WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is proud to announce the 2024 KCAC Football Bissell Division Preseason Team, as voted on by coaches within the Bissell Division. The group consists of four sophomores, ten juniors, and 19 seniors.

Kansas Wesleyan University led the Bissell Division with 11 players earning all-division preseason team honors. Ottawa University was next with seven honorees, followed by the University of Saint Mary with six, Tabor College with five, and Sterling College with four.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/552b0058-9bf0-4432-be34-84554c3f7980?elinkdata=11456" target="_blank">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University and Brooks Gardner of Tabor College were honored at multiple positions. Armstrong made the preseason team at the utility player and punt returner spots, while Gardner was honored at both the linebacker and long snapper positions.

A few of the standouts from the Bissell Division Preseason Team are Michael Gazzana and Vincent McTigue of Saint Mary, Josh-King Bradley from Kansas Wesleyan, AJ Hemphill from Ottawa, and Brooks Gardner of Tabor. All five of these players were first team All-KCAC honorees a season ago.&nbsp;(NOTE: Gardner was a first-team honoree at long snapper; he was a second team All-KCAC honoree at linebacker.)

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is proud to announce the 2024 KCAC Football Bissell Division Preseason Team, as voted on by coaches within the Bissell Division. The group consists of four sophomores, ten juniors, and 19 seniors.Kansas Wesleyan University led the Bissell Division with 11 players earning all-division preseason team honors. Ottawa University was next with seven honorees, followed by the University of Saint Mary with six, Tabor College with five, and Sterling College with four.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/552b0058-9bf0-4432-be34-84554c3f7980?elinkdata=11456" target="_blank">Luke Armstrong</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Wesleyan University and Brooks Gardner of Tabor College were honored at multiple positions. Armstrong made the preseason team at the utility player and punt returner spots, while Gardner was honored at both the linebacker and long snapper positions.A few of the standouts from the Bissell Division Preseason Team are Michael Gazzana and Vincent McTigue of Saint Mary, Josh-King Bradley from Kansas Wesleyan, AJ Hemphill from Ottawa, and Brooks Gardner of Tabor. All five of these players were first team All-KCAC honorees a season ago.&nbsp;(NOTE: Gardner was a first-team honoree at long snapper; he was a second team All-KCAC honoree at linebacker.)

2024 KCAC Football Bissell Division Preseason Team Announced

Game 1UT Martin at&nbsp;18/17&nbsp;K-State Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024 Kickoff: 6 p.m. Location: Manhattan, Kan. Stadium: Bill Snyder Family Stadium (50,000) Series: First Meeting TV: ESPN+ (<a href="https://www.espn.com/espnplus/player/_/id/2d1f50d4-352b-43cf-a812-32af49be843b" target="_blank">watch</a>) Mark Neely (Play-by-Play) Ahman Green (Analyst) Radio: K-State Sports Network;&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>&nbsp;(<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/watch" target="_blank">Listen</a>) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Wyatt Thompson (Play-by-Play)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stan Weber (Analyst) &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Matt Walters (Sidelines) SiriusXM Satellite Radio Ch. 160 or 198, and on the SiriusXM App <a href="https://tunein.com/radio/Big-12-Radio-s329464/" target="_blank">Big 12 Radio on TuneIn</a> X Updates: @KStateFB

1)&nbsp;K-State opens its 129th season of football on Saturday when the Wildcats host UT Martin in a 6 p.m. contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game will be shown on ESPN+ with Mark Neeley (play-by-play) and former NFL running back Ahman Green (analyst) on the call, as the Wildcats are in search of their seventh season-opening win in the last eight years.

2)&nbsp;Quarterback Avery Johnson is set to be the fifth sophomore signal caller to start a season opener since 1990 and will be the second-youngest player to start under center during that span. He is coming off a true freshman season that was capped with a start in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, leading the Wildcats to a 28-19 victory over No. 19 NC State as he was named MVP.

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 game with a four-game streak of at least 100 rushing yards, while he is 466 rushing yards shy of tying for 10th in school history for a career.

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 the year tied for eighth in career extra points made and is six field goals shy of entering the school’s career top-10 list. The Wildcats will be breaking in a new punter with Simon McClannan earning the first opportunity, while both return units will see a new man deep, which could be manned by Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards.

STATISTICAL SPOTLIGHTS78.46&nbsp;– Red-zone TD percentage by the Wildcats in 2023, which ranked second in the nation behind Oregon State (78.57%).

64&nbsp;– Turnovers produced by K-State since 2021, the most among active Big 12 teams and tied for 8th among Power 4 teams.

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

5.59&nbsp;– Career per rush average by DJ Giddens, ranking third in school history behind Darren Sproles (6.11) and Alex Barnes (5.71).

2&nbsp;– Avery Johnson will be the second-youngest Wildcat since 1990 to start a season at QB (19 years, 9 months, 29 days).

• Entering its 129th year of football, Kansas State holds an all-time record of 88-35-5 (70.7%) in season openers, including a 30-4 (88.2%) mark since 1990.

• Chris Klieman, who enters his 12th year as a head coach, has earned a 9-2 (81.8%) record in season openers.

• All-time, Kansas State is 95-28-5 (76.2%) in home openers, while head coach Chris Klieman is 9-2 (81.8%) in home openers as a head coach.

• Since 1990, K-State holds a 97-20 (82.9%) record in regular-season non-conference games.

• That stretch includes an 82-9 (90.1%) 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 222 victories since 1996, which is tied for 21st nationally.

• Among active Big 12 teams, the Wildcats rank fourth behind TCU (229), BYU (228) and Utah (228).

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

• 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 will enter 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 marks the first time the Wildcats are 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 232 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 12-straight time the Cats have been 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 111-37 career record, as his 75.0% career winning percentage ranks third 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 39-24 (61.9%) 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 ranked 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 ranked 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 has ranked 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 seasons as it has 131 since 1999, six more than the next closest team (Alabama – 125).

• K-State recorded two non-offensive scores against Baylor in 2023 – a 15-yard fumble return by Desmond Purnell and a 45-yard interception return by Keenan Garber.

• 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.

• Johnson is just the ninth sophomore captain in program history, joining Mark Simoneau (1997), Terry Pierce (2001), Josh Freeman (2007), Alex Hrebec (2009), Collin Klein (2010), B.J. Finney (2012), Dalton Risner (2016) and Wyatt Hubert (2019).

• With the entire six-game 2024 home slate trending toward being sold out, Kansas State enters the year with 14-consecutive sellouts dating back to the beginning of 2022.

• Kansas State is one of only three schools in the nation to rank in the top 20 of percentage of capacity filled each of the last 10 seasons, joining Ohio State and Oklahoma.

OFFENSIVE NOTESNEW OFFENSIVE STRUCTURE

• K-State’s offense has new faces at the front of room as Conor Riley, the offensive line coach the last five seasons, will add playcalling duties to his repertoire for the first time in his career, while K-State hired former Utah State and Texas Tech head coach Matt Wells to serve as co-offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and associate head coach.

• Riley was the interim offensive coordinator in K-State’s 28-19 victory over NC State in the 2023 Pop-Tarts Bowl, a game in which the Wildcats amassed 257 rushing yards and 435 total yards on a Wolfpack defense that entered bowl season ranking No. 16 and No. 25 in those categories, respectively.

• Wells, who boasts nine years of head coaching experience, comes to Manhattan after spending the last two years at Oklahoma as an advisor to head coach/offensive analyst. In addition to coaching quarterbacks during his 27-year coaching career, Wells has also spent time tutoring wide receivers and tight ends.

TOTAL OFFENSE• K-State has totaled at least 375 yards of offense in 22 of the last 27 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season. During that stretch, the Cats held a 10-game streak against Big 12 foes with 375 or more yards, the longest in school history.

• K-State ranked 23rd nationally last year by averaging 445.2 yards per game. That figured ranked second in school history, while K-State’s 6.04 yards per play ranked 10th.SCORING SURGE• K-State finished last year ranked 10th nationally by scoring 37.1 points per game, a mark ranked sixth in school history.

• It was the first time the Wildcats finished in the top 10 in the country in scoring offense since 2003 (9th), while it was their highest average since 2012 (38.8).THIRD DOWN SUCCESS• Kansas State was one of the best teams in the nation last year in terms of converting on third down, as the Wildcats ranked 11th nationally with a 47.9% (90-of-188) success rate.

• K-State’s 90 total third-down conversions last year ranked fifth in the country and was tops in the Big 12.RED ZONE SUCCESS• Just like on third downs, K-State was one of the nation’s leaders in turning red-zone trips into touchdowns during the 2023 season, as the Cats ranked second nationally by finding paydirt on 78.46% percent of their red-zone possessions (51-of-65).

• K-State just narrowly finished behind Oregon State by 0.11% and would have led the nation had the Cats not been in the red zone when taking a knee to close out the Pop-Tarts Bowl win.

• K-State’s 51 red-zone touchdowns in 2023 ranked third nationally behind Oregon and Georgia (56), while the Cats had five more than the next closest Big 12 team (Oklahoma – 46).

• The 2023 season was a continuation of red-zone success under head coach Chris Klieman, as the Wildcats rank first among active Big 12 programs by scoring on 90.4% (227-of-251) of their overall red-zone trips since 2019 with 169 touchdowns.NOT LACKING IN EXPERIENCE• Although the offensive line lost four starters from a year, the unit is not lacking in experience as the current group has totaled 69 career starts and 5,499 career snaps from nine players.

• The leaders in those departments are North Dakota transfer tackle Easton Kilty (35 starts, 2,381 snaps), guard Hadley Panzer (26 starts, 1,753 snaps), tackle Carver Willis (seven starts, 599 snaps) and guard Taylor Poitier (one start, 541 snaps).YOUNG BUT EXPLOSIVE• Avery Johnson, the top dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2023, is set for his first full season as K-State’s starting quarterback a year after becoming just the first true freshman signal caller in school history to start and win a bowl game. Johnson led the Wildcats to a 28-19 victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl en route to MVP honors.

• A member of the watch list for the Maxwell Award, Johnson will be just the fifth sophomore to start a season opener under center since 1990, joining Ell Roberson (2001), Dylan Meier (2004), Josh Freeman (2007) and Jesse Ertz (2015).

• Johnson will be the second-youngest quarterback to start a season opener since 1990 at 19 years, 9 months and 29 days. Freeman was 19 years, 6 months and 19 days when he opened the 2007 season. Both Johnson and Freeman started the openers of their true sophomore season, while the other three were redshirt sophomores.GIDDENS GETTING IT DONE• Running back DJ Giddens returns for his junior season after rushing for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns last year in addition to hauling 29 receptions for 323 yards and three more scores.

• His 1,226 yards a year ago ranked 10th in school history.

• Giddens finished the 2023 season ranked 11th in the nation with 51 touches that went for at least 10 yards.

GROUND AND POUND• DJ Giddens produced the 19th 1,000-yard rushing season in school history last season and did so on 223 carries to rank eighth in school history in yards per rush (5.50).

• It was the third-straight season K-State had a 1,000-yard rusher, the first time doing so since 2009-11 and the first time by running backs since 2001-04.

• A native of Junction City, Kansas, Giddens holds a career average of 5.59 yards per carry to rank third behind only Darren Sproles (6.11; 2001-04) and Alex Barnes (5.71; 2016-18).

ENTERING ON A STREAK• DJ Giddens will be in search of his fifth-straight game of 100 rushing yards in the season opener.

• His current 100-yard rushing streak of four games is tied for sixth in school history. It is also the third time in the last four years a Wildcat enters the season with a 100-yard game streak as Deuce Vaughn had a two-game streak entering 2021 and extended it to five games, while he had a five-game streak entering 2022 and extended it to eight games.

DEFENSIVE NOTESDEFENSIVE SWITCH PAYS OFF• Since the K-State defense switched from a four-man front to a 3-3-5 alignment at the beginning of the 2021 season (40 games), the Cats are allowing just 21.3 points per game, which ranks 20th nationally and second among returning Big 12 teams.

• After averaging 21.0 points per game allowed in 2021 and 21.9 points in 2022, K-State surrendered only 21.0 points per game in 2023. It is the first time the Wildcats strung together three-straight seasons allowing less than 22.0 points per game since going 13-straight years from 1991 to 2003.

• The Wildcats allowed 31 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2023, which was the second fewest in the Big 12 (Texas – 30).

UNDER AVERAGE• K-State held each of its Big 12 opponents in 2022 and six of nine in 2023 under its season averages.

• Additionally, the Wildcats limited NC State to just 19 points after the Wolfpack entered the Pop-Tarts Bowl averaging 26.8 points per game.

• Since head coach Chris Klieman’s first year of 2019, the Wildcats have held 35 of their 45 Big 12 opponents under their season average at the time it faces the Wildcats.

CREATING TURNOVERS• Over the last three seasons, K-State has totaled 64 forced turnovers, which is the most among active Big 12 teams, while it is tied for seventh among Power 4 teams.

• Of the 64 turnovers, 40 have been via interceptions to lead all active Big 12 programs and tie for eighth among Power 4 teams.

THIRD DOWN STOPS• K-State did not allow any of its 13 opponents in 2023 to convert on greater than 47% of its third-down attempts, while the Wildcats have held opponents under 50% in 24 of the last 27 games dating back to the beginning of the 2022 season.

• K-State finished the 2023 campaign ranked 11th nationally by allowing opponents to convert on just 30.0% of its third downs, its lowest rate since 2019 (28.0%).

K-State Hosts UT Martin to Open 2024 Campaign

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Ranked in both major college football preseason polls, the No. 22/24 Kansas Jayhawks will host Lindenwood to kick off the 2024 season under the lights at Children’s Mercy Park on Thursday night. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. on ESPN+ with Shawn Kenney (Play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (Analyst) on the call.

Kansas opens its 133rd&nbsp;season of football, including its fourth under head coach Lance Leipold on Thursday night. Kansas and Lindenwood meet for the first time in program history, in what is Lindenwood’s first matchup against an FBS opponent. The game also serves as the season-opener for both teams, including the first of six Kansas home games that will be played in the Kansas City Metro area in 2024, and the first of two at Children’s Mercy Park – Home of Sporting Kansas City of the MLS.

The Jayhawks enter the 2024 season ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 24 in the Coaches Poll, marking the first time since 2008 that Kansas was ranked in both preseason polls. Kansas is coming off back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in program history following a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26, 2023. The Jayhawks finished the 2023 season at 9-4 (5-4 Big 12), marking just the seventh nine-win season in program history and first since 2007.

Kansas enters the 2024 season with a plethora of returning experience, including 30 seniors throughout the roster. The Jayhawks return seven starters on offense from the 2023 season, including Maxwell Award Watch List candidates Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal, a star-studded trio of receivers in Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm and Quentin Skinner, and proven experience on the offensive line in Bryce Cabeldue, Michael Ford Jr. and Kobe Baynes.

Defensively, the Jayhawks return two All-Big 12 cornerbacks in Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson. As a unit in 2023, Kansas held opponents to 378.2 yards per game and 26.5 points per game, both of which were the fewest allowed in a single season by a KU defense since 2007. Kansas’ defense ranked fourth in the Big 12 Conference in total defense in 2023 (378.2), compared to 12th in 2022 (469.3).

The Thursday night game marks Kansas’ fourth-straight weeknight season opener after opening on a Friday night in each of the last three seasons. The Thursday night game is Kansas’ first played on a Thursday night since 2016 and the Jayhawks’ fourth Thursday night game since 2000. The last time Kansas opened the season on a Thursday night was on Thursday, August 28, 1997, when the Jayhawks defeated UAB, 24-0.

Lindenwood, of St. Charles, Missouri, enters the 2024 season following a 3-7 (1-5 Big South-OVC) record in 2023 after dropping their final four games of the year. Under eighth-year head coach Jed Stugart, the Lions were selected to finish eighth in the Big South-OVC Preseason Poll.

Following Thursday night’s season opener, Kansas hits the road for the first time of the 2024 season as the Jayhawks travel to Champaign, Illinois to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT on FS1.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Ranked in both major college football preseason polls, the No. 22/24 Kansas Jayhawks will host Lindenwood to kick off the 2024 season under the lights at Children’s Mercy Park on Thursday night. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. on ESPN+ with Shawn Kenney (Play-by-play) and Taylor McHargue (Analyst) on the call.Kansas opens its 133rd&nbsp;season of football, including its fourth under head coach Lance Leipold on Thursday night. Kansas and Lindenwood meet for the first time in program history, in what is Lindenwood’s first matchup against an FBS opponent. The game also serves as the season-opener for both teams, including the first of six Kansas home games that will be played in the Kansas City Metro area in 2024, and the first of two at Children’s Mercy Park – Home of Sporting Kansas City of the MLS.The Jayhawks enter the 2024 season ranked No. 22 in the Associated Press Top 25 and No. 24 in the Coaches Poll, marking the first time since 2008 that Kansas was ranked in both preseason polls. Kansas is coming off back-to-back bowl appearances for just the second time in program history following a 49-36 victory over UNLV in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26, 2023. The Jayhawks finished the 2023 season at 9-4 (5-4 Big 12), marking just the seventh nine-win season in program history and first since 2007.Kansas enters the 2024 season with a plethora of returning experience, including 30 seniors throughout the roster. The Jayhawks return seven starters on offense from the 2023 season, including Maxwell Award Watch List candidates Jalon Daniels and Devin Neal, a star-studded trio of receivers in Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm and Quentin Skinner, and proven experience on the offensive line in Bryce Cabeldue, Michael Ford Jr. and Kobe Baynes.Defensively, the Jayhawks return two All-Big 12 cornerbacks in Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson. As a unit in 2023, Kansas held opponents to 378.2 yards per game and 26.5 points per game, both of which were the fewest allowed in a single season by a KU defense since 2007. Kansas’ defense ranked fourth in the Big 12 Conference in total defense in 2023 (378.2), compared to 12th in 2022 (469.3).The Thursday night game marks Kansas’ fourth-straight weeknight season opener after opening on a Friday night in each of the last three seasons. The Thursday night game is Kansas’ first played on a Thursday night since 2016 and the Jayhawks’ fourth Thursday night game since 2000. The last time Kansas opened the season on a Thursday night was on Thursday, August 28, 1997, when the Jayhawks defeated UAB, 24-0.Lindenwood, of St. Charles, Missouri, enters the 2024 season following a 3-7 (1-5 Big South-OVC) record in 2023 after dropping their final four games of the year. Under eighth-year head coach Jed Stugart, the Lions were selected to finish eighth in the Big South-OVC Preseason Poll.Following Thursday night’s season opener, Kansas hits the road for the first time of the 2024 season as the Jayhawks travel to Champaign, Illinois to take on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. CT on FS1.

No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks Open 2024 Season vs. Lindenwood Thursday Night

CLEVELAND (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered leading off the eighth inning to break a tie as the Kansas City Royals pulled closer to Cleveland in the AL Central with a 4-3 victory over the Guardians in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Monday.

Witt connected on a 0-1 pitch from rookie Hunter Gaddis (4-3), driving it 413 feet into the left-field bleachers for his 27th homer of the season — and his 11th in 34 games since the All-Star break.

He came in batting .417 since the break, the fourth-highest average (with at least 125 at-bats) in the second half since World War II. Only Ted Williams (.454 in 1957), Ichiro Suzuki (.429, 2004) and George Brett (.421, 1980) have hit higher.

It was just another noteworthy moment of many in 2024 for Witt, who leads the majors in average (.347), hits (181) and runs (112).

“He's always present,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “He doesn't care what he's done prior or what he's going to do tomorrow. He's going to be in that box and trying to beat you right there. Bobby's a special player.”

Witt's homer was just the third run Gaddis has given up at home this season.

“He impacts the game as good as anybody in this game,” Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges said of Witt. “So you got to be real smart with him. You've got to make pitches. You've got to execute pitches. And if you make a mistake, he always takes his ‘A’ swing. There’s a reason he’s hitting (nearly) .350.”

MJ Melendez belted a three-run homer and made a sensational catch in left field for the Royals, who pulled within two games of the first-place Guardians. Cleveland has led the division since April 14.

It was the first of seven games over the next 10 days between the Guardians and Royals.

Logan Allen was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Game 2 for Cleveland against Royals right-hander Alec Marsh.

John Schreiber (4-3) worked 1 2/3 innings and Lucas Erceg put the tying run on with a walk in the ninth before getting his fifth save since coming to Kansas City in a July 30 trade from Oakland.

Erceg extended his scoreless streak to 15 1/3 innings.

“I'm glad we got him,” Quatraro said. “That's why we got him.”

Kansas City starter Cole Ragans was lifted while leading 3-2 in the fifth inning because of cramping in his left calf and hamstring.

Ragans issued a leadoff walk and then was replaced by closer James McArthur, who got two outs before intentionally walking Josh Naylor.

Rookie Jhonkensy Noel followed with a shot toward the corner in left. Melendez raced across the grass and was able to snag it with a headfirst catch before sliding across the warning track to save at least two runs.

“As an outfielder, you have to feel like you can get to anything,” Melendez said. “That's what goes through my head any time a ball is in the air towards me. I'm glad it was able to hang up in the air a little longer.”

Melendez's 17th homer gave the Royals a 3-2 lead in the fourth.

Vinnie Pasquantino reached when Cleveland shortstop Tyler Freeman couldn't corral his pop to shallow left and Salvador Perez singled. Melendez then lined an 0-1 pitch off the railing just above the right-field wall.

Reliever Nick Sandlin made his first major league start for Cleveland and pitched one inning. The right-hander hadn't started a game since his junior year at Southern Miss in 2018.

Royals: LHP Will Smith (back spasms) was placed on the 15-day injured list, one day after he allowed five runs in one inning against Philadelphia. Quatraro said Smith's back issue has “been lingering for a while.”

Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) didn't have any problems while throwing a bullpen session Sunday. He's scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday. Cobb was acquired at the trade deadline from San Francisco.

Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (2-6, 5.13 ERA) starts Tuesday against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (7-6, 3.47), who threw seven scoreless innings in his most recent outing.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724708308796.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
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 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered leading off the eighth inning to break a tie as the Kansas City Royals pulled closer to Cleveland in the AL Central with a 4-3 victory over the Guardians in the opener of a day-night doubleheader Monday.Witt connected on a 0-1 pitch from rookie Hunter Gaddis (4-3), driving it 413 feet into the left-field bleachers for his 27th homer of the season — and his 11th in 34 games since the All-Star break.He came in batting .417 since the break, the fourth-highest average (with at least 125 at-bats) in the second half since World War II. Only Ted Williams (.454 in 1957), Ichiro Suzuki (.429, 2004) and George Brett (.421, 1980) have hit higher.It was just another noteworthy moment of many in 2024 for Witt, who leads the majors in average (.347), hits (181) and runs (112).“He's always present,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “He doesn't care what he's done prior or what he's going to do tomorrow. He's going to be in that box and trying to beat you right there. Bobby's a special player.”Witt's homer was just the third run Gaddis has given up at home this season.“He impacts the game as good as anybody in this game,” Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges said of Witt. “So you got to be real smart with him. You've got to make pitches. You've got to execute pitches. And if you make a mistake, he always takes his ‘A’ swing. There’s a reason he’s hitting (nearly) .350.”MJ Melendez belted a three-run homer and made a sensational catch in left field for the Royals, who pulled within two games of the first-place Guardians. Cleveland has led the division since April 14.It was the first of seven games over the next 10 days between the Guardians and Royals.Logan Allen was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to start Game 2 for Cleveland against Royals right-hander Alec Marsh.John Schreiber (4-3) worked 1 2/3 innings and Lucas Erceg put the tying run on with a walk in the ninth before getting his fifth save since coming to Kansas City in a July 30 trade from Oakland.Erceg extended his scoreless streak to 15 1/3 innings.“I'm glad we got him,” Quatraro said. “That's why we got him.”Kansas City starter Cole Ragans was lifted while leading 3-2 in the fifth inning because of cramping in his left calf and hamstring.Ragans issued a leadoff walk and then was replaced by closer James McArthur, who got two outs before intentionally walking Josh Naylor.Rookie Jhonkensy Noel followed with a shot toward the corner in left. Melendez raced across the grass and was able to snag it with a headfirst catch before sliding across the warning track to save at least two runs.“As an outfielder, you have to feel like you can get to anything,” Melendez said. “That's what goes through my head any time a ball is in the air towards me. I'm glad it was able to hang up in the air a little longer.”Melendez's 17th homer gave the Royals a 3-2 lead in the fourth.Vinnie Pasquantino reached when Cleveland shortstop Tyler Freeman couldn't corral his pop to shallow left and Salvador Perez singled. Melendez then lined an 0-1 pitch off the railing just above the right-field wall.Reliever Nick Sandlin made his first major league start for Cleveland and pitched one inning. The right-hander hadn't started a game since his junior year at Southern Miss in 2018.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: LHP Will Smith (back spasms) was placed on the 15-day injured list, one day after he allowed five runs in one inning against Philadelphia. Quatraro said Smith's back issue has “been lingering for a while.”Guardians: RHP Alex Cobb (broken fingernail) didn't have any problems while throwing a bullpen session Sunday. He's scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday. Cobb was acquired at the trade deadline from San Francisco.UP NEXTGuardians RHP Gavin Williams (2-6, 5.13 ERA) starts Tuesday against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (7-6, 3.47), who threw seven scoreless innings in his most recent outing.

⚾ Royals edge Guardians in 1st game of Monday doubleheader

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 narrowly avoided a sweep at the hands of the Phillidelphia Phillies, winning Friday’s contest 7-4 before dropping Saturday and Sunday’s games by final scores of 11-2 and 11-3.&nbsp;

Kyle Schwarber had two hits and three RBI, and Garrett Stubbs had a career-best four hits to lead the Philadelphia over Kansas City on Sunday.

The Royals will be back in action to face the Cleveland Guardians this afternoon at 12:10. Despite the skid the Royals have still won 8 of their last 11 games and hold the second wild card spot with a 4.5 game lead. With a sweep this week KC could take over first place in the AL Central.

This weekend also saw the conclusion of the NFL preseason and on Saturday the Detroit Lions defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17.

It was another strong showing from former Ellsworth star Kaden Davis, who caught two passes for 27 yards in the win.

To read the full story about how a small-town Kansas athlete made it to NFL training camp check out Salina Post.

And finally, last night, the KC Current fell 4-1 to the Washington Spirit, who snatched second place in the UWSL table away from them. The Current will have a chance to bounce back this Sunday when they play host to the North Carolina Courage

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.

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8vf2rTnJBiY"></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 narrowly avoided a sweep at the hands of the Phillidelphia Phillies, winning Friday’s contest 7-4 before dropping Saturday and Sunday’s games by final scores of 11-2 and 11-3.&nbsp;Kyle Schwarber had two hits and three RBI, and Garrett Stubbs had a career-best four hits to lead the Philadelphia over Kansas City on Sunday.The Royals will be back in action to face the Cleveland Guardians this afternoon at 12:10. Despite the skid the Royals have still won 8 of their last 11 games and hold the second wild card spot with a 4.5 game lead. With a sweep this week KC could take over first place in the AL Central._________This weekend also saw the conclusion of the NFL preseason and on Saturday the Detroit Lions defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-17.It was another strong showing from former Ellsworth star Kaden Davis, who caught two passes for 27 yards in the win.To read the full story about how a small-town Kansas athlete made it to NFL training camp check out Salina Post._________And finally, last night, the KC Current fell 4-1 to the Washington Spirit, who snatched second place in the UWSL table away from them. The Current will have a chance to bounce back this Sunday when they play host to the North Carolina Courage_________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 — August 26

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Schwarber had two hits and three RBIs and Garrett Stubbs had a career-best four hits to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to an 11-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

After Garrett Stubbs opened the third inning with a triple into the right-field corner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/seth-lugo-in-play-run-s-to-kyle-schwarber?t=t143-default-vtp">Schwarber hit a double to right-center</a>. Alec Bohm's two-out hit scored Schwarber, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Schwarber added RBIs on a bases-loaded grounder in the fourth and a single that capped a three-run sixth inning.

Philadelphia scored five in the eighth, highlighted by Bohm’s two-run single and Nick Castellanos’ two-run homer, his 17th of the season.

Needing a home run to complete the cycle, Stubbs singled in the eighth and was hit by a pitch in the ninth.

“I’ve never been mad to get a single, but sure as (heck) was trying to hit a homer,” Stubbs said. “(Today) was about as good as you can ever feel. Obviously, it helped us get to 11 runs and kind of cruise toward the last few innings.”

Kolby Allard (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.

“The changeup was really good today,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “The first two guys get on in the first inning and he works himself out of it. That tells me something about him.”

Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (14-8) allowed six runs and 11 hits.

“A lot of contact today, so give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But it was a very unfortunate run for Seth because a lot of that contact wasn’t hard.”

Lugo has surrendered at least four runs in five of his last seven starts.

“It’s been a tough run of luck,” Quatraro said. “But he’s throwing the ball fine.”

The Phillies went 7 for 14 with runners-in-scoring position.

“It was pretty frustrating,” Lugo said. “I felt like I was making pitches. I wanted a little bit more swing-and-miss, but that’s a good lineup.”

After matching a season high with 18 hits in Saturday's 11-2 win, the Phillies banged out 16 hits on Sunday and 45 hits while outscoring the Royals 26-12 to take two games of the three-game series.

“We got our approaches back,” Thomson said. “Our at-bats the entire series were really good.”

Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia and MJ Melendez hit solo homers for the Royals.

Tyler Gentry made his major league debut for the Royals, flying out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.

Position player Garrett Hampson pitched a hitless ninth for Kansas City.

Phillies recalled Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned RHP Max Lazar to Lehigh Valley.

Royals OF Hunter Renfroe placed on 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. OF Tyler Gentry recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Phillies: RHP Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.73 ERA) gets the start for their home series opener against Houston's Justin Verlander (3-3, 3.92) on Monday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Schwarber had two hits and three RBIs and Garrett Stubbs had a career-best four hits to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to an 11-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.After Garrett Stubbs opened the third inning with a triple into the right-field corner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/seth-lugo-in-play-run-s-to-kyle-schwarber?t=t143-default-vtp">Schwarber hit a double to right-center</a>. Alec Bohm's two-out hit scored Schwarber, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead. Schwarber added RBIs on a bases-loaded grounder in the fourth and a single that capped a three-run sixth inning.Philadelphia scored five in the eighth, highlighted by Bohm’s two-run single and Nick Castellanos’ two-run homer, his 17th of the season.Needing a home run to complete the cycle, Stubbs singled in the eighth and was hit by a pitch in the ninth.“I’ve never been mad to get a single, but sure as (heck) was trying to hit a homer,” Stubbs said. “(Today) was about as good as you can ever feel. Obviously, it helped us get to 11 runs and kind of cruise toward the last few innings.”Kolby Allard (2-0) worked five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with five strikeouts.“The changeup was really good today,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “The first two guys get on in the first inning and he works himself out of it. That tells me something about him.”Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (14-8) allowed six runs and 11 hits.“A lot of contact today, so give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But it was a very unfortunate run for Seth because a lot of that contact wasn’t hard.”Lugo has surrendered at least four runs in five of his last seven starts.“It’s been a tough run of luck,” Quatraro said. “But he’s throwing the ball fine.”The Phillies went 7 for 14 with runners-in-scoring position.“It was pretty frustrating,” Lugo said. “I felt like I was making pitches. I wanted a little bit more swing-and-miss, but that’s a good lineup.”After matching a season high with 18 hits in Saturday's 11-2 win, the Phillies banged out 16 hits on Sunday and 45 hits while outscoring the Royals 26-12 to take two games of the three-game series.“We got our approaches back,” Thomson said. “Our at-bats the entire series were really good.”Bobby Witt Jr., Maikel Garcia and MJ Melendez hit solo homers for the Royals.Tyler Gentry made his major league debut for the Royals, flying out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.Position player Garrett Hampson pitched a hitless ninth for Kansas City.TRANSACTIONSPhillies recalled Allard from Triple-A Lehigh Valley and optioned RHP Max Lazar to Lehigh Valley.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals OF Hunter Renfroe placed on 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain. OF Tyler Gentry recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTPhillies: RHP Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.73 ERA) gets the start for their home series opener against Houston's Justin Verlander (3-3, 3.92) on Monday.

Schwarber and Stubbs power Phillies to Sunday win over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — J.T. Realmuto hit a pair of three-run homers and Ranger Suárez pitched five effective innings in his return from the injured list to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the Kansas City Royals 11-2 on Saturday night.

Realmuto, who had a career-high seven RBIs, had his first multi-homer game since Sep. 14, 2022.

After a pair of Royals’ defensive misadventures put runners at the corners to open the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-9-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-nick-castellanos-scores?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hammered</a>&nbsp;Brady Singer’s 100th pitch above left-field bullpen for a 5-1 lead.

<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-10-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-nick-castellano?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hit a 424-foot shot</a>&nbsp;into the fountains in left-center during a five-run eighth inning and added an RBI grounder in the ninth.

Activated from the 15-day injured list to make his first start since July 22, Suárez allowed a run on four hits and a walk with six strikeouts for his first win since June 8.

After allowing a first-inning double, Suárez faced the minimum until Michael Massey’s one-out double in the fifth. Freddy Fermin followed with an RBI hit to right before Suárez struck out two to end the threat.

Kyle Schwarber doubled in his first two at-bats and scored the game’s first run in the third inning when Trea Turner snapped a 17 at-bat hitless streak with a single to right.

Turner beat out a chopper to short and scored on Bryce Harper’s two-out double for a 2-0 Phillies lead in the fifth.

Bryson Stott matched a career high with four hits as the Phillies matched a season high with 18 hits, including a season-best nine for extra bases.

Singer (9-9) allowed five runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts in five innings.

After Massey’s second double, Fermin’s seventh-inning sacrifice fly capped Kansas City’s scoring.

Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-game hitting streak ended as the Royals were limited to five hits.

Phillies: LHP Ranger Suárez activated from the 15-day injured list and LHP Tyler Gilbert optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724558878956.png" alt="Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Saturday's win in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Philadelphia's J.T. Realmuto hits a three-run home run in the sixth inning of Saturday's win in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — J.T. Realmuto hit a pair of three-run homers and Ranger Suárez pitched five effective innings in his return from the injured list to lead the Philadelphia Phillies past the Kansas City Royals 11-2 on Saturday night.Realmuto, who had a career-high seven RBIs, had his first multi-homer game since Sep. 14, 2022.After a pair of Royals’ defensive misadventures put runners at the corners to open the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-9-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-nick-castellanos-scores?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hammered</a>&nbsp;Brady Singer’s 100th pitch above left-field bullpen for a 5-1 lead.<a href="https://www.mlb.com/phillies/video/j-t-realmuto-homers-10-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field-nick-castellano?t=t143-default-vtp">Realmuto hit a 424-foot shot</a>&nbsp;into the fountains in left-center during a five-run eighth inning and added an RBI grounder in the ninth.Activated from the 15-day injured list to make his first start since July 22, Suárez allowed a run on four hits and a walk with six strikeouts for his first win since June 8.After allowing a first-inning double, Suárez faced the minimum until Michael Massey’s one-out double in the fifth. Freddy Fermin followed with an RBI hit to right before Suárez struck out two to end the threat.Kyle Schwarber doubled in his first two at-bats and scored the game’s first run in the third inning when Trea Turner snapped a 17 at-bat hitless streak with a single to right.Turner beat out a chopper to short and scored on Bryce Harper’s two-out double for a 2-0 Phillies lead in the fifth.Bryson Stott matched a career high with four hits as the Phillies matched a season high with 18 hits, including a season-best nine for extra bases.Singer (9-9) allowed five runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts in five innings.After Massey’s second double, Fermin’s seventh-inning sacrifice fly capped Kansas City’s scoring.Bobby Witt Jr.’s 11-game hitting streak ended as the Royals were limited to five hits.TRANSACTIONSPhillies: LHP Ranger Suárez activated from the 15-day injured list and LHP Tyler Gilbert optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.UP NEXT

⚾ Realmuto hits a pair of homers to lead Phillies over Royals

HASTINGS, Neb. - It was a good start to the 2024 season for the No. 24 ranked Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball team. The Coyotes rolled to a pair of sweeps over Central Christian (25-14, 25-7, 25-12) and William Woods (25-19, 25-19, 26-24) on Friday afternoon at Lynn Farrell Arena.

Against Central Christian, the Coyotes cruised to the easy sweep of the Tigers.

The Coyotes sped out to a 7-0 lead to start the first set and quickly extended the lead to 12-2 on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/179a2826-d83d-4fcc-866e-fa611e1e118e?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a>. KWU led 13-5 when the Coyotes rattled off five straight points to take an 18-5 lead. It was 23-9 when Central scored four straight points to get the difference within 10 at 23-13, but Wesleyan captured the set with a kill from veteran <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d20ecd9-a1bd-4402-b5c1-32499931612d?elinkdata=11372">Josie Deckinger</a> to take the opening set.

It took a bit for the Coyotes to get rolling in the second set, but before the teams could blink Wesleyan sped out to a 22-5 lead in the set. Bebout ended the set with a kill for the Coyotes.

Wesleyan took a 9-2 lead in the third on back-to-back service aces by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54aca98f-eb4d-4c77-b054-74f9a5f8e3d5?elinkdata=11372">Sara Bebout</a> and later extended the lead to 16-7. Central made a brief push to make it 17-10 before the Coyotes scored seven straight points to take a 23-10 lead.

It was a balanced kills for the Coyotes, who only needed 23 kills as a team in the win while hitting .260. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1f6f04f-6526-49f3-bf9f-24fb2a5de7f1?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fcbd8a05-9b1e-43e9-8ba3-4b33ccb34332?elinkdata=11372">Samantha Espinoza</a> had four kills each to lead the way. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f197dbe8-cd29-4640-9654-54b5c64696ac?elinkdata=11372">Sara Bebout</a> was listed as having 10 service aces in the match, which would set a new single match school record, eclipsing nine from Kolby Rhoades on September 19, 2007 against Sterling.

The Coyotes then faced the William Woods Owls in the second match of the day as Wesleyan again posted a straight set sweep.

The first set was tight throughout. Wesleyan led for the first part of the set until Woods would take an 11-10 lead. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04a27d1b-a1a5-4416-9792-e159012a430a?elinkdata=11372">Rylee Serpan</a> recorded a kill to tie things up, but the Owls took a 13-11 lead in the set. Back came the Coyotes scoring four straight to take the lead back and use a 9-2 run to take a 20-15 lead on a kill by Serpan.

KWU led 4-1 in the second set but four in a row from WWU gave the Owls a 5-4 lead. Serpan tied it with a kill but Woods got the next point to regain the lead. Then the Coyotes got things going. Seven straight points by the Coyotes made it 12-6 and after a couple more Woods points the Coyotes rattled off another four in a row to take an 16-8 lead.

Wesleyan led 21-14 in the set before Woods came back and made it 23-18 before Serpan's kill closed the set.

The Coyotes led 6-2 to start the third set, and pushed the lead out to 12-5 in the set. KWU held a 15-8 lead when WWU scored three straight to get within four, but the Coyotes scored five of the next six to take a 20-12 lead.

KWU led 23-14 after a solo block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d286e62-6c6b-439d-92da-69276f52f90f?elinkdata=11372">Gianna Adriaanse</a>, but the Owls scored the next six points to cut the difference to 23-20. Adriaanse put down a kill to give the Coyotes match point at 24-20, but William Woods scored the next four to tie it and force volleyball overtime.

Kills from Serpan and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdb985a1-5b5e-4b40-987e-0fcc2118e349?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a> closed it for the Coyotes.

<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fc1c2436-d6ff-44a4-9089-6fe8b2e172d0?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a> had 13 kills to lead the Coyotes, while Adriaanse and Serpan had 11 each. KWU hit .325 for the match. Deckinger handed out 36 assists as the Coyotes switched offenses back to a 5-1 for the Woods match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f56440a0-6fd3-4aae-b28b-b13dd2e80bd3?elinkdata=11372">Kori Arnold</a> had 19 digs and Kae Bebout had 10.

HASTINGS, Neb. - It was a good start to the 2024 season for the No. 24 ranked Kansas Wesleyan Women's Volleyball team. The Coyotes rolled to a pair of sweeps over Central Christian (25-14, 25-7, 25-12) and William Woods (25-19, 25-19, 26-24) on Friday afternoon at Lynn Farrell Arena.Against Central Christian, the Coyotes cruised to the easy sweep of the Tigers.The Coyotes sped out to a 7-0 lead to start the first set and quickly extended the lead to 12-2 on a kill by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/179a2826-d83d-4fcc-866e-fa611e1e118e?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a>. KWU led 13-5 when the Coyotes rattled off five straight points to take an 18-5 lead. It was 23-9 when Central scored four straight points to get the difference within 10 at 23-13, but Wesleyan captured the set with a kill from veteran <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/9d20ecd9-a1bd-4402-b5c1-32499931612d?elinkdata=11372">Josie Deckinger</a> to take the opening set.It took a bit for the Coyotes to get rolling in the second set, but before the teams could blink Wesleyan sped out to a 22-5 lead in the set. Bebout ended the set with a kill for the Coyotes.Wesleyan took a 9-2 lead in the third on back-to-back service aces by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/54aca98f-eb4d-4c77-b054-74f9a5f8e3d5?elinkdata=11372">Sara Bebout</a> and later extended the lead to 16-7. Central made a brief push to make it 17-10 before the Coyotes scored seven straight points to take a 23-10 lead.It was a balanced kills for the Coyotes, who only needed 23 kills as a team in the win while hitting .260. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/b1f6f04f-6526-49f3-bf9f-24fb2a5de7f1?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a> and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fcbd8a05-9b1e-43e9-8ba3-4b33ccb34332?elinkdata=11372">Samantha Espinoza</a> had four kills each to lead the way. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f197dbe8-cd29-4640-9654-54b5c64696ac?elinkdata=11372">Sara Bebout</a> was listed as having 10 service aces in the match, which would set a new single match school record, eclipsing nine from Kolby Rhoades on September 19, 2007 against Sterling.The Coyotes then faced the William Woods Owls in the second match of the day as Wesleyan again posted a straight set sweep.The first set was tight throughout. Wesleyan led for the first part of the set until Woods would take an 11-10 lead. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/04a27d1b-a1a5-4416-9792-e159012a430a?elinkdata=11372">Rylee Serpan</a> recorded a kill to tie things up, but the Owls took a 13-11 lead in the set. Back came the Coyotes scoring four straight to take the lead back and use a 9-2 run to take a 20-15 lead on a kill by Serpan.KWU led 4-1 in the second set but four in a row from WWU gave the Owls a 5-4 lead. Serpan tied it with a kill but Woods got the next point to regain the lead. Then the Coyotes got things going. Seven straight points by the Coyotes made it 12-6 and after a couple more Woods points the Coyotes rattled off another four in a row to take an 16-8 lead.Wesleyan led 21-14 in the set before Woods came back and made it 23-18 before Serpan's kill closed the set.The Coyotes led 6-2 to start the third set, and pushed the lead out to 12-5 in the set. KWU held a 15-8 lead when WWU scored three straight to get within four, but the Coyotes scored five of the next six to take a 20-12 lead.KWU led 23-14 after a solo block by <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/7d286e62-6c6b-439d-92da-69276f52f90f?elinkdata=11372">Gianna Adriaanse</a>, but the Owls scored the next six points to cut the difference to 23-20. Adriaanse put down a kill to give the Coyotes match point at 24-20, but William Woods scored the next four to tie it and force volleyball overtime.Kills from Serpan and <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/bdb985a1-5b5e-4b40-987e-0fcc2118e349?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a> closed it for the Coyotes.<a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/fc1c2436-d6ff-44a4-9089-6fe8b2e172d0?elinkdata=11372">Kate Bebout</a> had 13 kills to lead the Coyotes, while Adriaanse and Serpan had 11 each. KWU hit .325 for the match. Deckinger handed out 36 assists as the Coyotes switched offenses back to a 5-1 for the Woods match. <a href="http://kwucoyotes.com/services/go.ashx/f56440a0-6fd3-4aae-b28b-b13dd2e80bd3?elinkdata=11372">Kori Arnold</a> had 19 digs and Kae Bebout had 10.

KWU Women's Volleyball opens 2024 with pair of sweeps at Hastings Classic

By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina Post

For thousands of kids across the country, the dream of taking the field on an NFL Sunday feels every bit as distant as it does captivating.

For former Ellsworth standout Kaden Davis, that dream may very well be just one catch away.

The road to the NFL has been anything but smooth for the former Bearcat. But if you ask Davis, that suits him just fine.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work, and I’ve had to overcome a lot of obstacles throughout my journey,” he said. “One thing we talked about not too long ago is the idea that hard work without faith can’t get you where you want to be, and belief in myself has been huge.”

According to the National Football Foundation, over a million high school football players suit up to play every year.

The NFL has just 1,536 spots to award on gameday rosters each season, and only about 300 of those go to incoming talents like Davis, who is currently battling it out at receiver in Detroit Lions training camp.

Grueling schedules, light pay, and long odds have ended the dreams of thousands of NFL hopefuls. But for Davis, every step forward only serves to add fuel to his competitive fire.

“It was always a dream of mine to play in the NFL,” Davis said. “That dream only gets bigger and bigger the closer you get. You can’t take any opportunities in this league for granted, and just being here in this position competing for a spot means everything.”

From a young age, the values of hard work and sticking to your dreams were impressed upon Kaden by his grandfather, Don Lock, who took his talents on the baseball diamond from Kingman Kansas, to the MLB.&nbsp;

Lock put together an impressive eight-year career with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox in the 1960s. The Wichita State standout racked up over 600 hits and 100 career homers, even playing alongside Yankee greats like Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724503487548.png" alt="Former Ellsworth Bearcat Kaden Davis streaks past the Chiefs defense en route to a preseason touchdown. Photo courtesy of Kaden Davis" />
 <figcaption>Former Ellsworth Bearcat Kaden Davis streaks past the Chiefs defense en route to a preseason touchdown. Photo courtesy of Kaden Davis</figcaption>
 </figure>By TYLER HENRY Lead Sportswriter - Salina PostFor thousands of kids across the country, the dream of taking the field on an NFL Sunday feels every bit as distant as it does captivating.For former Ellsworth standout Kaden Davis, that dream may very well be just one catch away.<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 road to the NFL has been anything but smooth for the former Bearcat. But if you ask Davis, that suits him just fine.“It’s taken a lot of hard work, and I’ve had to overcome a lot of obstacles throughout my journey,” he said. “One thing we talked about not too long ago is the idea that hard work without faith can’t get you where you want to be, and belief in myself has been huge.”According to the National Football Foundation, over a million high school football players suit up to play every year.The NFL has just 1,536 spots to award on gameday rosters each season, and only about 300 of those go to incoming talents like Davis, who is currently battling it out at receiver in Detroit Lions training camp.Grueling schedules, light pay, and long odds have ended the dreams of thousands of NFL hopefuls. But for Davis, every step forward only serves to add fuel to his competitive fire.“It was always a dream of mine to play in the NFL,” Davis said. “That dream only gets bigger and bigger the closer you get. You can’t take any opportunities in this league for granted, and just being here in this position competing for a spot means everything.”From a young age, the values of hard work and sticking to your dreams were impressed upon Kaden by his grandfather, Don Lock, who took his talents on the baseball diamond from Kingman Kansas, to the MLB.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724503698264.jpeg" alt="The official MLB baseball card of Don Lock, who played 921 MLB games from 1962-1969." />
 <figcaption>The official MLB baseball card of Don Lock, who played 921 MLB games from 1962-1969.</figcaption>
 </figure>Lock put together an impressive eight-year career with the Washington Senators, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox in the 1960s. The Wichita State standout racked up over 600 hits and 100 career homers, even playing alongside Yankee greats like Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle.Despite posting monstrous numbers during his time in Ellsworth, Davis has had to fight for everything he’s had from the very beginning.His lone college offer out of high school took him to Butler College in El Dorado, Kansas. That stop earned him a small handful of offers that allowed him to take his game to Division II Northwest Missouri State.A 714-yard, 10-touchdown senior season earned him a spot in Broncos training camp in 2022, and while he didn’t advance beyond the practice squad, his time in Denver helped forge him into a faster, stronger athlete, even hungrier for his next opportunity.&nbsp;“Competing in Denver against guys like Patrick Surtain, Justin Simmons, and Kareem Jackson really helped me take my game to the next level, and now, I feel like I can play with anybody,” Davis said.After being released from the Broncos in January 2023, Davis found himself without any NFL offers, but once again took it upon himself to get back up and hunt down his next opportunity.That chance would come with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL), where Davis shone brightly enough to draw the eye of the Arizona Cardinals, who signed him to compete for a spot at the end of that summer.“I felt like if I could touch the field in the USFL, I’d be able to get my tape and work my way back to the NFL. Fortunately, that’s how it worked out,” he said.That drive and determination are defining characteristics of Davis’ story, and factors that have driven him from a young age.“Some people would describe it as stubborn, but I’ve always defined him as determined,” Kaden’s father and Ellsworth athletic director Ron Davis said. “You couldn’t tell him that he couldn’t do anything when it came to athletics. He has that built-in confidence and the desire to do whatever he sets his mind to, that’s just who he is.”Even those not familiar with Davis’ story, may very well be familiar with the image of him streaking past the Chief's secondary on his way to score a 61-yard touchdown at Arrowhead last week, an image now seen by more than 400,000 people on the NFL’s official Twitter account.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724503813733.png" alt="Davis celebrates his 61-yard touchdown reception during NFL preseason. Photo courtesy of Kaden Davis" />
 <figcaption>Davis celebrates his 61-yard touchdown reception during NFL preseason. Photo courtesy of Kaden Davis</figcaption>
 </figure>Not bad for a kid from central Kansas.Despite putting himself in a position most small town football players can only dream of, Davis has remained humble through it all and has kept his ties to the Ellsworth community strong.“For a lot of people here, I think Kade has taken the big stage and made it real for them,” Ron Davis said. “This idea that you can be anything you want, whether that’s a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer. He’s come back and talked to grade school kids, and they see him as the same guy they watched run up and down the field in high school. I think that makes those dreams feel more attainable.”That sentiment is shared by Kaden, who can still be found running his own drills, lifting weights and practicing footwork on Ellsworth’s field during his visits home.“Ellsworth is where I grew up,” he said. “It’s where I learned to love the game, and it’s where I competed with a lot of my friends. It means a lot to be able to represent this place, but it also means a lot to show people that if you put in the work and the faith in that anything is attainable.”Davis will take the field for one final preseason game this Saturday when the Lions host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Noon.