Sept. 11, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Spirit Day 2012 was held on Saturday, Sept. 8, at Kivisto Field in Memorial Stadium. Participants got the chance to meet University of Kansas spirit squad members and join them on the field to cheer on the Jayhawks for the first half of the football game versus Rice.

The fifty-plus aspiring cheerleaders and dancers showed up early to participate in a clinic and were introduced to both the cheerleaders and Rock Chalk Dancers. The girls and boys got the chance to learn traditional KU cheers and chants, along with some stunting taught by KU's own. Then it was time to take the field in front of 44,000 fans.

Spirit Day has become an annual event at KU that will continue for years to come; next year's event will be scheduled for the second game of the 2013 football season.

Cat Jarzemkoski, KU Spirit Squad Coordinator and organizer of the event said, "Spirit Day is a tradition and a great opportunity to cheer with the spirit squad. It gives younger members of the community a chance to participate in game day."

After doing their best to emulate the spirit squad on the field during the first two quarters Saturday night, Spirit Day participants bid farewell to their newest role models and took to the stands in Memorial Stadium to continue rooting on the KU football team.

Spirit Day was a good representation of the positive attitude and exciting nature that is the KU Spirit Squad. The event was a memorable occasion for the dozens of young girls and young boys involved and gave them a brief look at life as a KU cheerleader or Rock Chalk Dancer.