CONCORDIA - A day after being named first-team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference West Division selections, Cloud County Community College baseball players&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/dcfd81c8-4e22-4e1a-aa51-5493ef56a6af?elinkdata=51788" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/64c459a4-b03a-4eb8-b3d3-e1e53908c5fc?elinkdata=51788" target="_blank">Mason McConnaughey</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c736c833-e37b-443b-b57a-554e1f72c183?elinkdata=51788" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;all added to their postseason awards list by being named second-team All-NJCAA Region VI Baseball selections. The 24-player All-Region VI teams are comprised of first-team All-KJCCC West and All-KJCCC East selections, with 12 players making up first-team All-NJCAA Region VI and the remaining 12 making up second-team honorees. Among the 24 picks for All-Region VI honors are representatives from 12 different KJCCC institutions, with Cloud County having tied for the second-most All-Region VI selections (three) of all 12 schools with at least one player named All-Region VI behind only Seward County who had five players named All-Region VI. Having a breakout freshman campaign, Shakotko would lead Cloud County in batting average by hitting .413 with 59 total hits and 22 of his hits going for extra-bases. Driving in 39 runs, Shakotko would finish the year with a .506 on-base percentage while hitting .480 in KJCCC play in addition to earning KJCCC West Division Player of the Week (May 2), and NJCAA Division I Baseball Player of the Week (May 3) honors after hitting .765 with eight RBI and four extra-base hits in a T-Bird series victory over Colby. Finishing among the KJCCC leaders in strikeouts, McConnaughey would put together a strong season on the mound for CCCC by making 16 appearances with 13 starts and throwing a team-high 68.1 innings. The Topeka, Kansas native would Cloud County in pitching victories (8) and strikeouts (93) while going 8-4 overall with five of his pitching decisions coming in conference play. McConnaughey would record a season-high 10 strikeouts in three different contests, while also throwing a complete-game shutout against Garden City while limiting the Broncbusters to just two hits. A shutdown reliever out of the bullpen, Askew would lead Cloud County in appearances (23) and earned run average (2.97) after throwing 33.1 innings and striking out 43 batters. Converting six save opportunities to finish fourth among all KJCCC players in saves, Askew would limit opponents to a .190 batting average against and lower his ERA in conference play to 1.69. For his career, Askew would make 37 total apppearances on the mound finishing just one shy of tying the career record at CCCC which was set by David Johns (2016-17).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County Sports InformationCONCORDIA - A day after being named first-team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference West Division selections, Cloud County Community College baseball players&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/dcfd81c8-4e22-4e1a-aa51-5493ef56a6af?elinkdata=51788" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/64c459a4-b03a-4eb8-b3d3-e1e53908c5fc?elinkdata=51788" target="_blank">Mason McConnaughey</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/c736c833-e37b-443b-b57a-554e1f72c183?elinkdata=51788" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;all added to their postseason awards list by being named second-team All-NJCAA Region VI Baseball selections. The 24-player All-Region VI teams are comprised of first-team All-KJCCC West and All-KJCCC East selections, with 12 players making up first-team All-NJCAA Region VI and the remaining 12 making up second-team honorees. Among the 24 picks for All-Region VI honors are representatives from 12 different KJCCC institutions, with Cloud County having tied for the second-most All-Region VI selections (three) of all 12 schools with at least one player named All-Region VI behind only Seward County who had five players named All-Region VI. Having a breakout freshman campaign, Shakotko would lead Cloud County in batting average by hitting .413 with 59 total hits and 22 of his hits going for extra-bases. Driving in 39 runs, Shakotko would finish the year with a .506 on-base percentage while hitting .480 in KJCCC play in addition to earning KJCCC West Division Player of the Week (May 2), and NJCAA Division I Baseball Player of the Week (May 3) honors after hitting .765 with eight RBI and four extra-base hits in a T-Bird series victory over Colby. Finishing among the KJCCC leaders in strikeouts, McConnaughey would put together a strong season on the mound for CCCC by making 16 appearances with 13 starts and throwing a team-high 68.1 innings. The Topeka, Kansas native would Cloud County in pitching victories (8) and strikeouts (93) while going 8-4 overall with five of his pitching decisions coming in conference play. McConnaughey would record a season-high 10 strikeouts in three different contests, while also throwing a complete-game shutout against Garden City while limiting the Broncbusters to just two hits. A shutdown reliever out of the bullpen, Askew would lead Cloud County in appearances (23) and earned run average (2.97) after throwing 33.1 innings and striking out 43 batters. Converting six save opportunities to finish fourth among all KJCCC players in saves, Askew would limit opponents to a .190 batting average against and lower his ERA in conference play to 1.69. For his career, Askew would make 37 total apppearances on the mound finishing just one shy of tying the career record at CCCC which was set by David Johns (2016-17).&nbsp;&nbsp;

T-Bird baseball trio earns All-NJCAA Region VI honor

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams placed 40 student-athletes on the 2023 MIAA Outdoor Track and Field Academic Honor Roll, released Wednesday. 

The Tiger women placed 21 on the list, while 19 student-athletes from the men's team were recognized. Eleven individuals received additional honors, including eight Scholar-Athlete Award winners and three MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipients. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/56d38819-f827-48fb-be22-0efa7737f915?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/522b1035-3b89-423f-aca1-637c169eb750?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/05dbd0aa-55f7-4d92-b0ec-05a752a6b9fa?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/695646e1-9298-4841-acf7-6cc9493a7c67?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/94dd1ec7-6371-451f-9917-bae06f8baca3?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/909f6a26-a276-4d21-8b78-e368f26de22b?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/346c6ffb-894f-4288-ac80-2331b2254607?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ca611c36-089b-45fd-a14c-f96e675a3f5c?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;all earned the Scholar-Athlete Award for earning All-MIAA status while maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or better. It is the seventh-such honor for Lang, the fifth for Albright, Rossi and Stanley, the third for Berens and Savolt, the second for Salmans and the first for Holman. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f56d0ecc-0173-4dd8-ac7f-8801133d540a?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Kinley Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/caf3321f-70dd-49d0-8d89-93bf13d6075e?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/fafea151-bd9c-42dd-93f8-2cb3df66d69b?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Blake Harnden</a>&nbsp;all earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award due to their 4.00 cumulative GPA. This is the ninth time Wiebe has earned the award and the third for both Brown and Harnden. Others on the Academic Honor Roll from the women's squad include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d5b22127-a44e-415f-bc8d-aea5014ad972?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/815bc55f-a83d-4437-a320-1d4b07b06024?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jasey Downing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b8e6bd7b-f38b-48e7-a6fa-ec90601f322e?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ellie Dusselier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f6ee9660-034d-4ab3-9fd4-28f2f552c655?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Darian Hudgeons</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/6a46ef8d-c2e1-4bc8-9116-a15c7d341f20?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Taylor Linn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/dbdffba7-82df-469d-a459-53d6841d878d?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Faith Little</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/57bb8afb-610b-405e-8eae-9b2e614da3d8?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hattie Lukert</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/3ee25971-e4bc-41c9-9be6-c3c8ea788d88?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Tori Poe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bf4b7f9b-5900-4653-955d-b0755ef0a933?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Alexus Rigg</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/7b6f0347-111c-47cd-bc15-3b006f750aa3?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jessica Saunders</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ccf52513-db5a-4e10-8a84-dd493a5fb704?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Maleigha Schmidt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1cc7fa0c-cc42-4998-a382-d8071e1f7190?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Chloe Stanley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5485e36b-3193-42e0-8a1c-7eac910d2a80?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/aac13604-1396-4b4c-9d8e-2701157baa86?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hadley Williams</a>. Student-athletes from the men's team listed on the Academic Honor Roll include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9ba7745b-ea31-4f4e-87c0-9b9e40759137?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Grant Bradley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d1095ea9-2c0f-4f80-a30a-8c3ccebd5d3b?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Gavin Brady</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b711002b-17b6-48d3-9efe-5f063c4f7f5d?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Garron Champoux</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/27c83744-cf91-4403-b241-7302247f8c6c?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Javyn Contreras</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9d1ff8c1-d2bf-48e0-a981-60b13ba0bac7?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ethan Emmons</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0ad22c00-8d18-45c5-8855-0cb3221c26d1?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jama Gleue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b939ffa6-4c3b-4f5e-b579-af454999ade4?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Carter Jones</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0e603180-834d-45f3-8dae-1874405dae19?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5ff496d4-78c0-4158-81e7-0a6548eea0ff?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a84f830a-2021-48e8-b2dd-9ead81c0e2e4?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/c88cac4b-d0ae-4b2e-964e-33aa942a96f7?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Isaac Radke</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9903973f-5762-492e-ab77-9a75b6173c36?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/2ac72027-e430-4c38-b107-e8201f4941d8?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ethan Salmans</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/af79ecac-e1cd-4411-9993-93c3728f8f72?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Matthew Schrag</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d4c3ab5c-881b-43f7-a153-8c4419d05a52?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Kaden Wren</a>. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. First-year student-athletes, including transfers and true freshmen, will be recognized at the conclusion of the school year when they meet the two terms of attendance requirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Fort Hays State track and field teams placed 40 student-athletes on the 2023 MIAA Outdoor Track and Field Academic Honor Roll, released Wednesday. The Tiger women placed 21 on the list, while 19 student-athletes from the men's team were recognized. Eleven individuals received additional honors, including eight Scholar-Athlete Award winners and three MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipients. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/56d38819-f827-48fb-be22-0efa7737f915?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Addie Berens</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/522b1035-3b89-423f-aca1-637c169eb750?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Lyric Holman</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/05dbd0aa-55f7-4d92-b0ec-05a752a6b9fa?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Mattie Rossi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/695646e1-9298-4841-acf7-6cc9493a7c67?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Taylor Savolt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/94dd1ec7-6371-451f-9917-bae06f8baca3?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Emily Salmans</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/909f6a26-a276-4d21-8b78-e368f26de22b?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hayden Albright</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/346c6ffb-894f-4288-ac80-2331b2254607?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ca611c36-089b-45fd-a14c-f96e675a3f5c?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>&nbsp;all earned the Scholar-Athlete Award for earning All-MIAA status while maintaining a GPA of 3.50 or better. It is the seventh-such honor for Lang, the fifth for Albright, Rossi and Stanley, the third for Berens and Savolt, the second for Salmans and the first for Holman. <a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f56d0ecc-0173-4dd8-ac7f-8801133d540a?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Kinley Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/caf3321f-70dd-49d0-8d89-93bf13d6075e?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/fafea151-bd9c-42dd-93f8-2cb3df66d69b?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Blake Harnden</a>&nbsp;all earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award due to their 4.00 cumulative GPA. This is the ninth time Wiebe has earned the award and the third for both Brown and Harnden. Others on the Academic Honor Roll from the women's squad include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d5b22127-a44e-415f-bc8d-aea5014ad972?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Rhyann Brown</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/815bc55f-a83d-4437-a320-1d4b07b06024?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jasey Downing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b8e6bd7b-f38b-48e7-a6fa-ec90601f322e?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ellie Dusselier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/f6ee9660-034d-4ab3-9fd4-28f2f552c655?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Darian Hudgeons</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/6a46ef8d-c2e1-4bc8-9116-a15c7d341f20?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Taylor Linn</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/dbdffba7-82df-469d-a459-53d6841d878d?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Faith Little</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/57bb8afb-610b-405e-8eae-9b2e614da3d8?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hattie Lukert</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/3ee25971-e4bc-41c9-9be6-c3c8ea788d88?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Tori Poe</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/bf4b7f9b-5900-4653-955d-b0755ef0a933?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Alexus Rigg</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/7b6f0347-111c-47cd-bc15-3b006f750aa3?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jessica Saunders</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/ccf52513-db5a-4e10-8a84-dd493a5fb704?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Maleigha Schmidt</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/1cc7fa0c-cc42-4998-a382-d8071e1f7190?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Chloe Stanley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5485e36b-3193-42e0-8a1c-7eac910d2a80?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jaycee Vath</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/aac13604-1396-4b4c-9d8e-2701157baa86?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Hadley Williams</a>. Student-athletes from the men's team listed on the Academic Honor Roll include&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9ba7745b-ea31-4f4e-87c0-9b9e40759137?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Grant Bradley</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d1095ea9-2c0f-4f80-a30a-8c3ccebd5d3b?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Gavin Brady</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b711002b-17b6-48d3-9efe-5f063c4f7f5d?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Garron Champoux</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/27c83744-cf91-4403-b241-7302247f8c6c?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Javyn Contreras</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9d1ff8c1-d2bf-48e0-a981-60b13ba0bac7?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ethan Emmons</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0ad22c00-8d18-45c5-8855-0cb3221c26d1?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jama Gleue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/b939ffa6-4c3b-4f5e-b579-af454999ade4?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Carter Jones</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0e603180-834d-45f3-8dae-1874405dae19?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Trever Medina</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/5ff496d4-78c0-4158-81e7-0a6548eea0ff?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Kolgan Ohl</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/a84f830a-2021-48e8-b2dd-9ead81c0e2e4?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Jaret Pfizenmaier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/c88cac4b-d0ae-4b2e-964e-33aa942a96f7?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Isaac Radke</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9903973f-5762-492e-ab77-9a75b6173c36?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Xavier Robinson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/2ac72027-e430-4c38-b107-e8201f4941d8?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Ethan Salmans</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/af79ecac-e1cd-4411-9993-93c3728f8f72?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Matthew Schrag</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d4c3ab5c-881b-43f7-a153-8c4419d05a52?elinkdata=211517" target="_blank">Kaden Wren</a>. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 4.00 or better at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. They must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The student-athlete must also earn All-MIAA honors during the current season. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. First-year student-athletes, including transfers and true freshmen, will be recognized at the conclusion of the school year when they meet the two terms of attendance requirement.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tiger T&F has 40 on Outdoor MIAA Academic Honor Roll

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor hit his 44th career home run to tie the program record, Karson Bowen went 4 for 4 with two RBIs and TCU routed Kansas State 16-3 in seven innings on Wednesday to begin the Big 12 Tournament.

Taylor opened the scoring with a three-run homer as TCU batted around in a five-run first inning. Taylor added an RBI double in the second and a two-run double in the fourth to make it 16-2.

Fourth-seeded TCU (34-22), which closed out the regular season with a 2-1 series win at Kansas State, advances to the winners' bracket on Thursday while Kansas State (33-23), the No. 5 seed, plays in a consolation game.

TCU starter Cam Brown (4-2) struck out four in 3 1/3 innings of work before three walks and a hit batter gifted Kansas State its first run of the game. Jax Traeger took over and worked out of a jam, leaving the bases loaded.

TCU answered in the bottom of the fourth with six runs and Traeger struck out three in the sixth.

Owen Boerema (7-2) allowed eight earned runs in an inning of work for Kansas State.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Brayden Taylor hit his 44th career home run to tie the program record, Karson Bowen went 4 for 4 with two RBIs and TCU routed Kansas State 16-3 in seven innings on Wednesday to begin the Big 12 Tournament.Taylor opened the scoring with a three-run homer as TCU batted around in a five-run first inning. Taylor added an RBI double in the second and a two-run double in the fourth to make it 16-2.Fourth-seeded TCU (34-22), which closed out the regular season with a 2-1 series win at Kansas State, advances to the winners' bracket on Thursday while Kansas State (33-23), the No. 5 seed, plays in a consolation game.TCU starter Cam Brown (4-2) struck out four in 3 1/3 innings of work before three walks and a hit batter gifted Kansas State its first run of the game. Jax Traeger took over and worked out of a jam, leaving the bases loaded.TCU answered in the bottom of the fourth with six runs and Traeger struck out three in the sixth.Owen Boerema (7-2) allowed eight earned runs in an inning of work for Kansas State.

Taylor hits 44th career homer; TCU routs Kansas State 16-3

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. has announced he will return to Kansas for the 2023-24 season. Following the 2022-23 season, McCullar declared for the NBA Draft and participated in the recent NBA Combine, however he has elected to return to Kansas for his final year of eligibility. “How about one more year Jayhawk nation,” McCullar said. “To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog. Rock Chalk! Let’s do it!” McCullar (6-foot-6, 210 pounds) was a redshirt senior at Kansas in 2022-23 after transferring from Texas Tech. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, the San Antonio guard is a two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist in 2021-22 and 2022-23. “Kevin went through the pre-draft process, which is designed to do exactly what it did,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Even though he has improved his status as an NBA prospect, there is still work to be done and he has informed us that he is going to return to Kansas for his last year of college.” This past season at Kansas, McCullar started 33 of 34 games played, averaged 10.7 points per game and was fourth in the Big 12 with a 7.0 rebound average. McCullar finished fourth in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally with 2.0 steals per game, while often guarding the opponents’ best scorer. He was the only player in the league to rank in the top five of the Big 12 in rebound and steal average. Additionally, McCullar’s seven double-doubles were third in the Big 12. “This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Self said. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.” A three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, McCullar has played in 112 career games with 82 all-time starts. He has amassed 1,040 points, 589 rebounds, 231 assists and 178 steals for his career. Additionally, McCullar earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Kansas in May 2023. “Kevin is not only a terrific player, but a terrific teammate,” Self said. “He fit in so well in year one and we’re excited about what he’ll do with our program from a leadership standpoint.” KEVIN MCCULLAR JR. CAREER HONORS (2023 at Kansas) All Big 12 Third Team [2023] Big 12 All-Defensive Team [2023] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2023] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2022] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2022] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2022] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2020]&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684939774797.jpeg" alt="Kevin McCullar Jr. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Kevin McCullar Jr. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE –&nbsp;Kevin McCullar Jr. has announced he will return to Kansas for the 2023-24 season. Following the 2022-23 season, McCullar declared for the NBA Draft and participated in the recent NBA Combine, however he has elected to return to Kansas for his final year of eligibility. “How about one more year Jayhawk nation,” McCullar said. “To be able to play in front of the best fans in the country; to play for the best coach in the nation, I truly believe we have the pieces to hang another banner in the Phog. Rock Chalk! Let’s do it!” McCullar (6-foot-6, 210 pounds) was a redshirt senior at Kansas in 2022-23 after transferring from Texas Tech. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, the San Antonio guard is a two-time Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist in 2021-22 and 2022-23. “Kevin went through the pre-draft process, which is designed to do exactly what it did,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “Even though he has improved his status as an NBA prospect, there is still work to be done and he has informed us that he is going to return to Kansas for his last year of college.” This past season at Kansas, McCullar started 33 of 34 games played, averaged 10.7 points per game and was fourth in the Big 12 with a 7.0 rebound average. McCullar finished fourth in the Big 12 and 33rd nationally with 2.0 steals per game, while often guarding the opponents’ best scorer. He was the only player in the league to rank in the top five of the Big 12 in rebound and steal average. Additionally, McCullar’s seven double-doubles were third in the Big 12. “This is a big day for Kansas basketball,” Self said. “We’ve had a lot of good things happen through recruiting this offseason, but nothing that has transpired this offseason was bigger for KU basketball than having a seasoned veteran like Kevin McCullar return to our program.” A three-time Academic All-Big 12 selection, McCullar has played in 112 career games with 82 all-time starts. He has amassed 1,040 points, 589 rebounds, 231 assists and 178 steals for his career. Additionally, McCullar earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Kansas in May 2023. “Kevin is not only a terrific player, but a terrific teammate,” Self said. “He fit in so well in year one and we’re excited about what he’ll do with our program from a leadership standpoint.” KEVIN MCCULLAR JR. CAREER HONORS (2023 at Kansas) All Big 12 Third Team [2023] Big 12 All-Defensive Team [2023] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2023] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2022] Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist [2022] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2022] All-Big 12 Honorable Mention [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2021] Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2020]&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kevin McCullar Jr. to return to KU for the 2023-24 season

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

After punching their first-ever ticket to the 4A state tournament in 2022, the Abilene baseball team wasted no time at all securing a return trip, and will enter this year’s bracket as the 5-seed.

At 15-7, this year’s Cowboys have been eager to return to Salina since day one, as the program continues to soar to new heights.

“Going to state is the new expectation,” Abilene head coach Travis Bartley said. “We got there last year and we expected to get back here this year. The guys have all the confidence in the world and we want to make a deep run.”

While this year’s team has been led by several veteran returners from last year’s breakout squad, the 2023 rendition of the Cowboys is exceptionally young, with two sophomores and three freshmen in the starting lineup.

Thanks in part to that youth movement, Abilene got off to a bit of a lackadaisical start at 7-6, but after dropping a 1-0 pitcher's duel in Concordia something big clicked, and the Cowboys have won eight of nine ever since.

“We had some growing pains in the middle of the year but once we figured things out we could see things really start to come together,” Bartley said. “Going into regionals we had all the confidence in the world and a lot of our guys had been in those kinds of situations before.”

That confidence culminated in two tight wins at regionals last week, both of the 4-3 variety over Wellington and Circle, the latter of which saw the Cowboys walk things off on a suicide squeeze executed to perfection.

Now, Abilene will take their talents back to Salina, where a loaded field and a first-round matchup with 16-6 Fort Scott awaits them.

From top to bottom, this is a Cowboy team with the talent to make a deep run, perhaps best exemplified in a narrow 9-8 loss in extras with this year’s 1-seed in Clay Center earlier this year.

“We’ve had some really good kids come through here but I knew especially on the infield that we had one of the most talented groups as a whole that we’ve ever had here at Abilene,” he said. “We have 3-4 guys that we have a lot of confidence in on the mound and we’re pretty dang good 1-9.”

If that rotation can keep the ball in the zone, Abilene will buy its bats an opportunity to take the team where no Cowboy squad has ever gone before, and could even earn a rematch with a Clay Center team that sits on their side of the bracket.

“It’s cliche but our pitchers have to throw strikes to give us a chance, it’s as simple as that,” Bartley said. We have all the confidence in the world in our guys on the hill to get the job done and we trust in our defense behind them. If we can continue to do those two things we should be in every game and hopefully we can see our offense break out.”&nbsp;

First pitch between the Cowboys and Tigers is scheduled for 5:45 at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina this Thursday.

For continuing coverage of Abilene baseball 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 Abilene baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Abilene baseball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>After punching their first-ever ticket to the 4A state tournament in 2022, the Abilene baseball team wasted no time at all securing a return trip, and will enter this year’s bracket as the 5-seed.At 15-7, this year’s Cowboys have been eager to return to Salina since day one, as the program continues to soar to new heights.“Going to state is the new expectation,” Abilene head coach Travis Bartley said. “We got there last year and we expected to get back here this year. The guys have all the confidence in the world and we want to make a deep run.”While this year’s team has been led by several veteran returners from last year’s breakout squad, the 2023 rendition of the Cowboys is exceptionally young, with two sophomores and three freshmen in the starting lineup.Thanks in part to that youth movement, Abilene got off to a bit of a lackadaisical start at 7-6, but after dropping a 1-0 pitcher's duel in Concordia something big clicked, and the Cowboys have won eight of nine ever since.“We had some growing pains in the middle of the year but once we figured things out we could see things really start to come together,” Bartley said. “Going into regionals we had all the confidence in the world and a lot of our guys had been in those kinds of situations before.”That confidence culminated in two tight wins at regionals last week, both of the 4-3 variety over Wellington and Circle, the latter of which saw the Cowboys walk things off on a suicide squeeze executed to perfection.Now, Abilene will take their talents back to Salina, where a loaded field and a first-round matchup with 16-6 Fort Scott awaits them.From top to bottom, this is a Cowboy team with the talent to make a deep run, perhaps best exemplified in a narrow 9-8 loss in extras with this year’s 1-seed in Clay Center earlier this year.“We’ve had some really good kids come through here but I knew especially on the infield that we had one of the most talented groups as a whole that we’ve ever had here at Abilene,” he said. “We have 3-4 guys that we have a lot of confidence in on the mound and we’re pretty dang good 1-9.”If that rotation can keep the ball in the zone, Abilene will buy its bats an opportunity to take the team where no Cowboy squad has ever gone before, and could even earn a rematch with a Clay Center team that sits on their side of the bracket.“It’s cliche but our pitchers have to throw strikes to give us a chance, it’s as simple as that,” Bartley said. We have all the confidence in the world in our guys on the hill to get the job done and we trust in our defense behind them. If we can continue to do those two things we should be in every game and hopefully we can see our offense break out.”&nbsp;First pitch between the Cowboys and Tigers is scheduled for 5:45 at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina this Thursday.For continuing coverage of Abilene baseball all postseason long stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Cowboys look to ride deep into 4A tournament in return trip to state

After a perfect 23-0 season met its end at the 1-2A state tournament last season, the Ell-Saline softball team wasted no time punching a ticket for a return trip, and will enter this year’s bracket in Pratt as the 4-seed.

The Lady Cardinals have decimated their opponents this year, scoring double digits in 16 of their 21 games, culminating in a wild run differential of +161.

“Our strength this year is in our bats,” Ell-Saline head coach Kris Bell said. “We have a couple of power bats but we also have some girls who can lay down bunts so between small-ball and swinging it we have a lot of versatility.”

Those electric performances at the plate have allowed the Lady Cards to plate 270 runs this season, and were called upon once more at regionals last week as Ell-Saline sat down Little River, Bennington, and Hays TMP to secure their spot in Pratt.

With plenty of run support, the Cardinals have turned to star pitcher Gabby Norris in the circle, and Norris has delivered, keeping opposing lineups off-balance all season long.

“Gabby has really stepped up for us,” Bell said. “She didn’t pitch any varsity ball with our staff filled out last year but she’s taken on that role and been great this year.”

Now, the Lady Cardinals can turn all of their attention to state and to a first-round matchup with 16-3 Jayhawk-Linn as Ell-Saline looks to further improve upon a fourth-place finish at last year’s tournament.

“I’d like to see the girls walk out of there in the top four,” she said. “We would love to walk out as number one, we’ve got the talent and if they keep the same mindset they had at regionals they have the potential to really challenge the top teams.”

In order to make that kind of postseason run, the Lady Cards must avoid getting too eager at the dish, something they have done a much better job of as the campaign has progressed. “We have to be patient at the plate,” Bell said. “That’s something we struggled with early but have gotten better at as the season has gone on. We need to see pitches for what they are and not chase. Defensively we also have to make sure we clean up our errors.”

First pitch between the Lady Cardinals and Jayhawks is set for 7:00 on Field A at the Pratt-Green Sports Complex on Thursday, May 25th.

For continuing coverage of Ell-Saline softball all season 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="Salina Ortho logo.png" />
 <figcaption>Salina Ortho logo.png</figcaption>
 </figure>After a perfect 23-0 season met its end at the 1-2A state tournament last season, the Ell-Saline softball team wasted no time punching a ticket for a return trip, and will enter this year’s bracket in Pratt as the 4-seed.The Lady Cardinals have decimated their opponents this year, scoring double digits in 16 of their 21 games, culminating in a wild run differential of +161.“Our strength this year is in our bats,” Ell-Saline head coach Kris Bell said. “We have a couple of power bats but we also have some girls who can lay down bunts so between small-ball and swinging it we have a lot of versatility.”Those electric performances at the plate have allowed the Lady Cards to plate 270 runs this season, and were called upon once more at regionals last week as Ell-Saline sat down Little River, Bennington, and Hays TMP to secure their spot in Pratt.With plenty of run support, the Cardinals have turned to star pitcher Gabby Norris in the circle, and Norris has delivered, keeping opposing lineups off-balance all season long.“Gabby has really stepped up for us,” Bell said. “She didn’t pitch any varsity ball with our staff filled out last year but she’s taken on that role and been great this year.”Now, the Lady Cardinals can turn all of their attention to state and to a first-round matchup with 16-3 Jayhawk-Linn as Ell-Saline looks to further improve upon a fourth-place finish at last year’s tournament.“I’d like to see the girls walk out of there in the top four,” she said. “We would love to walk out as number one, we’ve got the talent and if they keep the same mindset they had at regionals they have the potential to really challenge the top teams.”In order to make that kind of postseason run, the Lady Cards must avoid getting too eager at the dish, something they have done a much better job of as the campaign has progressed. “We have to be patient at the plate,” Bell said. “That’s something we struggled with early but have gotten better at as the season has gone on. We need to see pitches for what they are and not chase. Defensively we also have to make sure we clean up our errors.”First pitch between the Lady Cardinals and Jayhawks is set for 7:00 on Field A at the Pratt-Green Sports Complex on Thursday, May 25th.For continuing coverage of Ell-Saline softball all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Lady Cardinals look to improve upon 2022 finish at 1-2A state tournament

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-&nbsp; Jake Rucker had three hits and Alex Isola added two more but, the Springfield Cardinals hammered three home runs to defeat the Wind Surge 8-3 in the series opener.&nbsp; The Wind Surge five game road streak ended with the loss.&nbsp;

Chandler Redmond leads the Texas League with 14 home runs and on Tuesday added two more to add to his league leading total.&nbsp; He opened the second inning with a solo homer to give the Cards the early lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;Springfield tacked on three more runs in the third with a Nick Dunn home run.

The majority of the game was kept close by the Surge. Wichita’s offense showed some life in the fourth inning getting three runs on five hits.&nbsp; They responded to Springfield taking an early lead with a big fourth inning. Anthony Prato brought in two runs on a single to center field. Alerick Soularie then sent a sacrifice fly out to center-right field allowing Alex Isola to score easily from third.

The Cardinals added a run in the sixth inning and put the game away in the seventh with Redmond’s second home run. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals starter Kenny Hernandez earned the win.&nbsp; In his seventh Wind Surge start Carlos Luna pitched four complete innings gave up six hits and four runs. He earned the loss for the game as well bringing his record to (0-4).

NOTES – The Surge drop to 1-5 when facing a left-handed starting pitcher.&nbsp; Alerick Soularie ended his eight game hit streak on Tuesday, going zero for two with an RBI.&nbsp; The Wind Surge activated first basemen Aaron Sabato from injured list and placed Armani Smith on development roster.&nbsp; The Surge activated Soularie from temporary inactive list.&nbsp;

UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH Blayne Enlow against Cardinals RH Logan Gragg.

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 returns home for a six game homestand on Tuesday, May 30 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.-&nbsp; Jake Rucker had three hits and Alex Isola added two more but, the Springfield Cardinals hammered three home runs to defeat the Wind Surge 8-3 in the series opener.&nbsp; The Wind Surge five game road streak ended with the loss.&nbsp;Chandler Redmond leads the Texas League with 14 home runs and on Tuesday added two more to add to his league leading total.&nbsp; He opened the second inning with a solo homer to give the Cards the early lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;Springfield tacked on three more runs in the third with a Nick Dunn home run.The majority of the game was kept close by the Surge. Wichita’s offense showed some life in the fourth inning getting three runs on five hits.&nbsp; They responded to Springfield taking an early lead with a big fourth inning. Anthony Prato brought in two runs on a single to center field. Alerick Soularie then sent a sacrifice fly out to center-right field allowing Alex Isola to score easily from third.The Cardinals added a run in the sixth inning and put the game away in the seventh with Redmond’s second home run. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals starter Kenny Hernandez earned the win.&nbsp; In his seventh Wind Surge start Carlos Luna pitched four complete innings gave up six hits and four runs. He earned the loss for the game as well bringing his record to (0-4).NOTES – The Surge drop to 1-5 when facing a left-handed starting pitcher.&nbsp; Alerick Soularie ended his eight game hit streak on Tuesday, going zero for two with an RBI.&nbsp; The Wind Surge activated first basemen Aaron Sabato from injured list and placed Armani Smith on development roster.&nbsp; The Surge activated Soularie from temporary inactive list.&nbsp;UPCOMING – The Wichita Wind Surge continue the road trip in Springfield on Wednesday night at 6:35 p.m.&nbsp; Surge will start RH Blayne Enlow against Cardinals RH Logan Gragg.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 returns home for a six game homestand on Tuesday, May 30 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 road win streak snapped

By DAVID SMALE Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Maikel Garcia had three hits, an RBI and a run and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.

Mike Mayers allowed one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his first start for the Royals. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.

Jose Cuas (3-0) was the winner, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.

Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs — two earned — on eight hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.

The Tigers threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on two infield singles and a walk, but Mayers induced a groundball from Miguel Cabrera.

The Royals got to Rodriguez in the fourth. Edward Olivares reached on shortstop Javier Baez's error and scored on a double by Michael Massey. Massey then came in on a single by Garcia. Garcia scored the third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez. Only one of the runs was earned.

Mayers labored in the fifth and left with the bases loaded and two outs. One of those runners scored on a single by Baez. Olivares singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. with Kansas City's fourth run.

Royals RHP Nick Wittgren was selected from Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren, who pitched for Royals' pitching coach Brian Sweeney with Cleveland from 2019-21, had a 1.25 ERA with five saves in 17 appearances with Omaha. In a corresponding move, RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

The Tigers and Royals will complete the three-game series Wenesday. Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21 ERA) will face RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684896080810.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. slides home to score on a single by Edward Olivares during the fifth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. slides home to score on a single by Edward Olivares during the fifth inning of the game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Maikel Garcia had three hits, an RBI and a run and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak.Mike Mayers allowed one run on six hits in 4 2/3 innings in his first start for the Royals. He struck out a career-high eight and walked one.Jose Cuas (3-0) was the winner, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his second save.Eduardo Rodriguez (4-4) took the loss. He allowed four runs — two earned — on eight hits in five innings. He struck out nine and walked two.The Tigers threatened in the fourth, loading the bases with two outs on two infield singles and a walk, but Mayers induced a groundball from Miguel Cabrera.The Royals got to Rodriguez in the fourth. Edward Olivares reached on shortstop Javier Baez's error and scored on a double by Michael Massey. Massey then came in on a single by Garcia. Garcia scored the third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly by Salvador Perez. Only one of the runs was earned.Mayers labored in the fifth and left with the bases loaded and two outs. One of those runners scored on a single by Baez. Olivares singled with one out in the bottom of the fifth, scoring Bobby Witt Jr. with Kansas City's fourth run.TRANSACTIONSRoyals RHP Nick Wittgren was selected from Triple-A Omaha. Wittgren, who pitched for Royals' pitching coach Brian Sweeney with Cleveland from 2019-21, had a 1.25 ERA with five saves in 17 appearances with Omaha. In a corresponding move, RHP Max Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Royals will complete the three-game series Wenesday. Detroit LHP Matthew Boyd (3-3, 6.21 ERA) will face RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.82 ERA).

Royals snap 4-game skid with 4-1 win over Tigers

After handling their business at this year’s regional tournament with wins of 2-0 over Ark City and 3-1 over Kapaun Mt. Carmel, the Salina South softball team is headed to the 5A state tournament for the first time since 2017.

As the 7-seed in Wichita, the Lady Cougars will have much to prove when state action gets underway on Thursday, but this year’s South team hasn’t backed down from anyone, and no plans of starting now.

“We had our banquet right after regionals and we talked a lot about ‘why not us,’ South head coach Pat Bryant said. “We’re in this, we play in the best league in the state and we’re ready for an opportunity like this. Whether it’s our time who knows but we’re not scared of anybody.”

Much of that fearlessness comes from a veteran-heavy group that includes eight seniors, all of whom have become stalwarts in the Lady Cougar lineup.

That order has provided a flurry of run support for standout pitcher Aracelli Rivas, who has dazzled in the circle this year, shattering the school record for single-season strikeouts with 230 heading into state.

“The biggest plus for our team this year has been in Aracelli Rivas,” Bryant said. “She’s pitched almost every inning for us all season and in addition to being a real workhorse she hits well too. There’s a lot of zip on her pitches and she’s been a major bright spot all around.”

With those two wins at regionals, the Lady Cougars have now won eight of their last nine games and will head to Wichita riding that momentum into a first-round matchup with 20-2 Basehor-Linwood.

While many teams would find themselves intimidated by the big stage, the leadership and experience of this year’s South squad have kept the ship steady, and the team’s previous battles in the AVCTL have prepared them for a moment such as this.

“This is just another game for us and another opportunity for us to go out and play softball the way we play,” he said. “You have to play the best to beat the best and we’ve done that. We’ll give it our best shot and see how things play out.”

First pitch between the Lady Cougars and Bobcats is scheduled for 3:00 on the campus of Wichita State University.

For continuing coverage of Salina South softball all season 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 Salina South softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina South softball is presented by Salina Ortho: Quality orthopedic care when you need it!</figcaption>
 </figure>After handling their business at this year’s regional tournament with wins of 2-0 over Ark City and 3-1 over Kapaun Mt. Carmel, the Salina South softball team is headed to the 5A state tournament for the first time since 2017.As the 7-seed in Wichita, the Lady Cougars will have much to prove when state action gets underway on Thursday, but this year’s South team hasn’t backed down from anyone, and no plans of starting now.“We had our banquet right after regionals and we talked a lot about ‘why not us,’ South head coach Pat Bryant said. “We’re in this, we play in the best league in the state and we’re ready for an opportunity like this. Whether it’s our time who knows but we’re not scared of anybody.”Much of that fearlessness comes from a veteran-heavy group that includes eight seniors, all of whom have become stalwarts in the Lady Cougar lineup.That order has provided a flurry of run support for standout pitcher Aracelli Rivas, who has dazzled in the circle this year, shattering the school record for single-season strikeouts with 230 heading into state.“The biggest plus for our team this year has been in Aracelli Rivas,” Bryant said. “She’s pitched almost every inning for us all season and in addition to being a real workhorse she hits well too. There’s a lot of zip on her pitches and she’s been a major bright spot all around.”With those two wins at regionals, the Lady Cougars have now won eight of their last nine games and will head to Wichita riding that momentum into a first-round matchup with 20-2 Basehor-Linwood.While many teams would find themselves intimidated by the big stage, the leadership and experience of this year’s South squad have kept the ship steady, and the team’s previous battles in the AVCTL have prepared them for a moment such as this.“This is just another game for us and another opportunity for us to go out and play softball the way we play,” he said. “You have to play the best to beat the best and we’ve done that. We’ll give it our best shot and see how things play out.” First pitch between the Lady Cougars and Bobcats is scheduled for 3:00 on the campus of Wichita State University.For continuing coverage of Salina South softball all season long, stay tuned to the Salina Post.

Why not us? Veteran-heavy South squad gears up for 5A tournament

IRVING, Texas –&nbsp;Seven K-State baseball players received All-Big 12 Conference recognition Tuesday as the conference unveiled the 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was voted First Team All-Big 12 while senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;earned Second Team honors. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;received honorable mention accolades. Neighbors, a sophomore from Royse City, Texas, receives All-Big 12 accolades for the first time in his career as he leads the Big 12 in saves (10) while ranking sixth in strikeouts (78). The right-hander was ranked as the nation's No. 1 reliever by D1Baseball.com and boasts a team-low 2.01 ERA, picking up a decision in 16 of his 24 appearances with a 5-1 record. Neighbors is the first Wildcat to earn First Team honors since Jordan Wicks, who became the program's first-ever first-round draft pick in 2021 after he was selected 21st&nbsp;overall by the Chicago Cubs. Neighbors was invited to the 2023 USA Baseball National Collegiate Team Training Camp and will compete for an opportunity to represent the United States in a series against Chinese Taipei and Japan this July. In his first season as a Wildcat, Boerema collected Big 12 accolades as the senior is the fourth player to earn Second Team honors under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. Boerema, a senior from Litchfield, Minn., ranks third in the league with 90 total strikeouts which ties sixth in the program's single-season records. The left-handed starter is 7-1 on the hill and is one of six pitchers to strikeout out 12-plus batters in a single appearance after he fanned 12 in the series opener against Texas. Goodwin, a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist, earns honorable mention honors for the second consecutive season as the junior leads the league and ranks fourth in Division I in sacrifice flies. The Overland Park., Kan., product has put together a slash line of .285/.393/.517 to go with a career-high 53 runs batted in. Goodwin has sent out 12 home runs this season, bringing his career total to 33 to rank fourth all-time. A year after hitting .284., Day has had an explosive season slashing .354/.489/.459 with eight doubles, one triple and three home runs. Day leads the Wildcats during Big 12 action with his .391 average that ranks ninth in the league. A native of Hampstead, N.H., he has generated a team-high 18 multi-hit games and has reached base in 35 consecutive contests. Day is also the third toughest player in the league to strikeout, striking out just 20 times in 181 at-bats (9.0 at-bats per strikeout). Pelletier, a member of the Buster Posey Catcher of the Year Watch List, received honorable mention honors as Quebec, Canada product has gunned down a league-high 16 runners this season for a .590 stolen bases allowed percentage. Pelletier has caught 49 games this season while producing five doubles and five home runs to go with 26 RBI and 28 runs. Culpepper, an all-freshman team selection a season ago, enters the Big 12 Championship with a slash line of .311/.418/.570 that includes eight doubles and career-high nine home runs with 36 RBI. A product of Memphis, Tenn., Culpepper has produced 13 multi-hit games since returning to the field from his pre-conference injury. Jones, a product of Greenbrier, Tenn., is one of just five players in the league to field a perfect 1.000 as the sophomore has started in all 55 games in centerfield with 113 putouts and two assists. He is hitting .239 with 11 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 30 RBI. He's scored a team-high 50 runs and ranks second in the Big 12 with 26 stolen bases on the year which ranks seventh in the Cats' single-season records. The 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Teams were selected by a vote of the league's nine head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for themselves of their own players. K-State enters the 2023 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed and will face fourth-seeded TCU on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Wednesday's contest between the Wildcats and Horned Frogs will be broadcast on ESPNU and the ESPN app. Radio coverage for the tournament will be available on the K-State Sports Radio Network with free audio streaming at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

K-State SportsIRVING, Texas –&nbsp;Seven K-State baseball players received All-Big 12 Conference recognition Tuesday as the conference unveiled the 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Awards. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was voted First Team All-Big 12 while senior&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;earned Second Team honors. Additionally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;received honorable mention accolades. Neighbors, a sophomore from Royse City, Texas, receives All-Big 12 accolades for the first time in his career as he leads the Big 12 in saves (10) while ranking sixth in strikeouts (78). The right-hander was ranked as the nation's No. 1 reliever by D1Baseball.com and boasts a team-low 2.01 ERA, picking up a decision in 16 of his 24 appearances with a 5-1 record. Neighbors is the first Wildcat to earn First Team honors since Jordan Wicks, who became the program's first-ever first-round draft pick in 2021 after he was selected 21st&nbsp;overall by the Chicago Cubs. Neighbors was invited to the 2023 USA Baseball National Collegiate Team Training Camp and will compete for an opportunity to represent the United States in a series against Chinese Taipei and Japan this July. In his first season as a Wildcat, Boerema collected Big 12 accolades as the senior is the fourth player to earn Second Team honors under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. Boerema, a senior from Litchfield, Minn., ranks third in the league with 90 total strikeouts which ties sixth in the program's single-season records. The left-handed starter is 7-1 on the hill and is one of six pitchers to strikeout out 12-plus batters in a single appearance after he fanned 12 in the series opener against Texas. Goodwin, a Brooks Wallace Award Semifinalist, earns honorable mention honors for the second consecutive season as the junior leads the league and ranks fourth in Division I in sacrifice flies. The Overland Park., Kan., product has put together a slash line of .285/.393/.517 to go with a career-high 53 runs batted in. Goodwin has sent out 12 home runs this season, bringing his career total to 33 to rank fourth all-time. A year after hitting .284., Day has had an explosive season slashing .354/.489/.459 with eight doubles, one triple and three home runs. Day leads the Wildcats during Big 12 action with his .391 average that ranks ninth in the league. A native of Hampstead, N.H., he has generated a team-high 18 multi-hit games and has reached base in 35 consecutive contests. Day is also the third toughest player in the league to strikeout, striking out just 20 times in 181 at-bats (9.0 at-bats per strikeout). Pelletier, a member of the Buster Posey Catcher of the Year Watch List, received honorable mention honors as Quebec, Canada product has gunned down a league-high 16 runners this season for a .590 stolen bases allowed percentage. Pelletier has caught 49 games this season while producing five doubles and five home runs to go with 26 RBI and 28 runs. Culpepper, an all-freshman team selection a season ago, enters the Big 12 Championship with a slash line of .311/.418/.570 that includes eight doubles and career-high nine home runs with 36 RBI. A product of Memphis, Tenn., Culpepper has produced 13 multi-hit games since returning to the field from his pre-conference injury. Jones, a product of Greenbrier, Tenn., is one of just five players in the league to field a perfect 1.000 as the sophomore has started in all 55 games in centerfield with 113 putouts and two assists. He is hitting .239 with 11 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 30 RBI. He's scored a team-high 50 runs and ranks second in the Big 12 with 26 stolen bases on the year which ranks seventh in the Cats' single-season records. The 2023 All-Big 12 Baseball Teams were selected by a vote of the league's nine head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for themselves of their own players. K-State enters the 2023 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship as the No. 5 seed and will face fourth-seeded TCU on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Wednesday's contest between the Wildcats and Horned Frogs will be broadcast on ESPNU and the ESPN app. Radio coverage for the tournament will be available on the K-State Sports Radio Network with free audio streaming at <a href="http://kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

Seven Wildcats receive All-Big 12 baseball recognition

IRVING, Texas –&nbsp;True freshman Kodey Shojinaga was named Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, the first in program history to receive the accolade, while five Jayhawks received conference honors Wednesday as announced by the league. Janson Reeder was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, while Collin Baumgartner, Cole Elvis, Chase Jans and Shojinaga were voted to the All-Big 12 Second Team. Shojinaga also was an unanimous selection for the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. &nbsp; “I’m super proud of all the guys,” Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. They have been bought in since our first team meeting last August. They all trusted the process and stayed focused on the important things. They are a special group of Jayhawks.” &nbsp; Shojinaga highlighted the conference awards for the Jayhawks by being recognized as the Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team and getting selected unanimously to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. He shared Freshman of the Year honors with Oklahoma State’s Nolan Schubart. &nbsp; Shojinaga, originally recruited as a catcher and converted to an infielder, has been the most consistent hitter for Kansas in 2023. He is currently seventh in the nation amongst true freshman with a team-best .380 batting average this season, which ranks second in the conference. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native also posted a .418 average and 41 hits in conference games, which were both a league best. He led the team in hits (70), multi-hit games (19), on-base percentage (.424) and OPS (.962) as well. &nbsp; “Kodey has worked hard and played at a very high level since day one on campus,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a winner in every way – a 4.0 student, a great teammate, and an elite worker. His success is not surprising, and I could not be more proud of Kodey.” &nbsp; Reeder earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as a designated hitter. The junior transfer from Cowley Community College made his transition to Division I this season and led the Jayhawks in doubles and slugging percentage. He also was tied for the most extra-base hits on the roster and hit 11 home runs, the second most on the team. He recorded 15 multi-hit games and had 11 multi-RBI contests. Reeder posted a .614 slugging percentage in Big 12 play this season. &nbsp; Baumgartner, a sixth-year graduate transfer from SIU-Edwardsville, seized his opportunity to move up to the Power Five level and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Baumgartner spent his first five years alongside current Kansas pitching coach Brandon Scott. The Brighton, Illinois, native was the Friday starter for Kansas all season and went 5-1 with a 3.79 ERA. He allowed three runs or less in 10 of his 14 starts and led the team in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and strikeout to walk ratio. His 73.2 innings pitched ranked fifth in the conference. &nbsp; Elvis, a senior transfer from Cal, was awarded a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team as an infielder. Elvis was the only Kansas player to start every game this season and played two-thirds of those games at first base. He led the team with 14 home runs, 51 RBIs and 118 total bases. Ten of his 14 home runs this season have come in the sixth inning or later. Elvis hit a home run in four consecutive games from April 19-23, which made him the first Jayhawk to do so since at least 1993. The Vacaville, California, native hit 10 home runs in conference play, which was tied for the most in the Big 12. His 32 RBIs and 67 total bases in Big 12 play were both the most in conference games this season. Defensively, Elvis committed only four errors in 447 chances for a .991 fielding percentage. &nbsp; Jans, one of 10 returners from the 2022 roster, made a huge jump that landed him on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Jans was second on the team in slugging percentage, hits and RBIs. This season, Jans has hit 10 home runs compared to three in 2022. On April 16, he tied the program record of nine RBIs set in 1993 after going 5-for-7 with a double, grand slam, and four runs scored. The sophomore from Overland Park, Kansas, made some highlight-reel catches on defense this season, two of which ended up on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. &nbsp; All five players who received conference honors were developed over the last year under Fitzgerald, who is in his first year as head coach at Kansas, along with his assembled coaching staff of Scott, Tyler Hancock and Jon Coyne. &nbsp; “My staff did a great job with these guys,” Fitzgerald said. “We built a good foundation and map for them to follow - but ultimately - all the credit goes to the players. They are the ones who actually have to do it, and those guys have really done it at a high level all year.” &nbsp; Kansas (24-30, 8-16 Big 12) begins the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship against No. 13 Texas on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. CT at Globe Life Field. The Jayhawks are making their first appearance in the tournament since 2021 and are seeking their first victory in the double-elimination tournament since 2019. &nbsp; AWARDS + STATISTICS INF&nbsp;Kodey Shojinaga, Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 Second Team, Big 12 All-Freshman Team Overall: .380/.424/.538, 11 2B, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 40 R, 15 BB, 99 TB in 50 games (43 starts) Big 12: .418/.462/.500, 8 2B, 10 RBI, 20 R, 8 BB, 49 TB in 24 games (23 starts) &nbsp; DH&nbsp;Janson Reeder, All-Big 12 First Team Overall: .278/.374/.561, 16 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 34 R, 21 BB, 105 TB in 51 games (49 starts) Conference: .295/.366/.614, 8 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 10 R, 6 BB, 54 TB in 23 games (22 starts) &nbsp; RHP&nbsp;Collin Baumgartner, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: 5-1, 3.79 ERA, 14 G, 14 GS, 73.2 IP, 21 BB, 69 SO in 14 starts Big 12: 3-1, 4.69 ERA, 8 G, 8 GS, 40.1 IP, 13 BB, 39 SO in eight starts &nbsp; INF&nbsp;Cole Elvis, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .275/.324/.532, 15 2B, 14 HR, 51 RBI, 36 R, 16 BB, 118 TB in 54 games Conference: .313/.387/.698, 7 2B, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 21 R, 11 BB, 67 TB in 24 starts &nbsp; OF&nbsp;Chase Jans, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .320/.390/.548, 13 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 36 R, 22 BB, 108 TB in 50 games (47 starts) Conference: .304/.359/.511, 4 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 18 R, 9 BB, 47 TB in 22 games (21 starts)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684883893307.jpeg" alt="Kodey Shojinaga. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Kodey Shojinaga. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsIRVING, Texas –&nbsp;True freshman Kodey Shojinaga was named Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, the first in program history to receive the accolade, while five Jayhawks received conference honors Wednesday as announced by the league. Janson Reeder was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, while Collin Baumgartner, Cole Elvis, Chase Jans and Shojinaga were voted to the All-Big 12 Second Team. Shojinaga also was an unanimous selection for the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. &nbsp; “I’m super proud of all the guys,” Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. They have been bought in since our first team meeting last August. They all trusted the process and stayed focused on the important things. They are a special group of Jayhawks.” &nbsp; Shojinaga highlighted the conference awards for the Jayhawks by being recognized as the Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team and getting selected unanimously to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. He shared Freshman of the Year honors with Oklahoma State’s Nolan Schubart. &nbsp; Shojinaga, originally recruited as a catcher and converted to an infielder, has been the most consistent hitter for Kansas in 2023. He is currently seventh in the nation amongst true freshman with a team-best .380 batting average this season, which ranks second in the conference. The Honolulu, Hawaii, native also posted a .418 average and 41 hits in conference games, which were both a league best. He led the team in hits (70), multi-hit games (19), on-base percentage (.424) and OPS (.962) as well. &nbsp; “Kodey has worked hard and played at a very high level since day one on campus,” Fitzgerald said. “He’s a winner in every way – a 4.0 student, a great teammate, and an elite worker. His success is not surprising, and I could not be more proud of Kodey.” &nbsp; Reeder earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team as a designated hitter. The junior transfer from Cowley Community College made his transition to Division I this season and led the Jayhawks in doubles and slugging percentage. He also was tied for the most extra-base hits on the roster and hit 11 home runs, the second most on the team. He recorded 15 multi-hit games and had 11 multi-RBI contests. Reeder posted a .614 slugging percentage in Big 12 play this season. &nbsp; Baumgartner, a sixth-year graduate transfer from SIU-Edwardsville, seized his opportunity to move up to the Power Five level and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Baumgartner spent his first five years alongside current Kansas pitching coach Brandon Scott. The Brighton, Illinois, native was the Friday starter for Kansas all season and went 5-1 with a 3.79 ERA. He allowed three runs or less in 10 of his 14 starts and led the team in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched and strikeout to walk ratio. His 73.2 innings pitched ranked fifth in the conference. &nbsp; Elvis, a senior transfer from Cal, was awarded a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team as an infielder. Elvis was the only Kansas player to start every game this season and played two-thirds of those games at first base. He led the team with 14 home runs, 51 RBIs and 118 total bases. Ten of his 14 home runs this season have come in the sixth inning or later. Elvis hit a home run in four consecutive games from April 19-23, which made him the first Jayhawk to do so since at least 1993. The Vacaville, California, native hit 10 home runs in conference play, which was tied for the most in the Big 12. His 32 RBIs and 67 total bases in Big 12 play were both the most in conference games this season. Defensively, Elvis committed only four errors in 447 chances for a .991 fielding percentage. &nbsp; Jans, one of 10 returners from the 2022 roster, made a huge jump that landed him on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Jans was second on the team in slugging percentage, hits and RBIs. This season, Jans has hit 10 home runs compared to three in 2022. On April 16, he tied the program record of nine RBIs set in 1993 after going 5-for-7 with a double, grand slam, and four runs scored. The sophomore from Overland Park, Kansas, made some highlight-reel catches on defense this season, two of which ended up on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays. &nbsp; All five players who received conference honors were developed over the last year under Fitzgerald, who is in his first year as head coach at Kansas, along with his assembled coaching staff of Scott, Tyler Hancock and Jon Coyne. &nbsp; “My staff did a great job with these guys,” Fitzgerald said. “We built a good foundation and map for them to follow - but ultimately - all the credit goes to the players. They are the ones who actually have to do it, and those guys have really done it at a high level all year.” &nbsp; Kansas (24-30, 8-16 Big 12) begins the Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship against No. 13 Texas on Wednesday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. CT at Globe Life Field. The Jayhawks are making their first appearance in the tournament since 2021 and are seeking their first victory in the double-elimination tournament since 2019. &nbsp; AWARDS + STATISTICS INF&nbsp;Kodey Shojinaga, Big 12 Co-Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 Second Team, Big 12 All-Freshman Team Overall: .380/.424/.538, 11 2B, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 40 R, 15 BB, 99 TB in 50 games (43 starts) Big 12: .418/.462/.500, 8 2B, 10 RBI, 20 R, 8 BB, 49 TB in 24 games (23 starts) &nbsp; DH&nbsp;Janson Reeder, All-Big 12 First Team Overall: .278/.374/.561, 16 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 34 R, 21 BB, 105 TB in 51 games (49 starts) Conference: .295/.366/.614, 8 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 10 R, 6 BB, 54 TB in 23 games (22 starts) &nbsp; RHP&nbsp;Collin Baumgartner, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: 5-1, 3.79 ERA, 14 G, 14 GS, 73.2 IP, 21 BB, 69 SO in 14 starts Big 12: 3-1, 4.69 ERA, 8 G, 8 GS, 40.1 IP, 13 BB, 39 SO in eight starts &nbsp; INF&nbsp;Cole Elvis, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .275/.324/.532, 15 2B, 14 HR, 51 RBI, 36 R, 16 BB, 118 TB in 54 games Conference: .313/.387/.698, 7 2B, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 21 R, 11 BB, 67 TB in 24 starts &nbsp; OF&nbsp;Chase Jans, All-Big 12 Second Team Overall: .320/.390/.548, 13 2B, 1 3B, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 36 R, 22 BB, 108 TB in 50 games (47 starts) Conference: .304/.359/.511, 4 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 18 R, 9 BB, 47 TB in 22 games (21 starts)

KU's Shojinaga Big 12 Freshman of Year; 5 receive conference honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9a435d89-204c-4244-9eb0-551e39f706e9?elinkdata=211485" target="_blank">Morgan Brasser</a>, Andale, (women's golf) and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d2a42f43-5efa-47b5-a695-57ca03c4a17f?elinkdata=211485" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>, Bennington,&nbsp;(men's track &amp; field) were both selected as finalists for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association's Ken B. Jones Award, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, announced Tuesday by the league office. The annual award recognizes the conference's male and female student-athletes of the year. Brasser, Stanley, and the eight other finalists will be recognized at the 2023 MIAA Awards Celebration, presented by Husch Blackwell, on June 6 in the Music Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. The 2022-23 female and male Ken B. Jones winners will be announced during the event as well. Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State are the only two schools with finalists on both the men's and women's side. Emporia State, Missouri Western, Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State and Nebraska-Kearney all have one finalist each. Stanley is a finalist for the award for a second time after previously winning the 2020-21 spring MIAA Men's Student-Athlete of the Year award. The fifth-year senior qualified for his eighth NCAA Division II National Championship during the current outdoor track and field season, where he will vie for a third national title later this week in Pueblo, Colo. He earned his seventh All-American honor after placing seventh at the indoor national meet earlier this year. He previously won the national title during the 2021 outdoor season and the 2022 indoor campaign. Stanley won his second MIAA championship during this outdoor season, earning his fifth All-MIAA medal in the process. He was also an All-MIAA pick during the 2023 indoor season, placing third indoors. He has seven USTFCCCA All-Central Region honors in his career. The Bennington, Kan. native set the outdoor school record with a clearance of 17-7 (5.36m) earlier this season in California. He also holds the indoor school record with his national-championship-clinching mark of 17-9.25 (5.42m) in 2022. Stanley completed an undergraduate degree as a double major in Management (Human Resources) and Spanish with a GPA of 3.95 while maintaining a GPA of 3.63 in graduate school studying for an MBA emphasizing in Human Resources. He was a CoSIDA Academic All-America first team selection in 2021 and is a two-time CoSIDA/College Sports Communicators Academic All-District pick. He has earned four USTFCCCA All-Academic Awards, three MIAA Academic Excellence Awards, five MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, nine MIAA Academic Honor Roll spots and three D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards. He serves as the FHSU student body president after spending last year as vice president and has also been a VIP Ambassador with the Office of the President for three consecutive years. He's helped with SGA's Big Event three years in a row by serving at Bethesda Place and has also traveled to Topeka to advocate for higher education three times at Higher Education Day. He's been a guest speaker at the Hays Middle School Leadership Conference and volunteered at Youth Night at the Track. Stanley packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child with Christian Challenge and participated in Kare Packs packing with the Society for Human Resource Management. He frequently drives international classmates with limited means of transportation to run errands. Brasser was a steady force on the course all season long, completing the year with a program-record stroke average of 75.8. She won three tournaments and finished inside the top 10 at eight out of 12 events, including six in the top five. The Andale, Kan. native was the MIAA Women's Golfer of the Year and was a unanimous first team All-MIAA selection, her third all-conference honor after receiving honorable mention status each of the last two seasons. She earned a spot in the NCAA Central Regional as an individual for a third-consecutive season in 2023 and was also named to the WGCA All-Central Region team. The junior was named MIAA Women's Golfer of the Week three times this season. Brasser recorded nine rounds at-or-under par, including six under-par trips around the course. She turned in a score of 2-over or better in more than half of her rounds on the year (15 of 28). Brasser tied the program record with a single-round score of 69 twice and set the program record for lowest tournament score in relation to par at 4-under at the Newman Invitational. She earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors this year and was a WGCA All-America Scholar in 2021-22. She has earned a trio of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, three spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and three listings on the Deans Honor Roll at FHSU. She also received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award last year. Brasser has served on the FHSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years and represented FHSU at the MIAA SAAC meeting in Kansas City earlier this year. She also serves at the FHSU Campus Catholic Center. On the course, Brasser serves as a junior golf clinic instructor for children ages 5-18 and designed the first-ever FHSU golf clinic for girls in junior high. She plans to spend the summer teaching junior golf and ladies clinics in the Wichita area. Fort Hays State has now had 17 Ken B. Jones Award finalists since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. Three Tigers have earned the conference's top honor, including Stanley (2020-21 spring), Whitney Randall (2020-21 winter) and Kate Lehman (2014-15). FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 11 awards (since 2014-15). Each institution may nominate one female and one male student-athlete. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletics eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution. A 13-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution - select the finalists. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2022-23 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments, and 2022-23 campus/community service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684883559987.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State's&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/9a435d89-204c-4244-9eb0-551e39f706e9?elinkdata=211485" target="_blank">Morgan Brasser</a>, Andale, (women's golf) and&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/d2a42f43-5efa-47b5-a695-57ca03c4a17f?elinkdata=211485" target="_blank">Ryan Stanley</a>, Bennington,&nbsp;(men's track &amp; field) were both selected as finalists for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association's Ken B. Jones Award, presented by Summit Pointe Financial Group, announced Tuesday by the league office. The annual award recognizes the conference's male and female student-athletes of the year. Brasser, Stanley, and the eight other finalists will be recognized at the 2023 MIAA Awards Celebration, presented by Husch Blackwell, on June 6 in the Music Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. The 2022-23 female and male Ken B. Jones winners will be announced during the event as well. Fort Hays State and Pittsburg State are the only two schools with finalists on both the men's and women's side. Emporia State, Missouri Western, Central Missouri, Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State and Nebraska-Kearney all have one finalist each. Stanley is a finalist for the award for a second time after previously winning the 2020-21 spring MIAA Men's Student-Athlete of the Year award. The fifth-year senior qualified for his eighth NCAA Division II National Championship during the current outdoor track and field season, where he will vie for a third national title later this week in Pueblo, Colo. He earned his seventh All-American honor after placing seventh at the indoor national meet earlier this year. He previously won the national title during the 2021 outdoor season and the 2022 indoor campaign. Stanley won his second MIAA championship during this outdoor season, earning his fifth All-MIAA medal in the process. He was also an All-MIAA pick during the 2023 indoor season, placing third indoors. He has seven USTFCCCA All-Central Region honors in his career. The Bennington, Kan. native set the outdoor school record with a clearance of 17-7 (5.36m) earlier this season in California. He also holds the indoor school record with his national-championship-clinching mark of 17-9.25 (5.42m) in 2022. Stanley completed an undergraduate degree as a double major in Management (Human Resources) and Spanish with a GPA of 3.95 while maintaining a GPA of 3.63 in graduate school studying for an MBA emphasizing in Human Resources. He was a CoSIDA Academic All-America first team selection in 2021 and is a two-time CoSIDA/College Sports Communicators Academic All-District pick. He has earned four USTFCCCA All-Academic Awards, three MIAA Academic Excellence Awards, five MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, nine MIAA Academic Honor Roll spots and three D2ADA Academic Achievement Awards. He serves as the FHSU student body president after spending last year as vice president and has also been a VIP Ambassador with the Office of the President for three consecutive years. He's helped with SGA's Big Event three years in a row by serving at Bethesda Place and has also traveled to Topeka to advocate for higher education three times at Higher Education Day. He's been a guest speaker at the Hays Middle School Leadership Conference and volunteered at Youth Night at the Track. Stanley packed boxes for Operation Christmas Child with Christian Challenge and participated in Kare Packs packing with the Society for Human Resource Management. He frequently drives international classmates with limited means of transportation to run errands. Brasser was a steady force on the course all season long, completing the year with a program-record stroke average of 75.8. She won three tournaments and finished inside the top 10 at eight out of 12 events, including six in the top five. The Andale, Kan. native was the MIAA Women's Golfer of the Year and was a unanimous first team All-MIAA selection, her third all-conference honor after receiving honorable mention status each of the last two seasons. She earned a spot in the NCAA Central Regional as an individual for a third-consecutive season in 2023 and was also named to the WGCA All-Central Region team. The junior was named MIAA Women's Golfer of the Week three times this season. Brasser recorded nine rounds at-or-under par, including six under-par trips around the course. She turned in a score of 2-over or better in more than half of her rounds on the year (15 of 28). Brasser tied the program record with a single-round score of 69 twice and set the program record for lowest tournament score in relation to par at 4-under at the Newman Invitational. She earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors this year and was a WGCA All-America Scholar in 2021-22. She has earned a trio of MIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards, three spots on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and three listings on the Deans Honor Roll at FHSU. She also received the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award last year. Brasser has served on the FHSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years and represented FHSU at the MIAA SAAC meeting in Kansas City earlier this year. She also serves at the FHSU Campus Catholic Center. On the course, Brasser serves as a junior golf clinic instructor for children ages 5-18 and designed the first-ever FHSU golf clinic for girls in junior high. She plans to spend the summer teaching junior golf and ladies clinics in the Wichita area. Fort Hays State has now had 17 Ken B. Jones Award finalists since joining the MIAA in 2006-07. Three Tigers have earned the conference's top honor, including Stanley (2020-21 spring), Whitney Randall (2020-21 winter) and Kate Lehman (2014-15). FHSU has had at least one finalist for each of the last 11 awards (since 2014-15). Each institution may nominate one female and one male student-athlete. The nominees must have completed at least their junior season of athletics eligibility by June 1 of the academic year of nomination. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution. A 13-member panel of athletics directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors - including a representative from each member institution - select the finalists. Each nominee is judged in three areas, including 2022-23 athletic accomplishments, career academic accomplishments, and 2022-23 campus/community service.

Brasser, Stanley finalists for MIAA Ken B. Jones Award

BALDWIN CITY - The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced its annual postseason baseball awards for the KJCCC East and West Divisions with the Cloud County Community College baseball team having 10 players named to the All-KJCCC West Division Team. Earning first-team All-KJCCC West Division honors would be&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3bf5782f-d2c2-4d61-b593-30c2bf43c075?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/34b20b93-f278-4582-8d87-b4838956ce8a?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Mason McConnaughey</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a7ea2efa-c052-4889-bd2c-84a4f4fa7726?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8db52fcc-229e-4594-a49f-ce1b61a8d740?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/92093e03-0fd6-498c-84df-4cedc453a5b3?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/065a5079-9ca4-48b9-9495-a9a10e728365?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Brady Stuewe</a>&nbsp;would all garner second-team All-KJCCC West recognition.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f5fe7c1f-7a61-4cb5-a7e4-7c4cdfb14ddf?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Paul Schuyler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/39b5cb9f-e9d9-4916-ad3c-16b2724120d7?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/630d6f92-334c-4229-9bce-d92e78075a74?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Jack Mount</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5f228993-120f-4397-84d3-92e3b085eae2?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Phil Brennaman</a>&nbsp;would earn honorable mention All-KJCCC West honors as CCCC would have the most player representation of any KJCCC-West team in postseason accolades. Having a breakout freshman campaign, Shakotko would lead Cloud County in batting average by hitting .413 with 59 total hits and 22 of his hits going for extra-bases. Driving in 39 runs, Shakotko would finish the year with a .506 on-base percentage while hitting .480 in KJCCC play in addition to earning KJCCC West Division Player of the Week (May 2), and NJCAA Division I Baseball Player of the Week (May 3) honors. Finishing among the KJCCC leaders in strikeouts, McConnaughey would put together a strong season on the mound for CCCC by making 16 appearances with 13 starts and throwing a team-high 68.1 innings. The Topeka, Kansas native would Cloud County in pitching victories (8) and strikeouts (93) while going 8-4 overall with five of his pitching decisions coming in conference play. McConnaughey would record a season-high 10 strikeouts in three different contests, while also throwing a complete-game shutout against Garden City while limiting the Broncbusters to just two hits. A shutdown reliever out of the bullpen, Askew would lead Cloud County in appearances (23) and earned run average (2.97) after throwing 33.1 innings and striking out 43 batters. Converting six save opportunities to finish fourth among all KJCCC players in saves, Askew would limit opponents to a .190 batting average against and lower his ERA in conference play to 1.69. The team leader in hits (72) and RBI (66) this past season, Infante would finish the year as the lone T-Bird player to appear in and start all 60 games for CCCC while recording a .346 batting average and .430 on-base percentage. Having a team-best 20 games with multiple hits, Infante would see 24 of his hits go for extra bases including eight home runs. Among the KJCCC leaders, Infante's 66 RBI would rank seventh while the 72 hits would rank 17th. One of the best at stealing bases in the KJCCC this past season, Roy would put together a solid first year at Cloud County after making 47 starts and appearing in 52 games while finishing the year with a .337 batting average and 17 extra-base hits. The team leader in triples (five) and stolen bases (25), Roy would finish the year tied for fifth in the KJCCC in triples and seventh in stolen bases while serving time both at third base and shortstop for CCCC. Another often-used arm out of the bullpen, Stuewe would make the second-most appearances of any Cloud County pitcher this past season by throwing in 19 games and making one start as part of 34.1 innings pitched throughout the year. When on the mound, teams would hit just .229 against the Topeka, Kansas native while striking out 57, including 40 strikeouts in 14 relief appearances against KJCCC foes. Despite being limited by injuries throughout the year, Schuyler would serve as one CCCC's primary outfielders and appear in 44 games while hitting .345 with a team-high 18 doubles. Totaling 24 extra-base hits to tie for the team lead, Schuyler would record a .464 on-base percentage and see his average raise to .418 in KJCCC games with a .500 on-base percentage. Cloud County's team leader in home runs, Meyer would finish the year by hitting .288 and recording nine home runs as part of 12 extra-base hits in his freshman year that would see the Lincoln, Nebraska native play in 55 games. Stealing 10 bases in 12 attempts on the base paths, Meyer would see his average jump to .326 in KJCCC play with 30 hits in 92 at-bats. The new Cloud County career strikeout record holder, Mount would follow up a freshman campaign that led to All-KJCCC West honorable mention honors by earning the accolade for the second-straight year after making 13 total appearances and 12 starts on the mound for the T-Birds. Posting a 6-3 overall record with a 5.27 ERA, Mount would finish second on the team with 72 total strikeouts and finish his time with CCCC with 147 total strikeouts to break the previous career record of 142 held by Blake Renner (2002-03). Brennaman would make the most of his lone season at Cloud County by making 15 appearances (10 starts) and recording five victories with 69 strikeouts while walking just 25 batters and holding opponents to a .233 batting average. Earning KJCCC West Pitcher of the Week honors after a six-inning outing against Garden City where he allowed one run and struck out nine, Brennaman would see eight of his pitching apperances come where he would one or fewer runs to opponents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684882894531.png" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://cloudtbirds.com">cloudtbirds.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Cloud County Sports InformationBALDWIN CITY - The Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference has announced its annual postseason baseball awards for the KJCCC East and West Divisions with the Cloud County Community College baseball team having 10 players named to the All-KJCCC West Division Team. Earning first-team All-KJCCC West Division honors would be&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/3bf5782f-d2c2-4d61-b593-30c2bf43c075?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/34b20b93-f278-4582-8d87-b4838956ce8a?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Mason McConnaughey</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a7ea2efa-c052-4889-bd2c-84a4f4fa7726?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;while&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/8db52fcc-229e-4594-a49f-ce1b61a8d740?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/92093e03-0fd6-498c-84df-4cedc453a5b3?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/065a5079-9ca4-48b9-9495-a9a10e728365?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Brady Stuewe</a>&nbsp;would all garner second-team All-KJCCC West recognition.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/f5fe7c1f-7a61-4cb5-a7e4-7c4cdfb14ddf?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Paul Schuyler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/39b5cb9f-e9d9-4916-ad3c-16b2724120d7?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/630d6f92-334c-4229-9bce-d92e78075a74?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Jack Mount</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5f228993-120f-4397-84d3-92e3b085eae2?elinkdata=51592" target="_blank">Phil Brennaman</a>&nbsp;would earn honorable mention All-KJCCC West honors as CCCC would have the most player representation of any KJCCC-West team in postseason accolades. Having a breakout freshman campaign, Shakotko would lead Cloud County in batting average by hitting .413 with 59 total hits and 22 of his hits going for extra-bases. Driving in 39 runs, Shakotko would finish the year with a .506 on-base percentage while hitting .480 in KJCCC play in addition to earning KJCCC West Division Player of the Week (May 2), and NJCAA Division I Baseball Player of the Week (May 3) honors. Finishing among the KJCCC leaders in strikeouts, McConnaughey would put together a strong season on the mound for CCCC by making 16 appearances with 13 starts and throwing a team-high 68.1 innings. The Topeka, Kansas native would Cloud County in pitching victories (8) and strikeouts (93) while going 8-4 overall with five of his pitching decisions coming in conference play. McConnaughey would record a season-high 10 strikeouts in three different contests, while also throwing a complete-game shutout against Garden City while limiting the Broncbusters to just two hits. A shutdown reliever out of the bullpen, Askew would lead Cloud County in appearances (23) and earned run average (2.97) after throwing 33.1 innings and striking out 43 batters. Converting six save opportunities to finish fourth among all KJCCC players in saves, Askew would limit opponents to a .190 batting average against and lower his ERA in conference play to 1.69. The team leader in hits (72) and RBI (66) this past season, Infante would finish the year as the lone T-Bird player to appear in and start all 60 games for CCCC while recording a .346 batting average and .430 on-base percentage. Having a team-best 20 games with multiple hits, Infante would see 24 of his hits go for extra bases including eight home runs. Among the KJCCC leaders, Infante's 66 RBI would rank seventh while the 72 hits would rank 17th. One of the best at stealing bases in the KJCCC this past season, Roy would put together a solid first year at Cloud County after making 47 starts and appearing in 52 games while finishing the year with a .337 batting average and 17 extra-base hits. The team leader in triples (five) and stolen bases (25), Roy would finish the year tied for fifth in the KJCCC in triples and seventh in stolen bases while serving time both at third base and shortstop for CCCC. Another often-used arm out of the bullpen, Stuewe would make the second-most appearances of any Cloud County pitcher this past season by throwing in 19 games and making one start as part of 34.1 innings pitched throughout the year. When on the mound, teams would hit just .229 against the Topeka, Kansas native while striking out 57, including 40 strikeouts in 14 relief appearances against KJCCC foes. Despite being limited by injuries throughout the year, Schuyler would serve as one CCCC's primary outfielders and appear in 44 games while hitting .345 with a team-high 18 doubles. Totaling 24 extra-base hits to tie for the team lead, Schuyler would record a .464 on-base percentage and see his average raise to .418 in KJCCC games with a .500 on-base percentage. Cloud County's team leader in home runs, Meyer would finish the year by hitting .288 and recording nine home runs as part of 12 extra-base hits in his freshman year that would see the Lincoln, Nebraska native play in 55 games. Stealing 10 bases in 12 attempts on the base paths, Meyer would see his average jump to .326 in KJCCC play with 30 hits in 92 at-bats. The new Cloud County career strikeout record holder, Mount would follow up a freshman campaign that led to All-KJCCC West honorable mention honors by earning the accolade for the second-straight year after making 13 total appearances and 12 starts on the mound for the T-Birds. Posting a 6-3 overall record with a 5.27 ERA, Mount would finish second on the team with 72 total strikeouts and finish his time with CCCC with 147 total strikeouts to break the previous career record of 142 held by Blake Renner (2002-03). Brennaman would make the most of his lone season at Cloud County by making 15 appearances (10 starts) and recording five victories with 69 strikeouts while walking just 25 batters and holding opponents to a .233 batting average. Earning KJCCC West Pitcher of the Week honors after a six-inning outing against Garden City where he allowed one run and struck out nine, Brennaman would see eight of his pitching apperances come where he would one or fewer runs to opponents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

10 from T-Bird baseball named All-KJCCC West Division

WICHITA - The Wichita State men’s basketball team will travel to Greece for a 10-day exhibition tour, Aug. 1-10, first-year head coach&nbsp;Paul Mills&nbsp;announced today.

“I’m thankful for this opportunity to take our team to Greece,” Mills said. “These summer months preparing for our games will ignite chemistry and lay a critical foundation for the approaching season. It’s also phenomenal cultural opportunity, giving our players exposure to the people and rich heritage of Greece.”

The Shockers will play three games against international competition during their trip (dates and opponents to be announced) and can take advantage of 10 extra practices in the days leading up to it.

Greece is a country with thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas and is famous for its beaches. Influential in ancient times, it’s often called the cradle of Western civilization.

The itinerary includes stops in Thessaloniki, Athens, Kalampaka and Corinth for site-seeing opportunities at world-famous landmarks such at the Acropolis, the Parthanon, Meteora, the Isthmus of Corinth and more.

The journey begins with two days in Thessaloniki, along the Aegean Sea. Rich in history, culture and beauty, it’s the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region. Evidence of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains in the form of museums, monuments and an intricate culinary scene.

Words nor pictures can sufficiently describe the magic and beauty of Meteora, the famous rock formation located just outside the city of Kalampaka in central Greece. The Shockers will have a day to soak it all in and a chance to visit the Meteora Monasteries, perched precipitously atop the formation’s collection of large pillars and rounded boulders.

The second half of the trip takes place in and around Athens, the capital of Greece, which is home to legendary landmarks like the 5th-century B.C. Acropolis citadel and the Parthenon temple.

While in Athens, the team will take a full-day cruise through the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina and later tour Corinth, an important historical and archeological site that was once one of the most powerful cities of the Classical world.

“I’m grateful to the many Wichita State fans and supporters who contribute to our athletics program to make this possible,” Mills said. “Shocker Nation is giving these young men an experience they will not forget. Thank you!”

NCAA rules allow for one foreign tour every four years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WSU last took one in 2016 when it played a series of games in Montreal and Toronto. Previous teams visited Brazil (2011) and Vancouver, British Columbia (2006).

WSUWICHITA - The Wichita State men’s basketball team will travel to Greece for a 10-day exhibition tour, Aug. 1-10, first-year head coach&nbsp;Paul Mills&nbsp;announced today.“I’m thankful for this opportunity to take our team to Greece,” Mills said. “These summer months preparing for our games will ignite chemistry and lay a critical foundation for the approaching season. It’s also phenomenal cultural opportunity, giving our players exposure to the people and rich heritage of Greece.”The Shockers will play three games against international competition during their trip (dates and opponents to be announced) and can take advantage of 10 extra practices in the days leading up to it.Greece is a country with thousands of islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas and is famous for its beaches. Influential in ancient times, it’s often called the cradle of Western civilization.The itinerary includes stops in Thessaloniki, Athens, Kalampaka and Corinth for site-seeing opportunities at world-famous landmarks such at the Acropolis, the Parthanon, Meteora, the Isthmus of Corinth and more.The journey begins with two days in Thessaloniki, along the Aegean Sea. Rich in history, culture and beauty, it’s the second-largest city in Greece and the capital of the region. Evidence of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history remains in the form of museums, monuments and an intricate culinary scene.Words nor pictures can sufficiently describe the magic and beauty of Meteora, the famous rock formation located just outside the city of Kalampaka in central Greece. The Shockers will have a day to soak it all in and a chance to visit the Meteora Monasteries, perched precipitously atop the formation’s collection of large pillars and rounded boulders.The second half of the trip takes place in and around Athens, the capital of Greece, which is home to legendary landmarks like the 5th-century B.C. Acropolis citadel and the Parthenon temple.While in Athens, the team will take a full-day cruise through the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina and later tour Corinth, an important historical and archeological site that was once one of the most powerful cities of the Classical world.“I’m grateful to the many Wichita State fans and supporters who contribute to our athletics program to make this possible,” Mills said. “Shocker Nation is giving these young men an experience they will not forget. Thank you!”NCAA rules allow for one foreign tour every four years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WSU last took one in 2016 when it played a series of games in Montreal and Toronto. Previous teams visited Brazil (2011) and Vancouver, British Columbia (2006).

WSU's Mills announces 10-day Greek exhibition tour

After a phenomenal 2023 campaign and a Lyons Regional title, the Southeast of Saline softball team will look to do something that no previous squad in program history ever has; emerge from Manhattan with a 3A state championship in hand.

For the Lady Trojans, that journey will begin at the Twin Oaks Complex on Thursday at 5:00, when they face the 7-seed in 15-6 Burlington.

This rendition of Southeast has been one of its most dominant in recent memory, as the 21-2 Lady Trojans have won 17 games by mercy rule, scoring 294 runs while allowing just 36 all season.

“I absolutely feel like we have all the pieces that we would want to make a state run,” SES head coach Pesha Ptacek said. “There aren’t many teams that boast the kind of pitching staff we have with three, maybe even four girls that I would feel comfortable putting in at any time.”

That staff has baffled opposing hitting all season long, culminating in a team ERA of 1.36, recording 155 strikeouts while issuing just 37 walks.

One of the only groups that have managed to hit the rotation of Lexi Jacobson, Bryna Baird, and Carly Commerford is the lineup that backs them up with run support night in and night out, with an offense that averages almost 13 runs per game.

“Seeing good arms throughout the season has been a positive for us but having the ability to hit off of ourselves in practice has really been beneficial,” Ptacek said. “Our batters get a good look at high-quality pitching every day and that’s bolstered our offense all season long.”

All of this has led to a return trip to the Little Apple, the first since 2019 for the Lady Trojans, where SES has earned the 2-seed, and the perception of a true contender this spring.

“We’ve talked about the line between confidence and overconfidence but they’ve earned the right to come into this tournament with the former,” she said. “There are teams that will be somewhat intimidated facing us and they’ve earned that but we have to respect our opponents and we must execute if we’re going to advance.”

This year’s 3A bracket features a loaded pool of talent, and to secure a first-ever 3A title the Lady Trojans must overcome teams like 22-1 Haven, 21-2 Columbus, and a familiar foe in 20-3 Beloit, who split with SES earlier this year.

“We’re going in knowing that everyone we’ll see is going to be a quality opponent and everyone will have strong pitching,” Ptacek said. “All of these teams are here for a reason and we have to prove that we can rise to the top and execute in big situations like this.”

First pitch between the Lady Trojans and Wildcats is scheduled for 5:00 on field 4 on Thursday, May 25th, with the semifinals and finals set for Friday.

Games can be heard all week on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) with Devin Hanney on the call courtesy of Eagle Radio

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>After a phenomenal 2023 campaign and a Lyons Regional title, the Southeast of Saline softball team will look to do something that no previous squad in program history ever has; emerge from Manhattan with a 3A state championship in hand.For the Lady Trojans, that journey will begin at the Twin Oaks Complex on Thursday at 5:00, when they face the 7-seed in 15-6 Burlington.This rendition of Southeast has been one of its most dominant in recent memory, as the 21-2 Lady Trojans have won 17 games by mercy rule, scoring 294 runs while allowing just 36 all season.“I absolutely feel like we have all the pieces that we would want to make a state run,” SES head coach Pesha Ptacek said. “There aren’t many teams that boast the kind of pitching staff we have with three, maybe even four girls that I would feel comfortable putting in at any time.”That staff has baffled opposing hitting all season long, culminating in a team ERA of 1.36, recording 155 strikeouts while issuing just 37 walks.One of the only groups that have managed to hit the rotation of Lexi Jacobson, Bryna Baird, and Carly Commerford is the lineup that backs them up with run support night in and night out, with an offense that averages almost 13 runs per game.“Seeing good arms throughout the season has been a positive for us but having the ability to hit off of ourselves in practice has really been beneficial,” Ptacek said. “Our batters get a good look at high-quality pitching every day and that’s bolstered our offense all season long.”All of this has led to a return trip to the Little Apple, the first since 2019 for the Lady Trojans, where SES has earned the 2-seed, and the perception of a true contender this spring.“We’ve talked about the line between confidence and overconfidence but they’ve earned the right to come into this tournament with the former,” she said. “There are teams that will be somewhat intimidated facing us and they’ve earned that but we have to respect our opponents and we must execute if we’re going to advance.”This year’s 3A bracket features a loaded pool of talent, and to secure a first-ever 3A title the Lady Trojans must overcome teams like 22-1 Haven, 21-2 Columbus, and a familiar foe in 20-3 Beloit, who split with SES earlier this year.“We’re going in knowing that everyone we’ll see is going to be a quality opponent and everyone will have strong pitching,” Ptacek said. “All of these teams are here for a reason and we have to prove that we can rise to the top and execute in big situations like this.”First pitch between the Lady Trojans and Wildcats is scheduled for 5:00 on field 4 on Thursday, May 25th, with the semifinals and finals set for Friday.Games can be heard all week on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) with Devin Hanney on the call courtesy of Eagle Radio

Lady Trojan quest for first-ever 3A state title to begin on Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night.

"It's the best feeling in the world," Báez said in an on-field interview after the game. "I'm just happy that I got good contact."

Báez had three hits in the game, but the first two combined for an exit velocity of about 112 mph and didn't leave the infield. His third hit was a line drive over the left-fielder's head.

"He probably got the softest hits tonight and he probably got the hardest hit tonight," Detroit manager AJ Hinch said. "I'll take them both."

Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.

Alex Lange (2-0) earned the victory with two hitless innings of relief. Jose Cisnero picked up his first save.

"I think (Lange) was excellent tonight," Hinch said. "We talk to him over and over about the back end of the game. He can't just wait on the last three outs and a clean inning all the time. These were clean innings, but he's going to need to be ready in the eighth. Tonight we needed him to pitch in a different part of the game."

Scott Barlow (1-3) allowed Báez's winning hit and took the loss.

"(The bullpen) kept us in the game," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "They didn't give up a run until the 10th inning. So, we couldn't have asked for anything more."

Neither starter was effective. Detroit's Michael Lorenzen gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Brady Singer allowed five runs and seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. Singer came into the game with a 6-0 record with a 2.44 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers.

Detroit batters walked 10 times, the first time the Tigers had eight or more walks in consecutive games since June 13-14, 2016.

The Tigers got three runs in the first inning without much solid contact. Zach McKinstry led off with a single in the hole at second. With one out, Báez singled over first base and Spencer Torkelson walked. Singer then walked Akil Baddoo on four pitches to send home the first run. Vierling lined a single through the hole at short for two more runs.

The Royals wasted no time in getting back into the game. Vinnie Pasquantino launched a 424-foot, two-run home run and Salvador Perez followed with a 419-foot shot to tie the score before Lorenzen recorded the first out. It was the first time this year the Royals hit back-to-back home runs.

Vierling then put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run in the third, giving him four RBIs on the night.

"I feel good (and) relaxed," Vierling said. "Hitting is up and down sometimes. I feel like I'm seeing it well. I really like my approach right now. I'm just trying to stay with that as much as possible."

Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first homer as a Royal to tie the game in the fifth. Nicky Lopez tripled leading off the inning before Bradley hit it into the Tigers bullpen in left. Bradley snapped an 0-for-26 skid.

Royals IF Nicky Lopez returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha and was reinstated from IL. He has been out since May 2 with an emergency appendectomy. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment. Dozier was hitting .183 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 29 games this season.

The Tigers and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Tigers will send LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 2.06 ERA) to the mound. The Royals have not announced a starter.

By DAVID SMALE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night."It's the best feeling in the world," Báez said in an on-field interview after the game. "I'm just happy that I got good contact."Báez had three hits in the game, but the first two combined for an exit velocity of about 112 mph and didn't leave the infield. His third hit was a line drive over the left-fielder's head."He probably got the softest hits tonight and he probably got the hardest hit tonight," Detroit manager AJ Hinch said. "I'll take them both."Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.Alex Lange (2-0) earned the victory with two hitless innings of relief. Jose Cisnero picked up his first save."I think (Lange) was excellent tonight," Hinch said. "We talk to him over and over about the back end of the game. He can't just wait on the last three outs and a clean inning all the time. These were clean innings, but he's going to need to be ready in the eighth. Tonight we needed him to pitch in a different part of the game."Scott Barlow (1-3) allowed Báez's winning hit and took the loss."(The bullpen) kept us in the game," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. "They didn't give up a run until the 10th inning. So, we couldn't have asked for anything more."Neither starter was effective. Detroit's Michael Lorenzen gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Brady Singer allowed five runs and seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. Singer came into the game with a 6-0 record with a 2.44 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers.Detroit batters walked 10 times, the first time the Tigers had eight or more walks in consecutive games since June 13-14, 2016.The Tigers got three runs in the first inning without much solid contact. Zach McKinstry led off with a single in the hole at second. With one out, Báez singled over first base and Spencer Torkelson walked. Singer then walked Akil Baddoo on four pitches to send home the first run. Vierling lined a single through the hole at short for two more runs.The Royals wasted no time in getting back into the game. Vinnie Pasquantino launched a 424-foot, two-run home run and Salvador Perez followed with a 419-foot shot to tie the score before Lorenzen recorded the first out. It was the first time this year the Royals hit back-to-back home runs.Vierling then put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run in the third, giving him four RBIs on the night."I feel good (and) relaxed," Vierling said. "Hitting is up and down sometimes. I feel like I'm seeing it well. I really like my approach right now. I'm just trying to stay with that as much as possible."Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first homer as a Royal to tie the game in the fifth. Nicky Lopez tripled leading off the inning before Bradley hit it into the Tigers bullpen in left. Bradley snapped an 0-for-26 skid.TRANSACTIONSRoyals IF Nicky Lopez returned from rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha and was reinstated from IL. He has been out since May 2 with an emergency appendectomy. In a corresponding move, IF/OF Hunter Dozier was designated for assignment. Dozier was hitting .183 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 29 games this season.UP NEXTThe Tigers and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Tigers will send LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 2.06 ERA) to the mound. The Royals have not announced a starter.

Báez hits 3-run double in 10th to lift Tigers past Royals 8-5 in 10 innings

Check out the Coach Heron O'Neal Show tonight!

The show begins at 6 p.m. in AJ's at the Alley. If you can't be there, listen on KINA (910AM and 107.5FM) or watch it live here. Click on the link below.

Check out the Coach Heron O'Neal Show tonight!The show begins at 6 p.m. in AJ's at the Alley. If you can't be there, listen on KINA (910AM and 107.5FM) or watch it live here. Click on the link below.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9e4P1qFdbtg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥Watch the Coach Heron O'Neal Show live at 6 p.m. on Salina Post!

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

Monday The Coach Heron O'Neal Show at AJ's in the Alley:&nbsp; 6 p.m.

Thursday Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans vs. Burlington Lady Wildcats State 3A Softball at Twin Oaks Complex, Manhattan:&nbsp; 5 p.m.

Saturday MRN Nascar Live:&nbsp; 8 a.m.

Salina Liberty Champions Indoor Football Pregame Show:&nbsp; 7:30 p.m.

Salina Liberty vs. Gillette Mustangs Champions Indoor Football at Cam-Plex Arena Gillette, Wyo.:&nbsp; 8 p.m.

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

PRN&nbsp; Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway:&nbsp; 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By SALINA POSTFollowing are the sports programs and events scheduled for KINA (910 AM and 107.5 FM) this week.Monday The Coach Heron O'Neal Show at AJ's in the Alley:&nbsp; 6 p.m. Thursday Southeast of Saline Lady Trojans vs. Burlington Lady Wildcats State 3A Softball at Twin Oaks Complex, Manhattan:&nbsp; 5 p.m. Saturday MRN Nascar Live:&nbsp; 8 a.m. Salina Liberty Champions Indoor Football Pregame Show:&nbsp; 7:30 p.m. Salina Liberty vs. Gillette Mustangs Champions Indoor Football at Cam-Plex Arena Gillette, Wyo.:&nbsp; 8 p.m. Sunday PRN&nbsp; The Pit Reporters:&nbsp; 9 a.m. PRN&nbsp; Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway:&nbsp; 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sports on KINA this week

HOBBS, N.M. - Breaking five school records and recording nine top-five finishes in their final day of competition of the 2023 season, the Cloud County Community College women's and men's track and field teams would leave their mark on the biggest stage of the season by earning top-five team finishes at the 2023 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Hobbs, N.M., on Saturday. Matching their highest-ever team finish on the women's side, CCCC would finish as one of two teams to eclipse the 100-mark on their way to a national runner-up team finish after scoring 101 points to trail only host school and national champion New Mexico Junior College who would score 105 of their 130.5 points on the final day of competition. The rest of the top five in the women's standings would see Barton (92.5 points), South Plains (82), and Iowa Western (64) round out the top five as each of the five schools would also be represented in the top five of the final men's team standings. A tie for the national title would be seen between New Mexico Junior College and South Plains for the second-consecutive contested championship after both teams scored 100 points with Barton (79.5 points), Iowa Western (55.5 points), and Cloud County (48) finishing behind the co-national champs. Entering the day with 55 points in the women's standings, CCCC would get off to a quick start in field events with Jessi Brummet (javelin) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/0c0448fd-9ec8-4596-9ac7-1a7ba0d29eca?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Tamara Thompson</a>&nbsp;(discus) taking second and third in their respective events. Setting a new personal best and throwing over 45 meters on all of her throws, Brummett would finish with a top throw of 45.40 meters (148 ft. -11 in.) to finish just one inch back of the national title mark set by Anisha Gibbons of NMJC. For Thompson, the freshman would bring home a third-place finish after recording a throw of 46.46 meters (152 ft. - 5 in.) on her final attempt of the day. Two national championship performances would come in track events for the T-Bird women as&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/35eae9e1-23c9-4f03-b099-53b0c8529819?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;would win her second national title in as many days by posting a time of 17:59.69 in the 5,000 meters to sweep the two-longest distant events of the meet after winning the 10,000 meters on Friday morning. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/520293fa-40ba-4d18-bc5f-6b0d9e322f7d?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>&nbsp;would back up her top-qualifying time in the 100-meter hurdles by running a wind-legal time of 13. 31 seconds to beat the remaining eight competitors by .15 seconds or more as only two runners in the field would break the 13.50-second mark in the event. A Zimbabwe national record would be set by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9878394d-1f47-435f-be48-4077ccdf343e?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>&nbsp;in the 400 meters as a time of 52.46 seconds would be good enough for a third-place finish while eclipsing the previous record time of 53.09 seconds set by Larissa Bakasa who held the previous record after competing for TCU in the 2004 track season. Maisvorewa would go on to run the anchor leg of the 4x400 meter relay (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a56d4f0b-4176-44e1-890f-08511ddab2f6?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5333e050-3028-4179-9ae7-4befacb9b6f8?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/391aa9aa-f299-42cc-abe1-39225c29a3d6?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Lela Singleton</a>, and Maisvorewa) while helping set a school record for the second-straight day in the event after the relay squad would run a time of 3:40.20 to eclipse their Friday time of 3:41.93. Totaling 16 points in the final day of competition, the Cloud County men would see two of their top-five finishes come in field events highlighted by a fourth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2e9cd111-b932-44ef-aff0-61b171fe09d5?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Hemon Joseph</a>&nbsp;in the javelin (54.21 meters, 177 ft. - 10 in.) while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e06744a0-1381-416a-990c-a5fe1b25a5e8?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Oageng Mdlela</a>&nbsp;record a mark of 15.40 meters (50 ft. - 6.25 in.) in the triple jump to take fourth out of a 21-competitor field. After picking up a fourth-place finish in the 10,000 meters on Friday, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/773a8742-d540-40ab-9829-dc6996d311a5?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Kidus Misgina</a>&nbsp;would come back on Saturday to run in the 5,000 meters and post a time of 14:40.56 to take third out of 40 runners in the event while finishing just 12 seconds off the winning pace set by Sanele Masondo of Colby. For the weekend, Cloud County would combine to bring home five individual national champions as part of 22 All-American performances and 24 finishes in the top six of their respective events. Additionally, seven school records would fall with the most recent performances put together by CCCC athletes in their final competition of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County Sports InformationHOBBS, N.M. - Breaking five school records and recording nine top-five finishes in their final day of competition of the 2023 season, the Cloud County Community College women's and men's track and field teams would leave their mark on the biggest stage of the season by earning top-five team finishes at the 2023 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Hobbs, N.M., on Saturday. Matching their highest-ever team finish on the women's side, CCCC would finish as one of two teams to eclipse the 100-mark on their way to a national runner-up team finish after scoring 101 points to trail only host school and national champion New Mexico Junior College who would score 105 of their 130.5 points on the final day of competition. The rest of the top five in the women's standings would see Barton (92.5 points), South Plains (82), and Iowa Western (64) round out the top five as each of the five schools would also be represented in the top five of the final men's team standings. A tie for the national title would be seen between New Mexico Junior College and South Plains for the second-consecutive contested championship after both teams scored 100 points with Barton (79.5 points), Iowa Western (55.5 points), and Cloud County (48) finishing behind the co-national champs. Entering the day with 55 points in the women's standings, CCCC would get off to a quick start in field events with Jessi Brummet (javelin) and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/0c0448fd-9ec8-4596-9ac7-1a7ba0d29eca?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Tamara Thompson</a>&nbsp;(discus) taking second and third in their respective events. Setting a new personal best and throwing over 45 meters on all of her throws, Brummett would finish with a top throw of 45.40 meters (148 ft. -11 in.) to finish just one inch back of the national title mark set by Anisha Gibbons of NMJC. For Thompson, the freshman would bring home a third-place finish after recording a throw of 46.46 meters (152 ft. - 5 in.) on her final attempt of the day. Two national championship performances would come in track events for the T-Bird women as&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/35eae9e1-23c9-4f03-b099-53b0c8529819?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Lucy Ndungu</a>&nbsp;would win her second national title in as many days by posting a time of 17:59.69 in the 5,000 meters to sweep the two-longest distant events of the meet after winning the 10,000 meters on Friday morning. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/520293fa-40ba-4d18-bc5f-6b0d9e322f7d?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Miracle Thompson</a>&nbsp;would back up her top-qualifying time in the 100-meter hurdles by running a wind-legal time of 13. 31 seconds to beat the remaining eight competitors by .15 seconds or more as only two runners in the field would break the 13.50-second mark in the event. A Zimbabwe national record would be set by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9878394d-1f47-435f-be48-4077ccdf343e?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Vimbayi Maisvorewa</a>&nbsp;in the 400 meters as a time of 52.46 seconds would be good enough for a third-place finish while eclipsing the previous record time of 53.09 seconds set by Larissa Bakasa who held the previous record after competing for TCU in the 2004 track season. Maisvorewa would go on to run the anchor leg of the 4x400 meter relay (<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/a56d4f0b-4176-44e1-890f-08511ddab2f6?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Vanessa Mercera</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/5333e050-3028-4179-9ae7-4befacb9b6f8?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Passion Crews</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/391aa9aa-f299-42cc-abe1-39225c29a3d6?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Lela Singleton</a>, and Maisvorewa) while helping set a school record for the second-straight day in the event after the relay squad would run a time of 3:40.20 to eclipse their Friday time of 3:41.93. Totaling 16 points in the final day of competition, the Cloud County men would see two of their top-five finishes come in field events highlighted by a fourth-place finish from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/2e9cd111-b932-44ef-aff0-61b171fe09d5?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Hemon Joseph</a>&nbsp;in the javelin (54.21 meters, 177 ft. - 10 in.) while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/e06744a0-1381-416a-990c-a5fe1b25a5e8?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Oageng Mdlela</a>&nbsp;record a mark of 15.40 meters (50 ft. - 6.25 in.) in the triple jump to take fourth out of a 21-competitor field. After picking up a fourth-place finish in the 10,000 meters on Friday, sophomore&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/773a8742-d540-40ab-9829-dc6996d311a5?elinkdata=51494" target="_blank">Kidus Misgina</a>&nbsp;would come back on Saturday to run in the 5,000 meters and post a time of 14:40.56 to take third out of 40 runners in the event while finishing just 12 seconds off the winning pace set by Sanele Masondo of Colby. For the weekend, Cloud County would combine to bring home five individual national champions as part of 22 All-American performances and 24 finishes in the top six of their respective events. Additionally, seven school records would fall with the most recent performances put together by CCCC athletes in their final competition of the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;

T-Bird women's team NJCAA runner up, men finish fifth

WICHITA - The Wichita Wind Surge scored three fifth inning runs to come from behind and defeat the Arkansas Travelers 4-3.&nbsp; The win earns them a split against the first-place team.&nbsp;

The Surge were fueled by a strong fifth inning first on defense by an outstanding Jake Rucker field and throw to end the top of the inning. On offense they came alive in the bottom of the inning; Anthony Prato, Patrick Winkel, and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. all scored. Brooks Lee was the biggest driving force when he hit a line drive out to left field that earned two RBIs.

Winkel has extended his streak of reaching base to 12 straight games.

The Travelers tried to come back in the bottom of the ninth but Jordan Brink for the Surge earned the save for stopping the Travelers one run short of tying the game.

Cabezas gets the win for the Wind Surge as he pitched three innings recorded four strikeouts and only gave up one run and two hits.

The starting pitcher Adams also recorded four strikeouts over four innings pitched. He allowed four hits and one run.

Wichita improved to 2-0 in Tumba Vacas uniforms and the Wind Surge improve to 18-20 and the Arkansas Travelers fall to 25-14.

NOTES - &nbsp;The Minnesota Twins have named Double-A Wichita right-handed pitcher Blayne Enlow the minor league Pitcher of the Week. Enlow, 24, made one start for the Wind Surge on Thursday vs. Arkansas, allowing one run on six hits in 5.1 innings pitched with no walks and 10 strikeouts. Wind Surge improve to 2-9 while playing day games this season.

UPCOMING – Wichita heads to Springfield to play the Cardinals in a six game series.&nbsp; Carlos Luna starts on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m.

BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>

Wichita Wind SurgeWICHITA - The Wichita Wind Surge scored three fifth inning runs to come from behind and defeat the Arkansas Travelers 4-3.&nbsp; The win earns them a split against the first-place team.&nbsp;The Surge were fueled by a strong fifth inning first on defense by an outstanding Jake Rucker field and throw to end the top of the inning. On offense they came alive in the bottom of the inning; Anthony Prato, Patrick Winkel, and DaShawn Keirsey Jr. all scored. Brooks Lee was the biggest driving force when he hit a line drive out to left field that earned two RBIs.Winkel has extended his streak of reaching base to 12 straight games.The Travelers tried to come back in the bottom of the ninth but Jordan Brink for the Surge earned the save for stopping the Travelers one run short of tying the game.Cabezas gets the win for the Wind Surge as he pitched three innings recorded four strikeouts and only gave up one run and two hits.The starting pitcher Adams also recorded four strikeouts over four innings pitched. He allowed four hits and one run.Wichita improved to 2-0 in Tumba Vacas uniforms and the Wind Surge improve to 18-20 and the Arkansas Travelers fall to 25-14.NOTES - &nbsp;The Minnesota Twins have named Double-A Wichita right-handed pitcher Blayne Enlow the minor league Pitcher of the Week. Enlow, 24, made one start for the Wind Surge on Thursday vs. Arkansas, allowing one run on six hits in 5.1 innings pitched with no walks and 10 strikeouts. Wind Surge improve to 2-9 while playing day games this season.UPCOMING – Wichita heads to Springfield to play the Cardinals in a six game series.&nbsp; Carlos Luna starts on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. BROADCAST:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>

Wind Surge defeats Travelers, gets split with first-place team

By MATT CARLSON Associated Press

CHICAGO — Luis Robert Jr. homered, Lance Lynn pitched six effective innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Sunday for a three-game series sweep.

Romy González went 3 for 3, including two-run triple that put the White Sox ahead for good as the Chicago won for the fifth time in six games. The White Sox also improved to 12-8 since an ugly 10-game slide.

Lynn (3-5) allowed two runs and four hits in his second straight win. The right-hander struck out six and walked two.

Lynn tossed the sixth straight quality start for the South Siders, whose rotation seems to be coalescing.

"The starters as a whole are doing what we're capable of," Lynn said. "If we do what we're supposed to, it puts the bullpen in a good spot and you've seen them really take off too."

Lynn kept dealing after giving up Michael Massey's deep two-run homer in the second that put the Royals ahead 2-0. Massey has three homers this year — all against Chicago.

"He just settled in and does what he does," manager Pedro Grifol said. "He just keeps us in games and knows who to navigate through that lineup three times."

Kansas City finished with just four hits as three Chicago relievers closed it out, with Joe Kelly pitching a perfect ninth for his first save. The last-place Royals have dropped seven of nine.

Royals right-hander Carlos Hernández pitched the first two innings, retiring his six batters and striking out the first three. Max Castillo (0-1) then allowed five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

"(Hernández) was throwing the ball really well, challenged hitters and has really good stuff," said Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said, who has no plans to stretch out Hernández beyond being an opener or reliever.

Robert hit a solo drive in the fourth for his 13th homer, and Chicago went ahead to stay with three runs in the fifth.

With one out and runners on second and third, González tripled to the base of the wall in right.

"It was definitely a good day and a huge gift," Gonzáles said. "It was just looking for something to drive. I had a good pitch and put a good swing on it."

Andrew Benintendi then made it 4-2 with a sacrifice fly on a foul ball to left.

Benintendi added an RBI single in the seventh, driving in Tim Anderson and helping Chicago close out its first winning homestand at 6-3.

González started at shortstop in place of Anderson, appearing in only his second game in May. Anderson entered batting .211 with no homers and two RBIs over 17 games this month.

Grifol said it was a maintenance day for Anderson. The two-time All-Star entered in the sixth after González moved to second base when Hanser Alberto departed with left shoulder soreness.

The White Sox promoted Clint Frazier from Triple-A Charlotte and cut fellow outfielder Jake Marisnick. Frazier went 1 for 3 and scored a run in his first big league game in almost a year.

The 24-year-old Massey, from the southwest Chicago suburb of Palos Park, Illinois, was a White Sox fan growing up. The Royals drafted him from the University of Illinois in 2019.

Massey also said he got engaged during the weekend homecoming

White Sox: RHP Mike Clevinger was placed on the 15-day injured list with right wrist inflammation. Clevinger is 3-3 with a 4.56 ERA in nine starts. ... OF/DH Eloy Jiménez will need a minor league rehab stint before returning, Grifol said.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (3-4, 7.09 ERA) faces Detroit RHP Michael Lorenzen. (2-2, 3.44 ERA) on Monday as Kansas City opens a six-game homestand.

White Sox: Neither starter had been named for Chicago's game at Cleveland on Monday. Clevinger had been scheduled to start for the White Sox.

By MATT CARLSON Associated PressCHICAGO — Luis Robert Jr. homered, Lance Lynn pitched six effective innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Sunday for a three-game series sweep.Romy González went 3 for 3, including two-run triple that put the White Sox ahead for good as the Chicago won for the fifth time in six games. The White Sox also improved to 12-8 since an ugly 10-game slide.Lynn (3-5) allowed two runs and four hits in his second straight win. The right-hander struck out six and walked two.Lynn tossed the sixth straight quality start for the South Siders, whose rotation seems to be coalescing."The starters as a whole are doing what we're capable of," Lynn said. "If we do what we're supposed to, it puts the bullpen in a good spot and you've seen them really take off too."Lynn kept dealing after giving up Michael Massey's deep two-run homer in the second that put the Royals ahead 2-0. Massey has three homers this year — all against Chicago."He just settled in and does what he does," manager Pedro Grifol said. "He just keeps us in games and knows who to navigate through that lineup three times."Kansas City finished with just four hits as three Chicago relievers closed it out, with Joe Kelly pitching a perfect ninth for his first save. The last-place Royals have dropped seven of nine.Royals right-hander Carlos Hernández pitched the first two innings, retiring his six batters and striking out the first three. Max Castillo (0-1) then allowed five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings."(Hernández) was throwing the ball really well, challenged hitters and has really good stuff," said Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said, who has no plans to stretch out Hernández beyond being an opener or reliever.Robert hit a solo drive in the fourth for his 13th homer, and Chicago went ahead to stay with three runs in the fifth.With one out and runners on second and third, González tripled to the base of the wall in right."It was definitely a good day and a huge gift," Gonzáles said. "It was just looking for something to drive. I had a good pitch and put a good swing on it."Andrew Benintendi then made it 4-2 with a sacrifice fly on a foul ball to left.Benintendi added an RBI single in the seventh, driving in Tim Anderson and helping Chicago close out its first winning homestand at 6-3.González started at shortstop in place of Anderson, appearing in only his second game in May. Anderson entered batting .211 with no homers and two RBIs over 17 games this month.Grifol said it was a maintenance day for Anderson. The two-time All-Star entered in the sixth after González moved to second base when Hanser Alberto departed with left shoulder soreness.FRAZIER RETURNS TO MAJORSThe White Sox promoted Clint Frazier from Triple-A Charlotte and cut fellow outfielder Jake Marisnick. Frazier went 1 for 3 and scored a run in his first big league game in almost a year.HOMETOWN VISITThe 24-year-old Massey, from the southwest Chicago suburb of Palos Park, Illinois, was a White Sox fan growing up. The Royals drafted him from the University of Illinois in 2019.Massey also said he got engaged during the weekend homecomingTRAINER'S ROOMWhite Sox: RHP Mike Clevinger was placed on the 15-day injured list with right wrist inflammation. Clevinger is 3-3 with a 4.56 ERA in nine starts. ... OF/DH Eloy Jiménez will need a minor league rehab stint before returning, Grifol said.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (3-4, 7.09 ERA) faces Detroit RHP Michael Lorenzen. (2-2, 3.44 ERA) on Monday as Kansas City opens a six-game homestand.White Sox: Neither starter had been named for Chicago's game at Cleveland on Monday. Clevinger had been scheduled to start for the White Sox.

Robert, Lynn star as White Sox beat Royals 5-2 for series sweep

Here's a link to Saturday's Salina Liberty game against the Sioux&nbsp; City Bandits. The link did not appear Saturday due to technical difficulties. Apologies to those who were trying to access the game Saturday.

Here's a link to Saturday's Salina Liberty game against the Sioux&nbsp; City Bandits. The link did not appear Saturday due to technical difficulties. Apologies to those who were trying to access the game Saturday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gReK5Cg7__E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>