Lance Leipold visits Topeka Jayhawk Club

TOPEKA (KSNT) - It's a day KU fans circle on the calendar every year.

Lance Leipold made the trip to Topeka on Wednesday to visit with members of the Topeka Jayhawk Club.

"They've been loyal," Leipold told 27 News. "They believed in this program since the day we arrived... To have them have a chance to be a part of what we're doing is really fun."

Leipold stopped by the club's annual football kickoff picnic, held at Big Gage Shelter House.

KU football fans in Topeka will have a slightly further trip to home games in 2024, going to Kansas City rather than Lawrence, but the Jayhawks' head coach believes it could create some fond memories.

"I think we'll have a home field advantage at both spots," Leipold said of playing in Children's Mercy Park and Arrowhead Stadium. "I think those venues will show that they'll be unique in their own ways. And for us to have that, I think when our student-athletes look at it down the road they'll look at this as a highly positive experience in their careers."

Leipold engaged in a Q&A with 'Voice of the Jayhawks' Brian Hanni and also took questions from several fans in attendance.

He also appeared live on 27 News at 6 prior to speaking in front of the crowd. More coverage from the club's annual preseason football fun will air on Sunday, Aug. 18 in K-Nation.