THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
ALUMNI
PAGE 13
MORGAN LAFORGE/KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Students "wave the wheat" as Kansas scores its first touchdown versus McNeese State University on Sept. 3. Kansas defeated McNeese State 42-24.
Legacy means more to some than others
SACHA SINCLAIR
SACHA SINCLAIR
editor@kansan.com
In 1912, the lahaywaks took on the Missouri Tigers in the University's first homecoming game.
In the time since then, thousands of KU students have experienced homecoming at the University. For some,homecoming takes on a whole new meaning when they have alumni status.
Rich and Judy Billings graduated from the University in 1957, but have attended every single homecoming game since then. In 2007, this won them the University's first "Spirit of 912" award, which has since honored two other couples' dedication to the University.
Throughout their years of attending homecoming, the Billings' have seen many changes.
"It used to be a much bigger celebration, with more floats, awards and prizes," said Rich.
Yet, the couple keeps coming back because they love to see the parade and the game.
"It is like a reunion," Rich said.
"As we moved to Colorado, we have little opportunity to see our friends, so homecoming is a chance to see everyone."
Judy said she enjoyed returning to see new students who are, "a wonderful group of people to carry on the tradition of KU"
Although the Billings' have attended dozens of homecoming
games, their son Jim, a 1981 KU graduate, said homecoming is not as significant to him.
Even current some KU students say that homecoming is not that important to them. Jerrica Washburn, a sophomore from Wichita, said she does not get involved in Homecoming. Nonetheless, she said it will be more important to her in the furure.
"Not many of our friends were able to make it back for Homecoming because of their own families," lim said.
"I do want to come back for homecoming after I'm finished at KU." Washburn said.
Edited by Emily Glover
Even though activities are offered throughout Homcoming Week, the focal point is always Saturday's football game at Memorial Stadium. Here are homecoming game statistics from the last five years.
JACKSON SUMP editor@kansan.com
Homecoming rituals evolve throughout the years
Homecoming in Lawrence has been a highly regarded tradition since it began with a 1912 football game against the Missouri Tigers. In time, many traditions have developed.
For instance, the unique Jayhawk themes were not a part of homecoming festivities until 1954 when the homecoming steering committee came up with its first theme: Show Your Spirit. Even then, the themes were nothing more than lawn decorations at fraternities, sororities and residence halls. Since that time, it has become common to see Lawrence business windows covered in homecoming pictures and slogans. Local stores also get on-board with homecoming-related merchandise, such as "victory tags," which are shirts with slogans such as "Beat Nebraska."
THE SEASON IN PICTURES
go to www.kansan.com to check out football photos from Kansas' first three games this season.
YEAR: DATE — TIME — OPPONENT — SCORE — ATTENDANCE
2010: October 23 — 6:00 p.m. — Texas A&M — L 10-45 — 44,239
2009: October 10 — 11:30 a.m. — Iowa State — W 41-36 — 48,203
2008: October 25 — 11:00 a.m. — Texas Tech — L 21-63 — 50,125
2007: November 3 — 11:30 a.m. — Nebraska — W 76-39 — 51,910
2006: October 7 — 11:00 a.m. — Texas A&M — L 18-21 — (undocumented)
A look back ...
TRADITIONS
Check out what's going on for Homecoming 2011!
Sundav. September 25
Sunday, September 25
Stuff the Bus
Letters from Lawrence with Love
Jawhawk laudings auditions
Monday, September 26
Homecoming Tabling
Monday Funday
Punt, Pass & Kick preliminaries
3 vs. 8篮球 Tournament
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
5-9 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27
Homecoming Tabling
Resculpture/Recycling Drive
3 vs. 3. Basketball semifinals/finals
Punt, Pass & Kick finals
Magician Mike Super Sponsored by SUI
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
4-630 p.m.
5-11 p.m.
Wednesday, September 28
Office Decorating judging
Homecoming Tabling
Chalk 'n' Rock
Jayhawk jingles dress rehearsal
Thursday, September 29
Thursday, September 29
Homecoming Tabling
Mural Contest
Free Pizza Provided by Pizza Hut
Homecoming Food Fest/Jawhawk Jingles
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5-9 p.m.
530-7 p.m.
7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Friday, September 30
Homecoming Tabling
Crimson and Blue Gill
Appearance by Turner Gill
Homecoming Reception (mitiation only)
Saturday, October 1
8:30-10:30 a.m.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
6-8 p.m.
Pregame Pancakes ($5 per person)
Homecoming Parade
KU vs. Texas Tech football game
Ex.C.E.x and Homecoming awards
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Noon-1 p.m.
6-8 p.m.
4 hours before kickoff
3 hours before kickoff
Kickoff TBA
Halftime presentation
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Noon-1 p.m.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Student Rec Fitness Center
Memorial Stadium
Wooldruff Auditorium, Kansas Union
Dillons on 23rd St.
Dillons on 23rd St.
Adams Alumni Center
Participating offices
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Adams Alumni Center
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Memorial Stadium
Student Rec Fitness Center
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Adams Alumni Center
www.homecoming.ku.edu
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Wescoe Beach
Kansas Room, Kansas Union
Adams Alumni Center parking lot
jayhawk Boulevard
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
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