Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Thousands of fans gathered at Memorial Stadium to welcome the KU basketball team back from their 75-68 victory against the Memphis Tigers.
Photo Gallery
Kansas Basketball: Pep Rally
Pictures from the basketball team's welcome home pep rally in Memorial Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
A replay of the championship game played on the large screen in the south end zone while fans waited for the team.
Near the beginning of overtime on the replay, the team arrived at the stadium and waited behind the stands while the basketball introduction video, which is usually played at Allen Fieldhouse, was played for the fans.
After the video, the players walked out to a stage set up in the middle of Kivisto Field. Senior Rodrick Stewart, who broke a kneecap Friday during practice, was driven to the stage in a Gator.
Max Falkenstien, former radio announcer for the Jayhawks, hosted the short ceremony.
“Only one other time in history has one school had a team win a BCS football bowl game and the national championship in the same year,” Falkenstien said.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius, former player and current assistant coach Danny Manning, Chancellor Robert Hemenway and athletics director Lew Perkins made appearances.
“Guess what? Last night, we got our swagger back!” Perkins said.
Coach Bill Self also made a speech, giving all the credit to the players and fans.
“These guys, other than playing, have had zero fun. All they’ve done is watch tape, sleep and eat. And play a little bit,” Self said, jokingly.
Self then had a few players stand up and say a few words. The players thanked their teammates, the fans, and even the band and pep squad.
Self introduced junior Mario Chalmers as “Mr. Clutch,” who made “the biggest shot in the history of Kansas basketball.”
“We love you all,” Chalmers said.
Self also emphasized how much he loved being at Kansas.
“I can’t imagine there being any place that’s better to coach or play at than the University of Kansas,” Self said.
Fans flocked to the stadium despite 40-degree weather and scattered showers.
“I was here 20 years ago, and I’m here again today,” Linda Donnelly, Topeka resident said.
Jon Gregor, Levenworth resdident, said he brought his son, Thomas because he went to the 1988 championship game and pep rally and wanted Thomas to experience it.
“I love the Jayhawks,” Thomas Gregor said.
Josh Blaisdell, a high school senior from Eudora, said he’s been waiting 18 years for this for KU to win the NCAA championship, and plans to attend KU this fall.
“I’m so excited to go now, it’s gonna be awesome next year,” Blaisdell said.
The weather didn’t deter fans from supporting their team.
“We want to support our boys,” said Ashley Katowske, Toganoxie freshman in high school.
Blake Canter, Hutchinson freshman, and a group of his friends braved the rainy weather.
“ I’m out here in shorts and a t-shirt, I don’t care, I’m here for them 100 percent,” Canter said.
—Edited by Madeline Hyden
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