Traditions Night, Back to School BBQ Welcome Jayhawks to Campus

Aug. 19, 2012

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Learning the many Jayhawk traditions and a team dinner at head coach Megan Smith’s house marked two of several events the Kansas softball team had waiting upon its return to campus.

Eight newcomers join 11 returning letterwinners to make up the 2013 roster. On Saturday, the rookies were introduced to the ways of the Jayhawks during Traditions Night. The event welcomes new student-athletes from every sport to campus. Sunday afternoon, the team met with Associate Director of Academic and Career Counseling, Justin Mackey for an overview of the upcoming semester.

From there, the Jayhawks gathered at Smith’s house for a fun evening of dinner and team bonding. This season’s Rock Chalk Teams, a Jayhawk softball tradition, were also revealed for the year. A spokesperson for each of the four teams gave entertaining speeches to welcome back their teammates.

When school begins on Monday, the team has a full slate of activities planned including equipment check-out, a team meeting and Athletics Director Dr. Sheahon Zenger will meet with the freshmen.

On Wednesday, the Jayhawks report to the weight room at 6 a.m. to kick-off fall conditioning. Individual practices get underway at on Monday, Aug. 27.

In 2012, Kansas posted a 31-20 overall record in 2012 and a 6-17 mark in Big 12 play, the Jayhawks’ second-consecutive 30-win season and the most conference wins since 2009. Senior left fielder and Academic All-American Maggie Hull leads the six returning starters after breaking KU’s batting average record in 2012.