Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team was picked to finish second in the 2023 Jayhawk West championship chase, according to the league's annual preseason coaches' poll released on Thursday.

The predicted second-place finish is the highest in head coach Delice Downing's four seasons with the Blue Dragons. It's the highest predicted finish since 2018 when the Dragons were picked first.

Downing returns three starters and five players from last season's 26-12 team that advanced to the Region VI Tournament semifinals.

All-KJCCC outside hitter Taniya Golden is back after averaging .287 kills per set and hitting .227.

Middle blocker Anna Dean returns after a solid freshman season where she averaged 0.82 blocks and .343 hitting with 182 kills per set.

Also back is outside hitter Alejandra Briseno, who missed 2 1/2 weeks of her freshman season midway through 2022. Briseno hit .232 with 2.09 kills per set. She also averaged 0.29 service aces with her powerful jump serve.

Setter Giovanna Ravanhani also returns. She was the second setter in Hutchinson's 6-2 attack in 2022. Ravanhani averaged 3.44 set assists per match.

Middle Ashlyn Long averaged 0.64 block and 0.55 kills per set last season in limited duty.

Butler, the 2021 Region VI Tournament champion and 2022 Region VI runner-up was picked to win the 2023 Jayhawk Conference championship, according to the poll. Then it was Hutchinson, Seward County, Colby, Dodge City, Garden City, Cloud County, Barton and Pratt.

The Blue Dragons have two more preseason scrimmage dates before the regular season opens. Hutchinson will be at the Butler Preseason Classic on Saturday at El Dorado and then will play host to Central Christian, Bethel College and McPherson College in a preseason scrimmage on Tuesday beginning at Noon at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons will open the 2023 season with four matches at the McCook Classic where Hutchinson will play McCook, Casper, Gillette and Northeastern Junior College.

The Dragons open at home with a triangular against the Bethel College JV and Kansas Wesleyan JV on August 23rd. Hutchinson will open Jayhawk West play with Dodge City on August 30 at the Sports Arena.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691742717240.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College volleyball team was picked to finish second in the 2023 Jayhawk West championship chase, according to the league's annual preseason coaches' poll released on Thursday.The predicted second-place finish is the highest in head coach Delice Downing's four seasons with the Blue Dragons. It's the highest predicted finish since 2018 when the Dragons were picked first.Downing returns three starters and five players from last season's 26-12 team that advanced to the Region VI Tournament semifinals.All-KJCCC outside hitter Taniya Golden is back after averaging .287 kills per set and hitting .227.Middle blocker Anna Dean returns after a solid freshman season where she averaged 0.82 blocks and .343 hitting with 182 kills per set.Also back is outside hitter Alejandra Briseno, who missed 2 1/2 weeks of her freshman season midway through 2022. Briseno hit .232 with 2.09 kills per set. She also averaged 0.29 service aces with her powerful jump serve.Setter Giovanna Ravanhani also returns. She was the second setter in Hutchinson's 6-2 attack in 2022. Ravanhani averaged 3.44 set assists per match.Middle Ashlyn Long averaged 0.64 block and 0.55 kills per set last season in limited duty.Butler, the 2021 Region VI Tournament champion and 2022 Region VI runner-up was picked to win the 2023 Jayhawk Conference championship, according to the poll. Then it was Hutchinson, Seward County, Colby, Dodge City, Garden City, Cloud County, Barton and Pratt.The Blue Dragons have two more preseason scrimmage dates before the regular season opens. Hutchinson will be at the Butler Preseason Classic on Saturday at El Dorado and then will play host to Central Christian, Bethel College and McPherson College in a preseason scrimmage on Tuesday beginning at Noon at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons will open the 2023 season with four matches at the McCook Classic where Hutchinson will play McCook, Casper, Gillette and Northeastern Junior College.The Dragons open at home with a triangular against the Bethel College JV and Kansas Wesleyan JV on August 23rd. Hutchinson will open Jayhawk West play with Dodge City on August 30 at the Sports Arena.

🏐 HutchCC picked 2nd in KJCCC coaches' poll

SPRINGDALE, Arkansas - Aaron Sabato had a three-hit game, drove in three runs and hit a home run for the Wind Surge, but every time the Surge got within one run the Naturals pulled away. Wichita lost game three against NW Arkansas 10-6 and now lead the series two games to one.

The Naturals got on the board in the bottom of the first. Jorge Bonifacio hit an RBI double to left field and then Jeison Guzman hit a two RBI single. NW Arkansas had earned themselves an early three run lead.

Wichita scored their first run of the ball game in the top of the second. Willie Joe Garry Jr. hit an RBI single after Seth Gray and Alex Isola hit back-to-back doubles to put themselves in scoring position.

Sabato hit a 381-foot solo home run in the top of the third for the Wind Surge. The Naturals lead was now cut to just one run.

NW Arkansas extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth. Peyton Wilson hit a soft ground ball in the infield for an RBI single. Bonifacio then came to the plate and hit a three-run home run over the left field wall.

The Wind Surge bats caught on fire in the top of the seventh. Sabato got his third hit of the game when he drove in two runs off a sharp ground ball to right field. Patrick Winkel drove hit an RBI single on a line drive to center field and then Shuffield hit an RBI single on a line drive to right field. By the end of the inning the Naturals lead was cut to just one run for the second time in the ball game.

Leonel Valera hit a two out RBI triple in the bottom of the seventh for the Naturals. He was able to reach home after a wild pitch by Hunter McMahon and scored another run for NW Arkansas.

In the bottom of the eighth Cayden Wallace hit an RBI single to bring the Naturals score to double digits.

Travis Adams made his team leading 19th start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched four and a third innings where he gave up six runs off six hits. He struck out four batters and walked three more. He was credited with the loss, and his record falls to (2-8).

The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Chandler Champlain. He pitched six innings where he gave up four runs off seven hits. He struck out seven batters and walked two more. He earned the win, and his record improves to (3-2).

The Wichita Wind Surge fall to (17-19, 45-59) and the NW Arkansas Naturals improve to (18-17, 47-57).

NOTES: Dalton Shuffield extended his hitting streak to six games. He has recorded a hit in every game since he joined the Wind Surge roster. The four-game win streak for the Wind Surge came to an end with tonight’s loss.

BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge are on the road in Northwest Arkansas for a six-game series against the Naturals. Game four will be played at 7:05 PM on Friday, August 11th. RH Marco Raya will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Will Fleming will take the mound for the Naturals.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return to Riverfront Stadium Tuesday, August 15th to host a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691742300171.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGDALE, Arkansas - Aaron Sabato had a three-hit game, drove in three runs and hit a home run for the Wind Surge, but every time the Surge got within one run the Naturals pulled away. Wichita lost game three against NW Arkansas 10-6 and now lead the series two games to one.The Naturals got on the board in the bottom of the first. Jorge Bonifacio hit an RBI double to left field and then Jeison Guzman hit a two RBI single. NW Arkansas had earned themselves an early three run lead.Wichita scored their first run of the ball game in the top of the second. Willie Joe Garry Jr. hit an RBI single after Seth Gray and Alex Isola hit back-to-back doubles to put themselves in scoring position.Sabato hit a 381-foot solo home run in the top of the third for the Wind Surge. The Naturals lead was now cut to just one run.NW Arkansas extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth. Peyton Wilson hit a soft ground ball in the infield for an RBI single. Bonifacio then came to the plate and hit a three-run home run over the left field wall.The Wind Surge bats caught on fire in the top of the seventh. Sabato got his third hit of the game when he drove in two runs off a sharp ground ball to right field. Patrick Winkel drove hit an RBI single on a line drive to center field and then Shuffield hit an RBI single on a line drive to right field. By the end of the inning the Naturals lead was cut to just one run for the second time in the ball game.Leonel Valera hit a two out RBI triple in the bottom of the seventh for the Naturals. He was able to reach home after a wild pitch by Hunter McMahon and scored another run for NW Arkansas.In the bottom of the eighth Cayden Wallace hit an RBI single to bring the Naturals score to double digits.Travis Adams made his team leading 19th start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched four and a third innings where he gave up six runs off six hits. He struck out four batters and walked three more. He was credited with the loss, and his record falls to (2-8).The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Chandler Champlain. He pitched six innings where he gave up four runs off seven hits. He struck out seven batters and walked two more. He earned the win, and his record improves to (3-2).The Wichita Wind Surge fall to (17-19, 45-59) and the NW Arkansas Naturals improve to (18-17, 47-57).NOTES: Dalton Shuffield extended his hitting streak to six games. He has recorded a hit in every game since he joined the Wind Surge roster. The four-game win streak for the Wind Surge came to an end with tonight’s loss.BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge are on the road in Northwest Arkansas for a six-game series against the Naturals. Game four will be played at 7:05 PM on Friday, August 11th. RH Marco Raya will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Will Fleming will take the mound for the Naturals.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return to Riverfront Stadium Tuesday, August 15th to host a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM.

⚾ Wind Surge win streak ends

BOSTON (AP) — James Paxton worked 5 1/3 scoreless innings and five Boston pitchers combined for the seven-hit shutout as the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Thursday night.

John Schreiber, Josh Winckowski and Chris Martin followed Paxton, and Kenley Jansen retired the side in order in the ninth inning for his 25th save as Boston moved five games over .500 at 60-55 and took three of four games from the Royals.

“Very confident handing the ball to those guys,” Paxton said. “We’ve got a talented group out there and doing really well.”

For the second straight night, the Red Sox turned to the same four members of the bullpen, and with each pitcher able to keep the Royals off the scoreboard. Winchowski, Martin and Jansen each struck out two, while Schreiber stranded a runner at third base to end the sixth.

In the top of the second inning with two out and Matt Duffy on first base, Kyle Isbel lashed a drive to left field that looked as if it would be caught by Masataka Yoshida, who lunged and clasped his glove. But Yoshida missed the ball, crashing into the wall. He got up, clearly confused, looking around for the ball.

The ball was not on the field. It had smashed through one of the red lights on the wall that denote the number of outs. Yoshida picked the ball through the hole in the light, with the play ruled a ground-rule double.

“They attacked the zone with good stuff and we were able to close it,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.

Alex Verdugo hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning to give Boston a 1-0 lead and Adam Duvall added an RBI double in the fifth.

Trevor Story doubled to straightaway center in the fourth for his first hit in nine at-bats since returning from the injured list.

“He was able to catch up on a fastball on an 0-2 count after seeing all those sliders,” Cora said. “The walk was also good. Just keep grinding and keep going.”

In the fifth inning as rain fell at Fenway Park, Duvall’s hit was originally ruled a foul ball by third base umpire Emil Jimenez. But Cora decided to challenge the call and it was overturned following a review.

Paxton (7-3), who allowed three homers in his previous start against Toronto, scattered six hits with six strikeouts and no walks. The 34-year-old left-hander was helped by a sliding catch by Verdugo that led to an inning-ending 9-3 double play in the second.

“He saved me with that nice play,” Paxton said of Verdugo’s grab and throw that doubled up Kansas City’s M.J. Melendez at first.

Austin Cox and Taylor Hearn worked the first three innings for Kansas City (37-80). Alec Marsh (0-6) went the final five innings, allowing two runs while striking out three.

“I thought he (Marsh) threw the ball well. Five innings allowing two runs, that’s a quality start right there,” said Cox, who served as the opener.

The Red Sox improved to 9-1 this season wearing their yellow “City Connect” uniforms. Boston is 24-5 all-time in the uniforms.

Maikel Garcia wasted little time extending his hitting streak to a career-best 14 games. The Kansas City third baseman jumped on the game’s first pitch and singled sharply on the ground to left field. It’s the longest hitting streak by a KC player since 2019, when Whit Merrifield had a 15-game run.

Red Sox: Friday will mark Chris Sale’s first start for Boston since exiting his June 1 appearance with left shoulder inflammation. Before Thursday’s game, Cora says the plan is for Sale to pitch four innings. “Just to have him back, that’s huge for us,” Cora said. … INF Justin Turner (heel) wasn’t in the starting lineup for the third straight game. He has now missed six of the past nine games since the injury occurred on July 31. … Cora says there’s a good chance that RHP Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will be activated on Sunday. … RHP Tanner Houck (facial fracture) was supposed to make a second rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, but the game was rained out. He’s now scheduled to pitch for the WooSox on Friday.

Royals: Kansas City hasn’t announced a starter for Friday’s home game against St. Louis. The Cardinals plan to start right-hander Adam Wainwright (3-6, 7.81).

Red Sox: Continue a 10-game homestand Friday with the first of three against Detroit. Chris Sale is scheduled to start for Boston against Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (2-1, 3.67).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691725598532.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Alec Marsh delivers to a Boston Red Sox batter during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Alec Marsh delivers to a Boston Red Sox batter during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — James Paxton worked 5 1/3 scoreless innings and five Boston pitchers combined for the seven-hit shutout as the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Thursday night.John Schreiber, Josh Winckowski and Chris Martin followed Paxton, and Kenley Jansen retired the side in order in the ninth inning for his 25th save as Boston moved five games over .500 at 60-55 and took three of four games from the Royals.“Very confident handing the ball to those guys,” Paxton said. “We’ve got a talented group out there and doing really well.”For the second straight night, the Red Sox turned to the same four members of the bullpen, and with each pitcher able to keep the Royals off the scoreboard. Winchowski, Martin and Jansen each struck out two, while Schreiber stranded a runner at third base to end the sixth.In the top of the second inning with two out and Matt Duffy on first base, Kyle Isbel lashed a drive to left field that looked as if it would be caught by Masataka Yoshida, who lunged and clasped his glove. But Yoshida missed the ball, crashing into the wall. He got up, clearly confused, looking around for the ball.The ball was not on the field. It had smashed through one of the red lights on the wall that denote the number of outs. Yoshida picked the ball through the hole in the light, with the play ruled a ground-rule double.“They attacked the zone with good stuff and we were able to close it,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.Alex Verdugo hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning to give Boston a 1-0 lead and Adam Duvall added an RBI double in the fifth.Trevor Story doubled to straightaway center in the fourth for his first hit in nine at-bats since returning from the injured list.“He was able to catch up on a fastball on an 0-2 count after seeing all those sliders,” Cora said. “The walk was also good. Just keep grinding and keep going.”In the fifth inning as rain fell at Fenway Park, Duvall’s hit was originally ruled a foul ball by third base umpire Emil Jimenez. But Cora decided to challenge the call and it was overturned following a review.Paxton (7-3), who allowed three homers in his previous start against Toronto, scattered six hits with six strikeouts and no walks. The 34-year-old left-hander was helped by a sliding catch by Verdugo that led to an inning-ending 9-3 double play in the second.“He saved me with that nice play,” Paxton said of Verdugo’s grab and throw that doubled up Kansas City’s M.J. Melendez at first.Austin Cox and Taylor Hearn worked the first three innings for Kansas City (37-80). Alec Marsh (0-6) went the final five innings, allowing two runs while striking out three.“I thought he (Marsh) threw the ball well. Five innings allowing two runs, that’s a quality start right there,” said Cox, who served as the opener.The Red Sox improved to 9-1 this season wearing their yellow “City Connect” uniforms. Boston is 24-5 all-time in the uniforms.<h2>STILL STREAKING</h2>Maikel Garcia wasted little time extending his hitting streak to a career-best 14 games. The Kansas City third baseman jumped on the game’s first pitch and singled sharply on the ground to left field. It’s the longest hitting streak by a KC player since 2019, when Whit Merrifield had a 15-game run.<h2>TRAINER’S ROOM</h2>Red Sox: Friday will mark Chris Sale’s first start for Boston since exiting his June 1 appearance with left shoulder inflammation. Before Thursday’s game, Cora says the plan is for Sale to pitch four innings. “Just to have him back, that’s huge for us,” Cora said. … INF Justin Turner (heel) wasn’t in the starting lineup for the third straight game. He has now missed six of the past nine games since the injury occurred on July 31. … Cora says there’s a good chance that RHP Garrett Whitlock (elbow) will be activated on Sunday. … RHP Tanner Houck (facial fracture) was supposed to make a second rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, but the game was rained out. He’s now scheduled to pitch for the WooSox on Friday.<h2>UP NEXT</h2>Royals: Kansas City hasn’t announced a starter for Friday’s home game against St. Louis. The Cardinals plan to start right-hander Adam Wainwright (3-6, 7.81).Red Sox: Continue a 10-game homestand Friday with the first of three against Detroit. Chris Sale is scheduled to start for Boston against Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (2-1, 3.67).

⚾ Royals shutout in series finale in Boston

No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud struggles in his preseason debut as the Texans beat the Patriots 20-9

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — C.J. Stroud had a short and at times shaky debut, Davis Mills threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to rookie Tank Dell and the Houston Texans beat the New England Patriots 20-9 in the teams' preseason opener. Stroud was drafted second overall and played the first two series while going 2 of 4 for 13 yards with an interception. He rushed twice for 6 yards and was sacked once. Mills finished 9 of 12 for 99 yards while playing the balance of the opening half. Dalton Keene added a 1-yard touchdown run. Case Keenum had a 5-yard TD pass to Alex Bachman. The Patriots gave most of their projected starters the night off, including quarterback Mac Jones.

Phil Mickelson has wagered more than $1 billion, according to book by renowned gambler Billy Walters

Renowned gambler Billy Walters writes in his book that Phil Mickelson wagered more than $1 billion in the last 30 years. Walters' book is due out on Aug. 22. The Fire Pit Collective obtained the excerpt and its stunning allegations. They include Walters telling of a conversation in which Mickelson wanted him to bet $400,000 for him on the Americans winning the 2012 Ryder Cup. Mickelson played on that team. Walters says he talked him out of it. Mickelson said in a statement Thursday that he never bet on the Ryder Cup. Walters was sentenced to five years in prison for an insider trading case that involved Mickelson as a relief defendant.

Spain edges Netherlands 2-1 in extra time to reach Women's World Cup semifinals for the first time

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Salma Paralluelo has scored deep in extra time to give Spain a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and a spot in the Women's World Cup semifinals for the first time. The 19-year-old forward struck in the 111th minute of an epic quarterfinal match between European soccer heavyweights. She made her break down the left, pivoted momentarily and launched a left-foot shot into the back of the net for an historic match-winner. The Dutch lost the final to the U.S. in the 2019 Women's World Cup. Now both finalists and a string of highly-ranked teams are out of the 2023 edition being co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand.

Jordan Spieth keeps a clean card in the mud for a 63 to lead the PGA Tour playoff opener

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jordan Spieth kept a clean card and clean pants in the rain-soaked opener to the PGA Tour postseason. Spieth chipped in for eagle on his way to a 63 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. That gives him a one-shot lead over Tom Kim, who did what he could to stay clean. Kim rolled up his pants to make it look as though he were wearing capris. He already had one muddy day at the PGA Championship and didn't want a repeat. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler each had 67. Top-seeded Jon Rahm shot 73.

Collin Morikawa has roots in Lahaina. He's pledging $1,000 per birdie for Hawaii fires relief

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Collin Morikawa is pledging $1,000 for every birdie he makes the next three PGA Tour events to help with relief for the deadly fires in Hawaii. For him, it's personal. Morikawa's grandparents were born in Lahaina and owned a restaurant there. Lahaina is a historic town on Maui and a popular tourist destination. It was the hardest hit by fires that have claimed at least 36 lives and destroyed fabled Front Street. Morikawa made six birdies Thursday in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He's hopeful others will pitch in and make pledges to raise as much money as possible.

Cyclones' Brock and ex-Hawkeye Bruce are among latest players charged in gambling investigation

Jirehl Brock and three other Iowa State football players along with three current or former Iowa football players and a student assistant have been charged in connection with the state's investigation into illegal sports wagering at the two schools. A total of 15 football and basketball players and staffers with ties to the schools have been charged since last week in the ongoing investigation. Current athletes face a loss of eligibility for violating NCAA gambling rules. Brock and several other players are accused of tampering with records to disguise that they were under the legal betting age of 21 at the time they placed wagers.

Bruce Bochy returning to Giants' ballpark and what is likely to be a loving reception

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bruce Bochy returns to San Francisco's Oracle Park this weekend as manager of the Texas Rangers ready to face his former Giants in an interleague series. It will be Bochy's first time back in another uniform since managing San Francisco for 13 years and winning three World Series championships in 2010, '12 and '14, and he's sure to receive a rousing ovation. He plans to thank as many people as he can during the visit.

Even with due diligence, AP Top 25 voters know preseason ballot is an educated-guessing game

It's not easy picking a preseason Top 25. Take it from voters in The Associated Press poll. The 62 writers and broadcasters judge teams' bodies of work in the regular season. Preseason voting is a guessing game. Voters interviewed said some of the biggest factors they consider are whether a team has a returning quarterback, how many other starters are back, transfer portal additions and subtractions and the way a team finished the previous season. This year's preseason poll will be released Monday at noon Eastern.

Seahawks WR Cade Johnson taken to hospital as precaution following concussion

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle wide receiver Cade Johnson was taken to a hospital during halftime of the Seahawks' preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a concussion. Johnson was placed on a backboard as a precaution and transported to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation of head and neck injuries. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after the game that Johnson had suffered a concussion, but early tests showed no other findings beyond that. Johnson had full movement in his extremities. It was unclear if he would be spending the night in the hospital. Carroll said Johnson was hurt following a kickoff in the second quarter, although there was no obvious sign he was injured.

Suspended Noah Gragson asks for release from contract with Legacy Motor Club

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Suspended NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has asked Legacy Motor Club to release him from his contract so he can work through the series' reinstatement process. Gragson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last Saturday after liking an insensitive meme with a photo of George Floyd's face. Floyd died in 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes. Legacy already has announced two-time Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller will replace Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet for the next two races. Legacy's statement says it's "proud" that Gragson is taking ownership of his actions.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday Morning, August 11th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday Morning, August 11th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for Friday.No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud struggles in his preseason debut as the Texans beat the Patriots 20-9FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — C.J. Stroud had a short and at times shaky debut, Davis Mills threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to rookie Tank Dell and the Houston Texans beat the New England Patriots 20-9 in the teams' preseason opener. Stroud was drafted second overall and played the first two series while going 2 of 4 for 13 yards with an interception. He rushed twice for 6 yards and was sacked once. Mills finished 9 of 12 for 99 yards while playing the balance of the opening half. Dalton Keene added a 1-yard touchdown run. Case Keenum had a 5-yard TD pass to Alex Bachman. The Patriots gave most of their projected starters the night off, including quarterback Mac Jones.Phil Mickelson has wagered more than $1 billion, according to book by renowned gambler Billy WaltersRenowned gambler Billy Walters writes in his book that Phil Mickelson wagered more than $1 billion in the last 30 years. Walters' book is due out on Aug. 22. The Fire Pit Collective obtained the excerpt and its stunning allegations. They include Walters telling of a conversation in which Mickelson wanted him to bet $400,000 for him on the Americans winning the 2012 Ryder Cup. Mickelson played on that team. Walters says he talked him out of it. Mickelson said in a statement Thursday that he never bet on the Ryder Cup. Walters was sentenced to five years in prison for an insider trading case that involved Mickelson as a relief defendant.Spain edges Netherlands 2-1 in extra time to reach Women's World Cup semifinals for the first timeWELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Salma Paralluelo has scored deep in extra time to give Spain a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and a spot in the Women's World Cup semifinals for the first time. The 19-year-old forward struck in the 111th minute of an epic quarterfinal match between European soccer heavyweights. She made her break down the left, pivoted momentarily and launched a left-foot shot into the back of the net for an historic match-winner. The Dutch lost the final to the U.S. in the 2019 Women's World Cup. Now both finalists and a string of highly-ranked teams are out of the 2023 edition being co-hosted in Australia and New Zealand.Jordan Spieth keeps a clean card in the mud for a 63 to lead the PGA Tour playoff openerMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jordan Spieth kept a clean card and clean pants in the rain-soaked opener to the PGA Tour postseason. Spieth chipped in for eagle on his way to a 63 in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. That gives him a one-shot lead over Tom Kim, who did what he could to stay clean. Kim rolled up his pants to make it look as though he were wearing capris. He already had one muddy day at the PGA Championship and didn't want a repeat. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler each had 67. Top-seeded Jon Rahm shot 73.Collin Morikawa has roots in Lahaina. He's pledging $1,000 per birdie for Hawaii fires reliefMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Collin Morikawa is pledging $1,000 for every birdie he makes the next three PGA Tour events to help with relief for the deadly fires in Hawaii. For him, it's personal. Morikawa's grandparents were born in Lahaina and owned a restaurant there. Lahaina is a historic town on Maui and a popular tourist destination. It was the hardest hit by fires that have claimed at least 36 lives and destroyed fabled Front Street. Morikawa made six birdies Thursday in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He's hopeful others will pitch in and make pledges to raise as much money as possible.Cyclones' Brock and ex-Hawkeye Bruce are among latest players charged in gambling investigationJirehl Brock and three other Iowa State football players along with three current or former Iowa football players and a student assistant have been charged in connection with the state's investigation into illegal sports wagering at the two schools. A total of 15 football and basketball players and staffers with ties to the schools have been charged since last week in the ongoing investigation. Current athletes face a loss of eligibility for violating NCAA gambling rules. Brock and several other players are accused of tampering with records to disguise that they were under the legal betting age of 21 at the time they placed wagers.Bruce Bochy returning to Giants' ballpark and what is likely to be a loving receptionSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bruce Bochy returns to San Francisco's Oracle Park this weekend as manager of the Texas Rangers ready to face his former Giants in an interleague series. It will be Bochy's first time back in another uniform since managing San Francisco for 13 years and winning three World Series championships in 2010, '12 and '14, and he's sure to receive a rousing ovation. He plans to thank as many people as he can during the visit.Even with due diligence, AP Top 25 voters know preseason ballot is an educated-guessing gameIt's not easy picking a preseason Top 25. Take it from voters in The Associated Press poll. The 62 writers and broadcasters judge teams' bodies of work in the regular season. Preseason voting is a guessing game. Voters interviewed said some of the biggest factors they consider are whether a team has a returning quarterback, how many other starters are back, transfer portal additions and subtractions and the way a team finished the previous season. This year's preseason poll will be released Monday at noon Eastern.Seahawks WR Cade Johnson taken to hospital as precaution following concussionSEATTLE (AP) — Seattle wide receiver Cade Johnson was taken to a hospital during halftime of the Seahawks' preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a concussion. Johnson was placed on a backboard as a precaution and transported to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation of head and neck injuries. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after the game that Johnson had suffered a concussion, but early tests showed no other findings beyond that. Johnson had full movement in his extremities. It was unclear if he would be spending the night in the hospital. Carroll said Johnson was hurt following a kickoff in the second quarter, although there was no obvious sign he was injured.Suspended Noah Gragson asks for release from contract with Legacy Motor ClubINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Suspended NASCAR driver Noah Gragson has asked Legacy Motor Club to release him from his contract so he can work through the series' reinstatement process. Gragson was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR last Saturday after liking an insensitive meme with a photo of George Floyd's face. Floyd died in 2020 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for 9 1/2 minutes. Legacy already has announced two-time Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller will replace Gragson in the No. 42 Chevrolet for the next two races. Legacy's statement says it's "proud" that Gragson is taking ownership of his actions.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___INTERLEAGUEFinal	St. Louis	5	Tampa Bay	2	___AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	5	Houston	4	Final	Detroit	3	Minnesota	0	Final	Cleveland	4	Toronto	3	Final	Boston	2	Kansas City	0	___NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	7	Atlanta	5	Final	Philadelphia	6	Washington	2	Final	L.A. Dodgers	2	Colorado	1	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASONFinal	Houston	20	New England	9	Final	Seattle	24	Minnesota	13	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Indiana	91	Minnesota	73	Final	Seattle	68	Atlanta	67	Final	Phoenix	90	Connecticut	84	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___INTERLEAGUE		N-Y Yankees	at	Miami	6:40 p.m.			Minnesota	at	Philadelphia	7:05 p.m.			Oakland	at	Washington	7:05 p.m.			Chi Cubs	at	Toronto	7:07 p.m.			Milwaukee	at	Chi White Sox	8:10 p.m.			St. Louis	at	Kansas City	8:10 p.m.			Texas	at	San Francisco	10:15 p.m.	___AMERICAN LEAGUE		Cleveland	at	Tampa Bay	6:40 p.m.			Detroit	at	Boston	7:10 p.m.			L-A Angels	at	Houston	8:10 p.m.			Baltimore	at	Seattle	10:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL LEAGUE		Cincinnati	at	Pittsburgh	7:05 p.m.			Atlanta	at	N-Y Mets	7:10 p.m.			San Diego	at	Arizona	9:40 p.m.			Colorado	at	L-A Dodgers	10:10 p.m.	___NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PRESEASON		Atlanta	at	Miami	7 p.m.			Green Bay	at	Cincinnati	7 p.m.			N-Y Giants	at	Detroit	7 p.m.			Pittsburgh	at	Tampa Bay	7 p.m.			Washington	at	Cleveland	7:30 p.m.			Denver	at	Arizona	10 p.m.	___WOMEN'S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION		Chicago	at	New York	8 p.m.			Washington	at	Las Vegas	10 p.m.	___

📢📰 Sport Headlines for Friday

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their recent dominance in an 11-1 run-rule victory in eight innings over the Lonestar Baseball Club (Tex.) in the 89th National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series quarterfinal on Thursday afternoon.

Hutchinson (24-17) scored one in the third, one in the fourth, two in the sixth, one in the seventh and broke the game open with a six-run eighth inning.

The Monarchs collected 17 hits in the game, their second time in four games at the NBC World Series where they have recorded <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9f2ef802-7013-41a4-bdf1-2d8245f8bc0d">17 hits</a>. The Monarchs seven, eight and nine hole hitters were a combined 10-for-15 at the plate with a home run, two doubles and six RBI.

Sam Wiese, who the Monarchs picked up for the postseason finished the day 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBI, including a three-run home run in the eighth inning to push the lead to double digits. Wiese also hit a ground-rule double in the sixth inning.

Former HutchCC Blue Dragon Will Edmunson also drove in three runs for the Monarchs with a 2-for-4 day at the plate and a walk. Jarrett Flaggert went 3-for-5 at the dish with two RBI. Edmunson, Wiese and Blake Bradford each doubled for Hutchinson, as well.&nbsp;

Brady Beverman dominated on the mound for the Monarchs, going seven innings, striking out seven with no walks issued. He did allow one run on four hits given up. Derick Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth inning of relief, striking out one.

The Monarchs advance to Friday's semifinal at 6 p.m., and await the winner of the Kansas Cannons and Five Tool Kraken, which is schedule for 6 p.m. this evening.

Hutchinson - 001 102 16x - 11 17 0 Lone Star - 000 001 00x - 1 4 4 W: Beverman (1-0). L: Owens (0-1). HR: Wiese (1st, 8th inning). Time: 2:16. <a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=603443">Full Box Score</a>&nbsp;

You can find up-to-date information regarding the NBC World Series&nbsp;<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

THURSDAY SCHEDULE 12 p.m. - Monarchs 11,&nbsp;Lonestar Baseball Club 1 (8 Inn) 3 p.m. -&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters 3, Denver Cougars 0 6 p.m. -&nbsp;Five Tool Kraken 6, Kansas Cannons 3 8:30 p.m. -&nbsp;Seattle Studs vs. Great Bend Bat Cats&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690542194817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs continued their recent dominance in an 11-1 run-rule victory in eight innings over the Lonestar Baseball Club (Tex.) in the 89th National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series quarterfinal on Thursday afternoon.Hutchinson (24-17) scored one in the third, one in the fourth, two in the sixth, one in the seventh and broke the game open with a six-run eighth inning.The Monarchs collected 17 hits in the game, their second time in four games at the NBC World Series where they have recorded <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/9f2ef802-7013-41a4-bdf1-2d8245f8bc0d">17 hits</a>. The Monarchs seven, eight and nine hole hitters were a combined 10-for-15 at the plate with a home run, two doubles and six RBI.Sam Wiese, who the Monarchs picked up for the postseason finished the day 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBI, including a three-run home run in the eighth inning to push the lead to double digits. Wiese also hit a ground-rule double in the sixth inning.Former HutchCC Blue Dragon Will Edmunson also drove in three runs for the Monarchs with a 2-for-4 day at the plate and a walk. Jarrett Flaggert went 3-for-5 at the dish with two RBI. Edmunson, Wiese and Blake Bradford each doubled for Hutchinson, as well.&nbsp;Brady Beverman dominated on the mound for the Monarchs, going seven innings, striking out seven with no walks issued. He did allow one run on four hits given up. Derick Johnson pitched a scoreless eighth inning of relief, striking out one.The Monarchs advance to Friday's semifinal at 6 p.m., and await the winner of the Kansas Cannons and Five Tool Kraken, which is schedule for 6 p.m. this evening.Hutchinson - 001 102 16x - 11 17 0 Lone Star - 000 001 00x - 1 4 4 W: Beverman (1-0). L: Owens (0-1). HR: Wiese (1st, 8th inning). Time: 2:16. <a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/boxscore.html?gameid=603443">Full Box Score</a>&nbsp; You can find up-to-date information regarding the NBC World Series&nbsp;<a href="https://nbcbaseball.com/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;THURSDAY SCHEDULE 12 p.m. - Monarchs 11,&nbsp;Lonestar Baseball Club 1 (8 Inn) 3 p.m. -&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters 3, Denver Cougars 0 6 p.m. -&nbsp;Five Tool Kraken 6, Kansas Cannons 3 8:30 p.m. -&nbsp;Seattle Studs vs. Great Bend Bat Cats&nbsp; &nbsp;<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o-RT-1IPV-o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

⚾ NBC World Series: Monarchs cruise into semifinal with run-rule win

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List on Thursday, which includes Kansas junior cornerback Cobee Bryant.

This is the third preseason list to recognize Bryant, who is also on the Bronko Nagursky Trophy Watch List and the Lott IMPACT Preseason Watch List. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List includes 35 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top collegiate sports honors.

A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection after finishing his sophomore season with three interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He had the game-clinching interception and returned it for a touchdown in overtime at West Virginia and added a blocked field goal return for a touchdown in the season-opening victory against Tennessee Tech.

Bryant earned All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2022 from the coaches and Second Team from the Associated Press. He totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 32 solo and six assisted stops, and ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12 passes defended.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NFCAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.

The Jayhawks open the 2023 season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.

Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/students/">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691683999908.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List on Thursday, which includes Kansas junior cornerback Cobee Bryant.This is the third preseason list to recognize Bryant, who is also on the Bronko Nagursky Trophy Watch List and the Lott IMPACT Preseason Watch List. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List includes 35 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university.The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top collegiate sports honors.A native of Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant is a Preseason All-Big 12 selection after finishing his sophomore season with three interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He had the game-clinching interception and returned it for a touchdown in overtime at West Virginia and added a blocked field goal return for a touchdown in the season-opening victory against Tennessee Tech.Bryant earned All-Big 12 First Team honors in 2022 from the coaches and Second Team from the Associated Press. He totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 32 solo and six assisted stops, and ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 12 passes defended.The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NFCAA). Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.The Jayhawks open the 2023 season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/students/">here</a>.

🏈 Cobee Bryant recognized on Jim Thorpe Award watch list

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State senior safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-savage/11150">Kobe Savage</a>&nbsp;picked up his second watch list designation of the preseason on Thursday as he was named a candidate for the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award, the award's association announced. Savage, who last week was on the initial watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, is the second Wildcat in as many years to be a candidate for the award that goes to the nation's best defensive back as cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/julius-brents/8508">Julius Brents</a>&nbsp;was also a preseason candidate last year. Other notable K-State candidates for the award include Jaime Mendez (1993 semifinalist), Chris Canty (1995 and 1996 finalist), Terence Newman (2001 semifinalist and 2002 winner), Nigel Malone (2011 and 2012 semifinalist) and Ty Zimmerman (2013 semifinalist). A transfer prior to last season from Tyler Junior College, Savage shined in his first 10 games as a Wildcat prior to an injury that cut his season short. Despite missing the final four games, Savage went on to earn All-Big 12 Second Team honors from the league's coaches in addition to picking up votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. He finished the year tied for fourth on the team with 58 tackles to go along with three interceptions, which tied for 43rd&nbsp;nationally and sixth in the Big 12. Kansas State now has 11 preseason watch list honors this year. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/11107">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;was named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award and Wuerffel Trophy, offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kt-leveston/11120">KT Leveston</a>&nbsp;were on the Outland Trophy watch list, wide receiver/returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/phillip-brooks/11087">Phillip Brooks</a>&nbsp;is up for the Hornung Award, tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-sinnott/11156">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;is on the John Mackey Award watch list, running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/treshaun-ward/11185">Treshaun Ward</a>&nbsp;is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, and long snapper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/randen-plattner/11143">Randen Plattner</a>&nbsp;is on the watch list for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year Award. K-State begins its 2023 season on September 2, as the Wildcats host SEMO in a 6 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691683860895.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State senior safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-savage/11150">Kobe Savage</a>&nbsp;picked up his second watch list designation of the preseason on Thursday as he was named a candidate for the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award, the award's association announced. Savage, who last week was on the initial watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, is the second Wildcat in as many years to be a candidate for the award that goes to the nation's best defensive back as cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/julius-brents/8508">Julius Brents</a>&nbsp;was also a preseason candidate last year. Other notable K-State candidates for the award include Jaime Mendez (1993 semifinalist), Chris Canty (1995 and 1996 finalist), Terence Newman (2001 semifinalist and 2002 winner), Nigel Malone (2011 and 2012 semifinalist) and Ty Zimmerman (2013 semifinalist). A transfer prior to last season from Tyler Junior College, Savage shined in his first 10 games as a Wildcat prior to an injury that cut his season short. Despite missing the final four games, Savage went on to earn All-Big 12 Second Team honors from the league's coaches in addition to picking up votes for the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. He finished the year tied for fourth on the team with 58 tackles to go along with three interceptions, which tied for 43rd&nbsp;nationally and sixth in the Big 12. Kansas State now has 11 preseason watch list honors this year. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/11107">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;was named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award and Wuerffel Trophy, offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kt-leveston/11120">KT Leveston</a>&nbsp;were on the Outland Trophy watch list, wide receiver/returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/phillip-brooks/11087">Phillip Brooks</a>&nbsp;is up for the Hornung Award, tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-sinnott/11156">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;is on the John Mackey Award watch list, running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/treshaun-ward/11185">Treshaun Ward</a>&nbsp;is a candidate for the Doak Walker Award, and long snapper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/randen-plattner/11143">Randen Plattner</a>&nbsp;is on the watch list for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year Award. K-State begins its 2023 season on September 2, as the Wildcats host SEMO in a 6 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Savage named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs take on the Lonestar Baseball Club in the 89th National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series quarterfinal at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690542194817.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs take on the Lonestar Baseball Club in the 89th National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series quarterfinal at Eck Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o-RT-1IPV-o" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 WATCH: NBC World Series: Hutchinson Monarchs vs. Lonestar Baseball at 12 p.m.

SPRINGDALE, AR - The Wichita Wind Surge were propelled by a solid performance on the mound in a ball game that was cut short by weather after the fifth inning. Isaac Mattson and Reggie Grace combined to give up only two hits and allow one run in the 2-1 victory over the Naturals. The Wind Surge lead the road series two games to none.

The Wind Surge got on the board in the top of the second when Dalton Shuffield hit a 417 foot two-run home run over the center field wall.

The rain started to come down in the bottom of the fifth inning and the Naturals started to rally. They loaded the bases and got a run in off a sacrifice fly hit by Tyler Tolbert but could not erase the deficit entirely before the inning ended.

Isaac Mattson made his first start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched two and a third scoreless innings. He gave up no hits, struck out one batter and walked two more.

The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Tyson Guerrero. He pitched four and two thirds innings where he gave up two runs off four hits. He struck out seven batters and walked one more.

The Wichita Wind Surge have won four in a row and improve to (17-18, 45-58) and the NW Arkansas Naturals fall to (17-17, 46-57).

NOTES: The five-inning game is the shortest of the 2023 season for the Wichita Wind Surge. The time of game also the shortest in franchise history at one hour and 19 minutes.

UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge are on the road in Northwest Arkansas for a six-game series against the Naturals. Game three will be played at 7:05 PM on Thursday, August 10th. RH Travis Adams will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Chandler Champlain will take the mound for the Naturals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683285306006.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita Wind SurgeSPRINGDALE, AR - The Wichita Wind Surge were propelled by a solid performance on the mound in a ball game that was cut short by weather after the fifth inning. Isaac Mattson and Reggie Grace combined to give up only two hits and allow one run in the 2-1 victory over the Naturals. The Wind Surge lead the road series two games to none.The Wind Surge got on the board in the top of the second when Dalton Shuffield hit a 417 foot two-run home run over the center field wall.The rain started to come down in the bottom of the fifth inning and the Naturals started to rally. They loaded the bases and got a run in off a sacrifice fly hit by Tyler Tolbert but could not erase the deficit entirely before the inning ended.Isaac Mattson made his first start of the season on the mound for the Wichita Wind Surge. He pitched two and a third scoreless innings. He gave up no hits, struck out one batter and walked two more.The starting pitcher for NW Arkansas was Tyson Guerrero. He pitched four and two thirds innings where he gave up two runs off four hits. He struck out seven batters and walked one more.The Wichita Wind Surge have won four in a row and improve to (17-18, 45-58) and the NW Arkansas Naturals fall to (17-17, 46-57).NOTES: The five-inning game is the shortest of the 2023 season for the Wichita Wind Surge. The time of game also the shortest in franchise history at one hour and 19 minutes.BROADCAST: ESPN 92.3 FM, Milb First Pitch App,&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fWindsurge.com&amp;c=E,1,dexWbEMmO2SNZFacaCKfVJIV48UFXNwoAwE4zyM2KXaD_HSgx84zoOHAglON-gUjtBR3aBrV7b7fNPJsxVGXCgYR5cYPta1xJgIbXkHri2NTnYdJ6WV7jsuz044,&amp;typo=1&amp;ancr_add=1">Windsurge.com</a>, MiLB.tv and Bally Live app.UPCOMING: The Wichita Wind Surge are on the road in Northwest Arkansas for a six-game series against the Naturals. Game three will be played at 7:05 PM on Thursday, August 10th. RH Travis Adams will take the mound for the Wind Surge and RH Chandler Champlain will take the mound for the Naturals.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wind Surge return to Riverfront Stadium Tuesday, August 15th to host a six-game series against the Springfield Cardinals. First pitch will be at 7:05 PM.

⚾ Surge win rain shortened game

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo had a two-run double to help the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night in a game with one of the strangest ground-rule doubles in Fenway Park history.

“I realized I missed catching the ball but after that, I tried to find the ball but there was nowhere else. So that was a surprise,” said Yoshida, who had never experienced anything like that in his career. “Yeah, getting into the light definitely that was a first time.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said: “I was like, ‘Finally, something’s going our way.’ I’ve never seen that, not even in BP. We go over the rules and they always talk about if the ball gets stuck in the Monster, and I’m like, ‘That’s not going to happen.’ But it did.”

The Red Sox scored three runs in fourth to erase a one-run deficit. Yoshida led off with a double and Rafael Devers had a one-out walk, with Verdugo driving in both with his double. Luis Urias reached on catcher's interference, and Reese McGuire's singled to score Verdugo.

“That was good to be able to stay on that pitch and go the other way," Cora said about Verdugo's hit.

Right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-6) went five innings, allowing two runs — on MJ Melendez's home runs — with eight strikeouts.

“I felt like my curveball was much better today so I kind of leaned on that, especially later, was able to utilize that,” Pivetta said. “It felt like they were hunting my fastball, regardless of the count, so I was able to use my offs-speed pitches when I needed to and put us in the best position to win.”

Kenley Jansen got the save, his 25th of the season, after giving up a homer to Freddy Fermin in the ninth.

Jordan Lyles (3-13) was the loser. He went eight innings, giving up four runs on seven hits with six strikeouts.

Melendez hit his first homer of the night in the second.

Triston Casas' home run in the bottom of the second tied it at 1. Melendez's leadoff homer in the fourth, his 12th of the season for his second career multi-homer game, gave the Royals the lead again.

Red Sox: RHP Garrett Whitlock, out since July 3 with elbow inflammation, made his first rehab start Wednesday, going 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts for Triple-A Worcester.

Boston made several roster moves before the game. RHP Kyle Barraclough was selected to the major league roster and LHP Brandon Walter was recalled from Worcester. RHP Nick Robertson was optioned to Worcester, and RHP Dinelson Lamet was designated for assignment.

The Royals and Red Sox wrap up their series Thursday. Right-hander Alec Marsh (0-5, 6.75 ERA) is scheduled to start for Kansas City against left-hander James Paxton (6-3, 3.60).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691634174715.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez (1) is congratulated by Bobby Witt Jr. (7) after his solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' MJ Melendez (1) is congratulated by Bobby Witt Jr. (7) after his solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Alex Verdugo had a two-run double to help the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Wednesday night in a game with one of the strangest ground-rule doubles in Fenway Park history.In the top of the second inning with two out and Matt Duffy on first base, Kyle Isbel lashed a drive to left field that looked as if it would be caught by Masataka Yoshida, who lunged and clasped his glove. But Yoshida missed the ball, crashing into the wall. He got up, clearly confused, looking around for the ball.The ball was not on the field. It had smashed through one of the red lights on the wall that denote the number of outs. Yoshida picked the ball through the hole in the light, with the play ruled a ground-rule double.“I realized I missed catching the ball but after that, I tried to find the ball but there was nowhere else. So that was a surprise,” said Yoshida, who had never experienced anything like that in his career. “Yeah, getting into the light definitely that was a first time.”Red Sox manager Alex Cora said: “I was like, ‘Finally, something’s going our way.’ I’ve never seen that, not even in BP. We go over the rules and they always talk about if the ball gets stuck in the Monster, and I’m like, ‘That’s not going to happen.’ But it did.”The Red Sox scored three runs in fourth to erase a one-run deficit. Yoshida led off with a double and Rafael Devers had a one-out walk, with Verdugo driving in both with his double. Luis Urias reached on catcher's interference, and Reese McGuire's singled to score Verdugo.“That was good to be able to stay on that pitch and go the other way," Cora said about Verdugo's hit.Right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-6) went five innings, allowing two runs — on MJ Melendez's home runs — with eight strikeouts.“I felt like my curveball was much better today so I kind of leaned on that, especially later, was able to utilize that,” Pivetta said. “It felt like they were hunting my fastball, regardless of the count, so I was able to use my offs-speed pitches when I needed to and put us in the best position to win.”Kenley Jansen got the save, his 25th of the season, after giving up a homer to Freddy Fermin in the ninth.Jordan Lyles (3-13) was the loser. He went eight innings, giving up four runs on seven hits with six strikeouts.Melendez hit his first homer of the night in the second.Triston Casas' home run in the bottom of the second tied it at 1. Melendez's leadoff homer in the fourth, his 12th of the season for his second career multi-homer game, gave the Royals the lead again.TRAINER’S ROOMRed Sox: RHP Garrett Whitlock, out since July 3 with elbow inflammation, made his first rehab start Wednesday, going 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts for Triple-A Worcester.ON THE MOVEBoston made several roster moves before the game. RHP Kyle Barraclough was selected to the major league roster and LHP Brandon Walter was recalled from Worcester. RHP Nick Robertson was optioned to Worcester, and RHP Dinelson Lamet was designated for assignment.UP NEXTThe Royals and Red Sox wrap up their series Thursday. Right-hander Alec Marsh (0-5, 6.75 ERA) is scheduled to start for Kansas City against left-hander James Paxton (6-3, 3.60).

⚾ Verdugo drives in 2 runs; Red Sox beat Royals

ROME, Italy –&nbsp;Freshman S’Mya Nichols scored a team-high 22 points and super-senior Taiyanna Jackson added 21 as the Kansas women’s basketball team cruised to a 99-58 victory over the Italian Select Team on Wednesday night in Rome.

“We had two vets play really well in Wyvette Mayberry and Taiyanna Jackson. It’s great to see Twin (Jackson) go 7-for-8 from the free throw line.,” said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. “I was really excited about the play from three of the newcomers. Our two freshmen I thought were outstanding, in Laia Conesa and S’Mya Nichols. Ryan Cobbins has been with us for about three practices and comes in and scores 12. I was really encouraged by our new additions in how quickly they have acclimated themselves to a group of veterans.”

The Jayhawks were hot out of the gate, as Jackson converted on each of her first four baskets to finish with eight points in the first quarter. Nichols, playing her first exhibition game as a Jayhawk, also had eight points in the quarter as Kansas built an early 26-12 lead after 10 minutes of play.

The second quarter was a tale of free throws. Kansas attempted 17 in the second quarter alone, converting 12, as Jackson went 5-for-6 from the stripe to have 13 points at halftime. Ryan Cobbins scored her first basket in crimson and blue, hitting a three-pointer early in the quarter. On the next possession, Wyvette Mayberry added to her total, banking in a long three ball to give her nine points in the first half as KU led 48-33 at the break.

Holding a 15-point lead at the start of the third quarter, Kansas’ offense and defense both started to heat up. After scoring two points in the first half, freshman Laia Conesa got into a groove, scoring six-straight points and capping off her third quarter by feeding Franklin a flashy no-look pass under the hoop. KU outscored its opponent 26-8 in the third quarter, taking a commanding 74-41 lead into the fourth.

The Jayhawks did not slow down in the fourth. Cobbins hit two three-pointers and had eight points in the fourth, as she was one of seven different players to score a basket in the period. Nichols and Mayberry had four points apiece in the final 10 minutes, while Jackson added three points to her total.

Nichols led the team with 22 points, while Jackson added 21. Mayberry (19) and Cobbins (12) joined them in double figures as nine different players scored in the contest. Zakiyah Franklin and Conesa added eight points apiece, Nadira Eltayeb had six, Holly Kersgieter had three and Danai Papadopoulou added two.

The next game action for Kansas will be on Sunday, August 13 as the Jayhawks take on the Greek Select Team. Tipoff of that game is set for 12 p.m. CT from the Eurohoops Dome in Athens, Greece.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691613943413.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsROME, Italy –&nbsp;Freshman S’Mya Nichols scored a team-high 22 points and super-senior Taiyanna Jackson added 21 as the Kansas women’s basketball team cruised to a 99-58 victory over the Italian Select Team on Wednesday night in Rome.“We had two vets play really well in Wyvette Mayberry and Taiyanna Jackson. It’s great to see Twin (Jackson) go 7-for-8 from the free throw line.,” said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. “I was really excited about the play from three of the newcomers. Our two freshmen I thought were outstanding, in Laia Conesa and S’Mya Nichols. Ryan Cobbins has been with us for about three practices and comes in and scores 12. I was really encouraged by our new additions in how quickly they have acclimated themselves to a group of veterans.”The Jayhawks were hot out of the gate, as Jackson converted on each of her first four baskets to finish with eight points in the first quarter. Nichols, playing her first exhibition game as a Jayhawk, also had eight points in the quarter as Kansas built an early 26-12 lead after 10 minutes of play.The second quarter was a tale of free throws. Kansas attempted 17 in the second quarter alone, converting 12, as Jackson went 5-for-6 from the stripe to have 13 points at halftime. Ryan Cobbins scored her first basket in crimson and blue, hitting a three-pointer early in the quarter. On the next possession, Wyvette Mayberry added to her total, banking in a long three ball to give her nine points in the first half as KU led 48-33 at the break.Holding a 15-point lead at the start of the third quarter, Kansas’ offense and defense both started to heat up. After scoring two points in the first half, freshman Laia Conesa got into a groove, scoring six-straight points and capping off her third quarter by feeding Franklin a flashy no-look pass under the hoop. KU outscored its opponent 26-8 in the third quarter, taking a commanding 74-41 lead into the fourth.The Jayhawks did not slow down in the fourth. Cobbins hit two three-pointers and had eight points in the fourth, as she was one of seven different players to score a basket in the period. Nichols and Mayberry had four points apiece in the final 10 minutes, while Jackson added three points to her total.Nichols led the team with 22 points, while Jackson added 21. Mayberry (19) and Cobbins (12) joined them in double figures as nine different players scored in the contest. Zakiyah Franklin and Conesa added eight points apiece, Nadira Eltayeb had six, Holly Kersgieter had three and Danai Papadopoulou added two.The next game action for Kansas will be on Sunday, August 13 as the Jayhawks take on the Greek Select Team. Tipoff of that game is set for 12 p.m. CT from the Eurohoops Dome in Athens, Greece.

🏀 WBB: KU rolls in exhibition opener in Rome

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

ZOGRAFOU, Greece –&nbsp;Four Shockers finished in double figures and Wichita State finished its Greece Summer Tour 3-0 following an 84-73 win Wednesday night over the University of Calgary. Similar to the first meeting just two days ago, Wichita State built a sizeable lead only to see the Dinos mount a comeback to make it interesting in the fourth quarter. The Shockers led by as many as 19 in the third quarter but that lead was whittled to just five heading to the fourth. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dalen-ridgnal/8757">Dalen Ridgnal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7584">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;scored a team-high tying 16 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ronnie-degray-iii/7581">Ronnie DeGray III</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/quincy-ballard/7586">Quincy Ballard</a>&nbsp;added 12 and 11, respectively. Ballard scored in double figures all three exhibition games. With the scored tied 9-9 in the opening stages of the game, Wichita State would outscore Calgary, 15-5, the rest of the quarter to take a 24-14 lead. The Dinos climbed back within four just a little over halfway into the second quarter only to see another Shocker spurt to close the half. An 11-0 run pushed the Wichita State lead to 40-25 at halftime, closed by a Ridgnal three-pointer and two&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jalen-ricks/7580">Jalen Ricks</a>&nbsp;free throws. Wichita State kept that momentum rolling to open the second half behind scores from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/joy-ighovodja/8680">Joy Ighovodja</a>, Pohto, Beverly and a three-point play from Ballard. Back-to-back scores from Ricks made it 55-36, and that's when Calgary made its comeback bid. A 12-2 run cut it to 57-48, and then three straight triples to end the period, saw the score shrink to 62-57. Another Calgary trey on the opening possession of the fourth quarter made it 62-60. After a pair of Ridgnal free throws, the Dinos scored four straight to tie the game at 64-64. Wichita State answered back with four straight until a Calgary triple made it 68-67. Leading by just one, Wichita State delivered the knockout blow with an 11-2 run, extending the cushion back to 10. A DeGray three-pointer and a Pohto layup upped the lead to 84-71 in the final minute to seal the victory. Wichita State finished its foreign tour in Greece with three double digit wins – two of those against the University of Calgary. The Shockers will now turn its attention to the real deal with the 2023-24 season opener on Nov. 6 vs. Lipscomb in Charles Koch Arena. Season tickets are on sale now by visiting the Shocker Ticket Office in Charles Koch Arena or by calling 316-978-FANS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691613118375.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;ZOGRAFOU, Greece –&nbsp;Four Shockers finished in double figures and Wichita State finished its Greece Summer Tour 3-0 following an 84-73 win Wednesday night over the University of Calgary. Similar to the first meeting just two days ago, Wichita State built a sizeable lead only to see the Dinos mount a comeback to make it interesting in the fourth quarter. The Shockers led by as many as 19 in the third quarter but that lead was whittled to just five heading to the fourth. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/dalen-ridgnal/8757">Dalen Ridgnal</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/kenny-pohto/7584">Kenny Pohto</a>&nbsp;scored a team-high tying 16 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ronnie-degray-iii/7581">Ronnie DeGray III</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/quincy-ballard/7586">Quincy Ballard</a>&nbsp;added 12 and 11, respectively. Ballard scored in double figures all three exhibition games. With the scored tied 9-9 in the opening stages of the game, Wichita State would outscore Calgary, 15-5, the rest of the quarter to take a 24-14 lead. The Dinos climbed back within four just a little over halfway into the second quarter only to see another Shocker spurt to close the half. An 11-0 run pushed the Wichita State lead to 40-25 at halftime, closed by a Ridgnal three-pointer and two&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/jalen-ricks/7580">Jalen Ricks</a>&nbsp;free throws. Wichita State kept that momentum rolling to open the second half behind scores from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/joy-ighovodja/8680">Joy Ighovodja</a>, Pohto, Beverly and a three-point play from Ballard. Back-to-back scores from Ricks made it 55-36, and that's when Calgary made its comeback bid. A 12-2 run cut it to 57-48, and then three straight triples to end the period, saw the score shrink to 62-57. Another Calgary trey on the opening possession of the fourth quarter made it 62-60. After a pair of Ridgnal free throws, the Dinos scored four straight to tie the game at 64-64. Wichita State answered back with four straight until a Calgary triple made it 68-67. Leading by just one, Wichita State delivered the knockout blow with an 11-2 run, extending the cushion back to 10. A DeGray three-pointer and a Pohto layup upped the lead to 84-71 in the final minute to seal the victory. Wichita State finished its foreign tour in Greece with three double digit wins – two of those against the University of Calgary. The Shockers will now turn its attention to the real deal with the 2023-24 season opener on Nov. 6 vs. Lipscomb in Charles Koch Arena. Season tickets are on sale now by visiting the Shocker Ticket Office in Charles Koch Arena or by calling 316-978-FANS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Shockers stay perfect in Greece with win over Calgary

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. are both preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award, which is annually presented to the nation’s top running back. The watch list was announced Wednesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.

The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.

Neal is on his second preseason watch list after previously earning a spot on the Maxwell Award Watch List alongside teammate Jalon Daniels. A preseason All-Big 12 selection, Neal was the 13th Jayhawk in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season as he finished his sophomore year with 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on 180 rushing attempts. Neal had three 100-yard rushing games in 2022, including a career-high 224 yards and one touchdown against Oklahoma State, a performance which earned him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award and National Running Back of the Week honors from the Doak Walker Award.

A native of Lawrence, Neal is the only returning 1,000-yard rusher in the Big 12 this season, and he has earned preseason All-Big 12 recognition from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention last season as he totaled 1,273 all-purpose yards, which included 183 yards and one touchdown receiving.

Hishaw had an electric start to the 2022 season and finished the season ranked third on the team in rushing despite playing just five games before suffering an injury. He had at least 50 rushing yards in each of the first four games and averaged 6.0 yards per carry for the season with five rushing touchdowns. Hishaw added 95 yards and a touchdown receiving, including one of the highlight plays of the season as he took a screen pass 73 yards for a score against Duke.

A native of Moore, Oklahoma, Hishaw has rushed for 495 yards in his two seasons at Kansas. In 13 career games, he is averaging 7.4 yards per carry with eight total touchdowns to his credit.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.

The recipient of the 2023 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards. The Doak Walker Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691604844052.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas running backs Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr. are both preseason candidates for the Doak Walker Award, which is annually presented to the nation’s top running back. The watch list was announced Wednesday by the PwC SMU Athletic Forum.The award is named for SMU’s three-time All-America running back Doak Walker. It is the only major collegiate award that requires all candidates to be in good academic standing and on schedule to graduate within one year of other students of the same classification.Neal is on his second preseason watch list after previously earning a spot on the Maxwell Award Watch List alongside teammate Jalon Daniels. A preseason All-Big 12 selection, Neal was the 13th Jayhawk in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season as he finished his sophomore year with 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on 180 rushing attempts. Neal had three 100-yard rushing games in 2022, including a career-high 224 yards and one touchdown against Oklahoma State, a performance which earned him the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week award and National Running Back of the Week honors from the Doak Walker Award.A native of Lawrence, Neal is the only returning 1,000-yard rusher in the Big 12 this season, and he has earned preseason All-Big 12 recognition from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. He earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention last season as he totaled 1,273 all-purpose yards, which included 183 yards and one touchdown receiving.Hishaw had an electric start to the 2022 season and finished the season ranked third on the team in rushing despite playing just five games before suffering an injury. He had at least 50 rushing yards in each of the first four games and averaged 6.0 yards per carry for the season with five rushing touchdowns. Hishaw added 95 yards and a touchdown receiving, including one of the highlight plays of the season as he took a screen pass 73 yards for a score against Duke.A native of Moore, Oklahoma, Hishaw has rushed for 495 yards in his two seasons at Kansas. In 13 career games, he is averaging 7.4 yards per carry with eight total touchdowns to his credit.The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name ten semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives.The recipient of the 2023 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards. The Doak Walker Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.The Jayhawks open the 2023 season on Friday, September 1, taking on Missouri State at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans and non-conference single game tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Kansas football season. Mini plans are designed to allow fans to pick the games that work the best for them. During the purchasing process, fans have the option to add a premium seatback to their order for less than $8 per game. To purchase tickets, and for more information, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=FB&amp;linkID=kansas&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=">here</a>.Furthermore, Sports Combo Passes for KU Students are also available for just $175. The pass includes access to both football and basketball tickets and can be purchased online through Enroll and Pay. For more information on student tickets, or to purchase today, click&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/students/">here</a>.

🏈 KU duo Neal and Hishaw Jr. on Doak Walker Award watch list

The Kansas City Chiefs practiced indoors Wednesday for their 15th training camp practice in St. Joseph.

There had been a couple of practices this year that had either started or finished indoors, but this was the first one that was completely confined inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex on the Missouri Western campus.

The practice was closed to the general public on a day when practice was already limited to season-ticket holders only. A team autograph session scheduled after practice was also canceled due to weather.

The Chiefs worked for just over an hour in half pads in a short, 10-10-10 practice. The team now has just one practice standing between them and the first preseason game at New Orleans on Sunday.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy says that first time going against an actual opponent is an obviously important evaluation period - quite different than practice.

"You can, at times, play a little slow at practice," Nagy said. "Whether you're tired or thinking. In the game, they get their game plan and they can roll. Now, we can truly evaluate them and see. There's no scripted periods, or knowing if it's this defense or that defense."

Starting right guard Trey Smith is not too occupied with how many reps that he and the first-team offense will get on Sunday.

"We're just trying to go out there and do our thing," Smith said. "Get our job done at the highest level we can and just be consistent. I think the biggest thing just comes into the growth factor. You're not in a controlled environment or setting. You're out there playing."

"I think the biggest thing is, no matter how many reps we get, we just play with good intensity every rep."

There were no new injuries Wednesday. Kadarius Toney, Jody Forston and L’Jarius Sneed remain sidelined. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was back after being ill Tuesday.

And you probably already know this, but no Chris Jones.

With Mecole Hardman and Juju Smith-Schuster leaving the Chiefs this offseason, it’s been an interesting race to see who the top receiver will be this season.

While veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling is expected to have a big year, second year receiver Skyy Moore has grown by leaps and bounds this training camp. Nagy has noticed.

"I think growth within the system, but being able to play fast, because he knows where to go," Nagy said of Moore. "He's had the talent. Just last year, he was learning the offense. Now being able to transition to playing faster. Now, I think he'll get more opportunities and I think he'll do well."

Moore just hopes this improvement from camp translates to the games.

 "Just keep it rolling over," he said. "I feel like I've had a better training camp than last year and I'm looking to have it bleed into the season."

Moore finished his rookie season with 267 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in Super Bowl 57.

The Chiefs and every other team in the NFL have to trim their active roster from 90 players to 53 by August 29.

The preseason games provide a great opportunity for younger players to prove their worth outside of training camp.&nbsp; Nagy said Wednesday that Andy Reid is a true professional when talking to players about the possibility of being cut.

"There's only so many people who can make the roster," Nagy said. "I think Coach Reid does a phenomenal job of explaining to the guys, 'Listen. If you don't make this roster, make it hard on us and make it easy for someone else to pick you up.'"

The Chiefs have just four training camp practices left. They’re off Thursday, practice Friday, travel Saturday and play at New Orleans on Sunday at noon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691600841256.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe Kansas City Chiefs practiced indoors Wednesday for their 15th training camp practice in St. Joseph.There had been a couple of practices this year that had either started or finished indoors, but this was the first one that was completely confined inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex on the Missouri Western campus.The practice was closed to the general public on a day when practice was already limited to season-ticket holders only. A team autograph session scheduled after practice was also canceled due to weather.The Chiefs worked for just over an hour in half pads in a short, 10-10-10 practice. The team now has just one practice standing between them and the first preseason game at New Orleans on Sunday.Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy says that first time going against an actual opponent is an obviously important evaluation period - quite different than practice."You can, at times, play a little slow at practice," Nagy said. "Whether you're tired or thinking. In the game, they get their game plan and they can roll. Now, we can truly evaluate them and see. There's no scripted periods, or knowing if it's this defense or that defense."Starting right guard Trey Smith is not too occupied with how many reps that he and the first-team offense will get on Sunday."We're just trying to go out there and do our thing," Smith said. "Get our job done at the highest level we can and just be consistent. I think the biggest thing just comes into the growth factor. You're not in a controlled environment or setting. You're out there playing.""I think the biggest thing is, no matter how many reps we get, we just play with good intensity every rep."Injury reportThere were no new injuries Wednesday. Kadarius Toney, Jody Forston and L’Jarius Sneed remain sidelined. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was back after being ill Tuesday.And you probably already know this, but no Chris Jones.Skyy's the limitWith Mecole Hardman and Juju Smith-Schuster leaving the Chiefs this offseason, it’s been an interesting race to see who the top receiver will be this season.While veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling is expected to have a big year, second year receiver Skyy Moore has grown by leaps and bounds this training camp. Nagy has noticed."I think growth within the system, but being able to play fast, because he knows where to go," Nagy said of Moore. "He's had the talent. Just last year, he was learning the offense. Now being able to transition to playing faster. Now, I think he'll get more opportunities and I think he'll do well."Moore just hopes this improvement from camp translates to the games. "Just keep it rolling over," he said. "I feel like I've had a better training camp than last year and I'm looking to have it bleed into the season."Moore finished his rookie season with 267 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in Super Bowl 57.Making the cutThe Chiefs and every other team in the NFL have to trim their active roster from 90 players to 53 by August 29.The preseason games provide a great opportunity for younger players to prove their worth outside of training camp.&nbsp; Nagy said Wednesday that Andy Reid is a true professional when talking to players about the possibility of being cut."There's only so many people who can make the roster," Nagy said. "I think Coach Reid does a phenomenal job of explaining to the guys, 'Listen. If you don't make this roster, make it hard on us and make it easy for someone else to pick you up.'"What's nextThe Chiefs have just four training camp practices left. They’re off Thursday, practice Friday, travel Saturday and play at New Orleans on Sunday at noon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691604083149.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691604101840.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
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🏈 Chiefs indoors Wednesday; first preseason game is Sunday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/treshaun-ward/11185">Treshaun Ward</a>&nbsp;earned his first honor as a Wildcat on Wednesday by being named to the 2023 Doak Walker Award watch list, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced.&nbsp;

Ward, a transfer from Florida State this past January, gives K-State a candidate for the award that goes to the nation's top running back for the third-straight season as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce-vaughn/8582">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;was a semifinalist each of the last two years. Other notable candidates for the award are Darren Sproles (2003 finalist) and Daniel Thomas (2009 midseason candidate and 2010 semifinalist. A native of Plant City, Florida, Ward saw action in 26 games with six starts over parts of four seasons for the Seminoles, racking up 1,241 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 188 carries. He has also hauled in 28 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown in his career. Last year, Ward played in 10 games with six starts as the team's second-leading rusher with 649 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries en route to All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades. He began the season with a career-high 127 yards and two touchdowns against Duquesne, while he tied his career high with two touchdowns against Louisiana and Oklahoma, the latter in the Cheez-It Bowl when he rushed for 81 yards. Ward also topped the 100-yard mark at Louisville, rushing for 126 yards. Ward's inclusion on the Doak Walker Award watch list is the 10th&nbsp;for the Wildcats during the preseason. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/11107">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;has been named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award and Wuerffel Trophy, offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kt-leveston/11120">KT Leveston</a>&nbsp;were on the Outland Trophy watch list, wide receiver/returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/phillip-brooks/11087">Phillip Brooks</a>&nbsp;is up for the Hornung Award, tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-sinnott/11156">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;is on the John Mackey Award watch list, safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-savage/11150">Kobe Savage</a>&nbsp;is a candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and long snapper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/randen-plattner/11143">Randen Plattner</a>&nbsp;is on the watch list for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year Award. In the midst of preseason camp, K-State opens the 2023 campaign against SEMO on September 2 in a 6 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691604571877.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/treshaun-ward/11185">Treshaun Ward</a>&nbsp;earned his first honor as a Wildcat on Wednesday by being named to the 2023 Doak Walker Award watch list, the PwC SMU Athletic Forum announced.&nbsp; Ward, a transfer from Florida State this past January, gives K-State a candidate for the award that goes to the nation's top running back for the third-straight season as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce-vaughn/8582">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;was a semifinalist each of the last two years. Other notable candidates for the award are Darren Sproles (2003 finalist) and Daniel Thomas (2009 midseason candidate and 2010 semifinalist. A native of Plant City, Florida, Ward saw action in 26 games with six starts over parts of four seasons for the Seminoles, racking up 1,241 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 188 carries. He has also hauled in 28 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown in his career. Last year, Ward played in 10 games with six starts as the team's second-leading rusher with 649 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries en route to All-ACC Honorable Mention accolades. He began the season with a career-high 127 yards and two touchdowns against Duquesne, while he tied his career high with two touchdowns against Louisiana and Oklahoma, the latter in the Cheez-It Bowl when he rushed for 81 yards. Ward also topped the 100-yard mark at Louisville, rushing for 126 yards. Ward's inclusion on the Doak Walker Award watch list is the 10th&nbsp;for the Wildcats during the preseason. Quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/will-howard/11107">Will Howard</a>&nbsp;has been named a candidate for the Maxwell Award, Davey O'Brien Award and Wuerffel Trophy, offensive linemen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/cooper-beebe/11081">Cooper Beebe</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kt-leveston/11120">KT Leveston</a>&nbsp;were on the Outland Trophy watch list, wide receiver/returner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/phillip-brooks/11087">Phillip Brooks</a>&nbsp;is up for the Hornung Award, tight end&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/ben-sinnott/11156">Ben Sinnott</a>&nbsp;is on the John Mackey Award watch list, safety&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/kobe-savage/11150">Kobe Savage</a>&nbsp;is a candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and long snapper&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/randen-plattner/11143">Randen Plattner</a>&nbsp;is on the watch list for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year Award. In the midst of preseason camp, K-State opens the 2023 campaign against SEMO on September 2 in a 6 p.m., contest inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tickets to the seven-game home slate can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Ward earns spot on Doak Walker Award watch list

WICHITA, Kan. — The 89th NBC World Series began last Thursday with 16 teams, now the tournament is down to 12 as bracket play begins today at Eck Stadium. 

You can see results from pool play <a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/scoreboard.html?leagueid=223&amp;seasonid=33788">here</a>. The four pool play winners include the Hutchinson Monarchs, Santa Barbara (Calif.), Kansas Cannons and the Seattle Studs. Each of those four teams will receive a first round bye today, and will play in the quarterfinal round tomorrow at 12 p.m.

The Monarchs finished pool play with a 3-0 record, beating the Hays Larks, Seattle Blackfins and the GPS (Tex.) Legends. Hutchinson and Santa Barbara are the only two teams that finished pool play unbeaten. The Monarchs are averaging 9.3 runs per game, while allowing 5.3 per game.

Hutchinson has four players hitting over .300 in the tournament, led by Max Buettenback who is 6-for-10 with a home run, triple, double and five RBI. Will Edmunson is 6-for-14 at the plate with two doubles and two RBI, while Jaden Gustafson is 5-for-13 with three doubles and five RBI. Cooper Harris has a team-high six RBI for the three games.

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 12 p.m. - Lonestar Baseball Club (Tex.) vs. Arlington Baptist (Tex.) 3 p.m. - Liberal Bee Jays vs. Denver Cougars 6 p.m. - Hays Larks vs. Five Tool Kraken (Tex.) 8:30 p.m. - Great Bend Bat Cats vs. Seattle Blackfins

THURSDAY SCHEDULE 12 p.m. -&nbsp;Monarchs vs. Lonestar Baseball/Arlington Baptist winner 3 p.m. -&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters vs. Liberal/Denver Cougars winner&nbsp;&nbsp; 6 p.m. -&nbsp;Kansas Cannons vs. Hays/Five Tool Kraken winner 8:30 p.m. -&nbsp;Seattle Studs vs. Great Bend/Seattle Blackfins winner

You can watch all of the games <a href="https://bit.ly/WatchNBC?fbclid=IwAR27slsahYgXk7KguHWoJkmu8Y8_n2Cs9bpaUgON03R16K8pu-50cM64mbo">here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691204681016.jpeg" alt="Photo: Raegan Mantz" />
 <figcaption>Photo: Raegan Mantz</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostWICHITA, Kan. — The 89th NBC World Series began last Thursday with 16 teams, now the tournament is down to 12 as bracket play begins today at Eck Stadium. You can see results from pool play <a href="http://baseball.pointstreak.com/scoreboard.html?leagueid=223&amp;seasonid=33788">here</a>. The four pool play winners include the Hutchinson Monarchs, Santa Barbara (Calif.), Kansas Cannons and the Seattle Studs. Each of those four teams will receive a first round bye today, and will play in the quarterfinal round tomorrow at 12 p.m.The Monarchs finished pool play with a 3-0 record, beating the Hays Larks, Seattle Blackfins and the GPS (Tex.) Legends. Hutchinson and Santa Barbara are the only two teams that finished pool play unbeaten. The Monarchs are averaging 9.3 runs per game, while allowing 5.3 per game.Hutchinson has four players hitting over .300 in the tournament, led by Max Buettenback who is 6-for-10 with a home run, triple, double and five RBI. Will Edmunson is 6-for-14 at the plate with two doubles and two RBI, while Jaden Gustafson is 5-for-13 with three doubles and five RBI. Cooper Harris has a team-high six RBI for the three games.WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE 12 p.m. - Lonestar Baseball Club (Tex.) vs. Arlington Baptist (Tex.) 3 p.m. - Liberal Bee Jays vs. Denver Cougars 6 p.m. - Hays Larks vs. Five Tool Kraken (Tex.) 8:30 p.m. - Great Bend Bat Cats vs. Seattle BlackfinsTHURSDAY SCHEDULE 12 p.m. -&nbsp;Monarchs vs. Lonestar Baseball/Arlington Baptist winner 3 p.m. -&nbsp;Santa Barbara Foresters vs. Liberal/Denver Cougars winner&nbsp;&nbsp; 6 p.m. -&nbsp;Kansas Cannons vs. Hays/Five Tool Kraken winner 8:30 p.m. -&nbsp;Seattle Studs vs. Great Bend/Seattle Blackfins winnerYou can watch all of the games <a href="https://bit.ly/WatchNBC?fbclid=IwAR27slsahYgXk7KguHWoJkmu8Y8_n2Cs9bpaUgON03R16K8pu-50cM64mbo">here</a>.

⚾ NBC World Series: Bracket play begins today; Monarchs earn bye

MOUNDRIDGE, Kan.&nbsp;— Hutchinson native Jim Preston has been named the next head baseball coach at Moundridge High School, the school announced on Tuesday. He will be assisted by his son-in-law, Jack Conkling.

Preston will take over for Jason Rains, who spent the past three seasons as the Wildcats' head coach.

Preston served as the Hutchinson High School baseball coach from 2017-2022, where he guided the Salthawks to the class 6A state tournament in his first season.&nbsp;

He led Inman High School to two state tournament appearances between 2011-2016.&nbsp;

Preston is a Hutchinson High School graduate, and then went on to play on the first-ever HutchCC baseball team in 1975 and then finished his collegiate career at Kansas State.&nbsp;

<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691588150884.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostMOUNDRIDGE, Kan.&nbsp;— Hutchinson native Jim Preston has been named the next head baseball coach at Moundridge High School, the school announced on Tuesday. He will be assisted by his son-in-law, Jack Conkling.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F423moundridgemiddlehigh%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02o4b1dLdQsB7T5UdfHRfinjDAciF7ddyvC5LSEadsfhi3v8tGVpEdJpotTJEEUSwCl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="418" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Preston will take over for Jason Rains, who spent the past three seasons as the Wildcats' head coach.Preston served as the Hutchinson High School baseball coach from 2017-2022, where he guided the Salthawks to the class 6A state tournament in his first season.&nbsp;He led Inman High School to two state tournament appearances between 2011-2016.&nbsp;Preston is a Hutchinson High School graduate, and then went on to play on the first-ever HutchCC baseball team in 1975 and then finished his collegiate career at Kansas State.&nbsp;<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Hutch native Jim Preston named Moundridge baseball coach

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas women’s basketball team is set for the first of two exhibition contests on its European trip as the Jayhawks take on an Italian Select Team on August 9, at 12 p.m. CT in Rome.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691586699620.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;The Kansas women’s basketball team is set for the first of two exhibition contests on its European trip as the Jayhawks take on an Italian Select Team on August 9, at 12 p.m. CT in Rome.The game will be hosted in Rome, Italy at the Polisportiva Supernova Flumicino and the Jayhawks will be facing off against an Italian select team comprised of professional players. No live streaming will be available from the contest, so fans are encouraged to follow along through the official Kansas Women’s Basketball Twitter account for live updates during the contest.“Obviously, I am really excited about the opportunity for our players to build some camaraderie and chemistry,” said Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider said. “I think trips like this are a terrific bonding experience, as well as the many educational things that we’ll see and do on our journey. As far as the teams that we play, I’m not going to know anything about them. I’m more concerned with how we compete and execute the very limited things that we have practiced in our preparation for this trip.”Kansas traveled with 12 players for the European trip, led by four returning starters and three All-Big 12 selections. The Jayhawks are led by All-Big 12 First Team selections Taiyanna Jackson and Zakiyah Franklin, and three-time All-Big 12 honoree Holly Kersgieter. KU also returns guard Wyvette Mayberry, while welcoming five-star freshman guard S’Mya Nichols of Kansas City, and freshman guard Laia Conesa from Barcelona, Spain.Most recently, Schneider announced KU’s three newest signings for the upcoming season in graduate transfer Ryan Cobbins, freshman Paris Gaines and junior transfer Skyler Gill. The Jayhawks are coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons and postseason appearances after finishing 25-11 and winning the WNIT Championship in 2023.This will be the second foreign trip for the Jayhawks during Schneider’s tenure. Kansas previously took a 10-day tour through France and Switzerland in August of 2016. NCAA guidelines allows teams to take foreign trips once every four years. In accordance with the guidelines, teams can practice for 10 days prior to the trip and on off-days while on the trip.