Kansas State University Athletics
SE: What to Expect at K-State Football’s Spring Showcase
Apr 12, 2019 | Football, Sports Extra
By Corbin McGuire
K-State fans curious what to expect from the football team's Spring Showcase under first-year head coach Chris Klieman can be assured there will be a little something for everyone.
The event, which will start on Saturday at 1 p.m., with gates opening at 11:30 a.m., at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, will give fans their first inside look into the program's new leadership, plenty of concourse activities for the less football-centric, ample food options and even a beer garden.
Here's a brief breakdown to expect:
Insight into Practice
While a 30-minute scrimmage is scheduled to close the event, the majority of Saturday's spring showcase will be a practice. Injuries played a large part in format, Klieman said, adding that it's important to get to the fall with as many healthy bodies as possible. However, K-State fans will get to see some competitive sessions of 7-on-7, a red zone period, third down period and a double rep period where some of the younger, less experienced Wildcats will be worked more than usual.
New Leadership, New Energy
K-State fans not on social media, who have not seen glimpses of the new staff's personalities, heard the uniquely impressive whistle of offensive coordinator Courtney Messinghamor the dating advice from defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton(for more examples, see @KStateFB) will get a chance to hear from most assistant coaches on Saturday.
Voice of the Wildcats, Wyatt Thompson, and Stan Weber will interview the assistants during individual drills to highlight some key spots within the team. Thompson will also interview Klieman about how the 15-practice spring period went and what to expect in the fall.
Thompson Leading in Learning New Offense
Skylar Thompson, K-State's most experienced quarterback, has, by all accounts, picked up K-State's new pro-style offense about as well as possible. The fourth-year junior has also set the tone for his teammates in terms of how to accelerate that process.
"I've felt like he's truly trying to learn a new offense and learn it from the ground up," Messingham said. "I've ran into a couple situations where it's a new offense with an older team, and a lot of the times those guys want to put things in their terminology, where Skylar's done a great job of putting it into 'our terminology,' not what he used to do, not what it used to be, but this is what it is.
"In my mind, he's done such a good job in a short time frame of being a good leader, because he's trying to help everyone learn who we are, not who it used to be or what it is, it's who we are as a whole group."
Building Depth a Focus
While K-State's staff feels confident in the depth it has at some spots, like the defensive line, Klieman said there should never be complacency in trying to develop more depth everywhere. This might mean switching players to different positions (Sammy Wheeler from quarterback to tight end or D.J. Render from receiver to safety, for instance) or simply pushing every player on the roster to be ready for his opportunity.
"We are always trying to move guys around. We were looking at a couple guys at another position just because we still trying to maximize the talent we have," Klieman said. "We have to continue to push the guys that are in the mix to make sure they're understanding where they fit, offensively and defensively, because you can't go into a season with just two guys (at each position). You have to continue to develop all the time."
New-Look Backfield
K-State returned zero rushing yards from a running back from last season but does not lack experience completely in the running game. Harry Trotter, a transfer from Louisville who sat out last season, will be in the mix along with James Gilbert, a transfer from Ball State with nearly 3,000 career rushing yards under his belt. Tyler Burns, a former winner of the team's Red Raider Award as the top contributor on scout team, should also factor in.
"It is a pretty wide-open competition there," Klieman said.
Similar Mindset for Improvement
Collin Klein may be the lone assistant coach still on staff from Bill Snyder's tenure, but fans should not expect wholesale changes in terms of what the program's core beliefs and principles will be.
"We are going to be disciplined, similar to what it was in the past here. We are going to be physical. We are going to be fundamentally sound. We have guys that are going to play for each other and guys that are going to hold each other accountable to the standard that is K-State football," Klieman said earlier this spring. "They have a chip on their shoulder. They want to have a successful season. It doesn't start in August; it started back in January with our winter conditioning. We have to continue to stack good days upon good days, and if you have enough of those good days, you have an opportunity to be successful. There are no shortcuts."
PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES
Powercat Auction: The department's largest annual fundraising event that supports the Ahearn Fund, K-State's National Fund for Student-Athlete Excellence, the Powercat Auction will be held Friday, inside Bramlage Coliseum. Doors to the arena open at 5 p.m., and the silent auction will begin immediately and wrap up at 7:00 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served from 6:15 p.m., until 7:30 p.m., prior to the live auction portion of the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. More than 100 live and silent auction items will be bid on at this year's event. For those that cannot attend the auction but wish to bid on the silent auction items, please visit www.kstatesports.com/powercat19. For more information on reserving a table sponsorship or to buy tickets, contact the Ahearn Fund Office at 1-888-232-9074 or email ahearnfund@kstatesports.com.
Cheer Kids Camp: K-State Cheer will host its annual Kids Camp for boys and girls ages 4 to 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, in the Indoor Football Facility. Campers will get to work with the K-State Cheer team and learn cheers, chants, and dances. Registration includes a camper t-shirt and snack. This is a Friday-only event and registration does not include Spring Showcase tickets. For details, click here.
Equipment Sale: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase official team gear at a department-wide equipment sale on Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m., in the Brandeberry Indoor Facility on the south end of the west parking lot. Items will include official K-State football helmets and jerseys, as well as apparel from multiple teams, such as shirts, shorts, pants, sweatshirts and jackets. Fans are encouraged to bring cash as credit card payment stations will be limited. Checks will not be accepted, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered. The department's clear bag policy will be in effect for fans entering Brandeberry. The sale will end at 1:30 p.m.
The final priority deadline for season-ticket purchases is Friday. To purchase tickets, visit www.k-statesports.com/tickets, call the K-State Athletics Ticket office at 1-800-221-CATS or visit the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.
ACTIVITIES DURING SHOWCASE
Concourse: Fans of all ages will find plenty of fun activities on the stadium concourse during the event. Willie's Fun Zone will feature inflatables, tailgate games, face painters and a chance to meet Willie Wildcat. Mad Science will be presenting live hands-on science experiences, while video game fans will enjoy a turn at the mobile gaming truck. The exclusive 2019 football schedule poster will be available, and fans can get their picture taken with multiple football conference and bowl trophies as well as the Governor's Cup.
Beer Garden and Food Trucks: From the time stadium gates open at 11:30 a.m., until 1:30 p.m., a beer garden will be open on the Goss Family South Tailgate Terrace. Along with regular concession offerings, local area food trucks will also be located on the south concourse featuring Vista Drive In, Smokin' Wille's BBQ and Dry Creek Buffalo Chuck Wagon.
K-State Moments: Fans have the chance to experience K-State Football like never before through K-State Moments at www.k-statesports.com/upgrades. Fans can purchase a seat upgrade to the West Stadium Center, including a buffet and cash bar, while they can purchase the opportunity to watch the action from the press box. Promotional items available for purchase through the app include autographed footballs and Willie bobbleheads.
TICKETS/PARKING
Spring Showcase Tickets: General admission tickets are on sale for $5 through the K-State Athletics Ticket office in Bramlage Coliseum, online at www.k-statesports.com/tickets or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS. Season-ticket holders who purchased or renewed their season tickets before April 1 will receive two free mobile general admission tickets. Tickets will also be on sale at the West Stadium Center box office on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 10 a.m. The stadium's east ticket windows will open at 11:30 a.m.
Gates: Bill Snyder Family Stadium opens to the public at 11:30 a.m. There are a limited number of gates open around the stadium – M, R and V on the east side and B and D on the west side. Additionally, the K-State Super Store at the West Stadium Center will open at 10 a.m.
Seating: Seating is open to the general public on the west side of the stadium from Section 1 to Section 9, and on the east side from Section 20 to Section 28.
Parking: Parking lots at Bill Snyder Family Stadium will open at 10 a.m., for parking and tailgating. There is no charge for parking.
K-State fans curious what to expect from the football team's Spring Showcase under first-year head coach Chris Klieman can be assured there will be a little something for everyone.
The event, which will start on Saturday at 1 p.m., with gates opening at 11:30 a.m., at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, will give fans their first inside look into the program's new leadership, plenty of concourse activities for the less football-centric, ample food options and even a beer garden.
Here's a brief breakdown to expect:
Insight into Practice
While a 30-minute scrimmage is scheduled to close the event, the majority of Saturday's spring showcase will be a practice. Injuries played a large part in format, Klieman said, adding that it's important to get to the fall with as many healthy bodies as possible. However, K-State fans will get to see some competitive sessions of 7-on-7, a red zone period, third down period and a double rep period where some of the younger, less experienced Wildcats will be worked more than usual.
New Leadership, New Energy
K-State fans not on social media, who have not seen glimpses of the new staff's personalities, heard the uniquely impressive whistle of offensive coordinator Courtney Messinghamor the dating advice from defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton(for more examples, see @KStateFB) will get a chance to hear from most assistant coaches on Saturday.
Voice of the Wildcats, Wyatt Thompson, and Stan Weber will interview the assistants during individual drills to highlight some key spots within the team. Thompson will also interview Klieman about how the 15-practice spring period went and what to expect in the fall.
Thompson Leading in Learning New Offense
Skylar Thompson, K-State's most experienced quarterback, has, by all accounts, picked up K-State's new pro-style offense about as well as possible. The fourth-year junior has also set the tone for his teammates in terms of how to accelerate that process.
"I've felt like he's truly trying to learn a new offense and learn it from the ground up," Messingham said. "I've ran into a couple situations where it's a new offense with an older team, and a lot of the times those guys want to put things in their terminology, where Skylar's done a great job of putting it into 'our terminology,' not what he used to do, not what it used to be, but this is what it is.
"In my mind, he's done such a good job in a short time frame of being a good leader, because he's trying to help everyone learn who we are, not who it used to be or what it is, it's who we are as a whole group."
Building Depth a Focus
While K-State's staff feels confident in the depth it has at some spots, like the defensive line, Klieman said there should never be complacency in trying to develop more depth everywhere. This might mean switching players to different positions (Sammy Wheeler from quarterback to tight end or D.J. Render from receiver to safety, for instance) or simply pushing every player on the roster to be ready for his opportunity.
"We are always trying to move guys around. We were looking at a couple guys at another position just because we still trying to maximize the talent we have," Klieman said. "We have to continue to push the guys that are in the mix to make sure they're understanding where they fit, offensively and defensively, because you can't go into a season with just two guys (at each position). You have to continue to develop all the time."
New-Look Backfield
K-State returned zero rushing yards from a running back from last season but does not lack experience completely in the running game. Harry Trotter, a transfer from Louisville who sat out last season, will be in the mix along with James Gilbert, a transfer from Ball State with nearly 3,000 career rushing yards under his belt. Tyler Burns, a former winner of the team's Red Raider Award as the top contributor on scout team, should also factor in.
"It is a pretty wide-open competition there," Klieman said.
Similar Mindset for Improvement
Collin Klein may be the lone assistant coach still on staff from Bill Snyder's tenure, but fans should not expect wholesale changes in terms of what the program's core beliefs and principles will be.
"We are going to be disciplined, similar to what it was in the past here. We are going to be physical. We are going to be fundamentally sound. We have guys that are going to play for each other and guys that are going to hold each other accountable to the standard that is K-State football," Klieman said earlier this spring. "They have a chip on their shoulder. They want to have a successful season. It doesn't start in August; it started back in January with our winter conditioning. We have to continue to stack good days upon good days, and if you have enough of those good days, you have an opportunity to be successful. There are no shortcuts."
PRE-EVENT ACTIVITIES
Powercat Auction: The department's largest annual fundraising event that supports the Ahearn Fund, K-State's National Fund for Student-Athlete Excellence, the Powercat Auction will be held Friday, inside Bramlage Coliseum. Doors to the arena open at 5 p.m., and the silent auction will begin immediately and wrap up at 7:00 p.m. A buffet dinner will be served from 6:15 p.m., until 7:30 p.m., prior to the live auction portion of the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. More than 100 live and silent auction items will be bid on at this year's event. For those that cannot attend the auction but wish to bid on the silent auction items, please visit www.kstatesports.com/powercat19. For more information on reserving a table sponsorship or to buy tickets, contact the Ahearn Fund Office at 1-888-232-9074 or email ahearnfund@kstatesports.com.
Cheer Kids Camp: K-State Cheer will host its annual Kids Camp for boys and girls ages 4 to 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, in the Indoor Football Facility. Campers will get to work with the K-State Cheer team and learn cheers, chants, and dances. Registration includes a camper t-shirt and snack. This is a Friday-only event and registration does not include Spring Showcase tickets. For details, click here.
Equipment Sale: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase official team gear at a department-wide equipment sale on Saturday beginning at 10:30 a.m., in the Brandeberry Indoor Facility on the south end of the west parking lot. Items will include official K-State football helmets and jerseys, as well as apparel from multiple teams, such as shirts, shorts, pants, sweatshirts and jackets. Fans are encouraged to bring cash as credit card payment stations will be limited. Checks will not be accepted, and no refunds or exchanges will be offered. The department's clear bag policy will be in effect for fans entering Brandeberry. The sale will end at 1:30 p.m.
The final priority deadline for season-ticket purchases is Friday. To purchase tickets, visit www.k-statesports.com/tickets, call the K-State Athletics Ticket office at 1-800-221-CATS or visit the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.
ACTIVITIES DURING SHOWCASE
Concourse: Fans of all ages will find plenty of fun activities on the stadium concourse during the event. Willie's Fun Zone will feature inflatables, tailgate games, face painters and a chance to meet Willie Wildcat. Mad Science will be presenting live hands-on science experiences, while video game fans will enjoy a turn at the mobile gaming truck. The exclusive 2019 football schedule poster will be available, and fans can get their picture taken with multiple football conference and bowl trophies as well as the Governor's Cup.
Beer Garden and Food Trucks: From the time stadium gates open at 11:30 a.m., until 1:30 p.m., a beer garden will be open on the Goss Family South Tailgate Terrace. Along with regular concession offerings, local area food trucks will also be located on the south concourse featuring Vista Drive In, Smokin' Wille's BBQ and Dry Creek Buffalo Chuck Wagon.
K-State Moments: Fans have the chance to experience K-State Football like never before through K-State Moments at www.k-statesports.com/upgrades. Fans can purchase a seat upgrade to the West Stadium Center, including a buffet and cash bar, while they can purchase the opportunity to watch the action from the press box. Promotional items available for purchase through the app include autographed footballs and Willie bobbleheads.
TICKETS/PARKING
Spring Showcase Tickets: General admission tickets are on sale for $5 through the K-State Athletics Ticket office in Bramlage Coliseum, online at www.k-statesports.com/tickets or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS. Season-ticket holders who purchased or renewed their season tickets before April 1 will receive two free mobile general admission tickets. Tickets will also be on sale at the West Stadium Center box office on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 10 a.m. The stadium's east ticket windows will open at 11:30 a.m.
Gates: Bill Snyder Family Stadium opens to the public at 11:30 a.m. There are a limited number of gates open around the stadium – M, R and V on the east side and B and D on the west side. Additionally, the K-State Super Store at the West Stadium Center will open at 10 a.m.
Seating: Seating is open to the general public on the west side of the stadium from Section 1 to Section 9, and on the east side from Section 20 to Section 28.
Parking: Parking lots at Bill Snyder Family Stadium will open at 10 a.m., for parking and tailgating. There is no charge for parking.
Players Mentioned
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