By Gary Van Cleave Salina Post Contributor

Now that The Streak is in the Salina South rear view mirror, the Cougars can focus on more important things.

“Expectations,” first-year football coach Christien Ozores said, “are to keep getting better and win a playoff game.”

“Man, it feels great,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “A lot of weight has finally been lifted off of our shoulders. It shows how much our hard work has paid off.”

The Cougars hadn’t won a football game in 1,127 days - a span from September 17, 2021 to October 18, 2024. Thirty consecutive defeats on the gridiron haunted these Cougars.

“When the clock hit 0:00’s, it was a sigh of relief for all us coaches and I was just excited for the kids,” Ozores said of Friday’s 41-23 victory over Haysville-Campus. “It was one of (those) moments where you just look around and soak it in. Something that I know those kids will cherish forever.”

“It feels great to accomplish something that the guys and coaches have fought so hard for,” said senior quarterback Landon Putman, who completed an efficient 15-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.

Putman has thrown for 949 yards on the season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and just five interceptions in 173 pass attempts as his QB rating went from 67 to 74.1.

“Landon has been everything we have asked him to do and more,” Ozores said. “He has stepped up with his legs running the ball the past 3-4 games and been feeling more and more comfortable with our system and all the progressions.”

Ozores has especially loved what he’s seeing from his eight seniors.

Aiden Anderes, DE, RB, TE, is an overall great player and teammate, leads by example and plays everywhere for the Cougars, Ozores said. Ozores noted contributions from defensive lineman Zach Johnson, who loves football, offensive lineman Erik Franco, a player the Cougars lean heavily on up front, lineman Sean Iselin, who plays hard and is a high IQ player, tight end Brady Oliver, who does all the little things right, defensive end Jesus Mariscal, a physical player who has stepped up this year for South and DB Kaiden Wachs, who works hard and does everything he is asked.&nbsp;

“The senior leadership has gotten better,” Ozores said. “We only have eight, but they do the right things and work hard. They aren’t so much vocal leaders which is okay but they practice, prepare and work hard and know their roles of trying to help turn around the program.”

Redmond scored two touchdowns and galloped for a season-high 123 yards rushing. He’s the Cougars’ leading ground gainer with 230 yards on 55 totes and four TDs.

“Just thinking back to every morning we have worked out as a team and getting better together means a lot to us,” Redmond said. “People do notice when things go the way they should. So our plan is to keep grinding and getting better so the people can hear more about us.”

Junior Jaxon Meyers is Putman’s top receiver with 514 yards and six touchdowns, but unfortunately he broke his arm early in third quarter and is out for the year.

“It feels good to get this off our back,” Meyers said of the streak. “Thinking about it for a while and it means a lot to help contribute to the win even when I got injured just knowing that they’re doing it for me. Hope this helps stack another one this week.”

The 1-6 Cougars conclude the regular season Friday at Maize.

“This victory means a lot not only to the program but the whole high school and the South community,” Ozores said. “These kids have worked extremely hard to start turning the program around and to take steps in the right direction. I truly believe when you have a successful football program it carries into all athletics in the whole school. It sets the tone in the weight room and the competitive atmosphere you need to have to be successful. Now our kids need to learn quickly how to handle success and when people say good things about you how to stay hungry and want more. We still need to finish things strong and I’m excited about what we can show these last weeks of the season.”

“Ending the streak is something that has been on everybody’s mind this season and a big goal of ours,” junior Landon Huffman said. “But it wasn’t our only goal. We aren’t done, plain and simple.”

By Gary Van Cleave Salina Post ContributorNow that The Streak is in the Salina South rear view mirror, the Cougars can focus on more important things.“Expectations,” first-year football coach Christien Ozores said, “are to keep getting better and win a playoff game.”“Man, it feels great,” sophomore running back Armane Redmond said. “A lot of weight has finally been lifted off of our shoulders. It shows how much our hard work has paid off.”<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>The Cougars hadn’t won a football game in 1,127 days - a span from September 17, 2021 to October 18, 2024. Thirty consecutive defeats on the gridiron haunted these Cougars.“When the clock hit 0:00’s, it was a sigh of relief for all us coaches and I was just excited for the kids,” Ozores said of Friday’s 41-23 victory over Haysville-Campus. “It was one of (those) moments where you just look around and soak it in. Something that I know those kids will cherish forever.”“It feels great to accomplish something that the guys and coaches have fought so hard for,” said senior quarterback Landon Putman, who completed an efficient 15-of-20 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns.Putman has thrown for 949 yards on the season. He’s thrown eight touchdowns and just five interceptions in 173 pass attempts as his QB rating went from 67 to 74.1.“Landon has been everything we have asked him to do and more,” Ozores said. “He has stepped up with his legs running the ball the past 3-4 games and been feeling more and more comfortable with our system and all the progressions.”Ozores has especially loved what he’s seeing from his eight seniors.Aiden Anderes, DE, RB, TE, is an overall great player and teammate, leads by example and plays everywhere for the Cougars, Ozores said. Ozores noted contributions from defensive lineman Zach Johnson, who loves football, offensive lineman Erik Franco, a player the Cougars lean heavily on up front, lineman Sean Iselin, who plays hard and is a high IQ player, tight end Brady Oliver, who does all the little things right, defensive end Jesus Mariscal, a physical player who has stepped up this year for South and DB Kaiden Wachs, who works hard and does everything he is asked.&nbsp;“The senior leadership has gotten better,” Ozores said. “We only have eight, but they do the right things and work hard. They aren’t so much vocal leaders which is okay but they practice, prepare and work hard and know their roles of trying to help turn around the program.”Redmond scored two touchdowns and galloped for a season-high 123 yards rushing. He’s the Cougars’ leading ground gainer with 230 yards on 55 totes and four TDs.“Just thinking back to every morning we have worked out as a team and getting better together means a lot to us,” Redmond said. “People do notice when things go the way they should. So our plan is to keep grinding and getting better so the people can hear more about us.”Junior Jaxon Meyers is Putman’s top receiver with 514 yards and six touchdowns, but unfortunately he broke his arm early in third quarter and is out for the year.“It feels good to get this off our back,” Meyers said of the streak. “Thinking about it for a while and it means a lot to help contribute to the win even when I got injured just knowing that they’re doing it for me. Hope this helps stack another one this week.”The 1-6 Cougars conclude the regular season Friday at Maize.“This victory means a lot not only to the program but the whole high school and the South community,” Ozores said. “These kids have worked extremely hard to start turning the program around and to take steps in the right direction. I truly believe when you have a successful football program it carries into all athletics in the whole school. It sets the tone in the weight room and the competitive atmosphere you need to have to be successful. Now our kids need to learn quickly how to handle success and when people say good things about you how to stay hungry and want more. We still need to finish things strong and I’m excited about what we can show these last weeks of the season.”“Ending the streak is something that has been on everybody’s mind this season and a big goal of ours,” junior Landon Huffman said. “But it wasn’t our only goal. We aren’t done, plain and simple.”

Cougars seek to stay on the rise after streak-breaking win

NORTH NEWTON -&nbsp;A goal by Bethel in the 80th minute forced the Threshers and the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer team into a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at Thresher Stadium.

It was a nearly even match for the teams as both had seven shots with four on goal, and three saves in goal.

After a majority of the first half was spent with the teams understanding each other's tactics, the Coyotes finally broke through in the 32nd minute as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c0be318-dc3d-4822-8621-e9ebb675bb38?elinkdata=13883" target="_blank">Gerardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;scored to put the Coyotes up 1-0.

The lead head for the Coyotes until the 80th minute when Bethel got the equalizer from Filip Maksimovic.

The Coyotes had a chance to get the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute, but the Coyotes were called for offside taking away a 1 on 1 chance.

Three different Coyotes had two shots each.

Wesleyan is back in action on Saturday, hosting Friends University at JRI Hospitality Stadium.

NORTH NEWTON -&nbsp;A goal by Bethel in the 80th minute forced the Threshers and the Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer team into a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at Thresher Stadium.It was a nearly even match for the teams as both had seven shots with four on goal, and three saves in goal.After a majority of the first half was spent with the teams understanding each other's tactics, the Coyotes finally broke through in the 32nd minute as&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/2c0be318-dc3d-4822-8621-e9ebb675bb38?elinkdata=13883" target="_blank">Gerardo Garcia</a>&nbsp;scored to put the Coyotes up 1-0.The lead head for the Coyotes until the 80th minute when Bethel got the equalizer from Filip Maksimovic.The Coyotes had a chance to get the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute, but the Coyotes were called for offside taking away a 1 on 1 chance.Three different Coyotes had two shots each.Wesleyan is back in action on Saturday, hosting Friends University at JRI Hospitality Stadium.

Late goal from Bethel forces 1-1 tie with Men's Soccer

NORTH NEWTON -- Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer bounced back from its loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan against Bethel College after KWU put together four goals to beat the Threshers 4-1.

The Coyotes came out hot and established a two goal lead within the first 10 minutes of the match. The first goal coming from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245e644b-f54f-4e8c-95df-6622486ed8c5?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;at the 7 minute mark and the second by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41585e89-b069-453f-a80b-b91a1bcbd787?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Hanna Castro</a>&nbsp;at 9 minutes. KWU remained in control and kept constant pressure the first half. The 30th minute of the first half,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2e3e2a-0401-4b8f-bd4d-e31f9f20b218?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Isabella Anderson</a>&nbsp;gave a nice assist to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e39899c-29d5-498c-a671-b3b8c0047a78?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Talia Walsh</a>&nbsp;who buried the third goal for the Coyotes to put KWU up 3-0 going into half.

Kansas Wesleyan would ride the lead for nearly the entirety of the game. Leonie Kuhrt of Bethel spoiled the shut out and found a nifty goal the 85th minute of the match to put the game at 3-1. KWU would go on and tack on one more goal at the 88th minute of play by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f7f7f9f3-cc3a-415e-962f-9a8aa4e7eba1?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;to secure the Coyote victory at 4-1.

Kansas Wesleyan improves to 9-5-1 on the season at 9-1 in KCAC play. The Coyotes will continue conference play this Saturday (October 26) as they host the Friends University Falcons at JRI Stadium (Graves Family Sports Complex) at 2:00pm.

NORTH NEWTON -- Kansas Wesleyan Women's Soccer bounced back from its loss to Oklahoma Wesleyan against Bethel College after KWU put together four goals to beat the Threshers 4-1.The Coyotes came out hot and established a two goal lead within the first 10 minutes of the match. The first goal coming from&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/245e644b-f54f-4e8c-95df-6622486ed8c5?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;at the 7 minute mark and the second by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/41585e89-b069-453f-a80b-b91a1bcbd787?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Hanna Castro</a>&nbsp;at 9 minutes. KWU remained in control and kept constant pressure the first half. The 30th minute of the first half,&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dd2e3e2a-0401-4b8f-bd4d-e31f9f20b218?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Isabella Anderson</a>&nbsp;gave a nice assist to&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/6e39899c-29d5-498c-a671-b3b8c0047a78?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Talia Walsh</a>&nbsp;who buried the third goal for the Coyotes to put KWU up 3-0 going into half.Kansas Wesleyan would ride the lead for nearly the entirety of the game. Leonie Kuhrt of Bethel spoiled the shut out and found a nifty goal the 85th minute of the match to put the game at 3-1. KWU would go on and tack on one more goal at the 88th minute of play by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f7f7f9f3-cc3a-415e-962f-9a8aa4e7eba1?elinkdata=13858" target="_blank">Maleia Jackson</a>&nbsp;to secure the Coyote victory at 4-1.Kansas Wesleyan improves to 9-5-1 on the season at 9-1 in KCAC play. The Coyotes will continue conference play this Saturday (October 26) as they host the Friends University Falcons at JRI Stadium (Graves Family Sports Complex) at 2:00pm.

KWU Women's Soccer picks up 4-1 over Bethel

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.

“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.

“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”

Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.

“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.

He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.

Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.

“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.

Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.

Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.

Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.

The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.

Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.

He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.

In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.

In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.

He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.

During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.

In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.

“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”

He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. <a href="https://t.co/MXeBlDzDWJ">pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848930562515615870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. <a href="https://t.co/zXhOF8cRCP">pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848942975432462707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.He became a U.S. citizen in 2015.Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

The Coyotes travel to Leavenworth for a Kansas Conference and Bissell Division game against Saint Mary. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.

Snyder: "Just proud of the kids, what they experienced previously and then had a good work week. We had no issues with attendance at practice, everybody was coachable, and I think you saw that carry on into at least the first half of the game. Some things we need to definitely address but it's always easier to do when you win a ballgame well.

Leonard: "I think Saturday was a really good example of that (defensive) line getting pressure and the secondary had great coverage. Same with the linebackers and it led to turnovers, it led to picks, and that's what you're looking for. It was good to see guys having fun flying around."

Snyder: "There is a saying if you have two quarterbacks you don't have one. But we're in a unique situation because you're having a kid (McNair) come back from injury and there was no way I felt comfortable starting him. You don't want to punish a kid but it's just hard to come back with the bullets flying right away so it was good to ease him back into that."

Leonard: "(Saint Mary) has a quarterback that's going to (throw the ball deep) so that's always that challenge. If you can force a team to stay in the drive, the more plays they'll have and the more challenging it is to score rather than a one-shot touchdown. So, eliminate the big plays, keep everything in front and really tackle and pursue the ball."

"Our running game is our strength. (Offensive coordinator James) Bauer preaches run, run, run - that's going to be how we win. But we've got guys that can catch the ball, we've got guys that can run (pass) routes for us and I feel like with our offensive line playing better our pass game is going to open up as well.

"We've got iPads on sidelines, so we (he and McNair) sit down on the bench and talk about what the defense was in, what he saw and what I saw. I think it's definitely a great help because we're both in that position and we both know that we can get it done."

The Coyotes travel to Leavenworth for a Kansas Conference and Bissell Division game against Saint Mary. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Saturday at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the KCAC Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93ac4fd5-940f-4bfb-91c3-6d602b5a4368?elinkdata=13809">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>. Saint Mary will be producing the game on Saturday.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4965dc7c-08f6-441b-a9a8-b67c29a50124?elinkdata=13809">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage will be on KINA starting at noon with Henry and Garretson on the call. The online radio stream is available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bb561433-5e73-4255-a2f8-1d2ed4f06885?elinkdata=13809">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 3-4 (1-0 Bissell Division)</li><li>Saint Mary 1-5 (0-1 Bissell)</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes have dominated the series in recent years, winning the last six games. KWU prevailed 17-14 last season at JRI Stadium and has an 18-4 advantage since 2001.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes trounced Avila 38-3 in their Homecoming game last Saturday at JRI Stadium. It was their first game against Gene Bissell Division opponents and first under the leadership of interim co-head coaches <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ec6a67dc-1bcc-4091-acd8-47c1c4fcf215?elinkdata=13809">Chris Snyder</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f06cd11e-e2db-4cc4-8ae5-994f74f5ca17?elinkdata=13809">David Leonard</a>.</li><li>KWU scored 21 points in the first quarter and led 35-0 at halftime. Defense paved the way limiting Avila to 180 total yards that included just four yards rushing on 31 attempts. The Coyotes forced four turnovers (three interceptions) and tied a school record with eight sacks.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3a54c69c-0f65-4858-967d-98da05a25fd0?elinkdata=13809">Richard Lara</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e68bf351-816b-4ae7-b53a-755b9fba86f0?elinkdata=13809">Byron McNair</a> alternated at quarterback. Lara started and was 7 of 11 passing for 66 yards and two touchdowns while McNair was 4 of 8 for 67 yards. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a2025591-9ea9-4965-9e38-78621a96a71b?elinkdata=13809">Luke Armstrong</a> had 93 yards rushing on 11 carries highlighted by a 42-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.</li><li>McNair threw for 292 yards and a touchdown against USM a year ago. KWU led 17-7 at halftime and held on after Saint Mary scored with 4:32 left in the game. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/3686c041-9e5a-409c-bd04-1131d6941c7d?elinkdata=13809">Jacquante Pitts</a> had four catches for 133 yards and a touchdown and Artaveon Shaver five for 88 yards for the Coyotes.</li><li>Saint Mary finished with seven yards rushing on 25 attempts - 0.3 yards per carry. KWU had five sacks and 12 tackles for loss.</li>
 </ul>SAINT MARY AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Spires lost to Ottawa 33-30 last week in Ottawa after leading 14-13 at halftime. The Braves scored the game-winning touchdown with 5:45 remaining.</li><li>USM lost its first three games of the season, defeated Bethany, and has lost its last two. The Spires are 11-27 over the past three-plus seasons.</li><li>Senior quarterback Cesar Vela leads the offense. He has completed 47 percent of his passes for 805 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He also has 192 yards rushing and two TDs. Senior running back Raymond Webster has 518 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Redshirt freshman Michael Gazzana is the top wide receiver with 22 catches for 481 yards and seven TDs.</li><li>Saint Mary averages 21 points and allows 41. The Spires average 336 total yards - 152 rushing and 184 passing. Opponents average 41 points, 277 yards rushing and 207 passing.</li><li>The Spires are coached by Lance Hinson who's in his fifth season in his second stint at USM. He previously coached there from 2005-2013.</li>
 </ul>KWU COACHES CHRIS SNYDER/DAVID LEONARDSnyder: "Just proud of the kids, what they experienced previously and then had a good work week. We had no issues with attendance at practice, everybody was coachable, and I think you saw that carry on into at least the first half of the game. Some things we need to definitely address but it's always easier to do when you win a ballgame well.Leonard: "I think Saturday was a really good example of that (defensive) line getting pressure and the secondary had great coverage. Same with the linebackers and it led to turnovers, it led to picks, and that's what you're looking for. It was good to see guys having fun flying around."Snyder: "There is a saying if you have two quarterbacks you don't have one. But we're in a unique situation because you're having a kid (McNair) come back from injury and there was no way I felt comfortable starting him. You don't want to punish a kid but it's just hard to come back with the bullets flying right away so it was good to ease him back into that."Leonard: "(Saint Mary) has a quarterback that's going to (throw the ball deep) so that's always that challenge. If you can force a team to stay in the drive, the more plays they'll have and the more challenging it is to score rather than a one-shot touchdown. So, eliminate the big plays, keep everything in front and really tackle and pursue the ball."RICHARD LARA"Our running game is our strength. (Offensive coordinator James) Bauer preaches run, run, run - that's going to be how we win. But we've got guys that can catch the ball, we've got guys that can run (pass) routes for us and I feel like with our offensive line playing better our pass game is going to open up as well."We've got iPads on sidelines, so we (he and McNair) sit down on the bench and talk about what the defense was in, what he saw and what I saw. I think it's definitely a great help because we're both in that position and we both know that we can get it done."NEXT WEEK

KWU Football heads to Leavenworth on Saturday to face Saint Mary

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1fb6551d-9619-448c-80cf-b55cbb1ab8f0?elinkdata=13785" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the NAIA National Setter of the Week for her efforts between October 14 and 20. Her selection comes from a pool of conference/Continental Athletic Conference (Independents)/unaffiliated group nominees.

Deckinger was phenomenal for the Coyotes in their win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night. Anchoring KWU's 5-1 offense, she averaged 13.5 assists per set, recording 54 total assists. She also led the team in digs with 19, averaging 4.75 per set. She was a key part in keeping balls up for the Coyotes and giving the team a chance to earn the point. She also added four service aces and had four kills.

Her floor leadership was instrumental in helping the Coyotes to the upset win.

Viterbo's Jada Mitchell and Eastern Oregon's Kiauna Mack were named as the NAIA Attacker and Defender of the Week, respectively, along with Deckinger.

KWU looks to keep momentum moving upward as the Coyotes host Bethel on Wednesday inside Mabee Arena.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas Wesleyan's&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1fb6551d-9619-448c-80cf-b55cbb1ab8f0?elinkdata=13785" target="_blank">Josie Deckinger</a>&nbsp;has been selected as the NAIA National Setter of the Week for her efforts between October 14 and 20. Her selection comes from a pool of conference/Continental Athletic Conference (Independents)/unaffiliated group nominees.Deckinger was phenomenal for the Coyotes in their win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night. Anchoring KWU's 5-1 offense, she averaged 13.5 assists per set, recording 54 total assists. She also led the team in digs with 19, averaging 4.75 per set. She was a key part in keeping balls up for the Coyotes and giving the team a chance to earn the point. She also added four service aces and had four kills.Her floor leadership was instrumental in helping the Coyotes to the upset win.Viterbo's Jada Mitchell and Eastern Oregon's Kiauna Mack were named as the NAIA Attacker and Defender of the Week, respectively, along with Deckinger.KWU looks to keep momentum moving upward as the Coyotes host Bethel on Wednesday inside Mabee Arena.

Deckinger named NAIA National Setter of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Senior cornerback Cobee Bryant added to his list of accomplishments as he was named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week, the organization announced on Tuesday.

Bryant was recently named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week and the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the week following his three-interception performance vs. Houston on Saturday.

Bryant's record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. Bryant's three interceptions matched the Kansas school record and was the first three interception performance by a Jayhawk since 1958, when Bill Crank accomplished the feat on Oct. 25, 1958, vs. Tulane.

Bryant’s three interceptions on Saturday gives him 13 for his career, which is tied for the second-most in program history with Aqib Talib (2005-07). Bryant now leads the FBS in career interceptions with 13, alongside California’s Nohl Williams.

Bryant joins Malaki Starks (Georgia), Andrew Mukuba (Texas), Jermari Harris (Iowa), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Tacario Davis (Arizona), A.J. Haulcy (Houston) and Koi Perich (Minnesota) as Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week so far this season.

The&nbsp;Paycom Jim Thorpe Award&nbsp;is&nbsp;awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.&nbsp;The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.&nbsp;The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Senior cornerback Cobee Bryant added to his list of accomplishments as he was named the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week, the organization announced on Tuesday.Bryant was recently named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week and the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the week following his three-interception performance vs. Houston on Saturday.Bryant's record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. Bryant's three interceptions matched the Kansas school record and was the first three interception performance by a Jayhawk since 1958, when Bill Crank accomplished the feat on Oct. 25, 1958, vs. Tulane.Bryant’s three interceptions on Saturday gives him 13 for his career, which is tied for the second-most in program history with Aqib Talib (2005-07). Bryant now leads the FBS in career interceptions with 13, alongside California’s Nohl Williams.Bryant joins Malaki Starks (Georgia), Andrew Mukuba (Texas), Jermari Harris (Iowa), Jermod McCoy (Tennessee), Tacario Davis (Arizona), A.J. Haulcy (Houston) and Koi Perich (Minnesota) as Jim Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week so far this season.The&nbsp;Paycom Jim Thorpe Award&nbsp;is&nbsp;awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.&nbsp;The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.&nbsp;The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.

Cobee Bryant Tabbed Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Wildcat&nbsp;Dean Wade&nbsp;will open his sixth NBA season on Tuesday night (Oct.&nbsp;22), as his Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto as the league opens its 2024-25 campaign.

A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wade has seen action in 224 games with the Cavaliers, averaging 5.2 points on 43.2 percent shooting with 3.4 rebounds per game. Last season, he played in 54 games, averaging 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, for a Cavalier team which won 48 games and made the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

Wade (2015-19) helped the Wildcats win 88 games, advance to three NCAA Tournaments, including the 2018 Elite Eight, and capture the 2018-19 Big 12 regular season title. He is one of just three Wildcats to rank in the Top 10 in both career scoring (1,510 points/10th) and rebounding (685/8th).

Several former Wildcats could emerge as 2-way players, as the G-League holds its annual draft on Saturday, Oct. 26 with training camps running from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7.&nbsp; &nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Former Wildcat&nbsp;Dean Wade&nbsp;will open his sixth NBA season on Tuesday night (Oct.&nbsp;22), as his Cleveland Cavaliers will take on the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto as the league opens its 2024-25 campaign.A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, Wade has seen action in 224 games with the Cavaliers, averaging 5.2 points on 43.2 percent shooting with 3.4 rebounds per game. Last season, he played in 54 games, averaging 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, for a Cavalier team which won 48 games and made the playoffs for the second consecutive season.Wade (2015-19) helped the Wildcats win 88 games, advance to three NCAA Tournaments, including the 2018 Elite Eight, and capture the 2018-19 Big 12 regular season title. He is one of just three Wildcats to rank in the Top 10 in both career scoring (1,510 points/10th) and rebounding (685/8th).Several former Wildcats could emerge as 2-way players, as the G-League holds its annual draft on Saturday, Oct. 26 with training camps running from Oct. 28 to Nov. 7.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Dean Wade Begins Sixth Season with Cavaliers

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior running back Devin Neal has been announced as one of 20 semifinalists for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. He was previously named to the award’s watch list on Sept. 26.

The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.

Neal becomes the third Jayhawk to be named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, joining Bryce Torneden (2019) and Joe Dineen Jr (2018). To be eligible for the award, the student-athletes, nominated by their schools, must have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.

Prior to the season, Neal was also named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award. He also earned a spot on watch lists for a pair of postseason all-star games, the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl.

Neal committed to Kansas in 2020 and wanted to be a building block for the Jayhawks. Since then, he’s helped lead the program to back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in program history. Voted a team captain this season, Neal has helped the program excel because of his leadership, and his off the field presence is equally impactful. This past year, he has helped organize a back-to-school supply drive as well as a winter coat and toy drive for kids in Lawrence.

On the field, Neal has continued to excel at a high level. This season, Neal has rushed for 692 yards and seven touchdowns on 117 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His average of 98.9 yards per game ranks among the top-20 nationally, and he’s rushed for more than 100 yards in five of KU’s seven games. Neal is the active leader among FBS players with 40 rushing touchdowns and he ranks second among active Power 4 running backs with 3,769 career rushing yards.

The hometown Lawrence, Kansas native, Neal is on the cusp of becoming Kansas football’s all-time leading rusher, needing 73 yards to pass the mark of 3,841 yards, set by June Henley from 1993-96. Neal is currently tied with Henley’s career total touchdowns record of 43 (40 rushing/3 receiving) and enters Saturday’s game one rushing touchdown shy of Henley’s career rushing touchdowns record of 41. Neal has rushed for more than 100 yards in 17 career games, which is tied for the school record held by Tony Sands from 1988-91.

Last season, Neal became the third Jayhawk in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, joining James Sims (2012-13) and Pooka Williams Jr. (2018-19). He also scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023, marking the second-highest single season total in school history and the most by a Jayhawk since 2007.

Neal is one of 20 semifinalists, including two from the Big 12 Conference. The full list of semifinalists includes: Justin Barron (Syracuse), Dylan Black (Oregon State), Brady Cook (Missouri), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), Ajani Cornelius (Oregon), Luke Deal (Auburn), Jacob Gardner (Colorado State), Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State), Seth Henigan (Memphis), Isaiah Jacobs (UAB), Jake Majors (Texas), Bru McCoy (Tennessee), Devin Neal (Kansas), Kaimon Rucker (North Carolina), Cody Simon (Ohio State), Logan Taylor (Hawai’i), Dante Trader, Jr. (Maryland), Jalon Walker (Georgia), J.J. Weaver (Kentucky) and Jackson Woodard (UNLV).

Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16, with the winner to be announced at the award ceremony at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.

Last year, Mike Hollins of Virginia won the seventh annual award. The first six Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year awards were presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF in 2017, D'Cota Dixon of Wisconsin in 2018, Trey Smith of Tennessee in 2019, Sam Ehlinger of Texas in 2020, Joshua Paschal of Kentucky in 2021 and Deslin Alexandre of Pittsburgh in 2022.

In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.

The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior running back Devin Neal has been announced as one of 20 semifinalists for the eighth annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. He was previously named to the award’s watch list on Sept. 26.The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career.Neal becomes the third Jayhawk to be named a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, joining Bryce Torneden (2019) and Joe Dineen Jr (2018). To be eligible for the award, the student-athletes, nominated by their schools, must have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field.Prior to the season, Neal was also named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award. He also earned a spot on watch lists for a pair of postseason all-star games, the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl.Neal committed to Kansas in 2020 and wanted to be a building block for the Jayhawks. Since then, he’s helped lead the program to back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in program history. Voted a team captain this season, Neal has helped the program excel because of his leadership, and his off the field presence is equally impactful. This past year, he has helped organize a back-to-school supply drive as well as a winter coat and toy drive for kids in Lawrence.On the field, Neal has continued to excel at a high level. This season, Neal has rushed for 692 yards and seven touchdowns on 117 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His average of 98.9 yards per game ranks among the top-20 nationally, and he’s rushed for more than 100 yards in five of KU’s seven games. Neal is the active leader among FBS players with 40 rushing touchdowns and he ranks second among active Power 4 running backs with 3,769 career rushing yards.The hometown Lawrence, Kansas native, Neal is on the cusp of becoming Kansas football’s all-time leading rusher, needing 73 yards to pass the mark of 3,841 yards, set by June Henley from 1993-96. Neal is currently tied with Henley’s career total touchdowns record of 43 (40 rushing/3 receiving) and enters Saturday’s game one rushing touchdown shy of Henley’s career rushing touchdowns record of 41. Neal has rushed for more than 100 yards in 17 career games, which is tied for the school record held by Tony Sands from 1988-91.Last season, Neal became the third Jayhawk in school history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, joining James Sims (2012-13) and Pooka Williams Jr. (2018-19). He also scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 2023, marking the second-highest single season total in school history and the most by a Jayhawk since 2007.Neal is one of 20 semifinalists, including two from the Big 12 Conference. The full list of semifinalists includes: Justin Barron (Syracuse), Dylan Black (Oregon State), Brady Cook (Missouri), Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati), Ajani Cornelius (Oregon), Luke Deal (Auburn), Jacob Gardner (Colorado State), Ahmed Hassanein (Boise State), Seth Henigan (Memphis), Isaiah Jacobs (UAB), Jake Majors (Texas), Bru McCoy (Tennessee), Devin Neal (Kansas), Kaimon Rucker (North Carolina), Cody Simon (Ohio State), Logan Taylor (Hawai’i), Dante Trader, Jr. (Maryland), Jalon Walker (Georgia), J.J. Weaver (Kentucky) and Jackson Woodard (UNLV).Three finalists will be named for the award on Monday, December 16, with the winner to be announced at the award ceremony at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on February 12, 2025.Last year, Mike Hollins of Virginia won the seventh annual award. The first six Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year awards were presented to Shaquem Griffin of UCF in 2017, D'Cota Dixon of Wisconsin in 2018, Trey Smith of Tennessee in 2019, Sam Ehlinger of Texas in 2020, Joshua Paschal of Kentucky in 2021 and Deslin Alexandre of Pittsburgh in 2022.In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.The winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year will also receive a $10,000 contribution in his name to his school's athletic scholarship fund. The contribution will be made by Jason Witten's SCORE Foundation, the official charity of Jason and his wife Michelle.

Devin Neal Named a Semifinalist for the Jason Witten Man of the Year Award

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following a record-setting performance in Kansas' 42-14 victory over Houston, Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant was named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced on Tuesday.

Bryant is now just the seventh Big 12 player to accomplish the feat in a conference game and the first since Allen Chapman did it for Kansas State in 2012.

For his efforts, Bryant was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in his career on Monday. He was also chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week and the Reese's Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant entered the game with 10 career interceptions, which was tied for fifth in school history. With each interception he climbed another spot on the all-time chart. He is now tied for the second most in school history with Aqib Talib, who also had 13 career interceptions at Kansas from 2005-07. Bryant is also tied for the most career interceptions among active FBS players, sharing the top spot with California's Nohl Williams.

Prior to the season, Bryant was one of 75 defensive standouts named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. He has since recorded four interceptions, which is tied for the Big 12 lead and ranks second nationally, while also totaling 23 tackles (16 solo, 7 assist), 2.0 tackles for loss, four passes defended and one forced fumble.

Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2024 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated on Dec. 9 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Following a record-setting performance in Kansas' 42-14 victory over Houston, Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant was named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced on Tuesday.Bryant's record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. Bryant's three interceptions matched the Kansas school record and was the first three interception performance by a Jayhawk since 1958, when Bill Crank accomplished the feat on Oct. 25, 1958, vs. Tulane.Bryant is now just the seventh Big 12 player to accomplish the feat in a conference game and the first since Allen Chapman did it for Kansas State in 2012.For his efforts, Bryant was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in his career on Monday. He was also chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week and the Reese's Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week.A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant entered the game with 10 career interceptions, which was tied for fifth in school history. With each interception he climbed another spot on the all-time chart. He is now tied for the second most in school history with Aqib Talib, who also had 13 career interceptions at Kansas from 2005-07. Bryant is also tied for the most career interceptions among active FBS players, sharing the top spot with California's Nohl Williams.Prior to the season, Bryant was one of 75 defensive standouts named to the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. He has since recorded four interceptions, which is tied for the Big 12 lead and ranks second nationally, while also totaling 23 tackles (16 solo, 7 assist), 2.0 tackles for loss, four passes defended and one forced fumble.Each week during the regular season, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week since 2001. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 20. The national defensive player of the year will be chosen from those finalists who are part of the 2024 FWAA All-America Team and presented with the trophy at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet presented by Coca-Cola Consolidated on Dec. 9 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Cobee Bryant Named Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a42dee3e-68b8-45b1-926b-9a34a28bcb60?elinkdata=13761">Gianna Adriaanse</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/908131c6-6ecb-4b63-9e6e-c62405e1fb74?elinkdata=13761">Josie Deckinger</a> have earned this week's KCAC Women's Volleyball Attacker and Setter of the Week honors, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from Oct. 14-20 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06ca9fe6-c27a-44f0-b947-ec2494079345?elinkdata=13761">Equity Bank</a>.

Adriaanse had a phenomenal match for the Coyotes, averaging 4.00 kills per set, while hitting .341 as KWU upset No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night. Gianna was a catalyst for the Coyotes when the team needed a momentum boost, putting down kills or getting blocks at key moments. Her solo block won the first set for the Coyotes and her assisted block helped the Coyotes win the third set.

Deckinger was huge for the Coyotes in their win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan. Running a 5-1 offense for the Coyotes, she averaged 13.5 assists per set. She also led the team in digs with 19, averaging 4.75 per set. She also added four service aces and had four kills. Josie's leadership on the floor was instrumental for the Coyotes to get the victory over the Eagles.

The Coyotes picked up a four-set win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night.

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan's <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/a42dee3e-68b8-45b1-926b-9a34a28bcb60?elinkdata=13761">Gianna Adriaanse</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/908131c6-6ecb-4b63-9e6e-c62405e1fb74?elinkdata=13761">Josie Deckinger</a> have earned this week's KCAC Women's Volleyball Attacker and Setter of the Week honors, respectively, the conference office announced Monday. The two student-athletes were selected for their performances from Oct. 14-20 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/06ca9fe6-c27a-44f0-b947-ec2494079345?elinkdata=13761">Equity Bank</a>.Adriaanse had a phenomenal match for the Coyotes, averaging 4.00 kills per set, while hitting .341 as KWU upset No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night. Gianna was a catalyst for the Coyotes when the team needed a momentum boost, putting down kills or getting blocks at key moments. Her solo block won the first set for the Coyotes and her assisted block helped the Coyotes win the third set.Deckinger was huge for the Coyotes in their win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan. Running a 5-1 offense for the Coyotes, she averaged 13.5 assists per set. She also led the team in digs with 19, averaging 4.75 per set. She also added four service aces and had four kills. Josie's leadership on the floor was instrumental for the Coyotes to get the victory over the Eagles.The Coyotes picked up a four-set win over No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan on Friday night.

Adriaanse and Deckinger earn KCAC Women's Volleyball weekly honors

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Single-game tickets for K-State's matchup with Drake at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City are now on sale.&nbsp;

Single-game tickets start at $25 (upper sides), while lower-level tickets start at $30. There are several 4-pack ticket rates available, including $70 for the upper-side and lower-level ends and $100 for the lower-level corner seats.&nbsp;K-State utilizes dynamic pricing, and prices may increase or decrease throughout the season due to demand.&nbsp;

To create an unmatched home atmosphere for the Wildcat Classic, the athletics department will also be holding a stripe out for the game, as all fans are encouraged to wear purple and white attire depending on their ticket location. A map is attached&nbsp;<a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/kstate.sidearmsports.com/images/2024/10/21/KState_StripOutTMobile.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to check your ticket location.

Fans can purchase these tickets in a variety of ways, including toll free at (800) 221.CATS (2287) and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;

Information on student tickets will be announced at a later date.&nbsp;Last season, the Wildcats sold out the arena for its 69-60 win over in-state rival Wichita State.

Single-game tickets for K-State's 16 home games in Bramlage Coliseum are also on sale now.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Single-game tickets for K-State's matchup with Drake at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, in the Wildcat Classic at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City are now on sale.&nbsp;Single-game tickets start at $25 (upper sides), while lower-level tickets start at $30. There are several 4-pack ticket rates available, including $70 for the upper-side and lower-level ends and $100 for the lower-level corner seats.&nbsp;K-State utilizes dynamic pricing, and prices may increase or decrease throughout the season due to demand.&nbsp;To create an unmatched home atmosphere for the Wildcat Classic, the athletics department will also be holding a stripe out for the game, as all fans are encouraged to wear purple and white attire depending on their ticket location. A map is attached&nbsp;<a href="https://dxbhsrqyrr690.cloudfront.net/sidearm.nextgen.sites/kstate.sidearmsports.com/images/2024/10/21/KState_StripOutTMobile.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;to check your ticket location.Fans can purchase these tickets in a variety of ways, including toll free at (800) 221.CATS (2287) and online at&nbsp;<a href="http://kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;Information on student tickets will be announced at a later date.&nbsp;Last season, the Wildcats sold out the arena for its 69-60 win over in-state rival Wichita State.Single-game tickets for K-State's 16 home games in Bramlage Coliseum are also on sale now.&nbsp;

Tickets for the Wildcat Classic in Kansas City on Sale

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;One of the nation’s longest FBS rivalries is set to take place as the Kansas Jayhawks travel to Manhattan, Kansas to take on the No. 16 Kansas State Wildcats in the 122nd&nbsp;Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott (Play-by-Play), Sam Acho (Analyst) and Taylor Davis (Sideline) on the call.

The Kansas vs. Kansas State rivalry dates back to 1902 and is the ninth most-played rivalry in FBS as the two teams square off for the 122nd time on Saturday. The Jayhawks hold the all-time series advantage at 65-51-5, while the two teams are tied at 28-28-3 in games played in Manhattan all-time.

The Kansas Jayhawks (2-5, 1-3 Big 12) enter week nine of the college football season following a 42-14 victory over Houston on Homecoming at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19. Kansas benefitted from 467 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) from redshirt junior quarterback Jalon Daniels, who completed 16-of-21 passing for 247 yards and a season-high three touchdowns in the win. Daniels finished with a passing efficiency of 222.1, which led all quarterbacks last week nationally and is the second highest of his career (258.33 vs. Duke, 2022).

Kansas’ defense came up big, forcing four interceptions, including a school record-tying three interceptions by senior cornerback Cobee Bryant. Bryant’s three interceptions are the most by a Big 12 defender since Kansas State’s Allen Chapman picked off three passes on Nov. 3, 2012. The Jayhawks were causing havoc to the Houston offense all day long, forcing 6.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles-for-loss, the most tackles-for-loss in a Big 12 Conference game since Oct. 28, 2017, vs. Kansas State.

The Jayhawks remain among the best in the country in several statistical categories, tying for first nationally in third down conversion percentage (42-of-84, 50%) and redzone offense (24-of-24, 100%), while Kansas’ rush offense averages 213.3 yards per game, and the Jayhawk defense has forced 13 turnovers, good for 20th nationally.

The Kansas State Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) clinched bowl eligibility with a 45-18 victory at West Virginia last week, in a game that sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson threw for a career-high 298 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-29 passing. Johnson connected with nine different receivers in the win, while running back DJ Giddens reached the endzone twice on 19 carries for 57 yards.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;One of the nation’s longest FBS rivalries is set to take place as the Kansas Jayhawks travel to Manhattan, Kansas to take on the No. 16 Kansas State Wildcats in the 122nd&nbsp;Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott (Play-by-Play), Sam Acho (Analyst) and Taylor Davis (Sideline) on the call.The Kansas vs. Kansas State rivalry dates back to 1902 and is the ninth most-played rivalry in FBS as the two teams square off for the 122nd time on Saturday. The Jayhawks hold the all-time series advantage at 65-51-5, while the two teams are tied at 28-28-3 in games played in Manhattan all-time.The Kansas Jayhawks (2-5, 1-3 Big 12) enter week nine of the college football season following a 42-14 victory over Houston on Homecoming at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 19. Kansas benefitted from 467 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) from redshirt junior quarterback Jalon Daniels, who completed 16-of-21 passing for 247 yards and a season-high three touchdowns in the win. Daniels finished with a passing efficiency of 222.1, which led all quarterbacks last week nationally and is the second highest of his career (258.33 vs. Duke, 2022).Kansas’ defense came up big, forcing four interceptions, including a school record-tying three interceptions by senior cornerback Cobee Bryant. Bryant’s three interceptions are the most by a Big 12 defender since Kansas State’s Allen Chapman picked off three passes on Nov. 3, 2012. The Jayhawks were causing havoc to the Houston offense all day long, forcing 6.0 sacks and 12.0 tackles-for-loss, the most tackles-for-loss in a Big 12 Conference game since Oct. 28, 2017, vs. Kansas State.The Jayhawks remain among the best in the country in several statistical categories, tying for first nationally in third down conversion percentage (42-of-84, 50%) and redzone offense (24-of-24, 100%), while Kansas’ rush offense averages 213.3 yards per game, and the Jayhawk defense has forced 13 turnovers, good for 20th nationally.The Kansas State Wildcats (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) clinched bowl eligibility with a 45-18 victory at West Virginia last week, in a game that sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson threw for a career-high 298 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-29 passing. Johnson connected with nine different receivers in the win, while running back DJ Giddens reached the endzone twice on 19 carries for 57 yards.

Kansas Set for 122nd Dillons Sunflower Showdown vs. No. 16 Kansas State

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“(I) don’t have any final injury report for you. I’d tell you (Jaylen) Watson, it’s not going to be good, and he won’t be ready this week. JuJu (Smith-Schuster) won’t be ready this week, so two different things there. As far as the game goes, I liked what I saw as far as just the team effort, all three phases contributed. We’ve got some things (that) we can obviously work on, on both sides of the ball, special teams-wise, likewise but there were some real positives that we can take out of the game. We rushed, obviously, for a lot of yards offensively. Defensively, we – against a strong offense we were able to hold them in their rush yards and hold them relatively and likewise, in the pass game with the three turnovers. That was big. Then, special teams-wise, Mecole (Hardman) had – again, a nice (punt) return there. (Matt) Araiza was really punting the ball well field position-wise, I thought (that) was a positive. I thought – defensively, I thought Chris Jones just – as he’s done every game – has just been really a dominate force. People know that, I mean, the Raiders will know it, too. They’ve played against him before, but this guy is playing at that MVP level – defensive MVP level. He takes a lot of pride in being the best and right now, he’s doing that, he’s showing that. Offensively, again, there was some good individual things that took place with Kareem (Hunt) and the other running backs I thought really ran hard. Pat (Patrick Mahomes) had some big time runs for us, (in the) pass game we’ve got to get a couple things worked out, but we’ll get that taken care of. (Travis) Kelce had another productive game, as did Noah (Gray) and that combination was good for us yesterday as we went through the game. Again, all in all, on both lines (offensive and defensive), I thought both sides of the ball did a nice job and that is really where everything starts and (where) your production starts on both sides. It makes the secondary and linebackers look (good) on the defensive side, and it makes the receivers, tight ends and running backs look good on the offensive side so, with that, (the) time’s yours.”

Q: What impresses you about Travis Kelce’s ability as a blocker?

REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Travis Kelce) so willing to do that (block). He just wants to win is what he wants to do and make sure that we’re doing well offensively. He’s not selfish (in) that way, he just wants to be in there, right? He wants to be in and playing and as a result – if you take out the offensive lineman out of the picture – he’s always one of the top play per game guy and that’s him and he prepares that way during the week. He busts his tail during the week and part of that is the run game and he makes sure that he stays on top of that.”

Q: How much talk has there been about elevating a receiver from the practice squad?

REID:&nbsp;“Really, all those guys on the practice squad we’ve got a lot of trust in and feel good about. We’ve talked about it a little bit (but) I’m going to get with (General Manager Brett) Veach here after we’re done, and we’ll go through everything. I just came out of an offensive meeting (and) I had a chance to talk to those guys (and) see what their (offensive coaches) thoughts were. We’ll see. I haven’t had a chance to really get with Veach on it.”

Q:&nbsp;You mentioned Chris Jones is playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level. What would it mean to you, Chris and the organization for him to get that award and how much do you have to campaign for Chris since there’s so much that he does that doesn’t show up in a box score?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Matt (Derrick), I mean everybody goes off of sacks. You kind of know that they look at sacks first, but what he (Chris Jones) does in the run game and the pass game, to me, is what constitutes somebody for that spot. Listen, he’s done this over and over, a number of years here and he’s been close to the number of votes in that award with (former Rams Defensive Tackle) Aaron (Donald). Now, the thing that’s amazing is, here he is at this age and getting paid what he’s being paid, and the joker just comes out and goes 100 miles an hour every play that he’s in - pass and run - and he’s dominated at that. You know he’s everybody’s target. He’ll be the Raiders target this week from an offensive standpoint, but he works through that. (Defensive Line Coach) Joe Cullen helps him with that, (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags helps him with that, but the kid’s there every day and then every week and so I get to see that.”

Q:&nbsp;How much of the management of some of this rookie class has been with the understanding and the expectation that you’ll play a 20+ game season and wanting to make sure they don’t hit that rookie wall?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, there is a rookie wall that the guys can hit at times. We try to manage that the best we can. We’ve had pretty good success with it with the young guys where we can kind of get them through that phase, but the guys are – they’re working hard, they’re contributing in the games. Then, we’ll just – as the college season goes on, I’m always – you start getting around that bowl time in there and guys – that’s when they go, ‘Oh jeez, we still have seven games left or six games left,’ and that’s kind of where you have to look at but we try to do a good job of working them through all that.”

Q:&nbsp;Where do you feel like the ability to win close games has kind of happened for you guys over time?

REID:&nbsp;“I think it starts with your locker room, your coaches and just how do the guys like each other (and) like playing together and then that whole trust thing that they develop with each other I think is important. Everything’s not going to be roses when you’re playing. You’re going to have ups and downs in games. Very few teams go and win every game during a season, so you literally take it game by game and make sure you’re taking care of business this week. I think the locker room has a big part of that (and) the coaches added too, with everything is a big part of that.”

Q:&nbsp;What did it mean to see Tate and Dawson play each other? How was it to see Tate throw the game-winning touchdown?

REID:&nbsp;“How ‘bout him, man? Both those guys, jeez – playing opposite of each other, that was something. They’re both great kids, but Tate’s a gamer and he’s been that since he was a little shooter and now KU is going to get a good player from all this. It was great. That was a big game for both teams and they love playing against each other. It was great to have all the support out there and it was hard for all of us to – you can’t root for one side. You have to go right down the middle because these kids have been at our training camp (and) we all love them. They’ve worked our training camps, and you get to know them and you know they’re fighting their tails off to beat up on each other a little bit.”

Q: The snap count indicates that Nazeeh Johnson will be the first option to replace Jaylen Watson. What have you and Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo seen from him that gives you the confidence that there will be no drop off with him stepping in?

REID:&nbsp;“Every week he’s (Nazeeh Johnson) gotten better and stronger and so that’s the main thing. He’s a good player. Just that he has the confidence in his leg and the leg’s strong and that just happens by playing. Every week it’s been a positive going forward and he’s ready for the spot. 2’s (Joshua Williams) also been in there, he’s done it, so he knows what it takes. Two different body types and we’ll need both of them and they both need to step up. (Jaylen) Watson was having a heck of a year. Now these guys have an opportunity here to step in and do the same.”

Q: How do you stay prepared when players go down in the game and you have to adjust your gameplan?

REID:&nbsp;“The coaches I think do a good job with rotating guys in during practice, making sure that everybody knows everybody’s spot and that you can function. Yesterday was smooth, (Wide Receivers Coach) Connor’s (Embree) got a big part of that on his plate because he does all those substitutions and trying to get everybody in on time and moving them around is not an easy task when people go down. He did a good job the last couple weeks with that, just making sure things ran smoothly, the calls were easy, personnel-wise (and) getting them in. I give him most of the credit there.”

Q: What goes into the conversation on running a fake on fourth down? How much of that is discussed during the week versus an in-game decision?

REID:&nbsp;“That one we thought we had something there and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) had practiced it this week and I was aware of it, and he made me aware of it during the game so I was aware that it was going to take place with a certain look. They gave us the look and you know, we have to do a little better job executing it. Trying to stay aggressive, especially against that crew there, they’re a good football team.”

Q: How unique is it to have your best players seemingly be unselfish? What does that mean to the culture of your team as you get through a long season?

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesOctober 21, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“(I) don’t have any final injury report for you. I’d tell you (Jaylen) Watson, it’s not going to be good, and he won’t be ready this week. JuJu (Smith-Schuster) won’t be ready this week, so two different things there. As far as the game goes, I liked what I saw as far as just the team effort, all three phases contributed. We’ve got some things (that) we can obviously work on, on both sides of the ball, special teams-wise, likewise but there were some real positives that we can take out of the game. We rushed, obviously, for a lot of yards offensively. Defensively, we – against a strong offense we were able to hold them in their rush yards and hold them relatively and likewise, in the pass game with the three turnovers. That was big. Then, special teams-wise, Mecole (Hardman) had – again, a nice (punt) return there. (Matt) Araiza was really punting the ball well field position-wise, I thought (that) was a positive. I thought – defensively, I thought Chris Jones just – as he’s done every game – has just been really a dominate force. People know that, I mean, the Raiders will know it, too. They’ve played against him before, but this guy is playing at that MVP level – defensive MVP level. He takes a lot of pride in being the best and right now, he’s doing that, he’s showing that. Offensively, again, there was some good individual things that took place with Kareem (Hunt) and the other running backs I thought really ran hard. Pat (Patrick Mahomes) had some big time runs for us, (in the) pass game we’ve got to get a couple things worked out, but we’ll get that taken care of. (Travis) Kelce had another productive game, as did Noah (Gray) and that combination was good for us yesterday as we went through the game. Again, all in all, on both lines (offensive and defensive), I thought both sides of the ball did a nice job and that is really where everything starts and (where) your production starts on both sides. It makes the secondary and linebackers look (good) on the defensive side, and it makes the receivers, tight ends and running backs look good on the offensive side so, with that, (the) time’s yours.”Q: What impresses you about Travis Kelce’s ability as a blocker?REID:&nbsp;“He’s (Travis Kelce) so willing to do that (block). He just wants to win is what he wants to do and make sure that we’re doing well offensively. He’s not selfish (in) that way, he just wants to be in there, right? He wants to be in and playing and as a result – if you take out the offensive lineman out of the picture – he’s always one of the top play per game guy and that’s him and he prepares that way during the week. He busts his tail during the week and part of that is the run game and he makes sure that he stays on top of that.”Q: How much talk has there been about elevating a receiver from the practice squad?REID:&nbsp;“Really, all those guys on the practice squad we’ve got a lot of trust in and feel good about. We’ve talked about it a little bit (but) I’m going to get with (General Manager Brett) Veach here after we’re done, and we’ll go through everything. I just came out of an offensive meeting (and) I had a chance to talk to those guys (and) see what their (offensive coaches) thoughts were. We’ll see. I haven’t had a chance to really get with Veach on it.”Q:&nbsp;You mentioned Chris Jones is playing at a Defensive Player of the Year level. What would it mean to you, Chris and the organization for him to get that award and how much do you have to campaign for Chris since there’s so much that he does that doesn’t show up in a box score?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, Matt (Derrick), I mean everybody goes off of sacks. You kind of know that they look at sacks first, but what he (Chris Jones) does in the run game and the pass game, to me, is what constitutes somebody for that spot. Listen, he’s done this over and over, a number of years here and he’s been close to the number of votes in that award with (former Rams Defensive Tackle) Aaron (Donald). Now, the thing that’s amazing is, here he is at this age and getting paid what he’s being paid, and the joker just comes out and goes 100 miles an hour every play that he’s in - pass and run - and he’s dominated at that. You know he’s everybody’s target. He’ll be the Raiders target this week from an offensive standpoint, but he works through that. (Defensive Line Coach) Joe Cullen helps him with that, (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags helps him with that, but the kid’s there every day and then every week and so I get to see that.”Q:&nbsp;How much of the management of some of this rookie class has been with the understanding and the expectation that you’ll play a 20+ game season and wanting to make sure they don’t hit that rookie wall?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, there is a rookie wall that the guys can hit at times. We try to manage that the best we can. We’ve had pretty good success with it with the young guys where we can kind of get them through that phase, but the guys are – they’re working hard, they’re contributing in the games. Then, we’ll just – as the college season goes on, I’m always – you start getting around that bowl time in there and guys – that’s when they go, ‘Oh jeez, we still have seven games left or six games left,’ and that’s kind of where you have to look at but we try to do a good job of working them through all that.”Q:&nbsp;Where do you feel like the ability to win close games has kind of happened for you guys over time?REID:&nbsp;“I think it starts with your locker room, your coaches and just how do the guys like each other (and) like playing together and then that whole trust thing that they develop with each other I think is important. Everything’s not going to be roses when you’re playing. You’re going to have ups and downs in games. Very few teams go and win every game during a season, so you literally take it game by game and make sure you’re taking care of business this week. I think the locker room has a big part of that (and) the coaches added too, with everything is a big part of that.”Q:&nbsp;What did it mean to see Tate and Dawson play each other? How was it to see Tate throw the game-winning touchdown?REID:&nbsp;“How ‘bout him, man? Both those guys, jeez – playing opposite of each other, that was something. They’re both great kids, but Tate’s a gamer and he’s been that since he was a little shooter and now KU is going to get a good player from all this. It was great. That was a big game for both teams and they love playing against each other. It was great to have all the support out there and it was hard for all of us to – you can’t root for one side. You have to go right down the middle because these kids have been at our training camp (and) we all love them. They’ve worked our training camps, and you get to know them and you know they’re fighting their tails off to beat up on each other a little bit.”Q: The snap count indicates that Nazeeh Johnson will be the first option to replace Jaylen Watson. What have you and Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo seen from him that gives you the confidence that there will be no drop off with him stepping in?REID:&nbsp;“Every week he’s (Nazeeh Johnson) gotten better and stronger and so that’s the main thing. He’s a good player. Just that he has the confidence in his leg and the leg’s strong and that just happens by playing. Every week it’s been a positive going forward and he’s ready for the spot. 2’s (Joshua Williams) also been in there, he’s done it, so he knows what it takes. Two different body types and we’ll need both of them and they both need to step up. (Jaylen) Watson was having a heck of a year. Now these guys have an opportunity here to step in and do the same.”Q: How do you stay prepared when players go down in the game and you have to adjust your gameplan?REID:&nbsp;“The coaches I think do a good job with rotating guys in during practice, making sure that everybody knows everybody’s spot and that you can function. Yesterday was smooth, (Wide Receivers Coach) Connor’s (Embree) got a big part of that on his plate because he does all those substitutions and trying to get everybody in on time and moving them around is not an easy task when people go down. He did a good job the last couple weeks with that, just making sure things ran smoothly, the calls were easy, personnel-wise (and) getting them in. I give him most of the credit there.”Q: What goes into the conversation on running a fake on fourth down? How much of that is discussed during the week versus an in-game decision?REID:&nbsp;“That one we thought we had something there and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave (Toub) had practiced it this week and I was aware of it, and he made me aware of it during the game so I was aware that it was going to take place with a certain look. They gave us the look and you know, we have to do a little better job executing it. Trying to stay aggressive, especially against that crew there, they’re a good football team.”Q: How unique is it to have your best players seemingly be unselfish? What does that mean to the culture of your team as you get through a long season?

Chiefs Quotes: 10-21-24

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 2 contest at Houston inside TDECU Stadium will start at 2:30 p.m. and be shown on FOX.

It will be the Wildcats’ first afternoon kick of the year and third daytime game as the Tulane and Oklahoma State contests each kicked off at 11 a.m. Kansas State won the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Wildcats and Cougars a year ago, a 41-0 shutout win in Manhattan on October 28.

The game at Houston follows the Wildcats’ Homecoming contest, the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas, this Saturday, a 7 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium that will be shown on ESPN2.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and FOX Sports announced Monday that Kansas State’s November 2 contest at Houston inside TDECU Stadium will start at 2:30 p.m. and be shown on FOX.It will be the Wildcats’ first afternoon kick of the year and third daytime game as the Tulane and Oklahoma State contests each kicked off at 11 a.m. Kansas State won the first-ever meeting on the gridiron between the Wildcats and Cougars a year ago, a 41-0 shutout win in Manhattan on October 28.The game at Houston follows the Wildcats’ Homecoming contest, the Dillons Sunflower Showdown against Kansas, this Saturday, a 7 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium that will be shown on ESPN2.

K-State’s Game at Houston Set for Afternoon Kick

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following a standout three interception performance in Kansas’ 42-14 victory over Houston, the conference announced Monday.

Bryant’s record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. After Kansas scored a touchdown on its opening drive, Bryant ended Houston’s first drive of the day near midfield by intercepting UH starting quarterback Zeon Chriss and returning it into Cougar territory. The interception set up a one-play scoring drive for Kansas and allowed the Jayhawks to take an early 14-0 lead.

Kansas led 28-14 near the end of the first half, when Houston got the ball back and was threatening to score before Bryant struck for the second time. This time, he intercepted UH backup Donovan Smith to end a threat after the Cougars moved into Jayhawk territory. Bryant’s third pick came on Houston’s next possession, a seven-play drive to open the second half. The Cougars attempted a trick play, but Smith again found Bryant, who made a diving interception at the Kansas 5-yard line.

This was the first time that Bryant has recorded multiple interceptions in a game during his standout career. He is the first Jayhawk to record multiple interceptions since Hasan Defense at West Virginia in 2018, while becoming the fourth player in school history with three interceptions in a game. The three players who shared the record before Saturday all played at Kansas during the 1950’s, with the most recent player to accomplish the feat being Bill Crank, who had three interceptions in a game vs. Tulane on Oct. 25, 1958. Bryant is also just the just the seventh Big 12 player to accomplish the feat in a conference game and the first since Allen Chapman picked off three passes for Kansas State on Nov. 3, 2012.

With his three interceptions on Saturday, Bryant now has 13 career interceptions, which is tied for the second most in school history, tying Aqib Talib (13, 2005-07). &nbsp;

This is the second career Big 12 weekly honor for Bryant, who previously won the award on Sept. 25, 2023, for his efforts in a 38-27 victory over BYU. Bryant is the first Jayhawk to earn a Big 12 award this season and the first overall since Trevor Wilson was named the Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 9, 2023.

Additionally on Monday morning, Bryant was chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week and the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Both awards recognize all-star game eligible players for displaying the most NFL traits that week.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following a standout three interception performance in Kansas’ 42-14 victory over Houston, the conference announced Monday.Bryant’s record-setting day included tying the single-game school record with three interceptions, while adding three tackles (two solo, one assist) and one tackle-for-loss. After Kansas scored a touchdown on its opening drive, Bryant ended Houston’s first drive of the day near midfield by intercepting UH starting quarterback Zeon Chriss and returning it into Cougar territory. The interception set up a one-play scoring drive for Kansas and allowed the Jayhawks to take an early 14-0 lead.Kansas led 28-14 near the end of the first half, when Houston got the ball back and was threatening to score before Bryant struck for the second time. This time, he intercepted UH backup Donovan Smith to end a threat after the Cougars moved into Jayhawk territory. Bryant’s third pick came on Houston’s next possession, a seven-play drive to open the second half. The Cougars attempted a trick play, but Smith again found Bryant, who made a diving interception at the Kansas 5-yard line.This was the first time that Bryant has recorded multiple interceptions in a game during his standout career. He is the first Jayhawk to record multiple interceptions since Hasan Defense at West Virginia in 2018, while becoming the fourth player in school history with three interceptions in a game. The three players who shared the record before Saturday all played at Kansas during the 1950’s, with the most recent player to accomplish the feat being Bill Crank, who had three interceptions in a game vs. Tulane on Oct. 25, 1958. Bryant is also just the just the seventh Big 12 player to accomplish the feat in a conference game and the first since Allen Chapman picked off three passes for Kansas State on Nov. 3, 2012.With his three interceptions on Saturday, Bryant now has 13 career interceptions, which is tied for the second most in school history, tying Aqib Talib (13, 2005-07). &nbsp;This is the second career Big 12 weekly honor for Bryant, who previously won the award on Sept. 25, 2023, for his efforts in a 38-27 victory over BYU. Bryant is the first Jayhawk to earn a Big 12 award this season and the first overall since Trevor Wilson was named the Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 9, 2023.Additionally on Monday morning, Bryant was chosen as the East-West Shrine Bowl Breakout Defensive Player of the Week and the Reese’s Senior Bowl Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Both awards recognize all-star game eligible players for displaying the most NFL traits that week.

Historic Performance Garners Cobee Bryant Big 12 Weekly Honor

Kansas at&nbsp;16/16&nbsp;K-State Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024 Kickoff: 7 p.m. Location: Manhattan, Kan. Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000) Series: Kansas Leads, 64-52-5

TV: ESPN2 (<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/9e464acf-4852-4b2d-bdc4-c866527a3034" target="_blank">watch</a>) Roy Philpott (Play-by-Play) Sam Acho (Analyst) Taylor Davis (Sidelines)

Radio: K-State Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">Listen</a>) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines) SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 83, and on the SiriusXM App <a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a> X Updates: @KStateFB and @KStateStatsInfo

1)&nbsp;Following a second-straight road conference win, 16th-ranked Kansas State returns home for the first time in a month as the Wildcats host in-state rival KU in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The sold-out game, which starts at 7 p.m., will be shown nationally on ESPN2 with Roy Philpott (play-by-play), Sam Acho (analyst) and Taylor Davis (sidelines) on the call.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to make his ninth career start and has thrown for 1,401 yards and 14 touchdowns on 111-of-178 aim while adding 306 rushing yards and two TDs. He is one of only seven quarterbacks in the country and the only Big 12 signal caller with at least 1,400 passing yards and 300 rushing yards this season and is coming off a career-best 298 yards through the air at West Virginia.

3)&nbsp;Junior running back DJ Giddens has rushed for 843 yards and four touchdowns on 127 carries to go along with 11 receptions for 182 yards and another score. Giddens ranks 10th nationally by averaging 120.4 rushing yards per game, while he is seventh in the nation in scrimmage yards per game (146.4). Giddens has averaged 6.6 yards per rush this season, which ranks 14th in the country.

4)&nbsp;Kansas State has nine players with 20 or more tackles this season, led by linebacker Austin Romaine, whose 51 tackles are tied for 11th in the Big 12. Senior defensive end Brendan Mott has 8.5 TFLs and 7.0 sacks, the latter ranking seventh in the nation. Five Wildcats have carded an interception this season in VJ Payne (2), Jacob Parrish, Marques Sigle (2), Jack Fabris and Keenan Garber.

5)&nbsp;Chris Tennant has been true on 10-of-12 field goals with his only misses coming from distances of 48 and 53 yards. Simon McClannan has averaged 42.5 yards per punt this season to rank fourth in the Big 12, while his nine punts that have ended inside the opponent 20-yard line are tied for third in the league. Dylan Edwards enters the game ranked 12th nationally with a 14.1-yard punt return average.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS222.9&nbsp;– Rushing yards per game this year by Kansas State, which ranks 10th in the nation and second in the Big 12.

142&nbsp;– Big 12 victories by K-State since the conference's inception in 1996, the most among active programs.

10&nbsp;– National ranking of quarterback Avery Johnson with four completions of 50-plus yards this season.

6.6&nbsp;– Average yards per play this season for the Wildcats against FBS competition, which leads the Big 12 Conference.

6.22&nbsp;– Rushing yards per carry by K-State, which ranks third in the nation and is tops in the Big 12.

• Coming off its first bye of the year, K-State earned a 31-28 triumph at Colorado before traveling to Morgantown and handling West Virginia, 45-18.

• Against the Mountaineers, Avery Johnson threw for a career-high 298 yards and three touchdowns.