On, Wisconsin

"On, Wisconsin" The tune was originally composed in 1909 by Chicago's William Purdy, and the words were written by Carl Beck. Purdy and Beck had been fraternity brothers at Hamilton College (Clinton, N.Y.) and were roommates in Chicago. Purdy was going to submit the song for a $100 prize that the University of Minnesota was offering for a new football song. When Beck heard the music, he offered to write words and suggested that Purdy offer it to Wisconsin, where Beck had once studied. The song was an instant hit on campus and spread throughout the world. It was especially popular with military bands. Some 2,500 schools have adopted the music and changed the words to suit their needs. 'On, Wisconsin' was sung for the first time at the 1909 homecoming game vs. Minnesota. The music was adapted by current Band Director Michael Leckrone in 1969. The original version had been played virtually unchanged since its inception. 'I got a lot of flak for that,' Leckrone said. 'The old version was one you had to wait on. I wanted to generate immediate crowd reaction, so I stepped it up a bit.' On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin Plunge right through that line, Run the ball clear down the field, boys Touchdown sure this time On Wisconsin, On Wisconsin Fight on for her fame, Fight, Fellows, Fight, Fight, Fight We'll win this game!