EKU’s Nickname
The origin of the Colonel starts with the earliest known University nickname; the “Maroons,” which came from the school colors of Maroon and White. The Maroons name became associated with the school during the ‘20s and continued for roughly 40 years. Maroons continued to remain the official mascot until 1963.

In 1963, President Robert Martin decided that the school needed a “real” mascot and began looking for a new symbol for the University. He was at a loss as to how he could create a physical “Maroon” to excite the audience. A man of vision and intelligence, Martin began searching for a mascot that would embody the glorious Bluegrass State.

He found it in the honorable Kentucky Colonel.

The military title of “Colonel” had begun being used as an honorary title in the state by the late 1800s and by 1931 the now-famous Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels had been formed.

 Like Minutemen of Massachusetts and Sooners of Oklahoma, the Kentucky breed of Colonel was a unique symbol of the state and so Martin selected it to accompany the school color as Eastern’s mascot.
--Courtesy of The Eastern Progress

The original Colonel design was by Louisville Courier-Journal editorial cartoonist Hugh Haynie.

EKU’s Fight Songs
Eastern Kentucky University is unique because it has two fight songs. The more commonly used is titled “Yea Eastern” which was written in 1932 by English student Mary Kathryn Burns and arranged by a music faculty member of the time, Helen Hull Lutes.

The second fight song is “Hail, Hail Eastern Maroons” which was written in 1940 by Frank Wilcox, who was also a student, and was arranged by faculty member Henri Schnabl.

Yea Eastern
(a.k.a. Rally Maroon and White)

Yea Eastern let’s win this fight,
Rally Maroon and White;

We’ve got the spirit; you’ve got the speed,
These two with grit are all that we need;

So carry and pass that ball;
Show them our boys beat All;

Show them we’re right with main and might;
The way to win is fight, fight, fight.

Hail, Hail Eastern Maroons

Hail, Hail Eastern Maroons,
You’re the pride of dear old Alma Mater,

Hail, Hail, Eastern Maroons,
For thee we’ll give three rousting cheers,

Rah, rah, rah! Hail, Hail, Eastern Maroons,
Loyal to thee we Stand,

Ever fight for the right,
We’ll make our School the best in the land.

The Maroon Platoon is the official student section of EKU Athletics! The Maroon Platoon is an Athletics' Sponsored Student Organization created by students for the students to make OUR overall experience more engaging and exciting. Join us today and have your voice be heard, earn rewards, and meet your fellow Colonel's from all over our community.

CLICK HERE to learn more! 

Cheerleading Team
The EKU Cheerleading Team is present at a variety of athletics events. 

Dance Team 
The EKU Dance Team is present at a variety of athletics events and performs at home football, basketball and volleyball matches. 

Marching Colonels
The Marching Colonels  are the official marching band of EKU Athletics. Known as the “Pride of Kentucky,” the band entertains thousands of fans at football games, community performances, and regional high school marching band festivals. 

The Maroon Machine 
The Maroon Machine is the official pep band for EKU Athletics. They perform at men’s and women’s basketball games, as well as women’s volleyball matches.

Joke and the Thief
The song “Joker and the Thief" by Wolfmother has become a staple at EKU Athletics events often played right before the start of the event or at a pivital moment in the game or matches. 

Let's-Go-Big-E Cant
Before the start of the second half at Football and Basketball, the “Let's-Go-Big-E” chant with the song “Kernkraft” 400 by Zombie Nation will be lead by the EKU Cheer and Dance Teams. 

Go Big E Fan Flag
The pregame fan flag is a proud game day tradition that symbolizes unity, energy, and school spirit. It brings sense of excitement and anticipation. 

Pep Rally’s

• City Fest & Maroon Platoon Pep Rally - This is a tradition with vendors from around Richmond and activities while getting pumped up for the first home game of the football season. The event will be highlighted by the team, the EKU Cheerleaders, Dance Teams, and Pep Band.
   
• Colonel Corn Roast - This is a homecoming week tradition with treats and activities while getting pumped up for the big game with words from the team, the EKU Cheerleaders, Dance Teams, and Pep Band. You’ll also get to meet the Homecoming Court!

Tailgating
Tailgating prior to EKU home football games is a long time cherished game day tradition that brings our fans together. Parking lots transform into lively gathering spaces filled with team colors, food, music, and friendly conversation. More than just a pregame activity, tailgating creates a sense of community and pride, setting the tone for the energy and camaraderie that carries into the stadium

Colonel Walk
The Colonel Walk takes place 1hour and 15 minutes prior to kick off where fans, friends and family greet the team as they walk into Roy Kidd Stadium. The walk includes a vibrant atmosphere with the EKU Cheer and Dance teams 

Pre-game Band Performance
The Marching Colonels also known as the “Pride of Kentucky”, will host a pre-game band performance in Earle Combs Stadium 1 hour prior to kickoff. The event is free and open to the public, with first-come, first-served seating.

Head for the Hill - Team Runout 
Prior to kickoff; students are invited to the hill to welcome to the team as they run down. 

Fire The Cannon
Firing the cannon after touchdowns became a strong tradition, particularly during the successful years under Coach Roy Kidd (1964-2002). The Cannon is also fired at other various times including 30-minute prior to kickoff, as the team runs down the hill, after wins and more. 

Cabin on The Hill 
For more than 40 years, EKU Football has celebrated each gridiron victory with its own heart-felt rendition of Cabin on the Hill, a country tune made famous by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. This song was first sung in the Eastern locker room beginning in 1967 by linebacker Paul Hampton who came to EKU from Belfry, Ky. The song has evolved into a more modern, upbeat version and has been led in recent years in the Colonel locker room and, on occasion, on the playing field by team chaplain Howard Miller who played defensive tackle at EKU from 1972-75.

Cabin on the Hill Lyrics
There's a happy childhood home in my memory I can see
Standing out upon the hill 'neath the shadow of the tree
If I only had my way it would give my heart a thrill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill.

Oh I want to wander back to the cabin on the hill
'Neath the shadow of the tree I would like to linger still
Just to be with those I love joy my heart would over fill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill

But the saddest of it all I can never more return
To that happy childhood home matters not how much I yearn
If I only had my way it would give my heart a thrill
Just to simply wander back to the cabin on the hill

Big E Welcome Walk Through the Turner Gates
The Big E Welcome Walk symbolizes the beginning of the EKU experience as new students walk through Turner Gate and faculty, staff, fellow Colonels and community members cheer them on. 

Daniel Boone Statue - Lucky Toe 
For more than 50 years, the toe of the Daniel Boone Statue has been a source of luck for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Installed in 1967, the statue’s toe remains untarnished due to its role as a campus good luck charm.