<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05843dfd-00a6-4c05-8555-21af6bd42bf4?elinkdata=26273">Hailey Nordhus</a> is a freshman on the Kansas Wesleyan women's track team, but she has not backed down from any challenge she has encountered this spring.

Nordhus placed second in the 800 meters on the second and final day of the Kansas Conference's Track and Field Championships on Saturday at JRI Stadium and Graves Family Sports Complex. She ran the two-lap race in 2 minutes, 18.01 seconds.

KWU finished fifth in the team standings with 93 points. Ottawa won the championship with 165 points, edging Saint Mary, which had 162.

"Hailey a freshman making the podium in the 800 meters and is going to be a force to be reckoned with over the next few years," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c7f0ff75-ba2d-47e4-84c9-20f13a41f1ce?elinkdata=26273">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "Quiet but man she's got a killer instinct."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/980fc9a9-b4b1-4978-8511-233026dec0a9?elinkdata=26273">Kierra Jensen</a> also had a big day for the Coyotes crossing the finish line in fourth place in the 5,000 meters (18:24.70).

"She did the steeplechase yesterday, comes back with a fourth-place finish in the 5,000 meters today," Hiser said. "She puts herself in the race, gives herself a chance from the get-go and then boom she's there scoring big points for us."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/da75c4dc-1573-414e-9157-ff348f1cba2b?elinkdata=26273">Josie Koppes</a> finished fifth in the 800 meters (2:23.68) and the 1,500 meters (4:46.48).

"Josie wasn't going to run in college, transfers into Kansas Wesleyan after her first semester at KU as just being a normal student," Hiser said. "Now she's on the podium and she's a member of a (NAIA) national qualifying four by eight relay."

Wesleyan had four other fifth-place finishers - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4096afdf-4c43-454c-9d0e-7f01b4089acf?elinkdata=26273">Elizabeth Stout</a> in the shot put (11.82 meters), Chloe Grusing in the discus (37.66m), the 4x400-meter relay team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b818eb91-babe-4ee9-a87a-db332075fed6?elinkdata=26273">Alayna Behrman</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/026acfcb-5cd7-46dc-bf45-4c8ccee6766c?elinkdata=26273">Micah Dickens</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/74b735f9-6a31-438b-a6c5-d5d7c3e1b976?elinkdata=26273">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1e5cc8d8-c185-4fc1-9b63-98bff40c8903?elinkdata=26273">Brionna Floyd</a> (4:06.11) and the 4x100-meter relay team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d58bc25e-9b08-4a09-a526-9fa50be5289b?elinkdata=26273">Markyla Shaw</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b381fdec-b419-44f2-b76d-be5d1c23eec4?elinkdata=26273">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, Lauren Mikkelson and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6753e603-48e1-4856-a7a2-537cc9ad5410?elinkdata=26273">Brionna Floyd</a> (49.06).

The 4x100 relay team's time was a school record.

"Two freshmen and two sophomores so a very young group," Hiser said. "Great handoffs all the way through. That's what I always tell my four by ones, please get the baton around the track, they did it and they did it in school record time."

Grusing also was sixth in the shot put (11.52 meters), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d8003c40-3573-4505-8adc-eff168f24448?elinkdata=26273">Aunisty McNeal</a> was ninth (11.34) and Roselyn Torres 25th (8.82).

"Chloe's a senior who has been to a few schools, the last place she wasn't enjoying it, came out here and she just has fun with it," Hiser said. "Always has a smile on her face, always willing to help out wherever is needed."

McNeal also finished eighth in the discus (36.91 meters), Stout 17th (34.57) and Torres 25th (27.58) capping a big two days for Coyote throwers.

"(Assistant coaches) Shaq (Lewis) and (Clayton) Herdman's throws group this weekend, men and women, came out and just surprised," Hiser said. "People who weren't supposed to score scored, people moving up the leaderboard here and there. It's a testament to what they are doing out there at the throws."

Herdman was chosen as the KCAC Women's Assistant Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the competition on Saturday night.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/05843dfd-00a6-4c05-8555-21af6bd42bf4?elinkdata=26273">Hailey Nordhus</a> is a freshman on the Kansas Wesleyan women's track team, but she has not backed down from any challenge she has encountered this spring.Nordhus placed second in the 800 meters on the second and final day of the Kansas Conference's Track and Field Championships on Saturday at JRI Stadium and Graves Family Sports Complex. She ran the two-lap race in 2 minutes, 18.01 seconds.KWU finished fifth in the team standings with 93 points. Ottawa won the championship with 165 points, edging Saint Mary, which had 162."Hailey a freshman making the podium in the 800 meters and is going to be a force to be reckoned with over the next few years," KWU coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c7f0ff75-ba2d-47e4-84c9-20f13a41f1ce?elinkdata=26273">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "Quiet but man she's got a killer instinct."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/980fc9a9-b4b1-4978-8511-233026dec0a9?elinkdata=26273">Kierra Jensen</a> also had a big day for the Coyotes crossing the finish line in fourth place in the 5,000 meters (18:24.70)."She did the steeplechase yesterday, comes back with a fourth-place finish in the 5,000 meters today," Hiser said. "She puts herself in the race, gives herself a chance from the get-go and then boom she's there scoring big points for us."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/da75c4dc-1573-414e-9157-ff348f1cba2b?elinkdata=26273">Josie Koppes</a> finished fifth in the 800 meters (2:23.68) and the 1,500 meters (4:46.48)."Josie wasn't going to run in college, transfers into Kansas Wesleyan after her first semester at KU as just being a normal student," Hiser said. "Now she's on the podium and she's a member of a (NAIA) national qualifying four by eight relay."Wesleyan had four other fifth-place finishers - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4096afdf-4c43-454c-9d0e-7f01b4089acf?elinkdata=26273">Elizabeth Stout</a> in the shot put (11.82 meters), Chloe Grusing in the discus (37.66m), the 4x400-meter relay team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b818eb91-babe-4ee9-a87a-db332075fed6?elinkdata=26273">Alayna Behrman</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/026acfcb-5cd7-46dc-bf45-4c8ccee6766c?elinkdata=26273">Micah Dickens</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/74b735f9-6a31-438b-a6c5-d5d7c3e1b976?elinkdata=26273">Madisyn Ehrlich</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1e5cc8d8-c185-4fc1-9b63-98bff40c8903?elinkdata=26273">Brionna Floyd</a> (4:06.11) and the 4x100-meter relay team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d58bc25e-9b08-4a09-a526-9fa50be5289b?elinkdata=26273">Markyla Shaw</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b381fdec-b419-44f2-b76d-be5d1c23eec4?elinkdata=26273">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, Lauren Mikkelson and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6753e603-48e1-4856-a7a2-537cc9ad5410?elinkdata=26273">Brionna Floyd</a> (49.06).The 4x100 relay team's time was a school record."Two freshmen and two sophomores so a very young group," Hiser said. "Great handoffs all the way through. That's what I always tell my four by ones, please get the baton around the track, they did it and they did it in school record time."Grusing also was sixth in the shot put (11.52 meters), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d8003c40-3573-4505-8adc-eff168f24448?elinkdata=26273">Aunisty McNeal</a> was ninth (11.34) and Roselyn Torres 25th (8.82)."Chloe's a senior who has been to a few schools, the last place she wasn't enjoying it, came out here and she just has fun with it," Hiser said. "Always has a smile on her face, always willing to help out wherever is needed."McNeal also finished eighth in the discus (36.91 meters), Stout 17th (34.57) and Torres 25th (27.58) capping a big two days for Coyote throwers."(Assistant coaches) Shaq (Lewis) and (Clayton) Herdman's throws group this weekend, men and women, came out and just surprised," Hiser said. "People who weren't supposed to score scored, people moving up the leaderboard here and there. It's a testament to what they are doing out there at the throws."Herdman was chosen as the KCAC Women's Assistant Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the competition on Saturday night.Other KWU results Saturday were:<ul>
 <li>Ehrlich sixth (4:50.37) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9b4b7617-1435-4171-8edb-7fcdb27df5ed?elinkdata=26273">Makayla Little</a> 12th (5:19.08) in the 1,500 meters.</li><li>Mikkelson eighth (1:09.40) in the 400-meter hurdles.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3d21ff95-a8d9-4df0-98aa-b409e4cfe024?elinkdata=26273">Charlee Lind</a> ninth (19:14.52), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d795802-2608-40d0-8724-a9a830575833?elinkdata=26273">Micah Dickens</a> 12th (19:36.26) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/40637814-90e7-4f03-96e7-14b9879cd24a?elinkdata=26273">Alayna Behrman</a> 15th (19:54.86) in the 5,000 meters.</li><li>Floyd 10th (1:01.76) in the 400 meters.</li>
 </ul>

Nordhus leads Coyotes to fifth place finish at KCAC Championships

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25db1b7f-eb49-4b19-bf26-0ceb162c710b?elinkdata=26242">Wyatt Johnson</a> came to Kansas Wesleyan two years ago with the intention of running sprints for the Coyotes' track team.

Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e1bf223-a793-4d32-936b-0b120c728ec8?elinkdata=26242">Kyle Hiser</a> had a better idea.

Johnson has become a middle distance extraordinaire in his sophomore year as evidenced Friday night on the second and final day of the Kansas Conference Track and Field Championships at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.

He won the 800- and 1,500-meter races while leading KWU to a second-place finish in the team standings. The Coyotes compiled 153 points just eight behind Evangel. Friends was third with 135 points and Saint Mary fourth with 127.

"I'm just really proud of how every event we came out and battled," Hiser said. "We gave it our all and just came up a little bit shy. Evangel had a great meet.

"I just can't thank our senior class enough for everything they did across the board. They bought into a program that was building and took a chance. And I'm just thankful that we have administration that puts me and my coaching staff in position to go out and be successful."

At the conclusion of the event, assistant coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c7bfea74-3544-4b23-9b04-1033f3694145?elinkdata=26242">Garrett Young</a> was named the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year for the second straight outdoor season and the third time in a row after earning the honor in February for

Johnson, who hails from Lindsborg, won the 1,500 with a time of 3:59.83 and the 800 in 1:52.65.

"I recruited Wyatt as a sprinter," Hiser said. "He said, 'I'm going to go do cross country my senior year in high school' and he ran okay. He's just turned into just a kid who is going to put the team on his back and say, 'who's along for the ride?' He's throwing it down with some of the top runners in the NAIA. Couldn't ask more for him as a sophomore and his story's not done yet."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09af3920-069f-464a-9239-dcb62e9e01f0?elinkdata=26242">Julian Avila</a> placed third in the 800 (1:54.04), Triston Cotton fifth (1:55.65), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2a2c4ec-9d4d-43ca-9e0a-925f750a59e2?elinkdata=26242">Ty Davidson</a> sixth (1:55.75), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9cd777c3-56a0-4a19-81cc-0cb72c06e84a?elinkdata=26242">Ian Doss</a> 11th (1:58.75), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4968c203-4601-4d88-a4cc-51262837b2a6?elinkdata=26242">Nicolas Martinez</a> 14th (1:59.19) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a83a929d-f03a-443b-b6e1-9584a603a5c3?elinkdata=26242">Giovanni Rios</a> 22nd (2:02.55).

In the 1,500 Avila was fifth (4:05.06), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c251ebf-d271-4192-b40e-c9dd64f522cf?elinkdata=26242">Austin Schaeffer</a> seventh (4:07.71), Rios eighth (4:07.71), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/11fefd61-b9bc-46c3-8978-d0be2d1c0130?elinkdata=26242">Tim Parish</a> 16th (4:28.15), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6d6efb6d-4f6d-4ce5-b3d4-3e3945bc14f6?elinkdata=26242">Jack Horacek</a> 19th (4:35.80), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3afb5a0-a1fc-4fe5-a9a2-d148c6b5b814?elinkdata=26242">Landon Steeger</a> 23rd (4:39.60) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b20e14e-db3b-456d-bc60-dd659750641b?elinkdata=26242">Will Childers</a> 25th (4:41.33).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b8770be-e6fe-4688-8a41-0bb0d2fc9a7a?elinkdata=26242">Keegan Lott</a> competed in two throwing events Thursday and tackled two more Friday, placing third in the discus (47.68 meters) and the shot put (14.99m).

"I don't know if there's another thrower doing fourth rows over the weekend and that's just what he does. He gets on the podium," Hiser said. "The kid has a heart of gold, and he works harder than anyone I've ever been around."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/faaea5b6-3a82-4bfd-a911-2058295f827f?elinkdata=26242">Dylan Worrell</a> was seventh in the shot put (14.19 meters), Keyon Baccus 14th (12.88) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69a2fabc-268d-4cdb-a88e-3895c15fc056?elinkdata=26242">Austin Baird</a> 24th (9:08).

In the discus Baccus placed sixth (45.66 meters), Worrell 22nd (34.48) and Baird 25th (33.36).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca719785-bb59-4dcc-b9cf-96c654001529?elinkdata=26242">Damion Jackson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/44debf45-44b1-4112-92e3-4a1594b16699?elinkdata=26242">Austin Hess</a> led the way in the 5,000 meters, Jackson taking third (15:15.24) and Hess sixth (15:23.50).

"Austin did everything to get this distance team where it's at," Hiser said. "He's our culture swinger; he turned it around. Damion just goes out and does his thing. He's always going to be a person in the KCAC that's up there fighting to win and qualify for national championships."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/526e2e34-854f-4844-b1d6-97c6f42b63c2?elinkdata=26242">Evan Pearce</a> finished ninth (15:31.54) in the 5,000 meters, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0a619326-a7ac-4276-ad70-272cd1b7e2e0?elinkdata=26242">Jake Cruz</a> 11th (15:40.67), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e1154811-ae3e-4644-8fa9-248f6cfdfdbb?elinkdata=26242">Tytus Reed</a> 15th (15:57.62), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa28cc50-6459-4fff-ba66-44201d508f51?elinkdata=26242">Cisco Alvarez</a> 18th (16:06.46) and Schaeffer 21st (16:15.25).

Sprinter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5035d8ed-fdbc-4e10-88df-9aebd030cbae?elinkdata=26242">Zamari Burrell</a> was fourth in the 100 meters (10.70) and fifth in the 200 meters (21.49).

"He's been injured all year," Hiser said. "He ran our first meet of the year, got banged up and we didn't have him touch the track again till our home meet. He's one of the most talented guys I've ever coached. With limited practice he came out and scored and ran PRs (personal records) in all of his races."

Three Coyotes scored points in the 400-meter hurdles led by Brennan Allen who finished fifth (57.95), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35ee2e43-df2c-4d46-b247-40cc477ceb16?elinkdata=26242">Brenden Ellis</a> sixth (58.06) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/203b288a-cb2a-435c-a89b-c4ba46b6209e?elinkdata=26242">Tristan Howard</a> seventh (58.86). Cayden Russell was ninth (1:00.22) and Riley Gates 11th (1:01.71).

"Brennan Allen's a freshman football player who said, 'coach I want to try the hurdles and jumped in there and placed fifth," Hiser said. "<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39a3059b-72d4-43fd-8c4d-62ef00b87da2?elinkdata=26242">Brenden Ellis</a> is a steeplechaser and was a hurdler in high school and said, 'I want to give it a go.'. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d1b02a26-32f9-44a7-b0b2-af17ddd9f802?elinkdata=26242">Tristan Howard's</a> a graduate transfer from Emporia State and is an extremely hard worker. They all ran well."

Howard also placed sixth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.23).

The men's 4x400-meter team of Allen, Alvarez, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9d42f03-5e97-4da1-8559-c671c7e0d0cb?elinkdata=26242">Darius Archuleta</a> and Avila finished on a high note taking third (3:20.82) in the last event.

The 4x100-meter team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/34d5360e-c5ac-40a1-95e8-ccae3e3faea1?elinkdata=26242">Tyler Fontenot</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/15c55f1e-0d10-4cb1-906a-69fb721fe4c6?elinkdata=26242">Kean Dinkel</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38ef4ca8-9425-4e0f-b4b2-073fe79fce0d?elinkdata=26242">Andrew Smith</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/14d6df7e-3eea-46c5-aeab-5204bae2bbdb?elinkdata=26242">Lorenzo Vaccari</a> placed fifth (42.52).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86e9cef9-0302-49b6-8043-2dfecbb27e1e?elinkdata=26242">Nate Chavez</a> was seventh in the 400 meters (50.52), Smith 13th (51.24), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4e723e7a-2b31-48f0-b414-750a32db4611?elinkdata=26242">Sidney Washington</a> 14th (51.56), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2310e55-f5f0-4dc2-9ecf-0009213fc255?elinkdata=26242">Trevor Peal</a> 18th (51.89) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bcf48cec-9a22-477d-8fdd-26b0a6f2ae5c?elinkdata=26242">Ruben Rivera Agosto</a> 24th (54.06).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25db1b7f-eb49-4b19-bf26-0ceb162c710b?elinkdata=26242">Wyatt Johnson</a> came to Kansas Wesleyan two years ago with the intention of running sprints for the Coyotes' track team.Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5e1bf223-a793-4d32-936b-0b120c728ec8?elinkdata=26242">Kyle Hiser</a> had a better idea.Johnson has become a middle distance extraordinaire in his sophomore year as evidenced Friday night on the second and final day of the Kansas Conference Track and Field Championships at JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex.He won the 800- and 1,500-meter races while leading KWU to a second-place finish in the team standings. The Coyotes compiled 153 points just eight behind Evangel. Friends was third with 135 points and Saint Mary fourth with 127."I'm just really proud of how every event we came out and battled," Hiser said. "We gave it our all and just came up a little bit shy. Evangel had a great meet."I just can't thank our senior class enough for everything they did across the board. They bought into a program that was building and took a chance. And I'm just thankful that we have administration that puts me and my coaching staff in position to go out and be successful."At the conclusion of the event, assistant coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c7bfea74-3544-4b23-9b04-1033f3694145?elinkdata=26242">Garrett Young</a> was named the KCAC Assistant Coach of the Year for the second straight outdoor season and the third time in a row after earning the honor in February forJohnson, who hails from Lindsborg, won the 1,500 with a time of 3:59.83 and the 800 in 1:52.65."I recruited Wyatt as a sprinter," Hiser said. "He said, 'I'm going to go do cross country my senior year in high school' and he ran okay. He's just turned into just a kid who is going to put the team on his back and say, 'who's along for the ride?' He's throwing it down with some of the top runners in the NAIA. Couldn't ask more for him as a sophomore and his story's not done yet."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09af3920-069f-464a-9239-dcb62e9e01f0?elinkdata=26242">Julian Avila</a> placed third in the 800 (1:54.04), Triston Cotton fifth (1:55.65), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2a2c4ec-9d4d-43ca-9e0a-925f750a59e2?elinkdata=26242">Ty Davidson</a> sixth (1:55.75), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9cd777c3-56a0-4a19-81cc-0cb72c06e84a?elinkdata=26242">Ian Doss</a> 11th (1:58.75), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4968c203-4601-4d88-a4cc-51262837b2a6?elinkdata=26242">Nicolas Martinez</a> 14th (1:59.19) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a83a929d-f03a-443b-b6e1-9584a603a5c3?elinkdata=26242">Giovanni Rios</a> 22nd (2:02.55).In the 1,500 Avila was fifth (4:05.06), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c251ebf-d271-4192-b40e-c9dd64f522cf?elinkdata=26242">Austin Schaeffer</a> seventh (4:07.71), Rios eighth (4:07.71), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/11fefd61-b9bc-46c3-8978-d0be2d1c0130?elinkdata=26242">Tim Parish</a> 16th (4:28.15), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6d6efb6d-4f6d-4ce5-b3d4-3e3945bc14f6?elinkdata=26242">Jack Horacek</a> 19th (4:35.80), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3afb5a0-a1fc-4fe5-a9a2-d148c6b5b814?elinkdata=26242">Landon Steeger</a> 23rd (4:39.60) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b20e14e-db3b-456d-bc60-dd659750641b?elinkdata=26242">Will Childers</a> 25th (4:41.33).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1b8770be-e6fe-4688-8a41-0bb0d2fc9a7a?elinkdata=26242">Keegan Lott</a> competed in two throwing events Thursday and tackled two more Friday, placing third in the discus (47.68 meters) and the shot put (14.99m)."I don't know if there's another thrower doing fourth rows over the weekend and that's just what he does. He gets on the podium," Hiser said. "The kid has a heart of gold, and he works harder than anyone I've ever been around."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/faaea5b6-3a82-4bfd-a911-2058295f827f?elinkdata=26242">Dylan Worrell</a> was seventh in the shot put (14.19 meters), Keyon Baccus 14th (12.88) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/69a2fabc-268d-4cdb-a88e-3895c15fc056?elinkdata=26242">Austin Baird</a> 24th (9:08).In the discus Baccus placed sixth (45.66 meters), Worrell 22nd (34.48) and Baird 25th (33.36).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ca719785-bb59-4dcc-b9cf-96c654001529?elinkdata=26242">Damion Jackson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/44debf45-44b1-4112-92e3-4a1594b16699?elinkdata=26242">Austin Hess</a> led the way in the 5,000 meters, Jackson taking third (15:15.24) and Hess sixth (15:23.50)."Austin did everything to get this distance team where it's at," Hiser said. "He's our culture swinger; he turned it around. Damion just goes out and does his thing. He's always going to be a person in the KCAC that's up there fighting to win and qualify for national championships."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/526e2e34-854f-4844-b1d6-97c6f42b63c2?elinkdata=26242">Evan Pearce</a> finished ninth (15:31.54) in the 5,000 meters, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0a619326-a7ac-4276-ad70-272cd1b7e2e0?elinkdata=26242">Jake Cruz</a> 11th (15:40.67), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e1154811-ae3e-4644-8fa9-248f6cfdfdbb?elinkdata=26242">Tytus Reed</a> 15th (15:57.62), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aa28cc50-6459-4fff-ba66-44201d508f51?elinkdata=26242">Cisco Alvarez</a> 18th (16:06.46) and Schaeffer 21st (16:15.25).Sprinter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5035d8ed-fdbc-4e10-88df-9aebd030cbae?elinkdata=26242">Zamari Burrell</a> was fourth in the 100 meters (10.70) and fifth in the 200 meters (21.49)."He's been injured all year," Hiser said. "He ran our first meet of the year, got banged up and we didn't have him touch the track again till our home meet. He's one of the most talented guys I've ever coached. With limited practice he came out and scored and ran PRs (personal records) in all of his races."Three Coyotes scored points in the 400-meter hurdles led by Brennan Allen who finished fifth (57.95), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/35ee2e43-df2c-4d46-b247-40cc477ceb16?elinkdata=26242">Brenden Ellis</a> sixth (58.06) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/203b288a-cb2a-435c-a89b-c4ba46b6209e?elinkdata=26242">Tristan Howard</a> seventh (58.86). Cayden Russell was ninth (1:00.22) and Riley Gates 11th (1:01.71)."Brennan Allen's a freshman football player who said, 'coach I want to try the hurdles and jumped in there and placed fifth," Hiser said. "<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39a3059b-72d4-43fd-8c4d-62ef00b87da2?elinkdata=26242">Brenden Ellis</a> is a steeplechaser and was a hurdler in high school and said, 'I want to give it a go.'. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d1b02a26-32f9-44a7-b0b2-af17ddd9f802?elinkdata=26242">Tristan Howard's</a> a graduate transfer from Emporia State and is an extremely hard worker. They all ran well."Howard also placed sixth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.23).The men's 4x400-meter team of Allen, Alvarez, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c9d42f03-5e97-4da1-8559-c671c7e0d0cb?elinkdata=26242">Darius Archuleta</a> and Avila finished on a high note taking third (3:20.82) in the last event.The 4x100-meter team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/34d5360e-c5ac-40a1-95e8-ccae3e3faea1?elinkdata=26242">Tyler Fontenot</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/15c55f1e-0d10-4cb1-906a-69fb721fe4c6?elinkdata=26242">Kean Dinkel</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38ef4ca8-9425-4e0f-b4b2-073fe79fce0d?elinkdata=26242">Andrew Smith</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/14d6df7e-3eea-46c5-aeab-5204bae2bbdb?elinkdata=26242">Lorenzo Vaccari</a> placed fifth (42.52).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/86e9cef9-0302-49b6-8043-2dfecbb27e1e?elinkdata=26242">Nate Chavez</a> was seventh in the 400 meters (50.52), Smith 13th (51.24), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4e723e7a-2b31-48f0-b414-750a32db4611?elinkdata=26242">Sidney Washington</a> 14th (51.56), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2310e55-f5f0-4dc2-9ecf-0009213fc255?elinkdata=26242">Trevor Peal</a> 18th (51.89) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bcf48cec-9a22-477d-8fdd-26b0a6f2ae5c?elinkdata=26242">Ruben Rivera Agosto</a> 24th (54.06).

Johnson's two wins help lead Coyotes to second place finish at KCAC Championships, Young honored

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=24280&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-may-2-2025/4939" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://we.tl/t-FpMfwqQMTA" target="_blank">Media Download</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped up spring practices last week. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=24280&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-may-2-2025/4939" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://we.tl/t-FpMfwqQMTA" target="_blank">Media Download</a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media on Friday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex after the Wildcats wrapped up spring practices last week. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…

K-State’s Klieman Recaps Spring Practices

BALTIMORE (AP) — Dean Kremer allowed three hits in seven innings, Ryan O'Hearn hit a go-ahead, two-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Friday night for a rare low-scoring victory in their first shutout this season.

Last-place Baltimore improved to 2-16 when scoring three or fewer runs and won back-to-back games for only the second time this year.

Kremer (3-4) and Michael Wacha (1-4) battled for six scoreless innings before Adley Rutschman led off the Baltimore seventh with a double. O'Hearn followed with a drive to left-center field for his sixth home run of the year.

Emmanuel Rivera, playing because infielder Ramón Urías was scratched with right hamstring tightness, added an RBI single later in the inning.

Kansas City lost for just the second time in 11 games. Bobby Witt Jr. went 0 for 4, ending his 22-game hitting streak, as the Royals were blanked for the fourth time.

Yennier Cano pitched the eighth, and Félix Bautista finished the four-hitter for his sixth save in six chances.

Wacha allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Kansas City turned inning-ending double plays in the first and second, and Kremer got some help in the seventh when shortstop Gunnar Henderson made a nice sliding play on a grounder behind second base.

Royals catcher Salvador Perez did not play because of hip issues. Manager Matt Quatraro said he's day to day.

Kansas City had a man on second with one out in the second when Mark Canha's comebacker bounced off Kremer to the right side of the infield. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle fielded the ball and flipped it to Kremer, who had hustled over to cover.

After the rare 1-3-1 putout, Kremer retired Drew Waters on a grounder to end the threat.

O'Hearn had 131 RBIs in five seasons with Kansas City before being traded to the Orioles for cash before the 2023 season. In two-plus seasons in Baltimore, he's already driven in 132 runs.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Dean Kremer allowed three hits in seven innings, Ryan O'Hearn hit a go-ahead, two-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 3-0 on Friday night for a rare low-scoring victory in their first shutout this season.Last-place Baltimore improved to 2-16 when scoring three or fewer runs and won back-to-back games for only the second time this year.Kremer (3-4) and Michael Wacha (1-4) battled for six scoreless innings before Adley Rutschman led off the Baltimore seventh with a double. O'Hearn followed with a drive to left-center field for his sixth home run of the year.Emmanuel Rivera, playing because infielder Ramón Urías was scratched with right hamstring tightness, added an RBI single later in the inning.Kansas City lost for just the second time in 11 games. Bobby Witt Jr. went 0 for 4, ending his 22-game hitting streak, as the Royals were blanked for the fourth time.Yennier Cano pitched the eighth, and Félix Bautista finished the four-hitter for his sixth save in six chances.Wacha allowed three runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.Kansas City turned inning-ending double plays in the first and second, and Kremer got some help in the seventh when shortstop Gunnar Henderson made a nice sliding play on a grounder behind second base.Royals catcher Salvador Perez did not play because of hip issues. Manager Matt Quatraro said he's day to day.<h2>Key moment</h2>Kansas City had a man on second with one out in the second when Mark Canha's comebacker bounced off Kremer to the right side of the infield. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle fielded the ball and flipped it to Kremer, who had hustled over to cover.After the rare 1-3-1 putout, Kremer retired Drew Waters on a grounder to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>O'Hearn had 131 RBIs in five seasons with Kansas City before being traded to the Orioles for cash before the 2023 season. In two-plus seasons in Baltimore, he's already driven in 132 runs.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Witt's 22-game hitting streak ends as Orioles shutout Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that infielder&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Kris Bubic&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for March/April. The awards are determined by a local media vote.

Through the first month of the season, Witt Jr. landed among American League leaders in several categories, including stolen bases (3rd, 9), hits (T-4th, 38), extra-base hits (T-7th, 14) and batting average (T-9th, .322), while he led the Majors with 12 doubles. He entered the month of May with an active career-high 21-game hitting streak, which he extended to 22 games with his 3rd home run of the season yesterday at Tampa Bay. It’s the longest streak in the Majors this season and the longest by a Royal since&nbsp;Whit Merrifield&nbsp;hit safely in a club-record 31 straight games from Sept. 10, 2018-April 10, 2019. Witt Jr. is one of only three players in Royals history with two hit streaks of at least 15 games before turning 25 years old, joining&nbsp;David DeJesus&nbsp;(2 in 2004) and&nbsp;Gregg Jefferies&nbsp;(2 in 1992). Over the course of his active 22-game streak since April 8, he’s batting .363 (29-for-80), which is tied for the 2nd-highest mark in the AL in that stretch, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(.481). Witt Jr. also reached 1,000 total bases on Wednesday at Tampa Bay in his 500th career game, becoming the fastest Royal to reach the 1,000-total bases milestone, shattering&nbsp;Carlos Beltran’s&nbsp;previous record of 536 games. This unanimous selection marks his ninth career monthly honor, which are already the 4th most by a Royals position player since the award was established in 1995, behind only&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;(13),&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;(13) and&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;(11). Dating back to July 2024, he’s won the honor in four consecutive months.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that infielder&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Kris Bubic&nbsp;have been named Royals Player and Pitcher of the Month, respectively, for March/April. The awards are determined by a local media vote.Through the first month of the season, Witt Jr. landed among American League leaders in several categories, including stolen bases (3rd, 9), hits (T-4th, 38), extra-base hits (T-7th, 14) and batting average (T-9th, .322), while he led the Majors with 12 doubles. He entered the month of May with an active career-high 21-game hitting streak, which he extended to 22 games with his 3rd home run of the season yesterday at Tampa Bay. It’s the longest streak in the Majors this season and the longest by a Royal since&nbsp;Whit Merrifield&nbsp;hit safely in a club-record 31 straight games from Sept. 10, 2018-April 10, 2019. Witt Jr. is one of only three players in Royals history with two hit streaks of at least 15 games before turning 25 years old, joining&nbsp;David DeJesus&nbsp;(2 in 2004) and&nbsp;Gregg Jefferies&nbsp;(2 in 1992). Over the course of his active 22-game streak since April 8, he’s batting .363 (29-for-80), which is tied for the 2nd-highest mark in the AL in that stretch, trailing only&nbsp;Aaron Judge&nbsp;(.481). Witt Jr. also reached 1,000 total bases on Wednesday at Tampa Bay in his 500th career game, becoming the fastest Royal to reach the 1,000-total bases milestone, shattering&nbsp;Carlos Beltran’s&nbsp;previous record of 536 games. This unanimous selection marks his ninth career monthly honor, which are already the 4th most by a Royals position player since the award was established in 1995, behind only&nbsp;Alex Gordon&nbsp;(13),&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;(13) and&nbsp;Eric Hosmer&nbsp;(11). Dating back to July 2024, he’s won the honor in four consecutive months.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kris Bubic Named Royals Player, Pitcher of the Month for March/April

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline baseball team split its two-game set with Smoky Valley on Thursday, dominating game one 15-0 before falling in a tight game two 8-5.

Game One: SE of Saline 15, Smoky Valley 0

The opener looked competitive until the top of the fifth, where the Trojan bats exploded, quickly turning a 6-0 lead into a 14-0 lead in the blink of an eye.

SES kept the slate clean and put the finishing touches on their victory with one final run in the sixth to close out a mercy-shortened win.

The whole Southeast lineup got in on the fun, with Sam Knopf, Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, Tiernan Ptacek, and Ben Heinrich all recording multi-RBI games.

In the circle Ptacek shut down the Viking lineup, striking out six and allowing just four hits without issuing a single walk in six innings of shutout work.

Game Two: SE of Saline 8, Smoky Valley 5

The Trojans took an early 3-0 lead in game two as well, but in the bottom of the secon,d Smoky Valley finally broke through with three runs of their own to tie the game.

Both teams would add two runs in the fourth but it would be a three-run sixth for Smoky Valley that stood as the difference as the Vikings held on to win 8-5.

With this split, Southeast now sits at 9-5 on the year, good for third in the Silver Lake regional, while Smoky Valley improves to 3-11.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline baseball team split its two-game set with Smoky Valley on Thursday, dominating game one 15-0 before falling in a tight game two 8-5.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Game One: SE of Saline 15, Smoky Valley 0The opener looked competitive until the top of the fifth, where the Trojan bats exploded, quickly turning a 6-0 lead into a 14-0 lead in the blink of an eye.SES kept the slate clean and put the finishing touches on their victory with one final run in the sixth to close out a mercy-shortened win.The whole Southeast lineup got in on the fun, with Sam Knopf, Ian Nickelson, Evan Watkins, Tiernan Ptacek, and Ben Heinrich all recording multi-RBI games.In the circle Ptacek shut down the Viking lineup, striking out six and allowing just four hits without issuing a single walk in six innings of shutout work.Game Two: SE of Saline 8, Smoky Valley 5The Trojans took an early 3-0 lead in game two as well, but in the bottom of the secon,d Smoky Valley finally broke through with three runs of their own to tie the game.Both teams would add two runs in the fourth but it would be a three-run sixth for Smoky Valley that stood as the difference as the Vikings held on to win 8-5.With this split, Southeast now sits at 9-5 on the year, good for third in the Silver Lake regional, while Smoky Valley improves to 3-11.

⚾️ SES splits doubleheader with Smoky Valley 

The Southeast of Saline softball team tossed a pair of shutouts on Thursday, sweeping Smoky Valley with wins of 12-0 and 14-0.

Game One: SE of Saline 12, Smoky Valley 0

On the heels of a dominant doubleheader sweep of Minneapolis, the Lady Trojans picked up right where they left off in the opener, plating three runs in the first, four in the second, two in the third, and three in the fifth to wrap this game up in just five innings.

Every single player on the SES roster would take an at-bat in this doubleheader, and most delivered, with eight different Lady Trojans recording a hit in game one.

Leading the charge to the surprise of few was Abby Wyatt, who continued her slugging ways in a 3-3 effort that saw her drive in half of Southeast’s twelve runs on the day.

In the circle, Carlee Dye dominated, completing a five-inning shutout with four strikeouts and zero walks.

Game Two: SE of Saline 14, Smoky Valley 0

Things stayed widely unchanged in game two with the Lady Trojans striking for four runs in the first, eight in the second and one more in the third and fourth to once again win in just five innings.

SES continued to share the wealth at the plate as this time nine different bats would record a hit, and five would drive in at least one run.

This time, it was Karlee Zurfluh’s turn to baffle the Lady Viking lineup, recording eight strikeouts, no walks, and allowing just three hits in another five-inning shutout.

With this sweep, the Lady Trojans are back on a five-game winning streak at 15-3 while Smoky Valley slides to 3-13 on the year.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline softball team tossed a pair of shutouts on Thursday, sweeping Smoky Valley with wins of 12-0 and 14-0.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Game One: SE of Saline 12, Smoky Valley 0On the heels of a dominant doubleheader sweep of Minneapolis, the Lady Trojans picked up right where they left off in the opener, plating three runs in the first, four in the second, two in the third, and three in the fifth to wrap this game up in just five innings.Every single player on the SES roster would take an at-bat in this doubleheader, and most delivered, with eight different Lady Trojans recording a hit in game one.Leading the charge to the surprise of few was Abby Wyatt, who continued her slugging ways in a 3-3 effort that saw her drive in half of Southeast’s twelve runs on the day.In the circle, Carlee Dye dominated, completing a five-inning shutout with four strikeouts and zero walks.Game Two: SE of Saline 14, Smoky Valley 0Things stayed widely unchanged in game two with the Lady Trojans striking for four runs in the first, eight in the second and one more in the third and fourth to once again win in just five innings.SES continued to share the wealth at the plate as this time nine different bats would record a hit, and five would drive in at least one run.This time, it was Karlee Zurfluh’s turn to baffle the Lady Viking lineup, recording eight strikeouts, no walks, and allowing just three hits in another five-inning shutout.With this sweep, the Lady Trojans are back on a five-game winning streak at 15-3 while Smoky Valley slides to 3-13 on the year.

🥎 Pair of shutouts allow SES to cruise past Smoky Valley

Maddy Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/22051b6d-c7be-4ec4-9120-9b1ab9aae131?elinkdata=26211">Mayce Russell</a> are freshmen on the Kansas Wesleyan women's track team but their performances in the javelin this spring have been the stuff of seasoned upperclassmen.

Wolf continued her dominant spring by winning the event with a throw of 43.12 meters and Russell placed third at 41.17 in the Kansas Conference Track and Field Championships on Friday at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/beb1f204-937d-4b19-b744-20c19df532d0?elinkdata=26211">Aunisty McNeal</a>, another freshman, finished fifth at 36.51.

Wolf's throw surpassed the NAIA A qualifying standard and Russell topped the B standard. They will compete in the National Championships later this month in Marion, Ind.

"It's consistency, that's the big thing," coach Kyler Hiser said. "Maddy shows up every week, you know what you're going to get. Mayce hasn't thrown for two weeks, had some elbow stuff. Last time she threw was here at home we had to shut her down so to get six throws in (Friday) I was really impressed with that. Then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/862f7e85-e66c-4da8-940a-bc5c24de834a?elinkdata=26211">Aunisty McNeal</a> has a season best and finished fifth."

The KCAC Championships returned to Salina for the first time since 2019 and the Coyotes took advantage of the opportunity on the first day.

The 4x800-meter relay team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5f806b56-774e-43ea-b387-8904ae322b6a?elinkdata=26211">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f2c9f8d-a1e3-42a4-b58d-b8f57814f85f?elinkdata=26211">Josie Koppes</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/547f76ea-77d2-4667-96da-889f50e4a68a?elinkdata=26211">Joni Schroeder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9f173d4c-53f2-4cb7-be7d-c887cbbfa7b8?elinkdata=26211">Hailey Nordhus</a> met the NAIA A qualifying standard with a time of 9 minutes, 24.15 seconds. Evangel was first in 9:21.12.

"We switched up the order a little bit from what we ran at Drake (Relays) but being able to hit the A standard and run strong at your home track is awesome," Hiser said. "Those girls just compete. Evangel came out and brought it right to us. You have to have other teams show up to make you go run fast and that's what we're able to do."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e74daeca-7dbb-44f4-88ef-fc6887dc85b5?elinkdata=26211">Kierra Jensen</a> placed third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 11:35.61 while Allison Taylor was eighth in 13:13.86.

"Kierra kind of hurt her ankle early in the event but didn't let that deter her and came back," Hiser said. "She's just a strong runner. You have to be strong in that steeplechase, it is tough. She just goes out and gets the job done."

KWU also had a strong showing the 10,000 meters as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b48b3e92-0e9d-4f58-97c4-512b3f63dfad?elinkdata=26211">Charlee Lind</a> placed fourth in 40:02.96, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/777e1454-074c-462b-9399-d6809b8cc567?elinkdata=26211">Alayna Behrman</a> fifth in 40:46.58 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db56d990-c3a8-4f57-aec6-cd8337cb4354?elinkdata=26211">Mya Schweitzer</a> ninth in 41:45.85.

"<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25e83fd8-34b6-4ee5-a37b-aaee63974a86?elinkdata=26211">Alayna Behrman</a>, when we recruited her here, she had done hurdles and had a hip thing and now she's out there running 10,000 meters," Hiser said. "Just being a strong senior leader was really exciting to see. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3354175-f3e7-403a-968d-822fe3b08659?elinkdata=26211">Charlee Lind</a> loves long distance, she hears 10K and smiles. Just being really strong and leading that distance group is what those two ladies do."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fef76eaa-14a9-4266-81e2-df4df75dd2b3?elinkdata=26211">Elizabeth Stout</a> placed fifth in the hammer throw at 41.13 meters. Roselyn Torres was 21st at 32.04.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9da81e6e-e6b3-4c5b-b523-76ee48048cf1?elinkdata=26211">Julie Rottinghaus</a> took 11th in the long jump at 5.08 meters; <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/feafa7de-a47b-4717-b241-f5af12ab1256?elinkdata=26211">Markyla Shaw</a> was 14th at 4.85 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72204ea9-b813-48b4-8f00-c372f53bb609?elinkdata=26211">Dahn Hanlon</a> 18th at 4.70.

Maddy Wolf and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/22051b6d-c7be-4ec4-9120-9b1ab9aae131?elinkdata=26211">Mayce Russell</a> are freshmen on the Kansas Wesleyan women's track team but their performances in the javelin this spring have been the stuff of seasoned upperclassmen.Wolf continued her dominant spring by winning the event with a throw of 43.12 meters and Russell placed third at 41.17 in the Kansas Conference Track and Field Championships on Friday at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/beb1f204-937d-4b19-b744-20c19df532d0?elinkdata=26211">Aunisty McNeal</a>, another freshman, finished fifth at 36.51.Wolf's throw surpassed the NAIA A qualifying standard and Russell topped the B standard. They will compete in the National Championships later this month in Marion, Ind."It's consistency, that's the big thing," coach Kyler Hiser said. "Maddy shows up every week, you know what you're going to get. Mayce hasn't thrown for two weeks, had some elbow stuff. Last time she threw was here at home we had to shut her down so to get six throws in (Friday) I was really impressed with that. Then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/862f7e85-e66c-4da8-940a-bc5c24de834a?elinkdata=26211">Aunisty McNeal</a> has a season best and finished fifth."The KCAC Championships returned to Salina for the first time since 2019 and the Coyotes took advantage of the opportunity on the first day.The 4x800-meter relay team of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5f806b56-774e-43ea-b387-8904ae322b6a?elinkdata=26211">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f2c9f8d-a1e3-42a4-b58d-b8f57814f85f?elinkdata=26211">Josie Koppes</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/547f76ea-77d2-4667-96da-889f50e4a68a?elinkdata=26211">Joni Schroeder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9f173d4c-53f2-4cb7-be7d-c887cbbfa7b8?elinkdata=26211">Hailey Nordhus</a> met the NAIA A qualifying standard with a time of 9 minutes, 24.15 seconds. Evangel was first in 9:21.12."We switched up the order a little bit from what we ran at Drake (Relays) but being able to hit the A standard and run strong at your home track is awesome," Hiser said. "Those girls just compete. Evangel came out and brought it right to us. You have to have other teams show up to make you go run fast and that's what we're able to do."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e74daeca-7dbb-44f4-88ef-fc6887dc85b5?elinkdata=26211">Kierra Jensen</a> placed third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 11:35.61 while Allison Taylor was eighth in 13:13.86."Kierra kind of hurt her ankle early in the event but didn't let that deter her and came back," Hiser said. "She's just a strong runner. You have to be strong in that steeplechase, it is tough. She just goes out and gets the job done."KWU also had a strong showing the 10,000 meters as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b48b3e92-0e9d-4f58-97c4-512b3f63dfad?elinkdata=26211">Charlee Lind</a> placed fourth in 40:02.96, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/777e1454-074c-462b-9399-d6809b8cc567?elinkdata=26211">Alayna Behrman</a> fifth in 40:46.58 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/db56d990-c3a8-4f57-aec6-cd8337cb4354?elinkdata=26211">Mya Schweitzer</a> ninth in 41:45.85."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/25e83fd8-34b6-4ee5-a37b-aaee63974a86?elinkdata=26211">Alayna Behrman</a>, when we recruited her here, she had done hurdles and had a hip thing and now she's out there running 10,000 meters," Hiser said. "Just being a strong senior leader was really exciting to see. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c3354175-f3e7-403a-968d-822fe3b08659?elinkdata=26211">Charlee Lind</a> loves long distance, she hears 10K and smiles. Just being really strong and leading that distance group is what those two ladies do."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fef76eaa-14a9-4266-81e2-df4df75dd2b3?elinkdata=26211">Elizabeth Stout</a> placed fifth in the hammer throw at 41.13 meters. Roselyn Torres was 21st at 32.04.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9da81e6e-e6b3-4c5b-b523-76ee48048cf1?elinkdata=26211">Julie Rottinghaus</a> took 11th in the long jump at 5.08 meters; <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/feafa7de-a47b-4717-b241-f5af12ab1256?elinkdata=26211">Markyla Shaw</a> was 14th at 4.85 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72204ea9-b813-48b4-8f00-c372f53bb609?elinkdata=26211">Dahn Hanlon</a> 18th at 4.70.

Freshmen Wolf and Russell continue to shine in KCAC Championships

The Kansas Wesleyan men's 4x800-meter relay team was at its best at crunch time.

Competing at home in the Kansas Conference Championships, the Coyotes outran the field en route to victory Friday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. KWU's time of 7 minutes, 35.47 seconds outpaced runner-up Saint Mary which finished second in 7:36.70.

The time met the NAIA's A qualifying standard and moved the Coyotes into place seventh nationally. The team consists of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00e1fbc2-ab84-46e6-8c5b-85bfa1284972?elinkdata=26180">Ty Davidson</a>, Triston Cattone, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5d67026-eff2-4cbc-9ea3-23ba98204474?elinkdata=26180">Julian Avila</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d7c9e93-a39d-492a-b8bc-cd33e793173b?elinkdata=26180">Wyatt Johnson</a>.

"They ran faster than they did the Drake Relays (last week) and it's one of the best meets in the country," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fee2565-0e29-40fb-90db-69a9b2ac2ba9?elinkdata=26180">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "Just strong from the get-go once again. Kind of goes back to competition like Saint Mary. We know they're always going to be strong and they're pushing us to be better. It's fun to have competition like that in the conference and to see our guys rise to the occasion.

"As long as (assistant) coach (Garrett) Young is here we're here we are always going to have 4x8's that are in contention to win."

The two-day event is back in Salina for the first time since 2019 and the Coyotes took advantage of the opportunity with several outstanding efforts.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eae89587-d25c-4aa1-88cc-a976225bb063?elinkdata=26180">Keegan Lott</a> placed second and Matt Lucas third in the javelin, Lott reaching the NAIA B qualifying standard with a throw of 59.03 meters. Lucas just recently joined the team after playing volleyball and threw 57.70.

"Keegan got his national qualifying mark he's been searching for that all year," Hiser said. "Lucas was just off the national qualifying mark just three weeks of training after playing men's volleyball. Really strong performance in both those guys. Keegan is just the heartbeat of that throws group."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6cde53e-fde0-40f8-9395-235e2648b48b?elinkdata=26180">Giovanni Rios</a> placed second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 9:27.27. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6b112e4-94a0-4b9d-9dca-91bbb3bfe4b5?elinkdata=26180">Evan Pearce</a> was sixth (9:45.35), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f12b9cba-e2df-4387-9529-40fb48935fbf?elinkdata=26180">Brenden Ellis</a> seventh (9:48.06) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdc4bc1e-bbdd-41fc-989e-84a8c7a3c060?elinkdata=26180">Ian Doss</a> ninth (9:55.04).

"Giovanni is new to the event. We battle, he says he's an 800-meter runner but he's a distance runner and he showed that today," Hiser said. "Just off the (NAIA) standard. Wish we could have seen him in that event earlier in his career but to come out and be all-conference first team in the steeplechase, an event that's super tough in our conference, is something. He put his nose in it, and he was competitive all the way through."

KWU scored big points in the 10,000-meter run with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bc6a0bf5-bf59-456e-a55b-0647915f589c?elinkdata=26180">Damion Jackson</a> placing third (31:45.73), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38a8eb0b-3513-4f02-80b4-8f3755d687dc?elinkdata=26180">Austin Hess</a> fourth (31:49.59), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b02400d-3cc3-4470-8f86-b0f36cdb75da?elinkdata=26180">Jake Cruz</a> fifth (32:09.25) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/abb64eac-f19b-4602-9f48-8bd41f8421fa?elinkdata=26180">Tytus Reed</a> eighth (32:25.07). <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df017f32-d164-4b33-a59f-0b0b77825ecf?elinkdata=26180">Cisco Alvarez</a> was 10th (33.21.36).

"<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f3cf1a89-e120-4327-9c01-b4e5175a02a0?elinkdata=26180">Austin Hess</a>, I can't enough about him," Hiser said. "Fifth-year senior came back for another year. When you talk about a Kansas Wesleyan Coyote that is <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ccb4bb1-9a91-4274-9fc5-3bac35f794e1?elinkdata=26180">Austin Hess</a>. He embodies our team and our spirit, and I can't thank that guy enough. One of my first recruits here and to say he's grown as an athlete is an understatement.

"<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/decd7f91-ba47-4f5b-829d-41d761a78307?elinkdata=26180">Damion Jackson</a> just comes out and does <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9151ee8b-a574-426b-86dc-ed56ef71c900?elinkdata=26180">Damion Jackson</a> things. He runs, places high. And then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c7f6091-6b9a-457e-8a92-309d6536150e?elinkdata=26180">Jake Cruz</a>, I always tell him he's a 10K guy, he kind of wants to battle me, says I'm 1,500 then shows he's a 10K guy and places fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b769e6d-a805-4921-90f3-b211986a469e?elinkdata=26180">Tytus Reed</a> was awesome."

Lott also placed ninth in the hammer throw (43.00m), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/71f226e4-bbe9-4481-9d80-110783f4ab11?elinkdata=26180">Austin Baird</a> was 12th (41.43), Keyon Baccus 19th (34.73) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f381266e-6b42-480d-a796-51e3a8f8e2ca?elinkdata=26180">Dylan Worrell</a> 21st (34.06).

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/19dcb4e0-f3b0-4600-be32-26556804db68?elinkdata=26180">Darius Archuleta</a> was 13th in the long jump (6.33 meters) and James Preston 18th (6.06).

The KCAC Championships continue Saturday with field events starting at 11 a.m. and running events at 3:35 p.m.

The Kansas Wesleyan men's 4x800-meter relay team was at its best at crunch time.Competing at home in the Kansas Conference Championships, the Coyotes outran the field en route to victory Friday night at JRI Hospitality Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex. KWU's time of 7 minutes, 35.47 seconds outpaced runner-up Saint Mary which finished second in 7:36.70.The time met the NAIA's A qualifying standard and moved the Coyotes into place seventh nationally. The team consists of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/00e1fbc2-ab84-46e6-8c5b-85bfa1284972?elinkdata=26180">Ty Davidson</a>, Triston Cattone, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a5d67026-eff2-4cbc-9ea3-23ba98204474?elinkdata=26180">Julian Avila</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2d7c9e93-a39d-492a-b8bc-cd33e793173b?elinkdata=26180">Wyatt Johnson</a>."They ran faster than they did the Drake Relays (last week) and it's one of the best meets in the country," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fee2565-0e29-40fb-90db-69a9b2ac2ba9?elinkdata=26180">Kyle Hiser</a> said. "Just strong from the get-go once again. Kind of goes back to competition like Saint Mary. We know they're always going to be strong and they're pushing us to be better. It's fun to have competition like that in the conference and to see our guys rise to the occasion."As long as (assistant) coach (Garrett) Young is here we're here we are always going to have 4x8's that are in contention to win."The two-day event is back in Salina for the first time since 2019 and the Coyotes took advantage of the opportunity with several outstanding efforts.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eae89587-d25c-4aa1-88cc-a976225bb063?elinkdata=26180">Keegan Lott</a> placed second and Matt Lucas third in the javelin, Lott reaching the NAIA B qualifying standard with a throw of 59.03 meters. Lucas just recently joined the team after playing volleyball and threw 57.70."Keegan got his national qualifying mark he's been searching for that all year," Hiser said. "Lucas was just off the national qualifying mark just three weeks of training after playing men's volleyball. Really strong performance in both those guys. Keegan is just the heartbeat of that throws group."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d6cde53e-fde0-40f8-9395-235e2648b48b?elinkdata=26180">Giovanni Rios</a> placed second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 9:27.27. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b6b112e4-94a0-4b9d-9dca-91bbb3bfe4b5?elinkdata=26180">Evan Pearce</a> was sixth (9:45.35), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f12b9cba-e2df-4387-9529-40fb48935fbf?elinkdata=26180">Brenden Ellis</a> seventh (9:48.06) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdc4bc1e-bbdd-41fc-989e-84a8c7a3c060?elinkdata=26180">Ian Doss</a> ninth (9:55.04)."Giovanni is new to the event. We battle, he says he's an 800-meter runner but he's a distance runner and he showed that today," Hiser said. "Just off the (NAIA) standard. Wish we could have seen him in that event earlier in his career but to come out and be all-conference first team in the steeplechase, an event that's super tough in our conference, is something. He put his nose in it, and he was competitive all the way through."KWU scored big points in the 10,000-meter run with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bc6a0bf5-bf59-456e-a55b-0647915f589c?elinkdata=26180">Damion Jackson</a> placing third (31:45.73), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38a8eb0b-3513-4f02-80b4-8f3755d687dc?elinkdata=26180">Austin Hess</a> fourth (31:49.59), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0b02400d-3cc3-4470-8f86-b0f36cdb75da?elinkdata=26180">Jake Cruz</a> fifth (32:09.25) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/abb64eac-f19b-4602-9f48-8bd41f8421fa?elinkdata=26180">Tytus Reed</a> eighth (32:25.07). <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/df017f32-d164-4b33-a59f-0b0b77825ecf?elinkdata=26180">Cisco Alvarez</a> was 10th (33.21.36)."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f3cf1a89-e120-4327-9c01-b4e5175a02a0?elinkdata=26180">Austin Hess</a>, I can't enough about him," Hiser said. "Fifth-year senior came back for another year. When you talk about a Kansas Wesleyan Coyote that is <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ccb4bb1-9a91-4274-9fc5-3bac35f794e1?elinkdata=26180">Austin Hess</a>. He embodies our team and our spirit, and I can't thank that guy enough. One of my first recruits here and to say he's grown as an athlete is an understatement."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/decd7f91-ba47-4f5b-829d-41d761a78307?elinkdata=26180">Damion Jackson</a> just comes out and does <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9151ee8b-a574-426b-86dc-ed56ef71c900?elinkdata=26180">Damion Jackson</a> things. He runs, places high. And then <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1c7f6091-6b9a-457e-8a92-309d6536150e?elinkdata=26180">Jake Cruz</a>, I always tell him he's a 10K guy, he kind of wants to battle me, says I'm 1,500 then shows he's a 10K guy and places fifth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2b769e6d-a805-4921-90f3-b211986a469e?elinkdata=26180">Tytus Reed</a> was awesome."Lott also placed ninth in the hammer throw (43.00m), <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/71f226e4-bbe9-4481-9d80-110783f4ab11?elinkdata=26180">Austin Baird</a> was 12th (41.43), Keyon Baccus 19th (34.73) and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f381266e-6b42-480d-a796-51e3a8f8e2ca?elinkdata=26180">Dylan Worrell</a> 21st (34.06).<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/19dcb4e0-f3b0-4600-be32-26556804db68?elinkdata=26180">Darius Archuleta</a> was 13th in the long jump (6.33 meters) and James Preston 18th (6.06).The KCAC Championships continue Saturday with field events starting at 11 a.m. and running events at 3:35 p.m.

4x800m win highlights KWU Men's Track first day at KCAC Championships

SENECA, Mo. - FINALLY the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes got to play their first round game against the Friends University Falcons in the KCAC Baseball Tournament. After two days of postponements and site changes the teams finally got the change to play and the Coyotes came away with a 7-3 win at Seneca High School on Thursday.

The win moves the Coyotes forward in the KCAC bracket to face McPherson on Friday at 12:15 p.m., at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin. McPherson upset No. 3 seed Ottawa in the first round on Thursday.

The Coyotes struck first in the second inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91f296d3-1229-4cd7-93d3-9505a258e2e0?elinkdata=26149">Carter Allen</a> led off the inning with a walk and after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f55cbd9-08bf-4a4a-bfe1-23b6a405c0cd?elinkdata=26149">Joe Finder</a> was hit by a pitch and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d921638b-2589-4d41-8aea-525ada4b40bb?elinkdata=26149">Blake Dale</a> advanced the runners with a sacrifice, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3bb5b4b-1b53-4b99-882d-7fbce0120053?elinkdata=26149">Coulson Riggs</a> walked to load the bases. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/514e6afb-5f1c-4989-9e6c-0c1651bc794a?elinkdata=26149">Eric Romero</a> brought in the run on a fielder's choice to put KWU up 1-0.

It was 1-0 until the fifth when the Coyotes scored three more runs all on one swing. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f1e52c04-ddce-4786-8b6f-21dcb4780b98?elinkdata=26149">Jacob Williamson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0950ba6b-86db-4a0e-9b11-cd384a5ad0b5?elinkdata=26149">Tyler Favretto</a> started off the inning with hits and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbd20578-7f10-4759-b859-3f55b94846a6?elinkdata=26149">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> crushed a 3-run homerun to put the Coyotes up 4-0.

Friends made things interesting with three runs in the sixth, but the Coyotes would add three more in the bottom of the inning. Williamson tripled and Favretto was intentionally walked setting the scene for <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7ee5481c-53a0-4ee7-826f-dc0efc71af37?elinkdata=26149">Garrett Garfield</a> to crush a 3-run homer to put the Coyotes up 7-3.

Friends left the bases loaded in the seventh, but did not threaten in the eighth or ninth.

Williamson and Favretto had three hits each to lead the Coyotes. Garfield and Ruvalcaba drove in three each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef35c3b6-b783-4214-a422-a0133621cbee?elinkdata=26149">Brett Maddock</a> got the win for the Coyotes going five and a third innings allowing three runs on six hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5edb24b-90ea-40a1-b97d-9b7a77215819?elinkdata=26149">Ritter Steinmann</a> went the rest of the way for the save, scattering three hits and striking out six.

SENECA, Mo. - FINALLY the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes got to play their first round game against the Friends University Falcons in the KCAC Baseball Tournament. After two days of postponements and site changes the teams finally got the change to play and the Coyotes came away with a 7-3 win at Seneca High School on Thursday.The win moves the Coyotes forward in the KCAC bracket to face McPherson on Friday at 12:15 p.m., at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin. McPherson upset No. 3 seed Ottawa in the first round on Thursday.The Coyotes struck first in the second inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/91f296d3-1229-4cd7-93d3-9505a258e2e0?elinkdata=26149">Carter Allen</a> led off the inning with a walk and after <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6f55cbd9-08bf-4a4a-bfe1-23b6a405c0cd?elinkdata=26149">Joe Finder</a> was hit by a pitch and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d921638b-2589-4d41-8aea-525ada4b40bb?elinkdata=26149">Blake Dale</a> advanced the runners with a sacrifice, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a3bb5b4b-1b53-4b99-882d-7fbce0120053?elinkdata=26149">Coulson Riggs</a> walked to load the bases. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/514e6afb-5f1c-4989-9e6c-0c1651bc794a?elinkdata=26149">Eric Romero</a> brought in the run on a fielder's choice to put KWU up 1-0.It was 1-0 until the fifth when the Coyotes scored three more runs all on one swing. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f1e52c04-ddce-4786-8b6f-21dcb4780b98?elinkdata=26149">Jacob Williamson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0950ba6b-86db-4a0e-9b11-cd384a5ad0b5?elinkdata=26149">Tyler Favretto</a> started off the inning with hits and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cbd20578-7f10-4759-b859-3f55b94846a6?elinkdata=26149">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> crushed a 3-run homerun to put the Coyotes up 4-0.Friends made things interesting with three runs in the sixth, but the Coyotes would add three more in the bottom of the inning. Williamson tripled and Favretto was intentionally walked setting the scene for <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7ee5481c-53a0-4ee7-826f-dc0efc71af37?elinkdata=26149">Garrett Garfield</a> to crush a 3-run homer to put the Coyotes up 7-3.Friends left the bases loaded in the seventh, but did not threaten in the eighth or ninth.Williamson and Favretto had three hits each to lead the Coyotes. Garfield and Ruvalcaba drove in three each. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ef35c3b6-b783-4214-a422-a0133621cbee?elinkdata=26149">Brett Maddock</a> got the win for the Coyotes going five and a third innings allowing three runs on six hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f5edb24b-90ea-40a1-b97d-9b7a77215819?elinkdata=26149">Ritter Steinmann</a> went the rest of the way for the save, scattering three hits and striking out six.

⚾️ Coyotes beat Friends 7-3 in first round of KCAC Tournament

Kansas Wesleyan University announced Thursday that <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a785b7ed-cd2f-4d01-8911-770b74b69e81?elinkdata=26118">Ryan Showman</a> '04, the university's all-time winningest women's basketball coach, has accepted a coaching position outside the state and will resign his KWU role. Showman will join an institution with nine NAIA postseason appearances in just 16 years as an active program, including one NAIA Fab Four trip. His specific destination will be announced by that university in the coming days.

"We are deeply grateful for Coach Showman's 18 years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership within our athletics program," Athletic Director <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/373fd5a0-187c-4d62-be34-c4b3d2d62f25?elinkdata=26118">Miguel Paredes</a> said. "Ryan and his family believe this step is vital for his continued growth and professional development, and we wish them the best moving forward. His impact on our university, both on and off the court, has left a lasting legacy, and we extend our sincere appreciation for his commitment to KWU."

Showman has been a part of the KWU women's basketball coaching staff since the 2007-08 season when he became an assistant coach under KWU Hall of Fame coach Gordon Reimer.

He recently completed his 18th season on the bench with the Coyotes where teams went 390-256 overall and 268-153 in the KCAC. In his 13-year career as head coach, Showman led the Coyotes to a 250-151 overall record and a 184-93 record in the KCAC.

"I want to thank Ryan for his dedicated service to Kansas Wesleyan," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president. "He has gone above and beyond the call of duty, on and off the court, to help make Kansas Wesleyan a better place. He truly embodies what it means to be a Coyote. I want to wish him the best of luck in his new position."

Showman's .623 win percentage as head coach is the best all-time in program history, and his 250 wins as a head coach are the most all-time in program history. His 13-year tenure as head coach is the longest in program history and the third-longest in KWU basketball annals (men's or women's), a stretch that dates back to 1901.

Showman was part of four of KWU's five regular season championships and led the Coyotes to the program's only two outright conference titles in program history in 2020 and in 2025.

"This place is my home," said Showman who played basketball at KWU and was a three-year letterwinner for coach Jerry Jones before graduating in 2004. "Twenty-two of the last 25 years I've spent here, either as a student or a coach. Just sometimes new challenges present themselves and you've got to take advantage of some opportunities. That's kind of what happened with this. The timing in college athletics is never good for anybody whether you're a player, whether you're a coach. But I just felt like after the year we had it was time."

The Coyotes won the 2024-25 KCAC regular season title with an 18-4 record (24-8 overall) and won their first game in the NAIA National Championships.

"It was an incredible year," Showman said. "It was full of ups, full of downs but as a team we accomplished those things together and I couldn't be more proud of how we're leaving the program. I feel like I'm leaving it in an even better place than when I found it and it was in great shape when I found it. That was my goal, to leave things better than I found it, and in good shape culture wise. I think the next person coming in is going to come into a really great situation."

Showman coached 41 All-KCAC players including the 2022 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year in Kelcey Hinz, back-to-back KCAC Newcomers of the Year in 2019 (Kayla Kavinski) and 2020 (Hinz). He also coached eight NAIA All-Americans.

Showman was named the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2025. In 2020 he was chosen as a WBCA Regional Coach of the Year and was selected as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's 4-Year College Coach of the Year.

His teams were also successful academically, frequently a member of the WBCA NAIA Academic Top 25 and received NAIA Scholar Team awards nearly every season. He coached 82 Academic All-KCAC student-athletes and 72 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes. He also coached two College Sports Communicators Academic All-America (COSIDA) selections.

He was part of six NAIA National Championship appearances for the Coyotes, the first in 2009,which started a streak of three straight. In 2019 and 2020, the Coyotes made back-to back-appearances at the National Championships, with the 2020 run cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the Coyotes again reached the National Championships, and were the only No. 15 seed in the First Round to advance as the Coyotes knocked off host MidAmerica Nazarene in March.

Showman said there is one particular aspect of his time at KWU that he will sorely miss.

"The people that I've been able to interact with on a daily basis whether that's the coaches in the hallway, the players on each team every year - the people that I've been able to connect with, have a chance to impact," he said. "That's what I'm always going to remember, those will be some of my fondest memories."

Kansas Wesleyan University announced Thursday that <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a785b7ed-cd2f-4d01-8911-770b74b69e81?elinkdata=26118">Ryan Showman</a> '04, the university's all-time winningest women's basketball coach, has accepted a coaching position outside the state and will resign his KWU role. Showman will join an institution with nine NAIA postseason appearances in just 16 years as an active program, including one NAIA Fab Four trip. His specific destination will be announced by that university in the coming days."We are deeply grateful for Coach Showman's 18 years of dedicated service and exceptional leadership within our athletics program," Athletic Director <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/373fd5a0-187c-4d62-be34-c4b3d2d62f25?elinkdata=26118">Miguel Paredes</a> said. "Ryan and his family believe this step is vital for his continued growth and professional development, and we wish them the best moving forward. His impact on our university, both on and off the court, has left a lasting legacy, and we extend our sincere appreciation for his commitment to KWU."Showman has been a part of the KWU women's basketball coaching staff since the 2007-08 season when he became an assistant coach under KWU Hall of Fame coach Gordon Reimer.He recently completed his 18th season on the bench with the Coyotes where teams went 390-256 overall and 268-153 in the KCAC. In his 13-year career as head coach, Showman led the Coyotes to a 250-151 overall record and a 184-93 record in the KCAC."I want to thank Ryan for his dedicated service to Kansas Wesleyan," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president. "He has gone above and beyond the call of duty, on and off the court, to help make Kansas Wesleyan a better place. He truly embodies what it means to be a Coyote. I want to wish him the best of luck in his new position."Showman's .623 win percentage as head coach is the best all-time in program history, and his 250 wins as a head coach are the most all-time in program history. His 13-year tenure as head coach is the longest in program history and the third-longest in KWU basketball annals (men's or women's), a stretch that dates back to 1901.Showman was part of four of KWU's five regular season championships and led the Coyotes to the program's only two outright conference titles in program history in 2020 and in 2025."This place is my home," said Showman who played basketball at KWU and was a three-year letterwinner for coach Jerry Jones before graduating in 2004. "Twenty-two of the last 25 years I've spent here, either as a student or a coach. Just sometimes new challenges present themselves and you've got to take advantage of some opportunities. That's kind of what happened with this. The timing in college athletics is never good for anybody whether you're a player, whether you're a coach. But I just felt like after the year we had it was time."The Coyotes won the 2024-25 KCAC regular season title with an 18-4 record (24-8 overall) and won their first game in the NAIA National Championships."It was an incredible year," Showman said. "It was full of ups, full of downs but as a team we accomplished those things together and I couldn't be more proud of how we're leaving the program. I feel like I'm leaving it in an even better place than when I found it and it was in great shape when I found it. That was my goal, to leave things better than I found it, and in good shape culture wise. I think the next person coming in is going to come into a really great situation."Showman coached 41 All-KCAC players including the 2022 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year in Kelcey Hinz, back-to-back KCAC Newcomers of the Year in 2019 (Kayla Kavinski) and 2020 (Hinz). He also coached eight NAIA All-Americans.Showman was named the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2025. In 2020 he was chosen as a WBCA Regional Coach of the Year and was selected as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Women's 4-Year College Coach of the Year.His teams were also successful academically, frequently a member of the WBCA NAIA Academic Top 25 and received NAIA Scholar Team awards nearly every season. He coached 82 Academic All-KCAC student-athletes and 72 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes. He also coached two College Sports Communicators Academic All-America (COSIDA) selections.He was part of six NAIA National Championship appearances for the Coyotes, the first in 2009,which started a streak of three straight. In 2019 and 2020, the Coyotes made back-to back-appearances at the National Championships, with the 2020 run cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the Coyotes again reached the National Championships, and were the only No. 15 seed in the First Round to advance as the Coyotes knocked off host MidAmerica Nazarene in March.Showman said there is one particular aspect of his time at KWU that he will sorely miss."The people that I've been able to interact with on a daily basis whether that's the coaches in the hallway, the players on each team every year - the people that I've been able to connect with, have a chance to impact," he said. "That's what I'm always going to remember, those will be some of my fondest memories."

Ryan Showman to Accept New Role Outside Kansas; KWU to Seek New Head Coach

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State men’s basketball head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;has announced his summer camp schedule, which includes three camps running from June 16-28.

The 2023 National Coach of the Year, along with his coaching staff, will direct these summer camps, which will begin with the Powercat Day Camp (grades 3-12) on Monday-Wednesday, June 16-18. The camp season also includes the Junior Wildcat Day Camp (ages 4-7) from Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25 and the Parent/Child Camp (K-6) on Friday-Saturday, June 27-28.

All camps will be played at the Ice Family Basketball Center on the K-State campus. These camps are open to all entrants, limited only by number, age and grade level. The camper’s grade level is the one heading into the 2025-26 school year.

Powercat Day CampMonday-Wednesday, June 16-18 from 9 am-4 pmCampers entering grades 3-12 (2025-26 school year)Cost: $425/camper

The camp is designed to be more instructive and competitive for campers in this age group. Campers will participate in drills with campers in similar age groups along with K-State players and staff. Campers will learn skills that will prepare them for middle school and high school basketball. Each camper will receive a K-State Basketball T-shirt and basketball. Lunch will be provided Monday-Wednesday.

Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25 from 9 am-Noon each dayCampers aged 4-7 (2025-26 school year)Cost: $200/camper

The focus of the camp will be on learning the game in a fun environment with current K-State players and staff. Each camper will receive a K-State Basketball T-shirt and basketball.

Friday, June 27 at 5 pm – Saturday, June 28 at NoonCampers entering grades kindergarten through sixth grade (2025-26 school year)Cost: $250 for each parent/child pair / $100 for each additional child

The Parent/Child Camp offers participants a great opportunity to spend a special weekend with the K-State basketball team. Campers will enjoy learning drills and playing games with the players and coaches that campers and their parents can do together at home. All participants will be provided with housing on campus in the dorms, pizza on the first night and breakfast on the last day, a K-State Basketball T-shirt and campers will receive a K-State Basketball.&nbsp;&nbsp;Campers can register for the 2025 Jerome Tang Summer Basketball Camps online&nbsp;<a href="https://jerometangbasketball.com/camp1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;

For more information on the camp, please contact the men’s basketball office at (785) 532.6531 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bbachamp@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">bbachamp@kstatesports.com</a>.

How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">X</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State men’s basketball head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;has announced his summer camp schedule, which includes three camps running from June 16-28.The 2023 National Coach of the Year, along with his coaching staff, will direct these summer camps, which will begin with the Powercat Day Camp (grades 3-12) on Monday-Wednesday, June 16-18. The camp season also includes the Junior Wildcat Day Camp (ages 4-7) from Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25 and the Parent/Child Camp (K-6) on Friday-Saturday, June 27-28.All camps will be played at the Ice Family Basketball Center on the K-State campus. These camps are open to all entrants, limited only by number, age and grade level. The camper’s grade level is the one heading into the 2025-26 school year.Powercat Day CampMonday-Wednesday, June 16-18 from 9 am-4 pmCampers entering grades 3-12 (2025-26 school year)Cost: $425/camperThe camp is designed to be more instructive and competitive for campers in this age group. Campers will participate in drills with campers in similar age groups along with K-State players and staff. Campers will learn skills that will prepare them for middle school and high school basketball. Each camper will receive a K-State Basketball T-shirt and basketball. Lunch will be provided Monday-Wednesday.Junior Wildcat Day CampMonday-Wednesday, June 23-25 from 9 am-Noon each dayCampers aged 4-7 (2025-26 school year)Cost: $200/camperThe focus of the camp will be on learning the game in a fun environment with current K-State players and staff. Each camper will receive a K-State Basketball T-shirt and basketball.Parent/Child CampFriday, June 27 at 5 pm – Saturday, June 28 at NoonCampers entering grades kindergarten through sixth grade (2025-26 school year)Cost: $250 for each parent/child pair / $100 for each additional childThe Parent/Child Camp offers participants a great opportunity to spend a special weekend with the K-State basketball team. Campers will enjoy learning drills and playing games with the players and coaches that campers and their parents can do together at home. All participants will be provided with housing on campus in the dorms, pizza on the first night and breakfast on the last day, a K-State Basketball T-shirt and campers will receive a K-State Basketball.&nbsp;&nbsp;Campers can register for the 2025 Jerome Tang Summer Basketball Camps online&nbsp;<a href="https://jerometangbasketball.com/camp1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;For more information on the camp, please contact the men’s basketball office at (785) 532.6531 or email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:bbachamp@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">bbachamp@kstatesports.com</a>.How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">X</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Jerome Tang Announces Summer Camp Schedule

BRANSON, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan's run at the KCAC Championships came to an end as the Coyotes dropped a 9-4 decision to the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles on Thursday morning as the teams completed the game that was suspended last night due to weather.

It was a scoreless game until the third inning when the Eagles took a 2-0 lead with a pair of runs. The Coyotes put two runners on in the bottom of the inning, but could not push a run across.

OKWU added another run in the fourth before the Coyotes got things going.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac66217c-a05b-4ee1-86ce-a113cef444a6?elinkdata=26087">Keira Hammen</a> led off the Coyote half of the fourth with a homer and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fa3c39da-0831-4627-9a44-c7d9553472b4?elinkdata=26087">Briannah Kutschkau</a> tripled. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c01f1f8e-5f0c-4118-8809-3014546dd782?elinkdata=26087">Elli Han</a> followed with a RBI single to get KWU within a run at 3-2.

OKWU added a single tally in the fifth and another in the sixth to lead 5-2 when KWU again got things going.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3256660b-dab3-45d4-bb0f-69747f704abc?elinkdata=26087">Trenity Miller</a> led off the sixth with a single and after a walk to Kutschkau, Han doubled to bring in pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81305edb-6bab-46d5-b4c8-e11a5c21f6f1?elinkdata=26087">Becca Kennon</a> and Kutschkau and make it 5-4. The Coyotes had a chance to add more, but left two runners on in the frame.

Then the weather came before the start of the seventh inning, forcing the suspension of the game to Thursday morning.

OKWU put the first three batters on base and after a strikeout, a pair of hits yielded runs for the Eagles who capped the scoring in the frame with a sacrifice fly.

The Coyotes could not get a rally going in the bottom of the seventh.

Han had two of KWU's six hits in the game and drove in three of the four runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/02cc8839-1601-42c0-97a2-4daa8c2157a6?elinkdata=26087">Alli Mickelsen</a> suffered the loss, allowing all nine runs on 14 hits.

BRANSON, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan's run at the KCAC Championships came to an end as the Coyotes dropped a 9-4 decision to the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles on Thursday morning as the teams completed the game that was suspended last night due to weather.It was a scoreless game until the third inning when the Eagles took a 2-0 lead with a pair of runs. The Coyotes put two runners on in the bottom of the inning, but could not push a run across.OKWU added another run in the fourth before the Coyotes got things going.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ac66217c-a05b-4ee1-86ce-a113cef444a6?elinkdata=26087">Keira Hammen</a> led off the Coyote half of the fourth with a homer and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fa3c39da-0831-4627-9a44-c7d9553472b4?elinkdata=26087">Briannah Kutschkau</a> tripled. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c01f1f8e-5f0c-4118-8809-3014546dd782?elinkdata=26087">Elli Han</a> followed with a RBI single to get KWU within a run at 3-2.OKWU added a single tally in the fifth and another in the sixth to lead 5-2 when KWU again got things going.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3256660b-dab3-45d4-bb0f-69747f704abc?elinkdata=26087">Trenity Miller</a> led off the sixth with a single and after a walk to Kutschkau, Han doubled to bring in pinch runner <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/81305edb-6bab-46d5-b4c8-e11a5c21f6f1?elinkdata=26087">Becca Kennon</a> and Kutschkau and make it 5-4. The Coyotes had a chance to add more, but left two runners on in the frame.Then the weather came before the start of the seventh inning, forcing the suspension of the game to Thursday morning.OKWU put the first three batters on base and after a strikeout, a pair of hits yielded runs for the Eagles who capped the scoring in the frame with a sacrifice fly.The Coyotes could not get a rally going in the bottom of the seventh.Han had two of KWU's six hits in the game and drove in three of the four runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/02cc8839-1601-42c0-97a2-4daa8c2157a6?elinkdata=26087">Alli Mickelsen</a> suffered the loss, allowing all nine runs on 14 hits.

🥎 Coyotes bow out of KCAC Tournament with 9-4 loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered to extend his hitting streak to 22 games and had three RBIs, Seth Lugo pitched solid six innings and the Kansas City Royals earned a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-2 victory on Thursday.

Vinnie Pasquantino had a single, a double and two RBIs for the Royals, who have won nine of their past 10.

Mikael Garcia hit a line-drive double to center field for the Royals, stole third base and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey to tie it 1-1 in the fourth.

Lugo (3-3) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Chris Stratton each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Royals.

Shane Baz (3-1) gave up seven runs and nine hits with three walks over 5 2/3 innings and had his ERA increase from 2.45 to 3.86.

Yandy Díaz hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1917993889257898444">solo homer</a>&nbsp;in the first for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda added an RBI single in the sixth.

Salvador Perez (hip soreness) left the game in the seventh inning. The 34-year-old catcher was in the lineup at designated hitter, replaced behind the plate by Freddie Fermin. Perez hit an RBI double in the fifth and Fermin had a double, a single and scored twice.

Witt hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1918007635472773369">two-out, two-run homer</a>&nbsp;down the line in right field to spark a three-run fifth that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead.

Witt has a hit in 22 consecutive games, tied with Brian McRae (in 1991) for the sixth-longest hitting streak in Royals history.

Right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 7.04 ERA) is expected to pitch for the Orioles.

Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24 ERA) is set to face left-hander Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) on Friday to start a three-game series against the Yankees in New York.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746129604428.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas&nbsp; City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas&nbsp; City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered to extend his hitting streak to 22 games and had three RBIs, Seth Lugo pitched solid six innings and the Kansas City Royals earned a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-2 victory on Thursday.Vinnie Pasquantino had a single, a double and two RBIs for the Royals, who have won nine of their past 10.Mikael Garcia hit a line-drive double to center field for the Royals, stole third base and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Massey to tie it 1-1 in the fourth.Lugo (3-3) gave up two runs and five hits with five strikeouts. Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa and Chris Stratton each threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Royals.Shane Baz (3-1) gave up seven runs and nine hits with three walks over 5 2/3 innings and had his ERA increase from 2.45 to 3.86.Yandy Díaz hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1917993889257898444">solo homer</a>&nbsp;in the first for the Rays. Jonathan Aranda added an RBI single in the sixth.Salvador Perez (hip soreness) left the game in the seventh inning. The 34-year-old catcher was in the lineup at designated hitter, replaced behind the plate by Freddie Fermin. Perez hit an RBI double in the fifth and Fermin had a double, a single and scored twice.<h2>Key moment</h2>Witt hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1918007635472773369">two-out, two-run homer</a>&nbsp;down the line in right field to spark a three-run fifth that gave the Royals a 4-1 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Witt has a hit in 22 consecutive games, tied with Brian McRae (in 1991) for the sixth-longest hitting streak in Royals history.<h2>Up next</h2>Right-hander Michael Wacha (1-3, 3.38 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound on Friday in the first of a three-game series in Baltimore. RHP Dean Kremer (1-3, 7.04 ERA) is expected to pitch for the Orioles.Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (2-3, 4.24 ERA) is set to face left-hander Max Fried (5-0, 1.19 ERA) on Friday to start a three-game series against the Yankees in New York.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. homers as Royals earn 3-game sweep over Rays

BRANSON, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball got one full game and six innings of another in the books before Mother Nature struck yet again at the KCAC Softball Tournament at the Branson RecPlex.

The eighth-seeded Coyotes dropped the first game of the day to top-seeded Friends 6-2, and got six innings into an elimination contest against Oklahoma Wesleyan before the game was suspended due to weather.

Against Friends, the Coyotes were on the board first as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ec8787b-2884-4bc1-b50b-55cf6c55806f?elinkdata=26056">Jenna Soule</a> walked and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e82eedb-f21c-4787-9f8b-c5232835d438?elinkdata=26056">Trenity Miller's</a> double.

Friends scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning, taking advantage of five walks and an error in the inning.

The Coyotes got a run back in the fourth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/44d2b54c-724c-471f-b3b3-6c8a24a6cb65?elinkdata=26056">Briannah Kutschkau</a> singled and went to second on an error and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/928ecec5-39f8-4f6f-b7f4-7bf5287c4743?elinkdata=26056">Brooklyn Lange's</a> single to left field.

In the bottom of the fourth, Friends added three more runs to make it 6-2.

Lange had two of KWU's four hits in the game. Starting pitcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/358aa6bc-1470-4d83-84a5-d4c4d1704e71?elinkdata=26056">Bella Allen</a> took the loss allowing three unearned runs after issuing five walks in the first inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/736e6c8a-9211-47eb-8fdb-11e17370dd94?elinkdata=26056">Alycyn Nash</a> went the rest of the way, allowing three runs on four hits.

Against Oklahoma Wesleyan, the Coyotes were trailing 5-4 when the weather moved in.

KWU had to play from behind allowing OKWU to take a 3-0 lead before the Coyotes cut it to a run at 3-2. OKWU against pushed the lead out to 5-2 in the sixth, but the Coyotes were back within a run in the bottom of the inning before the suspension.

BRANSON, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball got one full game and six innings of another in the books before Mother Nature struck yet again at the KCAC Softball Tournament at the Branson RecPlex.The eighth-seeded Coyotes dropped the first game of the day to top-seeded Friends 6-2, and got six innings into an elimination contest against Oklahoma Wesleyan before the game was suspended due to weather.Against Friends, the Coyotes were on the board first as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4ec8787b-2884-4bc1-b50b-55cf6c55806f?elinkdata=26056">Jenna Soule</a> walked and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e82eedb-f21c-4787-9f8b-c5232835d438?elinkdata=26056">Trenity Miller's</a> double.Friends scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning, taking advantage of five walks and an error in the inning.The Coyotes got a run back in the fourth as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/44d2b54c-724c-471f-b3b3-6c8a24a6cb65?elinkdata=26056">Briannah Kutschkau</a> singled and went to second on an error and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/928ecec5-39f8-4f6f-b7f4-7bf5287c4743?elinkdata=26056">Brooklyn Lange's</a> single to left field.In the bottom of the fourth, Friends added three more runs to make it 6-2.Lange had two of KWU's four hits in the game. Starting pitcher <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/358aa6bc-1470-4d83-84a5-d4c4d1704e71?elinkdata=26056">Bella Allen</a> took the loss allowing three unearned runs after issuing five walks in the first inning. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/736e6c8a-9211-47eb-8fdb-11e17370dd94?elinkdata=26056">Alycyn Nash</a> went the rest of the way, allowing three runs on four hits.Against Oklahoma Wesleyan, the Coyotes were trailing 5-4 when the weather moved in.KWU had to play from behind allowing OKWU to take a 3-0 lead before the Coyotes cut it to a run at 3-2. OKWU against pushed the lead out to 5-2 in the sixth, but the Coyotes were back within a run in the bottom of the inning before the suspension.More coverage of game two will be available after its completion.