The Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview show returns for week eight, as Tyler Henry and Devin Hanney get you ready for another exciting week of high school football.

This week's show includes a look at the full slate of area games, an interview with Salina Central head coach Mark Sandbo, and a full preview of all three broadcasts that will appear on the Salina Post Sports Network this week.

Below you can see the full schedule for all 11 of our area teams in week four.

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 </figure>The Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview show returns for week eight, as Tyler Henry and Devin Hanney get you ready for another exciting week of high school football.This week's show includes a look at the full slate of area games, an interview with Salina Central head coach Mark Sandbo, and a full preview of all three broadcasts that will appear on the Salina Post Sports Network this week.Below you can see the full schedule for all 11 of our area teams in week four.<figure>
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Salina Post Sports Friday Night Preview: Week Eight

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, Mike Danna and JuJu (Smith-Schuster) will be out. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders. We know they’re a good football team (and) we know they’re well coached. I think our guys have had a good week of practice and respect them, so we’ll get on that plane tomorrow and go roll. With that, (the) time’s yours.”

Q: Do you anticipate playing DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday?

REID:&nbsp;“Probably, yeah. Yeah.”

Q: I know DeAndre Hopkins only practiced for a couple of days but how does he look to you?

REID:&nbsp;“He (DeAndre Hopkins) did a good job. He’s in the process of going through everything so every thing he does is the first time, but he’s got the experience with relative plays. He’s picked it up – he’s a smart guy, which really helps.”

Q: Tomorrow is a big day for DeAndre Hopkins to keep studying the playbook. How do you gauge that on a day that you guys are traveling?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) diligent with all that stuff. I mean, he knows what he has to do and that he has to be in the (play)book, looking at stuff and he asks great questions. I haven’t been worried about that at all. He’s very astute.”

Q: Do you plan on elevating anybody from the practice squad?

HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, Mike Danna and JuJu (Smith-Schuster) will be out. (We) look forward to the challenge of playing the Raiders. We know they’re a good football team (and) we know they’re well coached. I think our guys have had a good week of practice and respect them, so we’ll get on that plane tomorrow and go roll. With that, (the) time’s yours.”Q: Do you anticipate playing DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday?REID:&nbsp;“Probably, yeah. Yeah.”Q: I know DeAndre Hopkins only practiced for a couple of days but how does he look to you?REID:&nbsp;“He (DeAndre Hopkins) did a good job. He’s in the process of going through everything so every thing he does is the first time, but he’s got the experience with relative plays. He’s picked it up – he’s a smart guy, which really helps.”Q: Tomorrow is a big day for DeAndre Hopkins to keep studying the playbook. How do you gauge that on a day that you guys are traveling?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) diligent with all that stuff. I mean, he knows what he has to do and that he has to be in the (play)book, looking at stuff and he asks great questions. I haven’t been worried about that at all. He’s very astute.”Q: Do you plan on elevating anybody from the practice squad?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-25-24

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High School Sports LIVE STREAMS

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

This week, our Salina Post Game of the Week takes back to Salina for a dynamic AVCTL-II matchup between Salina Central and the Lions of Goddard.

The Mustangs come into this contest at 3-4 looking to build some momentum after falling in three of their last four games, while the Lions look to keep things rolling at 6-1 riding a five game winning streak.

This game will also be big for playoff seedings, with both teams looking to position themselves well in the 5A state bracket that will kick off the postseason next week.

For Salina Central, putting together a complete effort will be the name of the game, as both sides of the ball have flashed their high ceiling in various games this season.

“We’ve never clicked offensively and defensively at the same time,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “We’ve also shot ourselves in the foot after getting some momentum and putting ourselves in a good position. Dropped balls, bad penalties, and missed assignments have hurt us at the worst times.”

For Goddard, time of possession will be crucial, as the Lions prefer to grind out slow, sustained, long possessions, keeping the ball on the ground with playmakers like Kaden Stroot, Joe Diekemper, and Brock Sullivan.

The Lions will also rely on one of the best defensive units in the state, which has held opponents to just 13 points per game on average this season.

“We’re really confident in who we are defensively,” Goddard head coach Tommy Beason said. “That’s where we put all of our energy and time and that is who we are trying to be. We’ve been fortunate enough to hold the bad guys to few points and yards, and offensively we’ve managed to play a keep-away style of offense, and keep the other team off the field.”

To win that game of keep-away, Central will have to find ways to get quick stops, to give their own playmakers like Jack Gordon, Cooper Reves and Bodie Rodriguez ample opportunities to put points on the board.

“Goddard knows what we want to do and they always scout us up really well but they also know what they want to do especially offensively,” Sandbo said. “You probably have to go back a few decades to find the style of football that they want to play and they’re comfortable putting it on their defense to be aggressive, fast, and to play downhill.”

These teams, and coaches, have a tremendous amount of respect for one another, and both are expecting the other’s best shot when the ball gets in the air on Friday night.

“You have to throw Central’s record away, that means nothing to me,” Beason said. “Two of their losses are to state-ranked teams and one of those teams beat us too. They have too many playmakers, too many veterans, and some of the best coaching we’ve seen, and we can’t give them additional possessions like we did last year. We have to keep the ball longer than what they have it and we know what we need to do, now the quesiton is can we execute”?

Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 at Salina Stadium.

You can tune into this contest with live video and audio commentary 100% free by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/_yQe5QjgtB4">HERE</a>, and watch it back any time on-demand.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThis week, our Salina Post Game of the Week takes back to Salina for a dynamic AVCTL-II matchup between Salina Central and the Lions of Goddard.The Mustangs come into this contest at 3-4 looking to build some momentum after falling in three of their last four games, while the Lions look to keep things rolling at 6-1 riding a five game winning streak.<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>This game will also be big for playoff seedings, with both teams looking to position themselves well in the 5A state bracket that will kick off the postseason next week.For Salina Central, putting together a complete effort will be the name of the game, as both sides of the ball have flashed their high ceiling in various games this season.“We’ve never clicked offensively and defensively at the same time,” Central head coach Mark Sandbo said. “We’ve also shot ourselves in the foot after getting some momentum and putting ourselves in a good position. Dropped balls, bad penalties, and missed assignments have hurt us at the worst times.”For Goddard, time of possession will be crucial, as the Lions prefer to grind out slow, sustained, long possessions, keeping the ball on the ground with playmakers like Kaden Stroot, Joe Diekemper, and Brock Sullivan.The Lions will also rely on one of the best defensive units in the state, which has held opponents to just 13 points per game on average this season.“We’re really confident in who we are defensively,” Goddard head coach Tommy Beason said. “That’s where we put all of our energy and time and that is who we are trying to be. We’ve been fortunate enough to hold the bad guys to few points and yards, and offensively we’ve managed to play a keep-away style of offense, and keep the other team off the field.”To win that game of keep-away, Central will have to find ways to get quick stops, to give their own playmakers like Jack Gordon, Cooper Reves and Bodie Rodriguez ample opportunities to put points on the board.“Goddard knows what we want to do and they always scout us up really well but they also know what they want to do especially offensively,” Sandbo said. “You probably have to go back a few decades to find the style of football that they want to play and they’re comfortable putting it on their defense to be aggressive, fast, and to play downhill.”These teams, and coaches, have a tremendous amount of respect for one another, and both are expecting the other’s best shot when the ball gets in the air on Friday night.“You have to throw Central’s record away, that means nothing to me,” Beason said. “Two of their losses are to state-ranked teams and one of those teams beat us too. They have too many playmakers, too many veterans, and some of the best coaching we’ve seen, and we can’t give them additional possessions like we did last year. We have to keep the ball longer than what they have it and we know what we need to do, now the quesiton is can we execute”?Kickoff for this contest is scheduled for 7:00 at Salina Stadium.You can tune into this contest with live video and audio commentary 100% free by clicking <a href="https://youtube.com/live/_yQe5QjgtB4">HERE</a>, and watch it back any time on-demand.

Mustangs host Goddard for heavyweight AVCTL-II bout

The Southeast of Saline football team has aced every test they have received this season, and on Friday night, they’ll hit the road for one more as the Trojans travel to Ellsworth to battle the Bearcats.

Once again, this matchup has extremely high stakes, with sole possession of a league title, a district title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs on the table for SES.

“This is a big game, and it has been for the last several years when we’ve played Ellsworth,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We know it’s going to be a battle and we’d sure like a league title, a district title, and a chance to play as many home games in the playoffs as we can but we’re preparing the way we normally do, we still want to go 1-0 this week.”

The Trojans enter this contest at 7-0 after dispatching Halstead 38-15 last week, while the Bearcats come in at 5-2, looking to snap a two-game losing streak.

“These have been big-time league games and this is an even bigger one with a district championship on the line,” Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka said. “We’re going to put our best foot forward, Southeast is a really good football team and we’ll have our hands full but there’s a lot of motivation going into the last game of the season.”

Historically, Southeast has dominated this series, with Mitch Gebhardt winning each of the last nine contests dating back to 2010, most recently in a 30-0 shutout last season against a Bearcat team that made a run to the 2A quarterfinals.

Despite that precedent, Coach Gebhardt and his Trojans understand the importance of this matchup, and have a ton of respect for the Bearcats lining up across from them tonight.

“Ellsworth flys to the football defensively, and they play physical and run downhill,” Gebhardt said. “Offensively they don’t throw as much as they have in the past but they do a good job in the run game and they throw it just enough to keep you off guard.”

Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 in Ellsworth, and as always the game can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Mvqd5EADrxY">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM), with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline football team has aced every test they have received this season, and on Friday night, they’ll hit the road for one more as the Trojans travel to Ellsworth to battle the Bearcats.Once again, this matchup has extremely high stakes, with sole possession of a league title, a district title, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs on the table for SES.<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>“This is a big game, and it has been for the last several years when we’ve played Ellsworth,” SES head coach Mitch Gebhardt said. “We know it’s going to be a battle and we’d sure like a league title, a district title, and a chance to play as many home games in the playoffs as we can but we’re preparing the way we normally do, we still want to go 1-0 this week.”The Trojans enter this contest at 7-0 after dispatching Halstead 38-15 last week, while the Bearcats come in at 5-2, looking to snap a two-game losing streak.“These have been big-time league games and this is an even bigger one with a district championship on the line,” Ellsworth head coach Josh Homolka said. “We’re going to put our best foot forward, Southeast is a really good football team and we’ll have our hands full but there’s a lot of motivation going into the last game of the season.”Historically, Southeast has dominated this series, with Mitch Gebhardt winning each of the last nine contests dating back to 2010, most recently in a 30-0 shutout last season against a Bearcat team that made a run to the 2A quarterfinals.Despite that precedent, Coach Gebhardt and his Trojans understand the importance of this matchup, and have a ton of respect for the Bearcats lining up across from them tonight.“Ellsworth flys to the football defensively, and they play physical and run downhill,” Gebhardt said. “Offensively they don’t throw as much as they have in the past but they do a good job in the run game and they throw it just enough to keep you off guard.”Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:00 in Ellsworth, and as always the game can be streamed with live video and commentary on Salina Post by clicking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Mvqd5EADrxY">HERE</a>, or heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM), with Devin Hanney and Russ Cossel on the call.

Trojans travel to Ellsworth to battle Bearcats for league and district titles

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, just a real quick injury update. Obviously, we’ve put Skyy (Moore) down (to IR). Skyy came in yesterday with a core muscle injury. We had him evaluated and he’s going to need that fixed. He will be put down there on IR. Then, as far as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and Mike Danna go, both are making progress and so on and so forth there. Then, DeAndre Hopkins – (I will) take a few questions on that but we’re excited to have him here and join in with that receiving corp. Again, he’s been a proven player, and he’ll work in those spots that JuJu and Rashee (Rice) did.”

Q:&nbsp;Is there something specifically that DeAndre Hopkins does well that you feel like you guys have been lacking?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, I think – not necessarily lacking, but I think he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a good – he’s a veteran player. You’ve seen just about everything over 12 years. He’s a good space player, so he’s very good at understanding how to work in space. At the same time, he’s a tough matchup because of his size, arm length – (he’s a) big body that knows how to kind of play that low post area.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the timetable for him playing?

REID:&nbsp;“Well, it could be this weekend. We’ll see how he (DeAndre Hopkins) picks up (laughter) – we have to get him on the practice field. I mean, why wait, right? If he can handle it without putting him in a bad position.”

Q:&nbsp;How much will DeAndre Hopkins’ football knowledge mean in this process?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a smart guy. He understands football, likewise. Justin (Reid) knows him probably better than anybody just having been with him those years (in Houston), so that’s exciting. I mean, that’s a good thing. We’ve got a lot in right now and we’re just trying to get him acclimated with meetings here. We’ll see how things go at practice, but you can tell he’s a very focused guy and he’s intelligent.”

Q:&nbsp;How many additional hours would DeAndre Hopkins have to put in in order to play this week?

REID:&nbsp;“Well you start counting from the bottom of just the snap count part of it and work your way up through, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) seen enough. He’s been around it long enough to where it’s more (of) a dialect than a language that he has to learn.”

Q:&nbsp;Are you done making moves at wide receiver with the trade deadline approaching?

REID:&nbsp;“Only if you want to jump in and take a few reps (laughter).”

Q:&nbsp;Do you need to adjust the offense to fit DeAndre Hopkins’ skill set or will he need to adjust to what you guys are already doing?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, we do this so often. We try to utilize their strengths and work them in to what we do without completely changing everything. I mean, we have a little of everything in the offense, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) similar in his awareness in space as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and (what) Rashee (Rice) was developing into. That’s a good thing in this offense to be able to do.”

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: On Trent McDuffie’s block on special teams during Mecole Hardman’s 55-yard punt return.

TOUB: “I had all those guys before so when they get out there on that play, they have a chance to make a play on special teams, he (Trent McDuffie) takes it really serious. You know, like just the other day he stuck his head in my office (and said), ‘Hey, did you see my knockdown?’ I said ‘Yeah, I saw your knockdown (laughter).’ It’s awesome, I mean all those guys, Turk (Tershawn Wharton) and everybody out there, (Nick) Bolton, every one of them is working real hard to get blocks and that’s why that play worked. You have defensive guys that are starting that are playing their butt off for you on special teams, so I mean that’s what we have going right now.”

Q: Do you trust Mecole Hardman as the punt returner?

TOUB: “The punt returner, I’ve said this a lot of times, the punt returner is – besides the quarterback – is probably the hardest thing to do in my opinion, on the football field. It’s hard. You have guys coming down on you, you have to make a lot of quick decisions, you have to catch the ball (laughter), it’s tough. I have a lot of trust in him (Mecole Hardman), he has the great experience and he’s gotten better and better. He’s really taking it serious this year. I mean, because it’s a big part of his role right now is being that guy.”

Q: What have you learned about Chris Roland-Wallace?

TOUB: “He’s (Chris Roland-Wallace) just a solid player that – a rookie that’s kind of (that) unsung hero kind of guy. He’s a lot like (Jaden) Hicks, I have a lot of trust in him. (He) does a lot of important things for us. Singled up gunners as a corner and singles up guys and runs with them. Great effort, you know he’s a smart, instinctive football player that’s really stepped up for us. Our young guys (are) doing a great job.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I know you (the media) just got done with (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Coach (Dave) Toub. We had one day of practice yesterday for this team (and I’m) anxious to get another one in here, so with that I’ll just kind of open it up.”

Q:&nbsp;What’s was the difficulty like of playing against DeAndre Hopkins?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“(DeAndre Hopkins is a) big wide receiver that has a huge catch radius, right? (He) catches everything. (I have) a lot of respect for him (and) I’m glad he’s on our team now (laughs). That’s a good thing.”

Q:&nbsp;How has Chris Roland-Wallace developed and how is he fitting into what you’re doing with the defense?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent. He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week. I think before Jaylen (Watson) got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot. I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”

Q:&nbsp; What do you remember most about that last game against the Raiders?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“The thing that I remember most is we were in there swinging away, right? It was a pretty tight game but where we kind of were disappointing as a group was when we had to stop them at the end, right? I think we had enough time outs, and we call it four-minute defense, right? We didn’t get that done. They ripped off a couple of long runs to kind of ice the game which is what you want your offense to do if you’re on their sideline, but we would’ve liked to have rose up somehow and got the ball back to Patrick (Mahomes) one more time. Am I right in saying it was a 20-14 final? Yeah, so if we could’ve got it back to Pat one more time – that’s what I remember. Now, I thought we played for the most part pretty good. I think we only gave up six points. Weren’t there were a couple of pick-sixes? Yeah, but when you finish like that, it’s just kind of a bad taste so we’re going to remember that and hopefully not let that happen.”

Q: What have your early conversations with DeAndre Hopkins been like and how is he meshing with the guys?

NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s exciting – I think for everybody. You get a guy (DeAndre Hopkins) that’s super experienced, he’s been in this league a long time (and) he’s had a lot of success. So, you look at both situations and I feel like it’s really a win-win type (of) deal, but he came in this morning and (he’s) ready to rock and roll. Everything is a first time now for him so he’s getting in here the first time trying to figure out where to sit in the meetings, first time to go in walk-throughs and figure out how we do walk-throughs. (His) first time to go out and figure out what practice tempo’s like, there’s a lot of firsts. Sometimes, it can get to thinking it’s just like plug-and-play (but) there’s a process to it, so we want to make sure we do that the right way and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid’s been great with that.”

Q: Is there something that DeAndre Hopkins does specifically well that can help you guys offensively?

NAGY:&nbsp;“I’d say, Adam (Teicher), the biggest thing right now is the – his (DeAndre Hopkins) hands are phenomenal, he has really, really good hands. I think he’s got some of the least amount of drops in the history of the NFL. The experience that he has, which comes I think with that, is trust. So, he’s played in a lot of games, he understands and he’s seen a bunch of different defenses, that’s valuable. Whether it’s zone or man (coverage), he’s a very good route runner, he understands leverages. One of the things – just getting it kind of – you see it on tape, you see it in interviews but then when he’s here, up close and live and in person, you see the confidence and the swagger that he has. I think that confidence can really penetrate, and you feel that with the other players – you’ve got to go out and do it. It’s just that we’re at the beginning stages but he’s does a lot of good things in zones, too.”

Q: What do you hope that the other receivers learn from DeAndre Hopkins?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesOctober 24, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, just a real quick injury update. Obviously, we’ve put Skyy (Moore) down (to IR). Skyy came in yesterday with a core muscle injury. We had him evaluated and he’s going to need that fixed. He will be put down there on IR. Then, as far as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and Mike Danna go, both are making progress and so on and so forth there. Then, DeAndre Hopkins – (I will) take a few questions on that but we’re excited to have him here and join in with that receiving corp. Again, he’s been a proven player, and he’ll work in those spots that JuJu and Rashee (Rice) did.”Q:&nbsp;Is there something specifically that DeAndre Hopkins does well that you feel like you guys have been lacking?REID:&nbsp;“Well, I think – not necessarily lacking, but I think he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a good – he’s a veteran player. You’ve seen just about everything over 12 years. He’s a good space player, so he’s very good at understanding how to work in space. At the same time, he’s a tough matchup because of his size, arm length – (he’s a) big body that knows how to kind of play that low post area.”Q:&nbsp;What is the timetable for him playing?REID:&nbsp;“Well, it could be this weekend. We’ll see how he (DeAndre Hopkins) picks up (laughter) – we have to get him on the practice field. I mean, why wait, right? If he can handle it without putting him in a bad position.”Q:&nbsp;How much will DeAndre Hopkins’ football knowledge mean in this process?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (DeAndre Hopkins) a smart guy. He understands football, likewise. Justin (Reid) knows him probably better than anybody just having been with him those years (in Houston), so that’s exciting. I mean, that’s a good thing. We’ve got a lot in right now and we’re just trying to get him acclimated with meetings here. We’ll see how things go at practice, but you can tell he’s a very focused guy and he’s intelligent.”Q:&nbsp;How many additional hours would DeAndre Hopkins have to put in in order to play this week?REID:&nbsp;“Well you start counting from the bottom of just the snap count part of it and work your way up through, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) seen enough. He’s been around it long enough to where it’s more (of) a dialect than a language that he has to learn.”Q:&nbsp;Are you done making moves at wide receiver with the trade deadline approaching?REID:&nbsp;“Only if you want to jump in and take a few reps (laughter).”Q:&nbsp;Do you need to adjust the offense to fit DeAndre Hopkins’ skill set or will he need to adjust to what you guys are already doing?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, we do this so often. We try to utilize their strengths and work them in to what we do without completely changing everything. I mean, we have a little of everything in the offense, but he’s (DeAndre Hopkins) similar in his awareness in space as JuJu (Smith-Schuster) and (what) Rashee (Rice) was developing into. That’s a good thing in this offense to be able to do.”Chiefs Coordinator QuotesOctober 24, 2024ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: On Trent McDuffie’s block on special teams during Mecole Hardman’s 55-yard punt return.TOUB: “I had all those guys before so when they get out there on that play, they have a chance to make a play on special teams, he (Trent McDuffie) takes it really serious. You know, like just the other day he stuck his head in my office (and said), ‘Hey, did you see my knockdown?’ I said ‘Yeah, I saw your knockdown (laughter).’ It’s awesome, I mean all those guys, Turk (Tershawn Wharton) and everybody out there, (Nick) Bolton, every one of them is working real hard to get blocks and that’s why that play worked. You have defensive guys that are starting that are playing their butt off for you on special teams, so I mean that’s what we have going right now.”Q: Do you trust Mecole Hardman as the punt returner?TOUB: “The punt returner, I’ve said this a lot of times, the punt returner is – besides the quarterback – is probably the hardest thing to do in my opinion, on the football field. It’s hard. You have guys coming down on you, you have to make a lot of quick decisions, you have to catch the ball (laughter), it’s tough. I have a lot of trust in him (Mecole Hardman), he has the great experience and he’s gotten better and better. He’s really taking it serious this year. I mean, because it’s a big part of his role right now is being that guy.”Q: What have you learned about Chris Roland-Wallace?TOUB: “He’s (Chris Roland-Wallace) just a solid player that – a rookie that’s kind of (that) unsung hero kind of guy. He’s a lot like (Jaden) Hicks, I have a lot of trust in him. (He) does a lot of important things for us. Singled up gunners as a corner and singles up guys and runs with them. Great effort, you know he’s a smart, instinctive football player that’s really stepped up for us. Our young guys (are) doing a great job.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I know you (the media) just got done with (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Coach (Dave) Toub. We had one day of practice yesterday for this team (and I’m) anxious to get another one in here, so with that I’ll just kind of open it up.”Q:&nbsp;What’s was the difficulty like of playing against DeAndre Hopkins?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“(DeAndre Hopkins is a) big wide receiver that has a huge catch radius, right? (He) catches everything. (I have) a lot of respect for him (and) I’m glad he’s on our team now (laughs). That’s a good thing.”Q:&nbsp;How has Chris Roland-Wallace developed and how is he fitting into what you’re doing with the defense?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Listen, C-Ro (Chris Roland-Wallace) is one of those guys that – he came here as a free agent. He earned everything he’s gotten right now. He made the team, made the roster, made the 53. He’s earned playing time. I don’t know if you know – (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) and I talked every week about trying to get him in there in games. We got him in there last week. I think before Jaylen (Watson) got hurt, I can’t even remember, but we’ve been talking about it a lot. I guess what I’m trying to say is he’s kind of earned the right to get some playing time, so you’ll see him in and out of there and we’re going to have to use him as one guy goes down – other guys, our responsibilities go up so that’ll happen to Chris.”Q:&nbsp; What do you remember most about that last game against the Raiders?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“The thing that I remember most is we were in there swinging away, right? It was a pretty tight game but where we kind of were disappointing as a group was when we had to stop them at the end, right? I think we had enough time outs, and we call it four-minute defense, right? We didn’t get that done. They ripped off a couple of long runs to kind of ice the game which is what you want your offense to do if you’re on their sideline, but we would’ve liked to have rose up somehow and got the ball back to Patrick (Mahomes) one more time. Am I right in saying it was a 20-14 final? Yeah, so if we could’ve got it back to Pat one more time – that’s what I remember. Now, I thought we played for the most part pretty good. I think we only gave up six points. Weren’t there were a couple of pick-sixes? Yeah, but when you finish like that, it’s just kind of a bad taste so we’re going to remember that and hopefully not let that happen.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: What have your early conversations with DeAndre Hopkins been like and how is he meshing with the guys?NAGY:&nbsp;“It’s exciting – I think for everybody. You get a guy (DeAndre Hopkins) that’s super experienced, he’s been in this league a long time (and) he’s had a lot of success. So, you look at both situations and I feel like it’s really a win-win type (of) deal, but he came in this morning and (he’s) ready to rock and roll. Everything is a first time now for him so he’s getting in here the first time trying to figure out where to sit in the meetings, first time to go in walk-throughs and figure out how we do walk-throughs. (His) first time to go out and figure out what practice tempo’s like, there’s a lot of firsts. Sometimes, it can get to thinking it’s just like plug-and-play (but) there’s a process to it, so we want to make sure we do that the right way and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid’s been great with that.”Q: Is there something that DeAndre Hopkins does specifically well that can help you guys offensively?NAGY:&nbsp;“I’d say, Adam (Teicher), the biggest thing right now is the – his (DeAndre Hopkins) hands are phenomenal, he has really, really good hands. I think he’s got some of the least amount of drops in the history of the NFL. The experience that he has, which comes I think with that, is trust. So, he’s played in a lot of games, he understands and he’s seen a bunch of different defenses, that’s valuable. Whether it’s zone or man (coverage), he’s a very good route runner, he understands leverages. One of the things – just getting it kind of – you see it on tape, you see it in interviews but then when he’s here, up close and live and in person, you see the confidence and the swagger that he has. I think that confidence can really penetrate, and you feel that with the other players – you’ve got to go out and do it. It’s just that we’re at the beginning stages but he’s does a lot of good things in zones, too.”Q: What do you hope that the other receivers learn from DeAndre Hopkins?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-24-24

The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week eight as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (3-4), hit the road for Leavenworth to battle the Saint Mary Spires (1-5)

On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, Quarterback Richard Lara, D-Line coach Nolan Jones, and developmental DL Jacob Flores.

Saturday's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call.

Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9UTN07KA2sQ"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Wesleyan Coaches' Show returns for week eight as the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes (3-4), hit the road for Leavenworth to battle the Saint Mary Spires (1-5)On this week's show, we sat down and visited with co-interim head coaches David Leonard and Chris Snyder, Quarterback Richard Lara, D-Line coach Nolan Jones, and developmental DL Jacob Flores.Saturday's game can be heard on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM) with Tyler Henry and Brooks Garretson on the call.Pregame coverage begins at noon with kickoff scheduled for 1:00.

Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Show- Week Eight

By Gary Van Cleave Salina Post Contributor

Now that The Streak is in the Salina South rear view mirror, the Cougars can focus on more important things.

“Expectations,” first-year football coach Christien Ozores said, “are to keep getting better and win a playoff game.”

“Man, it feels great,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “A lot of weight has finally been lifted off of our shoulders. It shows how much our hard work has paid off.”

The Cougars hadn’t won a football game in 1,127 days - a span from September 17, 2021 to October 18, 2024. Thirty consecutive defeats on the gridiron haunted these Cougars.

“When the clock hit 0:00’s, it was a sigh of relief for all us coaches and I was just excited for the kids,” Ozores said of Friday’s 41-23 victory over Haysville-Campus. “It was one of (those) moments where you just look around and soak it in. Something that I know those kids will cherish forever.”

“It feels great to accomplish something that the guys and coaches have fought so hard for,” said senior quarterback Landon Putman, who completed an efficient 15-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Putman has thrown for 949 yards on the season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and just five interceptions in 173 pass attempts as his QB rating went from 67 to 74.1.

“Landon has been everything we have asked him to do and more,” Ozores said. “He has stepped up with his legs running the ball the past 3-4 games and been feeling more and more comfortable with our system and all the progressions.”

Ozores has especially loved what he’s seeing from his eight seniors.

Aiden Anderes, DE, RB, TE, is an overall great player and teammate, leads by example and plays everywhere for the Cougars, Ozores said. Ozores noted contributions from defensive lineman Zach Johnson, who loves football, offensive lineman Erik Franco, a player the Cougars lean heavily on up front, lineman Sean Iselin, who plays hard and is a high IQ player, tight end Brady Oliver, who does all the little things right, defensive end Jesus Mariscal, a physical player who has stepped up this year for South and DB Kaiden Wachs, who works hard and does everything he is asked.&nbsp;

“The senior leadership has gotten better,” Ozores said. “We only have eight, but they do the right things and work hard. They aren’t so much vocal leaders which is okay but they practice, prepare and work hard and know their roles of trying to help turn around the program.”

Redmond scored two touchdowns and galloped for a season-high 123 yards rushing. He’s the Cougars’ leading ground gainer with 230 yards on 55 totes and four TDs.

“Just thinking back to every morning we have worked out as a team and getting better together means a lot to us,” Redmond said. “People do notice when things go the way they should. So our plan is to keep grinding and getting better so the people can hear more about us.”

Junior Jaxon Meyers is Putman’s top receiver with 514 yards and six touchdowns, but unfortunately he broke his arm early in third quarter and is out for the year.

“It feels good to get this off our back,” Meyers said of the streak. “Thinking about it for a while and it means a lot to help contribute to the win even when I got injured just knowing that they’re doing it for me. Hope this helps stack another one this week.”

The 1-6 Cougars conclude the regular season Friday at Maize.

“This victory means a lot not only to the program but the whole high school and the South community,” Ozores said. “These kids have worked extremely hard to start turning the program around and to take steps in the right direction. I truly believe when you have a successful football program it carries into all athletics in the whole school. It sets the tone in the weight room and the competitive atmosphere you need to have to be successful. Now our kids need to learn quickly how to handle success and when people say good things about you how to stay hungry and want more. We still need to finish things strong and I’m excited about what we can show these last weeks of the season.”

“Ending the streak is something that has been on everybody’s mind this season and a big goal of ours,” junior Landon Huffman said. “But it wasn’t our only goal. We aren’t done, plain and simple.”

By Gary Van Cleave Salina Post ContributorNow that The Streak is in the Salina South rear view mirror, the Cougars can focus on more important things.“Expectations,” first-year football coach Christien Ozores said, “are to keep getting better and win a playoff game.”“Man, it feels great,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “A lot of weight has finally been lifted off of our shoulders. It shows how much our hard work has paid off.”<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>The Cougars hadn’t won a football game in 1,127 days - a span from September 17, 2021 to October 18, 2024. Thirty consecutive defeats on the gridiron haunted these Cougars.“When the clock hit 0:00’s, it was a sigh of relief for all us coaches and I was just excited for the kids,” Ozores said of Friday’s 41-23 victory over Haysville-Campus. “It was one of (those) moments where you just look around and soak it in. Something that I know those kids will cherish forever.”“It feels great to accomplish something that the guys and coaches have fought so hard for,” said senior quarterback Landon Putman, who completed an efficient 15-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.Putman has thrown for 949 yards on the season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and just five interceptions in 173 pass attempts as his QB rating went from 67 to 74.1.“Landon has been everything we have asked him to do and more,” Ozores said. “He has stepped up with his legs running the ball the past 3-4 games and been feeling more and more comfortable with our system and all the progressions.”Ozores has especially loved what he’s seeing from his eight seniors.Aiden Anderes, DE, RB, TE, is an overall great player and teammate, leads by example and plays everywhere for the Cougars, Ozores said. Ozores noted contributions from defensive lineman Zach Johnson, who loves football, offensive lineman Erik Franco, a player the Cougars lean heavily on up front, lineman Sean Iselin, who plays hard and is a high IQ player, tight end Brady Oliver, who does all the little things right, defensive end Jesus Mariscal, a physical player who has stepped up this year for South and DB Kaiden Wachs, who works hard and does everything he is asked.&nbsp;“The senior leadership has gotten better,” Ozores said. “We only have eight, but they do the right things and work hard. They aren’t so much vocal leaders which is okay but they practice, prepare and work hard and know their roles of trying to help turn around the program.”Redmond scored two touchdowns and galloped for a season-high 123 yards rushing. He’s the Cougars’ leading ground gainer with 230 yards on 55 totes and four TDs.“Just thinking back to every morning we have worked out as a team and getting better together means a lot to us,” Redmond said. “People do notice when things go the way they should. So our plan is to keep grinding and getting better so the people can hear more about us.”Junior Jaxon Meyers is Putman’s top receiver with 514 yards and six touchdowns, but unfortunately he broke his arm early in third quarter and is out for the year.“It feels good to get this off our back,” Meyers said of the streak. “Thinking about it for a while and it means a lot to help contribute to the win even when I got injured just knowing that they’re doing it for me. Hope this helps stack another one this week.”The 1-6 Cougars conclude the regular season Friday at Maize.“This victory means a lot not only to the program but the whole high school and the South community,” Ozores said. “These kids have worked extremely hard to start turning the program around and to take steps in the right direction. I truly believe when you have a successful football program it carries into all athletics in the whole school. It sets the tone in the weight room and the competitive atmosphere you need to have to be successful. Now our kids need to learn quickly how to handle success and when people say good things about you how to stay hungry and want more. We still need to finish things strong and I’m excited about what we can show these last weeks of the season.”“Ending the streak is something that has been on everybody’s mind this season and a big goal of ours,” junior Landon Huffman said. “But it wasn’t our only goal. We aren’t done, plain and simple.”

Cougars seek to stay on the rise after streak-breaking win

NORTH NEWTON -&nbsp;A goal by Bethel in the 80th minute forced the Threshers and the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer team into a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at Thresher Stadium.

It was a nearly even match for the teams as both had seven shots with four on goal, and three saves in goal.

After a majority of the first half was spent with the teams understanding each other's tactics, the Coyotes finally broke through in the 32nd minute as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c0be318-dc3d-4822-8621-e9ebb675bb38?elinkdata=13883" target="_blank">Gerardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;scored to put the Coyotes up 1-0.

The lead head for the Coyotes until the 80th minute when Bethel got the equalizer from Filip Maksimovic.

The Coyotes had a chance to get the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute, but the Coyotes were called for offside taking away a 1 on 1 chance.

Three different Coyotes had two shots each.

Wesleyan is back in action on Saturday, hosting Friends University at JRI Hospitality Stadium.

NORTH NEWTON -&nbsp;A goal by Bethel in the 80th minute forced the Threshers and the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer team into a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at Thresher Stadium.It was a nearly even match for the teams as both had seven shots with four on goal, and three saves in goal.After a majority of the first half was spent with the teams understanding each other's tactics, the Coyotes finally broke through in the 32nd minute as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c0be318-dc3d-4822-8621-e9ebb675bb38?elinkdata=13883" target="_blank">Gerardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;scored to put the Coyotes up 1-0.The lead head for the Coyotes until the 80th minute when Bethel got the equalizer from Filip Maksimovic.The Coyotes had a chance to get the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute, but the Coyotes were called for offside taking away a 1 on 1 chance.Three different Coyotes had two shots each.Wesleyan is back in action on Saturday, hosting Friends University at JRI Hospitality Stadium.

Late goal from Bethel forces 1-1 tie with Men's Soccer

NORTH NEWTON -- Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer bounced back from its loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan against Bethel College after KWU put together four goals to beat the Threshers 4-1.

The Coyotes came out hot and established a two goal lead within the first 10 minutes of the match. The first goal coming from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245e644b-f54f-4e8c-95df-6622486ed8c5?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;at the 7 minute mark and the second by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41585e89-b069-453f-a80b-b91a1bcbd787?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Hanna Castro</a>&nbsp;at 9 minutes. KWU remained in control and kept constant pressure the first half. The 30th minute of the first half,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2e3e2a-0401-4b8f-bd4d-e31f9f20b218?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Isabella Anderson</a>&nbsp;gave a nice assist to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e39899c-29d5-498c-a671-b3b8c0047a78?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Talia Walsh</a>&nbsp;who buried the third goal for the Coyotes to put KWU up 3-0 going into half.

Kansas Wesleyan would ride the lead for nearly the entirety of the game. Leonie Kuhrt of Bethel spoiled the shut out and found a nifty goal the 85th minute of the match to put the game at 3-1. KWU would go on and tack on one more goal at the 88th minute of play by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f7f7f9f3-cc3a-415e-962f-9a8aa4e7eba1?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;to secure the Coyote victory at 4-1.

Kansas Wesleyan improves to 9-5-1 on the season at 9-1 in KCAC play. The Coyotes will continue conference play this Saturday (October 26) as they host the Friends University Falcons at JRI Stadium (Graves Family Sports Complex) at 2:00pm.

NORTH NEWTON -- Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer bounced back from its loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan against Bethel College after KWU put together four goals to beat the Threshers 4-1.The Coyotes came out hot and established a two goal lead within the first 10 minutes of the match. The first goal coming from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245e644b-f54f-4e8c-95df-6622486ed8c5?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;at the 7 minute mark and the second by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41585e89-b069-453f-a80b-b91a1bcbd787?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Hanna Castro</a>&nbsp;at 9 minutes. KWU remained in control and kept constant pressure the first half. The 30th minute of the first half,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2e3e2a-0401-4b8f-bd4d-e31f9f20b218?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Isabella Anderson</a>&nbsp;gave a nice assist to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e39899c-29d5-498c-a671-b3b8c0047a78?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Talia Walsh</a>&nbsp;who buried the third goal for the Coyotes to put KWU up 3-0 going into half.Kansas Wesleyan would ride the lead for nearly the entirety of the game. Leonie Kuhrt of Bethel spoiled the shut out and found a nifty goal the 85th minute of the match to put the game at 3-1. KWU would go on and tack on one more goal at the 88th minute of play by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f7f7f9f3-cc3a-415e-962f-9a8aa4e7eba1?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;to secure the Coyote victory at 4-1.Kansas Wesleyan improves to 9-5-1 on the season at 9-1 in KCAC play. The Coyotes will continue conference play this Saturday (October 26) as they host the Friends University Falcons at JRI Stadium (Graves Family Sports Complex) at 2:00pm.

KWU Women's Soccer picks up 4-1 over Bethel

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.

“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.

“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”

Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.

“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.

He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.

Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.

“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.

Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.

Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.

Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.

The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.

Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.

He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.

In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.

In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.

He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.

During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.

In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.

“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”

He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. <a href="https://t.co/MXeBlDzDWJ">pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848930562515615870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. <a href="https://t.co/zXhOF8cRCP">pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848942975432462707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.He became a U.S. citizen in 2015.Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

The Coyotes travel to Leavenworth for a Kansas Conference and Bissell Division game against Saint Mary. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.

Snyder: "Just proud of the kids, what they experienced previously and then had a good work week. We had no issues with attendance at practice, everybody was coachable, and I think you saw that carry on into at least the first half of the game. Some things we need to definitely address but it's always easier to do when you win a ballgame well.

Leonard: "I think Saturday was a really good example of that (defensive) line getting pressure and the secondary had great coverage. Same with the linebackers and it led to turnovers, it led to picks, and that's what you're looking for. It was good to see guys having fun flying around."

Snyder: "There is a saying if you have two quarterbacks you don't have one. But we're in a unique situation because you're having a kid (McNair) come back from injury and there was no way I felt comfortable starting him. You don't want to punish a kid but it's just hard to come back with the bullets flying right away so it was good to ease him back into that."

Leonard: "(Saint Mary) has a quarterback that's going to (throw the ball deep) so that's always that challenge. If you can force a team to stay in the drive, the more plays they'll have and the more challenging it is to score rather than a one-shot touchdown. So, eliminate the big plays, keep everything in front and really tackle and pursue the ball."

"Our running game is our strength. (Offensive coordinator James) Bauer preaches run, run, run - that's going to be how we win. But we've got guys that can catch the ball, we've got guys that can run (pass) routes for us and I feel like with our offensive line playing better our pass game is going to open up as well.

"We've got iPads on sidelines, so we (he and McNair) sit down on the bench and talk about what the defense was in, what he saw and what I saw. I think it's definitely a great help because we're both in that position and we both know that we can get it done."

The Coyotes travel to Leavenworth for a Kansas Conference and Bissell Division game against Saint Mary. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the KCAC Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93ac4fd5-940f-4bfb-91c3-6d602b5a4368?elinkdata=13809">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Saint Mary will be producing the game on Saturday.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4965dc7c-08f6-441b-a9a8-b67c29a50124?elinkdata=13809">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage will be on KINA starting at noon with Henry and Garretson on the call. The online radio stream is available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb561433-5e73-4255-a2f8-1d2ed4f06885?elinkdata=13809">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 3-4 (1-0 Bissell Division)</li><li>Saint Mary 1-5 (0-1 Bissell)</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have dominated the series in recent years, winning the last six games. KWU prevailed 17-14 last season at JRI Stadium and has an 18-4 advantage since 2001.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes trounced Avila 38-3 in their Homecoming game last Saturday at JRI Stadium. It was their first game against Gene Bissell Division opponents and first under the leadership of interim co-head coaches <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec6a67dc-1bcc-4091-acd8-47c1c4fcf215?elinkdata=13809">Chris Snyder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f06cd11e-e2db-4cc4-8ae5-994f74f5ca17?elinkdata=13809">David Leonard</a>.</li><li>KWU scored 21 points in the first quarter and led 35-0 at halftime. Defense paved the way limiting Avila to 180 total yards that included just four yards rushing on 31 attempts. The Coyotes forced four turnovers (three interceptions) and tied a school record with eight sacks.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a54c69c-0f65-4858-967d-98da05a25fd0?elinkdata=13809">Richard Lara</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e68bf351-816b-4ae7-b53a-755b9fba86f0?elinkdata=13809">Byron McNair</a> alternated at quarterback. Lara started and was 7 of 11 passing for 66 yards and two touchdowns while McNair was 4 of 8 for 67 yards. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2025591-9ea9-4965-9e38-78621a96a71b?elinkdata=13809">Luke Armstrong</a> had 93 yards rushing on 11 carries highlighted by a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.</li><li>McNair threw for 292 yards and a touchdown against USM a year ago. KWU led 17-7 at halftime and held on after Saint Mary scored with 4:32 left in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3686c041-9e5a-409c-bd04-1131d6941c7d?elinkdata=13809">Jacquante Pitts</a> had four catches for 133 yards and a touchdown and Artaveon Shaver five for 88 yards for the Coyotes.</li><li>Saint Mary finished with seven yards rushing on 25 attempts - 0.3 yards per carry. KWU had five sacks and 12 tackles for loss.</li>
 </ul>SAINT MARY AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Spires lost to Ottawa 33-30 last week in Ottawa after leading 14-13 at halftime. The Braves scored the game-winning touchdown with 5:45 remaining.</li><li>USM lost its first three games of the season, defeated Bethany, and has lost its last two. The Spires are 11-27 over the past three-plus seasons.</li><li>Senior quarterback Cesar Vela leads the offense. He has completed 47 percent of his passes for 805 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has 192 yards rushing and two TDs. Senior running back Raymond Webster has 518 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Michael Gazzana is the top wide receiver with 22 catches for 481 yards and seven TDs.</li><li>Saint Mary averages 21 points and allows 41. The Spires average 336 total yards - 152 rushing and 184 passing. Opponents average 41 points, 277 yards rushing and 207 passing.</li><li>The Spires are coached by Lance Hinson who's in his fifth season in his second stint at USM. He previously coached there from 2005-2013.</li>
 </ul>KWU COACHES CHRIS SNYDER/DAVID LEONARDSnyder: "Just proud of the kids, what they experienced previously and then had a good work week. We had no issues with attendance at practice, everybody was coachable, and I think you saw that carry on into at least the first half of the game. Some things we need to definitely address but it's always easier to do when you win a ballgame well.Leonard: "I think Saturday was a really good example of that (defensive) line getting pressure and the secondary had great coverage. Same with the linebackers and it led to turnovers, it led to picks, and that's what you're looking for. It was good to see guys having fun flying around."Snyder: "There is a saying if you have two quarterbacks you don't have one. But we're in a unique situation because you're having a kid (McNair) come back from injury and there was no way I felt comfortable starting him. You don't want to punish a kid but it's just hard to come back with the bullets flying right away so it was good to ease him back into that."Leonard: "(Saint Mary) has a quarterback that's going to (throw the ball deep) so that's always that challenge. If you can force a team to stay in the drive, the more plays they'll have and the more challenging it is to score rather than a one-shot touchdown. So, eliminate the big plays, keep everything in front and really tackle and pursue the ball."RICHARD LARA"Our running game is our strength. (Offensive coordinator James) Bauer preaches run, run, run - that's going to be how we win. But we've got guys that can catch the ball, we've got guys that can run (pass) routes for us and I feel like with our offensive line playing better our pass game is going to open up as well."We've got iPads on sidelines, so we (he and McNair) sit down on the bench and talk about what the defense was in, what he saw and what I saw. I think it's definitely a great help because we're both in that position and we both know that we can get it done."NEXT WEEK

KWU Football heads to Leavenworth on Saturday to face Saint Mary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1fb6551d-9619-448c-80cf-b55cbb1ab8f0?elinkdata=13785" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the NAIA National Setter of the Week for her efforts between October 14 and 20. Her selection comes from a pool of conference/Continental Athletic Conference (Independents)/unaffiliated group nominees.

Deckinger was phenomenal for the Coyotes in their win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night. Anchoring KWU's 5-1 offense, she averaged 13.5 assists per set, recording 54 total assists. She also led the team in digs with 19, averaging 4.75 per set. She was a key part in keeping balls up for the Coyotes and giving the team a chance to earn the point. She also added four service aces and had four kills.

Her floor leadership was instrumental in helping the Coyotes to the upset win.

Viterbo's Jada Mitchell and Eastern Oregon's Kiauna Mack were named as the NAIA Attacker and Defender of the Week, respectively, along with Deckinger.

KWU looks to keep momentum moving upward as the Coyotes host Bethel on Wednesday inside Mabee Arena.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1fb6551d-9619-448c-80cf-b55cbb1ab8f0?elinkdata=13785" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the NAIA National Setter of the Week for her efforts between October 14 and 20. Her selection comes from a pool of conference/Continental Athletic Conference (Independents)/unaffiliated group nominees.Deckinger was phenomenal for the Coyotes in their win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night. Anchoring KWU's 5-1 offense, she averaged 13.5 assists per set, recording 54 total assists. She also led the team in digs with 19, averaging 4.75 per set. She was a key part in keeping balls up for the Coyotes and giving the team a chance to earn the point. She also added four service aces and had four kills.Her floor leadership was instrumental in helping the Coyotes to the upset win.Viterbo's Jada Mitchell and Eastern Oregon's Kiauna Mack were named as the NAIA Attacker and Defender of the Week, respectively, along with Deckinger.KWU looks to keep momentum moving upward as the Coyotes host Bethel on Wednesday inside Mabee Arena.

Deckinger named NAIA National Setter of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Senior cornerback Cobee Bryant added to his list of accomplishments as he was named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week, the organization announced on Tuesday.

Bryant was recently named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week and the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the week following his three-interception performance vs. Houston on Saturday.

Bryant's record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. Bryant's three interceptions matched the Kansas school record and was the first three interception performance by a Jayhawk since 1958, when Bill Crank accomplished the feat on Oct. 25, 1958, vs. Tulane.

Bryant’s three interceptions on Saturday gives him 13 for his career, which is tied for the second-most in program history with Aqib Talib (2005-07). Bryant now leads the FBS in career interceptions with 13, alongside California’s Nohl Williams.

Bryant joins Malaki Starks (Georgia), Andrew Mukuba (Texas), Jermari Harris (Iowa), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Tacario Davis (Arizona), A.J. Haulcy (Houston) and Koi Perich (Minnesota) as Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week so far this season.

The&nbsp;Paycom Jim Thorpe Award&nbsp;is&nbsp;awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.&nbsp;The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.&nbsp;The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Senior cornerback Cobee Bryant added to his list of accomplishments as he was named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week, the organization announced on Tuesday.Bryant was recently named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week and the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the week following his three-interception performance vs. Houston on Saturday.Bryant's record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. Bryant's three interceptions matched the Kansas school record and was the first three interception performance by a Jayhawk since 1958, when Bill Crank accomplished the feat on Oct. 25, 1958, vs. Tulane.Bryant’s three interceptions on Saturday gives him 13 for his career, which is tied for the second-most in program history with Aqib Talib (2005-07). Bryant now leads the FBS in career interceptions with 13, alongside California’s Nohl Williams.Bryant joins Malaki Starks (Georgia), Andrew Mukuba (Texas), Jermari Harris (Iowa), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Tacario Davis (Arizona), A.J. Haulcy (Houston) and Koi Perich (Minnesota) as Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week so far this season.The&nbsp;Paycom Jim Thorpe Award&nbsp;is&nbsp;awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.&nbsp;The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.&nbsp;The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.

Cobee Bryant Tabbed Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Wildcat&nbsp;Dean Wade&nbsp;will open his sixth NBA season on Tuesday night (Oct.&nbsp;22), as his Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto as the league opens its 2024-25 campaign.

A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wade has seen action in 224 games with the Cavaliers, averaging 5.2 points on 43.2 percent shooting with 3.4 rebounds per game. Last season, he played in 54 games, averaging 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, for a Cavalier team which won 48 games and made the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Wade (2015-19) helped the Wildcats win 88 games, advance to three NCAA Tournaments, including the 2018 Elite Eight, and capture the 2018-19 Big 12 regular season title. He is one of just three Wildcats to rank in the Top 10 in both career scoring (1,510 points/10th) and rebounding (685/8th).

Several former Wildcats could emerge as 2-way players, as the G-League holds its annual draft on Saturday, Oct. 26 with training camps running from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7.&nbsp; &nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Wildcat&nbsp;Dean Wade&nbsp;will open his sixth NBA season on Tuesday night (Oct.&nbsp;22), as his Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto as the league opens its 2024-25 campaign.A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wade has seen action in 224 games with the Cavaliers, averaging 5.2 points on 43.2 percent shooting with 3.4 rebounds per game. Last season, he played in 54 games, averaging 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, for a Cavalier team which won 48 games and made the playoffs for the second consecutive season.Wade (2015-19) helped the Wildcats win 88 games, advance to three NCAA Tournaments, including the 2018 Elite Eight, and capture the 2018-19 Big 12 regular season title. He is one of just three Wildcats to rank in the Top 10 in both career scoring (1,510 points/10th) and rebounding (685/8th).Several former Wildcats could emerge as 2-way players, as the G-League holds its annual draft on Saturday, Oct. 26 with training camps running from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dean Wade Begins Sixth Season with Cavaliers

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior running back Devin Neal has been announced as one of 20 semifinalists for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. He was previously named to the award’s watch list on Sept. 26.

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.

Neal becomes the third Jayhawk to be named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, joining Bryce Torneden (2019) and Joe Dineen Jr (2018). To be eligible for the award, the student-athletes, nominated by their schools, must have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Prior to the season, Neal was also named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award. He also earned a spot on watch lists for a pair of postseason all-star games, the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Neal committed to Kansas in 2020 and wanted to be a building block for the Jayhawks. Since then, he’s helped lead the program to back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in program history. Voted a team captain this season, Neal has helped the program excel because of his leadership, and his off the field presence is equally impactful. This past year, he has helped organize a back-to-school supply drive as well as a winter coat and toy drive for kids in Lawrence.

On the field, Neal has continued to excel at a high level. This season, Neal has rushed for 692 yards and seven touchdowns on 117 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His average of 98.9 yards per game ranks among the top-20 nationally, and he’s rushed for more than 100 yards in five of KU’s seven games. Neal is the active leader among FBS players with 40 rushing touchdowns and he ranks second among active Power 4 running backs with 3,769 career rushing yards.

The hometown Lawrence, Kansas native, Neal is on the cusp of becoming Kansas football’s all-time leading rusher, needing 73 yards to pass the mark of 3,841 yards, set by June Henley from 1993-96. Neal is currently tied with Henley’s career total touchdowns record of 43 (40 rushing/3 receiving) and enters Saturday’s game one rushing touchdown shy of Henley’s career rushing touchdowns record of 41. Neal has rushed for more than 100 yards in 17 career games, which is tied for the school record held by Tony Sands from 1988-91.

Last season, Neal became the third Jayhawk in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, joining James Sims (2012-13) and Pooka Williams Jr. (2018-19). He also scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023, marking the second-highest single season total in school history and the most by a Jayhawk since 2007.

Neal is one of 20 semifinalists, including two from the Big 12 Conference. The full list of semifinalists includes: Justin Barron (Syracuse), Dylan Black (Oregon State), Brady Cook (Missouri), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), Ajani Cornelius (Oregon), Luke Deal (Auburn), Jacob Gardner (Colorado State), Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State), Seth Henigan (Memphis), Isaiah Jacobs (UAB), Jake Majors (Texas), Bru McCoy (Tennessee), Devin Neal (Kansas), Kaimon Rucker (North Carolina), Cody Simon (Ohio State), Logan Taylor (Hawai’i), Dante Trader, Jr. (Maryland), Jalon Walker (Georgia), J.J. Weaver (Kentucky) and Jackson Woodard (UNLV).

Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16, with the winner to be announced at the award ceremony at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior running back Devin Neal has been announced as one of 20 semifinalists for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. He was previously named to the award’s watch list on Sept. 26.The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.Neal becomes the third Jayhawk to be named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, joining Bryce Torneden (2019) and Joe Dineen Jr (2018). To be eligible for the award, the student-athletes, nominated by their schools, must have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.Prior to the season, Neal was also named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award. He also earned a spot on watch lists for a pair of postseason all-star games, the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl.Neal committed to Kansas in 2020 and wanted to be a building block for the Jayhawks. Since then, he’s helped lead the program to back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in program history. Voted a team captain this season, Neal has helped the program excel because of his leadership, and his off the field presence is equally impactful. This past year, he has helped organize a back-to-school supply drive as well as a winter coat and toy drive for kids in Lawrence.On the field, Neal has continued to excel at a high level. This season, Neal has rushed for 692 yards and seven touchdowns on 117 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His average of 98.9 yards per game ranks among the top-20 nationally, and he’s rushed for more than 100 yards in five of KU’s seven games. Neal is the active leader among FBS players with 40 rushing touchdowns and he ranks second among active Power 4 running backs with 3,769 career rushing yards.The hometown Lawrence, Kansas native, Neal is on the cusp of becoming Kansas football’s all-time leading rusher, needing 73 yards to pass the mark of 3,841 yards, set by June Henley from 1993-96. Neal is currently tied with Henley’s career total touchdowns record of 43 (40 rushing/3 receiving) and enters Saturday’s game one rushing touchdown shy of Henley’s career rushing touchdowns record of 41. Neal has rushed for more than 100 yards in 17 career games, which is tied for the school record held by Tony Sands from 1988-91.Last season, Neal became the third Jayhawk in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, joining James Sims (2012-13) and Pooka Williams Jr. (2018-19). He also scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023, marking the second-highest single season total in school history and the most by a Jayhawk since 2007.Neal is one of 20 semifinalists, including two from the Big 12 Conference. The full list of semifinalists includes: Justin Barron (Syracuse), Dylan Black (Oregon State), Brady Cook (Missouri), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), Ajani Cornelius (Oregon), Luke Deal (Auburn), Jacob Gardner (Colorado State), Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State), Seth Henigan (Memphis), Isaiah Jacobs (UAB), Jake Majors (Texas), Bru McCoy (Tennessee), Devin Neal (Kansas), Kaimon Rucker (North Carolina), Cody Simon (Ohio State), Logan Taylor (Hawai’i), Dante Trader, Jr. (Maryland), Jalon Walker (Georgia), J.J. Weaver (Kentucky) and Jackson Woodard (UNLV).Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16, with the winner to be announced at the award ceremony at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.Last year, Mike Hollins of Virginia won the seventh annual award. The first six Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year awards were presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF in 2017, D'Cota Dixon of Wisconsin in 2018, Trey Smith of Tennessee in 2019, Sam Ehlinger of Texas in 2020, Joshua Paschal of Kentucky in 2021 and Deslin Alexandre of Pittsburgh in 2022.In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle.