“Wabash Cannonball” is a unique K-State tradition. Most of us know the story of how the song became a staple of the band’s repertoire, but here it is again, from the Kansas State Band’s website:
The Wabash Cannonball: With a history like no other, and a firm grasp on tradition, the Wabash Cannonball may be known as a second fight song to the K-State contingent. Composed in 1933 as a folk ballad saluting the nation's rail-riding hobos, Wabash Cannonball was first performed for an athletic event at K-State on December 16, 1968. Wabash was the only selection in the band's repertoire that evening for a home basketball game at Ahearn Fieldhouse.