Homecoming
From electing queens to hatching baby Jayhawks ...
KU is rich in homecoming tradition
FROM HOUSE DECORATIONS AND FLOATS TO baby Jayhawks and tailgate parties, the University of Kansas has had an abundance of traditions to promote school spirit.
Surprisingly, school records show that many of the traditions were first seen at a homecoming game against the Iowa State University Cyclones, who KU plays again Saturday.
KU has played Iowa State 11 times for homecoming, beginning in 1970. KU's record against the Cyclones is 5-6, but KU is on a two-game winning streak against the Cyclones.
During those 11 games, KU has created some traditions that have lasted til today. Here are just a few examples of the traditions at KU that involve students and alumni.
Ironically, one of KU's newest traditions was created by eliminating one of KU's oldest traditions during the homecoming game against Iowa State in 1970.
The 1970 game was a turning point for homecoming traditions because the halftime show wasn't centered on what it usually focused on—the homecoming queen.
Instead, it focused on recognizing students for outstanding contributions to KU's community.
Brenda Kaplan, Minneapolis, Minn., junior, has never heard about a homecoming queen at KU. Kaplan said she felt good
that the school has eliminated a homecoming queen. "A homecoming queen is kind of silly without a homecoming king." she said.
University Relations wrote that the Homecoming Committee of 1970 decided that it was more appropriate to recognize students who embodied the academic spirit for which this community was established. So began the H.O.P.E. (Honor the Outstanding Progressive Educator) award with a presentation from the senior class.
Twenty-one years later, during the 1991 homecoming game, also against Iowa State, outstanding KU students were rewarded at the halftime ceremonies for "Excellence in Community Education and Leadership"-the Ex.C.E.L.award.
Most KU students know the origin of the Jayhawk. But how many students know the origin of Baby Jay and that his first birthday was celebrated during homecoming against Iowa State?
Baby Jay was born at the 1971 homecoming game. A huge birthday cake was wheeled into the middle of the field. Baby Jay has been with us since that day.
Some traditions are short-lived, but they carry a good message. One such tradition was introduced at the 1987 homecoming game against Iowa State.
It focused on awareness of KU
tion at homecoming. Similar to the Ex.C.E.L. Award, these contests recognized people who took pride in their community.
Homecoming traditions may not be as important to students today as they were
Ahomecoming queen is kind of silly without a homecoming
king.
achievements and resources: "Great faces, great places."
BRENDA KAPLAN Happy KUdoesn't elect a queen
in the past.
Two months before homecoming began, students would identify KU's famous people and landmarks. The winners of the contest were part of the halftime presenta-
”
Kim Katz, Highland Park, Ill., junior, wasn't aware of KU's rich traditions. "I didn't know we had any." Many students feel the same as Katz because they don't become actively involved with the homecoming process.
Perhaps it's hard to emphasize certain traditions because of the variety of students attending the University. Todd Schwartzberg,
Dallas junior, said he thought that KU didn't emphasize its traditions. He said that KU doesn't spend enough time making people aware of the great homecoming process.
BY DOUG WEINSTEIN
*Hill* • October 11, 1995
応答を提出します。
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