Seniors celebrate amid Blue Phog of Fieldhouse birthday party

Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

Allen Fieldhouse's 50 th anniversary featured an emotional Senior Night tribute to Aaron Miles, Michael Lee, Wayne Simien and Keith Langford, who played in their final home game. They faced Kansas State, the same opponent that helped open the Fieldhouse in March 1955. Fans received commemorative T-shirts in KU’s official royal blue; the fashion statement throughout the crowd created the “Blue Phog” effect.

Photo by Earl Richardson

KU's cheerleaders wore retro uniforms to celebrate the arena’s 50th anniversary, and the band played a special song in tribute to the late “Father of Basketball Coaching,” Forrest C. “Phog” Allen. The song was composed in 1955 by longtime KU bands director Russell Wiley.

Photo by Earl Richardson

Wayne Simien spoke of his pride
in being a Jayhawk, cautioning the audience as he began to “sit back and get comfortable; I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.” His emotional speech lasted 25 minutes.

Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

Aaron Miles, known as the clown of the group, pointed out his special cheering section in the stands. In a serious moment he thanked coaches present and past, including Bill Self and Roy Williams.

Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

Among the many thank-yous he offered, Keith Langford extended special gratitude to his teammates; the KU medical staff and trainers who assist the players; his mother, Charlene; and longtime KU administrator Barbara Ballard.

Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

Michael Lee acknowledged the cheers of KU's fans as he left the game. He later gave special thanks to Miles, a lifelong friend from their hometown, Portland, Ore. The two played high school football and basketball together before choosing KU. As someone in the crowd asked whether he would remain at KU next year to join the football team, Lee said he hadn’t yet made up his mind.

Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

Coach Bill Self watched intently as the great senior class said goodbye.

Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobsen/KUAC

KU basketball’s Class of 2005: Miles, Lee, Langford and Simien. All four will graduate in May.