“God is a wildcat, there’s no question!” those were the impassioned words of Kansas State band director Dr. Frank Tracz, as he spoke of the sunny, 70 degree weather forecast for Saturday’s football game – where the wildcats will no doubt put up a fight against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.
The day however, goes beyond football rivalries for Tracz and the KSU marching band.
After years of hard work and dedication – together with blood, sweat, tears and a recent dose of well publicized social media scrutiny, the 410 member marching band will be honored with the 2015 Sudler Trophy.
The trophy is awarded to marching bands on a bi-annual basis, and recognizes high musical standards and excellence and innovation in marching routines.
Making the celebration even sweeter, the band will be joined by 1250 high school students and nearly 280 alumni in a combination of band day and alumni band day, as they receive their award.
As a professional in what he believes to be his 38th year of teaching, Tracz is honored by the win. Looking beyond its material value, the band director sees the award as a symbol of national recognition for Kansas State.
Swelling with pride for his students, who he admits have endured playing with a rough hand of cards in recent weeks, Tracz urges community members to join together in honoring their work at Saturday’s game. The group has “rebounded” and the director promises the band will give “100 percent in return,” for all of the support that they receive.
Kick-off is at 2 p.m. in Bill Snyder Family Stadium, with the band receiving their award at half-time.
