KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs plan to induct former wide receiver Dante Hall into the team's hall of fame.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs plan to induct former wide receiver Dante Hall into the team's hall of fame.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKansasCityChiefs%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02GkTv4oumnrZib4sPDLpJ9g4fN6bvtYhrVRsfpjhWZRnQLLGTTEmGY7NZ8eEosGc4l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="635" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Dante Hall going into Chiefs Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's Day 2 of the NFL draft! Who will pick Will Levis? The standout Kentucky quarterback will be the biggest name on the board when the second round kicks off at 7 p.m. EST from Kansas City's Union Station with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the clock.

Bryce Young went first overall to the Carolina Panthers followed by C.J. Stroud to the Houston Texans for a 1-2 quarterback combo at the top of the draft Thursday. The second round can be viewed on NFL Network and ESPN. Follow for live updates from Associated Press reporters across the country (all times EST).

Colts owner Jim Irsay is raising eyebrows on Twitter hours before the start of the second round of the NFL draft by asking fans if the team should take Will Levis for a Joe Montana-Steve Young QB combo.

Irsay asked the question after Indianapolis took Florida's Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick. The Colts have the fourth pick in the second round, the 35th overall.

Montana and Young are both Pro Football Hall of Famers who won Super Bowls in San Francisco. Young was Montana's backup before replacing him.

The Kentucky QB was projected as high as the second overall pick. Instead, he's heading to Round 2 still waiting for a team to buzz his phone, writes AP's Arnie Stapleton.

Levis sat uncomfortably, sometimes squirming in front of the TV cameras, as he watched three quarterbacks picked in the first four selections: Young to the Panthers, Stroud to the Texans and Anthony Richardson fourth to the Indianapolis Colts.

WHO ARE THE BEST PLAYERS AVAILABLE?

Tennessee's Hendon Hooker is another intriguing prospect still on the board after being bypassed on a wild Thursday night that featured several surprising swaps, two running backs selected among the top dozen picks and a late run on a thin class of wide receivers.

Other players expected to go in the second round include tight ends Michael Mayer (Notre Dame) and Luke Musgrave (Oregon State), cornerbacks Brian Branch (Alabama), Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) and Kelee Ringo (Georgia), and guard O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida).

The Steelers, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions have the first three picks in Round 2.

The Los Angeles Rams (36th overall) and Miami Dolphins (51st) jump into action in Round 2 after being spectators on Thursday night. The Rams traded away their first-round pick and the Dolphins were punished by the league for tampering.

The Denver Broncos (67th) and Cleveland Browns (74th) must wait for the third round, barring a trade to move up.

AP College Football Writer Ralph Russo breaks down all 31 first-round picks, including Alabama defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was once projected to be the first overall pick and went ninth to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Carter's stock dropped after pleading no contest to two misdemeanors (reckless driving and racing) and being sentenced to a year of probation and community service in March on charges related to an automobile accident that killed a Georgia teammate and football staffer.

Young, Stroud, Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (Texans), Richardson and Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks) were the top five selections, while Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was the last player picked in the first round by the Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — It's Day 2 of the NFL draft! Who will pick Will Levis? The standout Kentucky quarterback will be the biggest name on the board when the second round kicks off at 7 p.m. EST from Kansas City's Union Station with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the clock.Bryce Young went first overall to the Carolina Panthers followed by C.J. Stroud to the Houston Texans for a 1-2 quarterback combo at the top of the draft Thursday. The second round can be viewed on NFL Network and ESPN. Follow for live updates from Associated Press reporters across the country (all times EST).LEVIS TO THE COLTS?Colts owner Jim Irsay is raising eyebrows on Twitter hours before the start of the second round of the NFL draft by asking fans if the team should take Will Levis for a Joe Montana-Steve Young QB combo.Irsay asked the question after Indianapolis took Florida's Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick. The Colts have the fourth pick in the second round, the 35th overall.Montana and Young are both Pro Football Hall of Famers who won Super Bowls in San Francisco. Young was Montana's backup before replacing him.ALL EYES ON LEVISThe Kentucky QB was projected as high as the second overall pick. Instead, he's heading to Round 2 still waiting for a team to buzz his phone, writes AP's Arnie Stapleton.Levis sat uncomfortably, sometimes squirming in front of the TV cameras, as he watched three quarterbacks picked in the first four selections: Young to the Panthers, Stroud to the Texans and Anthony Richardson fourth to the Indianapolis Colts.WHO ARE THE BEST PLAYERS AVAILABLE?Tennessee's Hendon Hooker is another intriguing prospect still on the board after being bypassed on a wild Thursday night that featured several surprising swaps, two running backs selected among the top dozen picks and a late run on a thin class of wide receivers.Other players expected to go in the second round include tight ends Michael Mayer (Notre Dame) and Luke Musgrave (Oregon State), cornerbacks Brian Branch (Alabama), Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State) and Kelee Ringo (Georgia), and guard O'Cyrus Torrence (Florida).WHO PICKS IN THE SECOND ROUND?The Steelers, Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions have the first three picks in Round 2.The Los Angeles Rams (36th overall) and Miami Dolphins (51st) jump into action in Round 2 after being spectators on Thursday night. The Rams traded away their first-round pick and the Dolphins were punished by the league for tampering.The Denver Broncos (67th) and Cleveland Browns (74th) must wait for the third round, barring a trade to move up.DRAFT PICKS SO FARAP College Football Writer Ralph Russo breaks down all 31 first-round picks, including Alabama defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was once projected to be the first overall pick and went ninth to the Philadelphia Eagles.Carter's stock dropped after pleading no contest to two misdemeanors (reckless driving and racing) and being sentenced to a year of probation and community service in March on charges related to an automobile accident that killed a Georgia teammate and football staffer.Young, Stroud, Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (Texans), Richardson and Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks) were the top five selections, while Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was the last player picked in the first round by the Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.

NFL Draft: Who are the best players left on Day 2?

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor

Following a 45-38 victory over the Southwest Kansas Storm on Saturday, it was announced that two members of the Liberty had been named CIF players of the week.

In his debut for Salina, newly acquired QB Ed Crouch put on a show,&nbsp;racking up 179 all-purpose yards under center, tossing five touchdowns through the air, and adding one on the ground while surrendering just two interceptions on the day.

For his efforts under center, Crouch was named CIF Offensive Player of the Week, while Liberty Kicker James Kazalski collected CIF Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Kazalski was perfect on the day, contributing eight points in the seven-point victory, knocking down all five extra points and a critical field goal to help deliver Salina the win.

The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday with a non-league home game against the Queen City Insane Asylum.

For continuing coverage of Liberty football, stay tuned to the Salina, JC, and Little Apple Posts.

By TYLER HENRY Salina Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618021366432.png" alt="Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>Following a 45-38 victory over the Southwest Kansas Storm on Saturday, it was announced that two members of the Liberty had been named CIF players of the week.In his debut for Salina, newly acquired QB Ed Crouch put on a show,&nbsp;racking up 179 all-purpose yards under center, tossing five touchdowns through the air, and adding one on the ground while surrendering just two interceptions on the day.For his efforts under center, Crouch was named CIF Offensive Player of the Week, while Liberty Kicker James Kazalski collected CIF Special Teams Player of the Week honors.Kazalski was perfect on the day, contributing eight points in the seven-point victory, knocking down all five extra points and a critical field goal to help deliver Salina the win.The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday with a non-league home game against the Queen City Insane Asylum.For continuing coverage of Liberty football, stay tuned to the Salina, JC, and Little Apple Posts.

Salina secures two player of the week honors after defeating Storm

By TYLER MASON Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday.

Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Buxton's opposite-field shot was a three-run blast over the high wall in right-center field to make it 6-1. Correa followed that up with a line-drive homer into the bullpens in left-center.

Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run — a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth — but exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness.

Mahle didn't sound too worried after the game, calling it "just inflammation," but said he didn't know yet whether he'd make his next start.

"No one's really concerned about it," he said. "So just sit back for a few days and let it calm down and it should be fine."

Reliever Brock Stewart (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, made his Twins debut in replacing Mahle. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters.

"The guys that have watched him throw at the Triple-A level have been very, very pleased," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He's been pretty dominant. He's throwing the ball great."

Minnesota has now homered in 10 straight games, with a total of 17 during that stretch.

The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings. Greinke hasn't beaten the Twins since April 30, 2014, a span of nine starts. He also is now 1-8 in 11 career starts at Target Field.

"It was unusual. It seemed like a little bit of a lack of command," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Greinke. "The pitch count was elevated. It just didn't seem like he was commanding it as well as he normally does."

Minnesota scored a run in the first when Trevor Larnach singled to drive in Correa. The Twins plated two more runs in the second off Greinke.

Pasquantino's home run extended his on-base streak to 21 games, tying his career high.

"He seems to do a really good job of compartmentalizing," Quatraro said of Pasquantino. "He leaves the last at-bat behind him, whether it was good or bad, and goes up there and competes on every pitch."

Minnesota's bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Then Twins closer Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth inning despite a six-run lead.

Baldelli said Duran has an early-morning flight Friday to take care of immigration-related documents, so Minnesota opted to pitch him Thursday to save other relievers for Friday's game.

Before Thursday's game, the Twins reinstated left-hander Josh Winder from the 15-day injured list and optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Winder on the roster.

Winder has not yet appeared for the Twins this season after missing time with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab appearances before being reinstated, striking out 11 and walking four in nine innings.

Headrick appeared in three games for the Twins and posted a 3.24 ERA.

Royals: Catcher Salvador Perez remained out of the lineup after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday. Quatraro said Perez has a "bad bruise" but underwent pregame activities.

Twins: Right-hander Kenta Maeda had an MRI on his right elbow, which showed a muscle strain and inflammation. Maeda, who exited Wednesday's game with an elbow injury after allowing 10 runs in three innings, did not have any structural damage to his elbow. He'll likely land on the injured list.

RHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA) gets the start Friday for Kansas City, while RHP Pablo López (1-2, 3.00) starts for Minnesota. Lyles faced the Twins in his first start of the season, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss. Lopez was on the other side of Lyles in that game against the Royals and allowed just two hits in 5 1/3 shutout innings to earn the win.

By TYLER MASON Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS — Byron Buxton and Carlos Correa homered back-to-back for the Minnesota Twins, who routed the Kansas City Royals 7-1 on Thursday.Buxton and Correa teed off on Royals veteran right-hander Zack Greinke in the fourth inning. Buxton's opposite-field shot was a three-run blast over the high wall in right-center field to make it 6-1. Correa followed that up with a line-drive homer into the bullpens in left-center.Twins starter Tyler Mahle allowed one run — a solo homer by Vinnie Pasquantino in the top of the fourth — but exited after four innings and 66 pitches with right posterior elbow soreness.Mahle didn't sound too worried after the game, calling it "just inflammation," but said he didn't know yet whether he'd make his next start."No one's really concerned about it," he said. "So just sit back for a few days and let it calm down and it should be fine."Reliever Brock Stewart (1-0), who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, made his Twins debut in replacing Mahle. He pitched two scoreless innings and struck out three batters."The guys that have watched him throw at the Triple-A level have been very, very pleased," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "He's been pretty dominant. He's throwing the ball great."Minnesota has now homered in 10 straight games, with a total of 17 during that stretch.The 39-year-old Greinke fell to 0-4 on the season and his ERA jumped to 6.10 after allowing seven runs on eight hits over 3 2/3 innings. Greinke hasn't beaten the Twins since April 30, 2014, a span of nine starts. He also is now 1-8 in 11 career starts at Target Field."It was unusual. It seemed like a little bit of a lack of command," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Greinke. "The pitch count was elevated. It just didn't seem like he was commanding it as well as he normally does."Minnesota scored a run in the first when Trevor Larnach singled to drive in Correa. The Twins plated two more runs in the second off Greinke.Pasquantino's home run extended his on-base streak to 21 games, tying his career high."He seems to do a really good job of compartmentalizing," Quatraro said of Pasquantino. "He leaves the last at-bat behind him, whether it was good or bad, and goes up there and competes on every pitch."Minnesota's bullpen combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Then Twins closer Jhoan Duran pitched the ninth inning despite a six-run lead.Baldelli said Duran has an early-morning flight Friday to take care of immigration-related documents, so Minnesota opted to pitch him Thursday to save other relievers for Friday's game.ROSTER MOVEBefore Thursday's game, the Twins reinstated left-hander Josh Winder from the 15-day injured list and optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A St. Paul to make room for Winder on the roster.Winder has not yet appeared for the Twins this season after missing time with a right shoulder strain. He made five rehab appearances before being reinstated, striking out 11 and walking four in nine innings.Headrick appeared in three games for the Twins and posted a 3.24 ERA.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Catcher Salvador Perez remained out of the lineup after getting hit by a pitch Tuesday. Quatraro said Perez has a "bad bruise" but underwent pregame activities.Twins: Right-hander Kenta Maeda had an MRI on his right elbow, which showed a muscle strain and inflammation. Maeda, who exited Wednesday's game with an elbow injury after allowing 10 runs in three innings, did not have any structural damage to his elbow. He'll likely land on the injured list.UP NEXTRHP Jordan Lyles (0-4, 4.88 ERA) gets the start Friday for Kansas City, while RHP Pablo López (1-2, 3.00) starts for Minnesota. Lyles faced the Twins in his first start of the season, allowing two runs in 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss. Lopez was on the other side of Lyles in that game against the Royals and allowed just two hits in 5 1/3 shutout innings to earn the win.

Buxton, Correa go long in Twins' defeat of Royals; Greinke 0-4

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs used the final selection of the first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown player, selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick Thursday night.

Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a high school star in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., before heading down Interstate 70 to play for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in which he was voted the league's defensive player of the year.

Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs, who had to release Frank Clark to create some salary cap space.

The Chiefs also used a first-round pick last year on defensive end George Karlaftis, and now they have two young players to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Karlaftis had six sacks while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682654948401.jpeg" alt="Kansas State defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah runs a drill during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Manhattan on March 31. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah runs a drill during the NCAA college football team's NFL Pro Day in Manhattan on March 31. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs used the final selection of the first round of the hometown NFL draft to pick a hometown player, selecting Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah with the 31st overall pick Thursday night.Anudike-Uzomah was born in Kansas City and became a high school star in the suburb of Lee's Summit, Mo., before heading down Interstate 70 to play for the Wildcats. He became a starter in the Big 12 by his sophomore season and declared for the draft after a junior season in which he was voted the league's defensive player of the year.Anudike-Uzomah fills a big need for the Chiefs, who had to release Frank Clark to create some salary cap space.The Chiefs also used a first-round pick last year on defensive end George Karlaftis, and now they have two young players to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Karlaftis had six sacks while helping the Chiefs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.

Chiefs pick hometown star Felix Anudike-Uzomah of K-State

CONCORDIA - After a slow start that would lead to a nine-run deficit as part of a 9-4 loss in game one, the Cloud County Community College baseball team would bounce back against visiting Colby Community College with their sixth shutout of the year to pick up a 7-0 win and split a doubleheader at Lee Doyen Field in Concordia, Kansas on Thursday. Dropping just their seventh home game of the year in 26 games at Lee Doyen Field, the T-Birds are now 31-18 overall while moving to 16-10 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while Colby now sits at 12-33 overall and 5-20 in the KJCCC. Game one After allowing a run to score in the top of the first on a two-out RBI single, Cloud County would see Colby maintain their lead into the top of the third when a leadoff double would set the tone for the Trojans and allow Colby to bat around with four-straight two-out hits leading to a five-run inning that would suddenly find CCCC in a 6-0 hole. Having stranded a pair of base runners in the bottom of the first, Cloud County would again wind up stranding a pair of base runners in the bottom of the third as a prime opportunity to try and respond to the big inning by Colby going by the wayside with a flyout ending the inning. Three more runs would come across in the top of the fourth for the Trojans as a throwing error, walk, and single would load the bases to set up an RBI groundout that would be followed by back-to-back walks and a balk to bring home an additional two runs as three different T-Bird pitchers would be used in the inning. Facing their largest deficit since March 11th, CCCC would be held scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when a one-out single from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/67a8d862-1851-4f9b-93ee-5f1db8f4767c?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/639ff276-089e-4508-adda-f802df41c737?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>&nbsp;double would lead to a run after a Colby error in the outfield with Shakotko coming around to score in the next at-bat with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1870c80a-e913-4766-a87e-c818c988f9db?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;hitting a two-strike RBI single. Following the Wollin single,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/341297b8-e461-4280-a56a-8aee1cb5ad82?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Anthony Taggart</a>&nbsp;would draw a walk to put two runners on and continue the rally for Cloud County as momentum would finally start to swing in favor of the T-Birds until a strikeout looking to end the inning and see the rally end. Another two runs would come across in the bottom of the sixth for CCCC following a scoreless top of the sixth for Colby as a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/22316fcd-a98b-4630-b3d6-2ec63ba56cae?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Justin Johnson</a>&nbsp;pinch-hit single and Alex Diaz single and error by the Trojans would bring home another run and lead to a runner at third with still nobody out. After a groundout to the pitcher, Meyer would hit an RBI groundout to score Diaz as no other threat would be posed in the inning by the T-Birds with the deficit sitting at five heading into the final inning of play. Cloud County would work around a two-out single in the seventh by the Colby before trying to put together a rally in the bottom half of the inning with two of the first three batters safely reaching base, but a strikeout and infield lineout would quickly put an end to things and allow the Trojans to close out the victory. Finishing with 11 hits in the game, Cloud County would be led by a four-for-four effort at the plate by Shakotko while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/108845ab-512b-4f41-b3d6-db27d9b20195?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>&nbsp;collect two hits to finish as the only other T-Bird with multiple hits in the game as 10 stranded base runners would prove extremely costly with clutch hits nowhere to be found. As a pitching staff, CCCC would strike out 11 Colby batters but give up nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits with just three of the 10 hits by the Trojans going for extra bases. Game two Re-grouping between games to try and rally the troops, Cloud County would make sure to avoid a similar fate in the back end of the day's action with a leadoff double for Roy in the bottom of the first and stolen base setting up an RBI groundout for&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/75316b2a-a38f-41bf-8131-b8167b0ee5c8?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;to give CCCC their first lead of the day to go up 1-0 after an inning. Getting a one-two-three top of the second, the T-Birds would add to their lead in the bottom half of the inning with a two-out solo home run for Diaz doubling the Cloud County lead. Following the home run by Diaz, both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/334c1c10-3bc4-4eae-bfa2-cf275fae3638?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Phil Brennaman</a>&nbsp;of Cloud County and Tyler Smith of Colby would lock in on the mound as the next eight consecutive batters would be retired in order until a one-out double for the Trojans in the top of the fourth that would ultimately wind up stranded at third following a popup in foul territory to end the inning. Strong pitching would continue on both ends as another stretch of 17 consecutive batters would be retired in order while seeing both starting pitchers work through the seventh inning. In the seventh, Colby would threaten to get on the scoreboard as an infield single would put a leadoff base runner on before a two-out single to put the game-tying runner on base and force a mound visit from the Cloud County coaching staff. Giving Brennaman one more batter to try and get out of the inning, the Gladstone, Missouri native would do so by inducing a four-pitch strikeout to strand both runners and keep the 2-0 lead intact. The momentum-shifting that occurred on the strikeout would see CCCC take full advantage as a leadoff walk by Infante would be followed by a Shakotko double to put two runners in scoring position for Johnson who would extend the T-Bird lead with a sacrifice fly. An RBI single by Wollin would follow to bring home Shakotko as the lead would grow to a more comfortable 4-0 advantage for Cloud County to turn things over to the bullpen. Getting a one-two-three inning from reliever&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/0379e587-cd51-4878-b52f-05121a983afb?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Brady Stuewe</a>&nbsp;in the top of the eighth, CCCC would see the offense break through again in the bottom of the inning as a one-out single for Roy along with two stolen bases and Taggart walk and stolen base would put two runners in scoring position with just one out. A sacrifice fly by Infante would bring home another run for Cloud County and be followed by a Shakotko RBI single to force Colby's second pitching change of the inning as the T-Birds would tack on one additional run before stranding a pair of runners to take a 7-0 lead into the ninth. Not taking any chances, CCCC would send out closer&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/b7c48194-dba2-400b-bd18-515ba4762de9?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;to the mound to finish things out and preserve a potential shutout for the second-straight week. Working a strikeout to start his outing, Askew would then hit a batter before getting an infield popout and fielder's choice to end the game for their third shutout in conference play this season. The late offensive surge would allow CCCC to finish with seven runs on seven hits as Shakotko and Roy once again would lead the way with multi-hit contests while Infante would drive in a game-high two RBI. A shutdown performance by Brennaman would see the sophomore match a career-high with nine strikeouts in a season-long outing of seven innings on 101 pitches while scattering four hits by the Trojans. What's next? A four-game road swing for Cloud County gets underway on Saturday as the T-Birds will make a return trip to Colby to play games three of four of their series with the Trojans. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday as CCCC will look for their first series victory over Colby since the 2018 season when the T-Birds took three of four games against Colby.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County Sports InformationCONCORDIA - After a slow start that would lead to a nine-run deficit as part of a 9-4 loss in game one, the Cloud County Community College baseball team would bounce back against visiting Colby Community College with their sixth shutout of the year to pick up a 7-0 win and split a doubleheader at Lee Doyen Field in Concordia, Kansas on Thursday. Dropping just their seventh home game of the year in 26 games at Lee Doyen Field, the T-Birds are now 31-18 overall while moving to 16-10 in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference while Colby now sits at 12-33 overall and 5-20 in the KJCCC. Game one After allowing a run to score in the top of the first on a two-out RBI single, Cloud County would see Colby maintain their lead into the top of the third when a leadoff double would set the tone for the Trojans and allow Colby to bat around with four-straight two-out hits leading to a five-run inning that would suddenly find CCCC in a 6-0 hole. Having stranded a pair of base runners in the bottom of the first, Cloud County would again wind up stranding a pair of base runners in the bottom of the third as a prime opportunity to try and respond to the big inning by Colby going by the wayside with a flyout ending the inning. Three more runs would come across in the top of the fourth for the Trojans as a throwing error, walk, and single would load the bases to set up an RBI groundout that would be followed by back-to-back walks and a balk to bring home an additional two runs as three different T-Bird pitchers would be used in the inning. Facing their largest deficit since March 11th, CCCC would be held scoreless until the bottom of the fifth when a one-out single from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/67a8d862-1851-4f9b-93ee-5f1db8f4767c?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Landon Meyer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/639ff276-089e-4508-adda-f802df41c737?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Demitri Shakotko</a>&nbsp;double would lead to a run after a Colby error in the outfield with Shakotko coming around to score in the next at-bat with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/1870c80a-e913-4766-a87e-c818c988f9db?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Brock Wollin</a>&nbsp;hitting a two-strike RBI single. Following the Wollin single,&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/341297b8-e461-4280-a56a-8aee1cb5ad82?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Anthony Taggart</a>&nbsp;would draw a walk to put two runners on and continue the rally for Cloud County as momentum would finally start to swing in favor of the T-Birds until a strikeout looking to end the inning and see the rally end. Another two runs would come across in the bottom of the sixth for CCCC following a scoreless top of the sixth for Colby as a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/22316fcd-a98b-4630-b3d6-2ec63ba56cae?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Justin Johnson</a>&nbsp;pinch-hit single and Alex Diaz single and error by the Trojans would bring home another run and lead to a runner at third with still nobody out. After a groundout to the pitcher, Meyer would hit an RBI groundout to score Diaz as no other threat would be posed in the inning by the T-Birds with the deficit sitting at five heading into the final inning of play. Cloud County would work around a two-out single in the seventh by the Colby before trying to put together a rally in the bottom half of the inning with two of the first three batters safely reaching base, but a strikeout and infield lineout would quickly put an end to things and allow the Trojans to close out the victory. Finishing with 11 hits in the game, Cloud County would be led by a four-for-four effort at the plate by Shakotko while seeing&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/108845ab-512b-4f41-b3d6-db27d9b20195?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Gavin Roy</a>&nbsp;collect two hits to finish as the only other T-Bird with multiple hits in the game as 10 stranded base runners would prove extremely costly with clutch hits nowhere to be found. As a pitching staff, CCCC would strike out 11 Colby batters but give up nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits with just three of the 10 hits by the Trojans going for extra bases. Game two Re-grouping between games to try and rally the troops, Cloud County would make sure to avoid a similar fate in the back end of the day's action with a leadoff double for Roy in the bottom of the first and stolen base setting up an RBI groundout for&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/75316b2a-a38f-41bf-8131-b8167b0ee5c8?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Danny Infante</a>&nbsp;to give CCCC their first lead of the day to go up 1-0 after an inning. Getting a one-two-three top of the second, the T-Birds would add to their lead in the bottom half of the inning with a two-out solo home run for Diaz doubling the Cloud County lead. Following the home run by Diaz, both&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/334c1c10-3bc4-4eae-bfa2-cf275fae3638?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Phil Brennaman</a>&nbsp;of Cloud County and Tyler Smith of Colby would lock in on the mound as the next eight consecutive batters would be retired in order until a one-out double for the Trojans in the top of the fourth that would ultimately wind up stranded at third following a popup in foul territory to end the inning. Strong pitching would continue on both ends as another stretch of 17 consecutive batters would be retired in order while seeing both starting pitchers work through the seventh inning. In the seventh, Colby would threaten to get on the scoreboard as an infield single would put a leadoff base runner on before a two-out single to put the game-tying runner on base and force a mound visit from the Cloud County coaching staff. Giving Brennaman one more batter to try and get out of the inning, the Gladstone, Missouri native would do so by inducing a four-pitch strikeout to strand both runners and keep the 2-0 lead intact. The momentum-shifting that occurred on the strikeout would see CCCC take full advantage as a leadoff walk by Infante would be followed by a Shakotko double to put two runners in scoring position for Johnson who would extend the T-Bird lead with a sacrifice fly. An RBI single by Wollin would follow to bring home Shakotko as the lead would grow to a more comfortable 4-0 advantage for Cloud County to turn things over to the bullpen. Getting a one-two-three inning from reliever&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/0379e587-cd51-4878-b52f-05121a983afb?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Brady Stuewe</a>&nbsp;in the top of the eighth, CCCC would see the offense break through again in the bottom of the inning as a one-out single for Roy along with two stolen bases and Taggart walk and stolen base would put two runners in scoring position with just one out. A sacrifice fly by Infante would bring home another run for Cloud County and be followed by a Shakotko RBI single to force Colby's second pitching change of the inning as the T-Birds would tack on one additional run before stranding a pair of runners to take a 7-0 lead into the ninth. Not taking any chances, CCCC would send out closer&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/b7c48194-dba2-400b-bd18-515ba4762de9?elinkdata=49338" target="_blank">Cole Askew</a>&nbsp;to the mound to finish things out and preserve a potential shutout for the second-straight week. Working a strikeout to start his outing, Askew would then hit a batter before getting an infield popout and fielder's choice to end the game for their third shutout in conference play this season. The late offensive surge would allow CCCC to finish with seven runs on seven hits as Shakotko and Roy once again would lead the way with multi-hit contests while Infante would drive in a game-high two RBI. A shutdown performance by Brennaman would see the sophomore match a career-high with nine strikeouts in a season-long outing of seven innings on 101 pitches while scattering four hits by the Trojans. What's next? A four-game road swing for Cloud County gets underway on Saturday as the T-Birds will make a return trip to Colby to play games three of four of their series with the Trojans. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday as CCCC will look for their first series victory over Colby since the 2018 season when the T-Birds took three of four games against Colby.&nbsp;&nbsp;

T-Bird baseball splits doubleheader with Colby Community College

FHSU track & field: 14 champs, 12 national qualifying marks

There are more players to watch in the Big 12 with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF all joining the conference this summer. There will be transfer quarterbacks potentially taking over two of the newcomers, with Kedon Slovis now at BYU and Emory Jones at Cincinnati. Houston has added David Ugwoegbu, who played 51 games as a linebacker in the Big 12 for Oklahoma the past four seasons. The Cougars are switching him to the defensive line as an edge rusher.

A look at football players in the Big 12 Conference this spring who are poised to have standout seasons this fall, when the league will have 14 teams with the additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF:

BAYLOR: WR Ketron Jackson Jr. is a former four-star recruit out of Texas who transferred from Arkansas after being a starter for the Razorbacks last season as a sophomore. If several highlight moments during spring drills are any indication, he could become a big part of the Baylor offense.

BYU: QB Kedon Slovis is a graduate transfer from Pittsburgh who previously played three seasons at Southern California. With their projected backup a junior college transfer with no major college experience, the Cougars need Slovis to be effective. He threw for 3,502 yards and completed 72% of his passes in 2019, his first season at USC, but has since had injury issues.

CINCINNATI: QB Emory Jones is with his third team in as many years. The dual-threat player who spent three seasons at Florida before playing for Arizona State last year could be in position to start for the Bearcats with last year's starter Ben Bryant in the transfer portal.

HOUSTON: David Ugwoegbu played 51 games as a linebacker in the Big 12 for Oklahoma the past four seasons. The Cougars are switching him to the defensive line as an edge rusher. He had 212 tackles during his career with the Sooners, 109 of those last year.

IOWA STATE: WR Jayden Higgins is an Eastern Kentucky transfer who helps cushion the blow of Xavier Hutchinson's departure. Higgins broke out in his second season for the Colonels with 58 catches for 757 yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns. At 6-4 and 200 pounds, Higgins should fit nicely into the split end role and be a complement to top returning receiver Jaylin Noel.

KANSAS: When QB Jalon Daniels was healthy, the Jayhawks flew to a surprising spot in the Top 25 last season. But a shoulder injury sidelined him against TCU, leading to a long slide over the second half of the season. Daniels' snaps were managed during the spring, but he played well in their showcase to wrap up practices. He's the clear-cut starter ahead of Jason Bean, who might play a bit of running back and wide receiver.

KANSAS STATE: The Wildcats lost do-everything All-American Deuce Vaughn to the NFL Draft, but they found a capable replacement in RB Treshaun Ward, who ran for 1,143 yards and 11 TDs over the past two seasons at Florida State. DJ Giddens backed up Vaughn a year ago and looks to be the No. 2 again this season.

OKLAHOMA: DL Trace Ford transferred in from rival Oklahoma State, where he started six games as a freshman in 2019 and nine games in 2020. He missed the 2021 season due to injury, then played nine games last year before missing the last four due to injury. When healthy, he at times has been a dominant performer.

OKLAHOMA STATE: QB Alan Bowman could be a starter in the Big 12 again after Spencer Sanders transferred to Ole Miss. Bowman is a transfer from Michigan who started his career at Texas Tech, where he passed for 5,260 yards and 33 touchdowns in 19 games from 2018-20. Coach Mike Gundy's son, Gunnar, is among several other QBs in the mix, none with as much experience as Bowman.

TCU: QB Chandler Morris went into last season as the starter, but got hurt in the season opener. Max Duggan regained his role as the No. 1 quarterback, and went on to be a Heisman Trophy finalist while helping lead the Horned Frogs to the national title game. Coach Sonny Dykes said Morris took advantage by sitting back, watching and learning, and that Morris is more mature and more focused than he was a year ago.

TEXAS: It looks like QB Quinn Ewers will remain the Longhorns starter, and he has a big new target. Georgia transfer WR Adonai Mitchell had the highlight of the spring game with a one-handed touchdown catch. Pair him with WR Xavier Worthy and TE Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ewers has plenty of options.

TEXAS TECH: WR Loic Fouonji could be primed for a standout senior season if he can stay healthy. The speedy 6-foot-4 Fouonji had 34 catches for 451 yards and three TDs while dealing with a shoulder injury last season. He also missed a chunk of spring practice with a hamstring injury, but had three catches for 103 yards in the spring game.

UCF: Former Ole Miss QB John Rhys Plumlee returns for a second season as the Knights' starter after completing 63% of his passes for 2,586 yards, 14 TDs and eight interceptions last season. He was also UCF's leading rusher with 862 yards and 11 TDs.

WEST VIRGINIA: CJ Donaldson arrived a year ago as a 240-pound tight end and converted to running back during fall camp. The freshman made an immediate impact by blocking a punt and rushing for 125 yards on just seven carries in the season-opening loss at Pittsburgh. He finished with 526 yards and eight touchdowns in a year cut short by a concussion and later a season-ending lower leg injury that required surgery.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSThere are more players to watch in the Big 12 with BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF all joining the conference this summer. There will be transfer quarterbacks potentially taking over two of the newcomers, with Kedon Slovis now at BYU and Emory Jones at Cincinnati. Houston has added David Ugwoegbu, who played 51 games as a linebacker in the Big 12 for Oklahoma the past four seasons. The Cougars are switching him to the defensive line as an edge rusher.A look at football players in the Big 12 Conference this spring who are poised to have standout seasons this fall, when the league will have 14 teams with the additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF:BAYLOR: WR Ketron Jackson Jr. is a former four-star recruit out of Texas who transferred from Arkansas after being a starter for the Razorbacks last season as a sophomore. If several highlight moments during spring drills are any indication, he could become a big part of the Baylor offense.BYU: QB Kedon Slovis is a graduate transfer from Pittsburgh who previously played three seasons at Southern California. With their projected backup a junior college transfer with no major college experience, the Cougars need Slovis to be effective. He threw for 3,502 yards and completed 72% of his passes in 2019, his first season at USC, but has since had injury issues.CINCINNATI: QB Emory Jones is with his third team in as many years. The dual-threat player who spent three seasons at Florida before playing for Arizona State last year could be in position to start for the Bearcats with last year's starter Ben Bryant in the transfer portal.HOUSTON: David Ugwoegbu played 51 games as a linebacker in the Big 12 for Oklahoma the past four seasons. The Cougars are switching him to the defensive line as an edge rusher. He had 212 tackles during his career with the Sooners, 109 of those last year.IOWA STATE: WR Jayden Higgins is an Eastern Kentucky transfer who helps cushion the blow of Xavier Hutchinson's departure. Higgins broke out in his second season for the Colonels with 58 catches for 757 yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns. At 6-4 and 200 pounds, Higgins should fit nicely into the split end role and be a complement to top returning receiver Jaylin Noel.KANSAS: When QB Jalon Daniels was healthy, the Jayhawks flew to a surprising spot in the Top 25 last season. But a shoulder injury sidelined him against TCU, leading to a long slide over the second half of the season. Daniels' snaps were managed during the spring, but he played well in their showcase to wrap up practices. He's the clear-cut starter ahead of Jason Bean, who might play a bit of running back and wide receiver.KANSAS STATE: The Wildcats lost do-everything All-American Deuce Vaughn to the NFL Draft, but they found a capable replacement in RB Treshaun Ward, who ran for 1,143 yards and 11 TDs over the past two seasons at Florida State. DJ Giddens backed up Vaughn a year ago and looks to be the No. 2 again this season.OKLAHOMA: DL Trace Ford transferred in from rival Oklahoma State, where he started six games as a freshman in 2019 and nine games in 2020. He missed the 2021 season due to injury, then played nine games last year before missing the last four due to injury. When healthy, he at times has been a dominant performer.OKLAHOMA STATE: QB Alan Bowman could be a starter in the Big 12 again after Spencer Sanders transferred to Ole Miss. Bowman is a transfer from Michigan who started his career at Texas Tech, where he passed for 5,260 yards and 33 touchdowns in 19 games from 2018-20. Coach Mike Gundy's son, Gunnar, is among several other QBs in the mix, none with as much experience as Bowman.TCU: QB Chandler Morris went into last season as the starter, but got hurt in the season opener. Max Duggan regained his role as the No. 1 quarterback, and went on to be a Heisman Trophy finalist while helping lead the Horned Frogs to the national title game. Coach Sonny Dykes said Morris took advantage by sitting back, watching and learning, and that Morris is more mature and more focused than he was a year ago.TEXAS: It looks like QB Quinn Ewers will remain the Longhorns starter, and he has a big new target. Georgia transfer WR Adonai Mitchell had the highlight of the spring game with a one-handed touchdown catch. Pair him with WR Xavier Worthy and TE Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ewers has plenty of options.TEXAS TECH: WR Loic Fouonji could be primed for a standout senior season if he can stay healthy. The speedy 6-foot-4 Fouonji had 34 catches for 451 yards and three TDs while dealing with a shoulder injury last season. He also missed a chunk of spring practice with a hamstring injury, but had three catches for 103 yards in the spring game.UCF: Former Ole Miss QB John Rhys Plumlee returns for a second season as the Knights' starter after completing 63% of his passes for 2,586 yards, 14 TDs and eight interceptions last season. He was also UCF's leading rusher with 862 yards and 11 TDs.WEST VIRGINIA: CJ Donaldson arrived a year ago as a 240-pound tight end and converted to running back during fall camp. The freshman made an immediate impact by blocking a punt and rushing for 125 yards on just seven carries in the season-opening loss at Pittsburgh. He finished with 526 yards and eight touchdowns in a year cut short by a concussion and later a season-ending lower leg injury that required surgery.

Big 12 spring football wrap: Players to watch from each team

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bryce Young's talent outweighed concerns about his size.

The Carolina Panthers selected the slender and dynamic Alabama quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, seven weeks after making a blockbuster trade with Chicago to move up to get their choice of potential franchise players.

The Panthers chose the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner over Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis. New coach Frank Reich said earlier in the week that the organization reached a consensus Monday after several weeks of deliberation.

Stroud didn't have to wait long. He went No. 2 to the Houston Texans.

A dual-threat playmaker with a strong arm and an elite combination of instincts and intelligence, Young also possesses the intangibles and characteristics coaches desire, including leadership ability and a strong work ethic.

But the biggest question about Young is his size. He measured at 5-foot-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at the combine. Though he dominated the SEC, some scouts and coaches fear Young may not be able to physically withstand all the hits in the NFL.

The Panthers couldn't pass up his superior skills.

Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, is the only other QB since 2003 to be selected in the first round after weighing in at 207 pounds or less at the combine.

"I'm confident in my abilities," Young said Wednesday. "I don't know how to play the game another way. I've been this size relative to the people around me my entire life. I focus on what I control, and I can't grow. That doesn't fall into that category. I can't get any taller. I focus on myself. I'm confident in myself with what I've been able to do and I'm excited for the work it's going to take."

The Panthers have sought an answer at quarterback since moving on from Cam Newton, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and the NFL MVP in 2015 when he led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance.

Young had a spectacular career at Alabama and the Panthers are hoping he can deliver the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy. He played in a pro-style offense under offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, the former Texans head coach who has returned to the NFL to run New England's offense.

Young threw for 4,872 yards with 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first season starting as a sophomore in 2021. Last season, he had 3,328 yards passing with 32 TDs and five picks while playing with a new supporting cast.

Stroud's stock had seemingly dropped after reports that he scored poorly in the S2 Cognition test surfaced recently. He told the AP earlier in the day he didn't know where he would end up going, even saying it could be top 20.

Instead, Stroud, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy the past two seasons, goes to Houston to help the rebuilding Texans move past Deshaun Watson.

Two months after the hometown Kansas City Chiefs celebrated another Super Bowl title with a downtown parade, a sea of red-clad fans lined up in the streets where the century-old Union Station served as the backdrop for the draft.

Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce walked on stage with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and riled up the crowd.

Mahomes implored them to scream louder — they did. Kelce asked if they wanted to trade up for the No. 1 pick.

But the Chiefs don't need a QB. Carolina did.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682642752520.jpeg" alt="Alabama quarterback Bryce Young arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Alabama quarterback Bryce Young arrives on the red carpet before the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bryce Young's talent outweighed concerns about his size.The Carolina Panthers selected the slender and dynamic Alabama quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft Thursday night, seven weeks after making a blockbuster trade with Chicago to move up to get their choice of potential franchise players.The Panthers chose the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner over Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Florida's Anthony Richardson and Kentucky's Will Levis. New coach Frank Reich said earlier in the week that the organization reached a consensus Monday after several weeks of deliberation.Stroud didn't have to wait long. He went No. 2 to the Houston Texans.A dual-threat playmaker with a strong arm and an elite combination of instincts and intelligence, Young also possesses the intangibles and characteristics coaches desire, including leadership ability and a strong work ethic.But the biggest question about Young is his size. He measured at 5-foot-10 1/8 and weighed 204 pounds at the combine. Though he dominated the SEC, some scouts and coaches fear Young may not be able to physically withstand all the hits in the NFL.The Panthers couldn't pass up his superior skills.Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, is the only other QB since 2003 to be selected in the first round after weighing in at 207 pounds or less at the combine."I'm confident in my abilities," Young said Wednesday. "I don't know how to play the game another way. I've been this size relative to the people around me my entire life. I focus on what I control, and I can't grow. That doesn't fall into that category. I can't get any taller. I focus on myself. I'm confident in myself with what I've been able to do and I'm excited for the work it's going to take."The Panthers have sought an answer at quarterback since moving on from Cam Newton, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and the NFL MVP in 2015 when he led the Panthers to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance.Young had a spectacular career at Alabama and the Panthers are hoping he can deliver the franchise's first Lombardi Trophy. He played in a pro-style offense under offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, the former Texans head coach who has returned to the NFL to run New England's offense.Young threw for 4,872 yards with 47 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his first season starting as a sophomore in 2021. Last season, he had 3,328 yards passing with 32 TDs and five picks while playing with a new supporting cast.Stroud's stock had seemingly dropped after reports that he scored poorly in the S2 Cognition test surfaced recently. He told the AP earlier in the day he didn't know where he would end up going, even saying it could be top 20.Instead, Stroud, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy the past two seasons, goes to Houston to help the rebuilding Texans move past Deshaun Watson.Two months after the hometown Kansas City Chiefs celebrated another Super Bowl title with a downtown parade, a sea of red-clad fans lined up in the streets where the century-old Union Station served as the backdrop for the draft.Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce walked on stage with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and riled up the crowd.Mahomes implored them to scream louder — they did. Kelce asked if they wanted to trade up for the No. 1 pick.But the Chiefs don't need a QB. Carolina did.

Bryce Young taken at No. 1 in NFL draft by Panthers

WICHITA –&nbsp;On a wet night at Eck Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks knocked off the 25th-ranked Wichita State Shockers 7-5 in 10 innings. Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks delivered a 2-run single on a full count with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th to break a 5-5 tie. Right-hander Kolby Dougan then came on and struck out three in a scoreless bottom half to close out the win.

The extra innings victory helped Kansas sweep the season series against the Shockers for the first time since 2015 and improve to 20-21 on the season..

After Wichita State scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, the Jayhawks wasted no time answering right back. Jake English opened the inning with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Tyler Gerety. After a Mike Koszewski walk, Chase Jans singled to load the bases for Brooks. The third baseman, who is now 17 for his last 27, came through with a line drive hit to plate pinch-runner Sam Hunt and Koszewski. Dougan then came on and struck out the first two batters he saw. Following a walk, he picked up another strikeout to secure the season sweep of the Shockers, who swept No. 7 East Carolina last weekend.

“A ton of guys contributed tonight,” Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “It was just good, team baseball tonight. I thought our focus and preparation was fantastic. We talked a ton before the game about what team looks like and our continued quest to be a really complete unit, so I’m proud of the guys; they really got after it.”

The Shockers (24-16, 8-4 American) scored first on Wednesday night to take an early lead. A one-out triple in the second inning followed by an RBI groundout gave Wichita State a 1-0 advantage.

Kansas had an answer for the Shockers with two runs of its own in the top of the third inning. After a single by Cooper Kelly and Koszewski reaching base on a fielding error on a sacrifice bunt, Jans came up clutch like he has all season with an RBI double to left field. The run-scoring hit tied the game at 1-1, but the Jayhawks were not done in the second. With Koszewski at third base, a wild pitch that got away from the catcher allowed him to score and give KU a 2-1 lead.

The Shockers had a response right away in the bottom of the third. With two-on and two-out, Mauricio Millan hit a 2-run single to put Wichita State back ahead 3-2.

Neither team was able to score in the fourth or fifth innings, which kept the score at 3-2 in favor of Wichita State. Kansas found its way back in the run column in the sixth inning.

After having the first two batters of the inning retired, the next three batters reached base via a single and back-to-back walks. That left the bases loaded and two outs for Kelly at the plate. Kelly took the first pitch he saw down the left field line for a 2-run double. The two runs put Kansas back ahead by a score of 4-3.

In the seventh inning, the Jayhawks added another two-out run. With Brooks on second base after hitting a double, Kodey Shojinaga brought home Brooks on an RBI single to center field. The run-scoring hit gave Kansas a 5-3 lead.

The Shockers got the run back in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly. That made the score 5-4 after seven innings.

The Jayhawks edge held until the bottom of the ninth, when the Shockers tied it up, setting up the dramatic extra-inning win for Kansas.

KU AthleticsWICHITA –&nbsp;On a wet night at Eck Stadium, the Kansas Jayhawks knocked off the 25th-ranked Wichita State Shockers 7-5 in 10 innings. Redshirt sophomore Michael Brooks delivered a 2-run single on a full count with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th to break a 5-5 tie. Right-hander Kolby Dougan then came on and struck out three in a scoreless bottom half to close out the win.The extra innings victory helped Kansas sweep the season series against the Shockers for the first time since 2015 and improve to 20-21 on the season..After Wichita State scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, the Jayhawks wasted no time answering right back. Jake English opened the inning with a walk and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Tyler Gerety. After a Mike Koszewski walk, Chase Jans singled to load the bases for Brooks. The third baseman, who is now 17 for his last 27, came through with a line drive hit to plate pinch-runner Sam Hunt and Koszewski. Dougan then came on and struck out the first two batters he saw. Following a walk, he picked up another strikeout to secure the season sweep of the Shockers, who swept No. 7 East Carolina last weekend.“A ton of guys contributed tonight,” Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “It was just good, team baseball tonight. I thought our focus and preparation was fantastic. We talked a ton before the game about what team looks like and our continued quest to be a really complete unit, so I’m proud of the guys; they really got after it.”The Shockers (24-16, 8-4 American) scored first on Wednesday night to take an early lead. A one-out triple in the second inning followed by an RBI groundout gave Wichita State a 1-0 advantage.Kansas had an answer for the Shockers with two runs of its own in the top of the third inning. After a single by Cooper Kelly and Koszewski reaching base on a fielding error on a sacrifice bunt, Jans came up clutch like he has all season with an RBI double to left field. The run-scoring hit tied the game at 1-1, but the Jayhawks were not done in the second. With Koszewski at third base, a wild pitch that got away from the catcher allowed him to score and give KU a 2-1 lead.The Shockers had a response right away in the bottom of the third. With two-on and two-out, Mauricio Millan hit a 2-run single to put Wichita State back ahead 3-2.Neither team was able to score in the fourth or fifth innings, which kept the score at 3-2 in favor of Wichita State. Kansas found its way back in the run column in the sixth inning.After having the first two batters of the inning retired, the next three batters reached base via a single and back-to-back walks. That left the bases loaded and two outs for Kelly at the plate. Kelly took the first pitch he saw down the left field line for a 2-run double. The two runs put Kansas back ahead by a score of 4-3.In the seventh inning, the Jayhawks added another two-out run. With Brooks on second base after hitting a double, Kodey Shojinaga brought home Brooks on an RBI single to center field. The run-scoring hit gave Kansas a 5-3 lead.The Shockers got the run back in the bottom of the seventh on a sacrifice fly. That made the score 5-4 after seven innings.The Jayhawks edge held until the bottom of the ninth, when the Shockers tied it up, setting up the dramatic extra-inning win for Kansas.

KU baseball takes down No. 25 Wichita State in extra innings

DODGE CITY –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Women's Golf finished second at the KCAC Women's Golf Championships this week at Mariah Hills.

The tournament schedule was adjusted due to inclement weather as the teams played 27 holes on Monday and Tuesday, and concluded the tournament on Wednesday with the final nine holes, played mostly in rainy conditions.

Wesleyan best round came in the last with a score of 315 as KWU finished with a team score of 959, 12 shots behind conference champion Bethany.

Wesleyan and Bethany finished well ahead of the rest of the field as 52 shots separated KWU and third place Southwestern in the final standings. Oklahoma Wesleyan was fourth and Sterling rounded out the Top 5 teams with a fifth place finish.

Individually,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13701">Aidan Richmond</a>&nbsp;(JR/North Richland Hills, Texas) finished second in the tournament with a 232, closing with a final round 74 to finish just three shots behind Bethany's Ida Lihufvdh.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13702">Corey Mein</a>&nbsp;(SR/Liberal, Kan.) finished 10th&nbsp;for the Coyotes with a 241,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13703">Hannah Hart</a>&nbsp;(JR/Ventura, Calif.) was 11th&nbsp;with a 242,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13706">Abby Donovan</a>&nbsp;(SO/Concordia, Kan.) was 12th&nbsp;with a 244 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/14085">Chaney Littell</a>&nbsp;(FR/Winfield, Kan.) was tied for 17th&nbsp;with a 252.

KWU also had a pair of individual players in the tournament that did not complete their third rounds due to the weather.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13704">Thalia Ramirez</a>&nbsp;(JR/Olathe, Kan.) shot a 180 through two rounds and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/14088">Skylar Smallwood</a>&nbsp;(FR/Henryetta, Okla.) shot a 181 in two rounds.

KWU Sports InformationDODGE CITY –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Women's Golf finished second at the KCAC Women's Golf Championships this week at Mariah Hills.The tournament schedule was adjusted due to inclement weather as the teams played 27 holes on Monday and Tuesday, and concluded the tournament on Wednesday with the final nine holes, played mostly in rainy conditions.Wesleyan best round came in the last with a score of 315 as KWU finished with a team score of 959, 12 shots behind conference champion Bethany.Wesleyan and Bethany finished well ahead of the rest of the field as 52 shots separated KWU and third place Southwestern in the final standings. Oklahoma Wesleyan was fourth and Sterling rounded out the Top 5 teams with a fifth place finish.Individually,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13701">Aidan Richmond</a>&nbsp;(JR/North Richland Hills, Texas) finished second in the tournament with a 232, closing with a final round 74 to finish just three shots behind Bethany's Ida Lihufvdh.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13702">Corey Mein</a>&nbsp;(SR/Liberal, Kan.) finished 10th&nbsp;for the Coyotes with a 241,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13703">Hannah Hart</a>&nbsp;(JR/Ventura, Calif.) was 11th&nbsp;with a 242,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13706">Abby Donovan</a>&nbsp;(SO/Concordia, Kan.) was 12th&nbsp;with a 244 and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/14085">Chaney Littell</a>&nbsp;(FR/Winfield, Kan.) was tied for 17th&nbsp;with a 252.KWU also had a pair of individual players in the tournament that did not complete their third rounds due to the weather.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/13704">Thalia Ramirez</a>&nbsp;(JR/Olathe, Kan.) shot a 180 through two rounds and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/13/14088">Skylar Smallwood</a>&nbsp;(FR/Henryetta, Okla.) shot a 181 in two rounds.

KWU women's golf 2nd at KCAC championships

MANHATTAN –&nbsp;Kansas State women’s basketball placed seven student-athletes on the 2023 Winters Academic All-Big 12 Teams in an announcement by the Big 12 Conference on Wednesday.

Since the beginning of the Big 12 in 1996-97, K-State has earned a league-best 154 Academic All-Big 12 honors including 122 first team citations which also paces the Big 12.

K-State student-athletes to earn Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors were: junior Rebekah Dallinger (human development and family science), senior Emilee Ebert (human development and family science), sophomore Brylee Glenn (business management), junior Taylor Lauterbach (psychology) and sophomore Serena Sundell (business management).

This was the second career Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors for Ebert and Lauterbach, while Dallinger, Glenn and Sundell each collected their first honors.

On the Academic All-Big 12 Second Team, sophomore Jaelyn Glenn (business management) and redshirt sophomore Heavenly Greer (human development and family science). This was the first Academic All-Big 12 citations for Glenn and Greer.

Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services, the women’s basketball academic all-league teams consisted of 44 team members.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of her team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.

K-State concluded its 55th season of action with a 19-17 record and the 33rd postseason appearance in program history with its seventh bid into the WNIT. Earlier this season, the Wildcats became the 19th program in NCAA Division I history to surpass the 1,000-win mark.

K-State SportsMANHATTAN –&nbsp;Kansas State women’s basketball placed seven student-athletes on the 2023 Winters Academic All-Big 12 Teams in an announcement by the Big 12 Conference on Wednesday.Since the beginning of the Big 12 in 1996-97, K-State has earned a league-best 154 Academic All-Big 12 honors including 122 first team citations which also paces the Big 12.K-State student-athletes to earn Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors were: junior Rebekah Dallinger (human development and family science), senior Emilee Ebert (human development and family science), sophomore Brylee Glenn (business management), junior Taylor Lauterbach (psychology) and sophomore Serena Sundell (business management).This was the second career Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors for Ebert and Lauterbach, while Dallinger, Glenn and Sundell each collected their first honors.On the Academic All-Big 12 Second Team, sophomore Jaelyn Glenn (business management) and redshirt sophomore Heavenly Greer (human development and family science). This was the first Academic All-Big 12 citations for Glenn and Greer.Nominated by each institution’s director of student-athlete support services, the women’s basketball academic all-league teams consisted of 44 team members.To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of her team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.K-State concluded its 55th season of action with a 19-17 record and the 33rd postseason appearance in program history with its seventh bid into the WNIT. Earlier this season, the Wildcats became the 19th program in NCAA Division I history to surpass the 1,000-win mark.

K-State women’s basketball: 7 on Academic All-Big 12 teams

LAWRENCE –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Men's Tennis saw its season come to an end on Wednesday as the Coyotes dropped a 4-2 decision to Ottawa in the KCAC quarterfinal round at Genesis Health Club.

The Coyotes would pick up a win in doubles, earning the doubles point by winning two of three flights.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13541">Bryce Ware</a>&nbsp;(SO/Amarillo, Texas) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13543">Garrison Wright</a>&nbsp;(SO/Maize, Kan.) beat Oscar Giorgio and Julian Toloza 7-6, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13992">Adam Hanson</a>&nbsp;(FR/Edmond, Okla.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13545">Luke Craft</a>&nbsp;(SO/Manhattan, Kan.) beat Jhoel Quinonez and Kevin Ugarteche 6-4. Ottawa got one doubles win as Santiago Tartaglia and Oscar Aguilera beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13542">Alex Sherer</a>&nbsp;(SO/Rossville, Kan.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13985">Jacob Phelps</a>&nbsp;(FR/Lawton, Okla.) 6-3.

Ware got the only point of the match in singles play. The ITA No. 37 ranked player in the NAIA beat Tartaglia 6-2, 7-5 at No. 1. Ottawa won the other four matches that were completed to clinch the match. Toloza beat Sherer 7-5, 6-3; Quinonez beat Wright 6-4, 6-2; Ugarteche beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13985">Jacob Phelps</a>&nbsp;6-2, 6-2; Giorgio beat Hanson 6-1, 6-2.

One match was unfinished at the time of clinch as Aguilera was leading&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13984">Collin Phelps</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.) 6-2 and was early in the second set.

The Coyotes finish their season with an 8-11 record.

KWU Sports InformationLAWRENCE –&nbsp;Kansas Wesleyan Men's Tennis saw its season come to an end on Wednesday as the Coyotes dropped a 4-2 decision to Ottawa in the KCAC quarterfinal round at Genesis Health Club.The Coyotes would pick up a win in doubles, earning the doubles point by winning two of three flights.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13541">Bryce Ware</a>&nbsp;(SO/Amarillo, Texas) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13543">Garrison Wright</a>&nbsp;(SO/Maize, Kan.) beat Oscar Giorgio and Julian Toloza 7-6, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13992">Adam Hanson</a>&nbsp;(FR/Edmond, Okla.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13545">Luke Craft</a>&nbsp;(SO/Manhattan, Kan.) beat Jhoel Quinonez and Kevin Ugarteche 6-4. Ottawa got one doubles win as Santiago Tartaglia and Oscar Aguilera beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13542">Alex Sherer</a>&nbsp;(SO/Rossville, Kan.) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13985">Jacob Phelps</a>&nbsp;(FR/Lawton, Okla.) 6-3.Ware got the only point of the match in singles play. The ITA No. 37 ranked player in the NAIA beat Tartaglia 6-2, 7-5 at No. 1. Ottawa won the other four matches that were completed to clinch the match. Toloza beat Sherer 7-5, 6-3; Quinonez beat Wright 6-4, 6-2; Ugarteche beat&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13985">Jacob Phelps</a>&nbsp;6-2, 6-2; Giorgio beat Hanson 6-1, 6-2.One match was unfinished at the time of clinch as Aguilera was leading&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/8/13984">Collin Phelps</a>&nbsp;(FR/Salina, Kan.) 6-2 and was early in the second set.The Coyotes finish their season with an 8-11 record.

KWU men's tennis season ends with loss to Ottawa

MANHATTAN&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;was named to Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team on Wednesday, as the league honored 481 student-athletes on the First and Second Teams.

Nowell, who earned his undergraduate degree in communications in December, was selected to the 74-member Second Team, which honors student-athletes with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.19. He was one of 36 men’s basketball players in the Big 12 to earn the distinction, while he was the first Wildcat since 2018.

The Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team consisted of student-athletes in seven league-sponsored sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, equestrian, women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s swimming and diving and wrestling. Overall, K-State had eight honorees on the Academic All-Big 12 Team.

The honor was yet another for the 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., who enjoyed a stellar senior season in guiding the Wildcats to a 26-win season and their 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight in 2022-23.

The winner of the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award, Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top-15 in 4 other categories. He was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press,&nbsp;The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA, while he was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and AP as well as Big 12 All-Defensive Team by the coaches.

Nowell had a historic run through the 2023 NCAA Tournament, averaging 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional. His 54 assists are the third-most in the tournament’s history, while he dished out a tournament and school-record 19 assists in the win over Michigan State on March 23. He finished his college career with just the second 30-point, 10-assist game in school history, as he led the way with game-highs in points (30), assists (12) and steals (5) in playing all 40 minutes against FAU.

For the season, Nowell averaged a team-best 17.6 points on 38.6 percent (180-of-466) from the field, including 35.5 percent (88-of-248) from 3-point range, and 88.9 percent (185-of-208) from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game.

Nowell leaves K-State as the single-season leader in total assists and steals, assists/game as well as the career leader in assists/game (6.87), while he ranks in the top-5 single-season double-double scoring games (33/4th), 3-point field goals (88/5th), free throws (185/5th) and free throw percentage (88.9/5th).

Nowell’s 968 points in his 2-year career are the second-most by a Division I transfer in school history, while he is third in career assists (433) and fifth in career steals (151).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682561852104.png" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;– Senior&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;was named to Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team on Wednesday, as the league honored 481 student-athletes on the First and Second Teams.Nowell, who earned his undergraduate degree in communications in December, was selected to the 74-member Second Team, which honors student-athletes with a GPA of 3.0 to 3.19. He was one of 36 men’s basketball players in the Big 12 to earn the distinction, while he was the first Wildcat since 2018.The Winter Academic All-Big 12 Team consisted of student-athletes in seven league-sponsored sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, equestrian, women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s swimming and diving and wrestling. Overall, K-State had eight honorees on the Academic All-Big 12 Team.The honor was yet another for the 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., who enjoyed a stellar senior season in guiding the Wildcats to a 26-win season and their 13th&nbsp;Elite Eight in 2022-23.The winner of the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award, Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top-15 in 4 other categories. He was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press,&nbsp;The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA, while he was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and AP as well as Big 12 All-Defensive Team by the coaches.Nowell had a historic run through the 2023 NCAA Tournament, averaging 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional. His 54 assists are the third-most in the tournament’s history, while he dished out a tournament and school-record 19 assists in the win over Michigan State on March 23. He finished his college career with just the second 30-point, 10-assist game in school history, as he led the way with game-highs in points (30), assists (12) and steals (5) in playing all 40 minutes against FAU.For the season, Nowell averaged a team-best 17.6 points on 38.6 percent (180-of-466) from the field, including 35.5 percent (88-of-248) from 3-point range, and 88.9 percent (185-of-208) from the free throw line to go along with a Big 12-best 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game.Nowell leaves K-State as the single-season leader in total assists and steals, assists/game as well as the career leader in assists/game (6.87), while he ranks in the top-5 single-season double-double scoring games (33/4th), 3-point field goals (88/5th), free throws (185/5th) and free throw percentage (88.9/5th).Nowell’s 968 points in his 2-year career are the second-most by a Division I transfer in school history, while he is third in career assists (433) and fifth in career steals (151).

K-State's Nowell named to Academic All-Big 12 Second Team

Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Flag Football Tournament that begins on Friday at Paragon Star Sports Complex in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

The Coyotes will face the winner between No. 3 seed Midland (Neb.) and No. 6 seed Bethel on Friday night at 6 p.m., with a chance to advance to Saturday's championship game.

Saturday's championship game will be held at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium starting at 3 p.m.

Tickets for Friday's game at Paragon Star are on sale now at kcacsports.com/tickets. There will be no admission cost for Saturday's game at Arrowhead, due to the NFL Draft activities also going on at the stadium. Free parking is also available at the Truman Sports Complex in lots E and F on the south side of Arrowhead Stadium and fans can enter in the Tower Gate.

All games in the KCAC Flag Football tournament will be streamed live at kcacnetwork.com.

KWU is the No. 2 seed with a 12-3 overall record and an 8-2 mark in the Kansas Conference.

In nine conference games this season (KWU was awarded a forfeit win over Bethel on March 29), the Coyotes are averaging 37.9 points per game in conference play, ranking second best in the KCAC. The Coyotes outscore opponents in conference play 341-98, 37.9 to 10.9 per game.

KWU's high-powered offense averaged 289.6 yards per game in total offense on the season, averaging 208 per game passing and 81.6 per game on the ground. KWU holds its opponents to 170.3 yards per game in total offense, 150.7 passing and 19.7 rushing.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13680">Brianna Hernandez-Silva</a>&nbsp;(SR/Las Vegas, Nev.) makes Wesleyan's offense go, averaging 251.9 yards of total offense per game during conference play. She averages 62.4 yards per game on the ground, rushing 83 times for 562 yards and seven touchdowns. Through the air, she's averaging 189.4 yards per game, going 149 of 246 passing, completing 60 percent of her passes for 1705 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Six Coyotes have over 10 receptions on the season, led by 38 grabs by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13685">Angel Roman</a>&nbsp;(SO/Jacksonville, Fla.) for 428 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 47.6 yards per game. Ciaran DeCur has 28 catches for 477 yards and six scores, averaging 59.6 yards per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14268">Angel Almaraz</a>&nbsp;(FR/Las Vegas, Nev.) has 23 caches for 201 yards and four scores,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13687">Kendra Velasquez-Munro</a>&nbsp;(SO/Las Vegas, Nev.) has 20 catches for 138 yards and one touchdown,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14270">Jazmine Whitfield</a>&nbsp;(FR/Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) has 16 catches for 215 yards and five scores, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13690">Ashley Hawthorne</a>&nbsp;(SO/Las Vegas, Nev.) has 14 catches for 124 yards and a score.

Wesleyan's stout defense recorded five shutouts during the full season, and four in KCAC play including a 57-0 blanking of Saint Mary in the Sunday's regular season finale.

<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13688">Lexi Marquez</a>&nbsp;(SO/Las Vegas, Nev.) leads the Coyotes with 40 total flag pulls on the season, and five interceptions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13684">Alexa Mansur</a>&nbsp;(SO/Henderson, Nev.) has four picks and ranks second on the team with 38 flag pulls, and has a team best seven pass break-ups.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13689">Alexis Jimenez</a>&nbsp;(SO/Miami, Fla.) has 29 flag pulls. Up front,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14272">Leila Casillan</a>&nbsp;(FR/Las Vegas, Nev.) leads the Coyotes with 16.5 sacks on the season leading the KCAC and teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14269">Ansdiane Rabano</a>&nbsp;(FR/Jersey City, N.J.) is closely behind with 11.5 sacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13679">Ja'Daa Wilson</a>&nbsp;(JR/Crawfordville, Fla.) adds seven pass break-ups and Roman adds four interceptions.

After the KCAC Championships, the Coyotes will head to Atlanta for the NAIA Flag Football Finals, an event KWU has won the silver bracket twice in its two years of existence, starting May 18. The NAIA Flag Football Finals is not an official NAIA National Championship event, as the sport remains at Emerging Sport status in the NAIA.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682561570834.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationKansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Flag Football Tournament that begins on Friday at Paragon Star Sports Complex in Lee's Summit, Missouri.The Coyotes will face the winner between No. 3 seed Midland (Neb.) and No. 6 seed Bethel on Friday night at 6 p.m., with a chance to advance to Saturday's championship game.Saturday's championship game will be held at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium starting at 3 p.m.Tickets for Friday's game at Paragon Star are on sale now at kcacsports.com/tickets. There will be no admission cost for Saturday's game at Arrowhead, due to the NFL Draft activities also going on at the stadium. Free parking is also available at the Truman Sports Complex in lots E and F on the south side of Arrowhead Stadium and fans can enter in the Tower Gate.All games in the KCAC Flag Football tournament will be streamed live at kcacnetwork.com.KWU is the No. 2 seed with a 12-3 overall record and an 8-2 mark in the Kansas Conference.In nine conference games this season (KWU was awarded a forfeit win over Bethel on March 29), the Coyotes are averaging 37.9 points per game in conference play, ranking second best in the KCAC. The Coyotes outscore opponents in conference play 341-98, 37.9 to 10.9 per game.KWU's high-powered offense averaged 289.6 yards per game in total offense on the season, averaging 208 per game passing and 81.6 per game on the ground. KWU holds its opponents to 170.3 yards per game in total offense, 150.7 passing and 19.7 rushing.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13680">Brianna Hernandez-Silva</a>&nbsp;(SR/Las Vegas, Nev.) makes Wesleyan's offense go, averaging 251.9 yards of total offense per game during conference play. She averages 62.4 yards per game on the ground, rushing 83 times for 562 yards and seven touchdowns. Through the air, she's averaging 189.4 yards per game, going 149 of 246 passing, completing 60 percent of her passes for 1705 yards and 30 touchdowns.Six Coyotes have over 10 receptions on the season, led by 38 grabs by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13685">Angel Roman</a>&nbsp;(SO/Jacksonville, Fla.) for 428 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 47.6 yards per game. Ciaran DeCur has 28 catches for 477 yards and six scores, averaging 59.6 yards per game.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14268">Angel Almaraz</a>&nbsp;(FR/Las Vegas, Nev.) has 23 caches for 201 yards and four scores,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13687">Kendra Velasquez-Munro</a>&nbsp;(SO/Las Vegas, Nev.) has 20 catches for 138 yards and one touchdown,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14270">Jazmine Whitfield</a>&nbsp;(FR/Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) has 16 catches for 215 yards and five scores, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13690">Ashley Hawthorne</a>&nbsp;(SO/Las Vegas, Nev.) has 14 catches for 124 yards and a score.Wesleyan's stout defense recorded five shutouts during the full season, and four in KCAC play including a 57-0 blanking of Saint Mary in the Sunday's regular season finale.<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13688">Lexi Marquez</a>&nbsp;(SO/Las Vegas, Nev.) leads the Coyotes with 40 total flag pulls on the season, and five interceptions.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13684">Alexa Mansur</a>&nbsp;(SO/Henderson, Nev.) has four picks and ranks second on the team with 38 flag pulls, and has a team best seven pass break-ups.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13689">Alexis Jimenez</a>&nbsp;(SO/Miami, Fla.) has 29 flag pulls. Up front,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14272">Leila Casillan</a>&nbsp;(FR/Las Vegas, Nev.) leads the Coyotes with 16.5 sacks on the season leading the KCAC and teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/14269">Ansdiane Rabano</a>&nbsp;(FR/Jersey City, N.J.) is closely behind with 11.5 sacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/33/13679">Ja'Daa Wilson</a>&nbsp;(JR/Crawfordville, Fla.) adds seven pass break-ups and Roman adds four interceptions.After the KCAC Championships, the Coyotes will head to Atlanta for the NAIA Flag Football Finals, an event KWU has won the silver bracket twice in its two years of existence, starting May 18. The NAIA Flag Football Finals is not an official NAIA National Championship event, as the sport remains at Emerging Sport status in the NAIA.

KWU No. 2 seed in KCAC flag football tournament

FORT SCOTT - Needing extra-innings for the first time this season while picking up a 6-5 win in game one, the Cloud County Community College softball team would be unable to overcome a six-run fifth inning for host Fort Scott Community College in the back end of a road doubleheader to come away with a split on the day at the Fort Scott Softball Field in Fort Scott, Kansas on Wednesday, April 26th. Final score in game two would see the host Greyhounds earn a 10-6 win as Cloud County picks up an important Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference road win over one of the top-four teams in the KJCCC this season to improve to 17-23 overall and 7-9 in the KJCCC while FSCC moves to 28-11 overall and 11-5 in conference play. Game one Playing from behind for much of the contest, the T-Birds would see Fort Scott grab an early 1-0 in the bottom of the first before tying things up in the top of the third on a solo home run by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/11c36d21-1477-4483-9dc4-837e0f6d7acf?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Ryleigh Jones</a>&nbsp;as things would stay even into the fifth. After scoring a run on a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/791b18b9-9e5d-4967-8aa6-b63b413a732f?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">McKenna Mayhew</a>&nbsp;RBI single to take their first lead of the game, Cloud County would concede a three-run inning to the Greyhounds in the bottom of the fifth off four hits and three errors to make it a 4-2 contest heading into the sixth. Stranding a base runner in the top of the sixth, FSCC would add to their lead in the bottom of the inning with a one-out hit batter coming around to score on a two-out RBI single as the deficit would reach a game-high three runs for Cloud County heading into their final scheduled offensive opportunity at the plate. Having made several late-inning comebacks already this season, the T-Birds once again would come up with some magic in the top of the seventh by putting five of the first six batters safely on base while pushing across three runs to tie the game at 5-5. After tying things back up, CCCC would have a chance to take the lead with the go-ahead run in scoring position at second base before ultimately stranding a pair of runners. Working a quick one-two-three inning to force extras, neither team would be able to find a run in the eighth which would send things to a second added inning of softball with the T-Birds having the middle part of the order due up. A Mayhew leadoff double would be followed by a fielding error by the Greyhounds to put two runners on for CCCC to set up a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/21fdb8b5-ac8c-4f55-959f-e7a97de249c4?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Zoie Kincade</a>&nbsp;go-ahead sacrifice fly to score Mayhew with Cloud County taking their first lead since the top of the fifth. Fort Scott would see two outs to start the bottom of the ninth threaten to end the game before a game-extending double before the T-Birds would induce a game-ending flyout to secure their most conference wins in a season since the 2018 campaign. Collecting 13 hits as a team, CCCC would be led by a perfect three-for-three effort by Mayhew who would also drive in two runs and draw two walks.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/10e1f0a5-efad-461d-9534-0b266c4e4483?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Hannah Hotalen</a>&nbsp;would also have three hits with a three-for-five game as the T-Birds would limit their strikeouts to just one in the contest. Game two Scoring wouldn't be an issue early on for either squad with FSCC pushing across three runs on two hits in the bottom of the first before seeing Cloud County respond in the top of the second by pushing across three runs on a game-tying three-run home run by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9d96f0dd-d25c-4c8d-b9e0-65db4433d677?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Zoie Kincade</a>&nbsp;to cap off a three-hit inning for the T-Birds. Neither offense would show any signs of slowing down as the Greyhounds would reclaim the lead in the bottom of the second with an RBI double just to see a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/53763ae4-e347-4d85-bdfe-ccc314b0a20d?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Taylor Dekok</a>&nbsp;two-run home run put CCCC out in front by a 5-4 margin heading into the bottom of the third. Holding FSCC scoreless for the first time in the game, the T-Birds would look to take advantage of a potential momentum-building opportunity but come up empty in the top of the fourth as a one-out double would be stranded with things staying at a 5-4 Cloud County lead heading into the bottom of the fifth. A problematic inning defensively for CCCC would see Fort Scott put together a one-out rally with four consecutive hits create the big inning that the T-Birds had managed to avoid with six runs coming across on six hits and two errors to turn a one-run FSCC deficit into a five-run lead. A chance to respond in the top of the sixth would see the T-Birds manage to get a leadoff single from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/cc117302-fec9-4721-be03-8aea19f74635?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Jayden Rehlander</a>&nbsp;followed by a fielder's choice and Greyhound error to put runners on the corners with one out and score a run on a sacrifice fly that would be dropped in the outfield to plate a run and set up the potential for a big inning on the offensive end. After a third consecutive FSCC error to load the bases with one out, CCCC would be unable to take advantage of bringing the game-tying run to the plate as a strikeout and infield popout would end the threat with the bases loaded and limit the scoring to just one run. With a prime opportunity thwarted by Fort Scott, Cloud County would manage to work a quick defensive inning in the bottom of the sixth but never be able to put together a threat like they had in the sixth as a pair of one-out base hits would be stranded in the seventh to allow the Greyhounds to salvage a home split of the day's action. Seven stranded runners proved to be problematic for the T-Birds as nine hits and a walk would lead to just six runs with Rehlander and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/25f31435-1aa9-44aa-b149-7fa1fa2047e4?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Brooklynn McCormick</a>&nbsp;finishing as the lone players for CCCC with multiple hits. The home runs by Kincade and Dekok would account for five of Cloud County's six RBI and two of four extra-base hits for the T-Birds with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/248150c5-b156-4cbf-9d77-f4af97fede8d?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Alexis Billings</a>&nbsp;and McCormick each hitting a double to account for the remaining two. What's next? The push to finish in the top seven of the KJCCC standings to qualify for postseason play continues at home on Saturday, April 29th when Cloud County hosts Allen County Community College for a noon doubleheader. Allen is 10-23 overall and 2-12 in the KJCCC ahead of a home doubleheader on Thursday against Kansas City Kansas Community College. In last year's doubleheader in Concordia, the T-Birds would sweep the only two games played between teams with CCCC having won three of the past five games between the two teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cloud County Sports InformationFORT SCOTT - Needing extra-innings for the first time this season while picking up a 6-5 win in game one, the Cloud County Community College softball team would be unable to overcome a six-run fifth inning for host Fort Scott Community College in the back end of a road doubleheader to come away with a split on the day at the Fort Scott Softball Field in Fort Scott, Kansas on Wednesday, April 26th. Final score in game two would see the host Greyhounds earn a 10-6 win as Cloud County picks up an important Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference road win over one of the top-four teams in the KJCCC this season to improve to 17-23 overall and 7-9 in the KJCCC while FSCC moves to 28-11 overall and 11-5 in conference play. Game one Playing from behind for much of the contest, the T-Birds would see Fort Scott grab an early 1-0 in the bottom of the first before tying things up in the top of the third on a solo home run by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/11c36d21-1477-4483-9dc4-837e0f6d7acf?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Ryleigh Jones</a>&nbsp;as things would stay even into the fifth. After scoring a run on a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/791b18b9-9e5d-4967-8aa6-b63b413a732f?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">McKenna Mayhew</a>&nbsp;RBI single to take their first lead of the game, Cloud County would concede a three-run inning to the Greyhounds in the bottom of the fifth off four hits and three errors to make it a 4-2 contest heading into the sixth. Stranding a base runner in the top of the sixth, FSCC would add to their lead in the bottom of the inning with a one-out hit batter coming around to score on a two-out RBI single as the deficit would reach a game-high three runs for Cloud County heading into their final scheduled offensive opportunity at the plate. Having made several late-inning comebacks already this season, the T-Birds once again would come up with some magic in the top of the seventh by putting five of the first six batters safely on base while pushing across three runs to tie the game at 5-5. After tying things back up, CCCC would have a chance to take the lead with the go-ahead run in scoring position at second base before ultimately stranding a pair of runners. Working a quick one-two-three inning to force extras, neither team would be able to find a run in the eighth which would send things to a second added inning of softball with the T-Birds having the middle part of the order due up. A Mayhew leadoff double would be followed by a fielding error by the Greyhounds to put two runners on for CCCC to set up a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/21fdb8b5-ac8c-4f55-959f-e7a97de249c4?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Zoie Kincade</a>&nbsp;go-ahead sacrifice fly to score Mayhew with Cloud County taking their first lead since the top of the fifth. Fort Scott would see two outs to start the bottom of the ninth threaten to end the game before a game-extending double before the T-Birds would induce a game-ending flyout to secure their most conference wins in a season since the 2018 campaign. Collecting 13 hits as a team, CCCC would be led by a perfect three-for-three effort by Mayhew who would also drive in two runs and draw two walks.&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/10e1f0a5-efad-461d-9534-0b266c4e4483?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Hannah Hotalen</a>&nbsp;would also have three hits with a three-for-five game as the T-Birds would limit their strikeouts to just one in the contest. Game two Scoring wouldn't be an issue early on for either squad with FSCC pushing across three runs on two hits in the bottom of the first before seeing Cloud County respond in the top of the second by pushing across three runs on a game-tying three-run home run by&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/9d96f0dd-d25c-4c8d-b9e0-65db4433d677?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Zoie Kincade</a>&nbsp;to cap off a three-hit inning for the T-Birds. Neither offense would show any signs of slowing down as the Greyhounds would reclaim the lead in the bottom of the second with an RBI double just to see a&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/53763ae4-e347-4d85-bdfe-ccc314b0a20d?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Taylor Dekok</a>&nbsp;two-run home run put CCCC out in front by a 5-4 margin heading into the bottom of the third. Holding FSCC scoreless for the first time in the game, the T-Birds would look to take advantage of a potential momentum-building opportunity but come up empty in the top of the fourth as a one-out double would be stranded with things staying at a 5-4 Cloud County lead heading into the bottom of the fifth. A problematic inning defensively for CCCC would see Fort Scott put together a one-out rally with four consecutive hits create the big inning that the T-Birds had managed to avoid with six runs coming across on six hits and two errors to turn a one-run FSCC deficit into a five-run lead. A chance to respond in the top of the sixth would see the T-Birds manage to get a leadoff single from&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/cc117302-fec9-4721-be03-8aea19f74635?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Jayden Rehlander</a>&nbsp;followed by a fielder's choice and Greyhound error to put runners on the corners with one out and score a run on a sacrifice fly that would be dropped in the outfield to plate a run and set up the potential for a big inning on the offensive end. After a third consecutive FSCC error to load the bases with one out, CCCC would be unable to take advantage of bringing the game-tying run to the plate as a strikeout and infield popout would end the threat with the bases loaded and limit the scoring to just one run. With a prime opportunity thwarted by Fort Scott, Cloud County would manage to work a quick defensive inning in the bottom of the sixth but never be able to put together a threat like they had in the sixth as a pair of one-out base hits would be stranded in the seventh to allow the Greyhounds to salvage a home split of the day's action. Seven stranded runners proved to be problematic for the T-Birds as nine hits and a walk would lead to just six runs with Rehlander and&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/25f31435-1aa9-44aa-b149-7fa1fa2047e4?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Brooklynn McCormick</a>&nbsp;finishing as the lone players for CCCC with multiple hits. The home runs by Kincade and Dekok would account for five of Cloud County's six RBI and two of four extra-base hits for the T-Birds with&nbsp;<a href="http://cloudtbirds.com/services/go.ashx/248150c5-b156-4cbf-9d77-f4af97fede8d?elinkdata=49240" target="_blank">Alexis Billings</a>&nbsp;and McCormick each hitting a double to account for the remaining two. What's next? The push to finish in the top seven of the KJCCC standings to qualify for postseason play continues at home on Saturday, April 29th when Cloud County hosts Allen County Community College for a noon doubleheader. Allen is 10-23 overall and 2-12 in the KJCCC ahead of a home doubleheader on Thursday against Kansas City Kansas Community College. In last year's doubleheader in Concordia, the T-Birds would sweep the only two games played between teams with CCCC having won three of the past five games between the two teams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Extra-innings victory secures key KJCCC road split for T-Bird softball

Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/15/13208">Michaela Crowe</a>&nbsp;(JR/Overland Park, Kan.) has been named to the 2023 KCAC Women's Tennis All-KCAC second team as announced by the conference office.

The 2023 All-KCAC women's tennis teams are selected by conference coaches.

Crowe posted a 4-9 overall record on the season playing at No. 1 singles for the Coyotes, and was 3-6 in conference play for the Coyotes. In doubles, she had an overall record of 3-16 and was 3-6 in nine conference matches this season at the No. 1 doubles position.

KWU completed its 2023 season with a 2-14 record overall and a 2-7 mark in the KCAC.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682561252309.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com">kwucoyotes.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KWU Sports InformationKansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kwucoyotes.com/roster/24/15/13208">Michaela Crowe</a>&nbsp;(JR/Overland Park, Kan.) has been named to the 2023 KCAC Women's Tennis All-KCAC second team as announced by the conference office.The 2023 All-KCAC women's tennis teams are selected by conference coaches.Crowe posted a 4-9 overall record on the season playing at No. 1 singles for the Coyotes, and was 3-6 in conference play for the Coyotes. In doubles, she had an overall record of 3-16 and was 3-6 in nine conference matches this season at the No. 1 doubles position.KWU completed its 2023 season with a 2-14 record overall and a 2-7 mark in the KCAC.

KWU's Crowe named to All-KCAC Women's Tennis Teams

MANHATTAN&nbsp;– Former K-State student-athlete, assistant coach and athletics director&nbsp;Dick Towers&nbsp;passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 in Manhattan.

A native of Olathe, Kan., Towers’ association with K-State dated back to 1950 when he enrolled at the university as a football and track and field student-athlete. Playing alongside the great&nbsp;Veryl Switzer, Towers was a three-year starter (1950-52) at quarterback and tailback as well as a safety for head coaches&nbsp;Ralph Graham&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bill Meek, winning the team’s Most Inspirational Player Award as a senior in 1952. He also ran track for the Wildcats and Hall of Fame head coach&nbsp;Ward Haylett, winning the Big Eight mile relay as a junior.

After spending time as a football coach in the prep and college ranks, including a stint as the offensive backs coach at K-State from 1964-65, Towers moved into the administrative ranks in 1977 as athletics director at Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kan. He re-joined the K-State athletics staff in the summer of 1980 as an academic counselor and assistant to athletics director&nbsp;DeLoss Dodds&nbsp;before succeeding Dodds in November 1981. He led the athletics department until December 1984. He went onto to serve as associate AD at Iowa State from 1986-89.

Towers was a two-time graduate of the university, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education and biological science in 1953 and a master’s degree in physical education and administration in 1961.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Towers,” athletics director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “He led the athletics department during a crucial period in our history, and I enjoyed getting to know him since my arrival. He was a kind and loyal man who was always willing to help and share his perspective. It has been a tough week for K-Staters, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Towers family.”

During his time as a football coach, Towers made quite the name for himself in the state of Kansas, guiding Leavenworth (1957) and Manhattan High Schools (1958-62) for six seasons before a one-year stint as the head coach at Hutchinson Community College in 1963. He led MHS to a 29-13-2 record as head coach, which included four conference titles and the 1961 state championship. He was State Coach of the Year in 1961.

Towers also served as the head coach at Southern Illinois (1967-73) for seven seasons, guiding the Salukis to a 30-37-2 record, which included four winning seasons. He was the NCAA District 5 Coach of the Year in 1970. He also served as an assistant coach at SIU (1966) and Duke (1974-77).

Towers is survived by his wife&nbsp;Wann, and three children (daughters&nbsp;Betsy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Donna&nbsp;and son&nbsp;Rick).

The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 29 at 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682560025627.png" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://k-statesports.com">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>K-State SportsMANHATTAN&nbsp;– Former K-State student-athlete, assistant coach and athletics director&nbsp;Dick Towers&nbsp;passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 in Manhattan.A native of Olathe, Kan., Towers’ association with K-State dated back to 1950 when he enrolled at the university as a football and track and field student-athlete. Playing alongside the great&nbsp;Veryl Switzer, Towers was a three-year starter (1950-52) at quarterback and tailback as well as a safety for head coaches&nbsp;Ralph Graham&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bill Meek, winning the team’s Most Inspirational Player Award as a senior in 1952. He also ran track for the Wildcats and Hall of Fame head coach&nbsp;Ward Haylett, winning the Big Eight mile relay as a junior.After spending time as a football coach in the prep and college ranks, including a stint as the offensive backs coach at K-State from 1964-65, Towers moved into the administrative ranks in 1977 as athletics director at Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kan. He re-joined the K-State athletics staff in the summer of 1980 as an academic counselor and assistant to athletics director&nbsp;DeLoss Dodds&nbsp;before succeeding Dodds in November 1981. He led the athletics department until December 1984. He went onto to serve as associate AD at Iowa State from 1986-89.Towers was a two-time graduate of the university, earning a bachelor's degree in physical education and biological science in 1953 and a master’s degree in physical education and administration in 1961.“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Towers,” athletics director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “He led the athletics department during a crucial period in our history, and I enjoyed getting to know him since my arrival. He was a kind and loyal man who was always willing to help and share his perspective. It has been a tough week for K-Staters, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Towers family.”During his time as a football coach, Towers made quite the name for himself in the state of Kansas, guiding Leavenworth (1957) and Manhattan High Schools (1958-62) for six seasons before a one-year stint as the head coach at Hutchinson Community College in 1963. He led MHS to a 29-13-2 record as head coach, which included four conference titles and the 1961 state championship. He was State Coach of the Year in 1961.Towers also served as the head coach at Southern Illinois (1967-73) for seven seasons, guiding the Salukis to a 30-37-2 record, which included four winning seasons. He was the NCAA District 5 Coach of the Year in 1970. He also served as an assistant coach at SIU (1966) and Duke (1974-77).Towers is survived by his wife&nbsp;Wann, and three children (daughters&nbsp;Betsy&nbsp;and&nbsp;Donna&nbsp;and son&nbsp;Rick).The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 29 at 11 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.

K-State mourns the passing of Dick Towers

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas City's Freddy Fermin knocked the cover off the ball during Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He really did.

The Royals catcher was facing Zac Gallen in the second inning when he swung early on an offspeed pitch. Fermin's bat just knicked the baseball, sending it bouncing softly into foul ground close to the on-deck circle.

As it came to a stop, it was clear that the cover had been partially torn from the ball.

D-backs broadcaster Bob Brenly said during the game that he's seen similar things happen a few times in his career. Brenly was a big league catcher in the 1980s and was also the D-backs manager from 2001-04.

"You may ask yourself, how does that happen?" Brenly said. "This is what they call a cupped bat. They take some of the weight out of the end of the bat and when the hitter is out in front so far, it catches the back part of the cup and rips the cover off the baseball."

The Diamondbacks beat the Royals 2-0 on Wednesday. Fermin wasn't the only Royals hitter fooled by one of Gallen's pitches. The Arizona right-hander struck out 12, running his scoreless streak to 28 innings.

PHOENIX (AP) — Kansas City's Freddy Fermin knocked the cover off the ball during Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He really did.The Royals catcher was facing Zac Gallen in the second inning when he swung early on an offspeed pitch. Fermin's bat just knicked the baseball, sending it bouncing softly into foul ground close to the on-deck circle.As it came to a stop, it was clear that the cover had been partially torn from the ball.D-backs broadcaster Bob Brenly said during the game that he's seen similar things happen a few times in his career. Brenly was a big league catcher in the 1980s and was also the D-backs manager from 2001-04."You may ask yourself, how does that happen?" Brenly said. "This is what they call a cupped bat. They take some of the weight out of the end of the bat and when the hitter is out in front so far, it catches the back part of the cup and rips the cover off the baseball."The Diamondbacks beat the Royals 2-0 on Wednesday. Fermin wasn't the only Royals hitter fooled by one of Gallen's pitches. The Arizona right-hander struck out 12, running his scoreless streak to 28 innings.

Kansas City's Fermin knocks cover off baseball vs. D-backs

WICHITA – The Springfield Cardinals bounced back from a 12-3 loss on Tuesday to even the series defeating the Wind Surge 10-12 on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Brandon Komar earned the win pitching seven innings and allowed one hit for Springfield.&nbsp; Wichita starter Travis Adams pitched 4 1/3 innings which gave him the loss. &nbsp;He allowed three runs on seven hits, struck out three and allowed one home run.

Springfield scored five in the fifth and added four in the seventh inning. &nbsp;Matt Koperniack crushed a two-run homer in the fifth, making it his third of the season for Springfield.

Wichita Wind SurgeWICHITA – The Springfield Cardinals bounced back from a 12-3 loss on Tuesday to even the series defeating the Wind Surge 10-12 on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Brandon Komar earned the win pitching seven innings and allowed one hit for Springfield.&nbsp; Wichita starter Travis Adams pitched 4 1/3 innings which gave him the loss. &nbsp;He allowed three runs on seven hits, struck out three and allowed one home run.Springfield scored five in the fifth and added four in the seventh inning. &nbsp;Matt Koperniack crushed a two-run homer in the fifth, making it his third of the season for Springfield.The Wind Surge were shutout for the third time this season and were held to a season low one hit.NOTES – Wichita has been outscored 45-11 in the five day games and dropped to 0-5.UPCOMING – The Wind Surge will play as the Turbo Tubs tomorrow in game three tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. in its six-game series with Springfield.&nbsp; The Wind Surge will start LH Aaron Rozek against the Cardinals RH Wilfreido Pereira.&nbsp;Catch the game on MiLB App and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>.Promotion: $5 select draft beers for fans 21 and over until gates open to first pitch.