Kennesaw State athletic director Vaughn Williams finds himself singing a new tune as he walks around his house. It's so catchy, his youngest daughter will chime in at the important part: "K-S-U, K-S-U."
The Owls will unveil their first fight song before Friday's basketball game against Mercer. As soon as the first notes echo around the Convocation Center, Willliams said history will be made.
"It's another step in the direction of where we want to go," he said. "I tell people in 15-20-30 years, think about this moment, this time. When you come back to a reunion and see the people doing the cheer at basketball games, football games ... you were here, you were part of it."
The song has been in the works since Williams' introductory news conference the previous April, but the idea had been germinating for much longer. Dr. Harry Price, director of the university's school of music, began discussing the need when he was hired three years ago. While most agreed, he couldn’t gain any traction. When Williams was hired, Price pitched his idea again. Williams saw the possibilities. Price began working with a former colleague on a tune to inspire Owl Nation.
“A school needs a fight song,” Price said. “I think it’s going to catch on. “
The result is, "The KSU Fight Song."
The composer, Dr. James Sochinski is a former colleague of Price when he worked at Virginia Tech. Sochinski has composed fight songs for the Hokies and South Carolina State. He has never visited Kennesaw State, but began combing the internet for information about the school, as well as talking to Price.
Within the lyrics are references to the area (“From the mountain we bring spirit, heart and victory), the region (“All through the Southland all know our might”), and in what is believed to be unique to college fight songs, a specific reference to academics (“Strong in the classroom, strong in the game”).
The song also incorporates a rhythmic motive with the word Kennesaw, which serves as a point of emphasis and reminder for the singers.
“The goal was to have something that’s up-tempo that could be viewed as inspirational and bring everyone to together,” Sochinski said, who will be at Kennesaw State on Friday to hear the debut.
The song was vetted by several departments at Kennesaw. The Owls paid $5,000 for the composition, including the rights.
Williams, who doesn't play an instrument but loves music, said when he heard the first few bars of the original score, played on piano, he knew the song would be a hit. The school is working on a downloadable version for mobile phones and other music players.
“It’s about tradition. It’s about pride. It’s about community,” Williams said. “This is something you don’t do every day.
“I’m looking forward to Friday. Hopefully the men can use that fight, can use that energy and get a win.”
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