KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Lopez and four Minnesota relievers combined on a two-hitter as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on a breezy opening day Thursday.

Trevor Larnach and pinch-hitter Donovan Solano each drove in a run. Lopez allowed both Kansas City hits while walking three and striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings, outpitching former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.

A trio of Twins relievers easily ushered the game to Jhoan Duran, who worked around a walk in the ninth to earn the save on an overcast afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

Greinke, who also lasted 5 1/3 innings, delivered a solid start for Kansas City to begin his 20th season in the big leagues. The 39-year-old right-hander allowed both runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four.

The Twins won despite leaving the bases loaded three times and 12 on base in all.

Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel had the Royals' only hits.

Even though Greinke and Lopez matched scoreless innings through the fifth, both had to wiggle out of trouble.

The Twins had a pair of singles and a walk in the first inning, but Greinke rebounded to get Nick Gordon to ground out and end the threat. The Royals' erstwhile ace didn't allow another hit until Christian Vazquez singled with one out in the fifth.

Lopez, who arrived in a January trade with Miami, retired the first seven batters he faced and didn't allow a single until Perez's shattered bat went about as far as the ball in the fourth. Lopez later loaded the bases on a double, hit batter and walk in the fifth, but the righty got MJ Melendez to ground down the first-base line into an inning-ending double play.

The Twins finally broke though in the sixth. Larnach followed Byron Buxton's leadoff triple with a base hit, and Solano entered to face Royals reliever Amir Garrett, ripping a single up the middle to extend the lead.

Kansas City never really threatened the rest of the way.

The Royals made Perez, their seven-time All-Star catcher, the fourth captain in franchise history Thursday. He's the first to wear the “C” on his jersey since Mike Sweeney in 2007; the others were George Brett and Frank White.

Twins SS Carlos Correa singled in his first at-bat after a bizarre offseason. Lucrative deals with the Giants and Mets fell apart over concerns about his surgically repaired ankle and he returned to Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million deal.

Twins: RHPs Ronny Henriquez (elbow inflammation) and Josh Winder (shoulder strain), INF Jorge Polanco (knee inflammation) and OFs Gilberto Celestino (thumb surgery) and Alex Kirilloff (wrist surgery) went on the injured list before the game.

Royals: OF Drew Waters (oblique strain) and LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went on the IL before the game.

Twins: INF/OF Willi Castro had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul to provide depth with Polanco and Kirilloff out.

Royals: OFs Jackie Bradley Jr. and Franmil Reyes and INF Matt Duffy had contracts selected from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Richard Lovelady was traded to Atlanta and 1B Matt Beaty to San Francisco, both for cash.

After a day off Friday, Twins RHP Sonny Gray gets the start against Royals RHP Jordan Lyles on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Lopez and four Minnesota relievers combined on a two-hitter as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on a breezy opening day Thursday.Trevor Larnach and pinch-hitter Donovan Solano each drove in a run. Lopez allowed both Kansas City hits while walking three and striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings, outpitching former Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.A trio of Twins relievers easily ushered the game to Jhoan Duran, who worked around a walk in the ninth to earn the save on an overcast afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.Greinke, who also lasted 5 1/3 innings, delivered a solid start for Kansas City to begin his 20th season in the big leagues. The 39-year-old right-hander allowed both runs on six hits and a walk while striking out four.The Twins won despite leaving the bases loaded three times and 12 on base in all.Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel had the Royals' only hits.Even though Greinke and Lopez matched scoreless innings through the fifth, both had to wiggle out of trouble.The Twins had a pair of singles and a walk in the first inning, but Greinke rebounded to get Nick Gordon to ground out and end the threat. The Royals' erstwhile ace didn't allow another hit until Christian Vazquez singled with one out in the fifth.Lopez, who arrived in a January trade with Miami, retired the first seven batters he faced and didn't allow a single until Perez's shattered bat went about as far as the ball in the fourth. Lopez later loaded the bases on a double, hit batter and walk in the fifth, but the righty got MJ Melendez to ground down the first-base line into an inning-ending double play.The Twins finally broke though in the sixth. Larnach followed Byron Buxton's leadoff triple with a base hit, and Solano entered to face Royals reliever Amir Garrett, ripping a single up the middle to extend the lead.Kansas City never really threatened the rest of the way.CAPTAIN SALThe Royals made Perez, their seven-time All-Star catcher, the fourth captain in franchise history Thursday. He's the first to wear the “C” on his jersey since Mike Sweeney in 2007; the others were George Brett and Frank White.CORREA'S RETURNTwins SS Carlos Correa singled in his first at-bat after a bizarre offseason. Lucrative deals with the Giants and Mets fell apart over concerns about his surgically repaired ankle and he returned to Minnesota on a six-year, $200 million deal.TRAINER'S ROOMTwins: RHPs Ronny Henriquez (elbow inflammation) and Josh Winder (shoulder strain), INF Jorge Polanco (knee inflammation) and OFs Gilberto Celestino (thumb surgery) and Alex Kirilloff (wrist surgery) went on the injured list before the game.Royals: OF Drew Waters (oblique strain) and LHP Daniel Lynch (rotator cuff strain) went on the IL before the game.MAKING MOVESTwins: INF/OF Willi Castro had his contract selected from Triple-A St. Paul to provide depth with Polanco and Kirilloff out.Royals: OFs Jackie Bradley Jr. and Franmil Reyes and INF Matt Duffy had contracts selected from Triple-A Omaha. LHP Richard Lovelady was traded to Atlanta and 1B Matt Beaty to San Francisco, both for cash.UP NEXTAfter a day off Friday, Twins RHP Sonny Gray gets the start against Royals RHP Jordan Lyles on Saturday.

⚾ Royals held to two hits Opening Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For Mammoth Design Director David Folsom, creating a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals was a passion project, dream come true, and homage to baseball’s rich history all at once.&nbsp;

The Royals have initial plans in place to bring the hometown team into the heart of the city. One option is to build at the site of the old Kansas City Star printing pavilion, stretching part of ballpark over I-35.&nbsp;

That’s where Folsom and Mammoth Sports Construction came in. A lifetime baseball fan and Kansas City native, Folsom poured unvarnished passion into the conception. Recycled copper from the KC Star building pays tribute to the site where it would stand. The brick facade incorporates the style of the iconic West Bottoms stockyards. The thoughtfully curved seating bowl preserves the present seating structure of Kaufman Stadium. And the U-shaped section design takes inspiration from Fenway Park and Camden Yards.

Altogether, it's a a timeless ballpark design, woven into its city, with all the history of yesterday and the features of tomorrow. Craftsman quality. Anchored to place. A city like this one deserves no less.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680173500141.jpeg" alt="Rendering" />
 <figcaption>Rendering</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For Mammoth Design Director David Folsom, creating a new stadium for the Kansas City Royals was a passion project, dream come true, and homage to baseball’s rich history all at once.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680173450042.jpeg" alt="Rendering&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Rendering&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>The Royals have initial plans in place to bring the hometown team into the heart of the city. One option is to build at the site of the old Kansas City Star printing pavilion, stretching part of ballpark over I-35.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680173548977.jpeg" alt="Renering" />
 <figcaption>Renering</figcaption>
 </figure>That’s where Folsom and Mammoth Sports Construction came in. A lifetime baseball fan and Kansas City native, Folsom poured unvarnished passion into the conception. Recycled copper from the KC Star building pays tribute to the site where it would stand. The brick facade incorporates the style of the iconic West Bottoms stockyards. The thoughtfully curved seating bowl preserves the present seating structure of Kaufman Stadium. And the U-shaped section design takes inspiration from Fenway Park and Camden Yards.Altogether, it's a a timeless ballpark design, woven into its city, with all the history of yesterday and the features of tomorrow. Craftsman quality. Anchored to place. A city like this one deserves no less.&nbsp;

⚾ Mammoth Design releases downtown KC stadium renderings

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals announced several roster moves this morning to finalize their Opening Day Roster. The Royals have selected outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes&nbsp;and infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy.

Additionally, left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jake Brentz&nbsp;has been placed on the 60-day Injured List as he continues to recover from left elbow surgery, and outfielder&nbsp;Diego Hernandez&nbsp;has been recalled and placed on the 60-day Injured List with a dislocated right shoulder. Outfielder&nbsp;Drew Waters&nbsp;has been placed on the 10-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a left oblique strain, and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Daniel Lynch&nbsp;has been placed on the 15-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a rotator cuff strain. Left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Angel Zerpa&nbsp;was placed on the 60-day Injured List on March 15 with left shoulder tendinopathy.

The Royals have 40 players on the Major League Reserve List.

Kansas City’s 26-man Opening Day roster includes 15 players who made the Opening Day roster in 2022, including pitchers&nbsp;Scott Barlow,&nbsp;Kris Bubic,&nbsp;Taylor Clarke,&nbsp;Dylan Coleman,&nbsp;Amir Garrett,&nbsp;Zack Greinke,&nbsp;Carlos Hernández,&nbsp;Brad Keller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brady Singer; catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez; infielders&nbsp;Hunter Dozier,&nbsp;Nicky Lopez&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.; and outfielders&nbsp;Kyle Isbel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Edward Olivares.

Five Royals made the Opening Day roster for the first time, including pitcher&nbsp;Jose Cuas, catcher&nbsp;MJ Melendez&nbsp;and infielders&nbsp;Nate Eaton,&nbsp;Michael Massey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino.

Six players will be making their Royals debuts with their 1st&nbsp;appearance this season, including pitchers&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman,&nbsp;Jordan Lyles&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ryan Yarbrough, infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy&nbsp;and outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes.

Zack Greinke&nbsp;made the Opening Day roster for the 17th&nbsp;time in his career and is making his 7th career Opening Day start today. This marks his 6th Opening Day start in the last eight seasons, which matches&nbsp;Max Scherzer,&nbsp;Aaron Nola&nbsp;and&nbsp;Madison Bumgarner&nbsp;for the most Opening Day starts by a pitcher in the Majors since 2016.

Salvador Perez&nbsp;is making his 9th&nbsp;career Opening Day start at catcher, most in franchise history at that position. His 9 career Opening Day starts (at any position) are tied with&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;for the 7th most in franchise history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680192072477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.— The Kansas City Royals announced several roster moves this morning to finalize their Opening Day Roster. The Royals have selected outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes&nbsp;and infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy.Additionally, left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jake Brentz&nbsp;has been placed on the 60-day Injured List as he continues to recover from left elbow surgery, and outfielder&nbsp;Diego Hernandez&nbsp;has been recalled and placed on the 60-day Injured List with a dislocated right shoulder. Outfielder&nbsp;Drew Waters&nbsp;has been placed on the 10-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a left oblique strain, and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Daniel Lynch&nbsp;has been placed on the 15-day Injured List retroactive to March 27 with a rotator cuff strain. Left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Angel Zerpa&nbsp;was placed on the 60-day Injured List on March 15 with left shoulder tendinopathy.The Royals have 40 players on the Major League Reserve List.Kansas City’s 26-man Opening Day roster includes 15 players who made the Opening Day roster in 2022, including pitchers&nbsp;Scott Barlow,&nbsp;Kris Bubic,&nbsp;Taylor Clarke,&nbsp;Dylan Coleman,&nbsp;Amir Garrett,&nbsp;Zack Greinke,&nbsp;Carlos Hernández,&nbsp;Brad Keller&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brady Singer; catcher&nbsp;Salvador Perez; infielders&nbsp;Hunter Dozier,&nbsp;Nicky Lopez&nbsp;and&nbsp;Bobby Witt Jr.; and outfielders&nbsp;Kyle Isbel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Edward Olivares.Five Royals made the Opening Day roster for the first time, including pitcher&nbsp;Jose Cuas, catcher&nbsp;MJ Melendez&nbsp;and infielders&nbsp;Nate Eaton,&nbsp;Michael Massey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vinnie Pasquantino.Six players will be making their Royals debuts with their 1st&nbsp;appearance this season, including pitchers&nbsp;Aroldis Chapman,&nbsp;Jordan Lyles&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ryan Yarbrough, infielder&nbsp;Matt Duffy&nbsp;and outfielders&nbsp;Jackie Bradley Jr.&nbsp;and&nbsp;Franmil Reyes.Zack Greinke&nbsp;made the Opening Day roster for the 17th&nbsp;time in his career and is making his 7th career Opening Day start today. This marks his 6th Opening Day start in the last eight seasons, which matches&nbsp;Max Scherzer,&nbsp;Aaron Nola&nbsp;and&nbsp;Madison Bumgarner&nbsp;for the most Opening Day starts by a pitcher in the Majors since 2016.Salvador Perez&nbsp;is making his 9th&nbsp;career Opening Day start at catcher, most in franchise history at that position. His 9 career Opening Day starts (at any position) are tied with&nbsp;Mike Sweeney&nbsp;for the 7th most in franchise history.

⚾ BSB: Royals set Opening Day roster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have traded left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Richard Lovelady&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.

Lovelady, 27, has spent his entire professional career with Kansas City after being selected by the Royals in the 10th&nbsp;round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. 

He made his Major League debut in 2019 but has pitched only 34.0 innings over the last three seasons (2020-22) due to injury.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals announced this morning that they have traded left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Richard Lovelady&nbsp;to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations.Lovelady, 27, has spent his entire professional career with Kansas City after being selected by the Royals in the 10th&nbsp;round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. He made his Major League debut in 2019 but has pitched only 34.0 innings over the last three seasons (2020-22) due to injury.

⚾ BSB: Royals trade Lovelady to Braves for cash

A major shift in how Major League Baseball is played. About time, too.

Aaron Judge aiming at his own home run record, Shohei Ohtani trending with every pitch and swing, Dusty Baker trying to win another World Series ring.

All-Stars in different spots, a new scheduling concept featuring each team facing all 29 opponents.

If it sounds like these plot lines are from a movie — "Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes to mind — it's true.

Opening day is Thursday and the full slate includes games at Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. And good news for fans — there's no snow in the forecast at any of them.

Manny Machado drew the first pitch clock violation in spring training and it was nuisance. A game between the Braves and Red Sox ended on a clock call and it was a novelty.

Chances are, if Max Scherzer or Nolan Arenado or some other intense star gets timed out in a key spot, it could go nuclear.

But MLB realized it had to do something to cut all the dead periods when absolutely nothing was happening. Well, except for hitters adjusting their batting gloves or pitchers pawing at the rubber. So with games routinely dragging on for more than three hours, the slowdown is getting sped up.

The sport that never had a clock suddenly has them all over the park. Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and the rest of the pitchers get 15 seconds to throw with nobody on base, 20 seconds with runners on. Vladimir Guerero Jr., Mookie Betts and the hitters need to be ready.

The early returns were good, spring training games lasted nearly a half-hour less this year. But remember, that was in Clearwater, Tempe and Lakeland — it might be a lot different, especially early in the season, when umpires begin pointing to their wrists at Busch Stadium, Camden Yards and Petco Park.

NL home run champ Kyle Schwarber, 2020 World Series MVP Corey Seager and a bevy of left-handed boppers should benefit hugely by this rule change. Because from now on, those pull hitters won't face a wall of three infielders on the right side.

Defensive shifts dominated the game in recent years, a big reason why batting averages plummeted so sharply. José Ramírez, Cody Bellinger and other lefties increasingly found themselves being thrown out from shallow-to-medium right field.

No longer. Realizing that shifts were a winning strategy on the field but a losing proposition with fans, MLB banned them. These days, two infielders must be standing on each side of second base. And no playing deep on the grass to rob hits, either — Dansby Swason, Jeremy Peña and other infielders need to be on the dirt.

One likely effect: With more grounders sneaking through for singles, look for the number of no-hitters and near-gems to drop.

All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani when he starts for the Los Angeles Angels on opening day at Oakland. Here's what fans will really watch: Where will the two-way sensation wind up?

Quite possibly the most popular and talented player on the planet, Ohtani clinched the World Baseball Classic for Japan and earned the MVP trophy by striking out Angels teammate Mike Trout.

Ohtani can become a free agent after this year. He's never reached the postseason since joining the Halos in 2018 — Trout, a three-time MVP, has never won a single playoff game, but that's another matter.

At 28, it's hard to imagine Ohtani sticking around Anaheim after yet another lost season. If they don't start winning soon, the Angels can either trade him to a very ambitious team or risk letting him walk away for nothing.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom bolted New York for a greener field in Texas. Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, a model of power pitching, now on the mound for the Mets.

Trea Turner smoothly slid over to join pal Bryce Harper on the Phillies. Xander Bogaerts livened up a San Diego lineup that already included sluggers Manny Machado, Juan Soto and the suspended Fernando Tatis Jr.

AL batting champion Luis Arraez was traded from Minnesota to Miami and former MVP José Abreu signed with the World Series champion Houston Astros.

Maybe the most intriguing newcomer: Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida. He powered Japan in the WBC and was penciled into the Boston cleanup spot even before his major league debut.

We get it: Stolen bases are for suckers, modern metrics show they're not worth the gamble. Miami's Jon Berti stole 41 last season and topped the majors; it was the lowest total for the MLB leader since 1963, when Maury Wills and Luis Aparicio each swiped 40.

Execs hope bigger bases that are 18-inch squares, up from 15-inch squares, will help entice more speedsters to try. It cuts down the distance between the bags by a few inches. They “look like a pizza box,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. Pitchers also will be limited in how many pickoff throws they can make.

Note to MLB: If you really want to get Randy Arozarena, Bobby Witt Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. on the run, see Andrés Giménez and others drop down more surprise bunts, open up hitting lanes and just increase overall offense, here's a better idea — shorten the bases to 88 feet.

The NFL spruced up its game by moving back the extra-point line, making the PAT a more competitive play and prompting coaches to go for two. The NBA overhauled its sport way back by adding the 3-point arc. We know baseball has its hallowed distances — 90 feet and 60 feet, 6 inches — but they don't have to stay that way forever, especially not with younger audiences eager for more action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680171143216.jpeg" alt="MLB starts today" />
 <figcaption>MLB starts today</figcaption>
 </figure>A major shift in how Major League Baseball is played. About time, too.Aaron Judge aiming at his own home run record, Shohei Ohtani trending with every pitch and swing, Dusty Baker trying to win another World Series ring.All-Stars in different spots, a new scheduling concept featuring each team facing all 29 opponents.If it sounds like these plot lines are from a movie — "Everything Everywhere All at Once” comes to mind — it's true.Opening day is Thursday and the full slate includes games at Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. And good news for fans — there's no snow in the forecast at any of them.TICK-TOCKManny Machado drew the first pitch clock violation in spring training and it was nuisance. A game between the Braves and Red Sox ended on a clock call and it was a novelty.Chances are, if Max Scherzer or Nolan Arenado or some other intense star gets timed out in a key spot, it could go nuclear.But MLB realized it had to do something to cut all the dead periods when absolutely nothing was happening. Well, except for hitters adjusting their batting gloves or pitchers pawing at the rubber. So with games routinely dragging on for more than three hours, the slowdown is getting sped up.The sport that never had a clock suddenly has them all over the park. Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and the rest of the pitchers get 15 seconds to throw with nobody on base, 20 seconds with runners on. Vladimir Guerero Jr., Mookie Betts and the hitters need to be ready.The early returns were good, spring training games lasted nearly a half-hour less this year. But remember, that was in Clearwater, Tempe and Lakeland — it might be a lot different, especially early in the season, when umpires begin pointing to their wrists at Busch Stadium, Camden Yards and Petco Park.VERY SHIFTYNL home run champ Kyle Schwarber, 2020 World Series MVP Corey Seager and a bevy of left-handed boppers should benefit hugely by this rule change. Because from now on, those pull hitters won't face a wall of three infielders on the right side.Defensive shifts dominated the game in recent years, a big reason why batting averages plummeted so sharply. José Ramírez, Cody Bellinger and other lefties increasingly found themselves being thrown out from shallow-to-medium right field.No longer. Realizing that shifts were a winning strategy on the field but a losing proposition with fans, MLB banned them. These days, two infielders must be standing on each side of second base. And no playing deep on the grass to rob hits, either — Dansby Swason, Jeremy Peña and other infielders need to be on the dirt.One likely effect: With more grounders sneaking through for singles, look for the number of no-hitters and near-gems to drop.SHO OR GO?All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani when he starts for the Los Angeles Angels on opening day at Oakland. Here's what fans will really watch: Where will the two-way sensation wind up?Quite possibly the most popular and talented player on the planet, Ohtani clinched the World Baseball Classic for Japan and earned the MVP trophy by striking out Angels teammate Mike Trout.Ohtani can become a free agent after this year. He's never reached the postseason since joining the Halos in 2018 — Trout, a three-time MVP, has never won a single playoff game, but that's another matter.At 28, it's hard to imagine Ohtani sticking around Anaheim after yet another lost season. If they don't start winning soon, the Angels can either trade him to a very ambitious team or risk letting him walk away for nothing.STAR SCRAMBLETwo-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom bolted New York for a greener field in Texas. Three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, a model of power pitching, now on the mound for the Mets.Trea Turner smoothly slid over to join pal Bryce Harper on the Phillies. Xander Bogaerts livened up a San Diego lineup that already included sluggers Manny Machado, Juan Soto and the suspended Fernando Tatis Jr.AL batting champion Luis Arraez was traded from Minnesota to Miami and former MVP José Abreu signed with the World Series champion Houston Astros.Maybe the most intriguing newcomer: Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida. He powered Japan in the WBC and was penciled into the Boston cleanup spot even before his major league debut.EXTRA BAGGAGEWe get it: Stolen bases are for suckers, modern metrics show they're not worth the gamble. Miami's Jon Berti stole 41 last season and topped the majors; it was the lowest total for the MLB leader since 1963, when Maury Wills and Luis Aparicio each swiped 40.Execs hope bigger bases that are 18-inch squares, up from 15-inch squares, will help entice more speedsters to try. It cuts down the distance between the bags by a few inches. They “look like a pizza box,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. Pitchers also will be limited in how many pickoff throws they can make.Note to MLB: If you really want to get Randy Arozarena, Bobby Witt Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. on the run, see Andrés Giménez and others drop down more surprise bunts, open up hitting lanes and just increase overall offense, here's a better idea — shorten the bases to 88 feet.The NFL spruced up its game by moving back the extra-point line, making the PAT a more competitive play and prompting coaches to go for two. The NBA overhauled its sport way back by adding the 3-point arc. We know baseball has its hallowed distances — 90 feet and 60 feet, 6 inches — but they don't have to stay that way forever, especially not with younger audiences eager for more action.

⚾ MLB opening day offers clocks, shift bans, Ohtani and Judge

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman believes that plans are progressing toward a new downtown ballpark, which would replace the nearly 50-year-old Kauffman Stadium as early as 2027 or 2028. The club has had dialogue with fans, business leaders and politicians about potential sites, though none has been decided. The idea is to build a $1 billion stadium as the centerpiece of a $1 billion residential and commercial development. Meanwhile, the owner is similarly optimistic about the current team, which lost nearly 100 games a year ago. The Royals have a new manager in Matt Quatraro and several promising young prospects that they believe will continue to develop throughout the upcoming season, which begins Thursday against Minnesota.

UNDATED (AP) — A major shift is coming to Major League Baseball, starting on opening day this Thursday. New rules are now in effect. There will be clocks at stadiums to hurry along pitchers and hitters, and there are restrictions on defensive shifts for fielders. The full slate of 15 games includes matchups at Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. Aaron Judge will aiming at his own home run record, Shohei Ohtani will be trending with every pitch and swing and Houston manager Dusty Baker is trying to win another World Series ring.

UNDATED (AP) — Major league pitchers and batters aren’t the only ones going on the clock this season. Big league broadcasters have also been using spring training to adjust to baseball’s new rhythm amid a series of rules changes. When the season opens Thursday, Major League Baseball will usher in an age of sharper, quicker and more concise commentary. For a generation of play-by-play pros who grew up idolizing loquacious storytellers like Hall of Famer Vin Scully, it’s been an adjustment. But not necessarily an unwelcome one.

NEW YORK (AP) — Minor league baseball players reached a historic initial collective bargaining agreement with Major League Baseball on Wednesday that will more than double player salaries, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details were not announced. The sides reached the five-year deal on Wednesday, two days before the start of the minor league season and hours after a federal judge gave final approval to a $185 million settlement reached with MLB last May of a lawsuit filed in 2014 alleging violations of federal minimum wage laws. Under the new deal, minimum salaries in Triple-A will rise from $17,500 to $45,800.

HOUSTON (AP) — A toxic cauldron on social media is one of the minefields players in the NCAA Tournament must navigate. In an era of increased sensitivity to athlete mental health, never have there been more outside voices scrutinizing their every move. In the third part of a series on social media's impact on March Madness, The Associated Press found that turning off social media is an option but not really a practical one. It's unrealistic with the way society interacts in the 21st century. And many athletes need to use social media for endorsement deals. All of that, the AP found, comes with a toll best illustrated by spikes among athletes in anxiety and depression over the past two years.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU guard Mike Miles Jr. has declared for the NBA draft, and he says he is leaving this time. Miles had also declared for the draft last year, but pulled his name out of consideration and returned for his junior season with the Horned Frogs. He says the time is right to turn pro. He was second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 17.9 points while playing in 27 of TCU’s 35 games. He missed five games in a row after hyperextending his right knee in late January. He missed two earlier games with a left foot issue and sat out another with an illness.

UNDATED (AP) — A congressional hearing targeting what one lawmaker called “NIL chaos” in college sports drifted into the consequences of college athletes being deemed employees. A subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held the first hearing Wednesday related to college sports in the House or Senate in more than two years. The intended focus was name, image and likeness compensation for athletes. College sports leaders have been asking for a federal law to bring uniform regulation to the way athletes can earn money through sponsorship or endorsement deals.

NEW YORK (AP) — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he's hopeful that a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players can get done by the end of this week, though he stopped short of predicting that a deal would actually get struck. The league and the National Basketball Players Association are facing a midnight Friday deadline for either side to decide that they will opt out of the deal and end the current CBA on June 30. That opt-out deadline already has been extended twice, and Silver said the NBA’s plan is to exercise that option if there is no deal by Friday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680170778822.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals owner John Sherman believes that plans are progressing toward a new downtown ballpark, which would replace the nearly 50-year-old Kauffman Stadium as early as 2027 or 2028. The club has had dialogue with fans, business leaders and politicians about potential sites, though none has been decided. The idea is to build a $1 billion stadium as the centerpiece of a $1 billion residential and commercial development. Meanwhile, the owner is similarly optimistic about the current team, which lost nearly 100 games a year ago. The Royals have a new manager in Matt Quatraro and several promising young prospects that they believe will continue to develop throughout the upcoming season, which begins Thursday against Minnesota.UNDATED (AP) — A major shift is coming to Major League Baseball, starting on opening day this Thursday. New rules are now in effect. There will be clocks at stadiums to hurry along pitchers and hitters, and there are restrictions on defensive shifts for fielders. The full slate of 15 games includes matchups at Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium. Aaron Judge will aiming at his own home run record, Shohei Ohtani will be trending with every pitch and swing and Houston manager Dusty Baker is trying to win another World Series ring.UNDATED (AP) — Major league pitchers and batters aren’t the only ones going on the clock this season. Big league broadcasters have also been using spring training to adjust to baseball’s new rhythm amid a series of rules changes. When the season opens Thursday, Major League Baseball will usher in an age of sharper, quicker and more concise commentary. For a generation of play-by-play pros who grew up idolizing loquacious storytellers like Hall of Famer Vin Scully, it’s been an adjustment. But not necessarily an unwelcome one.NEW YORK (AP) — Minor league baseball players reached a historic initial collective bargaining agreement with Major League Baseball on Wednesday that will more than double player salaries, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details were not announced. The sides reached the five-year deal on Wednesday, two days before the start of the minor league season and hours after a federal judge gave final approval to a $185 million settlement reached with MLB last May of a lawsuit filed in 2014 alleging violations of federal minimum wage laws. Under the new deal, minimum salaries in Triple-A will rise from $17,500 to $45,800.HOUSTON (AP) — A toxic cauldron on social media is one of the minefields players in the NCAA Tournament must navigate. In an era of increased sensitivity to athlete mental health, never have there been more outside voices scrutinizing their every move. In the third part of a series on social media's impact on March Madness, The Associated Press found that turning off social media is an option but not really a practical one. It's unrealistic with the way society interacts in the 21st century. And many athletes need to use social media for endorsement deals. All of that, the AP found, comes with a toll best illustrated by spikes among athletes in anxiety and depression over the past two years.FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — TCU guard Mike Miles Jr. has declared for the NBA draft, and he says he is leaving this time. Miles had also declared for the draft last year, but pulled his name out of consideration and returned for his junior season with the Horned Frogs. He says the time is right to turn pro. He was second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 17.9 points while playing in 27 of TCU’s 35 games. He missed five games in a row after hyperextending his right knee in late January. He missed two earlier games with a left foot issue and sat out another with an illness.UNDATED (AP) — A congressional hearing targeting what one lawmaker called “NIL chaos” in college sports drifted into the consequences of college athletes being deemed employees. A subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held the first hearing Wednesday related to college sports in the House or Senate in more than two years. The intended focus was name, image and likeness compensation for athletes. College sports leaders have been asking for a federal law to bring uniform regulation to the way athletes can earn money through sponsorship or endorsement deals.NEW YORK (AP) — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says he's hopeful that a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players can get done by the end of this week, though he stopped short of predicting that a deal would actually get struck. The league and the National Basketball Players Association are facing a midnight Friday deadline for either side to decide that they will opt out of the deal and end the current CBA on June 30. That opt-out deadline already has been extended twice, and Silver said the NBA’s plan is to exercise that option if there is no deal by Friday night.WEDNESDAY SCORESNATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Milwaukee 149 Indiana 136Final New York 101 Miami 92Final Brooklyn 123 Houston 114Final Philadelphia 116 Dallas 108Final L.A. Lakers 121 Chicago 110Final L.A. Clippers 141 Memphis 132Final Oklahoma City 107 Detroit 106Final Sacramento 120 Portland 80Final Phoenix 107 Minnesota 100Final Utah 128 San Antonio 117NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal SO N-Y Islanders 2 Washington 1Final OT Florida 3 Toronto 2Final Minnesota 4 Colorado 2

Sports Headlines for Thursday

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=887943cbeb&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=85d0ce2438&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Postgame Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0f94e4eaff&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks led for more than 33 minutes Wednesday night and dominated Washington 61-36 in the Fab 4 of the WNIT.

With the convincing win, the Jayhawks (24-11) will now host Columbia out of the Ivy League in the WNIT Championship Game on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The contest will also be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network.

"I thought we got off to a slow start offensively, just because of nerves," said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. "We missed some shots that normally, we would make. You can't blame the girls in a setting like this, probably for the first time. Our defense was locked in and they were really good all night long. It was great to see us, even the last couple of minutes, really stay attentive and take pride in trying to get a stop."

Taiyanna Jackson posted her 22nd&nbsp;double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks, while Zakiyah Franklin led all scorers with 14 points and Holly Kersgieter and Wyvette Mayberry each had 11 points apiece.

Kansas will now appear in the WNIT Championship Game for the second time in program history after falling to South Florida in the 2009 title contest.

Wednesday’s game opened as a defensive battle on both ends of the court, with Washington taking a 6-2 lead at the first media timeout with 4:38 to play in the first quarter. The Jayhawks held the Huskies to a 3-for-9 start from the field and a 0-for-2 start from deep.

Kansas got hot out of the media timeout and immediately went on a 7-0 run over just a 54-second stretch. After a layup from Washington, a Sanna Strom three-pointer made it a 10-2 run for the Jayhawks and made the score 12-8 Kansas with just more than two and a half minutes to play in the opening quarter. Washington cut it to two, but a three-point play from Mayberry in the final minute made the score 15-10 at the end of the first.

The hosts extended their lead to open the second quarter. After a basket from Washington, Kansas went on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to nine at 21-12 and force a timeout for the Huskies with 5:37 to play in the first half. Kersgieter converted a fast break with a layup to force the Washington timeout and get the home crowd of 7,229 in a frenzy.

It turns out the Jayhawks were just getting started. Washington hit a layup out of the timeout to break the 6-0 run, but Kansas then went on a 9-0 run right after the bucket that ballooned the score to 30-14. The 9-0 run came via six points from Jackson and a three-point play from Kersgieter. Washington’s Hannah Stines converted on a jumper in the final minute of the half to make the score 30-16 at the break.

The intermission did nothing to cool off the Jayhawks, who kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Kansas began the third quarter on a 12-2 run to extend the lead to 42-18 with less than five minutes to play in the quarter. Kansas closed out the quarter, leading 48-28 to take a 20-point lead into the final quarter. The Jayhawks got six points from Mayberry in the third and held Washington to 4 of 13 shooting from the floor with five turnovers in the quarter.

The Jayhawks led by at least 21 points the entire fourth quarter and held Washington to 7 of 31 shooting in the second half with 11 turnovers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680170522781.jpeg" alt="KU WBB atdvance to WNIT Championship" />
 <figcaption>KU WBB atdvance to WNIT Championship</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=887943cbeb&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=85d0ce2438&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Postgame Notes</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=0f94e4eaff&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks led for more than 33 minutes Wednesday night and dominated Washington 61-36 in the Fab 4 of the WNIT.With the convincing win, the Jayhawks (24-11) will now host Columbia out of the Ivy League in the WNIT Championship Game on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. The contest will also be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network."I thought we got off to a slow start offensively, just because of nerves," said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. "We missed some shots that normally, we would make. You can't blame the girls in a setting like this, probably for the first time. Our defense was locked in and they were really good all night long. It was great to see us, even the last couple of minutes, really stay attentive and take pride in trying to get a stop."Taiyanna Jackson posted her 22nd&nbsp;double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Jayhawks, while Zakiyah Franklin led all scorers with 14 points and Holly Kersgieter and Wyvette Mayberry each had 11 points apiece.Kansas will now appear in the WNIT Championship Game for the second time in program history after falling to South Florida in the 2009 title contest.Wednesday’s game opened as a defensive battle on both ends of the court, with Washington taking a 6-2 lead at the first media timeout with 4:38 to play in the first quarter. The Jayhawks held the Huskies to a 3-for-9 start from the field and a 0-for-2 start from deep.Kansas got hot out of the media timeout and immediately went on a 7-0 run over just a 54-second stretch. After a layup from Washington, a Sanna Strom three-pointer made it a 10-2 run for the Jayhawks and made the score 12-8 Kansas with just more than two and a half minutes to play in the opening quarter. Washington cut it to two, but a three-point play from Mayberry in the final minute made the score 15-10 at the end of the first.The hosts extended their lead to open the second quarter. After a basket from Washington, Kansas went on a 6-0 run to extend its lead to nine at 21-12 and force a timeout for the Huskies with 5:37 to play in the first half. Kersgieter converted a fast break with a layup to force the Washington timeout and get the home crowd of 7,229 in a frenzy.It turns out the Jayhawks were just getting started. Washington hit a layup out of the timeout to break the 6-0 run, but Kansas then went on a 9-0 run right after the bucket that ballooned the score to 30-14. The 9-0 run came via six points from Jackson and a three-point play from Kersgieter. Washington’s Hannah Stines converted on a jumper in the final minute of the half to make the score 30-16 at the break.The intermission did nothing to cool off the Jayhawks, who kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Kansas began the third quarter on a 12-2 run to extend the lead to 42-18 with less than five minutes to play in the quarter. Kansas closed out the quarter, leading 48-28 to take a 20-point lead into the final quarter. The Jayhawks got six points from Mayberry in the third and held Washington to 4 of 13 shooting from the floor with five turnovers in the quarter.The Jayhawks led by at least 21 points the entire fourth quarter and held Washington to 7 of 31 shooting in the second half with 11 turnovers.

🏀 WBB: Jayhawks advance to WNIT Championship after dominating Washington

LAWRENCE, Kan.—Another Jayhawk is leaving the nest. Kansas wing&nbsp;MJ Rice&nbsp;intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Rice is set to depart&nbsp;KU after his freshman season with the Jayhawks.&nbsp;The 6-foot-5, 225-pound small forward ended the season averaging 2.2 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the field, while adding 1.0 rebounds per contest. He will have three seasons of playing eligibility left at his next school.

It was an up-and-down season for Rice and one that was impacted due to his availability. He missed the Omaha game in the first week of the season before he didn’t travel to the Champions Classic due to an illness. He came back and played against Southern Utah but suffered from kidney stones before the NC State game in Battle 4 Atlantis and missed that contest. Over a three-game span against Tennessee, Texas Southern and Seton Hall, Rice notched double-digit minutes. After the Seton Hall contest, Rice averaged six minutes per game and played in 17 of KU's next 27 contests.

Rice committed to KU in August of 2021 and signed with the program during the early period. He took official visits to Kansas and Oklahoma State and held offers from seven other program.&nbsp;He was the No. 28-ranked recruit nationally, the No. 8-ranked small forward and the No. 5-ranked player in California in the 247Sports rankings for the class of 2022. Per the 247Sports Composite, Rice was the No. 25-ranked prospect nationally with the same position and state rankings.

Rice is the latest KU player to enter the transfer portal in what is shaping up to be a roster overhaul.

In the first year of the portal windows, the college basketball transfer portal begins March 13 and runs until May 11.&nbsp;Numerous graduate transfers already entered the transfer portal prior to the March 13 opening, but that date kicked off the 60-day window for the rest of the prospective transfers to hop in the portal to examine their options. The one-time transfer rule is still intact, per usual. If a player has not transferred yet, they are immediately eligible. In Martin's case, he is a graduate transfer and is immediately eligible at his next school.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609550863288.jpeg" alt="KU basketball&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>KU basketball&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan.—Another Jayhawk is leaving the nest. Kansas wing&nbsp;MJ Rice&nbsp;intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. Rice is set to depart&nbsp;KU after his freshman season with the Jayhawks.&nbsp;The 6-foot-5, 225-pound small forward ended the season averaging 2.2 points per game on 40 percent shooting from the field, while adding 1.0 rebounds per contest. He will have three seasons of playing eligibility left at his next school.It was an up-and-down season for Rice and one that was impacted due to his availability. He missed the Omaha game in the first week of the season before he didn’t travel to the Champions Classic due to an illness. He came back and played against Southern Utah but suffered from kidney stones before the NC State game in Battle 4 Atlantis and missed that contest. Over a three-game span against Tennessee, Texas Southern and Seton Hall, Rice notched double-digit minutes. After the Seton Hall contest, Rice averaged six minutes per game and played in 17 of KU's next 27 contests.Rice committed to KU in August of 2021 and signed with the program during the early period. He took official visits to Kansas and Oklahoma State and held offers from seven other program.&nbsp;He was the No. 28-ranked recruit nationally, the No. 8-ranked small forward and the No. 5-ranked player in California in the 247Sports rankings for the class of 2022. Per the 247Sports Composite, Rice was the No. 25-ranked prospect nationally with the same position and state rankings.Rice is the latest KU player to enter the transfer portal in what is shaping up to be a roster overhaul.In the first year of the portal windows, the college basketball transfer portal begins March 13 and runs until May 11.&nbsp;Numerous graduate transfers already entered the transfer portal prior to the March 13 opening, but that date kicked off the 60-day window for the rest of the prospective transfers to hop in the portal to examine their options. The one-time transfer rule is still intact, per usual. If a player has not transferred yet, they are immediately eligible. In Martin's case, he is a graduate transfer and is immediately eligible at his next school.

🏀 MBB: Kansas wing MJ Rice intends to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Are you ready for Royals Opening Day? It's almost here! Join us at The K on Thursday, March 30th vs. the Minnesota Twins! With a brand-new bobblehead, exciting LIVE music, and the return of powder blues, this is a game you DO NOT want to miss! Tickets start at just $29, or save even more with a bundled ticket pack below. Bring your mom, your dad, your brother, your sister, your cousin, your neighbor, your dog... well, don't bring your dog yet. Wait until Bark at the Park to do that. Anyway, we can't wait to see you!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679898458513.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Are you ready for Royals Opening Day? It's almost here! Join us at The K on Thursday, March 30th vs. the Minnesota Twins! With a brand-new bobblehead, exciting LIVE music, and the return of powder blues, this is a game you DO NOT want to miss! Tickets start at just $29, or save even more with a bundled ticket pack below. Bring your mom, your dad, your brother, your sister, your cousin, your neighbor, your dog... well, don't bring your dog yet. Wait until Bark at the Park to do that. Anyway, we can't wait to see you!<h2>Game Day Activations</h2><ul>
 <li>Parking lots will open at 9:00 a.m. and stadium gates will open at 12 p.m.Parking must be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/ballpark/transportation">here</a>.</li><li>Parking must be purchased in advance&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/ballpark/transportation">here</a>.</li><li>Bobby Witt, Jr. Bobblehead gate giveaway presented by Price Chopper</li><li>On it's 50th Anniversary, full powder blue uniforms return and make their debut at The K</li><li>Pre-game Concert by Grammy-award winning Country Rock duo Brothers OsborneLocated on the&nbsp;Miller Lite Fountain Bar Deck&nbsp;(above the left-center field fountains facing the field)Concert will take place from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.Must have an Opening Day game ticket to attend</li><li>Located on the&nbsp;Miller Lite Fountain Bar Deck&nbsp;(above the left-center field fountains facing the field)</li><li>Concert will take place from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.</li><li>Must have an Opening Day game ticket to attend</li><li>Pre-game Opening Day ceremonyCelebration of the 50th anniversary of the Kauffman Stadium FountainsMembers of the 1973 Royals Opening Day team will be in attendance. This was the first team to wear full powder bluesFlyover by aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base</li><li>Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Kauffman Stadium Fountains</li><li>Members of the 1973 Royals Opening Day team will be in attendance. This was the first team to wear full powder blues</li><li>Flyover by aircraft from Whiteman Air Force Base</li>
 </ul>

⚾ MLB: Opening day at the 'K'; Royals vs Minnesota

PHOENIX (AP) — Dan Snyder’s departure from the NFL is moving closer to reality. A group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and another group led by Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos have submitted fully financed bids for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Two people confirmed the bid from Harris. Both spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because details of the bid have not been publicly announced. The Harris/Rales group includes basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta also has been in the running. Snyder had yet to accept an offer when the league’s finance committee met Monday so his future wasn’t openly discussed.

PHOENIX (AP) — Lamar Jackson’s frustration over contract negotiations reached a boiling point when he announced Monday that he has requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens. Staying in Baltimore might be his best and only option. If the two sides can’t agree on a long-term deal by July 17, Jackson could play this season on the $32.4 million franchise tag. The 2019 NFL MVP hasn’t generated any interest in free agency after the Ravens placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on him. Some teams immediately said they wouldn’t pursue Jackson. The Washington Commanders joined that list Monday.

CHICAGO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani watch is on. Not Ohtani’s home runs or strikeouts or any of his magnificent numbers from the field. Nothing like that. It’s all about how much his next contract will be worth. Ohtani is among a group of players going into their final season before they are eligible for free agency. There is still time for signatures and press conferences before opening day, but history shows a new contract becomes less likely once the real games begin. The list of impending free agents also includes Aaron Nola, Matt Chapman, Teoscar Hernández, Ian Happ and Julio Urías.

DALLAS (AP) — LSU coach Kim Mulkey is returning to Texas for another Final Four. The former Baylor coach says some people with ties to her lengthy tenure in Texas will be in the stands when the Tigers play Virginia Tech in the national semifinals Friday night in Dallas. Mulkey is the third coach to lead multiple schools to the Final Four. She made four trips with Baylor. It's her first with LSU in her second season. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley returns to the scene of her first national championship five years ago. The Gamecocks play Iowa.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Rodney Terry says he always felt confident he'd earn the chance to be the full-time head basketball coach at Texas. The school removed the interim tag from his title and gave him the full-time job after leading the Longhorns to the Elite Eight following the midseason firing of Chris Beard. Terry said at a news conference Tuesday that his previous experience as a Longhorns assistant had prepared him for the job. The chairman of the school's Board of Regents said Terry got a five-year contract at $3 million per year.

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has taken a seat on the bench in the political game. The organization that governs college athletics was once at the forefront of hot-button issues such as the Confederate flag and transgender rights. But that stance evolved quickly as one Republican-controlled state after another rushed to pass laws that cover everything from abortion to transgender rights to drag shows. The NCAA’s new approach came into sharper focus this week as Texas prepares to host both the men’s and women’s Final Four. Not a word has been spoken about moving these events out of Houston and Dallas.

UNDATED (AP) — The number of college athletes who are monetizing their social media followings has grown over the past 18 months. The NCAA cleared the way for athletes to cash in on their celebrity in July 2021. Many of those influencers are female athletes. Some say they are aware their growing popularity can draw attention from fans who may overstep their bounds. Sometimes it's in the comments on their social media posts. And sometimes they show up at sporting events just to meet the athletes.

GENEVA (AP) — Some Russian athletes can soon return to international sports, although their status for the Paris Olympics is still up in the air. The International Olympic Committee has recommended that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to return to competition under a neutral status as long as they have no military links. But the IOC held off on deciding whether they can compete at next year’s Paris Olympics. While the IOC said Russia and Belarus should remain barred from team sports such as soccer and basketball, it still defied repeated calls by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to exclude all Russian athletes while his country is being occupied and attacked.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680085628575.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>PHOENIX (AP) — Dan Snyder’s departure from the NFL is moving closer to reality. A group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and another group led by Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos have submitted fully financed bids for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. Two people confirmed the bid from Harris. Both spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because details of the bid have not been publicly announced. The Harris/Rales group includes basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson. Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta also has been in the running. Snyder had yet to accept an offer when the league’s finance committee met Monday so his future wasn’t openly discussed.PHOENIX (AP) — Lamar Jackson’s frustration over contract negotiations reached a boiling point when he announced Monday that he has requested a trade from the Baltimore Ravens. Staying in Baltimore might be his best and only option. If the two sides can’t agree on a long-term deal by July 17, Jackson could play this season on the $32.4 million franchise tag. The 2019 NFL MVP hasn’t generated any interest in free agency after the Ravens placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on him. Some teams immediately said they wouldn’t pursue Jackson. The Washington Commanders joined that list Monday.CHICAGO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani watch is on. Not Ohtani’s home runs or strikeouts or any of his magnificent numbers from the field. Nothing like that. It’s all about how much his next contract will be worth. Ohtani is among a group of players going into their final season before they are eligible for free agency. There is still time for signatures and press conferences before opening day, but history shows a new contract becomes less likely once the real games begin. The list of impending free agents also includes Aaron Nola, Matt Chapman, Teoscar Hernández, Ian Happ and Julio Urías.DALLAS (AP) — LSU coach Kim Mulkey is returning to Texas for another Final Four. The former Baylor coach says some people with ties to her lengthy tenure in Texas will be in the stands when the Tigers play Virginia Tech in the national semifinals Friday night in Dallas. Mulkey is the third coach to lead multiple schools to the Final Four. She made four trips with Baylor. It's her first with LSU in her second season. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley returns to the scene of her first national championship five years ago. The Gamecocks play Iowa.AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Rodney Terry says he always felt confident he'd earn the chance to be the full-time head basketball coach at Texas. The school removed the interim tag from his title and gave him the full-time job after leading the Longhorns to the Elite Eight following the midseason firing of Chris Beard. Terry said at a news conference Tuesday that his previous experience as a Longhorns assistant had prepared him for the job. The chairman of the school's Board of Regents said Terry got a five-year contract at $3 million per year.UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has taken a seat on the bench in the political game. The organization that governs college athletics was once at the forefront of hot-button issues such as the Confederate flag and transgender rights. But that stance evolved quickly as one Republican-controlled state after another rushed to pass laws that cover everything from abortion to transgender rights to drag shows. The NCAA’s new approach came into sharper focus this week as Texas prepares to host both the men’s and women’s Final Four. Not a word has been spoken about moving these events out of Houston and Dallas.UNDATED (AP) — The number of college athletes who are monetizing their social media followings has grown over the past 18 months. The NCAA cleared the way for athletes to cash in on their celebrity in July 2021. Many of those influencers are female athletes. Some say they are aware their growing popularity can draw attention from fans who may overstep their bounds. Sometimes it's in the comments on their social media posts. And sometimes they show up at sporting events just to meet the athletes.GENEVA (AP) — Some Russian athletes can soon return to international sports, although their status for the Paris Olympics is still up in the air. The International Olympic Committee has recommended that individual athletes from Russia and Belarus should be allowed to return to competition under a neutral status as long as they have no military links. But the IOC held off on deciding whether they can compete at next year’s Paris Olympics. While the IOC said Russia and Belarus should remain barred from team sports such as soccer and basketball, it still defied repeated calls by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to exclude all Russian athletes while his country is being occupied and attacked.TUESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Washington 3 N.Y. Yankees 0Final Philadelphia 6 Toronto 5Final Minnesota 7 Pittsburgh 5Final Atlanta 7 Boston 5Final Chicago Cubs 8 Chicago White Sox 5Final Arizona 3 Cleveland 1Final L.A. Angels 13 L.A. Dodgers 5AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Texas 5 Kansas City 3Final Houston 5 Sugar Land 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Milwaukee 8 Colorado 1NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal Washington 130 Boston 111Final Toronto 106 Miami 92Final Atlanta 120 Cleveland 118Final Memphis 113 Orlando 108Final Charlotte 137 Oklahoma City 134Final Golden State 120 New Orleans 109NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal Philadelphia 3 Montreal 2Final N-Y Rangers 6 Columbus 2Final Tampa Bay 4 Carolina 0Final Nashville 2 Boston 1Final Detroit 7 Pittsburgh 4Final OT St. Louis 6 Vancouver 5Final Dallas 4 Chicago 1Final Calgary 2 Los Angeles 1Final Edmonton 7 Vegas 4Final San Jose 3 Winnipeg 0

Sports Headlines for Wednesday

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson's</a>&nbsp;grand slam, 14 hits and eight unanswered runs led K-State to a 12-9 comeback victory over Air Force on Tuesday afternoon at Falcon Field. "Today showed great toughness for our program," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. "Coming from behind on the road with extremely difficult conditions builds toughness for our program." "We had some big hits from a lot of people, specifically&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>," Hughes said. After falling behind 9-4, Johnson launched his second grand slam of the season to trim the lead to one before Goodwin's two-run homer guided the Cats (18-8) to their fourth straight victory. Three Cats went deep on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;while six different players drove in an RBI led by Johnson with four. "Overall a real solid offensive performance but we don't win without&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyler-heyne/10982">Kyler Heyne</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;coming in and pitching as well as they did." Heyne, a right-hander from Frisco, Texas, picked up his first victory in relief with the Wildcats after he allowed just two runs (two earned) during his 3 1/3 innings. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;tossed two shutout innings to register his fourth save of the season. HOW IT HAPPENED K-State fell behind in the first frame when the Falcons' Jake Greiving hit into left field to plate a pair of runs. The Cats quickly responded in the top of half of the second led off by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dom-hughes/10952">Dom Hughes'</a>&nbsp;single through the right side before the junior came around on a sacrifice fly.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;doubled into left center to tie the game at 2-2 until a grounder to short gave the Cats the one-run lead. Air Force regained the lead with Jay Thomason's two-RBI double to shift momentum back in favor of the Falcons. AF scored four runs to expand their lead to five, 8-3, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;ended the drought with his fourth homer of the season. The Canada product drove the first pitch into right to keep the game within four. The Falcons tagged their ninth run to the board with a double from Greiving but was answered with Johnson's game-changing grand slam in the seventh to put the Cats back in the game. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;roped double into center field before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;was hit to place two Cats on base until a fielding error at third loaded the bases to bring Johnson to the plate. The senior from Southlake, Texas launched a bases-clearing homer into left field to trim the lead to one. With one out in the eighth, Jones hit his second double into center before scoring on a balk to level the game at 9-all. The Cats took control just one pitch later as Goodwin blasted his 27th&nbsp;career home run into left to give K-State the go-ahead 11-9 lead. INSIDE THE BOX

ON DECK The Cats will finish their time in Colorado on Wednesday at Falcon Field at noon MT. The non-conference game will be streamed on the Mountain West Network with radio coverage on KMAN (93.3FM/1350AM) and a free live audio available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jballard_kstatesports_com/Documents/Documents/2022-23/Baseball/Archives/kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680075653147.jpeg" alt="K-State Baseball win at Air Force. K-State Sports" />
 <figcaption>K-State Baseball win at Air Force. K-State Sports</figcaption>
 </figure>

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson's</a>&nbsp;grand slam, 14 hits and eight unanswered runs led K-State to a 12-9 comeback victory over Air Force on Tuesday afternoon at Falcon Field. "Today showed great toughness for our program," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. "Coming from behind on the road with extremely difficult conditions builds toughness for our program." "We had some big hits from a lot of people, specifically&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>," Hughes said. After falling behind 9-4, Johnson launched his second grand slam of the season to trim the lead to one before Goodwin's two-run homer guided the Cats (18-8) to their fourth straight victory. Three Cats went deep on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;while six different players drove in an RBI led by Johnson with four. "Overall a real solid offensive performance but we don't win without&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyler-heyne/10982">Kyler Heyne</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;coming in and pitching as well as they did." Heyne, a right-hander from Frisco, Texas, picked up his first victory in relief with the Wildcats after he allowed just two runs (two earned) during his 3 1/3 innings. Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;tossed two shutout innings to register his fourth save of the season. HOW IT HAPPENED K-State fell behind in the first frame when the Falcons' Jake Greiving hit into left field to plate a pair of runs. The Cats quickly responded in the top of half of the second led off by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/dom-hughes/10952">Dom Hughes'</a>&nbsp;single through the right side before the junior came around on a sacrifice fly.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;doubled into left center to tie the game at 2-2 until a grounder to short gave the Cats the one-run lead. Air Force regained the lead with Jay Thomason's two-RBI double to shift momentum back in favor of the Falcons. AF scored four runs to expand their lead to five, 8-3, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;ended the drought with his fourth homer of the season. The Canada product drove the first pitch into right to keep the game within four. The Falcons tagged their ninth run to the board with a double from Greiving but was answered with Johnson's game-changing grand slam in the seventh to put the Cats back in the game. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;roped double into center field before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;was hit to place two Cats on base until a fielding error at third loaded the bases to bring Johnson to the plate. The senior from Southlake, Texas launched a bases-clearing homer into left field to trim the lead to one. With one out in the eighth, Jones hit his second double into center before scoring on a balk to level the game at 9-all. The Cats took control just one pitch later as Goodwin blasted his 27th&nbsp;career home run into left to give K-State the go-ahead 11-9 lead. INSIDE THE BOX<ul>
 <li>Wildcats scored 12 runs on 14 hits with a pair of errors and seven left on base</li><li>K-State pitching staff combined for five strikeouts and five walks</li><li>Six different players recorded two hits</li><li>Pena went 2-for-4 with two RBI</li><li>Johnson led with four RBI on his second grand slam of the year</li><li>The Cats and Falcons combined for 13 extra-base hits</li><li>Thomason went 3-for-3 for the Falcons with two doubles and a home run</li><li>Goodwin was hit by a pitch twice</li><li><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/mason-buss/10969">Mason Buss</a>&nbsp;earned his first collegiate start tossing 3 2/3 innings</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>K-State leads the all-time series 14-4</li><li>Cats move to 5-2 in true road games against the Falcons</li><li>K-State improves to 7-4 on the road this season</li><li>The Wildcats have hit four grand slams this season; two from Johnson</li><li>Cats were 4-7 on the road at this time in 2022</li><li>Neighbors hasn't allowed a single run in his last four outings</li><li>Culpepper returned to the diamond for the first time since Feb. 24 against LSU</li><li>Cats have sent out 35 homers this season</li><li>Goodwin and Johnson lead the pack with six home runs this season</li>
 </ul>ON DECK The Cats will finish their time in Colorado on Wednesday at Falcon Field at noon MT. The non-conference game will be streamed on the Mountain West Network with radio coverage on KMAN (93.3FM/1350AM) and a free live audio available at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jballard_kstatesports_com/Documents/Documents/2022-23/Baseball/Archives/kstatesports.com/watch">kstatesports.com/watch</a>.

⚾ Johnson’s slam propels K-State to comeback win

WICHITA, Kan.—<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;hit a two-out, go-ahead, three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and Wichita State rallied past Oklahoma 8-7 on Tuesday night at Riverfront Stadium. The win marks the first time since 2006 that the Shockers have beaten the Sooners twice in the same season. Dating back to 2022, Wichita State has now won three straight games in the series. The Shockers (14-10) trailed 7-4 with two outs and a runner at second in the home half of the eighth.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;chopped a ground ball to third base that seemed to end the inning, but Oklahoma third baseman Wallace Clark bounced his throw past first base, allowing the runner from second to score and keeping the inning alive. Now trailing 7-5,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;battled back from a 1-2 count to work a walk, bringing Rodden to the plate. Rodden also fell into a 1-2 hole, but turned on the next pitch from Sooners reliever Carson Pierce (2-1) and drove it over the wall in the right field corner for a three-run homer. The go-ahead shot capped a monster offensive performance for the Shockers second baseman, who set a new career high with five RBI as part of a 3-for-5 day at the plate. After taking the lead, the Shockers turned the ball over the&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cameron-bye/7444">Cameron Bye</a>, who struck out the side in the ninth to nail down his first career save. It was an evening of resiliency for Wichita State, who overcame two different multi-run deficits to secure the victory. After the Shockers took a 2-0 lead in the second on a double steal from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;and a Rodden RBI single, Oklahoma (13-12) responded with three runs in the fourth and two in the seventh to build a 5-2 advantage. Rodden and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;each slammed run-scoring doubles in the bottom of the seventh to pull the Shockers back to within 5-4, but the Sooners got the two runs right back in the top of the eighth to set the stage for Rodden's heroics. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-wilkinson/7476">Matt Wilkinson</a>&nbsp;(1-0) picked up his first win as a Shocker in relief, one of six different WSU pitchers who appeared in the game. Starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7446">Caden Favors</a>&nbsp;settled for a no-decision after three scoreless innings, his second straight start against the Sooners in which he did not allow a run. Pierce took the loss for Oklahoma, allowing four unearned runs in 1.2 innings out of the Sooner bullpen. The Shockers hit the road to open conference play this weekend at Cincinnati. First pitch of Friday's series opener is scheduled for 4:00 pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680072981094.jpeg" alt="WSU slips past OU in the bottom of the 8th" />
 <figcaption>WSU slips past OU in the bottom of the 8th</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.—<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;hit a two-out, go-ahead, three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and Wichita State rallied past Oklahoma 8-7 on Tuesday night at Riverfront Stadium. The win marks the first time since 2006 that the Shockers have beaten the Sooners twice in the same season. Dating back to 2022, Wichita State has now won three straight games in the series. The Shockers (14-10) trailed 7-4 with two outs and a runner at second in the home half of the eighth.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;chopped a ground ball to third base that seemed to end the inning, but Oklahoma third baseman Wallace Clark bounced his throw past first base, allowing the runner from second to score and keeping the inning alive. Now trailing 7-5,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;battled back from a 1-2 count to work a walk, bringing Rodden to the plate. Rodden also fell into a 1-2 hole, but turned on the next pitch from Sooners reliever Carson Pierce (2-1) and drove it over the wall in the right field corner for a three-run homer. The go-ahead shot capped a monster offensive performance for the Shockers second baseman, who set a new career high with five RBI as part of a 3-for-5 day at the plate. After taking the lead, the Shockers turned the ball over the&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/cameron-bye/7444">Cameron Bye</a>, who struck out the side in the ninth to nail down his first career save. It was an evening of resiliency for Wichita State, who overcame two different multi-run deficits to secure the victory. After the Shockers took a 2-0 lead in the second on a double steal from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;and a Rodden RBI single, Oklahoma (13-12) responded with three runs in the fourth and two in the seventh to build a 5-2 advantage. Rodden and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>&nbsp;each slammed run-scoring doubles in the bottom of the seventh to pull the Shockers back to within 5-4, but the Sooners got the two runs right back in the top of the eighth to set the stage for Rodden's heroics. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-wilkinson/7476">Matt Wilkinson</a>&nbsp;(1-0) picked up his first win as a Shocker in relief, one of six different WSU pitchers who appeared in the game. Starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7446">Caden Favors</a>&nbsp;settled for a no-decision after three scoreless innings, his second straight start against the Sooners in which he did not allow a run. Pierce took the loss for Oklahoma, allowing four unearned runs in 1.2 innings out of the Sooner bullpen. The Shockers hit the road to open conference play this weekend at Cincinnati. First pitch of Friday's series opener is scheduled for 4:00 pm CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Rodden's homer rallies Shockers past Oklahoma

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/files/Jayhawk_1_-_Final_Team.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL JAYHAWK NO. 1 TEAM RESULTS</a> <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/files/Lindenwood_-_Day_1_Player.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL JAYHAWK NO. 1 PLAYER RESULTS</a>

MANHATTAN – All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/saffell_blake_2ov2">Blake Saffell</a>&nbsp;carded a season-best 68 on Tuesday to earn a five-stroke victory in Jayhawk No. 1, the KJCCC's first of three league-designated tournaments.

Saffell's individual victory paced the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team to a tie with No. 5 Dodge City for the team championship on Tuesday at Colbert Hills Country Club.

The Blue Dragons had a slim two-stroke lead over Dodge City after 36 holes. The Conquistadors shot 290 on Tuesday to the Blue Dragons' 292. The teams tied for the tournament title with 54-hole totals of one-over par 865.

Each team receives 9.5 points in the season team standings. Garden City was third at 921. Barton and Kansas City was tied for fourth at 936.

In addition to Saffell's 68 in the final round, the Blue Dragons counted scores of 73 by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/anderson_marco_z2pq">Marco Anderson</a>, 75 by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/galvin_louis_mscz">Louis Galvin</a>&nbsp;and 76 by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/lindstrom_alex_7wqw">Alex Lindstrom</a>.

Saffell entered the final round tied for second just one stroke out of the lead. With five birdies and just one bogey, Saffell tied for the low round of the tournament with a 4-under-par round of 68

Saffell won his first collegiate tournament and posted his ninth Top 10 career finish at 6-under-par 210. He also takes the Jayhawk Conference individual lead with 10 points.

Two other Blue Dragons finished in the Top 10 on Tuesday as Lindstrom and Galvin tied for sixth at 2-over 218.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/clemons_dominic_18vf">Dominic Clemons</a>&nbsp;tied for 11th after a final-round 77 to close at 223. Anderson tied for 14th at 226.

Individual Blue Dragon player&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/svederman_kalle_hvj9">Kalle Svederman</a>&nbsp;tied for 12th at 224 after posting a 77.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/sauder_brooks_5d71">Brooks Sauder</a>&nbsp;had a 75 on Tuesday to finish tied for 24th at 234.

Jayhawk No. 2 is in two weeks at Crestview Country Club South in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680073667300.jpeg" alt="Blake Saffell sinks a birdie putt on his way to a 4-under 68 on Tuesday to win Jayhawk No. 1 at Colbert Hills Country Club in Manhattan. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blake Saffell sinks a birdie putt on his way to a 4-under 68 on Tuesday to win Jayhawk No. 1 at Colbert Hills Country Club in Manhattan. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/files/Jayhawk_1_-_Final_Team.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL JAYHAWK NO. 1 TEAM RESULTS</a> <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/files/Lindenwood_-_Day_1_Player.pdf">CLICK FOR FINAL JAYHAWK NO. 1 PLAYER RESULTS</a>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationMANHATTAN – All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/saffell_blake_2ov2">Blake Saffell</a>&nbsp;carded a season-best 68 on Tuesday to earn a five-stroke victory in Jayhawk No. 1, the KJCCC's first of three league-designated tournaments.Saffell's individual victory paced the No. 1-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team to a tie with No. 5 Dodge City for the team championship on Tuesday at Colbert Hills Country Club.The Blue Dragons had a slim two-stroke lead over Dodge City after 36 holes. The Conquistadors shot 290 on Tuesday to the Blue Dragons' 292. The teams tied for the tournament title with 54-hole totals of one-over par 865.Each team receives 9.5 points in the season team standings. Garden City was third at 921. Barton and Kansas City was tied for fourth at 936.In addition to Saffell's 68 in the final round, the Blue Dragons counted scores of 73 by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/anderson_marco_z2pq">Marco Anderson</a>, 75 by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/galvin_louis_mscz">Louis Galvin</a>&nbsp;and 76 by&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/lindstrom_alex_7wqw">Alex Lindstrom</a>.Saffell entered the final round tied for second just one stroke out of the lead. With five birdies and just one bogey, Saffell tied for the low round of the tournament with a 4-under-par round of 68Saffell won his first collegiate tournament and posted his ninth Top 10 career finish at 6-under-par 210. He also takes the Jayhawk Conference individual lead with 10 points.Two other Blue Dragons finished in the Top 10 on Tuesday as Lindstrom and Galvin tied for sixth at 2-over 218.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/clemons_dominic_18vf">Dominic Clemons</a>&nbsp;tied for 11th after a final-round 77 to close at 223. Anderson tied for 14th at 226.Individual Blue Dragon player&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/svederman_kalle_hvj9">Kalle Svederman</a>&nbsp;tied for 12th at 224 after posting a 77.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/sauder_brooks_5d71">Brooks Sauder</a>&nbsp;had a 75 on Tuesday to finish tied for 24th at 234.Jayhawk No. 2 is in two weeks at Crestview Country Club South in Wichita.

⛳ KJCCC Golf: Saffell wins Jayhawk; Blue Dragons-Conqs tie for team title

<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=ba6723ef67&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=1f3bd2126c&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas softball (18-12) took care of business posting a 6-0 shutout at Kansas City (5-25) Tuesday night at Urban Youth Academy in Kansas City.

“We needed this game tonight, to kind of get things going again,” Kansas head coach Jennifer McFalls said. “Having the weekend off was really good for us, to catch our breath and clear our minds a little bit. We still have work to do, and now it’s all about Baylor. We have to get back to work tomorrow, work on some things offensively that we didn’t get done tonight. Overall, I was really pleased with our compete factor and am looking forward to getting work done before heading to Waco.”

Junior right-hander Addison Purvis got another quality start in the circle for Kansas, pitching 4.0 scoreless innings and picking up the win. Purvis allowed just one hit with two strikeouts as she improved to 6-2 for the season.

After two scoreless innings, the Jayhawks got on the board in the top of the third. Freshman outfielder Presley Limbaugh reached first thanks to a Kansas City error. After stealing third, Limbaugh advanced home thanks to another throwing error by the Roos, giving KU a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the fourth, Kansas added four runs off of two hits and one Kansas City error. After junior catcher Lyric Moore reached first on a fielding error, freshman outfielder Aynslee Linduff took a walk, putting runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, both Moore and Linduff stole a base, putting both in scoring position. Junior utility player/pitcher Savanna DesRochers hit her first single of the night over the second baseman’s head, scoring two runs and giving the Jayhawks a 3-0 lead.

Later in the fourth, senior center fielder Shayna Espy doubled to left center scoring two runs and extending the Jayhawk’s lead to 5-0.

DesRochers came in for relief in the bottom of the fifth. She threw three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk.

Kansas was held scoreless until the top of the seventh. After a Limbaugh triple, sophomore Olivia Bruno hit a line drive single through the left side, enough to score Limbaugh and extending the Jayhawk’s lead to 6-0.

Espy, Limbaugh and DesRochers posted multiple hits for the contest.

Kansas opens Big 12 play at No. 21 Baylor March 31-April 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680073415443.jpeg" alt="KU Shuts out Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>KU Shuts out Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=ba6723ef67&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Box Score</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=1f3bd2126c&amp;e=33e05464a3" target="_blank">Season Stats</a>KANSAS CITY, Mo. –&nbsp;Kansas softball (18-12) took care of business posting a 6-0 shutout at Kansas City (5-25) Tuesday night at Urban Youth Academy in Kansas City.“We needed this game tonight, to kind of get things going again,” Kansas head coach Jennifer McFalls said. “Having the weekend off was really good for us, to catch our breath and clear our minds a little bit. We still have work to do, and now it’s all about Baylor. We have to get back to work tomorrow, work on some things offensively that we didn’t get done tonight. Overall, I was really pleased with our compete factor and am looking forward to getting work done before heading to Waco.”Junior right-hander Addison Purvis got another quality start in the circle for Kansas, pitching 4.0 scoreless innings and picking up the win. Purvis allowed just one hit with two strikeouts as she improved to 6-2 for the season.After two scoreless innings, the Jayhawks got on the board in the top of the third. Freshman outfielder Presley Limbaugh reached first thanks to a Kansas City error. After stealing third, Limbaugh advanced home thanks to another throwing error by the Roos, giving KU a 1-0 lead.In the top of the fourth, Kansas added four runs off of two hits and one Kansas City error. After junior catcher Lyric Moore reached first on a fielding error, freshman outfielder Aynslee Linduff took a walk, putting runners on first and second. In the next at-bat, both Moore and Linduff stole a base, putting both in scoring position. Junior utility player/pitcher Savanna DesRochers hit her first single of the night over the second baseman’s head, scoring two runs and giving the Jayhawks a 3-0 lead.Later in the fourth, senior center fielder Shayna Espy doubled to left center scoring two runs and extending the Jayhawk’s lead to 5-0.DesRochers came in for relief in the bottom of the fifth. She threw three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk.Kansas was held scoreless until the top of the seventh. After a Limbaugh triple, sophomore Olivia Bruno hit a line drive single through the left side, enough to score Limbaugh and extending the Jayhawk’s lead to 6-0.Espy, Limbaugh and DesRochers posted multiple hits for the contest.NOTES<ul>
 <li>The Jayhawks improved to 11-0 when they score at least six runs this season.</li><li>Olivia Bruno extends her hitting streak to a team-high seven games with a single in the seventh inning.</li><li>Presley Limbaugh recorded her fifth multi-hit game of the season, recording a single and a triple.</li>
 </ul>UP NEXTKansas opens Big 12 play at No. 21 Baylor March 31-April 2.

🥎 Kansas Shuts Out Kansas City

By: D. Scott Fritchen At 3:55 p.m., Kansas State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/1856">Jerome Tang</a>&nbsp;held his last Sharpie and took his last selfie with three girls who giggled. It had been a long day of travel from the Big Apple to the Little Apple. The morning featured a bus ride through packed streets in downtown Manhattan, New York. The afternoon featured wide-open land as far as the eye could see as the charter jet sliced through low-hanging clouds over the Flint Hills. Saturday blurred into Sunday and every day seemed to slide into the next one along this march through March. But alas, this was the final stop, Manhattan Regional Airport, and the purple-clad welcoming party pressed against the black rope in the airport terminal, and they chanted "K-S-U!", and a boy held a sign that read "TANG GANG," and a girl held a sign that said "YOU'RE MY CHAMPIONS," and somebody else in the crowd held a sign that read: "WHEN YOU LOVE PEOPLE IT'S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH."

The crowd reserved cheers for each player as he entered the terminal.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/markquis-nowell/9650">Markquis Nowell</a>&nbsp;was the last one off the plane. Tang wrapped his arm around Nowell and they walked into the terminal together. The crowd went wild. "THANK YOUUUUU!!!" the crowd shouted in unison. And then the entire K-State basketball team, wary from the six-day trip to New York City for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, slid their backpacks from their shoulders, and began signing autographs. They had done this before. They took selfies and signed autographs after each game, after each game during this unbelievable season. They were tired. They were worn. After Saturday night's 79-76 loss to Florida Atlantic in the Elite Eight, they simply seemed spent. Yet they smiled and signed autographs for K-State faithful, who'd waited for an opportunity to thank the coaches and players for a wonderful season. "Love. Pride," said Cindy Neff of Junction City. "I'm proud of them, what Coach Tang and his guys have done in one year, it's been an awesome turnaround 100%." Mark Campfield of Manhattan has been a basketball season-ticket holder since 1985. "Absolutely amazing," Campfield said. "You start with two players and go to the Elite Eight — unachievable, unbelievable. I've followed K-State for 40 years. Season tickets for football and basketball forever. It's been an amazing year for Kansas State."K-State was the only school in the nation to have a football team in a New Year's Six bowl and a basketball team in an Elite Eight this year. When K-State football won the Big 12 Championship, things were just getting warmed up for the K-State basketball season — a five-month journey that featured a school-record eight wins against AP Top 25 teams, a No. 15 final ranking in the AP Poll, a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference, and an Elite Eight appearance in Madison Square Garden. "It's something to look forward to every week," Campfield said. "Things slow down, you get into the winter months and in past years things have gotten a little slow. It just kept going this year. Excitement every week." Longtime Arrow Stage Lines motor coach driver Bill Hassett knew it so well. "This season has been a blast," Hassett said. "It's just a dream come true. It really is. It's something that's just unbelievable because this is his first season. It can only go up from here. It's been a blast. I'm blessed to be their driver. I love Coach Tang's overall sense of family. It's unbelievable. He's like a dad to all these guys." Beth Weishaar posed for a photo with Tang. "Pretty exciting," she said as she stepped away with a photo and a lasting memory. "I've been wanting to do that for a while. I'm very appreciative for everything he's done for this program, and I'm really excited about the years ahead." K-State's NCAA Tournament run this year started with a 77-65 win over Montana State and a 75-69 win over Kentucky before a 98-93 overtime thriller against Michigan State. "Very fun," Weishaar said. "Our heart rates were a lot higher than they ever have been. It was great. Very proud of them."

Prior to stepping onto the New York City-bound plane for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight last Tuesday, Tang said, "We're going to win a national championship while we're here." Tang's first season ended one game shy of the Final Four. "It's more than I ever could've dreamed of as far as the joy the young fellas brought to my life," Tang said, "and how great it was to live life with them." There's more to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680076166594.jpeg" alt="K-State welcomed home" />
 <figcaption>K-State welcomed home</figcaption>
 </figure>

By: D. Scott Fritchen At 3:55 p.m., Kansas State head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jerome-tang/1856">Jerome Tang</a>&nbsp;held his last Sharpie and took his last selfie with three girls who giggled. It had been a long day of travel from the Big Apple to the Little Apple. The morning featured a bus ride through packed streets in downtown Manhattan, New York. The afternoon featured wide-open land as far as the eye could see as the charter jet sliced through low-hanging clouds over the Flint Hills. Saturday blurred into Sunday and every day seemed to slide into the next one along this march through March. But alas, this was the final stop, Manhattan Regional Airport, and the purple-clad welcoming party pressed against the black rope in the airport terminal, and they chanted "K-S-U!", and a boy held a sign that read "TANG GANG," and a girl held a sign that said "YOU'RE MY CHAMPIONS," and somebody else in the crowd held a sign that read: "WHEN YOU LOVE PEOPLE IT'S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH." <figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/images/2023/3/26/20230326_LC_MBB_Sweet-16-Coming-Home_002_WEB.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The crowd reserved cheers for each player as he entered the terminal.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/markquis-nowell/9650">Markquis Nowell</a>&nbsp;was the last one off the plane. Tang wrapped his arm around Nowell and they walked into the terminal together. The crowd went wild. "THANK YOUUUUU!!!" the crowd shouted in unison. And then the entire K-State basketball team, wary from the six-day trip to New York City for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, slid their backpacks from their shoulders, and began signing autographs. They had done this before. They took selfies and signed autographs after each game, after each game during this unbelievable season. They were tired. They were worn. After Saturday night's 79-76 loss to Florida Atlantic in the Elite Eight, they simply seemed spent. Yet they smiled and signed autographs for K-State faithful, who'd waited for an opportunity to thank the coaches and players for a wonderful season. "Love. Pride," said Cindy Neff of Junction City. "I'm proud of them, what Coach Tang and his guys have done in one year, it's been an awesome turnaround 100%." Mark Campfield of Manhattan has been a basketball season-ticket holder since 1985. "Absolutely amazing," Campfield said. "You start with two players and go to the Elite Eight — unachievable, unbelievable. I've followed K-State for 40 years. Season tickets for football and basketball forever. It's been an amazing year for Kansas State."K-State was the only school in the nation to have a football team in a New Year's Six bowl and a basketball team in an Elite Eight this year. When K-State football won the Big 12 Championship, things were just getting warmed up for the K-State basketball season — a five-month journey that featured a school-record eight wins against AP Top 25 teams, a No. 15 final ranking in the AP Poll, a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference, and an Elite Eight appearance in Madison Square Garden. "It's something to look forward to every week," Campfield said. "Things slow down, you get into the winter months and in past years things have gotten a little slow. It just kept going this year. Excitement every week." Longtime Arrow Stage Lines motor coach driver Bill Hassett knew it so well. "This season has been a blast," Hassett said. "It's just a dream come true. It really is. It's something that's just unbelievable because this is his first season. It can only go up from here. It's been a blast. I'm blessed to be their driver. I love Coach Tang's overall sense of family. It's unbelievable. He's like a dad to all these guys." Beth Weishaar posed for a photo with Tang. "Pretty exciting," she said as she stepped away with a photo and a lasting memory. "I've been wanting to do that for a while. I'm very appreciative for everything he's done for this program, and I'm really excited about the years ahead." K-State's NCAA Tournament run this year started with a 77-65 win over Montana State and a 75-69 win over Kentucky before a 98-93 overtime thriller against Michigan State. "Very fun," Weishaar said. "Our heart rates were a lot higher than they ever have been. It was great. Very proud of them." <figure>
 <img src="https://www.kstatesports.com/images/2023/3/26/20230326_LC_MBB_Sweet-16-Coming-Home_014_WEB.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Prior to stepping onto the New York City-bound plane for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight last Tuesday, Tang said, "We're going to win a national championship while we're here." Tang's first season ended one game shy of the Final Four. "It's more than I ever could've dreamed of as far as the joy the young fellas brought to my life," Tang said, "and how great it was to live life with them." There's more to come.

🏀 Prideful fanbase welcomes K-State home

Hutchinson’s Garrett Robertson was voted by the fans as the Wichita Large School Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Robertson led the Salthawks to a league title and fourth place finish at the 5A State Tournament.

“This season was a great experience,” Robertson said. “Coming into this season, our team made goals that we believed we could meet: to win our respective league and to make it to state. During the season, we faced unexpected hardships. These obstacles shaped our team and brought us together. This made us push harder in practice and built our team chemistry. Our team was blessed to have great coaches that would come in everyday and push us to be the best we can be.”

Robertson also led the Salthawks to an accomplishment they had not achieved since 1986.

“One memory that stood out to me this year was our midseason tournament,” Robertson said. “We went to Dodge City to play in the Tournament of Champions. Coming into the tournament, we were the one seed. In my high school career, none of us&nbsp;have ever been to TOC so we didn’t know what to expect. Lots of memories were made, including winning the tournament for the first time since 1986.”

The Hutchinson basketball program was instrumental in Robertson’s growth, not only as a player, but a person as well. He will forever look back fondly on his time as a Salthawk.

“Coach Miller created a culture that we will remember forever,” Robertson said. “Each season, Hutch High basketball has gained more respect.&nbsp;As the seniors of the team, we showed the upcoming players what is expected to have a successful season. As for me, I contributed by being a leader and showing others what putting in the extra work can do. Throughout my four years, we put Hutchinson back on the radar and made Hutch High basketball relevant again.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://ksvype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/03/IMG-4499.jpg" alt="Courtesy of Vype Magazine" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Vype Magazine</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson’s Garrett Robertson was voted by the fans as the Wichita Large School Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Robertson led the Salthawks to a league title and fourth place finish at the 5A State Tournament.“This season was a great experience,” Robertson said. “Coming into this season, our team made goals that we believed we could meet: to win our respective league and to make it to state. During the season, we faced unexpected hardships. These obstacles shaped our team and brought us together. This made us push harder in practice and built our team chemistry. Our team was blessed to have great coaches that would come in everyday and push us to be the best we can be.”Robertson also led the Salthawks to an accomplishment they had not achieved since 1986.“One memory that stood out to me this year was our midseason tournament,” Robertson said. “We went to Dodge City to play in the Tournament of Champions. Coming into the tournament, we were the one seed. In my high school career, none of us&nbsp;have ever been to TOC so we didn’t know what to expect. Lots of memories were made, including winning the tournament for the first time since 1986.”The Hutchinson basketball program was instrumental in Robertson’s growth, not only as a player, but a person as well. He will forever look back fondly on his time as a Salthawk.“Coach Miller created a culture that we will remember forever,” Robertson said. “Each season, Hutch High basketball has gained more respect.&nbsp;As the seniors of the team, we showed the upcoming players what is expected to have a successful season. As for me, I contributed by being a leader and showing others what putting in the extra work can do. Throughout my four years, we put Hutchinson back on the radar and made Hutch High basketball relevant again.”&nbsp;

🏀 Fan’s Choice! Wichita Large School Boys Basketball Player Of The Year (Presented By WSU Tech)

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;were selected to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll, the conference announced Monday. This is the second such selection of the season for each player; Candiotti was selected on March 13 and Ingram on March 20. Candiotti set a new season high with nine strikeouts on Friday against UMass, earning the win with six solid innings. The righty allowed six hits and one run, holding the Minutemen off the scoreboard over his final five innings of work. Candiotti also recorded his first pick off of the season to end the first inning.

WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;were selected to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll, the conference announced Monday. This is the second such selection of the season for each player; Candiotti was selected on March 13 and Ingram on March 20. Candiotti set a new season high with nine strikeouts on Friday against UMass, earning the win with six solid innings. The righty allowed six hits and one run, holding the Minutemen off the scoreboard over his final five innings of work. Candiotti also recorded his first pick off of the season to end the first inning.

⚾ Candiotti, Ingram double-up on Weekly Honor Roll

For the fourth consecutive ranking period, the Hutchinson Community College softball team has moved up in the NJCAA Division I Softball Rankings.

The Blue Dragons (27-4) jumped up two spots to No. 13 in the latest rankings released on Monday. That is the highest ranking this season and the highest Division I Ranking since being ranked No. 7 at the end of the 1988 season.

The Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to 12 games with a 4-0 week with four run-rule victories. The Blue Dragons rolled by Seward County 28-2 and 13-5 last Wednesday in Liberal. The Dragons&nbsp;&nbsp;then downed Pratt 14-0 and 12-1 on Saturday in Pratt.

After Tuesday’s game at Neosho County were cancelled, the Blue Dragons have just one doubleheader scheduled this weekend, which comes on Saturday at Colby.

The Blue Dragons continue to be the highest ranked Jayhawk Conference team this week. Butler is ranked No. 18 this week. Former opponent Weatherford is ranked 20th. Murray State continues to be the No. 1 team in NJCAA Division II.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Points&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last Poll

1. Florida SouthWestern (8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;140&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2

2. Grayson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

3. Northwest Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;126&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

4. Walters State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;119&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4

5. Wallace State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;112&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5

6. Odessa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;105&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

7. Chattanooga State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;98&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10

8. Central Florida&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;91&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8

9. McLennan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;84&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11

10. Seminole State (FL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;77&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9

11. Seminole State (OK)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7

12. Galveston&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;63&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12

13. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;56&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15

14. Volunteer State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13

15. Indian River&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18

16. Salt Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16

17. Lake Land&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14

18. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19

19. Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17

20. Weatherford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Receiving Votes: Temple, Eastern Arizona, Central Arizona, Gulf Coast State

HutchCC Sports InformationFor the fourth consecutive ranking period, the Hutchinson Community College softball team has moved up in the NJCAA Division I Softball Rankings.The Blue Dragons (27-4) jumped up two spots to No. 13 in the latest rankings released on Monday. That is the highest ranking this season and the highest Division I Ranking since being ranked No. 7 at the end of the 1988 season.The Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to 12 games with a 4-0 week with four run-rule victories. The Blue Dragons rolled by Seward County 28-2 and 13-5 last Wednesday in Liberal. The Dragons&nbsp;&nbsp;then downed Pratt 14-0 and 12-1 on Saturday in Pratt.After Tuesday’s game at Neosho County were cancelled, the Blue Dragons have just one doubleheader scheduled this weekend, which comes on Saturday at Colby.The Blue Dragons continue to be the highest ranked Jayhawk Conference team this week. Butler is ranked No. 18 this week. Former opponent Weatherford is ranked 20th. Murray State continues to be the No. 1 team in NJCAA Division II.NJCAA DIV. I SOFTBALL RANKINGS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Points&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Last Poll1. Florida SouthWestern (8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;140&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22. Grayson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;133&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33. Northwest Florida State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;36-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;126&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. Walters State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;30-0&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;119&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;45. Wallace State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;112&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;56. Odessa&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;105&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;67. Chattanooga State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;98&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;108. Central Florida&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35-9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;91&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;89. McLennan&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;84&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1110. Seminole State (FL)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34-8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;77&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;911. Seminole State (OK)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;70&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;712. Galveston&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;63&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1213. Hutchinson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27-4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;56&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1514. Volunteer State&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22-6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;49&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1315. Indian River&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;33-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1816. Salt Lake&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1617. Lake Land&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1418. Butler&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1919. Southern Idaho&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19-10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1720. Weatherford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24-7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Receiving Votes: Temple, Eastern Arizona, Central Arizona, Gulf Coast State

🥎 Hutchinson CC Softball Release: Dragons No. 13 in NJCAA Rankings

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp;On the heels of K-State’s 2022 Big 12 football championship and 2023 men’s basketball run to the Elite Eight, Athletics Director Gene Taylor has been named the 2022-23&nbsp;Cushman &amp; Wakefield&nbsp;FBS AD of the Year by the&nbsp;National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). Taylor’s K-State program has taken the college athletics world by storm in 2022-23 as Chris Klieman’s football team won the 2022 Big 12 Championship and played in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and Big 12 Coach of the Year Jerome Tang and his men’s basketball squad made a remarkable run to the Elite Eight following a preseason poll that picked the Wildcats to finish last in the league. Both coaches were hired at K-State by Taylor, who also currently serves on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and the LEAD1 Board of Directors.

Taylor will be recognized in conjunction with the 58th&nbsp;Annual NACDA &amp; Affiliates Convention at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., at the beginning of the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 13, starting at 4 p.m.

“I am very thankful and appreciative to be honored by my peers,” Taylor said. “The success that we have had at K-State is the direct result of the passion and hard work that our entire staff puts forth each and every day, and I am blessed to be a part of such a special place, at a special university, filled with very special people.” Named the eighth-best Athletic Director among FBS programs by Stadium in 2020, Taylor was named the Director of Athletics at K-State in April 2017. During his tenure, K-State has also seen the football program qualify for four bowls, the men’s basketball team win a Big 12 Championship, earn two Elite 8 appearances and advance to three NCAA tournaments, the women’s basketball team advance to two NCAA tournaments and the women’s track and field team win back-to-back Big 12 Outdoor Championships. &nbsp; Additionally, Taylor and staff have fundraised and begun to implement a department-wide facility master plan that will benefit all Wildcat teams, including the baseball and soccer projects in addition to Building Champions, an initiative focused on the South End Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the new Morgan Family Arena for volleyball, an Olympic training Center and the Shamrock Practice Facility for football. From a fundraising perspective, overall pledges and cash gifts to the department during the 2022 fiscal year totaled $58.9 million, of which $20.4 million was designated for the Ahearn Fund annual giving program and surpassing its budgeted goal previous record of $18.9 Million in FY19.&nbsp;The department also received $42.6 million in cash giving, marking only the third time in history it has eclipsed the $40 million mark.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679953594597.png" alt="Gene Taylor named NACDA Athletic Cirector of the Year" />
 <figcaption>Gene Taylor named NACDA Athletic Cirector of the Year</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp;On the heels of K-State’s 2022 Big 12 football championship and 2023 men’s basketball run to the Elite Eight, Athletics Director Gene Taylor has been named the 2022-23&nbsp;Cushman &amp; Wakefield&nbsp;FBS AD of the Year by the&nbsp;National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). Taylor’s K-State program has taken the college athletics world by storm in 2022-23 as Chris Klieman’s football team won the 2022 Big 12 Championship and played in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and Big 12 Coach of the Year Jerome Tang and his men’s basketball squad made a remarkable run to the Elite Eight following a preseason poll that picked the Wildcats to finish last in the league. Both coaches were hired at K-State by Taylor, who also currently serves on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and the LEAD1 Board of Directors.Taylor will be recognized in conjunction with the 58th&nbsp;Annual NACDA &amp; Affiliates Convention at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Fla., at the beginning of the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 13, starting at 4 p.m. “I am very thankful and appreciative to be honored by my peers,” Taylor said. “The success that we have had at K-State is the direct result of the passion and hard work that our entire staff puts forth each and every day, and I am blessed to be a part of such a special place, at a special university, filled with very special people.” Named the eighth-best Athletic Director among FBS programs by Stadium in 2020, Taylor was named the Director of Athletics at K-State in April 2017. During his tenure, K-State has also seen the football program qualify for four bowls, the men’s basketball team win a Big 12 Championship, earn two Elite 8 appearances and advance to three NCAA tournaments, the women’s basketball team advance to two NCAA tournaments and the women’s track and field team win back-to-back Big 12 Outdoor Championships. &nbsp; Additionally, Taylor and staff have fundraised and begun to implement a department-wide facility master plan that will benefit all Wildcat teams, including the baseball and soccer projects in addition to Building Champions, an initiative focused on the South End Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium, the new Morgan Family Arena for volleyball, an Olympic training Center and the Shamrock Practice Facility for football. From a fundraising perspective, overall pledges and cash gifts to the department during the 2022 fiscal year totaled $58.9 million, of which $20.4 million was designated for the Ahearn Fund annual giving program and surpassing its budgeted goal previous record of $18.9 Million in FY19.&nbsp;The department also received $42.6 million in cash giving, marking only the third time in history it has eclipsed the $40 million mark.

K-State’s Taylor named FBS Athletics Director of the Year

MANHATTAN – With 10 of the Top 11 individual players in the individual standings either from Hutchinson or Dodge City, the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons and No. 5 ranked Conquistadors are locked in a tight battle for the first Jayhawk Conference tournament title of the 2023 spring season after 36 holes on Monday.

The Hutchinson Community College men's golf team leads Dodge City by two strokes after two round of Jayhawk No. 1, the first of three league-designated tournament. Hutchinson leads the tournament at Colbert Hills with a 3-under-par team score of 573. Dodge City is at 1-over 575. Garden City is third at 616.

The final round of the 54-hole events begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Colbert Hills.

Led by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/saffell_blake_2ov2">Blake Saffell</a>'s 2-under 70, the Blue Dragons shot even par 288 in the morning round and led Dodge City by one stroke. The Dragons counted scored in the first round of 71 by&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/lindstrom_alex_7wqw">Alex Lindstrom</a>, 73 by&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/clemons_dominic_18vf">Dominic Clemons</a>&nbsp;and 73 from Louis Gavin.

Galvin paced the Blue Dragons in the afternoon round with a season-best round of 69 and Lindstrom shot a second-straight round of 71 as Hutchinson shout a 3-under 285. Dodge City shot 286. Saffell carded a 72 in the second round and Clemons shot a second-straight 73 to count toward the team score.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680007965134.jpeg" alt="Tied for 2nd after 36 holes, Blake Saffell chips onto a green at Colbert Hills Country Club on Monday during Jayhawk No. 1. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Tied for 2nd after 36 holes, Blake Saffell chips onto a green at Colbert Hills Country Club on Monday during Jayhawk No. 1. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationMANHATTAN – With 10 of the Top 11 individual players in the individual standings either from Hutchinson or Dodge City, the No. 1-ranked Blue Dragons and No. 5 ranked Conquistadors are locked in a tight battle for the first Jayhawk Conference tournament title of the 2023 spring season after 36 holes on Monday.The Hutchinson Community College men's golf team leads Dodge City by two strokes after two round of Jayhawk No. 1, the first of three league-designated tournament. Hutchinson leads the tournament at Colbert Hills with a 3-under-par team score of 573. Dodge City is at 1-over 575. Garden City is third at 616.The final round of the 54-hole events begins with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Colbert Hills.Led by sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/saffell_blake_2ov2">Blake Saffell</a>'s 2-under 70, the Blue Dragons shot even par 288 in the morning round and led Dodge City by one stroke. The Dragons counted scored in the first round of 71 by&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/lindstrom_alex_7wqw">Alex Lindstrom</a>, 73 by&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/clemons_dominic_18vf">Dominic Clemons</a>&nbsp;and 73 from Louis Gavin.Galvin paced the Blue Dragons in the afternoon round with a season-best round of 69 and Lindstrom shot a second-straight round of 71 as Hutchinson shout a 3-under 285. Dodge City shot 286. Saffell carded a 72 in the second round and Clemons shot a second-straight 73 to count toward the team score.Saffell and Lindstrom lead the Dragons individually with both players in a four-way tie for second at 2-under 142.Galvin is sixth at 1-under 143. Clemons is eighth at 2-over 146.<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/anderson_marco_z2pq">Marco Anderson</a>, the fifth Blue Dragons in the group of five who could figure in the team scoring is 15th after 36 holes at 153 around rounds of 75 and 78.One of the Blue Dragon individual players is also in the individual Top 10 through 36 holes. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/svederman_kalle_hvj9">Kalle Svederman</a>&nbsp;is tied for ninth at 3-over 147. Svederman had rounds of 74 and 73 on Monday.<a href="https://hutchinson.prestosports.com/sports/mgolf/2022-23/bios/sauder_brooks_5d71">Brooks Sauder</a>&nbsp;is tied for 26th at 159 after Monday rounds of 84 and 75.Dodge City's Arthit Kruaprayong is the tournament leader after two rounds with a 3-under 141 (70-71).