Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Kansas and Missouri both have mascots with histories as rich as the notorious rivalry between the institutions.
But though the origin of the Border Showdown remains almost common knowledge for both Kansas and Missouri students, the lesser-known story behind the development and tradition of each mascot is just as telling in historical significance.
Kansas
Jayhawks
Origin of the mascot name: The term Jayhawk comes from the 1850s, during which Kansas was a battleground between pro- and anti-slavery forces, the two sides sometimes sacking and attacking each other’s settlements. The term Jayhawk was at first used to describe both sides, but eventually stuck with the anti-slavery advocates and, in time, became a term of endearment. KU’s football program began in 1890, and it seemed natural to dub the team the Jayhawks.
First image of the mascot: Although the bird itself is mythical, it is not one to be reckoned with. The first depiction of the bird was illustrated in 1912 by Henry Maloy, a cartoonist for The University Daily Kansan. Maloy gave the Jayhawk shoes with which to kick his opponents.
Brought to life: The Jayhawk appeared in costume for the first time in the 1960s and became known as “Jay”. Then in 1971, Baby Jay was “hatched” during halftime at the homecoming game. The original Baby Jay costume can be seen on display outside Jaybowl on the first floor of the Kansas Union.
School’s colors: KU had originally decided to adopt the University of Michigan’s colors, maize and blue, but settled on crimson and blue in 1896.
Missouri Tigers
Origin of the mascot name: Missouri’s mascot also traces its origin back to the Civil War battles between Kansas and Missouri. In 1864, a group of armed Columbia citizens stood guard against raids by William “Bloody Bill” Anderson, a Confederate guerrilla leader. These guards became known as the Columbia Tigers.
First football appearance: Missouri’s football team first took to the field in 1890 and the tiger was decided on as a mascot, in honor of the Civil War heroes in Columbia.
Brought to life: In 1958, a Missouri student became the first to bring the mascot to life in a yellow sheet with a paper maché head. She was also one of the first mascots in the United States to travel with the team to the Orange Bowl.
Mascot’s name: It wasn’t until 1984 that the Missouri Tiger was officially named. He was dubbed “Truman” in honor of former President Harry S. Truman, who hailed from Missouri. The name came from a contest sponsored by Missouri’s cheerleaders.
School colors: According to an article in the Columbia Missourian, Mizzou’s newspaper, “Records show that players at the first football game wore crimson and old gold. It’s also been cited that the color blue was associated with the university in its early years.”
Although amusing to think of Missouri players in Kansas colors, the school decided on black and gold in 1892.
— Edited by Sarah Kelly
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