After years of change, KU’s Pat Lewandowski trying to savor final season
He is in his fifth season in the program now, enough time to understand what change means. Pat Lewandowski, a senior offensive tackle, is on his second position and third head coach at Kansas. He knows this sounds strange, so he smiles as the topic comes up.
College football careers are not supposed to include three head coaches, but that is reality. So last week, Lewandowski stopped by his new coach’s office.
Kansas interim coach Clint Bowen, who replaced Charlie Weis on Sept. 28, had asked his players to come by his office to talk, and Lewandowski took him up on the offer.
“It’s the mentality of ‘players first,’” Lewandowski said, repeating something Bowen had told him. “And that’s been a change from how it’s been.”
The new era continues Saturday, when Kansas, 2-3, plays host to No. 16 Oklahoma State, 4-1, at 3 p.m. in the first home game since Bowen replaced Weis. Outside the program, a collection of former players is planning a reunion event at Memorial Stadium — an effort to show support for Bowen, a former Kansas player. The Jayhawks, meanwhile, are trying to rebound after opening the Big 12 with losses to Texas and West Virginia.
But for players like Lewandowski, the last few weeks have meant something else: After years of losses and much turmoil, the Jayhawk seniors feel supported and appreciated as they prepare for the second half of their final seasons.
“You’ve already seen effects of that,” Lewandowski said, “which has just been great.”
Lewandowski, the Jayhawks’ starting left tackle, is in his first season as a full-time starter. A graduate of Blue Valley West, Lewandowski began his career on the defensive line before transitioning to the offensive line in Weis’ first season in 2012. After making six starts as a junior, he’s provided a measure of experience on a patchwork offensive line of former juco transfers and newcomers.
“It’s definitely been a long four and a half years right now,” Lewandowski says.
“A lot of changes, a lot of unseen things. But there’s nothing I wouldn’t take back. Everything has been enjoyable. I’m having fun doing what I love.”
To reach Rustin Dodd, call 816-234-4937 or send email to rdodd@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @rustindodd.
No. 16 Oklahoma State at Kansas
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lawrence
TV: Fox Sports 1
Other story lines
▪ THE ATTENDANCE WATCH: It’s been a familiar story line all year, with KU yet to draw more than 40,000 in three home games. But Saturday offers another question. Kansas and Oklahoma State will kick off right as game two of the American League Championship Series is scheduled to start in Baltimore. Kansas drew 36,904 fans for a 23-0 loss on Sept. 27 — Charlie Weis’ final game. Plenty of KU fans and alums will enjoy the fall day in Lawrence. But if the baseball conflict keeps a few fans away, the number could drop.
▪ WILL OKLAHOMA STATE BE COMFORTABLE ON THE ROAD? Hard to believe, but Oklahoma State has yet to play a true road game this season. After opening the year with a 37-31 loss to No. 1 Florida State in Arlington, Texas, the Cowboys have played four straight home games. The stretch includes a 40-23 victory over Missouri State and wins over Texas Tech and Iowa State — two programs at the bottom of the Big 12 standings. One question, then: How good is Oklahoma State?
▪ CAN KU GET TONY PIERSON MORE TOUCHES? Both coach Clint Bowen and offensive coordinator John Reagan said this week that Pierson, a speedy senior receiver, needs to be more involved in the offense. In two Big 12 losses, Pierson has just seven touches. One way to ensure more touches, of course, would be to use Pierson, a former running back, in the backfield more often.
This story was originally published October 10, 2014 at 8:33 PM with the headline "After years of change, KU’s Pat Lewandowski trying to savor final season."