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.
