To the editor:

As the jury begins its deliberations in the case between Kansas University and Joe-College.com, I find this an appropriate time to thank Larry Sinks and the Joe College store for bringing a level of school spirit to the students of KU that I have never seen before.

I’m not going to comment on the irreverent phrases that may appear on the shirts they sell at Joe College. What I do want to mention is the sea of blue we are finally seeing in Allen Fieldhouse and Memorial Stadium. As the only “blue” school in the Big 12, I have always found it odd that the university hasn’t embraced the blue theme more.

Having grown up in Lawrence, I have vivid memories of Memorial Stadium filled with people wearing red, not from “Beak Em’ Hawks” shirts, but from the hoards of Nebraska fans. Now, as a season ticket holder, I feel a rush of KU pride as I look across the field at the thousands of fans, and a full student section wearing blue.

I own a few shirts from Joe College. In fact, most of the KU fans I know do, too. And I am fully aware that the shirt I’m buying doesn’t benefit the university. But until the official merchandise from KU comes down in price, and until their shelves are overflowing with blue, I’m going elsewhere. And for now, that elsewhere is Joe College.

So thank you Joe College for standing your ground and continuing to provide KU fans with blue shirts. Not KU shirts. Blue shirts.

Melia Stockham,

Lawrence