Kansas Barnstorming Tour to feature DCHS mascot created in 1932.

On Saturday afternoon at the Dodge City Civic Center – members of this year’s KU National Championship Basketball Team will be wearing shirts unique to the history of Dodge City High School. The shirts will feature a Jayhawk looking bird called a “Pilldilly” – a mascot born out of what has become a century long discussion regarding the mascot for the high school athletic programs in Dodge City. The Pilldilly will be making an appearance this weekend ninety years after it first appeared on the front of the new jerseys of the 1932 Dodge City Senior High School basketball team.

What the heck is a Pilldilly? Even the most dedicated Dodge City High School fan would have a difficult time answering that question. A quick history lesson is required for the complete answer.

In 1927, a newspaper writer for the Dodge City Globe mistakenly began referring to the school’s teams as the “Demons” due to the nickname of “D-Men” for the letter-jackets worn by the Dodge men’s varsity teams. The name stuck until 1932 when the controversial mascot was replaced by the Pilldilly – a Jayhawk looking bird made up of the letters D-C-H-S (see below). However, in 1940 the Demon returned and became the official mascot of Dodge City Senior High School.

Players will wear the Pilldilly shirts on Saturday – with the Pilldilly on the front & their name & number on the back. Player shirts will be available for auction at the end of the event. Replica Pilldilly shirts will be available at the event, as well.

“To incorporate our own basketball history into this current historical run by Kansas Basketball will make this a very memorable event for our city. The Pilldilly is a quirky piece of Red Demon lore and I think fans will enjoy the design and the story behind the apparel.” – Jay Gifford, DCHS Athletic Director

Tickets to the event are expected to sell out online at www.barnstormingtour.com. Limited tickets may be available for purchase day of, if still available. Admission tickets are all inclusive, but not guaranteed; including autographs, meet & greet with the players, a player interactive camp, games, and silent & live auction items straight from the players. The only way to guarantee participation in the autograph session is to purchase the VIP reserved ticket at $75 per ticket. Doors will open at 3pm to VIP reserved tickets and then general admission at 3:30. General Admission tickets are $30 per ticket and does not guarantee autographs. Official championship apparel, programs, and autographs will also be available to purchase.

Kansas Barnstorming Tour headed to Historic Dodge City Civic Center

The Dodge City High School Athletic Department and FCA is excited to announce the NCAA National Basketball Champions are headed to the Dodge City Civic Center on Saturday, May 7.

Jayhawk fans will be able to celebrate with this year’s championship team and have the opportunity to watch them in action on the historic Civic Center hardwood. Official championship apparel, programs, and autographs will also be available to purchase!

“What an unbelievable turnout there was in Wichita this past Saturday,” said Mitch Lightfoot, Kansas Basketball Senior. “Thank you for the tremendous support shown by the greatest fans in the world. We look forward to continuing the tour over the next couple of weeks to celebrate our National Championship with our fans!”

To purchase tickets, or to purchase exclusive Barnstorming Tour apparel, visit barnstormingtour.com. Tickets are expected to sell out online, limited tickets will be made available for purchase day of, if still available. Admission tickets are all inclusive, but not guaranteed; including autographs, meet & greet with the players, a player interactive camp, games, and silent & live auction items straight from the players.

The only way to guarantee participation in the autograph session is to purchase the VIP reserved ticket at $75 per ticket. Doors will open at 3pm to VIP reserved tickets and then general admission at 3:30. General Admission tickets are $30 per ticket and does not guarantee autographs.

“There is no better fan base than the Jayhawks,” said Jalen Wilson, Kansas Basketball Sophomore. “The amount of support and interest we are seeing on this trip further cements that we have the greatest fans!”

In the past, the annual Kansas Barnstormer Game featured only graduating seniors. However, due to changes in NCAA rules – current players will be able to participate in this year’s event.

The event will feature players from this year’s [34-6] National Championship team. Doors will open at 3pm for the VIP autograph session, GA will follow at 3:30pm. Official souvenir programs will be available for purchase at the event.

“This will be a great event for Kansas fans, as well as the Dodge City community. The night will be a once in a lifetime chance for KU fans to see this year’s Jayhawk team all together as National Champions. “– Matt Baty, Event Coordinator.

Dodge City has hosted the Barnstorming Tour previously in 2008 at the DCHS Field House. This year’s event will have a unique Dodge City feel as DCHS will be using this event to commemorate the 90th anniversary of a unique mascot that made a brief appearance in the 1930’s.

“To incorporate our own basketball history into this current historical run by Kansas Basketball will make this a very memorable event for our city.” – Jay Gifford, DCHS Athletic Director