4 FEATURE
University Archives/SPENCER RESEARCH LIBRARY, UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS Spectators watch Kansas defeat Missouri in the University's first home-com-
ing game in 1921. This was the first season played in Memorial Stadium.
GET TO KNOW YOUR GAME DAY
Traditions are a big part of game day on the hill.Learn some of the rituals associated with KU football and its long history.
By Brenna Hawley bhawley@kansan.com
Whether it is the first football game for a new freshman or the 50th season for a hardened fan, the traditions surrounding KU football make fans feel like a part of the University. From buildings to cheers to songs Curtis Marsh, program director for KU Info, and Jim Marchiony, associate athletics director, explain some of the University's most beloved traditions.
Memorial Stadium
The stadium is the home to all things football. The current stadium was built in 1921 as a memorial to World War I and is now the seventh-oldest stadium in the nation. John Wooden, famed UCLA basketball coach, stopped in Lawrence during construction and helped Phog Allen build the stadium. It started with stands on both sides of the field and no bowl. Since then, it has gotten major facelifts, including a press box, updated seating on all sides of the field and an artificial playing surface.
Ring of Honor
Adorning the inside of Memorial Stadium are the names of a distinct group of Kansas football players called the Ring of Honor, Members of the K Club, the letter-winner association at the University, nominate football players to have their names painted along with the likes of Gale Sayers, John Hadl and the most recent addition, John Riggins. The players then go through an approval process, ending with approval from Athletic Director Lew Perkins. Fans at games can see the names from all over the stadium and cameras often zoom in on them.
"I think history is such an important part of college football and the names on the ring of honor tie today's fans to the history of Kansas football," Marchiony says. "Kansas fans get a very special feeling when they look at that board."
Photo by Adam Buhler/KANSAN The Ring of Honor recognizes players who have had an outstanding football career at the University and beyond. John Riggins was the most recent addition to the Ring.
Photo by Adam Buhler/KANSAN
THE WAVE SEPTEMBER 4,2009
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN