Freshman members of UW-Madison band won't make trip to San Diego for Holiday Bowl

MADISON — Part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison band will be left behind when members make the trip to San Diego in a few weeks for the Holiday Bowl.

All freshmen in the band won't be going on the bowl trip for the first time because of budgetary concerns.

WISC-TV reports band director Mike Leckrone says he was told by the university that he could send about 200 members on the trip — so about 85 students and a handful of staff won't be going.

Leckrone says it's a "major disappointment" because of the work the students have put in throughout the year.

He says even if $100,000 could somehow be raised, it would be a "logistical nightmare" to get additional flights and hotel rooms.