KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Montgomery allowed one run over five innings to win in his return from a layoff of nearly one month caused by a knee injury, and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 Tuesday night.

Ketel Marte hit a two-run homer and scored three runs.

Montgomery (7-5) allowed three hits, walked one and struck out two, throwing 39 of 67 pitches for strikes. The 31-year-old left-hander, signed by the NL champions to a $25 million, one-year contract in March, had been sidelined since June 27 by right knee inflammation. He won for the first time since June 21 at Philadelphia.

“I felt comfortable out there and pain free, and that was nice to be pain free,” Montgomery said. “I think it just messed with my delivery a little bit, where I was yanking everything and I didn’t want to put any pressure on my legs, but I grinded it out and I’m glad to be here now.”

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Montgomery was nearing his pitch count when he finished a 1-2-3 fifth inning.

“His changeup was in play, and that’s a very key pitch for him,” Lovullo said. “The first go-round before he got banged up, it was a pitch he was leaving out over the plate. The pitch was very, very effective and he had a lot of confidence in it.”

Montgomery got four swings and misses on 19 changeups and six foul balls.

“It got me through the game,” Montgomery said. “I was a little wild with everything else. My four-seam and my changeup really got me through, got me some swing and miss when I needed it.”

Bryce Jarvis pitched two shutout innings, and Joe Mantiply, Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel finished as Arizona stopped the Royals’ four-game winning streak. Kansas City had won eight of 10 coming in.

Bobby Witt Jr. went 1 for 4 with an RBI double in the first, ending his streak of four straight three-hit games.

Marte hit a two-run homer off the right-field foul pole in the fifth against Alec Marsh (7-7), who gave up five runs, five hits and two walks in five innings. Marte followed Geraldo Perdomo’s leadoff double with his 21st home run.

“I was trying to down and away with a changeup and he just jumped it,” Marsh said.

Christian Walker’s sacrifice fly and Gabriel Moreno’s two-out, two-run single built a 3-0 lead in the first.

Witt’s double was his 13th hit in 16 at-bats since the All-Star Game, his sixth for extra bases. Salvador Perez had an RBI single in the ninth.

Arizona optioned right-hander Humberto Castellanos to Triple-A Reno and activated Montgomery.

Kansas City agreed to a minor league contract with the sixth overall draft pick Jac Caglianone, a two-way player from the University of Florida.

Arizona RHP Ryne Nelson (7-6, 4.78) starts Wednesday night’s series finale against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.55).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Montgomery allowed one run over five innings to win in his return from a layoff of nearly one month caused by a knee injury, and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 Tuesday night.Ketel Marte hit a two-run homer and scored three runs.Montgomery (7-5) allowed three hits, walked one and struck out two, throwing 39 of 67 pitches for strikes. The 31-year-old left-hander, signed by the NL champions to a $25 million, one-year contract in March, had been sidelined since June 27 by right knee inflammation. He won for the first time since June 21 at Philadelphia.“I felt comfortable out there and pain free, and that was nice to be pain free,” Montgomery said. “I think it just messed with my delivery a little bit, where I was yanking everything and I didn’t want to put any pressure on my legs, but I grinded it out and I’m glad to be here now.”Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Montgomery was nearing his pitch count when he finished a 1-2-3 fifth inning.“His changeup was in play, and that’s a very key pitch for him,” Lovullo said. “The first go-round before he got banged up, it was a pitch he was leaving out over the plate. The pitch was very, very effective and he had a lot of confidence in it.”Montgomery got four swings and misses on 19 changeups and six foul balls.“It got me through the game,” Montgomery said. “I was a little wild with everything else. My four-seam and my changeup really got me through, got me some swing and miss when I needed it.”Bryce Jarvis pitched two shutout innings, and Joe Mantiply, Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel finished as Arizona stopped the Royals’ four-game winning streak. Kansas City had won eight of 10 coming in.Bobby Witt Jr. went 1 for 4 with an RBI double in the first, ending his streak of four straight three-hit games.Marte hit a two-run homer off the right-field foul pole in the fifth against Alec Marsh (7-7), who gave up five runs, five hits and two walks in five innings. Marte followed Geraldo Perdomo’s leadoff double with his 21st home run.“I was trying to down and away with a changeup and he just jumped it,” Marsh said.Christian Walker’s sacrifice fly and Gabriel Moreno’s two-out, two-run single built a 3-0 lead in the first.Witt’s double was his 13th hit in 16 at-bats since the All-Star Game, his sixth for extra bases. Salvador Perez had an RBI single in the ninth.Arizona optioned right-hander Humberto Castellanos to Triple-A Reno and activated Montgomery.Kansas City agreed to a minor league contract with the sixth overall draft pick Jac Caglianone, a two-way player from the University of Florida.UP NEXTArizona RHP Ryne Nelson (7-6, 4.78) starts Wednesday night’s series finale against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.55).

⚾ Royals lose Tuesday to Arizona

WICHITA, Kan. — The annual Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference football media day is set for Friday, July 26th, at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita.

Head coaches from all seven KJCCC football-playing institutions will be present at the event which will get underway inside the Fidelity Bank Room at 11:30 AM with a meet and greet portion followed by lunch at 12 PM. The press conference will begin at 12:30 PM with KJCCC Commissioner Mike Saddler briefing attendees on matters concerning the conference and the upcoming season. Each head coach will be given the chance to speak about their team for the upcoming year followed by an opportunity for all media in attendance to ask any questions. Emceeing the event for the second-straight year is Pat Strathman, sports director and assistant program director at ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM.&nbsp;

Those unable to attend media day in person will be able to watch the press conference which will be live-streamed on the KJCCC Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank">https://www.kjccc.org/sports-network</a>

2024 KJCCC Football Head Coaches Butler: Brice Vignery, 3rd season Coffeyville: Nick Dobler, 1st season Dodge City: Ryan Lusby, 1st season Garden City: Kiyoshi Harris, 1st season Highland: DJ May, 2nd season Hutchinson: Drew Dallas, 5th season Independence: Keith Donerson, 2nd season

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721412913234.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCCWICHITA, Kan. — The annual Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference football media day is set for Friday, July 26th, at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita.Head coaches from all seven KJCCC football-playing institutions will be present at the event which will get underway inside the Fidelity Bank Room at 11:30 AM with a meet and greet portion followed by lunch at 12 PM. The press conference will begin at 12:30 PM with KJCCC Commissioner Mike Saddler briefing attendees on matters concerning the conference and the upcoming season. Each head coach will be given the chance to speak about their team for the upcoming year followed by an opportunity for all media in attendance to ask any questions. Emceeing the event for the second-straight year is Pat Strathman, sports director and assistant program director at ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM.&nbsp;Those unable to attend media day in person will be able to watch the press conference which will be live-streamed on the KJCCC Sports Network at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjccc.org/sports-network" target="_blank">https://www.kjccc.org/sports-network</a>2024 KJCCC Football Head Coaches Butler: Brice Vignery, 3rd season Coffeyville: Nick Dobler, 1st season Dodge City: Ryan Lusby, 1st season Garden City: Kiyoshi Harris, 1st season Highland: DJ May, 2nd season Hutchinson: Drew Dallas, 5th season Independence: Keith Donerson, 2nd season

🏈 KJCCC Media Day Friday in Wichita

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638231775081.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
 
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Eleven Jayhawks have been named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List, which was announced by the event on Tuesday. &nbsp; Jayhawks earning a spot on the Watch List include 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>, 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>, defensive backs&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>, 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;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/luke-grimm/1374" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Luke Grimm</a></dfn>, and offensive linemen&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/logan-brown/1435" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Logan Brown</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/bryce-cabeldue/1455" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Bryce Cabeldue</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/michael-ford-jr-/1439" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Michael Ford Jr.</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/bryce-foster/15525" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Bryce Foster</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/roster.aspx?rp_id=1440" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Darrell Simmons Jr.</a></dfn> &nbsp; The East-West Shrine Bowl is a best-in-class all-star event that will take place at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on January 30, 2025. Players will be coached by NFL coaches, in an NFL facility, and will have access to NFL-level resources, facilities, player-friendly schedules, and opportunities at the highest level. &nbsp; Every year, approximately 1000 all-star game eligible players are drafted, signed after the draft, or attend a rookie mini camp. The Shrine Bowl aims for the 1000 Watch List to serve as a look into its scouting process, as well as begin to preview college players who are currently all-star game eligible for the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl and 2025 NFL Draft class. &nbsp; Last season, three Jayhawks competed in the East-West Shrine Bowl, with safety&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/kenny-logan-jr-/1574" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Kenny Logan Jr.</a></dfn>&nbsp;playing for the East Team while 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/jason-bean/1599" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Jason Bean</a></dfn>&nbsp;and tight end&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/mason-fairchild/1826" rel="smarttag" style="color: rgb(0, 81, 186);">Mason Fairchild</a></dfn>&nbsp;played for the West Team. &nbsp; Kansas will play all six home games in the Kansas City Metro area as work continues on the University of Kansas Gateway District. Fans can purchase the 2024 Kansas Football 4-game season ticket package that includes all home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The season ticket package features prices starting as low as $230 for general stadium seating. &nbsp; Other ticket options include the popular Family Zone as well as available Premium Seating opportunities. Purchasing a 4-game season ticket package also continues to enhance your priority to pick seats in the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the 2025 season. 6-game season ticket packages which include the first two games at Children&apos;s Mercy Park are sold out. &nbsp; Single game tickets to the contest played at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium will become available early-August. For those interested in getting more information from the Kansas Athletics Ticket Office on ticket options for the 2024 season, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.fanthreesixty.com%2F2024_ticket_interest_form_waitlist%3Fmnemonic%3Dku&data=05%7C02%7Caeisch%40ku.edu%7C83dfee1557bd4bf1982108dc9f66ccaa%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638560511081937118%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=x7qKUnKA2jCu7aLonoefObKyLeYm%2FJGHcxI1alwF3uU%3D&reserved=0" title="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.fanthreesixty.com%2F2024_ticket_interest_form_waitlist%3Fmnemonic%3Dku&data=05%7C02%7Caeisch%40ku.edu%7C83dfee1557bd4bf1982108dc9f66ccaa%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C6" style="text-align: start;color: rgb(0, 81, 186);background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size: 16px;">here</a>.</div>

🏈 KU lands 11 on Shrine Bowl watch list

Andy Reid has three Super Bowl rings, leads two different franchises in victories and he’s still going strong after a quarter-century as a head coach.

Those impressive credentials made Reid a unanimous choice by The Associated Press for the NFL’s No. 1 coach in a preseason poll.

A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five coaches, basing selections on current status entering the 2024 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.

Reid has led the Kansas City Chiefs to consecutive Super Bowl victories and three titles in five seasons.

John Harbaugh, Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin and Kyle Shanahan each received two second-place votes.

Doug Pederson, Dan Campbell, Matt LaFleur, Sean McDermott and DeMeco Ryans also received votes.

Reid and Mahomes are halfway to the six Super Bowls Bill Belichick and Tom Brady won together. Reid was the most successful coach in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles before going to Kansas City and turning the Chiefs into a dynasty. Under Reid, the Chiefs have had 11 straight winning seasons, made 10 playoff appearances, won eight consecutive AFC West titles and reached four Super Bowls in the past five years.

Harbaugh led the Ravens to the NFL’s best record, 13-4, and has 14 winning seasons in 16 years. Harbaugh beat his brother to earn his only Super Bowl ring following the 2012 season. But Baltimore is 3-6 in the playoffs since that victory and twice couldn’t advance to the Super Bowl despite earning the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

Shanahan has led the 49ers to NFC championship victories with Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy and a pair of losses in the conference title game with both QBs. He’s 0-2 in the Super Bowl — the only coach in the top five without a ring — but has taken Purdy from “Mr. Irrelevant” to franchise QB and the 49ers again are favorites to win the NFC.

The Steelers haven’t had a losing season in Tomlin’s 17 seasons. They finished 10-7 last season and made the playoffs despite using three starting quarterbacks. Tomlin won a Super Bowl in his second year and lost one in his fourth but his team is 0-4 in the playoffs since 2016.

Coming off perhaps his best all-around coaching season, McVay claimed the No. 5 spot. He guided a rebuilding team to 10 wins and a playoff appearance last season, getting the most out of his younger players. McVay has five double-digit win seasons in seven years and has won and lost a Super Bowl.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705210653138.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gestures during the first half of the team's NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gestures during the first half of the team's NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY ROB MAADDI Associated PressAndy Reid has three Super Bowl rings, leads two different franchises in victories and he’s still going strong after a quarter-century as a head coach.Those impressive credentials made Reid a unanimous choice by The Associated Press for the NFL’s No. 1 coach in a preseason poll.A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five coaches, basing selections on current status entering the 2024 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.Reid has led the Kansas City Chiefs to consecutive Super Bowl victories and three titles in five seasons.John Harbaugh, Sean McVay, Mike Tomlin and Kyle Shanahan each received two second-place votes.Doug Pederson, Dan Campbell, Matt LaFleur, Sean McDermott and DeMeco Ryans also received votes.<h2>1. ANDY REID, Kansas City Chiefs</h2>Reid and Mahomes are halfway to the six Super Bowls Bill Belichick and Tom Brady won together. Reid was the most successful coach in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles before going to Kansas City and turning the Chiefs into a dynasty. Under Reid, the Chiefs have had 11 straight winning seasons, made 10 playoff appearances, won eight consecutive AFC West titles and reached four Super Bowls in the past five years.<h2>2. JOHN HARBAUGH, Baltimore Ravens</h2>Harbaugh led the Ravens to the NFL’s best record, 13-4, and has 14 winning seasons in 16 years. Harbaugh beat his brother to earn his only Super Bowl ring following the 2012 season. But Baltimore is 3-6 in the playoffs since that victory and twice couldn’t advance to the Super Bowl despite earning the AFC’s No. 1 seed.<h2>3. KYLE SHANAHAN, San Francisco 49ers</h2>Shanahan has led the 49ers to NFC championship victories with Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy and a pair of losses in the conference title game with both QBs. He’s 0-2 in the Super Bowl — the only coach in the top five without a ring — but has taken Purdy from “Mr. Irrelevant” to franchise QB and the 49ers again are favorites to win the NFC.<h2>4. MIKE TOMLIN, Pittsburgh Steelers</h2>The Steelers haven’t had a losing season in Tomlin’s 17 seasons. They finished 10-7 last season and made the playoffs despite using three starting quarterbacks. Tomlin won a Super Bowl in his second year and lost one in his fourth but his team is 0-4 in the playoffs since 2016.<h2>5. SEAN MCVAY, Los Angeles Rams</h2>Coming off perhaps his best all-around coaching season, McVay claimed the No. 5 spot. He guided a rebuilding team to 10 wins and a playoff appearance last season, getting the most out of his younger players. McVay has five double-digit win seasons in seven years and has won and lost a Super Bowl.

🏈 Chiefs’ Andy Reid lands the lead spot in AP’s NFL top 5 head coach rankings

Patrick Mahomes has separated himself from all the other quarterbacks.

The three-time Super Bowl MVP was a unanimous choice by The Associated Press for the NFL’s No. 1 quarterback in a preseason poll.

A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at QB, basing selections on current status entering the 2024 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.

Despite a subpar regular season — by his lofty standards — Mahomes had another exceptional postseason, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a repeat Super Bowl victory and their third title in five seasons.

Josh Allen, reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy each received second-place votes.

Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa, Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert also received votes.

Mahomes posted the lowest passer rating (92.6) of his career last season, throwing for 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns and a career-high 14 interceptions. But he stepped up in the playoffs, leading the Chiefs to a rout over Miami, road wins in Buffalo and Baltimore and an overtime victory in the Super Bowl against San Francisco.

Mahomes only turns 29 in September and already has a chance to become only the fourth quarterback to win four Super Bowls.

Despite being plagued by playoff frustrations, Allen earned the No. 2 spot in the AP rankings with four second-place votes and appearing on seven of eight ballots. Allen threw for 4,306 yards with 29 TDs and a career-high 18 picks last season while also rushing for 15 scores.

The Bills have won four straight AFC East titles but have lost in the divisional round of the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.

Jackson was a near-unanimous choice for his second NFL MVP award following an outstanding regular season in which he threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 821 yards and five scores while leading Baltimore to 10 wins over teams that finished with a winning record.

But Jackson and the Ravens lost to Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC championship game, a bitter ending to a fantastic season. The Ravens fell to 2-4 in the playoffs under Jackson, who was left off two ballots.

Burrow was slowed by a calf injury at the start of the season before wrist surgery ended his year in November. Still, he earned the No. 4 spot with two third-place votes and three fourth-place selections.

Burrow had 2,309 yards passing, 15 TDs and nine interceptions in 10 games. He had regained his Pro Bowl form prior to his injury, posting a 106.5 passer rating in his final six starts.

When healthy, Burrow led the Bengals to consecutive AFC title games and a Super Bowl loss.

The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft turned into the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions and had a passer rating of 100.8, third best by a rookie. He helped the Texans go from worst to first place in the AFC South and led them to a playoff win in the wild-card round.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707710199636.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)." />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half of the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/George Walker IV).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY ROB MAADDI Associated PressPatrick Mahomes has separated himself from all the other quarterbacks.The three-time Super Bowl MVP was a unanimous choice by The Associated Press for the NFL’s No. 1 quarterback in a preseason poll.A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players at QB, basing selections on current status entering the 2024 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.Despite a subpar regular season — by his lofty standards — Mahomes had another exceptional postseason, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to a repeat Super Bowl victory and their third title in five seasons.Josh Allen, reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy each received second-place votes.Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa, Matthew Stafford and Justin Herbert also received votes.<h2>1. PATRICK MAHOMES, Kansas City Chiefs</h2>Mahomes posted the lowest passer rating (92.6) of his career last season, throwing for 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns and a career-high 14 interceptions. But he stepped up in the playoffs, leading the Chiefs to a rout over Miami, road wins in Buffalo and Baltimore and an overtime victory in the Super Bowl against San Francisco.Mahomes only turns 29 in September and already has a chance to become only the fourth quarterback to win four Super Bowls.<h2>2. JOSH ALLEN, Buffalo Bills</h2>Despite being plagued by playoff frustrations, Allen earned the No. 2 spot in the AP rankings with four second-place votes and appearing on seven of eight ballots. Allen threw for 4,306 yards with 29 TDs and a career-high 18 picks last season while also rushing for 15 scores.The Bills have won four straight AFC East titles but have lost in the divisional round of the playoffs in three consecutive seasons.<h2>3. LAMAR JACKSON, Baltimore Ravens</h2>Jackson was a near-unanimous choice for his second NFL MVP award following an outstanding regular season in which he threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 821 yards and five scores while leading Baltimore to 10 wins over teams that finished with a winning record.But Jackson and the Ravens lost to Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC championship game, a bitter ending to a fantastic season. The Ravens fell to 2-4 in the playoffs under Jackson, who was left off two ballots.<h2>4. JOE BURROW, Cincinnati Bengals</h2>Burrow was slowed by a calf injury at the start of the season before wrist surgery ended his year in November. Still, he earned the No. 4 spot with two third-place votes and three fourth-place selections.Burrow had 2,309 yards passing, 15 TDs and nine interceptions in 10 games. He had regained his Pro Bowl form prior to his injury, posting a 106.5 passer rating in his final six starts.When healthy, Burrow led the Bengals to consecutive AFC title games and a Super Bowl loss.<h2>5. C.J. STROUD, Houston Texans</h2>The No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft turned into the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Stroud threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions and had a passer rating of 100.8, third best by a rookie. He helped the Texans go from worst to first place in the AFC South and led them to a playoff win in the wild-card round.

🏈 Mahomes is a unanimous choice for the top spot in the AP’s quarterback rankings

(AP) — As the Paris Olympics are set to open this week, the United States goes in as the favorite to win the most medals. China is unlikely to overtake the U.S. in the overall medal haul, but has a chance to win more gold medals than the Americans.

Though the Games highlight great individual athletes, they are also a surrogate for geopolitcal influence and national pride.

The United States is projected to win 112 medals overall — 39 gold, 32 silver, and 41 bronze. China is forecast to win 86 overall — 34 gold, 27 silver, and 25 bronze.

<a href="https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2024/virtual-medal-table-forecast/" target="_blank">This forecast is by Nielsen’s Gracenot</a>&nbsp;e Sports, which supplies statistical analysis for sports leagues around the world. It also tracks major competitions involving Olympic sports leading up to the Games.

The United States and China finished 1-2 in both categories in 2021 in the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee does not compile medal rankings. Gracenote has calculated its standings on overall medals won, although others focus the rankings on gold totals.

The forecast for the Americans on top is no surprise. This would be the eighth consecutive time the United States has won the most overall medals at the Summer Games. The Unified team topped the overall count in 1992 at Barcelona, composed of athletes from the former Soviet Union just after it broke up as a sovereign state.

The last Summer Olympics in which the United States did not top the gold-medal table was in 2008 in Beijing.

After the United States and China, the next in line with overall totals and gold totals are: Britain (63-17), France (60-27), Australia (54-15), Japan (47-13), Italy (46-11), Germany (35-11), Netherlands (34-16), South Korea (26-9).

The next places 11 to 20 are: Canada (21-7), Hungary (20-7), Brazil (18-8), Spain (18-5), Poland (17-3), Denmark (14-5), Turkey (14-4), New Zealand (14-4), Ukraine (13-2), Ethiopia (12-6).

Countries always get a medal bump being the host nation, and France is expected to almost triple the number of gold medals it won in Tokyo.

This time the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympic-medals-eiffel-tower-333c751b65c7a2a70520b2d23f85692e">medals will be inlaid with a tiny piece of the Eiffel Tower</a>.

Host nations spend more heavily for a home Olympics, and the home crowds also help with athletes competing in familiar surroundings.

Conversely,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-japan-medals-a34e6a9c74600b9c5c1770f67efc8b38">Japan won a record 58 overall</a>&nbsp;medals three years ago in Tokyo, and 27 gold. It is sure to slip this time.

The unknown factor is the presence of Russian and — to a lesser extent — Belarusian athletes. They have been absent from most international competitions over the last two years because of the war in Ukraine. And, by order of the IOC, any medals those athletes win are not to be included in any medal table.

More than 300 Russian athletes competed three years ago in Tokyo. This time the total may be just a dozen or so.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721752151522.png" alt="FILE - The Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal is shown to media members in Paris, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Campus, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - The Paris 2024 Olympic gold medal is shown to media members in Paris, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Campus, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>(AP) — As the Paris Olympics are set to open this week, the United States goes in as the favorite to win the most medals. China is unlikely to overtake the U.S. in the overall medal haul, but has a chance to win more gold medals than the Americans.Though the Games highlight great individual athletes, they are also a surrogate for geopolitcal influence and national pride.The United States is projected to win 112 medals overall — 39 gold, 32 silver, and 41 bronze. China is forecast to win 86 overall — 34 gold, 27 silver, and 25 bronze.<a href="https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2024/virtual-medal-table-forecast/" target="_blank">This forecast is by Nielsen’s Gracenot</a>&nbsp;e Sports, which supplies statistical analysis for sports leagues around the world. It also tracks major competitions involving Olympic sports leading up to the Games.The United States and China finished 1-2 in both categories in 2021 in the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics.The International Olympic Committee does not compile medal rankings. Gracenote has calculated its standings on overall medals won, although others focus the rankings on gold totals.The forecast for the Americans on top is no surprise. This would be the eighth consecutive time the United States has won the most overall medals at the Summer Games. The Unified team topped the overall count in 1992 at Barcelona, composed of athletes from the former Soviet Union just after it broke up as a sovereign state.The last Summer Olympics in which the United States did not top the gold-medal table was in 2008 in Beijing.After the United States and China, the next in line with overall totals and gold totals are: Britain (63-17), France (60-27), Australia (54-15), Japan (47-13), Italy (46-11), Germany (35-11), Netherlands (34-16), South Korea (26-9).The next places 11 to 20 are: Canada (21-7), Hungary (20-7), Brazil (18-8), Spain (18-5), Poland (17-3), Denmark (14-5), Turkey (14-4), New Zealand (14-4), Ukraine (13-2), Ethiopia (12-6).Countries always get a medal bump being the host nation, and France is expected to almost triple the number of gold medals it won in Tokyo.This time the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/paris-olympic-medals-eiffel-tower-333c751b65c7a2a70520b2d23f85692e">medals will be inlaid with a tiny piece of the Eiffel Tower</a>.Host nations spend more heavily for a home Olympics, and the home crowds also help with athletes competing in familiar surroundings.Conversely,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-japan-medals-a34e6a9c74600b9c5c1770f67efc8b38">Japan won a record 58 overall</a>&nbsp;medals three years ago in Tokyo, and 27 gold. It is sure to slip this time.The unknown factor is the presence of Russian and — to a lesser extent — Belarusian athletes. They have been absent from most international competitions over the last two years because of the war in Ukraine. And, by order of the IOC, any medals those athletes win are not to be included in any medal table.More than 300 Russian athletes competed three years ago in Tokyo. This time the total may be just a dozen or so.

🥇 U.S. favored to top overall medal table at Paris Games

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Mules were tabbed the season’s favorite by MIAA head coaches and media representatives in the 2024 football preseason polls.

MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy announced the results of both the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and Media Poll in his opening statements at MIAA Media Day on Tuesday, July 23 in Kansas City.

Central Missouri claimed the top spot on both the 2024 preseason coaches poll and preseason media poll. The defending MIAA co-champions collected eight first-place votes from MIAA head coaches and totaled 20 first-place selections in the media poll. Central Missouri finished 11-2 overall and 9-1 in the MIAA last season. The Mules ended last season in a 35-34 loss to Harding in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs – Harding went on to win the 2023 national championship.

Pittsburg State, the league’s other defending MIAA co-champion, was picked second in both polls with two first-place nods from MIAA coaches and six from media representatives.

Below are the full results of both the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and the 2024 MIAA Preseason Media Poll.

The 2024 MIAA football season officially kicks off Thursday, August 29. With Lincoln University’s departure from the league and Northeastern State University competing as an independent, the MIAA will feature a 10-team conference schedule for the first time since 2011.

To view a complete 2024 MIAA week-by-week football schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/calendar.aspx?path=football">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584467562830.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy MIAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy MIAA</figcaption>
 </figure>MIAA&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Mules were tabbed the season’s favorite by MIAA head coaches and media representatives in the 2024 football preseason polls.MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy announced the results of both the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and Media Poll in his opening statements at MIAA Media Day on Tuesday, July 23 in Kansas City.Central Missouri claimed the top spot on both the 2024 preseason coaches poll and preseason media poll. The defending MIAA co-champions collected eight first-place votes from MIAA head coaches and totaled 20 first-place selections in the media poll. Central Missouri finished 11-2 overall and 9-1 in the MIAA last season. The Mules ended last season in a 35-34 loss to Harding in the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs – Harding went on to win the 2023 national championship.Pittsburg State, the league’s other defending MIAA co-champion, was picked second in both polls with two first-place nods from MIAA coaches and six from media representatives.Below are the full results of both the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and the 2024 MIAA Preseason Media Poll.The 2024 MIAA football season officially kicks off Thursday, August 29. With Lincoln University’s departure from the league and Northeastern State University competing as an independent, the MIAA will feature a 10-team conference schedule for the first time since 2011.To view a complete 2024 MIAA week-by-week football schedule,&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/calendar.aspx?path=football">click here</a>.<div>2024 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Central Missouri [8] - 80 points
2. Pittsburg State [2] - 73 points
3. Northwest Missouri - 58 points
4. Emporia State - 56 points
5. Fort Hays State - 55 points
6. Missouri Western - 42 points
7. Central Oklahoma - 31 points
8. Missouri Southern - 24 points
9. Washburn - 16 points
10. Nebraska Kearney - 15 points
[#] - Number of First-Place Votes
&nbsp;
2024 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
1. Central Missouri [20] - 254 points
2. Pittsburg State [6] - 231 points
3. Northwest Missouri - 199 points
4. Missouri Western - 158 points
5. Fort Hays State - 155 points
6. Emporia State - 145 points
7. Central Oklahoma - 94 points
8. Missouri Southern - 81 points
9. Washburn - 60 points
10. Nebraska Kearney - 53 points&nbsp;
[#] - Number of First-Place Votes
<div> </div></div>

🏈 UCM headlines MIAA preseason polls, PSU, ESU, FHSU crack top 5

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas Women's Golf Coach Lindsay Kuhle, who has led the Jayhawks to back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances for the first time in program history, has signed a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2028-29 season, Director of Athletics Travis Goff announced Monday.

Kuhle has had a monumental impact on the program since arriving from the University of Denver prior to the 2021-22 season. In just three seasons at the helm, Kuhle has taken the program to back-to-back NCAA Regionals, marking just the second and third appearances in program history. It is also the first time the Jayhawks have been selected for NCAA Regional play in consecutive seasons. During this past season, Kuhle's squad carried a 289.3 stroke average, the lowest in program history and a 6.1 stroke improvement from the previous best in program history, set in 2022-23, also under Kuhle's guidance.

"Coach Kuhle has had a tremendous start to her Jayhawk career, and we couldn't be more excited about the incredible momentum of our women's golf program under her leadership," Goff said. "She has been an ideal fit for our department and she and her family have immersed themselves in the Jayhawk and Lawrence communities. The program has already hit unprecedented heights both on the course and in the classroom, and we are thrilled to have her at the helm for years to come."

Kuhle and the Jayhawks are coming off a sixth place at the NCAA Cle Elum Regional in May, which marked the second-highest finish in program history and was three spots higher than their seed (No. 9). Prior to the NCAA Tournament, Kuhle led the Jayhawks to a seventh-place finish at the 2024 Big 12 Championship with a score of 876 (+24), the lowest 54-hole total in program history at the conference championship.

"I am truly grateful for this extension and thrilled to build on our recent success in the upcoming years," Kuhle said. "I personally want to thank Travis and (sport administrator) Nicole (Corcoran) for their belief in me and this program and their unwavering support since I've been here. Our success could not be possible without them."

Kuhle continued: "Our past and current players have fully believed in our vision and goals over the past three years. It has been a delight to see their progress and watch this program continue to improve and grow. I also want to recognize Associate Head Coach Stephen Bidne for joining me at KU to help our players grow and develop. He is such a positive influence on our ladies and brings incredible enthusiasm and knowledge to our program."

Last season, Kuhle's squad smashed every team scoring record at the Wisconsin Westbrook Invitational, winning a tournament for the first time since 2017. At the event, the Jayhawks set new 18-hole (-19), 36-hole (-30) and 54-hole (-43) program records to win.

In the classroom, Kansas posted a 3.88 team grade point average (GPA) for the Fall 2023 semester, setting a new program record and leading all KU Athletics teams for the semester. For the Spring 2024 semester, the team earned a 3.78 GPA, accumulating a program-record 3.83 GPA for the 2023-24 academic year. The team placed a program-record six student-athletes on the 2024 WGCA Academic All-Scholar Team and the program earned the 2023-24 WGCA All-Scholar Team GPA Award.

Kansas finished the 2023-24 season ranked 48th in the country with a strength of schedule ranking of No. 40. The team finished with its second-best end of season ranking in modern day program history, dating back to the early 1990's.

During her second year as head coach, Kuhle took the women's golf team to the program's first NCAA Regional appearance since 2014. KU finished the season with a stroke average of 295.41, the lowest team average since 2018-19.

Every team scoring record was shattered during the 2022-23 season, including the single season record with seven team rounds of par or better.

As a team, all 11 women's golf student-athletes were named to the 2022-23 Athletic Director's Honor Roll and five players were named to the 2023 WGCA All-Scholar Team.

In her first season as head coach in 2021-22, Kuhle's team finished the season ranked No. 79 in the country by Golfstat, which was up nine spots from the average ranking the previous five seasons.

One of Kuhle's first actions was to initiate the Coach Jerry Waugh Women's Golf Endowment program, honoring the KU legendary coach and administrator. The endowment is being used to directly impact the student-athlete experience and create new opportunities for the team.

Kuhle came to Kansas after completing an eight-year head coaching stint at Denver from 2013-20. At Denver, Kuhle won seven conference team titles and the Pioneers qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of the eight seasons where a postseason tournament was held.

Kuhle and the Jayhawks will look to make a third-straight NCAA Regional appearance during the 2024-25 season, which opens Sept. 9 at the Folds of Honor Collegiate in Michigan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721732562513.jpeg" alt="Lindsay Kuhle" />
 <figcaption>Lindsay Kuhle</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. — Kansas Women's Golf Coach Lindsay Kuhle, who has led the Jayhawks to back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances for the first time in program history, has signed a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2028-29 season, Director of Athletics Travis Goff announced Monday.Kuhle has had a monumental impact on the program since arriving from the University of Denver prior to the 2021-22 season. In just three seasons at the helm, Kuhle has taken the program to back-to-back NCAA Regionals, marking just the second and third appearances in program history. It is also the first time the Jayhawks have been selected for NCAA Regional play in consecutive seasons. During this past season, Kuhle's squad carried a 289.3 stroke average, the lowest in program history and a 6.1 stroke improvement from the previous best in program history, set in 2022-23, also under Kuhle's guidance."Coach Kuhle has had a tremendous start to her Jayhawk career, and we couldn't be more excited about the incredible momentum of our women's golf program under her leadership," Goff said. "She has been an ideal fit for our department and she and her family have immersed themselves in the Jayhawk and Lawrence communities. The program has already hit unprecedented heights both on the course and in the classroom, and we are thrilled to have her at the helm for years to come."Kuhle and the Jayhawks are coming off a sixth place at the NCAA Cle Elum Regional in May, which marked the second-highest finish in program history and was three spots higher than their seed (No. 9). Prior to the NCAA Tournament, Kuhle led the Jayhawks to a seventh-place finish at the 2024 Big 12 Championship with a score of 876 (+24), the lowest 54-hole total in program history at the conference championship."I am truly grateful for this extension and thrilled to build on our recent success in the upcoming years," Kuhle said. "I personally want to thank Travis and (sport administrator) Nicole (Corcoran) for their belief in me and this program and their unwavering support since I've been here. Our success could not be possible without them."Kuhle continued: "Our past and current players have fully believed in our vision and goals over the past three years. It has been a delight to see their progress and watch this program continue to improve and grow. I also want to recognize Associate Head Coach Stephen Bidne for joining me at KU to help our players grow and develop. He is such a positive influence on our ladies and brings incredible enthusiasm and knowledge to our program."Last season, Kuhle's squad smashed every team scoring record at the Wisconsin Westbrook Invitational, winning a tournament for the first time since 2017. At the event, the Jayhawks set new 18-hole (-19), 36-hole (-30) and 54-hole (-43) program records to win.In the classroom, Kansas posted a 3.88 team grade point average (GPA) for the Fall 2023 semester, setting a new program record and leading all KU Athletics teams for the semester. For the Spring 2024 semester, the team earned a 3.78 GPA, accumulating a program-record 3.83 GPA for the 2023-24 academic year. The team placed a program-record six student-athletes on the 2024 WGCA Academic All-Scholar Team and the program earned the 2023-24 WGCA All-Scholar Team GPA Award.Kansas finished the 2023-24 season ranked 48th in the country with a strength of schedule ranking of No. 40. The team finished with its second-best end of season ranking in modern day program history, dating back to the early 1990's.During her second year as head coach, Kuhle took the women's golf team to the program's first NCAA Regional appearance since 2014. KU finished the season with a stroke average of 295.41, the lowest team average since 2018-19.Every team scoring record was shattered during the 2022-23 season, including the single season record with seven team rounds of par or better.As a team, all 11 women's golf student-athletes were named to the 2022-23 Athletic Director's Honor Roll and five players were named to the 2023 WGCA All-Scholar Team.In her first season as head coach in 2021-22, Kuhle's team finished the season ranked No. 79 in the country by Golfstat, which was up nine spots from the average ranking the previous five seasons.One of Kuhle's first actions was to initiate the Coach Jerry Waugh Women's Golf Endowment program, honoring the KU legendary coach and administrator. The endowment is being used to directly impact the student-athlete experience and create new opportunities for the team.Kuhle came to Kansas after completing an eight-year head coaching stint at Denver from 2013-20. At Denver, Kuhle won seven conference team titles and the Pioneers qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of the eight seasons where a postseason tournament was held.Kuhle and the Jayhawks will look to make a third-straight NCAA Regional appearance during the 2024-25 season, which opens Sept. 9 at the Folds of Honor Collegiate in Michigan.

⛳ Kuhle signs extension

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Former Stanford volleyball standout Gabi Dunson has been named an assistant coach for the 2024 season, second-year head coach Jason Mansfield announced Monday.

"I had the privilege of coaching Gabi for four years at Stanford, and I haven't coached many athletes that were as focused, competitive and selfless as she was," said Mansfield. "Gabi was an elite passer, defender, server, and setter in the libero position, and I have no doubt she will help us be better in those areas. She was also an incredible leader and found ways to help her teammates be better."

"We are excited to welcome Gabi, her husband Devin and her two beautiful children Jocelyn and Winston to our K-State Volleyball family."

Dunson arrives in Manhattan after working with the Momentum Volleyball Club in Colorado, where her primary responsibilities included mentoring coaches and developing consistent teaching methods for serve receive and defense throughout the organization.

Dunson, formally Gabi Ailes, had a standout career as a libero at Stanford where she was part of the Cardinal squad that made four trips to the NCAA Sweet 16, including two appearances in the National Championship in 2007 and 2008. During her four-year career with the Cardinals, she became a two-time AVCA All-American and earned All-American recognition by Volleyball Magazine twice.

"I am elated to have the opportunity to work with Jason Mansfield, Steve Astor, and Fiona Fonoti in a coaching role at Kansas State," said Dunson. "Jason spent countless hours in the gym with me at Stanford during my collegiate career, helping me succeed at a high level."

"I hope I can do the same for our Wildcats, while also finding meaningful ways to show these young ladies how valued they are as individuals outside of the gym." 

The four-time Pac-10 Champion is second all-time in school history in career digs (2,147) and digs per set (4.57), while her 617 digs in 2009 is the second-most in a single season. In 2009, Dunson recorded 33 digs against UCLA (October 31) to set a then- single-match record.

A native of Bellevue, Nebraska, Dunson earned her second bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Missouri. Gabi and her husband Devin have two kids, Jocelyn and Winston.

Dunson replaces former assistant coach John Dunn, who accepted an assistant position at San Diego in May.

The 2024 season officially begins Friday, August 30 in West Layfette, Ind., as the Wildcats take part in the Purdue Volleyball's Stacey Clark Classic. The three-day tournament will include matchups against tournament host Purdue (Aug. 30), UC Davis (Aug. 31), and UMBC (Sept. 1).

The 2024 new K-State Volleyball season tickets are now sold out. Only renewals remain for fans who had season tickets last year (2023). To renew season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call 1-800-221-CATS. Single game tickets will go on sale this August.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721732337155.jpeg" alt="Gabi Dunson" />
 <figcaption>Gabi Dunson</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan. — Former Stanford volleyball standout Gabi Dunson has been named an assistant coach for the 2024 season, second-year head coach Jason Mansfield announced Monday."I had the privilege of coaching Gabi for four years at Stanford, and I haven't coached many athletes that were as focused, competitive and selfless as she was," said Mansfield. "Gabi was an elite passer, defender, server, and setter in the libero position, and I have no doubt she will help us be better in those areas. She was also an incredible leader and found ways to help her teammates be better.""We are excited to welcome Gabi, her husband Devin and her two beautiful children Jocelyn and Winston to our K-State Volleyball family."Dunson arrives in Manhattan after working with the Momentum Volleyball Club in Colorado, where her primary responsibilities included mentoring coaches and developing consistent teaching methods for serve receive and defense throughout the organization.Dunson, formally Gabi Ailes, had a standout career as a libero at Stanford where she was part of the Cardinal squad that made four trips to the NCAA Sweet 16, including two appearances in the National Championship in 2007 and 2008. During her four-year career with the Cardinals, she became a two-time AVCA All-American and earned All-American recognition by Volleyball Magazine twice."I am elated to have the opportunity to work with Jason Mansfield, Steve Astor, and Fiona Fonoti in a coaching role at Kansas State," said Dunson. "Jason spent countless hours in the gym with me at Stanford during my collegiate career, helping me succeed at a high level.""I hope I can do the same for our Wildcats, while also finding meaningful ways to show these young ladies how valued they are as individuals outside of the gym." The four-time Pac-10 Champion is second all-time in school history in career digs (2,147) and digs per set (4.57), while her 617 digs in 2009 is the second-most in a single season. In 2009, Dunson recorded 33 digs against UCLA (October 31) to set a then- single-match record.A native of Bellevue, Nebraska, Dunson earned her second bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Missouri. Gabi and her husband Devin have two kids, Jocelyn and Winston.Dunson replaces former assistant coach John Dunn, who accepted an assistant position at San Diego in May.The 2024 season officially begins Friday, August 30 in West Layfette, Ind., as the Wildcats take part in the Purdue Volleyball's Stacey Clark Classic. The three-day tournament will include matchups against tournament host Purdue (Aug. 30), UC Davis (Aug. 31), and UMBC (Sept. 1).The 2024 new K-State Volleyball season tickets are now sold out. Only renewals remain for fans who had season tickets last year (2023). To renew season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call 1-800-221-CATS. Single game tickets will go on sale this August.

🏐 Mansfield appoints Dunson as Assistant Coach

WICHITA, Kan. — Mass Street had three players in double figures en route to a 76-59 win over Florida TNT on Monday night at Koch Arena in Wichita.

LaGerald Vick had 19 points, Dedric Lawson and Billy Preston each added 13 in the win.

The big difference was from distance, as Mass Street was 13-31 from behind the arc, as compared to Florida TNT's 8-30.

Mass Street will play Team Colorado, who eliminated the host Aftershocks 65-61.

Team Colorado outscored the Aftershocks 24-15 in the fourth quarter to take the win.

Team Colorado and Mass Street meet in Wichita at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689777038708.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — Mass Street had three players in double figures en route to a 76-59 win over Florida TNT on Monday night at Koch Arena in Wichita.LaGerald Vick had 19 points, Dedric Lawson and Billy Preston each added 13 in the win.The big difference was from distance, as Mass Street was 13-31 from behind the arc, as compared to Florida TNT's 8-30.Mass Street will play Team Colorado, who eliminated the host Aftershocks 65-61.Team Colorado outscored the Aftershocks 24-15 in the fourth quarter to take the win.Team Colorado and Mass Street meet in Wichita at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

🏀 Mass Street in TBT Wichita regional final

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. fell a single short of the cycle, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe also homered, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-4 on Monday night for their fourth straight victory.

Witt tripled in the first inning, doubled in the third and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1815559805240537297">drilled a three-run homer</a>&nbsp;to deep left-center in the fourth to get the hard part out of the way.

“It's hard to describe,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The power he displays, the poise at the plate, it’s like he’s playing a different game.”

The crowd arose chanting “Bobby! Bobby!” when Witt came to the plate in the sixth in anticipation of a single and the first cycle by a Kansas City player in 34 years, but Arizona reliever Humberto Castellanos hit Witt with his first pitch, drawing loud boos.

“It's really unfortunate that he got hit,” Quatraro said. “I don't know what to think about the intent behind it.”

Witt got another chance in the eighth but was retired on a fly ball to right field. The last Royals player to hit for the cycle was Hall of Famer George Brett at Toronto on July 25, 1990.

“I definitely wanted to do it for the fans. These fans are awesome out here,” Witt said. “I choked at the end, but whatever.”

Witt, who was named American League Player of the Week earlier Monday, is 12 for 15 since playing in his first All-Star Game and finishing as the Home Run Derby runner-up, raising his average to .341. It was Witt’s fourth straight three-hit game, matching Johnny Damon in 2000 for the second-best such streak in franchise history, behind only Brett’s six games in 1976.

One inning after Witt was plunked, Royals reliever John Schreiber hit Gabriel Moreno with a pitch. Both benches were warned, and Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was ejected for arguing with plate umpire Jordan Baker and had to be held back. Royals catcher Perez appeared to exchange words with Lovullo during the scrum near the plate.

“I never said a word to Salvador Perez,” Lovullo said. “I just wanted him to hear what I was going to say to Jordan. I told him, ‘If you think in my right mind I was going to ask my team to hit the future of Major League Baseball, one of the best players in the game, you’re crazy. You lost control of this situation, and you got it wrong.’ I wanted Salvy to hear that and take it back to their dugout.”

The Royals (56-45), who are in position for a wild-card playoff berth, matched their win total from last season.

Cole Ragans (7-6) survived a shaky third inning to record his second straight win and his eighth quality start in nine. He allowed six hits, two walks and three runs in six innings.

The Diamondbacks took a 3-1 lead in the third when Kevin Newman and Alek Thomas hit back-to-back doubles and Ketel Marte followed with his 20th homer, a two-run shot to left.

The Royals responded in the bottom half with Witt’s double, Vinnie Pasquantino’s RBI single and Perez’s two-run homer to center for a 4-3 lead.

Witt's three-run shot off reliever Miguel Castro in the fourth made it 8-3.

“Castro is no easy right-hander to face,” Quatraro said. “He comes in there and that first pitch, you don't expect him to hit a homer, but I guess you maybe start trying to expect it. It's incredible, what he's doing right now. Absolutely incredible.”

Renfroe homered in the sixth, Kyle Isbel had three hits and two RBIs, and Pasquantino had three hits for the Royals.

After giving up only one run in six innings in each of his first two major league starts, Arizona's Yilber Diaz allowed seven runs and nine hits in three-plus innings.

“He couldn’t locate his secondary stuff and became predictable with his fastball,” Lovullo said.

Diamondbacks: Lovullo said LHP Jordan Montgomery (knee) would come off the injured list and start Tuesday. RHP Merrill Kelly (shoulder) and LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) will each throw a bullpen session Tuesday and are on track for simulated games, Thursday for Kelly and Friday for Rodriguez.

Royals: OF MJ Melendez (ankle) is close to returning, Quatraro said. Melendez is eligible to come off the IL Friday.

Alec Marsh (7-6, 3.55) will start for the Royals against Montgomery (6-5, 6.44).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717239521858.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>KARL ZINKE Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. fell a single short of the cycle, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe also homered, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-4 on Monday night for their fourth straight victory.Witt tripled in the first inning, doubled in the third and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1815559805240537297">drilled a three-run homer</a>&nbsp;to deep left-center in the fourth to get the hard part out of the way.“It's hard to describe,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The power he displays, the poise at the plate, it’s like he’s playing a different game.”The crowd arose chanting “Bobby! Bobby!” when Witt came to the plate in the sixth in anticipation of a single and the first cycle by a Kansas City player in 34 years, but Arizona reliever Humberto Castellanos hit Witt with his first pitch, drawing loud boos.“It's really unfortunate that he got hit,” Quatraro said. “I don't know what to think about the intent behind it.”Witt got another chance in the eighth but was retired on a fly ball to right field. The last Royals player to hit for the cycle was Hall of Famer George Brett at Toronto on July 25, 1990.“I definitely wanted to do it for the fans. These fans are awesome out here,” Witt said. “I choked at the end, but whatever.”Witt, who was named American League Player of the Week earlier Monday, is 12 for 15 since playing in his first All-Star Game and finishing as the Home Run Derby runner-up, raising his average to .341. It was Witt’s fourth straight three-hit game, matching Johnny Damon in 2000 for the second-best such streak in franchise history, behind only Brett’s six games in 1976.One inning after Witt was plunked, Royals reliever John Schreiber hit Gabriel Moreno with a pitch. Both benches were warned, and Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was ejected for arguing with plate umpire Jordan Baker and had to be held back. Royals catcher Perez appeared to exchange words with Lovullo during the scrum near the plate.“I never said a word to Salvador Perez,” Lovullo said. “I just wanted him to hear what I was going to say to Jordan. I told him, ‘If you think in my right mind I was going to ask my team to hit the future of Major League Baseball, one of the best players in the game, you’re crazy. You lost control of this situation, and you got it wrong.’ I wanted Salvy to hear that and take it back to their dugout.”The Royals (56-45), who are in position for a wild-card playoff berth, matched their win total from last season.Cole Ragans (7-6) survived a shaky third inning to record his second straight win and his eighth quality start in nine. He allowed six hits, two walks and three runs in six innings.The Diamondbacks took a 3-1 lead in the third when Kevin Newman and Alek Thomas hit back-to-back doubles and Ketel Marte followed with his 20th homer, a two-run shot to left.The Royals responded in the bottom half with Witt’s double, Vinnie Pasquantino’s RBI single and Perez’s two-run homer to center for a 4-3 lead.Witt's three-run shot off reliever Miguel Castro in the fourth made it 8-3.“Castro is no easy right-hander to face,” Quatraro said. “He comes in there and that first pitch, you don't expect him to hit a homer, but I guess you maybe start trying to expect it. It's incredible, what he's doing right now. Absolutely incredible.”Renfroe homered in the sixth, Kyle Isbel had three hits and two RBIs, and Pasquantino had three hits for the Royals.After giving up only one run in six innings in each of his first two major league starts, Arizona's Yilber Diaz allowed seven runs and nine hits in three-plus innings.“He couldn’t locate his secondary stuff and became predictable with his fastball,” Lovullo said.TRAINER’S ROOMDiamondbacks: Lovullo said LHP Jordan Montgomery (knee) would come off the injured list and start Tuesday. RHP Merrill Kelly (shoulder) and LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) will each throw a bullpen session Tuesday and are on track for simulated games, Thursday for Kelly and Friday for Rodriguez.Royals: OF MJ Melendez (ankle) is close to returning, Quatraro said. Melendez is eligible to come off the IL Friday.UP NEXTAlec Marsh (7-6, 3.55) will start for the Royals against Montgomery (6-5, 6.44).

⚾ Witt Jr. has huge night in Monday Royals win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. fell a single short of the cycle, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe also homered, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-4 on Monday night for their fourth straight victory. Witt tripled in the first inning, doubled in the third and drilled a three-run homer to deep left-center in the fourth to get the hard part out of the way. He needed a single for the first cycle by a Royals player since George Brett in 1990 but was hit by a pitch and flew out to right in his final two at-bats.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Nick Gonzales hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning after Mitch Keller allowed one run in the first seven, and the Pittsburgh Pirates won for the seventh time in eight games, 2-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals. Bryan Reynolds led off the eighth with a single to left before advancing to second on a wild pitch. With one out, Gonzales sneaked a slow dribbler off John King through the right side of the infield. Keller gave up six hits in seven innings, striking out three and walking two. Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect eighth for the win in this matchup of NL wild card contenders.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs hope to make “some significant progress” on determining their future home after the lease for Arrowhead Stadium expires in January 2031 and club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt made it clear remaining in metropolitan Kansas City is the primary objective. “We have a special connection with the community and with the Chiefs kingdom. And our focus is very much on finding a solution here in the metropolitan area,” Hunt said during his annual training camp news conference on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Connor Stalions is set to share his side of the story from an alleged sign-stealing scheme within Michigan’s football team before the Wolverines went on to win the national championship. Netflix announced Monday that the fourth season of “Untold” will include "Sign Stealer" on Aug. 27, when Stalions breaks his silence on the scandal that shook college football. Stalions was on coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff until resigning in November, accused of purchasing tickets to scout future opponents and sending people to those games to digitally record teams signaling in their plays.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will begin selling alcohol in general seating areas at Camp Randall Stadium this season. The university’s decision leaves Nebraska and Northwestern as the only two schools who aren’t allowing general seating alcohol sales in the now 18-team Big Ten. Wisconsin will also allow alcohol to be sold at UW Field House, home to the women’s volleyball and men’s wrestling teams. It was already available at Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena. The alcohol sales begin with the home opener against Western Michigan on Friday, Aug. 30.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips says the league will fight “as long as it takes” in legal cases against Florida State and Clemson as those member schools challenge the league’s ability to charge hundreds of millions of dollars to leave the conference. Speaking Monday to start the league’s football media days, Phillips called lawsuits filed by the schools “extremely damaging, disruptive and harmful” to the league. Most notably, those schools are challenging the league’s grant-of-rights media agreement that gives the ACC control of media rights for any school that attempts to leave amid a TV deal with ESPN running through 2036.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow and his surgically repaired wrist have been cleared for contact and the Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback is ready to go for the opening of training camp on Wednesday. Burrow was sidelined last season when he suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist in the 10th game, a loss to Baltimore on Nov. 16. He had surgery on his wrist Nov. 27.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love won’t be practicing with the Green Bay Packers as long as the quarterback’s negotiations on a contract extension remain unresolved. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday that Love reported to camp last week but wouldn’t be working out until a deal is reached. Love’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Gutekunst remained optimistic the Packers and Love could reach a deal soon. He noted that Love is participating in all other team activities.

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Khyree Jackson was supposed to report to training camp this week with the rest of the Minnesota Vikings draft class. The team is instead grieving the death of the fourth-round pick out of Oregon. Jackson was killed with two friends in a car crash in Maryland on July 6. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell spoke with the rookies and other early reports about the plans to honor the gregarious 24-year-old cornerback. The Vikings are sending a contingent to his funeral and covering more than $20,000 toward the cost. Players will wear helmet decals with Jackson's number 31 on them this season.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Charlie Woods shot a 12-over 82 on Monday in the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills. The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods birdied both of the par 5s on the Oakland Hills North Course but otherwise struggled, making five double bogeys and four bogeys. Woods will have to have quite a turnaround Tuesday on a course known as “The Monster” to be among the low 64 scorers from a field of 264 players from 40 states and 35 countries. He earned his spot in a qualifier last month in Florida.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. fell a single short of the cycle, Salvador Perez and Hunter Renfroe also homered, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-4 on Monday night for their fourth straight victory. Witt tripled in the first inning, doubled in the third and drilled a three-run homer to deep left-center in the fourth to get the hard part out of the way. He needed a single for the first cycle by a Royals player since George Brett in 1990 but was hit by a pitch and flew out to right in his final two at-bats.PITTSBURGH (AP) — Nick Gonzales hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning after Mitch Keller allowed one run in the first seven, and the Pittsburgh Pirates won for the seventh time in eight games, 2-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals. Bryan Reynolds led off the eighth with a single to left before advancing to second on a wild pitch. With one out, Gonzales sneaked a slow dribbler off John King through the right side of the infield. Keller gave up six hits in seven innings, striking out three and walking two. Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect eighth for the win in this matchup of NL wild card contenders.ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs hope to make “some significant progress” on determining their future home after the lease for Arrowhead Stadium expires in January 2031 and club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt made it clear remaining in metropolitan Kansas City is the primary objective. “We have a special connection with the community and with the Chiefs kingdom. And our focus is very much on finding a solution here in the metropolitan area,” Hunt said during his annual training camp news conference on the campus of Missouri Western State University.ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Connor Stalions is set to share his side of the story from an alleged sign-stealing scheme within Michigan’s football team before the Wolverines went on to win the national championship. Netflix announced Monday that the fourth season of “Untold” will include "Sign Stealer" on Aug. 27, when Stalions breaks his silence on the scandal that shook college football. Stalions was on coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff until resigning in November, accused of purchasing tickets to scout future opponents and sending people to those games to digitally record teams signaling in their plays.MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin will begin selling alcohol in general seating areas at Camp Randall Stadium this season. The university’s decision leaves Nebraska and Northwestern as the only two schools who aren’t allowing general seating alcohol sales in the now 18-team Big Ten. Wisconsin will also allow alcohol to be sold at UW Field House, home to the women’s volleyball and men’s wrestling teams. It was already available at Kohl Center and LaBahn Arena. The alcohol sales begin with the home opener against Western Michigan on Friday, Aug. 30.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips says the league will fight “as long as it takes” in legal cases against Florida State and Clemson as those member schools challenge the league’s ability to charge hundreds of millions of dollars to leave the conference. Speaking Monday to start the league’s football media days, Phillips called lawsuits filed by the schools “extremely damaging, disruptive and harmful” to the league. Most notably, those schools are challenging the league’s grant-of-rights media agreement that gives the ACC control of media rights for any school that attempts to leave amid a TV deal with ESPN running through 2036.CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow and his surgically repaired wrist have been cleared for contact and the Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback is ready to go for the opening of training camp on Wednesday. Burrow was sidelined last season when he suffered a torn ligament in his right wrist in the 10th game, a loss to Baltimore on Nov. 16. He had surgery on his wrist Nov. 27.GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Jordan Love won’t be practicing with the Green Bay Packers as long as the quarterback’s negotiations on a contract extension remain unresolved. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Monday that Love reported to camp last week but wouldn’t be working out until a deal is reached. Love’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Gutekunst remained optimistic the Packers and Love could reach a deal soon. He noted that Love is participating in all other team activities.EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Khyree Jackson was supposed to report to training camp this week with the rest of the Minnesota Vikings draft class. The team is instead grieving the death of the fourth-round pick out of Oregon. Jackson was killed with two friends in a car crash in Maryland on July 6. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell spoke with the rookies and other early reports about the plans to honor the gregarious 24-year-old cornerback. The Vikings are sending a contingent to his funeral and covering more than $20,000 toward the cost. Players will wear helmet decals with Jackson's number 31 on them this season.BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Charlie Woods shot a 12-over 82 on Monday in the U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills. The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods birdied both of the par 5s on the Oakland Hills North Course but otherwise struggled, making five double bogeys and four bogeys. Woods will have to have quite a turnaround Tuesday on a course known as “The Monster” to be among the low 64 scorers from a field of 264 players from 40 states and 35 countries. He earned his spot in a qualifier last month in Florida.MONDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal Minnesota 7 Philadelphia 2Final Kansas City 10 Arizona 4Final Colorado 9 Boston 8AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal N.Y. Yankees 9 Tampa Bay 1Final Detroit 8 Cleveland 2Final Texas 4 Chicago White Sox 3Final Oakland 4 Houston 0Final L.A. Angels 3 Seattle 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 2 St. Louis 1Final N.Y. Mets 6 Miami 4Final Cincinnati 4 Atlanta 1

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs hope to make “some significant progress” on determining their future home after the lease for Arrowhead Stadium expires in January 2031 and club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt on Monday made it clear remaining in metropolitan Kansas City is the primary objective.

“We have a special connection with the community and with the Chiefs kingdom. And our focus is very much on finding a solution here in the metropolitan area,” Hunt said during his annual training camp news conference on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

Jackson County voters in April rejected the extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax that would have contributed to remodeled Arrowhead Stadium and a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals.

The Chiefs have now expanded their options beyond remaining in their home for the past 52 seasons, including a potential move to the Kansas side of the state line where the legislature has approved a bond proposal that would allow the state to fund up to 70% of the cost of a new stadium for the Chiefs. But Hunt hasn’t closed the door on remaining in Missouri or in Arrowhead Stadium.

“We’re glad to have some options, we really appreciate what the Kansas legislature did in passing the upgrade to the star bond bill that potentially would give us an opportunity to look at a stadium over there,” Hunt said.

“And we’re going to work very hard over the coming months and years to come up with a solution that makes sense for the organization, for the team, but also one that makes sense for the community. So we’re approaching it very much with an open mind and look forward to talking to leaders on both sides of the state line.”

The plan rejected by voters in April would have tied the Chiefs to Arrowhead Stadium for 25 years, which Hunt has said is the expected remaining life for the facility. Voters in 2006 rejected adding a rolling roof that would have been shared with next door neighbor Kauffman Stadium but Hunt said that remains an option.

“I do think we’ll look at it again,” Hunt said. “I mentioned the possibility of a new stadium, also on the Missouri side. And I think if we went that route, certainly we would have to look at a dome. A dome gives you an ability to host a lot of other events, which could be important for the community.”

Arrowhead Stadium isn't the only team facility in need of modernization. Hunt concedes the team has outgrown its headquarters and training complex. The Chiefs were graded poorly on the NFL Players Association report card issued in March for a willingness to invest in facilities.

Hunt notes that every NFL team has grown in terms of the number of people, players and coaches, a trend he expects to continue. In the nearly 15 years since the team moved into its headquarters and training complex, the organization has more than doubled its headcount to more than 300, excluding players.

“It would either be a major renovation of our existing training facility, or the construction of the new training facility that would help us accommodate not only the size of the organization now, but also where we’re likely to grow over the next couple of decades,” Hunt explained.

Hunt speaks to his team at the opening of training camp each season, and there are certain messages he reinforces every year.

“I want them to understand the culture of the club. The mission statement, obviously our goal, our goal is to end up in New Orleans, getting to play for another Lombardi Trophy. But the challenge this year is going to be the distractions. There’s going to be a lot of talk about us going back to back to back.”

Hunt told his team they must focus on the task at hand and the next team on the schedule and not let the distraction of a “threepeat” knock them off course.

“Every team we play is going to give us their best shot. When you’re the defending champion, that game is really important for the teams that you played. They circle it on their calendar as a chance to take out the defending champion."

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo delivered a similar message Monday when asked what worries him about the upcoming campaign.

“The Baltimore Ravens,” Spagnuolo said, referencing the team’s Week 1 opponent on the opening night of the NFL season. “That’s all I’m thinking about right now to be quite honest with you. Listen, we know they’re gonna be all fired up, and that’s a good football team. So that’s one thing.”

NOTES: First-round draft pick Xavier Worthy was absent from practice Monday because of an illness, the team said. Worthy, who delivered the highlight play of Sunday’s opening training camp practice after hauling in a deep throw from Patrick Mahomes, is also returning from a hamstring injury sustained during the offseason. ... Seven other players did not participate in Monday’s workout. Cornerback Kelvin Joseph was excused for personal reasons. Left guard Joe Thuney (pectoral), who remains on the physically unable to perform list, worked on the sideline in the training tent during practice. Also on the PUP list are defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (tricep) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder). Safety Justin Reid and defensive end B.J. Thompson are on the non-football injury list.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs hope to make “some significant progress” on determining their future home after the lease for Arrowhead Stadium expires in January 2031 and club chairman and CEO Clark Hunt on Monday made it clear remaining in metropolitan Kansas City is the primary objective.“We have a special connection with the community and with the Chiefs kingdom. And our focus is very much on finding a solution here in the metropolitan area,” Hunt said during his annual training camp news conference on the campus of Missouri Western State University.Jackson County voters in April rejected the extension of a 3/8-cent sales tax that would have contributed to remodeled Arrowhead Stadium and a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals.The Chiefs have now expanded their options beyond remaining in their home for the past 52 seasons, including a potential move to the Kansas side of the state line where the legislature has approved a bond proposal that would allow the state to fund up to 70% of the cost of a new stadium for the Chiefs. But Hunt hasn’t closed the door on remaining in Missouri or in Arrowhead Stadium.“We’re glad to have some options, we really appreciate what the Kansas legislature did in passing the upgrade to the star bond bill that potentially would give us an opportunity to look at a stadium over there,” Hunt said.“And we’re going to work very hard over the coming months and years to come up with a solution that makes sense for the organization, for the team, but also one that makes sense for the community. So we’re approaching it very much with an open mind and look forward to talking to leaders on both sides of the state line.”The plan rejected by voters in April would have tied the Chiefs to Arrowhead Stadium for 25 years, which Hunt has said is the expected remaining life for the facility. Voters in 2006 rejected adding a rolling roof that would have been shared with next door neighbor Kauffman Stadium but Hunt said that remains an option.“I do think we’ll look at it again,” Hunt said. “I mentioned the possibility of a new stadium, also on the Missouri side. And I think if we went that route, certainly we would have to look at a dome. A dome gives you an ability to host a lot of other events, which could be important for the community.”Arrowhead Stadium isn't the only team facility in need of modernization. Hunt concedes the team has outgrown its headquarters and training complex. The Chiefs were graded poorly on the NFL Players Association report card issued in March for a willingness to invest in facilities.Hunt notes that every NFL team has grown in terms of the number of people, players and coaches, a trend he expects to continue. In the nearly 15 years since the team moved into its headquarters and training complex, the organization has more than doubled its headcount to more than 300, excluding players.“It would either be a major renovation of our existing training facility, or the construction of the new training facility that would help us accommodate not only the size of the organization now, but also where we’re likely to grow over the next couple of decades,” Hunt explained.Hunt speaks to his team at the opening of training camp each season, and there are certain messages he reinforces every year.“I want them to understand the culture of the club. The mission statement, obviously our goal, our goal is to end up in New Orleans, getting to play for another Lombardi Trophy. But the challenge this year is going to be the distractions. There’s going to be a lot of talk about us going back to back to back.”Hunt told his team they must focus on the task at hand and the next team on the schedule and not let the distraction of a “threepeat” knock them off course.“Every team we play is going to give us their best shot. When you’re the defending champion, that game is really important for the teams that you played. They circle it on their calendar as a chance to take out the defending champion."Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo delivered a similar message Monday when asked what worries him about the upcoming campaign.“The Baltimore Ravens,” Spagnuolo said, referencing the team’s Week 1 opponent on the opening night of the NFL season. “That’s all I’m thinking about right now to be quite honest with you. Listen, we know they’re gonna be all fired up, and that’s a good football team. So that’s one thing.”NOTES: First-round draft pick Xavier Worthy was absent from practice Monday because of an illness, the team said. Worthy, who delivered the highlight play of Sunday’s opening training camp practice after hauling in a deep throw from Patrick Mahomes, is also returning from a hamstring injury sustained during the offseason. ... Seven other players did not participate in Monday’s workout. Cornerback Kelvin Joseph was excused for personal reasons. Left guard Joe Thuney (pectoral), who remains on the physically unable to perform list, worked on the sideline in the training tent during practice. Also on the PUP list are defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (tricep) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder). Safety Justin Reid and defensive end B.J. Thompson are on the non-football injury list.

Chiefs owner Hunt focused on stadium solution in KC metropolitan area

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been named the Chevrolet AL Player of the Week, Major League Baseball announced on Monday.

The 24-year-old phenom picked up right where he left off prior to the All-Star break. Witt Jr. was 9 for 11 (.818) with three RBI and one home run in the three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox to start the unofficial second half of the season.

This is the second AL Player of the Week honor for Witt Jr. this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691287799360.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives back to first base after a fly out by Michael Massey during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. dives back to first base after a fly out by Michael Massey during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has been named the Chevrolet AL Player of the Week, Major League Baseball announced on Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bobby Witt Jr.: 9-for-11, 4 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI Gavin Lux: 5-for-9, 4 XBH, 3 RBI Your <a href="https://twitter.com/chevrolet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Chevrolet</a> AL and NL Players of the Week! <a href="https://t.co/7fbDNVf8rA">pic.twitter.com/7fbDNVf8rA</a>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1815488427200315419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 24-year-old phenom picked up right where he left off prior to the All-Star break. Witt Jr. was 9 for 11 (.818) with three RBI and one home run in the three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox to start the unofficial second half of the season.This is the second AL Player of the Week honor for Witt Jr. this season.

⚾ Witt Jr. named AL Player of the Week to start second half

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721677059429.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
 
LEXINGTON, Ky. &ndash; For the 12th consecutive year, the Wichita State volleyball team earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award sponsored by INTENT. The Shockers were further recognized with a selection to the AVCA Team Academic Award Honor Roll, which recognizes the top 20% of team GPAs in each division.
Wichita State&nbsp;completed a strong academic year in 2023-24&nbsp;with a 3.60&nbsp;team GPA in the fall and a 3.71&nbsp;mark in the spring, good for a cumulative GPA of 3.65. &quot;We are pleased that the record-setting success of the 2023-24 season on the court has extended to the classroom, too, as evidenced by more programs earning the Team Academic Award than ever before,&quot; says&nbsp;AVCA&nbsp;CEO Dr. Jaime Gordon. &quot;This is a great example of how committed our coaches are when it comes to helping their players reach their full potential as both students and athletes.&quot; The AVCA award initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honoring volleyball teams that maintain a year-long grade-point average of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale or a 4.1 on a 5.0 scale. More than&nbsp;1,400&nbsp;high school and collegiate teams earned the Team Academic Award this season. Season tickets for the 2024 Wichita State volleyball season are now available. Fans interested in becoming a season ticket holder can receive more information by clicking <a href="https://goshockers.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AWICHITA%3AVB24%3AVBS%3A&linkID=wichita&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=VBST&cgc=&dataAccId=504&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_wichita" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HERE</a>.</div>

🏐 WSU claims 12th straight AVCA Team Academic Award

<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/tournament-central-2024/">Tournament Central</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcworldseries6009/streams">Livestream</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/promos/">Promo Schedule</a>

WICHITA, Kan. — The 90th annual NBC World Series begins on Thursday at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University.&nbsp;

The Hutchinson Monarchs are scheduled to play the first game of the tournament, Thursday at 6 p.m. against TPA Texas. The&nbsp; Monarchs are the defending NBC World Series champions.

POOL A Hutchinson Monarchs Seattle Cheney Studs TPA Texas Tulsa Sandlot

POOL B GPS Legends Haysville Aviators Santa Barbara Foresters Seattle Blackfins

POOL C Boulder Collegians Derby Twins Liberal Bee Jays San Diego Stars

POOL D Air Capital Flyers Hays Larks Kansas Cannons Lonestar Baseball Club

Saturday July 27th (Baseball ‘Round the Clock)

Sunday July 28th (Baseball ‘Round the Clock)

Top 3 teams in each pool will advance to single-elimination bracket play starting 7/31

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721407331249.png" alt="Photo Courtesy NBC World Series" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NBC World Series</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/tournament-central-2024/">Tournament Central</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@nbcworldseries6009/streams">Livestream</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/promos/">Promo Schedule</a>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan. — The 90th annual NBC World Series begins on Thursday at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University.&nbsp;The Hutchinson Monarchs are scheduled to play the first game of the tournament, Thursday at 6 p.m. against TPA Texas. The&nbsp; Monarchs are the defending NBC World Series champions.POOL A Hutchinson Monarchs Seattle Cheney Studs TPA Texas Tulsa SandlotPOOL B GPS Legends Haysville Aviators Santa Barbara Foresters Seattle BlackfinsPOOL C Boulder Collegians Derby Twins Liberal Bee Jays San Diego StarsPOOL D Air Capital Flyers Hays Larks Kansas Cannons Lonestar Baseball ClubPool Play ScheduleThursday July 25th<ul>
 <li>6:00pm:&nbsp;TPA Texas vs Hutchinson Monarchs</li><li>8:30pm:&nbsp;Tulsa Sandlot vs Seattle Cheney Studs</li>
 </ul>Friday July 26th&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>12pm:&nbsp;Lonestar Baseball Club vs Kansas Cannons</li><li>3 pm:&nbsp;Seattle Blackfins vs Haysville Aviators</li><li>6 pm:&nbsp;GPS Legends vs Santa Barbara Foresters</li><li>8:30 pm:&nbsp;Air Capital Flyers vs. Hays Larks</li>
 </ul>Saturday July 27th (Baseball ‘Round the Clock)<ul>
 <li>12 pm:&nbsp;Boulder Collegians vs San Diego Stars</li><li>3 pm:&nbsp;Liberal Bee Jays vs Derby Twins</li><li>6 pm:&nbsp;Seattle Cheney Studs vs TPA Texas</li><li>9 pm:&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters vs. Seattle Blackfins</li><li>Midnight:&nbsp;Hutchinson Monarchs vs. Tulsa Sandlot</li>
 </ul>Sunday July 28th (Baseball ‘Round the Clock)<ul>
 <li>3 am:&nbsp;GPS Legends vs. Haysville Aviators</li><li>6 am:&nbsp;Air Capital Flyers vs. Lonestar Baseball Club</li><li>9 am:&nbsp; Derby Twins vs. Boulder Collegians</li><li>Noon:&nbsp;Hays Larks vs Kansas Cannons</li><li>3 pm:&nbsp;Liberal Bee Jays vs. San Diego Stars</li><li>6 pm: Seattle Cheney Studs vs. Doc’s Bombers*&nbsp;Exhibition game against local active-duty military members in celebration of the military teams who played in the NBC National Tournament in the 1940s, 50s &amp; 60s</li>
 </ul>Monday July 29th<ul>
 <li>12 pm:&nbsp;TPA Texas vs. Tulsa Sandlot</li><li>3 pm:&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters vs Haysville Aviators</li><li>6 pm:&nbsp;Hutchinson Monarchs vs Seattle Cheney Studs</li><li>8:30 pm:&nbsp;Seattle Blackfins vs GPS Legends</li>
 </ul>Tuesday July 30th<ul>
 <li>12 pm: San Diego Stars vs Derby Twins</li><li>3 pm:&nbsp;Air Capital Flyers vs. Kansas Cannons</li><li>6 pm:&nbsp;Lonestar Baseball Club vs. Hays Larks</li><li>8:30 pm:&nbsp;Boulder Collegians vs. Liberal Bee Jays</li>
 </ul>Top 3 teams in each pool will advance to single-elimination bracket play starting 7/31

⚾ Monarchs open NBC World Series Thursday in Wichita

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton were pegged as athletic phenoms from a young age and all three lived up to expectations with their induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721654952725.png" alt="Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Jim Leyland, left, Todd Helton, center, and Adrián Beltré, right, holds their plaques at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Cooperstown, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)" />
 <figcaption>Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Jim Leyland, left, Todd Helton, center, and Adrián Beltré, right, holds their plaques at the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Cooperstown, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)</figcaption>
 </figure>COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Adrian Beltré, Joe Mauer and Todd Helton were pegged as athletic phenoms from a young age and all three lived up to expectations with their induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.The Los Angeles Dodgers were so sold on Beltré early on that they broke MLB rules to sign him before he turned 16.Beltré reached the big leagues just after his 19th birthday and was quickly considered one of the best prospects in sports as a teenager.In&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/adrian-beltre-s-full-hall-of-fame-induction-speech?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share" target="_blank">Beltré’s induction speech</a>, he said he played for his first team at age 13 and was a second baseman because his dad told him that was the position he should play.After a teammate asked him to switch and play third base, Beltré obliged and the decision paid off.Beltré played 21 years for the Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers. He became a five-time Gold Glove winner and is the first third baseman with at least 450 home runs and 3,000 hits.&nbsp; During his playing days, Beltré made it clear that he did not like anyone touching his head so of course, his teammates ignored the request and made a habit of touching his head anyway. At Sunday’s ceremony, fellow Hall of Famer David Ortiz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/big-papi-jokingly-touches-adrian-beltre-s-head" target="_blank">continued the tradition</a>&nbsp;by touching Beltré's head prior to his speech.&nbsp;&nbsp;“That never relaxes me,” Beltré said with a laugh. “(But) it was a little cute to go back to my playing days. …It’s just part of being in this fraternity. Even though I don’t love it, I don’t like it, but it felt like I’m open to people to be able to play around with me. I always like that.”Mauer was a high school phenom in both football and baseball in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was named USA Today’s High School Player of the Year in football in 2000 and baseball in 2001.He was drafted by his hometown Twins with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 MLB Draft.“It was truly an honor to be a (Minnesota Twin) and represent my hometown team,” Mauer said.The future six-time All-Star catcher spent just three years in the minors before spending all 15 years of his big league career with the Twins.Mauer finished with one Most Valuable Player award and three batting titles, and is the only catcher in history with at least 2,000 hits, a .300 batting average and a .380 on-base percentage.Mauer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/joe-mauer-s-full-hall-of-fame-induction-speech" target="_blank">noted the emotion he felt</a>&nbsp;seeing all the Minnesota fans throughout the weekend.“It’s not easy to get to Cooperstown and especially with the events that have happened this last week,” he said. “But to see that many Twins fans out there, I just felt the love and I was just hoping that I could deliver the speech that I wrote down.”Helton was also a football and baseball star and played both sports at the University of Tennessee.Despite his dominance in both sports at an early age, Helton never felt comfortable in the spotlight or felt like a Hall of Famer.“Those of you who know me know I’d be more comfortable doing anything other than standing up here talking about myself,” Helton&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/todd-helton-s-full-hall-of-fame-induction-speech" target="_blank">said to open his speech</a>. “I’m just a ballplayer and anyone in the media can attest to that fact.”Helton’s claim to fame could have been that he was the quarterback at Tennessee between future first-round NFL draft picks Heath Shuler and Peyton Manning, but he was destined for bigger things on the baseball diamond.After a knee injury in 1994 paved the way for Manning to become Tennessee’s quarterback, Helton shifted all his focus to baseball, where he was named the winner of the Dick Howser Award by the American Baseball Coaches Association and named Player of the Year by Baseball America.Helton was selected by the Colorado Rockies with the No. 8 overall pick in the 1995 amateur draft and never left the Mile High City.After becoming the starting first baseman in 1995, Helton finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting and posted a .315 batting average with 25 home runs and 97 RBIs.He went on to become one of just three players to record multiple seasons with 100-plus extra-base hits in his career and helped the Rockies reach the 2007 World Series.While Helton began the weekend feeling out of place, the second Rockies Hall of Famer knows he is where he belongs now.“Just standing back there waiting to go up onto the stage, the guys were so kind, but they all came by and offered me advice,” Helton said. “For me, that was the beginning of feeling that I belong. But we have a players-only dinner tonight and I’ll probably feel like I belong after that.”Jim Leyland was elected by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee. He managed for 22 seasons, won three Manager of the Year awards, the 1997 World Series, had a 1,769-1,728 career record as a manager and was the manager of the U.S. team in 2017 when the Americans won their only World Baseball Classic crown.Leyland made sure to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/jim-leyland-s-full-hall-of-fame-induction-speech" target="_blank">acknowledge the importance of the fans</a>&nbsp;to the game of baseball.“No matter which Hall of Famer you’re here to support today, or which team you cheer for, your presence is always felt,” Leyland said. “On your feet in the ninth with the home team clinging to a one-run lead, turning on your television for the first game in the World Series and seeing 50,000 fans hoping and praying that this may be their year, or a little boy or girl getting their first autograph scurrying back to the stands to show mom and dad what they just did. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s you. That’s baseball. And this is the Hall of Fame.”Beltré led this year’s class with 95.1% of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America vote in his first year on the ballot. Helton followed with 79.7% in his sixth year of eligibility and Mauer received 76.1% in his first year.Players who fell short of the 75% threshold for election included Billy Wagner (73.8%), Gary Sheffield (63.9%), Andruw Jones (61.6%) and Carlos Beltrán (57.1%). Sheffield was on the ballot for the 10th time without reaching the 75% mark and is no longer eligible for BBWAA consideration.Joe Castiglione and Gerry Fraley were also honored during Hall of Fame weekend. Castiglione has been the Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster for a record 42 seasons and received the Ford C. Frick Award. Fraley was posthumously honored with the BBWAA Career Excellence Award for his work as a writer. Fraley covered the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers, and also worked as the national baseball writer for the Dallas Morning News.