OT, partly, Furphy and women's VB success

Got to meet Johnny, once by chance, during his short stay as a Jayhawk. Nice kid. We grew up in neighboring suburbs in Melbourne and we both played Aussie rules football. Will miss seeing him in AFH, especially his smile and hustle.

KU women's VB team is doing a European trip including playing U20 teams in Hungary and Slovenia. So far they are 4/0 but am unsure of the quality of the competition. They move on to play in Italy, Modena and Milan. Italians are crazy about VB so I expect the competition to be better for the last two games. Bechard seems to have recruited a very good freshman class. Need one outside hitters to come through to help replace Reagan Cooper, and a middle blocker , although we have some carry over at those spots.

For those that do not know me, I am Aussie born but genetically Italian. Modena, Italy, is famous for what? Food and cars. Yes the home of Ferrari cars and the area is know for its food, cheeses, prosciutto and wine. I love that part of Italy. Milan is probably the commercial center of Italy. Not one of my favorite cities in Italy.

Grazie

Happy for Johnny but sad to see him go. I saw a lot of Christian Braun in him (except that JF always had a smile versus the in-your-face attitude of CB), but I thought the skills and game were very similar. Maybe JF was less physical but I expected another year in the weight room would see that area improve.

I'll have to find another "favorite player" for next year. Since I'm Lawrence-born and bred I hope that will be Zeke Mayo.

Team split with the Modena. From the joint photograph of the two teams, it looked like the Modena team was an older and taller team compared to those they faced in Hungary and Slovenia. Now on to Milan where I think they will be really challenged. Get the impression that one of the freshman middles is making an impression. Should be a fun season this Fall.