There are a lot of famous mascots in our college landscape. There is Big AL in Tuscaloosa cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide. There is Albert E. Gator and Alberta Gator that represent the University of Florida.
However, my favorite mascot in the NCAA is Big Jay from the University of Kansas.
Big Jay was introduced by the university’s alumni association in the 1960s. The Jayhawk logo has red hair with the eyes and beak giving the bird a contentious look. Big Jay has big yellow shoes that were drawn by student Henry Maloy in 1912. Maloy drew shoes on the Jayhawk because it symbolizes kicking opponents
During the football homecoming game in 1971, fans witnessed the hatching of Baby Jay which is the companion of Big Jay. Students who want to be a mascot have to fall under a height requirement.
Students who tryout to be Big Jay must be 6 feet and 1 inches to 6 feet and 5 inches tall. Students who want to be Baby Jay need to be on the short end of the stick. They must fall in the height requirement of 4 feet and 11 inches to 5 feet and 1 inches.
The Jayhawk is rooted in the historic struggles of Kansas settlers. The Jayhawk has evolved over the years but has always been front and center at Allen Fieldhouse during Jayhawk basketball games.
Big Jay and Baby Jay leading the Rock Chalk Chant gives you chills when you watch a Kansas basketball game on TV.
Derrick's Wonderful World of Sports 
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