In 1891, basketball’s first rulebook was born in Springfield, Massachusetts where instructor James Naismith was tasked with creating a game that could keep rambunctious young athletes at bay. A soccer ball and a couple peach baskets later, Naismith’s conception would become the tipoff to basketball –– and Jayhawk –– history.
Bringing the game to his new gig in the men’s athletic program at the University of Kansas in 1898, another tradition would amass across a hilltop that was already packed with pride, heard in a chant that found its way across the globe. Seen in a coveted mythical bird whose changing expressions are filled with stories.
Today, the passion that the KU campus has in support of their beloved Jayhawks is both admirable and enviable: felt in the energy of lottery days, the tearing of newspapers, the vibrations of bleachers, the embrace of fellow fans during pre-game rituals, the apprehension of visitors who enter legendary Phog Allen’s namesake arena.
Take a walk with ’47 through the limestone of Lawrence, as we captured a day in the life of KU students who showed us what it means to rock chalk Jayhawk!
With a long history in sport, ’47 is a proud, official partner of the University of Kansas. To pick up some Jayhawk gear that celebrates a tradition of passionate fandom, check out the Kansas Bookstore, various Rally House locations, and 47brand.com.
