‘Beware of Phog’ authors to sign book

Doug Vance, former Kansas University assistant athletics director for media relations, and Jeff Bollig, director of communications for the Lawrence-based Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, will sign copies of their new book, “Beware of the Phog: 50 Years of Allen Fieldhouse” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Oread Books in the Kansas Union.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Beware of the Phog” (Sports Publishing LLC) chronicles the history of the arena, which was dedicated March 1, 1955. It was the largest campus arena in the nation at the time. Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of the game of basketball, introduced to the KU campus both the sport and his most prized pupil, Forrest C. “Phog” Allen, in the early 1900s. It was Allen, known as the “Father of Basketball Coaching,” who elevated the sport to practically a religion among the Jayhawk faithful. When the new arena was built to satisfy burgeoning fan support, it was named in honor of Phog Allen.

The event also will include a special appearance by Mary Burchill, author of the recent booklet “A Fan’s Guide to KU Men’s Basketball in Allen Fieldhouse.”

Rah Booty to cheer at holiday soiree

Kansas City Art Institute’s Rah Booty cheerleaders will perform at Olive Gallery and Art Supply’s Holiday Soiree.

The party is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. today at the gallery, 15 E. Eighth St. The cheerleaders will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Sweets and drinks will be provided, and party-goers can browse the Holiday Art Show, featuring 25 local and regional artists, on view through December.

For more information, call the gallery at 331-4114.