New K-State head basketball coach Tang in Topeka for Catbacker Tour

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - New Kansas State Mens’ Basketball Head Coach Jerome Tang is in Topeka as part of the Catbacker Tour stop at Evergy Plaza.

“This is awesome,” he said. “The fans on the whole tour have been unbelievable. I had high expectations of the energy and the passion of the Kansas State fans, but they have blown me away.”

K-State Alum Bev Wunder said, “I just want to see how far we can go and I think he’s going to get us straightened out, may not be this year but I think we’ll be back in those tournaments.”

Tang, student-athletes, the Classy Cats, and Willie the Wildcat joined on Thursday night.

Purple-clad fans packed the plaza, getting a picture and autograph of the new leader on the court.

Maks Rodriguez got himself two signatures, Coach Tang and Markquis Nowell.

Catbackers are volunteer boosters from the Topeka Area. It’s co-sponsored by the Kansas State Athletic Department and the K-State Alumni Association.

Members of the organization held an auction selling an autographed football signed by Jordy Nelson, Darren Sproles, and David Allen. An autographed canvas of Coach Tang also was also up for a sale.

Classy Cat Kat Artiles said the turnout was a surprise with the colder weather.

“It’s super cool to see K-State pride here in Topeka,” she said. “It’s just amazing to see all the fans come together and support a great event.”

It was free to attend the event in downtown Topeka. He went from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - New Kansas State Mens’ Basketball Head Coach Jerome Tang is in Topeka as part of the Catbacker Tour stop at Evergy Plaza.

Coach Tang, Defensive Coordinator for the football team Coach Joe Klanderman, student-athletes, Willie, cheerleaders, and the Classy Cats are scheduled to meet with fans starting at 6 p.m.

There is a Dress like a Wildcat area, photo props, football schedule posters, and auction items available. Two of the items included this year are an autographed football signed by Jordy Nelson, Darren Sproles, and David Allen and an autographed canvas with a picture of Tang.

It is a free event with food trucks surrounding the plaza at 630 South Kansas Avenue.

Seating is limited and it goes on until 8 p.m.

Parking is free on downtown roads and in parking garages. Crosby Garage is located at 8th St. and Kansas Ave. The Park & Shop Garage is located directly behind the plaza at 615 SE Quincy St.

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