RCW: A Look Back 4.15

Having recently covered track & field’s use of Allen Fieldhouse in Rock Chalk Weekly, this week let’s take A Look Back at Kansas volleyball’s tenure in the historic facility.

Volleyball began in the fall of 1968 at the University of Kansas, and the team practiced and played in Robinson Gymnasium until the 1976 season, when games shifted to Allen Fieldhouse. Practices remained in Robinson, meaning the team practiced in different conditions than those in which they played. However, Allen Fieldhouse was good to the team; the Jayhawks racked up a 158-121-1 home record in 23 seasons in the facility. Current KU head coach Ray Bechard, spent his first season at Kansas (1998) coaching in Allen Fieldhouse before Horejsi Family Athletic Center was completed. The evening game against Iowa State in 1998 served as the opening act for Late Night with Roy Williams, when Late Night still began at midnight.