Kansas State cancels its popular summer fan event known as the Catbacker Tour
One of Kansas State’s most popular summer events isn’t going to happen this year.
K-State announced Wednesday that it has decided to cancel its 2020 Catbacker Tour because of recent events surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
“Traveling the state to all of the Catbacker clubs is one of the most unique grassroots tours in all of college athletics,” athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement. “It has been a very frantic and fluid month across the world, and we will continue to do our part to keep people safe and do what is best for all of our communities.
“We will miss touring the state and visiting our fans in their own backyards but are excited to begin planning soon for the 2021 Catbacker Tour.”
The Catbacker Tour usually provides K-State fans across the region with opportunities to visit with some of their favorite players and coaches without leaving their hometowns.
K-State student-athletes and coaches traditionally visit dozens of Kansas towns during the summer months, with two of the most popular stops taking place in Wichita and Kansas City. Every fan event is unique. Some attract crowds of more than 100 fans.
“K-Staters love being together to share their pride, learn about what is happening on campus and to award scholarships to future K-State students,” K-State Alumni Association president and CEO Amy Button Renz said. “As scholarship dollars are more important than ever before, the Alumni Association is committed to ensuring that all of our Alumni Clubs and Catbacker groups have the opportunity to still award their local scholarships throughout this year. K-Staters are resilient and we look forward to gathering with our passionate alumni as soon as we can safely do so.”
The Wildcats decided to cancel their summer tour after all spring sporting events on campus were canceled because of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 11:20 AM with the headline "Kansas State cancels its popular summer fan event known as the Catbacker Tour."