I knew there were going to be fireworks after K-State's season opener. I just didn't expect the explosions to involve the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band.
Band Director Dr. Frank Tracz's motives were called into question with a formation during Saturday's halftime show that some believed was vulgar in nature. For the record, nobody was discussing this at all during the halftime show or during the second half, at least in the south end zone where I was sitting. (Granted: Cell phone reception is not the best in the stadium. I wasn't checking my phone every minute, and my son, who was sitting by me, wasn't going to bring up this topic willingly to his mother. But I didn't hear it from anyone else either.)
Honestly, I was very impressed with the halftime show. The band is always good. But they did multiple formations and were moving all over the field in intricate, ever-shifting patterns. I don't ever recall a show that had more moving parts. I thought it was an apt reflection of the Wildcat band's recognition with the Sudler Trophy, an award given every two years to the top college band in the nation.
After the internet hubbub, I wrote to President Kirk Schulz and Athletic Director John Currie, expressing my support and asking them to stand behind our band and its director. And I also wrote to Dr. Tracz with an apology. It said:
"I am writing with a confession of sorts. I probably would not have
written this email if the controversy about the band's halftime
performance wouldn't have happened. And that's the
sad part to me: I sat in the south end zone of the football stadium on
Saturday and was amazed at the intricate formations the band was
performing. In all the years we've been season ticket holders for
football, I don't recall a halftime show with more moving pieces. So I should
have been thinking - then and there - "I should write an email to Dr.
Tracz and the band and tell them how much I appreciated all their time
and effort in creating and carrying out the halftime show!"
But,
in reality, I probably wouldn't have done so. That's sad, and I'm sorry
about that - for all the times I should have said thank you and
congratulations for your wonderful achievements - but I didn't. Every
time I hear the patriotic fanfare at the beginning of the game, I tear
up. I also appreciate the band's enthusiasm and leadership with the
Wabash Cannonball, the alma mater and so much more.
Congratulations on your national honor! I am proud to have you and the band represent me and my alma mater!
I
am not a band alumni, but I have known a few throughout the years. I
know that your performances represent HOURS of practicing. As I told
someone else, you guys probably spent more time outside practicing in
the heat and humidity than the football team did because you don't have a
brand new indoor practice facility. So, for all the blood, sweat and
tears, thank you!
I have emailed people in leadership at both K-State and KU, voicing my support for you and the band. So ...
Fight you K-State Wildcats
for Alma Mater fight!
Glory into combat for the Purple and the White
Faithful to our colors
We will ever be
Fighting, ever fighting, for a Wildcat Victory!
Go State!
I don't agree with the University's
self-imposed sanctions. I think Schulz and university administration should have stood behind its band family. "Family" is the flag we wave before the game.
It's the sign our football team carries at the forefront as it runs onto the field before the game.
Family is what built the new Vanier football complex and West Stadium ...
... and the amazing digital scoreboard. (The image above taken from across the football field, zooming in on the new scoreboard. It was a wonderful addition for we south end zone occupants!)
There were plenty of positive things to focus on at Saturday's game. Game goers helped "Stripe Out" the stadium, wearing either white or purple shirts in assigned sections. It looked awesome!
The National Football Foundation saluted Coach Snyder on his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Four great Wildcats became the newest Ring of Honor recipients - Michael Bishop, Jordy Nelson, Clarence Scott and Darren Sproles. There were raucous standing ovations for each one of them.
My sister called from Chicago on Monday and asked about the controversy. I offered my take. I told her that it was too bad that the good things were overshadowed. She also had no idea that our starting quarterback Jesse Ertz had a season-ending injury during the first drive or that senior safety Dante Barnett had an arm injury.
Life isn't fair. My parents have been telling me that my whole life, so you'd think I would have learned that lesson by now. So I hope the band members and Dr. Tracz rally and come back next home game better than ever.
And I hope the fireworks we'll be talking about at Bill Snyder Family Stadium will be simply that - fireworks ... or another explosive 100-yard kickoff return from Morgan Burns or one of his special teams pals!
