Football season is a meaningful time at Lawrence High. The high school season isn’t the only thing special this time around – just 7 minutes away from our home stadium is a place that holds significance in the hearts of many at Lawrence High.
Established in 1998, the David Booth Memorial Stadium has undergone ongoing renovation since December 2023. The stadium is named after LHS and KU alumni David Booth, who has maintained connections with the city of Lawrence since moving away.
“Even though I haven’t lived in Lawrence for over 50 years, I still have good memories of going to high school there and KU,” Booth said. “I just had my 60th high school reunion and there’s still a nice spirit of the people with fond memories of the school.”
This year, Booth donated $300 million to the KU athletics department. This contribution will not only help strengthen the school spirit at KU, but also will generate more crowds at games.
“David has been a longtime generous supporter of Kansas Athletics,” KU Deputy Athletic Director Kristen Toner said. “His latest commitment is transformational for our athletics department and the entire university.”
The environment of KU athletics directly reflects the Lawrence High community. A majority of LHS parents decided to live here because of their alma mater, instilling the Jayhawk spirit in their children from a young age.
“Plenty of our KU students, staff and alumni are Lawrence natives, including David and I, so that creates an obvious connection between the two schools,” Toner said. “But I also know there are many who moved away and although they didn’t attend KU, they still feel a strong connection because the university, and particularly athletics, are so intertwined with the experience of growing up in this town.”
Booth currently resides in Texas as co-founder and executive chairman of Dimensional Fund Advisors. However, his name is recognizable to any KU fan, and he cherishes the city of Lawrence. Booth has been vocal about the effect of sports in the alumni community
“When you’re a part of a community, everybody has to give a little bit. It’s the best part about community spirit,” Booth said. “If you feel like you’re part of a community, you want to be charitable.”
Booth carries on a long tradition of notable LHS and KU alumni, including star athletes such as Devin Neal, Zeke Mayo, and Danny Manning.
Soon to be among that list is senior and KU football commit Josh Galbreath. Because of his family, Galbreath grew up as an avid KU football fan.
“KU football is where it all started
for my family– my dad met my mom there when he was playing football back in the 90s,” Galbreath said. “So it truly is a special place for my family because without it, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Alumni are a major part of the Lawrence community. Sports, both Lions and Jayhawks, bring this college town together.
“I feel like my Lawrence High pride translates to KU pride by following along the footsteps that others have laid down previously before me,” Galbreath said. “Lawrence is a special place and my goal is to help spread that throughout the nation.”
