Frank Tracz to serve as grand marshal for 2026 Homecoming Parade
He led the band through more than 30 Homecoming Parades and now Frank Tracz, professor emeritus of music at K-State, will be the grand marshal of the 2026 Homecoming Parade. He was selected for the honor by the All-University Homecoming Committee and the K-State Alumni Association.
The Parade will take place on Oct. 16 at 5 p.m., beginning at Manhattan Town Center and proceeding through Aggieville before ending in City Park for the Homecoming pep rally.
Tracz became a professor of music and director of bands in 1993. He retired in July. Under his direction, the marching band was awarded the Sudler Trophy in 2015 by the John Phillip Souza Foundation, an honor given to collegiate marching bands that demonstrate the highest musical standards. He was also a key force behind the campaign to build the Tracz Family Band Hall at WWI Memorial Stadium in 2023.
Additionally, he directed the wind ensemble. Ensembles under his direction have been invited to perform at numerous state and regional conferences, The Larry Sutherland Wind Band Festival at Fresno State, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center.
“Dr. Tracz has such an incredible legacy,” said Adam Walker ’04, ’09, president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. “He transformed our Pride of Wildcat Land band from good to exceptional over the course of his 33 years, being honored with the Sudler Trophy for the best collegiate band in 2015. Dr. Tracz embodies the K-State spirit and lives the values each day. We’re excited to honor him as our grand marshal.”
Homecoming has been a tradition at K-State for more than 100 years. This year’s theme is “Chapters of K-State.” The theme connects the ways K-State is a part of the different chapters of our lives.
The week-long celebration, coordinated by the Homecoming Committee, will take place from Oct. 11-17 and is sponsored by the K-State Alumni Association. To stay up-to-date on all 2026 Homecoming activities, visit k-state.com/homecoming.