Forever Royal

Wow... as I sit here almost 3 days after the final out, I still can't even come to reality with the fact that the Kansas City Royals are World Series Champions. Seriously, let that sink in. It's something that I've been waiting my entire life for but at points, never thought I'd see.

Last year we came close enough to taste it; this year, we're living it.

Right now, I'm feeling so many different emotions. The sting of the heartbreak from losing in Game 7 last year is finally going away.

The ride we've been on with this team is absolutely unbelievable...I can't even put it into words.
From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, we've seen it all from our Boys in Blue.

As I look back a few years, I can't remember how many times I would watch a game and think "Do they even care?" or "Why are they just quitting? Can't they do more?" I would pout in frustration because all I wanted them to do was care just a little more. I had hope, why didn't they? We'd get down a few runs and just quit. There was no fight.

Now, during the last two years, I've watched this team transform into a magical team. They NEVER give up, they NEVER stop fighting. They find a way to win when winning looks impossible.

There have been so many magical moments during the last two years; three of the best games I can ever remember in any sport in my entire life.

• 2014 AL Wildcard Game
• 2015 ALDS Game 4
• 2015 World Series

Don't ask me to rank them because we all know that the World Series is the most important. 

I've been a Royals fan for as long as I can remember. I've never been a part of a world championship for any team that I've been a fan of. I guess when I was little I decided that I'd pick the underdog in every sport that I love. But guess what!! The Kansas City Royals are no longer the underdog, they're WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS! 

It's been 30 years. I've been alive for 26. I don't want to wait another 30 years for a championship but the feeling I have right now could probably never be replicated. I'm a complete bag of emotions; it's almost overwhelming. It might seem silly but you put your heart into what you love. I love the Kansas City Royals. They're my team, win or lose.

I'll always be Forever Royal.

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!

Why We Believe

By: Dara Bitler 

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. 

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!

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.