<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755807821835.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon Volleyball head coach Dayana Acevedo Trent says her team is hungry heading into the 2025 season-opening matches this weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon Volleyball head coach Dayana Acevedo Trent says her team is hungry heading into the 2025 season-opening matches this weekend in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (Billy Watson/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure><div>By Steve Carpenter Blue Dragon Sports Information Director
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Here is a list of what first-year Hutchinson Community College head volleyball coach Dayana Acevedo Trent has learned about her new team in the first three weeks of the 2025 season: + The Blue Dragons are hungry; + The Blue Dragons have the potential to be very offensive; + There is a lot of talent and potential, but it's going to be a work in progress.
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BLUE DRAGON VOLLEYBALL Hutchinson at Iowa Western Reiver Classic 2025 Season Opener When: Friday-Saturday August 22-23 Where: Reiver Gym, Council Bluffs, Iowa Blue Dragon Schedule Friday, August 21 2 p.m.&nbsp;&ndash; Salt Lake CC 6 p.m.&nbsp;&ndash; Iowa Western CC Saturday, August 22 1 p.m.&nbsp;&ndash; No. 19 Western Nebraska Live Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goreivers.com/information/reiver-sports-network" target="_blank" rel="noopener">All Matches Streamed on Reiver Sports Network</a> X: @bluedragonsport
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Since being hired in mid-January, Acevedo Trent has had the dates August 22 and 23 circled on her calendar. That's opening weekend for Hutchinson Volleyball and first tests for Acevedo Trent's first Blue Dragon team.
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The program's 14th head coach, Acevedo Trent and the Blue Dragons open the new era of Blue Dragon volleyball with three matches at the Iowa Western Reiver Classic in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
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Hutchinson will play Salt Lake at 2 p.m. and Iowa Western at 6 p.m. on Friday and close the weekend with No. 19 Western Nebraska at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Reiver Gym.
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"I think we did really well during the preseason and we covered everything that we needed two in the preseason, but there is always room for improvement," said Acevedo Trent, who is 98-29 in four seasons at Odessa College, where she led the Wranglers to national tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024.
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Hutchinson was picked to finish fifth in the preseason KJCCC Coaches' Poll.
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Acevedo Trent takes over a Blue Dragon program that suffered a losing season in 2024, going 19-21 &ndash; the program's first sub-.500 campaign since 2010. From that team, four players &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/proctor_atlyn_jzx3">Atlyn Proctor</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/raschen_priscilla_2phx">Priscilla Raschen</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/follmer_kierny_j8x3">Kierny Follmer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/reupena_angela_5uex">Angela Reupena</a>&nbsp;&ndash; return to the program.
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The Blue Dragons add five transfers into the mix &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/vazquez_lauren_ysnb">Lauren Vazquez</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;from Odessa,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;from the University of Louisiana and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/ferreira_nathalia_supd">Nathalia Ferreira</a>&nbsp;from Miami-Dade College. The Blue Dragons have seven true freshmen on the opening-day roster.
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"I think that we have a lot of weapons at the net, both on the pins and in the middle," Acevedo Trent said. "They are making my job hard to pick what lineup is going to be out there. I think we are going to be a really good serving team and we are going to be very aggressive at the line. I think we are going to be a very good passing team in the end because we are facing tough competition every day."
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The 2025 Blue Dragons won't be short on collegiate experience as Acevedo Trent begins to build up a program that has 10 Region 6 Championships, but hasn't been back to the NJCAA National Tournament since 2017.
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The Blue Dragons return their top hitter from last season in Proctor (a 6-foot outside hitter from Nelson, British Columbia, Canada). She hit .185 and averaged 2.86 kills per set. She had 20 matches with 10 or more kills, including three of 20 or more with a career-high 22 against Vincennes University.
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"Atlyn has all the bones to be a great attacker," Acevedo Trent said. "She is just now learning to use her abilities to the best. She has grown up a lot. Before, she was just "see ball, attack ball." Now she is becoming more consistent with several different shots and she's become a better blocker, passer and server."
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Raschen, a 5-10 pin hitter from Independence, returns after limited duty as a freshman. Playing 25 sets in 18 matches, Raschen hit 0.53 with 0.68 kills per set. Follmer is a 5-10 middle from Chanute. She played in 88 sets in 32 matches last season and hit .142 on 1.11 kills per set. Follmer averaged 0.51 blocks. Used more as a serving specialist last season, Reupena (5'8 sophomore from Christchurch, Australia) will be one of the Dragons' two primary setters this season.
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"From the day I got here, I noticed how Angela commands. When you are a setter, you have to be confident enough to run an offense. Angela definitely has that."
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Two players on the 2025 Blue Dragon roster have national tournament experience.
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Outside hitter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/villanueva_alondra_w1k3">Alondra Villanueva</a>&nbsp;came with Acevedo Trent from Odessa. The 6-1 sophomore from Lima, Peru, hit .142 and averaged 2.36 kills per set and 0.64 digs per set in 28 matches. Villanueva also played on Peru's national volleyball team.
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<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/ferreira_nathalia_supd">Nathalia Ferreira</a>, a 6-1 middle from Brasilia, Brazil, played at Miami-Dade last season. She averaged 1.13 kills per set in 16 matches with the Sharks.
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University of Louisiana transfer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/mcneil_jaylynn_8662">Jaylynn McNeill</a>&nbsp;is expected to improve the production from the right side. In 21 matches (73 sets) with the Ragin' Cajuns last season, McNeill hit .176 with 1.03 kills and 0.73 blocks per set.
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"Jaylynn has a great block and she's very aggressive. She is a presence at the net," Acevedo Trent said. "We have a lot of girls who have played at a high level. We have players who played in the national tournament, so they know what it takes.
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"Now it's about finding the right pieces and put them together. By the end of this season, it's going to be very exciting."
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Another Odessa transfer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/garcia_alexandra_ev7s">Alexandra Garcia</a>&nbsp;(a 5'11 freshman from Lima, Peru) will work as the other primary setter. Garcia has also played at the national level in Peru.
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Freshman or first-year players who will contribute are outside hitter Lauren, Vazquez (5'8, Andrews, Texas), Hutchinson Trinity Catholic middle&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/galliher_mattie_fggb">Mattie Galliher</a>&nbsp;(6-0, Hutchinson), middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/pedroza_daniela_zc4p">Daniela Pedroza</a>&nbsp;(5'11, Naples, Florida) and middle blocker&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/davis_ty-lia_aij7">Ty'Lia Davis</a>&nbsp;(5'11, Baton Rouge, Louisiana).
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The battle for back-row playing time will be battled for by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/oliveira_clara_34tl">Clara Oliveira</a>&nbsp;(5'2, Matonsinhos, Portugal),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/williamson_mckenzye_wur2">McKenzye Williamson</a>&nbsp;(5'4, Amarillo, Texas),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/dominquez_sorielys_9mz8">Sorielys Dominquez</a>&nbsp;(5'3, Rio Grande Puerto Rico) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/wvball/2025-26/bios/shepherd_addison_vsnb">Addison Shepherd</a>&nbsp;(5'3, Gardner, Kansas).
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"I'm excited to see how we are going to line up this season," Acevedo Trent said. "I'm excited. The girls are excited and we are hungry, so we are ready to see what the weekend will bring."
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After tournaments this weekend in Council Bluffs and McCook, Nebraska on August 29-30, the Blue Dragons will open at home on September 3 against the Barton Cougars at the Sports Arena.</div>

🏐 Acevedo Trent era officially begins for Blue Dragons this weekend

🎧⚾ Royals' win streak ends; ⚾ Wind Surge loses to RockHounds

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.

Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.

Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.

Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.

Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.

Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.

Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.

Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.

Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.

The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.

LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night.Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first. Marcus Semien reached on an infield hit before Higashioka doubled down the left-field line.Hoby Milner (2-3) got the final four outs for the win.Mike Yastrzemski and Bobby Witt Jr. led off the first with singles off fill-in first-time starter Caleb Boushley, and Pasquantino followed with his 25th home run to put the Royals up 3-1. Witt had three hits for the Royals, including his 39th double — tops in the majors.Boushley filled in for Jacob deGrom, who had his start skipped after he experienced arm fatigue following his last outing. Boushley pitched two scoreless innings following his 38-pitch first.Langford hit his 18th home run to lead off the game against rookie Noah Cameron. Langford singled and scored on a two-out base hit by Semien to cut it to 3-2 in the third.Cameron allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in 4 2/3 innings as Kansas City saw a five-game win streak end.Jonah Heim had a leadoff double off Daniel Lynch IV in the seventh before scoring on Seager's two-out single off Lucas Erceg to tie it 3-3.<h2>Key moment</h2>Higashioka's double gave Texas its first lead since the first inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals have hit the fewest home runs in the American League but they've outhomered the Rangers 14-3 in winning five of six matchups this season.<h2>Up next</h2>LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) was set to start Thursday as the Rangers go for a split of the four-game series opposite Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43).

⚾ Higashioka's 3-run double in the 9th helps the Rangers beat the Royals 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623021009687.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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MIDLAND, Texas (August 20, 2025)&mdash;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/kala-i-rosario-693850">Kala&rsquo;i Rosario</a>&nbsp;homered to become the second Wind Surge player ever to record a 20-20 season in a 7-5 Wichita Wind Surge loss to the Midland RockHounds at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The four-game winning streak for the Wind Surge comes to a close in the Permian Basin.
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After Midland got awarded the game&rsquo;s first run on a bases-loaded balk in the bottom of the first, Brayan Buelvas drove in another on an RBI double to the wall in left center in the home half of the second inning for a 2-0 RockHounds lead.
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Rosario belted an RBI double off the left center wall in the top of the third to put Wichita within a run.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/walker-jenkins-805805">Walker Jenkins</a>&nbsp;tied the game by scoring on a wild pitch, then Rosario got to touch home plate on a balk to put the Wind Surge ahead 3-2.
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<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1958337587766329630&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-drop-second-game-of-series-to-midland&amp;sessionId=3165d9294864fb951c8f2edfda8e9c8619d9fda2&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1958337587766329630"></iframe></div>
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Nate Nankil tied the game on a run-scoring single to center in the bottom of the fifth. Brennan Milone later blooped a single out of the infield after the stretch in the seventh to drive in CJ Rodriguez and give Midland a 4-3 advantage.
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Rosario would tie the game again on a solo shot, his 20th on the season, to left field in the top of the eighth. Rosario becomes the second hitter for Wichita with a 20-20 season this year after Kyler Fedko accomplished the feat on July 22.
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<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1958361028019798447&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwind-surge-drop-second-game-of-series-to-midland&amp;sessionId=3165d9294864fb951c8f2edfda8e9c8619d9fda2&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1958361028019798447"></iframe></div>
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A two-run home run by Luke Mann and an RBI knock by Leo De Vries in the home half of the eighth inning allowed the RockHounds to push ahead 7-4 into the ninth. While&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jake-rucker-696160">Jake Rucker</a>&nbsp;doubled home&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/jose-salas-691191">Jose Salas</a>&nbsp;to make it a two-run game, the Wind Surge would later fall by a score of 7-5.
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<a href="https://www.milb.com/player/john-stankiewicz-694496">John Stankiewicz</a>&nbsp;fell to 2-5 with the loss. Over an inning of relief, he gave up three earned runs on three hits and three walks.
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POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>Kala&rsquo;i Rosario becomes the second-ever Wichita hitter to record a 20-20 season in both franchise history and this year (Kyler Fedko).</li>
<li>Kala&rsquo;i Rosario is up to a 17 Game On Base Streak.</li>
<li>Maddux Houghton records another multi-hit game for the Wind Surge.</li>
<li>Tanner Andrews struck out two over an inning of work in his first appearance since being reinstated from the 7-Day Injured List yesterday.</li>
<li>The Wichita pitching staff ties a season-high with eight walks in a single game.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Wind Surge continue the series with the Midland RockHounds on August 21 at 7:00 PM at Momentum Bank Ballpark. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park for the team&rsquo;s final homestand of the regular season, starting with a series against the Arkansas Travelers on August 26. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="http://milb.tv/">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge falls in Lone Star State

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a deal to acquire receiver Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.

A person familiar with the trade said the teams will swap sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2027 in the deal that sends Moore to San Francisco. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade can’t be finalized until Moore passes a physical.

Moore was drafted by Kansas City in the second round in 2022 but hasn’t produced much in his first three seasons. He had 43 catches for 494 yards and one TD in 36 games. He didn’t catch a single pass last season because of a a core muscle injury.

Moore did catch a TD pass in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 38-35 win in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia following the 2022 season.

Moore had an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">88-yard punt return for a touchdown</a>&nbsp;in the fourth quarter of a preseason game last Friday at Seattle. The 49ers have gone 227 consecutive regular-season games without a punt return touchdown for the second longest active drought in the NFL.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday on his radio show that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-demarcus-roboinson-suspension-1ab7717adb7cf413daa41176af0b49a9">Demarcus Robinson is facing a three-game suspension</a>, pending appeal, after pleading no contest last month to a misdemeanor DUI charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755771102651.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) runs a punt return for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) runs a punt return for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers agreed to a deal to acquire receiver Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday.A person familiar with the trade said the teams will swap sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2027 in the deal that sends Moore to San Francisco. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade can’t be finalized until Moore passes a physical.Moore was drafted by Kansas City in the second round in 2022 but hasn’t produced much in his first three seasons. He had 43 catches for 494 yards and one TD in 36 games. He didn’t catch a single pass last season because of a a core muscle injury.Moore did catch a TD pass in the fourth quarter of Kansas City’s 38-35 win in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia following the 2022 season.Moore had an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-seahawks-score-b95e292588b2c317923984ecf7148b63">88-yard punt return for a touchdown</a>&nbsp;in the fourth quarter of a preseason game last Friday at Seattle. The 49ers have gone 227 consecutive regular-season games without a punt return touchdown for the second longest active drought in the NFL.Coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday on his radio show that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/49ers-demarcus-roboinson-suspension-1ab7717adb7cf413daa41176af0b49a9">Demarcus Robinson is facing a three-game suspension</a>, pending appeal, after pleading no contest last month to a misdemeanor DUI charge.

🏈 49ers trade for Chiefs receiver Skyy Moore

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. knew the ball was gone the moment it left his bat.

Only later did the young Kansas City Royals star realize what kind of company it allowed him to join.

The two-run shot in the eighth inning against Texas on Tuesday night merely padded the lead for Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-rangers-kansas-city-royals-baseball-6e35d0d88d96ac3eadf5057fc216657f">which went on to a 5-2 victory</a>. It was the fifth straight win for the Royals, who closed to within 2 1/2 games of an AL wild-card berth.

But it also was the 100th career homer for Witt, making him the youngest in franchise history to reach that mark. He made it at the age of 25 years, 66 days, faster than Carlos Beltran when he accomplished it during the 2003 season.

“I want him up there every inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, you look at the lineup and you’re trying to figure out, ‘How many times can we get to the plate? How many guys can we keep on base for him when he does come to the plate?’

“I mean, that’s an immense amount of pressure on a younger player to understand that’s how everybody feels about him,” Quatraro said. “But he has the physical ability, the makeup and the mental capacity to handle it.”

The latest no-doubt shot, which came off Texas reliever Cole Winn and landed an estimated 449 feet to dead center field, made Witt only the fourth player with at least 100 homers and 100 stolen bases through his first four big league seasons. The others are Julio Rodríguez, Darryl Strawberry and Bobby Bonds — some pretty select company.

Witt also become one of six shortstops in the last 95 years to hit at least 100 homers through his age-25 seasons. That list of luminaries includes Alex Rodriguez, Cal Ripken Jr., Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Hanley Ramirez; of those players, only Rodriguez and Ramirez also had 100 steals by the time they were 25 years old.

“It was special,” Witt admitted, “just seeing the kind of names on the list or whatever they showed. But now, it’s just kind of on to the next. It was special. We enjoy it. And now it’s just onto the next game.”

They keep getting more important for the Royals, who have won five straight and seven of their last eight. They head into the third-game of their four-game set against the Rangers on Wednesday night with a chance to inch closer to a wild-card spot, and they proved last year that they could do some postseason damage if they can only get in.

Witt continues to be the catalyst of their second-half surge, too. He’s hitting .291 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs.

“It’s special when he goes out there,” said the Royals’ Seth Lugo, who allowed just two runs on three hits while pitching into the seventh inning Tuesday night. “I’ve been saying it for two years: He goes about his business the same way. He doesn’t get up or down on himself. He’s a master of consistency. That’s what he does.”

Witt also happens to be a slick fielder with a Gold Glove in his trophy case.

But at the plate is where Witt has become a bona fide star. He led the majors with a .332 average last year, when he hit 32 home runs, stole 31 bases and finished with 109 RBIs. And while he may not quite replicate the average, homer total or RBI numbers in this campaign, he already has 32 stolen bases while getting caught just seven times.

“There’s not too many guys that get to 100 (homers),” said Vinnie Pasquantino, who also homered Tuesday night. “And the fourth player in MLB history with 100 stolen bases? It’s not a list I’ll ever be on. I mean, it’s kind of unbelievable.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755685030105.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run home run for his 100th career home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run home run for his 100th career home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. knew the ball was gone the moment it left his bat.Only later did the young Kansas City Royals star realize what kind of company it allowed him to join.The two-run shot in the eighth inning against Texas on Tuesday night merely padded the lead for Kansas City,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-rangers-kansas-city-royals-baseball-6e35d0d88d96ac3eadf5057fc216657f">which went on to a 5-2 victory</a>. It was the fifth straight win for the Royals, who closed to within 2 1/2 games of an AL wild-card berth.But it also was the 100th career homer for Witt, making him the youngest in franchise history to reach that mark. He made it at the age of 25 years, 66 days, faster than Carlos Beltran when he accomplished it during the 2003 season.“I want him up there every inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, you look at the lineup and you’re trying to figure out, ‘How many times can we get to the plate? How many guys can we keep on base for him when he does come to the plate?’“I mean, that’s an immense amount of pressure on a younger player to understand that’s how everybody feels about him,” Quatraro said. “But he has the physical ability, the makeup and the mental capacity to handle it.”The latest no-doubt shot, which came off Texas reliever Cole Winn and landed an estimated 449 feet to dead center field, made Witt only the fourth player with at least 100 homers and 100 stolen bases through his first four big league seasons. The others are Julio Rodríguez, Darryl Strawberry and Bobby Bonds — some pretty select company.Witt also become one of six shortstops in the last 95 years to hit at least 100 homers through his age-25 seasons. That list of luminaries includes Alex Rodriguez, Cal Ripken Jr., Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Hanley Ramirez; of those players, only Rodriguez and Ramirez also had 100 steals by the time they were 25 years old.“It was special,” Witt admitted, “just seeing the kind of names on the list or whatever they showed. But now, it’s just kind of on to the next. It was special. We enjoy it. And now it’s just onto the next game.”They keep getting more important for the Royals, who have won five straight and seven of their last eight. They head into the third-game of their four-game set against the Rangers on Wednesday night with a chance to inch closer to a wild-card spot, and they proved last year that they could do some postseason damage if they can only get in.Witt continues to be the catalyst of their second-half surge, too. He’s hitting .291 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs.“It’s special when he goes out there,” said the Royals’ Seth Lugo, who allowed just two runs on three hits while pitching into the seventh inning Tuesday night. “I’ve been saying it for two years: He goes about his business the same way. He doesn’t get up or down on himself. He’s a master of consistency. That’s what he does.”Witt also happens to be a slick fielder with a Gold Glove in his trophy case.But at the plate is where Witt has become a bona fide star. He led the majors with a .332 average last year, when he hit 32 home runs, stole 31 bases and finished with 109 RBIs. And while he may not quite replicate the average, homer total or RBI numbers in this campaign, he already has 32 stolen bases while getting caught just seven times.“There’s not too many guys that get to 100 (homers),” said Vinnie Pasquantino, who also homered Tuesday night. “And the fourth player in MLB history with 100 stolen bases? It’s not a list I’ll ever be on. I mean, it’s kind of unbelievable.

⚾ The Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. hits 100th homer, joining some select company in MLB history

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School is teaming up with Story of the Season to launch a new digital program for the 2025 Salthawk football campaign.

The interactive program will debut with “Chapter 0” on Aug. 29 and will be available for both home and away games throughout the fall. Each edition will include rosters, interviews, highlights, plays of the week and features on football, cheer, dance and the marching band. Chapters will be distributed every Friday at 8 a.m. to subscribers via email and posted on social media.

Advertising opportunities are also available through Story of the Season, giving local businesses a chance to sponsor weekly features or place ads in the digital football media guide. Packages include full-page, half-page and quarter-page options, along with all-year add-ons in printed programs for more than 20 sports.

In addition to football sponsorships, donors can support specific Hutchinson High sports and activities through QR codes linked to each program, from volleyball and cross country to band and orchestra.

School officials said the format provides direct exposure to parents, players and fans while giving community members another way to support student-athletes and activities.

More information, including ad pricing and donation links, is available at <a href="https://storyoftheseason.org/2025fall/football/hutchinson/advertise/">storyoftheseason.org</a> and on the Hutchinson High School athletics page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753716390396.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School is teaming up with Story of the Season to launch a new digital program for the 2025 Salthawk football campaign.The interactive program will debut with “Chapter 0” on Aug. 29 and will be available for both home and away games throughout the fall. Each edition will include rosters, interviews, highlights, plays of the week and features on football, cheer, dance and the marching band. Chapters will be distributed every Friday at 8 a.m. to subscribers via email and posted on social media.Advertising opportunities are also available through Story of the Season, giving local businesses a chance to sponsor weekly features or place ads in the digital football media guide. Packages include full-page, half-page and quarter-page options, along with all-year add-ons in printed programs for more than 20 sports.In addition to football sponsorships, donors can support specific Hutchinson High sports and activities through QR codes linked to each program, from volleyball and cross country to band and orchestra.School officials said the format provides direct exposure to parents, players and fans while giving community members another way to support student-athletes and activities.More information, including ad pricing and donation links, is available at <a href="https://storyoftheseason.org/2025fall/football/hutchinson/advertise/">storyoftheseason.org</a> and on the Hutchinson High School athletics page.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r-8TpUyl-7Y?si=NhY1UdzWr1FLu3Uh" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🏈 Hutch High partners with Story of the Season for digital football program

🎧⚾ Royals win 5th straight; ⚾ Wind Surge win opener in Midland; 🏈 HutchCC places 23 on JCGridiron preseason All-America teams

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the first inning and then scored the go-ahead run in the seventh when Jonathan India was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, helping the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. added a two-run shot in the eighth for his 100th career homer, and Mike Yastrzemski went deep for the Royals, who have won five straight and improved to 7-1 on their season-high 10-game homestand.

Rangers reliever Hoby Milner (1-3) allowed three consecutive hits to start the seventh, including Pasquantino's double. Cole Winn then entered the game and hit India with his first pitch, giving Kansas City its first lead of the game.

Angel Zerpa (4-1) got five outs for the Royals before John Schreiber took care of the ninth for his first save.

Royals starter Seth Lugo and Rangers counterpart Merrill Kelly had matched each other pitch-for-pitch for most of the night.

Lugo surrendered a homer to Corey Seager with two outs in the first, then allowed one more hit before Joc Pederson’s homer in the fourth. Those were the only three hits that Lugo allowed, and he walked two while striking out five.

Kelly gave up the homer to Pasquantino, which just scraped over the right-field wall, with two outs in the first. He did not allow another hit until Yastrzemski's shot into the right-field bullpen with two outs in the sixth.

Those were the only two hits Kelly allowed over six innings. He struck out three without a walk.

Jonah Heim led off the eighth for Texas with a single, but Zerpa got pinch-hitter Cody Freeman to ground into a double play.

Kansas City is 5-0 against the Rangers this season.

The Rangers have not announced their starter for Wednesday after disclosing pregame that RHP Jacob deGrom would skip a turn due to shoulder fatigue. LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.47 ERA) is due on the mound for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755685030105.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run home run for his 100th career home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run home run for his 100th career home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the first inning and then scored the go-ahead run in the seventh when Jonathan India was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, helping the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.Bobby Witt Jr. added a two-run shot in the eighth for his 100th career homer, and Mike Yastrzemski went deep for the Royals, who have won five straight and improved to 7-1 on their season-high 10-game homestand.Rangers reliever Hoby Milner (1-3) allowed three consecutive hits to start the seventh, including Pasquantino's double. Cole Winn then entered the game and hit India with his first pitch, giving Kansas City its first lead of the game.Angel Zerpa (4-1) got five outs for the Royals before John Schreiber took care of the ninth for his first save.Royals starter Seth Lugo and Rangers counterpart Merrill Kelly had matched each other pitch-for-pitch for most of the night.Lugo surrendered a homer to Corey Seager with two outs in the first, then allowed one more hit before Joc Pederson’s homer in the fourth. Those were the only three hits that Lugo allowed, and he walked two while striking out five.Kelly gave up the homer to Pasquantino, which just scraped over the right-field wall, with two outs in the first. He did not allow another hit until Yastrzemski's shot into the right-field bullpen with two outs in the sixth.Those were the only two hits Kelly allowed over six innings. He struck out three without a walk.<h2>Key moment</h2>Jonah Heim led off the eighth for Texas with a single, but Zerpa got pinch-hitter Cody Freeman to ground into a double play.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City is 5-0 against the Rangers this season.<h2>Up next</h2>The Rangers have not announced their starter for Wednesday after disclosing pregame that RHP Jacob deGrom would skip a turn due to shoulder fatigue. LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.47 ERA) is due on the mound for Kansas City.

⚾ Pasquantino and Witt power Royals to win over the Rangers

WICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State was picked third in the American Conference preseason poll announced Tuesday. Redshirt senior right side/outside hitter Brooklyn Leggett was named to the preseason all-conference team.

Rice snagged the top spot on the preseason poll, garnering nine first place votes and 141 total points. South Florida was picked second with four first place votes and 136 points, while the Shockers finished third with 120 points.

Leggett earned preseason all-conference honors after a breakout season in 2024 splitting time both on the left and right side for the Shockers. She played in 30 matches and finished third on the team with 266 kills and second with 2.44 kills per set. She posted 10 matches with double-digit kills and had a career-high 22 kills against Tulsa on November 3. She starred in Wichita State's American Conference Championship win against Florida Atlantic on November 24 racking up a match-high 13 kills.

South Florida senior outside hitter Maria Clara Andrade was named the American Preseason Player of the Year.

Wichita State is coming off an 18-14 season in 2024, including a 10-6 mark in conference play. The Shockers swept through the American Championship last season and secured the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. WSU opens the 2025 regular season at home against Kennesaw State and Arkansas in the Shocker Volleyball Classic, Aug. 29-31, at Charles Koch Arena. Fans can get a look at the 2025 team on Sat., Aug. 23 at the Black and Yellow Scrimmage at 3 p.m. at Charles Koch Arena. It is free to attend.

Season tickets and single match tickets are available by calling the Shocker Ticket Office at (316) 978-FANS or by going online at GoShockers.com/tickets.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755624207734.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. -- Wichita State was picked third in the American Conference preseason poll announced Tuesday. Redshirt senior right side/outside hitter Brooklyn Leggett was named to the preseason all-conference team.Rice snagged the top spot on the preseason poll, garnering nine first place votes and 141 total points. South Florida was picked second with four first place votes and 136 points, while the Shockers finished third with 120 points.Leggett earned preseason all-conference honors after a breakout season in 2024 splitting time both on the left and right side for the Shockers. She played in 30 matches and finished third on the team with 266 kills and second with 2.44 kills per set. She posted 10 matches with double-digit kills and had a career-high 22 kills against Tulsa on November 3. She starred in Wichita State's American Conference Championship win against Florida Atlantic on November 24 racking up a match-high 13 kills.South Florida senior outside hitter Maria Clara Andrade was named the American Preseason Player of the Year.Wichita State is coming off an 18-14 season in 2024, including a 10-6 mark in conference play. The Shockers swept through the American Championship last season and secured the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. WSU opens the 2025 regular season at home against Kennesaw State and Arkansas in the Shocker Volleyball Classic, Aug. 29-31, at Charles Koch Arena. Fans can get a look at the 2025 team on Sat., Aug. 23 at the Black and Yellow Scrimmage at 3 p.m. at Charles Koch Arena. It is free to attend.Season tickets and single match tickets are available by calling the Shocker Ticket Office at (316) 978-FANS or by going online at GoShockers.com/tickets.<div>American Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll Rice (9) 141 South Florida (4) 136 Wichita State 120 East Carolina 106 Florida Atlantic 100 Tulsa 91 UAB 63 Tulane 62 UTSA 46 Temple 43 Charlotte 39 North Texas 39 Memphis 28 (#) denotes first place votes
&nbsp;
Preseason Player of the Year Maria Clara Andrade, Sr., OH, South Florida
&nbsp;
Preseason All-Conference Team Jorda Crook, Jr., OPP, UAB* Kristen Birmingham, Gr., OH, Charlotte Kai Bailey, Jr., MB, East Carolina Taryn Gilreath, So., S, East Carolina Ellie Pate, Jr., OH, East Carolina Victoria Hensley, Sr., S, Florida Atlantic Ryann Vik, So., MB, North Texas Lademi Ogunlana, Sr., MB, Rice Taylor Preston, Sr., OH, Rice Savannah Skopal, So., S, Rice Cindy Tchouangwa, Jr., OH, Rice Ally Cavanaugh, R-So., OH, South Florida Maria Clara Andrade, Sr., OH, South Florida* Avery Burks, Jr., OH, Tulane Brayden Hipp, Sr., S, Tulsa Brooklyn Leggett, R-Sr., RS/OH, Wichita State *denotes unanimous selection</div>

🏐 Shockers picked 3rd in American Conference preseason poll

Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self has added veteran assistant Tony Bland to his coaching staff, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday.

Bland, a longtime presence in West Coast basketball, comes to Lawrence after spending the 2023-24 season as an assistant under Danny Sprinkle at Washington. Before that, he was the head coach at St. Bernard High School in Los Angeles and previously served as associate head coach at USC from 2013-17 under Andy Enfield.

He began his college coaching career at his alma mater, San Diego State, where he helped guide the Aztecs to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012 and 2013.

As a player, Bland suited up for two Hall of Fame coaches: Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and Steve Fisher at San Diego State. He totaled 1,368 points, 331 rebounds and 319 assists across 127 career games, helping lead teams to three NCAA Tournaments and an NIT appearance. He was twice named All-Mountain West and captained the Aztecs in 2003, when they earned their first Division I postseason win.

Following college, Bland was invited to the Indiana Pacers’ training camp, signed a preseason deal with the Sacramento Kings and played professionally in the NBA Development League, Russia and Europe.

A Los Angeles native, Bland was a high school All-American at Westchester High before moving on to a collegiate and coaching career that now brings him to one of the nation’s premier programs at Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749754839888.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self has added veteran assistant Tony Bland to his coaching staff, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sources: Kansas is expected to hire veteran college basketball assistant Tony Bland as an assistant coach. Bland spent last year at the University of Washington. He&#39;s a veteran West Coast coach who worked earlier in his career as an assistant at San Diego State and USC. <a href="https://t.co/UgpiskNwhV">pic.twitter.com/UgpiskNwhV</a>&mdash; Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1957848748538613884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Bland, a longtime presence in West Coast basketball, comes to Lawrence after spending the 2023-24 season as an assistant under Danny Sprinkle at Washington. Before that, he was the head coach at St. Bernard High School in Los Angeles and previously served as associate head coach at USC from 2013-17 under Andy Enfield.He began his college coaching career at his alma mater, San Diego State, where he helped guide the Aztecs to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2012 and 2013.As a player, Bland suited up for two Hall of Fame coaches: Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and Steve Fisher at San Diego State. He totaled 1,368 points, 331 rebounds and 319 assists across 127 career games, helping lead teams to three NCAA Tournaments and an NIT appearance. He was twice named All-Mountain West and captained the Aztecs in 2003, when they earned their first Division I postseason win.Following college, Bland was invited to the Indiana Pacers’ training camp, signed a preseason deal with the Sacramento Kings and played professionally in the NBA Development League, Russia and Europe.A Los Angeles native, Bland was a high school All-American at Westchester High before moving on to a collegiate and coaching career that now brings him to one of the nation’s premier programs at Kansas.

🏀 KU adds veteran assistant Tony Bland to Bill Self’s coaching staff, per reports

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending national champion Hutchinson Community College football team will open the 2025 season with more preseason recognition than any program in the country.

JCGridiron released its preseason All-America teams, and the Blue Dragons led the way with 23 total selections, including 10 on the prestigious first team, six more than any other school.

Running back Titus Petteway, wide receiver Derrick Salley Jr., center Mason Thrush, guard Dylan Johnson, and defensive tackle Jeffrey Manns II highlighted Hutchinson’s first-team honorees. They were joined by defensive end Demarcus Johnson, defensive end J’Lynn Allen, linebacker Tyler Lassiter, and defensive backs David Jester and Da’Mun Allen.

The Blue Dragons added four second-team picks, quarterback Christian Johnson, defensive tackle TaVeon Robinson, defensive end Darius Wiley, and cornerback Rayshawn Reynolds. Three more were honored on the third team, including offensive tackle Dylan Nolan-Cook, defensive tackle K.J. Henson, and cornerback Nireek Sharpe.

Six others rounded out the fourth team: guards Rashad Smith and Darian Melendez, tackle Shayd Johnson, defensive tackle Elijah Jackson, and cornerbacks Earl Parker and LaMar Lynch.

No other program came close to Hutchinson’s national-best total. Trinity Valley, Butler, Iowa Central, Gulf Coast and East Mississippi each placed multiple players across the four teams, but none matched the Blue Dragons’ depth and balance.

The preseason honors come on the heels of Hutchinson’s 2024 NJCAA national championship, its second in program history. The Blue Dragons enter the fall ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA preseason poll and open their title defense Sept. 6 at New Mexico Military Institute.

Hutchinson CC JCGridiron Preseason All-Americans (23)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729854373924.jpeg" alt="(Paityn Kaminkow/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>(Paityn Kaminkow/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending national champion Hutchinson Community College football team will open the 2025 season with more preseason recognition than any program in the country.JCGridiron released its preseason All-America teams, and the Blue Dragons led the way with 23 total selections, including 10 on the prestigious first team, six more than any other school.Running back Titus Petteway, wide receiver Derrick Salley Jr., center Mason Thrush, guard Dylan Johnson, and defensive tackle Jeffrey Manns II highlighted Hutchinson’s first-team honorees. They were joined by defensive end Demarcus Johnson, defensive end J’Lynn Allen, linebacker Tyler Lassiter, and defensive backs David Jester and Da’Mun Allen.The Blue Dragons added four second-team picks, quarterback Christian Johnson, defensive tackle TaVeon Robinson, defensive end Darius Wiley, and cornerback Rayshawn Reynolds. Three more were honored on the third team, including offensive tackle Dylan Nolan-Cook, defensive tackle K.J. Henson, and cornerback Nireek Sharpe.Six others rounded out the fourth team: guards Rashad Smith and Darian Melendez, tackle Shayd Johnson, defensive tackle Elijah Jackson, and cornerbacks Earl Parker and LaMar Lynch.No other program came close to Hutchinson’s national-best total. Trinity Valley, Butler, Iowa Central, Gulf Coast and East Mississippi each placed multiple players across the four teams, but none matched the Blue Dragons’ depth and balance.The preseason honors come on the heels of Hutchinson’s 2024 NJCAA national championship, its second in program history. The Blue Dragons enter the fall ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA preseason poll and open their title defense Sept. 6 at New Mexico Military Institute.<h2>Hutchinson CC JCGridiron Preseason All-Americans (23)</h2>First Team (10)<ul>
 <li>RB Titus Petteway
</li><li>WR Derrick Salley
</li><li>C Mason Thrush
</li><li>G Dylan Johnson
</li><li>DT Jeffrey Manns
</li><li>SDE Demarcus Johnson
</li><li>WDE J’Lynn Allen
</li><li>ILB Tyler Lassiter
</li><li>CB David Jester
</li><li>CB Da’Mun Allen
</li>
 </ul>Second Team (4)<ul>
 <li>QB Christian Johnson
</li><li>DT TaVeon Robinson
</li><li>WDE Darius Wiley
</li><li>CB Rayshawn Reynolds
</li>
 </ul>Third Team (3)<ul>
 <li>OT Dylan Nolan-Cook
</li><li>DT K.J. Henson
</li><li>CB Nireek Sharpe
</li>
 </ul>Fourth Team (6)<ul>
 <li>G Rashad Smith
</li><li>G Darian Melendez
</li><li>OT Shayd Johnson
</li><li>DT Elijah Jackson
</li><li>CB Earl Parker
</li><li>CB LaMar Lynch</li>
 </ul>

🏈 HutchCC dominates JCGridiron preseason All-America teams with 23 selections

MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State’s men’s basketball roster continues to grow, as the Wildcats have added Italian center Dorin Buca has committed to join K-State for the 2025-26 season.

The 6-foot-10 big man most recently played professionally for Akern Libertas Livorno in Italy’s Serie A2 League, where he averaged 5.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and just over a block per game in 43 appearances. Buca twice collected 12 rebounds in a game and posted seven double-digit scoring efforts, including a season-high 15 points against Piacenza. He also had a five-block performance against the same opponent.

Buca previously spent the 2023-24 season with Livorno in the Serie A3 League, averaging 3.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 30 games.

K-State has made the frontcourt a point of emphasis this offseason. The Wildcats signed UNC Wilmington transfer Khamari McGriff earlier this summer, while the eligibility status of Memphis transfer Tyreek Smith remains undecided as he awaits an NCAA waiver ruling.

Buca is the latest in a series of international additions for head coach Jerome Tang’s program. Serbian guard Andrej Kostic and German wing Elias Rapieque also committed to the Wildcats this summer and are expected to arrive in Manhattan soon.

Buca becomes the 15th player on K-State’s roster for 2025, pending the outcome of Smith’s appeal, and is the 12th newcomer added during the offseason.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755613155638.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. — K-State’s men’s basketball roster continues to grow, as the Wildcats have added Italian center Dorin Buca has committed to join K-State for the 2025-26 season.The 6-foot-10 big man most recently played professionally for Akern Libertas Livorno in Italy’s Serie A2 League, where he averaged 5.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and just over a block per game in 43 appearances. Buca twice collected 12 rebounds in a game and posted seven double-digit scoring efforts, including a season-high 15 points against Piacenza. He also had a five-block performance against the same opponent.Buca previously spent the 2023-24 season with Livorno in the Serie A3 League, averaging 3.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 30 games.K-State has made the frontcourt a point of emphasis this offseason. The Wildcats signed UNC Wilmington transfer Khamari McGriff earlier this summer, while the eligibility status of Memphis transfer Tyreek Smith remains undecided as he awaits an NCAA waiver ruling.Buca is the latest in a series of international additions for head coach Jerome Tang’s program. Serbian guard Andrej Kostic and German wing Elias Rapieque also committed to the Wildcats this summer and are expected to arrive in Manhattan soon.Buca becomes the 15th player on K-State’s roster for 2025, pending the outcome of Smith’s appeal, and is the 12th newcomer added during the offseason.

🏀 K-State adds Italian center to 2025 men's roster

🎧⚾ Royals win 4th straight; 🏈 HutchCC opens season ranked No. 1

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski, Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to power the Kansas City Royals past the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Monday night.

Michael Wacha (8-9) allowed two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win. He struck out three, walked none and permitted two earned runs or fewer for the seventh straight start.

Carlos Estévez set a career high with his American League-leading 32nd save.

Yastrzemski's shot to right-center was the 10th leadoff homer of his career and third with the Royals, matching a franchise record for any month. Kansas City acquired Yastrzemski from San Francisco at the July 31 trade deadline.

Pasquantino hit a two-run drive over the right-field wall to give the Royals a 3-1 lead in the third. Bobby Witt Jr. was aboard on a leadoff walk.

Garcia's homer in the fifth went over the left-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Kansas City has homered in eight consecutive games, tying a season high.

The Rangers scored on RBI singles by Jonah Heim in the second and Evan Carter in the sixth. Rowdy Tellez had an RBI groundout in the eighth.

Jack Leiter (7-7) gave up three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.

Royals catcher Luke Maile tagged out Joc Pederson at home plate as part of a double play off a throw from right fielder John Rave. The Rangers challenged the call and lost, keeping the score tied 1-all in the second inning.

Texas went 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position and finished with 11 hits — 10 singles.

The teams play the second game of their series Tuesday night. Texas will start Merrill Kelly (9-7, 3.36 ERA) against Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.77).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755571505480.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mike Yastrzemski, Vinnie Pasquantino and Maikel Garcia homered to power the Kansas City Royals past the Texas Rangers 4-3 on Monday night.Michael Wacha (8-9) allowed two runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win. He struck out three, walked none and permitted two earned runs or fewer for the seventh straight start.Carlos Estévez set a career high with his American League-leading 32nd save.Yastrzemski's shot to right-center was the 10th leadoff homer of his career and third with the Royals, matching a franchise record for any month. Kansas City acquired Yastrzemski from San Francisco at the July 31 trade deadline.Pasquantino hit a two-run drive over the right-field wall to give the Royals a 3-1 lead in the third. Bobby Witt Jr. was aboard on a leadoff walk.Garcia's homer in the fifth went over the left-field wall, just inside the foul pole. Kansas City has homered in eight consecutive games, tying a season high.The Rangers scored on RBI singles by Jonah Heim in the second and Evan Carter in the sixth. Rowdy Tellez had an RBI groundout in the eighth.Jack Leiter (7-7) gave up three runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.<h2>Key moment</h2>Royals catcher Luke Maile tagged out Joc Pederson at home plate as part of a double play off a throw from right fielder John Rave. The Rangers challenged the call and lost, keeping the score tied 1-all in the second inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>Texas went 2 for 8 with runners in scoring position and finished with 11 hits — 10 singles.<h2>Up next</h2>The teams play the second game of their series Tuesday night. Texas will start Merrill Kelly (9-7, 3.36 ERA) against Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.77).___

⚾ Royals hit three home runs in win over Rangers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah on injured reserve Monday, ending the season for the 2023 first-round pick, who has struggled to live up to expectations following a standout career at Kansas State.

The Chiefs also waived running back Elijah Young and signed defensive end Owen Carney and linebacker Xander Mueller.

Anudike-Uzomah came out of high school in the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and he was a popular pick when the Chiefs selected him 32nd overall in a draft they hosted in 2023. But he has just three sacks and eight tackles for loss over 34 games his first two seasons in the league, and now he will miss the upcoming season altogether.

“That's a tough thing,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I mean, he's worked hard. We'll see where it goes. I can't tell you how long it's going to be. It's disappointing for him because he's worked so stinking hard.”

Anudike-Uzomah had been buried on the depth chart behind starting defensive ends George Karlaftis and Mike Danna, veteran pass rusher Charles Omenihu and Ashton Gillotte, a third-round pick out of Louisville in April's draft.

The Chiefs returned to their practice facility Monday following a preseason loss in Seattle last Friday night.

Among those missing the workout were defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (ankle), defensive backs Mike Edwards (hamstring) and Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder), linebacker Jack Cochrane (knee) and wide receiver Jalen Royals (knee).

In a bit of positive injury news, Marquise Brown returned to the field Monday after dealing with an ankle that has sidelined him for much of training camp. Brown has sat out both of the Chiefs' preseason games, and Reid declined to say whether he would be on the field for their final exhibition game against the Bears on Friday night.

Kansas City opens the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“Hollywood (Brown) did a little work yesterday, which was good. He'll get a little more today and then we'll see,” Reid said. “We'll see how he progresses through this thing. But it's not a matter of wanting to be out there. He wants to do it. We're just taking it slow. We don't want any setbacks with this going forward here.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755554871173.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) is helped off the field after a play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) is helped off the field after a play during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs placed defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah on injured reserve Monday, ending the season for the 2023 first-round pick, who has struggled to live up to expectations following a standout career at Kansas State.The Chiefs also waived running back Elijah Young and signed defensive end Owen Carney and linebacker Xander Mueller.Anudike-Uzomah came out of high school in the Kansas City suburb of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and he was a popular pick when the Chiefs selected him 32nd overall in a draft they hosted in 2023. But he has just three sacks and eight tackles for loss over 34 games his first two seasons in the league, and now he will miss the upcoming season altogether.“That's a tough thing,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I mean, he's worked hard. We'll see where it goes. I can't tell you how long it's going to be. It's disappointing for him because he's worked so stinking hard.”Anudike-Uzomah had been buried on the depth chart behind starting defensive ends George Karlaftis and Mike Danna, veteran pass rusher Charles Omenihu and Ashton Gillotte, a third-round pick out of Louisville in April's draft.The Chiefs returned to their practice facility Monday following a preseason loss in Seattle last Friday night.Among those missing the workout were defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (ankle), defensive backs Mike Edwards (hamstring) and Nazeeh Johnson (shoulder), linebacker Jack Cochrane (knee) and wide receiver Jalen Royals (knee).In a bit of positive injury news, Marquise Brown returned to the field Monday after dealing with an ankle that has sidelined him for much of training camp. Brown has sat out both of the Chiefs' preseason games, and Reid declined to say whether he would be on the field for their final exhibition game against the Bears on Friday night.Kansas City opens the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.“Hollywood (Brown) did a little work yesterday, which was good. He'll get a little more today and then we'll see,” Reid said. “We'll see how he progresses through this thing. But it's not a matter of wanting to be out there. He wants to do it. We're just taking it slow. We don't want any setbacks with this going forward here.”

🏈 Chiefs place Felix Anudike-Uzomah on injured reserve, ending the 2023 first-round pick's season

Brian Martin, a former Hutchinson Community College basketball player who went on to play at Kansas and in the NBA, died Friday. He was 62.

Martin, a 6-foot-9 forward from Fort Smith, Arkansas, played one season for the Blue Dragons in 1980-81 under coach Gary Bargen. He helped lead HutchCC to a 24-8 record, including a 6-4 mark in the Jayhawk Conference to finish second. The Blue Dragons were dominant at home with a 13-3 record, went 3-5 on the road and were perfect in neutral-site contests at 8-0. That season ended with Hutchinson capturing the program’s 11th Region VI championship before falling in the NJCAA Bi-District game.

From HutchCC, Martin transferred to Kansas, where he played three seasons from 1981-84 under coaches Ted Owens and Larry Brown. He averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds as a sophomore, improving to 5.1 points and 5.1 rebounds as a senior captain during Brown’s first year. The Jayhawks won the Big Eight tournament that season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

Martin was selected in the ninth round of the 1984 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and split the 1985-86 season with Portland and Seattle. He later played six years in the Continental Basketball Association, winning a title with Tampa Bay in 1985, and also competed professionally in Belgium, Germany, Spain and Italy.

After retiring from basketball, Martin returned to Wichita in 2002 and built a career in insurance and banking while remaining active in civic and faith organizations.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755554905648.png" alt="Photo Courtesy @jay_hawk45 on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @jay_hawk45 on X</figcaption>
 </figure>Brian Martin, a former Hutchinson Community College basketball player who went on to play at Kansas and in the NBA, died Friday. He was 62.Martin, a 6-foot-9 forward from Fort Smith, Arkansas, played one season for the Blue Dragons in 1980-81 under coach Gary Bargen. He helped lead HutchCC to a 24-8 record, including a 6-4 mark in the Jayhawk Conference to finish second. The Blue Dragons were dominant at home with a 13-3 record, went 3-5 on the road and were perfect in neutral-site contests at 8-0. That season ended with Hutchinson capturing the program’s 11th Region VI championship before falling in the NJCAA Bi-District game.From HutchCC, Martin transferred to Kansas, where he played three seasons from 1981-84 under coaches Ted Owens and Larry Brown. He averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds as a sophomore, improving to 5.1 points and 5.1 rebounds as a senior captain during Brown’s first year. The Jayhawks won the Big Eight tournament that season and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.Martin was selected in the ninth round of the 1984 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and split the 1985-86 season with Portland and Seattle. He later played six years in the Continental Basketball Association, winning a title with Tampa Bay in 1985, and also competed professionally in Belgium, Germany, Spain and Italy.After retiring from basketball, Martin returned to Wichita in 2002 and built a career in insurance and banking while remaining active in civic and faith organizations.A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita.

🏀 Brian Martin, former HutchCC, KU and NBA player, dies at 62

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals scratched catcher Salvador Perez from the starting lineup of their series opener against the Texas Rangers on Monday night because of an illness.

Perez was supposed to catch for starter Michael Wacha and bat fifth in the opener of an important four-game set between teams clinging to wild-card hope. Luke Maile will be behind the plate instead and bat eight in the lineup.

Perez, a nine-time All-Star, is hitting .244 with 22 homers and 70 RBIs this season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals scratched catcher Salvador Perez from the starting lineup of their series opener against the Texas Rangers on Monday night because of an illness.Perez was supposed to catch for starter Michael Wacha and bat fifth in the opener of an important four-game set between teams clinging to wild-card hope. Luke Maile will be behind the plate instead and bat eight in the lineup.Perez, a nine-time All-Star, is hitting .244 with 22 homers and 70 RBIs this season.

⚾ Royals' Salvador Perez out with illness in series opener against Rangers

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending national champion Hutchinson Community College football team will open the 2025 season where it left off last December, on top of the NJCAA rankings.

The Blue Dragons were voted the unanimous No. 1 team in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll released Monday, receiving all 12 first-place votes. Hutchinson finished the 2024 season 11-1 and captured the program’s second national championship with a 28-23 victory over Iowa Western in Canyon, Texas.

Last fall, the Blue Dragons climbed to No. 1 by the third week of the season and remained in the top three for the remainder of the year. They dominated No. 2 Georgia Military 63-21 in the semifinals before outlasting Iowa Western in the title game.

The poll marks the seventh consecutive season Hutchinson has opened with a national ranking. Under head coach Drew Dallas, the Blue Dragons have been ranked in 62 of the 68 polls released during his tenure, holding the No. 1 position 36 times. Hutchinson has now appeared in 49 straight national polls dating back to 2021.

The preseason Top 5 features Hutchinson, Iowa Western, Northwest Mississippi, Navarro and Georgia Military. Garden City, another member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference, checked in at No. 7, while Butler was ranked No. 13.&nbsp; Coffeyville and Dodge City each received votes.

Hutchinson, which also won the 2021 national championship under Dallas, will try to add a third title to its resume this fall.

NJCAA Division I Football Preseason Top 15

Receiving votes: Coffeyville (Kan.), East Mississippi, East Central (Miss.), Dodge City (Kan.), Holmes (Miss.), Cisco (Texas), Itawamba (Miss.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755545632040.jpeg" alt="Graphic courtesy NJCAA" />
 <figcaption>Graphic courtesy NJCAA</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The defending national champion Hutchinson Community College football team will open the 2025 season where it left off last December, on top of the NJCAA rankings.The Blue Dragons were voted the unanimous No. 1 team in the NJCAA Division I preseason poll released Monday, receiving all 12 first-place votes. Hutchinson finished the 2024 season 11-1 and captured the program’s second national championship with a 28-23 victory over Iowa Western in Canyon, Texas.Last fall, the Blue Dragons climbed to No. 1 by the third week of the season and remained in the top three for the remainder of the year. They dominated No. 2 Georgia Military 63-21 in the semifinals before outlasting Iowa Western in the title game.The poll marks the seventh consecutive season Hutchinson has opened with a national ranking. Under head coach Drew Dallas, the Blue Dragons have been ranked in 62 of the 68 polls released during his tenure, holding the No. 1 position 36 times. Hutchinson has now appeared in 49 straight national polls dating back to 2021.The preseason Top 5 features Hutchinson, Iowa Western, Northwest Mississippi, Navarro and Georgia Military. Garden City, another member of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference, checked in at No. 7, while Butler was ranked No. 13.&nbsp; Coffeyville and Dodge City each received votes.Hutchinson, which also won the 2021 national championship under Dallas, will try to add a third title to its resume this fall.NJCAA Division I Football Preseason Top 15<ol>
 <li>Hutchinson (Kan.) – 150 (12)
</li><li>Iowa Western – 140
</li><li>Northwest Mississippi – 122
</li><li>Navarro (Texas) – 117
</li><li>Georgia Military – 106
</li><li>Snow (Utah) – 105
</li><li>Garden City (Kan.) – 87
</li><li>Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) – 68
</li><li>Tyler (Texas) – 64
</li><li>Mississippi Gulf Coast – 47
</li><li>Kilgore (Texas) – 46
</li><li>Lackawanna (Pa.) – 41
</li><li>Butler (Kan.) – 30
</li><li>Trinity Valley (Texas) – 26
</li><li>Iowa Central – 23
</li>
 </ol>Receiving votes: Coffeyville (Kan.), East Mississippi, East Central (Miss.), Dodge City (Kan.), Holmes (Miss.), Cisco (Texas), Itawamba (Miss.)(First-place votes in parentheses)

🏈 HutchCC enters 2025 season as unanimous No. 1 in NJCAA preseason poll

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/documents/2025/8/18/Game_1_-_Iowa_State.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/304fb7d7-e85c-43f1-aa2d-4bcbdb1a99f3">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://thevarsitynetwork.com/feed/source/oas-1358?audioPlayer=kstate:allaccess-Live-5598">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=593799">LIVE STATS</a>

🏈 K-State opens season with Iowa State in Aer Lingus College Football Classic

<a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/8/18/01_Kansas_Game_Notes_vs._Fresno_State.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=604522">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/feature/the-booth">STADIUM GUIDE</a>

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football enters its 134th&nbsp;season of football and its first game at the Reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium when the Jayhawks take on the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. CT. The game will air nationally on FOX with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline) on the call.

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium has undergone an ambitious transformation as part of phase one of the University of Kansas' Gateway District, including a complete rebuild of the west and north side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a conference center on the north end of the stadium (to open October 2025) and significant changes to Anderson Family Football Complex.

Among the changes fans can expect on gameday include a restricted seating bowl with improved sightlines and increased fan proximity to the field, along with expanded concourse circulation, upgraded accessibility, diverse new premium seating options and an overall more comfortable gameday experience.

Phase two of the University of Kansas Gateway District will then focus on the east portion of the stadium as well as the entertainment, dining, retail and other potential aspects of the Gateway District.

The Jayhawks enter the 2025 season under fifth-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/lance-leipold/879">Lance Leipold</a>, who has led the program to new heights with 22 wins over the past four seasons, which is the most over a four-year stretch at Kansas since 2007-10 (25). Leipold led Kansas to back-to-back bowl games in 2022 (AutoZone Liberty Bowl) and 2023 (Guaranteed Rate Bowl) for just the second time in program history.

Kansas is led by returning standouts in quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/16182">Jalon Daniels</a>, running back&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-hishaw-jr-/16202">Daniel Hishaw Jr.</a>, center&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryce-foster/16194">Bryce Foster</a>, and defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/dean-miller/16215">Dean Miller</a>, along with several playmaking newcomers. Under Leipold, the Jayhawks had the second-highest 3rd down conversion percentage (51%) and sixth-fewest penalties (54) in all of college football in 2024.

Fresno State enters its season-opener following a 6-7 (4-3 MWC) season in 2024, as the Bulldogs begin their first season under head coach Matt Entz. Kansas and Fresno State are meeting on the gridiron for the first time, in what will be Kansas' first week 0 game and earliest season-opener in program history. Kansas is 57-26-2 in home season openers all-time, including winners of its last four season openers (2024 vs. Lindenwood, 2023 vs. Missouri State, 2022 vs. Tennessee Tech, 2021 vs. South Dakota).

Saturday's season opener vs. Fresno State is the first of seven games to be played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium this fall. For Kansas' full schedule, tickets and more,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/feature/the-booth">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755539863803.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://kuathletics.com/documents/2025/8/18/01_Kansas_Game_Notes_vs._Fresno_State.pdf">GAME NOTES</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxsports.com/live">WATCH</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.leanplayer.com/">LISTEN</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=604522">LIVE STATS</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;|&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/feature/the-booth">STADIUM GUIDE</a>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football enters its 134th&nbsp;season of football and its first game at the Reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium when the Jayhawks take on the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. CT. The game will air nationally on FOX with Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst) and Josh Sims (sideline) on the call.David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium has undergone an ambitious transformation as part of phase one of the University of Kansas' Gateway District, including a complete rebuild of the west and north side of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a conference center on the north end of the stadium (to open October 2025) and significant changes to Anderson Family Football Complex.Among the changes fans can expect on gameday include a restricted seating bowl with improved sightlines and increased fan proximity to the field, along with expanded concourse circulation, upgraded accessibility, diverse new premium seating options and an overall more comfortable gameday experience.Phase two of the University of Kansas Gateway District will then focus on the east portion of the stadium as well as the entertainment, dining, retail and other potential aspects of the Gateway District.The Jayhawks enter the 2025 season under fifth-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/lance-leipold/879">Lance Leipold</a>, who has led the program to new heights with 22 wins over the past four seasons, which is the most over a four-year stretch at Kansas since 2007-10 (25). Leipold led Kansas to back-to-back bowl games in 2022 (AutoZone Liberty Bowl) and 2023 (Guaranteed Rate Bowl) for just the second time in program history.Kansas is led by returning standouts in quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-daniels/16182">Jalon Daniels</a>, running back&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/daniel-hishaw-jr-/16202">Daniel Hishaw Jr.</a>, center&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/bryce-foster/16194">Bryce Foster</a>, and defensive end&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/dean-miller/16215">Dean Miller</a>, along with several playmaking newcomers. Under Leipold, the Jayhawks had the second-highest 3rd down conversion percentage (51%) and sixth-fewest penalties (54) in all of college football in 2024.Fresno State enters its season-opener following a 6-7 (4-3 MWC) season in 2024, as the Bulldogs begin their first season under head coach Matt Entz. Kansas and Fresno State are meeting on the gridiron for the first time, in what will be Kansas' first week 0 game and earliest season-opener in program history. Kansas is 57-26-2 in home season openers all-time, including winners of its last four season openers (2024 vs. Lindenwood, 2023 vs. Missouri State, 2022 vs. Tennessee Tech, 2021 vs. South Dakota).Saturday's season opener vs. Fresno State is the first of seven games to be played at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium this fall. For Kansas' full schedule, tickets and more,&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/feature/the-booth">click here</a>.

🏈 KU opens season vs. Fresno State at new David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fans placed quarterback Avery Johnson on a pedestal before he arrived on campus. He was the top recruit who decided to stay home and play for the in-state school, and he was expected to lead the Wildcats to Big 12 greatness.

There were games last year in which he did exactly that. There also were games in which he fell right off that pedestal.

The question now, as the No. 17 Wildcats prepare to open the season against No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland, is whether the junior QB can play consistently at an elite level. Whether coach Chris Klieman wants to acknowledge it or not, the chances of Kansas State playing for a conference title this season rest largely on Johnson’s shoulders.

“He’s doing a really good job of holding other people accountable. Holding himself accountable,” Klieman said. “He’s saying, ‘I’ve got to continue to improve that relationship with these wideouts, or other tight ends or running backs.’ He’s never satisfied, and that is something that I really appreciate about Avery.”

To be clear: Johnson had an excellent first season as a starter. He threw for 2,712 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and he ran for another 605 yards and seven scores. And he led the Wildcats to a 9-4 finish, which included a bowl win over Rutgers — the fourth straight season Kansas State has finished with at least eight wins.

Yet among those losses was a 38-9 rout at BYU in which he threw a pair of picks, a loss to Houston in which he threw two more, and a late-season loss to the Cyclones that allowed them — rather than Kansas State — to play for a Big 12 championship.

The experience that Johnson gained from those setbacks has proven to be invaluable, though.

“I think he’s probably more comfortable in his own skin, in his own ability,” Kansas State offensive coordinator Matt Wells said. “‘I don’t have to be this certain type of player. I don’t need to listen to the media or somebody ask me about being a certain prototypical blank-kind of quarterback. I’m good when I run. I’m good when I throw it.’ I think he’s further along in coverage recognition. I think he’s further along in his ability to dissect what a defense is doing. That takes time.”

The time has come to put it to the test. The Wildcats open against Iowa State in a Top 25 showdown in Ireland that could play a big factor in deciding who plays for the Big 12 title come the end of the season.

Kansas State lost running back D.J. Giddens to the NFL, but Dylan Edwards is back, and he showed last season the kind of game-breaking speed and ability that made him a four-star recruit. He had 224 yards total and three touchdowns in the Rate Bowl.

Jayce Brown is back after catching 47 passes for 823 yards and five touchdowns, but the Wildcats seldom got production from the rest of their wide receivers last year. Purdue transfer Jaron Tibbs and Boston College transfer Jerand Bradley should help.

The school that produced second-round draft pick Ben Sinnott two years keeps churning out tight ends. Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson and Will Anciaux combined to catch 11 TD passes last season, and now they will be joined by Linkon Cure, who many recruiting services labeled the best tight end in this year’s recruiting class.

Austin Romaine was largely overlooked coming out of high school, but the middle linebacker has emerged as one of the best in the nation. He was second-team All-Big 12 last year and is on the watch list for the Butkus and Nagurski awards this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755521273725.jpeg" alt="Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State fans placed quarterback Avery Johnson on a pedestal before he arrived on campus. He was the top recruit who decided to stay home and play for the in-state school, and he was expected to lead the Wildcats to Big 12 greatness.There were games last year in which he did exactly that. There also were games in which he fell right off that pedestal.The question now, as the No. 17 Wildcats prepare to open the season against No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland, is whether the junior QB can play consistently at an elite level. Whether coach Chris Klieman wants to acknowledge it or not, the chances of Kansas State playing for a conference title this season rest largely on Johnson’s shoulders.“He’s doing a really good job of holding other people accountable. Holding himself accountable,” Klieman said. “He’s saying, ‘I’ve got to continue to improve that relationship with these wideouts, or other tight ends or running backs.’ He’s never satisfied, and that is something that I really appreciate about Avery.”To be clear: Johnson had an excellent first season as a starter. He threw for 2,712 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and he ran for another 605 yards and seven scores. And he led the Wildcats to a 9-4 finish, which included a bowl win over Rutgers — the fourth straight season Kansas State has finished with at least eight wins.Yet among those losses was a 38-9 rout at BYU in which he threw a pair of picks, a loss to Houston in which he threw two more, and a late-season loss to the Cyclones that allowed them — rather than Kansas State — to play for a Big 12 championship.The experience that Johnson gained from those setbacks has proven to be invaluable, though.“I think he’s probably more comfortable in his own skin, in his own ability,” Kansas State offensive coordinator Matt Wells said. “‘I don’t have to be this certain type of player. I don’t need to listen to the media or somebody ask me about being a certain prototypical blank-kind of quarterback. I’m good when I run. I’m good when I throw it.’ I think he’s further along in coverage recognition. I think he’s further along in his ability to dissect what a defense is doing. That takes time.”The time has come to put it to the test. The Wildcats open against Iowa State in a Top 25 showdown in Ireland that could play a big factor in deciding who plays for the Big 12 title come the end of the season.<h2>Backfield star</h2>Kansas State lost running back D.J. Giddens to the NFL, but Dylan Edwards is back, and he showed last season the kind of game-breaking speed and ability that made him a four-star recruit. He had 224 yards total and three touchdowns in the Rate Bowl.<h2>Help at wideout</h2>Jayce Brown is back after catching 47 passes for 823 yards and five touchdowns, but the Wildcats seldom got production from the rest of their wide receivers last year. Purdue transfer Jaron Tibbs and Boston College transfer Jerand Bradley should help.<h2>Tight end U</h2>The school that produced second-round draft pick Ben Sinnott two years keeps churning out tight ends. Garrett Oakley, Will Swanson and Will Anciaux combined to catch 11 TD passes last season, and now they will be joined by Linkon Cure, who many recruiting services labeled the best tight end in this year’s recruiting class.<h2>Middle of the defense</h2>Austin Romaine was largely overlooked coming out of high school, but the middle linebacker has emerged as one of the best in the nation. He was second-team All-Big 12 last year and is on the watch list for the Butkus and Nagurski awards this year.<h2>Schedule situation</h2>

🏈 K-State’s Avery Johnson faces high expectations as Wildcats open season in Ireland

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The construction cranes that have been working on a new stadium for the Kansas Jayhawks the past two years might just as well be emblematic of the program as a whole.

No longer a downtrodden eyesore, the Jayhawks are suddenly competitive again, even if they remain a work in progress.

The vast majority of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium has been finished, including the east side and end zones, though the west side stands from the old facility will remain until the next offseason. In much the same way, the Jayhawks have become Big 12 contenders under Lance Leipold, though they showed during a 5-7 finish last year that they are still building.

“As we come into this stadium,” Leipold said ahead of Saturday night’s opener against Fresno State, “we need our fanbase to be there as well, to truly make it impactful. We need people there to do it.

“Now, on the flip side, it’s our responsibility to play a brand — a style — of effective football that people want to come and see,” Leipold continued, “and create a game-day environment that is special, that people want to partake in.”

After back-to-back bowl games, and going 9-4 two years ago, Kansas slid a bit last year, a season of high expectations that was sullied by a spectacularly poor start. The Jayhawks lost five of their first six games while playing home games at Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City, and Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs — which is just across the state line in Missouri, adding to the homeless feeling Kansas no doubt felt.

But the Jayhawks finished with a flurry, beating ranked foes Iowa State, Colorado and BYU in consecutive weeks. And while they failed to make a bowl game, they have not only confidence but momentum as they head into a new season.

“This program is now relevant,” Leipold said.

The Jayhawks have a stadium to reflect it, too.

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has been labeled a Heisman Trophy candidate and a bust, a spectacular athlete who is capable of doing just about anything and an injury-prone QB who struggles with his decision-making. The reality is probably somewhere in between, but one thing is certain: If Daniels has a big final season in Lawrence, so will the Jayhawks.

Daniel Hishaw Jr. is first in line to replace Devin Neal, the school’s departed career rushing record-holder, but he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Iowa transfer Leshon Williams, who only played three games last season because of his own injury troubles, will also get plenty of reps in the backfield.

One of the big unknowns in Lawrence is who will replace the top four wide receivers from last year. Alabama transfer Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Albany transfer Levi Wentz have gotten rave reviews from Kansas wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel, while Columbia transfer Bryson Canty and Ball State transfer Cam Pickett could start games as well.

Jim Zebrowski was promoted to offensive coordinator after Jeff Grimes left for the same job at Wisconsin, while D.K. McDonald has taken over the defense following the retirement of longtime coordinator Brian Borland.

After opening with Fresno State and Wagner, the Jayhawks head to Missouri for a matchup with their most bitter rival. If they get through those three games, their first two Big 12 games against West Virginia and Cincinnati are at home. There are road trips to Texas Tech and Iowa State on the schedule but the Jayhawks host rival Kansas State on Oct. 25.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755521746240.jpeg" alt="Kansas head coach Lance Leipold stands with his players before running onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Houston on Oct. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas head coach Lance Leipold stands with his players before running onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Houston on Oct. 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The construction cranes that have been working on a new stadium for the Kansas Jayhawks the past two years might just as well be emblematic of the program as a whole.No longer a downtrodden eyesore, the Jayhawks are suddenly competitive again, even if they remain a work in progress.Just like the stadium.The vast majority of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium has been finished, including the east side and end zones, though the west side stands from the old facility will remain until the next offseason. In much the same way, the Jayhawks have become Big 12 contenders under Lance Leipold, though they showed during a 5-7 finish last year that they are still building.“As we come into this stadium,” Leipold said ahead of Saturday night’s opener against Fresno State, “we need our fanbase to be there as well, to truly make it impactful. We need people there to do it.“Now, on the flip side, it’s our responsibility to play a brand — a style — of effective football that people want to come and see,” Leipold continued, “and create a game-day environment that is special, that people want to partake in.”After back-to-back bowl games, and going 9-4 two years ago, Kansas slid a bit last year, a season of high expectations that was sullied by a spectacularly poor start. The Jayhawks lost five of their first six games while playing home games at Children’s Mercy Park, the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City, and Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Chiefs — which is just across the state line in Missouri, adding to the homeless feeling Kansas no doubt felt.But the Jayhawks finished with a flurry, beating ranked foes Iowa State, Colorado and BYU in consecutive weeks. And while they failed to make a bowl game, they have not only confidence but momentum as they head into a new season.“This program is now relevant,” Leipold said.The Jayhawks have a stadium to reflect it, too.<h2>JD6 is back</h2>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels has been labeled a Heisman Trophy candidate and a bust, a spectacular athlete who is capable of doing just about anything and an injury-prone QB who struggles with his decision-making. The reality is probably somewhere in between, but one thing is certain: If Daniels has a big final season in Lawrence, so will the Jayhawks.<h2>Running back room</h2>Daniel Hishaw Jr. is first in line to replace Devin Neal, the school’s departed career rushing record-holder, but he has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Iowa transfer Leshon Williams, who only played three games last season because of his own injury troubles, will also get plenty of reps in the backfield.<h2>What about the wideouts</h2>One of the big unknowns in Lawrence is who will replace the top four wide receivers from last year. Alabama transfer Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Albany transfer Levi Wentz have gotten rave reviews from Kansas wide receivers coach Terrence Samuel, while Columbia transfer Bryson Canty and Ball State transfer Cam Pickett could start games as well.<h2>Coaching turnover</h2>Jim Zebrowski was promoted to offensive coordinator after Jeff Grimes left for the same job at Wisconsin, while D.K. McDonald has taken over the defense following the retirement of longtime coordinator Brian Borland.<h2>Schedule situation</h2>After opening with Fresno State and Wagner, the Jayhawks head to Missouri for a matchup with their most bitter rival. If they get through those three games, their first two Big 12 games against West Virginia and Cincinnati are at home. There are road trips to Texas Tech and Iowa State on the schedule but the Jayhawks host rival Kansas State on Oct. 25.

🏈 KU's new stadium symbolizes program’s resurgence, though work on both still remains

🎧⚾ Royals sweep White Sox; ⚾ Wind Surge win final 3 in Springfield; ⛳ Hague wins City Stroke Play title

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nick Hague left little doubt Sunday in securing another Hutchinson City Stroke Play championship.

After carrying a one-shot lead into the final round at Crazy Horse Golf Course, Hague surged away from the field with a 5-under-par 67 that featured two eagles and just one bogey. Combined with his 71 at Carey Park in Saturday’s opening round, Hague finished with a two-day total of 134, 12 strokes clear of the field.

Defending champion Jason Odell was the only other player to break 80 in the final round, carding a 74 to finish runner-up at 146. Hogan Smith placed third with a 148, while Jake Winchester’s 157 earned him fourth.

Winners were also crowned in three additional flights. Kirk Holmberg took the First Flight title with a 160, edging Ryan Allan (161), Korey Holmberg (164) and Josh Gooch (165). In the Second Flight, Kevin Rogg fired a two-round 166 to finish atop Doug Christman (168), Greg Flores (170) and Konner Harms (171). Dustin Anderson claimed the Third Flight with a 177, followed by Joe Palacioz (179), Jeff Schrock (180) and Marc Ahrens (186).

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nick Hague left little doubt Sunday in securing another Hutchinson City Stroke Play championship.After carrying a one-shot lead into the final round at Crazy Horse Golf Course, Hague surged away from the field with a 5-under-par 67 that featured two eagles and just one bogey. Combined with his 71 at Carey Park in Saturday’s opening round, Hague finished with a two-day total of 134, 12 strokes clear of the field.Defending champion Jason Odell was the only other player to break 80 in the final round, carding a 74 to finish runner-up at 146. Hogan Smith placed third with a 148, while Jake Winchester’s 157 earned him fourth.Winners were also crowned in three additional flights. Kirk Holmberg took the First Flight title with a 160, edging Ryan Allan (161), Korey Holmberg (164) and Josh Gooch (165). In the Second Flight, Kevin Rogg fired a two-round 166 to finish atop Doug Christman (168), Greg Flores (170) and Konner Harms (171). Dustin Anderson claimed the Third Flight with a 177, followed by Joe Palacioz (179), Jeff Schrock (180) and Marc Ahrens (186).Tournament organizers thanked all participants and noted the next event, the Hutchinson City Team Championship, is scheduled for Sept. 20-21.