MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Kansas State All-American Markquis Nowell has signed a contract to play with the Houston Rockets, the organization announced late Tuesday night (Oct. 1).

Nowell signs with the Rockets after spending part of the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, which signed him to a two-way contract following the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent most of his first professional season with the Raptors’ G-League team, the Raptors 905, playing in just 13 games before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2023-24 season. He averaged 13.8 points on 40.7 percent shooting with 7.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 31.9 minutes per game.

The 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., won the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award and was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press, The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA. He averaged a team-best 17.6 points, 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game en route to helping K-State to a 26-win season in 2022-23.

The school’s single-season leader in assists and steals, Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top 15 in 4 other categories. He finished his college career with a magical run through the NCAA Tournament in helping K-State advance to its 13th Elite Eight. He averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Former Kansas State All-American Markquis Nowell has signed a contract to play with the Houston Rockets, the organization announced late Tuesday night (Oct. 1).Nowell signs with the Rockets after spending part of the 2023-24 season with the Toronto Raptors, which signed him to a two-way contract following the 2023 NBA Draft. He spent most of his first professional season with the Raptors’ G-League team, the Raptors 905, playing in just 13 games before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the 2023-24 season. He averaged 13.8 points on 40.7 percent shooting with 7.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 31.9 minutes per game.The 5-foot-7, 160-pound point guard from Harlem, N.Y., won the 2023 Bob Cousy Point Guard Award and was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press, The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA. He averaged a team-best 17.6 points, 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 steals in 36.9 minutes per game en route to helping K-State to a 26-win season in 2022-23.The school’s single-season leader in assists and steals, Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92), while he ranked among the top 15 in 4 other categories. He finished his college career with a magical run through the NCAA Tournament in helping K-State advance to its 13th Elite Eight. He averaged 23.5 points, 13.5 assists and 4.0 steals during his 4-game NCAA Tournament run en route to earning Most Outstanding Player honors for the NCAA East Regional.

K-State's Nowell Signs with Houston Rockets

Hello and happy Wednesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

On Tuesday, Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card.

Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth.&nbsp;

Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second and moving to third on a groundout.

The Royals return to Baltimore today at 3:40 looking to punch their ticket to the ALDS

More locally Sacred Heart senior Luke Newell was chosen from thousands of First Tee applicants to participate in the 2024 Pure Insurance Senior PGA Tour event in Monterey, CA.

The selection reveal took place on Tuesday night at Pebble Beach’s driving range facility, featuring a concert by the rock group Train. Additionally, a closest to the pin contest was held, where Luke secured 5th place, winning $2,000 for the Salina First Tee.

And finally don’t forget tonight you can catch the Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Show on KINA at 6pm

That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

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 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rhc1ntQXQm8"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Wednesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________On Tuesday, Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card.Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth.&nbsp;Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second and moving to third on a groundout.The Royals return to Baltimore today at 3:40 looking to punch their ticket to the ALDS_________More locally Sacred Heart senior Luke Newell was chosen from thousands of First Tee applicants to participate in the 2024 Pure Insurance Senior PGA Tour event in Monterey, CA.The selection reveal took place on Tuesday night at Pebble Beach’s driving range facility, featuring a concert by the rock group Train. Additionally, a closest to the pin contest was held, where Luke secured 5th place, winning $2,000 for the Salina First Tee._________And finally don’t forget tonight you can catch the Kansas Wesleyan Coaches Show on KINA at 6pm_________That’s your sports update for today, but for even more great area sports content like this, check out Salina Post and stay tuned to KINA.

910 KINA Sports Headlines — October 2

The Coyotes take a short trip to McPherson on Saturday for the final cross-division game of the year against Ted Kessinger Division foe McPherson. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at McPherson Stadium.

"(Bethel) is the most downhill running, physical team you usually play throughout the year. Your only goal is to be violent and run through as many hips as possible. The demeanor and the posture and the way that we played defense was much improved from the first couple weeks of the season.

"Lara did a really good job of managing the game. Richard isn't necessarily the fastest guy at the quarterback position but he does make good decisions with the football. Buck was our offensive player of the game; he averaged 7.7 yards. He helped us move the ball down the field and he busted that long run for a touchdown to kind of seal the deal. It also is going to put a lot of pressure on our opponents going forward because they have to start making a gameplan for when he goes into the game.

"(Against McPherson) we need to make sure we're able to run the ball whichever way, whichever form or fashion that exists. We need to keep making sure we're pressing them vertically with the passing game. It will be a little bit more difficult because they do a couple of different things."

"One thing we did differently (against Bethel) is we really challenged the offense in practice. We brought a lot of energy no matter what time of day it was. When we got out there everybody was yelling, everybody was loud, it was a game-day atmosphere. That's how it needs to be every week. I feel like preparation-wise everybody was really locked in.

"It was one of those weeks where everything that I had drawn up in my head just played to perfection - utilizing my speed and my strength in unison. I go back to the drawing board after every game, win or lose, and see what it is I need to work on and perfect to start seeing the results that I want to see on the field.

"The biggest key (against McPherson) is definitely building from where we left off Saturday. (Szabo) got Offensive Player the Week and he's going to be clicking on all cylinders. It's going to be our job to really just stop that momentum."

"We were splitting gaps, getting into the (Bethel) backfield, making them make split-second decisions and then just tackling them. Eighteen tackles for loss and holding them to very little rushing yards is based on the fact that we were able to get off the field and be healthy, fresh and ready to go for the next round.

"Getting three sacks is huge for Josh and it's huge for the team too. They look at him as a leader and he's the dude of this defense. Now that the production is there for him it's going to promote some really good things within us.

"(Szabo) is a Brett Farve-kind of player. He's going to go out there and take some shots and regardless if they hit or not it puts a lot of stress on the defense, on the defensive backs. That's one of the things that I admire about his game, he's going to risk it. And they've got some other good tools there as well."

The Coyotes take a short trip to McPherson on Saturday for the final cross-division game of the year against Ted Kessinger Division foe McPherson. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at McPherson Stadium.LIVE COVERAGE<ul>
 <li>The video stream of the game will be available online through the Coyote Sports Network at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/4bcaee31-6edf-4d0a-98f8-08879e039a2f?elinkdata=13002">www.kcacnetwork.com/kansaswesleyan</a>.</li><li>Live Stats will be available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7af03472-7f91-4dcd-ad8f-d97ad1fad8c8?elinkdata=13002">https://kwucoyotes.com/sidearmstats/football/summary</a></li><li>Radio coverage will be on the KINA Radio. The online stream is available at <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d82e7c30-0f8b-4a19-9df2-47e89fe6eb5c?elinkdata=13002">https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/kina2</a>. Tyler Henry will have the call with pregame starting at noon.</li>
 </ul>RECORDS<ul>
 <li>Kansas Wesleyan 2-3</li><li>McPherson 4-1</li>
 </ul>THE SERIES<ul>
 <li>It has been all KWU of late, the Coyotes winning the last nine games. They prevailed 10-7 in a defensive battle last season in JRI Stadium and the Graves Family Sports Complex and won 14-12 in 2022 in McPherson as defense again ruled the day. KWU has 17-6 advantage since 2001 including a 9-3 record in McPherson.</li><li>KWU leads the all-time series with McPherson, 59-37-4. Last year was the 100th all-time meeting between the teams. The teams have met annually since 1927, except between 1943-45 because of World War II.</li>
 </ul>KANSAS WESLEYAN AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Coyotes defeated previously unbeaten Bethel 21-6 last Saturday at JRI Stadium. Defense led the way limiting the Threshers to two field goals and 216 total yards that included 49 rushing on 34 attempts (1.4 yards per carry). KWU had 17 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions.</li><li>Junior end <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/93b4e7e3-07b9-4f05-8a30-af4efc1a6fbf?elinkdata=13002">Josh King-Bradley</a> was named the KCAC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. He finished with seven tackles (five solo), 4.5 tackles for losses totaling 32 yards and all three sacks for 28 yards.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c495f4eb-314a-4fe1-9aec-c8a8792c4393?elinkdata=13002">Richard Lara</a> and Daedon "Buck" Taylor played quarterback in place of the injured <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/89e14ff0-cdce-48b2-bee6-b6a8e4281dd9?elinkdata=13002">Byron McNair</a>. Lara was 10 of 17 passing for 129 yards, one interception and one touchdown - a 46-yard strike to <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/5c324649-870b-4870-83a9-7ed8fc8a0ef4?elinkdata=13002">Zarek Fewell</a> in the first quarter. Taylor had a team-best 69 yards rushing one nine carries and a touchdown - a 43-yard dash late in the fourth quarter.</li><li><a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/0860e658-5e65-49e7-b7c5-08a4bae210e8?elinkdata=13002">Tyler Boston's</a> two-yard touchdown run with 4:04 left in the game sent KWU past McPherson last year at JRI Stadium. The Coyotes went 75 yards on nine plays on their final drive. The Bulldogs drove to the KWU 13-yard line, but <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bec276c9-a407-4c83-8281-1b4b1cff1dab?elinkdata=13002">Dylan Worrell</a> stripped the ball from quarterback Tristan Szabo and King-Bradley recovered with 59 seconds left.</li><li>McPherson had 297 total yards but just 24 rushing on 26 attempts. KWU had 248 total yards. McNair was 7 of 11 passing for 115 yards in relief of Lara who was 7 of 16 for 54 yards.</li>
 </ul>McPHERSON AT A GLANCE<ul>
 <li>The Bulldogs defeated Avila 43-24 last Saturday in Kansas City. It was their fourth consecutive victory after losing to Tabor in the season opener. They've defeated Sterling 42-30, Saint Mary 38-10 and Ottawa 31-14 in addition to Avila.</li><li>Szabo, a senior quarterback, was named this week's KCAC Offensive Player of the Week. He was 13 of 18 for 273 yards and four touchdowns and had 30 yards rushing on five carries and a touchdown against Avila. On the season he's completed 61 percent of his passes for 647 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions. He also has 165 yards rushing.</li><li>Jalil Brown has a team-best 439 yards rushing, is averaging 7.3 yards per carry and has seven touchdowns. Traven Lewis-Johnson leads the receiving corps with 13 catches for 303 yards and three TDs.</li><li>McPherson averages 32.8 points and allows 19.6. The offensive attack is balanced - 208.4 yards rushing and 182.8 passing per game. Opponents are averaging 288.6 total yards.</li><li>McPherson is coached by Jeremiah Fiscus who's in his sixth season and has a 28-26 overall record. He coached one season at Bluestem High School before going to McPherson. He spent six seasons as an assistant coach at Henderson State (Arkansas) before taking the Bluestem job.</li>
 </ul>HEAD COACH MATT MYERS"(Bethel) is the most downhill running, physical team you usually play throughout the year. Your only goal is to be violent and run through as many hips as possible. The demeanor and the posture and the way that we played defense was much improved from the first couple weeks of the season."Lara did a really good job of managing the game. Richard isn't necessarily the fastest guy at the quarterback position but he does make good decisions with the football. Buck was our offensive player of the game; he averaged 7.7 yards. He helped us move the ball down the field and he busted that long run for a touchdown to kind of seal the deal. It also is going to put a lot of pressure on our opponents going forward because they have to start making a gameplan for when he goes into the game."(Against McPherson) we need to make sure we're able to run the ball whichever way, whichever form or fashion that exists. We need to keep making sure we're pressing them vertically with the passing game. It will be a little bit more difficult because they do a couple of different things."DEFENSIVE END JOSH KING-BRADLEY"One thing we did differently (against Bethel) is we really challenged the offense in practice. We brought a lot of energy no matter what time of day it was. When we got out there everybody was yelling, everybody was loud, it was a game-day atmosphere. That's how it needs to be every week. I feel like preparation-wise everybody was really locked in."It was one of those weeks where everything that I had drawn up in my head just played to perfection - utilizing my speed and my strength in unison. I go back to the drawing board after every game, win or lose, and see what it is I need to work on and perfect to start seeing the results that I want to see on the field."The biggest key (against McPherson) is definitely building from where we left off Saturday. (Szabo) got Offensive Player the Week and he's going to be clicking on all cylinders. It's going to be our job to really just stop that momentum."DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR JUSTIN SULLIVAN"We were splitting gaps, getting into the (Bethel) backfield, making them make split-second decisions and then just tackling them. Eighteen tackles for loss and holding them to very little rushing yards is based on the fact that we were able to get off the field and be healthy, fresh and ready to go for the next round."Getting three sacks is huge for Josh and it's huge for the team too. They look at him as a leader and he's the dude of this defense. Now that the production is there for him it's going to promote some really good things within us."(Szabo) is a Brett Farve-kind of player. He's going to go out there and take some shots and regardless if they hit or not it puts a lot of stress on the defense, on the defensive backs. That's one of the things that I admire about his game, he's going to risk it. And they've got some other good tools there as well."NEXT WEEK

Football wraps up cross-division play on Saturday at McPherson

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf posted a second place finish at the Pioneer Prairie Classic, hosted by MidAmerica Nazarene University on Monday and Tuesday at Teradyne Country Club.

KWU finished with a three-round score of 889. The Coyotes opened with a 293 in the first round and closed on Monday with a 279 in the second round. KWU posted a score of 317 in Tuesday's final round.

The Coyotes were led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e92e89d4-03a0-4303-830d-d24a78f5350a?elinkdata=12979">Hank Reeg</a>, who tied for fourth place in the tournament posting a score of 216 for the tournament. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/14ed935c-dc80-464c-a2a6-a6989267ba5c?elinkdata=12979">Jackson Malone</a> tied for sixth with a 220, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a999a27-d1d2-4b3a-b02c-7f5bc5498b41?elinkdata=12979">Doak Neill</a> tied for 22nd with a 228, along with teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d380e5a8-8cf8-45ea-a7b0-7ed048f48ead?elinkdata=12979">Tyler Tarvin</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dab3ff50-9799-4585-bb93-d4de7a0929e7?elinkdata=12979">Caden Stevens</a> tied for 28th with a 230.

MidAmerica Nazarene was the team champion with a score of 865. Mount Mercy was a shot behind KWU with an 890, Grand View was fourth with an 899 and Bethany was fifth with a 909.

Three MNU players took the top three individual spots in the tournament led by Patrick Neal's 4-under-par 209. Mount Mercy's Yong Junn tied with Reed for fourth place to round out the top five finishers.

WICHITA - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Golf posted a second place finish at the Pioneer Prairie Classic, hosted by MidAmerica Nazarene University on Monday and Tuesday at Teradyne Country Club.KWU finished with a three-round score of 889. The Coyotes opened with a 293 in the first round and closed on Monday with a 279 in the second round. KWU posted a score of 317 in Tuesday's final round.The Coyotes were led by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e92e89d4-03a0-4303-830d-d24a78f5350a?elinkdata=12979">Hank Reeg</a>, who tied for fourth place in the tournament posting a score of 216 for the tournament. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/14ed935c-dc80-464c-a2a6-a6989267ba5c?elinkdata=12979">Jackson Malone</a> tied for sixth with a 220, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/1a999a27-d1d2-4b3a-b02c-7f5bc5498b41?elinkdata=12979">Doak Neill</a> tied for 22nd with a 228, along with teammate <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/d380e5a8-8cf8-45ea-a7b0-7ed048f48ead?elinkdata=12979">Tyler Tarvin</a>. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/dab3ff50-9799-4585-bb93-d4de7a0929e7?elinkdata=12979">Caden Stevens</a> tied for 28th with a 230.MidAmerica Nazarene was the team champion with a score of 865. Mount Mercy was a shot behind KWU with an 890, Grand View was fourth with an 899 and Bethany was fifth with a 909.Three MNU players took the top three individual spots in the tournament led by Patrick Neal's 4-under-par 209. Mount Mercy's Yong Junn tied with Reed for fourth place to round out the top five finishers.

Men's Golf finishes second at Pioneer Prairie Classic

BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.

Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.

Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”

They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.

Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.

The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.

Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.

Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.

Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.

The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.

But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.

The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.

And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.

Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.

Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.

Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1727822807888.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>BALTIMORE (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. made the most of his much-anticipated playoff debut, driving in the only run Tuesday to back Cole Ragans' six sharp innings and help the Kansas City Royals return from a nine-year postseason absence with a 1-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series.Witt, the 24-year-old shortstop who led the majors with 211 hits and a .332 batting average this season, singled to left field off a 95 mph, first-pitch cutter from 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes with two outs in the sixth. Maikel Garcia came around to score after drawing a walk, stealing second — Burnes allowed runners to swipe a major league-high 41 bases this season — and moving to third on a groundout.Just after Witt delivered, Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1841227979432870173">posted on social media</a>: “Let’s go!! Keep it going!!! @Royals”They couldn't keep adding to their lead, but that didn't matter, thanks to Ragans, who was every bit as good, if not better, than Burnes before leaving after 80 pitches because of cramping in his left calf, plus a bullpen that was KC's weakness during the regular season but was more than fine Tuesday.Sam Long, Kris Bubic and Lucas Erceg, who earned the save, shut down the Orioles the rest of the way.The Royals lost 106 games last season but a 30-win improvement has them back in October for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Now they can end this best-of-three series and advance to an AL Division Series against the New York Yankees by winning Game 2 in Baltimore on Wednesday, when KC will send All-Star Seth Lugo to the mound. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said he wouldn’t announce his starter until after Tuesday’s game, although it was expected to be Zach Elfin.Baltimore has lost its last nine postseason games, a skid that dates to 2014.Ragans, a lefty All-Star picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers last season, was terrific, mixing a 98 mph fastball with a variety of off-speed offerings while allowing just four hits and striking out eight.Burnes looked every bit the ace Baltimore hoped it was getting when it acquired him from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The AL's All-Star starter this season exited to a standing ovation from the orange-clad fans at Camden Yards after giving up a leadoff single in the ninth. He allowed one run, five hits and that one key walk.The right-hander became the first starter to throw a pitch in the ninth inning of a postseason game since Washington ace Stephen Strasburg in Game 6 of the 2019 World Series against Houston.But Baltimore's sluggers — the team's 232 homers trailed only the Yankees in 2024 — could not come through in the clutch.The Orioles got a runner to third in the third, but Jordan Westburg flied out to the warning track in left. The hosts then put men at the corners with one out in the fifth, but Ragans struck out James McCann and 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson to end that threat.And in the eighth, with a pair on and two out, Erceg replaced Bubic and got Anthony Santander to ground into a fielder's choice.<h2>Trainer's Room</h2>Royals: 1B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-injuries-3d58f8b6810ed0d06ffd2cce41107a70">Vinnie Pasquantino</a>&nbsp;came off the injured list for this series after being out since Aug. 29 with a broken right thumb, and he was in his usual No. 3 spot in the starting lineup as the DH. He wouldn't be able to play the field for another two to three weeks — if KC remains in the postseason. Pasquantino went 0 for 3 on Tuesday.<h2>Up Next</h2>Lugo (16-9, 3.00 ERA) will be making the first postseason start of his career. "Something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time," he said.Eflin went 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA combined for Tampa Bay and Baltimore in 2024.

⚾ Witt Jr. and Ragans lead the Royals over the Orioles to open AL Wild Card Series

BALTIMORE, Md.—The Kansas City Royals today announced their roster for the Wild Card Series.

The Royals will carry 11 pitchers into today’s series opener in Baltimore, led by starting pitchers&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;(Game 1),&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(Game 2) and&nbsp;Michael Wacha&nbsp;(Game 3, if necessary).

The bullpen will consist of left-handed pitchers&nbsp;Kris Bubic,&nbsp;Sam Long,&nbsp;Daniel Lynch IV&nbsp;and&nbsp;Angel Zerpa, and right handers&nbsp;Lucas Erceg,&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen,&nbsp;John Schreiber&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brady Singer.

Kansas City will have 15 position players on the active roster, led by Captain&nbsp;Salvador Perez, All-Star shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and first baseman&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino, who is returning from the IL following a right thumb fracture that he suffered&nbsp;on Aug. 29.&nbsp;Dairon Blanco,&nbsp;Kyle Isbel,&nbsp;MJ Melendez,&nbsp;Tommy Pham&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hunter Renfroe&nbsp;will man the outfield, and they will carry infielders&nbsp;Paul DeJong,&nbsp;Maikel Garcia,&nbsp;Yuli Gurriel,&nbsp;Adam Frazier,&nbsp;Garrett Hampson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Michael Massey, as well as catcher&nbsp;Freddy Fermin.

Gurriel, 40, will bring the most postseason experience, having played in 86 postseason games with Houston from 2017-23, while Perez returns to the postseason for the first time since the Royals last World Series title in 2015 and enters the series 12 games shy of&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;franchise record for postseason games (43).

Others to have previous postseason experience include Pham (31 games), Renfroe (23), DeJong (14), Wacha (8), Frazier (7), Lorenzen (4), Lugo (3) and Hampson (3). The Wild Card Series will mark the first postseason experience for Bubic, Long, Lynch IV, Zerpa, Erceg, Schreiber, Singer, Witt Jr., Pasquantino, Blanco, Isbel, Melendez, Garcia, Massey and Fermin.

BALTIMORE, Md.—The Kansas City Royals today announced their roster for the Wild Card Series.The Royals will carry 11 pitchers into today’s series opener in Baltimore, led by starting pitchers&nbsp;Cole Ragans&nbsp;(Game 1),&nbsp;Seth Lugo&nbsp;(Game 2) and&nbsp;Michael Wacha&nbsp;(Game 3, if necessary). The bullpen will consist of left-handed pitchers&nbsp;Kris Bubic,&nbsp;Sam Long,&nbsp;Daniel Lynch IV&nbsp;and&nbsp;Angel Zerpa, and right handers&nbsp;Lucas Erceg,&nbsp;Michael Lorenzen,&nbsp;John Schreiber&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brady Singer.Kansas City will have 15 position players on the active roster, led by Captain&nbsp;Salvador Perez, All-Star shortstop&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.&nbsp;and first baseman&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino, who is returning from the IL following a right thumb fracture that he suffered&nbsp;on Aug. 29.&nbsp;Dairon Blanco,&nbsp;Kyle Isbel,&nbsp;MJ Melendez,&nbsp;Tommy Pham&nbsp;and&nbsp;Hunter Renfroe&nbsp;will man the outfield, and they will carry infielders&nbsp;Paul DeJong,&nbsp;Maikel Garcia,&nbsp;Yuli Gurriel,&nbsp;Adam Frazier,&nbsp;Garrett Hampson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Michael Massey, as well as catcher&nbsp;Freddy Fermin.Gurriel, 40, will bring the most postseason experience, having played in 86 postseason games with Houston from 2017-23, while Perez returns to the postseason for the first time since the Royals last World Series title in 2015 and enters the series 12 games shy of&nbsp;George Brett’s&nbsp;franchise record for postseason games (43). Others to have previous postseason experience include Pham (31 games), Renfroe (23), DeJong (14), Wacha (8), Frazier (7), Lorenzen (4), Lugo (3) and Hampson (3). The Wild Card Series will mark the first postseason experience for Bubic, Long, Lynch IV, Zerpa, Erceg, Schreiber, Singer, Witt Jr., Pasquantino, Blanco, Isbel, Melendez, Garcia, Massey and Fermin.

Royals announce 2024 AL Wild Card roster

Hello and happy Tuesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

On Monday, Kansas Wesleyan’s <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97786336-31c2-4de5-a463-0934f0cbe9e4?elinkdata=12933">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;earned his first weekly KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor

King-Bradley had a monster game for the Coyotes, recording seven tackles, which included three sacks for a total loss of 28 yards. He had a total of 4.5 tackles for loss in the game for a total loss of 32 yards. KWU's defense held previously unbeaten Bethel without a touchdown and limited the Threshers to just two field goals. KWU held Bethel to 46 yards rushing and only 213 yards of total offense on the day.

Monday also saw the announcement that following his five total touchdowns in Kansas State’s 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was named both a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List

Johnson set career highs in passing across the board against the Cowboys, going 19-of-31 through the air for 259 yards and three touchdowns, while he added 60 rushing yards on five attempts with another two scores.

And finally Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.

His family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g9Qe-7LnUBg"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Tuesday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________On Monday, Kansas Wesleyan’s <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97786336-31c2-4de5-a463-0934f0cbe9e4?elinkdata=12933">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;earned his first weekly KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honorKing-Bradley had a monster game for the Coyotes, recording seven tackles, which included three sacks for a total loss of 28 yards. He had a total of 4.5 tackles for loss in the game for a total loss of 32 yards. KWU's defense held previously unbeaten Bethel without a touchdown and limited the Threshers to just two field goals. KWU held Bethel to 46 yards rushing and only 213 yards of total offense on the day._________Monday also saw the announcement that following his five total touchdowns in Kansas State’s 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was named both a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 ListJohnson set career highs in passing across the board against the Cowboys, going 19-of-31 through the air for 259 yards and three touchdowns, while he added 60 rushing yards on five attempts with another two scores._________And finally Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.His family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family._________

910 KINA Sports Headlines — October 1

Luke Newell has been chosen from thousands of First Tee applicants to participate in the 2024 Pure Insurance Senior PGA Tour event in Monterey, CA. To qualify, applicants needed to accumulate a specified number of volunteer hours, be active in the First Tee program, and embody the First Tee core values. From the pool of applicants, forty boys and forty girls were selected, each paired with a Senior PGA Tour player.

The selection reveal took place on Tuesday night at Pebble Beach’s driving range facility, featuring a concert by the rock group Train. Additionally, a closest to the pin contest was held, where the top five boys and top five girls earned $2,000 for their respective First Tee chapters. Luke secured 5th place, winning $2,000 for the Salina First Tee.

After the contest, the applicants discovered their Senior PGA Tour Pro pairings. Luke was paired with Jeff Maggert, a seasoned golfer with an impressive record of 3 PGA Tour wins, 1 Asia Circuit win, 1 Australian Tour win, 2 Ben Hogan Tour wins, and 6 Senior PGA Tour wins. Maggert has also participated in 2 Ryder Cups and 1 Presidents Cup team.

Luke had two practice days: one at Pebble Beach on Wednesday, September 18th, and one at Spyglass Hill on Thursday, September 19th. The official tournament days were Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (if a junior made the cut). After Saturday’s round, a cut was made, allowing the top 12 boys and 12 girls teams to advance to Sunday and play at Pebble Beach again with their pro.

On Friday, September 20th, the first tournament day at Pebble Beach, Luke played alongside Jeff Maggert and two amateurs in a fourball format, where the better score between Luke and Jeff counted after each hole. They finished the day with a combined 6 under, placing Luke Tied for 6th, putting him in a strong position to make the cut.

Day 2 was held at the challenging Spyglass Hill golf course, known for its fast greens, tight fairways, and abundant trees. Luke and Jeff started even par on the front 9, slipping to Tie 18. However, Jeff birdied their 10th hole, and Luke birdied their 12th, bringing them back to 8 under and T8 with 6 holes remaining. They managed to par holes 4 through 8, maintaining T8 with one hole to go. Despite both facing challenging birdie putts over 50 feet on the final hole, they 3-putted, dropping Luke to T11 with 8 other boys. With only 2 spots available, Luke was initially downhearted. The tie-breaker, based on their round at Pebble Beach, worked in his favor as they shot 6 under. Another team with the same score was outperformed by Luke on a hole-by-hole comparison, allowing him to make the cut.

Luke got to play an additional day at Pebble Beach, competing for the Junior/Team title. Starting in 12th place, 6 shots behind, they had a strong performance, finishing 4 under and securing a T8 finish in the team competition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727733091864.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart high school." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Sacred Heart high school.</figcaption>
 </figure>Luke Newell has been chosen from thousands of First Tee applicants to participate in the 2024 Pure Insurance Senior PGA Tour event in Monterey, CA. To qualify, applicants needed to accumulate a specified number of volunteer hours, be active in the First Tee program, and embody the First Tee core values. From the pool of applicants, forty boys and forty girls were selected, each paired with a Senior PGA Tour player.The selection reveal took place on Tuesday night at Pebble Beach’s driving range facility, featuring a concert by the rock group Train. Additionally, a closest to the pin contest was held, where the top five boys and top five girls earned $2,000 for their respective First Tee chapters. Luke secured 5th place, winning $2,000 for the Salina First Tee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727733164980.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>After the contest, the applicants discovered their Senior PGA Tour Pro pairings. Luke was paired with Jeff Maggert, a seasoned golfer with an impressive record of 3 PGA Tour wins, 1 Asia Circuit win, 1 Australian Tour win, 2 Ben Hogan Tour wins, and 6 Senior PGA Tour wins. Maggert has also participated in 2 Ryder Cups and 1 Presidents Cup team.Luke had two practice days: one at Pebble Beach on Wednesday, September 18th, and one at Spyglass Hill on Thursday, September 19th. The official tournament days were Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (if a junior made the cut). After Saturday’s round, a cut was made, allowing the top 12 boys and 12 girls teams to advance to Sunday and play at Pebble Beach again with their pro.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727733129102.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, September 20th, the first tournament day at Pebble Beach, Luke played alongside Jeff Maggert and two amateurs in a fourball format, where the better score between Luke and Jeff counted after each hole. They finished the day with a combined 6 under, placing Luke Tied for 6th, putting him in a strong position to make the cut.Day 2 was held at the challenging Spyglass Hill golf course, known for its fast greens, tight fairways, and abundant trees. Luke and Jeff started even par on the front 9, slipping to Tie 18. However, Jeff birdied their 10th hole, and Luke birdied their 12th, bringing them back to 8 under and T8 with 6 holes remaining. They managed to par holes 4 through 8, maintaining T8 with one hole to go. Despite both facing challenging birdie putts over 50 feet on the final hole, they 3-putted, dropping Luke to T11 with 8 other boys. With only 2 spots available, Luke was initially downhearted. The tie-breaker, based on their round at Pebble Beach, worked in his favor as they shot 6 under. Another team with the same score was outperformed by Luke on a hole-by-hole comparison, allowing him to make the cut.Luke got to play an additional day at Pebble Beach, competing for the Junior/Team title. Starting in 12th place, 6 shots behind, they had a strong performance, finishing 4 under and securing a T8 finish in the team competition.

Sacred Heart Senior Luke Newell Selected to Play in PGA Tour Event

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid Quotes

OPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I feel a bit like I did last night after watching the tape. The same comments that I felt from the postgame interview there. I thought we did some real nice things defensively – especially in crucial times. The same players that I mentioned yesterday whether it was Chris Jones on a fourth down and whether it was a big play on the backend (or) the linebacker flying around. (Drue) Tranquill ends up with the 10 tackles and I just – all the way around I thought they (the defense) took (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags’ gameplan and they executed it and did a great job with that against a team – I mean, you’ve got to give the Chargers credit. Their quarterback (Chargers QB Justin Herbert) was banged up a bit and he stuck it out all the way through and did a nice job for them. Which is a big step, I know, for (Chargers Head Coach) Jim (Harbaugh) going forward and building that thing. As far as the offense goes, there were some good things (and) there are a bunch of things that we’ve got to work on and get ourselves better at. I felt like in the first half we were shooting ourselves in the foot, continually, whether it was penalties or sacks or interceptions. Those are all self-inflicted wounds that you can’t have and play consistent ball, they’re drive stoppers. Once you take a step back in this league, the percentage of scoring goes way now so you’ve really got to stay on top of that part and make sure we take care of business there. I thought (in) the second half we settled down a little (and we) had a big play mixed in there. I thought Xavier (Worthy) showed what he could do. He had a couple other potential opportunities there that we weren’t quite able to get to him, but you got a chance to at least see him operate out there and do some nice things as one of the primary receivers. Then, (Travis) Kelce had a nice day, and it was good to see that – which we knew was going to happen somewhere along here. They (the Chargers) played quite a bit of zone so (they) allowed Kelce to work in zones and they weren’t squeezing him on that. Kareem (Hunt), getting him into the mix, I thought, was good. I mean, we still have confidence in the other two guys too. Carson’s (Steele) got to hang onto the ball, that’s the obvious one. He traditionally hadn’t been a fumbler but – you know, we actually saw this with Kareem when he was young so if that’s any positive to it. He’s (Carson Steele) got to figure that part out and make sure that he hangs onto the football. Special teams-wise, I thought (Matt) Araiza had a big day with his punts. He did a great job of keeping the ball inside the 20 (yard line). Special teams, in general, I thought played well. Between (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) Nags and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Toub, I thought they had good plans going into this thing and Nags was so positive on the sideline. Just focusing in on these guys (and) challenging them to get rid of the mistakes and good things are going to happen. Spags, I thought, did a good job of after that first drive that they had of just kind of (saying), ‘Hey, let’s tighten this thing up and keep attacking here and do it just a little bit better,’ so that took place. Then, as far as Rashee’s (Rice) injury goes, we’re still testing him on things here, so I don’t have a definite (answer) for you right now, but we will get it to you. He’s not going to be available, obviously, this week so we’re going to make sure we get all the tests that need to be done, done and then we’ll let you know on that. Alright, with that, time’s yours.”

Q: How realistic is it to expect that Xavier Worthy can give you even more than he’s given you right now and how do you make this happen?

REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see how he (Xavier Worthy) does. I mean, we’ve got guys here that have the experience of playing in the game so it’s not that he’s the only one. (He) doesn’t have to be the only one. We’ve got a good group of guys there that we can utilize. We normally spread the ball around and that’s what we’ll continue to strive to do.”

Q: Do you see any help from the three receivers on the practice squad?

REID:&nbsp;“You know what, I haven’t sat down with (General Manager) Brett (Veach) yet so I’m going to just kind of hold off on that, but he and I will get together here a little bit later.”

Q:&nbsp;Can you give us an update on where you guys are at with Clyde Edwards-Helaire?

REID:&nbsp;“Again, let me get with (General Manager) Brett (Veach) and we’ll be able to give you more on that. I don’t want to say anything now that I don’t have a definite on.”

Q:&nbsp;Where do you guys stand with Skyy Moore?

REID:&nbsp;“Skyy’s (Moore) a good football player. He’s given us some good downs. He had the one drop yesterday on the third down (that) he knows he has to make, but he’s given us some good downs over these four games so we’re okay there.”

Q:&nbsp;What is your evaluation of JuJu Smith-Schuster and is he a guy who could take a bigger load with Rashee Rice out?

REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, for sure. I think he (JuJu Smith-Schuster) – he’s played quite a bit up to this point and I think he’s in good shape, Pete (Sweeney). I don’t think that’s the problem. Pat’s (Mahomes) got a lot of trust in him and he’s still a good football player.”

Q:&nbsp;What are the difficulties if you do end up trying to trade for a veteran receiver and implementing him in the offense midway through the season?

REID:&nbsp;“It would depend on who the guy is. I mean, that’s the obvious. If he’s experienced in the offense then it’s not too bad but it takes somebody a little bit of time to get himself involved and get the terminology down, but it’s a lot easier now than it is during training camp when they have to learn a kazillion plays. Here, they just have the game week to learn, but getting on the same page with the quarterback and the timing and all that, that’s a bigger issue, normally.”

Q:&nbsp;What impressed you the most about Kareem Hunt and where do you think his role could grow with more opportunities?

REID:&nbsp;“I thought he (Kareem Hunt) ran hard, and I thought he was pretty accurate with the holes that he hit. He did well. He had a couple receptions there so – and then an opportunity from even a couple others, we had a screen there called for him. I think we all have a lot of trust in Kareem since he had been here and we kind of know how he’s wired, and he’s been able to pick stuff up pretty quick. I think we’re okay there increasing him. I’m sure he’s pretty sore today, so it’s – he had a lot of carries there.”

Q:&nbsp;What stood out on the last third down conversion that you had to ice the game and what led to your execution of it?

REID:&nbsp;“(It was a) man coverage spot. That’s a good man play – very similar to the one we ran the week before. Travis (Kelce) kept it high in the right position there so that was the biggest difference.”

Q: Patrick Mahomes checked to that play in Atlanta, was that a play you called from the sideline or was that something he saw again in the defense?

REID: “It’s an alert play so it’s – we’ve got a couple things that we can do, we give them two calls. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) got the primary call and then he’s got an alert to it and that’s the alert that he did.”

Q: On Wanya Morris’ performance.

REID: “He (Wanya Morris) did some good things – I thought the best thing he did was he battled through. That’s a good player he was going against majority of the time, but he hung in there and battled and did some good things and he’s got a couple things that he can learn from too. I thought overall he put up a good fight there.”

Q: Passing numbers are down across the league, do you think this is due to how the defense is playing the offense or are there other reasons that offenses are struggling?

REID: “I mean teams are playing a little bit more shell coverage on you and trying not to give up the big shots. I think the pass rush – I think guys are – we’ve got some good defensive players in this league right now that are really good pass rushers so you’ve got to get the ball out on time and quicker so the routes end up being a little bit shorter the majority of the time. Then, you’ve also got some pretty good quarterbacks on the other hand, and you want to keep those guys on the bench and so teams feel that if they run the ball a little bit more, they can keep those guys off the field.”

Q: On Patrick Mahomes’ interception.

REID: “He (Patrick Mahomes) was trying to get the ball to (Travis) Kelce there, just right out of the break. He didn’t see 7 (Chargers CB Kristian Fulton) back there kind of playing almost a grey area. He was tempting you to throw it in there and we had Xavier (Worthy) over the top so that probably would’ve ended up being the throw if you’re going to have a throw there.”&nbsp;

Q: On General Manager Brett Veach’s 200th&nbsp;career win as a front office member.

Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid QuotesSeptember 30, 2024HEAD COACH ANDY REIDOPENING STATEMENT:&nbsp;“I feel a bit like I did last night after watching the tape. The same comments that I felt from the postgame interview there. I thought we did some real nice things defensively – especially in crucial times. The same players that I mentioned yesterday whether it was Chris Jones on a fourth down and whether it was a big play on the backend (or) the linebacker flying around. (Drue) Tranquill ends up with the 10 tackles and I just – all the way around I thought they (the defense) took (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags’ gameplan and they executed it and did a great job with that against a team – I mean, you’ve got to give the Chargers credit. Their quarterback (Chargers QB Justin Herbert) was banged up a bit and he stuck it out all the way through and did a nice job for them. Which is a big step, I know, for (Chargers Head Coach) Jim (Harbaugh) going forward and building that thing. As far as the offense goes, there were some good things (and) there are a bunch of things that we’ve got to work on and get ourselves better at. I felt like in the first half we were shooting ourselves in the foot, continually, whether it was penalties or sacks or interceptions. Those are all self-inflicted wounds that you can’t have and play consistent ball, they’re drive stoppers. Once you take a step back in this league, the percentage of scoring goes way now so you’ve really got to stay on top of that part and make sure we take care of business there. I thought (in) the second half we settled down a little (and we) had a big play mixed in there. I thought Xavier (Worthy) showed what he could do. He had a couple other potential opportunities there that we weren’t quite able to get to him, but you got a chance to at least see him operate out there and do some nice things as one of the primary receivers. Then, (Travis) Kelce had a nice day, and it was good to see that – which we knew was going to happen somewhere along here. They (the Chargers) played quite a bit of zone so (they) allowed Kelce to work in zones and they weren’t squeezing him on that. Kareem (Hunt), getting him into the mix, I thought, was good. I mean, we still have confidence in the other two guys too. Carson’s (Steele) got to hang onto the ball, that’s the obvious one. He traditionally hadn’t been a fumbler but – you know, we actually saw this with Kareem when he was young so if that’s any positive to it. He’s (Carson Steele) got to figure that part out and make sure that he hangs onto the football. Special teams-wise, I thought (Matt) Araiza had a big day with his punts. He did a great job of keeping the ball inside the 20 (yard line). Special teams, in general, I thought played well. Between (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) Nags and (Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) Spags and (Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator) Dave Toub, I thought they had good plans going into this thing and Nags was so positive on the sideline. Just focusing in on these guys (and) challenging them to get rid of the mistakes and good things are going to happen. Spags, I thought, did a good job of after that first drive that they had of just kind of (saying), ‘Hey, let’s tighten this thing up and keep attacking here and do it just a little bit better,’ so that took place. Then, as far as Rashee’s (Rice) injury goes, we’re still testing him on things here, so I don’t have a definite (answer) for you right now, but we will get it to you. He’s not going to be available, obviously, this week so we’re going to make sure we get all the tests that need to be done, done and then we’ll let you know on that. Alright, with that, time’s yours.”Q: How realistic is it to expect that Xavier Worthy can give you even more than he’s given you right now and how do you make this happen?REID:&nbsp;“We’ll see how he (Xavier Worthy) does. I mean, we’ve got guys here that have the experience of playing in the game so it’s not that he’s the only one. (He) doesn’t have to be the only one. We’ve got a good group of guys there that we can utilize. We normally spread the ball around and that’s what we’ll continue to strive to do.”Q: Do you see any help from the three receivers on the practice squad?REID:&nbsp;“You know what, I haven’t sat down with (General Manager) Brett (Veach) yet so I’m going to just kind of hold off on that, but he and I will get together here a little bit later.”Q:&nbsp;Can you give us an update on where you guys are at with Clyde Edwards-Helaire?REID:&nbsp;“Again, let me get with (General Manager) Brett (Veach) and we’ll be able to give you more on that. I don’t want to say anything now that I don’t have a definite on.”Q:&nbsp;Where do you guys stand with Skyy Moore?REID:&nbsp;“Skyy’s (Moore) a good football player. He’s given us some good downs. He had the one drop yesterday on the third down (that) he knows he has to make, but he’s given us some good downs over these four games so we’re okay there.”Q:&nbsp;What is your evaluation of JuJu Smith-Schuster and is he a guy who could take a bigger load with Rashee Rice out?REID:&nbsp;“Yeah, for sure. I think he (JuJu Smith-Schuster) – he’s played quite a bit up to this point and I think he’s in good shape, Pete (Sweeney). I don’t think that’s the problem. Pat’s (Mahomes) got a lot of trust in him and he’s still a good football player.”Q:&nbsp;What are the difficulties if you do end up trying to trade for a veteran receiver and implementing him in the offense midway through the season?REID:&nbsp;“It would depend on who the guy is. I mean, that’s the obvious. If he’s experienced in the offense then it’s not too bad but it takes somebody a little bit of time to get himself involved and get the terminology down, but it’s a lot easier now than it is during training camp when they have to learn a kazillion plays. Here, they just have the game week to learn, but getting on the same page with the quarterback and the timing and all that, that’s a bigger issue, normally.”Q:&nbsp;What impressed you the most about Kareem Hunt and where do you think his role could grow with more opportunities?REID:&nbsp;“I thought he (Kareem Hunt) ran hard, and I thought he was pretty accurate with the holes that he hit. He did well. He had a couple receptions there so – and then an opportunity from even a couple others, we had a screen there called for him. I think we all have a lot of trust in Kareem since he had been here and we kind of know how he’s wired, and he’s been able to pick stuff up pretty quick. I think we’re okay there increasing him. I’m sure he’s pretty sore today, so it’s – he had a lot of carries there.”Q:&nbsp;What stood out on the last third down conversion that you had to ice the game and what led to your execution of it?REID:&nbsp;“(It was a) man coverage spot. That’s a good man play – very similar to the one we ran the week before. Travis (Kelce) kept it high in the right position there so that was the biggest difference.”Q: Patrick Mahomes checked to that play in Atlanta, was that a play you called from the sideline or was that something he saw again in the defense?REID: “It’s an alert play so it’s – we’ve got a couple things that we can do, we give them two calls. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) got the primary call and then he’s got an alert to it and that’s the alert that he did.”Q: On Wanya Morris’ performance.REID: “He (Wanya Morris) did some good things – I thought the best thing he did was he battled through. That’s a good player he was going against majority of the time, but he hung in there and battled and did some good things and he’s got a couple things that he can learn from too. I thought overall he put up a good fight there.”Q: Passing numbers are down across the league, do you think this is due to how the defense is playing the offense or are there other reasons that offenses are struggling?REID: “I mean teams are playing a little bit more shell coverage on you and trying not to give up the big shots. I think the pass rush – I think guys are – we’ve got some good defensive players in this league right now that are really good pass rushers so you’ve got to get the ball out on time and quicker so the routes end up being a little bit shorter the majority of the time. Then, you’ve also got some pretty good quarterbacks on the other hand, and you want to keep those guys on the bench and so teams feel that if they run the ball a little bit more, they can keep those guys off the field.”Q: On Patrick Mahomes’ interception.REID: “He (Patrick Mahomes) was trying to get the ball to (Travis) Kelce there, just right out of the break. He didn’t see 7 (Chargers CB Kristian Fulton) back there kind of playing almost a grey area. He was tempting you to throw it in there and we had Xavier (Worthy) over the top so that probably would’ve ended up being the throw if you’re going to have a throw there.”&nbsp;Q: On General Manager Brett Veach’s 200th&nbsp;career win as a front office member.

Chiefs Quotes: 9-30-24

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97786336-31c2-4de5-a463-0934f0cbe9e4?elinkdata=12933" target="_blank">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from Sept. 23-29 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9bc438dc-3567-491e-95ba-e8fac1f5c57c?elinkdata=12933" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

King-Bradley had a monster game for the Coyotes on defense. He recorded seven tackles, which included three sacks for a total loss of 28 yards. He had a total of 4.5 tackles for loss in the game for a total loss of 32 yards. KWU's defense held previously unbeaten Bethel without a touchdown and limited the Threshers to just two field goals. KWU held Bethel to 46 yards rushing and only 213 yards of total offense on the day.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/97786336-31c2-4de5-a463-0934f0cbe9e4?elinkdata=12933" target="_blank">Josh King-Bradley</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes were selected for their performances from Sept. 23-29 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9bc438dc-3567-491e-95ba-e8fac1f5c57c?elinkdata=12933" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.King-Bradley had a monster game for the Coyotes on defense. He recorded seven tackles, which included three sacks for a total loss of 28 yards. He had a total of 4.5 tackles for loss in the game for a total loss of 32 yards. KWU's defense held previously unbeaten Bethel without a touchdown and limited the Threshers to just two field goals. KWU held Bethel to 46 yards rushing and only 213 yards of total offense on the day.

King-Bradley named KCAC Football Defensive Player of the Week

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/49a55520-d618-4abc-bbea-132e2ab3dcb3?elinkdata=12910" target="_blank">Grace Conner</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Sept. 23-29 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b130e1ad-68c5-4e2f-8e60-dc757040c9bb?elinkdata=12910" target="_blank">Equity Bank.</a>

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/49a55520-d618-4abc-bbea-132e2ab3dcb3?elinkdata=12910" target="_blank">Grace Conner</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned this week's KCAC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes are selected for their performances from Sept. 23-29 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b130e1ad-68c5-4e2f-8e60-dc757040c9bb?elinkdata=12910" target="_blank">Equity Bank.</a>

Conner named KCAC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28da781d-4d0e-4fb9-9405-35d8db074ebe?elinkdata=12887" target="_blank">Abby Donovan</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes for the Player of the Week program were selected for their performances from Sept. 23-29 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e35debed-c07c-4635-862c-f0e57de3b260?elinkdata=12887" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.

Donovan was dominant for the Coyotes at the Central Plains Invitational. She set two new KWU school records, carding a first-round 68, for the lowest single-round score in school history. She finished the tournament with a score of 144, setting a school record for the lowest two-round tournament score in school history. Donovan's 68 was the only sub-par round at the tournament on the challenging Salina Country Club course. She enjoyed a five-shot victory in the individual standings and helped KWU to a second place finish. This marks the second consecutive week in which Donovan has been named the KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/28da781d-4d0e-4fb9-9405-35d8db074ebe?elinkdata=12887" target="_blank">Abby Donovan</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University has earned the KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week honor, the conference office announced Monday. Student-athletes for the Player of the Week program were selected for their performances from Sept. 23-29 by a vote of conference sports information directors. All KCAC Player of the Week honors are presented by&nbsp;<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e35debed-c07c-4635-862c-f0e57de3b260?elinkdata=12887" target="_blank">Equity Bank</a>.Donovan was dominant for the Coyotes at the Central Plains Invitational. She set two new KWU school records, carding a first-round 68, for the lowest single-round score in school history. She finished the tournament with a score of 144, setting a school record for the lowest two-round tournament score in school history. Donovan's 68 was the only sub-par round at the tournament on the challenging Salina Country Club course. She enjoyed a five-shot victory in the individual standings and helped KWU to a second place finish. This marks the second consecutive week in which Donovan has been named the KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week.

Donovan repeats as KCAC Women's Golfer of the Week

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced Monday that Kansas State’s October 12 contest at Colorado will kick at 9:15 p.m. (CT) and will be shown on ESPN.

This will be the first meeting between the Wildcats and Buffaloes since 2010, which was a 44-36 CU victory in Boulder prior to Colorado joining the Pac-12 Conference. K-State’s last win in the series came in 2009, a 20-6 home victory, while its last win in Boulder was in 2006, a 34-21 triumph.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced Monday that Kansas State’s October 12 contest at Colorado will kick at 9:15 p.m. (CT) and will be shown on ESPN.This will be the first meeting between the Wildcats and Buffaloes since 2010, which was a 44-36 CU victory in Boulder prior to Colorado joining the Pac-12 Conference. K-State’s last win in the series came in 2009, a 20-6 home victory, while its last win in Boulder was in 2006, a 34-21 triumph.

FB: K-State’s Contest at Colorado Set for Night Kick

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State sophomore quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was honored for his play in the Wildcats’ 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State by being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

It is Johnson’s first weekly conference honor this season and second of his career as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last year after the Texas Tech game. He is the first K-State player to earn the weekly Big 12 offensive honor since&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;last year against UCF and the first Wildcat signal caller since Will Howard following the 2022 Oklahoma State game.

Against the Cowboys, Johnson threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-31 aim – setting career highs across the board – while he rushed for 60 yards and another two scores on five carries.

Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, became the first Wildcat to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012, while it was just the ninth time in Big 12 history that a player hit those marks against a ranked opponent.

In addition to the Big 12 weekly honor, Johnson was also named a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List earlier on Monday.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Kansas State sophomore quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was honored for his play in the Wildcats’ 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State by being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.It is Johnson’s first weekly conference honor this season and second of his career as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year last year after the Texas Tech game. He is the first K-State player to earn the weekly Big 12 offensive honor since&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;last year against UCF and the first Wildcat signal caller since Will Howard following the 2022 Oklahoma State game.Against the Cowboys, Johnson threw for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-31 aim – setting career highs across the board – while he rushed for 60 yards and another two scores on five carries.Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, became the first Wildcat to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012, while it was just the ninth time in Big 12 history that a player hit those marks against a ranked opponent.In addition to the Big 12 weekly honor, Johnson was also named a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List earlier on Monday.

K-State’s Johnson Named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Following his five total touchdowns in Kansas State’s 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was named both a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List on Monday.

It was the first time in his career that Johnson has been honored by the Manning Award, while it was the second time this season he has been named to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List, the first being after the victory over Arizona.

By being named one of eight Manning Award Stars of the Week, Johnson is now in the running for the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://allstatesugarbowl.org/news/2024/9/30/stars.aspx" target="_blank">determined via an online fan vote</a>.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Johnson became the first Wildcat to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012. Additionally, it was just the ninth time in Big 12 history that a player hit those marks against a ranked opponent.

Through five starts during his first full season as the starting quarterback, Johnson has thrown for 879 yards and nine touchdowns on 77-of-126 aim, while he has rushed for 321 yards and two scores on 44 carries. He is one of only four quarterbacks in the country, one of two from a Power 4 team and the only Big 12 signal caller to throw for at least 800 yards and rush for 300 yards this season.

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;Following his five total touchdowns in Kansas State’s 42-20 victory over No. 20 Oklahoma State, quarterback&nbsp;Avery Johnson&nbsp;was named both a Manning Award Star of the Week and to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List on Monday.It was the first time in his career that Johnson has been honored by the Manning Award, while it was the second time this season he has been named to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List, the first being after the victory over Arizona.By being named one of eight Manning Award Stars of the Week, Johnson is now in the running for the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://allstatesugarbowl.org/news/2024/9/30/stars.aspx" target="_blank">determined via an online fan vote</a>.Johnson set career highs in passing across the board against the Cowboys, going 19-of-31 through the air for 259 yards and three touchdowns, while he added 60 rushing yards on five attempts with another two scores.A native of Wichita, Kansas, Johnson became the first Wildcat to have at least three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns against a conference opponent since Collin Klein at West Virginia in 2012. Additionally, it was just the ninth time in Big 12 history that a player hit those marks against a ranked opponent.Through five starts during his first full season as the starting quarterback, Johnson has thrown for 879 yards and nine touchdowns on 77-of-126 aim, while he has rushed for 321 yards and two scores on 44 carries. He is one of only four quarterbacks in the country, one of two from a Power 4 team and the only Big 12 signal caller to throw for at least 800 yards and rush for 300 yards this season.

K-State’s Johnson Earns Two National Weekly Awards

LAWRENCE, Kan. --&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks enter week six of the college football season with a Big 12 Conference road game at Arizona State on Saturday, Oct. 5 inside Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m. CT on ESPN2 with Brian Custer (Play-by-Play), Rod Gilmore (Analyst) and Lauren Sisler (Sideline) on the call.

Kansas (1-4, 0-2 Big 12) enters Saturday’s game coming off a 38-27 defeat to TCU at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the Jayhawks’ first of four games played at that venue. The Jayhawks went back-and-forth with the Horned Frogs in a game that featured six lead changes before TCU was able to put together big plays down the stretch to hand Kansas its fourth-straight loss.

Kansas is led by its rushing attack of senior Devin Neal, who has rushed 86 times for 513 yards and four touchdowns, and redshirt-junior Daniel Hishaw Jr., who has complemented Neal with 38 attempts for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Kansas’ rushing attack averages 224.4 rushing yards per game, ranking third in the Big 12 Conference and 15th nationally.

Defensively, Kansas’ duo of Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant are the nation’s leaders in career interceptions (20), passes defended (59) and defensive touchdowns (6) by any cornerback duo in the country. In the loss vs. TCU, Dotson recorded his third interception of the season, 10th of his career, which leads the Big 12 Conference and is third nationally this season.

Arizona State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) is coming off a bye week during week five and is searching for its first Big 12 win as a member of the conference. Last time out, Arizona State fell at Texas Tech in its Big 12 Conference opener, 30-22, in a game that ASU outgained Texas Tech, but was unable to overcome an early 14-0 Texas Tech lead.

Under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils are led offensively by senior running back Cam Skattebo, who has carried 86 times for 433 yards and 5 touchdowns. Skattebo has paired with transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has rushed 39 times for 180 yards and four scores. The Sun Devils enter Saturday’s game averaging 32.8 points per game, averaging 409.3 yards of offense while holding the opposition to 286.0.

The meeting will be the first between the Jayhawks and the Sun Devils as Arizona State is among the four newcomers to the Big 12 Conference in 2024. Saturday’s game will be Kansas’ first regular season game played in the state of Arizona in program history after playing in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, where the Jayhawks defeated UNLV, 49-36 on Dec. 26, 2023.

Kansas’ first game played in Arizona came on Dec. 31, 2008, when Kansas defeated Minnesota, 42-21 in the 2008 Insight Bowl at Mountain America Stadium, formerly named Sun Devil Stadium.

LAWRENCE, Kan. --&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks enter week six of the college football season with a Big 12 Conference road game at Arizona State on Saturday, Oct. 5 inside Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m. CT on ESPN2 with Brian Custer (Play-by-Play), Rod Gilmore (Analyst) and Lauren Sisler (Sideline) on the call.Kansas (1-4, 0-2 Big 12) enters Saturday’s game coming off a 38-27 defeat to TCU at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, the Jayhawks’ first of four games played at that venue. The Jayhawks went back-and-forth with the Horned Frogs in a game that featured six lead changes before TCU was able to put together big plays down the stretch to hand Kansas its fourth-straight loss.Kansas is led by its rushing attack of senior Devin Neal, who has rushed 86 times for 513 yards and four touchdowns, and redshirt-junior Daniel Hishaw Jr., who has complemented Neal with 38 attempts for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Kansas’ rushing attack averages 224.4 rushing yards per game, ranking third in the Big 12 Conference and 15th nationally.Defensively, Kansas’ duo of Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant are the nation’s leaders in career interceptions (20), passes defended (59) and defensive touchdowns (6) by any cornerback duo in the country. In the loss vs. TCU, Dotson recorded his third interception of the season, 10th of his career, which leads the Big 12 Conference and is third nationally this season.Arizona State (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) is coming off a bye week during week five and is searching for its first Big 12 win as a member of the conference. Last time out, Arizona State fell at Texas Tech in its Big 12 Conference opener, 30-22, in a game that ASU outgained Texas Tech, but was unable to overcome an early 14-0 Texas Tech lead.Under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils are led offensively by senior running back Cam Skattebo, who has carried 86 times for 433 yards and 5 touchdowns. Skattebo has paired with transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, who has rushed 39 times for 180 yards and four scores. The Sun Devils enter Saturday’s game averaging 32.8 points per game, averaging 409.3 yards of offense while holding the opposition to 286.0.The meeting will be the first between the Jayhawks and the Sun Devils as Arizona State is among the four newcomers to the Big 12 Conference in 2024. Saturday’s game will be Kansas’ first regular season game played in the state of Arizona in program history after playing in the 2023 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, where the Jayhawks defeated UNLV, 49-36 on Dec. 26, 2023.Kansas’ first game played in Arizona came on Dec. 31, 2008, when Kansas defeated Minnesota, 42-21 in the 2008 Insight Bowl at Mountain America Stadium, formerly named Sun Devil Stadium.

Kansas Travels to Tempe to Take on Big 12 Newcomer Arizona State

Dikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”

Mutombo was distinctive in so many ways —&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/g7SdhtxuJYA?feature=shared" target="_blank">the playful finger wag at opponents</a>&nbsp;after blocking their shots, his height, his deep and gravelly voice, his massive smile. Players of this generation were always drawn to him and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, looked to Mutombo as an inspiration.

“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said Monday. “Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He’s one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day.”

Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets. The 7-foot-2 center out of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and went into the Hall of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for his career.

“It’s really hard to believe,” Toronto President Masai Ujiri said Monday, pausing several times because he was overcome with emotion shortly after hearing the news of Mutombo’s death. “It’s hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. ... That guy, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”

Mutombo last played during the 2008-09 season, devoting his time after retirement to charitable and humanitarian causes. He spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, concentrating on improving health, education and quality of life for the people in the Congo.

Mutombo served on the boards of many organizations, including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador,” Silver said. “He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.”

Mutombo is one of three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. The others: reigning DPOY winner Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.

Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey — who was with Mutombo for many seasons in Houston — was informed of his friend’s death during the team’s media day on Monday. Tears welled in Morey’s eyes as he processed the news.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727711604410.jpeg" alt="FILE - Retired Denver Nuggets center Dikembe Mutombo waves to the crowd as his jersey number was retired by the team during halftime of the Nuggets' NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Retired Denver Nuggets center Dikembe Mutombo waves to the crowd as his jersey number was retired by the team during halftime of the Nuggets' NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Associated PressDikembe Mutombo, a Basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game, died Monday from brain cancer, the league announced. He was 58.His family revealed two years ago that he was undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor. The NBA said he died surrounded by his family.“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others.”Mutombo was distinctive in so many ways —&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/g7SdhtxuJYA?feature=shared" target="_blank">the playful finger wag at opponents</a>&nbsp;after blocking their shots, his height, his deep and gravelly voice, his massive smile. Players of this generation were always drawn to him and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, looked to Mutombo as an inspiration.“It’s a sad day, especially for us Africans, and really the whole world,” Embiid said Monday. “Other than what he’s accomplished on the basketball court, I think he was even better off the court. He’s one of the guys that I look up to, as far as having an impact, not just on the court, but off the court. He’s done a lot of great things. He did a lot of great things for a lot of people. He was a role model of mine. It is a sad day.”Mutombo spent 18 seasons in the NBA, playing for Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, New York and the then-New Jersey Nets. The 7-foot-2 center out of Georgetown was an eight-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and went into the Hall of Fame in 2015 after averaging 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game for his career.“It’s really hard to believe,” Toronto President Masai Ujiri said Monday, pausing several times because he was overcome with emotion shortly after hearing the news of Mutombo’s death. “It’s hard for us to be without that guy. You have no idea what Dikembe Mutombo meant to me. ... That guy, he made us who we are. That guy is a giant, an incredible person.”Mutombo last played during the 2008-09 season, devoting his time after retirement to charitable and humanitarian causes. He spoke nine languages and founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation in 1997, concentrating on improving health, education and quality of life for the people in the Congo.Mutombo served on the boards of many organizations, including Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.“There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA’s first Global Ambassador,” Silver said. “He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa.”Mutombo is one of three players to win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times. The others: reigning DPOY winner Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Hall of Famer Ben Wallace.Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey — who was with Mutombo for many seasons in Houston — was informed of his friend’s death during the team’s media day on Monday. Tears welled in Morey’s eyes as he processed the news.

🏀 Dikembe Mutombo, a Hall of Fame player and tireless advocate, dies at 58 from brain cancer

Hello and happy Monday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…

Over the weekend, the Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an American League wild card after big wins over the Washington Nationals.

A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.

Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.

The Royals postseason journey begins in Baltimore as KC takes on the Orioles this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if needed.

The Royals also defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-2 on Sunday in what was supposed to be the regular season finale for both teams.&nbsp;

More importantly, Bobby Witt Jr. finished his season with a .332 batting average, the best mark in the American League to earn the fifth batting title in Royals history, and their first since 1982.

And finally despite missing several key pieces and losing Rashee Rice early in the game, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the LA Chargers 17-10, erasing a 10-point defecit behind 245 yards and a touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RgkMg5R6A-o"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY SALINA POST(Transcript)Hello and happy Monday, everybody, it’s Tyler Henry, back with another KINA Sports Update presented by Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine…_________Over the weekend, the Kansas City Royals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in major league history Friday night, clinching an American League wild card after big wins over the Washington Nationals.A year ago, the Royals matched a franchise record with 106 losses. Now, they are headed to the postseason for the first time since winning the 2015 World Series.Led by second-year manager Matt Quatraro, Kansas City is the first team in baseball history to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-kansas-city-major-league-baseball-playoffs-faf7e1aee9a4322eb969f93e503be055">make the playoffs after posting such a dismal mark</a>&nbsp;the previous season.The Royals postseason journey begins in Baltimore as KC takes on the Orioles this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if needed._________The Royals also defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-2 on Sunday in what was supposed to be the regular season finale for both teams.&nbsp;More importantly, Bobby Witt Jr. finished his season with a .332 batting average, the best mark in the American League to earn the fifth batting title in Royals history, and their first since 1982._________And finally despite missing several key pieces and losing Rashee Rice early in the game, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the LA Chargers 17-10, erasing a 10-point defecit behind 245 yards and a touchdown from Patrick Mahomes._________

910 KINA Sports Headlines — September 30

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 245 yards and a touchdown while rediscovering his connection with Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied from an early 10-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10 on Sunday.

Making his 100th regular-season start, Mahomes completed 19 of 29 passes for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who are 4-0 for the first time since 2020. Kelce had a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-chiefs-record-466a834119e572d5dad408e0741734f1">set the franchise's career receptions record</a>, surpassing fellow tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Kansas City has won six straight over the Chargers. It also has 11 straight road victories victories its AFC West rival, the longest active winning streak by a visiting squad and tied for third all-time.

The Chargers (2-2) scored 10 points off a pair of Chiefs turnovers — a fumble by Carson Steele and Mahomes' fifth interception of the season — but struggled after that.

<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1840505902064972101">Mahomes heaved a 54-yard pass to Xavier Worthy</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter for the Chiefs' first touchdown, and Samaje Perine put Kansas City ahead with a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth.

Playing with limited mobility because of a high ankle sprain, LA's Justin Herbert went 16 of 27 for 179 yards. The Chargers used a patchwork offensive line because of injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

Herbert was sacked twice by Chris Jones and was hit 10 times on 31 dropbacks.

Kansas City got the opening kickoff and was at the Chargers 30 when Elijah Molden recovered Steele’s fumble at the LA 27 after Tuli Tuipulotu jarred the ball loose while tackling the rookie running back.

The Chargers converted Steele's second fumble of the season into a touchdown.

Herbert completed all four of his passes on Los Angeles' opening 10-play drive, including a 7-yard strike to Ladd McConkey in the back of the end zone. Herbert took a big hit from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring while throwing, but he put the ball in a tight spot as safety Bryan Cook had his back turned.

Cameron Dicker's 50 yard field goal extended the Chargers' lead to 10-0. The drive started on the KC 20 after a bizarre play in which Kristian Fulton intercepted Mahomes' pass intended for Kelce and returned it 29 yards up the right sideline.

Kansas City's Rashee Rice punched the ball loose behind Fulton for a fumble, which Chiefs center Creed Humphrey recovered. But the call was reversed when a video review showed Rice was out of bounds when he forced the fumble.

Rice was injured when Mahomes hit his legs while trying to tackle Fulton. Rice was carted to the locker room.

Kansas City had a pair of turnovers and went three-and-out on four of its first five possessions before getting on track late in the second quarter.

The Chiefs took over at their 46 after forcing the Chargers to go three-and-out, and Mahomes immediately connected with Worthy for the deep touchdown. Worthy, the speedy rookie wide receiver who was the 28th overall pick in April's draft, blew past Fulton on a go route and caught it 3 yards deep in the end zone on a pass from Mahomes that went 64 yards in the air.

Harrison Butker's 37-yard field goal tied it at 10-all midway through the third quarter.

The Chargers had a chance to take the lead early in the fourth when they drove to the Kansas City 3, but Herbert threw incomplete on fourth-and-1.

Perine's decisive touchdown capped a five-play, 60-yard drive.

Kelce, in his 12th season, has 922 receptions. Gonzalez had 916 catches in 12 seasons with Kansas City, and the Hall of Famer finished his career with 1,325.

Chiefs: At Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.

Chargers: After a bye, visit Denver on Oct. 14.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727654476310.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy, right, is celebrates after catching a 54-yard touchdown pass from teammate Patrick Mahomes, left, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy, right, is celebrates after catching a 54-yard touchdown pass from teammate Patrick Mahomes, left, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 245 yards and a touchdown while rediscovering his connection with Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs rallied from an early 10-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10 on Sunday.Making his 100th regular-season start, Mahomes completed 19 of 29 passes for the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, who are 4-0 for the first time since 2020. Kelce had a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-chiefs-record-466a834119e572d5dad408e0741734f1">set the franchise's career receptions record</a>, surpassing fellow tight end Tony Gonzalez.Kansas City has won six straight over the Chargers. It also has 11 straight road victories victories its AFC West rival, the longest active winning streak by a visiting squad and tied for third all-time.The Chargers (2-2) scored 10 points off a pair of Chiefs turnovers — a fumble by Carson Steele and Mahomes' fifth interception of the season — but struggled after that.<a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1840505902064972101">Mahomes heaved a 54-yard pass to Xavier Worthy</a>&nbsp;in the third quarter for the Chiefs' first touchdown, and Samaje Perine put Kansas City ahead with a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth.Playing with limited mobility because of a high ankle sprain, LA's Justin Herbert went 16 of 27 for 179 yards. The Chargers used a patchwork offensive line because of injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.Herbert was sacked twice by Chris Jones and was hit 10 times on 31 dropbacks.Kansas City got the opening kickoff and was at the Chargers 30 when Elijah Molden recovered Steele’s fumble at the LA 27 after Tuli Tuipulotu jarred the ball loose while tackling the rookie running back.The Chargers converted Steele's second fumble of the season into a touchdown.Herbert completed all four of his passes on Los Angeles' opening 10-play drive, including a 7-yard strike to Ladd McConkey in the back of the end zone. Herbert took a big hit from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring while throwing, but he put the ball in a tight spot as safety Bryan Cook had his back turned.Cameron Dicker's 50 yard field goal extended the Chargers' lead to 10-0. The drive started on the KC 20 after a bizarre play in which Kristian Fulton intercepted Mahomes' pass intended for Kelce and returned it 29 yards up the right sideline.Kansas City's Rashee Rice punched the ball loose behind Fulton for a fumble, which Chiefs center Creed Humphrey recovered. But the call was reversed when a video review showed Rice was out of bounds when he forced the fumble.Rice was injured when Mahomes hit his legs while trying to tackle Fulton. Rice was carted to the locker room.Kansas City had a pair of turnovers and went three-and-out on four of its first five possessions before getting on track late in the second quarter.The Chiefs took over at their 46 after forcing the Chargers to go three-and-out, and Mahomes immediately connected with Worthy for the deep touchdown. Worthy, the speedy rookie wide receiver who was the 28th overall pick in April's draft, blew past Fulton on a go route and caught it 3 yards deep in the end zone on a pass from Mahomes that went 64 yards in the air.Harrison Butker's 37-yard field goal tied it at 10-all midway through the third quarter.The Chargers had a chance to take the lead early in the fourth when they drove to the Kansas City 3, but Herbert threw incomplete on fourth-and-1.Perine's decisive touchdown capped a five-play, 60-yard drive.Kelce, in his 12th season, has 922 receptions. Gonzalez had 916 catches in 12 seasons with Kansas City, and the Hall of Famer finished his career with 1,325.<h2>Up next</h2>Chiefs: At Minnesota Vikings next Sunday.Chargers: After a bye, visit Denver on Oct. 14.

🏈 Mahomes, Kelce help Chiefs rally for win over Chargers

ATLANTA (AP) — Charlie Morton gave up a three-run homer to Michael Massey in the first inning and the Atlanta Braves squandered a chance to clinch a postseason berth, losing to the playoff-bound Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Sunday in what was supposed to be the final day of the regular season.

Atlanta hosts doubleheader Monday against the New York Mets, a makeup of two games that were rained out last week between the NL East rivals as Hurricane Helene slashed through the southeastern U.S.

Atlanta and the Mets are both 88-72, and Arizona finished 89-73. If either team sweeps Monday, the Diamondbacks reach the playoffs. But if the doubleheader is split, the Mets and Braves advance and Arizona is out because the Braves and Mets hold the tiebreaker edge over the Diamondbacks.

Before recording an out, Morton gave up a leadoff double to Tommy Pham, a single to Bobby Witt Jr. and Massey's homer.

Morton (8-10) surrendered four runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727650739606.png" alt="Image KC Royals" />
 <figcaption>Image KC Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Charlie Morton gave up a three-run homer to Michael Massey in the first inning and the Atlanta Braves squandered a chance to clinch a postseason berth, losing to the playoff-bound Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Sunday in what was supposed to be the final day of the regular season.Atlanta hosts doubleheader Monday against the New York Mets, a makeup of two games that were rained out last week between the NL East rivals as Hurricane Helene slashed through the southeastern U.S.Atlanta and the Mets are both 88-72, and Arizona finished 89-73. If either team sweeps Monday, the Diamondbacks reach the playoffs. But if the doubleheader is split, the Mets and Braves advance and Arizona is out because the Braves and Mets hold the tiebreaker edge over the Diamondbacks.Before recording an out, Morton gave up a leadoff double to Tommy Pham, a single to Bobby Witt Jr. and Massey's homer.Morton (8-10) surrendered four runs on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings.The 40-year-old was drafted by the Braves in 2002 and made his MLB debut for Atlanta in 2008 He made what could be his final major league start and was given an small ovation after manager Brian Snitker pulled him in the top of the fifth inning.Atlanta had ample opportunity to score more than two runs but went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position.Alec Marsh (9-9) allowed one earned run over five innings for the win. Kris Bubic pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save.BATTING TITLEWitt went 1 for 4 to earn the AL batting title after finishing with a .332 average.UP NEXTRoyals: The No. 6 seed in the American League will face third-seeded Houston in the Wild Card Series that begins on Tuesday.Braves: Will play the Mets in a Monday doubleheader to make up the games that were postponed on Wednesday and Thursday. Eighteen-game winner Chris Sale and rookie Spencer Schwellenbach are set up to get the starts.