6A THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
HOMECOMING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2005
Students behind mascot raise spirit
BETSY PROFITT
editor@kansan.com
KANSAN CORRESPONDENT
The University of Kansas has one of the most wellrecognized mascots in the nation. Unlike many mascots at numerous schools, the Jayhawk is only at home in Lawrence.
"The Jayhawk is a symbol which nobody else has because we created it ourselves," Devon Harris, Greenwich, Conn., sophomore said. "It makes it that much more special and unique."
Unique may be the best word to describe our famous Jayhawk. Because the bird is mythical many people wonder from where the icon emerged.
Pro-slavery Kansans originally used the term "Jayhawk" when describing Free State supporters in the 1850s "Bleeding Kansas" period. The term lost its war-like connotations over time and Kansans came to embrace "Jayhawk" as a term of endearment.
In 1912 Henry Maloy created the first cartoon drawing of the Jayhawk declaring if the new mascot for the University. Prior to this it was the Bulldog. Since then there have been seven different Jayhawks. Our current Jayhawk appeared in 1946.
Big Jay, as our androgynous mascot is named, and Baby Jay are seen at sporting events and visiting days, taking pictures with fans and adding enthusiasm to crowds. These two mascots have numerous behind-the-scenes responsibilities.
The eight students who take turns wearing the giant yellow beak practice two times a week
to prepare for their appearances. Tim Welch, Salina junior, works as Big Jay, said a majority of their practice was spent organizing upcoming events.
Along with appearing at University sporting events, Big Jay and Baby Jay can be hired to visit other events. Weddings and birthday parties are the most frequently requested events. The most peculiar request came a few years ago when Big Jay was asked to be a pallbearer at a funeral.
Baby Jay, who was hatched at half-time of the homecoming game in 1971, doesn't get to travel to as many games as Big Jay but adds a lot to the scene when she is around. Laura Archer, Leawood sophomore, is one of four women who appear as Baby Jay.
"Baby Jay is more playful,"
Archer said, "While Big Jay has the more fierce persona, Baby Jay appeals to all ages."
Appearing in pictures is certainly one of the mascots' main jobs. Both Archer and Welch said it took them a while to realize it wasn't necessary for them to smile for hours because their faces were hidden.
"You naturally smile when taking pictures and after non stop photos my face would hurt." Archer said.
Although almost everyone enjoys the mascots, many children get frightened when they come near. The mascots aren't allowed to talk, which makes it difficult to reassure children that they're friendly.
Communicating with people becomes difficult when they cannot speak, so they are forced to use actions instead.
Along with game appearances, the University sends the mascots to various promotional events around the country. A few years ago Adam Reese, Manhattan senior, flew to Bristol, Conn. to film a commercial for ESPN's Sportscenter at the network's headquarters.
While there, Reeset met Lennox Lewis, a heavyweight boxer, and a couple of sportscasters. John Anderson, a Missouri alumnus, was one of the anchors.
"Anderson took a lot of pictures with me," Reese said. "He was punching me in the beak to be funny in a few."
Currently, Big Jay is participating in the Capital One Mascot Challenge where each week twelve chosen mascots are matched up against a mascot from another school.
People then vote online for
their favorite. The winner at the end of the season will be crowned at the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., and receive $5,000. After six weeks, Big Jay is in ninth place. Fans can continue to vote for Big Jay at capitalonebowl.com.
In conjunction with this event, the TV show Wheel of Fortune played host to the Capital One All American Mascot Team on its show during the Wheel's College Road Trip Week. Welch flew to Los Angeles to film the introduction to the game show with Pat Sajak and Vanna White as well as a commercial. Unfortunately Welch said they did not meet the famous hosts. The show aired on Monday.
"I think it's a great mascot because it symbolizes everything KU stands for," Ginny Bauer, Wichita sophomore, said.
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