The noise when Bill Self entered Memorial Stadium on Monday was almost deafening.

The theme of Kansas University’s Traditions Night was “A great place to be a champion,” and the men’s basketball coach’s appearance drove that point home for the several thousand students.

For the past 24 years, students and community members have gathered to learn about everything from the waving of the wheat to the history of the Jayhawk for the kickoff of Hawk Week.

But Monday was the first Traditions Night appearance of the National Championship-winning coach. His message was succinct.

“Have some pride in your school,” he said over raucous cheers. “Because you may be attending the coolest school in the country.”

James Carothers, professor of English, presented the history behind KU’s alma mater, the Rock Chalk chant and the school’s academic legacy.

For Wichita freshman Taleeda Crawford, these traditions are what brought her to KU.

“My high school was known for its pep,” she said. “KU reminds me of that.”

Chancellor Robert Hemenway’s speech acted as an underscore for the evening’s celebration of its recent basketball and football accolades.

“What kind of tradition does KU have?” he asked. “Why don’t you try a tradition of championships?”