COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in what should amount to a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.

The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

The Grand Prix season begins Oct. 18 with Skate America, which will take place for the second straight year at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. It is the first event in the six-stop international Grand Prix schedule.

The U.S. also will host the 2025 world championships from March 23-30 at TD Garden in Boston.

U.S. figure skaters topped the medal table with two golds and a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and they could do even better at the next Winter Games. Ilia Malinin recently won his first world title with a record-setting free skate, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won a second straight ice dance gold, and Isabeau Levito took silver in the women’s event.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in what should amount to a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.The Grand Prix season begins Oct. 18 with Skate America, which will take place for the second straight year at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. It is the first event in the six-stop international Grand Prix schedule.The U.S. also will host the 2025 world championships from March 23-30 at TD Garden in Boston.U.S. figure skaters topped the medal table with two golds and a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and they could do even better at the next Winter Games. Ilia Malinin recently won his first world title with a record-setting free skate, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won a second straight ice dance gold, and Isabeau Levito took silver in the women’s event.

US Figure Skating championships headed to Wichita next year

Hello and happy Tuesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Monday K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie added one of the nation’s top returning scorers, as Temira Poindexter has transferred to the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season

Prior to coming to Manhattan, Poindexter filled her trophy case at Tulsa garnering 2024 (WBCA) All-America honors, AAC Player of the Year, Two-time All-AAC First Team honors, 2022 AAC Freshman of the Year and 2022 AAC All-Freshmen Team honors.

Poindexter averaged a new Tulsa record 16.8 PPG, and ranks third in school history for career points

From the hardwood to the gridiron, earlier this morning it was announced that Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt has agreed to contract extensions with President Mark Donovan, General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid, ensuring the leadership of the Chiefs will remain in place for the long-term future.

Together since 2017, Donovan, Veach and Reid have seen the Chiefs to a 100-34 record, claiming seven consecutive AFC West Division Championships, four AFC Championships and three Super Bowl titles

And finally more locally the 2nd-ranked Sacred Heart baseball team continued to cruise last night in a clean sweep of Ell-Saline, winning 15-0 and 12-0 to improve to 16-0

Both games were streamed with live audio and video and are now available to play back on demand 100% free on our YouTube and Salina Post

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/gvrYrUAW-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kinasu 4-23-24" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>Hello and happy Tuesday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>_________On Monday K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie added one of the nation’s top returning scorers, as Temira Poindexter has transferred to the Wildcats for the 2024-25 seasonPrior to coming to Manhattan, Poindexter filled her trophy case at Tulsa garnering 2024 (WBCA) All-America honors, AAC Player of the Year, Two-time All-AAC First Team honors, 2022 AAC Freshman of the Year and 2022 AAC All-Freshmen Team honors.Poindexter averaged a new Tulsa record 16.8 PPG, and ranks third in school history for career points_________From the hardwood to the gridiron, earlier this morning it was announced that Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt has agreed to contract extensions with President Mark Donovan, General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid, ensuring the leadership of the Chiefs will remain in place for the long-term future.Together since 2017, Donovan, Veach and Reid have seen the Chiefs to a 100-34 record, claiming seven consecutive AFC West Division Championships, four AFC Championships and three Super Bowl titles_________And finally more locally the 2nd-ranked Sacred Heart baseball team continued to cruise last night in a clean sweep of Ell-Saline, winning 15-0 and 12-0 to improve to 16-0Both games were streamed with live audio and video and are now available to play back on demand 100% free on our YouTube and Salina Post_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 23

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced today that the club has agreed to contract extensions with President Mark Donovan, General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid. The agreements ensure the leadership team of the Chiefs will remain in place for the long-term future.

“Mark, Brett and Andy have achieved historic success together, and we are thrilled that they will continue in their roles for many years to come,” Hunt said. “Individually, Mark, Brett and Andy each represent the best in the National Football League at their respective positions, and together, they make up one of the finest leadership teams in all of professional sports. They have been tremendous leaders for this organization on and off the field, and we look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.”

Together since 2017, Donovan, Veach and Reid have overseen a Chiefs team which has gone 100-34 (.746) (reg. &amp; postseason combined), claiming seven consecutive AFC West Division Championships, four AFC Championships and three Super Bowl Championships. The club has been in six-consecutive AFC Championship Games including hosting an NFL record five-straight (2018-2022).

Along with the team’s success on the field, the club has significantly expanded the off-field business interests of the team, including the growth of the club’s social footprint, expanding the national and international fanbase to one of the largest and most engaged in all of professional sports, all while continuing to focus on the fan experience at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

“It is a privilege to help lead this organization’s business operations, and I want to thank Clark and the entire Hunt family for their continued support and trust in the work that we’re doing off-the-field and in the community,” Donovan said. “I’m thankful to have an incredibly talented staff across numerous departments that are all key pieces to the organization. I’m proud to be a part of a team that has had unprecedented success and look forward to creating and experiencing more historic moments with the Kingdom.”

“I’d like to thank Clark and the entire Hunt family for the support I’ve received these past seven seasons,” Veach said. “I am blessed to work alongside very talented people and am proud of the work we’ve done to bring three Super Bowls to Kansas City. I am excited to continue my career in a city that’s embraced me and my family the way it has and look forward to more opportunities to bring more championships to Chiefs Kingdom.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Clark and the entire Hunt family for giving me the opportunity to lead this historic franchise,” Reid said. “Over the last 11 years, Tammy and I have enjoyed calling Kansas City our home. The community has embraced us, we’ve watched our family grow, including having all 12 grandkids during our time here. On the field, there have been so many people that have contributed to our success and Super Bowls, and I’m grateful to the players, coaches and staff that have all invested their time into this process. I’d also like to thank my agent, Bob LaMonte. Chiefs Kingdom is a special place and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be here.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced today that the club has agreed to contract extensions with President Mark Donovan, General Manager Brett Veach and Head Coach Andy Reid. The agreements ensure the leadership team of the Chiefs will remain in place for the long-term future.“Mark, Brett and Andy have achieved historic success together, and we are thrilled that they will continue in their roles for many years to come,” Hunt said. “Individually, Mark, Brett and Andy each represent the best in the National Football League at their respective positions, and together, they make up one of the finest leadership teams in all of professional sports. They have been tremendous leaders for this organization on and off the field, and we look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.”Together since 2017, Donovan, Veach and Reid have overseen a Chiefs team which has gone 100-34 (.746) (reg. &amp; postseason combined), claiming seven consecutive AFC West Division Championships, four AFC Championships and three Super Bowl Championships. The club has been in six-consecutive AFC Championship Games including hosting an NFL record five-straight (2018-2022).Along with the team’s success on the field, the club has significantly expanded the off-field business interests of the team, including the growth of the club’s social footprint, expanding the national and international fanbase to one of the largest and most engaged in all of professional sports, all while continuing to focus on the fan experience at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.“It is a privilege to help lead this organization’s business operations, and I want to thank Clark and the entire Hunt family for their continued support and trust in the work that we’re doing off-the-field and in the community,” Donovan said. “I’m thankful to have an incredibly talented staff across numerous departments that are all key pieces to the organization. I’m proud to be a part of a team that has had unprecedented success and look forward to creating and experiencing more historic moments with the Kingdom.”“I’d like to thank Clark and the entire Hunt family for the support I’ve received these past seven seasons,” Veach said. “I am blessed to work alongside very talented people and am proud of the work we’ve done to bring three Super Bowls to Kansas City. I am excited to continue my career in a city that’s embraced me and my family the way it has and look forward to more opportunities to bring more championships to Chiefs Kingdom.”“I’m incredibly grateful to Clark and the entire Hunt family for giving me the opportunity to lead this historic franchise,” Reid said. “Over the last 11 years, Tammy and I have enjoyed calling Kansas City our home. The community has embraced us, we’ve watched our family grow, including having all 12 grandkids during our time here. On the field, there have been so many people that have contributed to our success and Super Bowls, and I’m grateful to the players, coaches and staff that have all invested their time into this process. I’d also like to thank my agent, Bob LaMonte. Chiefs Kingdom is a special place and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be here.”

Chiefs Sign Mark Donovan, Brett Veach & Andy Reid to Contract Extensions

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette had a bases-clearing triple, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Monday night.

The Jays have won seven of nine. The Royals lost their third straight at home after winning their previous nine at Kauffman Stadium.

Yusei Kikuchi (2-1) was efficient early, allowing one baserunner on 48 pitches in the first five innings.

“(Kikuchi) was lights out early, he just ran into trouble on the sixth,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “That’s as efficient as I’ve ever seen him with his pitch count. He was attacking guys, getting weak contact and strikeouts.

"And (we got) huge hits from Bo and Varsho, obviously.”

Kikuchi allowed a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia in the sixth. With two outs, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an infield single and Salvador Perez followed with a double. But Kikuchi retired Nelson Velázquez on a grounder to end the threat.

“My fastball was working really well today,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I was able to throw it up in the zone to a lot to those hitters.”

Right-hander Tyler Duffey, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha earlier Monday, worked two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three.

Jordan Romano surrendered a homer by Kyle Isbel in the ninth but finished for his third save of the season and 100th of his career.

“That’s awesome for him,” Schneider said. “Knowing him for a long time and seeing him as a starter in the minors, a lot of credit goes to him. It’s not easy to do, whether it’s a three-run lead or a one-run lead. He’s been doing it for a number of years now. (I'm) really glad we won, but really happy for him. He’s actually turned himself into a pretty elite closer.”

Brady Singer (2-1) allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked three, all of whom scored.

“(Singer) was throwing harder at the beginning of the game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had some good movement on his two-seamer and in his breaking ball. He threw a couple four-seamers in there as well. But he really just got hurt by the walks.”

Singer struck out the first two Toronto batters in the second inning, becoming the 19th Royals pitcher to reach 500 career strikeouts. He tied Steve Busby as the fastest Royals pitcher to achieve the milestone, getting there in his 100th appearance.

“I'm fortunate enough to play this game, so it's really cool,” Singer said.

Singer issued two walks in the third that cost him. His free pass to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases, and Bichette lined a triple off the glove of center fielder Garrett Hampson to score three runs.

Varsho's homer in the sixth made it 5-0, and the Royals' two homers weren't enough.

“The homers are nice,” Quatraro said. “We just need to sustain some things and be able to score in other ways as well.”

Royals: LHP Anthony Veneziano was optioned to Omaha to make room for Duffey.

Blue Jays: RHP Alek Manoah, who has yet to pitch this season because of a shoulder injury, is scheduled to start for Triple-A Buffalo Wednesday or Thursday.

The four-game series continues Tuesday with Toronto sending Kevin Gausman (0-2, 8.16 ERA) to the mound to face Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.75).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713839444810.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette had a bases-clearing triple, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Monday night.The Jays have won seven of nine. The Royals lost their third straight at home after winning their previous nine at Kauffman Stadium.Yusei Kikuchi (2-1) was efficient early, allowing one baserunner on 48 pitches in the first five innings.“(Kikuchi) was lights out early, he just ran into trouble on the sixth,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “That’s as efficient as I’ve ever seen him with his pitch count. He was attacking guys, getting weak contact and strikeouts."And (we got) huge hits from Bo and Varsho, obviously.”Kikuchi allowed a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia in the sixth. With two outs, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an infield single and Salvador Perez followed with a double. But Kikuchi retired Nelson Velázquez on a grounder to end the threat.“My fastball was working really well today,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I was able to throw it up in the zone to a lot to those hitters.”Right-hander Tyler Duffey, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha earlier Monday, worked two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three.Jordan Romano surrendered a homer by Kyle Isbel in the ninth but finished for his third save of the season and 100th of his career.“That’s awesome for him,” Schneider said. “Knowing him for a long time and seeing him as a starter in the minors, a lot of credit goes to him. It’s not easy to do, whether it’s a three-run lead or a one-run lead. He’s been doing it for a number of years now. (I'm) really glad we won, but really happy for him. He’s actually turned himself into a pretty elite closer.”Brady Singer (2-1) allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked three, all of whom scored.“(Singer) was throwing harder at the beginning of the game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had some good movement on his two-seamer and in his breaking ball. He threw a couple four-seamers in there as well. But he really just got hurt by the walks.”Singer struck out the first two Toronto batters in the second inning, becoming the 19th Royals pitcher to reach 500 career strikeouts. He tied Steve Busby as the fastest Royals pitcher to achieve the milestone, getting there in his 100th appearance.“I'm fortunate enough to play this game, so it's really cool,” Singer said.Singer issued two walks in the third that cost him. His free pass to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases, and Bichette lined a triple off the glove of center fielder Garrett Hampson to score three runs.Varsho's homer in the sixth made it 5-0, and the Royals' two homers weren't enough.“The homers are nice,” Quatraro said. “We just need to sustain some things and be able to score in other ways as well.”TRANSACTIONSRoyals: LHP Anthony Veneziano was optioned to Omaha to make room for Duffey.TRAINER'S ROOMBlue Jays: RHP Alek Manoah, who has yet to pitch this season because of a shoulder injury, is scheduled to start for Triple-A Buffalo Wednesday or Thursday.UP NEXTThe four-game series continues Tuesday with Toronto sending Kevin Gausman (0-2, 8.16 ERA) to the mound to face Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.75).___

⚾Bo Bichette has 3-run triple as Blue Jays beat Royals

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added one of the nation’s top returning scorers, as Temira Poindexter has transferred to the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season. Poindexter will have one season of eligibility.

Prior to coming to Manhattan, Poindexter filled her trophy case at Tulsa for the last three seasons. During her time with the Golden Hurricane, Poindexter garnered 2024 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America Honorable Mention honors, 2024 WBCA All-Region 3 recipient, 2024 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year, Two-time All-AAC First Team honors, 2022 AAC Freshman of the Year and 2022 AAC All-Freshmen Team honors.

Poindexter, a product of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, has registered 1,560 career points and averaged 16.8 points per game in 93 games played with 87 starts at Tulsa. She ranked third in Tulsa history for career points and fifth in school history for career scoring average. She ranked fifth in program history for career field goals made (569).

In the 2023-24 season, Poindexter set the Tulsa records for points in a single-season with 734, field goals made in a season with 265 and 3-point field goals made in a season with 85. She ranked second in school history for points per game at 21.0 and tied for ninth in school history for blocks in a season with 53.

Among the NCAA Division I statistical rankings last season, she ranked seventh in the nation for total points, 16th in the nation in scoring average, 11th in the nation in field goals made, eighth in the nation for field goals attempted (614), 22nd in the nation for 3-point field goals made, 44th in the nation for 3-point field goals made per game (2.4) and 48th in the nation for total blocks. Poindexter was one of three players in the nation last season to record 700 or more points and 50 or more blocked shots (JuJu Watkins, USC; Paige Bueckers, UConn).

Poindexter notched double figures in all 35 games, including 21 games with 20 or more points. She scored a career-high 33 points and pulled in 10 rebounds against Rice on Feb. 10, 2024, which ranked tied for fourth in Tulsa history for points in a single game.

During the 2022-23 season, she played in and started all 30 games and averaged 16.1 points (482) with 27 double-figure scoring games. She carded a free throw percentage of .832 (79-of-95) and ranked 80th in the nation. She also hauled in 5.4 rebounds per game (163), which included three games with 10 or more rebounds. Defensively, Poindexter ranked 76th in the nation for blocks per game (1.43) and 79th in the nation for blocks (43). Among her scoring performances in 2022-23, Poindexter registered a season-high 25 points at 23rd-ranked South Florida on Feb. 22, 2023.

In her debut collegiate season in 2021-22 with Tulsa, Poindexter played in 28 games with 22 starts and averaged 12.3 points (344) which included 18 games with 10 or more points. She shot .441 from the field (131-of-297), including .320 (39-of-122) from 3-point range and .796 (43-of-54) from the foul line. She pulled down 4.6 rebounds per game (130) and notched two games with 10 or more boards. Poindexter sent back 52 shots (1.86 bpg). In her first collegiate game, Poindexter tallied 23 points, five rebounds and two assists against Duquesne on Nov. 11, 2021. She ended her first season with a season-high 29 points at Wyoming in the WNIT Second Round on March, 20, 2022.

Pointdexter was a four-year letterwinner at Sapulpa High School. In her senior season, led the Chieftains to a 19-3 record and to the 2021 Class 5A state championship while averaging 20.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range. She was recognized with Frontier Valley Conference Player of the Year and All-Frontier Valley Conference Team honors, Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) and Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association all-state honors.

In her junior campaign, Poindexter averaged 17.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in helping lead Sapulpa to a 23-4 record and a state tournament berth. She was named the Frontier Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and was the Frontier Valley Freshman of the Year in her rookie season.

K-State (26-8) completed the 56th season in program history, as the Wildcats achieved its 18th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and collected 26 wins for the first time since the 2002-03 season. The Wildcats were ranked among the Associated Press top-25 for 18 consecutive weeks, including a high of number two in the nation on January 29.

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added one of the nation’s top returning scorers, as Temira Poindexter has transferred to the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season. Poindexter will have one season of eligibility.Prior to coming to Manhattan, Poindexter filled her trophy case at Tulsa for the last three seasons. During her time with the Golden Hurricane, Poindexter garnered 2024 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America Honorable Mention honors, 2024 WBCA All-Region 3 recipient, 2024 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Player of the Year, Two-time All-AAC First Team honors, 2022 AAC Freshman of the Year and 2022 AAC All-Freshmen Team honors.Poindexter, a product of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, has registered 1,560 career points and averaged 16.8 points per game in 93 games played with 87 starts at Tulsa. She ranked third in Tulsa history for career points and fifth in school history for career scoring average. She ranked fifth in program history for career field goals made (569).In the 2023-24 season, Poindexter set the Tulsa records for points in a single-season with 734, field goals made in a season with 265 and 3-point field goals made in a season with 85. She ranked second in school history for points per game at 21.0 and tied for ninth in school history for blocks in a season with 53.Among the NCAA Division I statistical rankings last season, she ranked seventh in the nation for total points, 16th in the nation in scoring average, 11th in the nation in field goals made, eighth in the nation for field goals attempted (614), 22nd in the nation for 3-point field goals made, 44th in the nation for 3-point field goals made per game (2.4) and 48th in the nation for total blocks. Poindexter was one of three players in the nation last season to record 700 or more points and 50 or more blocked shots (JuJu Watkins, USC; Paige Bueckers, UConn).Poindexter notched double figures in all 35 games, including 21 games with 20 or more points. She scored a career-high 33 points and pulled in 10 rebounds against Rice on Feb. 10, 2024, which ranked tied for fourth in Tulsa history for points in a single game.During the 2022-23 season, she played in and started all 30 games and averaged 16.1 points (482) with 27 double-figure scoring games. She carded a free throw percentage of .832 (79-of-95) and ranked 80th in the nation. She also hauled in 5.4 rebounds per game (163), which included three games with 10 or more rebounds. Defensively, Poindexter ranked 76th in the nation for blocks per game (1.43) and 79th in the nation for blocks (43). Among her scoring performances in 2022-23, Poindexter registered a season-high 25 points at 23rd-ranked South Florida on Feb. 22, 2023.In her debut collegiate season in 2021-22 with Tulsa, Poindexter played in 28 games with 22 starts and averaged 12.3 points (344) which included 18 games with 10 or more points. She shot .441 from the field (131-of-297), including .320 (39-of-122) from 3-point range and .796 (43-of-54) from the foul line. She pulled down 4.6 rebounds per game (130) and notched two games with 10 or more boards. Poindexter sent back 52 shots (1.86 bpg). In her first collegiate game, Poindexter tallied 23 points, five rebounds and two assists against Duquesne on Nov. 11, 2021. She ended her first season with a season-high 29 points at Wyoming in the WNIT Second Round on March, 20, 2022.Pointdexter was a four-year letterwinner at Sapulpa High School. In her senior season, led the Chieftains to a 19-3 record and to the 2021 Class 5A state championship while averaging 20.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals, while shooting 50 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range. She was recognized with Frontier Valley Conference Player of the Year and All-Frontier Valley Conference Team honors, Oklahoma Coaches Association (OCA) and Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association all-state honors.In her junior campaign, Poindexter averaged 17.4 points and 4.2 rebounds in helping lead Sapulpa to a 23-4 record and a state tournament berth. She was named the Frontier Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year as a junior and was the Frontier Valley Freshman of the Year in her rookie season.K-State (26-8) completed the 56th season in program history, as the Wildcats achieved its 18th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history and collected 26 wins for the first time since the 2002-03 season. The Wildcats were ranked among the Associated Press top-25 for 18 consecutive weeks, including a high of number two in the nation on January 29.

K-State Women’s Basketball Adds Temira Poindexter to 2024-25 Roster

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter

Hello and happy Monday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

On Sunday, one of the hottest teams in the nation laid claim to another conference crown when the Kansas Wesleyan baseball team pulled off a clean sweep of Oklahoma Wesleyan to make it back-to-back regular season KCAC championships

With wins of 6-3, 3-1, and 3-0, the Coyotes continue one of the nations most impressive runs, having now won 24 straight conference games, good for a KCAC record of 29-4, and an overall record of 38-8.

Saturday’s finale was also a special one as head coach Bill Neale collected his 300th win at Kansas Wesleyan, showing no signs of slowing down any time soon

Speaking of baseball, over the weekend the Kansas City Royals tangled with one of the hottest teams in MLB as the Baltimore Orioles came to town for a three-game set

Kansas City would prevail in a thrilling 9-4 win on Friday but the O’s jumped back ahead with wins of 9-7 on Saturday and 5-0 on Sunday to take the series.

The Royals will be right back at it starting tomorrow at 6:40 when they entertain the Toronto Blue Jays

And finally tonight, our Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine Game of the Week resumes as the Sacred Heart baseball team, still undefeated at 14-0, gets set to host the Ell-Saline Cardinals.

Both games will be streamed starting at 4:00 100% free with live audio and video on Salina Post

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/gPCYA8zX-ATjzBQNW.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kinasu 4-22-24" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
</div>By TYLER HENRY Lead SportswriterHello and happy Monday everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>_________On Sunday, one of the hottest teams in the nation laid claim to another conference crown when the Kansas Wesleyan baseball team pulled off a clean sweep of Oklahoma Wesleyan to make it back-to-back regular season KCAC championshipsWith wins of 6-3, 3-1, and 3-0, the Coyotes continue one of the nations most impressive runs, having now won 24 straight conference games, good for a KCAC record of 29-4, and an overall record of 38-8.Saturday’s finale was also a special one as head coach Bill Neale collected his 300th win at Kansas Wesleyan, showing no signs of slowing down any time soon_________Speaking of baseball, over the weekend the Kansas City Royals tangled with one of the hottest teams in MLB as the Baltimore Orioles came to town for a three-game setKansas City would prevail in a thrilling 9-4 win on Friday but the O’s jumped back ahead with wins of 9-7 on Saturday and 5-0 on Sunday to take the series.The Royals will be right back at it starting tomorrow at 6:40 when they entertain the Toronto Blue Jays_________And finally tonight, our Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine Game of the Week resumes as the Sacred Heart baseball team, still undefeated at 14-0, gets set to host the Ell-Saline Cardinals.Both games will be streamed starting at 4:00 100% free with live audio and video on Salina Post_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out the Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — April 22

For a second straight season, the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes are at the top of the Kansas Conference baseball mountain.

The Coyotes completed the sweep of No. 21 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan with a 3-0 win on Sunday at Dean Evans Stadium and earned a third straight trip to the NAIA Opening Round next month, and a second conference regular season title.

KWU is 38-8 overall and 29-4 in the KCAC heading into the final series of the season next weekend at Avila. The Coyotes hold a three-game lead with three to play over No. 23 Tabor, but the Coyotes also hold the tiebreaker over the Bluejays, meaning KWU will be the No. 1 seed in the tournament no matter what happens on the final weekend of the year.

This marks the first time the Coyotes have claimed back-to-back regular season titles since 2009 and 2009 and only the third time in program history since 1950, the first time in 1969 and 1970.

The sweep is the second big weekend series sweep for the Coyotes in as many tries as KWU took down Tabor last weekend in three straight.

Kansas Wesleyan has won 27 of its last 28 games, the lone loss in a non-conference game to Hastings on April 10. KWU hasn't lost a conference game since March 2.

Pitching was again phenomenal for the Coyotes in the game, holding OKWU to eight hits, and striking out 12 batters. It was only the second time this season that OKWU has been shut out in a game.

Oklahoma Wesleyan loaded the bases in the first, but the Coyotes got out of it without allowing a run.

In the bottom of the first it looked like the Coyotes had a chance to get on the board as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e11396c5-7e62-49c1-a3f6-175871164c94?elinkdata=9360">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the inning with a single and went to second when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/323acf67-f934-4153-b937-50319aff7dca?elinkdata=9360">Kendall Foster</a> was hit by a pitch, however the Coyotes couldn't push a run across.

The Eagles again left the bases loaded in the third, on a 2-out rally, but the Coyotes again avoided danger ending the inning on a fielder's choice at second base.

In the third, the Coyotes broke the scoreless tie. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0a42ddf-aed4-45fe-96df-45524d52ae56?elinkdata=9360">Adrian Villalobos</a> walked and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb2cfcf4-f6cd-48da-a4e9-065033a014d8?elinkdata=9360">Alex Garcia</a> singled to put two on for Williamson who launched a ball over the scoreboard in left field to put the Coyotes up 3-0. KWU threatened to score more as Foster followed with a triple but could not get the run home.

OKWU threatened again in the seventh. The Eagles loaded the bases with just one out, but Jorge Aldrete would ground into an inning-ending double play.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0cfb02a-fc69-4e41-8439-765e18159a4e?elinkdata=9360">KT Gearlds</a> struck out the side in the top of the eighth and in the ninth it was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86639d65-a5d1-4e93-9202-c2006712d487?elinkdata=9360">Ryan Sandoval</a> time. The Eagles got two runners on but Sandoval got Josh Logan to strikeout swinging to end the game and secure the win for the Coyotes.

Williamson had two hits for the Coyotes and drove in all three runs. Five others had one hit each.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6ec1256-c64d-4480-8d3c-d6d3366407c4?elinkdata=9360">Pedro Ramirez</a> got the win, going five innings allowing three hits with five strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f64e821d-f195-468b-91f1-2b29bacc860d?elinkdata=9360">Nathan Galusha</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c53c73e-e4c9-4bf0-a105-f00d101be193?elinkdata=9360">Ritter Steinmann</a>, Gearlds and Sandoval all worked an inning each down the stretch. Ramirez improved to 3-0 on the season, Sandoval picked up his seventh save.

KWU will play two with Avila on Friday and wrap up the regular season on Saturday in Kansas City.

For a second straight season, the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes are at the top of the Kansas Conference baseball mountain.The Coyotes completed the sweep of No. 21 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan with a 3-0 win on Sunday at Dean Evans Stadium and earned a third straight trip to the NAIA Opening Round next month, and a second conference regular season title.KWU is 38-8 overall and 29-4 in the KCAC heading into the final series of the season next weekend at Avila. The Coyotes hold a three-game lead with three to play over No. 23 Tabor, but the Coyotes also hold the tiebreaker over the Bluejays, meaning KWU will be the No. 1 seed in the tournament no matter what happens on the final weekend of the year.This marks the first time the Coyotes have claimed back-to-back regular season titles since 2009 and 2009 and only the third time in program history since 1950, the first time in 1969 and 1970.The sweep is the second big weekend series sweep for the Coyotes in as many tries as KWU took down Tabor last weekend in three straight.Kansas Wesleyan has won 27 of its last 28 games, the lone loss in a non-conference game to Hastings on April 10. KWU hasn't lost a conference game since March 2.Pitching was again phenomenal for the Coyotes in the game, holding OKWU to eight hits, and striking out 12 batters. It was only the second time this season that OKWU has been shut out in a game.Oklahoma Wesleyan loaded the bases in the first, but the Coyotes got out of it without allowing a run.In the bottom of the first it looked like the Coyotes had a chance to get on the board as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e11396c5-7e62-49c1-a3f6-175871164c94?elinkdata=9360">Jacob Williamson</a> led off the inning with a single and went to second when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/323acf67-f934-4153-b937-50319aff7dca?elinkdata=9360">Kendall Foster</a> was hit by a pitch, however the Coyotes couldn't push a run across.The Eagles again left the bases loaded in the third, on a 2-out rally, but the Coyotes again avoided danger ending the inning on a fielder's choice at second base.In the third, the Coyotes broke the scoreless tie. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0a42ddf-aed4-45fe-96df-45524d52ae56?elinkdata=9360">Adrian Villalobos</a> walked and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb2cfcf4-f6cd-48da-a4e9-065033a014d8?elinkdata=9360">Alex Garcia</a> singled to put two on for Williamson who launched a ball over the scoreboard in left field to put the Coyotes up 3-0. KWU threatened to score more as Foster followed with a triple but could not get the run home.OKWU threatened again in the seventh. The Eagles loaded the bases with just one out, but Jorge Aldrete would ground into an inning-ending double play.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d0cfb02a-fc69-4e41-8439-765e18159a4e?elinkdata=9360">KT Gearlds</a> struck out the side in the top of the eighth and in the ninth it was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86639d65-a5d1-4e93-9202-c2006712d487?elinkdata=9360">Ryan Sandoval</a> time. The Eagles got two runners on but Sandoval got Josh Logan to strikeout swinging to end the game and secure the win for the Coyotes.Williamson had two hits for the Coyotes and drove in all three runs. Five others had one hit each.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6ec1256-c64d-4480-8d3c-d6d3366407c4?elinkdata=9360">Pedro Ramirez</a> got the win, going five innings allowing three hits with five strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f64e821d-f195-468b-91f1-2b29bacc860d?elinkdata=9360">Nathan Galusha</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c53c73e-e4c9-4bf0-a105-f00d101be193?elinkdata=9360">Ritter Steinmann</a>, Gearlds and Sandoval all worked an inning each down the stretch. Ramirez improved to 3-0 on the season, Sandoval picked up his seventh save.KWU will play two with Avila on Friday and wrap up the regular season on Saturday in Kansas City.

KWU Baseball claims KCAC Championship completing sweep of Oklahoma Wesleyan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers for Baltimore off Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had not allowed a home run since last September, and the Orioles went on to beat Kansas City 5-0 on Sunday.

Cole Irvin (1-1) scattered four hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings for Baltimore. He stranded a runner on third in the first inning and another at second base in the fifth while earning his first win since beating the Royals on June 10, 2023.

“Just a quality team game,” Irvin said. “Felt like we did all the little things right today.”

The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.

Lugo (3-1) had pushed his streak of not allowing a homer to 41 1/3 innings before Cowser sent an 0-1 pitch soaring into the right-field fountains leading off the third. Westburg followed two pitches later with his drive into the left-field seats.

Cowser's splash came one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kimbrel-save-ball-fountain-a60d00b16645de64c2e8797bb74a1d51">he mistakenly threw the souvenir ball from Craig Kimbrell's 422nd save into the fountains</a>&nbsp;while celebrating the Orioles' 9-7 win. The save tied Kimbrell for seventh on the career list, so Cowser ran back to the field after the game and managed to fish the ball out of the water with the help of some stadium staff.

“We prefer he hit one into the fountains,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “than throw one in the fountains.”

Lugo, who had allowed three runs in 25 2/3 innings, was dinged for four runs, nine hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.

Ryan Mountcastle added an RBI double and Westburg walked with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the sixth. Ryan O'Hearn drove in a run with an infield single in the eighth to help Baltimore pull away.

The Royals tried to rally in the eighth, putting runners at the corners with one out. But Danny Coulombe froze Salvador Perez with a pitch on the inside corner, then struck out Nelson Velázquez to end the inning.

“We didn't get much going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple of chances there where we didn't capitalize. When a team shuts you out, you have to tip your cap.”

Orioles OF Austin Hays (calf) was unavailable Sunday after being pulled from the game the previous night, Hyde said. The club plans to evaluate him again when it arrives in California for a series against the Angels.

Royals LHP Jake Brentz (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He last appeared in a game for Kansas City on April 29, 2022, before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brentz hurt his hamstring during a spring training game in March and had been throwing in Arizona.

The Orioles visit the Angels on Monday night, with RHP Albert Suárez getting the start.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers for Baltimore off Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had not allowed a home run since last September, and the Orioles went on to beat Kansas City 5-0 on Sunday.Cole Irvin (1-1) scattered four hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings for Baltimore. He stranded a runner on third in the first inning and another at second base in the fifth while earning his first win since beating the Royals on June 10, 2023.“Just a quality team game,” Irvin said. “Felt like we did all the little things right today.”The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.Lugo (3-1) had pushed his streak of not allowing a homer to 41 1/3 innings before Cowser sent an 0-1 pitch soaring into the right-field fountains leading off the third. Westburg followed two pitches later with his drive into the left-field seats.Cowser's splash came one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kimbrel-save-ball-fountain-a60d00b16645de64c2e8797bb74a1d51">he mistakenly threw the souvenir ball from Craig Kimbrell's 422nd save into the fountains</a>&nbsp;while celebrating the Orioles' 9-7 win. The save tied Kimbrell for seventh on the career list, so Cowser ran back to the field after the game and managed to fish the ball out of the water with the help of some stadium staff.“We prefer he hit one into the fountains,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “than throw one in the fountains.”Lugo, who had allowed three runs in 25 2/3 innings, was dinged for four runs, nine hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.Ryan Mountcastle added an RBI double and Westburg walked with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the sixth. Ryan O'Hearn drove in a run with an infield single in the eighth to help Baltimore pull away.The Royals tried to rally in the eighth, putting runners at the corners with one out. But Danny Coulombe froze Salvador Perez with a pitch on the inside corner, then struck out Nelson Velázquez to end the inning.The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.“We didn't get much going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple of chances there where we didn't capitalize. When a team shuts you out, you have to tip your cap.”TRAINER'S ROOMOrioles OF Austin Hays (calf) was unavailable Sunday after being pulled from the game the previous night, Hyde said. The club plans to evaluate him again when it arrives in California for a series against the Angels.Royals LHP Jake Brentz (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He last appeared in a game for Kansas City on April 29, 2022, before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brentz hurt his hamstring during a spring training game in March and had been throwing in Arizona.UP NEXTThe Orioles visit the Angels on Monday night, with RHP Albert Suárez getting the start.

⚾ Orioles hand Royals first shut out the season

The Kansas Wesleyan Baseball team knew it was a big series heading into the weekend series with the No. 21 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles at Dean Evans Stadium.

The Coyotes got two big wins in Saturday's doubleheader, winning the first game 6-3 and the second 3-1 to claim the series win over the Eagles.

KWU head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32067e95-a031-4d95-8389-546bddd4a6cc?elinkdata=9184">Bill Neale</a> also picked up his 300th career win at KWU with the two wins, the first coach in program history to pass the plateau. Neale collected his 300th win overall earlier this season.

The victories put the Coyotes up three games in the conference standings, with a 28-4 record, while both Oklahoma Wesleyan and Tabor sport 25-7 KCAC records.

The Coyotes broke through in the bottom of the second as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6bcc33c9-ba9f-4689-996b-2313c46ae013?elinkdata=9184">Tyler Favretto</a> led off the inning with a single and then courtesy runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2afd138f-9d1f-41f2-a795-206ef3b22069?elinkdata=9184">Coulson Riggs</a> scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4da99779-d467-40ed-ba0d-137a37a914b8?elinkdata=9184">Reece Bishop's</a> single back through the middle. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d2a4b852-13f2-4d54-8e60-37588557abf1?elinkdata=9184">Zack Beatty</a> followed with a walk as the Coyotes threatened to add more, but a double play and fly out ended the inning.

OKWU tied it in the top of the third, but the Coyotes reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cecb02ca-4d72-4995-874d-b05d02e047fa?elinkdata=9184">Jacob Williamson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a11a618-4ada-44be-8112-a306dd4b6a01?elinkdata=9184">Kendall Foster</a> both singled, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/daac16f5-86f7-448a-9d0b-78659a2975c9?elinkdata=9184">Jarrett Gable</a> would step up and hit a monstrous 3-run homer to center field to put the Coyotes up 4-1.

The Eagles got two back in the fourth, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes answered right back. It was another 2-out rally for the Coyotes as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e13d3eb-d019-46d6-8c2d-16f469da0682?elinkdata=9184">Alex Garcia</a> singled and stole second, Williamson and Foster walked to load the bases and again Gable came through with a 2-run single to put the Coyotes up 6-3.

OKWU left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh and two in the eighth without scoring.

KWU's pitching staff combined to hold OKWU to just four hits in the game, as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fe789fc-bc4b-49a9-920e-595749f56ab8?elinkdata=9184">Jarrett Brannen</a> improved to 9-1 on the season allowing three runs on four hits going six innings-plus. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a48538d8-1c72-429e-b121-67566c374391?elinkdata=9184">Ritter Steinmann</a> got all three outs in the seventh, including two strikeouts, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/257a19c4-6273-4bef-bbd3-058aaf01d751?elinkdata=9184">KT Gearlds</a> worked the eighth and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d686e51-17fe-4e07-8dd3-70915b292c07?elinkdata=9184">Ryan Sandoval</a> got his sixth save of the year pitching the ninth.

Gable had three of KWU's nine hits in the game and drove in five of six runs.

The second game was a pitching masterpiece by both teams, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76249418-7c10-42fe-a4b7-c84018ff7ab7?elinkdata=9184">Brett Maddock</a> for KWU and Kellen Brothers for Oklahoma Wesleyan.

Maddock took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, when Jorge Aldrete singled up the middle just under the glove of the diving <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1563be69-399d-4cf6-963d-3eb26ceb6995?elinkdata=9184">Adrian Villalobos</a> at second base with one out in the inning. Adam Austin drove in the Eagles' lone run on a fielder's choice.

Bishop gave the Coyotes a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a towering homer to center field and the game swiftly progressed into the bottom of the fifth before another batter reached base for either team. Beatty clobbered a ball to center field for the Coyotes extending the lead to 2-0 and in the sixth the Coyotes added one more.

Foster and Gable hit back-to-back doubles with Gable driving in the third run of the game for the Coyotes making it 3-0 before OKWU got on the board in the seventh.

Maddock improved to 8-2 with the win, allowing the lone run on the lone hit, while striking out six on 99 pitches.

The teams will meet on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the series finale and the home finale for the Coyotes, who will play the last series of the regular season next weekend at Avila.

The Kansas Wesleyan Baseball team knew it was a big series heading into the weekend series with the No. 21 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles at Dean Evans Stadium.The Coyotes got two big wins in Saturday's doubleheader, winning the first game 6-3 and the second 3-1 to claim the series win over the Eagles.KWU head coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/32067e95-a031-4d95-8389-546bddd4a6cc?elinkdata=9184">Bill Neale</a> also picked up his 300th career win at KWU with the two wins, the first coach in program history to pass the plateau. Neale collected his 300th win overall earlier this season.The victories put the Coyotes up three games in the conference standings, with a 28-4 record, while both Oklahoma Wesleyan and Tabor sport 25-7 KCAC records.The Coyotes broke through in the bottom of the second as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6bcc33c9-ba9f-4689-996b-2313c46ae013?elinkdata=9184">Tyler Favretto</a> led off the inning with a single and then courtesy runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2afd138f-9d1f-41f2-a795-206ef3b22069?elinkdata=9184">Coulson Riggs</a> scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4da99779-d467-40ed-ba0d-137a37a914b8?elinkdata=9184">Reece Bishop's</a> single back through the middle. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d2a4b852-13f2-4d54-8e60-37588557abf1?elinkdata=9184">Zack Beatty</a> followed with a walk as the Coyotes threatened to add more, but a double play and fly out ended the inning.OKWU tied it in the top of the third, but the Coyotes reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cecb02ca-4d72-4995-874d-b05d02e047fa?elinkdata=9184">Jacob Williamson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2a11a618-4ada-44be-8112-a306dd4b6a01?elinkdata=9184">Kendall Foster</a> both singled, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/daac16f5-86f7-448a-9d0b-78659a2975c9?elinkdata=9184">Jarrett Gable</a> would step up and hit a monstrous 3-run homer to center field to put the Coyotes up 4-1.The Eagles got two back in the fourth, but in the bottom of the inning, the Coyotes answered right back. It was another 2-out rally for the Coyotes as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7e13d3eb-d019-46d6-8c2d-16f469da0682?elinkdata=9184">Alex Garcia</a> singled and stole second, Williamson and Foster walked to load the bases and again Gable came through with a 2-run single to put the Coyotes up 6-3.OKWU left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh and two in the eighth without scoring.KWU's pitching staff combined to hold OKWU to just four hits in the game, as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3fe789fc-bc4b-49a9-920e-595749f56ab8?elinkdata=9184">Jarrett Brannen</a> improved to 9-1 on the season allowing three runs on four hits going six innings-plus. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a48538d8-1c72-429e-b121-67566c374391?elinkdata=9184">Ritter Steinmann</a> got all three outs in the seventh, including two strikeouts, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/257a19c4-6273-4bef-bbd3-058aaf01d751?elinkdata=9184">KT Gearlds</a> worked the eighth and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d686e51-17fe-4e07-8dd3-70915b292c07?elinkdata=9184">Ryan Sandoval</a> got his sixth save of the year pitching the ninth.Gable had three of KWU's nine hits in the game and drove in five of six runs.The second game was a pitching masterpiece by both teams, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/76249418-7c10-42fe-a4b7-c84018ff7ab7?elinkdata=9184">Brett Maddock</a> for KWU and Kellen Brothers for Oklahoma Wesleyan.Maddock took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, when Jorge Aldrete singled up the middle just under the glove of the diving <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1563be69-399d-4cf6-963d-3eb26ceb6995?elinkdata=9184">Adrian Villalobos</a> at second base with one out in the inning. Adam Austin drove in the Eagles' lone run on a fielder's choice.Bishop gave the Coyotes a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a towering homer to center field and the game swiftly progressed into the bottom of the fifth before another batter reached base for either team. Beatty clobbered a ball to center field for the Coyotes extending the lead to 2-0 and in the sixth the Coyotes added one more.Foster and Gable hit back-to-back doubles with Gable driving in the third run of the game for the Coyotes making it 3-0 before OKWU got on the board in the seventh.Maddock improved to 8-2 with the win, allowing the lone run on the lone hit, while striking out six on 99 pitches.The teams will meet on Sunday at 1 p.m. in the series finale and the home finale for the Coyotes, who will play the last series of the regular season next weekend at Avila.

Baseball takes doubleheader from No. 21 Oklahoma Wesleyan, Neale gets KWU win 300

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.

Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.

Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.

Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.

Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.

Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.

Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.

Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.

Kansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713668530710.jpeg" alt="AP2411204463Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez watches his three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)1284.jpg" />
 <figcaption>AP2411204463Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez watches his three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)1284.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.ROSTER MOVESKansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXT

⚾ Kimbrel gets 422nd save, Santander hits 3 doubles and Orioles beat Royals 

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline track and field teams competed in the Abilene Invitational on Friday night, and several individuals posted strong finishes before the day was done.

Despite missing a majority of their distance team due to the KU Relays, the Trojans finished the 4 and 5A heavy meet in sixth while the Lady Trojans wrapped up the day in a tie for ninth.

Hays would come away with both top team finishes as their boys closed out the day with 136 points, and their girls finished with 110.

Among those who medaled for SES was Tate Nurnberg, who won both the high jump and triple jump, setting a new school record in the latter with a jump of 45-8.5.

The previous record holder was none other than Tate's brother Brett, who set the mark to beat back in 2013.

Below you can find the full list of Trojans and Lady Trojans that finished the day on at least one podium.

SE of Saline Boys (6th/11 - 53 pts)

Tate Nurnberg 1st high jump&nbsp; 1st triple jump (school record 45-8.5)

SE of Saline Girls (T-9th/12 - 26 pts)

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline track and field teams competed in the Abilene Invitational on Friday night, and several individuals posted strong finishes before the day was done.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.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>Despite missing a majority of their distance team due to the KU Relays, the Trojans finished the 4 and 5A heavy meet in sixth while the Lady Trojans wrapped up the day in a tie for ninth.Hays would come away with both top team finishes as their boys closed out the day with 136 points, and their girls finished with 110.Among those who medaled for SES was Tate Nurnberg, who won both the high jump and triple jump, setting a new school record in the latter with a jump of 45-8.5.The previous record holder was none other than Tate's brother Brett, who set the mark to beat back in 2013.Below you can find the full list of Trojans and Lady Trojans that finished the day on at least one podium.SE of Saline Boys (6th/11 - 53 pts)Tate Nurnberg 1st high jump&nbsp; 1st triple jump (school record 45-8.5)Owen Bailey 3rd 400m dashMalachi Hopkins 3rd 110m hurdlesTeam 1st 4x100m throwers relaySE of Saline Girls (T-9th/12 - 26 pts)Anna Jackson 3rd 3200Elliana Smith 3rd high jump

Ten Trojans post podium finishes at Abilene Invitational

The Salina South softball team flexed their muscle on Friday night, smashing four home runs to pull off the clean sweep of another AVCTL foe in Newton.

With victories of 5-4 and 10-0, the Lady Cougars improve to 10-6 on the year while the Lady Railers fall to 4-8.

South set the tone right off the bat, as shortstop Maliyah Koster led off the first with a solo shot to put the Lady Cougars up 1-0.

Newton would respond with three runs of their own in the second and another in the fifth to take a 4-2 lead into the home half of the sixth, but with their backs to the wall, South broke out the heavy artillery.

Koster led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk, and just two batters later, Macy Yost blasted a pitch over the left field fence to even the score at 4 apiece.

Not willing to leave anything to chance Paityn Fritz followed Yost with a moonshot of her own to straightaway center to give her team their first lead since the second inning and put the Railers down to their final three outs.

With one run of wiggle room, Fritz returned to the circle and thanks to a phenomenal defensive stop by Koster at short, was able to record three straight outs to lock up the game-one win 5-4.

Fritz finished her day 2-3 at the plate with a double and a home run and pitched a complete game recording six strikeouts without issuing a single walk.

The Lady Cougars threatened to break game two open early, and after leaving the bases loaded twice in two innings, made good on that threat in the third scoring a whopping eight runs that included another two-run shot from Fritz.

Newton battled but couldn’t solve the riddle of Macy Yost in the circle, who recorded a complete-game shutout allowing just two hits and two walks.

Needing just one run to ice the game, Koster once again reached base, this time with a leadoff double, and Emily Newman put the game on ice, driving a ball into the gap to score the tenth and final run of a 10-0 shutout.

All told, Koster reached base in five of her seven plate appearances, doubling twice, homering once, and coming around to score four runs in the sweep.

The Lady Cougars will travel to Maize South next Friday while the Lady Railers return to the road to face Valley Center on Tuesday.

Both games were streamed live and a link to the full broadcast can be found below.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Salina South softball team flexed their muscle on Friday night, smashing four home runs to pull off the clean sweep of another AVCTL foe in Newton.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697215856555.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>With victories of 5-4 and 10-0, the Lady Cougars improve to 10-6 on the year while the Lady Railers fall to 4-8.South set the tone right off the bat, as shortstop Maliyah Koster led off the first with a solo shot to put the Lady Cougars up 1-0.Newton would respond with three runs of their own in the second and another in the fifth to take a 4-2 lead into the home half of the sixth, but with their backs to the wall, South broke out the heavy artillery.Koster led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk, and just two batters later, Macy Yost blasted a pitch over the left field fence to even the score at 4 apiece.Not willing to leave anything to chance Paityn Fritz followed Yost with a moonshot of her own to straightaway center to give her team their first lead since the second inning and put the Railers down to their final three outs.With one run of wiggle room, Fritz returned to the circle and thanks to a phenomenal defensive stop by Koster at short, was able to record three straight outs to lock up the game-one win 5-4.Fritz finished her day 2-3 at the plate with a double and a home run and pitched a complete game recording six strikeouts without issuing a single walk.The Lady Cougars threatened to break game two open early, and after leaving the bases loaded twice in two innings, made good on that threat in the third scoring a whopping eight runs that included another two-run shot from Fritz.Newton battled but couldn’t solve the riddle of Macy Yost in the circle, who recorded a complete-game shutout allowing just two hits and two walks.Needing just one run to ice the game, Koster once again reached base, this time with a leadoff double, and Emily Newman put the game on ice, driving a ball into the gap to score the tenth and final run of a 10-0 shutout.All told, Koster reached base in five of her seven plate appearances, doubling twice, homering once, and coming around to score four runs in the sweep.The Lady Cougars will travel to Maize South next Friday while the Lady Railers return to the road to face Valley Center on Tuesday.Both games were streamed live and a link to the full broadcast can be found below.

🥎 Salina South sweeps Newton behind four home runs

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Welcome, good to see everyone. Happy to be back (and) excited for the 2024 NFL Draft next week. I certainly want to thank my personnel staff and the coaching staff for all their hard work, certainly all year round but especially these last few months and weeks. We’ve been putting our final touches on the draft board and look forward to Thursday and hopefully adding some new talent to this roster. So, with that, I’ll open it up and take some questions.”&nbsp;

Q:&nbsp;With this draft, in particular when it comes to the offensive tackle and wide receiver positions, what do you see at those spots and where do you see the most value in this class?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think the draft in general has some positional depth. Although it is funny, when we’re looking at the numbers and the general consensus is this is a deep o-line class or this is a deep d-line class or what have you, it’s not necessarily true for us I think sometimes because like for the tackle position I think once you get past pick 35 or 40 most of those guys are gone. So, if you’re picking in the top 10 it’s a great offensive line class. If you’re picking in the top 15, it’s a great offensive line class. If you’re picking 32 and 64, you’ve got a shot maybe here or there. So, I think that goes into the additional work we put in and putting a strategy together and what guys might be worth a move depending on how it all plays out and you know what other positions are going to provide top end value if say an o-lineman or receiver isn’t there. Do you go corner or do you go defensive line – I think that there are some interesting pockets there. I think the good thing is, like every year, there’s a lot of good players, and it’s just a matter of working on our board, our system, given the picks we have and the potential moves we can make.”

Q:&nbsp;We haven’t gotten a chance to talk to you since free agency started. What was your take on free agency this year with Chris Jones getting resigned and adding Hollywood Brown?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yeah, so going into the offseason, a lot of work to do and always unique challenges depending on the year and what your cap situation looks like. When we left Vegas and had a chance to get together before the combine, we were just kind of outlying some different ideas and some thought processes and one of the things that I think was glaring to us was we were potentially looking at losing most, if not all, of our defensive line - Mike Danna, Chris Jones, Turk (Tershawn) Wharton, Derrick Nnadi.&nbsp; So obviously a huge amount of concern there especially given how well our defense played last year - I mean it was one of the top units in the NFL and those guys have all played together in the system for a long time. Chris, right out the gate was our priority. (We) wanted to make sure we got him done. I think there was a little bit of a domino effect there. Had to move with LJ (L’Jarius Sneed), and we were able to bring Mike Danna back. I think being able to secure that front with Danna, Turk, Nnadi, and Jones was really important to us. Bringing back Drue Tranquill was important to us. So really focused on retaining as much of that defense from last year as we could. Then like every year, whether it’s free agency or the draft, if there’s an opportunity to add a playmaker for Pat (Mahomes), we’re always going to be looking for those options. (We) played it out so to speak at some other positions. I think we were lucky that Hollywood’s situation played out the way it did. I think he’s going to be a great one-year addition for us and he’s going to set himself up nicely moving forward. I think we’re excited and like I said, every year is different and unique. I think with the resources we had available, we maximized what we can do this offseason.”

Q:&nbsp;You mentioned the offensive line in particular and the depth at the position this draft. Would you ever envision yourself moving into the top 15 for a non-quarterback position?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I can envision myself, got to get the owner’s approval on that (laughter). No, I think it changes every year. I think we have a pretty good plan this upcoming week. Every situation is unique, I mean we’ve had conversations in the last few years about guys that we consider top five, top six prospects if they were to fall into the teens and got (Chairman and CEO) Clark (Hunt) and (Head Coach) Andy (Reid) involved and those situations just didn’t work out. So, I think that I certainly could see something like that. A lot of things have to in fall into place for that to happen, so it would have to be probably a specific guy or two and then probably getting into a landing spot that’s not expected and then if he does get into that landing spot that’s not expected the team is willing to work with you on a trade that makes sense. So, certainly can see it. A lot of things have to happen and fall in place to see an outcome like that, but I always think anything is possible.”

Q:&nbsp;What do you think of the wide receiver class in this draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I think it’s one of the deeper classes. I think the good thing about the wide receiver position – this is typically every year – is they provide depth really one-five and there’s always pockets of players – I think there is a large group of receivers in the first 50 picks that we have great grades on. Then I think there’s another pocket right behind that, I think that is a positive. I think corner, there’s some depth middle to later on in the draft. O-lineman as I mentioned in the opener, it’s really good early, so there will be a late run on those guys but it tails off a little bit. I think it’s a better defensive line class than what we’ve seen in the past. I think there’s some good mid-round depth there. Linebacker, running back, is probably a little lighter than years past. O-line, receivers, corners are good hot spots throughout the draft and that’s a good thing because we could use one of each of those.”

Q:&nbsp;What are the last few days leading up to the draft like as far as setting up potential trades?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We’ll see, typically the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday right before the draft is when the teams do all their call checks and make sure all the phone numbers are working for all the teams. We’ll get an email list of draft day phone numbers, so we typically do a run through and check with all the teams. Once we do that, it usually kind of spins into some casual dialogue, hypothetically if you were looking to move up or move back – those types of scenarios. I think we’ll do a good job of getting out in front of this and talking to some teams and seeing where their mind is in terms of value of their boards or what boards they are working on. A large part of this is just making sure we’re all on the same page in regard to what draft boards you’re working from because as you know there’s tons of boards, each team has their own boards and a combination of other team’s boards and historical boards they use. We typically reach out to those teams early in the week, make sure the phones are working, exchange some ideas and make sure we’re on the same page in regard to what boards we’re working off of.”

Q:&nbsp;In light of what is going on with Rashee Rice, does it make you more cautious of player’s past history when drafting them?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We spend a great deal of time on all these players and I think we have to look at each individual case independently and just work through it. I think maybe subconsciously it factors in a little, but I think when we stick to our process and trust the guys we have around us – we have a great coaching staff, we have a great personnel staff, we have a great security team. We really lean on those guys, at the end of the day I trust the guys around me, they spend a lot of time working on the player and his ability to come in here and be a good person, be a good teammate. We try to stick to what we’ve done in the past – there will always be some things that factor into ultimately what we decide to do with a guy. Sticking to our process – we’ve done this now for a little bit here, over the long run it’s provided us a good blueprint to work off of.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you found that since you started winning championships that teams are less willing to work with you on trades?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Yes and no. I think if a team – if it can benefit them, I think they are always going to pick up the call and be willing to work. I don’t think a team is going to diminish their ability to do something they really want to do just because it’s the Chiefs. I do think though that the ability to deal with certain teams – I mean it’s always been understood that if you’re going to deal with a team in your division that there’s going to be a little bit more of a premium, I think just some of the AFC teams in general that are consistent playoff performers – I mean the Buffalo’s, the Cincinnati’s, the Baltimore’s – it’s probably a little bit harder to deal with those teams. Even if they do pick up the phone, I think some of their asking prices are a tick higher. I think we get hit with a little bit more of interest. I think there is always a way to make a deal, but yeah, some of the teams will probably up the price a little bit.”

Q:&nbsp;How valuable is it for you to visit with players before the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“It’s extremely helpful, when the guys come in here for the visits, they are here all day. They will start in the training room, they will go through another comprehensive MRI and meeting with (Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance) Rick (Burkholder), they get a chance to meet with all of our coaches. At the combine, there is a chance to spend some time with all these kids, but it’s maxed out at like 15-17 minutes, you get a chance to get a brief intro, a little bit of an idea of their background. You get into some football, but it’s not very long. So, I think just having the whole day, getting to know the person, understanding the person more, talk through things, talk through football, talk thorough their upbringing all that kind of stuff is extremely important to us. Typically, we go through our system and guys we either feel one way or the other, guys we are not interested in is one category, guys that we feel really good about, we know this guy, it’s not going to do us any good. We don’t typically deal with those guys. Then you have a handful of guys that you just – when you were at the combine you feel like those 15 minutes just wasn’t enough and you wanted some more information. Then there is another series of guys that didn’t get invited to the combine, so you like them to some degree, but you have no medical on them whatsoever. Those guys have to come in because there’s just no medical on them. (There are) different combinations of why we bring guys in, but they are super beneficial for us.”

Q:&nbsp;With the unknown status of Rashee Rice how much does that effect who you might take in the draft?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I don’t know if it does just because I think we have a lot of needs. It’s one of those things that you go into every draft, you can look at our roster and short of quarterback, maybe linebacker – I think there’s needs on the offensive line for sure, guard/center depth, competition at left tackle. Receiver there is a need, cornerback we just lost (L’Jarius) Sneed, we do have some young guys, we do have Nazeeh Johnson coming back but corners are hard to find. We could probably throw safety in there too because I think we really like Chamarri Conner and (Bryan) Cook and (Justin) Reid. It’s one of those scenarios where there’re a lot of positions that would make sense for us and again, you start at the o-line, d-line and receiver positions. It’s a long season and depth is super important to us and also guys contracts do run out. Anytime you (can) get a player who can come in here and challenge for a starting position right away, I think you go in that direction.”

Q:&nbsp;How likely do you think a trade up is in the first round?

VEACH:&nbsp;“Just weighing the options. On one end, I think there’s 16-18 guys this year that we have as first round grades, you factor in some quarterbacks there and some teams that go in different directions that are contradictory to what our board has. You figure probably 16-18 names, four quarterbacks, maybe five quarterbacks, there could be window there where we have an opportunity to get a guy then it’s just weighing the cost. If it is a corner, an o-lineman or a receiver, we’re probably going to give up the opportunity to take that other position later in the draft. Is one guy that you have a first-round grade on better than two guys that you have maybe a second and third round grade on? It’s just weighing that formula for us. That’s where it comes down to the value of that guy that falls, if he’s one of those guys that you really have as a top 10, top 12 pick I think you do it, like Trent McDuffie’s situation. I think if it’s one of those guys we’ll certainly be aggressive and hopefully we can find a trading partner but I also think there’s some depth in round two there. There are opportunities to add players who come in and push for starting positions in rounds two and three as well.”

Q: How many guys do you have on your draft board?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I wrote that down, I knew someone was going to ask me that because I never know. I just see a bunch of names up there. I don’t count them, I sort of just move them around, I have them in pockets. I was walking in here and I said, ‘Someone is going to ask me exactly how many guys I have on the board.’ It’s 221, which is a lot but I – you’d have to come in here and be with me one day to see how I process this because I have guys in the sixth or seventh round on my board but I always know that we’ll never get to the sixth or seventh round. The total number of players on the board is 221, but in my mind there’s kind of like a line right there and those guys in six and seven we keep on the board because that’s where I want to work down on free agency, so I know where I’m going as soon as the draft is over. The guys that we have on the board at sixth and seventh, again, we’ll have plenty of numbers, but we’ll never get to them but that’s my free agency board and that’s kind of how we work through that.”

Q: What do you think this draft class will be remembered by?

VEACH:&nbsp;“I’m not sure what it will be remembered for, obviously it’ll depend on where these players go and how successful they are and what teams strategize to do different things. One interesting perspective that I did find kind of going through this is just the NIL effect. Typically when you’re working through the fourth, fifth, sixth round there’s always interesting prospects and small school guys, but I think what you’re starting to see is these fourth, fifth, sixth round prosects are a little older because they’re staying and some of these underclassman that get third, fourth round grades, they have the opportunity to stay in school and so I don’t know if these drafts and this will be a trend – they won’t be as deep as they used to be. If you’re a junior and you have a third or fourth round grade and you have an opportunity to stay in school and make money you’re going to go back and potentially stay in school. What happens is I think the drop off from rounds three, the cutoff line I think that availability of young guys with potential that came out early, maybe they should’ve – (if) they would’ve stayed, they would have been a first or second round pick, well those guys are staying now. I think the drop off numbers are a little bit more extreme this year and the players are a little older, so we have to work a little bit harder to find some young guys with the upside that you really like. That, to me, I found challenging. When we were going through the board it was one of those things that I just instinctively thought and I checked with our guys and they were like, ‘Yeah these guys are a lot older.’ Again, when you have a ton of underclassmen that put their name in and decide to come out, that makes every draft deeper, when guys are staying in, it’s going to make every draft a little tougher to work with on the backend.”

Q: What are your expectations for Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney this upcoming season?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We’re obviously hoping both (Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore) continue to improve, progress and are able to be consistent playmakers for us. I know Kadarius has obviously had a long history of injury issues but he is probably our most talented wideout. Again, it doesn’t do anyone any good unless you stay healthy, but the kid has always worked hard here for us and I know he’s been down there with Pat (Mahomes) and I think it’s just a matter of him staying healthy. If he can do that, he can really do a lot of great things in this offense. That’s one of the things – there’s a lot of speculation about KT, but I don’t think we ever stopped believing in him. I think people around the building like him. It’s the injury bug, hopefully he gets some luck on his side and can stay healthy and can be the player that he was in (The University of) Florida and the player that we’ve seen in spurts here. (I’m) just hoping he has good offseason and has a little luck on his side and can stay healthy. With Skyy – Skyy has always been a mentally tough kid and he’s still – you know he had that knee injury last year, so to some degree, just these guys being on the field, staying healthy and then making plays when their number is called. The great thing about both these guys are they’re two guys we really like as people and they’re smart and they work hard. Now it’s just a matter of them putting themselves in positions to earn consistent playing time and then make plays when their number is called.”

Q: Is Wanya Morris ready to be an every down starting left tackle if that’s what you need from him this year?

VEACH:&nbsp;“That’s a good question. I think we were really happy with Wanya’s (Morris) development last year and think he showed some signs early on in OTAs that we were really excited about. (He) continued that growth and maturation process during training camp. Middle of the season there he got an opportunity there, some good, some bad. I think Wanya would tell you this, I think if you look at his body of work last year, I think on one end you’re happy that he was able to come in at the pro level and be competitive, it wasn’t perfect but it also was solid play that I think is a good foundation to build and grow on. He has to come in here with the mindset that we’re going to look to bring in competition and he’s got to come in here and win that position and I think it’s his job to come in and be prepared to win that position. I think it’s our job to go out there and find competition for that left tackle spot. Again, I think that there’s a lot of promise in there and there’s a lot of ability, but certainly I think it’s our job to bring in some competition there and make him earn that and work for it.”

Q: How important is it for you to have a versatile left tackle who can play for multiple seasons?

VEACH:&nbsp;“We put a lot of stock on flexibility. As mentioned, you even saw that last game of the regular season when we played the o-line – coach had those guys playing different positions. Creed (Humphrey) played guard, the tackles swapped positions and stuff like that. It kind of illustrates exactly what we think of positional flex and in-game situations. You never know if it’s going to be a right guard, a left guard, a center, a right or left tackle that goes down. Positional flexibility does heavily weigh into it, there’s a lot of guys that are – a lot of o-line coaches would tell you if you can play tackle, you can potentially play any position across the board. I think that’s why (the) tackle is so premium; you have to protect the quarterback’s edge and the blind side but also typically those tackles are athletic enough to slide inside and sometimes even play center. We saw that with (former Chiefs center) Mitch Morse a few years ago. He was a tackle in college and he ended up being a really good center, so position flexibility is super important to us. It is a quarterback league, and you have to protect him and you have to get after him and those tackle positions are always going to be important because they protect the most important player on your team. If we get an opportunity to get one of those guys, for sure, I mean it’s always on your mind just like D-end and DT. Again, hopefully the numbers work out and there’s a window of opportunity for us, but I do think that there are a lot of good players in rounds two and three so we just need a little patience and a little luck I guess.”

Chiefs Quotes: GM Brett Veach

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.

Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713581267441.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.TRAINER’S ROOMMassey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTOrioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.