KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;On Tuesday – National Mascot Day – Dan Meers, the franchise’s original KC Wolf, announced his retirement after 35 years as the team’s beloved mascot and “Director of Shenanigans.”

“Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Since joining the organization in 1990, Dan helped establish KC Wolf not only as a source of energy and enthusiasm on gamedays, but as a symbol of pride and passion for all of Chiefs Kingdom. He ensured that his alter ego brought joy to people young and old, and his deep connection to the Kansas City community has made him a beloved figure to generations of Chiefs fans.”

A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Meers graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990, where he served four years as Truman the Tiger. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s top collegiate mascots, he finished second in the 1988 and 1990 National Collegiate Mascot Championships and was named the top overall college mascot in the country in 1989.

After graduating with honors, Meers began his professional career as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals. After a short stint in professional baseball, Meers joined the Kansas City Chiefs full-time in 1990 after the Chiefs introduced their brand-new mascot, KC Wolf, in 1989.

Over the next 35 years, Meers became the NFL’s longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years. He performed at 307 regular and postseason games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadum and 375 total games, including preseason matchups. Meers also appeared at six international games as KC Wolf, including four American Bowl preseason games (Berlin, 1990; Tokyo, 1994 and 1998; and Monterrey, 1996) and two regular season international contests (London, 2015 and Frankfurt, 2023). He appeared at all five Super Bowls (LIV, LV, LVII, LVIII, LIX) the club has participated in since the 2019 season, including the three wins (LIV, LVII, LVIII). KC Wolf was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and participated in nine NFL all-star games during Meers’ tenure.

“To say I’m a blessed man is an understatement. For the past 35 years I’ve had my dream job. I’ve worked for the team I love, in the city I love, with the people I love. After all these years I certainly hope Chiefs Kingdom knows just how much I love and appreciate them. I have memories and stories that will last me a lifetime,” Meers said.&nbsp;“I especially want to thank my family, the Hunt family, the Chiefs organization and the greatest fans in the world for all the love, support, and laughs we’ve shared over the past 35 years. I’m truly a blessed, blessed man!”

Throughout his career, Meers brought the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom as KC Wolf to 12 countries, 38 states, and countless events. He visited U.S. military installations at home and overseas and made approximately 10,000 appearances, including community events, birthday parties, banquets, weddings, grand openings, and more.

Meers also developed multiple speaking engagement programs aimed at promoting character, positivity and purpose. His school, corporate, community, and faith-based presentations helped define KC Wolf not just as a mascot, but as “a character with character.”

KC Wolf became the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2020, Meers became the first – and remains the only – mascot to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He was also twice recognized by the franchise for his exceptional contributions to the club and the community, earning the Chiefs Presidential Award in 1993 and the Chiefs Service Award in 2016.

In addition to his work as KC Wolf, Meers is a noted motivational speaker and author of two books:&nbsp;Wolves Can’t Fly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mascot on a Mission. All proceeds from books sales have supported global missions and ministries through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Character That Counts. Meers has made numerous trips internationally, serving orphans and underserved communities around the world, including in Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, India, and Tanzania.

Chiefs Kingdom is invited to celebrate Meers’ retirement by sharing their favorite photos and videos of themselves or their families with KC Wolf over the years at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories</a>.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;On Tuesday – National Mascot Day – Dan Meers, the franchise’s original KC Wolf, announced his retirement after 35 years as the team’s beloved mascot and “Director of Shenanigans.”“Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. “Since joining the organization in 1990, Dan helped establish KC Wolf not only as a source of energy and enthusiasm on gamedays, but as a symbol of pride and passion for all of Chiefs Kingdom. He ensured that his alter ego brought joy to people young and old, and his deep connection to the Kansas City community has made him a beloved figure to generations of Chiefs fans.”A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Meers graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990, where he served four years as Truman the Tiger. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s top collegiate mascots, he finished second in the 1988 and 1990 National Collegiate Mascot Championships and was named the top overall college mascot in the country in 1989.After graduating with honors, Meers began his professional career as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals. After a short stint in professional baseball, Meers joined the Kansas City Chiefs full-time in 1990 after the Chiefs introduced their brand-new mascot, KC Wolf, in 1989.Over the next 35 years, Meers became the NFL’s longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years. He performed at 307 regular and postseason games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadum and 375 total games, including preseason matchups. Meers also appeared at six international games as KC Wolf, including four American Bowl preseason games (Berlin, 1990; Tokyo, 1994 and 1998; and Monterrey, 1996) and two regular season international contests (London, 2015 and Frankfurt, 2023). He appeared at all five Super Bowls (LIV, LV, LVII, LVIII, LIX) the club has participated in since the 2019 season, including the three wins (LIV, LVII, LVIII). KC Wolf was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and participated in nine NFL all-star games during Meers’ tenure.“To say I’m a blessed man is an understatement. For the past 35 years I’ve had my dream job. I’ve worked for the team I love, in the city I love, with the people I love. After all these years I certainly hope Chiefs Kingdom knows just how much I love and appreciate them. I have memories and stories that will last me a lifetime,” Meers said.&nbsp;“I especially want to thank my family, the Hunt family, the Chiefs organization and the greatest fans in the world for all the love, support, and laughs we’ve shared over the past 35 years. I’m truly a blessed, blessed man!”Throughout his career, Meers brought the spirit of Chiefs Kingdom as KC Wolf to 12 countries, 38 states, and countless events. He visited U.S. military installations at home and overseas and made approximately 10,000 appearances, including community events, birthday parties, banquets, weddings, grand openings, and more.Meers also developed multiple speaking engagement programs aimed at promoting character, positivity and purpose. His school, corporate, community, and faith-based presentations helped define KC Wolf not just as a mascot, but as “a character with character.”KC Wolf became the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2020, Meers became the first – and remains the only – mascot to be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He was also twice recognized by the franchise for his exceptional contributions to the club and the community, earning the Chiefs Presidential Award in 1993 and the Chiefs Service Award in 2016.In addition to his work as KC Wolf, Meers is a noted motivational speaker and author of two books:&nbsp;Wolves Can’t Fly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mascot on a Mission. All proceeds from books sales have supported global missions and ministries through the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Character That Counts. Meers has made numerous trips internationally, serving orphans and underserved communities around the world, including in Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, India, and Tanzania.Chiefs Kingdom is invited to celebrate Meers’ retirement by sharing their favorite photos and videos of themselves or their families with KC Wolf over the years at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories" target="_blank">www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories</a>.&nbsp;

Dan Meers announces retirement following 35-year career as KC Wolf

WICHITA, Kan. - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c7d8d1c-e470-4ec5-abdc-419d2bc0d67e?elinkdata=27050">Nathan Morrison</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University and Ryo Nakazono of McPherson College were named the 2024-25 KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year and Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. This is the second time in the eleven-year history of the KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award that a trainer from Kansas Wesleyan has earned the honor (Dan O'Connell, 2020-21), and this is the first time a McPherson athletic training staff member has earned the honor in the four-year history of the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award.

For the Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletic trainer (or equivalent title on their campus). Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.

For the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual each year for exceptional performance as a member of an athletic training staff. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.

"I am very gracious to receive this award, and to be recognized among the many outstanding Athletic trainers within the KCAC," Morrison remarked. "This recognition is not mine alone as it reflects the collective efforts of the individuals I've had the privilege to work alongside. I am especially grateful to the dedicated staff members who have contributed to the growth and success of KWU Sports Medicine. Their commitment and teamwork have been instrumental in shaping our program into what it is today."

Morrison serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer for the Coyotes, overseeing athletic training efforts for 24 different sports, along with a sizeable group of varsity reserve/developmental teams. His reach even extends beyond the athletic department, as he works with KWU's Student Development Office to handle insurance for all students, regardless if they are an athlete or not.

"I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that Nathan has achieved over the last year," <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fbfbe46-df2f-4905-bee0-293975885710?elinkdata=27050">Miguel Paredes</a>, Athletic Director at Kansas Wesleyan University, said. "He has done an amazing job navigating through several challenges this year. Nathan continues to do a great job in his leadership role within our athletics leadership team, as well as assisting the campus with the coordination of campus health and student health insurance."

"With great respect for all the athletic trainers in the KCAC, I am truly honored to be selected as the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year," Nakazono said. "First, I would like to thank my boss, Phil (Schoenwetter), for the nomination and for always supporting me. I also want to thank McPherson College's administrative staff, coaches, and student-athletes for the wonderful opportunity, as well as everyone who has supported me along the way. I will continue striving to provide the highest quality healthcare for our student-athletes."

Nakazono has served as an athletic trainer at McPherson College since 2021. In the 2024-25 school year, his primary responsibilities were the volleyball, women's soccer, cross country, track &amp; field, men's basketball, softball, tennis, and shotgun sports teams.

While serving as a full-time athletic trainer, Nakazono completed the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from A.T. Still University in November 2024.

"For the past five years, Ryo has exemplified consistent, compassionate care for his student-athletes," Phil Schoenwetter, Head Athletic Trainer at McPherson College, remarked. "This past year, however, Ryo has gone above and beyond from taking on extra sport coverage, helping drive teams, and, on top of that, completing his Physical Therapy Doctorate. I appreciate everything Ryo has done and I know our students appreciate all the work he does for them as well."

WICHITA, Kan. - <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8c7d8d1c-e470-4ec5-abdc-419d2bc0d67e?elinkdata=27050">Nathan Morrison</a> of Kansas Wesleyan University and Ryo Nakazono of McPherson College were named the 2024-25 KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year and Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. This is the second time in the eleven-year history of the KCAC Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award that a trainer from Kansas Wesleyan has earned the honor (Dan O'Connell, 2020-21), and this is the first time a McPherson athletic training staff member has earned the honor in the four-year history of the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award.For the Head Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual for exceptional performance as a head athletic trainer (or equivalent title on their campus). Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession.For the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year award, the KCAC recognizes one individual each year for exceptional performance as a member of an athletic training staff. Award recipients are actively involved in their community or campus, within the conference, athletic training associations, and promotion of the profession."I am very gracious to receive this award, and to be recognized among the many outstanding Athletic trainers within the KCAC," Morrison remarked. "This recognition is not mine alone as it reflects the collective efforts of the individuals I've had the privilege to work alongside. I am especially grateful to the dedicated staff members who have contributed to the growth and success of KWU Sports Medicine. Their commitment and teamwork have been instrumental in shaping our program into what it is today."Morrison serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer for the Coyotes, overseeing athletic training efforts for 24 different sports, along with a sizeable group of varsity reserve/developmental teams. His reach even extends beyond the athletic department, as he works with KWU's Student Development Office to handle insurance for all students, regardless if they are an athlete or not."I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that Nathan has achieved over the last year," <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5fbfbe46-df2f-4905-bee0-293975885710?elinkdata=27050">Miguel Paredes</a>, Athletic Director at Kansas Wesleyan University, said. "He has done an amazing job navigating through several challenges this year. Nathan continues to do a great job in his leadership role within our athletics leadership team, as well as assisting the campus with the coordination of campus health and student health insurance.""With great respect for all the athletic trainers in the KCAC, I am truly honored to be selected as the Staff Athletic Trainer of the Year," Nakazono said. "First, I would like to thank my boss, Phil (Schoenwetter), for the nomination and for always supporting me. I also want to thank McPherson College's administrative staff, coaches, and student-athletes for the wonderful opportunity, as well as everyone who has supported me along the way. I will continue striving to provide the highest quality healthcare for our student-athletes."Nakazono has served as an athletic trainer at McPherson College since 2021. In the 2024-25 school year, his primary responsibilities were the volleyball, women's soccer, cross country, track &amp; field, men's basketball, softball, tennis, and shotgun sports teams.While serving as a full-time athletic trainer, Nakazono completed the post-professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program from A.T. Still University in November 2024."For the past five years, Ryo has exemplified consistent, compassionate care for his student-athletes," Phil Schoenwetter, Head Athletic Trainer at McPherson College, remarked. "This past year, however, Ryo has gone above and beyond from taking on extra sport coverage, helping drive teams, and, on top of that, completing his Physical Therapy Doctorate. I appreciate everything Ryo has done and I know our students appreciate all the work he does for them as well."

Morrison named KCAC Athletic Trainer of the Year

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

After an 0-4 start, the Liberty’s long-awaited comeback was completed last night, as Salina won its sixth game in seven attempts, dramatically defeating the Southwest Kansas Storm 53-52 to punch a ticket to the AF1 playoffs.

In the last two weeks, the Liberty have led for a total of three seconds.

Much like last week, Southwest Kansas jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on three first-half Liberty turnovers to hold a 27-7 edge in the second quarter.

A field goal just before the intermission put the Storm in front 37-21 at the half, and on the other side of the break, Southwest Kansas picked up right where they left off, scoring a Jalen Morton rushing touchdown on their last two drives of the frame.

Down 52-36, it was going to take a nearly perfect fourth quarter for the Liberty to complete a comeback.

Backup quarterback Javin Kilgo, who entered a second-straight game for the injured Rakeem Cato, began the effort with a rushing touchdown of his own to open the fourth-quarter scoring and trim the lead to nine.

An errant pass over the middle of the field was intercepted by Freddie McGee, giving the Liberty a possession that they capitalized on when Kilgo hit offensive lineman Aleki Tapa for a touchdown that brought the Liberty within two.

Threatening to put the game away, Jalen Morton delivered a pass to the back corner of the end zone that was bobbled onto the top of the wall, and ripped down by RJ Jarrett for Salina’s second straight pick.

While the Liberty did not score on the ensuing drive, their defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs and earning one last chance in the final minute.

Salina methodically marched down the field, getting in range for a 25-yard field goal attempt for Bailey Hale, who hit a game winner over the Southwest Kansas Storm just one week prior.

This kick was a near carbon copy, as Hale blasted it right down the middle, delivering Salina a 53-52 lead, their first of the day, with one second remaining.

The ensuing kickoff was little more than a formality as Salina finished the job, and staked a claim to the AF1’s 4-seed, eliminating the Billings Outlaws in the process.

Rakeem Cato and Javin Kilgo combined for six touchdowns and just one interception on the day, while Fast Ed Smith completed a hat trick, hauling in three touchdown catches on 14 receptions for 121 yards.

This victory also ensures another winning season for head coach Heron O’Neal, who has never had a losing record in eight years as Salina’s leader.

The Liberty will travel to Albany to battle the undefeated Firebirds (10-0) next week while Southwest Kansas makes the long trek to Nashville for a date with the Kats.

All playoff games will be broadcast on Vice TV.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAfter an 0-4 start, the Liberty’s long-awaited comeback was completed last night, as Salina won its sixth game in seven attempts, dramatically defeating the Southwest Kansas Storm 53-52 to punch a ticket to the AF1 playoffs.In the last two weeks, the Liberty have led for a total of three seconds.They won both games.Much like last week, Southwest Kansas jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on three first-half Liberty turnovers to hold a 27-7 edge in the second quarter.A field goal just before the intermission put the Storm in front 37-21 at the half, and on the other side of the break, Southwest Kansas picked up right where they left off, scoring a Jalen Morton rushing touchdown on their last two drives of the frame.Down 52-36, it was going to take a nearly perfect fourth quarter for the Liberty to complete a comeback.Backup quarterback Javin Kilgo, who entered a second-straight game for the injured Rakeem Cato, began the effort with a rushing touchdown of his own to open the fourth-quarter scoring and trim the lead to nine.An errant pass over the middle of the field was intercepted by Freddie McGee, giving the Liberty a possession that they capitalized on when Kilgo hit offensive lineman Aleki Tapa for a touchdown that brought the Liberty within two.Threatening to put the game away, Jalen Morton delivered a pass to the back corner of the end zone that was bobbled onto the top of the wall, and ripped down by RJ Jarrett for Salina’s second straight pick.While the Liberty did not score on the ensuing drive, their defense stood tall, forcing a turnover on downs and earning one last chance in the final minute.Salina methodically marched down the field, getting in range for a 25-yard field goal attempt for Bailey Hale, who hit a game winner over the Southwest Kansas Storm just one week prior.This kick was a near carbon copy, as Hale blasted it right down the middle, delivering Salina a 53-52 lead, their first of the day, with one second remaining.The ensuing kickoff was little more than a formality as Salina finished the job, and staked a claim to the AF1’s 4-seed, eliminating the Billings Outlaws in the process.Rakeem Cato and Javin Kilgo combined for six touchdowns and just one interception on the day, while Fast Ed Smith completed a hat trick, hauling in three touchdown catches on 14 receptions for 121 yards.This victory also ensures another winning season for head coach Heron O’Neal, who has never had a losing record in eight years as Salina’s leader.The Liberty will travel to Albany to battle the undefeated Firebirds (10-0) next week while Southwest Kansas makes the long trek to Nashville for a date with the Kats.All playoff games will be broadcast on Vice TV.

Liberty come back to beat Southwest Kansas, punch ticket to AF1 playoffs

WICHITA, Kan. (June 15, 2025)—Ben Ross hit a go-ahead three-run home run in a 5-4 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park.&nbsp;

Trevor Austin lined a two-run home run over the left field wall down near the corner in the top of the second. After Nate Baez tripled to the gap, he scored on an infield groundout in the home half of the second.&nbsp;

The call and response scoring came again in the fourth. Pascanel Ferreras doubled home Ryan Wrobleski, and then Ricardo Olivar connected on a high-arcing home run, his eighth of the season, out to left field to make the score 3-2 Corpus Christi.&nbsp;

Ben Ross smoked a three-run home run, his fifth of the season, onto the left field berm in the bottom of the sixth to give Wichita a 5-3 lead.&nbsp;

An infield groundout before the stretch in the seventh put the Hooks within a run, but they would not score the rest of the game.

Tanner Andrews made his debut with the Wind Surge, striking a man out with a hit in the sixth inning to earn the win. Mike Paredes struck out two over the eighth and ninth innings against one hit to get his first save of the season.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (June 15, 2025)—Ben Ross hit a go-ahead three-run home run in a 5-4 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park.&nbsp;Trevor Austin lined a two-run home run over the left field wall down near the corner in the top of the second. After Nate Baez tripled to the gap, he scored on an infield groundout in the home half of the second.&nbsp;The call and response scoring came again in the fourth. Pascanel Ferreras doubled home Ryan Wrobleski, and then Ricardo Olivar connected on a high-arcing home run, his eighth of the season, out to left field to make the score 3-2 Corpus Christi.&nbsp;Ben Ross smoked a three-run home run, his fifth of the season, onto the left field berm in the bottom of the sixth to give Wichita a 5-3 lead.&nbsp;An infield groundout before the stretch in the seventh put the Hooks within a run, but they would not score the rest of the game.Tanner Andrews made his debut with the Wind Surge, striking a man out with a hit in the sixth inning to earn the win. Mike Paredes struck out two over the eighth and ninth innings against one hit to get his first save of the season.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Aaron Rozek is the new individual Wichita Wind Surge franchise strikeout leader (207).&nbsp;</li><li>Tanner Andrews made his Wind Surge debut, receiving the win after an inning of relief action with a hit and a strikeout.&nbsp;</li><li>Mike Paredes records his first save of the season and first-ever with Wichita.&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge took five of six against Corpus Christi, marking the second time they have won five of six games in a home series against a Texas League South opponent (Midland RockHounds, Opening Week, April 8-13, 2025).</li><li>Wichita travels to Arkansas for a series at Dickey-Stephens Park against the Travelers next week.</li>
 </ul>

Wind Surge Slug Two Homers In Win Against The Hooks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Kurtz hit a solo ninth-inning homer to rally the Athletics to a 3-2 win and three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Kurtz hit Carlos Estévez’s (2-2) fastball 411 feet to right-center for his sixth home run. It gave the Athletics their first sweep at Kauffman Stadium since September 2016.

T.J. Ferguson (2-2) retired all four batters he faced, striking out two to earn the win and Mason Miller struck out two for his 14th save.

The Royals matched their longest losing streak of the season while dropping all six games of their homestand. Kansas City has lost six straight home series.

Austin Wynns hit a two-run homer to left-center off reliever John Schreiber, tying the game 2-2 in the sixth. It was Wynns’ fifth home run and second in five games since his acquisition from the Cincinnati Reds.

Royals starter Noah Cameron struck out seven in five scoreless innings.

After Kyle Isbel doubled off first baseman Kurtz’s glove to open the third, Bobby Witt Jr. snapped an 0-for-16 slump with an RBI double and moved to third on Jeffrey Springs’ balk before scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s single for a 2-0 lead.

With the Athletics trailing 2-0 in the fifth, Lawrence Butler hit a two-out double, and then was caught stealing third to end the inning. Butler was initially ruled safe by third base umpire Adrian Johnson, who quickly changed his call, prompting an unsuccessful argument from A’s manager Mark Kotsay.

The Royals have been outscored 44-15 in the sixth inning.

The Athletics host the Houston Astros on Monday to open a four-game series.

RHP Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.18) opens the Royals road series in Texas on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750068938826.jpeg" alt="Athletics' Nick Kurtz watches his go-ahead home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Athletics' Nick Kurtz watches his go-ahead home run during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Kurtz hit a solo ninth-inning homer to rally the Athletics to a 3-2 win and three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Kurtz hit Carlos Estévez’s (2-2) fastball 411 feet to right-center for his sixth home run. It gave the Athletics their first sweep at Kauffman Stadium since September 2016.T.J. Ferguson (2-2) retired all four batters he faced, striking out two to earn the win and Mason Miller struck out two for his 14th save.The Royals matched their longest losing streak of the season while dropping all six games of their homestand. Kansas City has lost six straight home series.Austin Wynns hit a two-run homer to left-center off reliever John Schreiber, tying the game 2-2 in the sixth. It was Wynns’ fifth home run and second in five games since his acquisition from the Cincinnati Reds.Royals starter Noah Cameron struck out seven in five scoreless innings.After Kyle Isbel doubled off first baseman Kurtz’s glove to open the third, Bobby Witt Jr. snapped an 0-for-16 slump with an RBI double and moved to third on Jeffrey Springs’ balk before scoring on Vinnie Pasquantino’s single for a 2-0 lead.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the Athletics trailing 2-0 in the fifth, Lawrence Butler hit a two-out double, and then was caught stealing third to end the inning. Butler was initially ruled safe by third base umpire Adrian Johnson, who quickly changed his call, prompting an unsuccessful argument from A’s manager Mark Kotsay.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have been outscored 44-15 in the sixth inning.<h2>Up next</h2>The Athletics host the Houston Astros on Monday to open a four-game series.RHP Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.18) opens the Royals road series in Texas on Tuesday.

⚾ Kurtz hits a solo homer to rally the Athletics to a win and sweep of the Royals

WICHITA, Kan. (June 14, 2025)—Jorel Ortega lined a go-ahead long ball onto the berm in left field in a 3-1 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park. The victory gives Wichita a series win over Corpus Christi.&nbsp;

C.J. Culpepper made his Wind Surge debut after beginning the season on the injured list, and he looked strong, striking out four over three innings of three-hit baseball.

Pascanel Ferreras doubled to left-center to bring around Luis Baez from first base to score the first run of the game for the Hooks in the top of the fourth. Rubel Cespedes grounded into a fielder’s choice in the infield to tie the game when Ricardo Olivar crossed the plate in the home half of the frame.

Ortega gave Wichita the lead with a home run, his seventh of the season, to left in the bottom of the seventh. Ortega singled in Ben Ross in the eighth for a 3-1 Wind Surge lead that would remain the rest of the night.

Pierson Ohl earned the win, giving up just one hit over the final four innings with five strikeouts. The righthander is now 4-1 on the season.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (June 14, 2025)—Jorel Ortega lined a go-ahead long ball onto the berm in left field in a 3-1 win for the Wichita Wind Surge over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park. The victory gives Wichita a series win over Corpus Christi.&nbsp;C.J. Culpepper made his Wind Surge debut after beginning the season on the injured list, and he looked strong, striking out four over three innings of three-hit baseball.Pascanel Ferreras doubled to left-center to bring around Luis Baez from first base to score the first run of the game for the Hooks in the top of the fourth. Rubel Cespedes grounded into a fielder’s choice in the infield to tie the game when Ricardo Olivar crossed the plate in the home half of the frame.Ortega gave Wichita the lead with a home run, his seventh of the season, to left in the bottom of the seventh. Ortega singled in Ben Ross in the eighth for a 3-1 Wind Surge lead that would remain the rest of the night.Pierson Ohl earned the win, giving up just one hit over the final four innings with five strikeouts. The righthander is now 4-1 on the season.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Pierson Ohl earned the win, in his last five outings, 2-0, with 2 earned runs in last 18 innings pitched.</li><li>Before tonight’s game, C.J. Culpepper got activated off of the injured list.&nbsp;</li><li>Gabby Gonzalez records his seventh multi-hit game of 2025.</li><li>Jorel Ortega records his sixth multi-hit game of the year and his second three-hit night.&nbsp;</li><li>Wichita becomes the third team in the Texas League to 19 home wins on the season, and first in the North Division (San Antonio and Midland).&nbsp;</li><li>The Wind Surge clinch the series with the win today over Corpus Christi.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

Jorel Ortega drives in the go-ahead run in the seventh on a solo homer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jacob Lopez became the latest pitcher to shut down the Royals with six innings of three-hit ball, Max Muncy and Lawrence Butler hit homers, and the Athletics beat struggling Kansas City 4-0 on Saturday.

Lopez (1-4) walked one and struck out nine while winning for the second time in his big league career. His other victory came on Oct. 1, 2023, when Lopez allowed five runs while pitching for the Rays in a game against Toronto.

He was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas last month and had been 0-3 with a 6.88 ERA in three games since.

Michael Kelly pitched two perfect innings in relief and Hogan Harris finished off the four-hitter for the A's.

Muncy followed a leadoff walk by Tyler Soderstrom in the second inning with his fifth homer of the year, a line-drive into the A's bullpen off Kansas City starter Michael Lorenzen. Lawrence homered off reliever Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh.

Lorenzen (4-7) allowed three runs on four hits and four walks over six innings. He struck out four.

The Royals have lost the first five games on their homestand after getting swept by the Yankees earlier in the week, then losing the first two against the A's. They've lost seven of their last eight overall and 13 of their last 16 at Kauffman Stadium.

Meanwhile, the A's have finally found some kind of stride. They'd lost 13 of their last 16 games on their way to Kansas City, and were coming off a three-game sweep by the Angels in which they allowed 15 runs.

Muncy homered off an 85 mph slider from Lorenzen to give the A's all the offense they needed.

Kansas City has been shut out in two of its last three games.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jacob Lopez became the latest pitcher to shut down the Royals with six innings of three-hit ball, Max Muncy and Lawrence Butler hit homers, and the Athletics beat struggling Kansas City 4-0 on Saturday.Lopez (1-4) walked one and struck out nine while winning for the second time in his big league career. His other victory came on Oct. 1, 2023, when Lopez allowed five runs while pitching for the Rays in a game against Toronto.He was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas last month and had been 0-3 with a 6.88 ERA in three games since.Michael Kelly pitched two perfect innings in relief and Hogan Harris finished off the four-hitter for the A's.Muncy followed a leadoff walk by Tyler Soderstrom in the second inning with his fifth homer of the year, a line-drive into the A's bullpen off Kansas City starter Michael Lorenzen. Lawrence homered off reliever Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh.Lorenzen (4-7) allowed three runs on four hits and four walks over six innings. He struck out four.The Royals have lost the first five games on their homestand after getting swept by the Yankees earlier in the week, then losing the first two against the A's. They've lost seven of their last eight overall and 13 of their last 16 at Kauffman Stadium.Meanwhile, the A's have finally found some kind of stride. They'd lost 13 of their last 16 games on their way to Kansas City, and were coming off a three-game sweep by the Angels in which they allowed 15 runs.<h2>Key moment</h2>Muncy homered off an 85 mph slider from Lorenzen to give the A's all the offense they needed.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City has been shut out in two of its last three games.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾Jacob Lopez leads A's to victory over struggling Royals

WICHITA, Kan. (June 13, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario pummeled a grand slam off the scoreboard in a 9-3 Wichita Wind Surge win over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park.&nbsp;

Ricky Castro threw his best start of the season for his first win, now standing at 1-3. Over six innings, he gave up just two hits with two walks and a season-high eight strikeouts, becoming the third Wind Surge arm to record a quality start this year.

After Jorel Ortega walked and Jose Salas and Jake Rucker laced opposite-field singles, Rosario crushed one off the Equity Bank Park scoreboard to clear the bases in the bottom of the third. The grand slam was the fourth of the season hit by Wichita.&nbsp;

Andrew Cossetti and Nate Baez brought in a run each on a double and a single in the home half of the fifth to give the Wind Surge a 6-0 lead. Baez’s single gave him his first RBI since coming to Wichita at the start of the week.&nbsp;

The seventh inning saw six total runs, three for each side. A two-run double from Bryce Willits and a single by Tommy Sacco Jr. gave the Hooks their lone three tallies of the night. Gabby Gonzalez brought in Rosario on a sac fly to left, and then Nate Baez raced around on an inside-the-park two-run home run to left field to make the score 9-3 Wind Surge.&nbsp;

Jacob Wosinski shut the door over the final two innings, giving up just one hit with a walk and a strikeout to give Wichita the win.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (June 13, 2025)—Kala’i Rosario pummeled a grand slam off the scoreboard in a 9-3 Wichita Wind Surge win over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park.&nbsp;Ricky Castro threw his best start of the season for his first win, now standing at 1-3. Over six innings, he gave up just two hits with two walks and a season-high eight strikeouts, becoming the third Wind Surge arm to record a quality start this year.After Jorel Ortega walked and Jose Salas and Jake Rucker laced opposite-field singles, Rosario crushed one off the Equity Bank Park scoreboard to clear the bases in the bottom of the third. The grand slam was the fourth of the season hit by Wichita.&nbsp;Andrew Cossetti and Nate Baez brought in a run each on a double and a single in the home half of the fifth to give the Wind Surge a 6-0 lead. Baez’s single gave him his first RBI since coming to Wichita at the start of the week.&nbsp;The seventh inning saw six total runs, three for each side. A two-run double from Bryce Willits and a single by Tommy Sacco Jr. gave the Hooks their lone three tallies of the night. Gabby Gonzalez brought in Rosario on a sac fly to left, and then Nate Baez raced around on an inside-the-park two-run home run to left field to make the score 9-3 Wind Surge.&nbsp;Jacob Wosinski shut the door over the final two innings, giving up just one hit with a walk and a strikeout to give Wichita the win.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Before tonight’s game, Aaron Sabato got called up to Triple-A St. Paul. He recorded his first Triple-A hit with the Saints in their game at Indianapolis against the Indians.&nbsp;</li><li>Kala’i Rosario is the fourth Wind Surge player to hit a grand slam in 2025 (Allan Cerda, Rubel Cespedes, and Jorel Ortega)</li><li>Ricky Castro becomes the third Wichita pitcher to throw a quality start (Trent Baker, Aaron Rozek).</li><li>Nate Baez is the third Wind Surge player to hit an inside-the-park home run (Will Holland, Alex Isola) in franchise history, all at Equity Bank Park. He’s the second catcher to do so alongside Isola, and the second player to record the feat against Corpus Christi alongside Holland.&nbsp;</li><li>All of the run-scoring innings for Wichita came in multiple amounts.</li>
 </ul>

Wind Surge Hit The Home Run Jackpot In A Win Over The Hooks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Wynns and Luis Urías hit home runs, Luis Severino pitched 7 2/3 strong innings, and the Athletics beat Kansas City 6-4 on Friday night to end a 14-game road losing streak and hand the Royals their fourth straight loss.

Severino (2-6) allowed six hits and a first-inning run on an RBI double by Salvador Perez. He surrendered 17 hits and 13 earned runs in his two previous starts covering 11 1/3 innings.

Wynns hit his fourth home run — a solo shot with two outs in the second off Royals starter Michael Wacha (3-6) — to tie it 1-1. Urías hit Wacha’s second pitch in the fourth out to left for his seventh homer and a 3-1 lead. Nick Kurtz drove in the second run for the A's with a two-out single in the third.

The Athletics pulled away after Wacha left with two on and one out in the sixth.

Jacob Wilson greeted reliever Steven Cruz with a single to load the bases. Cruz fanned Brent Rooker on three pitches but walked Tyler Soderstrom to force in a run. Max Muncy followed with a two-run single for a 6-1 advantage. Cruz fanned Kurtz with his 22nd pitch to end the inning. Wilson went 2 for 5 and scored twice.

Nick Loftin had a two-run triple in a three-run ninth as the Athletics held on for their fifth victory in their last 29 games.

Wacha gave up five runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Taylor Clarke pitched two scoreless innings after Cruz got two outs.

Muncy's two-out, two-run single in the sixth following the bases-loaded walk to Soderstrom proved to be the difference.

The Athletics began the day with the worst ERA in the AL at 5.63 while allowing the most home runs — 104.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749909471164.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel makes a diving catch of a fly ball hit by Athletics' Denzel Clarke during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel makes a diving catch of a fly ball hit by Athletics' Denzel Clarke during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Austin Wynns and Luis Urías hit home runs, Luis Severino pitched 7 2/3 strong innings, and the Athletics beat Kansas City 6-4 on Friday night to end a 14-game road losing streak and hand the Royals their fourth straight loss.Severino (2-6) allowed six hits and a first-inning run on an RBI double by Salvador Perez. He surrendered 17 hits and 13 earned runs in his two previous starts covering 11 1/3 innings.Wynns hit his fourth home run — a solo shot with two outs in the second off Royals starter Michael Wacha (3-6) — to tie it 1-1. Urías hit Wacha’s second pitch in the fourth out to left for his seventh homer and a 3-1 lead. Nick Kurtz drove in the second run for the A's with a two-out single in the third.The Athletics pulled away after Wacha left with two on and one out in the sixth.Jacob Wilson greeted reliever Steven Cruz with a single to load the bases. Cruz fanned Brent Rooker on three pitches but walked Tyler Soderstrom to force in a run. Max Muncy followed with a two-run single for a 6-1 advantage. Cruz fanned Kurtz with his 22nd pitch to end the inning. Wilson went 2 for 5 and scored twice.Nick Loftin had a two-run triple in a three-run ninth as the Athletics held on for their fifth victory in their last 29 games.Wacha gave up five runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Taylor Clarke pitched two scoreless innings after Cruz got two outs.<h2>Key moment</h2>Muncy's two-out, two-run single in the sixth following the bases-loaded walk to Soderstrom proved to be the difference.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Athletics began the day with the worst ERA in the AL at 5.63 while allowing the most home runs — 104.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Athletics end 14-game road losing streak, beat the Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– A trio of former and current K-State women’s basketball players will be in action this summer across the globe.

Recent Wildcat graduate Serena Sundell will play in the 3XBA in the Pro Women’s FIBA 3x3 tournament at the Spokane Hoopfest on June 27-28 in Spokane, Washington. The 3XBA event will feature 32 of the most elite basketball players in the nation competing in the official Olympic 3x3 format. The tournament serves as a FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Qualifier and the winning roster will earn a bid to the Edmonton stop of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series on August 1-2.

A 2025 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, Sundell led the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (262) and paced the nation and led the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.28 apg) and was second in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.52). She recorded a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.

The product of Maryville, Missouri, was second on the team in scoring average with 14.1 points per game and led the Wildcats with 508 points, which was the second-highest total of her career on a .501 field goal percentage. Sundell was the only player in the nation this season and the third player since 1993-94 to register a season with 500 or more points, 250 or more assists and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field.

With her point (508) and assist (262) totals in the 2024-25 season, Sundell was the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. She joined former Wildcat Kayla Goth as the only two players in program history with 500 or more points and 200 or more assists in a season.

In her career, Sundell set the school records for career starts (139) and games played (139). She established the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 811 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,771 points. She ranks tied for seventh in school history for career blocks (104).

She was the first player in school history and the 14th&nbsp;in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history with 1,700 or more career points and 800 or more career assists.

Sundell was a 2025 WNBA Draft selection by the Seattle Storm. She was the ninth player in program history to be selected during the WNBA Draft.

Incoming Wildcat Gina Garcia will have a busy two months before arriving in Manhattan. Garcia will play for Spain in the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket in Las Palmas, Spain, from July 5-13 and the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket in Matosinhos, Portugal, from August 2-10.

In the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, Spain is in Group D and will be matched up with Turkey. Czechia and Poland. Spain was the runner-up to France in the 2024 event.

In the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket, Spain is in Group and will face Lithuania, Israel and Begium. Similar to the FIBA U18, Spain was the runner-up to France in the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket.

Garcia has extensive international experience, as she has played for Spain in five different international competitions and for the Catalan National Team before this summer’s tournaments.

In 2024, Garcia played for Spain at a pair of international tournaments: the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal, and the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Leon, Mexico. She helped Spain to a silver medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket by averaging 5.1 points, 4.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 20 minutes per game. In the semifinal game against Serbia, Garcia recorded seven points, eight assists and three steals. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied nine points, four assists and four rebounds.

She helped Spain to a bronze medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, as she was second in the tournament for assists per game at 5.1 and an assist to turnover ratio of 3.3. She also added in 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals.

In the summer of 2023, Garcia played in the FIBA U16 Women’s Eurobasket in Izmir, Turkey. She helped Spain to a silver medal in this event by averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 steals and 2.6 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. She ranked eighth in the event for assists per game. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.

She also collected All-Star Five honors in the 2022 U15 Torneo Amistad while aiding Spain to a gold medal finish and the help Spain to another gold at the 2022 U15 Medac Tournament and was named tournament MVP.

Former Wildcat Gabby Gregory (2022-24) has signed to play professionally in Puerto Rico in the Women’s National Superior Basketball (BSNF) league with expansion franchise, Monarcas de Juana Diaz. The league’s season runs from August to November.

In her two seasons at K-State, Gregory was the first player to transfer to K-State and then reach the 1,000- and 1,500-point marks in her collegiate career. Gregory scored in double figures in 44 games at K-State. She also ranked fifth in program history for career free throw percentage (.803).

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– A trio of former and current K-State women’s basketball players will be in action this summer across the globe.Recent Wildcat graduate Serena Sundell will play in the 3XBA in the Pro Women’s FIBA 3x3 tournament at the Spokane Hoopfest on June 27-28 in Spokane, Washington. The 3XBA event will feature 32 of the most elite basketball players in the nation competing in the official Olympic 3x3 format. The tournament serves as a FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Qualifier and the winning roster will earn a bid to the Edmonton stop of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series on August 1-2.A 2025 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and Associated Press (AP) All-America honorable mention selection, Sundell led the nation with a career-high and school record for total assists (262) and paced the nation and led the Big 12 with a career-high for assists per game (7.28 apg) and was second in the Big 12 for assist-turnover ratio (2.52). She recorded a league-best nine games with 10 or more assists.The product of Maryville, Missouri, was second on the team in scoring average with 14.1 points per game and led the Wildcats with 508 points, which was the second-highest total of her career on a .501 field goal percentage. Sundell was the only player in the nation this season and the third player since 1993-94 to register a season with 500 or more points, 250 or more assists and shoot 50.0 percent or better from the field.With her point (508) and assist (262) totals in the 2024-25 season, Sundell was the first player in Big 12 history to record four seasons with 350 or more points and 150 or more assists. She joined former Wildcat Kayla Goth as the only two players in program history with 500 or more points and 200 or more assists in a season.In her career, Sundell set the school records for career starts (139) and games played (139). She established the school record and ranks fourth in Big 12 history for career assists with 811 and is second in program history for career assists per game (5.83 apg). She ranks sixth on the K-State career scoring list with 1,771 points. She ranks tied for seventh in school history for career blocks (104).She was the first player in school history and the 14th&nbsp;in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history with 1,700 or more career points and 800 or more career assists.Sundell was a 2025 WNBA Draft selection by the Seattle Storm. She was the ninth player in program history to be selected during the WNBA Draft.Incoming Wildcat Gina Garcia will have a busy two months before arriving in Manhattan. Garcia will play for Spain in the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket in Las Palmas, Spain, from July 5-13 and the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket in Matosinhos, Portugal, from August 2-10.In the FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, Spain is in Group D and will be matched up with Turkey. Czechia and Poland. Spain was the runner-up to France in the 2024 event.In the FIBA U20 Women’s EuroBasket, Spain is in Group and will face Lithuania, Israel and Begium. Similar to the FIBA U18, Spain was the runner-up to France in the 2024 FIBA U20 EuroBasket.Garcia has extensive international experience, as she has played for Spain in five different international competitions and for the Catalan National Team before this summer’s tournaments.In 2024, Garcia played for Spain at a pair of international tournaments: the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket in Matosinhos, Portugal, and the FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup in Leon, Mexico. She helped Spain to a silver medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s Eurobasket by averaging 5.1 points, 4.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 20 minutes per game. In the semifinal game against Serbia, Garcia recorded seven points, eight assists and three steals. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied nine points, four assists and four rebounds.She helped Spain to a bronze medal at the FIBA U17 World Cup, as she was second in the tournament for assists per game at 5.1 and an assist to turnover ratio of 3.3. She also added in 7.0 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals.In the summer of 2023, Garcia played in the FIBA U16 Women’s Eurobasket in Izmir, Turkey. She helped Spain to a silver medal in this event by averaging 7.3 points, 3.4 assists, 3.1 steals and 2.6 rebounds in 26.3 minutes per game. She ranked eighth in the event for assists per game. In the gold medal game against France, Garcia tallied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal.She also collected All-Star Five honors in the 2022 U15 Torneo Amistad while aiding Spain to a gold medal finish and the help Spain to another gold at the 2022 U15 Medac Tournament and was named tournament MVP.Former Wildcat Gabby Gregory (2022-24) has signed to play professionally in Puerto Rico in the Women’s National Superior Basketball (BSNF) league with expansion franchise, Monarcas de Juana Diaz. The league’s season runs from August to November.In her two seasons at K-State, Gregory was the first player to transfer to K-State and then reach the 1,000- and 1,500-point marks in her collegiate career. Gregory scored in double figures in 44 games at K-State. She also ranked fifth in program history for career free throw percentage (.803).

Trio of K-State Women’s Basketball Players in Action This Summer

WICHITA, Kan. (June 12, 2025)—Tyler Dearden knocked a two-RBI double to left field in a 5-1 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park. A four-run fourth provided most of the offense for the Wind Surge, who cruised to their second win of the week.&nbsp;

Tommy Sacco Jr. grounded out with the bases loaded to plate the first run of the night by either side in the top of the third.

Wichita scored four runs on three hits in the home half of the fourth. On top of a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch by Andrew Cossetti, and a run-scoring double play, Tyler Dearden plated the second and third runs of those four on an opposite-field single to left field. Rubel Cespedes later scored on an infield throwing error an inning later to give the Wind Surge a 5-1 lead through five frames.&nbsp;

Jaylen Nowlin, Michael Martinez, John Stankiewicz, and Cole Pervical combined to hold the Hooks to one hit for the final five innings of the night. Nowlin tallied four punch-outs against a walk through the fifth and sixth, earning him his second win of the season. Martinez escaped a seventh-inning jam, and Stankiewicz and Percival combined to finish it in the ninth.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (June 12, 2025)—Tyler Dearden knocked a two-RBI double to left field in a 5-1 Wichita Wind Surge victory over the Corpus Christi Hooks at Equity Bank Park. A four-run fourth provided most of the offense for the Wind Surge, who cruised to their second win of the week.&nbsp;Tommy Sacco Jr. grounded out with the bases loaded to plate the first run of the night by either side in the top of the third.Wichita scored four runs on three hits in the home half of the fourth. On top of a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch by Andrew Cossetti, and a run-scoring double play, Tyler Dearden plated the second and third runs of those four on an opposite-field single to left field. Rubel Cespedes later scored on an infield throwing error an inning later to give the Wind Surge a 5-1 lead through five frames.&nbsp;Jaylen Nowlin, Michael Martinez, John Stankiewicz, and Cole Pervical combined to hold the Hooks to one hit for the final five innings of the night. Nowlin tallied four punch-outs against a walk through the fifth and sixth, earning him his second win of the season. Martinez escaped a seventh-inning jam, and Stankiewicz and Percival combined to finish it in the ninth.&nbsp;POSTGAME NOTES<ul>
 <li>Before tonight’s game, Tanner Andrews was signed as a free agent by the Minnesota Twins and assigned to the Wind Surge.&nbsp;</li><li>John Klein made his first home start of the season, giving up just an earned run on three hits with a walk and four strikeouts over four innings.&nbsp;</li><li>Kala’i Rosario is up to a 16 game on base streak.&nbsp;</li><li>Andrew Cossetti has scored in five straight games.&nbsp;</li><li>Tyler Dearden records his seventh multi-hit and fourth multi-RBI game of the season.</li>
 </ul>

Wichita Scores Four In The Fourth On The Way To Win

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, good week of practice up to this point, they have one more tomorrow and these are Phase 3 practices. Next week, we’ll start our official mandatory OTAs. We have a couple – three days of those, so we’ll go from there, but it’s been a good turnout, the guys are working hard. (I) appreciate the improvement that they’re making, especially the young guys. They’re pushing through these things, so it’s a good lead up for them as they get ready for camp coming up here.”

REID:&nbsp;“Raider day, yeah. Chargers yesterday.”

Q: What tells you Kingsley Suamataia is going to be a more productive player in his new spot than he was his rookie year?

REID:&nbsp;“First of all, he (Kingsley Suamataia) has experience and then he looks more comfortable there. He seems to be picking it up well. Not that we’re going full speed contact, but he has an opportunity to go against Chris (Jones) and that’ll surely help him for the season.”

Q: What type of veteran leadership does Gardner Minshew provide for the team?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Gardner Minshew) been there – he’s started, so he’s got that. He’s got the confidence of the guys around him. Patrick (Mahomes) knows he’s been in there and done it, so they can bounce things off of each other. It’s always good to have peers that have played, and you can talk to them about it a little bit. I think on gameday he’ll be great with Patrick, just with what he’s seeing from the sideline and what Pat’s seeing when he’s in there.”

Q: How impressed are you with the attendance for voluntary camp?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, really everybody – for the most part has been here at some point. Some guys have business things they have to run out and do, but for the most part, guys have been here participating, which I’ve been impressed with. I appreciate it.”

Q: How’s Josh Simmons been progressing?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Josh Simmons) doing a nice job. We weren’t sure quite how much we were going to be able to get out of him, but he looks strong. He’s been jumping in and taking the team reps now – which he was just doing the individual stuff before, and you can definitely see the talent. He’s got to keep learning and learn the stuff that (Offensive Line Coach) Andy’s (Heck) teaching him fundamentally and technique-wise, but he sure has a good attitude about it.”

Q: What have you learned about Brashard Smith since he’s been here?

REID:&nbsp;“I like what he (Brashard Smith) does. He’s got good speed and (he’s a) good route runner. That part of his game – for running backs and linebackers, these are kind of tough camps, so we’ll just see how things go once we get to (training) camp but with what we’ve asked him to do, he’s done a good job with it.”

Q: Did Kingsley Suamataia handle last season how you hoped he would?

REID:&nbsp;“It looked like he (Kingsley Suamataia) learned as he went. It was rough, obviously, early and expectations are high. You come into a championship caliber team, and you’re thrown in there at left tackle, it’s not always the easiest thing for a young guy. I think it was a great experience when you – I think it’ll tell itself out as he goes forward.”

Q: What are you looking for with the young guys? Are you more interested in what you see on the practice field or around the building?

REID:&nbsp;“I have to tell you; you probably evaluate all that. You have kind of an eagle eye on them and make sure they’re handling themselves the right way and still giving them the little room to grow in there on their own, but you definitely keep a close eye on them.”

Q: Have you had to tell Josh Simmons to slow down?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ve done that. We’ve done that with him (Josh Simmons) and he’s asked for more and we’ve kind of kept backing him up here and easing him into it. You can tell that he rehabbed – (he) did a nice job with it. Obviously, the people that did the surgery did a nice job with it, so he looks like he – and he’s in good shape. He’s here quite a bit. He’s one of those guys that you have to kind of kick out of the building.”

Q: Is it your expectation that Trey Smith will be participating in mandatory minicamp next week?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see. I don’t know that to be honest with you. These things are – we’ll see where it goes.”

Q: What are you looking for when you focus on different position groups during practice?

REID:&nbsp;“Listen, if I can give the guys something, just from experience, I try to do that. These guys are great. They’re the best in the world at what they’re doing but if you can give them a little nugget – the great players that I’ve been around, they want that so if I see something, I’ll share it with them. Their coaches do a great job with them but if I see something, I’m going to try to tell them.”

Q: How important is it for you guys to stay innovative and unpredictable?

REID:&nbsp;“I think every coach would probably tell you that, but I think it’s important that you keep growing. There are some lessons (that) you can learn out of that, and I told you before (that) I thought the attitude that they had coming out of that (Super Bowl LIX loss), I look for that. ‘Are you going to take responsibility?’ These guys took responsibility for it. That gives you an opportunity to improve – coaches and players. If you come in and you start pointing the finger at each other, you can’t grow but these guys have done that, and they have had a great attitude this offseason.”

Q: What do you remember about meeting Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for the first time at UTEP?

REID:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) was real close with that staff and I was kind of the new kid on that staff. They’d already been there a year by the time I got there but everybody respected him, we all knew he was a good coach. Some of the guys, like I said, had worked with him, so over the years I got to know him because of that. That same staff went to Missouri, so Spags was always around visiting, coming down to learn stuff and then to see his friends at the same time.”

Q: Can you talk a little bit about former Assistant Special Teams Coach Andy Hill?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so (former Assistant Special Teams Coach) Andy (Hill) retired to golf and fish – and hunt but he did a great job when he was here. He is Mr. Missouri, he knows everybody (laughs). I’m not just saying that, he knows everybody. He’s got a great attitude, and he has a great relationship with (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub – and the other coaches but he was very close with Dave. We’ll miss him. (Assistant Special Teams coach) Porter’s (Ellett) moved over to that, who’s a good, young football coach so he’ll do a nice job but again, it was good to have Andy here for the years he was here. He was very well liked.”

Q: What kind of potential do you see in Jalen Royals? Do you see him involved in his rookie year?

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“Alright, good week of practice up to this point, they have one more tomorrow and these are Phase 3 practices. Next week, we’ll start our official mandatory OTAs. We have a couple – three days of those, so we’ll go from there, but it’s been a good turnout, the guys are working hard. (I) appreciate the improvement that they’re making, especially the young guys. They’re pushing through these things, so it’s a good lead up for them as they get ready for camp coming up here.”Q: Chargers day today?REID:&nbsp;“Raider day, yeah. Chargers yesterday.”Q: What tells you Kingsley Suamataia is going to be a more productive player in his new spot than he was his rookie year?REID:&nbsp;“First of all, he (Kingsley Suamataia) has experience and then he looks more comfortable there. He seems to be picking it up well. Not that we’re going full speed contact, but he has an opportunity to go against Chris (Jones) and that’ll surely help him for the season.”Q: What type of veteran leadership does Gardner Minshew provide for the team?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Gardner Minshew) been there – he’s started, so he’s got that. He’s got the confidence of the guys around him. Patrick (Mahomes) knows he’s been in there and done it, so they can bounce things off of each other. It’s always good to have peers that have played, and you can talk to them about it a little bit. I think on gameday he’ll be great with Patrick, just with what he’s seeing from the sideline and what Pat’s seeing when he’s in there.”Q: How impressed are you with the attendance for voluntary camp?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, really everybody – for the most part has been here at some point. Some guys have business things they have to run out and do, but for the most part, guys have been here participating, which I’ve been impressed with. I appreciate it.”Q: How’s Josh Simmons been progressing?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Josh Simmons) doing a nice job. We weren’t sure quite how much we were going to be able to get out of him, but he looks strong. He’s been jumping in and taking the team reps now – which he was just doing the individual stuff before, and you can definitely see the talent. He’s got to keep learning and learn the stuff that (Offensive Line Coach) Andy’s (Heck) teaching him fundamentally and technique-wise, but he sure has a good attitude about it.”Q: What have you learned about Brashard Smith since he’s been here?REID:&nbsp;“I like what he (Brashard Smith) does. He’s got good speed and (he’s a) good route runner. That part of his game – for running backs and linebackers, these are kind of tough camps, so we’ll just see how things go once we get to (training) camp but with what we’ve asked him to do, he’s done a good job with it.”Q: Did Kingsley Suamataia handle last season how you hoped he would?REID:&nbsp;“It looked like he (Kingsley Suamataia) learned as he went. It was rough, obviously, early and expectations are high. You come into a championship caliber team, and you’re thrown in there at left tackle, it’s not always the easiest thing for a young guy. I think it was a great experience when you – I think it’ll tell itself out as he goes forward.”Q: What are you looking for with the young guys? Are you more interested in what you see on the practice field or around the building?REID:&nbsp;“I have to tell you; you probably evaluate all that. You have kind of an eagle eye on them and make sure they’re handling themselves the right way and still giving them the little room to grow in there on their own, but you definitely keep a close eye on them.”Q: Have you had to tell Josh Simmons to slow down?REID:&nbsp;“We’ve done that. We’ve done that with him (Josh Simmons) and he’s asked for more and we’ve kind of kept backing him up here and easing him into it. You can tell that he rehabbed – (he) did a nice job with it. Obviously, the people that did the surgery did a nice job with it, so he looks like he – and he’s in good shape. He’s here quite a bit. He’s one of those guys that you have to kind of kick out of the building.”Q: Is it your expectation that Trey Smith will be participating in mandatory minicamp next week?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see. I don’t know that to be honest with you. These things are – we’ll see where it goes.”Q: What are you looking for when you focus on different position groups during practice?REID:&nbsp;“Listen, if I can give the guys something, just from experience, I try to do that. These guys are great. They’re the best in the world at what they’re doing but if you can give them a little nugget – the great players that I’ve been around, they want that so if I see something, I’ll share it with them. Their coaches do a great job with them but if I see something, I’m going to try to tell them.”Q: How important is it for you guys to stay innovative and unpredictable?REID:&nbsp;“I think every coach would probably tell you that, but I think it’s important that you keep growing. There are some lessons (that) you can learn out of that, and I told you before (that) I thought the attitude that they had coming out of that (Super Bowl LIX loss), I look for that. ‘Are you going to take responsibility?’ These guys took responsibility for it. That gives you an opportunity to improve – coaches and players. If you come in and you start pointing the finger at each other, you can’t grow but these guys have done that, and they have had a great attitude this offseason.”Q: What do you remember about meeting Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for the first time at UTEP?REID:&nbsp;“He (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) was real close with that staff and I was kind of the new kid on that staff. They’d already been there a year by the time I got there but everybody respected him, we all knew he was a good coach. Some of the guys, like I said, had worked with him, so over the years I got to know him because of that. That same staff went to Missouri, so Spags was always around visiting, coming down to learn stuff and then to see his friends at the same time.”Q: Can you talk a little bit about former Assistant Special Teams Coach Andy Hill?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, so (former Assistant Special Teams Coach) Andy (Hill) retired to golf and fish – and hunt but he did a great job when he was here. He is Mr. Missouri, he knows everybody (laughs). I’m not just saying that, he knows everybody. He’s got a great attitude, and he has a great relationship with (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Toub – and the other coaches but he was very close with Dave. We’ll miss him. (Assistant Special Teams coach) Porter’s (Ellett) moved over to that, who’s a good, young football coach so he’ll do a nice job but again, it was good to have Andy here for the years he was here. He was very well liked.”Q: What kind of potential do you see in Jalen Royals? Do you see him involved in his rookie year?

Chiefs Quotes: 6-12-25

Kansas City, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) proudly announces the 2025 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes for winter sports. This honor recognizes student-athletes in each of the winter sports who have excelled academically, including men's basketball, women's basketball, men's bowling, women's bowling, competitive cheer, competitive dance, men's swimming and diving, women's swimming and diving, men's wrestling and women's wrestling.

Kansas Wesleyan had 30 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes in the winter season.

Women's Basketball led the way among the winter sports with 12 honorees earning the honor. Men's Basketball had seven, followed by Competitive Cheer, Competitive Dance and Men's Bowling with three each and Women's Bowling with two.

KWU had the second highest total in the KCAC behind Ottawa with 33. KWU had just three less despite having two less sports factoring into the totals. Friends was third with 23, York fourth with 22, Tabor fifth with 20, Avila sixth with 16, Sterling seventh with 14, Bethel eighth with 13, McPherson and Southwestern tied for ninth with 10, and Evangel was 11th with seven.

There were three KCAC institutions - Bethany, Oklahoma Wesleyan and Saint Mary - that did not submit any winter Scholar-Athletes.

To qualify as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. This year, the list features an impressive number of student-athletes who have met these rigorous standards.

Kansas City, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) proudly announces the 2025 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes for winter sports. This honor recognizes student-athletes in each of the winter sports who have excelled academically, including men's basketball, women's basketball, men's bowling, women's bowling, competitive cheer, competitive dance, men's swimming and diving, women's swimming and diving, men's wrestling and women's wrestling.Kansas Wesleyan had 30 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes in the winter season.Women's Basketball led the way among the winter sports with 12 honorees earning the honor. Men's Basketball had seven, followed by Competitive Cheer, Competitive Dance and Men's Bowling with three each and Women's Bowling with two.KWU had the second highest total in the KCAC behind Ottawa with 33. KWU had just three less despite having two less sports factoring into the totals. Friends was third with 23, York fourth with 22, Tabor fifth with 20, Avila sixth with 16, Sterling seventh with 14, Bethel eighth with 13, McPherson and Southwestern tied for ninth with 10, and Evangel was 11th with seven.There were three KCAC institutions - Bethany, Oklahoma Wesleyan and Saint Mary - that did not submit any winter Scholar-Athletes.To qualify as a Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. This year, the list features an impressive number of student-athletes who have met these rigorous standards.

KWU has 30 2024-25 Winter Sports Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/lucas-erceg-in-play-no-out-to-paul-goldschmidt?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">scrambled home safely on a wild play</a>&nbsp;in the eighth inning Thursday night, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.

Backed by some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/salvador-perez-grounds-out-shortstop-anthony-volpe-to-first-baseman-paul?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">brilliant defense,</a>&nbsp;Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13.

Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save with a perfect ninth. He threw a called third strike past Jac Caglianone to end it, freezing the touted rookie with a full-count fastball.

The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.

With two on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt lined a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. He tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.

Reyes lost his balance coming around third, changed direction twice and then slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate.

Both starters pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.

Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.

New York rested Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, who were a combined 7 for 23 with three homers and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series.

The Royals squandered two excellent chances to take their first lead of the series. In the second inning, they had runners on first and second with nobody out. In the fifth, they had a runner at third with one out.

New York swept a season series from the Royals for the third time in their 57-year history. ... The Yankees have won 19 of the past 20 series between the teams.

Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) faces Boston LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35) in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Fenway Park.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) starts Friday at home against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749785927566.jpeg" alt="New York Yankees' Pablo Reyes, right, scores against Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, left, in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>New York Yankees' Pablo Reyes, right, scores against Kansas City Royals catcher Freddy Fermin, left, in the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/lucas-erceg-in-play-no-out-to-paul-goldschmidt?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">scrambled home safely on a wild play</a>&nbsp;in the eighth inning Thursday night, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October.Backed by some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/salvador-perez-grounds-out-shortstop-anthony-volpe-to-first-baseman-paul?q=Yankees&amp;cp=CMS_FIRST&amp;qt=FREETEXT&amp;p=0">brilliant defense,</a>&nbsp;Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East-leading Yankees (42-25) moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13.Mark Leiter Jr. (4-3) got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save with a perfect ninth. He threw a called third strike past Jac Caglianone to end it, freezing the touted rookie with a full-count fastball.The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.With two on and two outs in the eighth, Paul Goldschmidt lined a single off the glove of leaping first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. He tracked down the ball behind him and threw to Erceg (1-2) covering first, but Goldschmidt beat the play.Reyes lost his balance coming around third, changed direction twice and then slid home safely when Erceg bounced his throw to the plate.Both starters pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Seth Lugo allowed just two hits, while Warren permitted four.Pasquantino extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games and his on-base streak to a career-best 27 games.New York rested Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Austin Wells, who were a combined 7 for 23 with three homers and 10 RBIs in the first two games of the series.<h2>Key moments</h2>The Royals squandered two excellent chances to take their first lead of the series. In the second inning, they had runners on first and second with nobody out. In the fifth, they had a runner at third with one out.<h2>Key stat</h2>New York swept a season series from the Royals for the third time in their 57-year history. ... The Yankees have won 19 of the past 20 series between the teams.<h2>Up next</h2>Yankees LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-1, 4.17 ERA) faces Boston LHP Garrett Crochet (6-4, 2.35) in the opener of a three-game series Friday night at Fenway Park.Royals RHP Michael Wacha (3-5, 3.01 ERA) starts Friday at home against Athletics RHP Luis Severino (1-6, 4.77).

⚾ Yankees score late run to edge Royals and complete season sweep

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Big 12 announced the Conference scheduling matrix for the 2025-26 Women’s Basketball season, as K-State will face traditional rivals Iowa State and Kansas twice and Houston twice as part of its league slate.

Teams will play three Big 12 opponents twice, then play the other 12 conference opponents one time, for a total of 18 Conference games.

Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness. A full Big 12 schedule will be released at a later date.

In addition to its home games against Houston, Iowa State and Kansas, the Wildcats will host BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Utah and West Virginia.

In combination with road games with the Cougars, Cyclones and Jayhawks, K-State will make road trips to Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, UCF, TCU and Texas Tech.

The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will be contested at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, March 4-8, 2025. Ticket information will be available later this year.

The Wildcats enter the 2025-26 season with the returns of fifth-year senior forward Kennedy Taylor and junior guard Taryn Sides. She will be joined transfers Izela Arenas, Jenessa Cotton, Tess Heal and Ramiya White and a freshmen class of Aniya Foy, Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod and Jordan Speiser.

K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2025-26 season are available now. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

2025-26 Kansas State Big 12 Opponents

Home-and-Away: Houston, Iowa State, Kansas

Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Utah, West Virginia

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Big 12 announced the Conference scheduling matrix for the 2025-26 Women’s Basketball season, as K-State will face traditional rivals Iowa State and Kansas twice and Houston twice as part of its league slate.Teams will play three Big 12 opponents twice, then play the other 12 conference opponents one time, for a total of 18 Conference games.Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness. A full Big 12 schedule will be released at a later date.In addition to its home games against Houston, Iowa State and Kansas, the Wildcats will host BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Utah and West Virginia.In combination with road games with the Cougars, Cyclones and Jayhawks, K-State will make road trips to Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, UCF, TCU and Texas Tech.The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will be contested at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, March 4-8, 2025. Ticket information will be available later this year.The Wildcats enter the 2025-26 season with the returns of fifth-year senior forward Kennedy Taylor and junior guard Taryn Sides. She will be joined transfers Izela Arenas, Jenessa Cotton, Tess Heal and Ramiya White and a freshmen class of Aniya Foy, Gina Garcia, Brandie Harrod and Jordan Speiser.K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2025-26 season are available now. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.2025-26 Kansas State Big 12 OpponentsHome-and-Away: Houston, Iowa State, KansasHome-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Oklahoma State, Utah, West Virginia

K-State Announces League Opponents for 2025-26 Big 12 Schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge homered for the third consecutive game, Clarke Schmidt allowed just two hits over six innings, and the New York Yankees cruised to a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Paul Goldschmidt added a pair of RBIs during a five-run second inning for New York, which improved to 5-0 against the Royals this season. The Yankees are are 12-3 against them since the start of last season, including their playoff series win.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer during a three-run ninth for Kansas City.

Schmidt (3-3) allowed one runner to reach second base, and that was courtesy of his own balk that advanced Maikel Garcia in the first inning. He also struck out seven to remain unbeaten in six regular-season appearances against the Royals. Devin Williams got the final two outs for his eighth save.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749730901887.jpeg" alt="New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a home run in the seventh inning during a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a home run in the seventh inning during a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Aaron Judge homered for the third consecutive game, Clarke Schmidt allowed just two hits over six innings, and the New York Yankees cruised to a 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.Paul Goldschmidt added a pair of RBIs during a five-run second inning for New York, which improved to 5-0 against the Royals this season. The Yankees are are 12-3 against them since the start of last season, including their playoff series win.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer during a three-run ninth for Kansas City.Schmidt (3-3) allowed one runner to reach second base, and that was courtesy of his own balk that advanced Maikel Garcia in the first inning. He also struck out seven to remain unbeaten in six regular-season appearances against the Royals. Devin Williams got the final two outs for his eighth save.Kris Bubic (5-4) looked like he might be in for a duel with Schmidt after a perfect first inning. But he proceeded to allow five runs on four hits and two walks during the second, and ultimately six hits and four walks in just 4 1/3 innings.Judge's homer off Steven Cruz came on the heels of a two-homer game Sunday against Boston and a 469-foot shot in the series opener against Kansas City on Tuesday night. The two-time MVP has eight RBIs over the three-game span.Until Perez's homer, the biggest highlight for the Royals came in the fifth inning, when the Yankees loaded the bases with one out. DJ LeMahieu hit a sharp grounder to third base, where Garcia fielded it while falling to his rump. He threw to second from his back side, and a relay by Jonathan India to first base resulted in an inning-ending double play.<h2>Key moment</h2>Jazz Chisholm, who later left the game with left groin tightness, drew a walk in the second inning after plate umpire Lance Barrett called what would have been the third strike a questionable ball. The Yankees capitalized on their fortunes, sending 10 batters to the plate in what became the decisive inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals (34-34) are 10-18 after going on a 16-2 run in April and May.<h2>Up next</h2>Yankees RHP Will Warren (4-3, 5.34) starts the series finale Thursday night. RHP Seth Lugo (3-5, 3.46) goes for Kansas City.