PAGE 8B
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012
FINAL BORDER SHOWDOWN
J
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Jayhawks have the last laugh with the fans
Jayhawk fans hold up many diffe tip off.
Dressed as Civil War figure Jo Tigers fan passes by during S
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME 125 YEARS STRONG
WORDS BY MARSHALL SCHMIDT PHOTO BY CHRIS BRONSON
The "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" chant serves as a unique embodiment of school spirit for the University of Kansas, which incorporates a rich history.
In 1886, Professor E. H. S. Bailey, chair of the Chemistry department, conceived "Rah Rah Jayhawk" as a rallying yell for the University's Science Club. "Rah Rah" was later replaced by "Rock Chalk" after the suggestion of a member from the geology department due to the limestone found around Kansas, according to Carolyn Bailey, granddaughter of the professor in an interview by university relations. Carolyn Bailey passed away this year in August.
"I would like to have new students know that this yell, the KU Rock Chalk chant, is the first thing that brought KU together as a body, and it's sung everywhere there is a group of students," Carolyn Bailey said in an interview this past summer.
In the early years of the University, developing chants were prevalent among student clubs, organizations and even graduating classes. They were shouted at meetings, gatherings and games. Usually these calls were unique to the group of students themselves. Even as late as 1946, the University Daily Kansan reported a yell competition held at the University for a cash prize. Although most of these yells were short-lived, the Rock Chalk chant continued as KU tradition.
The introduction of football to the University in 1890 made the Rock Chalk chant grow in popularity as a cheer used by fans. In 1905, the yell was modified to include three verses of slow monotone chanting, coupled with three additional verses of staccato
"I think it was catchy," says Becky Schulte, a university archivist at the Spencer Research Library. "I think it just grabbed people when they yell it. It's unique."
or detached articulation and fast-paced tempo, which is the way it's heard today.
The chant has been used on the football field as well as the battlefield. KU alumni fighting in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War used the cheer, which also became a battle cry during China's Boxer Rebellion, according to a UDK article published in 1946. During World War I, the chant was used to locate fellow Kansas soldiers. A soldier would yell out, "Rock Chalk Jayhawk," hoping to hear the response of "KU" from friends who might be nearby.
Jennifer Sanner, senior vice president of communications for the KU Alumni Association, believes the chant brings Jayhawks together, even 126 years after Bailey created it. However, in recent years some alumni have raised concerns about students shouting "woo" between the slow cadences. The addition to the chant has occurred in the past several years, but some alumni would prefer if there was silence instead.
In the 1920 Olympics held in Antwerp, Netherlands, the Rock Chalk chant was used to demonstrate a typical American college yell. Former president Theodore Roosevelt even called it the best college chant he'd ever heard.
"Even with the modern rendition, I think it's one of the most powerful and distinctive yells around," Sanner says. For KU fans, the Rock Chalk chant has been used as a rallying cry as well as to greet and sign letters.
"Where Jayhawks gather in all kinds of settings, it's a great way to say farewell," Sanner says. "It's a part of who we are and part of our community."
"ROCK CHALK" CHANT
The "Rock Chalk" chant has been the battle cry of KU fans since 1886. This traditional cheer, pronounced the greatest college chant by Teddy Roosevelt, is known worldwide.
Originally the chant was "Rah, Rah, Jay-Hawk, KU," patterned after the click-clack train H.S. Bailey, professor of chemistry. Later, the rahs were replaced by Rock Chalk." the stone cropping found on Mount Oread, site of the Lawrence campus.
"Rock-chalk-Jay-Hawk, K-U-U-U
5. RESORT STYLE SALT WATER POOL
6. TANNING BED
7. 24 HOUR GAME ROOM
9. PETS ACCEPTED
8. FREE PARKING
10. ON-SITE LAUNDRY
Ask about our Look and Lease Special!
Hawks Pointe
1421 W 7th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049
P 785.841.5255 | www.hawkspointoapts.co