How ’bout those ’Hawks! - Homecoming 2004

Although Homecoming celebration peaked Oct. 9 with the Jayhawks’ long-awaited 31-28 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats, the revelry in fact began earlier in the week with a packed calendar of student activities along Jayhawk Boulevard and throughout Lawrence.

Comedian Bill Cosby returned to campus Oct. 5 for the first time since April 4, 1968. More than 5,000 fans attended his Allen Field House performance. During his quick visit, Cosby took time to visit personally with a few lucky students, including KU football players Aqib Talib, left, and Anthony Collins.

The Homecoming parade Oct, 9 featured brilliant fall skies and 45 parade entries, including several floats depicting creative ways to dispose of the K-State Wildcats.

In preparation for the 6:20 p.m. football kickoff, thousands of fans converged on the Hill for tailgating and the reunions of several groups, including the Class of 1964 and the Black Alumni. The Hill was alive with action throughout the evening.

By game time, Memorial Stadium was packed with a sold-out crowd of 50,152. The Big Blue roar of KU fans grew louder with every quarter, and no one left the seats until the thrilling conclusion. In the third quarter, running back John Randle ran brilliantly for a 24-yard touchdown following a pass from quarterback Adam Barmann to Brandon Rideau, who pitched the ball to Randle.

After the victory, the goalposts traveled to their traditional resting place in Potter Lake. And Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, g’70, awarded the Governor’s Cup to Chancellor Robert Hemenway and Coach Mark Mangino, before a locker room of jubilant Jayhawks. How ’bout those ’Hawks!?