Wichita State University
Paul Suellentrop on WSU Sports
Paul answers your questions on the Shockers.
Paul Suellentrop has been with The Eagle's Sports staff since 2000 and has covered the Shockers since 2005. He is the former sports editor of the St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press.
Most Recently Answered Questions
Questions 1 - 15 of 1596 (Page 1 of 81)Submitted by Veritas from Philly
Q: Paul, are you a graduate of WSU? Are you originally from Wichita? I did attend WSU football games a generation ago. I saw the WSU victories over Oklahoma State, KU, and the stinging defeat to Tulsa to win the Missouri Valley Championship. I also attended the SIU games when only 6-9k attended. Why is it that U of L (Louisville) and Boise State can field successful teams, and WSU can't field any team? LEADERSHIP! VISION! DIRECTION! With those ingredients the money and success will follow. You need to recognize the strong and growing grass roots ripple that is turning into a tsunami in support of WSU football. Please get with the program and recognize what the Kansas Board of Regents, Donald Beggs, and other naysayers refuse to admit. We want a return of WSU football and if not delivered, the school and support of the school will move forward slower than the wagon trains that moved across the prairie 150 years ago. The current KU AD (Lew Perkins) should have been run out of town when he dropped WSU football. Marshall University turns their tragedy into a burning light of hope and remembrance, while WSU gave up! Disgusting. I remember more determination to build a new zoo back in the '60s (Boo Hoo we need a new Zoo) than what I remember about keeping football alive at WSU. Wichita State Football. It's good for the school, good for the city, and good for south central Kansas.
Answered 10/13/08 09:29:45 by Paul Suellentrop
A: The answer to your question is simple: Louisville and Boise State have good teams because they didn't drop football. WSU did, and that is the big problem. Restarting means enormous expense and change. The rest of your argument makes sense in some ways. Sure, football can be good for a school. However, you should also consider that without football WSU raised almost $7 million for Koch Arena and other projects and almost $5 million for an indoor practice facility. Baseball, volleyball and basketball are all among the nation's leaders in attendance. Support for athletics at WSU is growing. I'm not anti-football. I think it's important to realize there are legitimate reasons on both sides. I understand why fans and alums would love to have a real homecoming and a marching band and a team to follow in the fall. However, it's indisputable that WSU had all that for many years and most people in Wichita ignored Shocker football. If a future administration revives football, and the Shockers win big and draw 20,0000 people and the debt is manageable, then it was a good decision. If the Shockers lose and the debt hurts the department, it was a bad decision. There are no guarantees.Submitted by steve from sedgwick
Q: Paul, you seem to be one of the doubters that helps keep football dead. More people than you think want this to happen. Why not get on board, someday it will happen, why not now?
Answered 10/10/08 08:45:29 by Paul Suellentrop
A: Who are these people? Where are they? They certainly weren't buying tickets when WSU did have football. Football is a fine sport and I understand why some people think WSU needs to bring it back. I think, with the proper investment and the right amount of planning and luck, Shocker football could be a big success. But to pretend it is an easy move to make is wrong. It is almost a guaranteed money-loser. The athletic department is running just fine without it. Despite all the good things that can come from a football team, it is not a black-and-white decision. Doubts? How could anyone not have doubts about WSU football?Submitted by king from 7731 plaza ln
Q: why haven't you been keeping up with the wsu fall world series
Answered 10/09/08 09:55:24 by Paul Suellentrop
A: I ruptured my Achilles tendon so I haven't been out much. I might get to Thursday's game. Unfortunately, the Shocker world series is not high on my list of priorities right now.Submitted by CC from Wichita, Ks
Q: In the rosters for the Black & Gold baseball teams in the paper today, I noticed sophomore pitcher Justin Kemp was not included. Do you have any information about him?
Answered 09/30/08 10:10:33 by Paul Suellentrop
A: My mistake. He is on the Black team.Submitted by Pam from wichita
Q: Hi, I was wondering why you have not covered fall shocker softball? They have already played 4 games and not even a box score in the paper. The girls deserve to get some press even if it is fall ball. The games are free, the girls work hard and are getting it done in the classroom as well. thanks
Answered 09/29/08 10:27:52 by Paul Suellentrop
A: Those results would be something WSU needs to get to us.Submitted by from Wichita, KS
Q: Can you give us an update on the progress of JT Durley and Mantas Griskenas? After their injuries I'm sure Shocker Fans would like to know how they are progressing and the prognosis for them and the upcoming season.
Answered 09/29/08 10:25:05 by Paul Suellentrop
A: Mantas is playing and doing well. J.T., as of about 10 days ago, was practicing and close to being 100 percent. I hope to get to practice this week and see more.Submitted by Brian from Wichita
Q: Paul, have you been following the happenings at www.bringbackshockerfootball.com? As an alumnist I am thrilled that this is finally happening. How about an article on it?
Answered 09/29/08 10:24:08 by Paul Suellentrop
A: Starting a Web site is one thing. Bringing back football is another. It's interesting but I don't think it means much.Submitted by Will from Wichita, KS
Q: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-jeffries-halloffame&prov=ap&type=lgns I thought I would pass this on about Mr. Jefferies. Maybe you could inform your readers about this event and the part WSU had in making it happen.
Answered 09/26/08 13:57:51 by Paul Suellentrop
A: You got it.Submitted by DJ Salmans from Wichita Ks
Q: As of September 08, what is the status of breaking ground on the new indoor baseball facility and phase 2 of the project which will add more seating and other amenities? I haven't heard anything in the last 6mo+.
Answered 09/25/08 17:15:15 by Paul Suellentrop
A: WSU is waiting on final numbers for the first phase. They would like to break ground in the spring, if the money works. Phase 2 is a long way away. http://www.kansas.com/250/story/536210.htmlSubmitted by Bob from Wichita
Q: Why is attendance at Shocker Volleyball not announced or published?
Answered 09/22/08 10:30:51 by Paul Suellentrop
A: I believe they usually announce it at matches. They have in the past. I try to include it in stories if it seems important.Submitted by Arlene from Wichita, Ks
Q: I am disappointed that the WSU Shocker Volleyball team and coaches aren't getting proper ink in the Eagle. They deserve more than just a small column article (ex. Sunday, the 14th issue). I know the other sports are of interest but be fair to this group of athletes that make Wichita proud. We have to hunt through the sports before and after each game only to find so little about the team.
Answered 09/15/08 09:47:57 by Paul Suellentrop
A: We do not staff most road matches, so the stories will be shorter (although we did cover all three matches in Norman earlier this season). The Sunday section is a big section and there is a lot going on. For most WSU matches, you won't have to look hard. http://www.kansas.com/250/story/526828.html http://www.kansas.com/250/story/521093.html http://www.kansas.com/250/story/520099.htmlSubmitted by Eddie deRoulet from Houston, TX
Q: I happen to notice on goshockers.com that the WSU women team only has 8 players listed on the roster....is that correct? How do they expect to play a complete season with 8 players? Also, the men seem to have a soft schedule in Dec until the tournament, do you think they will be 5-0 at that time?
Answered 09/15/08 09:41:50 by Paul Suellentrop
A: WSU is waiting on some things before updating its roster. Two transfers are waiting on eligibility. Haleigh Lankster, a freshman, is eligible but not on the roster. The WSU men play three games before the Old Spice Classic. 3-0 is a reasonable bet, but don't forget UMKC handled WSU last season. The Shockers are young, so I would not consider too many games locks.Submitted by dan from wichita
Q: Heard on one of the local news stations Friday night say that Connor Gillespie got called up by the San Fransico Giants, hadn't seen anything in the paper, so was wondering what you know about this? The sports guy said it was the first time that a WSU player was called up by the major team the same yr they were drafted. If this is true, I'm a little surprised since he just signed his contract and had little time in their minor league system.
Answered 09/15/08 09:37:49 by Paul Suellentrop
A: That may be. Dreifort did not sign until September of 1993. He was called up in April of 1994.Submitted by Vic Heckart from Wichita, Kansas
Q: What's the deal with WSU women's basketball recruiting? There has not been an announcement about any additional recruits since the fall semester started.
Answered 09/15/08 09:36:03 by Paul Suellentrop
A: They are waiting on eligibility questions with two transfers.Submitted by will from wichita
Q: When will they introduce the basketball teams to the fans?
Answered 09/15/08 09:34:12 by Paul Suellentrop
A: Oct. 25 at Koch Arena after the 6 p.m. volleyball match.