Back to the Kansas State Wildcats Newsfeed

Frank Tracz, K-State band director, defends ‘friendly rivalry banter’ in halftime show

MANHATTAN, Kan.

Four days after the Kansas State marching band caused a national stir with its halftime show at the Wildcats’ first football game of the season, Frank Tracz described the controversy as “downright stupid.”

“There are other things in the world that need our attention other than this,” Tracz said Wednesday during an interview inside his office. “Without question, this is stupid. This is just downright stupid. It is amazing that it got to this point.”

Kansas State director of bands Frank Tracz
Kansas State director of bands Frank Tracz

Tracz, K-State’s marching band director, landed in hot water Saturday when some argued a “Star Wars”/“Star Trek”-themed halftime show went awry with formations that resembled a sex act against a Kansas Jayhawk mascot.