Through the Phog
Fansided

8 Things Every Kansas Jayhawks Fan Should Know

By Ryan Noel

Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawk cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against the Chaminade Silverswords at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Lahaina, HI, USA; Kansas Jayhawk cheerleaders perform a cheer during a game against the Chaminade Silverswords at the Lahaina Civic Center during the Maui Jim Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 9
Next
Sep 27, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks cheerleader performs in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 23-0. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Kansas Jayhawks cheerleader performs in the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Memorial Stadium. Texas won the game 23-0. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Rah Rah Jayhawk?

The University of Kansas is well-known for having one of the truly unique chants in college athletics – the “Rock Chalk” chant. But where does “rock chalk” actually come from?

The chant itself was started by a chemistry professor named E.H.S. Bailey back in 1886, but he originated it as “rah rah Jayhawk”. It wasn’t until an English professor suggested that the “rah rah” be changed to “rock chalk” because it rhymed with Jayhawk. He also suggested its use to allude to the “chalky” foundations of Mt. Oread.

The haunting cheer is most notable for its use at the end of Jayhawks basketball games in Allen Fieldhouse. When the Jayhawks have the game in hand, the chant echoes through Allen Fieldhouse like the cries of 16,000 ghosts. The chant has been performed as such since 1889.

Next: Who Was Kansas' First Consensus All-American?

Home/Kansas Jayhawks Football