Photo Credit: University of Kansas Archives
Editor's Note: This story was originally published in the August 1952 issue of "To the Stars." The magazine went to print before the Olympic finals would be known. The USA basketball team played eight countries and defeated the Soviet Union in the final game, bringing home the gold.
"R-o-c-k C-h-a-I-k, J-a-y-h-a-w-k, K-U-…"
One of the world's most famous college yells was to be resounding over the Olympic basketball court at Helsinki, Finland, this summer where seven members of the University of Kansas basketball team, together with seven cagers from two A. A. U. squads, were to represent the United States in the World Basketball Games.
To the Stars joins with two million other Kansans in saluting Dr. Forrest C. ("Phog") Allen, KU’s famed basketball coach, and the members of his team who finished at the top of the college ranks this year to win a berth on the American Olympic squad.
Being the first Big Seven team to nail down a national title, Kansas University completed its schedule this spring with twenty-eight victories to three losses, bagging both the Big Seven and National Collegiate Athletic Association crowns. Losing only to Kansas State, defending Big Seven champions, and Oklahoma A. & M. during regular season play, the Jayhawkers swept through the N. C. A. A. regionals at Kansas City before capturing the title at Seattle by downing St. John's, 80-63. Olympic competition saw them sweep by both the Springfield, Mo., Teachers (N. A. I. B. champs) and LaSalle to gain undisputed recognition as the nation's best college team and the right to one-half of the American Olympic team's berths. In the final game with the A. A. U. (Amateur Athletic Union) champions, the Peoria Caterpillar-Diesels, K. U. lost a close decision by a score of 62-60.
Members of the Kansas squad who were to participate in the World Games at Helsinki are Forwards John Keller, Bob Kenney and Bill Lienhard, Center Clyde Lovellette and Guards Dean Kelley, Charlie Hoag and Bill Hougland. Lovellette, twice All-American, was named the Helms Foundation Player of the Year. Dr. Allen, who was to be assistant coach for the Olympic squad, completed the 1952 season with 710 winning games to his all-time credit-100 more than any other active coach can claim.
Four more Kansans were to compete in other Olympic events at Helsinki this summer. Wes Santee, Kansas University, was to run in the 5,000-meter event; Thane Baker, Kansas State, in the 200-meter race; Cpl. Bobby Bickle, Hoisington, was to compete in the 125-pound boxing events; and Col. Clarence "Curly" Edwinson, Topeka, was to be a member of the American skeet team.
