By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

After a dismal stretch of three-straight winless campaigns, the Abilene football program executed a rapid two-year rebuild, culminating in a 7-3 finish with a playoff win over Ark City last season.

That turnaround was orchestrated by now fifth-year head coach Brad Nicks, and a senior class that worked tirelessly for four years, to restore not only the football program, but Abilene athletics as a whole, to their former glory.

“In some ways those guys can’t be replaced, they laid the foundation of who we are today,” Nicks said. “But we’ve got a lot of new kids stepping up who want to continue this tradition. We’ll look different but we’re still going to do what we do and take pride in how hard we play.”

Despite losing mainstays like quarterback Stocton Timbrook, lead wideout Brax Fisher, and defensive stars like Keaton Hargrave, Kayden Timm and Zach Miller, the cupboards in Abilene are far from bare ahead of the 2024 season.

On offense, Weston Rock and Taygan Funston return at wideout to compliment first-year starter Aaron Hartman under center.

“I know Aaron is going to do a great job for us,” Nicks said. “He’s a really great leader, the kids love him and he’s a very intelligent QB.”

On defense, the Cowboys return more than half of their starters, including anchors like Landon Taplin, Heath Hoekman, Devin Alvarez and Tyler Holloway, as well as Rock, Funston, and others.

“We bring back a lot on defense and that feels like a big strength for us,” he said. “We take a lot of pride in our defense and the kids are really good about staying physical and tough, sprinting to the football and really getting after it.”

The graduation of Abilene’s senior class will also pave the path for new stars like running back Lane Hoekman, linemen Pierce Casteel and Canyn Taylor, linebacker Kash Hargrave and safety Kayden Thrower to play bigger roles after tearing up the JV field.

“Our JV has only lost five games in three years and I think that experience will pay dividends on Friday nights,” Nicks said. “Our goal is to develop players through that JV system and we’re excited to see those guys step up in bigger roles and carry on our tradition.”

While the potential for Abilene remains high, this year will also serve as a test for a Cowboy program with no intention of going back to middling play on the field.

“I feel like we’ve created a culture that’s built to last and the idea that ‘tradition never graduates’ is one that we’ve really made a part of our program,” Nicks said. “We had great participation in summer weights and in our offseason work, they’ve done an outstanding job.”

Despite playing a gauntlet of a schedule, expectations remain high ahead of the 2024 kickoff this week.

“Our seniors are excited," he said. "We want to host another playoff game and get another playoff victory. We try not to put the cart ahead of the horse and the NCKL has gotten even better with the addition of Rock Creek this year.”

Abilene will be challenged right out of the gates when they travel to Clay Center to take on the Tigers this Friday night.

2024 Abilene Schedule 9/6: at Clay Center 9/13: vs. Chapman 9/20: vs. Concordia 9/27: at Rock Creek 10/4: vs. Marysville 10/11: vs. Augusta 10/18: at El Dorado 10/25: at Wamego

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostAfter a dismal stretch of three-straight winless campaigns, the Abilene football program executed a rapid two-year rebuild, culminating in a 7-3 finish with a playoff win over Ark City last season.That turnaround was orchestrated by now fifth-year head coach Brad Nicks, and a senior class that worked tirelessly for four years, to restore not only the football program, but Abilene athletics as a whole, to their former glory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>“In some ways those guys can’t be replaced, they laid the foundation of who we are today,” Nicks said. “But we’ve got a lot of new kids stepping up who want to continue this tradition. We’ll look different but we’re still going to do what we do and take pride in how hard we play.”Despite losing mainstays like quarterback Stocton Timbrook, lead wideout Brax Fisher, and defensive stars like Keaton Hargrave, Kayden Timm and Zach Miller, the cupboards in Abilene are far from bare ahead of the 2024 season.On offense, Weston Rock and Taygan Funston return at wideout to compliment first-year starter Aaron Hartman under center.“I know Aaron is going to do a great job for us,” Nicks said. “He’s a really great leader, the kids love him and he’s a very intelligent QB.”On defense, the Cowboys return more than half of their starters, including anchors like Landon Taplin, Heath Hoekman, Devin Alvarez and Tyler Holloway, as well as Rock, Funston, and others.“We bring back a lot on defense and that feels like a big strength for us,” he said. “We take a lot of pride in our defense and the kids are really good about staying physical and tough, sprinting to the football and really getting after it.”The graduation of Abilene’s senior class will also pave the path for new stars like running back Lane Hoekman, linemen Pierce Casteel and Canyn Taylor, linebacker Kash Hargrave and safety Kayden Thrower to play bigger roles after tearing up the JV field.“Our JV has only lost five games in three years and I think that experience will pay dividends on Friday nights,” Nicks said. “Our goal is to develop players through that JV system and we’re excited to see those guys step up in bigger roles and carry on our tradition.”While the potential for Abilene remains high, this year will also serve as a test for a Cowboy program with no intention of going back to middling play on the field.“I feel like we’ve created a culture that’s built to last and the idea that ‘tradition never graduates’ is one that we’ve really made a part of our program,” Nicks said. “We had great participation in summer weights and in our offseason work, they’ve done an outstanding job.”Despite playing a gauntlet of a schedule, expectations remain high ahead of the 2024 kickoff this week.“Our seniors are excited," he said. "We want to host another playoff game and get another playoff victory. We try not to put the cart ahead of the horse and the NCKL has gotten even better with the addition of Rock Creek this year.”Abilene will be challenged right out of the gates when they travel to Clay Center to take on the Tigers this Friday night.2024 Abilene Schedule 9/6: at Clay Center 9/13: vs. Chapman 9/20: vs. Concordia 9/27: at Rock Creek 10/4: vs. Marysville 10/11: vs. Augusta 10/18: at El Dorado 10/25: at Wamego

Next generation ready to take the reigns of Abilene football program

For years, that’s been the philosophy of Southeast of Saline head football coach Mitch Gebhardt, and for the last four seasons, it’s been executed to perfection on the field.

The Trojan’s last lost a regular season game back in 2019, marking four-straight 8-0 starts, each capped off by a trip to the state quarter, or semifinals.

SES has achieved this not by avoiding challenging opponents, but by actively seeking them out.

“If you look at our schedule it’s as tough as anybody’s in 2A,” Gebhardt said. “We have to take the mindset of one game at a time to heart, that’s how we’ve built this. On Monday morning, regardless of what happened, last week is done and our focus has to be on getting better and who’s in front of us.”

As it has been for each of the last four years, the Trojans graduated a large senior class in 2023, but the next generation is ready to pick up the torch left behind by standouts like Daniel Kejr, Nathan Friesen, Cam Witte and Wyatt Boyd.

“We feel good about the guys that we have,” he said. “We have several with a lot of returning experience but it’s exciting to see kids who haven’t gotten their opportunity yet step up and get that varsity experience.”

One of the biggest changes will come at quarterback, where senior Gannon Jacobson prepares to take his first start under center under the Friday Night Lights.

Southeast has no qualms about handing the keys to Jacobson, who has been taking reps at quarterback for the purple and white since fourth grade.

“Gannon’s a really athletic quarterback and I think he’s going to make some plays that no one expects,” Gebhardt said. “He throws a good football, he can really run it and he leads well, he’s the whole package as a quarterback.”

While several of the weapons around Jacobson, like star wideout Tucker Thaxton, will return, the group responsible for protecting him, and creating holes for the run game will look much different than it did last year.

“Our offensive line doesn’t have the same experience we’ve had in the past but we feel good about what we’ve got and we’re going to rotate 7-8 guys that we’re excited to see get their chance,” he said.

While the offense has undergone considerable renovations this offseason, the defense remains largely unchanged, with nine juniors and two seniors filling out an all-veteran starting 11.

On both sides of the ball, speed remains the name of the game for a Southeast squad that loves to work up-tempo and keep opponents back on their heels.

“I feel good about the speed we have at linebacker and honestly our overall team speed is very good again as well,” Gebhardt said.

The Trojans open their 2024 campaign at home in a league clash with the Minneapolis Lions which will be streamed live on Salina Post and broadcast on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM).

2024 Southeast of Saline Schedule 9/6: vs. Minneapolis 9/13: at Clay Center 9/20: vs. Beloit 9/27: at Kingman 10/4: vs. Lyons 10/11: at Hillsboro 10/18: vs. Halstead 10/25: at Ellsworth

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostGo 1-0 every single week.For years, that’s been the philosophy of Southeast of Saline head football coach Mitch Gebhardt, and for the last four seasons, it’s been executed to perfection on the field.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Trojan’s last lost a regular season game back in 2019, marking four-straight 8-0 starts, each capped off by a trip to the state quarter, or semifinals.SES has achieved this not by avoiding challenging opponents, but by actively seeking them out.“If you look at our schedule it’s as tough as anybody’s in 2A,” Gebhardt said. “We have to take the mindset of one game at a time to heart, that’s how we’ve built this. On Monday morning, regardless of what happened, last week is done and our focus has to be on getting better and who’s in front of us.”As it has been for each of the last four years, the Trojans graduated a large senior class in 2023, but the next generation is ready to pick up the torch left behind by standouts like Daniel Kejr, Nathan Friesen, Cam Witte and Wyatt Boyd.“We feel good about the guys that we have,” he said. “We have several with a lot of returning experience but it’s exciting to see kids who haven’t gotten their opportunity yet step up and get that varsity experience.”One of the biggest changes will come at quarterback, where senior Gannon Jacobson prepares to take his first start under center under the Friday Night Lights.Southeast has no qualms about handing the keys to Jacobson, who has been taking reps at quarterback for the purple and white since fourth grade.“Gannon’s a really athletic quarterback and I think he’s going to make some plays that no one expects,” Gebhardt said. “He throws a good football, he can really run it and he leads well, he’s the whole package as a quarterback.”While several of the weapons around Jacobson, like star wideout Tucker Thaxton, will return, the group responsible for protecting him, and creating holes for the run game will look much different than it did last year.“Our offensive line doesn’t have the same experience we’ve had in the past but we feel good about what we’ve got and we’re going to rotate 7-8 guys that we’re excited to see get their chance,” he said.While the offense has undergone considerable renovations this offseason, the defense remains largely unchanged, with nine juniors and two seniors filling out an all-veteran starting 11.On both sides of the ball, speed remains the name of the game for a Southeast squad that loves to work up-tempo and keep opponents back on their heels.“I feel good about the speed we have at linebacker and honestly our overall team speed is very good again as well,” Gebhardt said.The Trojans open their 2024 campaign at home in a league clash with the Minneapolis Lions which will be streamed live on Salina Post and broadcast on KINA (910 AM/107.5 FM).2024 Southeast of Saline Schedule 9/6: vs. Minneapolis 9/13: at Clay Center 9/20: vs. Beloit 9/27: at Kingman 10/4: vs. Lyons 10/11: at Hillsboro 10/18: vs. Halstead 10/25: at Ellsworth

Trojans seek to continue dynastic run in 2024

It’s been a rough few years for the Salina South football program, but with new leadership, and a new energy, the Cougars are ready to attack the 2024 campaign head on.

First year head coach Christien Ozores, who comes to Salina by way of Russell, is optimistic about the efforts his Cougars have shown this offseason.

“The hard work that the kids have been putting in has been great to see and it’s taken a lot of work from them and from the staff to rebuild this thing,” Ozores said. “We’ve practiced and trained a lot but now we’re excited to go out and play on a Friday night.”

That optimism is shared by the green and gold half of the Salina community, who have waited nearly three years to watch their Cougars snap one of the longest losing streaks in recent memory.

“We know we haven’t won in 24 games so our margin of error is low, he said. “We’ll have to do the little things right if we want to compete at a high level; be disciplined, take care of the football and keep big plays off the board.”

Anchoring this effort at quarterback will be senior starter Landon Putnam, who returns for his third season under center.

“Landon has been a consistent leader for us and we ask a lot out of him,” Ozores said. “It’s not easy, but he’s done a really great job and he knows what our expectations are.”

While South is bursting with potential at the skill positions, the other stars of this offense remain to be seen, with just two of the Cougar’s 12 seniors slotting in at wide receiver or running back.

“Our biggest question marks will be in how we can compete, and win some ballgames,” he said. “We’ll be looking early on to see how these young guys step up and who’s ready to play.”

Where South does return a great deal of senior talent is on their offensive line, which features three seniors in Brady Oliver, Zach Johnson, and Sean Iselin, and junior Austin Kraft.

While collecting that elusive first victory is certainly a priority, the Cougars are also dedicated to laying the groundwork for a strong football culture in Salina.

“We want to build our culture on hard work and discipline,” Ozores said. “Playing hard, clean, and physical and doing the right things on and off the field.”

With their season opener against cross-town rival Salina Central just days away, a new energy is in the air around both the program, and the community at South.

“The energy around here feels like a big strength right now,” he said. “The kids are excited, they're tired of losing and we’ve worked our butts off to try and turn this thing around. The kids are bought in, they’re flying around and they’re mindful of the details.”

The Mayor’s Cup matchup in week one will be broadcast on Salina Post with live video and play-by-play commentary.

The Cougar’s full schedule can be found below, all games are scheduled to kick off at 7pm.

2024 Salina South Schedule 9/6: at Salina Central 9/13: vs. Maize South 9/20: vs. Derby 9/27: vs. Hutch 10/4: at Valley Center 10/11: vs. Goddard 10/18: at Haysville Campus 10/25: at Maize&nbsp;

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostIt’s been a rough few years for the Salina South football program, but with new leadership, and a new energy, the Cougars are ready to attack the 2024 campaign head on.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715807615208.jpeg" alt="Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here." />
 <figcaption>Salina Regional Orthopedic &amp; Sports Medicine- Your home-field advantage starts here.</figcaption>
 </figure>First year head coach Christien Ozores, who comes to Salina by way of Russell, is optimistic about the efforts his Cougars have shown this offseason.“The hard work that the kids have been putting in has been great to see and it’s taken a lot of work from them and from the staff to rebuild this thing,” Ozores said. “We’ve practiced and trained a lot but now we’re excited to go out and play on a Friday night.”That optimism is shared by the green and gold half of the Salina community, who have waited nearly three years to watch their Cougars snap one of the longest losing streaks in recent memory.“We know we haven’t won in 24 games so our margin of error is low, he said. “We’ll have to do the little things right if we want to compete at a high level; be disciplined, take care of the football and keep big plays off the board.”Anchoring this effort at quarterback will be senior starter Landon Putnam, who returns for his third season under center.“Landon has been a consistent leader for us and we ask a lot out of him,” Ozores said. “It’s not easy, but he’s done a really great job and he knows what our expectations are.”While South is bursting with potential at the skill positions, the other stars of this offense remain to be seen, with just two of the Cougar’s 12 seniors slotting in at wide receiver or running back.“Our biggest question marks will be in how we can compete, and win some ballgames,” he said. “We’ll be looking early on to see how these young guys step up and who’s ready to play.”Where South does return a great deal of senior talent is on their offensive line, which features three seniors in Brady Oliver, Zach Johnson, and Sean Iselin, and junior Austin Kraft.While collecting that elusive first victory is certainly a priority, the Cougars are also dedicated to laying the groundwork for a strong football culture in Salina.“We want to build our culture on hard work and discipline,” Ozores said. “Playing hard, clean, and physical and doing the right things on and off the field.”With their season opener against cross-town rival Salina Central just days away, a new energy is in the air around both the program, and the community at South.“The energy around here feels like a big strength right now,” he said. “The kids are excited, they're tired of losing and we’ve worked our butts off to try and turn this thing around. The kids are bought in, they’re flying around and they’re mindful of the details.”The Mayor’s Cup matchup in week one will be broadcast on Salina Post with live video and play-by-play commentary.The Cougar’s full schedule can be found below, all games are scheduled to kick off at 7pm.2024 Salina South Schedule 9/6: at Salina Central 9/13: vs. Maize South 9/20: vs. Derby 9/27: vs. Hutch 10/4: at Valley Center 10/11: vs. Goddard 10/18: at Haysville Campus 10/25: at Maize&nbsp;

Revived Cougar program ready to right ship under new leadership

SALINA, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan University will induct four individuals and three teams into the Jerry Jones Athletics Hall of Fame at Homecoming 2024, it was announced on Tuesday. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 a.m. along with the university's alumni awards ceremony.

This year's inductees are football and track and field athlete Clint Brown '04, women's basketball player Stephanie (Frost) Nelson, men's basketball player Jason Gentz '98 and women's volleyball player Kolby (Rhoades) Melia '08. The 1992, 1993 and 1994 softball teams will also be inducted.

Brown '04 played four seasons of football and was also a thrower on the track and field team. A member of back-to-back conference champions in 2001 and 2002 and was a Second Team NAIA All-American in 2002, he was named the 2002 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year and was First Team All-KCAC in 2002 and 2003.

Nelson helped lead Kansas Wesleyan to two of the program's three straight NAIA Division II National Championship appearances and a KCAC Championship in 2011. A three-time all-KCAC selection (2010, 2011, 2012), she still ranks third all-time in scoring with 1,419 points and sixth in scoring average (11.4), along with many top-10 accolades.

Gentz '98 played just one season for the Coyotes (1995-96) but made a huge impact, becoming the first KCAC player to earn NAIA National Basketball Player of the Week honors. He was voted to the NAIA All-America Third Team and was a unanimous all-KCAC selection, setting a then-school record for scoring in a single season with 644 points.

Melia '08 was named to the 2006 NAIA All-Region IV First Team, leading the KCAC with 4.35 kills per game. The following year, she helped KWU win the KCAC with a 17-1 record and advance to the NAIA Region IV tournament. She currently ranks fifth all-time in career kills with 1,007.

The 1992, 1993 and 1994 softball teams coached by Kevin Blaskowski won the KCAC in '92 and '93 and finished second in '94, winning NAIA District 10 in '94. In 1992, Terri Clark was named NAIA All-America honorable mention and was the District 10 Player of the Year while Michele Villaire was the 1993 District 10 co-Player of the Year.

The Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Athletic Hall of Fame was started by former coach and Athletics Director Jerry Jones in 1986 as part of the university's centennial celebration. The inaugural class had 100 members to commemorate the milestone. In 2022, Kansas Wesleyan renamed it the Jerry Jones Kansas Wesleyan University Coyote Athletic Hall of Fame in Jones' honor.

Complete bios on each inductee are below.

Clint Brown played four seasons of football for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes and was also a member of the track and field teams as a thrower. He was named the 2002 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year leading the Coyotes to back-to-back conference championships in 2001 and 2002. He was First Team All-KCAC in 2002 and 2003. He was also named as a Second Team NAIA All-American in 2002. In 2001, he had 50 tackles and two interceptions. In 2002, Brown had eight interceptions and blocked seven kicks, along with four fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles while leading the team with 111 tackles. In 2003, he had 64 tackles with two interceptions and five pass break-ups, along with two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. He also excelled with the KWU track and field teams, earning all-KCAC honors in the shot put.

Stephanie (Frost) Nelson - Women's Basketball

Stephanie Frost was an outstanding player for the Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball team. She helped lead the team to two of the program's three straight NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship appearances and a KCAC Championship in 2011. In 2010, she was named the KCAC Freshman of the Year while being named First Team All-KCAC and was on the All-KCAC All-Freshman and All-KCAC Defensive Teams. As a sophomore she was again named to the All-KCAC First Team, helping lead the team to a KCAC Tournament championship. In 2012, Frost was named First Team All-KCAC for a third straight season. At the time of her induction, Frost ranks third all-time in scoring with 1,419 points, sixth in scoring average at 11.4 points per game, third in field goals (564) and attempted field goals (1,248), second in field goal percentage (.452), eighth in free throws (253), second in rebounds (833), third in rebounding average, second in blocks (221), and blocks per game (1.8). She also ranks fourth all-time in games played with 124 and third in games started with 118.

Jason Gentz spent only one year, his senior season, at KWU, in 1995-96. The Herington, Kan., native played junior college basketball at Neosho County (Kansas) Community College, leading the nation in 3-point scoring and was First Team NJCAA All-Jayhawk Conference selection. After a year at Central Oklahoma University, Gentz was sitting out a year, playing in the Abilene city league, prior to then coach Jerry Jones convinced Gentz to join the Coyotes. He quickly turned KWU around from a 1-23 season to 14-14 and became the first KCAC player to earn NAIA National Basketball Player of the Week honors. He was Third Team NAIA All-America and unanimous All-KCAC. He set then-school records for single season scoring (644 points), senior class season scoring (644 points), season field goal attempts (526) and season 3-point scores (81). Gentz ranked third in season field goals (214) and fourth in season free throws made (135). He is a member of KWU 1990's Team of the Decade.

In 2006, Kolby Rhoades was named to the NAIA All-Region IV First Team. She also was named KCAC Player of the Year and First Team All-KCAC. She was named KCAC Player of the Week four consecutive weeks during KWU's 12-match winning streak. Rhoades led the KCAC in kills per game with a 4.35 average in her first season with the Coyotes. During the 2006 season, she became the first KWU player to go over 400 kills in a season since Jennifer Joy in 2002.

In 2007, Rhoades helped KWU win the KCAC with a 17-1 record and advance to the NAIA Region IV tournament.

She ranks fifth all-time in career kills with 1,007, is one of only five players in program history (since college volleyball switched to rally scoring in 2001) to have over 1,000 career kills, and ranks second in career kills per set at 4.44. She ranks seventh all-time in career points with 1,203. Her .240 career attack percentage ranks in the top 10 in KWU history. She has two of the top six performances in kills in a season and kills per set in a season. She holds the school record for attack attempts in a single season with 1,618 in 2007. She ranks third (651.5, 2007) and sixth (551.5, 2006) in single season points and second (5.43, 2007) and fourth (5.15, 2006) in single season points per set.

SALINA, Kan. - Kansas Wesleyan University will induct four individuals and three teams into the Jerry Jones Athletics Hall of Fame at Homecoming 2024, it was announced on Tuesday. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 a.m. along with the university's alumni awards ceremony.This year's inductees are football and track and field athlete Clint Brown '04, women's basketball player Stephanie (Frost) Nelson, men's basketball player Jason Gentz '98 and women's volleyball player Kolby (Rhoades) Melia '08. The 1992, 1993 and 1994 softball teams will also be inducted.Brown '04 played four seasons of football and was also a thrower on the track and field team. A member of back-to-back conference champions in 2001 and 2002 and was a Second Team NAIA All-American in 2002, he was named the 2002 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year and was First Team All-KCAC in 2002 and 2003.Nelson helped lead Kansas Wesleyan to two of the program's three straight NAIA Division II National Championship appearances and a KCAC Championship in 2011. A three-time all-KCAC selection (2010, 2011, 2012), she still ranks third all-time in scoring with 1,419 points and sixth in scoring average (11.4), along with many top-10 accolades.Gentz '98 played just one season for the Coyotes (1995-96) but made a huge impact, becoming the first KCAC player to earn NAIA National Basketball Player of the Week honors. He was voted to the NAIA All-America Third Team and was a unanimous all-KCAC selection, setting a then-school record for scoring in a single season with 644 points.Melia '08 was named to the 2006 NAIA All-Region IV First Team, leading the KCAC with 4.35 kills per game. The following year, she helped KWU win the KCAC with a 17-1 record and advance to the NAIA Region IV tournament. She currently ranks fifth all-time in career kills with 1,007.The 1992, 1993 and 1994 softball teams coached by Kevin Blaskowski won the KCAC in '92 and '93 and finished second in '94, winning NAIA District 10 in '94. In 1992, Terri Clark was named NAIA All-America honorable mention and was the District 10 Player of the Year while Michele Villaire was the 1993 District 10 co-Player of the Year.The Kansas Wesleyan Coyote Athletic Hall of Fame was started by former coach and Athletics Director Jerry Jones in 1986 as part of the university's centennial celebration. The inaugural class had 100 members to commemorate the milestone. In 2022, Kansas Wesleyan renamed it the Jerry Jones Kansas Wesleyan University Coyote Athletic Hall of Fame in Jones' honor.Complete bios on each inductee are below.Clint Brown '04 - FootballClint Brown played four seasons of football for the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes and was also a member of the track and field teams as a thrower. He was named the 2002 KCAC Defensive Player of the Year leading the Coyotes to back-to-back conference championships in 2001 and 2002. He was First Team All-KCAC in 2002 and 2003. He was also named as a Second Team NAIA All-American in 2002. In 2001, he had 50 tackles and two interceptions. In 2002, Brown had eight interceptions and blocked seven kicks, along with four fumble recoveries and five forced fumbles while leading the team with 111 tackles. In 2003, he had 64 tackles with two interceptions and five pass break-ups, along with two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. He also excelled with the KWU track and field teams, earning all-KCAC honors in the shot put.Stephanie (Frost) Nelson - Women's BasketballStephanie Frost was an outstanding player for the Kansas Wesleyan Women's Basketball team. She helped lead the team to two of the program's three straight NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship appearances and a KCAC Championship in 2011. In 2010, she was named the KCAC Freshman of the Year while being named First Team All-KCAC and was on the All-KCAC All-Freshman and All-KCAC Defensive Teams. As a sophomore she was again named to the All-KCAC First Team, helping lead the team to a KCAC Tournament championship. In 2012, Frost was named First Team All-KCAC for a third straight season. At the time of her induction, Frost ranks third all-time in scoring with 1,419 points, sixth in scoring average at 11.4 points per game, third in field goals (564) and attempted field goals (1,248), second in field goal percentage (.452), eighth in free throws (253), second in rebounds (833), third in rebounding average, second in blocks (221), and blocks per game (1.8). She also ranks fourth all-time in games played with 124 and third in games started with 118.Jason Gentz '98 - Men's BasketballJason Gentz spent only one year, his senior season, at KWU, in 1995-96. The Herington, Kan., native played junior college basketball at Neosho County (Kansas) Community College, leading the nation in 3-point scoring and was First Team NJCAA All-Jayhawk Conference selection. After a year at Central Oklahoma University, Gentz was sitting out a year, playing in the Abilene city league, prior to then coach Jerry Jones convinced Gentz to join the Coyotes. He quickly turned KWU around from a 1-23 season to 14-14 and became the first KCAC player to earn NAIA National Basketball Player of the Week honors. He was Third Team NAIA All-America and unanimous All-KCAC. He set then-school records for single season scoring (644 points), senior class season scoring (644 points), season field goal attempts (526) and season 3-point scores (81). Gentz ranked third in season field goals (214) and fourth in season free throws made (135). He is a member of KWU 1990's Team of the Decade.Kolby (Rhoades) Melia '08 - VolleyballIn 2006, Kolby Rhoades was named to the NAIA All-Region IV First Team. She also was named KCAC Player of the Year and First Team All-KCAC. She was named KCAC Player of the Week four consecutive weeks during KWU's 12-match winning streak. Rhoades led the KCAC in kills per game with a 4.35 average in her first season with the Coyotes. During the 2006 season, she became the first KWU player to go over 400 kills in a season since Jennifer Joy in 2002.In 2007, Rhoades helped KWU win the KCAC with a 17-1 record and advance to the NAIA Region IV tournament.She ranks fifth all-time in career kills with 1,007, is one of only five players in program history (since college volleyball switched to rally scoring in 2001) to have over 1,000 career kills, and ranks second in career kills per set at 4.44. She ranks seventh all-time in career points with 1,203. Her .240 career attack percentage ranks in the top 10 in KWU history. She has two of the top six performances in kills in a season and kills per set in a season. She holds the school record for attack attempts in a single season with 1,618 in 2007. She ranks third (651.5, 2007) and sixth (551.5, 2006) in single season points and second (5.43, 2007) and fourth (5.15, 2006) in single season points per set.1992, 1993, 1994 Softball Teams

Kansas Wesleyan Reveals 2024 Coyote Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

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

Last night, Gavin Williams pitched seven sharp innings, as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2.

Williams allowed one run and one hit, retiring his last 16 batters faced.

The Guardians began the day with a 3 1/2-game lead over Minnesota and Kansas City in the division, and held the Royals to just two hits in their season-high sixth consecutive loss.

Kansas City has tumbled to the bottom of the AL Wild Card standings but still holds the third spot with a 4.5 game lead over the Boston Red Sox

Staying in KC on Monday the Chiefs placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injury list, which removes him from the active 53-man roster and means he will be out for at least the first four games of the season. Kansas City plays Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Chargers during that span.

Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with PTSD and vomiting after a 2018 shooting incident when he was in college at LSU.

And finally Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer picked up its first win of the 2024 campaign on Monday, knocking off the Southwestern Christian Eagles 3-2 in the Baker Labor Day Classic.

It was a comeback story for the Coyotes who trailed 2-0 heading into the final 10 minutes of the match, but persevered and overcame the deficit for the win.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/72EUioKXY20"></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…_________Last night, Gavin Williams pitched seven sharp innings, as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2.Williams allowed one run and one hit, retiring his last 16 batters faced.The Guardians began the day with a 3 1/2-game lead over Minnesota and Kansas City in the division, and held the Royals to just two hits in their season-high sixth consecutive loss.Kansas City has tumbled to the bottom of the AL Wild Card standings but still holds the third spot with a 4.5 game lead over the Boston Red Sox_________Staying in KC on Monday the Chiefs placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injury list, which removes him from the active 53-man roster and means he will be out for at least the first four games of the season. Kansas City plays Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Chargers during that span.Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with PTSD and vomiting after a 2018 shooting incident when he was in college at LSU._________And finally Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer picked up its first win of the 2024 campaign on Monday, knocking off the Southwestern Christian Eagles 3-2 in the Baker Labor Day Classic.It was a comeback story for the Coyotes who trailed 2-0 heading into the final 10 minutes of the match, but persevered and overcame the deficit for the win._________

910 KINA Sports Headlines — September 3

BALDWIN CITY - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer picked up its first win of the 2024 campaign on Monday, knocking off the Southwestern Christian Eagles 3-2 in the Baker Labor Day Classic.

It was a comeback story for the Coyotes two trailed 2-0 heading into the final 10 minutes of the match, but persevered and overcame the deficit for the win.

Southwestern Christian took the early lead on its first opportunity off a set piece corner as Alvaro Sanchez scored on the play after a corner was sent in by Ethan Bonaparte in the fourth minute.

Both teams had chances over the remainder of the first half but no one could capitalize and the match was 1-0 at the half.

The Eagles would score again in the 71st minute as Otavio Avila scored off an assist by Teejay Chiororo.

Things then turned in favor of the Coyotes in the final 10 minutes.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3200fe1-8699-491e-9ade-62c50cbf754b?elinkdata=11800">Kenneth Luanglatbandith</a> got Wesleyan on the board in the 80th minute with a penalty kick goal following a foul by the Eagles in the penalty area.

Wesleyan continued to battle down the stretch nearly running out of time. With just 80 seconds left in the match, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7edad659-52c6-4b38-bff1-9873495a5b80?elinkdata=11800">Gerardo Garcia</a> got the equalizer for the Coyotes cleaning up the rebound off a save of an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3ffa033-fbb0-4685-9fc2-206b95cd70a0?elinkdata=11800">Cole Walgren</a>.

Just seconds later, 17 to be exact, the Coyotes got the game winner. Freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/283ca203-ddbd-49d2-9464-10454295c4ad?elinkdata=11800">Seth Flores</a> netted his first collegiate goal off an assist by Garcia to put the Coyotes up 3-2.

KWU was able to hold off a last minute press by the Eagles for the win.

KWU outshot Southwestern Christian 13-5 in the match. Garcia, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1a7f742-0b15-4d25-9dcd-3a5aca230069?elinkdata=11800">Cayden Andersen</a>, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e544a592-c05f-47ed-91c0-b3cd8847fb33?elinkdata=11800">Jakob Treitl</a> all had two shots each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ed1552ca-8c4d-40db-88b8-b8d0973d5808?elinkdata=11800">Santiago Pagnutti</a> had two saves in goal.

Wesleyan was supposed to be back in action on Saturday hosting Kansas Christian College in the home opener, but last minute coaching changes at KCC forced the Falcons to pull out of the match. KWU will intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at 8 p.m.

BALDWIN CITY - Kansas Wesleyan Men's Soccer picked up its first win of the 2024 campaign on Monday, knocking off the Southwestern Christian Eagles 3-2 in the Baker Labor Day Classic.It was a comeback story for the Coyotes two trailed 2-0 heading into the final 10 minutes of the match, but persevered and overcame the deficit for the win.Southwestern Christian took the early lead on its first opportunity off a set piece corner as Alvaro Sanchez scored on the play after a corner was sent in by Ethan Bonaparte in the fourth minute.Both teams had chances over the remainder of the first half but no one could capitalize and the match was 1-0 at the half.The Eagles would score again in the 71st minute as Otavio Avila scored off an assist by Teejay Chiororo.Things then turned in favor of the Coyotes in the final 10 minutes.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3200fe1-8699-491e-9ade-62c50cbf754b?elinkdata=11800">Kenneth Luanglatbandith</a> got Wesleyan on the board in the 80th minute with a penalty kick goal following a foul by the Eagles in the penalty area.Wesleyan continued to battle down the stretch nearly running out of time. With just 80 seconds left in the match, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7edad659-52c6-4b38-bff1-9873495a5b80?elinkdata=11800">Gerardo Garcia</a> got the equalizer for the Coyotes cleaning up the rebound off a save of an initial shot by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e3ffa033-fbb0-4685-9fc2-206b95cd70a0?elinkdata=11800">Cole Walgren</a>.Just seconds later, 17 to be exact, the Coyotes got the game winner. Freshman <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/283ca203-ddbd-49d2-9464-10454295c4ad?elinkdata=11800">Seth Flores</a> netted his first collegiate goal off an assist by Garcia to put the Coyotes up 3-2.KWU was able to hold off a last minute press by the Eagles for the win.KWU outshot Southwestern Christian 13-5 in the match. Garcia, <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/c1a7f742-0b15-4d25-9dcd-3a5aca230069?elinkdata=11800">Cayden Andersen</a>, and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/e544a592-c05f-47ed-91c0-b3cd8847fb33?elinkdata=11800">Jakob Treitl</a> all had two shots each for the Coyotes. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/ed1552ca-8c4d-40db-88b8-b8d0973d5808?elinkdata=11800">Santiago Pagnutti</a> had two saves in goal.Wesleyan was supposed to be back in action on Saturday hosting Kansas Christian College in the home opener, but last minute coaching changes at KCC forced the Falcons to pull out of the match. KWU will intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at 8 p.m.

KWU MSOC gets first win, rallying to beat Southwestern Christian 3-2 in Baker Classic

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injury list, which removes him from the active 53-man roster and means he will be out for at least the first four games of the season. Kansas City plays Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Chargers during that span.

Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with PTSD and vomiting after a 2018 incident when he was in college at LSU.

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injury list, which removes him from the active 53-man roster and means he will be out for at least the first four games of the season. Kansas City plays Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Chargers during that span.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Living With PTSD is no small feat, its hard and very overwhelming . Within the last month Ive Had many flare ups and the Amazing staff here at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> have been helping me get through some tough times. I’ll be back rolling next Practice! All Love , Glydro ❤️💛&mdash; GLYDE (@Clydro_22) <a href="https://twitter.com/Clydro_22/status/1817926604770906578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Edwards-Helaire has been dealing with PTSD and vomiting after a 2018 incident when he was in college at LSU.

🏈 Edwards-Helaire out for first four Chiefs games

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gavin Williams pitched seven sharp innings, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Monday.

Lane Thomas and Josh Naylor each hit a two-run homer for AL Central-leading Cleveland, which won for the fourth time in five games.

Williams (3-7) allowed one run and one hit in an encouraging September performance after he went 1-4 with a 6.56 ERA in five starts last month. The right-hander retired his last 16 batters.

The Guardians began the day with a 3 1/2-game lead over Minnesota and Kansas City in the division.

The Royals finished with two hits in their season-high sixth consecutive loss.

Thomas' ninth homer of the season lifted Cleveland to a 2-1 lead in the fifth. It was Thomas’ first homer since he was acquired in a July 29 trade with Washington.

José Ramírez led off the sixth with an infield single off Kris Bubic. Naylor followed with his 29th homer, a 420-foot drive to center on a 1-0 fastball.

In his last five games, Naylor has eight RBIs and 11 hits, three for extra bases.

Emmanuel Clase handled the ninth for his 41st save. He has converted 28 consecutive save chances.

Maikel Garcia doubled home Yuli Gurriel in the second for Kansas City, and Kyle Isbel added a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

Garcia started at shortstop as Bobby Witt Jr. served as the designated hitter. It was Witt’s first game away from shortstop since last Sept. 4, a span of 161 games.

Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha (11-7) permitted two runs and five hits in five innings in his first loss since June 22.

Royals: 1B Gurriel left in the eighth because of right hamstring tightness.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gavin Williams pitched seven sharp innings, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 4-2 on Monday.Lane Thomas and Josh Naylor each hit a two-run homer for AL Central-leading Cleveland, which won for the fourth time in five games.Williams (3-7) allowed one run and one hit in an encouraging September performance after he went 1-4 with a 6.56 ERA in five starts last month. The right-hander retired his last 16 batters.The Guardians began the day with a 3 1/2-game lead over Minnesota and Kansas City in the division.The Royals finished with two hits in their season-high sixth consecutive loss.Thomas' ninth homer of the season lifted Cleveland to a 2-1 lead in the fifth. It was Thomas’ first homer since he was acquired in a July 29 trade with Washington.José Ramírez led off the sixth with an infield single off Kris Bubic. Naylor followed with his 29th homer, a 420-foot drive to center on a 1-0 fastball.In his last five games, Naylor has eight RBIs and 11 hits, three for extra bases.Emmanuel Clase handled the ninth for his 41st save. He has converted 28 consecutive save chances.Maikel Garcia doubled home Yuli Gurriel in the second for Kansas City, and Kyle Isbel added a sacrifice fly in the eighth.Garcia started at shortstop as Bobby Witt Jr. served as the designated hitter. It was Witt’s first game away from shortstop since last Sept. 4, a span of 161 games.Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha (11-7) permitted two runs and five hits in five innings in his first loss since June 22.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: 1B Gurriel left in the eighth because of right hamstring tightness.UP NEXT

⚾Williams pitches 7 sharp innings as the Guardians beat the Royals

ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUB

Q: You will be the first two teams to play a regular season game with the new kickoff rules, what does that mean to you?

TOUB: “We don’t know what to expect from them, they don’t know what to expect from us, but we’ve got a lot of practice in on it with the spikes kicks and the zone. We’ll see what we get, we’ll see what we do (laughter). We’ll find out Thursday night.”

Q: How has the chemistry and operation been on special teams since Matt Araiza joined the team?

TOUB: “Matt (Araiza) has done a fantastic job. I mean, him and (Harrison) Butker, they haven’t missed a beat – at all, really. They’re fine, the operation’s good. I’m excited to see Matt, as a punter, you know obviously his first game – first regular season game, so it’s going to be an exciting night.”

Q: What do you like about having Peyton Hendershot on special teams?

TOUB: “He’s (Peyton Hendershot) played all four phases. He’s done it. He was a good player at Dallas (Cowboys), we’re excited to have him on the roster. He’s a possible guy that can come in and fill a backup role, at this point. He just got here a week ago, so we’re not going to ask him to do a lot right now. There is a chance he could be up. If he’s up, then he’ll be in that role.”

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLO

Q: What’s your excitement level for kickoff?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“(I’m) fired up. Listen, it’s the first game, it’s been a long training camp (and) we’re anxious to hit somebody else. Then, the other thing is (that) we really haven’t had our guys – the starting crew out there very much, so we’ve got a lot to kind of figure out on the go, which is what the first game’s all about. You don’t know what you’re going to get. They haven’t shown us much (and) we haven’t shown them much and it’s kind of the in-game adjustments that are really important in this game.”

Q: How do you see the second cornerback spot?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“It’s an unanswered question right now, to be honest with you. With the injuries that we dealt with and the guys in and out, it was hard to say, ‘This is the guy that won the job,’ so, there will probably be a bunch of them (cornerbacks) playing. We mix and match a lot anyway, so there will be a lot of that going on.”

Q: How important is the slot corner to be effective in the run game? Especially against the Ravens?

SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Really important for that exact reason. I mean, the expectation is (that) they’re going to come in here and try to run it – which we get it. Hopefully, we can get them in situations where they’ve got to throw and we can be good against that because this team – listen, they get noted as a running team – they can do everything. They have really good wide outs, their quarterback can extend the down, we all know that. He’s (Ravens QB Lamar Jackson) accurate. I mean, we’ve got a great deal of respect for them. They’re well coached, you guys know how I feel about (Ravens Head Coach) John (Harbaugh), so it’s going to be a tremendous challenge right out of the gate here in the first game of the season.”

Q: What tells you Xavier Worthy is ready for this game against the Ravens?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably the biggest thing is making sure that we understand that this is going to be an emotional game and understanding that there is going to be some moments where there’s a mistake with a route assignment or – but there is also going to be some big plays. This game is about preparation for all of us as coaches and then for the players, it's being able to be proficient within their execution. He (Xavier Worthy) falls into that, it's his first time doing it. We have – he’s not the only one, we have some other guys that (it) will be their first time in GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (and) their first time playing in an NFL game. For Xavier, he’s done everything we have asked him to do mentally (and) the physical challenge will show up. It's going to be a physical game with an experienced defense, and they’re very well coached.”

Q:&nbsp;When did Carson Steele spark your interest?

NAGY:&nbsp;“Personally for me, I think it started with all of us, really, just his (Carson Steele) assignments in OTAs were pretty crisp. He knew what he was doing (and) he knew where he was going. You never know how he’s going to do until you put the pads on. He took it to training camp and put the pads on (and) made some nice plays. A splash play here or there definitely helps, but it has to be consistent over periods of plays and series of drives. I thought he did that. There’s still some things that internally we know he can get better at (and) he knows it. Now, you take it to the Thursday Night Football against a really good football team. Again, balancing the emotions of understanding there will be some mistakes but do it 100 percent, 100 percent of the time and he does that.”

Q: Preparing for this first game how have you planned to tackle it?

NAGY:&nbsp;“This game coming up, for every team coming up, this whole first week is all about adapting, that’s it. How do you adapt? How well do you adapt? They have a new defensive coordinator (and it’s the) first time that he (Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr) is calling plays. Whether it’s the same or different, we’ll see. They’re going to have some un-scouted looks and we’re going to see some things that are different – how do we adjust? Making sure that our guys can play fast is important but a lot of respect for them. It’s going to be a physical game.”

Q:&nbsp;Is the excitement level the same going into year nine?

JONES:&nbsp;“Absolutely. I think it’s always a butterfly feeling when you (are) getting closer to the game and actually the first play of the game, (I) still get butterflies. I think when that feeling goes away then – my time here is coming up, but as long as I’m getting that feeling, I’m still here. I’m still excited to play, I’m still excited to see the potential of this team (that) we have and finally be able to hit somebody else other than my teammates.”

Q:&nbsp;Last year, your defense was statistically the best. How does that raise the level of play going into this season?

JONES:&nbsp;“I think every year has its own challenges. Last year was a special group. Whether it’s from a guy like (Tennessee Titans Cornerback) L’Jarius Sneed coming in being an All-Pro (or) a young guy like two-two, (Trent) McDuffie coming in, another All-Pro. I mean, we had some special pieces on that defense. Year in and year out, every year he has a different team, every year is a new team. Last year, we faced a lot of adversity early on in the season, and we kind of turned it around during Christmas. Hopefully, this year we can amp it up and don’t have to get to December to make that adjust so we’re looking forward to the first game.”

Q:&nbsp;What excites you most about what this team can do this season?

Chiefs Coordinator QuotesSeptember 2, 2024ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR DAVE TOUBQ: You will be the first two teams to play a regular season game with the new kickoff rules, what does that mean to you?TOUB: “We don’t know what to expect from them, they don’t know what to expect from us, but we’ve got a lot of practice in on it with the spikes kicks and the zone. We’ll see what we get, we’ll see what we do (laughter). We’ll find out Thursday night.”Q: How has the chemistry and operation been on special teams since Matt Araiza joined the team?TOUB: “Matt (Araiza) has done a fantastic job. I mean, him and (Harrison) Butker, they haven’t missed a beat – at all, really. They’re fine, the operation’s good. I’m excited to see Matt, as a punter, you know obviously his first game – first regular season game, so it’s going to be an exciting night.”Q: What do you like about having Peyton Hendershot on special teams?TOUB: “He’s (Peyton Hendershot) played all four phases. He’s done it. He was a good player at Dallas (Cowboys), we’re excited to have him on the roster. He’s a possible guy that can come in and fill a backup role, at this point. He just got here a week ago, so we’re not going to ask him to do a lot right now. There is a chance he could be up. If he’s up, then he’ll be in that role.”DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SPAGNUOLOQ: What’s your excitement level for kickoff?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“(I’m) fired up. Listen, it’s the first game, it’s been a long training camp (and) we’re anxious to hit somebody else. Then, the other thing is (that) we really haven’t had our guys – the starting crew out there very much, so we’ve got a lot to kind of figure out on the go, which is what the first game’s all about. You don’t know what you’re going to get. They haven’t shown us much (and) we haven’t shown them much and it’s kind of the in-game adjustments that are really important in this game.”Q: How do you see the second cornerback spot?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“It’s an unanswered question right now, to be honest with you. With the injuries that we dealt with and the guys in and out, it was hard to say, ‘This is the guy that won the job,’ so, there will probably be a bunch of them (cornerbacks) playing. We mix and match a lot anyway, so there will be a lot of that going on.”Q: How important is the slot corner to be effective in the run game? Especially against the Ravens?SPAGNUOLO:&nbsp;“Really important for that exact reason. I mean, the expectation is (that) they’re going to come in here and try to run it – which we get it. Hopefully, we can get them in situations where they’ve got to throw and we can be good against that because this team – listen, they get noted as a running team – they can do everything. They have really good wide outs, their quarterback can extend the down, we all know that. He’s (Ravens QB Lamar Jackson) accurate. I mean, we’ve got a great deal of respect for them. They’re well coached, you guys know how I feel about (Ravens Head Coach) John (Harbaugh), so it’s going to be a tremendous challenge right out of the gate here in the first game of the season.”OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR MATT NAGYQ: What tells you Xavier Worthy is ready for this game against the Ravens?NAGY:&nbsp;“Probably the biggest thing is making sure that we understand that this is going to be an emotional game and understanding that there is going to be some moments where there’s a mistake with a route assignment or – but there is also going to be some big plays. This game is about preparation for all of us as coaches and then for the players, it's being able to be proficient within their execution. He (Xavier Worthy) falls into that, it's his first time doing it. We have – he’s not the only one, we have some other guys that (it) will be their first time in GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (and) their first time playing in an NFL game. For Xavier, he’s done everything we have asked him to do mentally (and) the physical challenge will show up. It's going to be a physical game with an experienced defense, and they’re very well coached.”Q:&nbsp;When did Carson Steele spark your interest?NAGY:&nbsp;“Personally for me, I think it started with all of us, really, just his (Carson Steele) assignments in OTAs were pretty crisp. He knew what he was doing (and) he knew where he was going. You never know how he’s going to do until you put the pads on. He took it to training camp and put the pads on (and) made some nice plays. A splash play here or there definitely helps, but it has to be consistent over periods of plays and series of drives. I thought he did that. There’s still some things that internally we know he can get better at (and) he knows it. Now, you take it to the Thursday Night Football against a really good football team. Again, balancing the emotions of understanding there will be some mistakes but do it 100 percent, 100 percent of the time and he does that.”Q: Preparing for this first game how have you planned to tackle it?NAGY:&nbsp;“This game coming up, for every team coming up, this whole first week is all about adapting, that’s it. How do you adapt? How well do you adapt? They have a new defensive coordinator (and it’s the) first time that he (Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr) is calling plays. Whether it’s the same or different, we’ll see. They’re going to have some un-scouted looks and we’re going to see some things that are different – how do we adjust? Making sure that our guys can play fast is important but a lot of respect for them. It’s going to be a physical game.”Chiefs Player QuotesSeptember 2, 2024DT CHRIS JONESQ:&nbsp;Is the excitement level the same going into year nine?JONES:&nbsp;“Absolutely. I think it’s always a butterfly feeling when you (are) getting closer to the game and actually the first play of the game, (I) still get butterflies. I think when that feeling goes away then – my time here is coming up, but as long as I’m getting that feeling, I’m still here. I’m still excited to play, I’m still excited to see the potential of this team (that) we have and finally be able to hit somebody else other than my teammates.”Q:&nbsp;Last year, your defense was statistically the best. How does that raise the level of play going into this season?JONES:&nbsp;“I think every year has its own challenges. Last year was a special group. Whether it’s from a guy like (Tennessee Titans Cornerback) L’Jarius Sneed coming in being an All-Pro (or) a young guy like two-two, (Trent) McDuffie coming in, another All-Pro. I mean, we had some special pieces on that defense. Year in and year out, every year he has a different team, every year is a new team. Last year, we faced a lot of adversity early on in the season, and we kind of turned it around during Christmas. Hopefully, this year we can amp it up and don’t have to get to December to make that adjust so we’re looking forward to the first game.”Q:&nbsp;What excites you most about what this team can do this season?

Chiefs Quotes: 9-2-24

Game 218/17&nbsp;K-State at&nbsp;rv/rv&nbsp;Tulane

TV: ESPN (<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6a371747-a5fd-42d6-8ae0-595360a93a86" target="_blank">watch</a>)

Radio: K-State Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">Listen</a>)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines)

SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 159 or 199, and on the SiriusXM App

<a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a>

THE TOP 51)&nbsp;Following a 41-6 season-opening win over UT Martin, K-State will hit the road for a morning test at Tulane inside Yulman Stadium on Saturday. The game will be shown on ESPN – immediately following ESPN’s College Gameday – with Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline) on the call. The Cats will be looking for their first win over Tulane in the series between the schools.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson became the fifth sophomore signal caller – and just the second true sophomore – to start a season opener since 1990 with last week’s start. He is coming off a true freshman season that was capped with MVP honors at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Last week, Johnson threw for 153 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 37 yards on three carries.

3)&nbsp;Returning beside Johnson in the backfield is junior running back DJ Giddens after he rushed for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns on 223 carries in 2023, while he also hauled in 29 receptions for 323 yards and three other scores. Giddens enters the Tulane contest with a five-game streak of at least 100 rushing yards following last week’s 124-yard performance on just 13 carries, good for a 9.54-yard average.

4)&nbsp;The experience of the Wildcats resides on defense as the unit brings back eight starters, including five of its top six tacklers from a year ago. Leading the charge last year and back in 2024 are linebacker Austin Moore and safety Marques Sigle with 63 tackles apiece. Both players, along with defensive ends Brendan Mott and Cody Stufflebean were voted as team captains for the 2024 season.

5)&nbsp;Kicker Chris Tennant is back for his senior campaign and enters this week’s contest in the top 10 in school history in four career categories. The Wildcats’ new punter, Simon McClannan, was impressive in week one by averaging 41.0 yards on three punts with two landing inside the UTM 10-yard line. Additionally, a plethora of options are available at both kickoff and punt return.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS78.46&nbsp;– Red-zone TD percentage by K-State in 2023, which ranked second in the nation. The Cats were 3-for-3 last week vs. UTM.

64&nbsp;– Turnovers produced by K-State since 2021, the most among active Big 12 teams and tied for 10th among Power 4 teams.

20.9&nbsp;– Points per game allowed by K-State since 2021, ranking third among active Big 12 teams and 15th among Power 4 programs.

5.75&nbsp;– Career per rush average by DJ Giddens, ranking second in school history behind Darren Sproles (6.11).

0&nbsp;– Number of penalties by K-State in the season opener, its first time with no penalties in a game since 2018 against Texas.

• The Wildcats ran for 283 yards, including 124 yards from DJ Giddens, in K-State’s 41-6 victory over UT Martin. It was the most rushing yards by the Wildcats since last year’s 343 yards against TCU.

• K-State was not penalized in the game last week, the first time since the 2018 Texas game to have no penalties, while it was also the first time in a season opener since at least 1987.

• On defense, 11 different Wildcats helped the defensive unit record 11 tackles for loss, their most since also recording 11 in last year’s season opener vs. SEMO. It marked the third-straight season opener with at least 10 TFLs as the Wildcats had 10 in the 2022 opener against South Dakota.

• Since 1990, K-State holds a 98-20 (83.1%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

• That stretch includes an 83-9 (90.2%) mark at home. Over that period of time, the Wildcats have had perfect regular season non-conference ledgers 17 times and unblemished marks at home on 25 occasions.

• Kansas State has totaled 139 Big 12 victories since the conference’s formation in 1996, which stands as the most among active Big 12 programs.

• The Wildcats are also second among active Big 12 members in winning percentage since non-divisional play began in 2011. They sit at 59.8% (70-47), trailing only Oklahoma State (65.8%; 77-40).

• During that stretch, the Wildcats are 39-20 (66.1%) at home in Big 12 play and 31-27 (53.4%) on the road.

• K-State has a total of 223 victories since 1996, which is tied for 21st nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind TCU (230), BYU (229) and Utah (229), each of which have joined the Big 12 within the last 12 years.

• Over the last 14 seasons, the Wildcats have won at least seven games 12 times.

• K-State is riding a streak of three-straight years of at least eight wins, its longest since 2011 (10), 2012 (11), 2013 (8) and 2014 (9).

• The Wildcats are the only returning Big 12 team with at least eight wins in each of the last three seasons and one of 13 Power 4 programs to claim that feat.

• K-State has 28 wins since 2021, which ranks third among active Big 12 teams behind Oklahoma State (30) and Utah (29).

• Kansas State has a strong history of being in the postseason, having advanced to a bowl game 24 times since 1993, including 12 times in the last 14 years.

• K-State’s 24 bowl trips since 1993 are tied for second among active Big 12 teams with BYU and just behind West Virginia (25).

• In an era when over 80 teams play in a bowl game each year, the Cats are one of just 16 Power 4 teams to play in a bowl game at least 12 times in the last 14 years.

• For the second-straight season, Kansas State entered a season ranked in both the Associated Press Top 25 and the AFCA Coaches Poll as they checked in at No. 18 and No. 17, respectively.

• It marked the first time the Wildcats were ranked in the Preseason AP Top 25 in consecutive years since 2003 and 2004.

• Last season, K-State entered the year No. 16 in the AP Top 25 and No. 17 in the Coaches Poll.

• K-State has been ranked in the AP Top 25 on 233 occasions since 1993, the most among active Big 12 teams and ranked 22nd nationally.

• Kansas State was ranked No. 25 in the final College Football Playoff Top 25 of 2023, marking the 12th-straight time the Cats were ranked in the CFP Top 25. That figure enters the 2024 season tied for the sixth-longest active streak.

• K-State was more busy than usual scouting the opponents on its schedule during the spring and summer months as the Wildcats are only playing four foes from last year’s schedule – Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Oklahoma State – in 2024.

• It is the Wildcats’ fewest amount of carryover opponents from one year to the next since only three rematches from the 1918 season to the 1919 season (Baker, Kansas and Iowa State).

• Additionally, half of the Wildcats’ schedule is against teams in which they have not faced in at least 10 years, if ever. Those are UT Martin (First Meeting), Arizona (Last Meeting: 1978), BYU (1997), Colorado (2010), Arizona State (2002) and Cincinnati (1996).

• A proven winner with a championship history, Chris Klieman holds a 112-37 career record, as his 75.2% career winning percentage ranks fourth among current FBS coaches that have led programs for at least 10 seasons. He is also one of just 16 current Power 4 head coaches with at least 100 victories.

• Klieman, who is 40-24 (62.5%) since arriving at K-State, has led the Cats to five victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25, which is the most of any active Big 12 program since 2019. Next on the list is Utah with four, followed by Baylor, Oklahoma State and TCU with three apiece.

• Kansas State ended the 2023 season 10th nationally in scoring offense (37.1 points per game) and 26th in scoring defense (21.0 points allowed per game). The Wildcats were one of just 11 Power 5 teams to rank in the top 30 in both categories, joining Alabama, Arizona, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oregon, Penn State and Texas.

• It was the first time the Wildcats finished in the top 30 nationally in both categories since 2014 when they were 24th in scoring offense (35.8 points per game) and 29th in scoring defense (23.2 points allowed per game).

• Kansas State ranked in the top 10 nationally in turnover margin each of the last two years as the Wildcats finished eighth in 2022 and fifth in 2023.

• It was the first time K-State finished in the top 10 in consecutive seasons since 2011 (9th) and 2012 (3rd).

• The Wildcats’ march to the top 10 in 2023 took a long path as, prior to the Texas Tech game, K-State ranked 105th nationally in turnover margin (minus-3) but flipped that script as it went plus-14 over the final eight games.

• Over the final seven weeks of the regular season and bowl season, K-State forced a nation-leading 19 turnovers (11 interceptions, eight fumbles) while only committing five (three interceptions, two fumbles).

• Additionally, the Wildcats only lost two fumbles in 2023, a new school record and the third fewest in the nation.

• K-State is the nation’s best in non-offensive touchdowns over the last 25-plus seasons as it has 132 since 1999, seven more than the next closest team (Alabama – 125).

• K-State recorded two non-offensive scores against Baylor in 2023 and opened this season with a Ty Bowman blocked punt that was returned one yard for a score by Colby McCalister.

• K-State announced the selection of six captains at the conclusion of fall camp. The players voted by their teammates to serve as captains in 2024 are quarterback Avery Johnson, offensive lineman Hadley Panzer, linebacker Austin Moore, defensive ends Brendan Mott and Cody Stufflebean, and safety Marques Sigle.

• Of the six captains, five are seniors and four hail from the state of Kansas. Both of those lists include Moore, a former walk-on who is a captain for a second-straight season.