Court Warming History
The University of Missouri-Kansas City began putting on an annual Homecoming banquet and dance in 1955. At that time the University did not have a football or a basketball team, so the dance honored the alumni of the university. Although the students danced the night away at the dance, the tradition was not like it is today. It was not the week full of events that we all look forward to now.
The tradition came to an end in the mid 1970’s when the dance started to become less successful. One of the University newspaper headlines read “Homecoming Flops”. It is assumed that the change of spirit and student involvement came when all Korean War Veterans came back from the war and went back to school. The student population suddenly became comprised largely of adults, which drastically changed the environment of student activities on campus.
The Activity & Program Council revived the tradition in 1996 under a new name to honor and promote 海角论坛 school spirit and athletics, especially the basketball program. Today, Court Warming features a week packed with fun events both on and off campus. In addition, two student leaders from campus compete to be crowned Roo Royalty. The highlights of the week is the Yell Like Hell event, and the Court Warming Roo Royalty are crowned during halftime of the KC Athletics Basketball game on Saturday.
Court Warming 2026 - Roos in Oz
Court Warming 2026, Roos in Oz, will take place February 13th-21st, 2026. Court Warming 2026 candidate applications are now open and must be turned in by 11:55PM on November 30, 2025. Student organizations can sponsor/nominate one person from their organization to be a part of Court Warming. Their candidate will participate in events, get creative with their organization, and gather votes to be part of the Roo Royalty Court. The 2 students that are awarded Roo Royalty will win $100 in RooBucks that will be added to their student account. We hope to see many different organizations represented this year and have candidates that embody Roo Spirit! Applications can be found on Roo Groups at
Court Warming 2026 Voting will open in January 2026!
Court Warming 2026 Events
Roos in Oz Kick off Event!
Thursday, February 12th 2:30pm-3:30pm
Come kick off the Court Warming week with us! The Kick Off Event will feature Stuff a Plush with Alpha and Glinda bears! These bears are first come, first serve and are only available to current 海角论坛 students. Please bring your student id to help check in go quickly!
Come by the event to stuff and decorate your very own Alpha or Glinda bear and meet the Court Warming candidates!
Yell Like Hell
Thursday, February 19th – 7:00 pm
Student Union Theater
Come enjoy Wicked theme performances from our 2026 Court Warming candidates!
Canned Art Construction
All Week
Student Union 3rd Floor
Check out the canned art masterpieces created by the 2026 Court Warming candidates!
2026 Candidates
Abby Apostol with Delta Zeta
Hometown: Monett, MO
Hobbies: Playing volleyball, doing puzzles, playing board games, hot girl walks, knitting, cooking, and hanging out with my friends!
Bio: Hi everyone! My name is Abigail Apostol and I have the honor of representing the Xi Phi chapter of Delta Zeta! I am a current 4th year student in the 6-year BA/MD program and I am majoring in Liberal Arts with a minor in Chemistry. I am from Monett, MO, but have grown to call Kansas City my home away from home. When I am not studying, you can find me playing volleyball, doing puzzles and finding different coffee shops around campus! Coming from a small town, I was looking for a place that would not only support my academic ambitions, but also give me a sense of community and I have found that here at 海角论坛! I am so excited and honored to represent Delta Zeta for Roo Royalty and to give back to the university that has supported me throughout the years! Roo up!
Why I should be crowned roo royalty: I believe that I should be crowned Roo Royalty because I think the best way to represent 海角论坛 is to be heavily involved in our campus and community. This is something that I’ve demonstrated very well in the efforts that I have made towards Delta Zeta, my academics, and the Kansas City community. Since becoming a member of Delta Zeta 4 years ago, I have had the opportunity to hold numerous leadership positions including Academics Chairwoman and Chapter President. I have also had the chance to represent my sorority and 海角论坛 at a national level at the Delta Zeta Leader Summit and National Convention. While being involved on campus, I have also shown commitment academically by being a member of the American Medical Women’s Association and Internal Medicine Interest Group. Lately, academics have looked a bit different as I have transitioned from classrooms to hands-on learning in the community since receiving my white coat! Just outside of campus, I love giving back to my community by volunteering. The places I have devoted time to have included Connections to Success, Harvesters, Variety Kids, KC Pet Project, and Synergy Services. As a direct result from my voluntary efforts, I was recognized with the 海角论坛 Community Engagement Navigator award for 77 hours of community service last year. Overall, it is an honor to be representing Delta Zeta for Roo Royalty this year and would appreciate your vote! Roo up!
Morgan Patterson with K-ROO Student Radio
Hometown: Adrian, MO
Hobbies: Film/video production, Guitar, Radio Networking, App Development, Screenwriting, Music/video Arrangement, US Antarctic Program Debate, Piano, DIY Bio-informatics / AlphaFold Modeling,
BIO:
Morgan is a Junior student at 海角论坛 and the President of K-ROO Student Radio. After a three-year hiatus, Morgan is leading the charge to bring student-led broadcasting back to campus at k-roo.digital. Passionate about both the technical and creative sides of radio, Morgan spends their time bridging the gap between vintage tech and modern digital streaming to ensure every Roo has a voice on the airwaves.
WHY I SHOULD BE CROWNED ROO ROYALTY:
As 海角论坛 enters the "Roos in Oz" era for Court Warming 2026, I want to represent the spirit of innovation and community that makes our campus unique. Just as the characters in Oz found their heart, brain, and courage, K-ROO is finding its voice again. Being crowned Roo Royalty would provide a platform to advocate for student organizations and showcase how student-led media can unite our campus. I am dedicated to being a prominent advocate for my peers and a champion for school spirit.
Jack Parish with Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Hobbies: Country Swing and West Coast Swing Dancing, Playing Piano, Guitar, and Harmonica, and Reading
I should be crowned Roo Royalty because of the overwhelming pride I have for this school along with my dedication to making the 海角论坛 experience both exciting and rewarding.
Macyn Schwada with Alpha Delta Pi
Hometown: Monroe City
Hobbies: Reading, connecting with friends, fitness
Bio:
Macyn is a Mathematics major running with Alpha Delta Pi who is passionate about campus involvement and giving back. She stays busy with Women in Business and volunteering with the Red Cross, and loves being a part of the energy and traditions that makes campus feel special.
I should be crowned Roo Royalty because I represent involvement, service, and pride in our campus community. Through Alpha Delta Pi, I have learned the importance of leadership, friendship, and giving back to the community, while building strong connections across campus. As a math major and a member of Women in Business, I value hard work, growth, and supporting women in leadership and professional spaces. Volunteering with the Red Cross also allows me to give back to my community and it's something I'm passionate about. I strive to be welcoming, involved, and positive, and I would be honored to represent our school.