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

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

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

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

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

KWU Reaches New Heights with Night with the Yotes Results

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostThe Southeast of Saline girl’s basketball team began their playoff push with a bang on Thursday night, sending Wichita Collegiate packing in a 60-38 blowout at the purple palace.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Collegiate kept this game competitive off the starting line, staying within four points at the end of the first quarter, but from there, the Lady Trojans turned on the afterburners and flew to the finish line of a 22-point win, leading by 15 at halftime and 21 after three.Ball security played a huge role in this matchup as Southeast managed to force 14 turnovers while committing just seven themselves.In another hallmark of Lady Trojan basketball, SES completely shut the Lady Spartans down in the third quarter, allowing just one made field goal and four measly free throws.Meanwhile offensively it was another true team effort for Southeast on a night where seven different Lady Trojans chipped in at least one bucket.Kyiah Samuelson led the charge in her postseason debut, rattling off 17 points to lead all scorers.Samuelson wasn’t the only freshman with a hot hand, as Reese Heinrich added 11 more points, and veteran Aba Pearson contributed 16 more to the cause.Julia Herrman (15) and Clara Monahan (9) did all they could for Collegiate, but the Lady Spartans simply lacked the firepower necessary to match pace with Southeast.For Wichita Collegiate the season comes to a close at 8-13 while the Lady Trojans improve to 15-5.Next up for SES is a trip to Manhattan to tangle with the 15-5 Riley County Lady Falcons next Tuesday at 7:00.

Lady Trojans throttle Wichita Collegiate in sub-state quarterfinals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuttle's big night pushes Knights past Teutons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Williams and Showman gave kudos to the crowd.

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

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

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

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

Top Seeded Coyotes top Spires in thriller

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cottey got both of its runs in the fifth inning to draw within a run.

The Coyotes got out of jams defensively in the six and seventh innings to hold on for the win. Cottey loaded the bases in the sixth, but could not push a run across.

In the seventh, Cottey had runners at second and third with nobody out and got three outs to end the game.

Han had two of KWU's six hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d81da0d3-9514-46cf-88f1-994829e35ec7?elinkdata=20476">Caitlyn Collier</a> went five innings to get the win, allowing two runs on four hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0a10d9f7-0b31-4e78-afb4-f19daba734c0?elinkdata=20476">Bella Allen</a> got the save working two innings, allowing just two hits.

In the second game, it was scoreless until the third when the Cottey offense put seven runs on the board to take a 7-0 lead.

KWU got a run back in the bottom of the inning as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/75b555fb-87d4-4f43-bdd7-0f2643f34aa1?elinkdata=20476">Brooklyn Lange</a> reached on an error and then scored on a wild pitch.

Cottey added two more in the fourth and another in the fifth.

Four different players had one hit for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/82c7adfc-707e-4ced-bcbf-36688de4f31a?elinkdata=20476">Alli Mickelsen</a> took the loss allowing five runs, four earned on four hits.

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

KWU softball splits with Cottey College

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball split its doubleheader with Park University on Wednesday at the Homefield Complex. KWU won the first game 7-5 and Park won the second 4-3.

It was the second of three straight days of softball for the Coyotes, who are trying to make up games lost from the beginning of the season due to inclement weather.

Wednesday's games were played at Homefield due to unplayable field conditions at Park's on-campus facility.

The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of the first game as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/78bd8c6b-31d0-491f-b71b-f92d7cd3f273?elinkdata=20445">Trenity Miller</a> singled to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b831562a-47a1-4bd0-87da-daa49585c839?elinkdata=20445">Brooklyn Lange</a> who had singled earlier in the inning.

Park took the lead 2-1 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning.

It stayed 2-1 until the fourth when the Coyotes got a run across as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f630d908-3f0b-43cf-aa33-3f9145b649d3?elinkdata=20445">Deja Rubio</a> reached on an error then later scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e1e15d99-fa72-41e5-877a-98d4e9f4a755?elinkdata=20445">Elli Han's</a> single to right. Park regained the lead in the bottom of the inning with two runs.

KWU took the lead in the sixth. Rubio led off with a walk and then it was a 2-out rally for the Coyotes as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8732282-fd3f-413f-a7d8-c14d15c5b916?elinkdata=20445">Briannah Kutschkau</a> singled home the first run of the inning and then scored on Lange's single. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6837fd8-8526-400e-8205-266db6aad058?elinkdata=20445">Cadence Mallet</a> followed with a RBI single in the inning as well putting the Coyotes up 5-4.

Wesleyan extended the lead in the seventh, taking advantage of an error. Rubio and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9bc7c43b-5267-4d0c-92e9-a742b64ffa09?elinkdata=20445">Hailey Summers</a> singled and then Kutschkau reached on an error when her fly ball was dropped that allowed Rubio to score. Han then drove in the second run of the inning on another sacrifice fly.

Park got one run back in the bottom of the inning, but couldn't complete the rally.

Lange and Mallet had two hits each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dbcbc6dc-0476-4234-b6de-41e6d847996e?elinkdata=20445">Caitlyn Collier</a> went the distance allowing five runs, three earned, on 12 hits while striking out six without issuing a walk.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/19f1b49a-1a26-42fd-b1cd-4f32fa659921?elinkdata=20445">Shiloh Johnson</a> broke the scoreless tie in the second inning of the second game with a 2-run single that scored Mallet and Rubio.

The Coyotes added another run in the fourth when Rubio singled, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e3ad77f-9200-4692-8cab-5f5c48c3c57c?elinkdata=20445">Jenna Soule</a> doubled, Johnson walked and Kutschkau brought in the run with a fielder's choice.

Park then put on its rally caps, scoring twice in the fourth and tying things up in the bottom of the sixth.

The Pirates then won it on a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh.

Johnson had two of KWU's six hits in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/62422e2f-d246-46a2-9034-8c2b47f5d24c?elinkdata=20445">Alli Mickelsen</a> went four innings in the circle but took a no decision allowing two runs on six hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6164542b-5926-4a96-a083-942a45b0de4a?elinkdata=20445">Bella Allen</a> suffered the tough luck loss pitching two and a third innings, allowing two runs on five hits.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan Softball split its doubleheader with Park University on Wednesday at the Homefield Complex. KWU won the first game 7-5 and Park won the second 4-3.It was the second of three straight days of softball for the Coyotes, who are trying to make up games lost from the beginning of the season due to inclement weather.Wednesday's games were played at Homefield due to unplayable field conditions at Park's on-campus facility.The Coyotes took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of the first game as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/78bd8c6b-31d0-491f-b71b-f92d7cd3f273?elinkdata=20445">Trenity Miller</a> singled to score <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b831562a-47a1-4bd0-87da-daa49585c839?elinkdata=20445">Brooklyn Lange</a> who had singled earlier in the inning.Park took the lead 2-1 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning.It stayed 2-1 until the fourth when the Coyotes got a run across as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f630d908-3f0b-43cf-aa33-3f9145b649d3?elinkdata=20445">Deja Rubio</a> reached on an error then later scored on <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e1e15d99-fa72-41e5-877a-98d4e9f4a755?elinkdata=20445">Elli Han's</a> single to right. Park regained the lead in the bottom of the inning with two runs.KWU took the lead in the sixth. Rubio led off with a walk and then it was a 2-out rally for the Coyotes as <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8732282-fd3f-413f-a7d8-c14d15c5b916?elinkdata=20445">Briannah Kutschkau</a> singled home the first run of the inning and then scored on Lange's single. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f6837fd8-8526-400e-8205-266db6aad058?elinkdata=20445">Cadence Mallet</a> followed with a RBI single in the inning as well putting the Coyotes up 5-4.Wesleyan extended the lead in the seventh, taking advantage of an error. Rubio and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9bc7c43b-5267-4d0c-92e9-a742b64ffa09?elinkdata=20445">Hailey Summers</a> singled and then Kutschkau reached on an error when her fly ball was dropped that allowed Rubio to score. Han then drove in the second run of the inning on another sacrifice fly.Park got one run back in the bottom of the inning, but couldn't complete the rally.Lange and Mallet had two hits each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dbcbc6dc-0476-4234-b6de-41e6d847996e?elinkdata=20445">Caitlyn Collier</a> went the distance allowing five runs, three earned, on 12 hits while striking out six without issuing a walk.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/19f1b49a-1a26-42fd-b1cd-4f32fa659921?elinkdata=20445">Shiloh Johnson</a> broke the scoreless tie in the second inning of the second game with a 2-run single that scored Mallet and Rubio.The Coyotes added another run in the fourth when Rubio singled, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9e3ad77f-9200-4692-8cab-5f5c48c3c57c?elinkdata=20445">Jenna Soule</a> doubled, Johnson walked and Kutschkau brought in the run with a fielder's choice.Park then put on its rally caps, scoring twice in the fourth and tying things up in the bottom of the sixth.The Pirates then won it on a walk-off in the bottom of the seventh.Johnson had two of KWU's six hits in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/62422e2f-d246-46a2-9034-8c2b47f5d24c?elinkdata=20445">Alli Mickelsen</a> went four innings in the circle but took a no decision allowing two runs on six hits. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6164542b-5926-4a96-a083-942a45b0de4a?elinkdata=20445">Bella Allen</a> suffered the tough luck loss pitching two and a third innings, allowing two runs on five hits.

Coyote softball splits with Park

PROSPER, Texas - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Golf cruised to a 30-shot win in the first tournament of the spring season on Monday and Tuesday at the Texas Invitational, hosted by Friends University at Gentle Creek Golf Club.

After holding a four-shot lead after Monday's first round, the Coyotes were 14 shots better in the second round while opening up a 26-shot margin in the round, KWU shot 330 on Monday and 316 on Tuesday to finish with a 646.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eedd5f24-bd1b-4487-9827-a844c0125f21?elinkdata=20414">Abby Donovan</a> was the individual winner of the tournament. After shooting a 77 in the first round and trailing the leader by three shots, she posted the only sub-par round of the tournament in the second round with a 71, to come away with a 3-shot win over Ellen Lonergan of Wayland Baptist. Donovon finished with a score of 148.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/783e99bc-7c01-48d1-a00a-f9fed3626a85?elinkdata=20414">Chaney Littell</a> also made the All-Tournament team tying for fifth with a score of 159. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a25d5739-739f-4b6c-8ca6-2c1968280dfb?elinkdata=20414">Sarah Krenowicz</a> was seventh with a 161. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/75592c01-c229-418d-94eb-bb732ae2c9fb?elinkdata=20414">Ryann Warren</a> was 20th with a 190 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/063447f0-cdb9-4feb-a1e3-111a25af1e58?elinkdata=20414">Magen Dow</a> was 21st with a 191.

Southwestern finished second as a team with a 676, Friends was third with 692, Wayland Baptist was fourth with 704 and University of the Southwest was fifth with 706.

PROSPER, Texas - Kansas Wesleyan Women's Golf cruised to a 30-shot win in the first tournament of the spring season on Monday and Tuesday at the Texas Invitational, hosted by Friends University at Gentle Creek Golf Club.After holding a four-shot lead after Monday's first round, the Coyotes were 14 shots better in the second round while opening up a 26-shot margin in the round, KWU shot 330 on Monday and 316 on Tuesday to finish with a 646.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/eedd5f24-bd1b-4487-9827-a844c0125f21?elinkdata=20414">Abby Donovan</a> was the individual winner of the tournament. After shooting a 77 in the first round and trailing the leader by three shots, she posted the only sub-par round of the tournament in the second round with a 71, to come away with a 3-shot win over Ellen Lonergan of Wayland Baptist. Donovon finished with a score of 148.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/783e99bc-7c01-48d1-a00a-f9fed3626a85?elinkdata=20414">Chaney Littell</a> also made the All-Tournament team tying for fifth with a score of 159. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a25d5739-739f-4b6c-8ca6-2c1968280dfb?elinkdata=20414">Sarah Krenowicz</a> was seventh with a 161. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/75592c01-c229-418d-94eb-bb732ae2c9fb?elinkdata=20414">Ryann Warren</a> was 20th with a 190 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/063447f0-cdb9-4feb-a1e3-111a25af1e58?elinkdata=20414">Magen Dow</a> was 21st with a 191.Southwestern finished second as a team with a 676, Friends was third with 692, Wayland Baptist was fourth with 704 and University of the Southwest was fifth with 706.

KWU women's Golf cruises to first spring win at Texas Invitational

PROSPER, Texas - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf finished in ninth place at the Texas Invitational hosted by Friends University on Monday and Tuesday at Gentle Creek Golf Course.

KWU finished with a team score of 932 in the tournament, two shots ahead of Midland in the field.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a30c0598-35d2-47dc-b822-51ab2024ce70?elinkdata=20383">Hank Reeg</a> led the Coyotes with a 230, finishing tied for 30th. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63e751ca-ffb7-453c-a7a7-9c40bdc686a3?elinkdata=20383">Jackson Malone</a> finished 33rd with a 231, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a91ef64-327a-4670-a2e3-c41b298229f1?elinkdata=20383">Tyler Tarvin</a> tied for 39th with a 235, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/176d633c-8fc6-4e5a-bf65-2b840500bc1f?elinkdata=20383">Joey Wisocki</a> tied for 44th with a 237 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/95de1e0c-690a-4a26-abab-db7149fd1af8?elinkdata=20383">Doak Neill</a> was 54th with a 245.

Oklahoma City University cruised to a win in the tournament, finishing with a score of 845, 19-under par. The Stars were 38 shots better than Friends in second. Wayland Baptist was third in 886, Mount Mercy was fourth with 888 and Grand View was fifth with 906 to round out the top five teams.

PROSPER, Texas - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf finished in ninth place at the Texas Invitational hosted by Friends University on Monday and Tuesday at Gentle Creek Golf Course.KWU finished with a team score of 932 in the tournament, two shots ahead of Midland in the field.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a30c0598-35d2-47dc-b822-51ab2024ce70?elinkdata=20383">Hank Reeg</a> led the Coyotes with a 230, finishing tied for 30th. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/63e751ca-ffb7-453c-a7a7-9c40bdc686a3?elinkdata=20383">Jackson Malone</a> finished 33rd with a 231, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a91ef64-327a-4670-a2e3-c41b298229f1?elinkdata=20383">Tyler Tarvin</a> tied for 39th with a 235, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/176d633c-8fc6-4e5a-bf65-2b840500bc1f?elinkdata=20383">Joey Wisocki</a> tied for 44th with a 237 and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/95de1e0c-690a-4a26-abab-db7149fd1af8?elinkdata=20383">Doak Neill</a> was 54th with a 245.Oklahoma City University cruised to a win in the tournament, finishing with a score of 845, 19-under par. The Stars were 38 shots better than Friends in second. Wayland Baptist was third in 886, Mount Mercy was fourth with 888 and Grand View was fifth with 906 to round out the top five teams.

Coyote men's Golf finishes ninth at Texas Invitational

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Keyshawn Hall scored 26 points and Darius Garland scored 23 points and UCF held on to beat Kansas State 80-76 on Wednesday night.

Moustapha Thaim just missed the most rare of triple-doubles scoring 11 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking eight shots. It was the second straight win for the Knights (15-13, 6-11 Big 12) following a seven-game losing streak.

Max Jones scored 22 points, reserve C.J. Jones scored 12 points, Brendan Hausen 11 and Dug McDaniel 10 for Kansas State (13-15, 7-10). The Wildcats now have lost four straight following a six-game win streak.

Hausen made a deep 3-pointer and then was fouled getting poked in the eye by UCF's Mikey Williams with 14 seconds to go. Hausen made the free throw to reduce the the Wildcats' deficit to 78-76. Hall sealed it with a pair of free throws with 11 seconds remaining. Hausen missed a deep 3 attempt on Kansas State's next possession.

Benny Williams' layup with 5:48 remaining put the Knights ahead 69-58 before the Wildcats countered with a 7-0 run over the next 1:30 to draw within 69-65.

UCF led for most of the first half until McDaniel's layup gave the Wildcats a 29-28 lead with 5:51 before halftime. UCF closed the first half with a 10-0 run and led 41-34.

The Wildcats host Colorado on Sunday. UCF travels to TCU on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1740619898115.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Keyshawn Hall scored 26 points and Darius Garland scored 23 points and UCF held on to beat Kansas State 80-76 on Wednesday night.Moustapha Thaim just missed the most rare of triple-doubles scoring 11 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking eight shots. It was the second straight win for the Knights (15-13, 6-11 Big 12) following a seven-game losing streak.Max Jones scored 22 points, reserve C.J. Jones scored 12 points, Brendan Hausen 11 and Dug McDaniel 10 for Kansas State (13-15, 7-10). The Wildcats now have lost four straight following a six-game win streak.Hausen made a deep 3-pointer and then was fouled getting poked in the eye by UCF's Mikey Williams with 14 seconds to go. Hausen made the free throw to reduce the the Wildcats' deficit to 78-76. Hall sealed it with a pair of free throws with 11 seconds remaining. Hausen missed a deep 3 attempt on Kansas State's next possession.Benny Williams' layup with 5:48 remaining put the Knights ahead 69-58 before the Wildcats countered with a 7-0 run over the next 1:30 to draw within 69-65.UCF led for most of the first half until McDaniel's layup gave the Wildcats a 29-28 lead with 5:51 before halftime. UCF closed the first half with a 10-0 run and led 41-34.The Wildcats host Colorado on Sunday. UCF travels to TCU on Saturday.

🏀 Hall, Garland lead UCF past Kansas State

Sacred Heart and Ellsworth closed out the regular season on Tuesday, with Ellsworth’s Lady Bearcats holding off the Lady Knights 38-25, and Sacred Heart Knights holding on to win 54-39.&nbsp;

Girls: Ellsworth 38 Sacred Heart 25&nbsp;

The Lady Bearcats found themselves locked in a good battle defensively at halftime, after leading by 11 at the end of the first and staying on top by 13 at the intermission.&nbsp;

Sacred Heart struggled offensively in the first half only hitting two field goals with just one three, while attacking the paint best they could. The Lady Bearcats played lockdown defense around the perimeter, making it a tough night for the Lady Knights.&nbsp;

Ellsworth was led in scoring by Jo Lindsley, who finished with 11.&nbsp;

The Lady Bearcats move to 14-5 overall and 9-2 in league, earning a a share of the league title with Southeast of Saline.&nbsp;

The Lady Knights didn't have a scorer go into double digits. Adelyn Lee was the leading scorer with 7.&nbsp;

Sacred Heart falls to 10-9 overall and finishes league play at 6-5.&nbsp;

The Lady Knights open sub-state play as the 9-seed and travel to Hillsboro Friday night to take on the 8th-seeded Lady Trojans.&nbsp;

Boys: Sacred Heart 54 Ellsworth 39&nbsp;

On the boy's side, The Knights had the league title on their mind and played lockdown defense all game to win 54-39&nbsp;

Sacred Heart shut down Ellsworth with good defense early, leading by 13 at the end of the first, and 13 at the intermission.&nbsp;

From there, many contributed as the Knights kept things rolling. The Knights only allowed three field goals in the third quarter.&nbsp;

The Bearcats were led in scoring by Cooper McGowan (12) and Dax Leiker (11).&nbsp;

The Knights had three finish in double digits: Dominic Matteucci (11) Noah Hines (10) and Ben Disberger (10).&nbsp;

With that win the Knights are the 2024-2025 NCAA League Champs and stay perfect on the season at 19-0.

The Knights are a 2-seed and will host the Teutons of Inman on Thursday night at 7 PM.

Sacred Heart and Ellsworth closed out the regular season on Tuesday, with Ellsworth’s Lady Bearcats holding off the Lady Knights 38-25, and Sacred Heart Knights holding on to win 54-39.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls: Ellsworth 38 Sacred Heart 25&nbsp;The Lady Bearcats found themselves locked in a good battle defensively at halftime, after leading by 11 at the end of the first and staying on top by 13 at the intermission.&nbsp;Sacred Heart struggled offensively in the first half only hitting two field goals with just one three, while attacking the paint best they could. The Lady Bearcats played lockdown defense around the perimeter, making it a tough night for the Lady Knights.&nbsp;Ellsworth was led in scoring by Jo Lindsley, who finished with 11.&nbsp;The Lady Bearcats move to 14-5 overall and 9-2 in league, earning a a share of the league title with Southeast of Saline.&nbsp;The Lady Knights didn't have a scorer go into double digits. Adelyn Lee was the leading scorer with 7.&nbsp;Sacred Heart falls to 10-9 overall and finishes league play at 6-5.&nbsp;The Lady Knights open sub-state play as the 9-seed and travel to Hillsboro Friday night to take on the 8th-seeded Lady Trojans.&nbsp;Boys: Sacred Heart 54 Ellsworth 39&nbsp;On the boy's side, The Knights had the league title on their mind and played lockdown defense all game to win 54-39&nbsp;Sacred Heart shut down Ellsworth with good defense early, leading by 13 at the end of the first, and 13 at the intermission.&nbsp;From there, many contributed as the Knights kept things rolling. The Knights only allowed three field goals in the third quarter.&nbsp;The Bearcats were led in scoring by Cooper McGowan (12) and Dax Leiker (11).&nbsp;The Knights had three finish in double digits: Dominic Matteucci (11) Noah Hines (10) and Ben Disberger (10).&nbsp;With that win the Knights are the 2024-2025 NCAA League Champs and stay perfect on the season at 19-0.The Knights are a 2-seed and will host the Teutons of Inman on Thursday night at 7 PM.

Knights earn league title as part of sweep over Ellsworth

Playoff basketball returns to Mabee Arena on Thursday as the KCAC Regular Season Champion and No. 1 seeded Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes host No. 8 seed University of Saint Mary Spires at 7 p.m.

All tickets must be purchased in advance on the KCAC ticketing portal: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/242c8961-0783-4fe0-8102-9280169780a4?elinkdata=20352">https://kcacsports.com/sports/2023/1/6/tickets.aspx</a>. KWU will have staff at the entry gates to assist fans with purchasing tickets through the KCAC ticketing portal, but there will be no cash sales and no point-of-sale ticket sales on site. KWU regular season passes will not be accepted at the event.

The games will be streamed live on the Coyote Sports Network, part of the KCAC Digital Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1fa5552-9a27-4d55-8f47-19d3aae15037?elinkdata=20352">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>

An audio-only broadcast of the game will be available online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a05a8257-2c05-4404-ab80-32c3c20e34b2?elinkdata=20352">salinapost.com</a>, by listening live to KINA Radio. The Voice of the Coyotes Tyler Henry and Russ Cossel will have the call of the game with Coyote Pregame Live starting at 6:30 p.m. The game can also be heard locally on KINA AM 910 and simulcast on 107.5 FM.

Live Stats will be available as well, at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4df98a32-ecef-45c3-a33f-f202fedef7ee?elinkdata=20352">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a>

KWU and Saint Mary split the regular season meetings, each winning on the opponent's home floor. KWU won 66-54 on December 14 in Leavenworth, and USM won 75-70 on February 1 in Salina.

The teams last met in the KCAC tournament on February 19, 2007, as KWU picked up a 91-45 win in the game.

In the last meeting, Summer Wieneke scored 16 points off the bench for the Spires to lead Saint Mary to the win. USM held KWU to 3 of 20 shooting in the first quarter and 3 of 18 shooting in the fourth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d84e6209-9314-4b90-9924-7623819db5e5?elinkdata=20352">Hampton Williams</a> had a game-high 18 points and eight rebounds for the Coyotes in the game.

In December in Leavenworth, KWU got 15 points and 12 rebounds from Williams while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf55f101-4045-4add-9abf-6ae5f00cc6dd?elinkdata=20352">Angel Lee</a> had 11 as KWU overcame a 25.9 percent shooting night, hitting 33 of 48 free throws to come away with the 12-point win.

In the all-time series, KWU leads Saint Mary 33-19.

Kansas Wesleyan enters the KCAC tournament with a 22-6 overall record and finished KCAC play 18-4 overall. KWU averages 75.8 points per game while holding opponents to 63.3. KWU shoots 44 percent from the field as a team, 34.5 percent from 3-point range and 72.3 percent from the free throw line. KWU's opponents shoot 38.3 percent from the field, 24.8 percent from 3-point range and 67.7 percent at the line. The Coyotes average 39.6 rebounds per game, outrebounding opponents by 5.6 per game.

KWU has five players averaging 9.0 points per game or better on the season led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0293f2fa-a8fe-4e49-a343-0d6804647d4e?elinkdata=20352">LaMyah Ricks</a> averaging 12.0 points per game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e61df14-9edf-42df-8948-a2ee4a913fd6?elinkdata=20352">Hampton Williams</a> leads the Coyotes in rebounding at 7.3 per game.

KWU ranks second in the KCAC in scoring offense, and second in scoring defense. KWU leads the KCAC in defensive 3-point percentage and ranks 13th in the NAIA. Ricks ranks 18th in the KCAC in scoring average, and Williams ranks seventh in the KCAC in rebounding average.

This season marks only the second time in program history KWU has won the KCAC Championship outright, the other time coming in 2019-20 under Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e05405f5-dba9-412e-abe8-e3126c2f7c49?elinkdata=20352">Ryan Showman</a>. KWU was Co-Champions in 1987-88, 2008-09, and 2010-11.

Showman was named as the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year headlining KWU's All-KCAC picks this season. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f0ff6da-7076-4511-9931-fbd8eabad4cf?elinkdata=20352">LaMyah Ricks</a> was named to the All-KCAC First Team, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/68a58dbc-7aa8-49cf-8020-f0eec914e069?elinkdata=20352">Angel Lee</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/872a41ad-e79d-4bb6-ab0b-66e20dfa7115?elinkdata=20352">Hampton Williams</a> were named to the All-KCAC Third Team, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/84f48094-331b-47c2-be7b-2b9185dbcc3b?elinkdata=20352">Jill Stephens</a> was named to the Honorable Mention team. Ricks also earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team.

Saint Mary is 13-15 overall and finished KCAC play with a 12-10 record. Saint Mary averages 70 points per game while shooting 38.7 percent from the field, 30.9 percent from 3-point range and 72 percent from the free throw line. The Spires average 39.6 rebounds per game.

Alanis Delgado leads the Spires averaging 15.5 points per game. Addison Schletzbaum leads the Spires in rebounding averaging 7.6 per contest.

Alanis Delgado was named to the All-KCAC Second Team and Addison Schletzbaum was named Honorable Mention. Addison Tower was named to the All-Freshman team.

All quarterfinal match-ups will be played Thursday night at the home site of the higher seeded team.In the other three quarterfinals No. 4 seed Bethel hosts No. 5 Friends, No. 3 Evangel hosts No. 6 Sterling, and No. 2 seed Tabor hosts No. 7 seed Bethany.

On Saturday will be the semifinals with games starting at 7 p.m. The KWU vs Saint Mary winner will get the winner of the Bethel vs Friends game. The winner between Tabor vs Bethany and Evangel vs Sterling will meet in the other semifinal. Both semifinal games will be played at the higher seeded team.

New this year, there will be no Park City Arena for the KCAC Championship. KCAC officials decided to make the change in the tournament and move the championship games back to the home site of the higher seeded team. The KCAC Championship will be played on Tuesday, March 4 staring at 7 p.m.

The winner of the KCAC Tournament receives an automatic berth to the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship. The second automatic berth to the NAIA Championships goes to the highest remaining seed in the KCAC tournament, regardless of tournament finish, meant to protect the regular season champion, should it lose during the tournament. If the KCAC regular season champion wins the tournament, the No. 2 seed in the tournament receives the second berth, regardless of tournament finish.

Playoff basketball returns to Mabee Arena on Thursday as the KCAC Regular Season Champion and No. 1 seeded Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes host No. 8 seed University of Saint Mary Spires at 7 p.m.TICKETSAll tickets must be purchased in advance on the KCAC ticketing portal: <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/242c8961-0783-4fe0-8102-9280169780a4?elinkdata=20352">https://kcacsports.com/sports/2023/1/6/tickets.aspx</a>. KWU will have staff at the entry gates to assist fans with purchasing tickets through the KCAC ticketing portal, but there will be no cash sales and no point-of-sale ticket sales on site. KWU regular season passes will not be accepted at the event.GAME COVERAGEThe games will be streamed live on the Coyote Sports Network, part of the KCAC Digital Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1fa5552-9a27-4d55-8f47-19d3aae15037?elinkdata=20352">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>An audio-only broadcast of the game will be available online at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a05a8257-2c05-4404-ab80-32c3c20e34b2?elinkdata=20352">salinapost.com</a>, by listening live to KINA Radio. The Voice of the Coyotes Tyler Henry and Russ Cossel will have the call of the game with Coyote Pregame Live starting at 6:30 p.m. The game can also be heard locally on KINA AM 910 and simulcast on 107.5 FM.Live Stats will be available as well, at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4df98a32-ecef-45c3-a33f-f202fedef7ee?elinkdata=20352">www.kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/wbball/summary</a>THE MATCH-UPKWU and Saint Mary split the regular season meetings, each winning on the opponent's home floor. KWU won 66-54 on December 14 in Leavenworth, and USM won 75-70 on February 1 in Salina.The teams last met in the KCAC tournament on February 19, 2007, as KWU picked up a 91-45 win in the game.In the last meeting, Summer Wieneke scored 16 points off the bench for the Spires to lead Saint Mary to the win. USM held KWU to 3 of 20 shooting in the first quarter and 3 of 18 shooting in the fourth. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d84e6209-9314-4b90-9924-7623819db5e5?elinkdata=20352">Hampton Williams</a> had a game-high 18 points and eight rebounds for the Coyotes in the game.In December in Leavenworth, KWU got 15 points and 12 rebounds from Williams while <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bf55f101-4045-4add-9abf-6ae5f00cc6dd?elinkdata=20352">Angel Lee</a> had 11 as KWU overcame a 25.9 percent shooting night, hitting 33 of 48 free throws to come away with the 12-point win.In the all-time series, KWU leads Saint Mary 33-19.THE COYOTESKansas Wesleyan enters the KCAC tournament with a 22-6 overall record and finished KCAC play 18-4 overall. KWU averages 75.8 points per game while holding opponents to 63.3. KWU shoots 44 percent from the field as a team, 34.5 percent from 3-point range and 72.3 percent from the free throw line. KWU's opponents shoot 38.3 percent from the field, 24.8 percent from 3-point range and 67.7 percent at the line. The Coyotes average 39.6 rebounds per game, outrebounding opponents by 5.6 per game.KWU has five players averaging 9.0 points per game or better on the season led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0293f2fa-a8fe-4e49-a343-0d6804647d4e?elinkdata=20352">LaMyah Ricks</a> averaging 12.0 points per game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e61df14-9edf-42df-8948-a2ee4a913fd6?elinkdata=20352">Hampton Williams</a> leads the Coyotes in rebounding at 7.3 per game.KWU ranks second in the KCAC in scoring offense, and second in scoring defense. KWU leads the KCAC in defensive 3-point percentage and ranks 13th in the NAIA. Ricks ranks 18th in the KCAC in scoring average, and Williams ranks seventh in the KCAC in rebounding average.This season marks only the second time in program history KWU has won the KCAC Championship outright, the other time coming in 2019-20 under Coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e05405f5-dba9-412e-abe8-e3126c2f7c49?elinkdata=20352">Ryan Showman</a>. KWU was Co-Champions in 1987-88, 2008-09, and 2010-11.Showman was named as the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Basketball Coach of the Year headlining KWU's All-KCAC picks this season. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7f0ff6da-7076-4511-9931-fbd8eabad4cf?elinkdata=20352">LaMyah Ricks</a> was named to the All-KCAC First Team, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/68a58dbc-7aa8-49cf-8020-f0eec914e069?elinkdata=20352">Angel Lee</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/872a41ad-e79d-4bb6-ab0b-66e20dfa7115?elinkdata=20352">Hampton Williams</a> were named to the All-KCAC Third Team, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/84f48094-331b-47c2-be7b-2b9185dbcc3b?elinkdata=20352">Jill Stephens</a> was named to the Honorable Mention team. Ricks also earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team.THE SPIRESSaint Mary is 13-15 overall and finished KCAC play with a 12-10 record. Saint Mary averages 70 points per game while shooting 38.7 percent from the field, 30.9 percent from 3-point range and 72 percent from the free throw line. The Spires average 39.6 rebounds per game.Alanis Delgado leads the Spires averaging 15.5 points per game. Addison Schletzbaum leads the Spires in rebounding averaging 7.6 per contest.Alanis Delgado was named to the All-KCAC Second Team and Addison Schletzbaum was named Honorable Mention. Addison Tower was named to the All-Freshman team.THE KCAC TOURNAMENTAll quarterfinal match-ups will be played Thursday night at the home site of the higher seeded team.In the other three quarterfinals No. 4 seed Bethel hosts No. 5 Friends, No. 3 Evangel hosts No. 6 Sterling, and No. 2 seed Tabor hosts No. 7 seed Bethany.On Saturday will be the semifinals with games starting at 7 p.m. The KWU vs Saint Mary winner will get the winner of the Bethel vs Friends game. The winner between Tabor vs Bethany and Evangel vs Sterling will meet in the other semifinal. Both semifinal games will be played at the higher seeded team.New this year, there will be no Park City Arena for the KCAC Championship. KCAC officials decided to make the change in the tournament and move the championship games back to the home site of the higher seeded team. The KCAC Championship will be played on Tuesday, March 4 staring at 7 p.m.The winner of the KCAC Tournament receives an automatic berth to the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship. The second automatic berth to the NAIA Championships goes to the highest remaining seed in the KCAC tournament, regardless of tournament finish, meant to protect the regular season champion, should it lose during the tournament. If the KCAC regular season champion wins the tournament, the No. 2 seed in the tournament receives the second berth, regardless of tournament finish.NATIONALS

Top Seeded Coyotes host No. 8 Saint Mary on Thursday in KCAC Quarterfinals

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/279dfef8-1c95-4658-875b-54c5fe9028af?elinkdata=20321">LaMyah Ricks</a> was not ready to call it a career. She had completed her senior season but didn't like the way it ended.

"It just didn't feel like my final year even if it was my senior year," said Ricks, the starting point guard for the Kansas Wesleyan women's team. "I just didn't feel like that chapter of my life was closed yet."

Fortunately, the opportunity to return was on the table - remain at KWU while pursuing a master's degree and play for a fifth season.

In the end the stars aligned perfectly. Ricks was accepted into graduate school and was back on the court for the 2024-25 season. She was not alone. Classmate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72c38ef1-5bc9-445b-9e6a-b3540b7d0297?elinkdata=20321">Jill Stephens</a> followed the same path and setting into motion what has been a special season for the Coyotes.

KWU won the Kansas Conference regular season title, is the top seed in the conference tournament and plays eighth-seeded Saint Mary in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Thursday inside Mabee Arena. The winner advances to Saturday's semifinals with the championship game scheduled for March 4. The Coyotes will play each game at home if they continue to win.

Ricks is thrilled she came back, for obvious reasons. Despite being picked fifth in the coaches' preseason poll KWU won the title with an 18-4 record (22-6 overall). The Coyotes will play in the first round of the NAIA Women's Championship next month after securing the conference's automatic berth.

"I just felt like it was right and kind of needed to be done," Ricks said of her return. "With the group that is with me I think it was pretty obvious that this was bound to happen."

She has played a key role, as usual, averaging 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. On Tuesday she was named First Team All-KCAC and was chosen for the All-Defensive Team. Stephens was named Honorable Mention.

"It was a big reason why we're able to have success," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b65a9de6-ebe1-4138-803b-07c6ca95e649?elinkdata=20321">Ryan Showman</a> said of Ricks' and Stephens. "They were two very important pieces of our team, and we knew that we'd be better with them coming back. They could do anything after graduation and if they wanted to come back, we would absolutely welcome them back.

"But I wanted them to come back for the right reasons and they both wanted to come back and win a championship. They wanted to be a part of that group that got us back to the national tournament."

Ricks said the preseason poll was motivation for her and her teammates.

"We've always had a lot of doubters and a lot of us have just taken that to heart and been more driven knowing that a lot of people didn't expect this from us," she said. "We all knew we're way better than that."

Showman, now in his 13th season as head coach, was named the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Coach of the Year on Tuesday. He said the retooling process for '24-25 began last summer.

"I thought we had a championship team last year, and I knew we had a championship this year," he said, "but we had to change some things - our approach and how we did things, our mindset, our work ethic, everything needed an overhaul. And we needed to raise the standard."

It started at the offensive end. Last season the Coyotes averaged 67.8 points and shot 38 percent overall, 32 percent from 3-point range. This year they're averaging 75.8 points and shooting 44 percent overall including a KCAC-best 34.5 percent from deep.

"We made shots. That's kind of the easy answer, but it was one of the things we had to be better at," Showman said. "One of the challenges that I issued was everyone needed to make 20,000 shots between March and when we got back in the fall. We switched our offense a little bit to put some people in better positions to be successful, fit their skill sets better."

Ricks and Showman said they knew something was special brewing as the Christmas arrived.

"I think it's when we closed out the first semester 7-0 in conference, 11-2 overall," Showman said. "We were 5-7 a year prior. We went on the road to Friends who absolutely smoked us a couple of games last year, we went on the road at Saint Mary, we beat an NCAA Division II team (Northeastern Oklahoma), we beat Tabor who beat us by 100 points in three games last year. Even though we followed with a loss to Bethel, it showed us we can be that team.'"

"I think it was probably after beating Friends (in Wichita) because we'd seen what they had done in the years before," Ricks said. "We'd seen their group this year and how good they were, set up to be successful, and beating them just showed us who we are. We are the best team in the conference."

KWU and Saint Mary split during the regular season, each winning on the road. The Coyotes won 66-53 December 1 in Leavenworth and Saint Mary prevailed 75-70 February 1 in Mabee Arena.

"The first time we played them I thought we defended really well but we didn't finish plays," Showman said. "We didn't shoot a very high percentage, but we got to the free throw line, we found ways to manufacture points on the road while playing really great defense. I thought we didn't play poorly when they beat us, but we didn't get stops when we needed and then we couldn't get a bucket when we needed it."

Despite having an NAIA tournament berth in hand neither Ricks nor Showman are satisfied.

"Just looking at the week ahead of us instead of looking too far ahead," Ricks said. "(The NAIA) is a month away so just sticking with that path that we've been on the entire season will be really important. It would be great to win a championship at home."

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/279dfef8-1c95-4658-875b-54c5fe9028af?elinkdata=20321">LaMyah Ricks</a> was not ready to call it a career. She had completed her senior season but didn't like the way it ended."It just didn't feel like my final year even if it was my senior year," said Ricks, the starting point guard for the Kansas Wesleyan women's team. "I just didn't feel like that chapter of my life was closed yet."Fortunately, the opportunity to return was on the table - remain at KWU while pursuing a master's degree and play for a fifth season.In the end the stars aligned perfectly. Ricks was accepted into graduate school and was back on the court for the 2024-25 season. She was not alone. Classmate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/72c38ef1-5bc9-445b-9e6a-b3540b7d0297?elinkdata=20321">Jill Stephens</a> followed the same path and setting into motion what has been a special season for the Coyotes.KWU won the Kansas Conference regular season title, is the top seed in the conference tournament and plays eighth-seeded Saint Mary in the quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Thursday inside Mabee Arena. The winner advances to Saturday's semifinals with the championship game scheduled for March 4. The Coyotes will play each game at home if they continue to win.Ricks is thrilled she came back, for obvious reasons. Despite being picked fifth in the coaches' preseason poll KWU won the title with an 18-4 record (22-6 overall). The Coyotes will play in the first round of the NAIA Women's Championship next month after securing the conference's automatic berth."I just felt like it was right and kind of needed to be done," Ricks said of her return. "With the group that is with me I think it was pretty obvious that this was bound to happen."She has played a key role, as usual, averaging 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists. On Tuesday she was named First Team All-KCAC and was chosen for the All-Defensive Team. Stephens was named Honorable Mention."It was a big reason why we're able to have success," coach <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b65a9de6-ebe1-4138-803b-07c6ca95e649?elinkdata=20321">Ryan Showman</a> said of Ricks' and Stephens. "They were two very important pieces of our team, and we knew that we'd be better with them coming back. They could do anything after graduation and if they wanted to come back, we would absolutely welcome them back."But I wanted them to come back for the right reasons and they both wanted to come back and win a championship. They wanted to be a part of that group that got us back to the national tournament."Ricks said the preseason poll was motivation for her and her teammates."We've always had a lot of doubters and a lot of us have just taken that to heart and been more driven knowing that a lot of people didn't expect this from us," she said. "We all knew we're way better than that."Showman, now in his 13th season as head coach, was named the Lonnie Kruse KCAC Women's Coach of the Year on Tuesday. He said the retooling process for '24-25 began last summer."I thought we had a championship team last year, and I knew we had a championship this year," he said, "but we had to change some things - our approach and how we did things, our mindset, our work ethic, everything needed an overhaul. And we needed to raise the standard."It started at the offensive end. Last season the Coyotes averaged 67.8 points and shot 38 percent overall, 32 percent from 3-point range. This year they're averaging 75.8 points and shooting 44 percent overall including a KCAC-best 34.5 percent from deep."We made shots. That's kind of the easy answer, but it was one of the things we had to be better at," Showman said. "One of the challenges that I issued was everyone needed to make 20,000 shots between March and when we got back in the fall. We switched our offense a little bit to put some people in better positions to be successful, fit their skill sets better."Ricks and Showman said they knew something was special brewing as the Christmas arrived."I think it's when we closed out the first semester 7-0 in conference, 11-2 overall," Showman said. "We were 5-7 a year prior. We went on the road to Friends who absolutely smoked us a couple of games last year, we went on the road at Saint Mary, we beat an NCAA Division II team (Northeastern Oklahoma), we beat Tabor who beat us by 100 points in three games last year. Even though we followed with a loss to Bethel, it showed us we can be that team.'""I think it was probably after beating Friends (in Wichita) because we'd seen what they had done in the years before," Ricks said. "We'd seen their group this year and how good they were, set up to be successful, and beating them just showed us who we are. We are the best team in the conference."KWU and Saint Mary split during the regular season, each winning on the road. The Coyotes won 66-53 December 1 in Leavenworth and Saint Mary prevailed 75-70 February 1 in Mabee Arena."The first time we played them I thought we defended really well but we didn't finish plays," Showman said. "We didn't shoot a very high percentage, but we got to the free throw line, we found ways to manufacture points on the road while playing really great defense. I thought we didn't play poorly when they beat us, but we didn't get stops when we needed and then we couldn't get a bucket when we needed it."Despite having an NAIA tournament berth in hand neither Ricks nor Showman are satisfied."Just looking at the week ahead of us instead of looking too far ahead," Ricks said. "(The NAIA) is a month away so just sticking with that path that we've been on the entire season will be really important. It would be great to win a championship at home."

Ricks, KCAC Champion Coyotes ready for postseason challenge

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4437c731-6743-4c40-8ebb-1ad05e67cb71?elinkdata=20290">Kyle Hiser</a> remembers when he could get all his Kansas Wesleyan track and field athletes into one van or in a couple of rows of seats on a plane when they traveled to NAIA national competitions.

Hiser and his staff will be accompanied by 17 Coyotes on their trip to Gainesville, Fla. for the U.S. Marines NAIA Indoor Championships. Competition begins Thursday and continues through Saturday at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center.

"This is the biggest group we've ever had going to nationals," said Hiser who is in his third season as cross country/track and field director. He has been head track coach since the 2019-20 season. "I feel like I'm a broken record saying this, but I really can't thank our administration enough. They have given us the resources to build this team the way coach (cross country coach Garrett) Young and myself and our other coaches have wanted to build it."

Four relay teams - two men and two women - will compete as will individuals <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/78f5e816-2d8c-44cd-bcaf-fc273b6f12d9?elinkdata=20290">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/317dfb8d-a1ba-4eed-aa13-9e9b146029cb?elinkdata=20290">Julian Avila</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/369e86ef-8486-4ad0-96d2-2a5995adf24d?elinkdata=20290">Damion Jackson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/304b751a-434f-4b60-a784-0e9a23b5490c?elinkdata=20290">Keegan Lott</a>. KWU enters the national meet with considerable momentum after winning the program's first Kansas Conference indoor title earlier this month.

"It's just a steppingstone, each year we keep raising the bar," Hiser said. "Right now, the thing that we're chasing is a national championship not as a team but as a relay or an individual. That's been the elusive thing so with the biggest group that gives you your best chances to go and do it."

Ehrlich returns to run the 1,000 meters after earning All-America honors with a seventh-place finish. She's seeded 11th with a qualifying time of 2:58.99 and also will run in the 4x800-meter relay.

"That 1K event is probably the deepest it's ever been," Hiser said. "She always seems to rise to the occasion and kind of finds it over those last 200 meters, just finds a way to get into the final and finds a way to get to the finish line."

Avila is the third seed in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:25.94 and will run a leg on the 4x800-meter relay team. He placed 10th in the 1,000 meters last year.

"I know it's nationals so it's not any small meet, but I don't let the pressure get to me - I just go," Avila said. "I trust what I've been doing and trust that I'm going to run well. We're going to be competing against the best runners in the nation and I think I am one of the best runners in the nation, so that just makes it a little bit easier for me. I know I belong there, and I can compete against these guys."

"I don't know if I've seen another athlete during my time look as strong and confident as he has," Hiser said of Avila. "He just goes and wins, and he runs fast so I'm excited to see what he can do in that individual 1K."

Lott will throw the shot put in his first NAIA indoor appearance. He's seeded 27th after a qualifying throw of 15.93 meters.

"He finally won his (KCAC) title and he's been chasing that and now it's time to go knocking around with the big dogs at nationals and I'm excited," Hiser said. "You talk about someone who just personifies hard work and is the role model for what you want a student athlete to be and it's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffe8d00b-c762-4946-85da-e124f157f618?elinkdata=20290">Keegan Lott</a>."

Jackson will run the 3,000 meters where he's seeded 18th with an 8:33.60 time and also will run a leg on the distance medley relay. He ran the 3K at nationals last spring as well.

"He didn't hit the (qualifying) standard originally but if there's not 20 declared in an event, we can submit a declaration and he got in because the field size wasn't full," Hiser said.

Joining Avila on the 4x800 relay team is <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5fa9233-5848-4f9f-ad75-a5ad8372a005?elinkdata=20290">Ty Davidson</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/816aff21-ecfa-4d4d-affa-8b3e56ac13f8?elinkdata=20290">Wyatt Johnson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8b61fac-04be-42d1-9590-e3244c158714?elinkdata=20290">Triston Cottone</a>. They're seeded sixth with a time of 7:41.53. The distance medley relay team is seeded 28th in 10:12.43 and consists of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94526135-bb5d-437b-a168-942966a1a6ff?elinkdata=20290">Nate Chavez</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90bad73f-1ede-4ba5-af9b-01d5af4e8927?elinkdata=20290">Austin Schaeffer</a>, Nicholas Martinez and Jackson.

Ehrlich's teammates on the women's 4x800 relay team are <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afaddef2-2ed9-4653-9c1f-ec42463eb760?elinkdata=20290">Josie Koppes</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/beb76973-af74-42b6-ba15-e87e88d301eb?elinkdata=20290">Hailey Nordhus</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a97041c-f216-4dfe-ac10-30cc9378a3fd?elinkdata=20290">Kirstin Hackney</a>. They're seeded eighth with a time of 9:24.71. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38bba1b8-d578-4b73-9b19-eef6aac0674d?elinkdata=20290">Joni Schroeder</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/821003e1-06db-4477-af08-c8d3c4a3be1f?elinkdata=20290">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c4630b60-a5f8-483e-a396-3615728d1e7d?elinkdata=20290">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e115516-7716-4839-b8e0-43da3982e696?elinkdata=20290">Kierra Jensen</a> will run the distance medley relay and are the 18th seed with a time of 12:33.26.

"Two relays in both genders - not a lot of schools are able to do that and it's a testament of what we were also able to do in cross country," Hiser said.

"The group that we have this year has been fully bought in since the summer," Young said. "I think their commitment and their work is showing through and it did in cross country as well. I really think they're starting to see the results of that buy-in and that work over the last six months."

Young said it should be a seamless process.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4437c731-6743-4c40-8ebb-1ad05e67cb71?elinkdata=20290">Kyle Hiser</a> remembers when he could get all his Kansas Wesleyan track and field athletes into one van or in a couple of rows of seats on a plane when they traveled to NAIA national competitions.Those days are happily gone.Hiser and his staff will be accompanied by 17 Coyotes on their trip to Gainesville, Fla. for the U.S. Marines NAIA Indoor Championships. Competition begins Thursday and continues through Saturday at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center."This is the biggest group we've ever had going to nationals," said Hiser who is in his third season as cross country/track and field director. He has been head track coach since the 2019-20 season. "I feel like I'm a broken record saying this, but I really can't thank our administration enough. They have given us the resources to build this team the way coach (cross country coach Garrett) Young and myself and our other coaches have wanted to build it."Four relay teams - two men and two women - will compete as will individuals <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/78f5e816-2d8c-44cd-bcaf-fc273b6f12d9?elinkdata=20290">Madisyn Ehrlich</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/317dfb8d-a1ba-4eed-aa13-9e9b146029cb?elinkdata=20290">Julian Avila</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/369e86ef-8486-4ad0-96d2-2a5995adf24d?elinkdata=20290">Damion Jackson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/304b751a-434f-4b60-a784-0e9a23b5490c?elinkdata=20290">Keegan Lott</a>. KWU enters the national meet with considerable momentum after winning the program's first Kansas Conference indoor title earlier this month."It's just a steppingstone, each year we keep raising the bar," Hiser said. "Right now, the thing that we're chasing is a national championship not as a team but as a relay or an individual. That's been the elusive thing so with the biggest group that gives you your best chances to go and do it."Ehrlich returns to run the 1,000 meters after earning All-America honors with a seventh-place finish. She's seeded 11th with a qualifying time of 2:58.99 and also will run in the 4x800-meter relay."That 1K event is probably the deepest it's ever been," Hiser said. "She always seems to rise to the occasion and kind of finds it over those last 200 meters, just finds a way to get into the final and finds a way to get to the finish line."Avila is the third seed in the 1,000 meters with a time of 2:25.94 and will run a leg on the 4x800-meter relay team. He placed 10th in the 1,000 meters last year."I know it's nationals so it's not any small meet, but I don't let the pressure get to me - I just go," Avila said. "I trust what I've been doing and trust that I'm going to run well. We're going to be competing against the best runners in the nation and I think I am one of the best runners in the nation, so that just makes it a little bit easier for me. I know I belong there, and I can compete against these guys.""I don't know if I've seen another athlete during my time look as strong and confident as he has," Hiser said of Avila. "He just goes and wins, and he runs fast so I'm excited to see what he can do in that individual 1K."Lott will throw the shot put in his first NAIA indoor appearance. He's seeded 27th after a qualifying throw of 15.93 meters."He finally won his (KCAC) title and he's been chasing that and now it's time to go knocking around with the big dogs at nationals and I'm excited," Hiser said. "You talk about someone who just personifies hard work and is the role model for what you want a student athlete to be and it's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ffe8d00b-c762-4946-85da-e124f157f618?elinkdata=20290">Keegan Lott</a>."Jackson will run the 3,000 meters where he's seeded 18th with an 8:33.60 time and also will run a leg on the distance medley relay. He ran the 3K at nationals last spring as well."He didn't hit the (qualifying) standard originally but if there's not 20 declared in an event, we can submit a declaration and he got in because the field size wasn't full," Hiser said.Joining Avila on the 4x800 relay team is <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e5fa9233-5848-4f9f-ad75-a5ad8372a005?elinkdata=20290">Ty Davidson</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/816aff21-ecfa-4d4d-affa-8b3e56ac13f8?elinkdata=20290">Wyatt Johnson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e8b61fac-04be-42d1-9590-e3244c158714?elinkdata=20290">Triston Cottone</a>. They're seeded sixth with a time of 7:41.53. The distance medley relay team is seeded 28th in 10:12.43 and consists of <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/94526135-bb5d-437b-a168-942966a1a6ff?elinkdata=20290">Nate Chavez</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/90bad73f-1ede-4ba5-af9b-01d5af4e8927?elinkdata=20290">Austin Schaeffer</a>, Nicholas Martinez and Jackson.Ehrlich's teammates on the women's 4x800 relay team are <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/afaddef2-2ed9-4653-9c1f-ec42463eb760?elinkdata=20290">Josie Koppes</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/beb76973-af74-42b6-ba15-e87e88d301eb?elinkdata=20290">Hailey Nordhus</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a97041c-f216-4dfe-ac10-30cc9378a3fd?elinkdata=20290">Kirstin Hackney</a>. They're seeded eighth with a time of 9:24.71. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/38bba1b8-d578-4b73-9b19-eef6aac0674d?elinkdata=20290">Joni Schroeder</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/821003e1-06db-4477-af08-c8d3c4a3be1f?elinkdata=20290">Julie Rottinghaus</a>, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c4630b60-a5f8-483e-a396-3615728d1e7d?elinkdata=20290">Lauryn Mikkelson</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e115516-7716-4839-b8e0-43da3982e696?elinkdata=20290">Kierra Jensen</a> will run the distance medley relay and are the 18th seed with a time of 12:33.26."Two relays in both genders - not a lot of schools are able to do that and it's a testament of what we were also able to do in cross country," Hiser said."The group that we have this year has been fully bought in since the summer," Young said. "I think their commitment and their work is showing through and it did in cross country as well. I really think they're starting to see the results of that buy-in and that work over the last six months."Young said it should be a seamless process.

NAIA PREVIEW: Largest group of Coyotes in program history heading to NAIA Indoor Nationals

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the addition of ten new players to the 2025 rosters to fill open roster spots for the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City. “Each year, there are players who unfortunately have to decline their invitation to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl due to college commitments, or other circumstances,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “Fortunately, there are many talented players and extremely worthy players across the state who we are excited to be able to now extend an official invitation to.”

The Kansas Shrine Bowl has announced the addition of ten new players to the 2025 rosters to fill open roster spots for the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Dodge City. “Each year, there are players who unfortunately have to decline their invitation to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl due to college commitments, or other circumstances,” said Brice Kesler, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “Fortunately, there are many talented players and extremely worthy players across the state who we are excited to be able to now extend an official invitation to.”The West team has added&nbsp;Drew Graham, WR, Winfield;&nbsp;Trey Hoover, OL, Manhattan;&nbsp;Rhett Ihrig, DL, Goodland;&nbsp;Lucas Meyer, RB, Wichita Heights; and&nbsp;Brandt Stupka, WR, Andover Central.The East team has added&nbsp;Bryer Finley, WR, Seaman;&nbsp;Jayden Houghton, TE, Frontenac;&nbsp;Traven Niehues, OL, Blue Valley Northwest;&nbsp;Jaylen Parks, DB, Lawrence; and&nbsp;Elzie Slaughter, DB, Saint Thomas Aquinas.The full updated rosters, along with player bios, for the 52nd&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl presented by Mammoth are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasshrinebowl.com/Roster" target="_blank">www.KansasShrineBowl.com/Roster</a>.The Shrine Bowl of Kansas Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital. Since 1974, nearly $4 million has been sent to Shriners Children’s thanks to the supporters of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Shriners Children’s is a world-renowned healthcare system with hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe. Shriners Children’s is dedicated to improving the lives of children every day by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to the age of 18 are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.