The wind outside is stiff. Typical Kansas. If the wind weren’t so strong, it would be a near perfect night for football. However, with that wind, it’s going to feel 10-15 degrees colder. I have never had to wear three layers under my parka–L.L. Bean Baxter State Parka, the warmest they make–on September 12, but there’s a first for everything.

Fall doesn’t officially start until Sept. 21. Some have said we are in for a brutally cold and snowy winter. I can live with the former, the latter will be more problematic. I wish it could snow all the time to alleviate the moisture problem, but if it keeps snowing, I can’t get on the roads to cover events. Catch-22.

Now that I remember, I was bundled up two years ago on September 14 when Smith Center hosted Oberlin. I’m going to forgo the long johns tonight. I hope I don’t regret it.

It’s a far cry from Louisiana, where I would go some seasons without wearing long pants until the playoffs began. Also, what I wore wasn’t as important on many nights, since I was often in a climate-controlled press box. I wish I had the skills I have now back in 1999 when I was in Independence and found out there was only room for coaches in the press box. Had I been able to operate then as I can no, no problem.