2009 Kanza Bowl
Game description: The inaugural Lower Kanza Bowl was an exciting game, pitting the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks from the MIAA versus West Texas A&M University Buffaloes from the Lone Star Conference. West Texas came out on top by a score of 31 to 25, and the game was definitely reflective of the close final score. West Texas led at half-time 10 to 9 and the game was in doubt right up to the final minute. The Mavericks won the stats battle, having more first downs, total yards, and time of possession, but the Buffaloes had the top stat with the final score. Brittan Golden, wide receiver for the Buffaloes was named their Most Outstanding Player, catching 5 passes for 119 yards. Freshman running back Levi Terrell was named the Most Outstanding Player for the Mavericks, rushing for 84 yards on 28 carries. For a more complete description of the game, click here.
Stats: For complete game stats click here .
Sponsors: For a list of our key sponsors click here .
Pre-Game Events: While the game itself is always the focal point of any bowl game, the Lower Kanza Bowl set a goal of providing both fun and education with pre-game events. On Friday before the Saturday game, both teams took trips to a couple special places in Topeka. One visit was to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and Museum. link This site was the former Monroe Elementary School represented in the 1954 Supreme Court decision that led to integration of public schools across the country. The second visit was to The Easter Seals Capper Foundation. link The Capper Foundation provides services to primarily children with developmental disabilities. Both visits provided the players and coaches of both teams with moving examples of how individuals can over come significant obstacles in their lives. The final stop for the player's tour was to the Festival of Trees. link This event, where individuals and businesses decorate christmas trees that are sold at auction as a fund raiser for Sheltered Living, Inc., which provides services for men and women with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. One of the prize winning trees for auction was the Kanza Bowl tree, created by our bowl title sponsor, Lower, Inc.
Bowl Banquet: No bowl game would be complete without a player's banquet, and the Lower Kanza Bowl was no exception. Both teams took advantage of an excellent meal provided at the Ramada Inn, which was one of the team hotels by one of our presenting sponsors, Parrish Hotel Corporation. The Athletic Directors and Coaches from both teams addressed the packed banquet hall and everybody was entertained with a surprise performance of Topeka's version of the "Blues Brothers". Nebraska Omaha coach Pat Behrns and West Texas coach Don Carthel both got an opportunity to show off their dance skills with the Blues Brothers, much to the delight of their players and fans.
