Kansas State football family holds strong after 45-20 loss to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl
MANHATTAN — It's no secret that Kansas State fans love their football team.
They're used to seeing the Wildcats make it to bowl games on a regular basis. At Kite's Bar and Grill in Aggieville on Saturday, there wasn't a seat to be found come the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl against Alabama.
Long before the 11 a.m. kickoff, fans began lining up around the block waiting for staff to open for business so they could secure a table. With over 40 televisions carrying the game, the bar was ready for a good outcome even with fewer students in town because of the holiday break.
"Unfortunately, as of right now, a lot of our stuff is still back home for winter break, so we're actually kind of shortly staffed right now," said Jayden Rutler, general manager at Kite's. "But for what it is, I feel like we're doing a pretty good job keeping everybody happy."
Staff member Corey Stewart helped open the bar and set up the decorations, mounting TVs and getting everything ready for the big game. After his shift ended, he stuck around to see the outcome of the game.
"Everybody was pumped up and ready to roll," Stewart said.
A group of alumni who made it in early said the aesthetics and ability to come in earlier than other bars made it the right choice to enjoy the game.
"It's a classic bar," said Trent Dunlap. "You know, if they don't win, but keep it close, I think a lot of us will be happy to see that."
On the other end of town, local residents Joel and Kelsey Garver were hosting a smaller gathering with friends at their home.
"We had three families, so six adults and then one additional kid to the four that are here right now," Joel Garver said. "So, yeah, it's kind of a family affair, and I think it's kind of the, you know, the K-State thing to do to make it a family thing."
Even though the game's outcome wasn't ideal, the sentiment of spending time with the K-State family rang true no matter where you were.
After an early 10-0 lead by Kansas State (10-4), Alabama (11-2) took control, scoring 21 straight points to put them on top at the half. Fans were still feeling optimistic, however, and hoping their team's competitiveness keep up in the second half.
By the end of the third quarter, the Crimson Tide was drowning K-State with a 42-13 lead and fans at Kite's were starting to disperse. But just like games at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, many fans weren't going to leave their seats until the bitter end.
"We're down in the 'Ville. Everybody bleeds purple," said Stewart at the bar. "We'll see what our basketball team and Coach Tang can bring tonight at 6."
As the game concluded with Alabama winning 45-20, many fans were turning their attentions the the Wildcats would do on the hardwood, with during the Big 12 basketball season kicking off Saturday evening. K-State rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat No. 24 West Virginia 82-76.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: K-State family in Manhattan reacts to Sugar Bowl game against Alabama
