Kansas State Wildcats

FIRST DOWN! & WABASH CANNONBALL

A game day tradition that K-State claims to have originated is one that fans coast to coast love to scream out when their team makes a first down. Those who have ever shouted “first down” when the referee makes the signal, perhaps owe this joyful moment to a group of purple clad fans.

This is how it’s done Wildcat style. After the team makes a first down, K-State’s stadium announcer, Ivan Wilkinson says, “Good for another Wildcat . . ” and the rest of the Wildcat fans yell “first down” while pointing in the direction their beloved team is headed.
Go to any K-State football game and the tune Wabash Cannonball is certain to be heard. The connection between the song and the school became a natural after K-State’s department of Music burned down in the fall of 1969. The only music salvaged was a copy of Wabash Cannonball that was in the director’s briefcase.

With the next football game took place, the band only had the music to one song. Therefore, they played Wabash Cannonball again and again. Apparently the song grew on the Wildcat faithful, because it now serves as a second fight song.