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KU History

KU History and Traditions

River City Weekly host Greg Hurd explains the history and traditions of Kansas University for the Sunflower Cable show, with the help of Chancelor Robert Hemenway and local historians Steve Jansen and James Carothers. Go!.

Roy Williams Timeline

Read some of the earliest and most important stories from our 14 years of covering Roy. Go!.

KU By the Numbers

The 2003 NCAA basketball tournament starts out with 65 entries and one can find a corresponding Kansas University personality or event relating to every niche from 1 to 65. KU has been that influential in the annual event that has evolved into March Madness. Bill Mayer, Journal-World contributing editor has compiled a list of the 65 numbers and how they relate to KU basketball and its long impact on NCAA tournament activity. Go!

Max Falkenstien 'As Time Goes By'

Host Greg Hurd interviewed Max Falkenstien for the Sunflower Cable show As Time Goes By to coincide with the release of Max's book, Max and the Jayhawks. Go!. You also can read stories on Max and his career at KU.

History of the 'Hawk

You probably know that the Jayhawk is the official mascot for Kansas University. But what you might not know is how the mythical bird came to be the symbol for KU or how the mascot's look has changed over the last century. And here's one more piece of trivia a couple of other mascots preceded the Jayhawk, a bulldog and a live pig. Go!.

Dr. James Naismith

James Naismith invented the game of basketball. He also spent the last 41 years of his life in Lawrence as a KU faculty member, and was the University's first basketball coach. The father of basketball and Phog Allen's mentor was a humble man whose broad interests were usually rooted in the health and well-being of his players and students. Go!.

Basketball Video History of Phog Allen

Host Steve Jansen and guest Blair Kerkoff recount the history of Forrest Clare "Phog" Allen and his impact on the game of basketball for the Sunflower Cable show As Time Goes By. Go!

Phog Allen Letters

Basketball immortal Phog Allen was noted for his rhetoric, both verbal and written, and he often wrote to friends and athletes on a wide variety of subjects. During World War II, for instance, Allen regularly wrote a "team letter" to ex-Jayhawks in military and naval service. Many treasured the inspirational communications and wish they had saved them, considering how legendary their coach became. Go!.

Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain was a giant among giants. His years spent at the University of Kansas marked the beginning of a career that spanned decades, changed the game of basketball, and set records that will probably stand forever. Here you can read about Wilt's return to KU and his career with the Jayhawks. Go!

Football All-Americans

The Jayhawks have had some serious athletic powerhouses, and now you can read about 11 of the finest who have achieved All-American status. From well-known names like Hadl and Sayers to lesser known greats like Zook and Reich. Go!.

Historic Max Falkenstien video

Max Falkenstien narrates a highlight reel for the 1950 KU Football team. See Kansas fans "waving the wheat" and how the score and time were displayed way before the advent of Jumbotron. Go!.

Unforgettable Football 'Hawks

Sure, these folks weren't All Americans, but trust us, they should have been. Except some of them didn't even play. Or coach. Still, these are some former Hawks who should definitely be filed away into your mental Rolodex. Go!.

KU's All Time Best

Ask some long-time Kansas University sportswriters to pick an all-time KU men's basketball team and you'll get a two-tiered response. First, they'll smile and start thinking back. Then they'll frown and you'll swear somebody started playing the "Mission Impossible" theme song. Go!

105 Years of KU Basketball

More than 150 former players, student managers and coaches — including notables such as Raef LaFrentz, B.H. Born, Ron Kellogg, Bud Stallworth and Otto Schnellbacher — returned to Lawrence on Feb. 15-16 to celebrate the 105-year anniversary of Kansas University basketball. Go!

All-Time Best Football Team

Bringing in an all-time best Kansas University football team into a sports site dedicated to KU fans is like walking into a pie-throwing contest with a target on your back. Go!.

Steve Jansen Audio History

Lawrence Historian Steve Jansen is an inexhaustible resource for information about the history of the sports programs at the University of Kansas. For several years, Jansen recorded short (under-one-minute) KU sports vignettes that aired on KLWN radio in Lawrence. Go!.

Football Coaches

KU has had its share of coaches throughout the years, some proved to be of excellent caliber, others shot for the stars only to fall far short. Take a look at KU's coaches dating back to the 1948 season. Go!.

Bowl History

In nine bowl appearances KU has left victorious 3 times. Read about the Hawks triumphs and shatttering defeats as we look at their bowl appearances starting at their premier in 1948. Go!.