner.

And even though the rest of the team was probably used to Klein getting stopped these days just about everywhere he goes, I could tell they were all still laughing a bit.  The days of #7 being a dark horse for Kansas State are clearly over.

I even introduced him as "Mr. Klein" to the kids.  Which felt awkward. I've meet Bishop. Kavanagh. Beasley.  Not once did I call them "Mr." first.  "Hello, Mr. Bishop.  Glad to meet your aquiantence sir.  Guess the NFL was a bit of a longshot, no?" 

Usually it was just their last name, or maybe even just their first.  But calling Collin Klein -- Collin, or Klein, didn't feel respectful enough.  So "Mr. Klein" it was.

What I really wanted to say is how much I respect his game.  How great a leader he is.  How inspiring his engagement this summer was (which, by the way, if you haven't read the article written by D. Scott Fritchen in Powercat Illustrated about his remarkable engagement and eventual marriage, it is an incredible story of faith and character.)  All that.

But, you sort of just hope you aren't bothering him too much or offering too much of a distraction.  Break the mental stranglehold Snyder requires his players to have the night before a game?  A scary thought to be sure. 

So what was Klein listening to?  I imagine it was probably the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Or the "Purpose Driven Life."

That's what I imagine Co-, ahem, Mr. Klein, does when he's not on the field.  He prays.  He studies playbooks.  He mentors Daniel Sams and Sam Johnson and his brother Kyle.  He follows Snyders' 16 Goals and probably worked them into his marriage ceremony.

And as a present and future KSU legend, I'm proud to have that football now displayed in our office ... right next to my Bill Snyder autographed mini-helmet. 

Both of them legends.

Both of them incredible examples of what Kansas State means to me, and our family.

Both of them not listening to the 'Party Rock Anthem' on their Ipods (which my kids know by heart, I might add.)

Welcome to the PurpleKoolaid.