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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2012
FINAL BORDER SHOWDOWN
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
J
Jayhawks have the last laugh with the fans
Dressed as Civil War figure Joh Tigers fan passes by during Sa
HATCHIN' LIKE A HAWK Baby Jay is born
Jayhawk fans hold up many differ tip off.
Contributed by the Spencer Research Library An audience of more than 55,000 welcomed Baby Jay with open arms when it hatched during halftime of the 1971 homecoming game against Kansas State.
Contributed by the Spencer Research Library Amy Hurst, the original Baby Jay, sported the costume she made during her graduation ceremony.
Mascots are believed to bring good luck to their athletic teams, by intimidating and scaring the opposing team and its mascot, all while pumping up the home team's crowd and promoting team spirit.
The role of Big Jay and Baby Jay goes far beyond charming the crowd or running around in circles in opposite directions in the middle of Allen Fieldhouse.
"They preserve the tradition and brand that is the University Of Kansas," says Jennifer Allee, assistant athletic director for marketing and fan experience.
Forty years ago, Big Jay rolled a big, blue manmade egg to the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium, where Baby Jay was hatched during halftime of the 1971 homecoming victory against Sunflower State rival, Kansas State.
"I am thrilled and proud to know that my simple act, coming out of my enthusiasm for KU, has made such a huge difference at our very fine University," Hurst says.
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Amy Hurst, the creator of the original Baby Jay, had no idea that what started as an innocent joke with a coworker would evolve into an iconic symbol for KU.
Since the birth of Baby Jay, it's rare that the two mascots are ever seen apart.
Hurst constructed the original costume with felt, chicken wire and fiberglass along with help from her parents.
Hurst, who jokingly refers to herself as the Original Baby Jay (OBJ), remains in awe of the important role Baby Jay has taken on in 40 short years.
"When I wore OBJ, I was only permitted to attend football and men's basketball games," Hurst says. "That
Words by Laken Rapier
was it, and now look where we are today."
She compares the mascots to athletes, as they are required to attend mandatory workouts and meet strict grade requirements.
today, the University has anywhere from six to eight mascots per year. each putting in about 15 hours a week. Big Jay and Baby Jay attend more than just women and men's athletic and PR events. Their appearances range from elementary schools, to alumni events and even private weddings.
More than the iconic symbol of KU, the mascots create a character people can associate with and an image that embodies KU spirit.
"It's something that brings excitement, it's something they can get attached to and fall in love with," Allee says.
"Big Jay and Baby Jay are so much more than a mascot," she says.
The Jayhawk is synonymous with KU fans everywhere, but some members of other schools combat that, saying the Jayhawk is purely fictional.
When prompted as to how fans can worship a fictional character, Allee's reaction is similar to other proud Jayhawks: "Its real to KU."
The luxury of having two mascots (or one and a half) is something most schools don't have. It allows for more fan interaction and creates a fun environment that appeals to all ages. The creativity and excitement Big Jay and Baby Jay bring to each sporting event is a thrilling element that wouldn't be present without them.
"It's amazing how a single person can single-handedly change the course of a University. I can't imagine what the University of Kansas would be without Big and Baby Jay," Allee says.
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