KANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl is proud to introduce the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City, Kansas. Each classification 1A through 6A is represented on the coaching staff, while the Head Coach of each team is selected from the previous year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl assistants.

The West team will be led by Dominick Dingle (Wichita Heights) and assisted by Russ Wells (Wichita South – 6A), Mike Vernon (Hutchinson – 5A), Daniel Myears (Mulvane – 4A), Tyson Bauerle (Hesston – 3A), Butch Hayes (Council Grove – 2A), and Alex McMillian (Plainville – 1A). Wells (2020), Vernon (2021) and Bauerle (2018) have all assisted on the West staff in previous Shrine Bowls, while Bauerle also led the 2019 West team to a 26-7 victory as the Head Coach at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.

The East team will be led by Garrett Michael (Sabetha) and assisted by Josh Koerkenmeier (Blue Valley West – 6A), Jared Swafford (Seaman – 5A), Clete Frazell (Chanute – 4A), Mike Berg (Wellsville – 3A), Logan Wyrick (Humboldt – 2A), and Roger Holthaus (Centralia – 1A). Among the 2025 assistants, only Wyrick (2019) has previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.

“We’re thankful to have a great group of coaches willing to give of their time and talents to lead our teams in the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “It’s not an easy job to bring 44 players from different programs together and mold them into a team within one week. I have no doubt that these men will get that job done, while also exemplifying the mission behind the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”

The 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The initial rosters for the game will be announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show, which is set to air on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, at 10:00 am. The selection show can be watched at <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>. For more information on the Kansas Shrine Bowl and all the additional camps, events and support opportunities surrounding the game, please visit <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a> or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.

KANSAS- The Kansas Shrine Bowl is proud to introduce the coaches who will lead the East and West teams in the 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City, Kansas. Each classification 1A through 6A is represented on the coaching staff, while the Head Coach of each team is selected from the previous year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl assistants.The West team will be led by Dominick Dingle (Wichita Heights) and assisted by Russ Wells (Wichita South – 6A), Mike Vernon (Hutchinson – 5A), Daniel Myears (Mulvane – 4A), Tyson Bauerle (Hesston – 3A), Butch Hayes (Council Grove – 2A), and Alex McMillian (Plainville – 1A). Wells (2020), Vernon (2021) and Bauerle (2018) have all assisted on the West staff in previous Shrine Bowls, while Bauerle also led the 2019 West team to a 26-7 victory as the Head Coach at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City.The East team will be led by Garrett Michael (Sabetha) and assisted by Josh Koerkenmeier (Blue Valley West – 6A), Jared Swafford (Seaman – 5A), Clete Frazell (Chanute – 4A), Mike Berg (Wellsville – 3A), Logan Wyrick (Humboldt – 2A), and Roger Holthaus (Centralia – 1A). Among the 2025 assistants, only Wyrick (2019) has previously coached in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.“We’re thankful to have a great group of coaches willing to give of their time and talents to lead our teams in the 2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “It’s not an easy job to bring 44 players from different programs together and mold them into a team within one week. I have no doubt that these men will get that job done, while also exemplifying the mission behind the Kansas Shrine Bowl.”The 52nd Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth will be played at Memorial Stadium in Dodge City, Kansas on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The initial rosters for the game will be announced during the annual Kansas Shrine Bowl Player Selection Show, which is set to air on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025, at 10:00 am. The selection show can be watched at <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a>. For more information on the Kansas Shrine Bowl and all the additional camps, events and support opportunities surrounding the game, please visit <a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/">www.KansasShrineBowl.com</a> or call the Kansas Shrine Bowl office at 913-602-8656.

2025 Kansas Shrine Bowl Coaching Staff Selected

Kansas Wesleyan men's basketball coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/389d95fd-55c5-4d2e-8af5-ff4151914747?elinkdata=16610">Anthony Monson</a> was searching for something positive from his team.

Entering their Kansas Conference game against York on Wednesday night, the Coyotes had lost their last two games and five of seven. Judging by the results he found what he was looking for - at least for one night.

Senior forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56dfed94-fb7c-4593-bf0a-c79380fc401e?elinkdata=16610">Alex Littlejohn</a> had 20 points and 11 rebounds, freshman forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31db2d3d-74dd-484e-885a-cbb95678b212?elinkdata=16610">Carson Jones</a> scored 22 in his second start of the year, and sophomore guards <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e43d2b50-d77f-480c-ac17-ee556683d47d?elinkdata=16610">Tucker Bowman</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b36abc1a-0377-46de-935d-95cf6bc30d18?elinkdata=16610">Aiden Leckband</a> had 14 apiece as the Coyotes steamrolled the Panthers 100-61 inside Mabee Arena.

Littlejohn also broke the school's career record for field goals made. His shot under the basket with 6:07 left gave him 567 for his career and surpassed Gary Cassell's 566 total set in 1955.

"We've been struggling, been pretty inconsistent all year," Monson said. "We've been struggling just trying to find some rhythm of what works with this group and then you have your starting two-guard (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e86c3016-4efe-4aee-990a-46c07dccc01f?elinkdata=16610">Easton Hunter</a>) go down with an ankle injury in practice.

"We made some adjustments of how we're going to play offensively and really dictated a lot of the offense basically the entire night. The guys bought into it, we got the (defensive) stops we needed, and we were able to push that lead up and frustrate them."

Trailing 32-30 with 3½ minutes left in the first half the Coyotes (7-5, 2-4 KCAC) took control with a 10-0 run the rest of the way and led 40-32 at the break.

They continued to pour it on the final 20 minutes. Jones scored 11 consecutive points early in the second half sparking a 17-4 surge that made it 57-36 with just under 15 minutes remaining.

Leading 65-46 KWU made it a rout with a 16-2 run and led 81-48 with 6 minutes left.

"We watched film, broke some stuff down and we kind of aired out some things as a team - what we wanted to change," said Littlejohn who was 10 of 15 shooting and had three assists and two steals.

"We took what we did in practice and we did it in the game. We played unselfishly. We hadn't been moving the ball, not getting everybody involved. Carson had what he had, Aiden came off the bench and played really good and Tucker had seven assists and no turnovers. Everybody was getting some action."

While pleased to break the record Littlejohn said his focus is elsewhere.

"It was kind of cool that I was able to get it but I'm only worried about the wins and I want our team to do well," he said.

"He's going to go down as one of the best players ever to put on a KW uniform," Monson said. "There's no doubt his name's going to be over the record book when it's all said and done."

Jones was 7 of 11 shooting including 5 of 6 from beyond the 3-point arc and had four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

"It's a big shoutout to my teammates for always having the confidence in me," he said. "I don't make every shot that I take but the ones I do I believe are going to go in. You make one, make two and they always pile on. It's a lot easier to shoot when you get stops on defense and your team brings energy."

Leckband was 5 of 8 shooting (2 of 4 from beyond the arc) and had five assists. Bowman was 6 of 10 shooting (2 of 5 from deep) and had four steals.

"What Aiden and Carson and Tucker do really well is they move the ball better than pretty much anybody on the team," Monson said. "Some of the older guys need to learn from the young guys the way to move the ball, the way to pass the ball. It made everything more efficient and made things better."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/799a58ed-242d-49c6-bbfd-96a00d46af33?elinkdata=16610">Evens Appolon</a>, KWU's 6-foot-8 center, had another big night inside finishing with 10 points, seven blocks, three rebounds and two steals.

Carl Thorpe Jr. paced York (4-7, 1-5 KCAC) with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Kansas Wesleyan men's basketball coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/389d95fd-55c5-4d2e-8af5-ff4151914747?elinkdata=16610">Anthony Monson</a> was searching for something positive from his team.Entering their Kansas Conference game against York on Wednesday night, the Coyotes had lost their last two games and five of seven. Judging by the results he found what he was looking for - at least for one night.Senior forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/56dfed94-fb7c-4593-bf0a-c79380fc401e?elinkdata=16610">Alex Littlejohn</a> had 20 points and 11 rebounds, freshman forward <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/31db2d3d-74dd-484e-885a-cbb95678b212?elinkdata=16610">Carson Jones</a> scored 22 in his second start of the year, and sophomore guards <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e43d2b50-d77f-480c-ac17-ee556683d47d?elinkdata=16610">Tucker Bowman</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b36abc1a-0377-46de-935d-95cf6bc30d18?elinkdata=16610">Aiden Leckband</a> had 14 apiece as the Coyotes steamrolled the Panthers 100-61 inside Mabee Arena.Littlejohn also broke the school's career record for field goals made. His shot under the basket with 6:07 left gave him 567 for his career and surpassed Gary Cassell's 566 total set in 1955."We've been struggling, been pretty inconsistent all year," Monson said. "We've been struggling just trying to find some rhythm of what works with this group and then you have your starting two-guard (<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e86c3016-4efe-4aee-990a-46c07dccc01f?elinkdata=16610">Easton Hunter</a>) go down with an ankle injury in practice."We made some adjustments of how we're going to play offensively and really dictated a lot of the offense basically the entire night. The guys bought into it, we got the (defensive) stops we needed, and we were able to push that lead up and frustrate them."Trailing 32-30 with 3½ minutes left in the first half the Coyotes (7-5, 2-4 KCAC) took control with a 10-0 run the rest of the way and led 40-32 at the break.They continued to pour it on the final 20 minutes. Jones scored 11 consecutive points early in the second half sparking a 17-4 surge that made it 57-36 with just under 15 minutes remaining.Leading 65-46 KWU made it a rout with a 16-2 run and led 81-48 with 6 minutes left."We watched film, broke some stuff down and we kind of aired out some things as a team - what we wanted to change," said Littlejohn who was 10 of 15 shooting and had three assists and two steals."We took what we did in practice and we did it in the game. We played unselfishly. We hadn't been moving the ball, not getting everybody involved. Carson had what he had, Aiden came off the bench and played really good and Tucker had seven assists and no turnovers. Everybody was getting some action."While pleased to break the record Littlejohn said his focus is elsewhere."It was kind of cool that I was able to get it but I'm only worried about the wins and I want our team to do well," he said."He's going to go down as one of the best players ever to put on a KW uniform," Monson said. "There's no doubt his name's going to be over the record book when it's all said and done."Jones was 7 of 11 shooting including 5 of 6 from beyond the 3-point arc and had four rebounds, two assists and two steals."It's a big shoutout to my teammates for always having the confidence in me," he said. "I don't make every shot that I take but the ones I do I believe are going to go in. You make one, make two and they always pile on. It's a lot easier to shoot when you get stops on defense and your team brings energy."Leckband was 5 of 8 shooting (2 of 4 from beyond the arc) and had five assists. Bowman was 6 of 10 shooting (2 of 5 from deep) and had four steals."What Aiden and Carson and Tucker do really well is they move the ball better than pretty much anybody on the team," Monson said. "Some of the older guys need to learn from the young guys the way to move the ball, the way to pass the ball. It made everything more efficient and made things better."<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/799a58ed-242d-49c6-bbfd-96a00d46af33?elinkdata=16610">Evens Appolon</a>, KWU's 6-foot-8 center, had another big night inside finishing with 10 points, seven blocks, three rebounds and two steals.Carl Thorpe Jr. paced York (4-7, 1-5 KCAC) with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Littlejohn breaks 70-year-old record as Coyotes crush York 100-61

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball made it eight straight in the win column on Wednesday night as the Coyotes routed the York University Panthers 93-65 inside Mabee Arena.

It was a total team effort for the Coyotes on both ends of the floor as eight players scored at least six points in the game while the team shot 50 percent from the field and 10 of 27 from 3-point range in the game.

Things started out a little slow for the Coyotes as York grabbed early leads, including leading 9-4 with 6:06 left in the first quarter. That's when things turned purple inside the Arena - Wesleyan purple.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43b4f515-94f3-4b0f-8b7f-f31b992305dc?elinkdata=16579">Hampton Williams</a> hit a 3-pointer, then scored again with 4:41 left to tie things up at 9, and sparked what turned into an 18-0 run for the Coyotes that made it 22-9 with 1:28 left and York's scoring drought continued until 33 seconds left with the Panthers scored again.

A 3-pointer from an unlikely source in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a77f4f16-a7c6-4286-b09a-e1f20fb90a5b?elinkdata=16579">Angel Lee</a> with 8:46 left in the half gave the Coyotes a 30-13 lead, but York hung around getting as close as 11 with four minutes left before Wesleyan closed the half with a run. Leading 44-31, the Coyotes got a free throw by Lee and a triple by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7a5dd3ea-293f-43a9-a187-db29efbd1bd5?elinkdata=16579">LaMyah Ricks</a> to close the half on a 6-0 run to take a 50-31 lead into the half.

A bucket by Williams with 8:32 left in the third gave Wesleyan its first 20-point cushion and KWU extended the lead out to 70-43 with 1:15 left in the third on a score by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0f30dab9-17c3-4850-b88c-b7e7aea3e0a7?elinkdata=16579">Odessa Ozuna</a>.

A 3-pointer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/120cf103-3d56-4c20-9e05-7e4cbecb4087?elinkdata=16579">Madison Lambert</a> briefly pushed Wesleyan's lead out to 30 at 86-56 with 4:04 to go in the game, and another Lambert triple made it 89-58 with 3:27 left as the Coyotes cruised to the win in this one.

Williams led the Coyotes with 15 points and six rebounds. Stephens had 13, Lee had 11 points and seven assists, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94219020-cade-484e-9ee3-40515f20644d?elinkdata=16579">Catherine Bowman</a> added 10 points and dished out five helpers.

KWU shot exactly 50 percent from the field in the game on 33 of 66 shooting.

Wesleyan will close out the first semester of action on Saturday as the Coyotes head to Leavenworth to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires at 5 p.m. inside the Ryan Sports Center. Saint Mary lost to Avila 86-74 on Wednesday night.

Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball made it eight straight in the win column on Wednesday night as the Coyotes routed the York University Panthers 93-65 inside Mabee Arena.It was a total team effort for the Coyotes on both ends of the floor as eight players scored at least six points in the game while the team shot 50 percent from the field and 10 of 27 from 3-point range in the game.Things started out a little slow for the Coyotes as York grabbed early leads, including leading 9-4 with 6:06 left in the first quarter. That's when things turned purple inside the Arena - Wesleyan purple.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/43b4f515-94f3-4b0f-8b7f-f31b992305dc?elinkdata=16579">Hampton Williams</a> hit a 3-pointer, then scored again with 4:41 left to tie things up at 9, and sparked what turned into an 18-0 run for the Coyotes that made it 22-9 with 1:28 left and York's scoring drought continued until 33 seconds left with the Panthers scored again.KWU 24-11 after a quarter.A 3-pointer from an unlikely source in <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a77f4f16-a7c6-4286-b09a-e1f20fb90a5b?elinkdata=16579">Angel Lee</a> with 8:46 left in the half gave the Coyotes a 30-13 lead, but York hung around getting as close as 11 with four minutes left before Wesleyan closed the half with a run. Leading 44-31, the Coyotes got a free throw by Lee and a triple by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7a5dd3ea-293f-43a9-a187-db29efbd1bd5?elinkdata=16579">LaMyah Ricks</a> to close the half on a 6-0 run to take a 50-31 lead into the half.A bucket by Williams with 8:32 left in the third gave Wesleyan its first 20-point cushion and KWU extended the lead out to 70-43 with 1:15 left in the third on a score by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0f30dab9-17c3-4850-b88c-b7e7aea3e0a7?elinkdata=16579">Odessa Ozuna</a>.A 3-pointer by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/120cf103-3d56-4c20-9e05-7e4cbecb4087?elinkdata=16579">Madison Lambert</a> briefly pushed Wesleyan's lead out to 30 at 86-56 with 4:04 to go in the game, and another Lambert triple made it 89-58 with 3:27 left as the Coyotes cruised to the win in this one.Williams led the Coyotes with 15 points and six rebounds. Stephens had 13, Lee had 11 points and seven assists, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94219020-cade-484e-9ee3-40515f20644d?elinkdata=16579">Catherine Bowman</a> added 10 points and dished out five helpers.KWU shot exactly 50 percent from the field in the game on 33 of 66 shooting.Wesleyan will close out the first semester of action on Saturday as the Coyotes head to Leavenworth to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires at 5 p.m. inside the Ryan Sports Center. Saint Mary lost to Avila 86-74 on Wednesday night.

Great Eight! KWU WBB routs York 93-65 for eighth straight win

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior wing&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;has left the Kansas State men’s basketball team for personal reasons, head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;announced on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 11).

“Achor and I have decided that there are more important things than basketball for him at this time,” said Tang. “I hope some time away will allow him to reprioritize things in his life and allow him to finish his degree. We wish him well. My focus is always to help young men become the best version of themselves and to help K-State become an elite program. We are developing men who will be great husbands and fathers.”

The Melbourne, Australia native transferred to K-State this summer after 2 seasons at Samford. He appeared in 7 games, averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 13.2 minutes per game.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Senior wing&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;has left the Kansas State men’s basketball team for personal reasons, head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;announced on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 11).“Achor and I have decided that there are more important things than basketball for him at this time,” said Tang. “I hope some time away will allow him to reprioritize things in his life and allow him to finish his degree. We wish him well. My focus is always to help young men become the best version of themselves and to help K-State become an elite program. We are developing men who will be great husbands and fathers.”The Melbourne, Australia native transferred to K-State this summer after 2 seasons at Samford. He appeared in 7 games, averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 13.2 minutes per game.

Achor Departs K-State for Personal Reasons

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as people not practicing today, D.J. Humphries won’t practice and again, we haven’t listed him as out or anything there. We’re just going to take it day-by-day and see how he does. Every day he’s gotten a little bit better, so we’ll see how all of that works. Then, it’ll be similar to last week with – I’ve got a couple of variables that I can do at that spot. Anyways, we look forward to the challenge of playing the Browns. They’re a good football team. Every team in this league, as we know, has a chance to win games so we – that’s the way the league’s set up right now, so we get ourselves ready to play. You don’t care about records or anything else. I know they’re well coached. I know (Browns Head Coach) Kevin (Stefanski) personally and he does a heck of a job. His (Browns Defensive) Coordinator (Jim) Schwartz, I mean, I’ve known for a long time and (Browns Offensive Coordinator Ken) Dorsey – (Browns Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Bubba (Ventrone) – I mean they’re all good football coaches (and) they’ve got good players. We’ve got to make sure (that) we have a good week of practice going forward here so with that, the time’s yours.”

Q: Do you see Harrison Butker kicking this week?

REID:&nbsp;“We’re going to see if he – how he (Harrison Butker) does here. He’ll get a few. Yeah, he’ll have a few snaps out there – or chances.”

Q: On preparing for three games in 11 days.

REID:&nbsp;“It’s a unique situation, you just have to manage it. It is what it is, so you make the best of it. The thing is (that) you get your guys ready for the game – give them a chance to get ready for the game. They’re going to do whatever you present to them so (you) try to help them out with that. Right now, we’ve got a normal week right here, so we’ve got to take care of business, for sure.”

Q: How close is Hollywood Brown to returning?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Matt (Derrick) he’s (Hollywood Brown) getting close. He’s chomping at the bit to get back out there but he’s got to visit with the doctors and make sure he gets clearance there, but I think, I’d probably say he’s getting close. I can’t give you a date – I don’t know a date on it, but he says he feels great.”

Q: What’s the plan for Steven Nelson?

REID:&nbsp;“Let him (Steven Nelson) get himself in shape (and) move around a little bit. You won’t see him this week, that’s not what we’re going to do. It’ll be like the other guys that came in – give them a chance to kind of get their feet under them, for sure. He hasn’t done anything up to this point so let him get moving around.”

Q: Patrick Mahomes has been sacked more this year than he has ever been in his career. How has he adapted his game to that?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Patrick Mahomes) made some unbelievable throws the other day and he never complains about anything. He doesn’t – he just comes back and goes on to the next one and fires. I mean, he’s doing what he always does. He hasn’t had to really adapt other than to make the throw.”

Q: Patrick Mahomes is really good at getting rid of the ball quickly. Could he have done that early on in his career?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think he (Patrick Mahomes) could’ve, yeah. I mean, we didn’t ask him to do a whole lot of that. He – I think he could’ve, yeah.”

Q: When watching film, how do you analyze where the breakdowns are? Is it different this season?

REID:&nbsp;“We look at everything so for sure. I mean he’s (Patrick Mahomes) had a little bit more pressure this year. Listen, he’ll tell you – he’ll be the first to tell you, they’re spread all over the place. Everybody’s had a piece of it, me included, calling the plays. I’ve got to make sure I adapt to the personnel and what we have and what they do best. Everybody else has to do their job. Everybody would probably tell you it’s spread around on that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Q: What challenge does Browns DE Myles Garrett present and how much does that weigh into your tackle decision?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Browns DE Myles Garrett) really a good player. Probably a future Hall of Famer, I’d say. He’s a dominant player and we recognize that and respect that. He’s going to show up though and we’re going to show up and we have to play well against him. We have the capability to do that, that’s how I feel but we respect the heck out of him.”

Q: Can you explain further on how Patrick Mahomes never complains?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Patrick Mahomes) gets up and goes. You always see him (say), ‘Give me the next one.’ I mean and that’s how – ‘Just give me another one. I’ll make it work here.’ He doesn’t ever get crazy with that stuff so he’s pretty good about it.”

Q: When bringing in guys who didn’t have a training camp or a preseason, how do you find the balance of bringing them up to speed quickly without putting them in danger?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I mean you have to listen to everybody and see – in particular the kid – and see where he’s at. You kind of get to know him in that period of time and make a judgment on it and go with it. It’s a sport where even the healthy guys and guys that have been with us from the beginning, they have a chance of getting hurt, I mean that’s all part of this. To answer your question, we just make an evaluation on it, with the different information from different people but in particular the kid.”

Q:&nbsp; On Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz’s style of defense.

REID:&nbsp;“Aggressive. He’s (Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz) got a really good blitz package, it’s extensive and then they mix it in with zone. So, they can play single safety middle zone – shell, I mean, he’s got it all. He dials them all up, you have to be sharp when you play against them.”

Q:&nbsp;You did a great job of getting the ball out quick against the Chargers, do you feel like you could have played that style of game earlier in your career?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s hard to say. I think just taking what’s there (and) what the defense is giving me. They (the Chargers) obviously have a good pass rush, and I thought guys were getting open quickly. I thought D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) did a great job – Trav (Travis Kelce), Noah (Gray), others. Just trying to get the ball in their hands (and) let them make plays and it was enough to get the win.”

Q:&nbsp;How do you stay so poised and calm in those close-game moments and what’s your message to the fans who watch these nervous games?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think when I’m not on the field, I’m nervous as well. I have total confidence in our defense and everything like that, but it’s just – when it’s out of your hands, it’s hard to not be a little bit nervous. I think in the moment when I get opportunities, I just try to execute the gameplan, execute the play that’s in front of me (and) not worry about the whole entire drive. Then get us into position to score and win the game and then rely on my teammates to go out there and win it. It’s – obviously, a lot of experience has helped me keep a calm mindset in those moments. We continue to work and get better and just find ways to win and whatever way that is, we’re good with it.”

Q:&nbsp;What is the process of adjusting to pressure?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just trying to not take negative plays, finding the soft spots in the pocket, finding opportunities when you want to take shots downfield and opportunities when you need to throw it underneath. Every game is different in this league. There’s a lot of great pass rushers and you get to just find spots where you can have quiet feet, and you can execute the offense the way it’s supposed to be executed.”

Q:&nbsp;Is the way that Browns DE Myles Garrett moves part of your film study?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Browns DE Myles Garrett) just really good. It’s – he’s pretty much good at everything. Just finding ways to get the ball out of my hands whenever he’s – when he’s rushing and then whenever we need to take shots down the field, just having extra ways to manipulate – either me manipulate his pass rush or have help with other – two people blocking him and stuff like that. They (the Browns) have a good defensive team. They have a good football team in general but especially their defense. It will be a great challenge for us, and we’ll have to go out there and play our best football to win.”

Q:&nbsp;What have you sensed to be the difference in Xavier Worthy’s production these past few weeks?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“He’s (Xavier Worthy) getting better and better. I think he’s just playing with such more confidence. I think it really started in Buffalo. It’s kind of – just kind of kept getting bigger and bigger as we kind of went throughout the rest of this year.&nbsp; I think as – like we said,&nbsp;as I train those deep passes and really show off his skill doing that. He’s getting open so just trying to hit him on some of those, but he’s showing his versatility and how he’s able to work underneath, catch the ball, get yards after the catch and stuff like that. I think he’s going to be continuing to get better and better which is going to help us going into the postseason.”

Q:&nbsp;Have you ever encountered anything like three games in eleven days?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“No, I haven’t in football. Just – I mean, all you can do is focus on the game (and) the practice that you have that day. I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch. That’s tailoring my workouts, that’s tailoring how you practice and you prepare. The coaches do a great job of taking care of us with the practice field. I mean, we practice (as) hard as anybody, but they know how to kind of dial it back when we need it, and I think (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid has a great plan going into it, so I’ll follow that. (I’m) focused on this opponent and then as we go into another short week into next week and the one after that, I’ll focus on those opponents then.”

Q:&nbsp;What was it like when you first saw the schedule come out?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s not a good feeling. I’m excited to play on Christmas to hopefully get back from what we did last year. You never want to play this many games in this short of time. It’s just not great for your body but at the end of the day, it’s your job. You’re a professional (and) you have to come to work and do it.”

Q:&nbsp;How many times have you looked at the hits you’ve taken and thought that you should do something differently instead of the offensive line?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s a lot. There are times where I’m trying to be – the best word is greedy and (I’m) trying to take a shot down field or if you look at the kind of the early sacks in this last game, there was a play in that first third down where I probably (should’ve) just hit Travis (Kelce). He maybe or maybe not gets the first down but I’m trying to really hold onto it and then I rush up in the pocket trying to make a play and run into a sack. There’s been a good amount of those this year and that’s why I have to continue to work on my feet and finding that soft spot in the pocket because I think – and there’s multiple times a game where the offensive line is holding up and I’m not trusting my footwork in order to go through my reads and make plays happen. That’s stuff that I work on and continue to work on throughout my career.”

Q:&nbsp;What are some things that you’re preparing for to make sure Browns DE Myles Garrett doesn’t ruin the game this week?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think you have to prepare for it as an entire offense. You have to give him (Browns DE Myles Garrett) different looks. You can’t let him just pass rush over and over again. I mean, he’s – he won Defensive Player of the Year for a reason, man. He’s going to win a lot of those matchups and so we’ll throw him changeups, we’ll throw him different pitches that he can hopefully keep his mind racing but at the end of the day, he’s going to make plays happen. When he starts to win reps or win certain plays, you have to not make them negative plays, get rid of the football, even if that’s throwing it away and live to play another play.”

Q:&nbsp;What else do you see from the Browns defense besides Browns DE Myles Garrett?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“They have a lot of great players, I think. You look at the cornerback position in (Browns CB) Denzel Ward – the linebacker position, they’re flying around – safeties, same as well and then obviously the defensive line. Then, (Browns Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Jim) Schwartz does a great job of mixing up coverages (and) bringing pressure when it’s necessary and then dropping into zone and man coverage when it’s necessary. It’s a really good team. I mean, they were – last year, they have a lot of the same players from last year’s defense that was like number one in the league. It’s a great team with a lot of pride that’s going to be coming (and) playing hard, especially at home and we understand that it’s going to be a great challenge. We’re going to have to play our best football to win.”

Q:&nbsp;What are the reasons for the third down success this season?

MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just having a good game plan – guys making plays happen in big moments. I think you’ve seen that in third down and then (at the) end of halves and end of games is guys have executed at a high level. It’s just about having that same type of execution throughout the entire game, not just third down, not just end of halves but in the red zone and in the field as well. I think that’s where we’re trying to get to, and we have to continue to work to get there.”

Q: When you’re going through the protection with the offensive line during the week, what does that process look like?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesDecember 11, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, as far as people not practicing today, D.J. Humphries won’t practice and again, we haven’t listed him as out or anything there. We’re just going to take it day-by-day and see how he does. Every day he’s gotten a little bit better, so we’ll see how all of that works. Then, it’ll be similar to last week with – I’ve got a couple of variables that I can do at that spot. Anyways, we look forward to the challenge of playing the Browns. They’re a good football team. Every team in this league, as we know, has a chance to win games so we – that’s the way the league’s set up right now, so we get ourselves ready to play. You don’t care about records or anything else. I know they’re well coached. I know (Browns Head Coach) Kevin (Stefanski) personally and he does a heck of a job. His (Browns Defensive) Coordinator (Jim) Schwartz, I mean, I’ve known for a long time and (Browns Offensive Coordinator Ken) Dorsey – (Browns Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Bubba (Ventrone) – I mean they’re all good football coaches (and) they’ve got good players. We’ve got to make sure (that) we have a good week of practice going forward here so with that, the time’s yours.”Q: Do you see Harrison Butker kicking this week?REID:&nbsp;“We’re going to see if he – how he (Harrison Butker) does here. He’ll get a few. Yeah, he’ll have a few snaps out there – or chances.”Q: On preparing for three games in 11 days.REID:&nbsp;“It’s a unique situation, you just have to manage it. It is what it is, so you make the best of it. The thing is (that) you get your guys ready for the game – give them a chance to get ready for the game. They’re going to do whatever you present to them so (you) try to help them out with that. Right now, we’ve got a normal week right here, so we’ve got to take care of business, for sure.”Q: How close is Hollywood Brown to returning?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Matt (Derrick) he’s (Hollywood Brown) getting close. He’s chomping at the bit to get back out there but he’s got to visit with the doctors and make sure he gets clearance there, but I think, I’d probably say he’s getting close. I can’t give you a date – I don’t know a date on it, but he says he feels great.”Q: What’s the plan for Steven Nelson?REID:&nbsp;“Let him (Steven Nelson) get himself in shape (and) move around a little bit. You won’t see him this week, that’s not what we’re going to do. It’ll be like the other guys that came in – give them a chance to kind of get their feet under them, for sure. He hasn’t done anything up to this point so let him get moving around.”Q: Patrick Mahomes has been sacked more this year than he has ever been in his career. How has he adapted his game to that?REID:&nbsp;“He (Patrick Mahomes) made some unbelievable throws the other day and he never complains about anything. He doesn’t – he just comes back and goes on to the next one and fires. I mean, he’s doing what he always does. He hasn’t had to really adapt other than to make the throw.”Q: Patrick Mahomes is really good at getting rid of the ball quickly. Could he have done that early on in his career?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, I think he (Patrick Mahomes) could’ve, yeah. I mean, we didn’t ask him to do a whole lot of that. He – I think he could’ve, yeah.”Q: When watching film, how do you analyze where the breakdowns are? Is it different this season?REID:&nbsp;“We look at everything so for sure. I mean he’s (Patrick Mahomes) had a little bit more pressure this year. Listen, he’ll tell you – he’ll be the first to tell you, they’re spread all over the place. Everybody’s had a piece of it, me included, calling the plays. I’ve got to make sure I adapt to the personnel and what we have and what they do best. Everybody else has to do their job. Everybody would probably tell you it’s spread around on that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Q: What challenge does Browns DE Myles Garrett present and how much does that weigh into your tackle decision?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Browns DE Myles Garrett) really a good player. Probably a future Hall of Famer, I’d say. He’s a dominant player and we recognize that and respect that. He’s going to show up though and we’re going to show up and we have to play well against him. We have the capability to do that, that’s how I feel but we respect the heck out of him.”Q: Can you explain further on how Patrick Mahomes never complains?REID:&nbsp;“He (Patrick Mahomes) gets up and goes. You always see him (say), ‘Give me the next one.’ I mean and that’s how – ‘Just give me another one. I’ll make it work here.’ He doesn’t ever get crazy with that stuff so he’s pretty good about it.”Q: When bringing in guys who didn’t have a training camp or a preseason, how do you find the balance of bringing them up to speed quickly without putting them in danger?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, I mean you have to listen to everybody and see – in particular the kid – and see where he’s at. You kind of get to know him in that period of time and make a judgment on it and go with it. It’s a sport where even the healthy guys and guys that have been with us from the beginning, they have a chance of getting hurt, I mean that’s all part of this. To answer your question, we just make an evaluation on it, with the different information from different people but in particular the kid.”Q:&nbsp; On Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz’s style of defense.REID:&nbsp;“Aggressive. He’s (Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz) got a really good blitz package, it’s extensive and then they mix it in with zone. So, they can play single safety middle zone – shell, I mean, he’s got it all. He dials them all up, you have to be sharp when you play against them.”Chiefs Player QuotesDecember 11, 2024QB PATRICK MAHOMESQ:&nbsp;You did a great job of getting the ball out quick against the Chargers, do you feel like you could have played that style of game earlier in your career?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s hard to say. I think just taking what’s there (and) what the defense is giving me. They (the Chargers) obviously have a good pass rush, and I thought guys were getting open quickly. I thought D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) did a great job – Trav (Travis Kelce), Noah (Gray), others. Just trying to get the ball in their hands (and) let them make plays and it was enough to get the win.”Q:&nbsp;How do you stay so poised and calm in those close-game moments and what’s your message to the fans who watch these nervous games?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think when I’m not on the field, I’m nervous as well. I have total confidence in our defense and everything like that, but it’s just – when it’s out of your hands, it’s hard to not be a little bit nervous. I think in the moment when I get opportunities, I just try to execute the gameplan, execute the play that’s in front of me (and) not worry about the whole entire drive. Then get us into position to score and win the game and then rely on my teammates to go out there and win it. It’s – obviously, a lot of experience has helped me keep a calm mindset in those moments. We continue to work and get better and just find ways to win and whatever way that is, we’re good with it.”Q:&nbsp;What is the process of adjusting to pressure?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just trying to not take negative plays, finding the soft spots in the pocket, finding opportunities when you want to take shots downfield and opportunities when you need to throw it underneath. Every game is different in this league. There’s a lot of great pass rushers and you get to just find spots where you can have quiet feet, and you can execute the offense the way it’s supposed to be executed.”Q:&nbsp;Is the way that Browns DE Myles Garrett moves part of your film study?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“Yeah, he’s (Browns DE Myles Garrett) just really good. It’s – he’s pretty much good at everything. Just finding ways to get the ball out of my hands whenever he’s – when he’s rushing and then whenever we need to take shots down the field, just having extra ways to manipulate – either me manipulate his pass rush or have help with other – two people blocking him and stuff like that. They (the Browns) have a good defensive team. They have a good football team in general but especially their defense. It will be a great challenge for us, and we’ll have to go out there and play our best football to win.”Q:&nbsp;What have you sensed to be the difference in Xavier Worthy’s production these past few weeks?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“He’s (Xavier Worthy) getting better and better. I think he’s just playing with such more confidence. I think it really started in Buffalo. It’s kind of – just kind of kept getting bigger and bigger as we kind of went throughout the rest of this year.&nbsp; I think as – like we said,&nbsp;as I train those deep passes and really show off his skill doing that. He’s getting open so just trying to hit him on some of those, but he’s showing his versatility and how he’s able to work underneath, catch the ball, get yards after the catch and stuff like that. I think he’s going to be continuing to get better and better which is going to help us going into the postseason.”Q:&nbsp;Have you ever encountered anything like three games in eleven days?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“No, I haven’t in football. Just – I mean, all you can do is focus on the game (and) the practice that you have that day. I try to prepare my body all year long for this stretch. That’s tailoring my workouts, that’s tailoring how you practice and you prepare. The coaches do a great job of taking care of us with the practice field. I mean, we practice (as) hard as anybody, but they know how to kind of dial it back when we need it, and I think (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid has a great plan going into it, so I’ll follow that. (I’m) focused on this opponent and then as we go into another short week into next week and the one after that, I’ll focus on those opponents then.”Q:&nbsp;What was it like when you first saw the schedule come out?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“It’s not a good feeling. I’m excited to play on Christmas to hopefully get back from what we did last year. You never want to play this many games in this short of time. It’s just not great for your body but at the end of the day, it’s your job. You’re a professional (and) you have to come to work and do it.”Q:&nbsp;How many times have you looked at the hits you’ve taken and thought that you should do something differently instead of the offensive line?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think it’s a lot. There are times where I’m trying to be – the best word is greedy and (I’m) trying to take a shot down field or if you look at the kind of the early sacks in this last game, there was a play in that first third down where I probably (should’ve) just hit Travis (Kelce). He maybe or maybe not gets the first down but I’m trying to really hold onto it and then I rush up in the pocket trying to make a play and run into a sack. There’s been a good amount of those this year and that’s why I have to continue to work on my feet and finding that soft spot in the pocket because I think – and there’s multiple times a game where the offensive line is holding up and I’m not trusting my footwork in order to go through my reads and make plays happen. That’s stuff that I work on and continue to work on throughout my career.”Q:&nbsp;What are some things that you’re preparing for to make sure Browns DE Myles Garrett doesn’t ruin the game this week?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think you have to prepare for it as an entire offense. You have to give him (Browns DE Myles Garrett) different looks. You can’t let him just pass rush over and over again. I mean, he’s – he won Defensive Player of the Year for a reason, man. He’s going to win a lot of those matchups and so we’ll throw him changeups, we’ll throw him different pitches that he can hopefully keep his mind racing but at the end of the day, he’s going to make plays happen. When he starts to win reps or win certain plays, you have to not make them negative plays, get rid of the football, even if that’s throwing it away and live to play another play.”Q:&nbsp;What else do you see from the Browns defense besides Browns DE Myles Garrett?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“They have a lot of great players, I think. You look at the cornerback position in (Browns CB) Denzel Ward – the linebacker position, they’re flying around – safeties, same as well and then obviously the defensive line. Then, (Browns Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Jim) Schwartz does a great job of mixing up coverages (and) bringing pressure when it’s necessary and then dropping into zone and man coverage when it’s necessary. It’s a really good team. I mean, they were – last year, they have a lot of the same players from last year’s defense that was like number one in the league. It’s a great team with a lot of pride that’s going to be coming (and) playing hard, especially at home and we understand that it’s going to be a great challenge. We’re going to have to play our best football to win.”Q:&nbsp;What are the reasons for the third down success this season?MAHOMES:&nbsp;“I think just having a good game plan – guys making plays happen in big moments. I think you’ve seen that in third down and then (at the) end of halves and end of games is guys have executed at a high level. It’s just about having that same type of execution throughout the entire game, not just third down, not just end of halves but in the red zone and in the field as well. I think that’s where we’re trying to get to, and we have to continue to work to get there.”Q: When you’re going through the protection with the offensive line during the week, what does that process look like?

Chiefs Quotes: 12-11-24

Kansas Wesleyan Football had three All-Americans in 2024 as both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2024 All-America teams.

Both teams are selected by coaches around the country. The AFCA and NAIA First and Second Teams are the same, but the NAIA list includes a third team as well.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b25058eb-9849-4cb0-9438-ffaa35ffb87f?elinkdata=16548">Luke Armstrong</a> was a first-team pick as an all-purpose player, while offensive lineman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e34a1a3c-ef1c-495a-8c71-e5b14b9f3544?elinkdata=16548">Easton Lewis</a> and defensive lineman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f3520ff-27de-4c68-b05c-48a72ecb3e08?elinkdata=16548">Josh King-Bradley</a> were third-team picks.

Armstrong was one of the top running backs in the NAIA in 2024, ranking third in the country in rushing yards per game, averaging 121.1 yards per contest. His 1453 yards rushing is the second highest total in the country and his 8.0 yards per carry was tops in the NAIA this season. Armstrong also had 118 yards receiving, 156 yards in punt returns and 473 yards in kick returns for a NAIA-best 2200 total all-purpose yards on the season. His 183.3 yards per game ranked second best in the country.

Lewis was part of KWU's offensive line that ranked 14th in the NAIA in rushing yards per game, averaing 204.5 yards per contest. KWU averaged 326.2 yards per game of total offense on the season.

King-Bradley was solid on the defensive line for the Coyotes. He registered 13 sacks on the season, which was the second highest total in the NAIA in 2024. He also had 56 tackles which included 17.5 total tackles for loss. He forced three fumbles and had a pass break-up.

From the AFCA and NAIA...Graceland (Iowa) wide receiver Gerald Monroe and Bluefield (Va.) defensive lineman Quincy Robinson headline the 2024 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams announced today by the American Football Coaches Association. The AFCA recognizes the first and second teams, while the NAIA adds in the third team honors.

The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best - the coaches themselves.

Monroe earned his second AFCA All-America honor in 2024 by leading the NAIA in receiving yards per game (156.2) and receiving touchdowns (22). In 10 games, he caught 84 passes for 1,562 yards and averaged 18.6 yards per catch. Monroe set an NAIA single game record with 387 receiving yards in the season opener against Doane (Neb.). He had 16 catches and five touchdowns in the game.

Robinson led the NAIA in sacks (15) and fumble recoveries (4). The Appalachian Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Robinson also added 41 solo tackles, 27 assists, 21.5 tackles for loss and forced six fumbles from his defensive lineman position.

Kansas Wesleyan Football had three All-Americans in 2024 as both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released the 2024 All-America teams.Both teams are selected by coaches around the country. The AFCA and NAIA First and Second Teams are the same, but the NAIA list includes a third team as well.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b25058eb-9849-4cb0-9438-ffaa35ffb87f?elinkdata=16548">Luke Armstrong</a> was a first-team pick as an all-purpose player, while offensive lineman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e34a1a3c-ef1c-495a-8c71-e5b14b9f3544?elinkdata=16548">Easton Lewis</a> and defensive lineman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f3520ff-27de-4c68-b05c-48a72ecb3e08?elinkdata=16548">Josh King-Bradley</a> were third-team picks.Armstrong was one of the top running backs in the NAIA in 2024, ranking third in the country in rushing yards per game, averaging 121.1 yards per contest. His 1453 yards rushing is the second highest total in the country and his 8.0 yards per carry was tops in the NAIA this season. Armstrong also had 118 yards receiving, 156 yards in punt returns and 473 yards in kick returns for a NAIA-best 2200 total all-purpose yards on the season. His 183.3 yards per game ranked second best in the country.Lewis was part of KWU's offensive line that ranked 14th in the NAIA in rushing yards per game, averaing 204.5 yards per contest. KWU averaged 326.2 yards per game of total offense on the season.King-Bradley was solid on the defensive line for the Coyotes. He registered 13 sacks on the season, which was the second highest total in the NAIA in 2024. He also had 56 tackles which included 17.5 total tackles for loss. He forced three fumbles and had a pass break-up.From the AFCA and NAIA...Graceland (Iowa) wide receiver Gerald Monroe and Bluefield (Va.) defensive lineman Quincy Robinson headline the 2024 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams announced today by the American Football Coaches Association. The AFCA recognizes the first and second teams, while the NAIA adds in the third team honors.The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best - the coaches themselves.Monroe earned his second AFCA All-America honor in 2024 by leading the NAIA in receiving yards per game (156.2) and receiving touchdowns (22). In 10 games, he caught 84 passes for 1,562 yards and averaged 18.6 yards per catch. Monroe set an NAIA single game record with 387 receiving yards in the season opener against Doane (Neb.). He had 16 catches and five touchdowns in the game.Robinson led the NAIA in sacks (15) and fumble recoveries (4). The Appalachian Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Robinson also added 41 solo tackles, 27 assists, 21.5 tackles for loss and forced six fumbles from his defensive lineman position.

KWU Football lands three on All-America teams

TOPEKA, Kan. -&nbsp;Five individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Awards will be presented during 2025 in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/ championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/" target="_blank">www.kshsaa.org</a>.

&nbsp;<a href="https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2024/12/11/general-kshsaa-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025.aspx" target="_blank">FULL RELEASE WITH PICTURES CLICK HERE</a>

The Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees include:

Beverly Heier-Birney, Grinnell - StudentThe three-sport athlete from Grinnell, Beverly Heier-Birney is still the co-holder of the 1A 100m dash record with a time of 12.3 seconds. Track and Field is where Heier made her mark in Kansas history. At the 1983 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championship, Beverly took gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. Ultimately the outstanding performance contributed to Grinnell winning the 1983 1A team championship, which they would also win two other times during her career (1980, 1982). Her performance in 1983 was the sequel to her championships for the 100m and 200m races in 1982. She also won the 100m race in 1980. Heier was part of Grinnell’s 1A KSHSAA State Cross Country Championships in 1980 and 1981. When it was all totaled after her outstanding high school career, Heier won 21 state medals across three sports, including 11 of which were gold.

Steve Bushnell, Topeka - FacultyFor nearly two decades, Steve Bushnell guided one of Kansas’ most dominant baseball programs at Seaman High School.&nbsp;Bushnell, led the Vikings to 18 state tournament appearances, nine Class 5A state championships and four runner-up finishes in 21 seasons. In his 21years at the helm for the Vikings, Bushnell culminated a 401-103 record (.796) which included a record of 42-9 in the state tournament. Seaman won at least 20 games for 10 consecutive years during the Bushnell era. In 2018 he was named the American Baseball Coaches Association High School Division III National Coach of the Year. In addition to baseball, Bushnell was a middle school wrestling coach for 27 years and was named the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association State Middle School Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2012. For 29 years, Bushnell was an educator in the classroom before moving to the athletic director role at Seaman HS in 2020 where he served for three years before retiring.&nbsp;

CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake - FacultyCJ&nbsp;Hamilton is Kansas’ all-time winningest football coach with an amazing 447-98 record. At the conclusion of the 2021 season Hamilton retired after teaching and coaching at Silver Lake for 47 years. A graduate of Silver Lake Hamilton, began his coaching career with his alma mater in 1973. After a brief departure to coach at Washburn for the 1977-78 seasons, Hamilton firmly entrenched himself as coach in 1979. In his 47 seasons as head coach of the Eagles, Silver Lake made the playoffs 40 times. The Eagles won 39 Mid-East League titles and advanced to the state championship 18 times, including seven straight from 2002-08 and 11 times in a 12-year stretch from 2002-13. Silver Lake won the Class 3A state title in 2013 to cap that remarkable stretch -- the eighth state championship for the Eagles under Hamilton. The 18 state championship game appearances are a state record. In addition to football, Hamilton was the head coach for the Silver Lake baseball team that won state championships in 1975, 1977 and 1982.

Dave Hawley, Wichita - FacultyDave Hawley spent 42 years at the helm of Wichita-Collegiate’s boys and girls tennis programs where they won 59 state championships between the two programs (33 girls; 26 boys).&nbsp;In addition, Hawley produced 82 singles and doubles state champions in the boys and girls divisions. Hawley was named the Kansas Boys Tennis Coach of the Year by the Kansas Coaches Association in 1997 and 2016, and received the same honor for girls tennis in 2005. In 2017 he was named the 4A boys coach of the year and was the 4A girls Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2016. Nationally, he was named the USTA High School Coach of the Year and was part of the National High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2017. Hawley was named a “Distinguished Teacher” by the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools in 2004. The tennis courts at Wichita Collegiate School were dubbed “Dave Hawley Tennis Complex” in 2005.

Klaus M. Kollmai, Wichita - Contributor

For 46 years Klaus Kollmai committed himself to students as a teacher, coach, administrator and official. Many recognize Klaus as “Mr. Soccer” for his instrumental part in getting high school soccer started in Kansas. For 13 years he coached soccer at the high school and collegiate level before becoming a soccer official for 26 years. When soccer was adopted as a KSHSAA sanctioned sport, Klaus was the lead rules interpreter for 10 years conducting numerous clinics and meetings across the state. From 1997-2001 Kollmai served as the Section 5 rep on the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee. Klaus was selected to work in the state championship match 19 times as the center referee. Kollmai was named the Kansas Boys Soccer Official of the Year in 1992, 1997 and 2014. He started the first varsity soccer tournament at Wichita South HS “The Titan Classic” which currently is in its 39th year running.

The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday–Friday during business hours (directions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/" target="_blank">www.kshsaa.org</a>).&nbsp; The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA “Gallery of Champions” at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaachamps.org/" target="_blank">http://www.kshsaachamps.org/</a>.

The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee.&nbsp; To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor).&nbsp; Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service).

TOPEKA, Kan. -&nbsp;Five individuals have been selected for induction into the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Awards will be presented during 2025 in conjunction with a KSHSAA-sponsored state function/ championship, or locally at the inductee's request. The time and location of each induction ceremony will be announced at a later date at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/" target="_blank">www.kshsaa.org</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2024/12/11/general-kshsaa-hall-of-fame-class-of-2025.aspx" target="_blank">FULL RELEASE WITH PICTURES CLICK HERE</a>The Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees include:Beverly Heier-Birney, Grinnell - StudentThe three-sport athlete from Grinnell, Beverly Heier-Birney is still the co-holder of the 1A 100m dash record with a time of 12.3 seconds. Track and Field is where Heier made her mark in Kansas history. At the 1983 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championship, Beverly took gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. Ultimately the outstanding performance contributed to Grinnell winning the 1983 1A team championship, which they would also win two other times during her career (1980, 1982). Her performance in 1983 was the sequel to her championships for the 100m and 200m races in 1982. She also won the 100m race in 1980. Heier was part of Grinnell’s 1A KSHSAA State Cross Country Championships in 1980 and 1981. When it was all totaled after her outstanding high school career, Heier won 21 state medals across three sports, including 11 of which were gold.Steve Bushnell, Topeka - FacultyFor nearly two decades, Steve Bushnell guided one of Kansas’ most dominant baseball programs at Seaman High School.&nbsp;Bushnell, led the Vikings to 18 state tournament appearances, nine Class 5A state championships and four runner-up finishes in 21 seasons. In his 21years at the helm for the Vikings, Bushnell culminated a 401-103 record (.796) which included a record of 42-9 in the state tournament. Seaman won at least 20 games for 10 consecutive years during the Bushnell era. In 2018 he was named the American Baseball Coaches Association High School Division III National Coach of the Year. In addition to baseball, Bushnell was a middle school wrestling coach for 27 years and was named the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association State Middle School Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2012. For 29 years, Bushnell was an educator in the classroom before moving to the athletic director role at Seaman HS in 2020 where he served for three years before retiring.&nbsp;CJ Hamilton, Silver Lake - FacultyCJ&nbsp;Hamilton is Kansas’ all-time winningest football coach with an amazing 447-98 record. At the conclusion of the 2021 season Hamilton retired after teaching and coaching at Silver Lake for 47 years. A graduate of Silver Lake Hamilton, began his coaching career with his alma mater in 1973. After a brief departure to coach at Washburn for the 1977-78 seasons, Hamilton firmly entrenched himself as coach in 1979. In his 47 seasons as head coach of the Eagles, Silver Lake made the playoffs 40 times. The Eagles won 39 Mid-East League titles and advanced to the state championship 18 times, including seven straight from 2002-08 and 11 times in a 12-year stretch from 2002-13. Silver Lake won the Class 3A state title in 2013 to cap that remarkable stretch -- the eighth state championship for the Eagles under Hamilton. The 18 state championship game appearances are a state record. In addition to football, Hamilton was the head coach for the Silver Lake baseball team that won state championships in 1975, 1977 and 1982.Dave Hawley, Wichita - FacultyDave Hawley spent 42 years at the helm of Wichita-Collegiate’s boys and girls tennis programs where they won 59 state championships between the two programs (33 girls; 26 boys).&nbsp;In addition, Hawley produced 82 singles and doubles state champions in the boys and girls divisions. Hawley was named the Kansas Boys Tennis Coach of the Year by the Kansas Coaches Association in 1997 and 2016, and received the same honor for girls tennis in 2005. In 2017 he was named the 4A boys coach of the year and was the 4A girls Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2016. Nationally, he was named the USTA High School Coach of the Year and was part of the National High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2017. Hawley was named a “Distinguished Teacher” by the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools in 2004. The tennis courts at Wichita Collegiate School were dubbed “Dave Hawley Tennis Complex” in 2005.Klaus M. Kollmai, Wichita - ContributorFor 46 years Klaus Kollmai committed himself to students as a teacher, coach, administrator and official. Many recognize Klaus as “Mr. Soccer” for his instrumental part in getting high school soccer started in Kansas. For 13 years he coached soccer at the high school and collegiate level before becoming a soccer official for 26 years. When soccer was adopted as a KSHSAA sanctioned sport, Klaus was the lead rules interpreter for 10 years conducting numerous clinics and meetings across the state. From 1997-2001 Kollmai served as the Section 5 rep on the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee. Klaus was selected to work in the state championship match 19 times as the center referee. Kollmai was named the Kansas Boys Soccer Official of the Year in 1992, 1997 and 2014. He started the first varsity soccer tournament at Wichita South HS “The Titan Classic” which currently is in its 39th year running.**********The Hall of Fame is housed in the Kansas State High School Activities Association offices, 601 SW Commerce Place in Topeka and is open Monday–Friday during business hours (directions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/" target="_blank">www.kshsaa.org</a>).&nbsp; The Hall of Fame is also available via the KSHSAA “Gallery of Champions” at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaachamps.org/" target="_blank">http://www.kshsaachamps.org/</a>.The honorees were chosen from nominations reviewed by a selection committee.&nbsp; To be eligible for the Hall of Fame, an individual must have made an unusually outstanding contribution in interschool activities, either as a student with exceptional talent, or as an adult working with youth (such as an activity coach, director or sponsor, an administrator, an official or a contributor).&nbsp; Hall of Fame inductees may no longer be active in the field for which they are nominated (exception: contributor with over 30 years of outstanding service).

KSHSAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025

On Saturday, December 14, National NCAA Softball Player and Pitcher of the Year NiJaree Canady will be at Long McArthur in Salina from 10am to noon!

The Kansas Native will be signing autographs (1 per person), and free doughnuts and photos will be available.

Canady is a Kansas native, originally hailing from Topeka, where she attended Topeka High.

During her time in Topeka, Canady was twice named as the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, and led her Trojans to back-to-back state championships.

Canady was named Collegiate Player of the Year and a First Team All American in 2024, and her&nbsp;dominance in the circle showed to the tune of a nation-leading 337 strikeouts and otherworldly 0.73 ERA, which also led the nation

She was 24-7 overall in the circle last season and an impressive 41-10 with a 0.67 ERA over her two seasons at Stanford, where she helped push the Cardinal to the final four teams each year at the Women’s College World Series

Canady also represented the U.S. this summer in the 2024 Japan All-Star Series. This offseason she transferred to Texas Tech where she will compete for the Red Raiders in 2025.

BY SALINA POSTOn Saturday, December 14, National NCAA Softball Player and Pitcher of the Year NiJaree Canady will be at Long McArthur in Salina from 10am to noon!The Kansas Native will be signing autographs (1 per person), and free doughnuts and photos will be available.Canady is a Kansas native, originally hailing from Topeka, where she attended Topeka High.During her time in Topeka, Canady was twice named as the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, and led her Trojans to back-to-back state championships.Canady was named Collegiate Player of the Year and a First Team All American in 2024, and her&nbsp;dominance in the circle showed to the tune of a nation-leading 337 strikeouts and otherworldly 0.73 ERA, which also led the nationShe was 24-7 overall in the circle last season and an impressive 41-10 with a 0.67 ERA over her two seasons at Stanford, where she helped push the Cardinal to the final four teams each year at the Women’s College World SeriesCanady also represented the U.S. this summer in the 2024 Japan All-Star Series. This offseason she transferred to Texas Tech where she will compete for the Red Raiders in 2025.

National NCAA Softball Player of the Year NiJaree Canady to appear at Long McArthur on December 14

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

On Tuesday night, the Minneapolis basketball teams welcomed in Ell-Saline for a two-game non-league set.

The four teams would split the two games down the middle, with a dominant 57-23 win for the Lady Lions, and an equally uneven 63-32 victory for the Cardinals of Ell-Saline.

Girls: Ell-Saline 23, Minneapolis 57

The Lady Lions jumped all over Ell-Saline early in this game, forcing double-digit turnovers in each of the first two quarters.

Those turnovers would translate to big points for Minneapolis, who led 16-6 at the end of the first quarter, and 30-15 at the halftime intermission.

Much of that first half damage was done by Baylee Randall-Hurt, who scored 10 points in the first two quarters alone.

The second half saw more of the same as Minneapolis turned up the heat and pulled away down the stretch, winning 57-23.

Maci McClure came on strong with 7 second-half points, equalling Randall-Hurt for the game lead with 13 on the day.

Ultimately, ten different Lady Lions would contribute at least one bucket while just five Lady Cardinals found the scoring column.

Minneapolis opens their season 1-0 while Ell-Saline falls to 0-1.

Boys: Ell-Saline 63, Minneapolis 32

The boys game would end up being even more lopsided, but this time in favor of a Cardinal team that has started their season hot at 2-0.

Transition baskets, three-pointers and a handful of big first-quarter dunks delivered a huge edge to the Cardinals, who led 20-9 at the end of the first.

To add insult to injury, Owen Just picked up his third foul for Minneapolis late in the first, and would have to sit for the entire second quarter as Ell-Saline pulled away to lead 39-15 at halftime.

A big third quarter in which the Cardinals allowed just three made field goals sealed the deal, as Ell-Saline pulled away to win 63-32.

Nine different Cardinals would chip in at least one bucket in this game, led by Kas Kramer (18) Brogan Rowley (16) and Trey Williams (10).

Owen Just scored six fourth-quarter points to lead the Lions with 11 on the day, but got just 21 points from four other teammates in the loss.

Ell-Saline rolls to 2-0 while Minneapolis falls to 0-2 to start the season.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostOn Tuesday night, the Minneapolis basketball teams welcomed in Ell-Saline for a two-game non-league set.The four teams would split the two games down the middle, with a dominant 57-23 win for the Lady Lions, and an equally uneven 63-32 victory for the Cardinals of Ell-Saline.<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>Girls: Ell-Saline 23, Minneapolis 57The Lady Lions jumped all over Ell-Saline early in this game, forcing double-digit turnovers in each of the first two quarters.Those turnovers would translate to big points for Minneapolis, who led 16-6 at the end of the first quarter, and 30-15 at the halftime intermission.Much of that first half damage was done by Baylee Randall-Hurt, who scored 10 points in the first two quarters alone.The second half saw more of the same as Minneapolis turned up the heat and pulled away down the stretch, winning 57-23.Maci McClure came on strong with 7 second-half points, equalling Randall-Hurt for the game lead with 13 on the day.Ultimately, ten different Lady Lions would contribute at least one bucket while just five Lady Cardinals found the scoring column.Minneapolis opens their season 1-0 while Ell-Saline falls to 0-1.Boys: Ell-Saline 63, Minneapolis 32The boys game would end up being even more lopsided, but this time in favor of a Cardinal team that has started their season hot at 2-0.Transition baskets, three-pointers and a handful of big first-quarter dunks delivered a huge edge to the Cardinals, who led 20-9 at the end of the first.To add insult to injury, Owen Just picked up his third foul for Minneapolis late in the first, and would have to sit for the entire second quarter as Ell-Saline pulled away to lead 39-15 at halftime.A big third quarter in which the Cardinals allowed just three made field goals sealed the deal, as Ell-Saline pulled away to win 63-32.Nine different Cardinals would chip in at least one bucket in this game, led by Kas Kramer (18) Brogan Rowley (16) and Trey Williams (10).Owen Just scored six fourth-quarter points to lead the Lions with 11 on the day, but got just 21 points from four other teammates in the loss.Ell-Saline rolls to 2-0 while Minneapolis falls to 0-2 to start the season.

Lady Lions and Cardinals victorious in Tuesday tilt

The Southeast of Saline basketball teams traveled to Abilene on Tuesday to square off with the Cowboys and Cowgirls.

On the day, the four teams split the two games, with Southeast’s girls winning 47-42, and Abilene’s boys dominating 71-43.

Girls: SE of Saline 47, Abilene 42

Southeast did not start their game with Abilene well on the girls side, conceding a huge run near the end of the second quarter and trailing 28-9 going into the halftime locker room.

From there, challenges were issued and the call was answered, as the Lady Trojans battled back to erase the 19-point deficit in the third quarter.

“At halftime, we had a long talk about digging deep and finding some energy,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “I thought we were flat for the first 16 minutes, and I wasn’t sure anything went our way, but we made our free throws at the end, and we’re all about gutting out late games.”

The Lady Trojans kept their foot on the gas and attacked the basket, knocking down nine of their ten fourth-quarter free throws to close out a 47-42 win.

“We talked about the physicality of this game and matching them with some leadership in that,” Smith said. “We did some things right in the second half and we got some balls to go in the bucket for us down the stretch.”

Southeast was led in scoring by their freshman duo of Reese Heinrich (14) and Kyiah Samuelson (9), also getting six points apiece from Suttyn Douglas, Regan Duran, Aba Pearson and Annabelle Villalaz.

In the loss, Abilene got 12 points from Tessa Herrman, who scored nine in the first half but was held to just three in the second.

SES moves to 1-1 while Abilene falls to 0-2 on the young season.

On the boy’s side, Abilene led from the jump and never looked back, forcing 17 turnovers in a dominant home rout.

Rebounding proved to be the Trojan’s downfall, as the Cowboys crashed the boards hard, earning bonus possessions and limiting Southeast’s chances on offense.

“We can’t keep anybody off the glass and we have 3-4 guys looking at the shot instead of blocking out,” SES head coach Francis Flax said. “We were sloppy with the basketball, they were overplaying the passing lanes and we don’t know yet what a ball fake is. We’re going to hang in there and we went from 34 to 41, maybe we’ll get to 50 next game.”

It was an electric night for Abilene’s Ian Crump, who hit three three pointers as part of a 21-point effort.

Crump was backed up by Jackson Green (14) Tyler Holloway (11) and Taygen Funston (10), who accounted for four of the Cowboy’s nine scorers on the day.

Southeast also got into foul trouble, sending the Cowboys to the line 30 times where they connected on 23 tries.

“Most of the time we’re getting a good look but I tell the guys in practice to take the guys to the basket,” Flax said. “I didn’t love some of the offensive foul calls but that didn’t win or lose the game for us. Ultimately we can’t score early and that’s a big issue.”

Owen Bailey led the charge with 17 points in the losing effort.

With this result the Cowboys roll to 2-0 while SES falls to 0-2.

Things won’t get any easier for SES, who will face four state-ranked opponents to start their season.

Both SES teams will be back in action on Friday when they return home to host the rival Trojans of Beloit.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline basketball teams traveled to Abilene on Tuesday to square off with the Cowboys and Cowgirls.On the day, the four teams split the two games, with Southeast’s girls winning 47-42, and Abilene’s boys dominating 71-43.<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>Girls: SE of Saline 47, Abilene 42Southeast did not start their game with Abilene well on the girls side, conceding a huge run near the end of the second quarter and trailing 28-9 going into the halftime locker room.From there, challenges were issued and the call was answered, as the Lady Trojans battled back to erase the 19-point deficit in the third quarter.“At halftime, we had a long talk about digging deep and finding some energy,” SES head coach Shauna Smith said. “I thought we were flat for the first 16 minutes, and I wasn’t sure anything went our way, but we made our free throws at the end, and we’re all about gutting out late games.”The Lady Trojans kept their foot on the gas and attacked the basket, knocking down nine of their ten fourth-quarter free throws to close out a 47-42 win.“We talked about the physicality of this game and matching them with some leadership in that,” Smith said. “We did some things right in the second half and we got some balls to go in the bucket for us down the stretch.”Southeast was led in scoring by their freshman duo of Reese Heinrich (14) and Kyiah Samuelson (9), also getting six points apiece from Suttyn Douglas, Regan Duran, Aba Pearson and Annabelle Villalaz.In the loss, Abilene got 12 points from Tessa Herrman, who scored nine in the first half but was held to just three in the second.SES moves to 1-1 while Abilene falls to 0-2 on the young season.Boys: SE of Saline 43, Abilene 71On the boy’s side, Abilene led from the jump and never looked back, forcing 17 turnovers in a dominant home rout.Rebounding proved to be the Trojan’s downfall, as the Cowboys crashed the boards hard, earning bonus possessions and limiting Southeast’s chances on offense.“We can’t keep anybody off the glass and we have 3-4 guys looking at the shot instead of blocking out,” SES head coach Francis Flax said. “We were sloppy with the basketball, they were overplaying the passing lanes and we don’t know yet what a ball fake is. We’re going to hang in there and we went from 34 to 41, maybe we’ll get to 50 next game.”It was an electric night for Abilene’s Ian Crump, who hit three three pointers as part of a 21-point effort.Crump was backed up by Jackson Green (14) Tyler Holloway (11) and Taygen Funston (10), who accounted for four of the Cowboy’s nine scorers on the day.Southeast also got into foul trouble, sending the Cowboys to the line 30 times where they connected on 23 tries.“Most of the time we’re getting a good look but I tell the guys in practice to take the guys to the basket,” Flax said. “I didn’t love some of the offensive foul calls but that didn’t win or lose the game for us. Ultimately we can’t score early and that’s a big issue.”Owen Bailey led the charge with 17 points in the losing effort.With this result the Cowboys roll to 2-0 while SES falls to 0-2.Things won’t get any easier for SES, who will face four state-ranked opponents to start their season.Both SES teams will be back in action on Friday when they return home to host the rival Trojans of Beloit.

SES hoops splits two-game set in Abilene

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post Contributor

Sacred Heart traveled to Chapman Tuesday night and swept a pair of games from the Irish. The Lady Knights pulled away for a 52-39 win while the Sacred Heart boys never trailed in a 75-46 blowout.

The Sacred Heart girls (1-1, 0-0) came into the game looking for their first win of the season while the Lady Irish were playing their season opener.

Both teams came out aggressively as the Lady Knights led 16-11 after the opening quarter. Chapman (0-1,0-0) found itself down by as many as nine points early in the second period, but began chipping away at the Sacred Heart lead.

The Lady Irish pulled to within a single point at 25-24, but with the final basket before halftime, Sacred Heart had a two-possession advantage with the score 28-24.

Chapman pulled to within another one-point deficit at 33-32, but an 11-0 Sacred Heart run to end the third quarter essentially put game away.

Leading 44-32 to start the final period, the Lady Knights held off Chapman for a 13-point road win.

Skylar Douglas led Sacred Heart with 19 points and Adelyn Lee scored a dozen. Adelynn Kirkpatrick led the Lady Irish with 12 points.

In the boys game, Sacred Heart (2-0, 0-0) wasted no time building a double-figure lead and never trailed in the game.

Chapman (0-1, 0-0) found itself trailing 22-10 after the opening quarter and 44-25 at halftime. The Knights built a 30-point advantage to end the third quarter and, with a running clock in the final period, went on for a 29-point victory.

Will Tuttle led Sacred Heart and all scorers with 25 points. Maddox Wells added 13 and Noah Hines netted 10 points. Ayden Muniz scored 17 for Irish while Drew Elliott added a dozen.

The Irish Classic continues on Friday with Sacred Heart facing Rossville and Chapman hosting Bishop Ward. The Knights and Bulldogs will play at 3 and 4:30 with The Irish and the Cyclones starting at 6 and 7:30 that evening.

Coverage of all four games with live streaming audio and video will be broadcast on <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.

By ADAM COULTER Salina Post ContributorSacred Heart traveled to Chapman Tuesday night and swept a pair of games from the Irish. The Lady Knights pulled away for a 52-39 win while the Sacred Heart boys never trailed in a 75-46 blowout.The Sacred Heart girls (1-1, 0-0) came into the game looking for their first win of the season while the Lady Irish were playing their season opener.Both teams came out aggressively as the Lady Knights led 16-11 after the opening quarter. Chapman (0-1,0-0) found itself down by as many as nine points early in the second period, but began chipping away at the Sacred Heart lead.The Lady Irish pulled to within a single point at 25-24, but with the final basket before halftime, Sacred Heart had a two-possession advantage with the score 28-24.Chapman pulled to within another one-point deficit at 33-32, but an 11-0 Sacred Heart run to end the third quarter essentially put game away.Leading 44-32 to start the final period, the Lady Knights held off Chapman for a 13-point road win.Skylar Douglas led Sacred Heart with 19 points and Adelyn Lee scored a dozen. Adelynn Kirkpatrick led the Lady Irish with 12 points.In the boys game, Sacred Heart (2-0, 0-0) wasted no time building a double-figure lead and never trailed in the game.Chapman (0-1, 0-0) found itself trailing 22-10 after the opening quarter and 44-25 at halftime. The Knights built a 30-point advantage to end the third quarter and, with a running clock in the final period, went on for a 29-point victory.Will Tuttle led Sacred Heart and all scorers with 25 points. Maddox Wells added 13 and Noah Hines netted 10 points. Ayden Muniz scored 17 for Irish while Drew Elliott added a dozen.The Irish Classic continues on Friday with Sacred Heart facing Rossville and Chapman hosting Bishop Ward. The Knights and Bulldogs will play at 3 and 4:30 with The Irish and the Cyclones starting at 6 and 7:30 that evening.Coverage of all four games with live streaming audio and video will be broadcast on <a href="http://salinapost.com/">salinapost.com</a>.

Sacred Heart sweeps Chapman to begin Irish Classic

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold announced Tuesday that Matt Lubick will join the Jayhawks as the program’s Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends coach.

Lubick, a coaching veteran of nearly 30 years, rejoins Kansas following one season as Nevada’s offensive coordinator in 2024. Lubick served as a senior offensive analyst at Kansas from 2022-23, where he helped the Jayhawk offense thrive. In 2023, Kansas ranked inside the Top 25 in rushing offense (8th), scoring offense (17th), total offense (21st) and team passing efficiency (7th).

“We’re very excited to welcome Matt back to Kansas,” Leipold said. “In his time here, he made valuable contributions to our program and our offensive evolution. Matt is an extremely accomplished coach and will be a great addition to our staff. He is a very dedicated to his craft, and I think he and Coach Zebrowski will work very well together in their roles.”

During the 2024 season at Nevada, Lubick led the Wolfpack offense to five games with at least 400 yards of offense, including a 42-37 win over Oregon State on Oct. 12 and a 534-yard performance in a 49-16 win over Eastern Washington on Sept. 21. Nevada’s offense averaged 5.9 yards per play and had the 10th&nbsp;highest completion percentage in the country at 67.5% in 2024. Lubick was later named Nevada’s nominee for the Broyles Award, an award that honors the top assistant coach in college football.

"I could not be more excited for the opportunity to return to Kansas. Coach Leipold and his staff embraced me as family when I became an analyst in 2022,” Lubick said. “I am beyond grateful for their continued support and love they have given me throughout my recovery of leukemia. The turnaround of Kansas football has been awesome to follow and the best is yet to come. Rock Chalk.”

Lubick spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons at Kansas as a senior analyst and helped Kansas to its first nine-win season and first bowl win since 2008 in 2023 and its first bowl appearance since 2008 in 2022. Prior to arriving at Kansas, Lubick served as the offensive coordinator at&nbsp;Nebraska (2020-21), Washington (2017-18), and Oregon (2016).

The son of longtime Colorado State head coach Sonny Lubick, Matt was a part of two Pac-12 Championship teams in Oregon in 2014 and Washington in 2018 and five teams that finished the season ranked in the top-20, including four 10-win teams. In 2014, Lubick helped Oregon rank in the top-five in scoring offense and total offense, leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

In 2012, Lubick was named Football Scoop's national Receivers Coach of the Year, as well as being one of three finalists for the American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) National Assistant Coach of the Year award that same year.

A Bozeman, Montana native, Lubick began his coaching career in 1995 as a student assistant and academic supervisor at Colorado State. In the three decades since, Lubick has risen through the ranks, first becoming an offensive coordinator in 2016, overseeing an Oregon offense which&nbsp;set school records for passing yards (4,687), completions (326) and first downs passing (198). Oregon ranked 13th nationally in completion percentage and 15th in total offense.

In 2017, Lubick took over as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Washington, guiding the Huskies to the 2018 Pac-12 Title, consecutive 10-win seasons and appearances in the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl.Lubick spent three seasons as the wide receivers coach at Duke from 2010 to 2012, helping the Blue Devils to a bowl game in 2012, a first for the program since 1994. Lubick was named Football Scoop's national Receivers Coach of the Year, as well as being one of three finalists for the AFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year award.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold announced Tuesday that Matt Lubick will join the Jayhawks as the program’s Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends coach.Lubick, a coaching veteran of nearly 30 years, rejoins Kansas following one season as Nevada’s offensive coordinator in 2024. Lubick served as a senior offensive analyst at Kansas from 2022-23, where he helped the Jayhawk offense thrive. In 2023, Kansas ranked inside the Top 25 in rushing offense (8th), scoring offense (17th), total offense (21st) and team passing efficiency (7th).“We’re very excited to welcome Matt back to Kansas,” Leipold said. “In his time here, he made valuable contributions to our program and our offensive evolution. Matt is an extremely accomplished coach and will be a great addition to our staff. He is a very dedicated to his craft, and I think he and Coach Zebrowski will work very well together in their roles.”During the 2024 season at Nevada, Lubick led the Wolfpack offense to five games with at least 400 yards of offense, including a 42-37 win over Oregon State on Oct. 12 and a 534-yard performance in a 49-16 win over Eastern Washington on Sept. 21. Nevada’s offense averaged 5.9 yards per play and had the 10th&nbsp;highest completion percentage in the country at 67.5% in 2024. Lubick was later named Nevada’s nominee for the Broyles Award, an award that honors the top assistant coach in college football."I could not be more excited for the opportunity to return to Kansas. Coach Leipold and his staff embraced me as family when I became an analyst in 2022,” Lubick said. “I am beyond grateful for their continued support and love they have given me throughout my recovery of leukemia. The turnaround of Kansas football has been awesome to follow and the best is yet to come. Rock Chalk.”Lubick spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons at Kansas as a senior analyst and helped Kansas to its first nine-win season and first bowl win since 2008 in 2023 and its first bowl appearance since 2008 in 2022. Prior to arriving at Kansas, Lubick served as the offensive coordinator at&nbsp;Nebraska (2020-21), Washington (2017-18), and Oregon (2016).The son of longtime Colorado State head coach Sonny Lubick, Matt was a part of two Pac-12 Championship teams in Oregon in 2014 and Washington in 2018 and five teams that finished the season ranked in the top-20, including four 10-win teams. In 2014, Lubick helped Oregon rank in the top-five in scoring offense and total offense, leading the Ducks to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.In 2012, Lubick was named Football Scoop's national Receivers Coach of the Year, as well as being one of three finalists for the American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) National Assistant Coach of the Year award that same year.A Bozeman, Montana native, Lubick began his coaching career in 1995 as a student assistant and academic supervisor at Colorado State. In the three decades since, Lubick has risen through the ranks, first becoming an offensive coordinator in 2016, overseeing an Oregon offense which&nbsp;set school records for passing yards (4,687), completions (326) and first downs passing (198). Oregon ranked 13th nationally in completion percentage and 15th in total offense.In 2017, Lubick took over as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Washington, guiding the Huskies to the 2018 Pac-12 Title, consecutive 10-win seasons and appearances in the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl.Lubick spent three seasons as the wide receivers coach at Duke from 2010 to 2012, helping the Blue Devils to a bowl game in 2012, a first for the program since 1994. Lubick was named Football Scoop's national Receivers Coach of the Year, as well as being one of three finalists for the AFCA National Assistant Coach of the Year award.