<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/boxscores/20240210_7zke.xml?view=boxscore">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 15 Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team secured its sixth straight win, defeating Cloud County 75-56 on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

Hutchinson (20-3, 15-2 KJCCC) built a 20-point lead at halftime, 44-24. The Blue Dragons suffocating defense made it hard for Cloud County (16-8, 11-7) to do anything with the basketball.

Cloud County shot 27 percent from the floor (16-of-58), including 23 percent (5-of-21) from behind the arc.

The Blue Dragons on the other hand shot 49 percent (24-of-49), knocking down 41 percent (7-of-17) from the three-point line. Hutchinson also got it done at the foul line, knocking down 20-of-23 (87 percent) free throw attempts.

Four Hutchinson players scored in double figures, led by Dallas Whitney with 19 points off the bench. Kam Thomas scored 15 points, while Tino Simon secured his third straight double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds.&nbsp;

Ja'Ron Briggs led the T-Birds with 15 points, nine of which came from the free throw line. Cheik Sow finished with a double-double, 12 points and 14 rebounds.

The Blue Dragons will travel to Arkansas City to play No. 10 Cowley on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707611821096.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/boxscores/20240210_7zke.xml?view=boxscore">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 15 Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team secured its sixth straight win, defeating Cloud County 75-56 on Saturday at the Sports Arena.Hutchinson (20-3, 15-2 KJCCC) built a 20-point lead at halftime, 44-24. The Blue Dragons suffocating defense made it hard for Cloud County (16-8, 11-7) to do anything with the basketball.Cloud County shot 27 percent from the floor (16-of-58), including 23 percent (5-of-21) from behind the arc.The Blue Dragons on the other hand shot 49 percent (24-of-49), knocking down 41 percent (7-of-17) from the three-point line. Hutchinson also got it done at the foul line, knocking down 20-of-23 (87 percent) free throw attempts.Four Hutchinson players scored in double figures, led by Dallas Whitney with 19 points off the bench. Kam Thomas scored 15 points, while Tino Simon secured his third straight double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds.&nbsp;Ja'Ron Briggs led the T-Birds with 15 points, nine of which came from the free throw line. Cheik Sow finished with a double-double, 12 points and 14 rebounds.The Blue Dragons will travel to Arkansas City to play No. 10 Cowley on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

🏀 MBB: No. 15 Blue Dragons win sixth straight, defeat T-Birds

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/boxscores/20240210_b3nz.xml?view=boxscore">BOX SCORE</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 2 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw five players score in double figures in a 93-63 rout of Cloud County on Saturday at the Sports Arena.

Kiki Smith poured in 20 points to lead all scorers, her sixth 20-point game this season. Journey Armstead and Akaysha Muggeridge each scored by 15, while Hailey Jackson and Kahlen Norris finished with 12.

Hutchinson (23-0, 17-0 KJCCC) continued its unbeaten season, moving into a tie for the fourth-best start in program history. The 23-game winning streak is the fifth longest in the programs 50-year history.

The Blue Dragons scored 20 or more points in all four quarters of the game, 24 in each of the first two quarters, followed by 25 and 20 in quarters three and four.&nbsp;

HutchCC held Cloud County (12-11, 8-10) its fourth straight loss and finished off the season sweep of the T-Birds.

The T-Birds were led by Josephine Igherighe with 19 points, while Maimouna Sissoko finished with a double-double, 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Hutchinson shot 52.9 percent from the floor (37-of-70), including knocking down 12 3-pointers, the second most in a single-game this season.

The Blue Dragons saw all 11 players who saw action, score. Hutchinson finished with nine turnovers in the game, its second straight game with under-10.

Hutchinson will travel to Cowley College (12-12, 6-12) on Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. tip off from Arkansas City. The Tigers knocked off No. 11 Dodge City on Saturday, 78-65.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707611559692.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/boxscores/20240210_b3nz.xml?view=boxscore">BOX SCORE</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 2 Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team saw five players score in double figures in a 93-63 rout of Cloud County on Saturday at the Sports Arena.Kiki Smith poured in 20 points to lead all scorers, her sixth 20-point game this season. Journey Armstead and Akaysha Muggeridge each scored by 15, while Hailey Jackson and Kahlen Norris finished with 12.Hutchinson (23-0, 17-0 KJCCC) continued its unbeaten season, moving into a tie for the fourth-best start in program history. The 23-game winning streak is the fifth longest in the programs 50-year history.The Blue Dragons scored 20 or more points in all four quarters of the game, 24 in each of the first two quarters, followed by 25 and 20 in quarters three and four.&nbsp;HutchCC held Cloud County (12-11, 8-10) its fourth straight loss and finished off the season sweep of the T-Birds.The T-Birds were led by Josephine Igherighe with 19 points, while Maimouna Sissoko finished with a double-double, 17 points and 12 rebounds.Hutchinson shot 52.9 percent from the floor (37-of-70), including knocking down 12 3-pointers, the second most in a single-game this season.The Blue Dragons saw all 11 players who saw action, score. Hutchinson finished with nine turnovers in the game, its second straight game with under-10.Hutchinson will travel to Cowley College (12-12, 6-12) on Wednesday for a 5:30 p.m. tip off from Arkansas City. The Tigers knocked off No. 11 Dodge City on Saturday, 78-65.

🏀 WBB: No. 2 HutchCC rides hot shooting past Cloud County

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

HUNTSVILLE, Texas –&nbsp;Wichita State started the 2024 season on the right note, recording two wins on opening day of the Bearkat Classic over Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State.

The Shockers needed extra innings to record a win in the nightcap over the host Bearkats.

Game 1 vs. Stephen F. Austin | Wichita State 7, SFA 4 Wichita State collected only five hits in the opener, but three of them went over the fence.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;was 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. She was the only Shocker to collect multiple hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-zenon/7576">Sydney Zenon</a>&nbsp;added solo homers.

Zenon made her collegiate debut and recorded her first career hit – a solo home run in her second career at bat.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7566">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;started in the circle but couldn't make it out of the second inning. She allowed three runs on four hits and two walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7557">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;(1-0) picked up the win in 4.2 innings of relief work, allowing one run on three hits. She struck out three and walked one.

It didn't take long for Wichita State to break into the scoring column. Brown blasted a first inning, two-out, three-run homer to give the Shockers an early lead.

The Lumberjacks answered with a three-run top of the third, signaling the end of Howell's day. Aguilar entered with a pair of runners on base, but retired the first two hitters to keep the score tied.

Solo home runs from Wong and Zenon in the bottom of the third and bottom of the fourth made it 5-4.Wichita State added two insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth on a Stephen F. Austin fielding error, allowing Brown and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;to score.

Aguilar retired the final six hitters to record the win out of the bullpen.

Game 2 at Sam Houston | Wichita State 7, Sam Houston 3 (8 innings) <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;regrouped from an 0-for-4 opener vs. Stephen F. Austin with a two-homer game. It marked her 12th career multi-home run game. She also scored three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;continued her hot start with another home run and a single in three at bats.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;drove in two on a double, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;each recorded a hit and an RBI.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;received a no decision in the start. She threw 6.0 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, no walks and four strikeouts. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;(1-0) made her collegiate debut in relief, earning her first career victory. She tossed 2.0 innings of near-perfect relief, allowing no hits or runs and striking out five.

On the very first pitch of the game, Barnard delivered a towering shot over the wall in center for her 70th career home run. The Bearkats evened it at 1-1 in the home half of the first on an RBI infield single.

After a scoreless second inning, Wong homered for the second time of the day to make it 2-1. Sam Houston answered once again with an RBI double, tying the game at 2-2 after 3.0 innings.

In the bottom of the fourth, Sam Houston grabbed a 3-2 lead on a Shocker error. The equalizing run came in the next half inning on Barnard's second homer of the game. Both bombs came on the first pitch of the at bat.

Neither team could manufacture a run in the sixth or seventh, sending the game to extras. In the top of the eighth, Wichita State quickly loaded the bases, and the Shockers took advantage. A sac fly from Sedlacek started a four-run top of the eighth. Urban drove in a pair on a double, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;tacked on one more behind an RBI single.

Barber slammed the door shut by striking out the side to record her first collegiate win.

Up Next Wichita State is back for two more on Saturday against Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston at 3:30 pm and 6 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707579079583.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;HUNTSVILLE, Texas –&nbsp;Wichita State started the 2024 season on the right note, recording two wins on opening day of the Bearkat Classic over Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State.The Shockers needed extra innings to record a win in the nightcap over the host Bearkats.Game 1 vs. Stephen F. Austin | Wichita State 7, SFA 4 Wichita State collected only five hits in the opener, but three of them went over the fence.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7559">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;was 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. She was the only Shocker to collect multiple hits.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-zenon/7576">Sydney Zenon</a>&nbsp;added solo homers.Zenon made her collegiate debut and recorded her first career hit – a solo home run in her second career at bat.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7566">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;started in the circle but couldn't make it out of the second inning. She allowed three runs on four hits and two walks.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7557">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;(1-0) picked up the win in 4.2 innings of relief work, allowing one run on three hits. She struck out three and walked one.It didn't take long for Wichita State to break into the scoring column. Brown blasted a first inning, two-out, three-run homer to give the Shockers an early lead.The Lumberjacks answered with a three-run top of the third, signaling the end of Howell's day. Aguilar entered with a pair of runners on base, but retired the first two hitters to keep the score tied.Solo home runs from Wong and Zenon in the bottom of the third and bottom of the fourth made it 5-4.Wichita State added two insurance runs in the bottom of the fifth on a Stephen F. Austin fielding error, allowing Brown and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;to score.Aguilar retired the final six hitters to record the win out of the bullpen.Game 2 at Sam Houston | Wichita State 7, Sam Houston 3 (8 innings) <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;regrouped from an 0-for-4 opener vs. Stephen F. Austin with a two-homer game. It marked her 12th career multi-home run game. She also scored three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967">CC Wong</a>&nbsp;continued her hot start with another home run and a single in three at bats.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/bailey-urban/7572">Bailey Urban</a>&nbsp;drove in two on a double, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7570">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;each recorded a hit and an RBI.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7561">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;received a no decision in the start. She threw 6.0 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, no walks and four strikeouts. Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/chloe-barber/7573">Chloe Barber</a>&nbsp;(1-0) made her collegiate debut in relief, earning her first career victory. She tossed 2.0 innings of near-perfect relief, allowing no hits or runs and striking out five.On the very first pitch of the game, Barnard delivered a towering shot over the wall in center for her 70th career home run. The Bearkats evened it at 1-1 in the home half of the first on an RBI infield single.After a scoreless second inning, Wong homered for the second time of the day to make it 2-1. Sam Houston answered once again with an RBI double, tying the game at 2-2 after 3.0 innings.In the bottom of the fourth, Sam Houston grabbed a 3-2 lead on a Shocker error. The equalizing run came in the next half inning on Barnard's second homer of the game. Both bombs came on the first pitch of the at bat.Neither team could manufacture a run in the sixth or seventh, sending the game to extras. In the top of the eighth, Wichita State quickly loaded the bases, and the Shockers took advantage. A sac fly from Sedlacek started a four-run top of the eighth. Urban drove in a pair on a double, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7565">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;tacked on one more behind an RBI single.Barber slammed the door shut by striking out the side to record her first collegiate win.Up Next Wichita State is back for two more on Saturday against Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston at 3:30 pm and 6 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers open 2024 campaign with two wins

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney for the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a pectoral injury.

Wide receiver Rashee Rice and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though, appear ready to go.

Rice was a full participant in practice Friday after he was stepped on near the end of the previous day’s workout, while Edwards-Helaire also put in a full practice after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.

The only player that the Chiefs listed as questionable on the final injury report was running back Jerick McKinnon, who remains on injured reserve after surgery in January for a core muscle injury. The Chiefs have until Saturday afternoon to add him onto the active roster for the Super Bowl, though Reid described his chances of playing as “slim” earlier in the week.

The 49ers are healthy headed into the game with no one on the active roster listed with an injury designation.

“Guys have worked hard these two weeks,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “The guys who have been banged up, they’ve done everything possible to be healthy for this game. It’s our first time everyone is full and healthy. It’s the right game to have it that way.”

Backup defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who is currently on injured reserve but has practiced this week, was listed as questionable for San Francisco with an ankle injury. Davis is not expected to be activated on Saturday to play in the game.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid insisted all week he wasn’t counting Thuney out, right through the end of a 66-minute workout Friday at the practice facility of the AFC West-rival Raiders. But given Thuney had not practiced since before he was hurt in the divisional round in Buffalo, it had become increasingly clear that Allegretti would get the start in his place.

The longtime backup has done this before. Allegretti also started the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay in 2021 because of injuries.

“Next-man-up mentality,” Chiefs right guard Trey Smith said. “Nick is a consummate professional. He’ll be ready to go. He’s done a great job these past couple of weeks of preparation. Our coaches will have us prepared and Nick will do great.”

The Chiefs experienced a scare near the end of Thursday’s practice when Rice accidentally was stepped on and limped off the field. The rookie wide receiver has become one of Patrick Mahomes’ go-to targets, catching 20 passes for 223 yards and a score in three playoff games, while also helping to draw some of the attention away from tight end Travis Kelce.

Edwards-Helaire was inactive for last year’s Super Bowl despite proclaiming himself healthy following a high ankle sprain.

“This is what you always work for since you were a child,” said Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round pick who lost his job to Isiah Pacheco last season and will be a free agent after this season. “And it’s always a hard thing to get to, but obviously we’re able to do the things we needed to in order to get back.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707535269629.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney for the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday because of a pectoral injury.Wide receiver Rashee Rice and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though, appear ready to go.Rice was a full participant in practice Friday after he was stepped on near the end of the previous day’s workout, while Edwards-Helaire also put in a full practice after dealing with an illness earlier in the week.The only player that the Chiefs listed as questionable on the final injury report was running back Jerick McKinnon, who remains on injured reserve after surgery in January for a core muscle injury. The Chiefs have until Saturday afternoon to add him onto the active roster for the Super Bowl, though Reid described his chances of playing as “slim” earlier in the week.The 49ers are healthy headed into the game with no one on the active roster listed with an injury designation.“Guys have worked hard these two weeks,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “The guys who have been banged up, they’ve done everything possible to be healthy for this game. It’s our first time everyone is full and healthy. It’s the right game to have it that way.”Backup defensive tackle Kalia Davis, who is currently on injured reserve but has practiced this week, was listed as questionable for San Francisco with an ankle injury. Davis is not expected to be activated on Saturday to play in the game.Chiefs coach Andy Reid insisted all week he wasn’t counting Thuney out, right through the end of a 66-minute workout Friday at the practice facility of the AFC West-rival Raiders. But given Thuney had not practiced since before he was hurt in the divisional round in Buffalo, it had become increasingly clear that Allegretti would get the start in his place.The longtime backup has done this before. Allegretti also started the Super Bowl against Tampa Bay in 2021 because of injuries.“Next-man-up mentality,” Chiefs right guard Trey Smith said. “Nick is a consummate professional. He’ll be ready to go. He’s done a great job these past couple of weeks of preparation. Our coaches will have us prepared and Nick will do great.”The Chiefs experienced a scare near the end of Thursday’s practice when Rice accidentally was stepped on and limped off the field. The rookie wide receiver has become one of Patrick Mahomes’ go-to targets, catching 20 passes for 223 yards and a score in three playoff games, while also helping to draw some of the attention away from tight end Travis Kelce.Edwards-Helaire was inactive for last year’s Super Bowl despite proclaiming himself healthy following a high ankle sprain.“This is what you always work for since you were a child,” said Edwards-Helaire, a former first-round pick who lost his job to Isiah Pacheco last season and will be a free agent after this season. “And it’s always a hard thing to get to, but obviously we’re able to do the things we needed to in order to get back.”

🏈 Chiefs officially rule out Thuney for Super Bowl 

MAIZE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks earned a split with the Maize Eagles on Friday night.&nbsp;

The Hutchinson girls were victorious over the Eagles 40-23.

The Salthawks, now 10-6 got another strong game from Kaia Smith with 20 points to lead both teams in scoring. Grace Posch scored 13, Ava Krone two, Rachel Tomac two plus 12 rebounds, Kolbie Craft two and Azariah Dawes with one point.

Maize was led in scoring by Charlotte Kerbs and Brynley Smith with seven points each. Adley Pierce scored five and Rylee Frye scored two points.

In the boys game, it twas deja-vu from two weeks ago as the Salthawks led by eight at the half 20-12, but Maize owned the third quarter to score 12 unanswered points to storm ahead 32-29 going into the final quarter. Maize High's Alec Grill scored all of his 15 points in the second half as did Brayden Myovela with 12 points to lead the Eagles in scoring.

Alan Hanna added 11 including two thunderous dunks in the final quarter as Maize seemed to have an answer for every Hutchinson basket in the second half.

Terrell King led the Salthawks in scoring with 12, Jax Heneha had another solid night with 11. Tai Clark and Taishaun Govain each scored six. Julian Smith scored three in limited minutes, while Daylee VanSycle scored two.

Hutch High, now 12-4 return home to face undefeated Maize South on Tuesday. Maize 9-7, host Arkansas City. Both teams head into the final two weeks of the regular season with next week's games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707573426132.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MAIZE, Kan. — The Hutchinson Salthawks earned a split with the Maize Eagles on Friday night.&nbsp;The Hutchinson girls were victorious over the Eagles 40-23.The Salthawks, now 10-6 got another strong game from Kaia Smith with 20 points to lead both teams in scoring. Grace Posch scored 13, Ava Krone two, Rachel Tomac two plus 12 rebounds, Kolbie Craft two and Azariah Dawes with one point.Maize was led in scoring by Charlotte Kerbs and Brynley Smith with seven points each. Adley Pierce scored five and Rylee Frye scored two points.In the boys game, it twas deja-vu from two weeks ago as the Salthawks led by eight at the half 20-12, but Maize owned the third quarter to score 12 unanswered points to storm ahead 32-29 going into the final quarter. Maize High's Alec Grill scored all of his 15 points in the second half as did Brayden Myovela with 12 points to lead the Eagles in scoring.Alan Hanna added 11 including two thunderous dunks in the final quarter as Maize seemed to have an answer for every Hutchinson basket in the second half.Terrell King led the Salthawks in scoring with 12, Jax Heneha had another solid night with 11. Tai Clark and Taishaun Govain each scored six. Julian Smith scored three in limited minutes, while Daylee VanSycle scored two.Hutch High, now 12-4 return home to face undefeated Maize South on Tuesday. Maize 9-7, host Arkansas City. Both teams head into the final two weeks of the regular season with next week's games.

🏀 Salthawks split with Maize

AP Sports Summary for February 10th, 2024.

It's not just Purdy: Several late picks and undrafted players making an impact for Chiefs, 49ers

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Brock Purdy's journey from Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl starting quarterback is one of the main subplots of this year's Super Bowl. But a handful of other late draft picks and players who weren't drafted at all have made contributions to the 49ers and Chiefs. All of them are reminders that you can build a memorable NFL career no matter how long it takes someone to choose you. Kansas City's Nick Allegretti and Isiah Pacheco were taken in the seventh round. San Francisco's Jake Brendel and Tashaun Gipson went undrafted.

49ers Pregame Routine: Nick Bosa makes big impact on San Francisco with weekly speeches

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Nick Bosa has been making a high-profile impact for the San Francisco 49ers on Sundays ever since entering the league as the No. 2 overall pick in 2019. Bosa also has been making more hidden contributions every Saturday the past two seasons by breaking down the team with a speech at the end of the final walkthrough before each game. The soft-spoken Bosa was given the assignment for the first time during the 2022 season as coach Kyle Shanahan liked to randomly call on players to keep them all on their toes. General manager John Lynch called the speeches "special."

Former Mets GM Billy Eppler suspended through World Series for fabricating injuries

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler was suspended through the 2024 World Series by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, who concluded he and other team employees fabricated injuries to create open roster spots. No Mets medical or athletic training personnel were mentioned in the announcement by Major League Baseball. Manfred said in a statement that Eppler directed "the deliberate fabrication of injuries; and the associated submission of documentation for the purposes of securing multiple improper injured list placements during the 2022 and 2023 seasons."

Kaprizov scores, Wild beat Penguins 3-2 as Fleury makes 32 saves on night he's honored

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kirill Kaprizov scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and Marc-Andre Fleury made 32 saves as the Minnesota Wild beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Matt Boldy and Jonas Brodin also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of seven. Fleury, who earned his 553rd career win, was honored in a pregame ceremony nearly a month after passing Patrick Roy (551) for second place in NHL history. He trails only Martin Brodeur, who has 691 wins. Reilly Smith and Sidney Crosby scored for the Penguins, and Alex Nedeljkovic made 27 saves.

For Native American activists, the Kansas City Chiefs have it all wrong

Dozens of Indigenous activists have traveled to Las Vegas to gather outside the Super Bowl and demand the Kansas City Chiefs change the team name and ditch its logo and gametime rituals. Rhonda LeValdo founded and leads a group called Not In Our Honor that is calling for the changes. The Acoma Pueblo journalist has been in the Kansas City area for more than two decades. The Chiefs have been the focus of her decadeslong activism against the use of Native American imagery and references in sports. She says the pain fueling her activism is rooted in her ancestors' oppression and the lingering effects on her community.

Ohio State hires Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator after he steps down as head coach at UCLA

UCLA coach Chip Kelly stepped down after six seasons leading the Bruins to become offensive coordinator for Ohio State. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day hired former Texans coach Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator last month, but O'Brien is now heading to Boston College to become the Eagles' head coach. Day played quarterback in college for Kelly when he was offensive coordinator at New Hampshire. Kelly had a 35-34 record in six years with the Bruins, who are moving to the Big Ten next season.

Nick Taylor shoots 60 to match course record, shares Phoenix Open lead with Andrew Novak

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Nick Taylor matched the course record with an 11-under 60 to finish his first round Friday and shot 70 in the second to match Andrew Novak for the Phoenix Open lead at 12 under. With weather delays pushing the first round into Friday, Taylor returned to complete a record round shared with four others at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium course. Taylor got his second round off to a shaky start before two birdies on the back nine moved him back into a tie for the lead with more than half the field still needing to finish Saturday. Novak closed out a 65 in the morning and shot 4-under 31 on the front nine for another 65 in the second round.

Canada wins 3rd straight to send Rivalry Series to decisive Game 7, beating US 3-0 in Regina

REGINA, Saskatchewan (AP) — Natalie Spooner opened the scoring on a power play 58 seconds into the third period and Canada won its third straight to send the Rivalry Series to a decisive seventh game, beating the United States 3-0 on Friday night. Emerance Maschmeyer made 27 saves, and Emily Clark and Sarah Nurse added goals. Game 7 is Sunday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Twenty-six seconds after Megan Keller was penalized for body-checking, Spooner took a pass from Marie-Philip Poulin on a rush, cut to the slot and fired a wrist shot to the far side past goalie Aerin Frankel. The U.S. failed to wrap up the series for the third straight game and second time in three nights in Saskatchewan. On Wednesday night in Saskatoon, Canada won 4-2.

Post-World Cup, Qatar is pressing ahead with labor reforms but concerns for migrant workers remain

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The enduring image of the 2022 World Cup was Lionel Messi holding aloft soccer's biggest prize in Qatar's spectacular Lusail Stadium. Messi had realized his ultimate ambition by leading Argentina to glory in perhaps the most thrilling final in the tournament's history. The drama was played out in front of around 90,000 fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the globe. Despite concern over the treatment of migrant workers, it could hardly have turned out better for Qatar and soccer's world governing body FIFA after so much criticism over the decision to stage a first World Cup in the Middle East. To some it could have been viewed as an example of the effectiveness of so-called sportswashing.

Shohei Ohtani tries to blend in with Dodgers, even if that might prove impossible

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gave his first interview at Camelback Ranch as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a chilly Friday morning, surrounded by more than 50 reporters who asked questions of baseball's first and only $700 million man. These kinds of scenes make it hard for Ohtani to be one of the guys. But he's trying. Ohtani said he's "going to act like a rookie" while getting acclimated to his new team. The Dodgers had their first official workout of spring training on Friday, with pitchers and catchers reporting. Several hitters were also taking batting practice, though stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman haven't arrived at camp.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, February 10th, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Saturday, February 10th, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for February 10th, 2024.It's not just Purdy: Several late picks and undrafted players making an impact for Chiefs, 49ersLAS VEGAS (AP) — Brock Purdy's journey from Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl starting quarterback is one of the main subplots of this year's Super Bowl. But a handful of other late draft picks and players who weren't drafted at all have made contributions to the 49ers and Chiefs. All of them are reminders that you can build a memorable NFL career no matter how long it takes someone to choose you. Kansas City's Nick Allegretti and Isiah Pacheco were taken in the seventh round. San Francisco's Jake Brendel and Tashaun Gipson went undrafted.49ers Pregame Routine: Nick Bosa makes big impact on San Francisco with weekly speechesHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Nick Bosa has been making a high-profile impact for the San Francisco 49ers on Sundays ever since entering the league as the No. 2 overall pick in 2019. Bosa also has been making more hidden contributions every Saturday the past two seasons by breaking down the team with a speech at the end of the final walkthrough before each game. The soft-spoken Bosa was given the assignment for the first time during the 2022 season as coach Kyle Shanahan liked to randomly call on players to keep them all on their toes. General manager John Lynch called the speeches "special."Former Mets GM Billy Eppler suspended through World Series for fabricating injuriesNEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler was suspended through the 2024 World Series by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, who concluded he and other team employees fabricated injuries to create open roster spots. No Mets medical or athletic training personnel were mentioned in the announcement by Major League Baseball. Manfred said in a statement that Eppler directed "the deliberate fabrication of injuries; and the associated submission of documentation for the purposes of securing multiple improper injured list placements during the 2022 and 2023 seasons."Kaprizov scores, Wild beat Penguins 3-2 as Fleury makes 32 saves on night he's honoredST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Kirill Kaprizov scored the tiebreaking goal midway through the third period and Marc-Andre Fleury made 32 saves as the Minnesota Wild beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Matt Boldy and Jonas Brodin also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of seven. Fleury, who earned his 553rd career win, was honored in a pregame ceremony nearly a month after passing Patrick Roy (551) for second place in NHL history. He trails only Martin Brodeur, who has 691 wins. Reilly Smith and Sidney Crosby scored for the Penguins, and Alex Nedeljkovic made 27 saves.For Native American activists, the Kansas City Chiefs have it all wrongDozens of Indigenous activists have traveled to Las Vegas to gather outside the Super Bowl and demand the Kansas City Chiefs change the team name and ditch its logo and gametime rituals. Rhonda LeValdo founded and leads a group called Not In Our Honor that is calling for the changes. The Acoma Pueblo journalist has been in the Kansas City area for more than two decades. The Chiefs have been the focus of her decadeslong activism against the use of Native American imagery and references in sports. She says the pain fueling her activism is rooted in her ancestors' oppression and the lingering effects on her community.Ohio State hires Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator after he steps down as head coach at UCLAUCLA coach Chip Kelly stepped down after six seasons leading the Bruins to become offensive coordinator for Ohio State. Buckeyes coach Ryan Day hired former Texans coach Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator last month, but O'Brien is now heading to Boston College to become the Eagles' head coach. Day played quarterback in college for Kelly when he was offensive coordinator at New Hampshire. Kelly had a 35-34 record in six years with the Bruins, who are moving to the Big Ten next season.Nick Taylor shoots 60 to match course record, shares Phoenix Open lead with Andrew NovakSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Nick Taylor matched the course record with an 11-under 60 to finish his first round Friday and shot 70 in the second to match Andrew Novak for the Phoenix Open lead at 12 under. With weather delays pushing the first round into Friday, Taylor returned to complete a record round shared with four others at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium course. Taylor got his second round off to a shaky start before two birdies on the back nine moved him back into a tie for the lead with more than half the field still needing to finish Saturday. Novak closed out a 65 in the morning and shot 4-under 31 on the front nine for another 65 in the second round.Canada wins 3rd straight to send Rivalry Series to decisive Game 7, beating US 3-0 in ReginaREGINA, Saskatchewan (AP) — Natalie Spooner opened the scoring on a power play 58 seconds into the third period and Canada won its third straight to send the Rivalry Series to a decisive seventh game, beating the United States 3-0 on Friday night. Emerance Maschmeyer made 27 saves, and Emily Clark and Sarah Nurse added goals. Game 7 is Sunday in St. Paul, Minnesota. Twenty-six seconds after Megan Keller was penalized for body-checking, Spooner took a pass from Marie-Philip Poulin on a rush, cut to the slot and fired a wrist shot to the far side past goalie Aerin Frankel. The U.S. failed to wrap up the series for the third straight game and second time in three nights in Saskatchewan. On Wednesday night in Saskatoon, Canada won 4-2.Post-World Cup, Qatar is pressing ahead with labor reforms but concerns for migrant workers remainDOHA, Qatar (AP) — The enduring image of the 2022 World Cup was Lionel Messi holding aloft soccer's biggest prize in Qatar's spectacular Lusail Stadium. Messi had realized his ultimate ambition by leading Argentina to glory in perhaps the most thrilling final in the tournament's history. The drama was played out in front of around 90,000 fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the globe. Despite concern over the treatment of migrant workers, it could hardly have turned out better for Qatar and soccer's world governing body FIFA after so much criticism over the decision to stage a first World Cup in the Middle East. To some it could have been viewed as an example of the effectiveness of so-called sportswashing.Shohei Ohtani tries to blend in with Dodgers, even if that might prove impossibleGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani gave his first interview at Camelback Ranch as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers on a chilly Friday morning, surrounded by more than 50 reporters who asked questions of baseball's first and only $700 million man. These kinds of scenes make it hard for Ohtani to be one of the guys. But he's trying. Ohtani said he's "going to act like a rookie" while getting acclimated to his new team. The Dodgers had their first official workout of spring training on Friday, with pitchers and catchers reporting. Several hitters were also taking batting practice, though stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman haven't arrived at camp.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Final	Atlanta	127	Philadelphia	121	Final	Boston	133	Washington	129	Final	Toronto	107	Houston	104	Final	Milwaukee	120	Charlotte	84	Final	Sacramento	135	Denver	106	Final	L.A. Lakers	139	New Orleans	122	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Final	Minnesota	3	Pittsburgh	2	Final OT	N-Y Rangers	4	Chicago	3	Final	Edmonton	5	Anaheim	3	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL Final	VCU	49	(18)Dayton	47	Final	Nevada	70	(24)San Diego St.	66	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Oklahoma City	at	Dallas	3 p.m.	Detroit	at	L.A. Clippers	3:30 p.m.	San Antonio	at	Brooklyn	6 p.m.	Chicago	at	Orlando	7 p.m.	Memphis	at	Charlotte	7 p.m.	Philadelphia	at	Washington	7 p.m.	Cleveland	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.	Houston	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.	Indiana	at	New York	7:30 p.m.	Phoenix	at	Golden State	8:30 p.m.	New Orleans	at	Portland	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Calgary	at	N-Y Islanders	1 p.m.	Dallas	at	Montreal	1 p.m.	St. Louis	at	Buffalo	1 p.m.	Vancouver	at	Detroit	1 p.m.	Washington	at	Boston	3:30 p.m.	Colorado	at	Florida	6 p.m.	New Jersey	at	Carolina	7 p.m.	Pittsburgh	at	Winnipeg	7 p.m.	Seattle	at	Philadelphia	7 p.m.	Tampa Bay	at	Columbus	7 p.m.	Toronto	at	Ottawa	7 p.m.	Arizona	at	Nashville	8 p.m.	Edmonton	at	Los Angeles	10 p.m.	___TOP-25 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (1)UConn	at	Georgetown	12 p.m.	Indiana	at	(2)Purdue	8 p.m.	(3)North Carolina	at	Miami	4 p.m.	(13)Baylor	at	(4)Kansas	6 p.m.	(5)Houston	at	Cincinnati	4 p.m.	(6)Tennessee	at	Texas A&amp;M	8 p.m.	St. John's	at	(7)Marquette	6 p.m.	(8)Arizona	at	Colorado	10 p.m.	Boston College	at	(9)Duke	2 p.m.	(10)Illinois	at	Michigan St.	2 p.m.	(11)Wisconsin	at	Rutgers	12 p.m.	(12)Auburn	at	Florida	3:30 p.m.	TCU	at	(14)Iowa St.	2 p.m.	Vanderbilt	at	(15)South Carolina	1 p.m.	(16)Alabama	at	LSU	12 p.m.	Gonzaga	at	(17)Kentucky	4 p.m.	(19)Creighton	at	Xavier	12:30 p.m.	Kansas St.	at	(21)BYU	10 p.m.	Boise St.	at	(22)Utah St.	10 p.m.	UCF	at	(23)Texas Tech	4 p.m.	UNLV	at	(25)New Mexico	8 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Saturday

Goddard-Eisenhower 59, Salina Central 53

Highland Park 65, Kansas City Central, Mo. 60

Kapaun Mount Carmel 73, Wichita Bishop Carroll 59

Maize South 66, Andover Central 47

Maur Hill - Mount Academy 57, Jackson Heights 51

Northern Valley 69, Triplains-Brewster 14

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701785757574.png" alt="Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard from Friday night" />
 <figcaption>Eagle Media HS Basketball Scoreboard from Friday night</figcaption>
 </figure>Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>BOYS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Abilene 53, Wamego 45Altoona-Midway 58, Marmaton Valley 44Andale 70, Clearwater 39Andover 85, Goddard 66Arkansas City 63, Valley Center 60Atchison 91, KC Harmon 32Axtell 56, KC Washington 38BV North 62, Blue Valley 57BV Northwest 74, BV West 46Basehor-Linwood 55, Leavenworth 34Bennington 54, Remington 52Bonner Springs 77, Ottawa 72Bucklin 71, Macksville 54Buhler 60, Augusta 59Burlingame 64, Cornerstone Family 40Caldwell 58, Howard West Elk 41Centralia 63, Valley Heights 47Chanute 57, Labette County 46Chase County 53, Waverly 36Cheney 45, Wichita Trinity 42Clay Center 56, Marysville 39Clifton-Clyde 70, Onaga 41Colby 91, Dodge City 80, 3OTConcordia 60, Chapman 56Conway Springs 62, Belle Plaine 40De Soto 71, Lansing 54Deerfield 51, Greeley County 44Derby 71, Newton 35Dighton 55, Western Plains-Healy 21Ell-Saline 63, Marion 27Ellinwood 54, Kinsley 34Ellsworth 65, Republic County 25Emporia 56, Topeka 47Eudora 57, Paola 46Eureka 50, Bluestem 47Frontenac 58, Baxter Springs 47Garden Plain 44, Kingman 27Girard 70, Riverton 54Goddard-Eisenhower 59, Salina Central 53Goessel 50, Herington 45Great Bend 77, Garden City 52Haven 65, Smoky Valley 25Hays 66, Liberal 32Hays-TMP-Marian 51, Phillipsburg 49Hesston 61, Larned 13Highland Park 65, Kansas City Central, Mo. 60Hillsboro 58, Halstead 46Hodgeman County 59, Kiowa County 53Hoisington 58, Lyons 45Holcomb 47, Scott City 44Hugoton 72, Syracuse 39Humboldt 78, Cherryvale 17Ingalls 63, Pawnee Heights 49Junction City 56, Manhattan 53KC Bishop Ward 55, Heritage Christian 50KC Piper 60, KC Turner 36Kapaun Mount Carmel 73, Wichita Bishop Carroll 59La Crosse 45, Central Plains 29Lawrence 65, Olathe Northwest 62Lincoln 50, Rock Hills 17Logan 65, Weskan 59Lyndon 72, Northern Heights 20Maize 49, Hutchinson 40Maize South 66, Andover Central 47Maur Hill - Mount Academy 57, Jackson Heights 51Meade 62, Ashland 33Mill Valley 64, SM East 51Ness City 63, Otis-Bison 46Northern Valley 69, Triplains-Brewster 14Norton 58, Smith Center 45Norwich 32, Attica 29Oakley 48, Ellis 38Olathe East 70, Olathe South 68Olathe North 61, SM North 35Olathe West 61, Gardner-Edgerton 29Olpe 54, Osage City 36Oswego 45, Pleasanton 33Perry-Lecompton 37, Nemaha Central 35Pike Valley 75, Natoma 25Pittsburg 82, Parsons 62Plainville 71, Hoxie 63Pratt 61, Nickerson 45Quinter 56, Rawlins County 39Riley County 58, Wabaunsee 53Rock Creek 72, St Marys 53Rossville 87, Silver Lake 79, OTRoyal Valley 69, Baldwin 28SM Northwest 67, SM West 49SM South 58, Lawrence Free State 38SVHE 75, Chase 21Sabetha 63, Jefferson West 45Salina Sacred Heart 65, Council Grove 48Santa Fe Trail 71, Osawatomie 54Sedan 66, Erie 55Sedgwick 30, Inman 27South Central 67, Satanta 40South Gray 82, Southwestern Hts. 32Southeast of Saline 63, Minneapolis 25Spearville 75, Minneola 66Spring Hill 44, Louisburg 42St John 58, Victoria 56St. Thomas Aquinas 63, St. James Academy 57Sterling 57, Berean Academy 37Sublette 73, Wichita County 64Sylvan-Lucas 54, Linn 47Tescott 54, Thunder Ridge 24Topeka West 55, Topeka Seaman 49Troy 37, Frankfort 29Uniontown 48, Southeast 39Washburn Rural 62, Topeka Hayden 41Wellington 67, El Dorado 60Wellsville 86, West Franklin 38Wichita Campus 65, Salina South 39Wichita Collegiate 53, Rose Hill 42Wichita Independent 69, Chaparral 46Wichita Northwest 47, Wichita East 45Wichita Southeast 59, Wichita Heights 58Friday's ScoresThe Associated Press<h2>GIRLS PREP BASKETBALL=</h2>Atchison 59, KC Harmon 10Atchison County 41, Valley Falls 33BV Northwest 46, BV West 19Basehor-Linwood 39, Leavenworth 29Berean Academy 50, Sterling 33Buhler 50, Augusta 25Burlingame 62, Cornerstone Family 33Central Plains 39, La Crosse 35Centralia 54, Valley Heights 50Chase County 63, Waverly 31Cheney 48, Wichita Trinity 22Circle 48, Mulvane 32Clay Center 49, Marysville 45Clearwater 40, Andale 28Clifton-Clyde 61, Onaga 32Colby 58, Dodge City 26Concordia 53, Chapman 46Crest 46, St Paul 30De Soto 59, Lansing 35Derby 70, Newton 32Ellsworth 44, Republic County 32Emporia 57, Topeka 27Eudora 49, Paola 34Frankfort 51, Troy 30Garden Plain 51, Kingman 33Girard 50, Riverton 42Goessel 46, Herington 21Great Bend 50, Garden City 30Hays 59, Liberal 49Heritage Christian 64, KC Bishop Ward 20Hesston 53, Larned 41Highland Park 75, Kansas City Central, Mo. 10Hillsboro 33, Halstead 31Holcomb 55, Scott City 29Hutchinson 40, Maize 23Hutchinson Central Christian 54, South Barber 23Independence 50, Coffeyville 24KC Piper 73, KC Turner 13KC Washington 48, Axtell 32Labette County 56, Chanute 14Lawrence 41, Olathe Northwest 38Little River 67, Elyria Christian 19Logan 64, Weskan 48Lyndon 55, Northern Heights 23Maize South 51, Andover Central 32Manhattan 61, Junction City 18Meade 62, Ashland 33Mission Valley 43, Marais des Cygnes Valley 35Nemaha Central 53, Perry-Lecompton 30Nickerson 41, Pratt 40Northern Valley 60, Triplains-Brewster 28Norton 36, Smith Center 20Oakley 46, Ellis 43Olathe North 49, SM North 26Olathe South 51, Olathe East 36Olathe West 42, Gardner-Edgerton 29Olpe 48, Osage City 42Otis-Bison 52, Ness City 45Ottawa 52, Bonner Springs 32Pike Valley 45, Natoma 35Pittsburg 49, Parsons 48, OTRawlins County 61, Quinter 50Rock Hills 45, Lincoln 33Royal Valley 50, Baldwin 17SM East 55, Mill Valley 37SM Northwest 51, SM West 39SM South 73, Lawrence Free State 13Salina Central 38, Goddard-Eisenhower 33Salina Sacred Heart 42, Council Grove 29Santa Fe Trail 98, Osawatomie 12Silver Lake 68, Rossville 39Smoky Valley 39, Haven 31South Gray 62, Southwestern Hts. 42Southeast of Saline 42, Minneapolis 40Spring Hill 43, Louisburg 42St John 58, Victoria 36St Marys 43, Rock Creek 37St. James Academy 55, St. Thomas Aquinas 53Sylvan-Lucas 61, Linn 49Thunder Ridge 58, Tescott 22Udall 46, Burden Central 23Uniontown 35, Southeast 32Wallace County 60, St Francis 32Wamego 45, Abilene 40Washburn Rural 46, Topeka Hayden 44Wellington 71, El Dorado 13Wellsville 41, West Franklin 36Wheatland-Grinnell 37, Golden Plains 26

🏀 EAGLE Media Scoreboard from Friday games

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been here before.

In fact, they’ve beaten the San Francisco 49ers here before.

Of all the reasons why the Chiefs will raise their third Lombardi Trophy in four trips to the Super Bowl over the past five years — and there are many, beginning with the brilliance of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the wizardry of coach Andy Reid, the league’s No. 2-ranked defense and a sizeable chip they carry on their collective shoulders — experience might just top the list.

When they kick off against the 49ers on Sunday for a rematch of their championship win four years ago in Miami, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will start his 22nd postseason game. Mahomes will start his 18th and defensive tackle Chris Jones his 16h, the trio of franchise cornerstones holding down the top three spots in Chiefs history.

It’s not just playoff experience, though. The Chiefs have Super Bowl experience. And there is a difference. The lights are brighter, the pressure greater and the distractions more plentiful, just as the rewards are that much more satisfying.

Eight of the Chiefs’ offensive starters were on the team that beat Philadelphia for the championship last year in Arizona. Eight of their defensive starters, too. Harrison Butker is back to kick and Tommy Townsend is back to punt.

In fact, if you look at the active 53-man roster following conference championship weekend, the Chiefs had 66 combined Super Bowl appearances; the 49ers had 16. And the Kansas City contingent had 48 rings among them while the 49ers had just four.

Heck, the Chiefs are so experienced that safety Mike Edwards, left tackle Donovan Smith, wide receiver Justin Watson and backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert played against them for Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl in the 2020 season.

Wide receiver Richie James did likewise for — you guessed it — the 49ers when they lost to Kansas City in the 2019 season.

By starting his fourth Super Bowl, Mahomes will tie for the third most in NFL history for a quarterback behind Tom Brady and John Elway. The others with four include Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, Peyton Manning and Jim Kelly.

All of them are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame except Brady, by the way, and he will no doubt be there soon.

“I think the biggest way I’ve changed,” Mahomes said this week, reflecting on his first Super Bowl appearance four years ago, “is kind of knowing what to expect. I’ve grown obviously as a quarterback and as a leader and as a person, but being able to have a game plan for what the Super Bowl week entails — and prepare myself to not play the Super Bowl before the Super Bowl game — is something that I’m hoping that I can use to my advantage.”

By comparison, many of the most important members of the 49ers have no Super Bowl experience at all.

Brock Purdy was just a sophomore at Iowa State, slinging passes around the Big 12 with no idea that he would someday become “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL draft. Running back Christian McCaffrey was still on a losing team in Carolina that had just fired its head coach. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had just wrapped up his college career at Arizona State.

The Chiefs also have far more experience on the sideline.

Andy Reid is coaching in his fifth Super Bowl, moving into a tie with Tom Landry for third in NFL history and trailing only Bill Belichick and Don Shula. His third win would tie him with Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs behind only Belichick and Chuck Noll.

His offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, has experience as a head coach having led the Chicago Bears to the playoffs. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo not only has head coaching experience but also championship experience with multiple franchises, winning a ring as Tom Coughlin’s coordinator with the New York Giants following the 2007 season.

Put them side by side, the 49ers might well have the superior roster — aside from quarterback, of course. There is a reason why they have been favored in every game they have played this season, and why the Chiefs were underdogs when they visited the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs and the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC championship game.

But experience doesn’t show up in the box score. And the Chiefs have a whole lot of it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705900377653.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL AFC division playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have been here before.They’ve won here before.In fact, they’ve beaten the San Francisco 49ers here before.Of all the reasons why the Chiefs will raise their third Lombardi Trophy in four trips to the Super Bowl over the past five years — and there are many, beginning with the brilliance of quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the wizardry of coach Andy Reid, the league’s No. 2-ranked defense and a sizeable chip they carry on their collective shoulders — experience might just top the list.When they kick off against the 49ers on Sunday for a rematch of their championship win four years ago in Miami, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will start his 22nd postseason game. Mahomes will start his 18th and defensive tackle Chris Jones his 16h, the trio of franchise cornerstones holding down the top three spots in Chiefs history.It’s not just playoff experience, though. The Chiefs have Super Bowl experience. And there is a difference. The lights are brighter, the pressure greater and the distractions more plentiful, just as the rewards are that much more satisfying.Eight of the Chiefs’ offensive starters were on the team that beat Philadelphia for the championship last year in Arizona. Eight of their defensive starters, too. Harrison Butker is back to kick and Tommy Townsend is back to punt.In fact, if you look at the active 53-man roster following conference championship weekend, the Chiefs had 66 combined Super Bowl appearances; the 49ers had 16. And the Kansas City contingent had 48 rings among them while the 49ers had just four.Heck, the Chiefs are so experienced that safety Mike Edwards, left tackle Donovan Smith, wide receiver Justin Watson and backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert played against them for Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl in the 2020 season.Wide receiver Richie James did likewise for — you guessed it — the 49ers when they lost to Kansas City in the 2019 season.By starting his fourth Super Bowl, Mahomes will tie for the third most in NFL history for a quarterback behind Tom Brady and John Elway. The others with four include Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana, Roger Staubach, Peyton Manning and Jim Kelly.All of them are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame except Brady, by the way, and he will no doubt be there soon.“I think the biggest way I’ve changed,” Mahomes said this week, reflecting on his first Super Bowl appearance four years ago, “is kind of knowing what to expect. I’ve grown obviously as a quarterback and as a leader and as a person, but being able to have a game plan for what the Super Bowl week entails — and prepare myself to not play the Super Bowl before the Super Bowl game — is something that I’m hoping that I can use to my advantage.”By comparison, many of the most important members of the 49ers have no Super Bowl experience at all.Brock Purdy was just a sophomore at Iowa State, slinging passes around the Big 12 with no idea that he would someday become “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL draft. Running back Christian McCaffrey was still on a losing team in Carolina that had just fired its head coach. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had just wrapped up his college career at Arizona State.The Chiefs also have far more experience on the sideline.Andy Reid is coaching in his fifth Super Bowl, moving into a tie with Tom Landry for third in NFL history and trailing only Bill Belichick and Don Shula. His third win would tie him with Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs behind only Belichick and Chuck Noll.His offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, has experience as a head coach having led the Chicago Bears to the playoffs. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo not only has head coaching experience but also championship experience with multiple franchises, winning a ring as Tom Coughlin’s coordinator with the New York Giants following the 2007 season.Put them side by side, the 49ers might well have the superior roster — aside from quarterback, of course. There is a reason why they have been favored in every game they have played this season, and why the Chiefs were underdogs when they visited the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs and the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC championship game.But experience doesn’t show up in the box score. And the Chiefs have a whole lot of it.

🏈 Analysis: Why will the Chiefs win the Super Bowl? Their vast experience

Courtesy of HutchCC Athletics&nbsp;

When: Saturday, February 10, 2023 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 4:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 3:45 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Glen Grunwald (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=848284">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 3:45 p.m.</a> Game Sponsor: Midwest Superstore X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/files/Men-s_Notes_23_-_Cloud_County.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon men's basketball team will play host to the Cloud County Thunderbirds for HutchCC's annual Pink-Out game on Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.

The No. 15-ranked Blue Dragons (19-3, 14-2 Jayhawk Conference) and Thunderbirds (16-7, 11-6 Jayhawk Conference) will tip off at 4 p.m. with the Pink-Out ceremony at halftime.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 3:45 p.m. with Glen Grunwald (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live and free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 3:45 p.m.

The Blue Dragons go in search of their 56th 20-win season in program history. Blue Dragon men's basketball started in 1928-29, but didn't have its first 20-win season until the 1956-57 season. The first time Blue Dragon basketball played 20 games in a season was 1948-49. Only 12 times since that initial 20-win season (67 seasons) have the Dragons failed to reach 20 wins in a season.

The Dragons landed on the doorstep of a 20-win season with an impressive 109-78 victory over Pratt on Wednesday at Pratt. That 31-point win over the Beavers was the first 30-point margin of victory over the Beavers since 1999.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;tied a career high with 25 points to lead the Blue Dragons, who shot 65.0 percent in the first half and 56.1 percent for the game. Six Blue Dragons scored in double figures against the Beavers. J.P. Ricks had 17 points while&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/simon_valentino_8svq">Valentino Simon</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/bundy_kernan_hvu2">Kernan Bundy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/wagler_landon_xlpj">Landon Wagler</a>&nbsp;had 12 points each and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/daniel_edwin_trsy">Edwin Daniel</a>&nbsp;had 10 points.

Cloud County enters Saturday's game with the Blue Dragons as the No. 1 scoring defensive team in the Jayhawk and No. 2 in the NJCAA, allowing 60.5 points per game.

The Thunderbirds showed that defense in a 60-49 victory over Dodge City on Wednesday in Concordia. Cloud County limited the Conquistadors to 29.8 percent overall shooting with only 17 total field goals and forced 22 turnovers.

Offensively, Cheikh Sow led Cloud County with 18 points as the Thunderbirds shot 46.1 percent from the field with five turnovers.

The Blue Dragons won the first meeting with Cloud County this season, 82-73 on December 6 in Concordia. Simon and Thomas both reached the 20-point mark with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Simon had a double-double with 13 rebounds.

Saturday's matchup will be the 79th in series history between the Blue Dragons and Thunderbirds. The Dragons own a 57-21 all-time lead. Since Cloud County joined the KJCCC in 1996-97, the Dragons lead the series 38-17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707506598122.jpeg" alt="Kobe Smith and the No. 15 Blue Dragon men face Cloud County at 4 p.m. Saturday for the Blue Dragons' Pink-Out game. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Kobe Smith and the No. 15 Blue Dragon men face Cloud County at 4 p.m. Saturday for the Blue Dragons' Pink-Out game. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC Athletics&nbsp;When: Saturday, February 10, 2023 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 4:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 3:45 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Glen Grunwald (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=848284">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 3:45 p.m.</a> Game Sponsor: Midwest Superstore X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/files/Men-s_Notes_23_-_Cloud_County.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>The Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon men's basketball team will play host to the Cloud County Thunderbirds for HutchCC's annual Pink-Out game on Saturday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.The No. 15-ranked Blue Dragons (19-3, 14-2 Jayhawk Conference) and Thunderbirds (16-7, 11-6 Jayhawk Conference) will tip off at 4 p.m. with the Pink-Out ceremony at halftime.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 3:45 p.m. with Glen Grunwald (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live and free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 3:45 p.m.The Blue Dragons go in search of their 56th 20-win season in program history. Blue Dragon men's basketball started in 1928-29, but didn't have its first 20-win season until the 1956-57 season. The first time Blue Dragon basketball played 20 games in a season was 1948-49. Only 12 times since that initial 20-win season (67 seasons) have the Dragons failed to reach 20 wins in a season.The Dragons landed on the doorstep of a 20-win season with an impressive 109-78 victory over Pratt on Wednesday at Pratt. That 31-point win over the Beavers was the first 30-point margin of victory over the Beavers since 1999.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/thomas_kamryn_j9zm">Kamryn Thomas</a>&nbsp;tied a career high with 25 points to lead the Blue Dragons, who shot 65.0 percent in the first half and 56.1 percent for the game. Six Blue Dragons scored in double figures against the Beavers. J.P. Ricks had 17 points while&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/simon_valentino_8svq">Valentino Simon</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/bundy_kernan_hvu2">Kernan Bundy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/wagler_landon_xlpj">Landon Wagler</a>&nbsp;had 12 points each and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/bios/daniel_edwin_trsy">Edwin Daniel</a>&nbsp;had 10 points.Cloud County enters Saturday's game with the Blue Dragons as the No. 1 scoring defensive team in the Jayhawk and No. 2 in the NJCAA, allowing 60.5 points per game.The Thunderbirds showed that defense in a 60-49 victory over Dodge City on Wednesday in Concordia. Cloud County limited the Conquistadors to 29.8 percent overall shooting with only 17 total field goals and forced 22 turnovers.Offensively, Cheikh Sow led Cloud County with 18 points as the Thunderbirds shot 46.1 percent from the field with five turnovers.The Blue Dragons won the first meeting with Cloud County this season, 82-73 on December 6 in Concordia. Simon and Thomas both reached the 20-point mark with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Simon had a double-double with 13 rebounds.Saturday's matchup will be the 79th in series history between the Blue Dragons and Thunderbirds. The Dragons own a 57-21 all-time lead. Since Cloud County joined the KJCCC in 1996-97, the Dragons lead the series 38-17.

🏀 MBB: No. 15 Blue Dragons host Cloud County for Pink-Out Game on Saturday

When: Saturday, February 10, 2023 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 2:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 1:45 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=848276">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 1:45 p.m.</a> Game Sponsor: Midwest Superstore X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/files/Women-s_Notes_23_-_Cloud_County.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>

The No. 2-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team returns to the Sports Arena on Saturday for another matinee, squaring off against the Cloud County Thunderbirds in the second meeting of the season.

Saturday's game will be the Blue Dragons' annual Pink-Out Game. The Blue Dragons (22-0, 16-0 Jayhawk Conference) and the Thunderbirds (12-10, 8-9 KJCCC), will tip off at 2 p.m.

The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 1:45 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live and for free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 1:45 p.m.

Last Wednesday, the Blue Dragons tied for the fifth-best start and sixth-longest winning streak in the program's 50-year history after a 92-62 road victory at Pratt.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;poured in a career-high 33 points and six 3-pointers to pace the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/armstead_journey_w1mg">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;scored 17 and 10 points, respectively.

Hutchinson had 24 assists and a season-low five turnovers against the Beavers.

With the victory, the Blue Dragons a 2 1/2-game lead over second-place Dodge City and have a four-game lead over third-place Butler.

Cloud County enters the game on a three-game losing streak, dropping a 91-72 decision to No. 11 Dodge City on Wednesday in Concordia. Dodge City blitzed the Thunderbirds with 15 3-pointers. Josephine Igherighe had 23 points and Bailey Burns had 20 points to lead Cloud County on Wednesday.

Hutchinson rolled to a 23-9 lead after one quarter on the way to a 77-50 over Cloud County in the first meeting of the season on December 6 in Concordia.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;scored 26 points to lead the Blue Dragons, who shot 47.0 percent while limiting Cloud County to a frigid 27.9 percent from the floor. Jackson was the only other Blue Dragon in double figures with 11. Destiny Smith led the Thunderbirds with 11 points. Igherighe finished with 10 points.

As always when Hutchinson and Cloud County get together, the Jayhawk Conference's top-two winningest coaches meet. Hutchinson head coach John Ontjes is second in KJCCC women's basketball history with 468 coaching wins. Cloud County's Brett Erkenbrack is the all-time league leader with 668 KJCCC wins and 736 Region VI wins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707499910219.jpeg" alt="The No. 2-ranked Blue Dragons take on Cloud County at 2 p.m. Saturday for Pink-Out Day at the Sports Arena. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>The No. 2-ranked Blue Dragons take on Cloud County at 2 p.m. Saturday for Pink-Out Day at the Sports Arena. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of HutchCC Athletics&nbsp;When: Saturday, February 10, 2023 Where: Hutchinson Sports Arena, Hutchinson, KS Tipoff: 2:00 p.m. Radio:&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb5web.securenetsystems.net/v5/KHUT" target="_blank">KHUT-FM (102.9); KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5), 1:45 p.m.</a>&nbsp;- Sean Boston (PBP); Dan Naccarato (Color) Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kjcccsports.net/hutchcc/?B=848276">Blue Dragon Sports Network, 1:45 p.m.</a> Game Sponsor: Midwest Superstore X: @bluedragonsport <a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/files/Women-s_Notes_23_-_Cloud_County.pdf">BLUE DRAGON GAME NOTES (PDF Format)</a>The No. 2-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's basketball team returns to the Sports Arena on Saturday for another matinee, squaring off against the Cloud County Thunderbirds in the second meeting of the season.Saturday's game will be the Blue Dragons' annual Pink-Out Game. The Blue Dragons (22-0, 16-0 Jayhawk Conference) and the Thunderbirds (12-10, 8-9 KJCCC), will tip off at 2 p.m.The game will be broadcast live on Blue Dragon flagship station KHUT-FM (102.9) and sister stations KWBW-AM/FM (1450/98.5) beginning at 1:45 p.m. with Sean Boston (play-by-play) and Dan Naccarato (color) calling the action. The game will be streamed live and for free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 1:45 p.m.Last Wednesday, the Blue Dragons tied for the fifth-best start and sixth-longest winning streak in the program's 50-year history after a 92-62 road victory at Pratt.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;poured in a career-high 33 points and six 3-pointers to pace the Blue Dragons.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/jackson_hailey_x66o">Hailey Jackson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/armstead_journey_w1mg">Journey Armstead</a>&nbsp;scored 17 and 10 points, respectively.Hutchinson had 24 assists and a season-low five turnovers against the Beavers.With the victory, the Blue Dragons a 2 1/2-game lead over second-place Dodge City and have a four-game lead over third-place Butler.Cloud County enters the game on a three-game losing streak, dropping a 91-72 decision to No. 11 Dodge City on Wednesday in Concordia. Dodge City blitzed the Thunderbirds with 15 3-pointers. Josephine Igherighe had 23 points and Bailey Burns had 20 points to lead Cloud County on Wednesday.Hutchinson rolled to a 23-9 lead after one quarter on the way to a 77-50 over Cloud County in the first meeting of the season on December 6 in Concordia.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wbkb/2023-24/bios/smith_kiki_x1vf">Kiki Smith</a>&nbsp;scored 26 points to lead the Blue Dragons, who shot 47.0 percent while limiting Cloud County to a frigid 27.9 percent from the floor. Jackson was the only other Blue Dragon in double figures with 11. Destiny Smith led the Thunderbirds with 11 points. Igherighe finished with 10 points.As always when Hutchinson and Cloud County get together, the Jayhawk Conference's top-two winningest coaches meet. Hutchinson head coach John Ontjes is second in KJCCC women's basketball history with 468 coaching wins. Cloud County's Brett Erkenbrack is the all-time league leader with 668 KJCCC wins and 736 Region VI wins.

🏀 WBB: No. 2 HutchCC hosts Cloud County on Saturday for Pink-Out Game

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– The Wichita State baseball program will return to Riverfront Stadium for a fourth consecutive season, hosting the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Tuesday, April 9&nbsp;at the downtown ballpark.

First pitch of the non-conference matchup is scheduled for 6:00 pm.

The Shockers are 2-1 in the three previous contests at Riverfront.&nbsp;Wichita State&nbsp;bested Houston 10-1 in the stadium's first game on April 10, 2021, before falling to #8 Oklahoma State 12-6 on April 26, 2022. Last season, the Shockers rallied for a dramatic 8-7 win against Oklahoma, scoring four times in the bottom of the eighth to clinch the season series.

Riverfront Stadium is the home ballpark of the Wichita Wind Surge, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The stadium has an official capacity of 10,025, with 6,000 fixed seats.

Ticket information will be announced at a later date.

April 9 will be the second of three games between Wichita State and Oklahoma State in 2024. The Shockers host the Cowboys at Eck Stadium on Tuesday, March 26 to kick off the season series and make a return trip to O'Brate Stadium in Stillwater on Tuesday, April 30. The Cowboys are coming off a 41-20 season in 2023 and a&nbsp;share of the Big 12 regular season crown. Oklahoma State is picked third in the Big 12 preseason poll and ranked #21 nationally in the Baseball America preseason poll.

The Shockers open the 2024 season on Friday, February 16 against Little Rock, with the home opener against Utah Tech scheduled for March 1. WSU is coming off a 30-25 season in 2023 that included a 13-10 record in the American Athletic Conference. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brian-green/1158">Brian Green</a>&nbsp;is in his first year with the program and returns lineup mainstays&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7532">Mauricio Millan</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-stroh/7543">Seth Stroh</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/7525">Jaden Gustafson</a>, plus reliable arms&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7628">Caden Favors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-wilkinson/7547">Matt Wilkinson</a>. The roster is bolstered by a recruiting class that was ranked 36th nationally by Perfect Game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707507325748.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;– The Wichita State baseball program will return to Riverfront Stadium for a fourth consecutive season, hosting the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Tuesday, April 9&nbsp;at the downtown ballpark.First pitch of the non-conference matchup is scheduled for 6:00 pm.The Shockers are 2-1 in the three previous contests at Riverfront.&nbsp;Wichita State&nbsp;bested Houston 10-1 in the stadium's first game on April 10, 2021, before falling to #8 Oklahoma State 12-6 on April 26, 2022. Last season, the Shockers rallied for a dramatic 8-7 win against Oklahoma, scoring four times in the bottom of the eighth to clinch the season series.Riverfront Stadium is the home ballpark of the Wichita Wind Surge, Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The stadium has an official capacity of 10,025, with 6,000 fixed seats.Ticket information will be announced at a later date.April 9 will be the second of three games between Wichita State and Oklahoma State in 2024. The Shockers host the Cowboys at Eck Stadium on Tuesday, March 26 to kick off the season series and make a return trip to O'Brate Stadium in Stillwater on Tuesday, April 30. The Cowboys are coming off a 41-20 season in 2023 and a&nbsp;share of the Big 12 regular season crown. Oklahoma State is picked third in the Big 12 preseason poll and ranked #21 nationally in the Baseball America preseason poll.The Shockers open the 2024 season on Friday, February 16 against Little Rock, with the home opener against Utah Tech scheduled for March 1. WSU is coming off a 30-25 season in 2023 that included a 13-10 record in the American Athletic Conference. Head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brian-green/1158">Brian Green</a>&nbsp;is in his first year with the program and returns lineup mainstays&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7532">Mauricio Millan</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/seth-stroh/7543">Seth Stroh</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jaden-gustafson/7525">Jaden Gustafson</a>, plus reliable arms&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/caden-favors/7628">Caden Favors</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-wilkinson/7547">Matt Wilkinson</a>. The roster is bolstered by a recruiting class that was ranked 36th nationally by Perfect Game.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ WSU and Oklahoma State to play at Riverfront Stadium in April

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Accepting the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award in person was bittersweet for Lamar Jackson.

Jackson was a near-unanimous choice for his second MVP award announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night but the quarterback’s Baltimore Ravens fell one win short of playing in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

“I’d rather send in a video to win the award,” Jackson said. “To be here for the award, it’s an honor but I’d rather be in the Super Bowl accepting this award.”

The All-Pro QB received 49 of 50 first-place votes from a nationwide panel of voters that includes media members who regularly cover the NFL, former players and coaches.

Jackson led the Ravens (14-5) to the NFL’s best record in the regular season, but they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game. The 27-year-old Jackson is the fourth player to win his second MVP before turning 28, joining Patrick Mahomes (27), Brett Favre (27) and Jim Brown (22).

“It’s an honor. I guess I’m in elite company,” Jackson said.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey ran away with the AP Offensive Player of the Year award. He’ll try to add a Super Bowl ring to his trophy case when the 49ers take on the Chiefs on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett beat out T.J. Watt for AP Defensive Player of the Year. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award in a landslide. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Stroud’s Houston teammate, won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, outgaining both Jalen Carter and Kobie Turner by two first-place votes.

Quarterback Joe Flacco, who came off the couch to lead Cleveland to the playoffs, was named AP Comeback Player of the Year. Kevin Stefanski edged Houston’s DeMeco Ryans for AP Coach of the Year honors by one first-place vote. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz won the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award after guiding the league’s No. 1 ranked unit.

“It was a special year for a special team,” Garrett said about the Browns. “I think next year is going to be our year.”

Despite his disappointment over losing the AFC title game, it was also a special year for Jackson.

The one first-place MVP vote he didn’t receive went to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Jackson threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 821 yards and five scores while leading Baltimore to a record 10 wins over teams that finished with a winning record. He helped the Ravens rout Houston in the divisional round but struggled in a 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC title game.

McCaffrey, San Francisco’s All-Pro running back, received 39 of 50 first-place votes for OPOY, outpacing Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. A unanimous choice for All-Pro, McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 yards rushing and had 14 rushing TDs. He also had 564 yards receiving for seven scores.

“I feel so fortunate to be part of the best organization on the planet so thank you for believing in me,” McCaffrey said.

Garrett was equally as dominant on the other side of the ball. He received 23 first-place votes and 165 points to beat out Watt for DPOY. Despite constant double-teams, Garrett had 14 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and forced offensive coordinators to avoid his side of the field.

Stroud received 48 of 50 first-place votes for OROY with Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua getting the other two. The No. 2 overall pick, 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.

“I’m the type of person who wonders what’s next and what I can do better but reflecting on the season, being my first, it’s special just to be in the NFL let alone on a winning team,” Stroud said.

Anderson and Stroud are the fourth teammates to win the offensive and defensive rookie awards in the same season. Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner swept the awards last year for the New York Jets.

“It means the absolute world,” Anderson said about him and Stroud winning. “Just watching how he comes to work every day, the preparation he put in and rebuilding the culture and being captains our rookie year, it’s special.”

Flacco beat out Bills safety Damar Hamlin and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for the comeback award. He received 13 first-place votes, 26 second-place votes and eight thirds to finish with 151 points.

Hamlin returned to the NFL this season after collapsing on the field and needing to be resuscitated following a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, 2023. He played in five regular-season games. Hamlin received 21 first-place votes but appeared on 42 of 50 ballots while Flacco was on 47. He got seven second-place votes and 14 thirds for 140 points.

Flacco, the 39-year-old former Super Bowl MVP, was home in New Jersey with his family when Cleveland called him in November. He went 4-1 in five starts and passed for over 300 yards in four straight games with 13 touchdowns.

Stefanski led the Browns to their third playoff appearance since 1999 despite losing quarterback Deshaun Watson, star running back Nick Chubb and right tackle Jack Conklin to season-ending injuries and starting five QBs.

Cleveland’s Schwartz received 25 first-place votes and finished with 160 points, easily outpacing Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707489327585.jpeg" alt="Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, AP Most valuable player speaks during the NFL Honors award show ahead of the Super Bowl 58 football game Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. The San Francisco 49ers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)" />
 <figcaption>Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, AP Most valuable player speaks during the NFL Honors award show ahead of the Super Bowl 58 football game Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Las Vegas. The San Francisco 49ers face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Accepting the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award in person was bittersweet for Lamar Jackson.Jackson was a near-unanimous choice for his second MVP award announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night but the quarterback’s Baltimore Ravens fell one win short of playing in Sunday’s Super Bowl.“I’d rather send in a video to win the award,” Jackson said. “To be here for the award, it’s an honor but I’d rather be in the Super Bowl accepting this award.”The All-Pro QB received 49 of 50 first-place votes from a nationwide panel of voters that includes media members who regularly cover the NFL, former players and coaches.Jackson led the Ravens (14-5) to the NFL’s best record in the regular season, but they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game. The 27-year-old Jackson is the fourth player to win his second MVP before turning 28, joining Patrick Mahomes (27), Brett Favre (27) and Jim Brown (22).“It’s an honor. I guess I’m in elite company,” Jackson said.San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey ran away with the AP Offensive Player of the Year award. He’ll try to add a Super Bowl ring to his trophy case when the 49ers take on the Chiefs on Sunday.Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett beat out T.J. Watt for AP Defensive Player of the Year. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award in a landslide. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Stroud’s Houston teammate, won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, outgaining both Jalen Carter and Kobie Turner by two first-place votes.The Browns took home four awards.Quarterback Joe Flacco, who came off the couch to lead Cleveland to the playoffs, was named AP Comeback Player of the Year. Kevin Stefanski edged Houston’s DeMeco Ryans for AP Coach of the Year honors by one first-place vote. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz won the AP Assistant Coach of the Year award after guiding the league’s No. 1 ranked unit.“It was a special year for a special team,” Garrett said about the Browns. “I think next year is going to be our year.”Despite his disappointment over losing the AFC title game, it was also a special year for Jackson.The one first-place MVP vote he didn’t receive went to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Jackson threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and ran for 821 yards and five scores while leading Baltimore to a record 10 wins over teams that finished with a winning record. He helped the Ravens rout Houston in the divisional round but struggled in a 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the AFC title game.McCaffrey, San Francisco’s All-Pro running back, received 39 of 50 first-place votes for OPOY, outpacing Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. A unanimous choice for All-Pro, McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 yards rushing and had 14 rushing TDs. He also had 564 yards receiving for seven scores.“I feel so fortunate to be part of the best organization on the planet so thank you for believing in me,” McCaffrey said.Garrett was equally as dominant on the other side of the ball. He received 23 first-place votes and 165 points to beat out Watt for DPOY. Despite constant double-teams, Garrett had 14 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and forced offensive coordinators to avoid his side of the field.Stroud received 48 of 50 first-place votes for OROY with Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua getting the other two. The No. 2 overall pick, 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.“I’m the type of person who wonders what’s next and what I can do better but reflecting on the season, being my first, it’s special just to be in the NFL let alone on a winning team,” Stroud said.Anderson and Stroud are the fourth teammates to win the offensive and defensive rookie awards in the same season. Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner swept the awards last year for the New York Jets.“It means the absolute world,” Anderson said about him and Stroud winning. “Just watching how he comes to work every day, the preparation he put in and rebuilding the culture and being captains our rookie year, it’s special.”Flacco beat out Bills safety Damar Hamlin and Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield for the comeback award. He received 13 first-place votes, 26 second-place votes and eight thirds to finish with 151 points.Hamlin returned to the NFL this season after collapsing on the field and needing to be resuscitated following a cardiac arrest on Jan. 2, 2023. He played in five regular-season games. Hamlin received 21 first-place votes but appeared on 42 of 50 ballots while Flacco was on 47. He got seven second-place votes and 14 thirds for 140 points.Flacco, the 39-year-old former Super Bowl MVP, was home in New Jersey with his family when Cleveland called him in November. He went 4-1 in five starts and passed for over 300 yards in four straight games with 13 touchdowns.Stefanski led the Browns to their third playoff appearance since 1999 despite losing quarterback Deshaun Watson, star running back Nick Chubb and right tackle Jack Conklin to season-ending injuries and starting five QBs.Cleveland’s Schwartz received 25 first-place votes and finished with 160 points, easily outpacing Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

🏈 Jackson is near-unanimous choice for AP NFL MVP award

KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) — As long as they still have each other, they’re still going to go to every Super Bowl.

That’s the sentiment shared by three friends who say they are the final fans who can claim membership in the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club. And they’re back again for number 58 — Super Bowl 58 — this year.

The three fans, all in their 80s, are Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan and Tom Henschel, who splits time between Florida and Pennsylvania. The three are gathering this weekend in Las Vegas for the big game, and they’re hoping they can all make it to the sixtieth edition of the game two years from now.

The fans have sat together at the Super Bowl before, and they were still trying to make last-minute arrangements to do that for this year’s game this week. At the very least, they will get together for brunch on Friday, as always.

Eaton, 84, who runs a ground transportation company in Detroit, has been especially invested in this year’s football playoffs, as his beloved Detroit Lions won playoff games for the first time in more than three decades. The Lions fell just short of qualifying for their first Super Bowl, but Eaton said getting together with retirees Crisman, 87, and Henschel, 82, is the real draw of going to the big game year after year.

“Yeah, I’m a Lions fan,” Eaton said. “But in two years, I just hope I’ll be in good shape to be there again.”

The men have attended every game since the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, the forerunner to the modern Super Bowl, took place in Los Angeles in 1967.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl" target="_blank">This year’s game</a>&nbsp;is at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Crisman and Henschel first met at the 1983 Super Bowl, but they didn’t meet Eaton until the mid-2010s. The fans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-new-england-patriots-detroit-lions-nfl-sports-9ddb646ad3e490458b0d04ee84742101" target="_blank">have said in the past</a>&nbsp;that they might be getting ready to let the tradition go, but every year they make the decision to do it again.

They’re part of an ever-dwindling group of people who have attended every Super Bowl that has also included media members, football executives, groundskeepers and others. Norma Hunt, wife of late football pioneer Lamar Hunt, was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-norma-hunt-776f263369c70dba8122dc10bf409560" target="_blank">sole woman to attend every Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;until she died in June.

The fans all said the one thing that could keep them from attending is if they or one of the other two was not healthy enough or mobile enough to do it. Health concerns have cropped up for all of them in recent years, but they all said they’re feeling well enough to go this year and planning on the next two.

“I think that might be the factor that would definitely tip it,” Crisman said. “I’m not looking to be the survivor. I just go for the fun, and the guys. We’ll see what this year brings and address it in December ’24.”

The three men have witnessed all of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history, but some of their most cherished memories of the game are a little more personal than David Tyree’s “helmet catch” in Super Bowl 42 or Scott Norwood’s missed field goal in Super Bowl 25. Crisman’s home is adorned with Super Bowl ephemera, right down to a collectible hat commemorating the first Bud Bowl, a promotion about beer that ran during Super Bowl 23 in 1989.

Eaton fondly remembers he got his tickets to the first Super Bowl from a friend from Michigan State University, Herb Adderley, who played for the Green Bay Packers. Henschel recalls being especially excited for Super Bowl 3 because New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, like himself, was from the Pittsburgh area.

Crisman hadn’t yet acquired tickets for this year’s game as of mid-January, when telecommunications giant Verizon surprised him with complementary passes for himself and his daughter, Susan Metevier. Getting to Las Vegas will be much easier than his trip to Super Bowl 2 in 1968, which involved a 24-hour train ride to Miami.

The three men reminisce fondly about the era when it was possible to get a ticket to the big game for $8. Henschel recalls getting a face value ticket to Super Bowl 3 for $12 on the day of the game. This year, the cheapest tickets available are more than $7,000.

Henschel, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, has a friendly rivalry with Crisman, a New England Patriots fan, as the two teams have met frequently in the playoffs over the years.

This year, the Patriots failed to contend, and the Steelers made an early playoff exit. But old traditions die hard, Henschel said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707489112736.jpeg" alt="Members of the Never Miss a Super Bowl Club, from the left, Tom Henschel, Gregory Eaton, and Don Crisman pose for a group photograph during a welcome luncheon, in Atlanta, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. As long as they still have each other, they're still going to go to every Super Bowl. That's the sentiment shared by the three friends who say they are the final fans who can claim membership in the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club. And they're back again for number 58 — Super Bowl 58 — this year. (Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Never Miss a Super Bowl Club, from the left, Tom Henschel, Gregory Eaton, and Don Crisman pose for a group photograph during a welcome luncheon, in Atlanta, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. As long as they still have each other, they're still going to go to every Super Bowl. That's the sentiment shared by the three friends who say they are the final fans who can claim membership in the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club. And they're back again for number 58 — Super Bowl 58 — this year. (Hyosub Shin/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KENNEBUNK, Maine (AP) — As long as they still have each other, they’re still going to go to every Super Bowl.That’s the sentiment shared by three friends who say they are the final fans who can claim membership in the exclusive “never missed a Super Bowl” club. And they’re back again for number 58 — Super Bowl 58 — this year.The three fans, all in their 80s, are Don Crisman of Maine, Gregory Eaton of Michigan and Tom Henschel, who splits time between Florida and Pennsylvania. The three are gathering this weekend in Las Vegas for the big game, and they’re hoping they can all make it to the sixtieth edition of the game two years from now.The fans have sat together at the Super Bowl before, and they were still trying to make last-minute arrangements to do that for this year’s game this week. At the very least, they will get together for brunch on Friday, as always.Eaton, 84, who runs a ground transportation company in Detroit, has been especially invested in this year’s football playoffs, as his beloved Detroit Lions won playoff games for the first time in more than three decades. The Lions fell just short of qualifying for their first Super Bowl, but Eaton said getting together with retirees Crisman, 87, and Henschel, 82, is the real draw of going to the big game year after year.“Yeah, I’m a Lions fan,” Eaton said. “But in two years, I just hope I’ll be in good shape to be there again.”The men have attended every game since the first AFL-NFL World Championship Game, the forerunner to the modern Super Bowl, took place in Los Angeles in 1967.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl" target="_blank">This year’s game</a>&nbsp;is at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday.Crisman and Henschel first met at the 1983 Super Bowl, but they didn’t meet Eaton until the mid-2010s. The fans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-new-england-patriots-detroit-lions-nfl-sports-9ddb646ad3e490458b0d04ee84742101" target="_blank">have said in the past</a>&nbsp;that they might be getting ready to let the tradition go, but every year they make the decision to do it again.They’re part of an ever-dwindling group of people who have attended every Super Bowl that has also included media members, football executives, groundskeepers and others. Norma Hunt, wife of late football pioneer Lamar Hunt, was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-norma-hunt-776f263369c70dba8122dc10bf409560" target="_blank">sole woman to attend every Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;until she died in June.The fans all said the one thing that could keep them from attending is if they or one of the other two was not healthy enough or mobile enough to do it. Health concerns have cropped up for all of them in recent years, but they all said they’re feeling well enough to go this year and planning on the next two.“I think that might be the factor that would definitely tip it,” Crisman said. “I’m not looking to be the survivor. I just go for the fun, and the guys. We’ll see what this year brings and address it in December ’24.”The three men have witnessed all of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history, but some of their most cherished memories of the game are a little more personal than David Tyree’s “helmet catch” in Super Bowl 42 or Scott Norwood’s missed field goal in Super Bowl 25. Crisman’s home is adorned with Super Bowl ephemera, right down to a collectible hat commemorating the first Bud Bowl, a promotion about beer that ran during Super Bowl 23 in 1989.Eaton fondly remembers he got his tickets to the first Super Bowl from a friend from Michigan State University, Herb Adderley, who played for the Green Bay Packers. Henschel recalls being especially excited for Super Bowl 3 because New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath, like himself, was from the Pittsburgh area.Crisman hadn’t yet acquired tickets for this year’s game as of mid-January, when telecommunications giant Verizon surprised him with complementary passes for himself and his daughter, Susan Metevier. Getting to Las Vegas will be much easier than his trip to Super Bowl 2 in 1968, which involved a 24-hour train ride to Miami.The three men reminisce fondly about the era when it was possible to get a ticket to the big game for $8. Henschel recalls getting a face value ticket to Super Bowl 3 for $12 on the day of the game. This year, the cheapest tickets available are more than $7,000.Henschel, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, has a friendly rivalry with Crisman, a New England Patriots fan, as the two teams have met frequently in the playoffs over the years.This year, the Patriots failed to contend, and the Steelers made an early playoff exit. But old traditions die hard, Henschel said.“It’s funny because Don and I, he hates the Steelers and I hate the Patriots,” Henschel said. “Every time we see each other for the first time, we give each other the finger.”It’ll happen again this year. And they hope at least a couple more times after that.