By NOAH HELGET Salina Post Contributor

On Friday the Lady Knights traveled to Hillsboro and battled with the Lady Trojans, but fell short in the opening round of sub-state 34-23.

Adelyn Lee got the ball rolling for the Lady Knights early on in the first quarter. She finished the quarter with five, but the Lady Knights trailed 14-8 at the end of the first.

Both teams struggled to score in the second, but the Lady Knights locked in on defense, forcing the Lady Trojans to just two made free throws in the second quarter.

The Lady Knights came out on a quick 5-0 run to start the second half but it wasn't enough as they trailed by five at the end of the third 23-18.

The Lady Knights were led in scoring by Adelyn Lee, she finished her night with 14.

The Lady Knights finish the season 10-10 overall and look to return all five starters next year.

By NOAH HELGET Salina Post ContributorOn Friday the Lady Knights traveled to Hillsboro and battled with the Lady Trojans, but fell short in the opening round of sub-state 34-23.Adelyn Lee got the ball rolling for the Lady Knights early on in the first quarter. She finished the quarter with five, but the Lady Knights trailed 14-8 at the end of the first.Both teams struggled to score in the second, but the Lady Knights locked in on defense, forcing the Lady Trojans to just two made free throws in the second quarter.The Lady Knights came out on a quick 5-0 run to start the second half but it wasn't enough as they trailed by five at the end of the third 23-18.The Lady Knights were led in scoring by Adelyn Lee, she finished her night with 14.The Lady Knights finish the season 10-10 overall and look to return all five starters next year.

Lady Knights fall to Hillsboro in sub-state opener

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball rallied in the eight inning to pick up a 9-7 win over the Friends Falcons in the series opener on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.

The Coyotes jumped out to a big lead after a 4-run third inning and another run in the fifth. However Friends took the lead with two runs in the six and seventh innings, and then put three on the board in the eighth to lead 7-5.

Back came the Coyotes, scoring four in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead, and then held on in the ninth for the win.

Wesleyan broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third with four runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4137a601-0666-4522-ae01-ce5abb5d5898?elinkdata=20724">Joe Finder</a> led off the inning with a walk and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d843a8c-fcfc-4687-8b56-b7a3f00514de?elinkdata=20724">Jacob Williamson's</a> double. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ab6c2afd-59a1-4f0e-b42e-632efa66a9fb?elinkdata=20724">Tyler Favretto</a> traded places with Williamson with another double and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d7defaf-1df3-44aa-a502-5fd1c74fdc1d?elinkdata=20724">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> launched a ball out to right center to give the Coyotes a 4-0 lead.

The Coyotes added another in the fifth as Williamson reached on an error to start the inning then scored when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4c446f88-1ff6-4b52-a90e-5eb5ddee0f05?elinkdata=20724">Garrett Garfield</a> hit into a double play with no one out.

Friends got two runs on the board in the sixth on a 2-run homer and added two more in the seventh on another 2-run homer.

The Falcons took the lead in the top of the eighth scoring three runs, all coming on a bases clearing double with the bases loaded and two outs in the inning.

The Rally Yotes then came up in the eighth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae6b4671-1eac-4465-b857-2f7e0d28a773?elinkdata=20724">Jesse Conrad</a> led off with a double, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60be6ab6-843b-4deb-a360-4780d4e72896?elinkdata=20724">Joe Finder</a> followed with a single. Williamson grounded out but a run scored. Friends intentionally walked Favretto, and Garfield then walked. Ruvalcaba then singled through the left side to bring in two runs and push the Coyotes back into the lead.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4765f90-78b5-4643-b9b7-7509a762e954?elinkdata=20724">Carter Allen</a> then singled on a bunt and brought in Garfield on the play, but an error allowed Ruvalcaba to move to third on the play.

Friends loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the ninth, but did not score. KWU got a fielder's choice play at the plate to keep Friends off the board and get the first out, and then a strike out and a ground out would end it.

Ruvalcaba was 3 for 3 with four RBI and two walks for the Coyotes. Favretto, Allen and Finder had two hits each. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d5cdab35-2b20-4639-ab97-9c8b417dee2c?elinkdata=20724">Brett Maddock</a> went six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba6fc3f6-c4f4-4b73-b029-3189324adaf5?elinkdata=20724">Ritter Steinmann</a> got the win, pitching an inning and two thirds in relief. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82370fca-51d2-4551-ac8b-94380dbe6062?elinkdata=20724">Hunter Blea</a> came in with the bases loaded and no one out and shut down the Falcons to get the save.

Kansas Wesleyan Baseball rallied in the eight inning to pick up a 9-7 win over the Friends Falcons in the series opener on Friday at Dean Evans Stadium.The Coyotes jumped out to a big lead after a 4-run third inning and another run in the fifth. However Friends took the lead with two runs in the six and seventh innings, and then put three on the board in the eighth to lead 7-5.Back came the Coyotes, scoring four in the bottom of the eighth to take the lead, and then held on in the ninth for the win.Wesleyan broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the third with four runs. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4137a601-0666-4522-ae01-ce5abb5d5898?elinkdata=20724">Joe Finder</a> led off the inning with a walk and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d843a8c-fcfc-4687-8b56-b7a3f00514de?elinkdata=20724">Jacob Williamson's</a> double. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ab6c2afd-59a1-4f0e-b42e-632efa66a9fb?elinkdata=20724">Tyler Favretto</a> traded places with Williamson with another double and two batters later <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8d7defaf-1df3-44aa-a502-5fd1c74fdc1d?elinkdata=20724">Fernando Ruvalcaba</a> launched a ball out to right center to give the Coyotes a 4-0 lead.The Coyotes added another in the fifth as Williamson reached on an error to start the inning then scored when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4c446f88-1ff6-4b52-a90e-5eb5ddee0f05?elinkdata=20724">Garrett Garfield</a> hit into a double play with no one out.Friends got two runs on the board in the sixth on a 2-run homer and added two more in the seventh on another 2-run homer.The Falcons took the lead in the top of the eighth scoring three runs, all coming on a bases clearing double with the bases loaded and two outs in the inning.The Rally Yotes then came up in the eighth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ae6b4671-1eac-4465-b857-2f7e0d28a773?elinkdata=20724">Jesse Conrad</a> led off with a double, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60be6ab6-843b-4deb-a360-4780d4e72896?elinkdata=20724">Joe Finder</a> followed with a single. Williamson grounded out but a run scored. Friends intentionally walked Favretto, and Garfield then walked. Ruvalcaba then singled through the left side to bring in two runs and push the Coyotes back into the lead.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a4765f90-78b5-4643-b9b7-7509a762e954?elinkdata=20724">Carter Allen</a> then singled on a bunt and brought in Garfield on the play, but an error allowed Ruvalcaba to move to third on the play.Friends loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the ninth, but did not score. KWU got a fielder's choice play at the plate to keep Friends off the board and get the first out, and then a strike out and a ground out would end it.Ruvalcaba was 3 for 3 with four RBI and two walks for the Coyotes. Favretto, Allen and Finder had two hits each. Starter <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d5cdab35-2b20-4639-ab97-9c8b417dee2c?elinkdata=20724">Brett Maddock</a> went six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ba6fc3f6-c4f4-4b73-b029-3189324adaf5?elinkdata=20724">Ritter Steinmann</a> got the win, pitching an inning and two thirds in relief. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82370fca-51d2-4551-ac8b-94380dbe6062?elinkdata=20724">Hunter Blea</a> came in with the bases loaded and no one out and shut down the Falcons to get the save.

Coyote baseball rallies past Friends 9-7

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Tennis got a 5-2 win over Midland University on Friday at Salina Tennis Alliance Center.

It was technically a forfeit win for the Coyotes, as Midland only had two competing players, and a minimum of four is needed for a contestable match.

In the one doubles flight that was played Midland got a 6-3 win as Kissmel Cedano Lapaix and Graziela Dallagnol beat <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ba8fea9-b6ec-4c5a-bb99-2cb5d2e02e72?elinkdata=20662">Hayden Bellamy</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f3a767a2-1438-40a2-8ea9-c1f69c394910?elinkdata=20662">Danielle Slack</a> 6-3.

Midland also got wins in the two contested singles flights as Cedano Lapaix beat Bellamy 9-7 and Dallagnol beat Slack 9-7.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/360e4c82-be2f-4078-8843-b9e3609c7703?elinkdata=20662">Kira McGrown</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aee71454-ac33-4b3c-a57d-3e346703c27d?elinkdata=20662">Ania Bonner</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e7faae57-7c27-4c33-bf49-c3a2cc0516dd?elinkdata=20662">Isabella Gutierrez-Myers</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ef39f21-1387-4e7e-88b0-e29d8b714dcf?elinkdata=20662">Lauren Higgins</a> got default wins in singles. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51f5fa3b-1e54-45fa-ae0e-f49e0805b694?elinkdata=20662">Alivia Sherer</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d95bbc47-1ec0-4292-bc22-564b33a5c003?elinkdata=20662">Eliza Camp</a>, and Higgins and Gutierrez-Myers got default wins at doubles.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Tennis got a 5-2 win over Midland University on Friday at Salina Tennis Alliance Center.It was technically a forfeit win for the Coyotes, as Midland only had two competing players, and a minimum of four is needed for a contestable match.In the one doubles flight that was played Midland got a 6-3 win as Kissmel Cedano Lapaix and Graziela Dallagnol beat <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0ba8fea9-b6ec-4c5a-bb99-2cb5d2e02e72?elinkdata=20662">Hayden Bellamy</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f3a767a2-1438-40a2-8ea9-c1f69c394910?elinkdata=20662">Danielle Slack</a> 6-3.Midland also got wins in the two contested singles flights as Cedano Lapaix beat Bellamy 9-7 and Dallagnol beat Slack 9-7.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/360e4c82-be2f-4078-8843-b9e3609c7703?elinkdata=20662">Kira McGrown</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/aee71454-ac33-4b3c-a57d-3e346703c27d?elinkdata=20662">Ania Bonner</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e7faae57-7c27-4c33-bf49-c3a2cc0516dd?elinkdata=20662">Isabella Gutierrez-Myers</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8ef39f21-1387-4e7e-88b0-e29d8b714dcf?elinkdata=20662">Lauren Higgins</a> got default wins in singles. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/51f5fa3b-1e54-45fa-ae0e-f49e0805b694?elinkdata=20662">Alivia Sherer</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d95bbc47-1ec0-4292-bc22-564b33a5c003?elinkdata=20662">Eliza Camp</a>, and Higgins and Gutierrez-Myers got default wins at doubles.

KWU women's Tennis wins over Midland 5-2

Following Thursday's thrilling Kansas Conference tournament quarterfinal victory over Saint Mary in Mabee Arena the top-seeded Coyotes are preparing for the semifinals. The winner advances to the championship March 4 at the site of the higher seeded team.

All tickets must be purchased in advance on the KCAC ticketing portal: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6988bb3d-7790-4d72-b263-012730b2794f?elinkdata=20600">https://kcacsports.com/sports/2023/1/6/tickets.aspx</a>. KWU will have staff at the entry gates to assist fans with purchasing tickets through the KCAC ticketing portal, but there will be no cash sales and no point-of-sale ticket sales on site. KWU regular season passes will not be accepted at the event.

The games will be streamed live on the Coyote Sports Network, part of the KCAC Digital Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d25fcf-be16-42e1-b2ba-193a656d40e4?elinkdata=20600">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>

An audio-only broadcast of the game will be available online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a83e49a-dea9-42c5-b641-49fdfb74628e?elinkdata=20600">salinapost.com</a>, by listening live to 910 KINA/107.5 FM. The Voice of the Coyotes Tyler Henry and Russ Cossel will have the call of the game with Coyote Pregame Live starting at 6:30 p.m. The game can also be heard locally on 910 KINA and 107.5 FM.

Live Stats will be available as well, at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2dac6faa-037a-41ef-8a6b-7f5eba9c66e8?elinkdata=20600">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a>

Following Thursday's thrilling Kansas Conference tournament quarterfinal victory over Saint Mary in Mabee Arena the top-seeded Coyotes are preparing for the semifinals. The winner advances to the championship March 4 at the site of the higher seeded team.SATURDAY'S GAMEOpponent: FriendsTime: 7 p.m.Location: Mabee ArenaTICKETSAll tickets must be purchased in advance on the KCAC ticketing portal: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6988bb3d-7790-4d72-b263-012730b2794f?elinkdata=20600">https://kcacsports.com/sports/2023/1/6/tickets.aspx</a>. KWU will have staff at the entry gates to assist fans with purchasing tickets through the KCAC ticketing portal, but there will be no cash sales and no point-of-sale ticket sales on site. KWU regular season passes will not be accepted at the event.GAME COVERAGEThe games will be streamed live on the Coyote Sports Network, part of the KCAC Digital Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09d25fcf-be16-42e1-b2ba-193a656d40e4?elinkdata=20600">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>An audio-only broadcast of the game will be available online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4a83e49a-dea9-42c5-b641-49fdfb74628e?elinkdata=20600">salinapost.com</a>, by listening live to 910 KINA/107.5 FM. The Voice of the Coyotes Tyler Henry and Russ Cossel will have the call of the game with Coyote Pregame Live starting at 6:30 p.m. The game can also be heard locally on 910 KINA and 107.5 FM.Live Stats will be available as well, at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2dac6faa-037a-41ef-8a6b-7f5eba9c66e8?elinkdata=20600">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>No. 1 seeded Kansas Wesleyan 23-6</li><li>No. 5 seeded Friends 18-11</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes won both regular season games but trail in the series 22-20 since 2006. They won 78-65 on December 7 in Wichita and 73-69 on January 25 in Mabee Arena.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>A victory over Friends would put the Coyotes in the championship for the first time since 2013. They advanced to the semis with a hard-fought 80-77 victory over Saint Mary. A 10-2 fourth quarter run gave them the lead for good, 74-69, although USM got within 78-77 with 6.5 seconds left. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/478dd7d1-da94-437d-bdc2-0989907214f2?elinkdata=20600">Jill Stephens</a> made 4 of 4 free throws in the final 14.1. Five Coyotes scored in double figures led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/14825c76-d7b2-4d89-a4cb-8b8437daa999?elinkdata=20600">LaMyah Ricks</a> with 16 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dc5f1609-80c0-4362-9851-3933945aeb44?elinkdata=20600">Odessa Ozuna</a> 13. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4690f154-45bc-47ed-88f0-d09fd0d6e719?elinkdata=20600">Hampton Williams</a> had 12 points and 13 rebounds.</li><li>The first game with Friends this season was tied at 52 after three quarters before KWU pulled away in the final 10 minutes. KWU took a 56-55 lead into the fourth quarter. Ricks scored 20, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3b10fab0-6f01-41d3-a8e3-41a587e6b9b1?elinkdata=20600">Angel Lee</a> 16 and the Coyotes were 11 of 25 from 3-point range. Lee had 22 points, Ozuna 11 and Ricks and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c67393a7-b061-49d1-b99b-48db7e54ca02?elinkdata=20600">Paige Chauncey</a> 10 each in the second game that was close throughout. Chauncey also had 10 rebounds.</li><li>Balanced scoring is the key as seven Coyotes average between 12.1 and 6.7 points - Ricks 12.1, Lee 11.8, Williams 9.9, Stephens 9.6, Ozuna 8.8, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a33611cf-e915-4a90-ae12-84409b9d1901?elinkdata=20600">Paige Chauncey</a> 7.7 and Cat Bowman 6.7. KWU averages 76 points and allows 63.7. Williams pulls down a team-best 7.4 rebounds.</li>
 </ul>FRIENDS AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Falcons stayed alive with a 68-66 come-from-behind victory over Bethel on Thursday in North Newton. They trailed 41-31 at halftime and were down 12 early in the third quarter. Abigail Barr scored 12 and Taylor Jackson had 15 and 10 rebounds. Friends is 5-5 in its last 10 games.</li><li>Lauryn McIver scored 18 and Barr 17 but Jackson did not play in the first game against KWU in Wichita. Jackson had 22 points and 12 rebounds, McIver 18 points and Barr 14 in the second game in Mabee Arena.</li><li>McIver averages a team-high 15.4 points followed by Jackson at 14.5, Barr 12.3 and Kori Babcock 10.4. Jackson also averages 12.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. Friends averages 70.6 points and allows 64.0.</li>
 </ul>

Coyotes host Friends in KCAC Semifinals on Saturday at Mabee Arena

The coach himself is new, but his last name is quite familiar.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/45cf6869-811b-4c7e-9dd5-29348c5f370b?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> has been named men's soccer coach at Kansas Wesleyan. He replaces his father Bruce at the helm after leading the Coyotes the past two seasons and compiling a 24-11-5 record, 17-4-5 in the Kansas Conference. KWU was 11-6-3 overall and finished second in the KCAC with an 8-2-3 record last fall.

Ryan was an assistant coach during both seasons after completing his playing career at Division I University of Albany.

"It was a decision that was based on wanting to make sure we don't lose any traction with all the hard work that's been done the last two years," KWU Director of Athletics <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8fa4f6d4-f58c-49c8-8d94-df59c314c2ba?elinkdata=20569">Miguel Paredes</a> said. "The students know Ryan and he knows the process. I feel comfortable with Ryan picking up where we left off."

Palmbaum said he's thrilled and eager to get started.

"I am extremely grateful," he said. "I've been with the program for the last two years through the rise and I've seen the growth from where we started to where we are now. I'm just excited to continue the path and to push to win a (KCAC) championship and continue the success that we've had in the last couple of years."

Palmbaum said his father is a big reason for success.

"My dad is my biggest role model," he said. "We would always train one on one all through my life. Growing up and everything that I did in my life as a player I can pretty much attribute to him as a coach. He's extremely personable and connects with players super well."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e0b2fe30-c35d-4f7d-9866-278181eb189e?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> will incorporate much of what he learned from his father into his own program.

"His coaching is a lot about relationship building and you won't be able to build a championship team without players who are bought in," he said. "For me that's the biggest thing. It's not about the talent, it's not about the accolades, it's about how invested the players are in the mission."

The Coyotes will not be a carbon copy of the 2023 and '24 teams, though. Ryan played center midfield during his college years and had experience as a striker.

"I was an attacker as a player and I plan on an attacking style as a coach as well," he said. "I'm hoping to come out and score a lot of goals and hopefully not let many goals get past us. We're going to be very disciplined and we're going to be very diligent in the tactics that we decide on depending on the players that we have and the strength of the players.

"I love to score goals, love to create. I was a very creative player, and I grew up playing in Argentina. It was all about creativity passing, assist scoring. I was the orchestrator of the offense."

Paredes is confident <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2f32962-0b59-4484-a128-6d2f39746f19?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> will continue the growth the program has had in the last two seasons.

"I'm just felt more comfortable with him being able to take us to the next level rather than waiting to try to figure out who we're going to be," he said. "We know who we are, we know what we want to become. That was huge and very instrumental in the decision that we made."

Palmbaum played at Division II Northern Michigan from 2019-21 before transferring to Albany for his final two years in 2022-23 where he earned bachelor's degree in management and finance. He has played professionally in Spain and Greece and competed in professional academies in Argentina, England, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland.

With <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/99e23210-6afd-4638-a641-61f1d559aa16?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> on the staff KWU recruited 99 players from 22 nations and had a 75 percent retention rate in the last two years.

Twenty-two Coyotes earned Daktronics Scholar Athletes which ranked among the top five in the NAIA and had a 3.3 team grade point average.

The coach himself is new, but his last name is quite familiar.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/45cf6869-811b-4c7e-9dd5-29348c5f370b?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> has been named men's soccer coach at Kansas Wesleyan. He replaces his father Bruce at the helm after leading the Coyotes the past two seasons and compiling a 24-11-5 record, 17-4-5 in the Kansas Conference. KWU was 11-6-3 overall and finished second in the KCAC with an 8-2-3 record last fall.Ryan was an assistant coach during both seasons after completing his playing career at Division I University of Albany."It was a decision that was based on wanting to make sure we don't lose any traction with all the hard work that's been done the last two years," KWU Director of Athletics <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8fa4f6d4-f58c-49c8-8d94-df59c314c2ba?elinkdata=20569">Miguel Paredes</a> said. "The students know Ryan and he knows the process. I feel comfortable with Ryan picking up where we left off."Palmbaum said he's thrilled and eager to get started."I am extremely grateful," he said. "I've been with the program for the last two years through the rise and I've seen the growth from where we started to where we are now. I'm just excited to continue the path and to push to win a (KCAC) championship and continue the success that we've had in the last couple of years."Palmbaum said his father is a big reason for success."My dad is my biggest role model," he said. "We would always train one on one all through my life. Growing up and everything that I did in my life as a player I can pretty much attribute to him as a coach. He's extremely personable and connects with players super well."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e0b2fe30-c35d-4f7d-9866-278181eb189e?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> will incorporate much of what he learned from his father into his own program."His coaching is a lot about relationship building and you won't be able to build a championship team without players who are bought in," he said. "For me that's the biggest thing. It's not about the talent, it's not about the accolades, it's about how invested the players are in the mission."The Coyotes will not be a carbon copy of the 2023 and '24 teams, though. Ryan played center midfield during his college years and had experience as a striker."I was an attacker as a player and I plan on an attacking style as a coach as well," he said. "I'm hoping to come out and score a lot of goals and hopefully not let many goals get past us. We're going to be very disciplined and we're going to be very diligent in the tactics that we decide on depending on the players that we have and the strength of the players."I love to score goals, love to create. I was a very creative player, and I grew up playing in Argentina. It was all about creativity passing, assist scoring. I was the orchestrator of the offense."Paredes is confident <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2f32962-0b59-4484-a128-6d2f39746f19?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> will continue the growth the program has had in the last two seasons."I'm just felt more comfortable with him being able to take us to the next level rather than waiting to try to figure out who we're going to be," he said. "We know who we are, we know what we want to become. That was huge and very instrumental in the decision that we made."Palmbaum played at Division II Northern Michigan from 2019-21 before transferring to Albany for his final two years in 2022-23 where he earned bachelor's degree in management and finance. He has played professionally in Spain and Greece and competed in professional academies in Argentina, England, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland.With <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/99e23210-6afd-4638-a641-61f1d559aa16?elinkdata=20569">Ryan Palmbaum</a> on the staff KWU recruited 99 players from 22 nations and had a 75 percent retention rate in the last two years.Twenty-two Coyotes earned Daktronics Scholar Athletes which ranked among the top five in the NAIA and had a 3.3 team grade point average.

Ryan Palmbaum named men's soccer coach at Kansas Wesleyan

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;(14/16) K-State (25-5, 13-4 Big 12) caps its 2024-25 regular season schedule on Sunday, as the Wildcats visit Iowa State (19-10, 10-6) at 3 p.m.

• With a win on Sunday, K-State will tie the school record for wins in conference play - 14 in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.

• Sunday’s game will air on ESPN2, as Brenda VanLengen (play-by-play) and Andrea Lloyd (analyst) will have the call.

Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball

• K-State has led the nation in assists for most of the season and recently pocketed the school season record for assists. The Wildcats have dished out 653 assists breaking the record set last season of 631.

2. K-State Closing in on Blocks Record

• With 13 blocked shots, K-State will set the school record for blocks in a season. The Wildcats have recorded 166 blocks this season and ranks fifth in the nation for total blocks and third in program history for a season. K-State established the current record of 178 in the 2023-24 season.

3. Sundell with Diverse Season Line

• All-America candidate Serena Sundell is the first player in program history to register three seasons with 400 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 100 or more assists. She joined Kayla Goth as the only two K-State players to register a season with 400 or more points, 200 or more assists and 100 or more rebounds.

4. Glenn Approaching Milestone on the Glass

• Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn needs six rebounds to become the 20th player in program history with 600 or more career rebounds.

• This is the fourth season in program history with five or more players to hand out 50 or more assists. The five players with 50 or more assists this season are: Sundell (214), Zyanna Walker (110), Glenn (92), Taryn Sides (87) and Temira Poindexter (52).

• K-State has made 258 three-point field goals this season. The Wildcats are 10th in the nation and third in the Big 12 for 3-point field goals made this season.

• The 258 three-point field goals made this season ranks fourth in program history and is the fourth season with 250 or more 3-point field goals made in a season.

• K-State ranks third in the Big 12 and 24th in the nation for 3-point field goals made per game (8.60). The Wildcats are shooting .393 from distance and leads the Big 12 and ranks second in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage. K-State’s 3-point field goals made per game would be second in program history, while the 3-point percentage would also rank second.

• K-State has recorded 12 games this season with 10 or more connections from long range. This is the highest total of games with 10 or more connections from distance since the 2012-13 season when the Wildcats tallied 14 games with 10 or more connections.

2024-25 K-State Player Milestones to Watch

• Needs 12 points to reach 2,500 in her career

• Needs three double-doubles to move into second in Big 12 history for career double-doubles

• Needs 160 rebounds to move into second in Big 12 history for career rebounds

• Needs 14 made free throws to set the school record for career free throws made

• Needs 1 point to move into 8th in K-State history for career points

• Needs 36 points to move into 8th in K-State history for career points

• Needs 2 assists to move into 7th in Big 12 history for career assists

• Needs 9 assists to move into 6th in Big 12 history for career assists

• Needs 38 assists to set the school record for career assists

• Needs 35 steals to move into third on K-State career steals list

• Needs 5 assists to move into 15th on K-State career assists list

• Needs 11 rebounds for sole possession of 19th on the K-State career rebounds list

• Needs 6 rebounds for to become 20th player in program history with 600 or more career rebounds

• Needs 5 points for sole possession of 31st on the K-State career points list

• Iowa State (20-10, 11-6 Big 12) enters Sunday’s game following a 98-73 win at UCF on Tuesday. The Cyclones have won five of their last six games.

• On the sideline, Iowa State is guided by 30th-year head coach Bill Fennelly. In his time with the Cyclones, Fennelly has achieved a record of 631-323 (.661). Fennelly is the longest tenured head coach among the Big 12’s head coaches.

• On the floor, the Cyclones are led by sophomores Audi Crooks and Addy Brown.

• Crooks, a native of Algona, Iowa, leads the Big 12 in scoring at 22.6 points per game on a .590 field goal percentage that ranks third in the league. She has also pulled down with 7.6 rebounds. At UCF, Crooks tallied 29 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 11-of-13 from the foul line while adding in eight rebounds and four assists.

• Brown is second on the team in scoring and assists with 14.9 points per game and 5.2 assists. She paces the squad on the glass at 7.7 rebounds per game. Against the Knights, Brown notched 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, nine rebounds and four assists.

• K-State has a 298-328 (.476) record in road games during the program’s 57-year history.

• In his career in road games, head coach Jeff Mittie is 174-208 (.455) including a 49-71 (.408) mark during his time at K-State.

• This season, K-State is 6-3 in road games including one win against an AP top-25 foe (22, Utah, 1/8/25).

• In the 2023-24 season, K-State was 6-4 (.600) in road games. The Wildcats opened the season with a five-game road winning streak, which was K-State’s longest since a five-game streak in the 2018-19 season.

• Among its six road wins last season, the Wildcats collected two over AP top-25 opponents (at #2 Iowa; at #13 Baylor).

• K-State’s six road wins were the most by the Wildcats since the 2019-20 season (7-5).

• With its win at then second-ranked Iowa on Nov. 16, 2023, K-State secured its highest ranked road win in program history and ended a 14-game road losing streak against ranked opponents.

• During the Jeff Mittie era, K-State has dealt out rejection to its opponents including a record total in 2023-24 season.

• This season, K-State is averaging 5.5 blocks per game (166 blocks) and ranks second in the Big 12 and 10th in the nation. The Wildcats are one of three teams in the nation (South Carolina &amp; Virginia) that feature seven players with 10 or more blocks this season - Ayoka Lee (41), Serena Sundell (27), Temira Poindexter (27), Zyanna Walker (17), Eliza Maupin (16), Imani Lester (15), Kennedy Taylor (11).

• K-State’s blocked shots total of 166 is third-highest single-season total in program history. With 13 blocked shots, K-State would set the school record for blocks in a season, surpassing the mark set last season of 178.

• The Wildcats have registered 150 or more blocked shots in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. K-State has blocked 120 or more shots in each of Mittie’s 11 seasons, the longest streak of 120 or more blocks in program history.

• K-State has a blocked shot differential of +85 this season (166-81). Since blocks became official in 1982-83, K-State has 22 seasons with a positive blocked shot differential including a school record of +95 last season.

• K-State recorded a season-high nine blocks against Milwaukee on Nov. 20, against DePaul on Nov. 27 and against Arizona on Jan. 16.

• During the Mittie era, Kansas State has sent back 1,693 shots for 4.77 per game in the 355 games. The 1,693 blocks in the 11 seasons are the most in any 11-season span in program history.

• K-State has continued to attack the lane in the 2024-25 season.

• The Wildcats have registered 30 or more points in the lane in 24 games this season including a season-high 56 points in the paint against Milwaukee on Nov. 20 and DePaul on Nov. 27. The 56 points were the most since scoring 58 against McNeese State on Dec. 6, 2023.

• This season, K-State is averaging 38.7 points per game (1,160 points) in the paint with 48.3 percent of its points from inside the lane and have outscored its foes in the lane in 24 games.

• This is the fourth consecutive season K-State has scored 1,000 or more points in the paint. K-State has scored 1,000 or more points in the paint in five of Jeff Mittie’s 11 seasons.

• In the 2023-24 season, K-State scored 1,268 points (37.3 ppg) in the paint which was 52.0 percent of K-State’s overall point total.The 1,268 points in the paint were the most scored in the lane in Mittie’s 11 seasons in Manhattan.

• K-State has received an offensive boost from its second unit.

• The Wildcats are averaging 23.5 points per game (705 points) from the bench this season and ranks third in the Big 12 and 46th in the nation for bench points per game. K-State has had the upperhand in bench points in 19 games this season (17-2).

• K-State’s 705 bench points are the second time in the Jeff Mittie era in which the bench recorded 700 or more points in a season. The top mark for bench points in the Mittie era stands at 708 in the 2016-17 season.

• K-State has scored 20 or more bench points in 17 games. The Wildcats registered a season-high of 43 bench points against Kansas on Feb. 22. This was the highest bench total since scoring 47 against McNeese State on Dec. 6, 2023.

• Serena Sundell continues to fill up the stat sheet with her diverse skills and achieved a rare career stat line.

• Sundell is the first player in program history with 1,500 or more career points and 750 or more career assists.

• In her career, Sundell is the first player in program history to register three seasons with 400 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 100 or more assists. She joined Kayla Goth as the only two K-State players to register a season with 400 or more points, 200 or more assists and 100 or more rebounds. She is the first player in program history to average 10 or more points and five or more assists in three seasons. She owns 62 career games with 10 or more points and five or more assists.

• This season, Sundell owns a career-high seven double-doubles including her first career triple-double.

• She joined Kayla Goth (3 times) as the only players in program history with two or more career games with 20 or more points and 10 or more assists.

• Sundell became the fifth player in program history and the first since Shalee Lehning (March 7, 2009) to register a triple-double. Sundell finished with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.

• The product of Maryville, Missouri, registered the most points in a triple-double in program history. She also tallied the highest number of assists in a K-State triple-double.

• Sundell was the first Big 12 player to pocket a triple-double since the 2022-23 and the 11th league player to grab a triple-double since at least the 2009-10 season.

• She is one of five players in the nation this season with at least 20 points as part of her triple-double.

• Against DePaul on Nov. 27, Sundell notched 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, a block and a steal.

• Against Kansas on Jan. 20, 2024, Sundell registered a final line of 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. She was the only player in the Big 12 since at least the 2009-10 season to reach these numbers in a game.

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;(14/16) K-State (25-5, 13-4 Big 12) caps its 2024-25 regular season schedule on Sunday, as the Wildcats visit Iowa State (19-10, 10-6) at 3 p.m.• With a win on Sunday, K-State will tie the school record for wins in conference play - 14 in the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons.• Sunday’s game will air on ESPN2, as Brenda VanLengen (play-by-play) and Andrea Lloyd (analyst) will have the call.Starting 5Five names, numbers or storylines about K-State women’s basketball1. Cats Set Season Assist Record• K-State has led the nation in assists for most of the season and recently pocketed the school season record for assists. The Wildcats have dished out 653 assists breaking the record set last season of 631.2. K-State Closing in on Blocks Record• With 13 blocked shots, K-State will set the school record for blocks in a season. The Wildcats have recorded 166 blocks this season and ranks fifth in the nation for total blocks and third in program history for a season. K-State established the current record of 178 in the 2023-24 season.3. Sundell with Diverse Season Line• All-America candidate Serena Sundell is the first player in program history to register three seasons with 400 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 100 or more assists. She joined Kayla Goth as the only two K-State players to register a season with 400 or more points, 200 or more assists and 100 or more rebounds.4. Glenn Approaching Milestone on the Glass• Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn needs six rebounds to become the 20th player in program history with 600 or more career rebounds.5. Happy Helpers• This is the fourth season in program history with five or more players to hand out 50 or more assists. The five players with 50 or more assists this season are: Sundell (214), Zyanna Walker (110), Glenn (92), Taryn Sides (87) and Temira Poindexter (52).Number to Know258• K-State has made 258 three-point field goals this season. The Wildcats are 10th in the nation and third in the Big 12 for 3-point field goals made this season.• The 258 three-point field goals made this season ranks fourth in program history and is the fourth season with 250 or more 3-point field goals made in a season.• K-State ranks third in the Big 12 and 24th in the nation for 3-point field goals made per game (8.60). The Wildcats are shooting .393 from distance and leads the Big 12 and ranks second in the nation in 3-point field goal percentage. K-State’s 3-point field goals made per game would be second in program history, while the 3-point percentage would also rank second.• K-State has recorded 12 games this season with 10 or more connections from long range. This is the highest total of games with 10 or more connections from distance since the 2012-13 season when the Wildcats tallied 14 games with 10 or more connections.2024-25 K-State Player Milestones to WatchAyoka Lee• Needs 12 points to reach 2,500 in her career• Needs three double-doubles to move into second in Big 12 history for career double-doubles• Needs 160 rebounds to move into second in Big 12 history for career rebounds• Needs 14 made free throws to set the school record for career free throws madeSerena Sundell• Needs 1 point to move into 8th in K-State history for career points• Needs 36 points to move into 8th in K-State history for career points• Needs 2 assists to move into 7th in Big 12 history for career assists• Needs 9 assists to move into 6th in Big 12 history for career assists• Needs 38 assists to set the school record for career assistsJaelyn Glenn• Needs 35 steals to move into third on K-State career steals list• Needs 5 assists to move into 15th on K-State career assists list• Needs 11 rebounds for sole possession of 19th on the K-State career rebounds list• Needs 6 rebounds for to become 20th player in program history with 600 or more career rebounds• Needs 5 points for sole possession of 31st on the K-State career points listAt a Glance: Iowa State• Iowa State (20-10, 11-6 Big 12) enters Sunday’s game following a 98-73 win at UCF on Tuesday. The Cyclones have won five of their last six games.• On the sideline, Iowa State is guided by 30th-year head coach Bill Fennelly. In his time with the Cyclones, Fennelly has achieved a record of 631-323 (.661). Fennelly is the longest tenured head coach among the Big 12’s head coaches.• On the floor, the Cyclones are led by sophomores Audi Crooks and Addy Brown.• Crooks, a native of Algona, Iowa, leads the Big 12 in scoring at 22.6 points per game on a .590 field goal percentage that ranks third in the league. She has also pulled down with 7.6 rebounds. At UCF, Crooks tallied 29 points on 9-of-12 shooting and 11-of-13 from the foul line while adding in eight rebounds and four assists.• Brown is second on the team in scoring and assists with 14.9 points per game and 5.2 assists. She paces the squad on the glass at 7.7 rebounds per game. Against the Knights, Brown notched 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, nine rebounds and four assists.Wildcats on the Road• K-State has a 298-328 (.476) record in road games during the program’s 57-year history.• In his career in road games, head coach Jeff Mittie is 174-208 (.455) including a 49-71 (.408) mark during his time at K-State.• This season, K-State is 6-3 in road games including one win against an AP top-25 foe (22, Utah, 1/8/25).• In the 2023-24 season, K-State was 6-4 (.600) in road games. The Wildcats opened the season with a five-game road winning streak, which was K-State’s longest since a five-game streak in the 2018-19 season.• Among its six road wins last season, the Wildcats collected two over AP top-25 opponents (at #2 Iowa; at #13 Baylor).• K-State’s six road wins were the most by the Wildcats since the 2019-20 season (7-5).• With its win at then second-ranked Iowa on Nov. 16, 2023, K-State secured its highest ranked road win in program history and ended a 14-game road losing streak against ranked opponents.Cats Send Back Shots Under Mittie• During the Jeff Mittie era, K-State has dealt out rejection to its opponents including a record total in 2023-24 season.• This season, K-State is averaging 5.5 blocks per game (166 blocks) and ranks second in the Big 12 and 10th in the nation. The Wildcats are one of three teams in the nation (South Carolina &amp; Virginia) that feature seven players with 10 or more blocks this season - Ayoka Lee (41), Serena Sundell (27), Temira Poindexter (27), Zyanna Walker (17), Eliza Maupin (16), Imani Lester (15), Kennedy Taylor (11).• K-State’s blocked shots total of 166 is third-highest single-season total in program history. With 13 blocked shots, K-State would set the school record for blocks in a season, surpassing the mark set last season of 178.• The Wildcats have registered 150 or more blocked shots in consecutive seasons for the first time since the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. K-State has blocked 120 or more shots in each of Mittie’s 11 seasons, the longest streak of 120 or more blocks in program history.• K-State has a blocked shot differential of +85 this season (166-81). Since blocks became official in 1982-83, K-State has 22 seasons with a positive blocked shot differential including a school record of +95 last season.• K-State recorded a season-high nine blocks against Milwaukee on Nov. 20, against DePaul on Nov. 27 and against Arizona on Jan. 16.• During the Mittie era, Kansas State has sent back 1,693 shots for 4.77 per game in the 355 games. The 1,693 blocks in the 11 seasons are the most in any 11-season span in program history.K-State Attacking the Paint• K-State has continued to attack the lane in the 2024-25 season.• The Wildcats have registered 30 or more points in the lane in 24 games this season including a season-high 56 points in the paint against Milwaukee on Nov. 20 and DePaul on Nov. 27. The 56 points were the most since scoring 58 against McNeese State on Dec. 6, 2023.• This season, K-State is averaging 38.7 points per game (1,160 points) in the paint with 48.3 percent of its points from inside the lane and have outscored its foes in the lane in 24 games.• This is the fourth consecutive season K-State has scored 1,000 or more points in the paint. K-State has scored 1,000 or more points in the paint in five of Jeff Mittie’s 11 seasons.• In the 2023-24 season, K-State scored 1,268 points (37.3 ppg) in the paint which was 52.0 percent of K-State’s overall point total.The 1,268 points in the paint were the most scored in the lane in Mittie’s 11 seasons in Manhattan.Bench Boost• K-State has received an offensive boost from its second unit.• The Wildcats are averaging 23.5 points per game (705 points) from the bench this season and ranks third in the Big 12 and 46th in the nation for bench points per game. K-State has had the upperhand in bench points in 19 games this season (17-2).• K-State’s 705 bench points are the second time in the Jeff Mittie era in which the bench recorded 700 or more points in a season. The top mark for bench points in the Mittie era stands at 708 in the 2016-17 season.• K-State has scored 20 or more bench points in 17 games. The Wildcats registered a season-high of 43 bench points against Kansas on Feb. 22. This was the highest bench total since scoring 47 against McNeese State on Dec. 6, 2023.Glow of Sundell• Serena Sundell continues to fill up the stat sheet with her diverse skills and achieved a rare career stat line.• Sundell is the first player in program history with 1,500 or more career points and 750 or more career assists.• In her career, Sundell is the first player in program history to register three seasons with 400 or more points, 100 or more rebounds and 100 or more assists. She joined Kayla Goth as the only two K-State players to register a season with 400 or more points, 200 or more assists and 100 or more rebounds. She is the first player in program history to average 10 or more points and five or more assists in three seasons. She owns 62 career games with 10 or more points and five or more assists.• This season, Sundell owns a career-high seven double-doubles including her first career triple-double.• She joined Kayla Goth (3 times) as the only players in program history with two or more career games with 20 or more points and 10 or more assists.• Sundell became the fifth player in program history and the first since Shalee Lehning (March 7, 2009) to register a triple-double. Sundell finished with 26 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds.• The product of Maryville, Missouri, registered the most points in a triple-double in program history. She also tallied the highest number of assists in a K-State triple-double.• Sundell was the first Big 12 player to pocket a triple-double since the 2022-23 and the 11th league player to grab a triple-double since at least the 2009-10 season.• She is one of five players in the nation this season with at least 20 points as part of her triple-double.• Against DePaul on Nov. 27, Sundell notched 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, a block and a steal.• Against Kansas on Jan. 20, 2024, Sundell registered a final line of 15 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks. She was the only player in the Big 12 since at least the 2009-10 season to reach these numbers in a game.

K-State Closes Out Regular Season at Iowa State on Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –&nbsp;In preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas’ Logan Brown, Cobee Bryant, Mello Dotson and Devin Neal will participate in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine from Feb. 24-March 3 in Indianapolis.

The NFL Combine officially begins on Feb. 27 with on-field drills for Bryant and Dotson on Feb. 28, on-field drills for Neal on March 1 and for Logan Brown on March 2. The four Jayhawks are among 329 premiere athletes that will participate in the combine, as they are on display in front of the NFL’s head coaches, assistant coaches, general managers, scouting personnel, and medical staffs from all 32 NFL teams.

Kansas’ four representatives are the second-most in program history and are the most since 2008, when Kansas sent five players (Anthony Collins, Derek Fine, Marcus Henry, James McClinton, Aqib Talib) to the NFL Combine.

Brown and Neal most recently showcased their talents at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Feb. 1. Brown earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors by league coaches and the Associated Press (AP) after starting 11 games at tackle as a redshirt junior.

Neal earned AP All-Big 12 Second Team honors after a record-breaking season in which he became Kansas’ all-time leader in rushing yards (4,343), rushing touchdowns (49), total touchdowns (53) and 100-yard rushing games (20). Neal finished his senior season with 1,266 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, both of which ranked in the top-five in the Big 12 Conference.

Bryant and Dotson enter the 2025 NFL Combine after great showings at the East-West Shrine Bowl, which took place in Dallas, Texas on Jan. 30. Both Bryant and Dotson finished the 2024 season as All-Americans at Kansas, marking the first time in school history with two players earning All-America at cornerback in the same season.

Bryant was named Second Team All-America by The Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) after recording four interceptions to go along with 37 tackles, one forced fumble and seven pass breakups. Bryant's four interceptions tied for the third most in the Big 12, while he finished his career with 13 interceptions, tied for the third-most among cornerbacks nationally. Bryant's 13 career interceptions are also tied for No. 2 in Kansas football program history, trailing only Ray Evans, who finished his career with 17 interceptions.

Dotson was named Walter Camp Second Team All-America and AP Third Team All-America after a standout senior season that was highlighted by his five interceptions, which led the Big 12 Conference and were tied for the third-most among cornerbacks nationally. In addition, Dotson recorded 49 tackles, 12 pass deflections and two interceptions returned for touchdowns, which were tied for the most nationally.

Fans can watch the Jayhawks at the 2025 NFL Combine on NFL Network, while updates and exclusive content can be seen by following Kansas Football on social media.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. –&nbsp;In preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas’ Logan Brown, Cobee Bryant, Mello Dotson and Devin Neal will participate in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine from Feb. 24-March 3 in Indianapolis.The NFL Combine officially begins on Feb. 27 with on-field drills for Bryant and Dotson on Feb. 28, on-field drills for Neal on March 1 and for Logan Brown on March 2. The four Jayhawks are among 329 premiere athletes that will participate in the combine, as they are on display in front of the NFL’s head coaches, assistant coaches, general managers, scouting personnel, and medical staffs from all 32 NFL teams.Kansas’ four representatives are the second-most in program history and are the most since 2008, when Kansas sent five players (Anthony Collins, Derek Fine, Marcus Henry, James McClinton, Aqib Talib) to the NFL Combine.Brown and Neal most recently showcased their talents at the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Feb. 1. Brown earned Second Team All-Big 12 honors by league coaches and the Associated Press (AP) after starting 11 games at tackle as a redshirt junior.Neal earned AP All-Big 12 Second Team honors after a record-breaking season in which he became Kansas’ all-time leader in rushing yards (4,343), rushing touchdowns (49), total touchdowns (53) and 100-yard rushing games (20). Neal finished his senior season with 1,266 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, both of which ranked in the top-five in the Big 12 Conference.Bryant and Dotson enter the 2025 NFL Combine after great showings at the East-West Shrine Bowl, which took place in Dallas, Texas on Jan. 30. Both Bryant and Dotson finished the 2024 season as All-Americans at Kansas, marking the first time in school history with two players earning All-America at cornerback in the same season.Bryant was named Second Team All-America by The Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) after recording four interceptions to go along with 37 tackles, one forced fumble and seven pass breakups. Bryant's four interceptions tied for the third most in the Big 12, while he finished his career with 13 interceptions, tied for the third-most among cornerbacks nationally. Bryant's 13 career interceptions are also tied for No. 2 in Kansas football program history, trailing only Ray Evans, who finished his career with 17 interceptions.Dotson was named Walter Camp Second Team All-America and AP Third Team All-America after a standout senior season that was highlighted by his five interceptions, which led the Big 12 Conference and were tied for the third-most among cornerbacks nationally. In addition, Dotson recorded 49 tackles, 12 pass deflections and two interceptions returned for touchdowns, which were tied for the most nationally.Fans can watch the Jayhawks at the 2025 NFL Combine on NFL Network, while updates and exclusive content can be seen by following Kansas Football on social media.Cobee Bryant<ul>
 <li>Thursday, Feb. 27 – Media interviews, NFLPA meeting, team interviews</li><li>Friday, Feb. 28 – Measurements, on-field workout</li><li>Saturday, March 1 – Bench press, broadcast interviews</li>
 </ul>Mello Dotson<ul>
 <li>Thursday, Feb. 27 – Media interviews, NFLPA meeting, team interviews</li><li>Friday, Feb. 28 – Measurements, on-field workout</li><li>Saturday, March 1 – Bench press, broadcast interviews</li>
 </ul>Devin Neal<ul>
 <li>Friday, Feb. 28 – Media interviews, team interviews</li><li>Saturday, March 1 – Measurements, on-field workout</li><li>Sunday, March 2 – Bench press</li>
 </ul>Logan Brown<ul>
 <li>Saturday, March 1 – Media interviews, team interviews</li><li>Sunday, March 2 – Measurements, on-field workout</li><li>Monday, March 3 – Bench press</li>
 </ul>

Four Jayhawks to Participate in 2025 NFL Scouting Combine

SALINA, Kan. - The 2025 Night with the Yotes was one for the history books, as event organizers announced Friday that the event raised more than $200,000 for in support of Kansas Wesleyan's student activities. That is the most raised in the 14 years of the event and bests the previous top mark - accomplished last year - by more than 20%.

"This year's Night with the Yotes was a special experience that exceeded all possible expectations," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. "Thank you to all of our supporters, including the sponsors and attendees who participated in Night with the Yotes for the first time. We are thrilled that the mission of Kansas Wesleyan is so well received by so many!"

More than 600 people attended and 75 corporate sponsors supported the evening's proceedings. Continued sound and light upgrades to Sams Chapel, long-term planning for KWU's strength and conditioning areas and general upgrades for Art and Design, Theatre and DECA are among the specific areas supported.

For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e02df5d1-f603-4ee0-b348-56a3a2e298c0?elinkdata=20538">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

SALINA, Kan. - The 2025 Night with the Yotes was one for the history books, as event organizers announced Friday that the event raised more than $200,000 for in support of Kansas Wesleyan's student activities. That is the most raised in the 14 years of the event and bests the previous top mark - accomplished last year - by more than 20%."This year's Night with the Yotes was a special experience that exceeded all possible expectations," said Ken Oliver, executive vice president of advancement and university operations. "Thank you to all of our supporters, including the sponsors and attendees who participated in Night with the Yotes for the first time. We are thrilled that the mission of Kansas Wesleyan is so well received by so many!"More than 600 people attended and 75 corporate sponsors supported the evening's proceedings. Continued sound and light upgrades to Sams Chapel, long-term planning for KWU's strength and conditioning areas and general upgrades for Art and Design, Theatre and DECA are among the specific areas supported.For more information on Kansas Wesleyan University, please visit <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e02df5d1-f603-4ee0-b348-56a3a2e298c0?elinkdata=20538">www.kwu.edu/news</a>.

KWU Reaches New Heights with Night with the Yotes Results

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline girl’s basketball team began their playoff push with a bang on Thursday night, sending Wichita Collegiate packing in a 60-38 blowout at the purple palace.

Collegiate kept this game competitive off the starting line, staying within four points at the end of the first quarter, but from there, the Lady Trojans turned on the afterburners and flew to the finish line of a 22-point win, leading by 15 at halftime and 21 after three.

Ball security played a huge role in this matchup as Southeast managed to force 14 turnovers while committing just seven themselves.

In another hallmark of Lady Trojan basketball, SES completely shut the Lady Spartans down in the third quarter, allowing just one made field goal and four measly free throws.

Meanwhile offensively it was another true team effort for Southeast on a night where seven different Lady Trojans chipped in at least one bucket.

Kyiah Samuelson led the charge in her postseason debut, rattling off 17 points to lead all scorers.

Samuelson wasn’t the only freshman with a hot hand, as Reese Heinrich added 11 more points, and veteran Aba Pearson contributed 16 more to the cause.

Julia Herrman (15) and Clara Monahan (9) did all they could for Collegiate, but the Lady Spartans simply lacked the firepower necessary to match pace with Southeast.

For Wichita Collegiate the season comes to a close at 8-13 while the Lady Trojans improve to 15-5.

Next up for SES is a trip to Manhattan to tangle with the 15-5 Riley County Lady Falcons next Tuesday at 7:00.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline girl’s basketball team began their playoff push with a bang on Thursday night, sending Wichita Collegiate packing in a 60-38 blowout at the purple palace.<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>Collegiate kept this game competitive off the starting line, staying within four points at the end of the first quarter, but from there, the Lady Trojans turned on the afterburners and flew to the finish line of a 22-point win, leading by 15 at halftime and 21 after three.Ball security played a huge role in this matchup as Southeast managed to force 14 turnovers while committing just seven themselves.In another hallmark of Lady Trojan basketball, SES completely shut the Lady Spartans down in the third quarter, allowing just one made field goal and four measly free throws.Meanwhile offensively it was another true team effort for Southeast on a night where seven different Lady Trojans chipped in at least one bucket.Kyiah Samuelson led the charge in her postseason debut, rattling off 17 points to lead all scorers.Samuelson wasn’t the only freshman with a hot hand, as Reese Heinrich added 11 more points, and veteran Aba Pearson contributed 16 more to the cause.Julia Herrman (15) and Clara Monahan (9) did all they could for Collegiate, but the Lady Spartans simply lacked the firepower necessary to match pace with Southeast.For Wichita Collegiate the season comes to a close at 8-13 while the Lady Trojans improve to 15-5.Next up for SES is a trip to Manhattan to tangle with the 15-5 Riley County Lady Falcons next Tuesday at 7:00.

Lady Trojans throttle Wichita Collegiate in sub-state quarterfinals

The Sacred Heart boy's basketball team returned home to host Inman in the opening round of Sub state, with the Knights defeating the Teutons 58-43.&nbsp;

Sacred Heart found themselves locked in a defensive battle down 3 after the first quarter.&nbsp;

The Knights would answer in the second quarter, with Will Tuttle scoring 15 points after two quarters. 

The Knights went into intermission leading 26-17.&nbsp;

In the second half it was all Sacred Heart, offensively they moved the ball well and put it into the hands of Will Tuttle and Dominic Matteucci. 

Tuttle would knock down four three-pointers, and the Knights would extend their lead 42-32.&nbsp;

The Teutons were led in scoring by a freshman Kru Harris (20), and Malachi Brunk (13).&nbsp;

Sacred Heart was led by a furious career-high night from Will Tuttle, who scored 37 points, shooting nine big ones in the game, and Dominic Matteuci, who finished his evening with 8.&nbsp;

The 2 seed Knights will host the 7 seed Bennington Bulldogs on Tuesday. Tip-off is set for 7 PM.

The Sacred Heart boy's basketball team returned home to host Inman in the opening round of Sub state, with the Knights defeating the Teutons 58-43.&nbsp;Sacred Heart found themselves locked in a defensive battle down 3 after the first quarter.&nbsp;The Knights would answer in the second quarter, with Will Tuttle scoring 15 points after two quarters. The Knights went into intermission leading 26-17.&nbsp;In the second half it was all Sacred Heart, offensively they moved the ball well and put it into the hands of Will Tuttle and Dominic Matteucci. Tuttle would knock down four three-pointers, and the Knights would extend their lead 42-32.&nbsp;The Teutons were led in scoring by a freshman Kru Harris (20), and Malachi Brunk (13).&nbsp;Sacred Heart was led by a furious career-high night from Will Tuttle, who scored 37 points, shooting nine big ones in the game, and Dominic Matteuci, who finished his evening with 8.&nbsp;The 2 seed Knights will host the 7 seed Bennington Bulldogs on Tuesday. Tip-off is set for 7 PM.

Tuttle's big night pushes Knights past Teutons

Kansas Wesleyan women's coach <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/ryan-showman/810">Ryan Showman</a> summed it up best in four words:

"They found a way," he said following the Coyotes' heart-stopping 80-77 Kansas Conference tournament quarterfinal victory over Saint Mary in front of a large, raucous and glo stick-waving crowd Thursday night inside Mabee Arena.

Top-seeded KWU (22-6) advances to the semifinals against fifth-seeded Friends at 7 p.m. Saturday in Mabee Arena. The Falcons (17-11) rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit and defeated Bethel 68-66 on Thursday in North Newton.

The Coyotes' game likewise hung in the balance until the end. Trailing 67-64 with 4½ minutes left they took control with a 10-2 run that gave them a 74-69 lead with 1:53 remaining.

The Spires, though, wouldn't go quietly. Five Alanis Delgado points including a long 3-pointer that banked in off the glass trimmed the KWU lead to 78-77 with 6.5 seconds left.

Saint Mary fouled <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jill-stephens/9662">Jill Stephens</a> on the inbounds play, and she calmly made two free throws with 6.0 seconds remaining just as she had done 8.1 seconds earlier that gave the Coyotes a 78-74 advantage.

"There's a reason we design our plays to get her the ball," Showman said. "It's because she's so good in that situation."

The Spires missed a long and hurried 3-pointer at the other end but retained possession after the ball went out of bounds off the Coyotes with 0.6 seconds left. A desperation 3-pointer from the left baseline hit the side of the backboard as time expired.

The game featured 10 lead changes and 15 ties including 38-38 at halftime and 53-53 after three quarters.

Junior forward <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/hampton-williams/9665">Hampton Williams</a> wasn't surprised the game was close.

"We kind of like to live on the dangerous side," she said.

"It's the resiliency of this team, we just refuse to lose," Showman said. "We got just enough stops and made enough plays at the end."

Five Coyotes scored in double figures led by irrepressible senior point guard <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/lamyah-ricks/9660">LaMyah Ricks</a> with 16 points. <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/odessa-ozuna/9656">Odessa Ozuna</a> had 13, Williams 12 and a game-high 11 rebounds, Cat Bowman 11 points and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/angel-lee/9652">Angel Lee</a> 10.

"Any night can be anyone's night on our team," Williams said. "When we have five people in double figures it's super hard to guard. I feel that's kind of the secret to the sauce."

Delgado was the lone Spire in double figures finishing with 33 points that included five 3-pointers.

KWU shot 40 percent (24 of 60) including 8 of 29 from 3-point range and 29 of 34 at the free throw line. Saint Mary shot 39.7 percent, 9 of 22 from deep and 10 of 10 at the line.

The Spires grabbed nine offensive rebounds in the first half but only five in the second. They won the rebounding battle 39-37.

"We definitely talked about it at halftime," Williams said. "We talked about everything being ours and just having each other's back and making sure every ball was ours and seizing every opportunity."

Showman singled out the program's younger players for their contributions during the week.

"Some of our reserve players, some of our developmental team voluntarily came to practice and served as scout team Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday," he said. "They were the Saint Mary team for us to play against. They ran their plays, their actions and did a phenomenal job."

Williams and Showman gave kudos to the crowd.

"A big crowd is hard to play against," Williams said. "They're all rooting against you and if you're not skintight they will definitely get under your skin."

"Just having that support behind us was absolutely a big part of what we were doing on the court," Showman said.

Showman expects another tough battle Saturday. KWU won both games during the regular season.

Kansas Wesleyan women's coach <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/ryan-showman/810">Ryan Showman</a> summed it up best in four words:"They found a way," he said following the Coyotes' heart-stopping 80-77 Kansas Conference tournament quarterfinal victory over Saint Mary in front of a large, raucous and glo stick-waving crowd Thursday night inside Mabee Arena.Top-seeded KWU (22-6) advances to the semifinals against fifth-seeded Friends at 7 p.m. Saturday in Mabee Arena. The Falcons (17-11) rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit and defeated Bethel 68-66 on Thursday in North Newton.The Coyotes' game likewise hung in the balance until the end. Trailing 67-64 with 4½ minutes left they took control with a 10-2 run that gave them a 74-69 lead with 1:53 remaining.The Spires, though, wouldn't go quietly. Five Alanis Delgado points including a long 3-pointer that banked in off the glass trimmed the KWU lead to 78-77 with 6.5 seconds left.Saint Mary fouled <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jill-stephens/9662">Jill Stephens</a> on the inbounds play, and she calmly made two free throws with 6.0 seconds remaining just as she had done 8.1 seconds earlier that gave the Coyotes a 78-74 advantage."There's a reason we design our plays to get her the ball," Showman said. "It's because she's so good in that situation."The Spires missed a long and hurried 3-pointer at the other end but retained possession after the ball went out of bounds off the Coyotes with 0.6 seconds left. A desperation 3-pointer from the left baseline hit the side of the backboard as time expired.The game featured 10 lead changes and 15 ties including 38-38 at halftime and 53-53 after three quarters.Junior forward <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/hampton-williams/9665">Hampton Williams</a> wasn't surprised the game was close."We kind of like to live on the dangerous side," she said."It's the resiliency of this team, we just refuse to lose," Showman said. "We got just enough stops and made enough plays at the end."Five Coyotes scored in double figures led by irrepressible senior point guard <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/lamyah-ricks/9660">LaMyah Ricks</a> with 16 points. <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/odessa-ozuna/9656">Odessa Ozuna</a> had 13, Williams 12 and a game-high 11 rebounds, Cat Bowman 11 points and <a href="https://kwucoyotes.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/angel-lee/9652">Angel Lee</a> 10."Any night can be anyone's night on our team," Williams said. "When we have five people in double figures it's super hard to guard. I feel that's kind of the secret to the sauce."Delgado was the lone Spire in double figures finishing with 33 points that included five 3-pointers.KWU shot 40 percent (24 of 60) including 8 of 29 from 3-point range and 29 of 34 at the free throw line. Saint Mary shot 39.7 percent, 9 of 22 from deep and 10 of 10 at the line.The Spires grabbed nine offensive rebounds in the first half but only five in the second. They won the rebounding battle 39-37."We definitely talked about it at halftime," Williams said. "We talked about everything being ours and just having each other's back and making sure every ball was ours and seizing every opportunity."Showman singled out the program's younger players for their contributions during the week."Some of our reserve players, some of our developmental team voluntarily came to practice and served as scout team Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday," he said. "They were the Saint Mary team for us to play against. They ran their plays, their actions and did a phenomenal job."Williams and Showman gave kudos to the crowd."A big crowd is hard to play against," Williams said. "They're all rooting against you and if you're not skintight they will definitely get under your skin.""Just having that support behind us was absolutely a big part of what we were doing on the court," Showman said.Showman expects another tough battle Saturday. KWU won both games during the regular season.

Top Seeded Coyotes top Spires in thriller

Kansas Wesleyan Softball split its doubleheader with the Cottey College Comets on Thursday at Salina South High School. KWU won the first game 3-2, but Cottey would take the second 10-1 in five innings.

It was the third straight day of softball for the Coyotes who hosted Hastings Tuesday, played at Park on Wednesday and then faced Cottey Thursday.

All three of KWU's runs came on single tallies in the first three innings of the first game.

In the first, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4144dfdd-2776-481c-bba7-b10dd25ea80b?elinkdata=20476">Briannah Kutschkau</a> walked and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c8cffea-6881-44c7-a176-0aecb1b7651f?elinkdata=20476">Deja Rubio's</a> single to second base.

In the second inning, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/be041a68-13e6-4750-bf95-af02bfdb88b3?elinkdata=20476">Jenna Soule</a> doubled and later scored when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe4afe03-8ce4-4347-85f6-6af7cb11f19d?elinkdata=20476">Elli Han</a> reached on an error by Cottey.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60dbe20f-cae6-408b-969d-fd08b517ada9?elinkdata=20476">Cadence Mallet</a> doubled to lead off the third for the Coyotes and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9031797-6ae1-46f9-b4f9-742b10c0a0e9?elinkdata=20476">Grace Pierce's</a> ground out.

Kansas Wesleyan Softball split its doubleheader with the Cottey College Comets on Thursday at Salina South High School. KWU won the first game 3-2, but Cottey would take the second 10-1 in five innings.It was the third straight day of softball for the Coyotes who hosted Hastings Tuesday, played at Park on Wednesday and then faced Cottey Thursday.All three of KWU's runs came on single tallies in the first three innings of the first game.In the first, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4144dfdd-2776-481c-bba7-b10dd25ea80b?elinkdata=20476">Briannah Kutschkau</a> walked and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c8cffea-6881-44c7-a176-0aecb1b7651f?elinkdata=20476">Deja Rubio's</a> single to second base.In the second inning, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/be041a68-13e6-4750-bf95-af02bfdb88b3?elinkdata=20476">Jenna Soule</a> doubled and later scored when <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fe4afe03-8ce4-4347-85f6-6af7cb11f19d?elinkdata=20476">Elli Han</a> reached on an error by Cottey.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/60dbe20f-cae6-408b-969d-fd08b517ada9?elinkdata=20476">Cadence Mallet</a> doubled to lead off the third for the Coyotes and then scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d9031797-6ae1-46f9-b4f9-742b10c0a0e9?elinkdata=20476">Grace Pierce's</a> ground out.Cottey got both of its runs in the fifth inning to draw within a run.The Coyotes got out of jams defensively in the six and seventh innings to hold on for the win. Cottey loaded the bases in the sixth, but could not push a run across.In the seventh, Cottey had runners at second and third with nobody out and got three outs to end the game.Han had two of KWU's six hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d81da0d3-9514-46cf-88f1-994829e35ec7?elinkdata=20476">Caitlyn Collier</a> went five innings to get the win, allowing two runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0a10d9f7-0b31-4e78-afb4-f19daba734c0?elinkdata=20476">Bella Allen</a> got the save working two innings, allowing just two hits.In the second game, it was scoreless until the third when the Cottey offense put seven runs on the board to take a 7-0 lead.KWU got a run back in the bottom of the inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/75b555fb-87d4-4f43-bdd7-0f2643f34aa1?elinkdata=20476">Brooklyn Lange</a> reached on an error and then scored on a wild pitch.Cottey added two more in the fourth and another in the fifth.Four different players had one hit for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82c7adfc-707e-4ced-bcbf-36688de4f31a?elinkdata=20476">Alli Mickelsen</a> took the loss allowing five runs, four earned on four hits.