Friday, September 26, 2014

October, Here We Come!

By: Dara Bitler

I have been a Royals fan for as long as I can remember. I've seen the good, the bad, and certainly, the ugly. Tonight, I got to witness one of the most amazing scenes I've ever seen; the Royals clinch their first playoff berth since 1985. I've never seen anything like what I saw tonight.

I'm speechless...words can't begin to describe how happy and excited I am.

After watching almost every game this season I feel like I can finally breathe...at least a little. Season after season of missed opportunity finally came to a close tonight.

There is nothing harder than watching a team you love knowing that they've got no shot at a postseason-- which is what I've seen the majority of my life, give or take a couple seasons where the Royals came close to getting to the postseason.

The drought is over, Kansas City!

We are not done yet! We still have a chance to clinch the division title and why not dream big, lets go get a World Series Championship!




Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Why We Believe



Everyone has something they believe in. As a member of the K-State family, I believe in K-State.


With the 2014 football season approaching, our belief in Bill Snyder is at an all time high. If someone were to ask me why I believe in Bill Snyder, it would be an easy explanation.

Bill Snyder is one of the greatest coaches in the history of college football. He gives the K-State fan base something to believe in. He has proven time and time again that he take can a program that is in shambles and turn it into something magical.

Bill Snyder would be my definition of a legend. He has dedicated his entire life to better our university and football team. He has not only touched the lives of his players and staff, but also the lives of the students on campus and K-State fans around the world.

Unselfish, genuine, and determined are just a few words that I would use to describe Bill Snyder. He carries the entire K-State family on his back and never takes credit for any of the success. Bill Snyder is truly amazing.

The way Bill Snyder lives his life is easily reflected in the 16 Goals he instills in his football players.

  1. Commitment
  2. Unselfishness
  3. Unity
  4. Improve
  5. Be Tough
  6. Self-Discipline
  7. Great Effort
  8. Enthusiasm
  9. Eliminate Mistakes
  10. Never Give Up
  11. Don’t Accept Losing
  12. No Self Limitations
  13. Expect to Win
  14. Consistency
  15. Leadership
  16. Responsibility


Just imagine how successful we’d all be if we chose to follow this list of goals.

When I look back to my freshman year at K-State, I could never forget what it was like to attend a football game when Ron Prince was the head coach. I’m certainly glad that it was the only year I had to witness that type of football.  I remember going to a few game where I couldn’t even stand to be there for more than a quarter of football. During most games the stands would be nearly empty following halftime. The tension on campus was so thick you could cut it with a knife. We had nothing to believe in.

When Bill Snyder returned to K-State, he gave us all something to believe in. We’d seen him rebuild a team before and we all knew that he could do it again. It hasn’t taken long for us to witness the power 
of Bill Snyder.

From a Big 12 Championship to winning the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl 31-14 against Michigan, we’ve watched Bill Snyder put the pieces back together for K-State Football.

I have no reason to believe this season is going to be any different, I believe this season is going to be special. I believe in Bill Snyder.

BRING ON THE CATS!

Be sure to check out my weekly colum, The Wabash Line, on The Salute


Saturday, August 9, 2014

Being A Wildcat


I’m a Wildcat. It’s something I don’t have to think about, I just know it. My blood is purple, my passion, endless.
Those that know me could never imagine that I grew up as anything other than a Wildcat. I spent the majority of my younger years in a community in Missouri where being anything other than a Tiger fan would make you an outcast. While that still rings true for the majority of my family, I’m now considered the outcast.
It all started during my junior year of high school. I moved to Kansas but never really knew much about Kansas schools. I went on a visit to K-State and from that day forward, I became a Wildcat.
Attending K-State was the best experience of my life. There’s no feeling more powerful than walking into a packed parking lot, filled with your entire K-State family at the Bill on a Saturday afternoon. Hearing Crazytrain blasting through the speakers gives me chills. There’s so much tradition, from the clanking of keys at the start of a game to singing the Alma Mater song at the end of the game. I think I only knew “Hail, Hail, Hail, Alma Mater” for the first 4 years I sang it. There was always a chance I stood behind someone wearing the shirt with the words on the back of it and then, of course, I belted out the entire song. The Sandstorm in Bramlage during a close game is an experience that is hard to top. Just imagine a roaring crowd of thousands of students, jumping up and down, screaming “KSU, KSU, KSU” as they pound their fists in the air. It’s awesome!
On the days I’m not working, my choice of clothing isn’t decided like most girls, I have to choose which K-State T-Shirt I will wear. On game days that I’m not attending, you will find me head-to-toe in K-State gear. My personal favorite is my K-State snuggie. I was once on a K-State commercial doing the Wabash in my snuggie in the front row of a K-State men’s basketball game.
If you see a girl frantically waving at you while you’re driving down the road, it’s probably because I saw a powercat on your car or a K-State license plate. It’s amazing how many people you can meet anywhere in the United States that are K-State fans!
Being a fan is a way of life. The entire K-State nation is my family. Therefore, I will cheer when they cheer. I will grieve when they grieve. I will hope when they’re hopeful (even when they’re not, I’ll still hope). Win or lose, I’m a Wildcat.
There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Kansas State University. I love my school and I love the Wildcat way of life.
It’s almost football time! BRING ON THE CATS!
Be sure to check out my weekly column, The Wabash Line on The Salute

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Kansas City Chiefs 2014 Season Predictions

By: Dara Bitler @SportsWithDara

After a remarkable, unexpected 11-5 finish last season, the Chiefs path to success will be a much more challenging feat this season.

At first glance, it would be easy to understand why one might place the Chiefs finishing with a record of 8-8. Generally, I'm overly optimistic, which is why I believe that this will be the season for the Chiefs to shock the world.

Week 1- Tennessee- Sept. 7- 12:00- HOME
The Chiefs will have no problem stopping the Titans in this home opener. The defense will be all over Jake Locker causing him to make numerous errors, like we've seen in the past.


WIN


Week 2- Denver- Sept. 14- 3:25
Obviously, I would love to see the Chiefs get this win. Unfortunately, I don't believe it's going to happen. Since 1994, the Chiefs are 6-20 when they play at Denver. If the Chiefs come out with a win here, they're truly going to have a special season.


LOSS


Week 3- Miami- Sept. 21- 3:25
The Chiefs will bounce back against a winless Miami Dolphins team. Wins will be hard to come by for the Chiefs this season and this win will be one they take without a problem.


WIN

Week 4- New England- Sept. 29- 7:30- HOME
You're right, I'm absolutely nuts for picking the Chiefs to win this game. A Monday night, home game will be the perfect stage for the Chiefs to pick up this unexpected win. 


WIN
 

Week 5- San Francisco- Oct. 5- 3:25
 It's entirely possible that the 49ers will be 4-0 as they head into this game against the Chiefs. In my mind, they're a BIG favorite to win the Super Bowl. This game will be a battle to the end with the 49ers coming out on top. 


LOSS


Week 6- BYE

Week 7- San Diego- Oct. 19- 3:05
The Chiefs will get their first win in San Diego in 7 years. This game will set the tone for the second half of the Chiefs season and propel them to finish strong. 
  

WIN

Week 8- St. Louis- Oct. 26- 12:00- HOME 
This game will be closer than it has in the past but the Chiefs will come out with a win. The Chiefs are the better team. Will Sam Bradford actually be playing by the time we reach week 8? 
 

WIN
 

Week 9- New York Jets- Nov. 2- 12:00- HOME
The Chiefs aren't going to have a problem against this struggling Jets team. Especially if Geno Smith gets the start. I wouldn't be surprised to see a record number of sacks in this game. 


WIN
 

Week 10- Buffalo- Nov. 8- 12:00
I've been on the fence about this game and I can't even completely understand why. Historically, the Chiefs haven't played well at Buffalo. Buffalo's defense may be able to shut down Alex Smith. This will be a really tough loss for the Chiefs. 


LOSS 


Week 11- Seattle- Nov. 16- 12:00- HOME
The Seahawks have a real shot at winning back-to-back Super Bowl titles. The Chiefs could get a big surprise win at home but realistically, that probably isn't going to happen. I hope I'm wrong.

 

LOSS
 

Week 12- Oakland- Nov. 20- 7:25
After a 4-12 finish last season, I don't see them winning more than 6 games this season. They haven't made any major adjustments in the offseason that will cause a drastic difference this season. The Chiefs should dominate.

WIN


Week 13- Denver- Nov. 30- 7:30- HOME
I don't usually like to say that a game is bigger than any other game but this game is BIG. Simply stated, the Chiefs will win. 
 

WIN
 

Week 14- Arizona- Dec. 7- 3:05
This is another game I've been on the fence about. The Chiefs are going to be beat up after the big win against Denver. (Maybe they won't be). I will probably change my mind about this game 100 mores times before it gets here. For now, I believe that Arizona will get the win.

LOSS 


Week 15- Oakland- Dec. 14- 12:00- HOME
The Chiefs are going to pick up a double-digit win in this game. Call it a hunch. I shouldn't put my love for the Raiders in writing. 
 

WIN
 

Week 16- Pittsburgh- Dec. 21- 12:00
I believe that the Steelers are going to have a special season. After an 8-8 finish last year, I see them picking up 10 or more wins. Unfortunately, I just don't see the Chiefs getting this win. Maybe we'll see a snow game.


LOSS 


Week 17- San Diego- Dec. 28- 12:00- HOME
With the playoffs on the line, this will be a knock-down, drag-out fight for the Chiefs. They will get the win and move on.


WIN 


Record: 10-6 

Will the Chiefs shock the world and win their first playoff game since 1993 this season? Will they have their first back-to-back, double-digit win season since the early 90's? I can't wait to find out!

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Bring on the TIGERS

Like I always say, being a Royals fan is a roller coaster ride. We're starting the ride to the top and it's so exciting. The Royals have won 8 of their last 10 games, are 3 games above .500,  and are only a 1 game behind the 1st place Detroit Tigers. 

Over the last 10 games, the Royals have scored 49 runs off of 99 hits. It's hard not to feel good about those types of numbers. But history has shown us that they probably wont last forever. 

Numbers aside, the Royals have an opportunity right now to take full advantage of a hitting burst and an excellent bullpen. The confidence of this team is finally starting to pick up and you can see it in both the faces and body language of the players. 

The Royals have a very important 4-game series coming this week against the Tigers in Detroit. They have a chance to take sole possession of 1st place in the AL Central and get the monkey off of their back by at least splitting a series with Detroit. 

The series with Detroit will be a good measuring stick for the Royals at this point in the season. 

My prediction: The Royals will win the series 3-1. 

I'm ready, BRING ON THE TIGERS. 

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Where it all started...

Yes, I'm a girl but I will tell you right now that I love sports more than most men.

It all started when I was just a little girl in small town named Lincoln, Missouri. Most of you probably haven't heard of it, but hey, we all came from somewhere. When I try to think of what specifically sparked my passion for sports I have a hard time narrowing it down to just one thing. It might be the crack of a bat, or those bright stadium lights. It could even be something as basic as the competition involved with sports. Simply put, I love sports. 

As a small town kid, I tried every sport; volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, softball, basketball manager. I was even a mascot once! I was never a very good athlete but I always  gave it my best effort. What I loved most about playing sports was that I was a part of something. I was always the most spirited person wherever I went. 

My family has always loved the Kansas City Chiefs. I will never forget my mom screaming at the TV at Marty Shottenheimer thinking that he could hear her. (She sure loved Marty ;) ) 

During high school I always thought I was going to become a Missouri Tiger! If you know me now, you'd probably be shocked to hear this. As we all know, life is what happens when you're making plans! In the middle of high school, my family and I moved to Kansas! This was a HUGE change for us but we adapted very quickly. I went on visit to Kansas State University and fell in love. 

My first year of college was spent juggling a sorority, classes, and part-time job at KJCK in Junction City. My stint at KJCK is where my passion for sports was further ignited. Even though I was just "reading" sports, I learned more than you can ever imagine.

Again, life happened and I found myself facing some serious adversity. The good news about adversity is that you can allow it to make you or break you. For awhile, I allowed it to get the best of me. But one day I decided to use it to my advantage. It still drives me today.

Eventually, I finished college and got my Bachelors Degree! I interned at KAKE News last summer, which was incredible. Last September, I got to marry my best friend. 

This is just the beginning to my next chapter of life. I decided to start a sports Twitter page (@SportsWithDara) and this blog. I want to share my passion and understanding of sports with others. I also want to build my resume so that I can work in sports someday. We all have dreams, I'm choosing to fight for mine! This will be my only blog post about "my life". Going forward, I will share my perspective, understanding, and passion for sports. I will write about the Royals, Chiefs, Sporting KC occasionally, K-State, KU, WSU, the Big 12, NFL, NBA, and any other sports story I decide to write that day. 

Feel free to comment, Tweet me, or shoot me an e-mail at darabitler@gmail.com.

Have an AWESOME day!