🏀 WBB: K-State releases non-conference slate

BUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler Crusaders football team once again has high expectations heading into the 2024 season under veteran head coach Steve Warner.

Warner is in his 19th season as the head coach at Buhler and has a record of 155-51 in the first 18 years. All together, Warner has 37 years under his belt as a head football coach, compiling 275 wins and 112 losses. Overall, Warner is in his 41st year as a coach.

The Crusaders will have a new signal caller this fall, as Jeffrey Neill graduated this past spring.

"Brendan Scripsick and Jacob Miller are battling for the quarterback position," Warner said. "They're very even right now and both bring a lot of good things to the table."

Buhler will have several key pieces back from the offense, including Ben Clouse in the backfield, and guys like Bodey Redenbaugh and Tanner Brown on the line for Clouse to run behind.&nbsp;

"Ben had over 1,000 yards last year and should have another outstanding year as a junior," Warner said. "Bodey is 6-3, 290, and is very powerful and a very explosive lineman. Tanner is another senior that is 6-4, 265, and he's going to have another great year for us."

Another strong piece to the offense will be senior fullback Nick Gazaway.&nbsp;

"Nick Gazaway has had an amazing summer," Warner said. "He's a two-way starter that will start at middle linebacker and also at fullback. I'm expecting great things from Nick this year."

The defense that Warner will put out there every Friday night is something most coaches dream of, having nearly everyone back from a season ago.

"We return eight guys that started and played all the time," Warner said. "We return three guys that played 2/3 of the time. We feel really good about the defense. I've never been in a situation where we have 11 kids back that basically have a lot of playing time, so we're really excited about our defense."

Warner was pleased with the Crusaders' summer workouts.

"We had great attendance and our seniors were really good leaders," Warner said. "We had large numbers, and we asked a lot of the kids. We go five days a week, and we go two and a half hours a day until about the middle of July and then we back off to three days a week. I really appreciate the parents and the support they've given us to make sure the kids are there. It takes all of us to have a successful program."

Buhler will open the season at home on Friday, Sept. 6 against Mulvane.

"Mulvane always plays us tough," Warner said. "They're always well coached, they play hard no matter what their record is, they play hard, they always do. They blitz a lot, so for your first game it's a concern offensively."

Buhler will host a intersquad scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 30 at Crusader Stadium.&nbsp;

"Not every position is going to be solidified at that point," Warner said. "We want kids to be assignment sound, we want them to have good fundamentals."

The Crusaders have home games with Mulvane, Circle, Wamego, Winfield and McPherson, while traveling to Augusta, Great Bend, and El Dorado.

According to coach Warner, the Crusaders began practice on Monday with 76 total players out.

BUHLER HIGH SCHOOL 9/6 MULVANE 9/13 at Augusta 9/20 at Great Bend 9/27 CIRCLE 10/4 WAMEGO 10/11 at El Dorado 10/18 WINFIELD 10/25 McPHERSON

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724291758944.jpeg" alt="Buhler head football coach Steve Warner looks on as his quarterbacks throw during a practice on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)" />
 <figcaption>Buhler head football coach Steve Warner looks on as his quarterbacks throw during a practice on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. (Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostBUHLER, Kan. — The Buhler Crusaders football team once again has high expectations heading into the 2024 season under veteran head coach Steve Warner.Warner is in his 19th season as the head coach at Buhler and has a record of 155-51 in the first 18 years. All together, Warner has 37 years under his belt as a head football coach, compiling 275 wins and 112 losses. Overall, Warner is in his 41st year as a coach.The Crusaders will have a new signal caller this fall, as Jeffrey Neill graduated this past spring."Brendan Scripsick and Jacob Miller are battling for the quarterback position," Warner said. "They're very even right now and both bring a lot of good things to the table."Buhler will have several key pieces back from the offense, including Ben Clouse in the backfield, and guys like Bodey Redenbaugh and Tanner Brown on the line for Clouse to run behind.&nbsp;"Ben had over 1,000 yards last year and should have another outstanding year as a junior," Warner said. "Bodey is 6-3, 290, and is very powerful and a very explosive lineman. Tanner is another senior that is 6-4, 265, and he's going to have another great year for us."Another strong piece to the offense will be senior fullback Nick Gazaway.&nbsp;"Nick Gazaway has had an amazing summer," Warner said. "He's a two-way starter that will start at middle linebacker and also at fullback. I'm expecting great things from Nick this year."The defense that Warner will put out there every Friday night is something most coaches dream of, having nearly everyone back from a season ago."We return eight guys that started and played all the time," Warner said. "We return three guys that played 2/3 of the time. We feel really good about the defense. I've never been in a situation where we have 11 kids back that basically have a lot of playing time, so we're really excited about our defense."Warner was pleased with the Crusaders' summer workouts."We had great attendance and our seniors were really good leaders," Warner said. "We had large numbers, and we asked a lot of the kids. We go five days a week, and we go two and a half hours a day until about the middle of July and then we back off to three days a week. I really appreciate the parents and the support they've given us to make sure the kids are there. It takes all of us to have a successful program."Buhler will open the season at home on Friday, Sept. 6 against Mulvane."Mulvane always plays us tough," Warner said. "They're always well coached, they play hard no matter what their record is, they play hard, they always do. They blitz a lot, so for your first game it's a concern offensively."Buhler will host a intersquad scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 30 at Crusader Stadium.&nbsp;"Not every position is going to be solidified at that point," Warner said. "We want kids to be assignment sound, we want them to have good fundamentals."The Crusaders have home games with Mulvane, Circle, Wamego, Winfield and McPherson, while traveling to Augusta, Great Bend, and El Dorado.According to coach Warner, the Crusaders began practice on Monday with 76 total players out.BUHLER HIGH SCHOOL 9/6 MULVANE 9/13 at Augusta 9/20 at Great Bend 9/27 CIRCLE 10/4 WAMEGO 10/11 at El Dorado 10/18 WINFIELD 10/25 McPHERSON<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724292056762.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724292146636.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724292221896.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
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🏈 HSFB Preview: Buhler

During the days of the best offensive teams in Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer history, the Blue Dragons had a speed factor very few teams could match up with.

Those Blue Dragon teams were very adept at controlling a ball in the defensive end and quickly counter with speed through the midfield and ultimately ending up with multiple scoring chances from both sides of the goal in each and every game.

That’s what Blue Dragon head coach Sammy Lane is hoping for a return to in 2024.

“Last year I thought we were good enough defensively to compete for a region title, but it ultimately comes down to scoring goals,” said Lane, whose 2024 Blue Dragons open the new season at 6 p.m. on Thursday against NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.

“We didn’t score enough last year. Part of it was we couldn’t get in positions behind more defenders to become more dangerous. This year I feel like we will have more options to create that danger. We have a lot more speed last year.”

The 2023 Blue Dragons went 12-5-3, averaging 2.80 goals per game, the fifth-lowest average in the program’s first 19 seasons. The 2022 Blue Dragons averaged 2.61 goals per game. The 2021 Dragons averaged 1.87 and the 2020/21 team averaged 1.50 goals per game.

The diminishing offense became more than a disturbing trend for Lane, who worked hard to infuse some much needed speed into the lineup for 2024.

“We’ve got a good group of kids,” said Lane, who is 259-72-12 in his first 19 seasons at Hutchinson. “We have some very good sophomore leadership and experience. We have some good pieces to put out there this year.”

The 2024 Blue Dragons have 10 players returning from last season, including all-KJCCC players in midfielder Kaitlyn Edwards, goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower and forward Katharina Marx.

In the Blue Dragons’ two preseason scrimmages, they scored four goals in a weather-shortened scrimmage against Allen and 10 goals against Southwestern College, showing the desired speed Lane was looking for.

The 2024 Blue Dragons return two of their three leading scorers from last season in Edwards (13 goals, 8 assists) and Marx (12 goals, nine assists).

Joining Marx on the forward line is redshirt sophomore Haley Rogers, who scored five goals in the two preseason games this season. Originally a transfer from Washburn University, Rogers missed the entire 2023 season with an injury. Sophomore Emma Hoffman and freshman Faith Pound will figure into the mix up front.

“Haley is going to be a huge asset for us up there,” Lane said. “She is so composed in front of the goal. She plays with a little more patience right now and she knows how to finish.”

In the midfield, Edwards proved to be one of the best in the KJCCC as a freshman. This season, she won’t be relied solely upon to get the offense going.

Freshman Beatrice Sales has played with a non-stop, high-intensity motor that has been a positive jolt for the team in the preseason, Lane said. Also sophomore Jessica Salkeld is playing with much more confidence after an up-and-down freshman campaign. Hannah Lowe, younger sister of former Blue Dragon Hadlie Lowe and Kayla Klausner are in-state players who will add to the midfield depth.

“Edwards can play the ball in anywhere,” Lane said. “Now that we have more speed on both side, we should be able to create more scoring chances this year. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.”

In goal, Slothower returns after a stellar freshman season where she went 12-5-3 with a 0.96 goals-against average and an .833 save percentage. Slothower registered seven shutouts and recorded 95 saves, second most in Blue Dragon single-season history.

Last season, Slothower was the lone keeper on the Blue Dragon roster. This season, freshman Marina Lopez will give the Dragons depth in goal.

The Blue Dragon back line is led by sophomores Nancy Stefanek, Kaylee Monk and Ilex Hagan. The insertion of freshmen Anastasia Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison and Sofia Bremer and the return of redshirt sophomore Lorena Gomes, who returns from a season-ending injury in 2023, gives Lane some depth and options.

“Very few people will outrun Teagan and Ana has a chance to be one of the best backs ever.” Lane said. “There will be some good competition across the back.”

After Thursday’s season opener, the Blue Dragons are scheduled to play Otero College in a neutral site game in Liberal on Saturday. The status of that game is contingent on the hot temperatures forecast for Saturday in Liberal.

The Blue Dragons will open conference play next Wednesday against Garden city a the Salthawk Sports Complex.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724339986223.jpeg" alt="Sophomore Haley Rogers and the No. 20 Blue Dragon women's soccer team open the 2024 season at 6 p.m. on Thursday vs. NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Sophomore Haley Rogers and the No. 20 Blue Dragon women's soccer team open the 2024 season at 6 p.m. on Thursday vs. NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Sports Complex. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Steve CarpenterBlue Dragon Sports Information DirectorWednesday, August 21, 2024During the days of the best offensive teams in Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer history, the Blue Dragons had a speed factor very few teams could match up with.Those Blue Dragon teams were very adept at controlling a ball in the defensive end and quickly counter with speed through the midfield and ultimately ending up with multiple scoring chances from both sides of the goal in each and every game.That’s what Blue Dragon head coach Sammy Lane is hoping for a return to in 2024.“Last year I thought we were good enough defensively to compete for a region title, but it ultimately comes down to scoring goals,” said Lane, whose 2024 Blue Dragons open the new season at 6 p.m. on Thursday against NOC-Enid at the Salthawk Soccer Complex.“We didn’t score enough last year. Part of it was we couldn’t get in positions behind more defenders to become more dangerous. This year I feel like we will have more options to create that danger. We have a lot more speed last year.”The 2023 Blue Dragons went 12-5-3, averaging 2.80 goals per game, the fifth-lowest average in the program’s first 19 seasons. The 2022 Blue Dragons averaged 2.61 goals per game. The 2021 Dragons averaged 1.87 and the 2020/21 team averaged 1.50 goals per game.The diminishing offense became more than a disturbing trend for Lane, who worked hard to infuse some much needed speed into the lineup for 2024.“We’ve got a good group of kids,” said Lane, who is 259-72-12 in his first 19 seasons at Hutchinson. “We have some very good sophomore leadership and experience. We have some good pieces to put out there this year.”The 2024 Blue Dragons have 10 players returning from last season, including all-KJCCC players in midfielder Kaitlyn Edwards, goalkeeper Karsyn Slothower and forward Katharina Marx.In the Blue Dragons’ two preseason scrimmages, they scored four goals in a weather-shortened scrimmage against Allen and 10 goals against Southwestern College, showing the desired speed Lane was looking for.The 2024 Blue Dragons return two of their three leading scorers from last season in Edwards (13 goals, 8 assists) and Marx (12 goals, nine assists).Joining Marx on the forward line is redshirt sophomore Haley Rogers, who scored five goals in the two preseason games this season. Originally a transfer from Washburn University, Rogers missed the entire 2023 season with an injury. Sophomore Emma Hoffman and freshman Faith Pound will figure into the mix up front.“Haley is going to be a huge asset for us up there,” Lane said. “She is so composed in front of the goal. She plays with a little more patience right now and she knows how to finish.”In the midfield, Edwards proved to be one of the best in the KJCCC as a freshman. This season, she won’t be relied solely upon to get the offense going.Freshman Beatrice Sales has played with a non-stop, high-intensity motor that has been a positive jolt for the team in the preseason, Lane said. Also sophomore Jessica Salkeld is playing with much more confidence after an up-and-down freshman campaign. Hannah Lowe, younger sister of former Blue Dragon Hadlie Lowe and Kayla Klausner are in-state players who will add to the midfield depth.“Edwards can play the ball in anywhere,” Lane said. “Now that we have more speed on both side, we should be able to create more scoring chances this year. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.”In goal, Slothower returns after a stellar freshman season where she went 12-5-3 with a 0.96 goals-against average and an .833 save percentage. Slothower registered seven shutouts and recorded 95 saves, second most in Blue Dragon single-season history.Last season, Slothower was the lone keeper on the Blue Dragon roster. This season, freshman Marina Lopez will give the Dragons depth in goal.The Blue Dragon back line is led by sophomores Nancy Stefanek, Kaylee Monk and Ilex Hagan. The insertion of freshmen Anastasia Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison and Sofia Bremer and the return of redshirt sophomore Lorena Gomes, who returns from a season-ending injury in 2023, gives Lane some depth and options.“Very few people will outrun Teagan and Ana has a chance to be one of the best backs ever.” Lane said. “There will be some good competition across the back.”After Thursday’s season opener, the Blue Dragons are scheduled to play Otero College in a neutral site game in Liberal on Saturday. The status of that game is contingent on the hot temperatures forecast for Saturday in Liberal.The Blue Dragons will open conference play next Wednesday against Garden city a the Salthawk Sports Complex.

⚽ Blue Dragons look to speed things up in 2024

WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Sports Commission and NBC Baseball Foundation announced today that the NBC Baseball Foundation, which oversees the NBC World Series, will begin operating independently starting January 1, 2025, after operating alongside the Sports Commission for the past four years.

The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 and NBC World Series, will continue under the leadership of Katie Woods, who became the NBC World Series’ tournament director in September 2022, and will be governed by a dedicated NBC Baseball Foundation board of directors.

“As we look at the history of the National Baseball Congress as a national organization supporting amateur baseball across the country, we see the impact the NBC has had, and can have,” said Woods, “This independence gives us new opportunities to connect communities through baseball, from history and alumni to youth programming and of course elevating top amateur prospects through the NBC World Series.”

Started in the 1930s by Hap Dumont, the National Baseball Congress was privately owned before it became a non-profit organization in 2014, and operated independently from that time until it joined

“We’ve spent the last 10 months really looking at both organizations, and how the Wichita Sports Commission and the National Baseball Congress can each have the biggest impact on their communities,” said Wichita Sports Commission CEO/President Kevin Jenks, “What we learned through the process is that both organizations are in a position of exponential growth potential, and to do that most successfully they need dedicated boards &amp; staff.”

The Wichita Sports Commission, which operates the Prairie Fire Race Series, Wichita Turkey Trot, Wichita Corporate Challenge, the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award and the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, is also in the middle of transitioning from a 501c6 organization to a 501c3 non-profit.

“Becoming a 501c3 organization will allow the Sports Commission to pursue new partnerships and opportunities when it comes to grants and donations and give us a greater ability to fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life in Wichita through sports,” said Jenks.

Through independence, Woods sees big potential for the future of the National Baseball Congress. 

“With tens of thousands of alumni, a rapidly changing landscape of collegiate baseball, and the connections of 90 years of the NBC World Series, we are really uniquely positioned to put the National Baseball Congress back on a truly national scale,” she said.

Jenks, who previously served as the NBC Tournament Director from 2014-2022 before taking over the helm at the Wichita Sports Commission, agrees.

“The Sports Commission has been a fantastic home for the NBC for the past four years, and for me being a part of both organizations over last decade, I have seen the impact of that relationship and those partnerships,” he said, “Being at a point in 2024 where the NBC is ready to take off on its own again is exciting for me personally, and for the Wichita sports community as a whole. For both organizations, there is such great potential for the future.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724333219963.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — The Wichita Sports Commission and NBC Baseball Foundation announced today that the NBC Baseball Foundation, which oversees the NBC World Series, will begin operating independently starting January 1, 2025, after operating alongside the Sports Commission for the past four years.The NBC Baseball Foundation 501c3 and NBC World Series, will continue under the leadership of Katie Woods, who became the NBC World Series’ tournament director in September 2022, and will be governed by a dedicated NBC Baseball Foundation board of directors.“As we look at the history of the National Baseball Congress as a national organization supporting amateur baseball across the country, we see the impact the NBC has had, and can have,” said Woods, “This independence gives us new opportunities to connect communities through baseball, from history and alumni to youth programming and of course elevating top amateur prospects through the NBC World Series.”Started in the 1930s by Hap Dumont, the National Baseball Congress was privately owned before it became a non-profit organization in 2014, and operated independently from that time until it joinedthe Wichita Sports Commission in 2020.“We’ve spent the last 10 months really looking at both organizations, and how the Wichita Sports Commission and the National Baseball Congress can each have the biggest impact on their communities,” said Wichita Sports Commission CEO/President Kevin Jenks, “What we learned through the process is that both organizations are in a position of exponential growth potential, and to do that most successfully they need dedicated boards &amp; staff.”The Wichita Sports Commission, which operates the Prairie Fire Race Series, Wichita Turkey Trot, Wichita Corporate Challenge, the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award and the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, is also in the middle of transitioning from a 501c6 organization to a 501c3 non-profit.“Becoming a 501c3 organization will allow the Sports Commission to pursue new partnerships and opportunities when it comes to grants and donations and give us a greater ability to fulfill our mission of enhancing the quality of life in Wichita through sports,” said Jenks.Through independence, Woods sees big potential for the future of the National Baseball Congress. “With tens of thousands of alumni, a rapidly changing landscape of collegiate baseball, and the connections of 90 years of the NBC World Series, we are really uniquely positioned to put the National Baseball Congress back on a truly national scale,” she said.Jenks, who previously served as the NBC Tournament Director from 2014-2022 before taking over the helm at the Wichita Sports Commission, agrees.“The Sports Commission has been a fantastic home for the NBC for the past four years, and for me being a part of both organizations over last decade, I have seen the impact of that relationship and those partnerships,” he said, “Being at a point in 2024 where the NBC is ready to take off on its own again is exciting for me personally, and for the Wichita sports community as a whole. For both organizations, there is such great potential for the future.”

⚾ NBC Baseball Foundation to be independent

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman claims that he doesn't pay attention to what prognosticators say about his program.

It's a hard sell given everyone else in the Wildcats' locker room seems to know.

Voters picked Kansas State to finish second in the new-look league, even though not a single player was chosen preseason all-conference.

How's that for equal parts flattery and disparagement?

“Everybody sees it, but it’s not something that we talk about an awful lot,” Klieman said. “I hope it shows people the overall depth and value of our roster and how important our role players are, and how important our players are as far as if you are a successful team, individual honors at the end of the season are going to come.”

In other words, it's not exactly bulletin-board material because the Wildcats need no such thing.

“I’m sure that our players, if you asked them, they probably saw both polls,” Klieman said, “and I don’t know if they’re excited, disappointed, but I know they were aware that there was nobody from K-State on one of those teams, but you still have to perform, and we’ve got a lot of work to do before we get to the end of August.”

That's when Kansas State begins a season of high expectations, ranked 18th in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">preseason AP Top 25.</a>

After winning nine games last season, and a bowl game for the second time in three years, the Wildcats not only return a bevy of talented players but supplemented them by landing marquee transfers and recruits at important positions. Dylan Edwards, who led Colorado in rushing last season, provides depth in the backfield, and Dante Cephus joined the program to help out at wide receiver. On defense, Ball State safety Jordan Riley could compete for starting snaps beginning with Week 1.

Whether the Wildcats can win the newly configured Big 12, and earn a spot in college football's expanded playoffs, will likely hinge on the quarterback. Avery Johnson dazzled in his opportunities last season, including a bowl win over North Carolina State, and the dual-threat talent has the ability to contend for conference player-of-the-year honors.

Even if many of the prognosticators think otherwise.

“Feel like the biggest thing is not getting too caught up on the preseason rankings, and looking too forward into the season,” Johnson said. “Right now our focus is on UT-Martin, and after that is going to be Tulane, and taking every week a week at a time.”

After offensive coordinator Collin Klein left for the same job at Texas A&amp;M, the Wildcats promoted offensive line coach Conor Riley to the job. But he won't have to orchestrate the offense alone. Kansas State also hired former Texas Tech and Utah State coach Matt Wells, who is particularly adept at working with quarterbacks, to help with that side of the ball.

Johnson showed he can move with 71 yards rushing and a touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and his ability to scramble will be a big part of the offense. But it's not just the QB who will chew up yards on the ground. DJ Gidden is back after running for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Edwards provides a lightning-quick alternative to his powerful running style.

Kansas State has to replace four multiyear starters along the offensive line along with Ben Sinnott, who had been among the Big 12's best tight ends. North Dakota transfer Easton Kilty should help to shore up the front, but each of the other expected starters— Andrew Leingang, Hadley Panzer, Taylor Poitier and Carver Willis — have plenty of experience.

The biggest question on defense lies in the secondary, where Kobe Savage's decision to transfer to Oregon opened up a big hole at safety. Jordan Riley, VJ Payne and Marques Sigle are the front-runners at safety while Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish headed into fall camp as the presumptive starters at cornerback.

Kansas State may ease into the season against UT-Martin on Aug. 31, but the schedule heats up in a hurry. The Wildcats head to Tulane — which has won 23 games the past two seasons — the following week before facing Big 12 newcomer Arizona. The conference schedule includes a three-game stretch that could decide whether the Wildcats play for a title for the second time in three years: at BYU, against Oklahoma State and at Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723037506989.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterMANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State coach Chris Klieman claims that he doesn't pay attention to what prognosticators say about his program.It's a hard sell given everyone else in the Wildcats' locker room seems to know.Voters picked Kansas State to finish second in the new-look league, even though not a single player was chosen preseason all-conference.How's that for equal parts flattery and disparagement?“Everybody sees it, but it’s not something that we talk about an awful lot,” Klieman said. “I hope it shows people the overall depth and value of our roster and how important our role players are, and how important our players are as far as if you are a successful team, individual honors at the end of the season are going to come.”In other words, it's not exactly bulletin-board material because the Wildcats need no such thing.“I’m sure that our players, if you asked them, they probably saw both polls,” Klieman said, “and I don’t know if they’re excited, disappointed, but I know they were aware that there was nobody from K-State on one of those teams, but you still have to perform, and we’ve got a lot of work to do before we get to the end of August.”That's when Kansas State begins a season of high expectations, ranked 18th in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">preseason AP Top 25.</a>After winning nine games last season, and a bowl game for the second time in three years, the Wildcats not only return a bevy of talented players but supplemented them by landing marquee transfers and recruits at important positions. Dylan Edwards, who led Colorado in rushing last season, provides depth in the backfield, and Dante Cephus joined the program to help out at wide receiver. On defense, Ball State safety Jordan Riley could compete for starting snaps beginning with Week 1.Whether the Wildcats can win the newly configured Big 12, and earn a spot in college football's expanded playoffs, will likely hinge on the quarterback. Avery Johnson dazzled in his opportunities last season, including a bowl win over North Carolina State, and the dual-threat talent has the ability to contend for conference player-of-the-year honors.Even if many of the prognosticators think otherwise.“Feel like the biggest thing is not getting too caught up on the preseason rankings, and looking too forward into the season,” Johnson said. “Right now our focus is on UT-Martin, and after that is going to be Tulane, and taking every week a week at a time.”<h2>Coaching shakeup</h2>After offensive coordinator Collin Klein left for the same job at Texas A&amp;M, the Wildcats promoted offensive line coach Conor Riley to the job. But he won't have to orchestrate the offense alone. Kansas State also hired former Texas Tech and Utah State coach Matt Wells, who is particularly adept at working with quarterbacks, to help with that side of the ball.<h2>Run to daylight</h2>Johnson showed he can move with 71 yards rushing and a touchdown in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and his ability to scramble will be a big part of the offense. But it's not just the QB who will chew up yards on the ground. DJ Gidden is back after running for 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Edwards provides a lightning-quick alternative to his powerful running style.<h2>Offensive holes</h2>Kansas State has to replace four multiyear starters along the offensive line along with Ben Sinnott, who had been among the Big 12's best tight ends. North Dakota transfer Easton Kilty should help to shore up the front, but each of the other expected starters— Andrew Leingang, Hadley Panzer, Taylor Poitier and Carver Willis — have plenty of experience.<h2>On defense</h2>The biggest question on defense lies in the secondary, where Kobe Savage's decision to transfer to Oregon opened up a big hole at safety. Jordan Riley, VJ Payne and Marques Sigle are the front-runners at safety while Keenan Garber and Jacob Parrish headed into fall camp as the presumptive starters at cornerback.<h2>The schedule</h2>Kansas State may ease into the season against UT-Martin on Aug. 31, but the schedule heats up in a hurry. The Wildcats head to Tulane — which has won 23 games the past two seasons — the following week before facing Big 12 newcomer Arizona. The conference schedule includes a three-game stretch that could decide whether the Wildcats play for a title for the second time in three years: at BYU, against Oklahoma State and at Colorado.

🏈 K-State is favored to play for the Big 12 title, even though some think think it lacks star power

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels contorted himself for the cameras, posing just about every way imaginable, and the back that has given the Kansas quarterback so much consternation the past couple of years seemed to effortlessly twist in myriad directions.

That's a good sign for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the 22nd-ranked Jayhawks.</a>

The work Daniels was putting in for the various pregame hype videos and promos was a good sign that he might be able to remain healthy this season. And if that is the case, perhaps the Jayhawks can go from mediocrity — itself a big climb from where the program was not long ago — to one of the elites in the reconfigured Big 12.

“Shoot, all the stuff they do behind over here,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, gesturing toward the photo and video crews at work, "I think we’ve got to have him stretch or something before they do all that stuff they video back there. I go, ‘If he can make it through everything they’re doing to video for pregame stuff, I think he’s going to be fine.'”

Daniels was a big reason Kansas jumped from two wins in Leipold's debut season to six the next year, capped by a trip to a bowl game. Last season lasted just three games for Daniels before back issues flared up, causing him to sit the rest of the way, while since-graduated Jason Bean led the Jayhawks to nine wins and a victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.

“Football is one of those sports where injuries happen, and quite frankly, when injuries happen, it’s the next man up,” Daniels said. “I’ve been saying that since I was a third string. It’s the next-man-up mentality in a game of football.”

At his best, Daniels has proven to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.

But to be at his best, he has to be on the field.

Same for the Jayhawks, for that matter. As good as Bean played at times last season, it is easy to wonder whether Kansas would have been even better had their starter been under center. And to be at their best this season, particularly in a league without a clear-cut favorite, the Jayhawks will need to have Daniels performing at a high level again.

“I try not to ask Jalon more than once a week how is he doing because I know everybody asks him,” Leipold said. “He’s excited. He wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t think he was going to be ready to go for this season. I can tell you that.”

Kansas will play its entire schedule away from Lawrence as construction crews work on a new stadium set to open next season. Home nonconference games against Lindenwood and UNLV will be played at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, the home of MLS team Sporting Kansas City. Home conference games will be played across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs.

Longtime assistant Andy Kotelnicki was hired by Penn State as its offensive coordinator, creating a rare opening in a stable coaching staff. Jim Zebrowski was promoted to co-offensive coordinator to keep some continuity in the Kansas offense while Jeff Grimes, a former BYU and Baylor assistant, was brought in as co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.

Devin Neal turned down the chance to leave school early for the NFL to continue his rise up the career rushing list at Kansas. He is coming off a second straight 1,000-yard season, going for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and needs just 765 yards to pass June Henley, whose career mark has stood since the 1996 season.

Kansas has to replace some crucial pieces on the defensive front, but the linebacker corps led by Jayson Gilliom and Taiwan Berryhill Jr. coupled with an experienced secondary should help. Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson would have been middle-round draft picks but both decided to return, giving the Jayhawks perhaps the best cornerback duo in the Big 12.

After opening with Lindenwood on Aug. 29, the Jayhawks head to Illinois before facing UNLV, which it beat in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in December. Kansas avoids Big 12 favorite Utah but has a tough stretch late in the year beginning with Kansas State, picked to finish second in the league, on Oct. 26 and continuing against Iowa State, BYU and Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723137789848.jpeg" alt="Jalon Daniels-photo courtesy Missy Minear-KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Jalon Daniels-photo courtesy Missy Minear-KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels contorted himself for the cameras, posing just about every way imaginable, and the back that has given the Kansas quarterback so much consternation the past couple of years seemed to effortlessly twist in myriad directions.That's a good sign for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the 22nd-ranked Jayhawks.</a>The work Daniels was putting in for the various pregame hype videos and promos was a good sign that he might be able to remain healthy this season. And if that is the case, perhaps the Jayhawks can go from mediocrity — itself a big climb from where the program was not long ago — to one of the elites in the reconfigured Big 12.“Shoot, all the stuff they do behind over here,” Kansas coach Lance Leipold said, gesturing toward the photo and video crews at work, "I think we’ve got to have him stretch or something before they do all that stuff they video back there. I go, ‘If he can make it through everything they’re doing to video for pregame stuff, I think he’s going to be fine.'”Daniels was a big reason Kansas jumped from two wins in Leipold's debut season to six the next year, capped by a trip to a bowl game. Last season lasted just three games for Daniels before back issues flared up, causing him to sit the rest of the way, while since-graduated Jason Bean led the Jayhawks to nine wins and a victory in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl.“Football is one of those sports where injuries happen, and quite frankly, when injuries happen, it’s the next man up,” Daniels said. “I’ve been saying that since I was a third string. It’s the next-man-up mentality in a game of football.”At his best, Daniels has proven to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the country.But to be at his best, he has to be on the field.Same for the Jayhawks, for that matter. As good as Bean played at times last season, it is easy to wonder whether Kansas would have been even better had their starter been under center. And to be at their best this season, particularly in a league without a clear-cut favorite, the Jayhawks will need to have Daniels performing at a high level again.“I try not to ask Jalon more than once a week how is he doing because I know everybody asks him,” Leipold said. “He’s excited. He wouldn’t be here today if we didn’t think he was going to be ready to go for this season. I can tell you that.”<h2>Hitting the road</h2>Kansas will play its entire schedule away from Lawrence as construction crews work on a new stadium set to open next season. Home nonconference games against Lindenwood and UNLV will be played at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, the home of MLS team Sporting Kansas City. Home conference games will be played across the state line in Kansas City, Missouri, at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Super Bowl-champion Chiefs.<h2>Calling the shots</h2>Longtime assistant Andy Kotelnicki was hired by Penn State as its offensive coordinator, creating a rare opening in a stable coaching staff. Jim Zebrowski was promoted to co-offensive coordinator to keep some continuity in the Kansas offense while Jeff Grimes, a former BYU and Baylor assistant, was brought in as co-offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.<h2>Rising up the charts</h2>Devin Neal turned down the chance to leave school early for the NFL to continue his rise up the career rushing list at Kansas. He is coming off a second straight 1,000-yard season, going for 1,230 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and needs just 765 yards to pass June Henley, whose career mark has stood since the 1996 season.<h2>Roster continuity</h2>Kansas has to replace some crucial pieces on the defensive front, but the linebacker corps led by Jayson Gilliom and Taiwan Berryhill Jr. coupled with an experienced secondary should help. Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson would have been middle-round draft picks but both decided to return, giving the Jayhawks perhaps the best cornerback duo in the Big 12.<h2>The schedule</h2>After opening with Lindenwood on Aug. 29, the Jayhawks head to Illinois before facing UNLV, which it beat in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in December. Kansas avoids Big 12 favorite Utah but has a tough stretch late in the year beginning with Kansas State, picked to finish second in the league, on Oct. 26 and continuing against Iowa State, BYU and Colorado.

🏈 Kansas hopes a healthy Jalon Daniels under center can take the Jayhawks from good to great in Big 12

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games.

The Royals spoiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-cueto-returns-angels-1cfdd852875a8b0a8b3063e8cdd3e5cf">the season debut of Johnny Cueto</a>&nbsp;(0-1), a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series.

Cueto hadn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 27 last year with the Marlins. He signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July, and was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier Wednesday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from the Kansas City crowd.

Lorenzen (7-6) allowed four hits, two walks, a hit batter and struck out five. He only allowed two runners to reach scoring position. Three of the four hits he allowed came in the first three innings.

“I wasn’t very happy with the first three innings. I was kind of spraying the ball all over the place, getting frustrated with myself,” Lorenzen said. “I guess I was able to make that adjustment and my pitch quality got a lot better.”

Lorenzen gave up a hit to Taylor Ward to lead off the game but got Zach Neto to ground into a double play.

“The double play the second hitter of the game, that was a big relief,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was more of a mentality of let’s just attack here and not work the edges as much. He was on the attack more so after the first couple innings.”

John Schreiber pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.

The Royals (71-56) remained tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and moved to within 2.5 games of AL Central-leading Cleveland with their first home series win in a month.

The Royals put together a two-out rally in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier singled, Maikel Garcia walked and Kyle Isbel hit a two-run double to the right-center gap.

“It was a five-pitch first and I think he had 12 pitches total in the second before we put those two runs up,” Quatraro said of Cueto. “He got a ton of ground balls. He was working the edges, he’s got the sinker. ... He elevated it too, so he pitched well.”

Melendez hit a two-out solo home run off the right-field foul pole in the sixth for a 3-0 lead.

“Obviously he’s got good stuff and he knows how to pitch,” Melendez said of facing Cueto. “He is able to disrupt your timing. He definitely knows what he’s doing up there. ... You just have to stay locked in and stay within yourself and not try to do too much against him.”

Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. That’s Witt’s fifth hitting streak of 10 or more games this season.

The Angels optioned RHP Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Cueto. They also released RHP Jose Cisneros to add Cueto to the 40-man roster.

The Angels have not announced a starter for the series opener at Toronto Thursday. ... Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) will start for the Royals at home against Philadelphia on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724293976833.jpeg" alt="Michael Lorenzen" />
 <figcaption>Michael Lorenzen</figcaption>
 </figure>KARL ZINKE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen pitched seven shutout innings, MJ Melendez homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven games.The Royals spoiled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/johnny-cueto-returns-angels-1cfdd852875a8b0a8b3063e8cdd3e5cf">the season debut of Johnny Cueto</a>&nbsp;(0-1), a 17-year veteran who helped Kansas City win the 2015 World Series.Cueto hadn’t pitched in the majors since Sept. 27 last year with the Marlins. He signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July, and was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier Wednesday. He allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings and left the mound to an ovation from the Kansas City crowd.Lorenzen (7-6) allowed four hits, two walks, a hit batter and struck out five. He only allowed two runners to reach scoring position. Three of the four hits he allowed came in the first three innings.“I wasn’t very happy with the first three innings. I was kind of spraying the ball all over the place, getting frustrated with myself,” Lorenzen said. “I guess I was able to make that adjustment and my pitch quality got a lot better.”Lorenzen gave up a hit to Taylor Ward to lead off the game but got Zach Neto to ground into a double play.“The double play the second hitter of the game, that was a big relief,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was more of a mentality of let’s just attack here and not work the edges as much. He was on the attack more so after the first couple innings.”John Schreiber pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg worked a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his sixth save and fourth with the Royals.The Royals (71-56) remained tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and moved to within 2.5 games of AL Central-leading Cleveland with their first home series win in a month.The Royals put together a two-out rally in the second to grab a 2-0 lead. Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier singled, Maikel Garcia walked and Kyle Isbel hit a two-run double to the right-center gap.“It was a five-pitch first and I think he had 12 pitches total in the second before we put those two runs up,” Quatraro said of Cueto. “He got a ton of ground balls. He was working the edges, he’s got the sinker. ... He elevated it too, so he pitched well.”Melendez hit a two-out solo home run off the right-field foul pole in the sixth for a 3-0 lead.“Obviously he’s got good stuff and he knows how to pitch,” Melendez said of facing Cueto. “He is able to disrupt your timing. He definitely knows what he’s doing up there. ... You just have to stay locked in and stay within yourself and not try to do too much against him.”Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in the second inning to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. That’s Witt’s fifth hitting streak of 10 or more games this season.ROSTER MOVESThe Angels optioned RHP Hans Crouse to Triple-A Salt Lake City to make room for Cueto. They also released RHP Jose Cisneros to add Cueto to the 40-man roster.UP NEXTThe Angels have not announced a starter for the series opener at Toronto Thursday. ... Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) will start for the Royals at home against Philadelphia on Friday.

⚾ Royals shut out Angels Wednesday

Wichita Wind Surge MIDLAND, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 11-10 in 11 innings against the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. A wild scoring affair took place in the second game of the series, as both teams combined to score three runs five times throughout the night.

Daniel Susac smoked a three-run blast, his 10th this season, over the left-center wall in the bottom of the first to give the RockHounds an early 3-0 lead.

On the first pitch of his second at-bat,&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;connected on a bases-clearing double, his 20th two-bagger of the year, to the wall in the left-center gap to tie the game 3-3 in the visiting half of the third.

Jordan Groshans and Brayan Buelvas put Midland back ahead in the following half inning on consecutive run-scoring hits with a single and double, respectively, both being pulled to left field. Brennan Milone hooked a line drive long ball, number 13 this season, fair down the line in left for the second three-run cushion for the RockHounds in the following inning.

Rucker slugged a two-run home run in the top of the fifth to jump up to five RBIs on the night, becoming the first Wind Surge hitter to reach 60 RBIs on the season.&nbsp;Carson McCusker, the previous RBI team leader heading into tonight’s game, smacked his team-leading 12th homer of the season to tie the game again on a solo shot two batters later. The two would inversely repeat these feats heading into the stretch in the seventh.

After three separate three-run frames for Wichita, Midland put together their second three spot in the last of the eighth on an RBI single to right from Junior Perez and a sacrifice fly to center by Jack Winkler, with the third coming across on an error during the latter play. Neither team would bring a man across in the ninth to send the game to extra innings.

Dalton Shuffield&nbsp;worked a sac fly to center to score&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;from third in the top of the 10th, though Groshahns evened things out on an RBI double to left in the next half inning to continue the ballgame. Milone finished things off on a run-scoring double to deep center in the bottom of the 11th for an 11-10 final.

Jarret Whorff&nbsp;got hit with the loss to become 2-3 in Double-A with the Wind Surge. The righty entered in the 10th for Wichita and gave up two unearned runs on three hits with one strikeout in extra innings.

The Wind Surge continue their series with the Midland RockHounds tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, at 7:00 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch them online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724314523895.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Wind Surge MIDLAND, Texas—The Wichita Wind Surge fell 11-10 in 11 innings against the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. A wild scoring affair took place in the second game of the series, as both teams combined to score three runs five times throughout the night.Daniel Susac smoked a three-run blast, his 10th this season, over the left-center wall in the bottom of the first to give the RockHounds an early 3-0 lead.On the first pitch of his second at-bat,&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;connected on a bases-clearing double, his 20th two-bagger of the year, to the wall in the left-center gap to tie the game 3-3 in the visiting half of the third.Jordan Groshans and Brayan Buelvas put Midland back ahead in the following half inning on consecutive run-scoring hits with a single and double, respectively, both being pulled to left field. Brennan Milone hooked a line drive long ball, number 13 this season, fair down the line in left for the second three-run cushion for the RockHounds in the following inning.Rucker slugged a two-run home run in the top of the fifth to jump up to five RBIs on the night, becoming the first Wind Surge hitter to reach 60 RBIs on the season.&nbsp;Carson McCusker, the previous RBI team leader heading into tonight’s game, smacked his team-leading 12th homer of the season to tie the game again on a solo shot two batters later. The two would inversely repeat these feats heading into the stretch in the seventh.After three separate three-run frames for Wichita, Midland put together their second three spot in the last of the eighth on an RBI single to right from Junior Perez and a sacrifice fly to center by Jack Winkler, with the third coming across on an error during the latter play. Neither team would bring a man across in the ninth to send the game to extra innings.Dalton Shuffield&nbsp;worked a sac fly to center to score&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;from third in the top of the 10th, though Groshahns evened things out on an RBI double to left in the next half inning to continue the ballgame. Milone finished things off on a run-scoring double to deep center in the bottom of the 11th for an 11-10 final.Jarret Whorff&nbsp;got hit with the loss to become 2-3 in Double-A with the Wind Surge. The righty entered in the 10th for Wichita and gave up two unearned runs on three hits with one strikeout in extra innings.The Wind Surge continue their series with the Midland RockHounds tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, at 7:00 PM. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch them online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>.

⚾ Wind Surge drop extra-inning game to Midland

AP Sports Summary for Thursday, August 22nd, 2024:

Professor Pete? Former Trojans, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll returning to USC to teach a class

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Pete Carroll is heading back to the University of Southern California as a teacher. Carroll told KJR-FM that he plans to teach a class at USC in the spring, and the university confirmed the championship-winning football coach's return in some capacity. The details of Carroll's role haven't been determined. Carroll coached USC through the Trojans' best stretch of the past half-century from 2001-2009. Carroll's teams went 97-19 and won two national championships while reestablishing USC as a national power. He left USC in late 2009 for the Seattle Seahawks, coaching the NFL team to a 137-89 record and the franchise's only championship.

Rookie Bo Nix wins Broncos' starting QB job over Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Rookie Bo Nix was informed Wednesday that he'd won the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job. That means he'll be the 14th different player to start at quarterback for the Broncos since Peyton Manning retired in 2016. Nix was the 12th player and sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft. He started 61 games at Auburn and Oregon, which is the most by a quarterback in NCAA history. Nix beat out incumbent Jarrett Stidham and trade acquisition Zach Wilson, whom the Broncos acquired from the New York Jets in April.

Al Attles, one of NBA's first Black head coaches who led Warriors to 1975 title, dies at 87

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, has died. He was 87. The Warriors announced that Attles had died in his East Bay home on Tuesday surrounded by family. Nicknamed "The Destroyer" for his physical style of play, the Warriors were his love and his only team after they selected him in the fifth round of the 1960 draft. Attles was one of the NBA's first Black head coaches.

Jesse Winker's pinch-hit homer in 9th gives Mets 4-3 win over Orioles

NEW YORK (AP) — Pinch-hitter Jesse Winker led off the ninth inning with his first home run for the New York Mets, giving them another rousing 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Mets starter Sean Manaea retired his first 17 batters and Mark Vientos put New York ahead 3-2 with a solo homer in the seventh. Francisco Lindor also went deep and J.D. Martinez drove in a run with a grounder to help the Mets take two of three in the series. Austin Slater had a two-run homer for the Orioles. In the series opener Monday night, it was Francisco Alvarez's solo homer in the ninth that gave the Mets a 4-3 victory.

Scottie Scheffler and PGA Tour's best players face a new course in mile-high Castle Pines

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler could have skipped the BMW Championship. He already is practically assured of the top seed going to the FedEx Cup finale this week. Castle Pines is not only at mile-high altitude south of Denver, it's new to 48 out of the 50 players in the field. But Scheffler is setting his sights on another trophy. He already has six of them this year, along with an Olympic gold medal. At stake for the other 50 players is making sure they get into the top 30 in the FedEx Cup and qualify for the season finale.

Kadarius Toney, James Bradberry, Bailey Zappe headline list of players on the roster bubble

The final preseason game is an opportunity for players on the bubble to impress coaches and earn a roster spot before Tuesday's deadline for cuts. Late-round draft picks and undrafted rookies benefit most from the playing time. While young players battle for roster spots this weekend, several veteran players are on edge because they could be on the way out. Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney, Eagles safety James Bradberry, Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe, Bills offensive lineman La'el Collins and safety Mike Edwards are among the established players who could be looking for a new team soon.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson dealing with arm soreness, may impact whether he plays in preseason finale

CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson is dealing with what the Browns describe as "general arm soreness." That development could impact whether Cleveland's quarterback makes his preseason debut this week. The Browns stopped Watson from throwing during Wednesday's practice. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he's not "overly concerned" by the soreness. Watson had shoulder surgery in November to repair a fracture that ended his second season with Cleveland after six starts. Stefanski has not decided if or how much Watson will play on Saturday when the Browns visit Seattle Seahawks. Also, Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. has been released from a hospital after suffering a rib injury in practice.

Why wasn't Jannik Sinner suspended after two positive steroid tests? What do other players think?

No. 1-ranked men's tennis player Jannik Sinner will be playing in the U.S. Open — which begins in New York next week — even though word just emerged that he tested positive twice in March for a banned anabolic steroid. It's a case that no one knew about until Tuesday and one that has drawn all sorts of questions — and, in some instances, criticism — from other players who wonder whether there was a double standard at play because of Sinner's success, are confused about why this was all kept under wraps and want to know why Sinner was allowed to keep competing before there was a resolution.

How well do you know the US Open? Try an AP quiz about the year's last Grand Slam tennis tournament

How well do you know the U.S. Open? The year's last Grand Slam tennis tournament begins Monday on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. The AP has written a quiz to test your tennis knowledge. Who was the last player to win at least two titles in a row at the U.S. Open? Who was the last man to win a year's last three Grand Slam titles? When did the U.S. Tennis Association introduce equal prize money for men and women at the U.S. Open?

It's not your imagination: There are players in their mid-20s all over college football, here's why

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final	Chicago White Sox	6	San Francisco	2	

Columbus	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	(Postponed)

The impact of the NCAA ruling granting an extra year of eligibility as a result of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season remains apparent four years later as players extend their college careers into their mid-20s.Hundreds of Football Bowl Subdivision players are in their sixth season of eligibility and dozens are in their seventh year or later. Miami tight end Cam McCormick is entering his ninth season of eligibility at the age of 26. No. 17 Oklahoma State has two seventh-year players in quarterback Alan Bowman and linebacker Justin Wright. Fourteen other Oklahoma State players are entering their sixth seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, August 22nd, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Thursday, August 22nd, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Thursday, August 22nd, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8559690/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Professor Pete? Former Trojans, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll returning to USC to teach a classLOS ANGELES (AP) — Pete Carroll is heading back to the University of Southern California as a teacher. Carroll told KJR-FM that he plans to teach a class at USC in the spring, and the university confirmed the championship-winning football coach's return in some capacity. The details of Carroll's role haven't been determined. Carroll coached USC through the Trojans' best stretch of the past half-century from 2001-2009. Carroll's teams went 97-19 and won two national championships while reestablishing USC as a national power. He left USC in late 2009 for the Seattle Seahawks, coaching the NFL team to a 137-89 record and the franchise's only championship.Rookie Bo Nix wins Broncos' starting QB job over Jarrett Stidham and Zach WilsonENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Rookie Bo Nix was informed Wednesday that he'd won the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback job. That means he'll be the 14th different player to start at quarterback for the Broncos since Peyton Manning retired in 2016. Nix was the 12th player and sixth quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL draft. He started 61 games at Auburn and Oregon, which is the most by a quarterback in NCAA history. Nix beat out incumbent Jarrett Stidham and trade acquisition Zach Wilson, whom the Broncos acquired from the New York Jets in April.Al Attles, one of NBA's first Black head coaches who led Warriors to 1975 title, dies at 87OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, has died. He was 87. The Warriors announced that Attles had died in his East Bay home on Tuesday surrounded by family. Nicknamed "The Destroyer" for his physical style of play, the Warriors were his love and his only team after they selected him in the fifth round of the 1960 draft. Attles was one of the NBA's first Black head coaches.Jesse Winker's pinch-hit homer in 9th gives Mets 4-3 win over OriolesNEW YORK (AP) — Pinch-hitter Jesse Winker led off the ninth inning with his first home run for the New York Mets, giving them another rousing 4-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Mets starter Sean Manaea retired his first 17 batters and Mark Vientos put New York ahead 3-2 with a solo homer in the seventh. Francisco Lindor also went deep and J.D. Martinez drove in a run with a grounder to help the Mets take two of three in the series. Austin Slater had a two-run homer for the Orioles. In the series opener Monday night, it was Francisco Alvarez's solo homer in the ninth that gave the Mets a 4-3 victory.Scottie Scheffler and PGA Tour's best players face a new course in mile-high Castle PinesCASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP) — Scottie Scheffler could have skipped the BMW Championship. He already is practically assured of the top seed going to the FedEx Cup finale this week. Castle Pines is not only at mile-high altitude south of Denver, it's new to 48 out of the 50 players in the field. But Scheffler is setting his sights on another trophy. He already has six of them this year, along with an Olympic gold medal. At stake for the other 50 players is making sure they get into the top 30 in the FedEx Cup and qualify for the season finale.Kadarius Toney, James Bradberry, Bailey Zappe headline list of players on the roster bubbleThe final preseason game is an opportunity for players on the bubble to impress coaches and earn a roster spot before Tuesday's deadline for cuts. Late-round draft picks and undrafted rookies benefit most from the playing time. While young players battle for roster spots this weekend, several veteran players are on edge because they could be on the way out. Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney, Eagles safety James Bradberry, Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe, Bills offensive lineman La'el Collins and safety Mike Edwards are among the established players who could be looking for a new team soon.Browns QB Deshaun Watson dealing with arm soreness, may impact whether he plays in preseason finaleCLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson is dealing with what the Browns describe as "general arm soreness." That development could impact whether Cleveland's quarterback makes his preseason debut this week. The Browns stopped Watson from throwing during Wednesday's practice. Coach Kevin Stefanski said he's not "overly concerned" by the soreness. Watson had shoulder surgery in November to repair a fracture that ended his second season with Cleveland after six starts. Stefanski has not decided if or how much Watson will play on Saturday when the Browns visit Seattle Seahawks. Also, Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. has been released from a hospital after suffering a rib injury in practice.Why wasn't Jannik Sinner suspended after two positive steroid tests? What do other players think?No. 1-ranked men's tennis player Jannik Sinner will be playing in the U.S. Open — which begins in New York next week — even though word just emerged that he tested positive twice in March for a banned anabolic steroid. It's a case that no one knew about until Tuesday and one that has drawn all sorts of questions — and, in some instances, criticism — from other players who wonder whether there was a double standard at play because of Sinner's success, are confused about why this was all kept under wraps and want to know why Sinner was allowed to keep competing before there was a resolution.How well do you know the US Open? Try an AP quiz about the year's last Grand Slam tennis tournamentHow well do you know the U.S. Open? The year's last Grand Slam tennis tournament begins Monday on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. The AP has written a quiz to test your tennis knowledge. Who was the last player to win at least two titles in a row at the U.S. Open? Who was the last man to win a year's last three Grand Slam titles? When did the U.S. Tennis Association introduce equal prize money for men and women at the U.S. Open?It's not your imagination: There are players in their mid-20s all over college football, here's whyAP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	N.Y. Mets	4	Baltimore	3	Final	Texas	1	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Chicago White Sox	6	San Francisco	2	Final	Minnesota	11	San Diego	4	Final	Cincinnati	11	Toronto	7	Final	Detroit	8	Chicago Cubs	2	Final	L.A. Dodgers	8	Seattle	4	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	4	Houston	1	Final	N.Y. Yankees	8	Cleveland	1	Final	Kansas City	3	L.A. Angels	0	Final	Tampa Bay	4	Oakland	2	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Washington	6	Colorado	1	Final	Philadelphia	3	Atlanta	2	Final	Arizona	10	Miami	8	Final	St. Louis	10	Milwaukee	6	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Atlanta	72	Phoenix	63	Final	Minnesota	98	Las Vegas	87	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERColumbus	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	(Postponed)___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUEDetroit	at	Chi Cubs	2:20 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUECleveland	at	N-Y Yankees	1:05 p.m.	Tampa Bay	at	Oakland	3:37 p.m.	L-A Angels	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.	Houston	at	Baltimore	7:08 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUEColorado	at	Washington	1:05 p.m.	Milwaukee	at	St. Louis	2:15 p.m.	Cincinnati	at	Pittsburgh	6:40 p.m.	Philadelphia	at	Atlanta	7:08 p.m.	N-Y Mets	at	San Diego	9:40 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASONIndianapolis	at	Cincinnati	8 p.m.	Chicago	at	Kansas City	8:20 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONDallas	at	New York	7 p.m.	___The impact of the NCAA ruling granting an extra year of eligibility as a result of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season remains apparent four years later as players extend their college careers into their mid-20s.Hundreds of Football Bowl Subdivision players are in their sixth season of eligibility and dozens are in their seventh year or later. Miami tight end Cam McCormick is entering his ninth season of eligibility at the age of 26. No. 17 Oklahoma State has two seventh-year players in quarterback Alan Bowman and linebacker Justin Wright. Fourteen other Oklahoma State players are entering their sixth seasons.

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Thursday

MANHATTAN, Kan. - K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added to his support staff for the 2024-25 season, as he has selected Madison Pahls as the Director of Women’s Basketball Administration. Pahls replaces Kacie Jones in the role, as Jones accepted an assistant coach position at South Dakota State this summer.

“We are excited to add Madison to our staff,” said Mittie about the program’s newest addition. “She understands college athletics as a former student-athlete and will be a good addition to our group.”

Pahls is responsible for a number of administrative duties within the program including: coordinating staff and team travel and logistics, money and budget management, manage all home game logistics, on-campus recruiting logistics, training table coordination, camp/clinic budgets, daily office operations, and direct program contact for all other KSA departments.

Prior to joining the K-State women’s basketball staff, Pahls worked for No Stone Unturned Therapeutic Learning Center in Manhattan where she provided speech and language intervention, evaluation and assessment services to patients ages 0-19 with various speech and language needs (feeding and swallowing, articulation, cognition, dyslexia, voice disorders, pragmatics, expressive and receptive language and AAC. She planned lessons for all clients based on their primary concerns and individual interests.

Pahls graduated from Fort Hays State with her bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2020 and her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2022.

During her time at Fort Hays State, Pahls was a four-year letterwinner on the women’s basketball team. She played in 114 career games and tallied 514 points, 271 rebounds and 109 assists. She was a five-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient and a three-time DSADA Academic Achievement Award recipient.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724260078978.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. - K-State women’s basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added to his support staff for the 2024-25 season, as he has selected Madison Pahls as the Director of Women’s Basketball Administration. Pahls replaces Kacie Jones in the role, as Jones accepted an assistant coach position at South Dakota State this summer.“We are excited to add Madison to our staff,” said Mittie about the program’s newest addition. “She understands college athletics as a former student-athlete and will be a good addition to our group.”Pahls is responsible for a number of administrative duties within the program including: coordinating staff and team travel and logistics, money and budget management, manage all home game logistics, on-campus recruiting logistics, training table coordination, camp/clinic budgets, daily office operations, and direct program contact for all other KSA departments.Prior to joining the K-State women’s basketball staff, Pahls worked for No Stone Unturned Therapeutic Learning Center in Manhattan where she provided speech and language intervention, evaluation and assessment services to patients ages 0-19 with various speech and language needs (feeding and swallowing, articulation, cognition, dyslexia, voice disorders, pragmatics, expressive and receptive language and AAC. She planned lessons for all clients based on their primary concerns and individual interests.Pahls graduated from Fort Hays State with her bachelors degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2020 and her masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology in 2022.During her time at Fort Hays State, Pahls was a four-year letterwinner on the women’s basketball team. She played in 114 career games and tallied 514 points, 271 rebounds and 109 assists. She was a five-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll recipient and a three-time DSADA Academic Achievement Award recipient.

🏀 Former FHSU player named to K-State women's staff

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — New Hutchinson USD 308 Athletic Director Steve Kappenman explained the new pricing structure for Hutch High events.

"If you're looking to go to the games, if you're K-8th grade, we have a very affordable pass that you can get, either at the gate, at our office at Hutch High or you can buy on GoFan," Kappenman said. "We have QR codes on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HutchSalthawkAthletics">Facebook page</a>. It's $30. It's a heck of a deal. You can go to all the regular season games for not only the high school, but the middle school, as well."

The adults can get the same deal and save a lot of money.

"If you're an adult, it's $70," Kappenman said. "That's getting you in to everything. We're talking everything from football right now to baseball in the spring. If you have kids in the middle school, too, I think it's a great value. That doesn't count postseason play."

KSHSAA sets the prices for postseason events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617454400692.jpeg" alt="Salthawk Gold.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Salthawk Gold.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — New Hutchinson USD 308 Athletic Director Steve Kappenman explained the new pricing structure for Hutch High events."If you're looking to go to the games, if you're K-8th grade, we have a very affordable pass that you can get, either at the gate, at our office at Hutch High or you can buy on GoFan," Kappenman said. "We have QR codes on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HutchSalthawkAthletics">Facebook page</a>. It's $30. It's a heck of a deal. You can go to all the regular season games for not only the high school, but the middle school, as well."The adults can get the same deal and save a lot of money."If you're an adult, it's $70," Kappenman said. "That's getting you in to everything. We're talking everything from football right now to baseball in the spring. If you have kids in the middle school, too, I think it's a great value. That doesn't count postseason play."KSHSAA sets the prices for postseason events.

Prices changing for Hutch High events

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703657208069.jpeg" alt="Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm scores a touchdown against UNLV during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas wide receiver Luke Grimm scores a touchdown against UNLV during the first half of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
 
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;The Kansas Jayhawks are represented by 10 players on the 12th Annual Reese&apos;s Senior Bowl Watch List, which was announced on Wednesday morning. Kansas is one of 22 schools throughout the country with 10 or more players on the watch list. &nbsp; Jayhawks earning a spot on the list are quarterback&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/1362" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Jalon Daniels</a></dfn>, running back&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/devin-neal/1356" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Devin Neal</a></dfn>, wide receivers&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/lawrence-arnold/1348" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Lawrence Arnold</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/luke-grimm/1374" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Luke Grimm</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/quentin-skinner/1347" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Quentin Skinner</a></dfn>, offensive lineman&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryce-foster/15525" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Bryce Foster</a></dfn>, defensive lineman&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jereme-robinson/1545" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Jereme Robinson</a></dfn>, linebacker&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jb-brown/1405" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">JB Brown</a></dfn>&nbsp;and cornerbacks&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/cobee-bryant/1350" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Cobee Bryant</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/mello-dotson/1352" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Mello Dotson</a></dfn>. &nbsp; The watch list is composed of position players who were evaluated by the Senior Bowl staff and identified by the scouting team as the &quot;best of the best&quot; draft prospects at every level of college football. Every player on the list is eligible to participate in an all-star game as either a 2020 high school graduate or a true four-year player. &nbsp; Earlier this preseason, Kansas had 11 players selected to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List, which also listed Daniels, Neal, Arnold, Grimm, Foster, Bryant and Dotson. &nbsp; Kansas has had 43 players compete in the Reese&apos;s Senior Bowl all-time, including participants in each of the past three seasons. Most recently,&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/dominick-puni/1777" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Dominick Puni</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn style="text-align: start;color: rgb(73, 73, 73);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;"><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/austin-booker/1597" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Austin Booker</a></dfn>&nbsp;competed in the game before being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, which saw Puni drafted in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers before Booker went to the Chicago Bears in the fifth round. Kyron Johnson was selected for the event in 2022 before becoming a fifth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, while Lonnie Phelps Jr. played this past season and later signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent. &nbsp; The Reese&apos;s Senior Bowl is widely regarded as the preeminent college football all-star game and the first stage in the NFL Draft process. The longest continual-running all-star game has taken place in Mobile the past 75 years. More than 900 NFL personnel, including key decision-makers from all 32 teams, and over 1,100 media members from around the country were credentialed last year. This past April, the game produced 110 total picks, representing 43 percent of the entire NFL Draft.</div>

🏈 KU has 10 selected to 2024 Senior Bowl watch list

MIDLAND, Texas — The Wichita Wind Surge went down quietly in a 3-0 shutout loss to the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Wichita was hitless for the final seven innings, with just three men reaching over that span on a walk and a pair of hit-by-pitches.

Cory Lewis&nbsp;struck out four RockHounds hitters his first time through the lineup. He’d finish the night with seven K’s, marking the third straight start that he has met that mark with the Wind Surge.

Jordan Groshans pushed a sacrifice fly to center field to score Nick Kurtz, who made his Double-A debut for the hosts, from third in the bottom of the fourth, though&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;would throw to third after Kurtz crossed the plate to retire Shane McGuire for a double play.

The RockHounds loaded the bases on a trio of free passes after the stretch in the home half of the seventh, then Jeremy Eierman drew the fourth to improve the Midland lead to 2-0. Caeden Trenkle pushed a sacrifice fly out to right field for the second run of the frame. While the following batter, Denzel Clarke, walked on five pitches to put men aboard everywhere again, the score would remain in reach for Wichita at 3-0, heading into the eighth after a flyout to center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1724246208087.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Wind SurgeMIDLAND, Texas — The Wichita Wind Surge went down quietly in a 3-0 shutout loss to the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Wichita was hitless for the final seven innings, with just three men reaching over that span on a walk and a pair of hit-by-pitches.Cory Lewis&nbsp;struck out four RockHounds hitters his first time through the lineup. He’d finish the night with seven K’s, marking the third straight start that he has met that mark with the Wind Surge.Jordan Groshans pushed a sacrifice fly to center field to score Nick Kurtz, who made his Double-A debut for the hosts, from third in the bottom of the fourth, though&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;would throw to third after Kurtz crossed the plate to retire Shane McGuire for a double play.The RockHounds loaded the bases on a trio of free passes after the stretch in the home half of the seventh, then Jeremy Eierman drew the fourth to improve the Midland lead to 2-0. Caeden Trenkle pushed a sacrifice fly out to right field for the second run of the frame. While the following batter, Denzel Clarke, walked on five pitches to put men aboard everywhere again, the score would remain in reach for Wichita at 3-0, heading into the eighth after a flyout to center.

⚾ Wind Surge kept silent in series opener by RockHounds

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels will be under center when No. 22 Kansas opens the season against Lindenwood next week.

Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold confirmed Tuesday the electrifying but injury-prone quarterback had remained healthy through fall camp and would be ready for the game on Aug. 29. Daniels hurt his shoulder and missed half of their breakout 2022 season, then had a back injury that limited him to just three games last season.

“He will start the opener,” Leipold said. “I've seen a lot of good things from Jalon Daniels in the last 10 days, and he hasn't missed anything. He's played well and he's confident and he's excited. His enthusiasm is contagious. And we all know that it's important for him to stay healthy, but it's good to see.”

The health of Daniels could be what decides whether the Jayhawks can make a college football playoff run in the new-look Big 12, where Texas and Oklahoma are no longer around and the path toward its championship game is wide open.

“I mean, it's definitely exciting. My last game actually being able to play was against BYU,” Daniels said, referring to a win over the Cougars on Sept. 23, 2023. “So I feel like, you know, I'm just going to take advantage of the opportunity that's given.”

The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,729 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions over 12 games the past two seasons, though even those impressive numbers are a bit deceiving. He didn't play the full game in several instances.

In the Jayhawks' bowl game against Arkansas two years ago, Daniels threw for 555 yards and five scores while running for another touchdown in a triple-overtime loss. And in the three games he played last season, Daniels completed nearly 75% of his passes for 705 yards with five touchdowns and a single interception in wins over Illinois, Nevada and BYU.

The fact that Daniels has been on the field, uninterrupted, throughout training camp has buoyed the confidence of a team that has higher expectations than at any point in recent memory. Kansas returns its top four wide receivers — Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm, Quentin Skinner and Trevor Wilson — along with 1,200-yard rusher Devin Neal and backup Daniel Hishaw Jr. from a team that went 9-4 and finished No. 23 in the final&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25</a>, even with productive backup Jason Bean at quarterback.

“They're all excited. Quentin Skinner is his roommate, he and (linebacker) Cornell (Wheeler) live with Jalon, and they've been great support for him the entire way,” Leipold said. “Devin and Jalon are very close as well. To see those guys — they're not just talented guys but they are good friends, too. And great teammates and supporting, and it's been great to see.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723137789848.jpeg" alt="Jalon Daniels-photo courtesy Missy Minear-KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Jalon Daniels-photo courtesy Missy Minear-KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterLAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalon Daniels will be under center when No. 22 Kansas opens the season against Lindenwood next week.Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold confirmed Tuesday the electrifying but injury-prone quarterback had remained healthy through fall camp and would be ready for the game on Aug. 29. Daniels hurt his shoulder and missed half of their breakout 2022 season, then had a back injury that limited him to just three games last season.“He will start the opener,” Leipold said. “I've seen a lot of good things from Jalon Daniels in the last 10 days, and he hasn't missed anything. He's played well and he's confident and he's excited. His enthusiasm is contagious. And we all know that it's important for him to stay healthy, but it's good to see.”The health of Daniels could be what decides whether the Jayhawks can make a college football playoff run in the new-look Big 12, where Texas and Oklahoma are no longer around and the path toward its championship game is wide open.“I mean, it's definitely exciting. My last game actually being able to play was against BYU,” Daniels said, referring to a win over the Cougars on Sept. 23, 2023. “So I feel like, you know, I'm just going to take advantage of the opportunity that's given.”The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,729 yards and 23 touchdowns with only five interceptions over 12 games the past two seasons, though even those impressive numbers are a bit deceiving. He didn't play the full game in several instances.In the Jayhawks' bowl game against Arkansas two years ago, Daniels threw for 555 yards and five scores while running for another touchdown in a triple-overtime loss. And in the three games he played last season, Daniels completed nearly 75% of his passes for 705 yards with five touchdowns and a single interception in wins over Illinois, Nevada and BYU.The fact that Daniels has been on the field, uninterrupted, throughout training camp has buoyed the confidence of a team that has higher expectations than at any point in recent memory. Kansas returns its top four wide receivers — Lawrence Arnold, Luke Grimm, Quentin Skinner and Trevor Wilson — along with 1,200-yard rusher Devin Neal and backup Daniel Hishaw Jr. from a team that went 9-4 and finished No. 23 in the final&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">AP Top 25</a>, even with productive backup Jason Bean at quarterback.“They're all excited. Quentin Skinner is his roommate, he and (linebacker) Cornell (Wheeler) live with Jalon, and they've been great support for him the entire way,” Leipold said. “Devin and Jalon are very close as well. To see those guys — they're not just talented guys but they are good friends, too. And great teammates and supporting, and it's been great to see.”

🏈 Daniels will start in KU opener

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.

Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.

“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."

Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.

It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.

“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”

Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBI for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.

The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.

Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.

Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.

In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.

The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.

“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”

Crew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.

Angels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="Royals" />
 <figcaption>Royals</figcaption>
 </figure> KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Anderson outlasted Cole Ragans in a matchup of All-Star pitchers, Zach Neto hit a go-ahead homer for Los Angeles, and the Angels beat Kansas City 9-5 on Tuesday night to end the Royals' five-game winning streak.Anthony Rendon, Kevin Pillar and Logan O'Hoppe drove in two runs apiece for the Angels, who had lost three straight and six of seven overall. Nolan Schanuel walked three times, and Jo Adell and Jack Lopez each drove in a run.“That team has been playing really good baseball,” Anderson said. "You just want to battle and give your guys a chance."Anderson (10-11) allowed five runs on 12 hits and two walks while pitching into the seventh, when Kansas City trimmed a five-run deficit to two. It was good enough to make Anderson the first Angels lefty since Hector Santiago in 2016 to reach 10 wins.It also was better than Ragans (10-8), who was pulled after Neto homered and two more batters reached base in the sixth. The left-hander allowed five runs — four earned — on three hits, three walks and a hit batter while striking out nine.“It's always nice when you score runs and we've been having trouble doing it,” Angels manager Ron Washington said. “Today we got a chance to score them and tomorrow I hope we can continue. ... I just want us to be consistent and able to sustain it. Tonight we were able to do that. But I would like to see us come back tomorrow and put those types of at-bats together.”Vinnie Pasquantino had three RBI for Kansas City. Bobby Witt Jr. had three hits and drove in a run.The Royals had not trailed during their five-game win streak, but the Angels were able to strike first Tuesday night. Schanuel and Pillar led off the fourth with doubles, and Rendon's sacrifice fly later in the inning gave them a 2-0 lead.Kansas City answered in the bottom half on doubles by Witt and Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe's tying single.Neto homered for the second straight game leading off the sixth, and Ragans walked Schanuel and plunked Pillar before departing for the night. O'Hoppe and Rendon greeted James McArthur with run-scoring singles to give Los Angeles a 5-2 lead.In the seventh, Pillar added a sacrifice fly after a 14-pitch at-bat and O'Hoppe hit an RBI single to extend the lead to five.The support came in handy when Kansas City scored three times in the bottom of the inning. But Hunter Strickland came in for Anderson and limited the damage, and Los Angeles added two more runs in the ninth to put the game away.“They fought like they always do,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a chance to come back there in the seventh and just couldn’t get there.”CUE THE VIDEOCrew chief Vic Carapazza's umpires had a tough night, getting three calls overturned by review. Two involved first base umpire Mike Estabrook and the third came when plate umpire Tom Hanahan incorrectly called Rendon out trying to score in the ninth.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey (back tightness) had a setback while throwing before Monday night's game. He received an injection Tuesday, Quatraro said, and the hope is Harvey can try throwing again later in the week.UP NEXTAngels: RHP Johnny Cueto will be back on a big league mound Wednesday night when the Angels wrap up the series. The 38-year-old Cueto, who helped the Royals win the World Series in 2015, had been pitching at Triple-A Salt Lake.Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (6-6, 3.68 ERA) gets the start in the series finale against the Angels before Kansas City takes Thursday off. Lorenzen tossed 5 2/3 innings of one-hit ball his last time out in his return to Cincinnati.------AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb