July 31, 2024
Marching Pride Scholars Golf Tournament a hole-in-one
Submitted by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
The Kansas State University Marching Band hosted its 13th annual Marching Pride Scholars Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 27, at Colbert Hills. The weather was great, and the golf was excellent!
The purpose of the tournament extends beyond camaraderie and alumni and community relations, as it also serves as a large and necessary fundraising event for the marching band.
"Longtime band photographer and number one supporter 'Red' Skelton and I went to lunch one day, and the meeting started like many other meetings I had with Red: 'I have an idea!' From this idea, the Marching Pride Scholars program was born," said Frank Tracz, director of bands, about the origins of this fundraiser.
"One of the major issues all of the collegiate marching bands face is the retention of the older players," Tracz said. "The junior and senior years become a challenge for students to not only schedule band in their day, but also to afford the cost. Most students will eventually have to make a choice between the band and a part-time job to stay to stay in school. Thus, the Marching Pride Scholars is a great way to provide a $500 scholarship to the upperclassmen to stay in the band."
While fundraising for the Marching Pride Scholars is a continuous effort throughout the school year involving various community functions and civic events, the annual golf tournament has become a cornerstone for the funds' existence. It consists of sponsors for holes, carts and golfers — a representation of the incredible dedication from community members, business owners and K-State faculty. In addition to those who sponsor, there is a silent auction with donations ranging from autographed K-State sports memorabilia, gift certificates and amazing K-State gear.
Each golfer was presented with a complimentary polo shirt and gift bag upon his or her arrival. After a welcome from head football coach Chris Klieman and immediately before Willy struck the tournament's inaugural shot, participants gathered around an energetic performance of "Wabash Cannonball" from a contingent of band members. Upon completion of the 18-hole shotgun start course, golfers were welcomed back to the clubhouse for lunch. More importantly, all proceeds went toward scholarships for the upperclassmen members of the K-State Marching Band and Classy Cats.
"It is simple, the more experienced and mature players/marchers that are in the band the better," Tracz said. "All senior members continue to grow, and with the help of the Marching Pride Scholars program, I am confident we can help the students stay with the Pride."
At its completion, the event was a tremendous success with a total of more than 70 sponsors, more than 120 golfers and $30,000 worth of scholarship funds.
Be sure to join us next year at Colbert Hills for the 14th annual Marching Pride Scholars Golf Tournament, date TBA.