By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Central Kansas Catbackers organization continues to grow in Barton, Stafford, and Pawnee counties. The non-profit that supports Kansas State University athletics and area high school students headed to school in Manhattan will have its big party today as the 2024 Catbacker Tour swings through Great Bend. Central Kansas Catbackers President Cody Campfield said it's all about supporting the purple.
"We raise money through our events, auctions, the golf tournament, and fundraising to support K-State student-athletes, and most importantly to us, over the last nine-plus years, we've grown our scholarship program to local area high school students who are attending K-State. We now give out five $1,000 scholarships to area students attending K-State."
There is no formal membership for Central Kansas Catbackers, who host several watch parties throughout the various seasons. The Catbacker Tour for RSVP-only guests usually swings through each May, and the group also holds a benefit golf tournament. Wildcat Football Coach Chris Klieman highlights this year's Great Bend stop. He will be joined by assistant coaches from other Wildcat programs, as well as some student-athletes, cheerleaders, and representatives from the Ahearn Fund and Alumni Association.
"They'll make a stop anywhere they have a presence," Campfield said. "Historically, Great Bend has been one of the bigger stops, along with some of the western stops. Scott City has, I think, hosts the biggest events."
This year's scholarship winners are Ava Gregg and Samantha Mayers of Great Bend, Ian Dunn from St. John, Larned's Luke Fischer, and Elinwood's Caylee Rowan. Tuesday's trip begins in Salina, arrives in Great Bend at noon, and rounds out the day with a trip to Liberal.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Central Kansas Catbackers can email [email protected], or message the group on social media.