Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then &amp; Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the 500 block of East Avenue A on the north side.

In 1900, George Updegraff had a drug store at 1 S. Main and his son, Robert, was a dentist upstairs.

Robert built a grand Victorian-style home that year at 528 E. Ave. A. The first photo shows that home at completion in 1901.

After George's passing, Robert decided to move and sell the home. Meanwhile, George Gano decided to move his milling and wheat storage business from Pawnee Rock to Hutchinson for the rail connections and purchased the 528 E. Ave. A home in 1904 for $7,000.

Gano was very successful in grain marketing and building grain elevators in Western Kansas.

By 1947, at the age of 70, he decided to sell Gano Grain Corporation to the Bunge Corp., a Belgium conglomerate, for $5 million.

In 1949, Gano died and his grandson, Nelson Hobart, inherited the home and lived there for about 10 years.

In 1975, Ralph (Doc) and Teddy Gingerich purchased the home and have lived there ever since. The second photo shows the house today, still in grand shape at 528 E. Ave. A.

To purchase a photo print, contact:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:sharmon5@cox.net">sharmon5@cox.net</a>.

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

<a href="https://www.hutchchamber.com/">Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce</a> <a href="https://underkansas.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KHt9Zeq_QIVwRPUAR3CTwTSEAAYASAAEgJDJPD_BwE">STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum</a>

📷 Throwback Thursday: Dr. Updegraff Residence - Vol. 101

RENO COUNTY, Kan. — The Reno County Sheriff's Office said that one person was killed early Thursday morning in a traffic accident. According to a social media post, just before 3:15 a.m. Thursday, deputies were dispatched to the area of 56th Avenue and Plum Street for an injury rollover accident involving one vehicle. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 65-year-old Terry Lynn Moore from Wichita.&nbsp;

When they got there, deputies discovered a vehicle on its side in the northeast ditch. It appeared the driver had been ejected from the vehicle during the accident. Life saving measures were performed but were ultimately unsuccessful and the driver was pronounced dead on scene. 

It appeared that the vehicle was traveling Southbound on Plum Street and failed to negotiate the curve leading to the roundabout and struck a culvert causing the vehicle to go airborne and roll. 

Positive identification has yet to be determined as there was no identification located on scene. 

The Hutchinson Police Department, Hutchinson Fire Department and Reno County EMS assisted in the investigation. The investigation continues.

Fatal accident early Thursday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salvation Army needs your help to reach their kettle goal for 2024, as they still needed over $20,000 to reach their goal as of Thursday.

"We definitely need support as we go into the weekend," said Major Paul James. "The weekends are usually always bigger anyway. We have some matching opportunities at 5th Street Dillons, we have matching opportunities at the 30th Street Dillons. Those are $20 bill matches all this week. Then Saturday, of course, all of our locations, $20 bills will be matched, as well. A lot of opportunity to help us get to that goal."

They are still doing the Tap to Pay match if you'll tap the $20 spot at the kettle outside one of the matching locations. They also still need some toys.

"Friday is our distribution," James said. "We'll be distributing to over 900 families for food and then over 1100 kids for toys. One of those age groups that's difficult to provide for, 10-12 year old boys and girls are kind of that area, but specifically girls 10-12. We're way short on those."

Contact the Salvation Army at (620) 663-3353 for more information.

Salvation Army in stretch run

CANYON, Texas — Down 14 just halfway through the first quarter, No. 3 Hutchinson (11-1) found a way to capture its second national championship in program history Wednesday night.

Back-to-back national champion No. 1 Iowa Western (11-2) scored on its first two drives to build a 14-0 advantage with 6:49 left in the first frame.

Reiver quarterback Hunter Dekkers drove his team 93 yards in just nine plays on the first possession of the game. Dekkers capped the drive with a 27-yard pass to Keyon Brown.

Hutchinson went three-and-out and Davis Barr had his punt blocked. The Reivers recovered with a short field and capitalized on a free play.

The Dragon defense jumped offside and Dekkers hit Titus Myers on a 14-yard strike.

Dekkers finished the first half with 240 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-23 passing.

Hutchinson cut into the Iowa Western lead as the first quarter expired when Samari Collier completed his first pass of the contest to Ben Prosper for 26 yards.

Collier used that momentum on a 27-yard touchdown run just four plays into the second quarter.

A Max Bartachek 32-yard field goal gave Iowa Western a 17-7 halftime lead after a Nestus Burger field-goal attempt from 46 yards went wide right.

The Reivers drove to the Dragon 4, but had no timeouts left as the clock expired on the first half.

Hutchinson scored the next 21 points unanswered.

The Dragons opened the third quarter with a 10-play, 54-yard drive that was capped with a Collier 8-yard pass to Prosper.

Shortly after, Collier left the game with an ankle injury.

Christian Johnson entered the game at quarterback for Hutchinson and threw a dime for seven on just his second play from scrimmage.

"(You) always got to stay ready," coach Drew Dallas said of his team's next-man-up mentality. "It's two cranks of the arm and go."

Johnson dropped back and hit Tre Brown for a 34-yard score.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/e899514f-ba68-4685-9f9a-3680683a73e2">In the national semifinal, Johnson threw a touchdown pass on his first play from scrimmage.</a>

The play of the game came with 3:26 left in the third quarter.

Punt returner Kordell Gouldsby backpedaled to retrieve a Jonah Dupont punt. He found the opening he needed for a 73-yard house call.

The momentum-shifter put Hutchinson up 28-17 and was enough for Gouldsby to be named the game's most valuable player.

Hutchinson erased a double-digit lead and etched a double-digit lead of its own, but Iowa Western would not go away quietly.

Dekkers led the Reivers on another 93-yard drive. The 10-play drive was capped on a Brown reverse from 11 yards out.

Reiver head coach Scott Strohmeier kept his offense on the field for a two-point try. The attempt failed as Dekkers could not connect with receiver Fresh Walters.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5fff7a25-f22a-4f0b-a976-af3b3080d20f">It was the second time in as many meetings this season that a failed two-point attempt helped decide the outcome of the game.</a>

Up five, Hutchinson needed one last stop from its defense after a Nestus Burger 32-yard field-goal attempt was blocked.

Iowa Western drove the ball to its own 46 before facing a fourth down. On 4th-and-5, Dekkers found tight end Naivyan Cargill for 13 yards.

The Reivers moved the ball to the Hutchinson 5 before facing fourth down again.

Dekkers was looking for Cargill again when he was pressured by Dragon linebacker JaQuel Mack. The pass was broken up by Avian Rice.

"Play for the man beside you," Rice pleaded with his teammates at halftime when the Dragons were down 10, a sentiment Kedrick Walker reminded himself throughout the second half.

Walker, Mack and Rice combined for 18 tackles, a tackle for loss, two broken-up passes and three quarterback hurries.

Marshon Oxley lived in the Reiver backfield and registered three sacks.

FINAL: Hutchinson 28 Iowa Western 23

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/8ba9a62c-dd84-4116-9aff-34a3292317df">This is Hutchinson's second national title under Drew Dallas.</a>

Much like the first championship, Hutchinson had to erase a 14-point deficit.

The Dragon defense held Hunter Dekkers to 36.8% passing in the second half.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/2e1fac2d-1112-4724-baf2-89833c43d5da">National Player of the Year Waymond Jordan Junior was held to 79 yards rushing on 24 carries.</a>

Before his exit, Samari Collier threw for 80 yards on 6-of-16 passing and added 109 yards on the ground with two total touchdowns.

Christian Johnson's only completion in five attempts went for a 34-yard touchdown.

The Reivers went 3-of-3 on third down to begin the game but were held to 3-of-14 the rest of the contest.

Both of Iowa Western's losses this season came at the hands of Hutchinson.

🏈 Dragons capture second championship

INMAN, Kan. — A McPherson County man was booked into jail on charges related to the illegal discharge of a firearm after a police incident that cancelled school for the Teutons on Wednesday.

According to the McPherson County Sheriff's Office, the Inman Police Department and Sheriff's Office personnel, including the McPherson County SRT responded to an ongoing situation involving shots fired in the 300 block of South Maple Street in Inman, KS on Wednesday. 

The situation was resolved by 10 a.m., but by then, the district had announced no classes for the day.

According to the McPherson County jail log, later on Wednesday, 34-year-old Benjamin Gerard Schwindt was booked on requested charges of criminal discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm while intoxicated, attempted aggravated criminal threat against LEO, aggravated criminal damage and aggravated child endangerment.&nbsp;

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Man jailed after schools closed due to shots fired Wednesday

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The holidays are here. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering with friends and family or keeping things quiet at home, Evergy is reminding customers of ways to save energy this season.  

Don’t frequently open the oven. Every time the door is opened, heat escapes and the inside temperature is reduced by as much as 25 degrees, forcing it to work even harder.  

Use smaller appliances when you can. Slow cookers and air fryers can be a great way to save money and use less energy this time of year.  

Adjust your thermostat for entertaining. If you’re having a party or a few friends over, turn your thermostat down a few degrees. The combination of the hot stove and more people in your space means your home will be warmer than usual. This gives your furnace a break and keeps your guests from getting too hot.  

Use the right type of lights. LED holiday lights are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent lights. LED lights also last longer and are safer to use because they don’t produce as much heat as traditional holiday light bulbs. 

Use timers for your holiday lights so you can make sure they aren’t on when they don’t need to be.  

When you go to sleep, so should your decorations. Not only does this save you money, but it’s also a safety measure. Turn off, unplug, and extinguish all unattended decorations.  

If you’re giving electronics for gifts this year, look for the Energy Star certification. Energy Star certification is through the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. This means those products meet the criteria for energy efficiency.  

Evergy gives holiday energy efficiency tips

TOPEKA, Kan. — With winter in full swing, icy weather can lead to dangerous road conditions and accidents. 

It is never a bad time to consider taking a defensive driver course. Not only are these types of courses good practice, but they can also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt encourages those with automobile coverage to consider taking a defensive driving course and to ask about discounts from their insurer.

“Companies that provide auto insurance are required to offer discounts to policy holders who take a defensive driving course” says Commissioner Schmidt. “Be sure to check with your insurance agent to see what approved courses qualify for a discount.”

State law requires companies providing auto insurance to provide a discount based on proof of an approved vehicle accident-avoidance course. Ask your auto insurer:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How long will the discount last?&nbsp;Eligible courses will allow Kansas insureds to receive a discount for a three-year period. To renew after the three-year period, Kansas insureds must simply complete another approved accident prevention class.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How much will the discount be?&nbsp;All insurance companies provide varying discounts, but all will provide a discount for approved defensive driving courses. Speak with your insurance agent for information about the discount rate.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What courses are approved?&nbsp;Auto insurance providers will have a list of courses they accept. Ask your insurance agent about their company approved courses and how to sign up for them.

For more information about insurance, please visit the Kansas Department of Insurance website at&nbsp;<a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/" target="_blank">insurance.kansas.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact our office at 785-296-3071.

Consumer Connection: Ask about defensive driver discounts

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — If you attended camp as a camper, director, or counselor, Cosmosphere invites you to join the Cosmosphere Camp Alumni Association!&nbsp;Our mission is to create a worldwide connection among alumni who remain committed to the Cosmosphere’s mission to inspire the future through space exploration. By joining the alumni network, you become part of a community that continues to foster curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Register at&nbsp;<a href="https://gwjizybab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-W65QijKlSI6041rkIyJVx9nXOwP7diIn85XveGKGBZIndL96MIfNIibow0JiiPss8OvOua2vpyYJIhJArnZQzQfXRIUbqrifJ-qCugLt42Y0lhzVvEUWYNr7Wd7MDzndNHdaCJJiQD5hte_rbKhQscHU3HjrDTu&amp;c=gDOki4yG0stdNYK6ctGrvOQCtmzO0TQgaNHRBuzeS8xsu9NJZXAFew==&amp;ch=8iAlprCaZ2F1j3pD_aS8URtGxbWc8H3LX1Pp5HTs6Lb3rmx3WLB5SA==" target="_blank">cosmo.org/alumni</a>&nbsp;to receive regular updates on our Alumni Reunion in 2025, new programs, other special events and gatherings, and opportunities for alumni to get involved.

Please spread the word and share the website with other alumni!

Are you a Cosmosphere Camp Alumni? 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the chill of winter sets in, Kansas Gas Service is dedicated to helping customers stay warm and save money. With a few no-cost or low-cost energy-saving tips, families can reduce their energy use without sacrificing comfort.

“Making small adjustments to save on energy consumption is easier than customers think. With simple tips and tools, Kansans can use less energy, which lowers bills and keeps more money in their pockets,” said Sean Postlethwait, vice president of Operations at Kansas Gas Service.

5 Easy Steps to Save Money and Energy This Winter

Customers can take these easy steps to reduce energy use and help manage their winter bills:

• Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows: Apply weather-stripping or caulk to seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors to keep warm air in and cold air out.

• Reduce the Temperature on Your Water Heater: Set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the “warm” setting.

• Change or Clean Filters: A clean filter on your furnace can lower your energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

• Install Foam Gaskets on Switches and Outlets: Electrical switches and outlets can account for up to 10% of your home’s energy loss.

• Change the Rotation of Ceiling Fans: Hot air rises, so reverse your ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to push warm air downward.

Applying these tips can help reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills while keeping your home comfortable during the winter months. For more information, visit <a href="http://kansasgasservice.com/energytips">kansasgasservice.com/energytips</a>.

Kansas Gas Service gives energy saving tips for winter

As families prepare to gather around their tables to celebrate the holidays, start a new tradition this year by using wheat and wheat foods with one of Kansas Wheat’s holiday craft ideas and inspirations from EatWheat.org. From salt dough ornaments to pasta angels, there are countless ways to use wheat products to create unique crafts and charming memories. 

“Holiday craft decorations are a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones while fostering creativity and spreading holiday cheer,” said Marsha Boswell, Vice President of Communications for Kansas Wheat. “More than decorations, these projects are opportunities to create lasting memories, so enjoy the magic of the season together.” 

Capturing memories is certainly the result of making Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments. Using flour, salt and water, this simple, yet sentimental, project allows you to preserve tiny handprints and footprints — proof that your babies were once this small! Hang them on the tree year after year and reminisce about how little your children were and how much fun you had making these ornaments. The process is easy: Mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, press in the handprint or footprint, bake until hardened and decorate as desired. Hint — these ornaments also make wonderful gifts for grandparents or other family members!

Another fun activity for kids and adults alike is crafting DIY Pasta Angel Ornaments. Using whatever pasta shape you prefer — we like rotini for the body, penne for the arms and farfalle for the wings — assemble your unique angel figures. Add as much detail as you like, including paint, glitter and other arts and crafts supplies to make a truly personalized ornament. This craft encourages creativity and encourages kids to explore different textures and shapes. What other pasta creations can you come up with? 

Get your furry friends in on the holiday fun with Dog Biscuit Reindeer Ornaments. This easy craft involves decorating store-bought dog biscuits to resemble reindeer by using pretzel sticks for antlers, red candies for noses and edible markers for eyes. These quick ornaments are a fun kids activity and will look great on your Christmas tree or in a package. Plus, they make for a fun thing for Santa to see when he makes his stop and a tasty treat for your favorite family pet after the holidays! 

There are so many options when it comes to building and decorating gingerbread houses! You can pick up a kit at the store, build your own around a milk carton, use graham crackers, pretzels and wheat foods galore. Try using frosted mini-wheat cereal to give that snow-kissed glow to your roof. Want to make a faux log cabin? Use pretzel rods to give that rustic charm. Turn ice cream sugar cones upside down and decorate with green frosting to make trees.

Crafting together during the holidays makes for lasting memories. Whether you’re capturing tiny handprints or footprints, making creative pasta angels or decorating gingerbread houses, these projects are sure to bring the spirit of the season to your home — this year and for years to come. 

Love these holiday ornament ideas, but looking for more memories to make? We’ve also got fun holiday baking ideas and recipes, so give them a try as well. Check them all out at <a href="http://EatWheat.org">EatWheat.org</a>.

Wheat Scoop: Handmade Holidays - Craft a family tradition with wheat 

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/category/obituaries">Click&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners</a>.

Hutch Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/35522b08-cd30-49e1-93e0-85962282628b">PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE NEW OBITUARY POLICY.</a> Funeral homes can send notices to <a href="mailto:hutchpost@eagleradio.net">hutchpost@eagleradio.net</a>.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank"> </a>

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Recent obituaries and service times

CANYON, Texas — Listen back to the complete audio broadcast of the 2024 NJCAA DI Football National Championship Game between Hutchinson Community College and Iowa Western Community College on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas. The game was broadcasted on KHUT-FM and KWBW-AM/FM with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (color analyst)

HutchCC defeated Iowa Western, 28-23, to claim its second national title in program history.

🎧 LISTEN: NJCAA Championship Game rewind: HutchCC 28, IWCC 23

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Head coach Brandon Schneider and the Kansas women's basketball staff signed four prospects during the early signing period, including three who are currently ranked in the top 100 of the ESPNW HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings.

KU's four-player class of Tatyonna Brown, Jaliya Davis, Libby Fandel and Keeley Parks is ranked as the No. 6 recruiting class in the ESPNW's post-signing window class rankings. Davis becomes the highest-ranked player that Kansas has signed during Schneider's tenure, coming in at No. 17 in the rankings, while Parks is also a five-star prospect ranked No. 29. Fandel is rated a four-star prospect at No. 44, while Brown is also a four-star and ranked just outside the top 100.

Davis, a 6-2 forward from Blue Valley North HS in Overland Park, Kansas, and Parks, a 5-11 guard from Norman HS in Norman, Oklahoma, were both named to the Naismith Trophy Girl's High School Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.

The Jayhawks recruiting class ranks as the highest-rated in Schneider's tenure. KU's class of 2023, which featured S'Mya Nichols, the No. 34 recruit in the class, and Laia Conesa was ranked No. 24 in the country.

Coach Brandon Schneider on the 2025 Recruiting Class:

"This recruiting class is the result of years of work that fortunately went our way. I think we've been involved in a lot of fierce recruiting battles through the years, some that we were really close on, and didn't succeed. It's nice when it all comes together like it did with this class. Success in recruiting is a team effort. We have a terrific staff, and our players are heavily involved and want to be involved in recruiting. I think we've really made a greater effort to recruit within driving distance of Lawrence, Kansas, and all four of these kids can jump in the car and get here. I think that they are drawn to our culture and the trajectory of our program, but I also think they see an opportunity to take it to new heights and to places that this program has never been."

Tatyonna Brown | F | 6-2 | Colorado Springs, Colo (Air Academy HS)

• Two-sport standout, competing in basketball and volleyball for Air Academy HS

• Averaging 13.2 points and 9.4 rebounds for her career

• Recorded 11 double-doubles as a junior, helping Air Academy to a 25-2 overall record and a state semifinal appearance

ESPNW Scouting Report: "Brown is a 6-2 lefty forward who is active in the paint and on the glass. She brings a physical presence to the floor and has upside potential with flashes of the perimeter shot."

Jaliya Davis | F | 6-2 | Overland Park, Kan. (Blue Valley North HS)

• Rated a five-star prospect and the No. 17 recruit in the country by ESPNW

• Top high school prospect in the state of Kansas and one of 50 prep seniors named to the Naismith Trophy High School Player of the Year Watch List

• Has led Blue Valley North HS to a 40-9 record over the past two seasons, including the 2023 Class 6A State Championship and a third-place finish in 2024

ESPNW Scouting Report: Davis is one of the best forwards in the 2025 class. She is an elite operator in the paint and extremely hard to keep off of the glass, with an advanced face up game and soft touch around the rim.

Libby Fandel | G | 6-1 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Xavier HS)

• Rated a four-star prospect and the No. 44 prospect in the class by ESPNW

• Has earned all-state honors in both volleyball (four times) and basketball (three), helping Xavier HS win state titles in each sport

• Averaged 24.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 4.0 steals per game as a junior and was named the conference player of the year

• Reigning Cedar Rapids Metro Area Girls Basketball Athlete of the Year

ESPNW Scouting Report: "Fandel is a multisport athlete with an all-around game. She can catch fire from the perimeter and moves well without the ball. She has that glue-like quality about her that impacts winning."

Keeley Parks | G | 5-11 | Norman, Okla. (Norman HS)

• Rated a five-star prospect and ranked as No. 29 in the country by ESPNW

• 2024 Gatorade Oklahoma Girls Basketball Player of the Year and one of 50 prep seniors named to the Naismith Trophy High School Player of the Year Watch List

• Named The Oklahoman's Super 5 Player of the Year and Big All-City First Team in 2024 ater averaging 26.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 5.6 steals per game

ESPNW Scouting Report: "Parks is an accomplished big guard with a strong frame. She has long range on her shot and finishes well around the rim with contact."

🏀 KU signing class is top 10

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State baseball was picked second in the 2025 American Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll, the highest preseason projection for the Shockers since joining the conference in 2017.

East Carolina topped the poll with 80 points, including eight first-place votes, while the Shockers garnered 72 points and the other two first-place nods. Defending American Athletic Conference tournament champion Tulane checked in at #3, followed by UTSA and Charlotte in the top half of the poll. Florida Atlantic, South Florida, UAB, Memphis and Rice round out the projections.

The Shockers have never been picked higher than fourth in the American preseason poll, a status they reached just once in the 2022 edition. Last season, Wichita State was picked seventh before finishing 32-29 (15-12) and tying for third in Brian Green's first season as head coach.

WSU and Tulane lead the way with four preseason All-Conference selections apiece. Wichita State catcher Mauricio Millan, first baseman Josh Livingston, second baseman Jordan Rogers and shortstop Camden Johnson were all recognized by the conference, with Millan as the unanimous selection behind the plate.

Millan put together another consistent season as Wichita State's primary starting catcher in 2024, making 56 total starts that included 40 at catcher. The El Paso, Texas native finished third on the team with a .301 batting average, smacking 10 doubles and two home runs while setting a new program and American Athletic Conference record with 24 hit by pitches. Millan recorded 15 multi-hit games and six multi-RBI contests, solidifying his reputation as one of the conference's most clutch hitters with a .371 batting average with runners in scoring position.

Livingston delivered one of the most impressive months in recent program history to buoy Wichita State's late-season surge. The rising senior went 11-for-33 in the month of May with three doubles, six home runs and 23 RBI in just nine games, highlighted by four homers in the conference tournament. For the season, Livingston hit .253 with five doubles, 11 home runs and 39 RBI, establishing a new program record with three pinch-hit home runs that included the program's first pinch-hit grand slam since 2016.

Rogers posted the best season of his career as Wichita State's regular second baseman in 2024. The versatile defender played in 60 games with 57 starts (52 at second base, four in right field, one in center field), hitting .296 with 12 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs and 41 RBI. Rogers tied for third in the American Athletic Conference in both triples and hit by pitches while leading the Shockers with 56 runs scored. He also put together an 18-game hitting streak from April 20-May 21, the longest by any Wichita State player in 2024.

Johnson burst onto the scene in 2024 as one of the region's most dynamic young players. The left-handed hitting infielder was named Second Team All-AAC and AAC All-Freshman Team as the only Shocker to start 60 games, 55 at third base and five at shortstop. Johnson led the team with a .326 batting average, adding 13 doubles, one triple, two home runs and 32 RBI while tying for the team lead with seven stolen bases in eight attempts.

2024 American Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll (First-place votes in parentheses)

C – Mauricio Millan, Sr., Wichita State*

1B – Josh Livingston, Sr., Wichita State

2B – Jordan Rogers, R-Sr., Wichita State

SS – Camden Johnson, So., Wichita State

DH – Rafael Betancourt, Jr., South Florida

⚾ Shockers picked 2nd in AAC

AP Sports Summary for December 19th, 2024:

Texas-based Friedkin Group completes purchase of Premier League team Everton

The Texas-based Friedkin Group has completed its 98.8% purchase of Everton. Friedkin has added the storied Premier League club on Thursday to its wide-ranging portfolio of investments that includes Italian team Roma. It ends a long period of huge uncertainty at Everton. It is a nine-time English champion which has been an ever-present in the top division since 1954 but is without a major trophy since 1995. Fronted by Dan Friedkin and his son, Ryan, the group has investments in the automotive industry, entertainment, hospitality and sports. The Friedkins made a fortune distributing Toyotas in Texas. They take over from Everton's majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri.

Brr! Winter adds an old-school challenge to the CFP. Visiting teams insist it's 'snow' problem

Besides first-round games at on-campus sites, the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff also serves up something now for this postseason: cold-weather northern venues as opposed to bowl games in warm, sunny climates. Whether that provides a home-field advantage for sixth-seeded Penn State, No. 7 seed Notre Dame and No. 8 Ohio State remains to be seen, but it's a factor southern schools such No. 11 SMU and No. 9 Tennessee must prepare for. Tenth-seeded Indiana only has to travel a couple hundred miles north to South Bend but December football will be new to the Hoosiers, especially at No. 7 seed Notre Dame.

Pro Picks: Eagles will cruise past the Commanders and Seahawks will upset the Vikings

The setup for two Christmas Day games means two games on Saturday in Week 16. They'll be potential playoff previews. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs host C.J. Stroud and the AFC South champion Texans in the first game Saturday. Then, it's Russell Wilson and the Steelers visiting Lamar Jackson and the Ravens in a battle for the AFC North. Pro Picks likes the favorites in both matchups.

Notre Dame and Indiana get 1st taste of playoff football under the Friday night lights

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman and Indiana coach Curt Cignetti are football junkies at heart. They enjoy studying film, game prep and Saturday afternoons. They're also deeply fond of playing underneath the Friday night lights. They'll get a chance to relive that memory this week when the 10th-seeded Hoosiers visit the seventh-seeded Fighting Irish in the first Friday night game ever played at Notre Dame Stadium. Freeman will be making his playoff debut as a head coach. Cignetti has playoff experience at different college levels but is making his first appearance in the College Football Playoff.

College Football Playoff picks: SMU, Clemson, Vols, Hoosiers beware as CFP opens on campus

SMU could face the biggest adjustment playing in the cold in the College Football Playoff. A 10- to 15-mph northwest wind will make temperatures in the 20s feel like it's in the mid teens in State College, Pennsylvania, on Saturday for SMU's game against Penn State. Cold weather also is in the forecast for Indiana at Notre Dame and Tennessee at Ohio State. Temperatures in the 60s are expected for Clemson's game at Texas. For SMU, its game could be its coldest ever. The lowest temperature at kickoff for the Mustangs was 24 degrees for games in 2013 and 1983.

Red Bull picks Liam Lawson as Max Verstappen's F1 teammate in 2025

MILTON KEYNES, England (AP) — Formula 1 team Red Bull says Liam Lawson will be the partner for world champion Max Verstappen in 2025. Lawson is a New Zealander. He replaces Sergio Perez after the Mexican was dropped on Wednesday after months of poor results. The 22-year-old Lawson will switch from Racing Bulls, Red Bull's sister team, after racing as a replacement driver in 2023 and this year. He started in Red Bull's junior program. Lawson says it is a "lifelong dream" to be racing with Red Bull. He says "this is something I've wanted and worked toward since I was 8 years old."

Hajj-Malik Williams throws 2 TDs passes to help No. 24 UNLV beat Cal 24-13 in the LA Bowl

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Hajj-Malik Williams passed for two touchdowns, Kylin James ran for another and No. 24 UNLV pulled away in the second half for a 24-13 victory over California in the LA Bowl on Wednesday night. UNLV won a bowl game for the first time since 2000 and had its first 11-win season as an FBS program. Del Alexander, an assistant when UNLV last won a bowl game, was the interim head coach after Barry Odom departed forPurdue on Dec. 8. Cal, who hasn't had a winning season since 2019, were missing quarterback Fernando Mendoza and leading wide receiver Nyziah Hunter, after both entered the transfer portal.

Falcons' Cousins says he 'didn't forget how to play quarterback' after losing starting job to Penix

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — After losing his job as the Atlanta Falcons' starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins is promising to support rookie Michael Penix Jr. Cousins threw nine interceptions with one touchdown in the past five games. The switch to Penix comes with the Falcons one game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South as they prepare to play host to the New York Giants. The change wasn't a one-game decision, but Cousins insists he believes he can still start in the NFL. He said Wednesday he has not forgotten how to play the position.

Caitlin Clark's No. 22 to be retired during February ceremony at Iowa's Carver-Hawkeye Arena

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Caitlin Clark's No. 22 will be retired in a ceremony Feb. 2 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Clark finished her college career last season as the all-time leading men's or women's scorer in NCAA Division I history and is widely regarded as a transformational figure in the women's game. The flair of her game and long-distance 3-point shots spawned a legion of fans adorned in her No. 22 jersey at games both home and away. Clark grew up in the Des Moines area and said Iowa holds a place in her heart bigger than just basketball.

Vandy QB Diego Pavia wins injunction allowing him to play D-I football in 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A federal judge granted Diego Pavia's request for a preliminary injunction allowing the quarterback to play the 2025 season and told the NCAA the organization cannot take any action against Vanderbilt or any other university that Pavia plays a fifth season for next year. U.S. District Judge William L. Campbell issued the injunction Wednesday after a hearing Dec. 4. The judge noted in his order filed with the injunction Vanderbilt's historic success with Pavia reaching its first bowl game since 2018 with wins over both Alabama and Auburn. Pavia sued the NCAA on Nov. 8 contesting the organization's rules limiting players who start at junior colleges to only four seasons.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

CANYON, Texas — The Hutchinson Community College football team will meet Iowa Western Community College in the NJCAA DI football national championship game at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on the campus of West Texas A&amp;M University.

The game will kickoff at 7:32 p.m. and can be heard locally on KHUT-FM (102.9) and KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) or online at <a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">Country1029.com</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://radio.securenetsystems.net/ce/index.cfm?stationCallSign=KWBW2">kwbwradio.com</a>. Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Daren Dunn (analyst) will provide the coverage from the Lone Star State.

🏈🎧 LISTEN: National Championship - HutchCC vs. Iowa Western

CANYON, Texas — No. 3 Hutchinson (10-1) faces No. 1 Iowa Western (11-1) for the second time in three years for the national title.

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/f8bdb1d9-1c6e-4634-8e7e-bfffa29f95b6">Two seasons ago, the Dragons defeated the Reivers in the regular season, but fell in the championship rematch.</a>

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5fff7a25-f22a-4f0b-a976-af3b3080d20f">This year, Hutchinson defeated Iowa Western in week two of the regular season.</a>

The Reivers have won back-to-back championships. The Dragons are appearing in their third championship in the last five seasons.

Join Sean Boston, Daren Dunn and Steve Carpenter as they chat with special guests ahead of the 7:32 p.m. kickoff from Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on the campus of West Texas A&amp;M University.

🏈🎧 LISTEN: Countdown To Kickoff - National Championship

Hutchinson CC Sports Information&nbsp;

BLUE DRAGON FOOTBALL No. 3 Hutchinson (10-1) vs. No. 1 Iowa Western (11-1) 2024 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I Football Championship When: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Where: Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium, Canyon, TX Kickoff: 7:32 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 6:30 p.m. - Sean Boston (PBP); Daren Dunn (Analyst)</a> TV/Video: ESPNU, 7:30 p.m. - Chris Sylvester (PBP); John Kane (Analyst); Zach McKinstry (sidelines) X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/fball/2024-25/files/Game_12_-_Iowa_Western.pdf">CLICK FOR FULL BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

For the fifth time in the last three seasons, the Hutchinson Community College football team will meet the Iowa Western Reivers - this time the teams will play for a national championship.

The No. 3-seeded Blue Dragons (10-1) and the No. 1 Reivers (11-1) will play in the 2024 Credit Union 1 NJCAA Division I Football Championship presented by Zurich Insurance. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18 at West Texas A&amp;M University's Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas.

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