Big 12 Weekend Recap

As the Big 12 season winds down, several teams are trying to make a push for an NCAA Tournament bid and an opportunity to move up the Big 12 standings. No team made a stronger push than the Colorado Buffalos, who shocked Texas 91-89 and got back on the tournament radar. Colorado was down by 22 in the first half and found itself in a 48-33 hole at halftime, but was able to rally back thanks to Alec Burks' 33 points. The win saved Colorado's season, and puts the Buffs in a position to crash the big dance with a strong finish.

At the moment, the Big 12 has four tournament locks in Kansas, Texas, Texas A&M and Missouri, while Kansas State's win over Mizzou on saturday pretty much guarantees the Wildcats will be dancing in March barring an epic collapse to end the season. The Big 12 could easily get in a sixth and possibly even a seventh team in, the question is who? Nebraska was unable to carry any of its momentum from a huge win over Texas into its next two games, and now finds itself outside of the tournament picture at 6-8 in the conference. That leaves Baylor and Colorado, who are both 7-7 in the conference and have 18 wins overall. Colorado has the easiest road, with its last two games against Iowa State and Nebraska. Two wins to close the regular season and a strong Big 12 tournament performance might be enough for Colorado to sneak in. Baylor has a tougher schedule: an away game against Oklahoma State and then a home contest against Texas. It won't be easy, but a victory over the Longhorns would probably be enough to get the talented yet inconsistent Bears in the tournament.

Another factor to keep in mind is the Big 12 tournament, which should be better than ever this year with so many teams fighting for a postseason spot. With Kansas and Texas left with nothing to play for except a one seed possibility and the parity in the league this season, this could finally be a year that a team left for dead makes a run and wins the tournament. If a low seed wants to win it all though, it will likely have to go through Texas and Kansas - not exactly the easiest path to March Madness.

Bill Grigsby Dead at 89

Kansas City icon Bill Grigsby died on Saturday at the age of 89. Anyone who was a Chiefs fan will never forget "Grigs" on the radio broadcasts with his "old pal Leonard" Dawson. He was a broadcaster for the Chiefs for 46 years calling both Super Bowls the Chiefs were in. In total he was a broadcaster for more than 60 years getting his start in his hometown of Joplin, MO calling minor league baseball. He then moved to Kansas City and worked for the Kansas City Athletics ball club before joining the new AFL franchise that had just moved to Kansas City.

Bill Grigsby suffered from several medical problems over the last few years, he retired from the Chiefs in 2009 with his health deteriorating. He was diagnosed with Prostate cancer later, and suffered a broken hip last fall. The Chiefs honored him last season with a pregame ceremony on the field. He published his Autobiography in 2004.

I never met the man, but from all accounts he was a nice guy. He certainly had lots of energy - that would come through in his broadcasts, and he really seemed to enjoy life. I sure will never forget how he growled out the words "Prrriiccee Chhoopper" for his drop ins during Pre and post games. That's the best advertising Price Chopper ever got. It was certainly always a beautiful day when Grigsby was around! We should all be so lucky to live a long, happy life.

Another Record Snowfall Pounds the Kansas City Area

Another record snowfall for the Kansas City area, as KCI recorded 6.2 inches of snow. That shattered the old record of 3.8 inches set way back in 1934. Though not everyone got a half foot of snow, everyone in the Kansas City metro got a taste. Snowfall Totals ranged from 2" in the southern parts of the area, up to around nine inches to the northwest. Even die hard snow lovers have had it with winter in Kansas City that if you remember didn't even really start until January. We can hope, but don't expect this to be the last of it either.

There is another storm system setting up that could bring snow to Southern California before bringing heavy rains and possible snow Sunday into Monday.

Hang in there folks it can't last much longer. Check out some snowfall totals from around the Metro.

Overland Park - 2.2 inches
KCI - 6.2 inches
Lees Summit - 2.7 inches
Leavenworth - 8.7 inches
Gran Valley - 1.5 inches
Independence - 4.0 inches
Blue Springs - 4.0 inches
St Joseph - 8.4 inches
Bonner Springs - 5.1 inches
Pleasant Hill - 1 inch

Wins For K State and Mizzou Set up Big Game on Saturday

Wins by both Kansas State and Missouri on Wednesday sets up an intriguing match up this Saturday in Manhattan at the Octagon of Doom (still the world's stupidest nickname for an arena). Kansas State has been on fire of late winning 5 of their last 6 since being blown out in Lawrence - including an impressive victory over Kansas.

Mizzou has also won 5 of their last 6, but have just recently picked up their first Conference road win over an abysmal Iowa State team. The Tigers won the previous meeting between the two schools earlier this year in Columbia.

A Missouri victory this Saturday will strengthen their position in the top 4 of the Big 12 Standings and a first round bye in the Conference Tournament, and earn them more respect nationally with an impressive road win. A victory by K State, I think would almost assuredly earn them a spot in the NCAA tournament. Missouri is surely in at this point with 22 wins and a guaranteed Conference Record of at least .500 - not to mention undefeated at home (so far).

For Missouri to pull off the victory they will need great efforts by their big men. The three forwards (Ratliffe, Bowers, and Safford) combined for 40 points and 25 boards against Baylor Wednesday night. They will need a repeat performance to knock off K State on Saturday night.

Joakim Soria Wants to Drop "Mexicutioner" Nickname

Joakim Soria wants to drop his nickname the "Mexicutioner." Soria feels the nickname is too negative, especially given the drug violence and turmoil in his homeland of Mexico. While Soria's heart is in the right place, it can be hard for an athlete to shed a catchy nickname, and Soria's nickname ranks among the best of active athletes.

Soria has been one of the few bright spots for the Royals' organization over the past few seasons. Unfortunately for Soria, the Royals media have already sold many t-shirts branding him as "the Mexicutioner" and it has gained cult status among Kansas City fans. Soria offered that some of the best closers in baseball, including Mariano Rivera, do not have any nicknames, and that if fans wanted to call him something they could dub him "his Mexillency." Not working for me.

I understand Soria's reservations towards his nickname, but feel that the name is too awesome for Soria to drop. There are thousands of athlete nicknames, and most are really lame. Look at the best athlete nicknames ever; Soria's nickname ranks right up there with some of the best in sports. Will Soria's nickname stick? Only time will tell, but I for would miss watching "the Mexicutioner" close out the seldom wins the Royals will pick up next year.