UPCOMING GAMES: Salina South Softball vs Salina Central - 4/18 at 4pm

UPCOMING GAMES: Salina South Softball vs Salina Central - 4/18 at 4pm<div><div>
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High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

For those seeking entertaining baseball, Chapman was the place to be on Friday as the Trojans and Irish played to a split that saw two late come-from-behind wins.

Southeast of Saline rattled off seven runs in the sixth inning of game one to take a 12-1 victory while Chapman erased a go-ahead run in extras to walk off game two 12-11.

Game One: SE of Saline 12, Chapman 10

After conceding a run in the top of the first, the Irish bats exploded in the second, rattling off seven runs to take a commanding 7-1 lead.

SES would get two of those runs back in the third and fifth innings, but still trailed 9-5 going into the sixth.

Finally, the Trojans got their bats going and kept the line moving, capitalizing on opportunities and scoring seven runs of their own to take back the lead.

Chapman managed to plate two more runs but the damage was done as Southeast slammed the door shut in a 12-10 victory.

Grady Gebhardt was the epitome of a leadoff hitter in this game, scoring four of the 12 Trojan runs throughout a 4-4 day at the plate.

Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, Cole Gilpin, and Tysen Keller all recorded multi-RBI days, combining to drive in eight runs on the day.

Game Two: Chapman 12, SE of Saline 11

The nightcap of this two-game set was a back-and-forth affair, with three ties and eight different lead changes.

The Irish took a 4-1 lead into the third, where Southeast scored six runs to flip the advantage back to the purple and white.

Three more Chapman runs would give the Irish a small lead going into the fifth, where they would lose, and reclaim a one-run lead all in the fifth frame.

Down to their final three outs, SES scratched across the tying run in the seventh, and then the go-ahead run in the eighth, but as they had done all game Chapman battled back plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth to clinch a walk-off win in extras.

Both teams would finish the nightcap with 14 hits, combining to score 45 runs in an offense-heavy doubleheader.

With these results, Chapman improves to 6-6 while Southeast moves to 7-5.

The Trojans will be back at home on Thursday to host Beloit, while the Irish hit the road to Concordia on Tuesday.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor those seeking entertaining baseball, Chapman was the place to be on Friday as the Trojans and Irish played to a split that saw two late come-from-behind wins.Southeast of Saline rattled off seven runs in the sixth inning of game one to take a 12-1 victory while Chapman erased a go-ahead run in extras to walk off game two 12-11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Game One: SE of Saline 12, Chapman 10After conceding a run in the top of the first, the Irish bats exploded in the second, rattling off seven runs to take a commanding 7-1 lead.SES would get two of those runs back in the third and fifth innings, but still trailed 9-5 going into the sixth.Finally, the Trojans got their bats going and kept the line moving, capitalizing on opportunities and scoring seven runs of their own to take back the lead.Chapman managed to plate two more runs but the damage was done as Southeast slammed the door shut in a 12-10 victory.Grady Gebhardt was the epitome of a leadoff hitter in this game, scoring four of the 12 Trojan runs throughout a 4-4 day at the plate.Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, Cole Gilpin, and Tysen Keller all recorded multi-RBI days, combining to drive in eight runs on the day.Game Two: Chapman 12, SE of Saline 11The nightcap of this two-game set was a back-and-forth affair, with three ties and eight different lead changes.The Irish took a 4-1 lead into the third, where Southeast scored six runs to flip the advantage back to the purple and white.Three more Chapman runs would give the Irish a small lead going into the fifth, where they would lose, and reclaim a one-run lead all in the fifth frame.Down to their final three outs, SES scratched across the tying run in the seventh, and then the go-ahead run in the eighth, but as they had done all game Chapman battled back plating two runs in the bottom of the eighth to clinch a walk-off win in extras.Both teams would finish the nightcap with 14 hits, combining to score 45 runs in an offense-heavy doubleheader.With these results, Chapman improves to 6-6 while Southeast moves to 7-5.The Trojans will be back at home on Thursday to host Beloit, while the Irish hit the road to Concordia on Tuesday.

⚾️ Walk-off win secures split for Chapman against SES

The Southeast of Saline and Chapman softball teams played to a split on Thursday in an incredibly competitive doubleheader that saw the Lady Irish win a 4-3 pitchers' duel, and the Lady Trojans win a 9-7 shootout.

Game One: Chapman 4, SE of Saline 3

With Madalynn Harold and Karlee Zurfluh in the circle, game one was destined to be low scoring, and the opener of this set lived up to the billing.

SES capitalized on an early miscue in left as Kimber Ogorzolka drove in Abby Wyatt to put the Lady Trojans up 1-0 in the top of the first.

That would be all Southeast could muster for a while, however, as Harold locked in from the circle, retiring 11 of the next 12 batters in a stretch that included seven strikeouts.

Chapman responded with unearned runs of their own in the third and fourth to take a 2-1 lead, but in the fifth, SES broke the spell, scoring Riley Donnelly on a Reese Heinrich RBI single.

The 2-2 tie would be short-lived, as Teagan Ellis drove in a pair of runs on an RBI single to left to put the Irish back on top.

Ashley Whelchel’s first career home run in the sixth cut the deficit to one, but that would be the final run of the game for Southeast as Harold cruised through the last five batters to secure the 4-3 win.

Harold finished her day surrendering just two earned runs on six hits, issuing no walks and striking out 11.

Game Two: SE of Saline 9, Chapman 7

With the aces out of the circle, fans braced for a higher scoring nightcap, but that didn’t appear to be the case through the first five innings.

Southeast’s Carlee Dye and Chapman’s Olivia Harold both limited the early damage, and the Lady Trojans held just a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth inning.

Of those three SES runs, just one was driven in, with the other two scoring from third on wild pitches.

In the sixth, the wheels came off for Chapman as three walks, three bunt singles, an infield single, four wild pitches, and a throwing error brought across five Southeast runs.

Not deterred by the 8-2 deficit, the Lady Irish got to work in their half of the sixth, and managed to score four runs on the strength of four singles.

Both teams added one run in the seventh but Karlee Zurfluh slammed the door shut to earn her first save of the season and secure the 9-7 win for SES.

Carlee Dye closed out her day with six strikeouts and no walks in the circle, while Reese Heinrich and Avery Kinkelaar led the charge on the basepaths, combining for four walks, a pair of hits, six stolen bases and four runs scored.&nbsp;

With this result, the Lady Trojans move to 7-2 overall while Chapman takes their first loss of the year at 11-1.

SES will return home next to host Clay Center while Chapman hits the road to battle Concordia.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline and Chapman softball teams played to a split on Thursday in an incredibly competitive doubleheader that saw the Lady Irish win a 4-3 pitchers' duel, and the Lady Trojans win a 9-7 shootout.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Game One: Chapman 4, SE of Saline 3With Madalynn Harold and Karlee Zurfluh in the circle, game one was destined to be low scoring, and the opener of this set lived up to the billing.SES capitalized on an early miscue in left as Kimber Ogorzolka drove in Abby Wyatt to put the Lady Trojans up 1-0 in the top of the first.That would be all Southeast could muster for a while, however, as Harold locked in from the circle, retiring 11 of the next 12 batters in a stretch that included seven strikeouts.Chapman responded with unearned runs of their own in the third and fourth to take a 2-1 lead, but in the fifth, SES broke the spell, scoring Riley Donnelly on a Reese Heinrich RBI single.The 2-2 tie would be short-lived, as Teagan Ellis drove in a pair of runs on an RBI single to left to put the Irish back on top.Ashley Whelchel’s first career home run in the sixth cut the deficit to one, but that would be the final run of the game for Southeast as Harold cruised through the last five batters to secure the 4-3 win.Harold finished her day surrendering just two earned runs on six hits, issuing no walks and striking out 11.Game Two: SE of Saline 9, Chapman 7With the aces out of the circle, fans braced for a higher scoring nightcap, but that didn’t appear to be the case through the first five innings.Southeast’s Carlee Dye and Chapman’s Olivia Harold both limited the early damage, and the Lady Trojans held just a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth inning.Of those three SES runs, just one was driven in, with the other two scoring from third on wild pitches.In the sixth, the wheels came off for Chapman as three walks, three bunt singles, an infield single, four wild pitches, and a throwing error brought across five Southeast runs.Not deterred by the 8-2 deficit, the Lady Irish got to work in their half of the sixth, and managed to score four runs on the strength of four singles.Both teams added one run in the seventh but Karlee Zurfluh slammed the door shut to earn her first save of the season and secure the 9-7 win for SES.Carlee Dye closed out her day with six strikeouts and no walks in the circle, while Reese Heinrich and Avery Kinkelaar led the charge on the basepaths, combining for four walks, a pair of hits, six stolen bases and four runs scored.&nbsp;With this result, the Lady Trojans move to 7-2 overall while Chapman takes their first loss of the year at 11-1.SES will return home next to host Clay Center while Chapman hits the road to battle Concordia.

🥎 Lady Trojans and Irish split tight doubleheader

Kansas Wesleyan's flag football team ended the regular season on a sky-high note.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d1c848a-e9cf-4b5b-b172-c5f8343a8ca5?elinkdata=25033">Chihiro Iwata</a> had 209 yards passing and three touchdowns and the defense limited Midland to 130 total yards in a 20-13 non-conference and Senior Night victory on Wednesday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex.

KWU (12-4) is the No. 2 seed and plays No. 7 Cottey at 2:30 p.m. April 25 in its first game of the Kansas Conference Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. The championship game is scheduled for April 27.

The Coyotes led 20-0 after three quarters before Midland scored twice in the final period. It was their third victory over Midland this season.

"They hung together, played together, communicated together," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245f39b1-e04b-429d-b225-43cc3575ef87?elinkdata=25033">Melinda Nguyen</a> said. "We celebrated our seniors before the game, during and after and really just embraced each other and stuck together throughout the whole thing. This will gear us up and get the ball rolling."

Iwata completed 25 of 36 passes with one interception. She also had a team-best 28 yards rushing on five carries and ran for the conversion point following KWU's third touchdown.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a90f654-1bb2-4d4e-ae38-68f8fb4f4f4f?elinkdata=25033">Angel Roman</a> caught five passes for 23 yards and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c716beb9-7234-483a-8907-42d6fe08ba82?elinkdata=25033">Soriah Tafua</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01844ea8-bc8a-4349-a318-2d2ac5fdd4d6?elinkdata=25033">Ava Duerr</a> had four receptions each - Tafua's catches totaling 50 yards and Duerr 38.

"We kind of take what they give us, we try not to force things, make high probability throws," Nguyen said. "And they were making great catches."

Iwata threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Duerr with 3:17 left in the first quarter and connected with Roman for the conversion point to make it 7-0. The seven-play drive covered 34 yards.

The Coyotes increased their lead to 13-0 on Iwata's four-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d42abfab-97ee-4ee9-9748-57e8f341fd77?elinkdata=25033">Aliyah Wood</a> with 4:07 left in the half capping an eight-play, 44-yard drive. The PAT attempt failed.

Wesleyan mounted a 66-yard, 11-play drive for its third touchdown, the final three yards on a pass from Iwata to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b92804d-3ac4-4282-96b7-17ccbe0a33b1?elinkdata=25033">Yui Watanabe</a> with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter. Iwata's conversion run made it 20-0.

Midland (8-7) scored on Angel Ioane Kaio's three-yard run with 8:47 left in the game and her 41-yard pass to Emily Ferron with 46 seconds left.

Midland had one first down in the first half and four for the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9695b1a7-de94-424f-b26a-2fd0e7aa7768?elinkdata=25033">Alexa Mansur</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88b1a361-c914-4a73-af74-b212a5e2ca9c?elinkdata=25033">Lexi Marquez</a> led way with three pulled flag each and Wood had an interception.

"Defense did great," Nguyen said. "(<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e51d7ad2-13d1-438b-b62c-67fcb423dbb4?elinkdata=25033">Ja'Daa Wilson</a>) did a great job calling the defense. They were all on the same page, they were all communicating and I felt like they really controlled the game."

Kansas Wesleyan's flag football team ended the regular season on a sky-high note.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d1c848a-e9cf-4b5b-b172-c5f8343a8ca5?elinkdata=25033">Chihiro Iwata</a> had 209 yards passing and three touchdowns and the defense limited Midland to 130 total yards in a 20-13 non-conference and Senior Night victory on Wednesday at JRI Hospitality Stadium in the Graves Family Sports Complex.KWU (12-4) is the No. 2 seed and plays No. 7 Cottey at 2:30 p.m. April 25 in its first game of the Kansas Conference Tournament in Kansas City, Mo. The championship game is scheduled for April 27.The Coyotes led 20-0 after three quarters before Midland scored twice in the final period. It was their third victory over Midland this season."They hung together, played together, communicated together," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245f39b1-e04b-429d-b225-43cc3575ef87?elinkdata=25033">Melinda Nguyen</a> said. "We celebrated our seniors before the game, during and after and really just embraced each other and stuck together throughout the whole thing. This will gear us up and get the ball rolling."Iwata completed 25 of 36 passes with one interception. She also had a team-best 28 yards rushing on five carries and ran for the conversion point following KWU's third touchdown."Iwata is Iwata," Nguyen said.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8a90f654-1bb2-4d4e-ae38-68f8fb4f4f4f?elinkdata=25033">Angel Roman</a> caught five passes for 23 yards and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c716beb9-7234-483a-8907-42d6fe08ba82?elinkdata=25033">Soriah Tafua</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/01844ea8-bc8a-4349-a318-2d2ac5fdd4d6?elinkdata=25033">Ava Duerr</a> had four receptions each - Tafua's catches totaling 50 yards and Duerr 38."We kind of take what they give us, we try not to force things, make high probability throws," Nguyen said. "And they were making great catches."Iwata threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Duerr with 3:17 left in the first quarter and connected with Roman for the conversion point to make it 7-0. The seven-play drive covered 34 yards.The Coyotes increased their lead to 13-0 on Iwata's four-yard pass to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d42abfab-97ee-4ee9-9748-57e8f341fd77?elinkdata=25033">Aliyah Wood</a> with 4:07 left in the half capping an eight-play, 44-yard drive. The PAT attempt failed.Wesleyan mounted a 66-yard, 11-play drive for its third touchdown, the final three yards on a pass from Iwata to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b92804d-3ac4-4282-96b7-17ccbe0a33b1?elinkdata=25033">Yui Watanabe</a> with 2:08 remaining in the third quarter. Iwata's conversion run made it 20-0.Midland (8-7) scored on Angel Ioane Kaio's three-yard run with 8:47 left in the game and her 41-yard pass to Emily Ferron with 46 seconds left.Midland had one first down in the first half and four for the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9695b1a7-de94-424f-b26a-2fd0e7aa7768?elinkdata=25033">Alexa Mansur</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/88b1a361-c914-4a73-af74-b212a5e2ca9c?elinkdata=25033">Lexi Marquez</a> led way with three pulled flag each and Wood had an interception."Defense did great," Nguyen said. "(<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e51d7ad2-13d1-438b-b62c-67fcb423dbb4?elinkdata=25033">Ja'Daa Wilson</a>) did a great job calling the defense. They were all on the same page, they were all communicating and I felt like they really controlled the game."

Coyote flag stops Midland for 20-13 win to cap regular season, celebrate seniors

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Appreciate everyone logging on. I don’t know who’s on yet because I can’t see anybody but I’m sure that when you ask your questions, I’ll see you but (I’m) excited for next week and the kickoff of the 2025 NFL Draft. (It’s) a super exciting time for my staff, Chiefs Kingdom and again, (I) really look forward to the next few days. I want to start off by thanking my scouting staff, they do a tremendous job, our coaching staff – all the people in the building that help us through this process. There’s a ton of work that goes into this and again, we’re super excited and with that I’ll take your questions.”

Q: On signing Elijah Mitchell, Kristian Fulton and Jaylon Moore.

VEACH:&nbsp;“You know, Adam (Teicher), every free agency process, I think the goal and the objective is always the same yet how you go about it is always different. The goal and the objective is always to position yourself and your team so that when you get to the draft you can unlock the full potential of your board and not have to be stressed out and take the best player available. Now, how you go about that is different every year, right? I mean, depending on your cash, your cap (space) and what players are available and how many players you’re losing and what have you so it’s a unique challenge every year. I think though – over the years, one thing that we’ve shown is that we’re going to put a high priority on offensive line and defensive line and you start off with Jaylon Moore. I don’t think it’s a secret, (we) want to get some stability there at the left tackle position. He’s a guy that I think the only downside was just the lack of starts during his career. Now, when you consider the fact that he played behind a first ballot hall of fame player in (49ers LT) Trent Williams, you can see why but he’s athletic, he’s a smart kid and you know, we did a lot of work on him during the pre-draft process years ago. (We) always had taken a liking to the kid, (we) thought he had a game that translates and credit to him that when he had a chance to log six, seven starts last year, he did a really good job. Now, the next step is (to) maintain that level of play throughout the course and duration of a season but again, we’re super excited to add him and hopefully provide some stability to the left side of the line. I said over the last few months, I think that we’ve done a really good job, obviously, our interior has been strong the last few years. We did lose (Bears G) Joe (Thuney), and that late season move with Kingsley (Suamataia) late in the season. His start in Denver was promising so we think we have some flexibility there with those guys but again, I think the ongoing effort and pursuit to just get more consistent play on that left side was important to us and I don’t think that process will stop. We’ll continue in the draft to address the offensive line. Then on the defensive side, losing (Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed) LJ last year and Jaylen Watson was having a really good year, he got hurt. Nazeeh (Johnson) got hurt last year, we had some guys get banged up. The way (Defensive Coordinator) Steve (Spagnuolo) does things on that back end requires a lot of depth there, you can never have enough good corners. Kristian (Fulton) was a guy that we liked coming out as well. In fact, I think it was the Covid year, he was right there, and he went a few picks before. We ended up, I think, selecting (Dolphins LB) Willie Gay but a guy again, we did a lot of work on and liked him. Then, Elijah Mitchell – maybe listen, we’re going to the well again. We had a good experience a few years back when we had done a lot of work on (former RB) Jerick McKinnon and he was guy that had a great career in Minnesota, went to the Niners and just couldn’t get healthy, couldn’t get right, was always banged up. We we’re like, ‘You know, this kid’s still young and although he’s battled a lot of injuries, we’ve always like the tape, we’ve always like the person. (He’s) a great kid.’ Similar skillset in a sense, he’s explosive, he has great hands. I’m sure that you even heard (49ers Head Coach) Kyle Shanahan talk about when he’s healthy how good he is. I think it’s not a secret with him, he's got to stay healthy. Again, I think probably the success (that) we had with McKinnon gave us some confidence to try it again, and he’ll have to get through training camp and get through a season healthy. Our trainers like what they saw in regards to his rehab from his injury last season so hopefully we can get him on the field and keep him on the field because I think when he’s healthy he provides an explosive dynamic in both the run and pass game.”

Q: Where do you feel the roster is right now?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think there’s always, of course, room for improvement. I think that just from a 1,000-foot view, I mean, it’s probably safe to say – you guys know I always give you probably too much information on these Zooms but o-line, d-line and corner, I think the draft has some numbers. The o-line numbers are probably down a tick, but I think everyone’s talked about the depth in the draft at the defensive line position, in particular defensive end. I think corner does have some sneaky depth there in the middle of the draft class. Maybe not as many high-end guys in years past, but I think there is some value there and the level of drop off holds from (round) two to three – to even into the early parts of four. I think that that would be a logical landing spot for us early in the draft, but I think we’re always in the mindset too to add players that we have graded as impact players and certainly wouldn’t shy away from continuing to add to our receiver room as well. I do think that – again, you can’t accomplish everything exactly you want to in free agency just because you don’t have an endless amount of resources but I do think we put ourselves in a position so that if we’re sitting there at (pick) 31, we certainly have a need for o-line, d-line, corner (and) receiver. So, all options are open, and I guess we’ll see how it all kind of shakes out.”

Q: Where’s your comfort level on getting a deal done with Trey Smith?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Hopefully we get that done. There’s no lack of interest or will or desire on our end and we did have Pete (Sweeney), a ton of talk with Tory (Dandy) and Jimmy (Sexton), his agent, heading into the combine. Those conversations continued on to the owner’s meetings and so now – also, CAA has a ton of draft prospects, and they have a ton going on, so we’ve exchanged multiple phone calls (and) multiple emails. My guess is once the draft’s over and our focus is back on taking care of the players that are here and trying to get those guys locked up. CAA, on their end, they are one of the leading agencies in regards to the players they produce every year, so I’m sure once things settle down on both ends, we’ll be in a position to continue this dialogue and hopefully make some progress there. There’s no secret there that we’d like to get Trey (Smith) locked up.”

Q: What’s the number of Round 1 grades? Where do you foresee the value in this draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s probably a tick down. I think, typically, in years past that numbers been anywhere from 15-18 – even 19. I think the last time that I checked it was down to like 12 or 13 so it is lower. Although, I will say this, in that secondary wave of guys that are in the late round, high two consideration, that number’s probably a little higher. So, hopefully that provides a little bit more flexibility on both ends, so I think that that top-end number is just a tick down from years past. I think we have a pretty consistent game plan year in and year out and if one of those guys, however unlikely it is, that we have in that 12 or 13 or 14 number range if they were to fall into a reasonable landing spot, I’m sure we’d make some calls. Typically, it’s unlikely to happen, but we all know a few years ago it did happen with Trent McDuffie, and we were able to do that so that will be kind of our mindset again and we’ll see if it works out. I don’t think it’d make too much sense for us to – you know, we need all these picks, and we need to add depth on multiple fronts on secondary and receivers so trading multiple picks to get one piece doesn’t really make sense. If a guy that I really like does fall into the 20’s and it’s reasonable then I think we’ll be aggressive. Otherwise, I think we’ll be happy at adding players at each round and multiple players in (round) three.”

Q: Is left tackle still a position that you’d still address in this draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think o-line and d-line is always going to be at the forefront of where we are in regards to roster composition and again, we’re really excited about Jaylon Moore and what he can bring to the table. Again, small sample size but it’s been really good, and we’re excited to work with him but it’s a long season. Jaylon’s under a two-year contract and Jawaan’s (Taylor) getting towards the tail end of his contract, too. You always have to have one eye on the present and one eye on the future, so I think that obviously, any chance that you have to draft a guy that you can project to be a starting left tackle, you do that and they’re really hard to come by. It’s not one of those things that – I mean, look, you can hit on any position throughout the course of the draft but consistently those slam dunk franchise tackles, they’re typically top 15 (or) top 20 picks so if one does slide or if you’re able to get one, even in the late rounds that you think has a higher upside than some of those prospects in past years. You don’t ever shy away from that position.”

Q: You’ve lost somebody in the front office in three of the last four years. What’s the process like year-to-year whenever you have guys that are influential in the room leave?

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s funny because I just joked about that the other day with (Bears General Manager) Ryan (Poles) being in Chicago and (Panthers Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Brandt Tilis being in Carolina and now (Titans General Manager) Mike (Borgonzi) in Tennessee, I think that as the years go on and I keep losing key members of our personnel staff – the time period when we shut down meetings is getting pushed back sooner and sooner because we’re all such good friends and we talk a lot. I joked with the guys that pretty soon it’s just going to be me here by myself in a room because we talk to each other so much all the time that I’m worried about all of us having the exact same draft board and all of our stuff getting out there. It’s a unique dynamic, but (I’m) certainly happy and excited for the work those guys have done and the jobs they’ve done. I think each individual have done great jobs in regards to what Poles had done and what Brandt has done early on, and I think Mike’s going to do a slam dunk job there so I’m excited for all those guys. It is different. Fortunately, we do a great job and it’s no different than putting a roster together of players, you have to have a roster of personnel members but guys like (Sr. Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy) Chris Shea, (Senior Director of Player Personnel) Mike Bradway, (Director of Player Personnel/Pro Scouting) Tim Terry and (Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting) Ryne Nutt and then have a really strong group of young scouts that are working their way up too. (It’s) kind of like that mentality when one player gets injured or moves on, the next one steps up and we’ve had a really good group to work with and they’ve all stepped up and done a tremendous job.”

Q:&nbsp;With your first-round pick in particular, what is the likelihood that you guys might look at trading back?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I certainly have a tendency to be on the aggressive side and move up. Although it’s interesting, as I just mentioned to Pete (Sweeney) before, the numbers are a little bit down in regard to that top end usually being 15 to 17, there are more in that 12 to 14 range so. Then, as I mentioned, depth at the secondary set is a little bit bigger so I think that there is probably just from a sure numbers standpoint more of likelihood that that could happen when you have – again, on the front end of the numbers meaning 7.5 or higher on our grading system being low but then that next 7.0 to 6.5 grading system and the numbers being higher, I think that from that standpoint, I think that could be in our wheelhouse and it might make sense to us. We’ll have to see, I think there’s always or at least it worked out that way in the last few years been one guy. (Xavier) Worthy was one of those guys last year but we’ll see. I know that I’ve shown to be more aggressive and I’m certainly open to it and if it makes sense to us and we can acquire additional picks, I’d be all for it.”

Q:&nbsp;With NIL and the transfer portal, how much has that impacted you guys from a talent pool perspective?

VEACH:&nbsp;“That’s a good question. So, I think we kind of start to see a shift in the dynamics with the draft during the Covid period when players got an additional year. Now, with the NIL, it certainly impacts the later rounds. There’s a lot of motivation and incentive for players to just stay in college. A lot of these players may end up doing better staying an extra year as opposed to maybe getting drafted late and getting cut or what have you and not making it. So, it certainly impacts us from a numbers standpoint late in the draft and then the numbers that we do have to work with late in the draft, we’re dealing with players that are a little bit older now. In fact, every year – you know, when we go through our process and we put a prospect on the board, we’ll start with the Combine works. I mean, this is our third wave of film or that last wave of film, we’ll go back and it’s the third or fourth time watching a prospect, we’ll do the Combine. We always put up his age, birthdate, how old he’ll be on day one of the season and it seems like every year, you’re dipping into the 24-25 year old rookies and I mean, shoot, we have multiple players on our team that would still be young in this draft class whether that be a George (Karlaftis) or a Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) or what have you. I do think, Nick (Jacobs), you’re starting to see that the numbers are a little bit shorter, and the ages are a little bit higher, so it makes it a little bit more challenging to identify guys in that later round, but we’ll see how it works out moving forward here. They have a lot going on in the college side, some of which I’m not too involved with, or I haven’t paid too much attention with, all I can speak on is my end and to your point, numbers are down and ages are up.”

Q:&nbsp;How many gradable players do you have on your board if you’re willing to give that away?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I knew someone was going to ask me that. I think we have 202 (players), which is maybe a tick high, but we’ve been anywhere from 85 to 210 over the years – 185-210 so I think we’re right around 200-202. I think we have plenty of names to work with and hopefully we’re able to execute our game plan as the names come off and work those position groups throughout the course of the three days next week.”

Q:&nbsp;How much do you look at next year’s class as far as big-picture depth?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I don’t do a lot of that and I think it – I think for the quarterback position, that could be the one position that you could answer that differently, but in general, there are so many variables in regards to looking ahead and if you have a guy that you like or you feel like it’s reasonable in regards to what you would have to do to get someone that you like throughout the course of the draft. I think you aways focus on the present. There’s been many times where there’s high-level prospects that have poor years or they get hurt or maybe where you’re going to be picking in the draft. Now, you throw in the NIL, as Nick (Jacobs) just mentioned, some of the really good juniors, I mean, they’re staying, and we saw the Penn State tackle (JB Nelson) from a year ago stay an extra year. So, if you start playing that game too often and you throw in the fact that this kid’s a really good lineman, a junior, and then he gets money to stay or again, you don’t know where you’re picking or if that player gets hurt during the course of the year or if you have young guys step up. I just think you focus on the present, but I will say once the draft ends and once we all take a break and come back for the OTAs in the spring, you start getting aggressive and looking ahead and that’s very beneficial for your free agency plan and your roster-building aspect of once you go through the season and you’re trying to bridge the free agency plan with the draft plan, you get a head start on that as soon as possible. As far as kind of utilizing that with the current draft, I think in my opinion, I don’t have all the answers, but in my opinion, it would be a little bit more dangerous.”

Q:&nbsp;Where do the receiver and running back positions stack up for you as far as draft needs and how do those boards look as far as available players this year?

VEACH:&nbsp;“The running back class is probably the deepest class in the draft. I think you can get a really good player from round one through five. Look, with all these players, you’re a few bad weeks away from having no depth at all. I know I’ve always said this story a few years back of that defensive end position where we had a two- or three-week span where we lost multiple guys. Last year, (Isiah) Pacheco got hurt early on and I mean, we always want to surround Pat (Patrick Mahomes) with playmakers and the more talent at wideouts (that) you can throw out on the field at one time is something important to us – depth at running back and look, this kickoff rule too. Ideally, it would be advantageous for us to identify a receiver and/or a running back that has explosive playmaking ability at both ends. (Nikko) Remigio did a great job but again, we’re always pushing the envelope to get one percent better and if we can add another dynamic element to both return phases, that would be something that makes sense. So, it’s not just wanting to continue to add explosive playmaking at the running back or receiver positions, it’s also the return game. I do feel good about that running back stack. Again, I think it’s probably a consensus throughout the draft community and the work that you guys (the media) have all done that there’s a ton of running backs. I think that there’ll be a good chance that one of these picks ends up being one of those players just because there’s many of them and they’re all really good and the discrepancies between the running back you have in the fourth or fifth (round) is really close or fourth or third is really close. I think it’s a good likelihood that one of those players ends up on our roster and hopefully they’re a dynamic returner as well.”

Q:&nbsp;How many times do you get the opportunity to trade down and how busy is it during the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I don’t think it’s as common as people think. When you complete a round and you kind of look at what’s on the board or what’s coming up, it’s probably a little bit easier to say, ‘Well, we should’ve just traded down,’ but I think that’s a good point. I think the question is could you have traded down? There certainly have been situations that we’ve executed, and it’s been very few. Obviously, we’ve certainly traded more up than down, I think there was one or two examples of where we did that, but I would say – you know, we’ve been picking late every round so maybe those teams that are in the top end of the round or the middle rounds, they get a little bit more action in regards to phone calls throughout the week but I would say over the last few years, that first day, there may have been one draft where we received multiple calls about trading down and we didn’t do it, but other than that one year in the last four or five years, I don’t remember getting a ton of calls on day one – little bit more on day two. You’re going to get a lot more calls on day three just because the grade discrepancies are all over the board, but I do think in general the numbers of calls that you get asking to trade down are lower at least in my experience. We certainly, I think, do a pretty good job of filling calls and it’s not like we’re not answering calls or we’re not making calls. A lot of that could have to do with day one and two, your picks are so late and those teams may feel like the last chance to get the guy they want in (round) one is to move up higher or in round two, once you get to that 50-60-man cut-off point and so we’ve been picking so far behind that that could be a reason too. In those years that I think a common topic of trading up for the quarterback to get the fifth-year option, I don’t think that’s worked out. Those quarterbacks either didn’t go or went higher so maybe this is a year that that happens and there’s a team that wants to draft early and get a really good player and then maybe come up and draft a quarterback and get that fifth-year. I think that scenario – I actually talked about that because every year someone says to me in the draft, ‘We’ll just trade back for a team that wants a quarterback,’ and I’m like that hasn’t happened yet, we’ve been hearing that every year and that hasn’t happened yet so maybe this’ll be the year. So, without giving any of my secrets away, I think the only thing that I would say definitively is that we’re not going to draft a quarterback in (round) one, so we’ll certainly have the phones open and we’ll see how that goes.”

Q:&nbsp;Has free agency lived up to the way you thought it would and is that a part of your game plan heading into the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think we knew early on in free agency with what we we’re facing and look, we’re – as I mentioned to Pete (Sweeney), once this process ends, we’ll be in discussions with Trey (Smith) trying to get him done and then I’m sure at some point here (with) George (Karlaftis) and Trent (McDuffie). We’re going to have dialogue with them. To your point, as the years go on and we hope to keep this winning tradition up and have sustained success, it only becomes more difficult. (We) knew early on that we would be limited and that was obviously the reason why we had to make that trade with Chicago with (Joe) Thuney. I mean, that was a player that we loved, and it was gut wrenching to have to do that, but you had to do it.&nbsp;So, you’re only going to have a limited opportunity to do some things, so we tried to cover up some of the holes in regards to just some stability at left tackle. Corner depth is always a big need and are two prime position that always go high in the draft so let’s have a plan to get a couple of those positions that we feel good about now and then go into the draft. As you mentioned Soren (Petro), the more picks you have, the more players and the more depth you can have at these positions. To your point, I think it does make sense because you can easily say we need two interior defensive linemen and another defensive end, two corners, another running back and two or three more offensive linemen. So, I mean you need a ton, and I don’t think I ever look at our roster and think, ‘We’re good, I feel like there’s nothing else we can do.’ The more players to have, the more depth you can have on a team. Again, you never know where you’re going to need the depth. Every time we go into a season feeling good about a position, that position is the one position – like receiver last year. We were loaded at wideout and then just like d-end a few years ago, we get to Week 3, 4 of the season and we’re making trades for DeAndre Hopkins just – you know JuJu Smith(-Schuster), we’re trying to figure out where we’re going to get receivers. Every position if you get a good player, it doesn't matter whatever you think your perceived depth is, it’s not going to be there by the middle of the season so just ditch your board and draft the best player. You can’t do that unless you get some of this knocked down in free agency. The more players, the better and I think you have to look at these things to sustain depth throughout the season and trading back and acquiring more players is certainly a way to do that.”

Q: Regarding acquiring and trading players, where does your aggressive approach come from and how do you know this approach works?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think – it’s one of those things where you spend so much time watching all these prospects and my guys are in the room with me everyday. We take a great deal of pride and respect for these late round picks too and we attack them with as much attention and details as we do with the top of the rounds. So then you get in that mindset where it’s like you do the work and you trust in the work you do. I do think though that it’s good to have some different opinions around me and maybe you guys haven’t seen this on the outside but I do think as opposed to years past that there’s a little bit more patience with me. I just think it stems from like we did all this work, we did it for a reason and we’re going to do all this work and if we have a guy, let’s just go get him. Maybe taking a stance a little bit of if we’re not going to be steadfast in our convictions and then just – on one end, the more numbers you have and the number of tickets you have in this lottery, the better. On the other end, there’s that element of trusting what you see and if you’re going to do all this work, you might as well go get a guy you like as opposed to saying, ‘Well, I don’t believe what I see so I’d rather just take a few guys because a few guys are better than the one guy I like.’ That doesn't mean there shouldn’t be a balance of controlled discipline. I think slowly over the years, I’ve gotten a little bit better with that. It’s just one of those things where I feel like you watch so much tape, it’s like well hell, just go up there and get the guy you want. If you watched it and believe in it, then just go do that. It’s kind of the way with Patrick (Mahomes) and it was the same way with Trent (McDuffie) and same way with all these guys. It’s not always right though and I think being selective – I think the process is right it’s just being more selective on when you do it. You don’t need to do it every single round and I think that’s one thing – we can always get better at things, and I’m no different. That’s one of the things the guys have helped me with and just being more selective in that process.”

Q: Can you describe how you apply your present and future philosophy to the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think that’s where it starts with the free agency so I don’t think you want to put yourself in a position where – we look at free agency like, pretend there’s no draft. We have to go out and line up Week 1 and play, I mean what do we need? Bringing more in and having some depth at corner and adding another playmaker at running back were things that would be beneficial but we’re certainly not where we need to be. Thankfully, we have the draft and so now when you get to these picks, you know you’re always going to stick to the value on the board but within that value you’re going to stick to the premium positions. You know, o-line and d-line if all things are equal, you’re going to always defer to that and you’re going to continue to build the lines. Like I said, with Jawaan (Taylor) being towards the tail end of his contract and Jaylon (Moore) being on a smaller contract, those things – these years pass by quick and before you know it, we’ll be sitting here talking on a Zoom before the 2026 draft. You can never have enough of these guys and then those positions like o-line, d-line and corner, they’re hard to find. They’re not available in free agency for the most part, I mean you typically don’t find left tackles in free agency or starting corners and certainly not pass-rushing three-techs. You get a chance at any point in the draft where you like a guy, you take him and you can never have enough of those guys.”

Q: When you talk about the defensive line, what intrigues you most about that part of this year’s draft? Is it similar to how you feel about the running backs in this year's draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think the defensive end is. So, the defensive line class in general is good, I think that’s probably driven more by the depth at d-end, I think there’s a lot of d-ends. Running backs, is certainly, I think the deepest class in the draft. A close second would be d-end. I think the interior defensive line numbers are better than most years but I don’t think they come anywhere close to the d-line depth and the corner depth. I think those two are just wow. I mean you look at the board and those names go from top to bottom. Interior line is light, corner I think is actually decent in the middle rounds. I think d-line is ok but I don’t think it’s anymore less or more than anyone in particular. I think where you’re getting your big numbers from top to bottom are d-end and running back. Then everywhere else it’s a little bit scattered, corners, I think is a little bit meatier in the middle. Receivers every year you’re going to have numbers, it’s just the vision and the plan and how you’re going to utilize those guys within your offense. So, you’re always going to have numbers, I think certainly – like last year was an extraordinary class and there were so many receivers taken high, I don’t think you’re going to see that this year but you’ll see receivers taken (in) every round just because they’re always plentiful in regards to numbers. I think when you’re talking about the d-line I think that that’s really getting fueled by the defensive end depth.”

Q: You talked about learning from discipline and trade philosophy through the years. How much does that philosophy play into the top 30 visits and guys you bring in after the draft? What is the value in those?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Every opportunity you have to spend with a player, I find to be valuable. I know there’s some teams that don’t even do 30 visits, but I’m just kind of a believer the more time you spend time with a prospect the more you get to know them. Even if it’s a little bit, a little bit is better than nothing. Now the 30 visits we handle in different ways. I think the primary focus of the 30 visits are the guys that we really like that didn’t get invited to the (NFL) Combine. That’s purely for medical (reasons); the Combine participants all have the same medical evaluation process that is done in Indianapolis, we all get that information. We look at it, we talk to our doctors, and we talk about the risks in guys that we’re concerned about. However, there’s a ton of guys that don’t get invited to the Combine, they have no medical on (them) so if you like that guy – and that’s varying ranges, I mean there’s guys that don’t get invited to the Combine in years past that had in the third round and there’s a ton of guys that we had in the sixth or seventh and we just bring them in just in case we draft them late. So that’s probably the primary reason we bring those guys and then there are guys that for some reason at the Combine we just didn’t – the Combine is weird too because everyone does these formal interviews, right? You get 20 minutes and sometimes a player comes four minutes late because a team is holding them, sometimes the computer is frozen or sometimes a coach goes off on a different tangent and they start talking about stuff that is cool and funny but you haven’t really learned anything about the player because you’re talking about a coach that both of you know. That 20 minutes goes fast. Sometimes these kids are boom, they’re right there, we get right into it, we ask questions about their upbringing and all that kind of stuff – you feel good. There’s a lot of guys though where you look and they leave and you’re like, ‘I didn’t get anything out of that,’ and some of these guys I want to bring in and learn more. That happens every year, so it’s just guys that we just didn’t get a great feel for or maybe, you know you only get so many of these formal interviews allotted to you and there were probably – every year we have like 10 guys that – you hand these in, you know there’s a cutoff date and every year there’s always like, ‘Oh we shouldn’t have added this guy because we’re fine with guy, we should have added this guy.’ So then we’re just like, ‘Alright, we’ll just bring him in for a 30. Right, no big deal.’ So sometimes I think people look too far into it but certainly there’s a reason why we’re bringing him in. Whether that be – and I’m sure with the players that we just brought in, you’re going to get additional medical so the guys at the Combine that needed a re-check whether it be a knee, a shoulder, an ankle, those guys are going to have to come in and get a re-check so if we can bring those guys in to get extensive time with our doctors, that’s important to us. So, it starts off with the guys that are not Combine invites that we think are draftable that don’t have a medical, then it goes to the guys that didn’t get enough time with, then it goes to the guys that our doctors want to see more on. We use it in a variety of ways but those are typically the three buckets that they fall in.”

Q: How much do you feel that overall depth at defensive end and cornerback will affect your decision to exercise the fifth-year option on guys like George Karlaftis and Trent McDuffie?

Chiefs Quotes: 4-17-25

DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene broke out of an extended slump with three hits and two RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.

The Royals lost their fourth straight game and have dropped six of seven.

Greene, who had one hit and 18 strikeouts in his previous 32 at-bats entering the game, popped out to short in the first inning before RBI singles in the third and fifth innings. He added an infield single in the seventh.

Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in three runs for Detroit, which had lost three of four.

Reese Olson (2-1) worked five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Tommy Kahnle earned his third save.

Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the eighth inning for the Royals. Former Tiger Michael Lorenzen (1-3) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts.

Kansas City hitting coach Alec Zumwalt was ejected in the ninth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

After Detroit jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the fourth. But, Drew Walters struck on on three pitches from Olson, and Kyle Isbel popped out to left on the first pitch he face.

Torkelson, who hit .219 last season and spent 2 1/2 months in Triple-A, is batting .286 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 20 games.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28) will face Tigers rookie RHP Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00) in the second game of a four-game set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744976621673.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first base late after the force out on Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey throws to first base late after the force out on Detroit Tigers' Riley Greene (31) in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Riley Greene broke out of an extended slump with three hits and two RBIs to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night.The Royals lost their fourth straight game and have dropped six of seven.Greene, who had one hit and 18 strikeouts in his previous 32 at-bats entering the game, popped out to short in the first inning before RBI singles in the third and fifth innings. He added an infield single in the seventh.Spencer Torkelson had two hits and drove in three runs for Detroit, which had lost three of four.Reese Olson (2-1) worked five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks with five strikeouts. Tommy Kahnle earned his third save.Maikel Garcia had an RBI single in the eighth inning for the Royals. Former Tiger Michael Lorenzen (1-3) gave up four runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts.Kansas City hitting coach Alec Zumwalt was ejected in the ninth inning for arguing balls and strikes.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Detroit jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the fourth. But, Drew Walters struck on on three pitches from Olson, and Kyle Isbel popped out to left on the first pitch he face.<h2>Key stat</h2>Torkelson, who hit .219 last season and spent 2 1/2 months in Triple-A, is batting .286 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 20 games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28) will face Tigers rookie RHP Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00) in the second game of a four-game set.

⚾ Riley Greene sheds slump as Tigers send Royals to their 4th straight loss

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1e66ad64-81e7-49e7-ba95-1e2bd476aa0e?elinkdata=24971">Myles Elam</a> is not a newcomer to Kansas Wesleyan football per se. As a freshman linebacker a year ago, he was the team's leading tackler and received First Team Kansas Conference recognition in the Bissell Division.

Quarterback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06c974c7-3759-4dd6-b29a-6cd663821943?elinkdata=24971">Henry Austad</a> is a full-fledged newbie having transferred from Southeastern (Fla.) before the start of the 2025 spring semester.

Status notwithstanding Elam and Austad are starting from ground zero in the KWU program that is under the guidance of new coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28064814-8885-4c4a-9a97-89f62173764d?elinkdata=24971">Matt Middleton</a> who was hired in late November.

Elam, Austad and approximately 80 teammates are in the second half of spring practice learning and adapting to Middleton's system. Both are pleased with what has transpired.

"The things coach Middleton is building here, it's going to be great," said Austad, a native of Orlando, Florida who started all nine games and helped Southeastern to a 7-2 record and No. 16 ranking in the final NAIA poll in his junior season. "We have plenty of talent, so I think it's just getting those guys to buy into the culture and just being able to take that next step that they weren't able to do last year."

"Just a big change on the staff and the whole outlook on the team so a good change," Elam said. "The hands on telling us what we need, what we need from them and getting feedback like what we could do better and stuff like that."

Spring practice began March 31 and consists of 14 sessions at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. It culminates with an intrasquad scrimmage at 5 p.m. on April 26.

"Super excited," said Middleton who coached quarterbacks and fullbacks for two seasons at Division II powerhouse Harding before coming to KWU. "Been able to really see the guys get out and make plays.

"Obviously, we have found some areas that we need depth which is why you go through spring practice. It's been some pleasant surprises and to the point now where we kind of know what we have."

Finding and developing that depth will be the focal point going forward the remainder of the spring and on the recruiting trail in advance of fall camp.

"I just think depth is a massive deal right now," Middleton said. "I kind of know what I have talent wise and where we're at with the first group but it's who can be serviceable in all the other spots. We've got to find some of that because at any level when you get somebody hurt it changes the outcome of your season. We're beat up right now so it's one of those things where we've really got to find who we are and make sure we've got some guys to plug in."

Austad knew of KWU from current assistant and former interim co-head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/466eb99e-d849-4d46-a81b-c717dc9a83bd?elinkdata=24971">David Leonard</a>.

"It was pretty seamless decision for me," he said. "I was super comfortable where I was at, it would have been an easy thing for me to stay but I was ready to take a leap of faith and just kind of step out of my comfort zone. I think this is the perfect place to do it."

Austad is impressed with what has transpired so far.

"It's a lot different on offense from what they did last year so just seeing guys being able to develop into what we want to do has been great," he said. "We've made a lot of progress, and I think we're going to continue to do those things as spring goes on. I think we have a really good group of ones."

Elam says the same of the defense's progress.

"You're going to see a different playing style but at the end of the day it's still football," he said. "The install is very smooth step by step. We're getting the new culture and stuff like that down and I feel like it's going at a good pace. It's a lot of new guys that came in ready to work, really good mentality. Obviously, they come from different schools, but they want the same goal we have."

There have been several bright spots according to Middleton.

"Our quarterback situation we're pretty blessed and lucky right there," he said. "We've got some really electric receivers right now that can stretch the field. (Running back) <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2db97697-e7be-42b8-ae01-1f38da7ac6ff?elinkdata=24971">Luke Armstrong</a> had a big year last year but we have another one in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b9cde5d-f69c-4cbb-82b0-265d108ef686?elinkdata=24971">D'Heaven Domena</a> that's had a phenomenal spring and done really well. Offensive line-wise we have three back and we added two. I think it's a strength of our team."

Middleton wants the offense to be opportunistic.

"We'll be super balanced," he said. "We're going to do our best and not let the defense dictate what we're going to do. We're going to take what they give us. If that means run it 50 times in one game and throw it 50 the next that's what we'll do."

"Our linebacker core is super talented right now," Middleton said. "We've added a defensive end, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1f175fae-1e4e-42d9-9c66-3e7dcef6847f?elinkdata=24971">Diego Davis</a>, that is going to be a terror and then we've added some other guys like (linebacker) <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05309ad5-18c2-4106-9b19-8a48fce74d86?elinkdata=24971">Gavin Skerek</a>. Some other guys that were here have filled in and done really well."

The injuries will impact the spring scrimmage.

"We won't show much but we'll do something," Middleton said. "We'll be careful how we do it and what we do. This is more of a chance for parents to come watch their boys and hang out, but my number one goal is to get out healthy."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1e66ad64-81e7-49e7-ba95-1e2bd476aa0e?elinkdata=24971">Myles Elam</a> is not a newcomer to Kansas Wesleyan football per se. As a freshman linebacker a year ago, he was the team's leading tackler and received First Team Kansas Conference recognition in the Bissell Division.Quarterback <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06c974c7-3759-4dd6-b29a-6cd663821943?elinkdata=24971">Henry Austad</a> is a full-fledged newbie having transferred from Southeastern (Fla.) before the start of the 2025 spring semester.Status notwithstanding Elam and Austad are starting from ground zero in the KWU program that is under the guidance of new coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28064814-8885-4c4a-9a97-89f62173764d?elinkdata=24971">Matt Middleton</a> who was hired in late November.Elam, Austad and approximately 80 teammates are in the second half of spring practice learning and adapting to Middleton's system. Both are pleased with what has transpired."The things coach Middleton is building here, it's going to be great," said Austad, a native of Orlando, Florida who started all nine games and helped Southeastern to a 7-2 record and No. 16 ranking in the final NAIA poll in his junior season. "We have plenty of talent, so I think it's just getting those guys to buy into the culture and just being able to take that next step that they weren't able to do last year.""Just a big change on the staff and the whole outlook on the team so a good change," Elam said. "The hands on telling us what we need, what we need from them and getting feedback like what we could do better and stuff like that."Spring practice began March 31 and consists of 14 sessions at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. It culminates with an intrasquad scrimmage at 5 p.m. on April 26."Super excited," said Middleton who coached quarterbacks and fullbacks for two seasons at Division II powerhouse Harding before coming to KWU. "Been able to really see the guys get out and make plays."Obviously, we have found some areas that we need depth which is why you go through spring practice. It's been some pleasant surprises and to the point now where we kind of know what we have."Finding and developing that depth will be the focal point going forward the remainder of the spring and on the recruiting trail in advance of fall camp."I just think depth is a massive deal right now," Middleton said. "I kind of know what I have talent wise and where we're at with the first group but it's who can be serviceable in all the other spots. We've got to find some of that because at any level when you get somebody hurt it changes the outcome of your season. We're beat up right now so it's one of those things where we've really got to find who we are and make sure we've got some guys to plug in."Austad knew of KWU from current assistant and former interim co-head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/466eb99e-d849-4d46-a81b-c717dc9a83bd?elinkdata=24971">David Leonard</a>."It was pretty seamless decision for me," he said. "I was super comfortable where I was at, it would have been an easy thing for me to stay but I was ready to take a leap of faith and just kind of step out of my comfort zone. I think this is the perfect place to do it."Austad is impressed with what has transpired so far."It's a lot different on offense from what they did last year so just seeing guys being able to develop into what we want to do has been great," he said. "We've made a lot of progress, and I think we're going to continue to do those things as spring goes on. I think we have a really good group of ones."Elam says the same of the defense's progress."You're going to see a different playing style but at the end of the day it's still football," he said. "The install is very smooth step by step. We're getting the new culture and stuff like that down and I feel like it's going at a good pace. It's a lot of new guys that came in ready to work, really good mentality. Obviously, they come from different schools, but they want the same goal we have."There have been several bright spots according to Middleton."Our quarterback situation we're pretty blessed and lucky right there," he said. "We've got some really electric receivers right now that can stretch the field. (Running back) <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2db97697-e7be-42b8-ae01-1f38da7ac6ff?elinkdata=24971">Luke Armstrong</a> had a big year last year but we have another one in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5b9cde5d-f69c-4cbb-82b0-265d108ef686?elinkdata=24971">D'Heaven Domena</a> that's had a phenomenal spring and done really well. Offensive line-wise we have three back and we added two. I think it's a strength of our team."Middleton wants the offense to be opportunistic."We'll be super balanced," he said. "We're going to do our best and not let the defense dictate what we're going to do. We're going to take what they give us. If that means run it 50 times in one game and throw it 50 the next that's what we'll do."The defense has been solid as well."Our linebacker core is super talented right now," Middleton said. "We've added a defensive end, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1f175fae-1e4e-42d9-9c66-3e7dcef6847f?elinkdata=24971">Diego Davis</a>, that is going to be a terror and then we've added some other guys like (linebacker) <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05309ad5-18c2-4106-9b19-8a48fce74d86?elinkdata=24971">Gavin Skerek</a>. Some other guys that were here have filled in and done really well."The injuries will impact the spring scrimmage."We won't show much but we'll do something," Middleton said. "We'll be careful how we do it and what we do. This is more of a chance for parents to come watch their boys and hang out, but my number one goal is to get out healthy."

Coyotes progressing during Middleton's first spring sessions

NEW YORK (AP) — Lee Corso’s nearly four-decade run on ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming to an end.

Corso, the longtime&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUAPPOaUr4k" target="_blank">ESPN broadcaster and folksy former coach</a>&nbsp;widely known for his endearing expressions and elaborate headgear picks, is set to retire after a career with the show that began in 1987, ESPN announced Thursday. His final broadcast will be Aug. 30 — Week 1 of the 2025 college football season — and the network said additional programming to celebrate Corso is also planned.

“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and ‘College GameDay’ for nearly 40 years,” Corso said in a statement to ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”

Corso, who turns 90 in August, began his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/44715325" target="_blank">popular headgear segment</a>&nbsp;in October 1995 at a game at Ohio State. Since then, he has gone 286-144 in 430 selections wearing everything from helmets and mascot heads to dressing up as the Fighting Irish leprechaun from Notre Dame, the Stanford tree and historic figures James Madison and Benjamin Franklin.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jS6-PBVUulY" target="_blank">“Not so fast, my friend”</a>&nbsp;is one of his most well-known comments and his good humor alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and Desmond Howard and many others going back more than three decades helped make Corso and the show a beloved staple for millions on college football Saturdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Corso’s career has lasted through a health scare in 2009, when he suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak for a while. He returned to “College GameDay ”later that year. Though he hasn’t joined his colleagues as much on the road in recent years, Corso was at the site of last year’s national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame in Atlanta.

Corso was a college and pro football coach for 28 years before transitioning to broadcasting. He coached 15 years in college at Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744905368234.jpeg" alt="Nick Saban, left, and Lee Corso talk on the set of ESPN College Gameday on the sideline before an NCAA college football game between Michigan and Texas in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)" />
 <figcaption>Nick Saban, left, and Lee Corso talk on the set of ESPN College Gameday on the sideline before an NCAA college football game between Michigan and Texas in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Lee Corso’s nearly four-decade run on ESPN’s “College GameDay” is coming to an end.Corso, the longtime&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUAPPOaUr4k" target="_blank">ESPN broadcaster and folksy former coach</a>&nbsp;widely known for his endearing expressions and elaborate headgear picks, is set to retire after a career with the show that began in 1987, ESPN announced Thursday. His final broadcast will be Aug. 30 — Week 1 of the 2025 college football season — and the network said additional programming to celebrate Corso is also planned.“My family and I will be forever indebted for the opportunity to be part of ESPN and ‘College GameDay’ for nearly 40 years,” Corso said in a statement to ESPN. “I have a treasure of many friends, fond memories and some unusual experiences to take with me into retirement.”Corso, who turns 90 in August, began his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/44715325" target="_blank">popular headgear segment</a>&nbsp;in October 1995 at a game at Ohio State. Since then, he has gone 286-144 in 430 selections wearing everything from helmets and mascot heads to dressing up as the Fighting Irish leprechaun from Notre Dame, the Stanford tree and historic figures James Madison and Benjamin Franklin.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jS6-PBVUulY" target="_blank">“Not so fast, my friend”</a>&nbsp;is one of his most well-known comments and his good humor alongside Kirk Herbstreit, Rece Davis and Desmond Howard and many others going back more than three decades helped make Corso and the show a beloved staple for millions on college football Saturdays.&nbsp;&nbsp;Corso’s career has lasted through a health scare in 2009, when he suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak for a while. He returned to “College GameDay ”later that year. Though he hasn’t joined his colleagues as much on the road in recent years, Corso was at the site of last year’s national title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame in Atlanta.Corso was a college and pro football coach for 28 years before transitioning to broadcasting. He coached 15 years in college at Louisville, Indiana and Northern Illinois.

🏈 Lee Corso to retire from ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ after four-decade run

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d3ec2b9-8de3-43e4-bd0b-2946234d1fb2?elinkdata=24940">Keira Hammen</a> had herself a day for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes against York University Panthers on Wednesday at Salina South High School.

Hammen went 4 for 6 in Wednesday's doubleheader with three homers and a double as the Coyotes won 5-1 in the first game and 10-0 in the second.

The wins were key in the KCAC standings for the Coyotes who now sit alone in the final spot in the KCAC playoffs after Saint Mary split with Ottawa on Wednesday. The Coyotes are 11-11 in conference play with four games left - two at Evangel on Friday and two on Tuesday at Bethany.

Wesleyan also is just a game back of seventh-place Tabor at 12-10 in conference play.

It was Hammen's first homer that broke a scoreless tie in the first game in the bottom of the third inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3cc14561-96b6-4570-8553-4101c686a267?elinkdata=24940">Hailey Summers</a> led off the frame with a hit, then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90554d94-82ba-4d48-8f30-75aacc146e44?elinkdata=24940">Jenna Soule</a> advanced Summers with a sacrifice bunt before Hammen stepped up and smashed a ball out to left to put the Coyotes up 2-0.

York got a run in the top of the fifth, but the Coyotes added two more in the bottom of the frame. Summers reached on an error to lead off the inning and after Soule reached on a bunt single, Hammen drove in a run reaching on a fielder's choice. Later in the inning, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fb30cac-7702-4409-9fed-581fae4800f2?elinkdata=24940">Cadence Mallet</a> doubled to drive in the second run of the inning.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d606c6a-fdea-4184-a8de-d43d5ad31e31?elinkdata=24940">Briannah Kutschkau</a> led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk, then stole second, went to third on a passed ball, then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05187789-54ee-47f7-ad98-0a1883803225?elinkdata=24940">Josie Buhr's</a> ground out to make it 5-1.

Soule had two of KWU's seven hits while Hammen drove in three runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4f9f0102-e523-42b2-8b6a-7bd6e4a7c3bf?elinkdata=24940">Caitlyn Collier</a> got the win in the circle going six innings-plus with three strikeouts.

The Coyotes didn't waste any time getting things going in the second game.

York in the top of the first threatened when Paige Chapman singled and then went to third on a throwing error on the play. A walk put two runners on with no one out for York, but the Coyotes would get a huge response from starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94a18982-992e-4e5c-91ea-6d8025441849?elinkdata=24940">Alli Mickelsen</a>, who struck out the next two batters and got a foul pop up to end the inning.

The Coyotes responded in the bottom half. Soule singled to set up Hammen's 2-run homer, her second of the day to put the Coyotes up 2-0.

Three more went up for Wesleyan in the third. Hammen led off the inning with her third homer of the day, The Coyotes loaded the bases ahead of Buhr's walk to bring in a run, and the third run off the inning came on a wild pitch.

Wesleyan blew it open in the fourth with five runs. Soule started the rally with a walk followed by Hammen's double off the fence in left. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/37f6e7e5-8dff-4fa6-88b0-2c046923714e?elinkdata=24940">Trenity Miller</a> followed with a 2-run double. The Coyotes loaded the bases again for Buhr to walk in a run and pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/289e80d8-823c-4331-b8a9-46aa1dcaf494?elinkdata=24940">Cali Worsham</a> singled to score two more.

Hammen was 3 for 3 in the game and drove in three runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb7636c1-d33e-4b2b-8309-dc7b0742413c?elinkdata=24940">Elli Han</a> had two hits. Mickelsen was phenomenal in the game in the circle striking out eight against one walk and three hits.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d3ec2b9-8de3-43e4-bd0b-2946234d1fb2?elinkdata=24940">Keira Hammen</a> had herself a day for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes against York University Panthers on Wednesday at Salina South High School.Hammen went 4 for 6 in Wednesday's doubleheader with three homers and a double as the Coyotes won 5-1 in the first game and 10-0 in the second.The wins were key in the KCAC standings for the Coyotes who now sit alone in the final spot in the KCAC playoffs after Saint Mary split with Ottawa on Wednesday. The Coyotes are 11-11 in conference play with four games left - two at Evangel on Friday and two on Tuesday at Bethany.Wesleyan also is just a game back of seventh-place Tabor at 12-10 in conference play.It was Hammen's first homer that broke a scoreless tie in the first game in the bottom of the third inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3cc14561-96b6-4570-8553-4101c686a267?elinkdata=24940">Hailey Summers</a> led off the frame with a hit, then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90554d94-82ba-4d48-8f30-75aacc146e44?elinkdata=24940">Jenna Soule</a> advanced Summers with a sacrifice bunt before Hammen stepped up and smashed a ball out to left to put the Coyotes up 2-0.York got a run in the top of the fifth, but the Coyotes added two more in the bottom of the frame. Summers reached on an error to lead off the inning and after Soule reached on a bunt single, Hammen drove in a run reaching on a fielder's choice. Later in the inning, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fb30cac-7702-4409-9fed-581fae4800f2?elinkdata=24940">Cadence Mallet</a> doubled to drive in the second run of the inning.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d606c6a-fdea-4184-a8de-d43d5ad31e31?elinkdata=24940">Briannah Kutschkau</a> led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk, then stole second, went to third on a passed ball, then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05187789-54ee-47f7-ad98-0a1883803225?elinkdata=24940">Josie Buhr's</a> ground out to make it 5-1.Soule had two of KWU's seven hits while Hammen drove in three runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4f9f0102-e523-42b2-8b6a-7bd6e4a7c3bf?elinkdata=24940">Caitlyn Collier</a> got the win in the circle going six innings-plus with three strikeouts.The Coyotes didn't waste any time getting things going in the second game.York in the top of the first threatened when Paige Chapman singled and then went to third on a throwing error on the play. A walk put two runners on with no one out for York, but the Coyotes would get a huge response from starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94a18982-992e-4e5c-91ea-6d8025441849?elinkdata=24940">Alli Mickelsen</a>, who struck out the next two batters and got a foul pop up to end the inning.The Coyotes responded in the bottom half. Soule singled to set up Hammen's 2-run homer, her second of the day to put the Coyotes up 2-0.Three more went up for Wesleyan in the third. Hammen led off the inning with her third homer of the day, The Coyotes loaded the bases ahead of Buhr's walk to bring in a run, and the third run off the inning came on a wild pitch.Wesleyan blew it open in the fourth with five runs. Soule started the rally with a walk followed by Hammen's double off the fence in left. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/37f6e7e5-8dff-4fa6-88b0-2c046923714e?elinkdata=24940">Trenity Miller</a> followed with a 2-run double. The Coyotes loaded the bases again for Buhr to walk in a run and pinch hitter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/289e80d8-823c-4331-b8a9-46aa1dcaf494?elinkdata=24940">Cali Worsham</a> singled to score two more.Hammen was 3 for 3 in the game and drove in three runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb7636c1-d33e-4b2b-8309-dc7b0742413c?elinkdata=24940">Elli Han</a> had two hits. Mickelsen was phenomenal in the game in the circle striking out eight against one walk and three hits.

Hammen's big day highlights KWU softball's sweep of York

Jefferson Cook has been named women's and men's golf coach at Kansas Wesleyan.

Cook has extensive experience in the Kansas Conference, having played for Southwestern and as the current head coach at York. He will begin his duties at KWU after the completion of the 2024-25 season.

"Excited, and ready for the next chapter of my life," Cook said. "My wife (Jordyn) and I both are super excited to be moving to Salina, ready to get in and work hard to build a championship program again."

Cook has played or coached in the KCAC the last seven years - five as a golfer at Southwestern, one as a graduate assistant at the school and one at York where he has been since last May.

Cook said he was impressed with the KWU program as a player and coach and was sold on the institution during his visit to campus.

"I've actually never seen a KCAC/NAIA campus quite like K-Dub's," he said. "Not that other campuses don't have anything nice, but it just has a different feel to it. It felt more like a smaller Division One and I really liked that aspect.

"The people that I met with were super friendly, super nice and just the overall atmosphere at K-Dub feels right. It's closer to home for my wife and I, closer to our family and our friends."

A 2023 graduate from Southwestern Cook had several top 10 finishes as a player and was the team's MVP for the 2022-23 season. He also was a KCAC Scholar Athlete and KCAC Champion of Character.

Cook's experience in the KCAC stood out during the interview process.

"It's a great hire because he's familiar with the conference," KWU Director of Athletics <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3c02f13f-b79c-441c-9406-e3383ff04033?elinkdata=24909">Miguel Paredes</a> said. "He's able to recruit, he's hungry for success and I believe with the right support he can accomplish everything he wants to. We are the missing link to what he needs to really make a name for himself. He fits what we're trying to do here."

As a competitor at Southwestern Cook was impressed with the Coyotes approached the game.

"When I was playing it was usually pretty tough to beat Kansas Wesleyan," he said. "They were very professional. They knew what their duty was out on the golf course, and they just seemed to carry themselves differently than some other teams.

"I coached against Coleman (Houk, former KWU coach) and he was always super kind and super ready to go out and get a (win) every time. A go-get-'em kind of attitude towards golf."

"That's what I've been telling my players that I have currently and all my recruits - if you're going to come play for me come ready to work hard," Cook said. "That's the expectation I have for them, basically instill that in them so we can build a winning program.

Jefferson Cook has been named women's and men's golf coach at Kansas Wesleyan.Cook has extensive experience in the Kansas Conference, having played for Southwestern and as the current head coach at York. He will begin his duties at KWU after the completion of the 2024-25 season."Excited, and ready for the next chapter of my life," Cook said. "My wife (Jordyn) and I both are super excited to be moving to Salina, ready to get in and work hard to build a championship program again."Cook has played or coached in the KCAC the last seven years - five as a golfer at Southwestern, one as a graduate assistant at the school and one at York where he has been since last May.Cook said he was impressed with the KWU program as a player and coach and was sold on the institution during his visit to campus."I've actually never seen a KCAC/NAIA campus quite like K-Dub's," he said. "Not that other campuses don't have anything nice, but it just has a different feel to it. It felt more like a smaller Division One and I really liked that aspect."The people that I met with were super friendly, super nice and just the overall atmosphere at K-Dub feels right. It's closer to home for my wife and I, closer to our family and our friends."A 2023 graduate from Southwestern Cook had several top 10 finishes as a player and was the team's MVP for the 2022-23 season. He also was a KCAC Scholar Athlete and KCAC Champion of Character.Cook's experience in the KCAC stood out during the interview process."It's a great hire because he's familiar with the conference," KWU Director of Athletics <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3c02f13f-b79c-441c-9406-e3383ff04033?elinkdata=24909">Miguel Paredes</a> said. "He's able to recruit, he's hungry for success and I believe with the right support he can accomplish everything he wants to. We are the missing link to what he needs to really make a name for himself. He fits what we're trying to do here."As a competitor at Southwestern Cook was impressed with the Coyotes approached the game."When I was playing it was usually pretty tough to beat Kansas Wesleyan," he said. "They were very professional. They knew what their duty was out on the golf course, and they just seemed to carry themselves differently than some other teams."I coached against Coleman (Houk, former KWU coach) and he was always super kind and super ready to go out and get a (win) every time. A go-get-'em kind of attitude towards golf."Hard work is the hallmark of his teams."That's what I've been telling my players that I have currently and all my recruits - if you're going to come play for me come ready to work hard," Cook said. "That's the expectation I have for them, basically instill that in them so we can build a winning program.

Kansas Wesleyan selects Jefferson Cook as Women's and Men's Golf Coach

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a tiebreaking homer leading off the seventh inning that ended a 10-game drought, and the New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.

With a runner at second base in the ninth, Cody Bellinger made a diving catch in right field on MJ Melendez’s sinking liner to preserve Fernando Cruz’s first career save.

Judge went deep for the first time since April 4 in Pittsburgh when he lifted a 1-0 sinker from John Schreiber (1-1) into the New York bullpen beyond the right-center fence.

Judge had three hits for the third time this season. He reached base four times and his batting average climbed 27 points to a major league-best .409.

Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt had some dominant moments and pitched 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball in his season debut. After recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, the right-hander permitted four hits and threw 73 pitches.

Anthony Volpe hit a two-run double in the third and Bellinger had an RBI double in the fourth to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead.

Schmidt retired 11 straight before Drew Waters opened the fifth with a single and scored on Kyle Isbel's triple. Isbel scored the tying run on a groundout by Jonathan India.

Salvador Perez hit an RBI single four batters in before Schmidt settled down.

Kansas City starter Kris Bubic allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Mark Leiter Jr. (2-1) got four outs after Schmidt was lifted, and Cruz pitched two scoreless innings.

After the Royals tied the game, Bobby Witt Jr. swung at the first pitch and flied out to end the fifth.

Judge entered hitting .382 (13 for 34) over his previous 10 games.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 3.71 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 6.00) in the opener of a four-game series Thursday at Detroit.

Yankees: RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.14 ERA), who earned his first career win Saturday, faces Rays RHP Taj Bradley (2-0, 3.71) in the opener of a four-game series at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744886129479.jpeg" alt="-Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)" />
 <figcaption>-Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a tiebreaking homer leading off the seventh inning that ended a 10-game drought, and the New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep.With a runner at second base in the ninth, Cody Bellinger made a diving catch in right field on MJ Melendez’s sinking liner to preserve Fernando Cruz’s first career save.Judge went deep for the first time since April 4 in Pittsburgh when he lifted a 1-0 sinker from John Schreiber (1-1) into the New York bullpen beyond the right-center fence.Judge had three hits for the third time this season. He reached base four times and his batting average climbed 27 points to a major league-best .409.Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt had some dominant moments and pitched 5 2/3 innings of three-run ball in his season debut. After recovering from rotator cuff tendinitis, the right-hander permitted four hits and threw 73 pitches.Anthony Volpe hit a two-run double in the third and Bellinger had an RBI double in the fourth to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead.Schmidt retired 11 straight before Drew Waters opened the fifth with a single and scored on Kyle Isbel's triple. Isbel scored the tying run on a groundout by Jonathan India.Salvador Perez hit an RBI single four batters in before Schmidt settled down.Kansas City starter Kris Bubic allowed three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.Mark Leiter Jr. (2-1) got four outs after Schmidt was lifted, and Cruz pitched two scoreless innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>After the Royals tied the game, Bobby Witt Jr. swung at the first pitch and flied out to end the fifth.<h2>Key stat</h2>Judge entered hitting .382 (13 for 34) over his previous 10 games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 3.71 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-1, 6.00) in the opener of a four-game series Thursday at Detroit.Yankees: RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.14 ERA), who earned his first career win Saturday, faces Rays RHP Taj Bradley (2-0, 3.71) in the opener of a four-game series at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday.

⚾ Judge hits go-ahead homer as Yankees sweep the Royals 

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added another highly rated freshman to the 2025-26 roster, as Brandie Harrod has signed with the Wildcats.

Harrod, a product of Oklahoma City, is a four-star prospect and ranked number 59 overall by ESPNHoopGurlz. She is also a 4-star prospect and the number 38 rated player in the nation by ProspectsNation.com. Harrod also garnered a number 42 ranking in the nation and the number 7 prospect in Oklahoma by 247sports.

During her high school career with Putnam City North, Harrod averaged 19.0 points per game, 6.0 assists, 9.0 rebounds and 1 block. In her senior season, Harrod helped the Panthers win the school’s first girls basketball state title by averaging 13.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 2.5 assists.

K-State concluded the 2024-25 season with its 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The Wildcats registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). K-State was ranked in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls for the entirety of the season.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added another highly rated freshman to the 2025-26 roster, as Brandie Harrod has signed with the Wildcats.Harrod, a product of Oklahoma City, is a four-star prospect and ranked number 59 overall by ESPNHoopGurlz. She is also a 4-star prospect and the number 38 rated player in the nation by ProspectsNation.com. Harrod also garnered a number 42 ranking in the nation and the number 7 prospect in Oklahoma by 247sports.During her high school career with Putnam City North, Harrod averaged 19.0 points per game, 6.0 assists, 9.0 rebounds and 1 block. In her senior season, Harrod helped the Panthers win the school’s first girls basketball state title by averaging 13.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 2.5 assists.K-State concluded the 2024-25 season with its 19th NCAA Tournament bid and the fourth Sweet 16 appearance in program history. The Wildcats registered the second-most wins in a season in school history with 28 and tied for the second-most wins in a two-season span (54). K-State was ranked in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls for the entirety of the season.

K-State WBB Signs Harrod to 2025-26 Roster

IRVING, Texas --&nbsp;The National Football Foundation &amp; College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced Wednesday that Kansas is represented by 22 individuals selected to the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the most in FBS.

Kansas is represented in the 2025 NFF Hampshire Society by Grayden Addison, Tabor Allen, JB Brown, Logan Brown, Cobee Bryant, Shane Bumgardner, OJ Burroughs, Jared Casey, Jalon Daniels, Dylan Downing, Emory Duggar, Devin Dye, Michael Ford Jr., Jayson Gilliom, Luke Hosford, Trevor Kardell, Torry Locklin, Landon Nelson, Cole Petrus, Quentin Skinner, Trevor Wilson and Dylan Wudke.

Under head coach Lance Leipold, Kansas football has set GPA program records in both the fall and spring semesters and been above a 3.0 GPA for six consecutive semesters. The Jayhawks have also had five players named College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America since 2022.

IRVING, Texas --&nbsp;The National Football Foundation &amp; College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced Wednesday that Kansas is represented by 22 individuals selected to the 2025 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, the most in FBS.Kansas is represented in the 2025 NFF Hampshire Society by Grayden Addison, Tabor Allen, JB Brown, Logan Brown, Cobee Bryant, Shane Bumgardner, OJ Burroughs, Jared Casey, Jalon Daniels, Dylan Downing, Emory Duggar, Devin Dye, Michael Ford Jr., Jayson Gilliom, Luke Hosford, Trevor Kardell, Torry Locklin, Landon Nelson, Cole Petrus, Quentin Skinner, Trevor Wilson and Dylan Wudke.Under head coach Lance Leipold, Kansas football has set GPA program records in both the fall and spring semesters and been above a 3.0 GPA for six consecutive semesters. The Jayhawks have also had five players named College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America since 2022.The NFF Hampshire Honor Society is comprised of college football student-athletes from all divisions of play who maintained an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or better and were either starters or significant contributors throughout the 2024 season. Selections must have been either a senior player in 2024 who will graduate during the spring or summer of 2025 and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2024; or a graduated player who has been out of high school at least three years.Kansas’ 22 selections are among a record 2,532 players from 339 schools qualified for membership in 2025, marking the largest class in the program’s 19-year history. Since its inception, the initiative has honored 20,946 student-athletes. This year’s members represented six divisions: 689 from the FBS, 549 from the FCS, 212 from Division II, 978 from Division III, 58 from the NAIA, and 46 sprint football players. They hailed from schools in every state and the District of Columbia—except Alaska, which does not sponsor an eligible college football program. The FBS cohort came from 120 schools, reflecting a 90 percent participation rate.The NFF Hampshire Honor Society capitalizes on the NFF’s National Scholar-Athlete program by greatly expanding the number of scholar-athletes the NFF can recognize each year. The program further strengthens the organization’s leadership role in encouraging academic performance by the student-athletes at the 774 colleges and universities with football programs nationwide.