By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

With just one week remaining in the regular season, the Salina Liberty will take to the gridiron on Saturday night for a colossal matchup with the Mustangs in Gillette.

The playoff field is already set, but the two teams will enter this contest in a tie for second at 7-2, with the winner claiming the two-seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage for a semifinal.

Meanwhile, the loser will take the three-seed and host a quarterfinal game before likely hitting the road for a second-round matchup the following week.

At 9-0, the Omaha Beef have secured the 1-seed and home field throughout this year’s postseason, and along with the Liberty and Mustangs, will fill out a field that will feature 6-4 Billings, 5-4 Sioux City, and 3-7 SW Kansas.

“All of these games have been big with that hole that we dug ourselves in the middle of the year but this is definitely a big one for us,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “It’s always tough when you go on the road, especially against a team that’s ranked second in the league and we’ve gotta be ready to put that trip behind us and put our best foot forward on Saturday.”

Fresh off a 48-39 win over the Bandits last week, the Liberty will have to make the long trek to Gillette to get to this one, and to face a Mustang team that looks leaps and bounds better than they did a season ago.

“Looking at what Coach Walker has brought in they’ve really restocked and they’ve got good coaching up there with some Arena I legends on that staff,” O’Neal said. “You can see the coaching in the way that they play and their recruiting has been big time this year.”

In their most recent contest, a 41-38 loss at the hands of the Billings Outlaws, the Mustangs got to try out newly signed QB Aaron Aiken, who delivered three touchdown passes against his former team.

One of Aiken's biggest targets this week will be Karonce Higgins, who leads the league in almost all receiving categories, topping the charts in yards (618), and touchdowns (14).

“Aiken has only played one game in this league so it’s tough to say what he can and can’t do just yet,” he said. “He runs the gameplan the way they want and they can make big plays when they go for the home run but he can also make things happen with his legs.”

In addition to contending with the league-best offense in the CIF, the Liberty will have to find a way through a defense that allows a second-ranked 148 yards, and 38 points per game.

“All you can do is come in with a good plan and make the adjustments on both sides accordingly as the game goes on,” O’Neal said. “We have to make sure we don’t turn the ball over, that’s the main thing. We’re focusing on our side of this matchup and we know we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win against a team like this.”

Kickoff between the Liberty and Mustangs is set for 6:30 PM at the CamPlex in Gillette and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM).

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Salina Liberty coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>With just one week remaining in the regular season, the Salina Liberty will take to the gridiron on Saturday night for a colossal matchup with the Mustangs in Gillette.The playoff field is already set, but the two teams will enter this contest in a tie for second at 7-2, with the winner claiming the two-seed, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage for a semifinal.Meanwhile, the loser will take the three-seed and host a quarterfinal game before likely hitting the road for a second-round matchup the following week.At 9-0, the Omaha Beef have secured the 1-seed and home field throughout this year’s postseason, and along with the Liberty and Mustangs, will fill out a field that will feature 6-4 Billings, 5-4 Sioux City, and 3-7 SW Kansas.“All of these games have been big with that hole that we dug ourselves in the middle of the year but this is definitely a big one for us,” Salina head coach Heron O’Neal said. “It’s always tough when you go on the road, especially against a team that’s ranked second in the league and we’ve gotta be ready to put that trip behind us and put our best foot forward on Saturday.”Fresh off a 48-39 win over the Bandits last week, the Liberty will have to make the long trek to Gillette to get to this one, and to face a Mustang team that looks leaps and bounds better than they did a season ago.“Looking at what Coach Walker has brought in they’ve really restocked and they’ve got good coaching up there with some Arena I legends on that staff,” O’Neal said. “You can see the coaching in the way that they play and their recruiting has been big time this year.”In their most recent contest, a 41-38 loss at the hands of the Billings Outlaws, the Mustangs got to try out newly signed QB Aaron Aiken, who delivered three touchdown passes against his former team.One of Aiken's biggest targets this week will be Karonce Higgins, who leads the league in almost all receiving categories, topping the charts in yards (618), and touchdowns (14).“Aiken has only played one game in this league so it’s tough to say what he can and can’t do just yet,” he said. “He runs the gameplan the way they want and they can make big plays when they go for the home run but he can also make things happen with his legs.”In addition to contending with the league-best offense in the CIF, the Liberty will have to find a way through a defense that allows a second-ranked 148 yards, and 38 points per game.“All you can do is come in with a good plan and make the adjustments on both sides accordingly as the game goes on,” O’Neal said. “We have to make sure we don’t turn the ball over, that’s the main thing. We’re focusing on our side of this matchup and we know we can’t turn the ball over and expect to win against a team like this.”Kickoff between the Liberty and Mustangs is set for 6:30 PM at the CamPlex in Gillette and as always, the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM).

Liberty make trek to Gillette to battle Mutangs for 2-seed

By AVERY OSEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson's three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10 on Friday night.

The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals' history and came against Kansas City's Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Lyles (0-9) allowed five earned runs in five innings, giving up six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.

The 34-year-old Dickerson, in his 11th big league season, has eight hits and has two homers and seven RBIs since being called up on May 17.

Washington (22-29) led 9-2 when its half of the sixth was over, helped by RBIs from Garcia (two RBIs) and Joey Meneses off of Staumont, who gave up four earned runs in one-third of an inning.

The Royals (15-37) scored the next six runs, highlighted by a Bobby Witt Jr.'s three-run homer off Erasmo Ramirez in the seventh, cutting the lead to 9-8. Witt also homered in the sixth inning for his second career multi-homer game and a career-high with five RBIs.

Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple and later scored in the eighth to extend the Nationals lead to 12-8.

Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.

Garcia hit two doubles in the sixth inning, marking the first time a Nationals' batter has had two hits in an inning. That was part of his career-high six hit performance. He is just the third Washington player to have that many hits in a game.

The Royals called up OF Drew Waters and optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton to Triple-A Omaha.

Washington sends RHP Josiah Gray (4-5) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (3-4) on Saturday afternoon.

By AVERY OSEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lane Thomas opened the game with a home run, Corey Dickerson's three-run shot highlighted an eight-run sixth inning and Luis Garcia had six hits as the Washington Nationals outslugged the Kansas City Royals 12-10 on Friday night.The eight-run inning was the largest scoring inning in Nationals' history and came against Kansas City's Jordan Lyles and Josh Staumont. Lyles (0-9) allowed five earned runs in five innings, giving up six hits and three walks with two strikeouts.The 34-year-old Dickerson, in his 11th big league season, has eight hits and has two homers and seven RBIs since being called up on May 17.Washington (22-29) led 9-2 when its half of the sixth was over, helped by RBIs from Garcia (two RBIs) and Joey Meneses off of Staumont, who gave up four earned runs in one-third of an inning.The Royals (15-37) scored the next six runs, highlighted by a Bobby Witt Jr.'s three-run homer off Erasmo Ramirez in the seventh, cutting the lead to 9-8. Witt also homered in the sixth inning for his second career multi-homer game and a career-high with five RBIs.Jeimer Candelario added a two-RBI triple and later scored in the eighth to extend the Nationals lead to 12-8.Patrick Corbin (4-5) worked 6 1/3 inning, allowing six runs, seven hits, four walks with six strikeouts.SEEING DOUBLEGarcia hit two doubles in the sixth inning, marking the first time a Nationals' batter has had two hits in an inning. That was part of his career-high six hit performance. He is just the third Washington player to have that many hits in a game.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals called up OF Drew Waters and optioned INF/OF Nate Eaton to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTWashington sends RHP Josiah Gray (4-5) to the mound against Royals RHP Brady Singer (3-4) on Saturday afternoon.

Royals slug it out with Nationals, but come up short

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kaelen Culpepper went 4 for 5 with five RBIs — including a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning — and German Fajardo allowed five hits over 7 1/3 innings to help Kansas State beat Kansas 7-1 Friday in an elimination game at the Big 12 Tournament.

No. 5 seed Kansas State (35-23) plays fourth-seeded TCU — which beat the Wildcats 16-3 in the tournament's opening game — in the semifinals Saturday.

Nick Goodwin led off the bottom of the second inning with a walk and Brady Day followed with a single before Culpepper hit a shot to left that made it 3-0.

Goodwin drew a two-out walk in the seventh before Day hit a 0-2 pitch down the line in left for a double. Culpepper drove in both runners with a single to make it 7-1.

Fajardo (4-4) had a season-high nine strikeouts.

Jake English went 2 for 3 with a solo homer in the third for No. 8 seed Kansas (25-32).

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kaelen Culpepper went 4 for 5 with five RBIs — including a three-run home run in the bottom of the second inning — and German Fajardo allowed five hits over 7 1/3 innings to help Kansas State beat Kansas 7-1 Friday in an elimination game at the Big 12 Tournament.No. 5 seed Kansas State (35-23) plays fourth-seeded TCU — which beat the Wildcats 16-3 in the tournament's opening game — in the semifinals Saturday.Nick Goodwin led off the bottom of the second inning with a walk and Brady Day followed with a single before Culpepper hit a shot to left that made it 3-0.Goodwin drew a two-out walk in the seventh before Day hit a 0-2 pitch down the line in left for a double. Culpepper drove in both runners with a single to make it 7-1.Fajardo (4-4) had a season-high nine strikeouts.Jake English went 2 for 3 with a solo homer in the third for No. 8 seed Kansas (25-32).

K-State baseball beats KU, advances to Big 12 semifinals

SPRINGFIELD, MO – A classic pitcher's duel on Friday night in which the visiting Wichita Wind Surge come up on the short end of a 1-0 defeat.

Cardinals starter Wilfredo Peirera dazzled as he punched out a season high ten hitters enroute to his third win of the season.&nbsp; He pitched five and one third innings allowed just four hits and a pair of walks.

Wichita starter Aaron Rozek rolled through the game pitching a season high seven innings and allowed one run on three hits, walked one hitter and five strikeouts.&nbsp; Rozek finished strong striking out the final three hitters he faced throwing just 84 pitches in the longest outing by a Wind Surge starter this season.

The lone run of the game happened in the third.&nbsp; Arquimedes Gamboa opened the inning on walk, Justin Toerner singled and the runners advanced on foul ball catch.&nbsp; Jose Alvarez groundout allowed Gamboa to score giving the Cards a 1-0 lead.

The Wind Surge threatened and out-hit Springfield for the game 5-3. Wichita stranded eight runners in the game and were two for seven with runners in scoring position.&nbsp; The Surge left the bases loaded in the fifth inning and a runner at third in the sixth.&nbsp; In the ninth inning the Cardinals centerfielder Mike Antico threw out Will Holland at home plate trying to score from second base.&nbsp;&nbsp; Logan Sawyer earned his fourth save.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Surge dropped to 19-23 and Springfield improves to 20-23.

NOTES: The Wind Surge were shutout for the fourth time this season.&nbsp; Wichita has played five 1-0 games in its history and are now 2-3 in those contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Saturday at 6:35 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH Travis Adams against Cardinals RH Connor Lunn.

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

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

Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGFIELD, MO – A classic pitcher's duel on Friday night in which the visiting Wichita Wind Surge come up on the short end of a 1-0 defeat.Cardinals starter Wilfredo Peirera dazzled as he punched out a season high ten hitters enroute to his third win of the season.&nbsp; He pitched five and one third innings allowed just four hits and a pair of walks.Wichita starter Aaron Rozek rolled through the game pitching a season high seven innings and allowed one run on three hits, walked one hitter and five strikeouts.&nbsp; Rozek finished strong striking out the final three hitters he faced throwing just 84 pitches in the longest outing by a Wind Surge starter this season.The lone run of the game happened in the third.&nbsp; Arquimedes Gamboa opened the inning on walk, Justin Toerner singled and the runners advanced on foul ball catch.&nbsp; Jose Alvarez groundout allowed Gamboa to score giving the Cards a 1-0 lead.The Wind Surge threatened and out-hit Springfield for the game 5-3. Wichita stranded eight runners in the game and were two for seven with runners in scoring position.&nbsp; The Surge left the bases loaded in the fifth inning and a runner at third in the sixth.&nbsp; In the ninth inning the Cardinals centerfielder Mike Antico threw out Will Holland at home plate trying to score from second base.&nbsp;&nbsp; Logan Sawyer earned his fourth save.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Surge dropped to 19-23 and Springfield improves to 20-23.NOTES: The Wind Surge were shutout for the fourth time this season.&nbsp; Wichita has played five 1-0 games in its history and are now 2-3 in those contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Saturday at 6:35 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH Travis Adams against Cardinals RH Connor Lunn.BROADCAST:&nbsp; Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers. The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Wind Surge comes up short in pitcher's duel against Cardinals

PUEBLO, Colo. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams opened the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships with several strong performances on Thursday. The Tigers lifted one All-American trophy, had three runners qualify for Saturday's finals and had two multi-athletes sitting in All-American position at the halfway point of the heptathlon and decathlon. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8c95e41f-086b-4e20-9423-94eb1f3e400e?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;capped off an incredible career with his eighth All-American performance in the pole vault. The senior finished in a tie for fifth after clearing the bar at 17-2.75. The two-time national champion finished in the top eight at seven different national meets in his career and qualified for an eighth that was canceled in the spring of 2020. He began his NCAA Championship journey with a fourth-place finish outdoors in 2019 before duplicating that finish at the indoor meet in 2021. He won his first national title in the spring of 2021 with an outdoor clearance of 17-2.75 before setting the school record and winning another national championship with a clearance of 17-9.25 at the indoor championships in 2022. The Bennington, Kan. native went on to place eighth outdoors in 2022 and seventh indoors this season before placing fifth on Thursday. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/74345260-65e4-472c-8852-e1a4e7b5682e?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;had a busy day at the track, with the senior completing the first four events of the heptathlon in the morning and early afternoon before running in the 400m hurdles prelims in the evening. Rossi sits in eighth place with 3,132 points in the heptathlon, including a single-event high of 988 in the 100m hurdles. She later advanced to the finals in the 400m hurdles after finishing second in her heat and third overall with a time of 59.48. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f0a5a6af-dd3e-4465-a72b-2c5787becead?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;sits in fourth place in the decathlon with 4,025 points through five events, just 65 points back of first place. His day-one point total is eight points clear of the pace he set at last year's national championships where he set the school record with 7,192 points to finish fifth. He finished in the top four in three different events, including posting the fastest time in the 400m at 47.92 (913 points) and posting the second-best time of 10.75 (917 points) in the 100m. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e3c6e815-608d-478d-940b-15fe765399fb?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;is also moving on to the finals of the 400m hurdles after finishing second in her heat and fourth overall with a time of 59.66. She and Rossi will run in the finals on Saturday (May 27) beginning at 8:20 p.m. CT. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4d18cf0c-346e-40f6-81a4-bdcebf71f316?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;also secured a spot in a final on Saturday with a time of 10.36 in the 100m dash prelims, placing seventh overall out of 24 competitors. His final is set for 7:45 p.m. CT Saturday. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/293a88e5-895e-47c0-afe8-f28a6c316711?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;placed 14th in the 100m dash prelims with a time of 11.77. She will also run in the 200m dash prelims Friday evening (May 26). Rossi and Churchman will wrap up their multi-events Friday morning before Holman and Landrum run in the 200m dash prelims that evening.&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/cc7f9d46-7f2a-4db4-96e0-9e319de6cb09?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;will make his national championship debut with the 800m run prelims before Rossi completes another long day with the 100m dash prelims. Full FHSU Results - Thursday Women 100m Dash Prelims 14th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/84cf135b-e053-41f6-bc1f-ba49b18eb128?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 11.77 400m Hurdles Prelims 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/422e7db3-931c-473c-ac21-aedea4a05273?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 59.48 Q 4th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/61fffbf9-0d5b-41d5-ad5a-2e4c82e340d4?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 59.66 Q Heptathlon 8th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/69a12ae4-a4cf-40a2-9cf3-172e78786a51?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 3,132 100H - 13.93 - 988 HJ - 5-2.5 - 724 SP - 32-7.5 - 526 200m - 24.92 - 894 LJ - JT - 800m - Men 100m Dash Prelims 7th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5e67f4bc-a3dd-4d48-b9a5-4ebc2fda41fc?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 10.36 Q Pole Vault 5th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/711721e0-93a0-4006-8314-9065de20fbff?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 17-2.75 @ Decathlon 4th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4e368e96-0535-472d-b457-377ee8134520?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 4,025 points 100m - 10.75 - 917 LJ - 23-6.25 - 854 SP - 39-6.75 - 610 HJ - 6-3.5 - 731 400m - 47.92 - 913 110H - DT - PV - JT - 1500m - @ - All-American Q - qualified for Saturday's finals&nbsp;&nbsp;

Individuals from the Fort Hays State track and field teams broke two school records, earned two All-American trophies and advanced through the prelims in one race during Friday's day two of the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships (May 26). <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0d6396f4-4871-45e2-9279-5dd98864c004?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;collected her eighth All-American honor and broke her own school record in the heptathlon in the process, placing sixth with 5,326 points. She opened the day with a long jump of 18-9.75, good for 768 points, before leading the field to the finish line in the final event with a time of 2:17.47 in the 800m run (858 points). The senior later ran in the 100m hurdles prelims, placing 16th with a time of 14.10. She will wrap up the week in the 400m hurdles finals tomorrow evening. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/00de34ad-1c9a-4290-9e81-15b2d69e4ea9?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;also broke his own school record in the decathlon, finishing sixth with a cumulative total of 7,221 points. The junior collected his fifth All-American trophy in the process and has now reached the podium in multi-events at the last four national meets (two indoor, two outdoor). He surpassed 600 points in three of the five events on day two, including the 110m high hurdles (15.46, 795 points), the pole vault (14-1.25, 702 points) and the 1,500m run (4:51.93, 607 points). <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e268ad1b-0d9f-4988-b2d2-53cc49364b3e?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;advanced through the prelims for a second time this week, placing second in his heat and ninth overall in the 200m dash with a time of 20.67. The mark was a collegiate best for the senior and was just four-hundredths of a second shy of the school record, helping him move from third to second on the FHSU DII era performance chart. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/cf9b9092-ac25-44fc-9264-b13cbd0c6423?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;finished 21st in the 200m dash prelims, crossing the line in a season-best 23.80. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b151b46b-bc83-4f77-9e3c-4314a427b28c?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;was 14th in the 800m run prelims, finishing fifth in his heat with a time of 1:51.86. Six Tigers will compete on the final day of competition on Saturday (May 27), including&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bbe13006-7606-4ce3-937a-c212af9b6ab7?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e617834f-3ad4-4917-becf-62591748557e?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;in the javelin,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a779a00c-e883-412e-aa6b-7eb214839014?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Dayton Williams</a>&nbsp;in the high jump, Landrum in both the 100m dash and 200m dash and Rossi and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/64c10f6e-e285-43bc-9f4d-04231a56870f?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;in the 400m hurdles. Full FHSU Results - Friday Women 200m Dash Prelims 21st -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/7da63b63-617d-4a6e-9004-9a89649959a5?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 23.80 100m Hurdles Prelims 16th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1c23e041-fcec-4dc6-acf8-f4f24e580365?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 14.10 Heptathlon 6th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/6f1ca240-b596-402e-928c-7aca430171d3?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 5,326 ! @ - 3 team points 100H - 13.93 - 988 HJ - 5-2.5 - 724 SP - 32-7.5 - 526 200m - 24.92 - 894 LJ - 18-9.75 - 768 JT - 114-3 - 568 800m - 2:17.47 - 858 Men 200m Dash Prelims 9th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/56d8ab5a-25cd-49ec-ae46-4ee962c647df?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 20.67 Q 800m Run Prelims 14th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/be305fc6-cd94-45b4-ab72-b828304220d6?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;- 1:51.86 Decathlon 6th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8cc4c402-7c84-48d1-b62b-3ef64d3c3eb5?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 7,221 ! @ - 3 team points 100m - 10.75 - 917 LJ - 23-6.25 - 854 SP - 39-6.75 - 610 HJ - 6-3.5 - 731 400m - 47.92 - 913 110H - 15.46 - 795 DT - 114-8 - 563 PV - 14-1.25 - 702 JT - 150-9 - 529 1500m - 4:51.93 - 607&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsPUEBLO, Colo. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams opened the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships with several strong performances on Thursday. The Tigers lifted one All-American trophy, had three runners qualify for Saturday's finals and had two multi-athletes sitting in All-American position at the halfway point of the heptathlon and decathlon. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8c95e41f-086b-4e20-9423-94eb1f3e400e?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;capped off an incredible career with his eighth All-American performance in the pole vault. The senior finished in a tie for fifth after clearing the bar at 17-2.75. The two-time national champion finished in the top eight at seven different national meets in his career and qualified for an eighth that was canceled in the spring of 2020. He began his NCAA Championship journey with a fourth-place finish outdoors in 2019 before duplicating that finish at the indoor meet in 2021. He won his first national title in the spring of 2021 with an outdoor clearance of 17-2.75 before setting the school record and winning another national championship with a clearance of 17-9.25 at the indoor championships in 2022. The Bennington, Kan. native went on to place eighth outdoors in 2022 and seventh indoors this season before placing fifth on Thursday. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/74345260-65e4-472c-8852-e1a4e7b5682e?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;had a busy day at the track, with the senior completing the first four events of the heptathlon in the morning and early afternoon before running in the 400m hurdles prelims in the evening. Rossi sits in eighth place with 3,132 points in the heptathlon, including a single-event high of 988 in the 100m hurdles. She later advanced to the finals in the 400m hurdles after finishing second in her heat and third overall with a time of 59.48. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f0a5a6af-dd3e-4465-a72b-2c5787becead?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;sits in fourth place in the decathlon with 4,025 points through five events, just 65 points back of first place. His day-one point total is eight points clear of the pace he set at last year's national championships where he set the school record with 7,192 points to finish fifth. He finished in the top four in three different events, including posting the fastest time in the 400m at 47.92 (913 points) and posting the second-best time of 10.75 (917 points) in the 100m. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e3c6e815-608d-478d-940b-15fe765399fb?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;is also moving on to the finals of the 400m hurdles after finishing second in her heat and fourth overall with a time of 59.66. She and Rossi will run in the finals on Saturday (May 27) beginning at 8:20 p.m. CT. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4d18cf0c-346e-40f6-81a4-bdcebf71f316?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;also secured a spot in a final on Saturday with a time of 10.36 in the 100m dash prelims, placing seventh overall out of 24 competitors. His final is set for 7:45 p.m. CT Saturday. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/293a88e5-895e-47c0-afe8-f28a6c316711?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;placed 14th in the 100m dash prelims with a time of 11.77. She will also run in the 200m dash prelims Friday evening (May 26). Rossi and Churchman will wrap up their multi-events Friday morning before Holman and Landrum run in the 200m dash prelims that evening.&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/cc7f9d46-7f2a-4db4-96e0-9e319de6cb09?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;will make his national championship debut with the 800m run prelims before Rossi completes another long day with the 100m dash prelims. Full FHSU Results - Thursday Women 100m Dash Prelims 14th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/84cf135b-e053-41f6-bc1f-ba49b18eb128?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 11.77 400m Hurdles Prelims 3rd -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/422e7db3-931c-473c-ac21-aedea4a05273?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 59.48 Q 4th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/61fffbf9-0d5b-41d5-ad5a-2e4c82e340d4?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;- 59.66 Q Heptathlon 8th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/69a12ae4-a4cf-40a2-9cf3-172e78786a51?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 3,132 100H - 13.93 - 988 HJ - 5-2.5 - 724 SP - 32-7.5 - 526 200m - 24.92 - 894 LJ - JT - 800m - Men 100m Dash Prelims 7th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5e67f4bc-a3dd-4d48-b9a5-4ebc2fda41fc?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 10.36 Q Pole Vault 5th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/711721e0-93a0-4006-8314-9065de20fbff?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;- 17-2.75 @ Decathlon 4th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/4e368e96-0535-472d-b457-377ee8134520?elinkdata=211613" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 4,025 points 100m - 10.75 - 917 LJ - 23-6.25 - 854 SP - 39-6.75 - 610 HJ - 6-3.5 - 731 400m - 47.92 - 913 110H - DT - PV - JT - 1500m - @ - All-American Q - qualified for Saturday's finals&nbsp;&nbsp;Individuals from the Fort Hays State track and field teams broke two school records, earned two All-American trophies and advanced through the prelims in one race during Friday's day two of the 2023 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships (May 26). <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0d6396f4-4871-45e2-9279-5dd98864c004?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;collected her eighth All-American honor and broke her own school record in the heptathlon in the process, placing sixth with 5,326 points. She opened the day with a long jump of 18-9.75, good for 768 points, before leading the field to the finish line in the final event with a time of 2:17.47 in the 800m run (858 points). The senior later ran in the 100m hurdles prelims, placing 16th with a time of 14.10. She will wrap up the week in the 400m hurdles finals tomorrow evening. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/00de34ad-1c9a-4290-9e81-15b2d69e4ea9?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;also broke his own school record in the decathlon, finishing sixth with a cumulative total of 7,221 points. The junior collected his fifth All-American trophy in the process and has now reached the podium in multi-events at the last four national meets (two indoor, two outdoor). He surpassed 600 points in three of the five events on day two, including the 110m high hurdles (15.46, 795 points), the pole vault (14-1.25, 702 points) and the 1,500m run (4:51.93, 607 points). <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e268ad1b-0d9f-4988-b2d2-53cc49364b3e?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;advanced through the prelims for a second time this week, placing second in his heat and ninth overall in the 200m dash with a time of 20.67. The mark was a collegiate best for the senior and was just four-hundredths of a second shy of the school record, helping him move from third to second on the FHSU DII era performance chart. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/cf9b9092-ac25-44fc-9264-b13cbd0c6423?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;finished 21st in the 200m dash prelims, crossing the line in a season-best 23.80. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b151b46b-bc83-4f77-9e3c-4314a427b28c?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;was 14th in the 800m run prelims, finishing fifth in his heat with a time of 1:51.86. Six Tigers will compete on the final day of competition on Saturday (May 27), including&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bbe13006-7606-4ce3-937a-c212af9b6ab7?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Rhyann Brown</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/e617834f-3ad4-4917-becf-62591748557e?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>&nbsp;in the javelin,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a779a00c-e883-412e-aa6b-7eb214839014?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Dayton Williams</a>&nbsp;in the high jump, Landrum in both the 100m dash and 200m dash and Rossi and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/64c10f6e-e285-43bc-9f4d-04231a56870f?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>&nbsp;in the 400m hurdles. Full FHSU Results - Friday Women 200m Dash Prelims 21st -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/7da63b63-617d-4a6e-9004-9a89649959a5?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>&nbsp;- 23.80 100m Hurdles Prelims 16th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1c23e041-fcec-4dc6-acf8-f4f24e580365?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 14.10 Heptathlon 6th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/6f1ca240-b596-402e-928c-7aca430171d3?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>&nbsp;- 5,326 ! @ - 3 team points 100H - 13.93 - 988 HJ - 5-2.5 - 724 SP - 32-7.5 - 526 200m - 24.92 - 894 LJ - 18-9.75 - 768 JT - 114-3 - 568 800m - 2:17.47 - 858 Men 200m Dash Prelims 9th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/56d8ab5a-25cd-49ec-ae46-4ee962c647df?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Philip Landrum</a>&nbsp;- 20.67 Q 800m Run Prelims 14th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/be305fc6-cd94-45b4-ab72-b828304220d6?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>&nbsp;- 1:51.86 Decathlon 6th -&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/8cc4c402-7c84-48d1-b62b-3ef64d3c3eb5?elinkdata=211645" target="_blank">Nolan Churchman</a>&nbsp;- 7,221 ! @ - 3 team points 100m - 10.75 - 917 LJ - 23-6.25 - 854 SP - 39-6.75 - 610 HJ - 6-3.5 - 731 400m - 47.92 - 913 110H - 15.46 - 795 DT - 114-8 - 563 PV - 14-1.25 - 702 JT - 150-9 - 529 1500m - 4:51.93 - 607&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tigers have strong showing at NCAA DII Outdoor Championships

The Southeast of Saline softball season met a bittersweet end on Friday as the Lady Trojans fell in the semifinals to Rossville 6-4, and then to 1-seeded Haven in the third-place game 8-3.

This final pair of games brought Southeast’s overall record to 22-4, capping off a phenomenal 2023 campaign with a fourth-place finish at state.

Overall, SES won 17 of those games by mercy rule, including 11 shutout victories, and closed out the year with a run differential of +253.

In the semifinal against Rossville the Lady Trojans jumped out to an early lead thanks to a three-run first, but lost all three in the top of the fifth, with the Lady Bulldogs taking their first lead in the sixth.

SES battled back with one of their own in the home half but it proved to be too little too late as Rossville advanced to the 3A final, holding on for a 6-4 win.

In their third-place game with Haven Southeast found themselves on the other side of a 3-0 lead after one, but responded well to tie the game at three in the top of the second.

Unfortunately, those would be the last SES runs of the day as the Lady Wildcats rattled off five unanswered to take home third-place honors in Manhattan.

On the winner's side of the bracket, Rossville would win one more game, this time in 2-0 fashion over Santa Fe Trail, to claim a 3A state title in an unexpected 6-5 state championship matchup.

The Salina Post would like to thank everyone who followed along with our coverage of Southeast of Saline softball all season long and remind you to stay tuned for more news and updates on the Trojans and Lady Trojans.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>The Southeast of Saline softball season met a bittersweet end on Friday as the Lady Trojans fell in the semifinals to Rossville 6-4, and then to 1-seeded Haven in the third-place game 8-3.This final pair of games brought Southeast’s overall record to 22-4, capping off a phenomenal 2023 campaign with a fourth-place finish at state.Overall, SES won 17 of those games by mercy rule, including 11 shutout victories, and closed out the year with a run differential of +253.In the semifinal against Rossville the Lady Trojans jumped out to an early lead thanks to a three-run first, but lost all three in the top of the fifth, with the Lady Bulldogs taking their first lead in the sixth.SES battled back with one of their own in the home half but it proved to be too little too late as Rossville advanced to the 3A final, holding on for a 6-4 win.In their third-place game with Haven Southeast found themselves on the other side of a 3-0 lead after one, but responded well to tie the game at three in the top of the second.Unfortunately, those would be the last SES runs of the day as the Lady Wildcats rattled off five unanswered to take home third-place honors in Manhattan.On the winner's side of the bracket, Rossville would win one more game, this time in 2-0 fashion over Santa Fe Trail, to claim a 3A state title in an unexpected 6-5 state championship matchup.The Salina Post would like to thank everyone who followed along with our coverage of Southeast of Saline softball all season long and remind you to stay tuned for more news and updates on the Trojans and Lady Trojans.

Lady Trojans close out campaign with fourth-place finish at state

State baseball and softball tournaments are officially underway across the state of Kansas, and four of our area teams will be competing for a state title in their respective classes.

Below you can find game times and results for Salina South softball, Abilene baseball, Southeast of Saline softball, and Ell-Saline softball.

Thursday, May 25th (quarterfinals) - Salina South SB 2, Basehor-Linwood 1 - SE of Saline SB 1, Burlington 0 - Ell-Saline SB 3, Jayhawk-Linn 2 - Fort Scott BSB 3, Abilene 2

Friday, May 26th - Rossville 6, SE of Saline 4 (SF) - McClouth 10, Ell-Saline 0 (SF) - Valley Center 6, Salina South 0 (SF) - Ell-Saline 5, Leon-Bluestem 4 (3rd-place game) - Haven 8,&nbsp;SE of Saline 3 (3rd-place game) - Shawnee Heights 2, Salina South 0 (3rd-place game)

State baseball and softball tournaments are officially underway across the state of Kansas, and four of our area teams will be competing for a state title in their respective classes.Below you can find game times and results for Salina South softball, Abilene baseball, Southeast of Saline softball, and Ell-Saline softball.Thursday, May 25th (quarterfinals) - Salina South SB 2, Basehor-Linwood 1 - SE of Saline SB 1, Burlington 0 - Ell-Saline SB 3, Jayhawk-Linn 2 - Fort Scott BSB 3, Abilene 2 Friday, May 26th - Rossville 6, SE of Saline 4 (SF) - McClouth 10, Ell-Saline 0 (SF) - Valley Center 6, Salina South 0 (SF) - Ell-Saline 5, Leon-Bluestem 4 (3rd-place game) - Haven 8,&nbsp;SE of Saline 3 (3rd-place game) - Shawnee Heights 2, Salina South 0 (3rd-place game)

State baseball and softball schedule & results

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

With more than 2,000 people already registered for November's Salina Crossroads Marathon, race organizers jokingly posted on their Facebook page earlier this week that race entries were capped at 35,000!

The inaugural race in November 2022 had 817 registered runners from 30 states. Visit Salina, a division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, estimated that the event had a local economic impact of $446,296. Additionally, $25,340 was donated to youth sports in Saline County.

So when organizers started planning for the November 2023 event, they set a registration goal of 1,000. That goal was exceeded in early April.

On Wednesday, race organizers reported that more than 2,100 people had registered for the upcoming Nov. 4 race, which also serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier.

"We are excited to have over 2,100 runners with runners registered from all fifty states, Canada, and Mexico," Co-Race Director Daniel Craig told Salina Post. "This year the start/finish for the Salina Crossroads Marathon will be at the City Light Stage which will allow for additional parking as well as plenty of space for the post-race celebration. We are excited for the start/finish to be at City Light Stage as it will allow for continued growth as we strive to become one of the premier marathons in the Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas region."

Also on Wednesday, race organizers announced that the downtown host hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton, 115 E. Mulberry, was sold out, and provided links to other lodging locations in Salina.

"We have a lot of runners registered for the half marathon and marathon. We hope that as it gets closer to race day that we will get a lot of runners and walkers signing up for the 5K and the new Half Mile Kids Run. We think those races will be a fun way for everyone to come out and be a part of a fun marathon weekend," Craig said.

He also praised the efforts of volunteers for bringing back some runners for a second race.

"We appreciate Sgt. Chad McCary and Brent Buchwald who helped make some great improvements to this year's course. Having a flat and scenic course along with amazing volunteers is one of reasons many runners have mentioned is why they are returning to Salina Crossroads again this year," Craig said.

● Half Marathon-$55 ($65 after October 1st)

● Half Marathon Relay ($30 per team member)

&nbsp; To access the event registration,&nbsp;<a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/71793">click here</a>.

To find out more about the Salina Crossroads Marathon event, click on the links below.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">Salina Crossroads Facebook page</a>

<a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com/">Salina Crossroads website</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668542918555.png" alt="The start of the 2022 Salina Crossroads Marathon on S. Santa Fe Avenue just north of Mulberry Street. The start for the 2023 marathon has been moved a few blocks north near the City Lights Stage at N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street.&nbsp;Photo by Tanner Colvin, race photograher, courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon " />
 <figcaption>The start of the 2022 Salina Crossroads Marathon on S. Santa Fe Avenue just north of Mulberry Street. The start for the 2023 marathon has been moved a few blocks north near the City Lights Stage at N. Santa Fe Avenue and W. Ash Street.&nbsp;Photo by Tanner Colvin, race photograher, courtesy Salina Crossroads Marathon </figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostWith more than 2,000 people already registered for November's Salina Crossroads Marathon, race organizers jokingly posted on their Facebook page earlier this week that race entries were capped at 35,000!The inaugural race in November 2022 had 817 registered runners from 30 states. Visit Salina, a division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, estimated that the event had a local economic impact of $446,296. Additionally, $25,340 was donated to youth sports in Saline County.So when organizers started planning for the November 2023 event, they set a registration goal of 1,000. That goal was exceeded in early April.On Wednesday, race organizers reported that more than 2,100 people had registered for the upcoming Nov. 4 race, which also serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier."We are excited to have over 2,100 runners with runners registered from all fifty states, Canada, and Mexico," Co-Race Director Daniel Craig told Salina Post. "This year the start/finish for the Salina Crossroads Marathon will be at the City Light Stage which will allow for additional parking as well as plenty of space for the post-race celebration. We are excited for the start/finish to be at City Light Stage as it will allow for continued growth as we strive to become one of the premier marathons in the Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas region."Also on Wednesday, race organizers announced that the downtown host hotel, Homewood Suites by Hilton, 115 E. Mulberry, was sold out, and provided links to other lodging locations in Salina."We have a lot of runners registered for the half marathon and marathon. We hope that as it gets closer to race day that we will get a lot of runners and walkers signing up for the 5K and the new Half Mile Kids Run. We think those races will be a fun way for everyone to come out and be a part of a fun marathon weekend," Craig said.He also praised the efforts of volunteers for bringing back some runners for a second race."We appreciate Sgt. Chad McCary and Brent Buchwald who helped make some great improvements to this year's course. Having a flat and scenic course along with amazing volunteers is one of reasons many runners have mentioned is why they are returning to Salina Crossroads again this year," Craig said.<h2>Registration for the 2023 event</h2>Registration fees are as follows.● Marathon-$75 ($85 after October 1st)● Half Marathon-$55 ($65 after October 1st)● 5K Run-$25● 5K Walk-$25● Half Mile Kids Fun Run-$15● Marathon Relay ($25 per team member)● Half Marathon Relay ($30 per team member)&nbsp; To access the event registration,&nbsp;<a href="https://register.chronotrack.com/r/71793">click here</a>.To find out more about the Salina Crossroads Marathon event, click on the links below.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1469896640070189">Salina Crossroads Facebook page</a><a href="https://www.runsalinacrossroads.com/">Salina Crossroads website</a>

Salina Crossroads Marathon surpasses 2,100 registrations

On the heels of a triumphant 48-39 victory over the Sioux City Bandits last week, the Champions Indoor Football League officially announced that two members of the Salina Liberty had been named CIF Players of the Week.

For their roles in the victory, Dontra Matthews was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Tracy Brooks was named Special Teams Player of the Week.

Matthews has haunted enemy airspace all season long, and was back at it again in a battle with the Bandits, rising up to intercept two passes, including one that he returned the length of the field for a huge pick-six at the half.

As for Brooks, on the same day that the former MVP collected his 100th CIF touchdown, the do-everything back also returned five kickoffs for nearly 100 yards, aiding the Liberty in short-distance drives.

Salina will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Gillette for a matchup with the Mustangs.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Liberty football coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Liberty football coverage is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>On the heels of a triumphant 48-39 victory over the Sioux City Bandits last week, the Champions Indoor Football League officially announced that two members of the Salina Liberty had been named CIF Players of the Week.For their roles in the victory, Dontra Matthews was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Tracy Brooks was named Special Teams Player of the Week.Matthews has haunted enemy airspace all season long, and was back at it again in a battle with the Bandits, rising up to intercept two passes, including one that he returned the length of the field for a huge pick-six at the half.As for Brooks, on the same day that the former MVP collected his 100th CIF touchdown, the do-everything back also returned five kickoffs for nearly 100 yards, aiding the Liberty in short-distance drives.Salina will be back in action this Saturday when they travel to Gillette for a matchup with the Mustangs.

Matthews and Brooks named CIF Players of the Week

After a first and eighth-place finish at the Nickerson regional a week ago, the Southeast of Saline track and field teams will gear up to compete at this year's state meet in Wichita.

While the boy's team does enter this year's meet at Cessna Stadium as the two-time defending state champs, a loaded regional has hampered their three-peat bid just a bit, and SES will be somewhat short-staffed when events begin this morning.

All-in-all, five boys and two girls will compete in the purple and white across 11 events, with the boy's team also taking part in the 4x8 and 4x400m relays.

Here is a quick look at who will represent SES and in what events on Friday and Saturday.

Nakari Morrical-Palmer - 200m dash - 400m dash - Triple jump

Elliana Smith - High jump - 100m Hurdles

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES track and field is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES track and field is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>After a first and eighth-place finish at the Nickerson regional a week ago, the Southeast of Saline track and field teams will gear up to compete at this year's state meet in Wichita.While the boy's team does enter this year's meet at Cessna Stadium as the two-time defending state champs, a loaded regional has hampered their three-peat bid just a bit, and SES will be somewhat short-staffed when events begin this morning.All-in-all, five boys and two girls will compete in the purple and white across 11 events, with the boy's team also taking part in the 4x8 and 4x400m relays.Here is a quick look at who will represent SES and in what events on Friday and Saturday.BoysNakari Morrical-Palmer - 200m dash - 400m dash - Triple jumpDamion Jackson - 3200Tate Nurnberg - High jumpJacob Bircher - 800Omar Calzada - 400Team - 4x400m relay - 4x800m relayGirlsAshley Prochazka - 1600 - 3200Elliana Smith - High jump - 100m HurdlesPhoto credit Kyler Boley

Southeast sends seven to state track meet in Wichita

SPRINGFIELD, MO –&nbsp; Noah Mendlinger drilled a bases loaded single in the ninth inning to drive home the game winning run as the Springfield Cardinals delivered a 5-4 come from behind win over the Wind Surge.

The Cardinals scored runs in each of the final four innings of the game to rally and tie the game in the eighth and score the game winning run in the ninth.&nbsp;

Alex Isola drilled a three run, fourth inning home run to give Wichita a 3-1 lead.&nbsp; The Surge added a run in the seventh inning when Will Holland scored on a wild pitch.&nbsp;

The Surge led 4-2 but the Cardinals took advantage of the Wind Surge bullpen.&nbsp; The Surge walked ten hitters in the game with three walks in the eighth inning and another two walks in the ninth.

Andre Granillo earned the win pitching a scoreless ninth.&nbsp; Jordan Brink took the loss and the blown save allowing two runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Brooks Lee and Jake Rucker each had a pair of hits in the game. The Surge dropped to 19-22 and Springfield improves to 19-23.

NOTES: The loss is the second walk-off loss of the season for the Wind Surge.&nbsp; DaShawn Keirsey, Jr, was ejected from the game in the second inning. Anthony Prato seven game hit streak and Patrick Winkle six game hit streak both ended.

UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Friday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start LH Aaron Rozek against Cardinals RH Wilfredo Pereira.

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

Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGFIELD, MO –&nbsp; Noah Mendlinger drilled a bases loaded single in the ninth inning to drive home the game winning run as the Springfield Cardinals delivered a 5-4 come from behind win over the Wind Surge.The Cardinals scored runs in each of the final four innings of the game to rally and tie the game in the eighth and score the game winning run in the ninth.&nbsp;Alex Isola drilled a three run, fourth inning home run to give Wichita a 3-1 lead.&nbsp; The Surge added a run in the seventh inning when Will Holland scored on a wild pitch.&nbsp;The Surge led 4-2 but the Cardinals took advantage of the Wind Surge bullpen.&nbsp; The Surge walked ten hitters in the game with three walks in the eighth inning and another two walks in the ninth.Andre Granillo earned the win pitching a scoreless ninth.&nbsp; Jordan Brink took the loss and the blown save allowing two runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brooks Lee and Jake Rucker each had a pair of hits in the game. The Surge dropped to 19-22 and Springfield improves to 19-23.NOTES: The loss is the second walk-off loss of the season for the Wind Surge.&nbsp; DaShawn Keirsey, Jr, was ejected from the game in the second inning. Anthony Prato seven game hit streak and Patrick Winkle six game hit streak both ended.UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Friday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start LH Aaron Rozek against Cardinals RH Wilfredo Pereira.BROADCAST:&nbsp; Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Surge will host the Drillers all next week, Tuesday-Sunday at Riverfront.

Cardinals get walk-off win over Wichita Wind Surge

In the opening round of this year’s 3A state tournament, the Southeast of Saline softball team found themselves in a pitcher's duel but held on to win a thrilling walk-off over Burlington by a final score of 1-0.

With this win, the Lady Trojans advance to the state semis to take on a Rossville team that obliterated the 3-seed in Columbus 19-7 in the nightcap.

Baserunners came at a premium in this game as the two teams split eight hits, four walks, and a pair of errors perfectly down the middle.

It was an immaculate performance for both Lexi Jacobson, who took to the circle for SES, and Gracie Birk, who did the same for Burlington.

Neither pitcher allowed an earned run through 14 innings of play, with Birk fanning five Lady Trojans, and Jacobson setting down seven Yellowjackets.

With those two in complete control, neither team could scratch across so much as a single run through six and a half innings, but in the bottom of the seventh with one out, Bryna Baird delivered in the clutch, driving in Lexi Jacobson for the first, and only run of the ballgame.

The SES quest for a first-ever 3A state title remains very much alive at 22-2, and will resume on Friday with first pitch against Rossville scheduled for 11 AM on field 1.

For continuing coverage of Lady Trojan softball all postseason long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599179528888.png" alt="Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of SES softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>In the opening round of this year’s 3A state tournament, the Southeast of Saline softball team found themselves in a pitcher's duel but held on to win a thrilling walk-off over Burlington by a final score of 1-0.With this win, the Lady Trojans advance to the state semis to take on a Rossville team that obliterated the 3-seed in Columbus 19-7 in the nightcap.Baserunners came at a premium in this game as the two teams split eight hits, four walks, and a pair of errors perfectly down the middle.It was an immaculate performance for both Lexi Jacobson, who took to the circle for SES, and Gracie Birk, who did the same for Burlington.Neither pitcher allowed an earned run through 14 innings of play, with Birk fanning five Lady Trojans, and Jacobson setting down seven Yellowjackets.With those two in complete control, neither team could scratch across so much as a single run through six and a half innings, but in the bottom of the seventh with one out, Bryna Baird delivered in the clutch, driving in Lexi Jacobson for the first, and only run of the ballgame.The SES quest for a first-ever 3A state title remains very much alive at 22-2, and will resume on Friday with first pitch against Rossville scheduled for 11 AM on field 1.For continuing coverage of Lady Trojan softball all postseason long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Baird walk-off delivers Lady Trojans 1-0 win in another Jacobson gem

MARION, Ind. – Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14367">Cole Parker</a>&nbsp;placed a 12th place finish in the men's javelin on Wednesday at the NAIA Men's Track and Field National Championships at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Parker had a best mark of 58.31m on his second throw of the day, after tossing a 41.44m mark on his first throw, and followed with a 54.88m mark on his third and final throw.

Parker finished just ahead of Evan Olson from Corban (Ore.) in the standings, but trailed Baker's Gage Hiebert who had a mark of 58.61m.

Reinhardt's David Friedberg claimed the national championship in the event with a mark of 65.93m in the finals. Andrew Mitchell of Southern Oregon was second with a 64.93m mark and Jakob Blatkik of Point Park was third with a 62.92m.

Parker will compete again on Friday in the shot put.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685063262826.jpeg" alt="Cole Parker. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Cole Parker. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationMARION, Ind. – Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/10/14367">Cole Parker</a>&nbsp;placed a 12th place finish in the men's javelin on Wednesday at the NAIA Men's Track and Field National Championships at Indiana Wesleyan University.Parker had a best mark of 58.31m on his second throw of the day, after tossing a 41.44m mark on his first throw, and followed with a 54.88m mark on his third and final throw.Parker finished just ahead of Evan Olson from Corban (Ore.) in the standings, but trailed Baker's Gage Hiebert who had a mark of 58.61m.Reinhardt's David Friedberg claimed the national championship in the event with a mark of 65.93m in the finals. Andrew Mitchell of Southern Oregon was second with a 64.93m mark and Jakob Blatkik of Point Park was third with a 62.92m.Parker will compete again on Friday in the shot put.

KWU's Parker finishes 12th in javelin at NAIA nationals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2023 Daktronics NAIA Women's Basketball Scholar-Athletes and Kansas Wesleyan placed six student-athletes on the list.

Those named as NAIA Scholar-Athletes included:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13647">Angel Roman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13625">Caila Hill</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13645">Catherine Bowman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13644">Jada Renner</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13648">Kourtney Kaufman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13646">Megan Foote</a>.

The 2023 list features 873 student-athletes that achieved at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at their institution. Hastings (Neb.) leads the way with 15 honorees. Grand View (Iowa) and Tabor (Kan.) finished close behind with 12 honorees respectively.

In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.

KWU Sports InformationKANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2023 Daktronics NAIA Women's Basketball Scholar-Athletes and Kansas Wesleyan placed six student-athletes on the list.Those named as NAIA Scholar-Athletes included:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13647">Angel Roman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13625">Caila Hill</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13645">Catherine Bowman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13644">Jada Renner</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13648">Kourtney Kaufman</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13646">Megan Foote</a>.The 2023 list features 873 student-athletes that achieved at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at their institution. Hastings (Neb.) leads the way with 15 honorees. Grand View (Iowa) and Tabor (Kan.) finished close behind with 12 honorees respectively.In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.

Coyotes have 6 Daktronics NAIA Women's Basketball Scholar-Athletes

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor drove in three runs and scored four times and TCU blew open a close game with a five-run sixth inning to defeat Kansas 14-4 in eight innings on Thursday in a winners bracket game of the Big 12 Tournament.

Taylor, who had four hits, ripped his 21st home run in the sixth inning and reached 60 RBIs for the season with the two-run shot.

No. 4 seed TCU (35-22) advances to the final round of the upper bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face either No. 8 Kansas or No. 5 Kansas State on Saturday.

Cole Fontenelle tripled to drive in a first-inning run and scored on a throwing error on the play as the Horned Frogs moved out to a 3-1 lead. Kansas kept it close and was within 5-4 heading to the bottom of the sixth inning before TCU broke loose. After an RBI-single by Nunez and a run-scoring groundout by Bowen, Taylor homered to right field. Fontenelle capped the inning by scoring on a fielder's choice. Fontenelle finished with three runs scored and an RBI.

TCU added a run in the seventh and three in the eighth to invoke the run rule.

Luke Savage (3-3) got the win after allowing three hits and one run in 3 1/3 innings of middle relief. Hunter Cranton (3-4) took the loss.

Michael Brooks, Luke Leto, Cole Elvis and Jake English drove in one run each for Kansas (25-31), which will play Kansas State in a loser-out game on Friday. The Wildcats eliminated top-seeded Texas on Thursday.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor drove in three runs and scored four times and TCU blew open a close game with a five-run sixth inning to defeat Kansas 14-4 in eight innings on Thursday in a winners bracket game of the Big 12 Tournament.Taylor, who had four hits, ripped his 21st home run in the sixth inning and reached 60 RBIs for the season with the two-run shot.No. 4 seed TCU (35-22) advances to the final round of the upper bracket of the double-elimination tournament and will face either No. 8 Kansas or No. 5 Kansas State on Saturday.Cole Fontenelle tripled to drive in a first-inning run and scored on a throwing error on the play as the Horned Frogs moved out to a 3-1 lead. Kansas kept it close and was within 5-4 heading to the bottom of the sixth inning before TCU broke loose. After an RBI-single by Nunez and a run-scoring groundout by Bowen, Taylor homered to right field. Fontenelle capped the inning by scoring on a fielder's choice. Fontenelle finished with three runs scored and an RBI.TCU added a run in the seventh and three in the eighth to invoke the run rule.Luke Savage (3-3) got the win after allowing three hits and one run in 3 1/3 innings of middle relief. Hunter Cranton (3-4) took the loss.Michael Brooks, Luke Leto, Cole Elvis and Jake English drove in one run each for Kansas (25-31), which will play Kansas State in a loser-out game on Friday. The Wildcats eliminated top-seeded Texas on Thursday.

Taylor leads way as TCU routs Kansas in Big 12 Tournament

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced its 2023 Daktronics NAIA Men's Basketball Scholar-Athletes, and Kansas Wesleyan placed eight student-athletes on the list.

Those named as NAIA Scholar-Athletes included:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13314">Gabe Phillips</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13282">Trey Duffey</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13289">Jackson Maupin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13283">Aaron King</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13319">Ryan Weber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13302">Jacob Gormley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13298">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13286">Easton Hunter</a>.

The 2023 list features 542 student-athletes that achieved at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at their institution.&nbsp;Oklahoma Wesleyan led the way with 14 honorees while Midland (Neb.) followed just behind with 13.

KWU Sports InformationKANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced its 2023 Daktronics NAIA Men's Basketball Scholar-Athletes, and Kansas Wesleyan placed eight student-athletes on the list.Those named as NAIA Scholar-Athletes included:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13314">Gabe Phillips</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13282">Trey Duffey</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13289">Jackson Maupin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13283">Aaron King</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13319">Ryan Weber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13302">Jacob Gormley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13298">Jun Murdock</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13286">Easton Hunter</a>.In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at said institution.The 2023 list features 542 student-athletes that achieved at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at their institution.&nbsp;Oklahoma Wesleyan led the way with 14 honorees while Midland (Neb.) followed just behind with 13.

KWU has 8 Daktronics NAIA Men's Basketball Scholar-Athletes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/6/14186">Jackson Malone</a>&nbsp;(FR/Frisco, Texas) has been named as an All-American by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Malone was selected to the NAIA Men's Golf All-America third-team for his efforts during the season for the Coyotes in 2022-23, his freshman campaign.

Malone was named the KCAC Men's Golf Player of the Year and to the All-KCAC first-team last month.&nbsp;He finished in the top ten in six of the ten stroke play events he competed in during the year, and took home the individual title at the Central Plains Invitational in September. Malone had a 71.8 scoring average over 23 rounds during the year.&nbsp;

The NAIA Men's Golf All-America teams are selected by the NAIA Men's Golf Coaches' Association All-America Committee. Three teams of&nbsp;15 individuals are named to each to honor a&nbsp;total of 45 student-athletes.

Chris MacDonald from British Columbia was honored as the 2022-23 NAIA Men's Golf National Coach of the Year during the awards ceremony after the final round last Friday. He led his squad to the Red Banner in a come-from-behind victory in the fourth round. This is the second title in program history as well as being the second personal honor for MacDonald - the first being following the 2008 season.&nbsp;

The NAIA Men's Golfer of the Year will be announced on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.naia.org/sports/mgolf/2022-23/Releases/NAIA.org">NAIA.org</a>&nbsp;following the Golf Coaches Association of America naming the 2023 recipients of The Jack Nicklaus Award.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1685040518388.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationKANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/6/14186">Jackson Malone</a>&nbsp;(FR/Frisco, Texas) has been named as an All-American by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).Malone was selected to the NAIA Men's Golf All-America third-team for his efforts during the season for the Coyotes in 2022-23, his freshman campaign.Malone was named the KCAC Men's Golf Player of the Year and to the All-KCAC first-team last month.&nbsp;He finished in the top ten in six of the ten stroke play events he competed in during the year, and took home the individual title at the Central Plains Invitational in September. Malone had a 71.8 scoring average over 23 rounds during the year.&nbsp;The NAIA Men's Golf All-America teams are selected by the NAIA Men's Golf Coaches' Association All-America Committee. Three teams of&nbsp;15 individuals are named to each to honor a&nbsp;total of 45 student-athletes.Chris MacDonald from British Columbia was honored as the 2022-23 NAIA Men's Golf National Coach of the Year during the awards ceremony after the final round last Friday. He led his squad to the Red Banner in a come-from-behind victory in the fourth round. This is the second title in program history as well as being the second personal honor for MacDonald - the first being following the 2008 season.&nbsp;The NAIA Men's Golfer of the Year will be announced on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.naia.org/sports/mgolf/2022-23/Releases/NAIA.org">NAIA.org</a>&nbsp;following the Golf Coaches Association of America naming the 2023 recipients of The Jack Nicklaus Award.

Coyotes' Jackson Malone named NAIA All-American

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ty Ruhl and Tyson Neighbors combined for a two-hitter and Kansas State eliminated top-seeded Texas 6-0 on Thursday in the Big 12 Tournament.

Kansas State (34-23) plays in another elimination game on Friday. Texas (38-20) was the first team eliminated from the tournament.

Dom Hughes went 3 for 4, including an RBI single in the first inning to give Kansas State a 1-0 lead that would hold until a five-run seventh.

Kansas State chased starter Lebarron Johnson after leading off the seventh with a single. The Wildcats scored five runs with the bases loaded — two on walks. Nick Goodwin hit his two-run double off the third Texas pitcher of the inning.

Ruhl (4-4) threw five innings in his start, allowing just one hit. Neighbors picked up his 11th save of the season after striking out eight in four innings.

Texas went 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Dylan Campbell extended his hitting streak to 35 games, tying the Big 12 record.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ty Ruhl and Tyson Neighbors combined for a two-hitter and Kansas State eliminated top-seeded Texas 6-0 on Thursday in the Big 12 Tournament.Kansas State (34-23) plays in another elimination game on Friday. Texas (38-20) was the first team eliminated from the tournament.Dom Hughes went 3 for 4, including an RBI single in the first inning to give Kansas State a 1-0 lead that would hold until a five-run seventh.Kansas State chased starter Lebarron Johnson after leading off the seventh with a single. The Wildcats scored five runs with the bases loaded — two on walks. Nick Goodwin hit his two-run double off the third Texas pitcher of the inning.Ruhl (4-4) threw five innings in his start, allowing just one hit. Neighbors picked up his 11th save of the season after striking out eight in four innings.Texas went 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position. Dylan Campbell extended his hitting streak to 35 games, tying the Big 12 record.

Kansas State pitchers combine for 2-hitter, eliminate Texas

WICHITA –&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and Barnes &amp; Noble College are pleased to announce that eight Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;women's basketball student-athletes have been named 2022-23&nbsp;KCAC Scholar-Athletes.&nbsp;

Barnes &amp; Noble College is the official sponsor of KCAC Scholar-Athlete and Scholar Team awards, and is&nbsp;the official campus bookstore and course material provider of the KCAC.

KWU had the fourth highest total of scholar-athletes.

KWU women's basketball student-athletes earning the award are:

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13645">Catherine Bowman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13644">Jada Renner</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13646">Megan Foote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13648">Kourtney Kaufman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13647">Angel Roman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13625">Caila Hill</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13638">Sydney Leeper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13630">LaMyah Ricks</a>.

Tabor College leads the way in the conference with 17&nbsp;women's basketball student-athletes that earned the scholar-athlete distinction. Bethany College has 13 scholar-athletes, while Sterling College is not far behind with 11 honorees. Kansas Wesleyan had eight honorees.

Friends University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and the University of Saint Mary each have seven scholar-athletes. Bethel College and McPherson College have six honorees each, York University has five, and Avila University has four. Rounding out the list of women's basketball scholar-athletes are Ottawa University (three honorees) and Southwestern College (one).

The All-KCAC&nbsp;Scholar-Athlete&nbsp;Academic Award recognizes excellence in the classroom by KCAC member student-athletes&nbsp;who:

●are sophomores or above in academic standing at the beginning of the semester in which they compete.

●carry a minimum 3.250 cumulative GPA at the beginning of the semester in which they compete.

●student-athletes&nbsp;must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at the KCAC institution to be eligible.

KWU Sports InformationWICHITA –&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and Barnes &amp; Noble College are pleased to announce that eight Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;women's basketball student-athletes have been named 2022-23&nbsp;KCAC Scholar-Athletes.&nbsp;Barnes &amp; Noble College is the official sponsor of KCAC Scholar-Athlete and Scholar Team awards, and is&nbsp;the official campus bookstore and course material provider of the KCAC.KWU had the fourth highest total of scholar-athletes.KWU women's basketball student-athletes earning the award are:<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13645">Catherine Bowman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13644">Jada Renner</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13646">Megan Foote</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13648">Kourtney Kaufman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13647">Angel Roman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13625">Caila Hill</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13638">Sydney Leeper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/2/13630">LaMyah Ricks</a>.Tabor College leads the way in the conference with 17&nbsp;women's basketball student-athletes that earned the scholar-athlete distinction. Bethany College has 13 scholar-athletes, while Sterling College is not far behind with 11 honorees. Kansas Wesleyan had eight honorees.Friends University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and the University of Saint Mary each have seven scholar-athletes. Bethel College and McPherson College have six honorees each, York University has five, and Avila University has four. Rounding out the list of women's basketball scholar-athletes are Ottawa University (three honorees) and Southwestern College (one).The All-KCAC&nbsp;Scholar-Athlete&nbsp;Academic Award recognizes excellence in the classroom by KCAC member student-athletes&nbsp;who:●are sophomores or above in academic standing at the beginning of the semester in which they compete.●carry a minimum 3.250 cumulative GPA at the beginning of the semester in which they compete.●student-athletes&nbsp;must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at the KCAC institution to be eligible.

KWU women's basketball has 8 KCAC scholar-athletes

SPRINGFIELD, MO - Brooks Lee and Yoyner Fajardo both earned three RBIs and pushed the Wichita Wind Surge to a dominant 13-1 victory over the Springfield Cardinals. All but one player recorded at least one hit in the game.

It was a scoreless ballgame until the top of the third inning. Anthony Prato changed that when he hit a solo home run out past the left field wall. Yoyner Fajardo got his first RBI of the night when he hit a line drive to center field. To top it all off Brooks Lee rocketed a ball past the left field wall for two run home run and gave the Surge the lead.

Fajardo got his second RBI in the top of the fourth inning with a line drive to right field.&nbsp;

The Cardinals were able to get on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning when Chandler Redmond picked up an RBI.

The Surge added another five runs in the top of the seventh. Yunior Severino wrapped a ball straight down the left field foul line that drove in two runs. Jake Rucker was able to take advantage of a passed ball and scored. DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. hit a double and earned two RBIs on the play. Patrick Winkel hit a line drive to right field that would score another run for the Surge.

Wichita was not done, as they decided to pile on more runs in the top of the eighth. Fajardo earned his third and final RBI of the day. Lee ripped a line drive to right field that earned him an RBI.

The Cardinal’s Nick Dunn was their standout offensive player as he was able to record four hits in the game.

Blayne Enlow pitched six innings allowed one run on six hits and earned his second consecutive win.&nbsp; The Surge improved to 19-21 and Springfield dropped to 18-23.

NOTES: Enlow dealt another quality start, his third of the season.&nbsp; The 18 hits in the game matches a season high.&nbsp; The 12 run win is the largest win of the season for Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH David Festa against Cardinals RH Brandon Komar.

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

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

Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGFIELD, MO - Brooks Lee and Yoyner Fajardo both earned three RBIs and pushed the Wichita Wind Surge to a dominant 13-1 victory over the Springfield Cardinals. All but one player recorded at least one hit in the game.It was a scoreless ballgame until the top of the third inning. Anthony Prato changed that when he hit a solo home run out past the left field wall. Yoyner Fajardo got his first RBI of the night when he hit a line drive to center field. To top it all off Brooks Lee rocketed a ball past the left field wall for two run home run and gave the Surge the lead.Fajardo got his second RBI in the top of the fourth inning with a line drive to right field.&nbsp;The Cardinals were able to get on the board in the bottom of the sixth inning when Chandler Redmond picked up an RBI.The Surge added another five runs in the top of the seventh. Yunior Severino wrapped a ball straight down the left field foul line that drove in two runs. Jake Rucker was able to take advantage of a passed ball and scored. DaShawn Keirsey, Jr. hit a double and earned two RBIs on the play. Patrick Winkel hit a line drive to right field that would score another run for the Surge.Wichita was not done, as they decided to pile on more runs in the top of the eighth. Fajardo earned his third and final RBI of the day. Lee ripped a line drive to right field that earned him an RBI.The Cardinal’s Nick Dunn was their standout offensive player as he was able to record four hits in the game.Blayne Enlow pitched six innings allowed one run on six hits and earned his second consecutive win.&nbsp; The Surge improved to 19-21 and Springfield dropped to 18-23.NOTES: Enlow dealt another quality start, his third of the season.&nbsp; The 18 hits in the game matches a season high.&nbsp; The 12 run win is the largest win of the season for Wichita.&nbsp; &nbsp;UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH David Festa against Cardinals RH Brandon Komar.BROADCAST:&nbsp;Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1" target="_blank">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Ballys Live app.&nbsp;&nbsp;NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday vs. Tulsa Drillers. The Surge will offer $1 hot dogs and Dillons Two for Tuesday, buy one ticket and get a free ticket with your Dillons Shoppers Card or App.&nbsp;

Wind Surge thumps Cardinals, 13-1

WICHITA –&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and Barnes &amp; Noble College are pleased to announce that 12 Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;men's basketball student-athletes have been named 2022-23&nbsp;KCAC Scholar-Athletes.&nbsp;

Kansas Wesleyan had the second highest total of men's basketball student-athletes named as KCAC Scholar-Athletes.

KWU men's basketball student-athletes earning the award are:

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13282">Trey Duffey</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13289">Jackson Maupin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13283">Aaron King</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13319">Ryan Weber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13302">Jacob Gormley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13298">Jun Murdock</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13286">Easton Hunter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13314">Gabe Phillips</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13293">Jaylen Peterson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13303">Izaiah Hale</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13313">Austin Peterson</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13291">Jae Moreland</a>.

Oklahoma Wesleyan University led the conference&nbsp;with 13 student-athletes earning the scholar-athlete distinction. Kansas Wesleyan was second with 12.

Tabor College has nine honorees, followed by Southwestern College and Bethany College, which each have eight. Ottawa University has five scholar-athletes, while Friends University, York University, and Sterling College each have four. Rounding out the list of honorees is the University of Saint Mary, McPherson College, and Avila University, each with three, and Bethel College with two.

KWU Sports InformationWICHITA –&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and Barnes &amp; Noble College are pleased to announce that 12 Kansas Wesleyan&nbsp;men's basketball student-athletes have been named 2022-23&nbsp;KCAC Scholar-Athletes.&nbsp;Barnes &amp; Noble College is the official sponsor of KCAC Scholar-Athlete and Scholar Team awards, and is&nbsp;the official campus bookstore and course material provider of the KCAC.Kansas Wesleyan had the second highest total of men's basketball student-athletes named as KCAC Scholar-Athletes.KWU men's basketball student-athletes earning the award are:<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13282">Trey Duffey</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13289">Jackson Maupin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13283">Aaron King</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13319">Ryan Weber</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13302">Jacob Gormley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13298">Jun Murdock</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13286">Easton Hunter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13314">Gabe Phillips</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13293">Jaylen Peterson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13303">Izaiah Hale</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13313">Austin Peterson</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/1/13291">Jae Moreland</a>.Oklahoma Wesleyan University led the conference&nbsp;with 13 student-athletes earning the scholar-athlete distinction. Kansas Wesleyan was second with 12.Tabor College has nine honorees, followed by Southwestern College and Bethany College, which each have eight. Ottawa University has five scholar-athletes, while Friends University, York University, and Sterling College each have four. Rounding out the list of honorees is the University of Saint Mary, McPherson College, and Avila University, each with three, and Bethel College with two.The All-KCAC&nbsp;Scholar-Athlete&nbsp;Academic Award recognizes excellence in the classroom by KCAC member student-athletes&nbsp;who:●are sophomores or above in academic standing at the beginning of the semester in which they compete.●carry a minimum 3.250 cumulative GPA at the beginning of the semester in which they compete.●student-athletes&nbsp;must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at the KCAC institution to be eligible.