Aug. 21, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Kansas student-athletes kicked off the 2011 school year by joining together in a welcome-back barbecue at Memorial Stadium Sunday evening.  The purpose of the barbecue, which was sponsored by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), was to give student-athletes a chance to come together as a Jayhawk family, as well as to get acquainted with other student-athletes from different sports.  

“This is just a way to get everyone back together and see the news faces,” said senior softball player Kelsey Alsdorf. “I really like getting to see all the new people and getting see my teammates again. The food is always a nice thing, too.”

While this is one of the biggest events that brings student-athletes together to kick off the school year, squads make it a point to support all Jayhawk sports throughout the year.

“The atmosphere here is great because everybody is back and everyone is excited for their seasons to get started,” explained cross country senior Rebeka Stowe. “This is a great way to get caught up with teammates and friends that were all over the country this summer. It's a lot of fun.”

With the start of classes Monday and the hopes of promising new seasons, Kansas student-athletes are looking forward to setting new goals and accomplishing new feats.