Wednesday, October 31, 2007
The University of Kansas Rock Chalk chant has special meaning to Becky Blackman.
“My favorite KU tradition is the Rock Chalk Jayhawk chant. It’s fun to do and Theodore Roosevelt said it’s the best chant ever,” Blackman, Overland Park freshman, said. Along with the Rock Chalk chant are many other traditions that KU students, fans and alumni come to know and love.
Originally, the Rock Chalk chant was “Rah, Rah, Jayhawk, KU,” created by E.H.S. Bailey in 1886. Years later, when chalk rock limestone was found on Mount Oread, it was changed and has since remained, “Rock Chalk Jayhawk, KU.”
Before the start of a game, fans sing the alma mater then repeat the Rock Chalk chant five times; the first two times slowly and the last three quickly.
As Blackman said, Theodore Roosevelt called the chant the best college chant that he had ever heard. He’s not alone in considering it a great college chant. The King of Belgium asked to hear a classic American chant during the 1920 Olympics, and athletes agreed on the Rock Chalk chant.
The alma mater is another University tradition. Also before the start of a game, fans gather together and put their arms around each other to sing the song. “Crimson and the Blue” was first sung in 1891 by the Kansas Glee and Mandolin Club. Professor George Barlow Penny taught the song to the club, changing the lyrics from a song known as “Far Above Cayuga’s Waters.” More than 100 years later, students still sing the song.
By October, most students know the chants, songs and traditions. But for those students new to the University, a traditions night event is held during Hawk Week in August where these students can learn about University traditions.
This year, traditions night was held on Aug. 13 at Memorial Stadium. A former KU cheerleader taught attendees how to wave the wheat, sing the alma mater, chant and how to clap to “I’m a Jayhawk.” The crowd got engaged during the event with the KU cheerleaders, dancers, band, Big Jay and Baby Jay.
With homecoming underway this week, students, fans and alumni have the opportunity to bring out University traditions, keeping in mind the meaning and history they hold.
— Edited by Meghan Murphy
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