Anniversary takes the focus off sports

The recent hurricanes and the elections have also taken center stage.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Some Big 12 coaches rely on their wives to tell them what's going on. Some try to catch a few minutes of news on television before falling into bed for a short night of sleep.
But at the time of year when their jobs are 24/7, most Big 12 coaches find it tough to keep up with things like wars, hurricanes and political campaigns.
Paying attention to things outside football is a subject that hits close to home this week. The third anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks was Saturday, when 11 of the league's 12 teams play games.
Three years ago after the attacks, the Big 12 office initially said games that weekend would be played. But when the Pac-10 and NFL canceled their games, the Big 12 followed suit.
"I just remember the shock of it all," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said. "[The cancellations] took us out of our normal routine. But it was necessary for all the people who had to deal with the tragedy."
Up to date
Stoops, whose No. 2 Sooners played Houston on Saturday, tries to stay current with events in the real world.
"It's a conscious effort to. ... All the hurricanes and all that's happening with the elections, I have to remind myself not to be so engrossed in what I'm doing -- make sure you're reading the front page and check Headline News to make sure you're up with what's happening," he said.
Missouri's Gary Pinkel is probably as absorbed with football as any coach in the country this time of year. But he tries to scan the newspapers and spend at least a few minutes watching news channels.
"But my focus is trying to win football games. It's very difficult for me to get my mind off what's important. I wish I could let things go and get more involved," he said. "I do realize there are things -- the war, the suffering in Florida -- those are more important than what we do. Nevertheless, we still have a responsibility to win, and that's where my focus is."
Coincidentally, Iowa State plays Iowa this week, the same team it was scheduled to play after the attacks. Since then, coach Dan McCarney does not find it so difficult to pay attention to news events.
"You can't help but be sensitive to those things," he said. "We live in these small worlds of football games and football families. But you do an injustice to your football fans and family if you don't."
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