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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More coverage of game two will be available after its completion.

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

🥎 Coyotes fall to Friends in first round, second round game suspended

GARDEN CITY - Kansas Wesleyan posted a third place finish in the 2025 KCAC Men's Golf Championships held Monday through Wednesday at Buffalo Dunes.

The tournament was shortened to 54 holes after it was deemed holes 11-14 were not playable due to continued construction at the course, so players played the first 10 holes, then 15 through 18, then played 1 through 4 again to complete each round.

The Coyotes came away with a team score of 894, posting a 296 in the first round, a 305 in the second, and capping the tournament with a score of 293.

KWU finished 19 shots ahead of Tabor who was in fourth with a 913.

Leading the way for the Coyotes was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2912252a-95a7-4e16-8600-2dc38358f6ad?elinkdata=26025">Jackson Malone</a> who finished 10th with a score of 222, with rounds of 71, 76 and 75. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39512ca4-a680-4426-b93d-66c02d35ab25?elinkdata=26025">Joey Wisocki</a> finished tied for 12th with a 224, carding rounds of 77, 75 and 72. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f50edfab-ef6b-4e75-84ff-03b3d7fc3491?elinkdata=26025">Hank Reeg</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2950e19-396d-46ea-8a0e-10f1136611c9?elinkdata=26025">Tyler Tarvin</a> were part of a group tied for 14th with a score of 225. Reeg posted round scores of 76, 76, 73 and Tarvin posted scores of 72, 80, 73. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a0b0e0b-f8bf-481d-9d3e-dda62723e10d?elinkdata=26025">Caden Stevens</a> tied for 29th with a 237 on rounds of 80, 78, 79.

Friends was the KCAC Champion with a score of 870 for the tournament after rounds of 295, 285, 290. The Falcons enjoyed an 11-shot win over Sterling who finished with an 881.

KWU was third, followed by Tabor and Evangel and Southwestern tied for fifth with a 925.

Bethany was seventh, Oklahoma Wesleyan eighth, Bethel ninth, Ottawa 10th and York 11th.

GARDEN CITY - Kansas Wesleyan posted a third place finish in the 2025 KCAC Men's Golf Championships held Monday through Wednesday at Buffalo Dunes.The tournament was shortened to 54 holes after it was deemed holes 11-14 were not playable due to continued construction at the course, so players played the first 10 holes, then 15 through 18, then played 1 through 4 again to complete each round.The Coyotes came away with a team score of 894, posting a 296 in the first round, a 305 in the second, and capping the tournament with a score of 293.KWU finished 19 shots ahead of Tabor who was in fourth with a 913.Leading the way for the Coyotes was <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2912252a-95a7-4e16-8600-2dc38358f6ad?elinkdata=26025">Jackson Malone</a> who finished 10th with a score of 222, with rounds of 71, 76 and 75. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/39512ca4-a680-4426-b93d-66c02d35ab25?elinkdata=26025">Joey Wisocki</a> finished tied for 12th with a 224, carding rounds of 77, 75 and 72. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f50edfab-ef6b-4e75-84ff-03b3d7fc3491?elinkdata=26025">Hank Reeg</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c2950e19-396d-46ea-8a0e-10f1136611c9?elinkdata=26025">Tyler Tarvin</a> were part of a group tied for 14th with a score of 225. Reeg posted round scores of 76, 76, 73 and Tarvin posted scores of 72, 80, 73. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a0b0e0b-f8bf-481d-9d3e-dda62723e10d?elinkdata=26025">Caden Stevens</a> tied for 29th with a 237 on rounds of 80, 78, 79.Friends was the KCAC Champion with a score of 870 for the tournament after rounds of 295, 285, 290. The Falcons enjoyed an 11-shot win over Sterling who finished with an 881.KWU was third, followed by Tabor and Evangel and Southwestern tied for fifth with a 925.Bethany was seventh, Oklahoma Wesleyan eighth, Bethel ninth, Ottawa 10th and York 11th.

KWU men's Golf finishes third at KCAC Championships

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Royals left-hander Noah Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major league debut and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as Kansas City blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night.

Cameron, who grew up in the Kansas City area, shut out the Rays over 6 1/3 innings until Curtis Mead ended an 0-for-16 slump with a one-out single down the left-field line. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha prior to the start, Cameron (1-0) allowed one hit and five walks while striking out three. He threw 79 pitches with 46 strikes.

Carlos Estévez stranded two in the ninth for his ninth save.

Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 21 games. He singled in the first inning, then scored on Pasquantino’s fourth homer of the year. Playing in his 500th major league game, Witt also reached 1,000 total bases with his fifth-inning single that scored Cavan Biggio.

Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals, who’ve won eight of nine.

Drew Rasmussen (1-2) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings for the Rays, who’ve lost seven of their last eight at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home.

Pasquantino launched a first-pitch fastball, Rasmussen’s 10th pitch, to right-center to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead. The Royals have outscored opponents 17-2 in the first inning this season, including 3-0 against the Rays.

A Royals pitcher hasn’t thrown a no-hitter since Bret Saberhagen on Aug. 26, 1991, a span of 5,244 games. Only Cleveland and Toronto have gone longer without one.

Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound as Kansas City looks to sweep the series. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746096143389.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Royals left-hander Noah Cameron took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his major league debut and Vinnie Pasquantino homered as Kansas City blanked the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night.Cameron, who grew up in the Kansas City area, shut out the Rays over 6 1/3 innings until Curtis Mead ended an 0-for-16 slump with a one-out single down the left-field line. Recalled from Triple-A Omaha prior to the start, Cameron (1-0) allowed one hit and five walks while striking out three. He threw 79 pitches with 46 strikes.Carlos Estévez stranded two in the ninth for his ninth save.Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. wasted no time extending his hitting streak to 21 games. He singled in the first inning, then scored on Pasquantino’s fourth homer of the year. Playing in his 500th major league game, Witt also reached 1,000 total bases with his fifth-inning single that scored Cavan Biggio.Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia and Kyle Isbel each had two hits for the Royals, who’ve won eight of nine.Drew Rasmussen (1-2) gave up three runs and six hits in five innings for the Rays, who’ve lost seven of their last eight at Steinbrenner Field, their temporary home.<h2>Key moment</h2>Pasquantino launched a first-pitch fastball, Rasmussen’s 10th pitch, to right-center to give Kansas City a 2-0 lead. The Royals have outscored opponents 17-2 in the first inning this season, including 3-0 against the Rays.<h2>Key stat</h2>A Royals pitcher hasn’t thrown a no-hitter since Bret Saberhagen on Aug. 26, 1991, a span of 5,244 games. Only Cleveland and Toronto have gone longer without one.<h2>Up next</h2>Seth Lugo (2-3, 3.08 ERA) takes the mound as Kansas City looks to sweep the series. The Rays will counter with Shane Baz (3-0, 2.45).___

⚾ Noah Cameron takes a no-hitter into 7th in his big league debut

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State bolstered its offensive line unit this week by signing transfers&nbsp;JB Nelson&nbsp;(Penn State) and&nbsp;Terrence Enos Jr.&nbsp;(Pittsburgh).

Both players have one year of eligibility remaining and are the first two transfers to sign with K-State during the spring window. They join a list of 12 other NCAA Division I or II transfers who will play for the Wildcats this coming fall.

A product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nelson played in 31 games over three the last three season for the Nittany Lions, which included eight starts during the 2023 campaign in which he was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick by both the league’s coaches and media. He saw time at both guard and tackle positions, totaling 776 offensive snaps during his time in Happy Valley and helping Penn State accumulate a 23-6 record the last two seasons. Last year, Nelson played in three College Football Playoff contests, a first-round victory over SMU, a win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

As a starter in 2023, Nelson helped the Nittany Lions earn a No. 28 national ranking in rushing offense (184.8), while they ranked 19th&nbsp;in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.23) and 10th&nbsp;in fewest tackle for loss per game (3.92). Penn State also ranked in the top 20 in all three categories a year ago.

Nelson began his collegiate career by starting all 10 games of his freshman season at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the top-rated overall community-college prospect for the Class of 2022 by On3, while he ranked No. 2 by 247Sports and ESPN.

Enos Jr., who hails from Redford, Michigan, saw time in 27 games with five starts during the last three years at Pittsburgh. As a junior in 2024, Enos Jr. played in all 13 games with four starts at various positions as he earned starts at left tackle against Syracuse and SMU, left guard against Virginia and right tackle against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He totaled 383 total offensive snaps a year ago. In 2023, Enos Jr. saw action in nine games with a start at right tackle against Notre Dame.

Kansas State is coming off a 2024 season in which it went 9-4 and capped its season with a 17-point comeback victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats have won at least nine games each of the last three seasons, one of only 10 Power 4 teams – and the only Big 12 program – to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only five programs to accomplish that feat and claim a conference championship during that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State bolstered its offensive line unit this week by signing transfers&nbsp;JB Nelson&nbsp;(Penn State) and&nbsp;Terrence Enos Jr.&nbsp;(Pittsburgh).Both players have one year of eligibility remaining and are the first two transfers to sign with K-State during the spring window. They join a list of 12 other NCAA Division I or II transfers who will play for the Wildcats this coming fall.A product of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nelson played in 31 games over three the last three season for the Nittany Lions, which included eight starts during the 2023 campaign in which he was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention pick by both the league’s coaches and media. He saw time at both guard and tackle positions, totaling 776 offensive snaps during his time in Happy Valley and helping Penn State accumulate a 23-6 record the last two seasons. Last year, Nelson played in three College Football Playoff contests, a first-round victory over SMU, a win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl and against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.As a starter in 2023, Nelson helped the Nittany Lions earn a No. 28 national ranking in rushing offense (184.8), while they ranked 19th&nbsp;in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.23) and 10th&nbsp;in fewest tackle for loss per game (3.92). Penn State also ranked in the top 20 in all three categories a year ago.Nelson began his collegiate career by starting all 10 games of his freshman season at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was the top-rated overall community-college prospect for the Class of 2022 by On3, while he ranked No. 2 by 247Sports and ESPN.Enos Jr., who hails from Redford, Michigan, saw time in 27 games with five starts during the last three years at Pittsburgh. As a junior in 2024, Enos Jr. played in all 13 games with four starts at various positions as he earned starts at left tackle against Syracuse and SMU, left guard against Virginia and right tackle against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He totaled 383 total offensive snaps a year ago. In 2023, Enos Jr. saw action in nine games with a start at right tackle against Notre Dame.Kansas State is coming off a 2024 season in which it went 9-4 and capped its season with a 17-point comeback victory over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl. The Wildcats have won at least nine games each of the last three seasons, one of only 10 Power 4 teams – and the only Big 12 program – to win at least nine games each of the last three seasons. They are also one of only five programs to accomplish that feat and claim a conference championship during that timeframe, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Oregon.

K-State Signs Pair of Offensive Line Transfers

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

The Southeast of Saline baseball team continued to cruise on Tuesday, outscoring Minneapolis 28-0 in a pair of blowout wins as part of yet another doubleheader sweep.

Game One: SE of Saline 16, Minneapolis 0

The opener of this series took just three innings to complete, with SES plating seven runs in the first, four in the second, and five more in the third to seal the deal.

Tiernan Ptacek, Lyrik Lilley, and Tysen Keller raked from the bottom of the lineup, combining to 5-9 and drive in ten of the Trojans’ twelve runs.

On the bump, Killian Vaughan and Lyrik Lilley tore through the Minneapolis bats, allowing just two baserunners, both on walks, in a three-inning no-hitter.

Game Two: SE of Saline 12, Minneapolis 0

The Lions managed to keep things closer in game two, but struggled to find runs as Southeast brought home two runs in the first, four in the third, three in the fourth and three more in the fifth to close the game in just five innings.

Nine of the ten batters who entered the box for SES recorded a hit, and five drove in at least one run, with Sam Knopf, Evan Watkins, and Lyrik Lilley driving in eight of twelve this time around.

Southeast needed just one pitcher in this game as Kayson Bertrand found nothing but smooth sailing, completing his five-inning shutout with six strikeouts to just one hit and one walk allowed.

With these wins, the Trojans improve to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in league play, while the Lions slide to 2-12 and 0-10 respectively.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline baseball team continued to cruise on Tuesday, outscoring Minneapolis 28-0 in a pair of blowout wins as part of yet another doubleheader sweep.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Game One: SE of Saline 16, Minneapolis 0The opener of this series took just three innings to complete, with SES plating seven runs in the first, four in the second, and five more in the third to seal the deal.Tiernan Ptacek, Lyrik Lilley, and Tysen Keller raked from the bottom of the lineup, combining to 5-9 and drive in ten of the Trojans’ twelve runs.On the bump, Killian Vaughan and Lyrik Lilley tore through the Minneapolis bats, allowing just two baserunners, both on walks, in a three-inning no-hitter.Game Two: SE of Saline 12, Minneapolis 0The Lions managed to keep things closer in game two, but struggled to find runs as Southeast brought home two runs in the first, four in the third, three in the fourth and three more in the fifth to close the game in just five innings.Nine of the ten batters who entered the box for SES recorded a hit, and five drove in at least one run, with Sam Knopf, Evan Watkins, and Lyrik Lilley driving in eight of twelve this time around.Southeast needed just one pitcher in this game as Kayson Bertrand found nothing but smooth sailing, completing his five-inning shutout with six strikeouts to just one hit and one walk allowed.With these wins, the Trojans improve to 9-5 overall and 3-1 in league play, while the Lions slide to 2-12 and 0-10 respectively.

⚾️ Southeast stifles Minneapolis in pair of league shutouts

In a doubleheader that could very well decide a league title, the Southeast of Saline softball team dominated Minneapolis on Tuesday, handing the Lady Lions their first two losses of 9-1 and 12-2 in a clean road sweep.

Game One: SE of Saline 9, Minneapolis 1

The first game of this two-game set was ruled by Karlee Zurfluh in the circle, as the Lady Trojan ace cut down batter after batter in a dominant effort.

By the game's end, Zurfluh would allow just one run on one hit, recording twelve strikeouts in a complete-game effort.

SES got on the board first with two runs in the top of the opening frame, but Minneapolis quickly answered with a pair of their own in the home half.

The Lady Trojans would score the games remaining seven runs, including four in the second, one in the sixth and two more in the seventh.

At the plate, Kyiah Samuelson stole the show, driving in three runs on two big hits for SES.

Game Two: SE of Saline 12, Minneapolis 2

The nightcap saw more of the same with the Lady Trojans jumping out to a big 5-0 lead in the second, extending that advantage to 12-0 with a seven-run fourth.

The Lady Lions battled back with a pair in the fifth, but the damage was done as Southeast cruised to a mercy-shortened 12-2 win.

This time around, Southeast shared the love at the plate, with four different Lady Trojans recording multi-hit games, and four more driving in at least two runs.

Karlee Dye picked up right where Zurfluh left off in the circle, allowing just two runs on four hits, striking out three and failing to issue even one walk.

The Lady Trojans terrorized Minneapolis on the basepaths, with Reese Heinrich and Kyiah Samuelson swiping a total of ten bags in two games.

With this result, SES improves to 13-3 on the year and 6-0 in league play, while the now 12-2 Lady Lions fall to 10-2 in the NCAA.

Southeast holds serve in the league with doubleheaders against Ellsworth (6-10), Lyons (4-12), and Beloit (7-6) still to play.

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIn a doubleheader that could very well decide a league title, the Southeast of Saline softball team dominated Minneapolis on Tuesday, handing the Lady Lions their first two losses of 9-1 and 12-2 in a clean road sweep.<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.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Game One: SE of Saline 9, Minneapolis 1The first game of this two-game set was ruled by Karlee Zurfluh in the circle, as the Lady Trojan ace cut down batter after batter in a dominant effort.By the game's end, Zurfluh would allow just one run on one hit, recording twelve strikeouts in a complete-game effort.SES got on the board first with two runs in the top of the opening frame, but Minneapolis quickly answered with a pair of their own in the home half.The Lady Trojans would score the games remaining seven runs, including four in the second, one in the sixth and two more in the seventh.At the plate, Kyiah Samuelson stole the show, driving in three runs on two big hits for SES.Game Two: SE of Saline 12, Minneapolis 2The nightcap saw more of the same with the Lady Trojans jumping out to a big 5-0 lead in the second, extending that advantage to 12-0 with a seven-run fourth.The Lady Lions battled back with a pair in the fifth, but the damage was done as Southeast cruised to a mercy-shortened 12-2 win.This time around, Southeast shared the love at the plate, with four different Lady Trojans recording multi-hit games, and four more driving in at least two runs.Karlee Dye picked up right where Zurfluh left off in the circle, allowing just two runs on four hits, striking out three and failing to issue even one walk.The Lady Trojans terrorized Minneapolis on the basepaths, with Reese Heinrich and Kyiah Samuelson swiping a total of ten bags in two games.With this result, SES improves to 13-3 on the year and 6-0 in league play, while the now 12-2 Lady Lions fall to 10-2 in the NCAA.Southeast holds serve in the league with doubleheaders against Ellsworth (6-10), Lyons (4-12), and Beloit (7-6) still to play.

🥎 Lady Trojans take over league lead with dominant sweep in Minneapolis

Kansas Wesleyan Softball had four All-KCAC selections for the 2025 season led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09b3254d-bc9c-41c4-9786-d41adda9a592?elinkdata=25994">Keira Hammen's</a> nod on the first team as the KCAC office announced the All-KCAC picks as selected by conference coaches.

Hammen was picked to the first team at the designated player position. In conference play, she had 24 hits while hitting .444 on the season. She had an OPS of .523 and a 1.019 slugging average which led the KCAC among regularly appearing players. All eight of her home runs on the season came in KCAC play which ranked third in the conference. Fifteen of her 24 hits in KCAC play were for extra bases.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f9ed7075-1b72-4272-bfbb-ac4b4889b0bc?elinkdata=25994">Alli Mickelsen</a> was selected to the second team as a pitcher. She ranked third in the KCAC in ERA with a 1.43 ERA in 68.1 innings pitched in conference play. She had a 7-4 record in 13 appearances, all starts in conference play. She had a WHIP of 1.24 which ranked sixth best among pitchers that had at least one inning pitched per team game. She struck out 57, averaging 5.84 strikeouts per seven innings. She helped lead the Coyotes to two big wins at the end of the season to earn a spot in the KCAC Tournament.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e42a7945-c7f1-4bf8-8064-848375ecabf3?elinkdata=25994">Hailey Summers</a> was selected to the third team in the outfield. She hit .356 for the Coyotes in 18 games. She had 16 hits and drove in 10 runs during the conference portion of the season. She had three home runs, which ranked 11th in the KCAC, and two doubles.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb1f3ce4-3a23-4d5a-8c2f-8e0a76a20d35?elinkdata=25994">Briannah Kutschkau</a> was named to the third team as well in the outfield. The true freshman hit .328 for the Coyotes with 21 hits in 24 conference game appearances. She drove in six runs, scored 13 and stole 14 bases, which ranked No. 7 in the KCAC.

Friends University took home the regular-season conference title and earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament with a 21-5 record in KCAC play, as part of a 33-11 overall record. The Falcons' Riley Wertz was named the KCAC Softball Pitcher of the Year, while Suzanne Unruh, the Falcons' head coach, was named the KCAC Softball Coach of the Year by her peers.

Kansas Wesleyan Softball had four All-KCAC selections for the 2025 season led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/09b3254d-bc9c-41c4-9786-d41adda9a592?elinkdata=25994">Keira Hammen's</a> nod on the first team as the KCAC office announced the All-KCAC picks as selected by conference coaches.Hammen was picked to the first team at the designated player position. In conference play, she had 24 hits while hitting .444 on the season. She had an OPS of .523 and a 1.019 slugging average which led the KCAC among regularly appearing players. All eight of her home runs on the season came in KCAC play which ranked third in the conference. Fifteen of her 24 hits in KCAC play were for extra bases.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f9ed7075-1b72-4272-bfbb-ac4b4889b0bc?elinkdata=25994">Alli Mickelsen</a> was selected to the second team as a pitcher. She ranked third in the KCAC in ERA with a 1.43 ERA in 68.1 innings pitched in conference play. She had a 7-4 record in 13 appearances, all starts in conference play. She had a WHIP of 1.24 which ranked sixth best among pitchers that had at least one inning pitched per team game. She struck out 57, averaging 5.84 strikeouts per seven innings. She helped lead the Coyotes to two big wins at the end of the season to earn a spot in the KCAC Tournament.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e42a7945-c7f1-4bf8-8064-848375ecabf3?elinkdata=25994">Hailey Summers</a> was selected to the third team in the outfield. She hit .356 for the Coyotes in 18 games. She had 16 hits and drove in 10 runs during the conference portion of the season. She had three home runs, which ranked 11th in the KCAC, and two doubles.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/cb1f3ce4-3a23-4d5a-8c2f-8e0a76a20d35?elinkdata=25994">Briannah Kutschkau</a> was named to the third team as well in the outfield. The true freshman hit .328 for the Coyotes with 21 hits in 24 conference game appearances. She drove in six runs, scored 13 and stole 14 bases, which ranked No. 7 in the KCAC.Friends University took home the regular-season conference title and earned the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament with a 21-5 record in KCAC play, as part of a 33-11 overall record. The Falcons' Riley Wertz was named the KCAC Softball Pitcher of the Year, while Suzanne Unruh, the Falcons' head coach, was named the KCAC Softball Coach of the Year by her peers.

Hammen’s first team pick headlines Softball All-KCAC selections

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf had a pair of All-KCAC honorees for the 2025 season. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9662742a-24f0-4e6b-95ff-06be366142f8?elinkdata=25963">Jackson Malone</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ccaf979-e934-4d8d-9a87-6e901e802283?elinkdata=25963">Hank Reeg</a> were selected to the All-KCAC first team for their accomplishments this season.

In three seasons at KWU, this is Malone's third selection to the All-KCAC teams. He was a 2024 second-team pick, and in 2023 he was a first-team selection, and was named the Player of the Year, and a Third Team All-American as a freshman.

In 2025, Malone had an average score of 74.0 over 27 rounds and nine events. He posted eight sub-par rounds, highlighted by a 68 at The Mid-South in September, a tournament that he won out of 75 competitors. He had the one win and one Top 5 finish and two Top 10 finishes throughout the season.

2025 was Reeg's first selection to the All-KCAC teams. He posted a 74.4 scoring average in 27 rounds and nine events this season for the Coyotes, which included eight sub-par rounds. He had two Top 5 and three Top 10 finishes on the season.

Trinton Nobles of Friends University was named the KCAC Men's Golf Player of the Year. He had eight Top 10 finishes in ten stroke play events in the 2024-25 season, including six top five finishes. Nobles took home the individual title at one event this season, the Northwest Iowa National Invitational.

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf had a pair of All-KCAC honorees for the 2025 season. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9662742a-24f0-4e6b-95ff-06be366142f8?elinkdata=25963">Jackson Malone</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1ccaf979-e934-4d8d-9a87-6e901e802283?elinkdata=25963">Hank Reeg</a> were selected to the All-KCAC first team for their accomplishments this season.In three seasons at KWU, this is Malone's third selection to the All-KCAC teams. He was a 2024 second-team pick, and in 2023 he was a first-team selection, and was named the Player of the Year, and a Third Team All-American as a freshman.In 2025, Malone had an average score of 74.0 over 27 rounds and nine events. He posted eight sub-par rounds, highlighted by a 68 at The Mid-South in September, a tournament that he won out of 75 competitors. He had the one win and one Top 5 finish and two Top 10 finishes throughout the season.2025 was Reeg's first selection to the All-KCAC teams. He posted a 74.4 scoring average in 27 rounds and nine events this season for the Coyotes, which included eight sub-par rounds. He had two Top 5 and three Top 10 finishes on the season.Trinton Nobles of Friends University was named the KCAC Men's Golf Player of the Year. He had eight Top 10 finishes in ten stroke play events in the 2024-25 season, including six top five finishes. Nobles took home the individual title at one event this season, the Northwest Iowa National Invitational.

Malone and Reeg named to Men's Golf All-KCAC teams

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.

Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.

Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.

Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.

Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.

Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1746007805852.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) watches his RBI double off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez (13) watches his RBI double off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)</figcaption>
 </figure>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Freddy Fermin had three hits and an RBI, Kyle Isbel and Salvador Perez each drove in a run and Michael Lorenzen pitched six strong innings for his 50th career win as the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 on Tuesday night.Perez’s two-out double drove in Jonathan India in the first. One inning later, Fermin poked a single to right that allowed Drew Walters to advance from first to third, setting up Isbel’s sacrifice fly.Fermin, who nearly left the game in the seventh after fouling a pitch off his hands, singled home Maikel Garcia to give Kansas City a two-run cushion in the ninth.Lorenzen (3-3) halted the Rays’ five-game winning streak, his only blemish a solo homer to Junior Caminero in the fourth. After the homer, Lorenzen retired nine of his final 11 before three Kansas City relievers combined to shut out the Rays over the final three innings.Carlos Estévez earned his eighth save.Caminero fell a triple shy of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI for the Rays, who’ve dropped six of their last seven at Steinbrenner Field.Rays start Taj Bradley (2-2) gave up two runs and five hits in seven innings, walking three and striking out two.<h2>Key moment</h2>Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Brandon Lowe and Caminero singled off Lucas Erceg. The reliever then struck out Jonathan Aranda and induced an inning-ending groundout from Christopher Morel to escape the jam. The Rays finished 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.<h2>Key stat</h2>Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. singled in the eighth to extend his hitting streak to 20 games, longest in the majors since José Iglesias hit safely in 22 straight from Sept. 6-30.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Noah Cameron is expected to make his big league debut on Wednesday against Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen (1-1, 2.10 ERA).

⚾️ Freddy Fermin has 3 hits as Royals beat Rays

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Veteran coach Bill Peterson, who has experience at virtually every level of college and professional basketball coaching, has been named an assistant men’s basketball coach at Kansas State in an announcement by head coach Jerome Tang on Tuesday afternoon (April 29).

Peterson, who started his new job on Tuesday, previously coached alongside Tang while at Baylor from 2017-22 where they helped guide the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Championship.

“I am fired up to have Coach Bill Peterson as a part of our staff,” said Tang. “He brings a wealth of experience in both college and the NBA. Every coach, player, and person associated with K-State Basketball will be better because of the addition of Coach Bill Peterson.”

Peterson has a combined 10 years of head coaching experience at the NAIA, Division II and G-League levels in his 47-year coaching career while he has been an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech (1980-83), McNeese State (1987-94), Bosier Parish Community College (1997-99), Colorado State (2000-07) and Denver (2024-25) to go with significant experience in a support staff role at Baylor (2017-24).

Peterson has also served in various capacities in the NBA, including as special assistant with the Golden State Warriors (1989), player development/scout with the Dallas Mavericks (1998-2000) and assistant coach/player development with the Milwaukee Bucks (2007-13). He has G-League experience with the Texas Legends (2014) and Erie BayHawks (2014-17).

Peterson has mentored over 20 NBA players, including Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Karl Malone as well as 13-year pro Jason Smith and current Charlotte Hornet Seth Curry.

“I am extremely excited to be joining Coach Tang’s staff at Kansas State,” said Peterson. “I have known Jerome Tang for the past eight years and have great respect and admiration for him and his family. The opportunity to work with him and his staff is a real blessing. The opportunity to work at a storied basketball program like K-State with a rich tradition of excellence is a real honor.

“I am excited to again be competing in the Big 12 as it is recognized as one of the premier basketball leagues in the country. I will pour my heart and soul into the players, coaching and staff to get 1% better every day.”

Tang became familiar with Peterson during their 5-year stint on staff at Baylor (2017-22), where they helped the Bears to a 120-42 (.741) overall record, including a 61-26 (.701) mark in Big 12 play, to go with the 2021 NCAA Championship, two Big 12 regular-season titles (2021, 2022) and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022).

Peterson was Baylor’s director of men’s basketball operations from 2017-19 before spending the next five seasons (2019-24) as the special assistant to head coach Scott Drew. Overall, he was a part of 167 wins with the Bears to go with five NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).

Prior to joining the staff at Baylor, Peterson spent 10 seasons (2007-17) in the professional ranks with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic. He was an assistant and player development coach with the Bucks under head coaches Larry Krystkowiak, Scott Skiles and Jim Boylan from 2007-13 before spending time with the Mavericks’ G-League franchise, the Texas Legends in 2014. He was the head coach of the Erie BayHawks, the G-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, from 2014-17 and was instrumental in the NBA call-ups of Seth Curry, Austin Daye, Keith Appling and Anthony Brown. He led the Orlando Magic Blue Team to the 2016 NBA Summer League Championship.

Peterson’s pro experience also includes a stint as a player development coach and scout with the Mavericks from 1998-2000 and as a special assistant with the Warriors in the summer of 1989.

Peterson served as associate head coach at Colorado State for seven seasons (2000-07) under the direction of head coach Dale Layer. He was a part of 103 wins while in Fort Collins, including the Rams’ first NCAA Tournament bid in 13 seasons after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2003.

Peterson had the first of two stints as a small college head coach from 1983-87 at NAIA Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where he led the Bulldogs to 73 wins. He posted four consecutive winning seasons, including the school’s most wins (22) in 16 seasons in 1984-85 while producing the school’s first-ever NBA Draft pick in James Anderson (Portland Trail Blazers) in 1985.

Peterson was the head coach at Division II Alabama-Huntsville from 1994-97, guiding the Chargers to their first winning season in 10 years in 1994-95 after inheriting a squad that won just one game the previous season.

In between his head coaching stints with Union College and UAH, Peterson spent seven seasons (1987-94) on head coach Steve Welch’s staff at McNeese State. He was a part of 75 wins with the Cowboys, including a Southland Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament bid in 1989.

Peterson spent the 2024-25 season with the University of Denver under head coach Jeff Wulburn.

Peterson began his coaching career as a student assistant at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College before 3 seasons (1980-83) as a graduate assistant for head coach Andy Russo at Louisiana Tech, where he was part of a coaching staff that developed All-American and Hall of Famer Karl Malone.

Peterson earned his bachelor’s degree in Leisure and Recreation from Eckerd (Fla.) College in 1980 before obtaining a Master’s in Physical Education and Human Relations from Louisiana Tech in 1982.

Peterson and his wife, Diane, are the parents of three daughters: Kati, Ginny and Hailey (who went to be with The Lord in 2000).

Student Assistant, St. Petersburg Junior College, 1978-79

Graduate Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech, 1980-83

Head Coach, Athletes in Action Russian/European Tour, 1985-86

Special Assistant, Golden State Warriors, Summer 1989

Assistant Head Coach, Bosier Parish Community College, 1997-99

Player Development Coach/Scout, Dallas Mavericks, 1998-2000

Associate Head Coach, Colorado State, 2000-07

Assistant Coach/Player Development, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007-13

Assistant Coach/Player Development, Texas Legends (NBA G-League), 2014

Head Coach, Erie BayHawks (NBA G-League), 2014-17

Director of Men’s Basketball Operations, Baylor, 2017-19

Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Baylor, 2019-24

Assistant Coach, Kansas State, 2025-present

Bachelor’s Degree in Leisure and Recreation, Eckerd College, 1980

Master’s in Physical Education and Human Relations, Louisiana Tech, 1982

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Veteran coach Bill Peterson, who has experience at virtually every level of college and professional basketball coaching, has been named an assistant men’s basketball coach at Kansas State in an announcement by head coach Jerome Tang on Tuesday afternoon (April 29).Peterson, who started his new job on Tuesday, previously coached alongside Tang while at Baylor from 2017-22 where they helped guide the Bears to the 2021 NCAA Championship.“I am fired up to have Coach Bill Peterson as a part of our staff,” said Tang. “He brings a wealth of experience in both college and the NBA. Every coach, player, and person associated with K-State Basketball will be better because of the addition of Coach Bill Peterson.”Peterson has a combined 10 years of head coaching experience at the NAIA, Division II and G-League levels in his 47-year coaching career while he has been an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech (1980-83), McNeese State (1987-94), Bosier Parish Community College (1997-99), Colorado State (2000-07) and Denver (2024-25) to go with significant experience in a support staff role at Baylor (2017-24).Peterson has also served in various capacities in the NBA, including as special assistant with the Golden State Warriors (1989), player development/scout with the Dallas Mavericks (1998-2000) and assistant coach/player development with the Milwaukee Bucks (2007-13). He has G-League experience with the Texas Legends (2014) and Erie BayHawks (2014-17).Peterson has mentored over 20 NBA players, including Hall of Famers Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash and Karl Malone as well as 13-year pro Jason Smith and current Charlotte Hornet Seth Curry.“I am extremely excited to be joining Coach Tang’s staff at Kansas State,” said Peterson. “I have known Jerome Tang for the past eight years and have great respect and admiration for him and his family. The opportunity to work with him and his staff is a real blessing. The opportunity to work at a storied basketball program like K-State with a rich tradition of excellence is a real honor.“I am excited to again be competing in the Big 12 as it is recognized as one of the premier basketball leagues in the country. I will pour my heart and soul into the players, coaching and staff to get 1% better every day.”Tang became familiar with Peterson during their 5-year stint on staff at Baylor (2017-22), where they helped the Bears to a 120-42 (.741) overall record, including a 61-26 (.701) mark in Big 12 play, to go with the 2021 NCAA Championship, two Big 12 regular-season titles (2021, 2022) and three NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022).Peterson was Baylor’s director of men’s basketball operations from 2017-19 before spending the next five seasons (2019-24) as the special assistant to head coach Scott Drew. Overall, he was a part of 167 wins with the Bears to go with five NCAA Tournament appearances (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).Prior to joining the staff at Baylor, Peterson spent 10 seasons (2007-17) in the professional ranks with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks and Orlando Magic. He was an assistant and player development coach with the Bucks under head coaches Larry Krystkowiak, Scott Skiles and Jim Boylan from 2007-13 before spending time with the Mavericks’ G-League franchise, the Texas Legends in 2014. He was the head coach of the Erie BayHawks, the G-League affiliate of the Orlando Magic, from 2014-17 and was instrumental in the NBA call-ups of Seth Curry, Austin Daye, Keith Appling and Anthony Brown. He led the Orlando Magic Blue Team to the 2016 NBA Summer League Championship.Peterson’s pro experience also includes a stint as a player development coach and scout with the Mavericks from 1998-2000 and as a special assistant with the Warriors in the summer of 1989.Peterson served as associate head coach at Colorado State for seven seasons (2000-07) under the direction of head coach Dale Layer. He was a part of 103 wins while in Fort Collins, including the Rams’ first NCAA Tournament bid in 13 seasons after winning the Mountain West Conference Tournament in 2003.Peterson had the first of two stints as a small college head coach from 1983-87 at NAIA Union College in Barbourville, Ky., where he led the Bulldogs to 73 wins. He posted four consecutive winning seasons, including the school’s most wins (22) in 16 seasons in 1984-85 while producing the school’s first-ever NBA Draft pick in James Anderson (Portland Trail Blazers) in 1985.Peterson was the head coach at Division II Alabama-Huntsville from 1994-97, guiding the Chargers to their first winning season in 10 years in 1994-95 after inheriting a squad that won just one game the previous season.In between his head coaching stints with Union College and UAH, Peterson spent seven seasons (1987-94) on head coach Steve Welch’s staff at McNeese State. He was a part of 75 wins with the Cowboys, including a Southland Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament bid in 1989.Peterson spent the 2024-25 season with the University of Denver under head coach Jeff Wulburn.Peterson began his coaching career as a student assistant at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College before 3 seasons (1980-83) as a graduate assistant for head coach Andy Russo at Louisiana Tech, where he was part of a coaching staff that developed All-American and Hall of Famer Karl Malone.Peterson earned his bachelor’s degree in Leisure and Recreation from Eckerd (Fla.) College in 1980 before obtaining a Master’s in Physical Education and Human Relations from Louisiana Tech in 1982.Peterson and his wife, Diane, are the parents of three daughters: Kati, Ginny and Hailey (who went to be with The Lord in 2000).Coaching ExperienceStudent Assistant, St. Petersburg Junior College, 1978-79Graduate Assistant Coach, Louisiana Tech, 1980-83Head Coach, Athletes in Action Russian/European Tour, 1985-86Head Coach, Union College (Ky.), 1983-87Special Assistant, Golden State Warriors, Summer 1989Assistant Coach, McNeese State, 1987-94Head Coach, Alabama-Huntsville, 1994-97Assistant Head Coach, Bosier Parish Community College, 1997-99Player Development Coach/Scout, Dallas Mavericks, 1998-2000Associate Head Coach, Colorado State, 2000-07Assistant Coach/Player Development, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007-13Assistant Coach/Player Development, Texas Legends (NBA G-League), 2014Head Coach, Erie BayHawks (NBA G-League), 2014-17Director of Men’s Basketball Operations, Baylor, 2017-19Special Assistant to the Head Coach, Baylor, 2019-24Assistant Coach, Denver, 2024-25Assistant Coach, Kansas State, 2025-presentEducationBachelor’s Degree in Leisure and Recreation, Eckerd College, 1980Master’s in Physical Education and Human Relations, Louisiana Tech, 1982PersonalWife: Diane

Peterson Joins K-State MBB Coaching Staff

2025 KCAC Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships Preview

(This preview is written prior to the final deadline for entries.)

The 2025 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships return to the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan., for the first time since 2019.

Day 1 competition on Thursday will find the High Jump, Long Jump, Hammer Throw, and Javelin Throw opening the meet, beginning at 11:00 a.m. [Note, the throws area is located west of the campus on Claflin Avenue behind Church of the Cross (1600 Rush Street), on the west (far) side of the church.] Track events will begin on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with the finals in the 3,000m Steeplechase followed by preliminaries of the 100m Dashes, 100m Hurdles &amp; 110m Hurdles. The 4x800m Relays will be Thursday's second final on the track, followed by preliminaries in the 200m Dashes before the finals in the 10,000m Runs for women and men wraps up competition on day one.

The Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Shot Put and Discus Throw will be contested on Friday, starting at 11:00 a.m. All of Friday's track events will be finals only beginning at 3:35 p.m. with the 4x100m Relays. The meet will wrap up with the 4x400m Relays, tentatively scheduled for 7:55 p.m. for women and 8:10 p.m. for men. An awards ceremony recognizing individual and team Champions of Character, high-point Athletes of the Meet, Coaches of the Year and team champions will conclude the meet at approximately 8:30 p.m.

The University of Saint Mary women have won four straight team titles with Ottawa finishing second the last two years. While the April 29th rankings by the USTFCCCA do not have any KCAC women's teams ranked in top 25 nationally, the association has the University of Saint Mary again favored to win the KCAC championship, edging out the Evangel women with Kansas Wesleyan favored to hold off Friends for third in the final KCAC team standings. Ottawa and Tabor look to round out the top half of the final KCAC team race ahead of York. In the South Central region of the coaches' association the Saint Mary women are placed second with Evangel fourth, ahead of Ottawa (6th), Kansas Wesleyan (8th), and Friends (9th).

The University of Saint Mary men have won five consecutive KCAC Outdoor championships with Friends second four of the five years, including 2024. Like the women, the USTFCCA surprisingly doesn't have any KCAC schools ranked in the top 25 nationally. The University of Saint Mary men are a narrow favorite over 2025 KCAC Outdoor host Kansas Wesleyan to win another conference title with Evangel University picked for third over Friends. McPherson, Ottawa, Tabor, Sterling, and York are picked to battle it out for the final spots in the top half of the final KCAC men's standings. In the South Central region of the USTFCCCA, Saint Mary again leads the KCAC schools with a second-place ranking while Evangel ranks fourth, Friends sixth and Kansas Wesleyan seventh in the April 29th regional poll.

Individually, the meet could see 7 women and 9 men are eligible to return to defend titles in individual events they won a year ago. Women eligible to return to defend 2024 KCAC Outdoor championships include double-winners Gretchen Raney (Saint Mary, 100m &amp; 200m), Jordyn Weems (Ottawa, 400m &amp; Long Jump), and JayOnna Perry (Ottawa, 100m Hurdles &amp; 400m Hurdles), along with single event champions Abby Beets (Evangel, Pole Vault), April Phillips (Evangel, Triple Jump), Abby Green (Friends, Hammer Throw), and Allison Thomas (Evangel, Javelin).

Among the women's defending outdoor champions, Raney swept the KCAC Indoor 60m and 200m Dashes while Phillips swept the Long and Triple Jumps.

Six KCAC women scored in this winter's 2025 NAIA National Indoor Championships led by Carly Holadia (Saint Mary) winning the 1,000m Run, Delaney Miller (Evangel) finishing 2nd in the High Jump with Autumn Nold (Evangel) 5th in 600m Run, Anya Walton (Friends) 8th in the Triple Jump, Josie Tyrrell (ainSt Mary) 8th in the 5,000m Run, and Riley Hiebert (Saint Mary, eligibility exhausted for outdoors) finishing 5th in the 1-Mile Run.

Domonic Atkinstall (Ottawa, 100m &amp; 200m) and Mikkel Tarver (Friends, Long Jump &amp; Triple Jump) are the only men eligible to return as multiple-event outdoor defending champions from 2024. Vance Shewey (Tabor) returns as a 3-time defending champion in the High Jump and could become the first 4-time winner in the history of the KCAC outdoor event.

Other men eligible to return after winning a single event a year ago are Dominick Beine (Saint Mary, 5,000m), Ryan Heline (Saint Mary, 10,000m), Daniel Pantoja (Saint Mary, 3km Steeplechase), Xavier Garza (Ottawa, 400m Hurdles), Alphonse Jackson (York, Shot Put), and Koby Graham (Evangel, Javelin).

Atkinstall (60m Dash), Beine (5,000m), and Shewey (High Jump, 3rd straight) were the only men's outdoor defending champions to win KCAC Indoor titles this past winter.

At this winter's NAIA National Indoor meet, 11 KCAC men and one relay team scored, led by Liam Neidig (Saint Mary) winning the 1,000m Run with teammate Luis Perez (Saint Mary) in 3rd and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ecc94baa-191c-4b71-a514-6e5ac83cdcb3?elinkdata=25932">Julian Avila</a> (Kansas Wesleyan) 7th. Tommy Baker (Saint Mary) finished 2nd in the 3,000m Run with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b4e6e563-43f7-4c41-a7a7-f27e17bdb364?elinkdata=25932">Damion Jackson</a> (Kansas Wesleyan) 8th, Devyn Wright (Evangel) 4th in the 400m, Rinaldo Moore (McPherson) 4th in the 60m Hurdles, Jacob Gillies (Evangel, red-shirting this spring) 2nd in the High Jump with Vance Shewey (Tabor) 4th, and Kansas Wesleyan finishing 4th in the 4x800m Relay while Pablo Sanz-Rillo (Friends) was 2nd in the non-KCAC contested 3,000m Race Walk, Carter Gittinger (Friends) 5th in the non-KCAC contested Heptathlon.

Entering the KCAC Championship weekend, a total of four (4) performances by KCAC women and seven (7) by KCAC men have met the NAIA "A" (automatic) qualifying standard plus an additional 16 women and 18 men performances have met the NAIA "B" (provisional) standard for the NAIA Outdoor Track &amp; Field National Championships, which will be held at the Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, May 21-23, 2025.

KCAC athletes ranked among the NAIA's top five performers include one national leader, Vance Shewey (Tabor), 1st in the High Jump with a clearance of 2.16m/7'1".

Delaney Wright (Evangel) currently is tied for 3rd on the NAIA National list in the Women's High Jump while Kansas Wesleyan teammates <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb972197-bd6b-45cf-83da-9cbbfbdcac54?elinkdata=25932">Mayce Russell</a> and Maddy Wolf are ranked #3 and #4, respectively, in the women's Javelin Throw.

Devyn Wright (Evangel) currently ranks 2nd nationally in the men's 400m Dash while Rinaldo Moore (McPherson) and Kort Sjogren (Bethany) rank 4th in the 110m Hurdles and Javelin Throw, respectively. Dominick Beine (Saint Mary) ranks 5th in the 10,000m Run and Charles Jones (Sterling) is currently ranked 5th in the Triple Jump.

Returning Defending Champions from 2024(Current KCAC ranking): [NM - No 2025 mark in the event]

WOMEN (10 potential returning individual defending champions, 5 are '25 KCAC leaders):

MEN (11 potential returning individual defending champions, 2 are '25 KCAC leaders):

2025 KCAC Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships PreviewBy Carol R. Swenson (Meet Announcer)(This preview is written prior to the final deadline for entries.)The 2025 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships return to the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan., for the first time since 2019.Day 1 competition on Thursday will find the High Jump, Long Jump, Hammer Throw, and Javelin Throw opening the meet, beginning at 11:00 a.m. [Note, the throws area is located west of the campus on Claflin Avenue behind Church of the Cross (1600 Rush Street), on the west (far) side of the church.] Track events will begin on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with the finals in the 3,000m Steeplechase followed by preliminaries of the 100m Dashes, 100m Hurdles &amp; 110m Hurdles. The 4x800m Relays will be Thursday's second final on the track, followed by preliminaries in the 200m Dashes before the finals in the 10,000m Runs for women and men wraps up competition on day one.The Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Shot Put and Discus Throw will be contested on Friday, starting at 11:00 a.m. All of Friday's track events will be finals only beginning at 3:35 p.m. with the 4x100m Relays. The meet will wrap up with the 4x400m Relays, tentatively scheduled for 7:55 p.m. for women and 8:10 p.m. for men. An awards ceremony recognizing individual and team Champions of Character, high-point Athletes of the Meet, Coaches of the Year and team champions will conclude the meet at approximately 8:30 p.m.The University of Saint Mary women have won four straight team titles with Ottawa finishing second the last two years. While the April 29th rankings by the USTFCCCA do not have any KCAC women's teams ranked in top 25 nationally, the association has the University of Saint Mary again favored to win the KCAC championship, edging out the Evangel women with Kansas Wesleyan favored to hold off Friends for third in the final KCAC team standings. Ottawa and Tabor look to round out the top half of the final KCAC team race ahead of York. In the South Central region of the coaches' association the Saint Mary women are placed second with Evangel fourth, ahead of Ottawa (6th), Kansas Wesleyan (8th), and Friends (9th).The University of Saint Mary men have won five consecutive KCAC Outdoor championships with Friends second four of the five years, including 2024. Like the women, the USTFCCA surprisingly doesn't have any KCAC schools ranked in the top 25 nationally. The University of Saint Mary men are a narrow favorite over 2025 KCAC Outdoor host Kansas Wesleyan to win another conference title with Evangel University picked for third over Friends. McPherson, Ottawa, Tabor, Sterling, and York are picked to battle it out for the final spots in the top half of the final KCAC men's standings. In the South Central region of the USTFCCCA, Saint Mary again leads the KCAC schools with a second-place ranking while Evangel ranks fourth, Friends sixth and Kansas Wesleyan seventh in the April 29th regional poll.Individually, the meet could see 7 women and 9 men are eligible to return to defend titles in individual events they won a year ago. Women eligible to return to defend 2024 KCAC Outdoor championships include double-winners Gretchen Raney (Saint Mary, 100m &amp; 200m), Jordyn Weems (Ottawa, 400m &amp; Long Jump), and JayOnna Perry (Ottawa, 100m Hurdles &amp; 400m Hurdles), along with single event champions Abby Beets (Evangel, Pole Vault), April Phillips (Evangel, Triple Jump), Abby Green (Friends, Hammer Throw), and Allison Thomas (Evangel, Javelin).Among the women's defending outdoor champions, Raney swept the KCAC Indoor 60m and 200m Dashes while Phillips swept the Long and Triple Jumps.Six KCAC women scored in this winter's 2025 NAIA National Indoor Championships led by Carly Holadia (Saint Mary) winning the 1,000m Run, Delaney Miller (Evangel) finishing 2nd in the High Jump with Autumn Nold (Evangel) 5th in 600m Run, Anya Walton (Friends) 8th in the Triple Jump, Josie Tyrrell (ainSt Mary) 8th in the 5,000m Run, and Riley Hiebert (Saint Mary, eligibility exhausted for outdoors) finishing 5th in the 1-Mile Run.Domonic Atkinstall (Ottawa, 100m &amp; 200m) and Mikkel Tarver (Friends, Long Jump &amp; Triple Jump) are the only men eligible to return as multiple-event outdoor defending champions from 2024. Vance Shewey (Tabor) returns as a 3-time defending champion in the High Jump and could become the first 4-time winner in the history of the KCAC outdoor event.Other men eligible to return after winning a single event a year ago are Dominick Beine (Saint Mary, 5,000m), Ryan Heline (Saint Mary, 10,000m), Daniel Pantoja (Saint Mary, 3km Steeplechase), Xavier Garza (Ottawa, 400m Hurdles), Alphonse Jackson (York, Shot Put), and Koby Graham (Evangel, Javelin).Atkinstall (60m Dash), Beine (5,000m), and Shewey (High Jump, 3rd straight) were the only men's outdoor defending champions to win KCAC Indoor titles this past winter.At this winter's NAIA National Indoor meet, 11 KCAC men and one relay team scored, led by Liam Neidig (Saint Mary) winning the 1,000m Run with teammate Luis Perez (Saint Mary) in 3rd and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ecc94baa-191c-4b71-a514-6e5ac83cdcb3?elinkdata=25932">Julian Avila</a> (Kansas Wesleyan) 7th. Tommy Baker (Saint Mary) finished 2nd in the 3,000m Run with <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b4e6e563-43f7-4c41-a7a7-f27e17bdb364?elinkdata=25932">Damion Jackson</a> (Kansas Wesleyan) 8th, Devyn Wright (Evangel) 4th in the 400m, Rinaldo Moore (McPherson) 4th in the 60m Hurdles, Jacob Gillies (Evangel, red-shirting this spring) 2nd in the High Jump with Vance Shewey (Tabor) 4th, and Kansas Wesleyan finishing 4th in the 4x800m Relay while Pablo Sanz-Rillo (Friends) was 2nd in the non-KCAC contested 3,000m Race Walk, Carter Gittinger (Friends) 5th in the non-KCAC contested Heptathlon.Entering the KCAC Championship weekend, a total of four (4) performances by KCAC women and seven (7) by KCAC men have met the NAIA "A" (automatic) qualifying standard plus an additional 16 women and 18 men performances have met the NAIA "B" (provisional) standard for the NAIA Outdoor Track &amp; Field National Championships, which will be held at the Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, May 21-23, 2025.KCAC athletes ranked among the NAIA's top five performers include one national leader, Vance Shewey (Tabor), 1st in the High Jump with a clearance of 2.16m/7'1".Delaney Wright (Evangel) currently is tied for 3rd on the NAIA National list in the Women's High Jump while Kansas Wesleyan teammates <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fb972197-bd6b-45cf-83da-9cbbfbdcac54?elinkdata=25932">Mayce Russell</a> and Maddy Wolf are ranked #3 and #4, respectively, in the women's Javelin Throw.Devyn Wright (Evangel) currently ranks 2nd nationally in the men's 400m Dash while Rinaldo Moore (McPherson) and Kort Sjogren (Bethany) rank 4th in the 110m Hurdles and Javelin Throw, respectively. Dominick Beine (Saint Mary) ranks 5th in the 10,000m Run and Charles Jones (Sterling) is currently ranked 5th in the Triple Jump.Returning Defending Champions from 2024(Current KCAC ranking): [NM - No 2025 mark in the event]WOMEN (10 potential returning individual defending champions, 5 are '25 KCAC leaders):<ul>
 <li>100m Dash</li><li>Gretchen Raney (Saint Mary) (#2) (2-time defending champion)</li><li>200m Dash</li><li>Gretchen Raney (Saint Mary) (=#1)</li><li>400m Dash</li><li>Jordyn Weems (Ottawa) (#4)</li><li>100m Hurdles</li><li>JayOnna Perry (Ottawa) (#1)</li><li>400m Hurdles</li><li>JayOnna Perry (Ottawa) (#1) (2-time defending champion)</li><li>4x100m Relay</li><li>Saint Mary (#3) (2-time defending champion)</li><li>4x400m Relay</li><li>Saint Mary (#2)</li><li>4x800m Relay</li><li>Saint Mary (#4) (2-time defending champion)</li><li>Pole Vault</li><li>Abby Beets (Evangel) (#2)</li><li>Long Jump</li><li>Jordyn Weems (Ottawa) (#1)</li><li>Triple Jump</li><li>April Phillips (Evangel) (#3)</li><li>Hammer Throw</li><li>Abby Green (Friends) (#1) (2-time defending champion)</li><li>Javelin Throw</li><li>Allison Thomas (Evangel) (#3)</li>
 </ul>MEN (11 potential returning individual defending champions, 2 are '25 KCAC leaders):<ul>
 <li>100m Dash</li><li>Domonic Atkinstall (Ottawa) (#18)</li><li>200m Dash</li><li>Domonic Atkinstall (Ottawa) (#4)</li><li>5,000m Run</li><li>Dominick Beine (Saint Mary) (#2)</li><li>10,000m Run</li><li>Ryan Heline (Saint Mary) (NM)</li><li>400m Hurdles</li><li>Xavier Garza (Ottawa) (NM)</li><li>3k Steeplechase</li><li>Daniel Pantoja (Saint Mary) (#1)</li><li>4x100m Relay</li><li>Ottawa (#3) (2-time defending champion)</li><li>4x400m Relay</li><li>Friends (#2)</li><li>4x800m Relay</li><li>Kansas Wesleyan (#1)</li><li>High Jump</li><li>Vance Shewey (Tabor) (#1) (3-time defending champion)</li><li>Long Jump</li><li>Mikkel Tarver (Friends) (#5)</li><li>Triple Jump</li><li>Mikkel Tarver (Friends) (#2)</li><li>Shot Put</li><li>Alphonse Jackson (York) (#2)</li><li>Javelin Throw</li><li>Koby Graham (Evangel) (#2)</li>
 </ul>

KWU set to host 2025 KCAC Track and Field Championships - Meet Preview

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2cc4c14f-5194-4f8b-83ab-692be890ee4d?elinkdata=25870" target="_blank">Shaw Lee</a>&nbsp;of (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week honor the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from April 21-27 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8aeca2b0-7887-416f-ac95-1e8014a31f4f?elinkdata=25870" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/53c2fe69-421a-4941-b392-8470974e0966?elinkdata=25870" target="_blank">Shaw Lee</a>&nbsp;- (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University

Lee had an incredible performance in KWU's 4-0 win over Avila. He took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of the 7-inning game. The hit in the seventh was only the second base runner of the day for Avila, and the first since the first inning. He retired a string of 18 consecutive batters in the game.

Lee and the Coyotes are the No. 2 seed in this week's KCAC Tournament in Joplin, Missouri. KWU plays No. 7 Friends in the first round of the tournament starting on Wednesday.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2cc4c14f-5194-4f8b-83ab-692be890ee4d?elinkdata=25870" target="_blank">Shaw Lee</a>&nbsp;of (RV) Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week honor the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from April 21-27 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/8aeca2b0-7887-416f-ac95-1e8014a31f4f?elinkdata=25870" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Pitcher of the Week<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/53c2fe69-421a-4941-b392-8470974e0966?elinkdata=25870" target="_blank">Shaw Lee</a>&nbsp;- (RV) Kansas Wesleyan UniversityJr. | RHP | Fallon, Nev.Lee had an incredible performance in KWU's 4-0 win over Avila. He took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of the 7-inning game. The hit in the seventh was only the second base runner of the day for Avila, and the first since the first inning. He retired a string of 18 consecutive batters in the game.Lee and the Coyotes are the No. 2 seed in this week's KCAC Tournament in Joplin, Missouri. KWU plays No. 7 Friends in the first round of the tournament starting on Wednesday.

Shaw Lee named as KCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week

Chiefs Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting Ryne Nutt Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“The first thing I want to do is kind of recognize some of our area guys and our directors who don’t get a lot of pub. I just feel like this is the chance to kind of give them some recognition, so I’d like to do that. They bust their butts all year long – eight months a year. The travel, the meetings, the calls – they do so much, they’re the unsung heroes of our organization I feel, especially in this process. We have two directors, (Co-Director of College Scouting) Pat Sperduto and (Co-Director of College Scouting) David Hinson, our two college directors, (Senior College Scouting Executive) Terry Delp does the Midwest, Dru Grigson (who) we just hired, his role will be determined later on here. (Southwest Regional Scout) Jason Lamb does the southwest, (National Scout) Jon Howard does the west national, (Western Regional Scout) Greg Castillo does the west regional and then you have (Northeast Area Scout) Cassidy Kaminski doing the northeast and (Mid-Atlantic Area Scout) Will Christopherson does the Mid-Atlantic, so that’s our staff there. Madison Aponte is our&nbsp;Player Personnel Coordinator&nbsp;who helps kind of as a liaison between myself and them and she does a phenomenal job as well. That’s the crew, they do a heck of a job (and) I want to give them their due. With that said, you guys can shoot. Give me the questions you’d like.”

Q: How does Josh Simmons rank as an offensive tackle prospect before the injury?

NUTT:&nbsp;“Josh (Simmons) is – you could make your case for the best, but he’s definitely in the top three in this draft class in terms of what he provides. The only difference maybe between him and some other guys is he started two years and some of these other guys, like the LSU kid (Patriots LT Will Campbell) I think started more and you could say experience and stuff like that, but Josh is physically – he is elite. I mean, he is big, he’s strong, his feet jump off the tape. When you put this tape on, his set is as pretty as it looks now in terms of offensive line pass setting. He got better every year, his first year at Ohio State he flipped to the left side from the right side the year prior and I think it just took him a little time to adjust to just everything, like a new playbook, a new surrounding (and) a new position essentially. It’s not as easy as people think going from the right side to the left side, there is a big difference and sometimes it just takes people a little longer and I think that was the case with Josh. This last year, you can watch those six games, and it’s not unfair to say he was the best tackle up to that point. It stinks he got injured because I do think – I mean, I guess it’s good for us because we got him and that’s the only way we would’ve gotten him because that kid, he was a top-20 pick. It stinks for the kid, it hurt him on his wall and the money but things happen for a reason and it’s kind of not where you start, it’s where you finish and I think just the set up here that we have with (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck is going to be great for this kid. In terms of years past, I would say Josh, when he was healthy at this year, this tape, would be one of the better ones in the last few years. He kind of reminds me of (Vikings LT) Christian Darrisaw who’s done really well for the Vikings. He’s got a little bit of (Chargers LT Rashawn) Slater in him who plays for the Chargers. The kid’s arms are longer than I think people think, the (NFL) Combine measured him at 33 (inches) but his Pro Day – or 34 and an eighth, and I think that’s closer to what we kind of had, I think we had around 34 when we brought him in. The kid is super talented and super willing to work, and we’re excited to have him where we got him.”

Q: What’s the strategy knowing that Brashard Smith’s on the board and trying to determine when you should make the pick?

NUTT:&nbsp;“We knew before the draft (that) this was a very deep running back class. There were guys that fell into the fourth round that we thought would be gone in the beginning of (round) three and possibly maybe even (round) two, so we kind of knew it was deep. We knew Brashard (Smith) was somebody we liked, kind of in the mid-rounds but with it being so deep, there was maybe a chance to get him. What happened was, in the fifth (round), there was a player in Jeff Bassa who was there, who was clearly the best player on our board. That would’ve been the time to take a running back but when you have another player that is higher on the board, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) likes to go by, ‘Listen, we’ve worked on this board for eight months, let’s let this thing speak to us.’ So, we took the player we had slightly higher in Jeff Bassa and then it allowed Brett to refocus and say, ‘Okay, I’m going to take a running back now. I know who I want.’ We get to the seventh round and Brett felt like giving up another seventh-round pick to move up was well worth it – I think everybody did – to get the kid that we liked in the mid-rounds. That was kind of the thinking there.”

Q: On the process of drafting Jalen Royals.

NUTT:&nbsp;“First off, his (Jalen Royals) game is very similar to Rashee’s (Rice). Where you watch a kid who lines up primarily on the left side, that’s how some offenses in college work, they want to go fast, so they’ll have the receiver line up on the same side every time to do that. So, you’re wondering, ‘Alright, he’s always playing on the left side, is he going to be able to move around?’ and he does, he plays outside but he primarily plays inside in the slot. When I say he’s like Rashee in terms – he’s got big hands, strong hands and he’s very good after the catch. You saw him downfield too on some of those clips, I’m sure you saw him and the kid had what, 15 plus touchdowns in 2023? He was on pace in 2024 to kind of smash the 2023 production before he got injured so we thought – RAC (Run After Catch) is a big part of our offense, that’s something we look for in receivers, we look for speed, the kid had that, 4.40 (40-yard dash), we look for strength, he has that, he’s got RAC and then we look for route running and that’s probably an area where Rashee had to kind of develop a little bit, so we kind of thought they were similar in that respect. He came on the scene, we watched his tape before the Senior Bowl, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) will kind of pick guys that you pick and choose and we’re like, ‘Hey, this guy’s kind of interesting.’ Then, he goes to the Senior Bowl, and we thought he did well, so he got even more on the radar. Then, he goes to the Combine and runs a 4.40, you know what I mean, and he jumps a 36 (inch broad jump) and we’re like, ‘Oh, this kid’s explosive.’ Then, you get the kind of coaches involved and we Zoom him, and we talk and we’re like, ‘Yeah, we could use this kid.’ With Rashee coming back from injury and trying to get right, the hopes are this kid can step in and try to get some playing time and help us out.”

Q: What role does Omarr Norman-Lott fit for you guys?

NUTT:&nbsp;“He’s (Omarr Norman-Lott) got some similarities to Turk (Panthers DT Tershawn Wharton). He’s bigger, he’s not as fast but their play style’s very similar. This kid was like 99th-percentile in terms of rush win-rate. He was one of the top defensive tackles in winning one-on-one pass rush and that’s what we first off need and that’s what we saw could add value. These guys, these interior linemen that are athletic, this kid jumped 31 and a half (inches), 9’5” (feet), he has big hands, those guys go quick, we knew they go quick. We thought – and an interior guy that can rush as well goes even quicker so (General Manager) Brett (Veach) was pretty – before the draft, before that round, Brett was pretty adamant about, ‘Okay, he’s one of these guys we have to consider,’ and we put up a list of four or five guys and he was one of them and he ended up being one of the top guys left and that was a position of need as well. We feel like he can come in and help rush the passer. I feel like he didn’t start a ton in his career there at Tennessee, but it’s really what you do with snaps, and they rotate a lot. So, really it’s just what he does in those 20 to 25 snaps a game and the kid was high-motor, he was highly productive and highly disruptive and those are the things we look for and I think we’ll be able to – (Defensive Line) Coach (Joe) Cullen’s the best defensive line coach in the NFL, I believe and he’ll be able to get that out of him and I think more. Even against the run, the kid I thought was solid and stout enough so that might be an area, just because he's 305 pounds, that can be a little better, but we’re excited to get this kid and work with him because we think there’s a ton of potential.”

Q: What is the unique trait or characteristic of each of the draft picks that separated them from their competition?

Chiefs Director of Player Personnel/College Scouting Ryne Nutt QuotesApril 28, 2025OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“The first thing I want to do is kind of recognize some of our area guys and our directors who don’t get a lot of pub. I just feel like this is the chance to kind of give them some recognition, so I’d like to do that. They bust their butts all year long – eight months a year. The travel, the meetings, the calls – they do so much, they’re the unsung heroes of our organization I feel, especially in this process. We have two directors, (Co-Director of College Scouting) Pat Sperduto and (Co-Director of College Scouting) David Hinson, our two college directors, (Senior College Scouting Executive) Terry Delp does the Midwest, Dru Grigson (who) we just hired, his role will be determined later on here. (Southwest Regional Scout) Jason Lamb does the southwest, (National Scout) Jon Howard does the west national, (Western Regional Scout) Greg Castillo does the west regional and then you have (Northeast Area Scout) Cassidy Kaminski doing the northeast and (Mid-Atlantic Area Scout) Will Christopherson does the Mid-Atlantic, so that’s our staff there. Madison Aponte is our&nbsp;Player Personnel Coordinator&nbsp;who helps kind of as a liaison between myself and them and she does a phenomenal job as well. That’s the crew, they do a heck of a job (and) I want to give them their due. With that said, you guys can shoot. Give me the questions you’d like.”Q: How does Josh Simmons rank as an offensive tackle prospect before the injury?NUTT:&nbsp;“Josh (Simmons) is – you could make your case for the best, but he’s definitely in the top three in this draft class in terms of what he provides. The only difference maybe between him and some other guys is he started two years and some of these other guys, like the LSU kid (Patriots LT Will Campbell) I think started more and you could say experience and stuff like that, but Josh is physically – he is elite. I mean, he is big, he’s strong, his feet jump off the tape. When you put this tape on, his set is as pretty as it looks now in terms of offensive line pass setting. He got better every year, his first year at Ohio State he flipped to the left side from the right side the year prior and I think it just took him a little time to adjust to just everything, like a new playbook, a new surrounding (and) a new position essentially. It’s not as easy as people think going from the right side to the left side, there is a big difference and sometimes it just takes people a little longer and I think that was the case with Josh. This last year, you can watch those six games, and it’s not unfair to say he was the best tackle up to that point. It stinks he got injured because I do think – I mean, I guess it’s good for us because we got him and that’s the only way we would’ve gotten him because that kid, he was a top-20 pick. It stinks for the kid, it hurt him on his wall and the money but things happen for a reason and it’s kind of not where you start, it’s where you finish and I think just the set up here that we have with (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid and (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck is going to be great for this kid. In terms of years past, I would say Josh, when he was healthy at this year, this tape, would be one of the better ones in the last few years. He kind of reminds me of (Vikings LT) Christian Darrisaw who’s done really well for the Vikings. He’s got a little bit of (Chargers LT Rashawn) Slater in him who plays for the Chargers. The kid’s arms are longer than I think people think, the (NFL) Combine measured him at 33 (inches) but his Pro Day – or 34 and an eighth, and I think that’s closer to what we kind of had, I think we had around 34 when we brought him in. The kid is super talented and super willing to work, and we’re excited to have him where we got him.”Q: What’s the strategy knowing that Brashard Smith’s on the board and trying to determine when you should make the pick?NUTT:&nbsp;“We knew before the draft (that) this was a very deep running back class. There were guys that fell into the fourth round that we thought would be gone in the beginning of (round) three and possibly maybe even (round) two, so we kind of knew it was deep. We knew Brashard (Smith) was somebody we liked, kind of in the mid-rounds but with it being so deep, there was maybe a chance to get him. What happened was, in the fifth (round), there was a player in Jeff Bassa who was there, who was clearly the best player on our board. That would’ve been the time to take a running back but when you have another player that is higher on the board, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) likes to go by, ‘Listen, we’ve worked on this board for eight months, let’s let this thing speak to us.’ So, we took the player we had slightly higher in Jeff Bassa and then it allowed Brett to refocus and say, ‘Okay, I’m going to take a running back now. I know who I want.’ We get to the seventh round and Brett felt like giving up another seventh-round pick to move up was well worth it – I think everybody did – to get the kid that we liked in the mid-rounds. That was kind of the thinking there.”Q: On the process of drafting Jalen Royals.NUTT:&nbsp;“First off, his (Jalen Royals) game is very similar to Rashee’s (Rice). Where you watch a kid who lines up primarily on the left side, that’s how some offenses in college work, they want to go fast, so they’ll have the receiver line up on the same side every time to do that. So, you’re wondering, ‘Alright, he’s always playing on the left side, is he going to be able to move around?’ and he does, he plays outside but he primarily plays inside in the slot. When I say he’s like Rashee in terms – he’s got big hands, strong hands and he’s very good after the catch. You saw him downfield too on some of those clips, I’m sure you saw him and the kid had what, 15 plus touchdowns in 2023? He was on pace in 2024 to kind of smash the 2023 production before he got injured so we thought – RAC (Run After Catch) is a big part of our offense, that’s something we look for in receivers, we look for speed, the kid had that, 4.40 (40-yard dash), we look for strength, he has that, he’s got RAC and then we look for route running and that’s probably an area where Rashee had to kind of develop a little bit, so we kind of thought they were similar in that respect. He came on the scene, we watched his tape before the Senior Bowl, (General Manager) Brett (Veach) will kind of pick guys that you pick and choose and we’re like, ‘Hey, this guy’s kind of interesting.’ Then, he goes to the Senior Bowl, and we thought he did well, so he got even more on the radar. Then, he goes to the Combine and runs a 4.40, you know what I mean, and he jumps a 36 (inch broad jump) and we’re like, ‘Oh, this kid’s explosive.’ Then, you get the kind of coaches involved and we Zoom him, and we talk and we’re like, ‘Yeah, we could use this kid.’ With Rashee coming back from injury and trying to get right, the hopes are this kid can step in and try to get some playing time and help us out.”Q: What role does Omarr Norman-Lott fit for you guys?NUTT:&nbsp;“He’s (Omarr Norman-Lott) got some similarities to Turk (Panthers DT Tershawn Wharton). He’s bigger, he’s not as fast but their play style’s very similar. This kid was like 99th-percentile in terms of rush win-rate. He was one of the top defensive tackles in winning one-on-one pass rush and that’s what we first off need and that’s what we saw could add value. These guys, these interior linemen that are athletic, this kid jumped 31 and a half (inches), 9’5” (feet), he has big hands, those guys go quick, we knew they go quick. We thought – and an interior guy that can rush as well goes even quicker so (General Manager) Brett (Veach) was pretty – before the draft, before that round, Brett was pretty adamant about, ‘Okay, he’s one of these guys we have to consider,’ and we put up a list of four or five guys and he was one of them and he ended up being one of the top guys left and that was a position of need as well. We feel like he can come in and help rush the passer. I feel like he didn’t start a ton in his career there at Tennessee, but it’s really what you do with snaps, and they rotate a lot. So, really it’s just what he does in those 20 to 25 snaps a game and the kid was high-motor, he was highly productive and highly disruptive and those are the things we look for and I think we’ll be able to – (Defensive Line) Coach (Joe) Cullen’s the best defensive line coach in the NFL, I believe and he’ll be able to get that out of him and I think more. Even against the run, the kid I thought was solid and stout enough so that might be an area, just because he's 305 pounds, that can be a little better, but we’re excited to get this kid and work with him because we think there’s a ton of potential.”Q: What is the unique trait or characteristic of each of the draft picks that separated them from their competition?

Chiefs Quotes: 4-28-25

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team has been selected to play in the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic, which is set for Thursday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 21 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

The Wildcats will be joined in the field by NCAA Tournament participants Mississippi State and New Mexico and recent College Basketball Crown winner Nebraska.

This year’s Hall of Fame Classic will mark the event’s 25th&nbsp;year of operation in Kansas City and will return to its traditional two-day, four-team bracketed format beginning on Thursday, Nov. 20 with the championship and third-place games set for Friday, Nov. 21. A complete bracket, along with ticket information, television details and game times, for the four-team tournament will be announced later.

K-State will be making its fourth appearance in the Hall of Fame Classic and the first since 2021. The Wildcats finished as the tournament runner-up in their first two visits, defeating No. 18 Gonzaga before losing to top-ranked Duke in 2010 and defeating Missouri before losing to No. 9 North Carolina in 2015. The team lost to No. 13 Arkansas and No. 14 Illinois in their most recent appearance in 2021.

Nebraska will be making its second appearance and first since 2018, while Mississippi State and New Mexico will be competing in the tournament for the first time.

K-State leads the all-time series with all three potential opponents, including 3-1 with Mississippi State, 4-2 with New Mexico and 128-94 with Nebraska. The Wildcats last met the Bulldogs in 2019, the Lobos in 2006 and Cornhuskers in 2023.

The Hall of Fame Classic was created by the Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Classic (NABC) in 2001 as the Guardians Classic and was later known as the CBE Classic and CBE Hall of Fame Classic before being rebranded as the Hall of Fame Classic in 2017.

Last season, the Hall of Fame Classic was a single day competition with Utah State defeating Iowa, 77-69, and Wichita State defeating Saint Louis, 88-63.

More information on the Hall of Fame Classic can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://nabc.com/classic/" target="_blank">here</a>.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team has been selected to play in the 2025 Hall of Fame Classic, which is set for Thursday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 21 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.The Wildcats will be joined in the field by NCAA Tournament participants Mississippi State and New Mexico and recent College Basketball Crown winner Nebraska.This year’s Hall of Fame Classic will mark the event’s 25th&nbsp;year of operation in Kansas City and will return to its traditional two-day, four-team bracketed format beginning on Thursday, Nov. 20 with the championship and third-place games set for Friday, Nov. 21. A complete bracket, along with ticket information, television details and game times, for the four-team tournament will be announced later.K-State will be making its fourth appearance in the Hall of Fame Classic and the first since 2021. The Wildcats finished as the tournament runner-up in their first two visits, defeating No. 18 Gonzaga before losing to top-ranked Duke in 2010 and defeating Missouri before losing to No. 9 North Carolina in 2015. The team lost to No. 13 Arkansas and No. 14 Illinois in their most recent appearance in 2021.Nebraska will be making its second appearance and first since 2018, while Mississippi State and New Mexico will be competing in the tournament for the first time.K-State leads the all-time series with all three potential opponents, including 3-1 with Mississippi State, 4-2 with New Mexico and 128-94 with Nebraska. The Wildcats last met the Bulldogs in 2019, the Lobos in 2006 and Cornhuskers in 2023.Possible tournament opponents:<ul>
 <li>Mississippi State (21-13) earned its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, along with its third straight 20-win season, under head coach&nbsp;Chris Jans&nbsp;in 2024-25. The Bulldogs finished in a four-way tie for ninth with Arkansas, Georgia and Vanderbilt in the SEC with an 8-10 mark.</li><li>Nebraska (21-14) won 20 or more games for the second straight season under head coach&nbsp;Fred Hoiberg, defeating Arizona State, Georgetown, Boise State and UCF to claim the inaugural College Basketball Crown tournament championship. The Huskers finished 7-13 in Big Ten play.</li><li>New Mexico (27-8) won the Mountain West regular-season championship with a 17-3 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. The Lobos will be led by first-year head coach&nbsp;Eric Olen, who guided UC San Diego to a Big West regular-season and tournament titles and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2025.</li>
 </ul>The Hall of Fame Classic was created by the Kansas City-based National Association of Basketball Classic (NABC) in 2001 as the Guardians Classic and was later known as the CBE Classic and CBE Hall of Fame Classic before being rebranded as the Hall of Fame Classic in 2017.Last season, the Hall of Fame Classic was a single day competition with Utah State defeating Iowa, 77-69, and Wichita State defeating Saint Louis, 88-63.More information on the Hall of Fame Classic can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://nabc.com/classic/" target="_blank">here</a>.

K-State to Play in 2025 Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City

(<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06a96517-043e-4f49-9fd9-e3ba192a97e8?elinkdata=25839">BRACKET</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dff38548-106a-406a-b614-554e7e0251a6?elinkdata=25839">TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</a>) Kansas Conference Co-Champion Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Baseball Tournament and will face No. 7 seeded Friends at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin, Missouri in the tournament's first round.

Kansas Wesleyan earned a share of the KCAC title in 2025, marking the third straight regular season title for the Coyotes, a first in program history. The Coyotes finished with a 30-6 KCAC record, tying Oklahoma Wesleyan for the top spot in the conference standings. OKWU earned the No. 1 seed by winning the conference tiebreaker over KWU.

In the regular season series, the Coyotes swept the Falcons on February 28 and March 1.

KWU enters the tournament with a 35-13 overall record and posting a 30-6 KCAC mark, marking the first time in program history KWU has won 30-plus conference games in back-to-back seasons. KWU earned the No. 2 seed in the tournament after conference tiebreak rules were applied after KWU and Oklahoma Wesleyan tied for the KCAC Regular Season Championship.

Offensively, the Coyotes hit .302 as a team which ranks sixth in the KCAC. KWU's slugging average of .557 ranks fourth in the conference and KWU is third in the KCAC in total extra base hits, while leading the KCAC in triples with 16 and is fourth in home runs with 88. KWU ranks eighth in the NAIA in home runs.

On the mound, the Coyotes bring a KCAC best 4.79 ERA into Wednesday's game. KWU had a 1.46 WHIP (Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched), which ranks second in the KCAC. KWU ranks 21st in the NAIA in ERA and 25th in WHIP.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f9adfeef-a62f-4294-911b-1593d23da9a6?elinkdata=25839">Tyler Favretto</a> ranks third in batting average with a .423 average, which ranks No. 37 in the NAIA. He leads the KCAC and is second nationally in walks with 55. He ranks seventh in the KCAC in home runs with 14.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4e051518-4b2a-4130-a5c4-28933d36e03f?elinkdata=25839">Jacob Williamson</a> ranks sixth in the KCAC in home runs with 15, which ranks 32nd in the NAIA.

Reliever <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55f9f23d-671f-4dcf-b57e-731f91fdfe47?elinkdata=25839">Ritter Steinmann</a> leads the KCAC with a 3.28 ERA in 49.1 innings pitched. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/18e75ab3-dd6b-4845-b389-917417eadc15?elinkdata=25839">Brett Maddock</a> is fifth with a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f3fce77f-e422-420b-899f-64908f84cbc2?elinkdata=25839">Nathan Righi</a> ranks sixth I the KCAC in strikeouts with 72, while Maddock is ninth with 67.

Friends enters the KCAC Tournament with a 27-21 record overall and a 20-16 mark in the KCAC, tying for sixth with McPherson. McPherson won the tiebreaker with Friends, giving the Falcons the No. 7 seed in the tournament.

The Falcons rank fourth in the KCAC in batting average, hitting .319 as a team. Bernie Socarras ranks fifth in the KCAC in average at .417, Miles Hartman ranks second in the KCAC in walks with 37. Zeke Henson ranks 14th in the KCAC with 13 home runs.

Francisco Moscoso is fifth in the KCAC in strikeouts with 82, and ranks eighth in ERA at 4.33.

The winner of Wednesday's game will play on Thursday at 12:15 against the winner between Ottawa and McPherson. The loser will drop into an elimination game, playing at 9 a.m. on Thursday against the Ottawa vs. McPherson loser.

(<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06a96517-043e-4f49-9fd9-e3ba192a97e8?elinkdata=25839">BRACKET</a> | <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dff38548-106a-406a-b614-554e7e0251a6?elinkdata=25839">TOURNAMENT INFORMATION</a>) Kansas Conference Co-Champion Kansas Wesleyan is the No. 2 seed in the KCAC Baseball Tournament and will face No. 7 seeded Friends at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin, Missouri in the tournament's first round.Kansas Wesleyan earned a share of the KCAC title in 2025, marking the third straight regular season title for the Coyotes, a first in program history. The Coyotes finished with a 30-6 KCAC record, tying Oklahoma Wesleyan for the top spot in the conference standings. OKWU earned the No. 1 seed by winning the conference tiebreaker over KWU.In the regular season series, the Coyotes swept the Falcons on February 28 and March 1.KWU enters the tournament with a 35-13 overall record and posting a 30-6 KCAC mark, marking the first time in program history KWU has won 30-plus conference games in back-to-back seasons. KWU earned the No. 2 seed in the tournament after conference tiebreak rules were applied after KWU and Oklahoma Wesleyan tied for the KCAC Regular Season Championship.Offensively, the Coyotes hit .302 as a team which ranks sixth in the KCAC. KWU's slugging average of .557 ranks fourth in the conference and KWU is third in the KCAC in total extra base hits, while leading the KCAC in triples with 16 and is fourth in home runs with 88. KWU ranks eighth in the NAIA in home runs.On the mound, the Coyotes bring a KCAC best 4.79 ERA into Wednesday's game. KWU had a 1.46 WHIP (Walks + Hits per Innings Pitched), which ranks second in the KCAC. KWU ranks 21st in the NAIA in ERA and 25th in WHIP.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f9adfeef-a62f-4294-911b-1593d23da9a6?elinkdata=25839">Tyler Favretto</a> ranks third in batting average with a .423 average, which ranks No. 37 in the NAIA. He leads the KCAC and is second nationally in walks with 55. He ranks seventh in the KCAC in home runs with 14.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4e051518-4b2a-4130-a5c4-28933d36e03f?elinkdata=25839">Jacob Williamson</a> ranks sixth in the KCAC in home runs with 15, which ranks 32nd in the NAIA.Reliever <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/55f9f23d-671f-4dcf-b57e-731f91fdfe47?elinkdata=25839">Ritter Steinmann</a> leads the KCAC with a 3.28 ERA in 49.1 innings pitched. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/18e75ab3-dd6b-4845-b389-917417eadc15?elinkdata=25839">Brett Maddock</a> is fifth with a 4.14 ERA in 87 innings. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f3fce77f-e422-420b-899f-64908f84cbc2?elinkdata=25839">Nathan Righi</a> ranks sixth I the KCAC in strikeouts with 72, while Maddock is ninth with 67.Friends enters the KCAC Tournament with a 27-21 record overall and a 20-16 mark in the KCAC, tying for sixth with McPherson. McPherson won the tiebreaker with Friends, giving the Falcons the No. 7 seed in the tournament.The Falcons rank fourth in the KCAC in batting average, hitting .319 as a team. Bernie Socarras ranks fifth in the KCAC in average at .417, Miles Hartman ranks second in the KCAC in walks with 37. Zeke Henson ranks 14th in the KCAC with 13 home runs.Francisco Moscoso is fifth in the KCAC in strikeouts with 82, and ranks eighth in ERA at 4.33.The winner of Wednesday's game will play on Thursday at 12:15 against the winner between Ottawa and McPherson. The loser will drop into an elimination game, playing at 9 a.m. on Thursday against the Ottawa vs. McPherson loser.