 "Photo: Nathaniel LaRue")
K-State fans flooded downtown Manhattan last night as Purple Power Play on Poyntz kicked off the Fall sports season.
Booths lined the middle of Poyntz, providing attendees with food and games while they waited on the night’s festivities to begin.
On Plaza Stage in front of Manhattan Town Center, musician Berkley Matthews started off the night with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Bates Dance Studio took the stage after a few songs by Matthews, performing several routines for the crowd.
Local Christian band, Cloverton followed the dance performance. It started to rain, forcing the band to cover their equipment, but they continued to play through it. The rain let up just in time for the KSU Marching Band.
The Classy Cats and K-State cheerleaders led the band through the crowd, where they performed in front of the stage.
With the crowd at a fever pitch, Bill Snyder took the microphone while backed by several members of the K-State football team, including recently named quarterback, Carson Coffman. Snyder expressed the important role that fans play in the football program.
“What ever degree of successes we’ve had during the years, it was because of the foundation of our fan base who truly cared,” Snyder said.
“Twenty years ago ... when I came to Kansas State University ... I came because of the people. It wasn’t about football at the time. It was about the people of Kansas State - the tremendous fan base,” he said, before handing the mic to several players.
“I’m really excited for Saturday,” said tight end Jeron Mastrud. “I’ve been waiting for it all summer, spring and winter, so I’m ready to go.”
Next, the K-State baseball team took the stage and talked about their record-breaking 2009 season. To finish off the night, Willie the Wildcat made an appearance, leading the crowd in a cheer and the marching band fired up the crowd one last time with “the Wabash Cannonball.”
For K-State student Elizabeth Pracht, junior in family studies and human services, the band was the highlight of the evening.
“I really liked the band. They provided a lot of energy,” Pracht said. Natalie Truman, freshman in chemical engineering, agreed with Pracht’s statement.
“The band worked so hard to prepare for this night,” Truman said. “It’s nice to see all that hard work paid off.”
For Dr. Frank Tracz, KSU Director of Bands, the feeling was mutual.
“[Purple Power Play on Poyntz] is just a lot of fun. It’s a great thing all around,” Tracz said.
