Recently, ESPN, just before a commercial break, thought
they’d epitomize just how pathetic University of Kansas football has become by
picturing an isolated student sitting in bleacher seats shortly after a
thunderstorm delay in Lawrence. A loan
female sat intently crocheting with no interest in the televised Big 12
matchup. To underscore the scarcity of
fans, ESPN zoomed away from an ocean of empty bleachers. The picture went viral online and the 11-second
clip quickly became known as the ‘Crochet Lady.’ Numerous jabs and jokes similar to this one poured
in from around the country; “See, Kansas football has at least one fan. A disengaged and uninterested fan, but a fan
nonetheless!” (I happen to be another)
Whether
intentional or not, who could blame ESPN or the national audience for spreading
their jollies, seizing a wonderful metaphor between KU football and crocheting? As fans reseated, more Sooner (6-0) red than
Jayhawk (2-4) blue painted David Booth Memorial Stadium leading one to believe
the game was being hosted in Norman rather than Lawrence. A proverbial cellar dweller in the Big 12
Conference, the abysmal Jayhawks celebrated breaking an 11-year streak. Earlier this season, they captured their
first road victory over a Division 1 opponent dating back to October 4, 2009, two
years before the iPad existed. Kansas
football has largely been reduced in the minds of many fans to ‘club status.’ To lose to Kansas generally leads to an
opposing coach’s demise among the coaching hot seats. Even frustrated Kansas, at one time, was
paying three former head coaching contracts simultaneously.
But who is ‘Crochet Lady’?
Had she not been the character in that viral commercial break, I doubt
student journalists would have delved into her story.
Her name is Hailey, a name appropriate for a
thunderstorm. She’s a KU senior studying
civil engineering. “That’s the first
football game I’d ever been to.” (not surprising!) Hailey attended because an engineering
professor she’d nominated for Outstanding Progressive Educator won and was to
be recognized at the game.
Hailey had
written in her nomination, “Dr. Matt is one of the most remarkable people I
have ever met. He is not just an
exemplary professor; he is a genuinely good person. He not only gave me the confidence to pursue
engineering, he reignited my passion for it at a time when I needed it most,
and he treats everyone with limitless respect, patience, and concern. I will spend the rest of my life striving to
be as kind, as dedicated, and as willing to help others as Dr. Matt.”
Hailey attended the game solely in honor
of Dr. Matt’s recognition. However,
mixed communications resulted in Dr. Matt having no knowledge of his recognition
and, thus, he did not attend. He was
nowhere near the stadium. (miscommunication,
no surprise; that’s Jayhawk offense/defense season after season). Dr. Matt’s name appeared on the jumbotron and
echoed from loud speakers across the Hill while Hailey paused from crocheting
to cheer!
Hailey
doesn’t crochet without purpose. She is
one of the founders for Warm the World, a campus organization. “We teach people how to knit and crochet for
free. Everything we make is donated to
the homeless to help them during the winter.
It’s one of my greatest accomplishments.”
No doubt,
Hailey is engineering more than bridges and highways. She’s affirmed power in positive
relationships, profound teaching, hard work, and dedication to others. I don’t imagine there are many members in
Warm the World, but I think God’s “play-calling” with ESPN’s 11-second spot invites
many more through Hailey’s intensity, genuine goodness and gratitude. I don’t
know how popular Warm the World is, but my soul swells with a gracious smile hoping,
thinking it is more popular than Kansas football!
In gratitude, I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving!!!
Interview quotations taken from Mitch Quaney, student
reporter at the University of Kansas.
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