Jayhawks football legend Mark Mangino to be formally welcomed into Kansas Sports HOF

The Mark Mangino era was one of the most successful times in Kansas football history. Over a span of eight seasons, the Jayhawks amassed 50 wins, three bowl victories, and a magical 2007 campaign that saw the team defeat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

In July, it was announced that Mangino would be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. He is one of the 12 individuals who received this honor this fall. The ceremony will last from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT. today at Hotel Topeka at City Center.

Mark Mangino to be inducted into Kansas Sports HOF

While his tenure at Kansas was terrific all-around — he was the first coach since Jack Mitchell to leave the school with a winning record — KU's 2007 season was the best in program history. He was awarded the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year award after the Jayhawks won 12 games that year.

Mangino laid the foundation for Kansas football for years to come. Despite a poor start to the season from this year's squad, Lance Leipold has by far been the best head coach at the helm since Mangino. He has given Leipold a vote of confidence on multiple occasions.

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1961. According to their website: "The mission of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is to honor those that have contributed to the history of sports in Kansas and to educate and inspire the public regarding the value of athletics and Kansas athletic history by providing the requisite leadership and resources."

Five other former Jayhawks will hear their names called during the ceremony later today. Mark Turgeon (basketball), Ron Neugent (swimming), Dave Bingham (baseball), Kelly Rankin (baseball), and Scott Russell (track & field) are all KU legends in their own right.