Kansas Wesleyan Athletics news release

&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Athletics has long been a leader regionally, both on the court and off. The championships, community service and academic support speak to that, as does the product provided by KWU Sports Information. That trend continues as KWU announces that it will change providers for its athletic web site, KWUCoyotes.com, at the end of June.

Some of the things KWU fans can look forward to include increased social media integration, easier access to game scores and schedules, quick links to streaming and prominent mentions of ticketing, the Jerry Jones Athletic Hall of Fame and more.

"David Toelle and his team are among the best in the NAIA, and this new site will continue to highlight their strengths," said Brad Salois, director of university marketing and communications. "It will embrace the best features from some of SIDEARM Sports' top sites and be fully customized, thereby creating an environment that is best for the Coyote fan."

"Coyote fans are some of the most loyal in the region," said Toelle, associate athletic director for athletic communications. "They deserve a great product, and this website will be a tremendous vehicle to deliver that. SIDEARM is the best provider in the industry and has already shown a true dedication to giving us a product customized for the Coyote experience."

KWU is currently scheduled to join the SIDEARM family during the overnight hours Sunday, June 28. The existing site remains live at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwucoyotes.com/" target="_blank">www.kwucoyotes.com</a>.

Kansas Wesleyan Athletics news release&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Athletics has long been a leader regionally, both on the court and off. The championships, community service and academic support speak to that, as does the product provided by KWU Sports Information. That trend continues as KWU announces that it will change providers for its athletic web site, KWUCoyotes.com, at the end of June.The new provider will be SIDEARM Sports.Some of the things KWU fans can look forward to include increased social media integration, easier access to game scores and schedules, quick links to streaming and prominent mentions of ticketing, the Jerry Jones Athletic Hall of Fame and more."David Toelle and his team are among the best in the NAIA, and this new site will continue to highlight their strengths," said Brad Salois, director of university marketing and communications. "It will embrace the best features from some of SIDEARM Sports' top sites and be fully customized, thereby creating an environment that is best for the Coyote fan.""Coyote fans are some of the most loyal in the region," said Toelle, associate athletic director for athletic communications. "They deserve a great product, and this website will be a tremendous vehicle to deliver that. SIDEARM is the best provider in the industry and has already shown a true dedication to giving us a product customized for the Coyote experience."KWU is currently scheduled to join the SIDEARM family during the overnight hours Sunday, June 28. The existing site remains live at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kwucoyotes.com/" target="_blank">www.kwucoyotes.com</a>.

Kansas Wesleyan Athletics to launch new website later this month

Q: How does it feel to be back to the offensive coordinator position?

NAGY: “Yeah it feels good, you know. Just to get back really just in football in general, just from the season last year. (It was) such a joy. It was a lot of fun. Like I said before, familiar faces for me but now we’re back at it. You know, short offseason which we (wouldn’t) trade off any year and get back to it.”

Q: On Kadarius Toney’s role this season.

NAGY: “Well I think we all see what he can do when the football’s in his hands and again same type of deal, he comes over halfway through the season, it’s a whole new offense, he’s got to learn the ins and outs, and so you have that point and he was able to do that and it’s exciting now for us to be able to take that to year two and build that relationship with Pat (Mahomes). But he’s super talented with the football in his hands and he’s been that way his entire life in his football career.”

Q: How did your scheme evaluation process in your previous roles to now doing scheme evaluation this past offseason returning to offensive coordinator how did that help you in your process and how you want to imprint on the offense?

NAGY: “Sure, well, again, everybody here knows I was fortunate enough to come in here in 2013 with (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) and kind of be there to be a part of the process of implementing the system that we run and that’s evolved immensely in that time till now. But then you have the scheme eval. Every year is different and we’re really hard on ourselves to be in the top three every year in almost all categories. We want to do that but there’s some areas of improvement that we have that we know we can get better at without telling the whole world, we know what they are and internally we’re working on that. That’s the challenging part that keeps you going as a coach and as a player wanting to be great in those but not lose where you are really good situationally. So, that’s for me just a part of the process.”

Q: What do you see in Wide Receivers Coach Connor Embree that makes you confident he’s the right guy and right coach for the position group right now?

NAGY: “Yeah, that’s a great question and (Wide Receivers) Connor (Embree) I think has - internally when we’re in the building we get to see everyday how these coaches are in front of their players and another thing that (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) does it he does a great job in the offseason that again, no one sees, but he gives a lot of responsibilities to the young coaches - quality control coaches, assistant coaches by position. Connor’s done that and I think what better way to interview for that type of position than doing it every day in your role that you’re in which has been the last previous couple years. Connor has great strengths. He’s going to grow like all of us every year. He’ll get better. But it’s also the player’s job too to know that and to help out and help each other out so that’s the fun part.”

OPENING STATEMENT: “Good to see everybody. Alright, (it’s) just great to be back out there, it was nice and humid today. A little different than yesterday, yesterday was nice and cool. Today, we got a little heat and we got a lot of work done and we’ve had a bunch of work done since we’ve last visited with you guys and gals (the media) and (I’m) happy to be back here doing it so with that, I’ll open it up.”

Q: How has the rookie class looked so far?

SPAGNUOLO: “They’re all young, they don’t know anything right now (laughs). So, obviously, you’re asking about Felix (Anudike-Uzomah). We haven’t seen a lot on him because he’s been dinged up a little bit so it’s hard to tell. We’ve had Chamarri (Conner) out there, he’s slowly progressing, he made a really good play today. Nic Jones, right? Nic’s playing some nickel for us, fittingly. He’s done some good things coming from a small school, Ball State. BJ (Thompson), I know I’m going to miss one but BJ Thompson – BJ’s been pretty impressive. He’s done some good things. He’s a young, raw guy (but) we knew that going in. He stuck out today, (he) made a play. Who’s my fifth? Keondre (Coburn). KC, I call him KC. (He does a) great job. (He’s) just an energetic, passionate guy. He reminds me a lot of (Saint’s DT) Khalen Saunders, really. Same body type and hopefully he can be the same kind of player so that’s a little bit of a wrap up on those five draft picks. Then, we’ve got some other younger guys out there running around – listen, you guys have asked this before and been through it, there’s a huge amount of volume thrown at them right now, Justin Reid went through it last year. The vets that come in go through it and it takes a little while. We don’t take that to the game and all these young guys are kind of spinning and floating. But a little bit of smoothing out now. We went through Phase 1 (which is) just meetings, Phase 2, we were doing walk throughs then we get them out there going against our offense then they’re spinning. But we got through practice six today so hopefully it’s starting to smooth out a little bit.”

Q: How does Charles Omenihu and Drue Tranquill fit in the mix for you?

SPAGNUOLO: “Look, they’re doing a great job. They’re terrific, both of those guys are pros, real intelligent football players (and I’m) really happy with what they’ve done to this point and where they’re at. I’m glad we got them. I just think both of those guys elevate their positions and I think that gives us a lot. We’ll see how we work them all in, it’s going to take a little while for that but right now. (But) from what I’ve seen, Drue’s made a lot of plays. You know, for a lineman in these practices, we can’t finish. You’ve got to stay away from the quarterback, and you know, they pull up so it’s a little bit tougher to tell there but (I) love they way both of those guys operate.”

Q: How do you feel about your defensive line group as of right now?

SPAGNUOLO: “Yeah, right now. Now listen, we’ve still got to see. We know George (Karlaftis) has been here, right? Mike Danna (has been here). We don’t know Charles (Omenihu), I mean we know what he did in (San Francisco). We don’t know Felix (Anudike-Uzomah), right? Way too early on that. Now, Malik Herring and Josh Kaindoh, I’m really, really hopeful for those two guys to surface. They’ve been here for a while (and) they know what they’re doing but it’s up to them to take that next step and both of those guys have done a really good job to this point. Those are the six I think we’re talking about, right? But you’re right, thank God for (General Manager) Brett (Veach) in the last few years we’ve been able to (pick up defensive linemen)– Carlos (Dunlap), I think we got early, right? Training camp or something. And I’m sure we’d try to do that again either way. Maybe, I guess the hope is that we don’t have to, right? That would be a good problem to have.

Q: How much more comfortable does the second-year defensive back group look?

SPAGNUOLO: “You can just ask them, Trent (McDuffie) included, right? The five of them - NJ (Nazeeh Johnson) is out there doing a great job. I sat with them or was somewhere with them a week ago and they’re like lightyears ahead. They feel it and it’s different and they’re confident. The first day that we went out there for a walk through, the communication and the talking – now, I’m including Justin Reid in that because last year was all new for him, too, even though he was a vet they system was new. And those guys (snaps) just from a verbal and being kind of tied in from that standpoint, they were just jelling.”

Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator, Dave Toub

Q: Are any new potential returners emerging from the group?

TOUB: “Oh yeah. Yeah, I do anticipate that. Some guys that are doing really well right now you probably want to know (are Deneric) Prince is looking good as a running back. He reminds me so much of – you guys remember (former Chiefs Running Back) Knile Davis? He reminds me of Knile, he even has the same number. (He) didn’t do it in college, but he’s showing traits right now that he reminds me so much of Knile that it’s kind of scary. And you know, Knile was pretty good for us. As he went on, obviously the touchdowns. And so, I see him in that role.”

Q: What about Richie James as a potential returner?

TOUB: “Richie James is a guy that – he’s got experience, (he) did it in NFL games, which that’s huge as we know. And he’s definitely in the mix. (John) Ross – the other one, No. 85 – he’s another guy that’s got speed. (He) had injury problems at Cincinnati, but if he could stay healthy, he’s definitely in the mix. He’s probably one of our fastest players back there. And then you still got Skyy (Moore) and Ihmir (Smith-Marsette). We have a bunch of guys that are possible guys that can do that for us.”

Q: Last year you guys lost a lot of special teams contributors and had to start fresh. What’s it like to return a good group of special teams contributors?

TOUB: “Everything goes in cycles. Like last year we had the cycle of young players, you know, and they did a great job and they got better and better as the year went on. Obviously, in the playoffs we were reaching our peak. It took a while to get there but we were playing good football then when we need to. They’re all back. All those guys are back so they’re going to be that much better (and) now we’ve got a new group of young players coming in so as a group, I predict that we’ll be better right from the start.”

Q: I know it’s hard to tell but is there anybody out of the young group that you think will help you out early?

TOUB: “It’s really hard. I’m excited about the linebackers – I talked about (Deneric) Prince, I’m excited about the young linebackers, (Isaiah) Moore and (Cam) Jones, the two free agent kids that we have. I like the kids that we drafted, (Chamarri) Conner and (Nic) Jones. Both of those guys are going to help us right off the bat. The d-lineman, the defensive end, possibly some role players but not so much as a four phase guy but I’m excited about the young players but really it’s those last year’s young players that are getting better that are going to – guys like (Jack) Cochrane and Nazeeh (Johnson). You know towards the end of the year Nazeeh Johnson, as a gunner, he was playing better than anybody in the league. So, I’m excited about him. He’ll probably be our number one gunner coming into next year.”

Q: You’re not the first wide receiver to coach running backs for Coach Reid. What are your thoughts on coaching a position that you didn’t play in the NFL?

PINKSTON: “As far as being a coach, you feel like you can coach anything. It was a learning process for me coming from being a wide out and now you learn a lot more of the fronts (and) what the o-line (is) doing. Once I got used to that I’m still continuing to get used to it, it gets me excited about it because you know things get easier for me.”

Q: What’s the experience been like going from playing under Head Coach Andy Reid when you played for the Eagles to now coaching under him?

PINKSTON: “It’s good. It’s good. I know what to expect from him as far as the ins and outs and what to do and what not to do. It’s fun being on this side of the ball now. It’s giving me the joy that when he gave me the call, I was delighted to get an opportunity to come coach for him.”

Q: When you were a player for Head Coach Andy Reid, did you ever envision one day coaching for him? Did you ever have a conversation about coaching for him one day?

PINKSTON: “He always asked me because I’m always hitting him up every week when I left Philly or whatever. I’d always say, ‘Good luck, great job coach, and Coach, how’s the family?’ So, I’m always keeping in contact with him, and he always (asked) me ‘What am I doing?’ Am I always coaching somewhere? As far if it’s a high school or college. I guess he saw the vision that I have and I have for myself being a coach’s son. I guess he saw it in me, so he gave me the opportunity to come be an intern with him last OTAs and last training camp and he saw something in me to bring me aboard.”

Q: You’re a young guy but when you look at your resume it’s been a lot of work to get to this point. What has it been like these past few years being here and working way behind the scenes?

EMBREE: “Yeah, I mean it’s a lot. Yeah, I’m young but I’ve been around it my whole life. Like I said, my dad’s been in this business. My brother is a coach for the Jets. My uncle is a high school coach out in Santa Margarita, California but yeah it’s just always been in my blood. I grew up wanting to be a coach. So, it takes – (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid puts a lot on us. Like you said, the behind-the-scenes type of people. I learned a lot. I had a bunch of great coaches to learn under and it’s just been fun, so. Other than that, not much.”

Q: What are your initial thoughts on Rashee Rice?

EMBREE: “He’s doing great. The whole group’s doing great. I like the whole, all 12, I think we have 12, yeah, all 12 of them. They’ve all been in working. I have zero complaints. He’s got some juice to him. He’s a bigger bodied guy that we don’t really have in our room, so he’s a little different in that way. But he’s been great. He’s been great in the classroom (and) been great on the field.”

Q: How have you seen Skyy Moore begin to take a next step as he returns for his second year?

EMBREE: “Skyy (Moore)? Yeah, Skyy’s been great. Skyy, you know we put a lot on him last year. Usually when we get a receiver, we try to keep them at one position. And, you know that’s easier to learn that way, but we threw a lot at him last year. He played every position, all three of them – x, zebra and z. But he’s been great. He came back in great shape. He looks stronger (and) he’s a little bigger and then he’s just got that year under his belt. So, he’s not that little puppy dog anymore. He kind of understands what’s going on (and) understands the tempo we practice at and just how to be a pro so he’s been great.”

Q: Do you have an example of some of the harder assignments that Head Coach Andy Reid gave you when you were a quality control coach?

EMBREE: “I don’t know if it’s just one in general, I don’t know if can think of just one specific moment. But it’s just - that’s how he coaches on everyone. That’s why we are the way we are and everyone in the building’s that way. There’s a standard. It’s not just for the players it’s the coaches too and you learn that fast. It’s either you’re out or you’re coming up to the standard. But, like I said it’s been great learning from obviously one of the greatest or the greatest coaches there’s been in the league. I always joke, he’s forgotten more football than I’ll probably ever learn, so, he’s been a great mentor and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

<h2>Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685714577030.jpeg" alt="Matt Nagy&nbsp;Photo Courtesy Chiefs&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Matt Nagy&nbsp;Photo Courtesy Chiefs&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Q: How does it feel to be back to the offensive coordinator position?NAGY: “Yeah it feels good, you know. Just to get back really just in football in general, just from the season last year. (It was) such a joy. It was a lot of fun. Like I said before, familiar faces for me but now we’re back at it. You know, short offseason which we (wouldn’t) trade off any year and get back to it.”Q: On Kadarius Toney’s role this season.NAGY: “Well I think we all see what he can do when the football’s in his hands and again same type of deal, he comes over halfway through the season, it’s a whole new offense, he’s got to learn the ins and outs, and so you have that point and he was able to do that and it’s exciting now for us to be able to take that to year two and build that relationship with Pat (Mahomes). But he’s super talented with the football in his hands and he’s been that way his entire life in his football career.”Q: How did your scheme evaluation process in your previous roles to now doing scheme evaluation this past offseason returning to offensive coordinator how did that help you in your process and how you want to imprint on the offense?NAGY: “Sure, well, again, everybody here knows I was fortunate enough to come in here in 2013 with (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) and kind of be there to be a part of the process of implementing the system that we run and that’s evolved immensely in that time till now. But then you have the scheme eval. Every year is different and we’re really hard on ourselves to be in the top three every year in almost all categories. We want to do that but there’s some areas of improvement that we have that we know we can get better at without telling the whole world, we know what they are and internally we’re working on that. That’s the challenging part that keeps you going as a coach and as a player wanting to be great in those but not lose where you are really good situationally. So, that’s for me just a part of the process.”Q: What do you see in Wide Receivers Coach Connor Embree that makes you confident he’s the right guy and right coach for the position group right now?NAGY: “Yeah, that’s a great question and (Wide Receivers) Connor (Embree) I think has - internally when we’re in the building we get to see everyday how these coaches are in front of their players and another thing that (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) does it he does a great job in the offseason that again, no one sees, but he gives a lot of responsibilities to the young coaches - quality control coaches, assistant coaches by position. Connor’s done that and I think what better way to interview for that type of position than doing it every day in your role that you’re in which has been the last previous couple years. Connor has great strengths. He’s going to grow like all of us every year. He’ll get better. But it’s also the player’s job too to know that and to help out and help each other out so that’s the fun part.”<h2>Defensive Coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600386808987.png" alt="Steve Spagnuolo Photo Courtesy Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Steve Spagnuolo Photo Courtesy Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>OPENING STATEMENT: “Good to see everybody. Alright, (it’s) just great to be back out there, it was nice and humid today. A little different than yesterday, yesterday was nice and cool. Today, we got a little heat and we got a lot of work done and we’ve had a bunch of work done since we’ve last visited with you guys and gals (the media) and (I’m) happy to be back here doing it so with that, I’ll open it up.”Q: How has the rookie class looked so far?SPAGNUOLO: “They’re all young, they don’t know anything right now (laughs). So, obviously, you’re asking about Felix (Anudike-Uzomah). We haven’t seen a lot on him because he’s been dinged up a little bit so it’s hard to tell. We’ve had Chamarri (Conner) out there, he’s slowly progressing, he made a really good play today. Nic Jones, right? Nic’s playing some nickel for us, fittingly. He’s done some good things coming from a small school, Ball State. BJ (Thompson), I know I’m going to miss one but BJ Thompson – BJ’s been pretty impressive. He’s done some good things. He’s a young, raw guy (but) we knew that going in. He stuck out today, (he) made a play. Who’s my fifth? Keondre (Coburn). KC, I call him KC. (He does a) great job. (He’s) just an energetic, passionate guy. He reminds me a lot of (Saint’s DT) Khalen Saunders, really. Same body type and hopefully he can be the same kind of player so that’s a little bit of a wrap up on those five draft picks. Then, we’ve got some other younger guys out there running around – listen, you guys have asked this before and been through it, there’s a huge amount of volume thrown at them right now, Justin Reid went through it last year. The vets that come in go through it and it takes a little while. We don’t take that to the game and all these young guys are kind of spinning and floating. But a little bit of smoothing out now. We went through Phase 1 (which is) just meetings, Phase 2, we were doing walk throughs then we get them out there going against our offense then they’re spinning. But we got through practice six today so hopefully it’s starting to smooth out a little bit.”Q: How does Charles Omenihu and Drue Tranquill fit in the mix for you?SPAGNUOLO: “Look, they’re doing a great job. They’re terrific, both of those guys are pros, real intelligent football players (and I’m) really happy with what they’ve done to this point and where they’re at. I’m glad we got them. I just think both of those guys elevate their positions and I think that gives us a lot. We’ll see how we work them all in, it’s going to take a little while for that but right now. (But) from what I’ve seen, Drue’s made a lot of plays. You know, for a lineman in these practices, we can’t finish. You’ve got to stay away from the quarterback, and you know, they pull up so it’s a little bit tougher to tell there but (I) love they way both of those guys operate.”Q: How do you feel about your defensive line group as of right now?SPAGNUOLO: “Yeah, right now. Now listen, we’ve still got to see. We know George (Karlaftis) has been here, right? Mike Danna (has been here). We don’t know Charles (Omenihu), I mean we know what he did in (San Francisco). We don’t know Felix (Anudike-Uzomah), right? Way too early on that. Now, Malik Herring and Josh Kaindoh, I’m really, really hopeful for those two guys to surface. They’ve been here for a while (and) they know what they’re doing but it’s up to them to take that next step and both of those guys have done a really good job to this point. Those are the six I think we’re talking about, right? But you’re right, thank God for (General Manager) Brett (Veach) in the last few years we’ve been able to (pick up defensive linemen)– Carlos (Dunlap), I think we got early, right? Training camp or something. And I’m sure we’d try to do that again either way. Maybe, I guess the hope is that we don’t have to, right? That would be a good problem to have.Q: How much more comfortable does the second-year defensive back group look?SPAGNUOLO: “You can just ask them, Trent (McDuffie) included, right? The five of them - NJ (Nazeeh Johnson) is out there doing a great job. I sat with them or was somewhere with them a week ago and they’re like lightyears ahead. They feel it and it’s different and they’re confident. The first day that we went out there for a walk through, the communication and the talking – now, I’m including Justin Reid in that because last year was all new for him, too, even though he was a vet they system was new. And those guys (snaps) just from a verbal and being kind of tied in from that standpoint, they were just jelling.”<h2>Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator, Dave Toub</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685713667969.png" alt="Dave Toub Photo Courtesy Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Dave Toub Photo Courtesy Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Q: Are any new potential returners emerging from the group?TOUB: “Oh yeah. Yeah, I do anticipate that. Some guys that are doing really well right now you probably want to know (are Deneric) Prince is looking good as a running back. He reminds me so much of – you guys remember (former Chiefs Running Back) Knile Davis? He reminds me of Knile, he even has the same number. (He) didn’t do it in college, but he’s showing traits right now that he reminds me so much of Knile that it’s kind of scary. And you know, Knile was pretty good for us. As he went on, obviously the touchdowns. And so, I see him in that role.”Q: What about Richie James as a potential returner?TOUB: “Richie James is a guy that – he’s got experience, (he) did it in NFL games, which that’s huge as we know. And he’s definitely in the mix. (John) Ross – the other one, No. 85 – he’s another guy that’s got speed. (He) had injury problems at Cincinnati, but if he could stay healthy, he’s definitely in the mix. He’s probably one of our fastest players back there. And then you still got Skyy (Moore) and Ihmir (Smith-Marsette). We have a bunch of guys that are possible guys that can do that for us.”Q: Last year you guys lost a lot of special teams contributors and had to start fresh. What’s it like to return a good group of special teams contributors?TOUB: “Everything goes in cycles. Like last year we had the cycle of young players, you know, and they did a great job and they got better and better as the year went on. Obviously, in the playoffs we were reaching our peak. It took a while to get there but we were playing good football then when we need to. They’re all back. All those guys are back so they’re going to be that much better (and) now we’ve got a new group of young players coming in so as a group, I predict that we’ll be better right from the start.”Q: I know it’s hard to tell but is there anybody out of the young group that you think will help you out early?TOUB: “It’s really hard. I’m excited about the linebackers – I talked about (Deneric) Prince, I’m excited about the young linebackers, (Isaiah) Moore and (Cam) Jones, the two free agent kids that we have. I like the kids that we drafted, (Chamarri) Conner and (Nic) Jones. Both of those guys are going to help us right off the bat. The d-lineman, the defensive end, possibly some role players but not so much as a four phase guy but I’m excited about the young players but really it’s those last year’s young players that are getting better that are going to – guys like (Jack) Cochrane and Nazeeh (Johnson). You know towards the end of the year Nazeeh Johnson, as a gunner, he was playing better than anybody in the league. So, I’m excited about him. He’ll probably be our number one gunner coming into next year.”<h2>Running Backs Coach Todd Pinkston</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685714263341.jpeg" alt="Todd Pinkston Photo Courtesy Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Todd Pinkston Photo Courtesy Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Q: You’re not the first wide receiver to coach running backs for Coach Reid. What are your thoughts on coaching a position that you didn’t play in the NFL?PINKSTON: “As far as being a coach, you feel like you can coach anything. It was a learning process for me coming from being a wide out and now you learn a lot more of the fronts (and) what the o-line (is) doing. Once I got used to that I’m still continuing to get used to it, it gets me excited about it because you know things get easier for me.”Q: What’s the experience been like going from playing under Head Coach Andy Reid when you played for the Eagles to now coaching under him?PINKSTON: “It’s good. It’s good. I know what to expect from him as far as the ins and outs and what to do and what not to do. It’s fun being on this side of the ball now. It’s giving me the joy that when he gave me the call, I was delighted to get an opportunity to come coach for him.”Q: When you were a player for Head Coach Andy Reid, did you ever envision one day coaching for him? Did you ever have a conversation about coaching for him one day?PINKSTON: “He always asked me because I’m always hitting him up every week when I left Philly or whatever. I’d always say, ‘Good luck, great job coach, and Coach, how’s the family?’ So, I’m always keeping in contact with him, and he always (asked) me ‘What am I doing?’ Am I always coaching somewhere? As far if it’s a high school or college. I guess he saw the vision that I have and I have for myself being a coach’s son. I guess he saw it in me, so he gave me the opportunity to come be an intern with him last OTAs and last training camp and he saw something in me to bring me aboard.”<h2>Wide Receivers Coach Connor Embree</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685714032892.jpeg" alt="Connor Embree Photo Courtesy Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Connor Embree Photo Courtesy Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>Q: You’re a young guy but when you look at your resume it’s been a lot of work to get to this point. What has it been like these past few years being here and working way behind the scenes?EMBREE: “Yeah, I mean it’s a lot. Yeah, I’m young but I’ve been around it my whole life. Like I said, my dad’s been in this business. My brother is a coach for the Jets. My uncle is a high school coach out in Santa Margarita, California but yeah it’s just always been in my blood. I grew up wanting to be a coach. So, it takes – (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid puts a lot on us. Like you said, the behind-the-scenes type of people. I learned a lot. I had a bunch of great coaches to learn under and it’s just been fun, so. Other than that, not much.”Q: What are your initial thoughts on Rashee Rice?EMBREE: “He’s doing great. The whole group’s doing great. I like the whole, all 12, I think we have 12, yeah, all 12 of them. They’ve all been in working. I have zero complaints. He’s got some juice to him. He’s a bigger bodied guy that we don’t really have in our room, so he’s a little different in that way. But he’s been great. He’s been great in the classroom (and) been great on the field.”Q: How have you seen Skyy Moore begin to take a next step as he returns for his second year?EMBREE: “Skyy (Moore)? Yeah, Skyy’s been great. Skyy, you know we put a lot on him last year. Usually when we get a receiver, we try to keep them at one position. And, you know that’s easier to learn that way, but we threw a lot at him last year. He played every position, all three of them – x, zebra and z. But he’s been great. He came back in great shape. He looks stronger (and) he’s a little bigger and then he’s just got that year under his belt. So, he’s not that little puppy dog anymore. He kind of understands what’s going on (and) understands the tempo we practice at and just how to be a pro so he’s been great.”Q: Do you have an example of some of the harder assignments that Head Coach Andy Reid gave you when you were a quality control coach?EMBREE: “I don’t know if it’s just one in general, I don’t know if can think of just one specific moment. But it’s just - that’s how he coaches on everyone. That’s why we are the way we are and everyone in the building’s that way. There’s a standard. It’s not just for the players it’s the coaches too and you learn that fast. It’s either you’re out or you’re coming up to the standard. But, like I said it’s been great learning from obviously one of the greatest or the greatest coaches there’s been in the league. I always joke, he’s forgotten more football than I’ll probably ever learn, so, he’s been a great mentor and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Chiefs' Nagy, Spagnuolo, Toub, Pinkston and Embree talk Football Friday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Rising senior&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin&nbsp;officially withdrew from the 2023 NBA Draft late Tuesday night (May 31), opting to return for his senior season at Kansas State in 2023-24.

The 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward from Harlem, N.Y., was a major component for a Wildcat team that won 26 games and advanced to the Elite Eight for the 13th&nbsp;time in school history in 2022-23. He was third in scoring (10.4 ppg.) and double-digit scoring games (21) behind All-Americans&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;and second in rebounding (5.9 rpg.) to Johnson, while he led the way in blocks (1.0 bpg.) and dunks (43).

One of four players to start all 36 games a year ago, Tomlin averaged 10.4 points on 50 percent (147-of-294) shooting from the field, including 27.5 percent (19-of-69) from 3-point range, to go with 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game. He also connected on 73.8 percent (62-of-84) from the free throw line. He ranked among the Big 12’s top-15 in 4 categories, including fourth in offensive rebounds (2.22 orpg.), seventh in blocked shots, ninth in rebounding and 14th&nbsp;in defensive rebounds (3.64 drpg.).

Among Tomlin’s 21 double-digit scoring games were 7 in Big 12 play, including 17 and 19 points in 2 meetings against Oklahoma. He also collected 2 double-doubles on the season, including a 15-point, 10-rebound performance in the win over No. 2 Kansas at Bramlage Coliseum on Jan. 7. He was selected as the Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Week on Dec. 26 after posting his first career 20-point game in the win over Radford on Dec. 21, as he scored a game-high 26 points to go with 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Tomlin was playing his best basketball at the end of the season, scoring in double figures in the last 5 games, including all 4 NCAA Tournament games. He averaged 12.5 points on 59.5 percent (22-of-37) shooting in the NCAA Tournament with 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game. His best all-around game came in the win over Kentucky in the second round with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals in 30 minutes.

Tomlin came to K-State after earning NJCAA All-American honors at Chipola College in 2021-22, averaging a team-leading 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

Tomlin is among six returners, including three starters, who are expected to return to K-State for the 2023-24 season. He will be joined by fellow regular starters – senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Cam Carter&nbsp;– along with sophomores&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dorian Finister&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taj Manning.

Graduate transfer&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(North Texas) as well as freshmen&nbsp;Dai Dai Ames,&nbsp;R.J. Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;will arrive this weekend with the Wildcats convening for the start of summer workouts on Monday (June 5).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685712691810.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; Rising senior&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin Photo Courtesy&nbsp; K-State Sports" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; Rising senior&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin Photo Courtesy&nbsp; K-State Sports</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Rising senior&nbsp;Nae’Qwan Tomlin&nbsp;officially withdrew from the 2023 NBA Draft late Tuesday night (May 31), opting to return for his senior season at Kansas State in 2023-24.The 6-foot-8, 195-pound forward from Harlem, N.Y., was a major component for a Wildcat team that won 26 games and advanced to the Elite Eight for the 13th&nbsp;time in school history in 2022-23. He was third in scoring (10.4 ppg.) and double-digit scoring games (21) behind All-Americans&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Keyontae Johnson&nbsp;and second in rebounding (5.9 rpg.) to Johnson, while he led the way in blocks (1.0 bpg.) and dunks (43).One of four players to start all 36 games a year ago, Tomlin averaged 10.4 points on 50 percent (147-of-294) shooting from the field, including 27.5 percent (19-of-69) from 3-point range, to go with 5.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.0 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game. He also connected on 73.8 percent (62-of-84) from the free throw line. He ranked among the Big 12’s top-15 in 4 categories, including fourth in offensive rebounds (2.22 orpg.), seventh in blocked shots, ninth in rebounding and 14th&nbsp;in defensive rebounds (3.64 drpg.).Among Tomlin’s 21 double-digit scoring games were 7 in Big 12 play, including 17 and 19 points in 2 meetings against Oklahoma. He also collected 2 double-doubles on the season, including a 15-point, 10-rebound performance in the win over No. 2 Kansas at Bramlage Coliseum on Jan. 7. He was selected as the Big 12 co-Newcomer of the Week on Dec. 26 after posting his first career 20-point game in the win over Radford on Dec. 21, as he scored a game-high 26 points to go with 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.Tomlin was playing his best basketball at the end of the season, scoring in double figures in the last 5 games, including all 4 NCAA Tournament games. He averaged 12.5 points on 59.5 percent (22-of-37) shooting in the NCAA Tournament with 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 29.8 minutes per game. His best all-around game came in the win over Kentucky in the second round with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals in 30 minutes.Tomlin came to K-State after earning NJCAA All-American honors at Chipola College in 2021-22, averaging a team-leading 13.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.Tomlin is among six returners, including three starters, who are expected to return to K-State for the 2023-24 season. He will be joined by fellow regular starters – senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;Cam Carter&nbsp;– along with sophomores&nbsp;Jerrell Colbert&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dorian Finister&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taj Manning.Graduate transfer&nbsp;Tylor Perry&nbsp;(North Texas) as well as freshmen&nbsp;Dai Dai Ames,&nbsp;R.J. Jones&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich&nbsp;will arrive this weekend with the Wildcats convening for the start of summer workouts on Monday (June 5).

Tomlin to return for senior season

Smoky Hill Education Service Center

The 26th anniversary of the Smoky Hill Education Foundation Scramble for Schools Golf Tournament attracted more than 110 participants on Tuesday.

The annual fundraiser brings in thousands of dollars in support of education at more than 50 school districts in Kansas. A tradition nearly as old as Smoky Hill Education Service Center itself, the tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course has grown to be one of the largest in the area.

Hundreds of door prizes from generous area donors went to the participants, including the grand prize of a 55” Samsung flat-screen TV provided by long-time Smoky Hill ESC business partner Kansas City Audio Visual (KCAV)!

Other top prizes included a golf magazine autographed by Tom Kite and Jack Nicklaus and a $100 gift certificate to School Specialty.

Prizes also went to golfers for their achievements on the course, announced as follows during the luncheon that concluded the tournament:

· B Flight, Third Place: Tim Stephenson, Brandon Stephenson, Tyler Stephenson, Kendal Stephenson.

· B Flight, Second Place: Adam Trost, Morgan Trost, Skylar Hittle, Curtis Noon.

· B Flight, First Place: Troy Marseline, Monte Doll, Bill Maddy, Lyles Lashley.

· A Flight, Third Place: Shane Berggren, Dale Douglas, Jon Lightle, Aaron Gillespie from Nex-Tech Wireless.

· A Flight, Second Place: Mike Lagerman, Sean Robertson, Dylan Nelson, Haliegh Burkhart.

· A Flight, First Place: Steve Joonas, Cam McVean, Blaine Joonas, Zak Voelker from USD 426 Pike Valley.

· Championship Flight, Third Place: Tom Vernon, Khris Thaxton, Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel from USD 428 Great Bend.

· Championship Flight, Second Place: Larry Root, Stan Knipp, Dale Knipp, Mitch Knipp.

· Championship Flight, First Place: Chris Drees, Wade Ditter, Parker Krob, Tanner Copeland from USD 270 Plainville on a team sponsored by STOPit Solutions another long-time SHESC business partner.

Smoky Hill Education Service CenterThe 26th anniversary of the Smoky Hill Education Foundation Scramble for Schools Golf Tournament attracted more than 110 participants on Tuesday.The annual fundraiser brings in thousands of dollars in support of education at more than 50 school districts in Kansas. A tradition nearly as old as Smoky Hill Education Service Center itself, the tournament at the Salina Municipal Golf Course has grown to be one of the largest in the area.Hundreds of door prizes from generous area donors went to the participants, including the grand prize of a 55” Samsung flat-screen TV provided by long-time Smoky Hill ESC business partner Kansas City Audio Visual (KCAV)!Other top prizes included a golf magazine autographed by Tom Kite and Jack Nicklaus and a $100 gift certificate to School Specialty.Prizes also went to golfers for their achievements on the course, announced as follows during the luncheon that concluded the tournament:· B Flight, Third Place: Tim Stephenson, Brandon Stephenson, Tyler Stephenson, Kendal Stephenson.· B Flight, Second Place: Adam Trost, Morgan Trost, Skylar Hittle, Curtis Noon.· B Flight, First Place: Troy Marseline, Monte Doll, Bill Maddy, Lyles Lashley.· A Flight, Third Place: Shane Berggren, Dale Douglas, Jon Lightle, Aaron Gillespie from Nex-Tech Wireless.· A Flight, Second Place: Mike Lagerman, Sean Robertson, Dylan Nelson, Haliegh Burkhart.· A Flight, First Place: Steve Joonas, Cam McVean, Blaine Joonas, Zak Voelker from USD 426 Pike Valley.· Championship Flight, Third Place: Tom Vernon, Khris Thaxton, Rick Tutak, Randy Wetzel from USD 428 Great Bend.· Championship Flight, Second Place: Larry Root, Stan Knipp, Dale Knipp, Mitch Knipp.· Championship Flight, First Place: Chris Drees, Wade Ditter, Parker Krob, Tanner Copeland from USD 270 Plainville on a team sponsored by STOPit Solutions another long-time SHESC business partner.

26th annual Scramble for Schools Golf Tournament attracts more than 100

MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a></a>Kickoff times and television selections for four of K-State’s first five football games of 2023 have been announced as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the season and special weeknight contests.

The Wildcats will open their Big 12-defending season on Sept. 2 against SEMO at 6 p.m., in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, and they stay at Bill Snyder Family Stadium the next Sept. 9, with an 11 a.m., tilt against Sun Belt Champion Troy that will be aired on FS1.

K-State hits the road for the first time in 2023 with an 11 a.m., contest at Missouri that will be broadcast by SEC Network. It is the Wildcats’ first trip to Columbia, Mo., since 2010 when the Tigers were members of the Big 12.

Kansas State will face Oklahoma State in a special Friday-night matchup on Oct. 6 that will kick at 6:30 p.m., and be shown on ESPN.

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2023 season and start at less than $30 per game. Single-game tickets will go on sale to Ahearn Fund members on June 12 and to the general public on June 15. Fans can order tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>, by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a></a>Kickoff times and television selections for four of K-State’s first five football games of 2023 have been announced as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the season and special weeknight contests.The Wildcats will open their Big 12-defending season on Sept. 2 against SEMO at 6 p.m., in a game shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+, and they stay at Bill Snyder Family Stadium the next Sept. 9, with an 11 a.m., tilt against Sun Belt Champion Troy that will be aired on FS1.K-State hits the road for the first time in 2023 with an 11 a.m., contest at Missouri that will be broadcast by SEC Network. It is the Wildcats’ first trip to Columbia, Mo., since 2010 when the Tigers were members of the Big 12.Kansas State will face Oklahoma State in a special Friday-night matchup on Oct. 6 that will kick at 6:30 p.m., and be shown on ESPN.Season tickets are on sale now for the 2023 season and start at less than $30 per game. Single-game tickets will go on sale to Ahearn Fund members on June 12 and to the general public on June 15. Fans can order tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>, by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.

K-State, Big 12 announce four football game times

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference released a portion of the early television broadcast assignments and kickoff times for the 2023 college football season on Wednesday. 

Times and TV designations are now set for Kansas’ games vs. Missouri State on Aug. 31 and at Nevada on Sept. 16. The season opener vs. Missouri State will kick off at 7 p.m. CT on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. It will be the third meeting all-time between the schools and the first since 2002. The Thursday night opener will mark the third-straight year Kansas has opened on a weeknight but is the first time opening on a Thursday after beginning the previous two seasons on Friday nights. The Jayhawks will kick off their road slate on Sept. 16 when they take on Nevada at 9:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. It will be the first meeting between the two schools, while Kansas holds a 13-4 record against the Mountain West all-time. Kansas’ 2023 schedule also features home games against Illinois (Sept. 9), BYU (Sept. 23), UCF (Oct. 7), Oklahoma (Oct. 28), Texas Tech (No. 11) and Kansas State (Nov. 16). The Jayhawks away schedule features additional games at Texas (Sept. 30), Oklahoma State (Oct. 14), Iowa State (Nov. 4) and Cincinnati (Nov. 25). The remainder of the season’s television selections will be announced on a 12-day or six-day notice via Big12Sports.com and the Conference’s official digital platforms. Information on the Illinois game should be available in the coming weeks. The Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship will return to AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the ninth year. The game is slated for Dec. 2 with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ABC. The Big 12 had the second-highest attendance of last season’s conference title games with 69,335 spectators. The Championship delivered 9.4M viewers on ABC, the most-watched Big 12 Championship since 2018. It peaked at 12.7M viewers, the most of any conference championship across all networks. Big 12 Football Early Season and Special Date Television Selections (all times listed as Central) Aug. 31 Missouri State at Kansas (Big 12 Now on ESPN+), 7 p.m.&nbsp; Sept. 16 Kansas at Nevada (CBSSN), 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship (ABC), 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference released a portion of the early television broadcast assignments and kickoff times for the 2023 college football season on Wednesday. Times and TV designations are now set for Kansas’ games vs. Missouri State on Aug. 31 and at Nevada on Sept. 16. The season opener vs. Missouri State will kick off at 7 p.m. CT on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. It will be the third meeting all-time between the schools and the first since 2002. The Thursday night opener will mark the third-straight year Kansas has opened on a weeknight but is the first time opening on a Thursday after beginning the previous two seasons on Friday nights. The Jayhawks will kick off their road slate on Sept. 16 when they take on Nevada at 9:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports Network. It will be the first meeting between the two schools, while Kansas holds a 13-4 record against the Mountain West all-time. Kansas’ 2023 schedule also features home games against Illinois (Sept. 9), BYU (Sept. 23), UCF (Oct. 7), Oklahoma (Oct. 28), Texas Tech (No. 11) and Kansas State (Nov. 16). The Jayhawks away schedule features additional games at Texas (Sept. 30), Oklahoma State (Oct. 14), Iowa State (Nov. 4) and Cincinnati (Nov. 25). The remainder of the season’s television selections will be announced on a 12-day or six-day notice via Big12Sports.com and the Conference’s official digital platforms. Information on the Illinois game should be available in the coming weeks. The Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship will return to AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the ninth year. The game is slated for Dec. 2 with an 11 a.m. kickoff on ABC. The Big 12 had the second-highest attendance of last season’s conference title games with 69,335 spectators. The Championship delivered 9.4M viewers on ABC, the most-watched Big 12 Championship since 2018. It peaked at 12.7M viewers, the most of any conference championship across all networks. Big 12 Football Early Season and Special Date Television Selections (all times listed as Central) Aug. 31 Missouri State at Kansas (Big 12 Now on ESPN+), 7 p.m.&nbsp; Sept. 16 Kansas at Nevada (CBSSN), 9:30 p.m. Dec. 2 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship (ABC), 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KU football game times announced for Missouri State, Nevada games

MANHATTAN&nbsp;– Season tickets for the 2023-24 men’s and women’s basketball teams will go on-sale at 8:30 p.m., CT on Monday, athletic department officials announced on Wednesday.

Fans will once again want to make plans to be at Bramlage Coliseum in 2023-24, as excitement continues to grow for the men’s and women’s teams coming off outstanding seasons. The Wildcat men return several key components from a team that advanced to the Elite Eight and went 15-1 at Bramlage Coliseum under National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang. The women’s team is garnering preseason Top 25 mention for a squad that is expected to return consensus All-American&nbsp;Ayoka Lee, along with All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;Gabby Gregory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Serena Sundell, after winning 19 games and advancing to the WNIT Super 16.

The two teams attracted more than 200,000 fans to Bramlage Coliseum in 2022-23, including eight sellouts by the men’s team which were the most by the program in nearly a decade. The women’s team was once again one of the nation’s leaders in attendance, ranking 31st&nbsp;nationally.

Fans have a variety of ticket prices and locations from which to choose from, with men’s basketball bench season tickets starting at $345 each. With the Wildcat 4-Pack, fans can purchase four (4) season tickets in the bench or Cat Cushion areas starting at $900, which is less than $15 per game.

General admission women's basketball season tickets start at $50 for football and men’s basketball season ticket holders, $75 for public, or $200 for a 4-Pack. Wildcat 4-Packs are available for approximately $3 per game.

Fans who order season tickets by the Incentive Deadline of June 30 will have the $10 processing fee waived, and a 4-month payment plan option. Those who order before the Renewal Deadline of Aug. 1 will be able to retain their seat and parking locations as well as receive a 3-month payment plan option. Online seat and parking upgrades will begin on Aug. 22.

New full season-ticket requests will be able to select their seat during the ordering process from any seat location available from the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;An Ahearn Fund contribution is required for all premium, chairback and cushioned seating. Specific required giving levels by section are listed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ahearnfund.com/" target="_blank">www.AhearnFund.com</a>.

There are a number of premium seating options at Bramlage Coliseum, including 19 new courtside seats along the southeast baseline of the arena. For more information on premium seating opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ahearnfund.com/sports/2023/3/21/premium-seating-update.aspx" target="_blank">ahearnfund.com/premiumseating</a>&nbsp;or contact the Ahearn Fund at (888) 232-9074.

The men’s 2023-24 home schedule will include premier matchups with Villanova on Dec. 5 in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle and Nebraska on Dec. 17, along with nine high-caliber conference games in the new-look Big 12, which welcomes BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF as new members.

In addition, season-ticket holders will have the first opportunity to pre-order tickets at a discounted rate for the Wildcat Classic against in-state foe Wichita State at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 21.

In addition to nine Big 12 home games, the women's 2023-24 home schedule includes a return visit from Big Ten foe Wisconsin.

Fans can purchase season tickets in a variety of ways, including toll free at (800) 221.CATS (2287) and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;– Season tickets for the 2023-24 men’s and women’s basketball teams will go on-sale at 8:30 p.m., CT on Monday, athletic department officials announced on Wednesday.Fans will once again want to make plans to be at Bramlage Coliseum in 2023-24, as excitement continues to grow for the men’s and women’s teams coming off outstanding seasons. The Wildcat men return several key components from a team that advanced to the Elite Eight and went 15-1 at Bramlage Coliseum under National Coach of the Year&nbsp;Jerome Tang. The women’s team is garnering preseason Top 25 mention for a squad that is expected to return consensus All-American&nbsp;Ayoka Lee, along with All-Big 12 selections&nbsp;Gabby Gregory&nbsp;and&nbsp;Serena Sundell, after winning 19 games and advancing to the WNIT Super 16.The two teams attracted more than 200,000 fans to Bramlage Coliseum in 2022-23, including eight sellouts by the men’s team which were the most by the program in nearly a decade. The women’s team was once again one of the nation’s leaders in attendance, ranking 31st&nbsp;nationally.Fans have a variety of ticket prices and locations from which to choose from, with men’s basketball bench season tickets starting at $345 each. With the Wildcat 4-Pack, fans can purchase four (4) season tickets in the bench or Cat Cushion areas starting at $900, which is less than $15 per game.General admission women's basketball season tickets start at $50 for football and men’s basketball season ticket holders, $75 for public, or $200 for a 4-Pack. Wildcat 4-Packs are available for approximately $3 per game.Fans who order season tickets by the Incentive Deadline of June 30 will have the $10 processing fee waived, and a 4-month payment plan option. Those who order before the Renewal Deadline of Aug. 1 will be able to retain their seat and parking locations as well as receive a 3-month payment plan option. Online seat and parking upgrades will begin on Aug. 22.New full season-ticket requests will be able to select their seat during the ordering process from any seat location available from the 2022-23 season.&nbsp;An Ahearn Fund contribution is required for all premium, chairback and cushioned seating. Specific required giving levels by section are listed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ahearnfund.com/" target="_blank">www.AhearnFund.com</a>.There are a number of premium seating options at Bramlage Coliseum, including 19 new courtside seats along the southeast baseline of the arena. For more information on premium seating opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ahearnfund.com/sports/2023/3/21/premium-seating-update.aspx" target="_blank">ahearnfund.com/premiumseating</a>&nbsp;or contact the Ahearn Fund at (888) 232-9074.The men’s 2023-24 home schedule will include premier matchups with Villanova on Dec. 5 in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle and Nebraska on Dec. 17, along with nine high-caliber conference games in the new-look Big 12, which welcomes BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF as new members.In addition, season-ticket holders will have the first opportunity to pre-order tickets at a discounted rate for the Wildcat Classic against in-state foe Wichita State at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on Thursday, Dec. 21.In addition to nine Big 12 home games, the women's 2023-24 home schedule includes a return visit from Big Ten foe Wisconsin.Fans can purchase season tickets in a variety of ways, including toll free at (800) 221.CATS (2287) and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State basketball 2023-24 season tickets on sale Monday

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;For the second straight semester, Kansas student-athletes established a new non-COVID era record, recording a combined department grade point average of 3.40.

Eleven programs established new program records with their grade point averages, while 89 student-athletes earned a 4.0 term GPA and 79 percent of all student-athletes earned AD Honor Roll status.

For the second straight semester, all 16 programs had a team GPA over 3.0 for the semester.

“This was another incredibly successful semester in the classroom, and I am especially proud that this is becoming the standard here because of the impressive work from our student-athletes and academic staff,” Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “It is also an exceptional achievement to have 11 programs establish new records and continue to raise the bar each and every semester.”

So far this year, Kansas has had 106 student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference honors from the Big 12, including 74 in the fall and 32 in the winter. The spring sports teams will be announced in June.

KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;For the second straight semester, Kansas student-athletes established a new non-COVID era record, recording a combined department grade point average of 3.40.Eleven programs established new program records with their grade point averages, while 89 student-athletes earned a 4.0 term GPA and 79 percent of all student-athletes earned AD Honor Roll status.For the second straight semester, all 16 programs had a team GPA over 3.0 for the semester.“This was another incredibly successful semester in the classroom, and I am especially proud that this is becoming the standard here because of the impressive work from our student-athletes and academic staff,” Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. “It is also an exceptional achievement to have 11 programs establish new records and continue to raise the bar each and every semester.”So far this year, Kansas has had 106 student-athletes earn Academic All-Conference honors from the Big 12, including 74 in the fall and 32 in the winter. The spring sports teams will be announced in June.

KU student-athletes have record-breaking semester in classroom

WICHITA – The Tulsa Drillers scored nine unanswered runs and defeated Wichita 9-8 in the series opener.

The Wind Surge stormed out to a great start scoring four first inning runs.&nbsp; Patrick Winkle started the scoring with a two run triple and Alex Isola followed with a two run home run.&nbsp; Wichita added runs in second and the fourth to extend the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;

Blayne Enlow dominated early pitching four innings and allowed a hit and punched out nine hitters.&nbsp; The Drillers offense broke out in the fifth inning and knocked Enlow out after retiring one hitter.&nbsp; Diego Cartaya hit a two run home run to put the Drillers on the board.&nbsp; Enlow picked up strikeout number ten and then the Drillers took advantage of an error.&nbsp; Tulsa added a three run home run from Imanol Vargas.&nbsp;

Tulsa scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning to take the lead with a Brandon Lewis RBI single.&nbsp; Brayden Fisher earned the win and Francis Peguero took the loss.&nbsp;

NOTES: The Drillers lead the 2023 Propeller Series five games to two.&nbsp; Yunior Severino hit his 11th&nbsp;home run of the season tied for second in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge continues the home series against the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; RH Carlos Luna will face RH Kyle Hurt.&nbsp;

BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge continue the series against LA Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Fans can enjoy special discounts on food, drinks, etc., from 6-7 p.m. for Happy Hour.&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers though Sunday at Riverfront.

Wichita Wind SurgeWICHITA – The Tulsa Drillers scored nine unanswered runs and defeated Wichita 9-8 in the series opener.The Wind Surge stormed out to a great start scoring four first inning runs.&nbsp; Patrick Winkle started the scoring with a two run triple and Alex Isola followed with a two run home run.&nbsp; Wichita added runs in second and the fourth to extend the lead to 6-0.&nbsp;Blayne Enlow dominated early pitching four innings and allowed a hit and punched out nine hitters.&nbsp; The Drillers offense broke out in the fifth inning and knocked Enlow out after retiring one hitter.&nbsp; Diego Cartaya hit a two run home run to put the Drillers on the board.&nbsp; Enlow picked up strikeout number ten and then the Drillers took advantage of an error.&nbsp; Tulsa added a three run home run from Imanol Vargas.&nbsp;Tulsa scored a pair of runs in the eighth inning to take the lead with a Brandon Lewis RBI single.&nbsp; Brayden Fisher earned the win and Francis Peguero took the loss.&nbsp;NOTES: The Drillers lead the 2023 Propeller Series five games to two.&nbsp; Yunior Severino hit his 11th&nbsp;home run of the season tied for second in the league.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge continues the home series against the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; RH Carlos Luna will face RH Kyle Hurt.&nbsp;BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge continue the series against LA Dodgers affiliate the Tulsa Drillers on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Fans can enjoy special discounts on food, drinks, etc., from 6-7 p.m. for Happy Hour.&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers though Sunday at Riverfront.

Drillers down Wind Surge, 9-8

Ten student-athletes from the Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field teams were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for 2023, announced on Wednesday. 

Individuals receiving the honor include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/98907018-bb0d-4732-9580-db6912cd179b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/94daec2d-b2ed-4c55-b57f-1456cefcc1c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/68747878-a1fa-4568-8fdc-a027cf09eb59?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0b6d3588-b2dc-4666-9521-27784b5115a9?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e968a4b7-4195-4d14-9959-84806f7fb8c0?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;from the women's team and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b33d0543-45b3-4946-b06a-077c73bc49fb?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0245a22d-8516-4659-a7cf-28fb1f4fe59a?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b68d7079-e0df-4542-a816-5e5e3b3511b2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8e04c81f-3e28-40c3-8181-1dc210efaa1b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d5ef4a66-d935-49f4-8b0b-3bbb9c585bd2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;from the men's squad. College Sports Communicators (CSC) is the new name for College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), changed prior to the start of the 2022-23 academic year. This award honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bce26450-1a5a-46a5-8e7b-cbbb381569e1?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;earned her third All-American honor this season, placing seventh in the javelin throw at last week's NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. She is also a three-time All-MIAA honoree. Berens maintains a 3.77 GPA as an elementary education major. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/77c7e2aa-72ae-4752-914a-9c09ab39a574?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;wrapped up a decorated career this season, winning her fifth MIAA Championship with the 200m outdoor title in 2023. The seven-time All-American and 10-time All-MIAA honoree competed at her fifth national championship meet this season. Holman holds seven school records, including five sprints and two relays. She completed a degree in psychology this spring with a GPA of 3.53. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/3a4db104-cd2e-4e7c-80d2-f9ca7f6bd490?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;picked up three All-American honors and four All-MIAA awards during the 2023 indoor and outdoor seasons, giving her nine All-American awards and seven All-MIAA recognitions for her career. She wrapped up her career with seven school records, including five individual marks and two relays. Rossi earned a bachelors degree in agricultural business with a GPA of 3.73 and holds a 3.90 GPA in the MBA program. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/2c3447d1-fd9f-4ce9-9f80-6b5a0a525c99?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;stepped onto the All-MIAA podium for a third time this season, placing second in the 1,500m run at the 2023 outdoor league meet. She is the school-record holder in both the indoor and outdoor 800m run. Salmans completed an undergraduate degree in elementary education with a GPA of 3.99 and holds a 4.00 GPA in graduate school while studying education with an emphasis as a reading specialist. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5bec16c3-5679-466e-b58e-221b8440ce07?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;concluded her junior season with her first All-American honor, placing eighth in the 400m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She is a four-time All-MIAA award winner, including two medals this season. Savolt is a part of two school-record relays. She earned a bachelors degree in marketing with a GPA of 3.90 and currently holds a GPA of 3.80 in the MBA program emphasizing in tourism and hospitality management. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/fb6912c0-3167-4bfc-8c19-b7ca6de6be73?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;lifted his third All-American trophy during the 2023 indoor season, placing seventh in the 400m dash at the indoor national meet. He is a three-time All-American, six-time All-MIAA honoree and two-time MIAA champion. Albright holds five school records, including the indoor 400m dash and four relays, all of which were set this season. He is an information networking and telecommunications major emphasizing in cybersecurity that maintains a 3.79 GPA. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4c1245b7-0dab-40d8-bafd-1b13cbc15339?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;added five All-MIAA medals to the trophy case this season, including one conference title with the indoor 4x400m relay. For his career, Lang is a two-time All-American, 12-time All-MIAA winner and three-time conference champion. His name appears next to five school records, including the indoor 600y run and four relays. Lang completed a degree in finance emphasizing in financial planning this spring with a GPA of 3.76. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ce49fdc4-1c5e-4ecc-a1e7-ed64ef66b408?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>&nbsp;ranked 20th in the country in the hammer throw this season and placed fourth at the MIAA Championships in the same event. He earned eight team points at the conference championships in his career. Ohl completed a degree in agriculture emphasizing in agronomy this spring with a GPA of 3.88. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1e893e95-57f3-4208-bd3a-cdf694a91646?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;is a two-time All-MIAA honoree, one-time MIAA champion and one-time All-American. He competed at three different NCAA DII national championships while earning 21.5 points at the conference championships during his career. He ranks first at FHSU during the DII era in the indoor triple jump. Robinson achieved a degree in finance this spring with a GPA of 3.77. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/93bdba11-bc1c-4593-831b-ec48f1a304c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;concluded an incredible career with another MIAA championship, two All-MIAA medals and two All-American trophies in 2022-23. A two-time national champion and two-time MIAA champion, Stanley earned eight All-American honors and five All-MIAA awards for his career. He previously earned CoSIDA Academic All-America status in 2021 in addition to earning the MIAA Spring Student-Athlete of the Year Award that same year. He is a finalist for the MIAA's Ken B. Jones Award this season, an honor given to the top student-athlete in the league. Stanley carried an undergraduate GPA of 3.95 as a double major in management and foreign language while currently maintaining a 3.63 GPA in graduate school studying for an MBA with an emphasis in human resource management. As All-District selections, all 10 Tigers will now be considered for Academic All-America honors voted on by Sports Information/Athletic Communication professionals nationwide in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsTen student-athletes from the Fort Hays State men's and women's track and field teams were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for 2023, announced on Wednesday. Individuals receiving the honor include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/98907018-bb0d-4732-9580-db6912cd179b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/94daec2d-b2ed-4c55-b57f-1456cefcc1c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/68747878-a1fa-4568-8fdc-a027cf09eb59?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0b6d3588-b2dc-4666-9521-27784b5115a9?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e968a4b7-4195-4d14-9959-84806f7fb8c0?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;from the women's team and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b33d0543-45b3-4946-b06a-077c73bc49fb?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0245a22d-8516-4659-a7cf-28fb1f4fe59a?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b68d7079-e0df-4542-a816-5e5e3b3511b2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8e04c81f-3e28-40c3-8181-1dc210efaa1b?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d5ef4a66-d935-49f4-8b0b-3bbb9c585bd2?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;from the men's squad. College Sports Communicators (CSC) is the new name for College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), changed prior to the start of the 2022-23 academic year. This award honors a combination of academic and athletic accomplishments of the individuals selected. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bce26450-1a5a-46a5-8e7b-cbbb381569e1?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;earned her third All-American honor this season, placing seventh in the javelin throw at last week's NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships. She is also a three-time All-MIAA honoree. Berens maintains a 3.77 GPA as an elementary education major. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/77c7e2aa-72ae-4752-914a-9c09ab39a574?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;wrapped up a decorated career this season, winning her fifth MIAA Championship with the 200m outdoor title in 2023. The seven-time All-American and 10-time All-MIAA honoree competed at her fifth national championship meet this season. Holman holds seven school records, including five sprints and two relays. She completed a degree in psychology this spring with a GPA of 3.53. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/3a4db104-cd2e-4e7c-80d2-f9ca7f6bd490?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;picked up three All-American honors and four All-MIAA awards during the 2023 indoor and outdoor seasons, giving her nine All-American awards and seven All-MIAA recognitions for her career. She wrapped up her career with seven school records, including five individual marks and two relays. Rossi earned a bachelors degree in agricultural business with a GPA of 3.73 and holds a 3.90 GPA in the MBA program. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/2c3447d1-fd9f-4ce9-9f80-6b5a0a525c99?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>&nbsp;stepped onto the All-MIAA podium for a third time this season, placing second in the 1,500m run at the 2023 outdoor league meet. She is the school-record holder in both the indoor and outdoor 800m run. Salmans completed an undergraduate degree in elementary education with a GPA of 3.99 and holds a 4.00 GPA in graduate school while studying education with an emphasis as a reading specialist. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5bec16c3-5679-466e-b58e-221b8440ce07?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;concluded her junior season with her first All-American honor, placing eighth in the 400m hurdles at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She is a four-time All-MIAA award winner, including two medals this season. Savolt is a part of two school-record relays. She earned a bachelors degree in marketing with a GPA of 3.90 and currently holds a GPA of 3.80 in the MBA program emphasizing in tourism and hospitality management. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/fb6912c0-3167-4bfc-8c19-b7ca6de6be73?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>&nbsp;lifted his third All-American trophy during the 2023 indoor season, placing seventh in the 400m dash at the indoor national meet. He is a three-time All-American, six-time All-MIAA honoree and two-time MIAA champion. Albright holds five school records, including the indoor 400m dash and four relays, all of which were set this season. He is an information networking and telecommunications major emphasizing in cybersecurity that maintains a 3.79 GPA. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4c1245b7-0dab-40d8-bafd-1b13cbc15339?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;added five All-MIAA medals to the trophy case this season, including one conference title with the indoor 4x400m relay. For his career, Lang is a two-time All-American, 12-time All-MIAA winner and three-time conference champion. His name appears next to five school records, including the indoor 600y run and four relays. Lang completed a degree in finance emphasizing in financial planning this spring with a GPA of 3.76. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ce49fdc4-1c5e-4ecc-a1e7-ed64ef66b408?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>&nbsp;ranked 20th in the country in the hammer throw this season and placed fourth at the MIAA Championships in the same event. He earned eight team points at the conference championships in his career. Ohl completed a degree in agriculture emphasizing in agronomy this spring with a GPA of 3.88. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1e893e95-57f3-4208-bd3a-cdf694a91646?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>&nbsp;is a two-time All-MIAA honoree, one-time MIAA champion and one-time All-American. He competed at three different NCAA DII national championships while earning 21.5 points at the conference championships during his career. He ranks first at FHSU during the DII era in the indoor triple jump. Robinson achieved a degree in finance this spring with a GPA of 3.77. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/93bdba11-bc1c-4593-831b-ec48f1a304c3?elinkdata=211709" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;concluded an incredible career with another MIAA championship, two All-MIAA medals and two All-American trophies in 2022-23. A two-time national champion and two-time MIAA champion, Stanley earned eight All-American honors and five All-MIAA awards for his career. He previously earned CoSIDA Academic All-America status in 2021 in addition to earning the MIAA Spring Student-Athlete of the Year Award that same year. He is a finalist for the MIAA's Ken B. Jones Award this season, an honor given to the top student-athlete in the league. Stanley carried an undergraduate GPA of 3.95 as a double major in management and foreign language while currently maintaining a 3.63 GPA in graduate school studying for an MBA with an emphasis in human resource management. As All-District selections, all 10 Tigers will now be considered for Academic All-America honors voted on by Sports Information/Athletic Communication professionals nationwide in NCAA Division II.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tiger track and field earns 10 CSC Academic All-District honors

By WARREN MAYES Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas pitched eight shutout innings, Nolan Arenado hit an RBI double and Nolan Gorman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night to split the two-game set between the I-70 rivals.

Mikolas (4-1) matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. The strikeout total matched the 34-year-old right-hander's effort against Milwaukee in 2019.

The Cardinals needed a defensive gem in the fourth inning to keep the game scoreless. With two outs and MJ Melendez on second, Michael Massey singled to right. Brendan Donovan threw a strike to the plate and Willson Contreras applied the tag to Melendez.

Gionvanny Gallegos replaced Mikolas in the ninth and gave up a double and single to start the inning. Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a fielder's choice by Bobby Witt Jr., cutting the deficit to a run. Gallegos went on to retire the next two hitters and record his seventh save.

The Cardinals got a run in the sixth with two outs against Carlos Hernández (0-2). Paul Goldschmidt reached first on an infield single. Arenado hit a run-scoring double to left-center. Arenado has a team-high 18 RBIs in interleague play this season.

St. Louis extended its lead to 2-0 in the eighth Gorman's sac fly off Aroldis Chapman, scoring Tommy Edman.

Zack Greinke started for the Royals but didn't figure in the decision. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He ranks first in starts (526) and innings pitched (3,309 1/3), second in wins (224) and third in strikeouts (2,929) among active pitchers.

After off days Wednesday and Thursday, the Cardinals return Friday, continuing a stretch of 13 of 15 games on the road between May 22-June 7.

Tommy Edman made his first career start and third overall appearance in center field in the regular season, previously appearing as a defensive replacement on July 12, 2019 verus Arizona (one inning) and May 21, 2022 at Pittsburgh (five innings). The 28-year-old Edman also appeared in center in Game 4 of the NLCS at Washington (one inning). This season, the former Gold Glove second baseman has appeared at shortstop (27 games), second base (21 games), and right field (seven games).

With a win, the Cardinals (15-13) achieved a winning month of May for the 16th time since 2000.

Royals: OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) still undergoing a rehab process after getting hurt running out a bunt earlier this month against Baltimore. He is doing more baseball activity, but a rehab assignment is not in the immediate future.

Cardinals: OF Lars Nootbar (back spasms) is getting treatment and listed as day to day. He left Monday's game in third inning under his own power while walking with trainers. … RHP Jake Woodford (right shoulder inflammation) began an injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday night, starting for the Redbirds at the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals' affiliate. Woodford has missed the last 24 games.

Royals: The club has off Wednesday and Thursday before before hosting Colorado on Friday. No starter for either club has been named.

Cardinals: The team has Wednesday and Thursday off before playing Friday at Pittsburgh. No starter has been determined.

By WARREN MAYES Associated PressST. LOUIS — Miles Mikolas pitched eight shutout innings, Nolan Arenado hit an RBI double and Nolan Gorman drove in a run with a sacrifice fly as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night to split the two-game set between the I-70 rivals.Mikolas (4-1) matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed three hits. The strikeout total matched the 34-year-old right-hander's effort against Milwaukee in 2019.The Cardinals needed a defensive gem in the fourth inning to keep the game scoreless. With two outs and MJ Melendez on second, Michael Massey singled to right. Brendan Donovan threw a strike to the plate and Willson Contreras applied the tag to Melendez.Gionvanny Gallegos replaced Mikolas in the ninth and gave up a double and single to start the inning. Vinnie Pasquantino scored on a fielder's choice by Bobby Witt Jr., cutting the deficit to a run. Gallegos went on to retire the next two hitters and record his seventh save.The Cardinals got a run in the sixth with two outs against Carlos Hernández (0-2). Paul Goldschmidt reached first on an infield single. Arenado hit a run-scoring double to left-center. Arenado has a team-high 18 RBIs in interleague play this season.St. Louis extended its lead to 2-0 in the eighth Gorman's sac fly off Aroldis Chapman, scoring Tommy Edman.Zack Greinke started for the Royals but didn't figure in the decision. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He ranks first in starts (526) and innings pitched (3,309 1/3), second in wins (224) and third in strikeouts (2,929) among active pitchers.ROAD TRIPPING REDBIRDSAfter off days Wednesday and Thursday, the Cardinals return Friday, continuing a stretch of 13 of 15 games on the road between May 22-June 7.TOMMY BOYTommy Edman made his first career start and third overall appearance in center field in the regular season, previously appearing as a defensive replacement on July 12, 2019 verus Arizona (one inning) and May 21, 2022 at Pittsburgh (five innings). The 28-year-old Edman also appeared in center in Game 4 of the NLCS at Washington (one inning). This season, the former Gold Glove second baseman has appeared at shortstop (27 games), second base (21 games), and right field (seven games).MAY DAYWith a win, the Cardinals (15-13) achieved a winning month of May for the 16th time since 2000.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: OF Kyle Isbel (left hamstring strain) still undergoing a rehab process after getting hurt running out a bunt earlier this month against Baltimore. He is doing more baseball activity, but a rehab assignment is not in the immediate future.Cardinals: OF Lars Nootbar (back spasms) is getting treatment and listed as day to day. He left Monday's game in third inning under his own power while walking with trainers. … RHP Jake Woodford (right shoulder inflammation) began an injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday night, starting for the Redbirds at the Omaha Storm Chasers, the Royals' affiliate. Woodford has missed the last 24 games.UP NEXTRoyals: The club has off Wednesday and Thursday before before hosting Colorado on Friday. No starter for either club has been named.Cardinals: The team has Wednesday and Thursday off before playing Friday at Pittsburgh. No starter has been determined.

Mikolas works 8 shutout innings, leads Cardinals to win over Royals

MARION, Ind. – Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14367">Cole Parker</a>&nbsp;finished in 13th place in the shot put on the final day at the 2023 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships last week.

Parker posted a best mark of 15.81m on his second toss of the day after opening with a 14.96m, and finished with a mark of 15.74m.

Parker edged out Caleb Rutherford of Mount Mercy who had a mark of 15.71m, and just missed 12th place by a centimeter as Luke King of Southern Oregon had a mark of 15.82m.

Midland's Dylan Kucera repeated as NAIA champion in the event, uncorking a 19.41m mark in his final attempt of the day to win the title by nearly two meters over Tanner Nett of Eastern Oregon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685480328526.jpeg" alt="Cole Parker. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Cole Parker. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationMARION, Ind. – Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14367">Cole Parker</a>&nbsp;finished in 13th place in the shot put on the final day at the 2023 NAIA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championships last week.Parker posted a best mark of 15.81m on his second toss of the day after opening with a 14.96m, and finished with a mark of 15.74m.Parker edged out Caleb Rutherford of Mount Mercy who had a mark of 15.71m, and just missed 12th place by a centimeter as Luke King of Southern Oregon had a mark of 15.82m.Midland's Dylan Kucera repeated as NAIA champion in the event, uncorking a 19.41m mark in his final attempt of the day to win the title by nearly two meters over Tanner Nett of Eastern Oregon.

KWU's Parker finishes 13th at NAIA National Championships

ST. LOUIS — Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals' 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.

Staumont, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.

Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander who pitched for the Cardinals from 2016-19, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch. Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 27 slide.

Taylor Clarke relieved and retired Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong and Alex Burleson in order. Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City's second shutout this year.

St. Louis was shut out for the sixth time and has scored 13 runs in its last six games.

There have been 23 perfect games, the last by Seattle's Félix Hernández against Tampa Bay on Aug. 15, 2012. All perfect games have been complete games.

Kansas City had not shut out the Cardinals since May 22, 2015, and had not blanked them in St. Louis since June 2, 2014.

In the opener of a two-game series, the Royals tied their season high with 16 hits and stranded 14 runners, one shy of their high.

Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.

Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals, playing their 18th game in a stretch of 19 days in a row. The Cardinals and the Royals have back-to-back days off Wednesday and Thursday.

Pasquantino hit an RBI double in the third. MJ Melendez hit a run-scoring triple in the fifth and scored on Freddy Fermin's bunt down the first-base line for a 3-0 lead.

Pasquantino had an RBI single off Steven Matz in the eighth, and Witt and Massey homered in the ninth against Drew VerHagen.

CF Lars Nootbar left after Pratto doubled leading off the third inning, appearing to pull up near the wall. Nootbar has slammed into the wall catching a Massey drive in the second. The Cardinals said Nootbar had back spasms.

Royals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement syndrome) is progressing well after throwing a recent bullpen.

Cardinals: OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.

RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals. Grienke is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA against St. Louis. Mikolas pitched a four-hit shutout in his only game against the Royals on May 21, 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685397386878.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the game against the Cardinals Monday in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Michael Massey celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of the game against the Cardinals Monday in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)</figcaption>
 </figure>By WARREN MAYES Associated PressST. LOUIS — Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals' 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.Staumont, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander who pitched for the Cardinals from 2016-19, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch. Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 27 slide.Taylor Clarke relieved and retired Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong and Alex Burleson in order. Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City's second shutout this year.St. Louis was shut out for the sixth time and has scored 13 runs in its last six games.There have been 23 perfect games, the last by Seattle's Félix Hernández against Tampa Bay on Aug. 15, 2012. All perfect games have been complete games.Kansas City had not shut out the Cardinals since May 22, 2015, and had not blanked them in St. Louis since June 2, 2014.In the opener of a two-game series, the Royals tied their season high with 16 hits and stranded 14 runners, one shy of their high.Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals, playing their 18th game in a stretch of 19 days in a row. The Cardinals and the Royals have back-to-back days off Wednesday and Thursday.Pasquantino hit an RBI double in the third. MJ Melendez hit a run-scoring triple in the fifth and scored on Freddy Fermin's bunt down the first-base line for a 3-0 lead.Pasquantino had an RBI single off Steven Matz in the eighth, and Witt and Massey homered in the ninth against Drew VerHagen.NOOTBAR HURTCF Lars Nootbar left after Pratto doubled leading off the third inning, appearing to pull up near the wall. Nootbar has slammed into the wall catching a Massey drive in the second. The Cardinals said Nootbar had back spasms.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Brad Keller (right shoulder impingement syndrome) is progressing well after throwing a recent bullpen.Cardinals: OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.UP NEXTRHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals. Grienke is 13-7 with a 3.48 ERA against St. Louis. Mikolas pitched a four-hit shutout in his only game against the Royals on May 21, 2018.

Royals' Staumont, Mayers within 6 outs of perfect game in win over Cards

Following are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.

Saturday MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live&nbsp; 8am.

Sunday PRN The Pit Reporters:&nbsp; 9 a.m.

MRN Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, Ill.:&nbsp; 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTFollowing are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.Saturday MRN&nbsp; Nascar Live&nbsp; 8am. Sunday PRN The Pit Reporters:&nbsp; 9 a.m. MRN Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway, Madison, Ill.:&nbsp; 1:30 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sports on KINA this week

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Cardinals hit three home runs and defeated the Wichita Wind Surge 10-5 in the series finale.&nbsp; The Cardinals win the series taking four of six games and leap ahead of Wichita into third place in the division.

The Cardinals scored five runs in the second inning which included a three run home run from Mike Antico.&nbsp; The Cards added a run in the third and three in the fourth inning.&nbsp;

DaShawn Keirsey, Jr led the Wind Surge with a pair of hits and two RBI.&nbsp; Anthony Prato and Alex Isola also added two hits.&nbsp;

Kenny Hernandez pitched six innings for the Cardinals to earn the win. Chad Donato exited in the third and inning and dropped his season record to 1-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Surge dropped to 20-24 and Springfield improved to 21-24.&nbsp;

NOTES: The Surge dropped to 1-6 in series finales. The Wind Surge drop to 12-14 on the road and lose their fourth series of the season.

UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge return home for a six game series against Tulsa.&nbsp; The Wind Surge and Drillers meet in the Propeller Series and Tuesday will feature RH Blayne Enlow (2-1, 3.02) vs. Tulsa&nbsp;RH Landon Knack (1-0, 1.32).

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Cardinals hit three home runs and defeated the Wichita Wind Surge 10-5 in the series finale.&nbsp; The Cardinals win the series taking four of six games and leap ahead of Wichita into third place in the division.The Cardinals scored five runs in the second inning which included a three run home run from Mike Antico.&nbsp; The Cards added a run in the third and three in the fourth inning.&nbsp;DaShawn Keirsey, Jr led the Wind Surge with a pair of hits and two RBI.&nbsp; Anthony Prato and Alex Isola also added two hits.&nbsp;Kenny Hernandez pitched six innings for the Cardinals to earn the win. Chad Donato exited in the third and inning and dropped his season record to 1-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Surge dropped to 20-24 and Springfield improved to 21-24.&nbsp;NOTES: The Surge dropped to 1-6 in series finales. The Wind Surge drop to 12-14 on the road and lose their fourth series of the season.UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge return home for a six game series against Tulsa.&nbsp; The Wind Surge and Drillers meet in the Propeller Series and Tuesday will feature RH Blayne Enlow (2-1, 3.02) vs. Tulsa&nbsp;RH Landon Knack (1-0, 1.32).BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Surge drops series finale, returns home

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 is the one race Josef Newgarden desperately wanted to win.

It's basically the only race that matters to his boss.

Coming up empty for 11 consecutive years had become personal for the two-time IndyCar champion.

Newgarden finally broke through Sunday, though, winning the Indy 500 to extend team owner Roger Penske's record to 19 victories — and the first since he bought Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Newgarden did it with an audacious pass of defending race winner Marcus Ericsson during a frantic, controversial 2.5-mile sprint to the finish.

"We've had a tough go here the last three, four years, and we've had a lot of questions to answer every day, after every qualifying weekend. We've had to come out and put on a brave face," Newgarden said. "It's just not an easy place to succeed at. I don't necessarily subscribe to the fact that if you don't win the 500, your career is a failure.

"But I think a lot of people view this race and this championship with that lens," Newgarden continued. "The 500 stands alone and if you are not able to capture one, the career really is a failure."

After the race was red-flagged for the third time in the final 16 laps, Newgarden was moved from fourth to second by race control following a review of the running order at the time the yellow flag waved.

He took advantage of his improved position to slingshot around Ericsson on the restart and hold him off from there.

Newgarden brought his Chevrolet-powered car to a stop on the front stretch, jumped out and found a hole in the fence, diving into part of a crowd estimated at more than 300,000 to celebrate. Then, Newgarden climbed the fence to mimic longtime Team Penske driver and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.

The 32-year-old from Nashville is the first American to win the Indy 500 since Alexander Rossi in 2016. He led five of the 200 laps and beat Ericsson in the fourth-closest finish in 107 years with a margin of victory of .0974 seconds.

"I'm just so thankful to be here. I started out as a fan in the crowd, and this place is amazing, regardless of where you're sitting," Newgarden said after pouring a bottle of whole milk over his head. "Everyone kept asking why I hadn't won this race, and they look at you like you're a failure if you haven't won it. I knew I was capable. I knew I could."

Ericsson finished second in a Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, and he immediately criticized IndyCar's decision to hold a one-lap shootout to the checkered flag. The Swede believed the race should have ended under caution, with him the winner, rather than having the green flag fly on the first lap out of the pits.

"I think it wasn't enough laps to go to do what we did. I don't think it's safe to go out of the pits on cold tires for a restart when half the field is sort of still trying to get out on track when we go green," Ericsson said. "I can't agree with that."

Newgarden and Ericsson were followed by Santino Ferrucci, who gave 88-year-old A.J. Foyt his team's best finish in the iconic race that Super Tex won four times since Kenny Bräck reached victory lane in 1999.

Alex Palou, the pole sitter and race favorite for Chip Ganassi Racing, finished fourth after recovering from a crash on pit road, and Rossi was fifth on what was an otherwise disappointing day for Arrow McLaren.

What was on pace to be the fastest Indy 500 in history ended with three red flags in the final 16 laps.

The first came for a crash involving Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood, who were near the front of the lead pack. Kirkwood went upside down into the catch fence, beginning a terrifying, spark-filled ride through the short chute.

One of Kirkwood's wheels sailed over the fencing and narrowly cleared the packed grandstand. Nobody was injured. His tire smashed the hood of a Chevrolet in a parking lot next to the grandstand.

"All I know is I was up in the fence, which is never a good thing in IndyCar. Thank God these cars are so safe," Kirkwood said. "I saw sparks flying everywhere. That's the scary part. You're upside-down and you're kind of stuck at that point."

On the restart, Pato O'Ward — who already had a restart called off for setting too slow of a pace — was shuffled from first to third as Newgarden shot to the lead. O'Ward and Ericsson were then side by side entering Turn 3 and touched wheels, and O'Ward slid into the wall and out of the race in another disappointment for Arrow McLaren.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685316632158.jpeg" alt="Josef Newgarden celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)" />
 <figcaption>Josef Newgarden celebrates after winning the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis Sunday. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing WriterINDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis 500 is the one race Josef Newgarden desperately wanted to win.It's basically the only race that matters to his boss.Coming up empty for 11 consecutive years had become personal for the two-time IndyCar champion.Newgarden finally broke through Sunday, though, winning the Indy 500 to extend team owner Roger Penske's record to 19 victories — and the first since he bought Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Newgarden did it with an audacious pass of defending race winner Marcus Ericsson during a frantic, controversial 2.5-mile sprint to the finish."We've had a tough go here the last three, four years, and we've had a lot of questions to answer every day, after every qualifying weekend. We've had to come out and put on a brave face," Newgarden said. "It's just not an easy place to succeed at. I don't necessarily subscribe to the fact that if you don't win the 500, your career is a failure."But I think a lot of people view this race and this championship with that lens," Newgarden continued. "The 500 stands alone and if you are not able to capture one, the career really is a failure."After the race was red-flagged for the third time in the final 16 laps, Newgarden was moved from fourth to second by race control following a review of the running order at the time the yellow flag waved.He took advantage of his improved position to slingshot around Ericsson on the restart and hold him off from there.Newgarden brought his Chevrolet-powered car to a stop on the front stretch, jumped out and found a hole in the fence, diving into part of a crowd estimated at more than 300,000 to celebrate. Then, Newgarden climbed the fence to mimic longtime Team Penske driver and four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.The 32-year-old from Nashville is the first American to win the Indy 500 since Alexander Rossi in 2016. He led five of the 200 laps and beat Ericsson in the fourth-closest finish in 107 years with a margin of victory of .0974 seconds."I'm just so thankful to be here. I started out as a fan in the crowd, and this place is amazing, regardless of where you're sitting," Newgarden said after pouring a bottle of whole milk over his head. "Everyone kept asking why I hadn't won this race, and they look at you like you're a failure if you haven't won it. I knew I was capable. I knew I could."Ericsson finished second in a Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, and he immediately criticized IndyCar's decision to hold a one-lap shootout to the checkered flag. The Swede believed the race should have ended under caution, with him the winner, rather than having the green flag fly on the first lap out of the pits."I think it wasn't enough laps to go to do what we did. I don't think it's safe to go out of the pits on cold tires for a restart when half the field is sort of still trying to get out on track when we go green," Ericsson said. "I can't agree with that."Newgarden and Ericsson were followed by Santino Ferrucci, who gave 88-year-old A.J. Foyt his team's best finish in the iconic race that Super Tex won four times since Kenny Bräck reached victory lane in 1999.Alex Palou, the pole sitter and race favorite for Chip Ganassi Racing, finished fourth after recovering from a crash on pit road, and Rossi was fifth on what was an otherwise disappointing day for Arrow McLaren.What was on pace to be the fastest Indy 500 in history ended with three red flags in the final 16 laps.The first came for a crash involving Felix Rosenqvist and Kyle Kirkwood, who were near the front of the lead pack. Kirkwood went upside down into the catch fence, beginning a terrifying, spark-filled ride through the short chute.One of Kirkwood's wheels sailed over the fencing and narrowly cleared the packed grandstand. Nobody was injured. His tire smashed the hood of a Chevrolet in a parking lot next to the grandstand."All I know is I was up in the fence, which is never a good thing in IndyCar. Thank God these cars are so safe," Kirkwood said. "I saw sparks flying everywhere. That's the scary part. You're upside-down and you're kind of stuck at that point."On the restart, Pato O'Ward — who already had a restart called off for setting too slow of a pace — was shuffled from first to third as Newgarden shot to the lead. O'Ward and Ericsson were then side by side entering Turn 3 and touched wheels, and O'Ward slid into the wall and out of the race in another disappointment for Arrow McLaren.Agustin Canapino did a 360-spin behind him, snapping a break line. He was unable to stop and collided with O'Ward's car."I was a little too nice there," O'Ward said. "I just feel so bummed for the team. ... I got onto the apron to give (Ericsson) room. I got squeezed. Yeah, I won't forget that."Suddenly, the race had its second red flag with six laps to go.Last year's race was red-flagged with five to go, when Ericsson was leading O'Ward to the finish. Ericsson held him off the rest of the way, and many criticized O'Ward for not making a more aggressive move for the win.Newgarden didn't make the same mistake with Ericsson out in front of him.As Newgarden crossed the yard of bricks, Penske and his entire executive committee jumped up and down in celebration on an elevated platform near the start-finish line. And for a moment, the 86-year-old team owner looked like a child filled with joy."The last two laps, I forgot about being the track owner and said 'Let's go for it,'" said Penske, who joined Newgarden in an open-top Chevy Camaro for a victory lap around the speedway. It was the first Indy win for a Team Penske driver since 2019, the year before Roger Penske bought the track."We always want to win this place, but 2019 was the last time that we had won and somebody else owned the place before," Penske president Tim Cindric said. "I apologize it's taken four years."Roger Penske's parking spot inside the speedway has been marked simply 18 for the last four years. Newgarden was still doing postrace media obligations and the spot had already been changed to 19."I think back about coming here in 1951 with my dad to see the first race of my own with him, and of course never realized that many, many years would pass and I would be here today, our family as the steward of the track, and also to have 19 wins," Penske said.AP Sports Writer Dave Skretta contributed to this report.