Jayhawk fans can finally stop celebrating their national title in basketball this week.</p><p>OK, they&#8217;ll never stop celebrating that but, nevertheless, it&#8217;s time for KU faithful to turn their attention toward the 14th-ranked football squad.</p><p>Head coach <strong>Mark Mangino</strong> will speak at a kickoff celebration and rally on Friday. The event will run from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will be held at Corinth Square, 83rd and Mission Road in Prairie Village.</p><p>The rally is free to the public and will include an inflatable fun zone for kids, along with appearances by the KU spirit squad, KU pep band and Big Jay and Baby Jay mascots. Visit kuathletics.com, kualumni.org or call 800-584-2957 for more information.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">TODAY</span></strong></p><p><strong>BEHIND THE STATS: </strong><strong><span class="leadin">Radio show recording session for 1160-AM (airs Thursday, 6-7 p.m.) with Matt Fulks and Dave O&#8217;Hara; Royals broadcaster Denny Matthews will be the guest; 1:30 p.m. at Chappell&#8217;s Restaurant and Sports Museum, 323 Armour Road in North Kansas City. 816-421-0002 or <a href="http://www.BehindTheStatsRadio.com">www.BehindTheStatsRadio.com</a>. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="subhead">FRIDAY</span></strong></p><p><strong>TIGER PICNIC: </strong><strong><span class="leadin">Friends of Mizzou picnic and auction; 5:30-10 p.m.; Pavilion at John Knox Village, 520 NW Murray Road in Lee&#8217;s Summit; 816-561-0616 or <a href="http://www.kctigers.com">www.kctigers.com</a>.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="subhead">SATURDAY</span></strong></p><p><strong>PITTSBURGH STEELERS WATCH PARTY: </strong><strong><span class="leadin">for exhibition game versus Minnesota; 8 p.m.; Coach&#8217;s Bar and Grill, 414 West 103rd St.; 816-941-2286.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin"><strong>PITTSBURG STATE: </strong>Kansas City Gorilla Club picnic/auction; 5 p.m.; Theme Party Emporium, 2420 Merriam Lane (I-35 &amp; Lamar) in KCK; 913-268-4472.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin"><strong>OKLAHOMA STATE: </strong>alumni picnic; 4 p.m.; Wyandotte County Lake Park, Pavilion 3 (Off I-435 North at Leavenworth &amp; 91st ); RSVP to Travis Case at <a href="mailto:travis9399@yahoo.com">travis9399@yahoo.com</a>. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin"><strong>RUN/WALK:</strong> 5K benefits Love Fund for Children; 8:05 a.m.; Brush Creek Park; register at <a href="http://www.sportkc.org">www.sportkc.org</a>.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Book signings</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin">Kansas City native and KU standout Brandon Rush will be touring the area this week, promoting <em>Kansas Jayhawks: A Year to Remember</em>, written by former Star writer Jason King. Rush and King can be found at the following locations: </span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin">&#8226;Dick&#8217;s Sporting Goods, Town Center Plaza in Leawood, Thursday, 6:30-9 p.m </span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin">&#8226;Kansas Sampler, 5918 SW 21st in Topeka, Friday, 4-7 p.m.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin">&#8226;Dillon&#8217;s Grocery Store, 3000 West 6th St. in Lawrence, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin">&#8226;Moments in Sports, Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Saturday, 3:30-6:30 p.m.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="leadin">For more information, visit <a href="http://www.kubook.net">www.kubook.net</a>.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span class="subhead">UPCOMING EVENTS</span></strong></p><p><strong>LANCE ARMSTRONG: </strong><strong><span class="leadin">seven-time Tour de France winner and cancer survivor will be guest speaker at 2008 American Royal Boots, Barbecue &amp; Business Luncheon; Sept. 3, 10:30 a.m. (doors open), 11:30 a.m. (lunch); Hale Arena in the American Royal Complex; tickets at AmericanRoyal.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.</span></strong></p><p><strong>KANSAS SPEEDWAY: </strong><strong><span class="leadin">third annual blood and marrow drive; Sept. 9, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; on the Kansas Speedway infield; <a href="http://www.nascar.com/foundation">www.nascar.com/foundation</a> or <a href="http://www.kansasspeedway.com">www.kansasspeedway.com</a>.</span></strong>