Bickel: There’s nothing like basketball season

The void in my heart has yet to be filled.

I’ve tried to ignore the fact that it’s gone, but I’m still left empty every April through October. I’ve rooted for the Jayhawk football team every Saturday and noted volleyball scores in the Kansan. And “Monday Night Football” is always good. But any University of Kansas student, especially the new freshman walking around campus, should know that there is no place like Allen Fieldhouse. Believe it or not, there are actually students that have never attended a game at the Fieldhouse.

Allen Fieldhouse’s atmosphere is unlike any other stadium in the nation. Students spend weeks camping to get the best seats in the house. If that doesn’t say something about the pure dedication and love the students have, then I don’t know what does. The moment you walk in, you can feel the students’ excitement. From students ripping up paper confetti, to saying the eerie Rock Chalk Chant (there’s no “woo,” by the way) there’s never a dull moment. Once tipoff starts, the place is deafening. Oh, and don’t even think about sitting down.

Even if you aren’t a sports fan, you’re missing out. I think every student should experience at least one basketball game, if not more. Being in Allen Fieldhouse, you feel so united with your fellow classmates. To see thousands of students go absolutely crazy for their team and be nationally recognized as one of the best student sections is a big deal.

A day after a big win, the campus is always so full of joy. For me, I can just feel the positive energy radiate through Jayhawk Boulevard. For non-basketball fans, it may seem like a normal day. Personally, I am appalled when I hear someone say they’ve never attended a basketball game. It’s one of KU’s biggest and most exciting traditions. Once you step into that building and feel the energy, your outlook on basketball will most likely change. It is really more than just a game.

Being a Jayhawk creates so many bonds between strangers. It’s great being able to walk down the street in some random town and saying “Rock Chalk” to a complete stranger. Because of that crimson and blue shirt with the Jayhawk on the front, you have just made an instant connection with an otherwise complete stranger. And there’s no doubt that basketball is the driving force behind the camaraderie.

Late Night in the Phog is approaching on Oct. 13, it’s a fun event for everyone. Late Night typically referred to as “Midnight Madness” at other schools, signifies the first official practice for the men and women’s teams. It includes both teams singing, dancing, and performing skits. And of course, it’s always a great way to check out the year’s talent during the scrimmages. Late Night is one of the best forms of entertainment from some big campus names. It is unlike any other university’s Midnight Madness.

Although, it is true that there are sports at Kansas other than basketball and all of them should get attention. Kansas should have the same attitude about other sports as it does about basketball. That positive outlook, the crazy student section, and forming simple bonds are all a part of the experience that should be carried onto other sports. Basketball, however, is just so full of tradition. The Rock Chalk Chant, singing the Alma Mater, and holding up the Kansan during the opponent’s starting lineup are just a few of many examples. Basketball is what many students live for at Kanas, and I don’t see that ever changing.

Bickel is a sophomore majoring in journalism from Harper. Follow her on Twitter @Steph_Bick.

• Updated Oct. 5, 2012 at 9:53 pm