KU homecoming week starts Saturday with Spirit Sprint 5K Run/Walk

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas will begin its homecoming celebration this Saturday. The 2003 theme, "Jayhawk Generations: Bringing Back the Classics," will be carried out through a variety of activities including Spirit Sprint, a 5K run/walk that will kick off the week, a pep rally and the traditional homecoming parade down Jayhawk Boulevard to close the events.

"We are very excited for this year's homecoming," said Elissa Hudson, Pittsburg junior and Homecoming Steering Committee co-director. "This year we are striving for more overall involvement from students, community members and alumni -- we want everyone to show how proud they are to be a Jayhawk."

The committee organizes the event and is working to make it bigger and better than before, Hudson said. The committee includes students and staff advisers. The list of students serving on the committee can be found online at www.ur.ku.edu/News/03N/MayNews/May2/homecoming.html.

The complete schedule of events is listed below. There will be a homecoming information table from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the week on Wescoe Beach in front of Wescoe Hall.

Saturday, Oct. 11
Spirit Sprint 5K Run/Walk at Burge Union, 9 a.m.
Daisy Days, sponsored by Association of University Residence Halls and Ellsworth and Hashinger residence halls, 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 12
KU/United Way Make a Difference Day, Kansas Union, 1-5 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 13
"Good luck" banner signing in front of Wescoe Hall (Wescoe Beach), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Craziest Jayhawk Fan Costume Contest Sign-up on Wescoe Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pizza-eating contest, sponsored by Papa John's, Wescoe Beach, noon

Tuesday, Oct. 14
Homecoming murals on display in the Kansas Union Gallery, fourth floor, Tuesday through Saturday
Chalk 'n' Rock sidewalk chalk-drawing contest on Wescoe Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; judging begins at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 15
Jayhawk "Can"struction on Wescoe Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; judging begins at 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 16
Field Day events on Strong Hall lawn, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Office decoration contest; judging begins at noon
"Dec" the Halls (residence hall decorating competition); judging begins at 4 p.m.
Homecoming pep rally at Memorial Stadium, 7-9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 17
Craziest Jayhawk Fans costume contest judging, noon
Mural judging, Kansas Union Gallery, fourth floor, 4 p.m.
Spirit Sing at "Late Night in the Phog," Allen Fieldhouse, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18
Homecoming parade on Jayhawk Boulevard, 10 a.m.
KU vs. Baylor football game, KU Memorial Stadium, 1 p.m.; homecoming and Ex.C.E.L. award recipients announced, halftime of the football game