KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen threw seven innings of three-hit ball to help the Tigers beat the Royals 3-0. Lorenzen ran his scoreless streak to 23 2/3 innings dating to June 30 at Colorado. The All-Star right-hander stranded runners at the corners in the second and another at third base in the fourth. Tyler Holton worked a perfect eighth for Detroit before Jason Foley handled the ninth inning for his fourth save. Zack Greinke took the loss for Kansas City, allowing two runs over four innings in his first start since landing on the injured list with shoulder tendinitis. The Tigers have won five straight series against the Royals, and they are 7-3 against their AL Central rivals this season.

CHICAGO (AP) — Jordan Walker and Paul DeJong each hit a two-run homer, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 7-2 for their sixth straight victory. Nolan Arenado drove in two runs and Steven Matz pitched five effective innings as St. Louis won for the the ninth time in 11 games overall. Paul Goldschmidt had two hits and scored two runs. Marcus Stroman pitched just 3 2/3 innings in possibly his final home start for the Cubs. The right-hander was charged with five runs — four earned — and seven hits. He struck out four and walked four.

SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic was placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken bone in his left foot after kicking a water cooler following a ninth-inning strikeout the night before. Kelenic was apologetic fighting through tears for letting his emotions get out of hand and expressing his frustration in a way that led to an injury. Kelenic says he made a mistake and feels awful for letting his teammates down. There was no timeframe on when Kelenic may return but surgery is not expected. Kelenic is in his third season with the Mariners and showed significant improvement. He’s hitting .252 with 11 homers and 45 RBIs in 90 games.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs probably would have not won the Super Bowl last season without some spectacular play from their rookie class. Four defensive backs carved out crucial roles, George Karlaftis was one of their best pass rushers, Skyy Moore had a big punt return in the Super Bowl and seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco became the starting running back. Now, the pressure is on for this year's group of first-year players to produce. That class is headlined by defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who grew up in suburban Kansas City and played at Kansas State, and wide receiver Rashee Rice, who already has caught Patrick Mahomes' eye.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Men’s and women’s basketball teams in the expanded Big 12 will still play 18 conference games each during the 2023-24 season. The conference will have 14 schools for the upcoming season before the departures of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC next summer. Each team will play five Big 12 opponents twice. Along with those home-and-away matchups, teams will play each of the remaining eight league foes once — four at home, and four on the road. As a 10-team league since 2011-12, the 18-game conference slate had each team playing each other home and away.

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Brian Harman is quickly setting the new target at the British Open. The American opened with a 67. And now he has run off three straight birdies starting on the second hole. That puts Harman at 7-under par. Harman has never won a major. He once had the 54-hole lead at the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in 2017. Adrian Otaegui of Spain made all pars on the front nine and was at 4 under among those playing in the chilly breeze and occasional light rain. Rory McIlroy has just now teed off after opening at 71.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The United States begins its journey to a record third consecutive Women’s World Cup title with the same confidence it had in winning the last two tournaments. The top-ranked Americans open play against Vietnam, which is no doubt considering the U.S. a daunting challenge in its World Cup debut. The teams meet on Saturday in Auckland at Eden Park. As opponents, the Vietnamese are similar to Thailand, which the Americans thumped 13-0 in the opener at the World Cup four years ago in France.

UNDATED (AP) — A bipartisan group of senators is proposing new oversight of college sports and the NCAA. A bill being worked would pre-empt state laws and create national regulations for name, image and likeness compensation for players. It would also establish an entity to oversee enforcement of those rules, and fund long-term health care for athletes. Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey along with Republican Jerry Moran of Kansas have previously introduced separate college sports bills.

FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — American freestyler Katie Ledecky has never gone home with anything other than a gold or silver medal in the Olympics or world championships dating from the 2012 London Games. But it might happen Sunday in the women’s 400-meter freestyle on the opening night in the pool of the World Aquatics Championships. This is perhaps the most anticipated race of the entire eight-day program in Japan. Ledecky is up against two younger stars. There is 16-year-old Summer McIntosh. She is a Canadian who holds the world record at 400. And 22-year-old Ariarne Titmus. She is an Australian who is a former world-record holder. Ledecky also held the record.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris. The deal is for a North American professional sports record of $6.05 billion. Snyder was also fined $60 million after the completion of an NFL-sponsored investigation into workplace culture and business dealings. Harris' group also includes basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, Washington-area businessman Mitchell Rales and partner David Blitzer. Blitzer co-owns with Harris the NBA's 76ers and NHL's Devils. Snyder had owned the club since 1999 and long insisted amid mounting criticism and pressure he would never sell.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Friday Morning, July 21st, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Friday Morning, July 21st, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen threw seven innings of three-hit ball to help the Tigers beat the Royals 3-0. Lorenzen ran his scoreless streak to 23 2/3 innings dating to June 30 at Colorado. The All-Star right-hander stranded runners at the corners in the second and another at third base in the fourth. Tyler Holton worked a perfect eighth for Detroit before Jason Foley handled the ninth inning for his fourth save. Zack Greinke took the loss for Kansas City, allowing two runs over four innings in his first start since landing on the injured list with shoulder tendinitis. The Tigers have won five straight series against the Royals, and they are 7-3 against their AL Central rivals this season.CHICAGO (AP) — Jordan Walker and Paul DeJong each hit a two-run homer, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 7-2 for their sixth straight victory. Nolan Arenado drove in two runs and Steven Matz pitched five effective innings as St. Louis won for the the ninth time in 11 games overall. Paul Goldschmidt had two hits and scored two runs. Marcus Stroman pitched just 3 2/3 innings in possibly his final home start for the Cubs. The right-hander was charged with five runs — four earned — and seven hits. He struck out four and walked four.SEATTLE (AP) — Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic was placed on the 10-day injured list with a broken bone in his left foot after kicking a water cooler following a ninth-inning strikeout the night before. Kelenic was apologetic fighting through tears for letting his emotions get out of hand and expressing his frustration in a way that led to an injury. Kelenic says he made a mistake and feels awful for letting his teammates down. There was no timeframe on when Kelenic may return but surgery is not expected. Kelenic is in his third season with the Mariners and showed significant improvement. He’s hitting .252 with 11 homers and 45 RBIs in 90 games.ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs probably would have not won the Super Bowl last season without some spectacular play from their rookie class. Four defensive backs carved out crucial roles, George Karlaftis was one of their best pass rushers, Skyy Moore had a big punt return in the Super Bowl and seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco became the starting running back. Now, the pressure is on for this year's group of first-year players to produce. That class is headlined by defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who grew up in suburban Kansas City and played at Kansas State, and wide receiver Rashee Rice, who already has caught Patrick Mahomes' eye.IRVING, Texas (AP) — Men’s and women’s basketball teams in the expanded Big 12 will still play 18 conference games each during the 2023-24 season. The conference will have 14 schools for the upcoming season before the departures of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC next summer. Each team will play five Big 12 opponents twice. Along with those home-and-away matchups, teams will play each of the remaining eight league foes once — four at home, and four on the road. As a 10-team league since 2011-12, the 18-game conference slate had each team playing each other home and away.HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Brian Harman is quickly setting the new target at the British Open. The American opened with a 67. And now he has run off three straight birdies starting on the second hole. That puts Harman at 7-under par. Harman has never won a major. He once had the 54-hole lead at the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in 2017. Adrian Otaegui of Spain made all pars on the front nine and was at 4 under among those playing in the chilly breeze and occasional light rain. Rory McIlroy has just now teed off after opening at 71.AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The United States begins its journey to a record third consecutive Women’s World Cup title with the same confidence it had in winning the last two tournaments. The top-ranked Americans open play against Vietnam, which is no doubt considering the U.S. a daunting challenge in its World Cup debut. The teams meet on Saturday in Auckland at Eden Park. As opponents, the Vietnamese are similar to Thailand, which the Americans thumped 13-0 in the opener at the World Cup four years ago in France.UNDATED (AP) — A bipartisan group of senators is proposing new oversight of college sports and the NCAA. A bill being worked would pre-empt state laws and create national regulations for name, image and likeness compensation for players. It would also establish an entity to oversee enforcement of those rules, and fund long-term health care for athletes. Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Cory Booker of New Jersey along with Republican Jerry Moran of Kansas have previously introduced separate college sports bills.FUKUOKA, Japan (AP) — American freestyler Katie Ledecky has never gone home with anything other than a gold or silver medal in the Olympics or world championships dating from the 2012 London Games. But it might happen Sunday in the women’s 400-meter freestyle on the opening night in the pool of the World Aquatics Championships. This is perhaps the most anticipated race of the entire eight-day program in Japan. Ledecky is up against two younger stars. There is 16-year-old Summer McIntosh. She is a Canadian who holds the world record at 400. And 22-year-old Ariarne Titmus. She is an Australian who is a former world-record holder. Ledecky also held the record.BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris. The deal is for a North American professional sports record of $6.05 billion. Snyder was also fined $60 million after the completion of an NFL-sponsored investigation into workplace culture and business dealings. Harris' group also includes basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, Washington-area businessman Mitchell Rales and partner David Blitzer. Blitzer co-owns with Harris the NBA's 76ers and NHL's Devils. Snyder had owned the club since 1999 and long insisted amid mounting criticism and pressure he would never sell.THURSDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Chicago White Sox 6 N.Y. Mets 2Final Toronto 4 San Diego 0AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Detroit 3 Kansas City 0Final Seattle 5 Minnesota 0Final Baltimore 4 Tampa Bay 3Final Houston 3 Oakland 1NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal Atlanta 7 Arizona 5Final Cincinnati 5 San Francisco 1Final Milwaukee 4 Philadelphia 0Final St. Louis 7 Chicago Cubs 2

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Friday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen knew there was no chance that Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was sending him out for the eighth inning Thursday, despite holding the lowly Royals to three hits in a seemingly effortless start.

Lorenzen tried to hide in the dugout anyway.

“I'm surprised he came in the (dugout) entrance he did. You could go down at the other end and find him and still take him out,” Hinch said with a smile afterward the 3-0 victory, which gave Detroit its fifth straight series win against its AL Central rival. “But it's fun to see him happy at the end of his outing because of the way he pitched.”

Lorenzen (5-6) stranded runners at the corners in the second and another at third in the fourth inning but otherwise went unchallenged while running his scoreless streak to 23 2/3 innings dating to June 30 at Colorado. The All-Star right-hander, who has made his disdain for day games well known, struck out three and walked one on a bright, sunny afternoon.

Tyler Holton worked a perfect eighth before Jason Foley handled the ninth for his fourth save.

“With the amount of strikes I've been throwing," Lorenzen said, “I know that teams are going to come out aggressive. And so if you just leverage that, you get some weak contact. A really good job by the defense.”

Spencer Torkelson, Andy Ibañez and Eric Haase drove in runs for Detroit, which took three of four from the Royals to improve to 7-3 against them this season. The teams still have three more to play at Comerica Park in September.

“Obviously coming out of the break, you never know quite how the guys are going to get back up and running,” Hinch said, “and we came out aggressively in Seattle. ... I think our guys in there understand that every day is really important coming out of the break.”

The Tigers scored twice off Zack Greinke (1-10) in the second before adding another run in the fifth, after the veteran right-hander had been removed from the game. Greinke allowed four hits in four innings in his first start since July 4, when the 39-year-old was diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis and landed on the injured list.

“We knew it wasn't going to be a deep outing,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It looked like he struggled a bit with his command. He was around the zone plenty but probably a lower strike percentage than he's used to, or we're used to seeing.”

Greinke had been good the first time through a lineup this season, but he struggled against the bottom half on Thursday.

The trouble began in the second with Nick Maton's two-out single. Akil Baddoo followed with a walk and Ibañez gave Detroit the lead with a base hit. Haase followed with his run-scoring single to extend the Tigers' lead to 2-0.

Greinke got through the next two innings before Austin Cox replaced him.

Zach McKinstry's triple in the fifth led to another run when Torkelson lifted a sacrifice fly to left field.

Meanwhile, the Royals kept squandering their few scoring opportunities.

Drew Waters flied out to right field to leave runners on the corners in the second. Nick Pratto spiked his helmet after striking out to leave a runner on third in the fourth. And in the sixth inning, Kyle Isbel ripped a double down the right-field line but was easily thrown out by McKinstry while trying to stretch it into a triple.

“(Lorenzen) doesn't give up a lot," said Quatraro, whose team was shut out for the 12th time and held to four hits or fewer for the 20th this season. “You have to really maximize your chances and he didn't give us many.”

Nick Wittgren had his glove knocked off his hand by Ibañez's line drive in the ninth. But the Royals reliever alertly pounced on the ball behind the mound and threw him out at first base in a bang-bang play that was confirmed by a review.

The Royals created space for Greinke on the roster by optioning right-hander Max Castillo to Triple-A Omaha. Castillo allowed just one hit over three scoreless innings Wednesday night in his only outing since being recalled last weekend.

Tigers RHP Reese Olson (1-3, 3.96 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game series against the Padres on Friday night. The Royals are headed to New York for three games against the Yankees, with RHP Alec Marsh (0-3, 5.40 ERA) starting the opener.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689885090092.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Thursday, July 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Thursday, July 20, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Lorenzen knew there was no chance that Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was sending him out for the eighth inning Thursday, despite holding the lowly Royals to three hits in a seemingly effortless start.Lorenzen tried to hide in the dugout anyway.“I'm surprised he came in the (dugout) entrance he did. You could go down at the other end and find him and still take him out,” Hinch said with a smile afterward the 3-0 victory, which gave Detroit its fifth straight series win against its AL Central rival. “But it's fun to see him happy at the end of his outing because of the way he pitched.”Lorenzen (5-6) stranded runners at the corners in the second and another at third in the fourth inning but otherwise went unchallenged while running his scoreless streak to 23 2/3 innings dating to June 30 at Colorado. The All-Star right-hander, who has made his disdain for day games well known, struck out three and walked one on a bright, sunny afternoon.Tyler Holton worked a perfect eighth before Jason Foley handled the ninth for his fourth save.“With the amount of strikes I've been throwing," Lorenzen said, “I know that teams are going to come out aggressive. And so if you just leverage that, you get some weak contact. A really good job by the defense.”Spencer Torkelson, Andy Ibañez and Eric Haase drove in runs for Detroit, which took three of four from the Royals to improve to 7-3 against them this season. The teams still have three more to play at Comerica Park in September.“Obviously coming out of the break, you never know quite how the guys are going to get back up and running,” Hinch said, “and we came out aggressively in Seattle. ... I think our guys in there understand that every day is really important coming out of the break.”The Tigers scored twice off Zack Greinke (1-10) in the second before adding another run in the fifth, after the veteran right-hander had been removed from the game. Greinke allowed four hits in four innings in his first start since July 4, when the 39-year-old was diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis and landed on the injured list.“We knew it wasn't going to be a deep outing,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “It looked like he struggled a bit with his command. He was around the zone plenty but probably a lower strike percentage than he's used to, or we're used to seeing.”Greinke had been good the first time through a lineup this season, but he struggled against the bottom half on Thursday.The trouble began in the second with Nick Maton's two-out single. Akil Baddoo followed with a walk and Ibañez gave Detroit the lead with a base hit. Haase followed with his run-scoring single to extend the Tigers' lead to 2-0.Greinke got through the next two innings before Austin Cox replaced him.Zach McKinstry's triple in the fifth led to another run when Torkelson lifted a sacrifice fly to left field.Meanwhile, the Royals kept squandering their few scoring opportunities.Drew Waters flied out to right field to leave runners on the corners in the second. Nick Pratto spiked his helmet after striking out to leave a runner on third in the fourth. And in the sixth inning, Kyle Isbel ripped a double down the right-field line but was easily thrown out by McKinstry while trying to stretch it into a triple.“(Lorenzen) doesn't give up a lot," said Quatraro, whose team was shut out for the 12th time and held to four hits or fewer for the 20th this season. “You have to really maximize your chances and he didn't give us many.”GOLD GLOVE? MORE LIKE MISSING GLOVENick Wittgren had his glove knocked off his hand by Ibañez's line drive in the ninth. But the Royals reliever alertly pounced on the ball behind the mound and threw him out at first base in a bang-bang play that was confirmed by a review.ROSTER MOVESThe Royals created space for Greinke on the roster by optioning right-hander Max Castillo to Triple-A Omaha. Castillo allowed just one hit over three scoreless innings Wednesday night in his only outing since being recalled last weekend.UP NEXTTigers RHP Reese Olson (1-3, 3.96 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game series against the Padres on Friday night. The Royals are headed to New York for three games against the Yankees, with RHP Alec Marsh (0-3, 5.40 ERA) starting the opener.

⚾ Lorenzen tosses 7 scoreless as Tigers beat Royals

Courtesy of Bethel College Athletics&nbsp;

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - Tony Hoops has resigned as Bethel College's director of athletics after six years in the role, and nine total years as a member of the Threshers athletic department. He has been named the vice president of athletics at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. "It is with great sorrow and deep appreciation to the entire Bethel Community that I announce my resignation," Hoops stated. "Bethel has transformed my life as a student, athlete, coach, and athletic director. The past nine years of my life at Bethel have been the most fulfilling time of my entire career. Our family has grown up at Bethel and we could not have asked for a better place to call home." During Hoops' tenure as the head of the athletic department, the Threshers achieved more athletic success than seen in many years prior at the institution. This includes numerous Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championships earned at the team and individual level, highlighted by the three-consecutive KCAC championships by the football team and their NAIA Championship Series appearance in 2021. The men's basketball team won the KCAC regular and postseason titles in 2020-2021 and have earned bids to the NAIA national tournament each of the past three seasons, making it to the Round of 16 twice. The women's basketball qualified for the NAIA national tournament for the first time in program history during the 2020-2021 season, and the competitive cheer team has also represented Bethel in their respective national tournament during the 2021 season. "The unprecedented success we experienced is something I never could have imagined. I was blessed to hire a tremendous staff who bought into me as a young leader for which I am incredibly grateful," Hoops went on to say. "We all have someone else's dream job. Our staff embraced this, exhibited by their strong commitment to running excellent programs. As a result, I was able to live out my dream job." Hoops' time as the director of athletics brought with it a revitalization of the athletic department in multiple ways. Multiple facility projects and upgrades were able to take place, including the installation of new turf, a new locker room and suite&nbsp;viewing area at Thresher Stadium, a new track and a video board at Thresher Stadium, new bleachers and scoreboards in Thresher Gym, a new clubhouse with restrooms and fan seating at the Ward Tennis Center, and a new clubhouse, restrooms, scoreboard,&nbsp;concessions stand, and press box at Wedel Softball Field. "I am grateful for Tony's contributions to the long-term excellence of Bethel College athletics," President Gering stated. "He has been an excellent advocate, leader, and partner for the college and the community.&nbsp; I wish him and his family the best of success as they transition into their new lives at Northwestern College." Hoops was recognized by his peers in the KCAC by being named the conference's athletic director of the year for the 2020-2021 school year. This award came during the height of the Threshers' success on the field, but also as a result of their achievements in the classroom and community. Bethel has seen a growing number of KCAC and NAIA scholar-athletes each of the past six years. The Threshers as a department were also able to earn their fifth-consecutive NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Gold award in the summer of 2022. Perhaps most impressively, the 2023 graduating class of Bethel students included a record-breaking number of student-athletes. "Our mission was to create life-changing experiences for our student-athletes. Our staff embraced this in everything they did by passionately caring for each athlete," stated Hoops. "This care led to model programs being created that competed for championships and graduated young men and women who will continue to impact the world."&nbsp; Hoops' passion for establishing a new culture in the athletic department was molded during his time as a student and coach at Bethel. Hoops played basketball at Bethel from 2001-05 and was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 2005 and KCAC Academic All-Conference player in 2003, 2004, and 2005.&nbsp; He was a member of the 2002-03 KCAC championship team and played in the 2003 NAIA National Tournament, the first in Bethel's history. After coaching and teaching at a few Kansas high schools upon his graduation, Hoops was named the head coach of the men's basketball program in 2014. He held this position for four years prior to his appointment as director of athletics. When asked about his love for Bethel, Hoops said, "The people of Bethel are what makes this place so special. The alums, staff, student-athletes, and community are who motivated me every day to make Bethel Athletics the best version it could be. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me and my family. We gave everything we had to this place and I look forward to following the continued success now as an alum." Hoops' final day on campus will be August 15th.&nbsp; A national search for the next director of athletics will begin immediately. In athletics, Bethel competes within the 13-school Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the NAIA. For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethelthreshers.com/">www.bethelthreshers.com</a> Bethel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, parental or marital status, gender identity, gender expression, medical or genetic information, ethnic or national origins, citizenship status, veteran or military status or disability. E-mail questions to TitleIXCoordinator@bethelks.edu&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689888779365.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Bethel College Athletics&nbsp;NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - Tony Hoops has resigned as Bethel College's director of athletics after six years in the role, and nine total years as a member of the Threshers athletic department. He has been named the vice president of athletics at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. "It is with great sorrow and deep appreciation to the entire Bethel Community that I announce my resignation," Hoops stated. "Bethel has transformed my life as a student, athlete, coach, and athletic director. The past nine years of my life at Bethel have been the most fulfilling time of my entire career. Our family has grown up at Bethel and we could not have asked for a better place to call home." During Hoops' tenure as the head of the athletic department, the Threshers achieved more athletic success than seen in many years prior at the institution. This includes numerous Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championships earned at the team and individual level, highlighted by the three-consecutive KCAC championships by the football team and their NAIA Championship Series appearance in 2021. The men's basketball team won the KCAC regular and postseason titles in 2020-2021 and have earned bids to the NAIA national tournament each of the past three seasons, making it to the Round of 16 twice. The women's basketball qualified for the NAIA national tournament for the first time in program history during the 2020-2021 season, and the competitive cheer team has also represented Bethel in their respective national tournament during the 2021 season. "The unprecedented success we experienced is something I never could have imagined. I was blessed to hire a tremendous staff who bought into me as a young leader for which I am incredibly grateful," Hoops went on to say. "We all have someone else's dream job. Our staff embraced this, exhibited by their strong commitment to running excellent programs. As a result, I was able to live out my dream job." Hoops' time as the director of athletics brought with it a revitalization of the athletic department in multiple ways. Multiple facility projects and upgrades were able to take place, including the installation of new turf, a new locker room and suite&nbsp;viewing area at Thresher Stadium, a new track and a video board at Thresher Stadium, new bleachers and scoreboards in Thresher Gym, a new clubhouse with restrooms and fan seating at the Ward Tennis Center, and a new clubhouse, restrooms, scoreboard,&nbsp;concessions stand, and press box at Wedel Softball Field. "I am grateful for Tony's contributions to the long-term excellence of Bethel College athletics," President Gering stated. "He has been an excellent advocate, leader, and partner for the college and the community.&nbsp; I wish him and his family the best of success as they transition into their new lives at Northwestern College." Hoops was recognized by his peers in the KCAC by being named the conference's athletic director of the year for the 2020-2021 school year. This award came during the height of the Threshers' success on the field, but also as a result of their achievements in the classroom and community. Bethel has seen a growing number of KCAC and NAIA scholar-athletes each of the past six years. The Threshers as a department were also able to earn their fifth-consecutive NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Gold award in the summer of 2022. Perhaps most impressively, the 2023 graduating class of Bethel students included a record-breaking number of student-athletes. "Our mission was to create life-changing experiences for our student-athletes. Our staff embraced this in everything they did by passionately caring for each athlete," stated Hoops. "This care led to model programs being created that competed for championships and graduated young men and women who will continue to impact the world."&nbsp; Hoops' passion for establishing a new culture in the athletic department was molded during his time as a student and coach at Bethel. Hoops played basketball at Bethel from 2001-05 and was an NAIA Scholar-Athlete in 2005 and KCAC Academic All-Conference player in 2003, 2004, and 2005.&nbsp; He was a member of the 2002-03 KCAC championship team and played in the 2003 NAIA National Tournament, the first in Bethel's history. After coaching and teaching at a few Kansas high schools upon his graduation, Hoops was named the head coach of the men's basketball program in 2014. He held this position for four years prior to his appointment as director of athletics. When asked about his love for Bethel, Hoops said, "The people of Bethel are what makes this place so special. The alums, staff, student-athletes, and community are who motivated me every day to make Bethel Athletics the best version it could be. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting me and my family. We gave everything we had to this place and I look forward to following the continued success now as an alum." Hoops' final day on campus will be August 15th.&nbsp; A national search for the next director of athletics will begin immediately. In athletics, Bethel competes within the 13-school Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the NAIA. For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bethelthreshers.com/">www.bethelthreshers.com</a> Bethel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, parental or marital status, gender identity, gender expression, medical or genetic information, ethnic or national origins, citizenship status, veteran or military status or disability. E-mail questions to TitleIXCoordinator@bethelks.edu&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hoops resigns as Bethel College director of athletics

Charlotte, NC —&nbsp;The NJCAA has announced the 2023-24 Committee Chairs for the 48 committees. Each chair serves as a direct contact and liaison for the committee and the NJCAA National Office staff, while also heading their committee all year.

With the academic year approaching, chairs are preparing to lead weekly calls, conduct national rankings, and assist with postseason at-large and seeding selections, and All-America selections. In addition to these roles, chairs complete committee-related assignments and annual NJCAA Convention tasks. In some cases, chairs will attend their respective national championship(s).&nbsp;

On the women's side, Katie Amundson, Brookdale (NJ) Athletic Director, will serve as a first-time chair of the NJCAA Division III Women's Soccer Committee. Josh Cole, Quinsigamond Assistant Director of Athletics and Fitness will serve beside Amundson as first-time vice chair. Todd Eastin, South Mountain (AZ) Athletic Director and Baseball Head Coach is a first-time committee chair of the NJCAA Division II Women's Soccer Committee. Eastin will be assisted by Christine Paciero, Region 4 Women's Assistant Director, who will serve as first-time vice chair.

On the men's side, Tommy Stewart, NJCAA Board of Regents member and Holyoke (MA) Athletic Director, will once again serve as chair of both the NJCAA Division III Men's Golf and NJCAA Division III Women's Golf Committees. Peyton Deterding, Southeastern (IA) Athletic Director, is a first-time committee chair of the NJCAA Division II Men's Golf Committee.

For the joint committees, Doug Spiwak, Region 4 Director, will serve as chair of the Cross Country/Half-Marathon committee. Spiwak has previously served as chair of the NJCAA Division I Tennis Committee and NJCAA Division III Football and Volleyball Committees. Scott Newton, Richard Bland (VA) Director of Student Life and Athletics, will lead the committee alongside Spiwak as first-time vice chair. Greg Witkop, Administrator of Athletics at CCBC Essex (MD), will serve as chair of the Lacrosse Committee. Witkop previously served as chair of the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Committee. Witkop will be assisted by Duane Herr, Anne Arundel (MD) Director of Athletics, who will serve as first-time vice chair.&nbsp; Brett Monaghan, Indian Hills (IA) Athletic Director, will chair the Division I Oversight Committee; Jeff Willis, LSU Eunice Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach, was selected to chair the Division II Oversight Committee; Rob Chaney, Florida Commissioner, will chair Eligibility; Kevin Vest, Athletic Director of Tyler Junior College, is the new chair of the NJCAA Sports Governance Committee; and Jerry Smith, Athletic Director of Arizona Western, will chair Championship Events.

For the emerging sports, Hayley Kobza, Head Coach at McCook Community College will serve as first-time chair of the Competitive Cheerleading Committee. Kurt Kohler, Executive Director of MCAC, will head the NJCAA Clay Target Shooting Committee with David Elder, Region 17 Men's Director, as first-time vice chair. Tim Swartzendruber, Pratt Community College Athletic Director, will serve as first-time committee chair of the NJCAA Women's Flag Football Committee with the help of Adrienne Cataldo, USC Sumter Director of Athletics, as first-time vice chair.

For a full list, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/about/governance_structure">NJCAA Governance Structure</a>&nbsp;and see below:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584387465637.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the NJCAACharlotte, NC —&nbsp;The NJCAA has announced the 2023-24 Committee Chairs for the 48 committees. Each chair serves as a direct contact and liaison for the committee and the NJCAA National Office staff, while also heading their committee all year.With the academic year approaching, chairs are preparing to lead weekly calls, conduct national rankings, and assist with postseason at-large and seeding selections, and All-America selections. In addition to these roles, chairs complete committee-related assignments and annual NJCAA Convention tasks. In some cases, chairs will attend their respective national championship(s).&nbsp;On the women's side, Katie Amundson, Brookdale (NJ) Athletic Director, will serve as a first-time chair of the NJCAA Division III Women's Soccer Committee. Josh Cole, Quinsigamond Assistant Director of Athletics and Fitness will serve beside Amundson as first-time vice chair. Todd Eastin, South Mountain (AZ) Athletic Director and Baseball Head Coach is a first-time committee chair of the NJCAA Division II Women's Soccer Committee. Eastin will be assisted by Christine Paciero, Region 4 Women's Assistant Director, who will serve as first-time vice chair.On the men's side, Tommy Stewart, NJCAA Board of Regents member and Holyoke (MA) Athletic Director, will once again serve as chair of both the NJCAA Division III Men's Golf and NJCAA Division III Women's Golf Committees. Peyton Deterding, Southeastern (IA) Athletic Director, is a first-time committee chair of the NJCAA Division II Men's Golf Committee.For the joint committees, Doug Spiwak, Region 4 Director, will serve as chair of the Cross Country/Half-Marathon committee. Spiwak has previously served as chair of the NJCAA Division I Tennis Committee and NJCAA Division III Football and Volleyball Committees. Scott Newton, Richard Bland (VA) Director of Student Life and Athletics, will lead the committee alongside Spiwak as first-time vice chair. Greg Witkop, Administrator of Athletics at CCBC Essex (MD), will serve as chair of the Lacrosse Committee. Witkop previously served as chair of the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Committee. Witkop will be assisted by Duane Herr, Anne Arundel (MD) Director of Athletics, who will serve as first-time vice chair.&nbsp; Brett Monaghan, Indian Hills (IA) Athletic Director, will chair the Division I Oversight Committee; Jeff Willis, LSU Eunice Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach, was selected to chair the Division II Oversight Committee; Rob Chaney, Florida Commissioner, will chair Eligibility; Kevin Vest, Athletic Director of Tyler Junior College, is the new chair of the NJCAA Sports Governance Committee; and Jerry Smith, Athletic Director of Arizona Western, will chair Championship Events.For the emerging sports, Hayley Kobza, Head Coach at McCook Community College will serve as first-time chair of the Competitive Cheerleading Committee. Kurt Kohler, Executive Director of MCAC, will head the NJCAA Clay Target Shooting Committee with David Elder, Region 17 Men's Director, as first-time vice chair. Tim Swartzendruber, Pratt Community College Athletic Director, will serve as first-time committee chair of the NJCAA Women's Flag Football Committee with the help of Adrienne Cataldo, USC Sumter Director of Athletics, as first-time vice chair.For a full list, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/about/governance_structure">NJCAA Governance Structure</a>&nbsp;and see below:<figure>
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 </figure>

NJCAA announces 2023-24 Committee Chairs

The Big 12 announced the Conference scheduling matrix for the 2023-24 Women’s Basketball season. Teams will play five Big 12 opponents twice, then play the other eight conference opponents one time, for a total of 18 Conference games. Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness. A full Big 12 schedule will be released at a later date. Baylor Home-and-away: Houston, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech Away-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma BYU Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, TCU Home-only: Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: UCF, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas UCF Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Home-only: BYU, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Away-only: Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas Tech Cincinnati Home-and-away: BYU, UCF, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU Away-only: Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Houston Home-and-away: Baylor, BYU, UCF, TCU, Texas Tech Home-only: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Texas Away-only: Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Iowa State Home-and-away: BYU, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, Cincinnati, Oklahoma, TCU Away-only: UCF, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech Kansas Home-and-away: Baylor, BYU, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma Home-only: Cincinnati, Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Away-only: UCF, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech Kansas State Home-and-away: UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Home-only: BYU, Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, Cincinnati, TCU, Texas Tech Oklahoma Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Home-only: Baylor, UCF, TCU, Texas Tech Away-only: BYU, Houston, Iowa State, West Virginia Oklahoma State Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech Home-only: BYU, Houston, Texas, West Virginia Away-only: Cincinnati, Kansas, Kansas State, TCU TCU Home-and-away: BYU, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State Away-only: Baylor, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma Texas Home-and-away: Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas Away-only: UCF, Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Texas Tech Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Houston, Oklahoma State, Texas, TCU Home-only: UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State Away-only: Baylor, BYU, Oklahoma, West Virginia West Virginia Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Cincinnati, Iowa State, TCU Home-only: Houston, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech Away-only: BYU, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678363413755.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Big 12 ConferenceThe Big 12 announced the Conference scheduling matrix for the 2023-24 Women’s Basketball season. Teams will play five Big 12 opponents twice, then play the other eight conference opponents one time, for a total of 18 Conference games. Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness. A full Big 12 schedule will be released at a later date. Baylor Home-and-away: Houston, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech Away-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma BYU Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, TCU Home-only: Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: UCF, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas UCF Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Home-only: BYU, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Away-only: Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, Texas Tech Cincinnati Home-and-away: BYU, UCF, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU Away-only: Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Houston Home-and-away: Baylor, BYU, UCF, TCU, Texas Tech Home-only: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Texas Away-only: Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Iowa State Home-and-away: BYU, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, Cincinnati, Oklahoma, TCU Away-only: UCF, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech Kansas Home-and-away: Baylor, BYU, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma Home-only: Cincinnati, Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Away-only: UCF, Texas, TCU, Texas Tech Kansas State Home-and-away: UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Home-only: BYU, Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, Cincinnati, TCU, Texas Tech Oklahoma Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Home-only: Baylor, UCF, TCU, Texas Tech Away-only: BYU, Houston, Iowa State, West Virginia Oklahoma State Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech Home-only: BYU, Houston, Texas, West Virginia Away-only: Cincinnati, Kansas, Kansas State, TCU TCU Home-and-away: BYU, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State Away-only: Baylor, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Oklahoma Texas Home-and-away: Baylor, Oklahoma, Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas Away-only: UCF, Houston, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Texas Tech Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Houston, Oklahoma State, Texas, TCU Home-only: UCF, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State Away-only: Baylor, BYU, Oklahoma, West Virginia West Virginia Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Cincinnati, Iowa State, TCU Home-only: Houston, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech Away-only: BYU, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Kansas State

🏀 WBB: Big 12 announces 2023-24 conference opponents

Courtesy of the Big 12 Conference&nbsp;

The Big 12 announced the Conference scheduling matrix for the 2023-24 Men’s Basketball season. Teams will play five Big 12 opponents twice, then play the other eight conference opponents once, for a total of 18 Conference games. Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness. A full Big 12 schedule will be released at a later date. Baylor Home-and-away: BYU, Kansas, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech Home-only: Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Oklahoma Away-only: UCF, K-State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia BYU Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Iowa State, K-State, Oklahoma State Home-only: Cincinnati, Houston, TCU, Texas Away-only: Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia UCF Home-and-away: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma Away-only: K-State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Cincinnati Home- and-away: UCF, Houston, TCU, Oklahoma, West Virginia Home-only: Iowa State, K-State, Oklahoma State, Texas Away-only: Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech Houston Home-and-away: UCF, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Home-only: K-State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, BYU, Oklahoma, TCU Iowa State Home-and-away: BYU, Houston, K-State, Oklahoma, TCU Home-only: Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, UCF, Cincinnati, Texas Kansas Home-and-away: Baylor, Houston, K-State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, TCU, Texas Away-only: UCF, Iowa State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Kansas State Home-and-away: BYU, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, UCF, Oklahoma, TCU Away-only: Cincinnati, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech Oklahoma Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas Home-only: BYU, Houston, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, UCF, K-State, TCU Oklahoma State Home-and-away: BYU, Kansas, K-State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech Home-only: Baylor, UCF, TCU, West Virginia Away-only: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Houston, Texas TCU Home-and-away: Baylor, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Houston, Oklahoma, Texas Away-only: BYU, Kansas, K-State, Oklahoma State Texas Home-and-away: Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Iowa State, K-State, Oklahoma State Away-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Kansas, TCU Texas Tech Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Kansas, K-State Away-only: Iowa State, Houston, Oklahoma, West Virginia West Virginia Home-and-away: UCF, Cincinnati, K-State, TCU, Texas Home-only: Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech Away-only: Iowa State, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689880143034.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Big 12 Conference&nbsp;The Big 12 announced the Conference scheduling matrix for the 2023-24 Men’s Basketball season. Teams will play five Big 12 opponents twice, then play the other eight conference opponents once, for a total of 18 Conference games. Opponents were selected based on a combination of geography, historical results and a poll of the coaches to best balance the schedule in terms of travel and competitiveness. A full Big 12 schedule will be released at a later date. Baylor Home-and-away: BYU, Kansas, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech Home-only: Cincinnati, Houston, Iowa State, Oklahoma Away-only: UCF, K-State, Oklahoma State, West Virginia BYU Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Iowa State, K-State, Oklahoma State Home-only: Cincinnati, Houston, TCU, Texas Away-only: Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia UCF Home-and-away: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma Away-only: K-State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Cincinnati Home- and-away: UCF, Houston, TCU, Oklahoma, West Virginia Home-only: Iowa State, K-State, Oklahoma State, Texas Away-only: Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech Houston Home-and-away: UCF, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Home-only: K-State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, BYU, Oklahoma, TCU Iowa State Home-and-away: BYU, Houston, K-State, Oklahoma, TCU Home-only: Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, UCF, Cincinnati, Texas Kansas Home-and-away: Baylor, Houston, K-State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, TCU, Texas Away-only: UCF, Iowa State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Kansas State Home-and-away: BYU, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, West Virginia Home-only: Baylor, UCF, Oklahoma, TCU Away-only: Cincinnati, Houston, Texas, Texas Tech Oklahoma Home-and-away: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas Home-only: BYU, Houston, Texas Tech, West Virginia Away-only: Baylor, UCF, K-State, TCU Oklahoma State Home-and-away: BYU, Kansas, K-State, Oklahoma, Texas Tech Home-only: Baylor, UCF, TCU, West Virginia Away-only: Cincinnati, Iowa State, Houston, Texas TCU Home-and-away: Baylor, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Houston, Oklahoma, Texas Away-only: BYU, Kansas, K-State, Oklahoma State Texas Home-and-away: Baylor, Houston, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, West Virginia Home-only: UCF, Iowa State, K-State, Oklahoma State Away-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Kansas, TCU Texas Tech Home-and-away: Baylor, UCF, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Home-only: BYU, Cincinnati, Kansas, K-State Away-only: Iowa State, Houston, Oklahoma, West Virginia West Virginia Home-and-away: UCF, Cincinnati, K-State, TCU, Texas Home-only: Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech Away-only: Iowa State, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: Big 12 releases 2023-24 conference opponents

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

The American Athletic Conference has announced home-away pairings for the 2023-24 season, including matchups with the six new members. The league will once again conduct an 18-game schedule with each team assigned five home-and-home series, plus four home-only and four road-only opponents. The Shockers will not visit North Texas, Rice, SMU or UTSA this season, while UAB, Charlotte, South Florida and Tulane miss out on a trip to the Roundhouse. Matchups are annually determined by television inventory and contractual requirements, competitive issues/NET implications and geographic rivalries. The complete 2023-24 men's basketball composite schedule with dates and times will be announced at a later date. The first conference play dates will be January, 2-4, 2024 and will run through March 10. The 2024 American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship will expand to a 14-team tournament and be held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, March 13-17. 2023-24 men's basketball season tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase dial the Shocker Ticket Office at&nbsp;316-978-FANS (3267). Wichita State Men's Basketball 2023-24 American Athletic Conference Pairings: Home Only: North Texas, Rice, SMU, UTSA Away Only: UAB, Charlotte, South Florida, Tulane Home + Away: East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Temple, Tulsa&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689879088578.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;The American Athletic Conference has announced home-away pairings for the 2023-24 season, including matchups with the six new members. The league will once again conduct an 18-game schedule with each team assigned five home-and-home series, plus four home-only and four road-only opponents. The Shockers will not visit North Texas, Rice, SMU or UTSA this season, while UAB, Charlotte, South Florida and Tulane miss out on a trip to the Roundhouse. Matchups are annually determined by television inventory and contractual requirements, competitive issues/NET implications and geographic rivalries. The complete 2023-24 men's basketball composite schedule with dates and times will be announced at a later date. The first conference play dates will be January, 2-4, 2024 and will run through March 10. The 2024 American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship will expand to a 14-team tournament and be held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, March 13-17. 2023-24 men's basketball season tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase dial the Shocker Ticket Office at&nbsp;316-978-FANS (3267). Wichita State Men's Basketball 2023-24 American Athletic Conference Pairings: Home Only: North Texas, Rice, SMU, UTSA Away Only: UAB, Charlotte, South Florida, Tulane Home + Away: East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Temple, Tulsa&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 MBB: New members highlight 2023-24 AAC Pairings

The American Athletic Conference has released home-away matchups for the 2023-24 women's basketball season. The conference schedule will expand from 16 to 18 games with each team playing five home-and-home series in addition to four home-only and four road-only opponents. The Shockers will host three of the six new conference members in Charles Koch Arena as they're set to play UAB, Florida Atlantic and UTSA in home-and-home series and will travel to the remaining three, Charlotte, North Texas and Rice, for road-only contests. Wichita State will also play Temple and Tulsa twice and is scheduled to host East Carolina, Memphis, SMU and Tulane in The Roundhouse, while just playing South Florida in Tampa. The Shockers' non-conference schedule will be announced soon once all dates are finalized. Season tickets are on sale at GoShockers.com/Tickets or can be purchased by calling 316-978-FANS (3267).Wichita State Women's Basketball 2023-24 American Athletic Conference Pairings Home Only East Carolina Memphis SMU Tulane Away Only Charlotte North Texas Rice South Florida Home &amp; Away UAB Florida Atlantic Memphis Tulane Tulsa&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689878977347.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;The American Athletic Conference has released home-away matchups for the 2023-24 women's basketball season. The conference schedule will expand from 16 to 18 games with each team playing five home-and-home series in addition to four home-only and four road-only opponents. The Shockers will host three of the six new conference members in Charles Koch Arena as they're set to play UAB, Florida Atlantic and UTSA in home-and-home series and will travel to the remaining three, Charlotte, North Texas and Rice, for road-only contests. Wichita State will also play Temple and Tulsa twice and is scheduled to host East Carolina, Memphis, SMU and Tulane in The Roundhouse, while just playing South Florida in Tampa. The Shockers' non-conference schedule will be announced soon once all dates are finalized. Season tickets are on sale at GoShockers.com/Tickets or can be purchased by calling 316-978-FANS (3267).Wichita State Women's Basketball 2023-24 American Athletic Conference Pairings Home Only East Carolina Memphis SMU Tulane Away Only Charlotte North Texas Rice South Florida Home &amp; Away UAB Florida Atlantic Memphis Tulane Tulsa&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 WBB: AAC releases matchups set for 2023-24

Courtesy of the Kansas City Chiefs

Pre-Camp Breakdown: Looking at the Chiefs' Defensive Line

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs' veterans report to training camp in just a few days, and with the annual pilgrimage to St. Joseph nearly here, we're examining every position group on the roster heading into camp.

Here's a look at what we've covered so far:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-evaluating-the-three-qbs-behind-patrick-mahomes-">QB</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-a-look-at-the-chiefs-talented-group-of-running-backs">RB</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-travis-kelce-leads-a-deep-group-of-athletic-tight-ends">TE</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-examining-the-chiefs-crowded-wide-receiver-corps">WR</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-looking-at-the-chiefs-offensive-line">OT</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-examining-the-chiefs-young-and-athletic-linebacker-corps">LB</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-evaluating-the-chiefs-young-secondary">DB</a>

We'll wrap up this series with the defensive line, where the Chiefs currently employ 17 players. Here's a closer look at every defensive linemen on the roster, sorted by defensive ends and defensive tackles. Many of these players have the versatility to play both spots, but for the purpose of this breakdown, each member of the defensive line is categorized by his primary role.

Defensive End (beginning with last year's starters, then sorted alphabetically)

A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Karlaftis tallied the second-most pressures (48) and the third-most sacks (6) among all rookies last season. He was particularly effective late in the year, recording at least a half sack in six of the Chiefs' final seven regular-season games.

Karlaftis logged the most snaps of any defensive end on the Chiefs' roster last season with 730, and with former edge rusher Frank Clark no longer in town, the 22-year-old Karlaftis will likely have an even larger role in 2023.

SACK: George Karlaftis Gets to Geno Smith on Third Down to Force the Punt

The 25-year-old Danna racked up a career-best 35 pressures and five sacks in 2022, the latter of which ranked third on the team behind only Chris Jones (15.5 sacks) and George Karlaftis (6 sacks).

Danna's 35 pressures ranked fourth on the squad, and it's worth pointing out that he amassed those numbers while logging only 310 pass-rushing snaps. For context, only 11 players recorded more pressures last season on fewer pass-rushing snaps than Danna.

He'll aim to continue that upward trajectory this upcoming season with a larger role likely in store.

An alum of nearby Lee's Summit High School and Kansas State, Anudike-Uzomah was immensely productive over the last two seasons for the Wildcats, racking up 25.5 tackles-for-loss, 19.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles in 27 games. He recorded at least eight sacks and 10 tackles-for-loss in each of the last two seasons while leading the FBS in forced fumbles in 2021.

Additionally, Anudike-Uzomah's efforts this past season – which included 11 tackles-for-loss and 8.5 sacks – earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and a Second-Team All-America nod.

Anudike-Uzomah brings a varied skillset to the table that should make him a versatile and capable contributor early in his professional career. For example, The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote the following about Anudike-Uzomah's play style in his annual draft guide:

"Anudike-Uzomah plays hard and mixes up his rush to keep his pursuit alive, which is what he does best. He projects as a physical, face-up power rusher with the impact potential to compete for an NFL starting role as a rookie."

The 21-year-old Anudike-Uzomah brings more than just power and strength to his game, however, as Pro Football Focus called him one of the "bendiest" defensive linemen in this class.

"Bend is one of the most coveted traits for an edge rusher for a reason. Being able to consistently get underneath offensive tackles the way Anudike-Uzomah can makes life a lot easier…He's one of the best edge benders in the draft class, and he's the type of edge rusher that's going to convert a lot of pressures to sacks because of that. Of his 89 pressures the past two seasons, 21 ended up as sacks."

Meet the Picks: Kansas State Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah | 2023 NFL Draft

Herring earned a spot on the Chiefs' initial 53-man roster following training camp last season and went on to appear in seven games, recording 86 total defensive snaps. He logged significant time on the field in Week 5 (18 snaps) and Week 7 (26 snaps), tallying at least 30 percent of the Chiefs' defensive plays in each contest.

It was a major step in the right direction for Herring, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent the previous offseason. The University of Georgia product was rehabbing a knee injury throughout his rookie campaign, but once healthy, he didn't waste the opportunity. He'll look to build on that progress heading into his third season as a professional.

An undrafted free agent signee, Jones earned Second-Team All-America honors in 2022 after leading the Ivy League with 13 tackles-for-loss last season. He was also a menace on special teams, blocking three kicks last year alone.

Here's more on Jones from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:

"Overall, Jones needs to expand his hand usage and learn how to string moves together for the next level, but his athletic tools and energy are a nice start for a developmental guy."

Jones – a former linebacker who made the switch to defensive end as a redshirt freshman – checks in at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds.

Kaindoh is entering his third season with the Chiefs in 2023, and while he made the initial 53-man roster following training camp last year, the former fourth-round pick didn't appear in a game last season.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Kaindoh – who appeared in three games during his rookie season in 2021 – will have a chance to earn a role along the Chiefs' defensive line during training camp.

One of the Chiefs' marquee free agent signings of the offseason, Omenihu racked up 54 pressures, 16 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks in 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers last season, recording (or matching, in the case of quarterback hits) career-bests in each category. He recorded at least three pressures in nine games.

His 54 pressures ranked second on the 49ers and would have ranked second on the Chiefs behind only defensive lineman Chris Jones (77). He ranked 27th league-wide in that category overall.

A versatile defender, the 25-year-old Omenihu is a perfect fit for Chiefs' Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who often likes to deploy his defensive linemen at various spots along the line of scrimmage. In fact, Omenihu logged significant snaps last season as an outside edge rusher (310 snaps), lined up over the opposing tackle (127 snaps) and along the interior of the defensive line (133 snaps).

A major reason that Omenihu is able to play those different positions is his tremendous size. He's a big man at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds with 36-inch arms. For context, his arm length would have been the second-longest of any edge rusher at the NFL Scouting Combine this year.

Jawaan Taylor and Charles Omenihu Introduction Press Conference

The Chiefs selected Thompson in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft after he recorded 33.5 tackles-for-loss, 24.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and five passes defensed in 52 career games (34 starts) between Baylor and Stephen F. Austin. The 24-year-old Thompson checks in at 6-foot-6 and 243 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms to go along with impressive speed.

Here's more on Thompson's physical profile from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:

"…His speed and length make him a tough guy to keep blocked when he stays under controlled mid-rush. He is a developmental subpackage rusher (reminiscent of Arden Key)."

Thompson wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he still had an opportunity to demonstrate his athletic skills during Stephen F. Austin's pro day. Here's a quick look at some of his results and how they compared with those in his position group who were at the Combine:

Vertical Jump:&nbsp;37.5 inches (would have tied for third among defensive ends at the Combine)

Three-Cone Drill:&nbsp;7.06 seconds (would have ranked third among defensive ends at the Combine)

Broad Jump:&nbsp;10 feet, five inches (would have ranked seventh among defensive ends at the Combine)

It's also worth mentioning that Thompson&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/3488797/2022/08/10/college-football-freaks-list-2022/?access_token=456497&amp;redirected=1">landed on The Athletic’s “College Football Freaks List”</a>&nbsp;back in August due to his incredible physical traits.

BJ Thompson Speaks during Rookie Minicamp | Press Conference 5/7

Defensive Tackles (beginning with last year's starters, then sorted alphabetically)

One of the best players in all of football, Jones racked up 77 total pressures, 29 quarterback hits, 17 tackles-for-loss and 15.5 sacks in 2022. His 77 pressures led all defensive tackles and ranked fifth among all players, trailing only the Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons (90), the San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa (90), the Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby (81) and the Minnesota Vikings' Za'Darius Smith (78).

Jones finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting following the campaign, and at still only 29 years old, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Jones remains one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

SACK: Chris Jones' HUGE Sack of Joe Burrow in the Final Minute Forces a Cincinnati Punt

The 27-year-old Nnadi re-signed with the Chiefs this offseason after appearing in all 17 games in 2022, tallying 25 tackles. The five-year veteran was on the field for 388 defensive snaps last season, and with former defensive tackle Khalen Saunders no longer on the team, it's reasonable to expect Nnadi to take on a larger role in 2023.

In fact, perhaps Nnadi's best trait during his career in Kansas City has been his availability. The former third-round pick has appeared in 81 of 82 possible games as a professional.

A sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas, Coburn is a big man with impressive strength and power, as the 22-year-old Coburn checks in at 6-foot-2 and 332 pounds to go along with immense size and power throughout his frame. Here's more from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:

"With his low, leveraged position, Coburn creates power at contact to walk blockers backward or reestablish the line of scrimmage. He's strong, stout and athletic to hold the point or create pressure. He projects as a sawed-off, early down nose tackle in the NFL."

A five-year player for the Longhorns, Coburn tallied 96 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed in 51 games (45 starts) from 2018-22. He saved his best work for last, too, recording 31 pressures in 13 games (12 starts) this past season. Those 31 pressures exceeded his totals from the previous three seasons combined (28), according to Pro Football Focus.

Keondre Coburn Speaks during Rookie Minicamp | Press Conference 5/7

Dickerson re-joined the Chiefs as a free agent signee in May after spending a portion of training camp with Kansas City last August. The Chiefs waived the 27-year-old Dickerson on August 30 as part of final roster cuts, but he eventually went on to appear in six games with the Atlanta Falcons over the course of the 2022 season.

A veteran free agent signee in late March, Hoskins spent the last several weeks of the 2022-23 season on Kansas City's practice squad. A seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2021, Hoskins appeared in eight games for Carolina over the last two seasons before signing with the Chiefs.

A first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Shelton joined the Chiefs as a free agent during training camp last year. He went on to spend much of the season on Kansas City's practice squad, appearing in one game (Week 16 vs. Seattle). Shelton recorded nine defensive snaps and two special teams' snaps in the game.

A big man at 6-foot-2 and 345-pounds, Shelton brings a veteran presence to the Chiefs' defensive line entering training camp.

Wharton was on his way to a solid season in 2022 before tearing his ACL in Week 5. Prior to the injury, the 25-year-old defensive tackle had recorded five pressures, four quarterback hits and a sack in a limited role as a rotational piece along the defensive front.

The former undrafted free agent signee tallied at least 20 pressures in each of the previous two seasons, and while he'll start training camp on the "Physically Unable to Perform" (PUP) list, his rehab will be something to follow.

Williams signed with Kansas City as a veteran free agent during the offseason following two years with the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot-2, 302-pound defensive tackle logged 13 appearances for Indianapolis in that time after joining the Colts as an undrafted free agent.

A University of Kansas product, Wise spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders after going undrafted in 2021. He logged 17 appearances (2 starts) during that time, recording 11 tackles and one quarterback hit.

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Wise spent some time on the Chiefs' practice squad in January and chose to remain in town by agreeing to a "Reserve/Future" deal in early February.

The Chiefs elected to employ 10 defensive linemen for the Week 1 roster last season, keeping six defensive ends and four defensive tackles. That trend has been fairly steady in recent seasons, too, as Kansas City kept nine defensive linemen in 2021, 10 in 2020 and nine in 2019. The Chiefs have kept more defensive ends than defensive tackles in each of the last three years, but it's worth noting that they held onto five of each group in 2019.

With all of that in mind, it's reasonable to assume that Karlaftis, Omenihu, Danna and Anudike-Uzomah will each have a place on the team in 2023, leaving potentially one or two spots for the other four defensive ends currently on the roster. As for defensive tackle, there will be two to three spots up for grabs behind Jones and Nnadi depending on if Wharton is activated from the PUP list during camp. Players can remain on the PUP list at the beginning of the season and not count against the roster, so Wharton's progress will be something to watch as it relates to how many roster spots will be available at the end of August.

Regardless, this year's camp will feature plenty of competition along the defensive line as numerous players battle for only a handful of roster spots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689852889568.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of the Kansas City ChiefsPre-Camp Breakdown: Looking at the Chiefs' Defensive LineST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs' veterans report to training camp in just a few days, and with the annual pilgrimage to St. Joseph nearly here, we're examining every position group on the roster heading into camp.Here's a look at what we've covered so far:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-evaluating-the-three-qbs-behind-patrick-mahomes-">QB</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-a-look-at-the-chiefs-talented-group-of-running-backs">RB</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-travis-kelce-leads-a-deep-group-of-athletic-tight-ends">TE</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-examining-the-chiefs-crowded-wide-receiver-corps">WR</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-looking-at-the-chiefs-offensive-line">OT</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-examining-the-chiefs-young-and-athletic-linebacker-corps">LB</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/news/pre-camp-breakdown-evaluating-the-chiefs-young-secondary">DB</a>We'll wrap up this series with the defensive line, where the Chiefs currently employ 17 players. Here's a closer look at every defensive linemen on the roster, sorted by defensive ends and defensive tackles. Many of these players have the versatility to play both spots, but for the purpose of this breakdown, each member of the defensive line is categorized by his primary role.Defensive End (beginning with last year's starters, then sorted alphabetically)George KarlaftisA first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Karlaftis tallied the second-most pressures (48) and the third-most sacks (6) among all rookies last season. He was particularly effective late in the year, recording at least a half sack in six of the Chiefs' final seven regular-season games.Karlaftis logged the most snaps of any defensive end on the Chiefs' roster last season with 730, and with former edge rusher Frank Clark no longer in town, the 22-year-old Karlaftis will likely have an even larger role in 2023.SACK: George Karlaftis Gets to Geno Smith on Third Down to Force the PuntMike DannaThe 25-year-old Danna racked up a career-best 35 pressures and five sacks in 2022, the latter of which ranked third on the team behind only Chris Jones (15.5 sacks) and George Karlaftis (6 sacks).Danna's 35 pressures ranked fourth on the squad, and it's worth pointing out that he amassed those numbers while logging only 310 pass-rushing snaps. For context, only 11 players recorded more pressures last season on fewer pass-rushing snaps than Danna.He'll aim to continue that upward trajectory this upcoming season with a larger role likely in store.Felix Anudike-UzomahAn alum of nearby Lee's Summit High School and Kansas State, Anudike-Uzomah was immensely productive over the last two seasons for the Wildcats, racking up 25.5 tackles-for-loss, 19.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles in 27 games. He recorded at least eight sacks and 10 tackles-for-loss in each of the last two seasons while leading the FBS in forced fumbles in 2021.Additionally, Anudike-Uzomah's efforts this past season – which included 11 tackles-for-loss and 8.5 sacks – earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and a Second-Team All-America nod.Anudike-Uzomah brings a varied skillset to the table that should make him a versatile and capable contributor early in his professional career. For example, The Athletic's Dane Brugler wrote the following about Anudike-Uzomah's play style in his annual draft guide:"Anudike-Uzomah plays hard and mixes up his rush to keep his pursuit alive, which is what he does best. He projects as a physical, face-up power rusher with the impact potential to compete for an NFL starting role as a rookie."The 21-year-old Anudike-Uzomah brings more than just power and strength to his game, however, as Pro Football Focus called him one of the "bendiest" defensive linemen in this class.Here's more from PFF:"Bend is one of the most coveted traits for an edge rusher for a reason. Being able to consistently get underneath offensive tackles the way Anudike-Uzomah can makes life a lot easier…He's one of the best edge benders in the draft class, and he's the type of edge rusher that's going to convert a lot of pressures to sacks because of that. Of his 89 pressures the past two seasons, 21 ended up as sacks."Meet the Picks: Kansas State Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah | 2023 NFL DraftMalik HerringHerring earned a spot on the Chiefs' initial 53-man roster following training camp last season and went on to appear in seven games, recording 86 total defensive snaps. He logged significant time on the field in Week 5 (18 snaps) and Week 7 (26 snaps), tallying at least 30 percent of the Chiefs' defensive plays in each contest.It was a major step in the right direction for Herring, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent the previous offseason. The University of Georgia product was rehabbing a knee injury throughout his rookie campaign, but once healthy, he didn't waste the opportunity. He'll look to build on that progress heading into his third season as a professional.Truman JonesAn undrafted free agent signee, Jones earned Second-Team All-America honors in 2022 after leading the Ivy League with 13 tackles-for-loss last season. He was also a menace on special teams, blocking three kicks last year alone.Here's more on Jones from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:"Overall, Jones needs to expand his hand usage and learn how to string moves together for the next level, but his athletic tools and energy are a nice start for a developmental guy."Jones – a former linebacker who made the switch to defensive end as a redshirt freshman – checks in at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds.Joshua KaindohKaindoh is entering his third season with the Chiefs in 2023, and while he made the initial 53-man roster following training camp last year, the former fourth-round pick didn't appear in a game last season.The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Kaindoh – who appeared in three games during his rookie season in 2021 – will have a chance to earn a role along the Chiefs' defensive line during training camp.Charles OmenihuOne of the Chiefs' marquee free agent signings of the offseason, Omenihu racked up 54 pressures, 16 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks in 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers last season, recording (or matching, in the case of quarterback hits) career-bests in each category. He recorded at least three pressures in nine games.His 54 pressures ranked second on the 49ers and would have ranked second on the Chiefs behind only defensive lineman Chris Jones (77). He ranked 27th league-wide in that category overall.A versatile defender, the 25-year-old Omenihu is a perfect fit for Chiefs' Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who often likes to deploy his defensive linemen at various spots along the line of scrimmage. In fact, Omenihu logged significant snaps last season as an outside edge rusher (310 snaps), lined up over the opposing tackle (127 snaps) and along the interior of the defensive line (133 snaps).A major reason that Omenihu is able to play those different positions is his tremendous size. He's a big man at 6-foot-5 and 280 pounds with 36-inch arms. For context, his arm length would have been the second-longest of any edge rusher at the NFL Scouting Combine this year.Jawaan Taylor and Charles Omenihu Introduction Press ConferenceBJ ThompsonThe Chiefs selected Thompson in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft after he recorded 33.5 tackles-for-loss, 24.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and five passes defensed in 52 career games (34 starts) between Baylor and Stephen F. Austin. The 24-year-old Thompson checks in at 6-foot-6 and 243 pounds with nearly 35-inch arms to go along with impressive speed.Here's more on Thompson's physical profile from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:"…His speed and length make him a tough guy to keep blocked when he stays under controlled mid-rush. He is a developmental subpackage rusher (reminiscent of Arden Key)."Thompson wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he still had an opportunity to demonstrate his athletic skills during Stephen F. Austin's pro day. Here's a quick look at some of his results and how they compared with those in his position group who were at the Combine:Vertical Jump:&nbsp;37.5 inches (would have tied for third among defensive ends at the Combine)Three-Cone Drill:&nbsp;7.06 seconds (would have ranked third among defensive ends at the Combine)Broad Jump:&nbsp;10 feet, five inches (would have ranked seventh among defensive ends at the Combine)It's also worth mentioning that Thompson&nbsp;<a href="https://theathletic.com/3488797/2022/08/10/college-football-freaks-list-2022/?access_token=456497&amp;redirected=1">landed on The Athletic’s “College Football Freaks List”</a>&nbsp;back in August due to his incredible physical traits.BJ Thompson Speaks during Rookie Minicamp | Press Conference 5/7Defensive Tackles (beginning with last year's starters, then sorted alphabetically)Chris JonesOne of the best players in all of football, Jones racked up 77 total pressures, 29 quarterback hits, 17 tackles-for-loss and 15.5 sacks in 2022. His 77 pressures led all defensive tackles and ranked fifth among all players, trailing only the Dallas Cowboys' Micah Parsons (90), the San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa (90), the Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby (81) and the Minnesota Vikings' Za'Darius Smith (78).Jones finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting following the campaign, and at still only 29 years old, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Jones remains one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.SACK: Chris Jones' HUGE Sack of Joe Burrow in the Final Minute Forces a Cincinnati PuntDerrick NnadiThe 27-year-old Nnadi re-signed with the Chiefs this offseason after appearing in all 17 games in 2022, tallying 25 tackles. The five-year veteran was on the field for 388 defensive snaps last season, and with former defensive tackle Khalen Saunders no longer on the team, it's reasonable to expect Nnadi to take on a larger role in 2023.In fact, perhaps Nnadi's best trait during his career in Kansas City has been his availability. The former third-round pick has appeared in 81 of 82 possible games as a professional.Keondre CoburnA sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas, Coburn is a big man with impressive strength and power, as the 22-year-old Coburn checks in at 6-foot-2 and 332 pounds to go along with immense size and power throughout his frame. Here's more from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:"With his low, leveraged position, Coburn creates power at contact to walk blockers backward or reestablish the line of scrimmage. He's strong, stout and athletic to hold the point or create pressure. He projects as a sawed-off, early down nose tackle in the NFL."A five-year player for the Longhorns, Coburn tallied 96 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed in 51 games (45 starts) from 2018-22. He saved his best work for last, too, recording 31 pressures in 13 games (12 starts) this past season. Those 31 pressures exceeded his totals from the previous three seasons combined (28), according to Pro Football Focus.Keondre Coburn Speaks during Rookie Minicamp | Press Conference 5/7Matt DickersonDickerson re-joined the Chiefs as a free agent signee in May after spending a portion of training camp with Kansas City last August. The Chiefs waived the 27-year-old Dickerson on August 30 as part of final roster cuts, but he eventually went on to appear in six games with the Atlanta Falcons over the course of the 2022 season.Phil HoskinsA veteran free agent signee in late March, Hoskins spent the last several weeks of the 2022-23 season on Kansas City's practice squad. A seventh-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2021, Hoskins appeared in eight games for Carolina over the last two seasons before signing with the Chiefs.Danny SheltonA first-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Shelton joined the Chiefs as a free agent during training camp last year. He went on to spend much of the season on Kansas City's practice squad, appearing in one game (Week 16 vs. Seattle). Shelton recorded nine defensive snaps and two special teams' snaps in the game.A big man at 6-foot-2 and 345-pounds, Shelton brings a veteran presence to the Chiefs' defensive line entering training camp.Tershawn WhartonWharton was on his way to a solid season in 2022 before tearing his ACL in Week 5. Prior to the injury, the 25-year-old defensive tackle had recorded five pressures, four quarterback hits and a sack in a limited role as a rotational piece along the defensive front.The former undrafted free agent signee tallied at least 20 pressures in each of the previous two seasons, and while he'll start training camp on the "Physically Unable to Perform" (PUP) list, his rehab will be something to follow.Chris WilliamsWilliams signed with Kansas City as a veteran free agent during the offseason following two years with the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot-2, 302-pound defensive tackle logged 13 appearances for Indianapolis in that time after joining the Colts as an undrafted free agent.Daniel WiseA University of Kansas product, Wise spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders after going undrafted in 2021. He logged 17 appearances (2 starts) during that time, recording 11 tackles and one quarterback hit.The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Wise spent some time on the Chiefs' practice squad in January and chose to remain in town by agreeing to a "Reserve/Future" deal in early February.The Bottom LineThe Chiefs elected to employ 10 defensive linemen for the Week 1 roster last season, keeping six defensive ends and four defensive tackles. That trend has been fairly steady in recent seasons, too, as Kansas City kept nine defensive linemen in 2021, 10 in 2020 and nine in 2019. The Chiefs have kept more defensive ends than defensive tackles in each of the last three years, but it's worth noting that they held onto five of each group in 2019.With all of that in mind, it's reasonable to assume that Karlaftis, Omenihu, Danna and Anudike-Uzomah will each have a place on the team in 2023, leaving potentially one or two spots for the other four defensive ends currently on the roster. As for defensive tackle, there will be two to three spots up for grabs behind Jones and Nnadi depending on if Wharton is activated from the PUP list during camp. Players can remain on the PUP list at the beginning of the season and not count against the roster, so Wharton's progress will be something to watch as it relates to how many roster spots will be available at the end of August.Regardless, this year's camp will feature plenty of competition along the defensive line as numerous players battle for only a handful of roster spots.

🏈 Chiefs rookies and quarterbacks in St. Joseph ahead of Chiefs Training Camp

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— Mass Street, the KU alumni team competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) came from behind to defeat We Are D3, 70-67 in the first round on Wednesday night at Charles Koch Arena on the campus of Wichita State University.

We Are D3 jumped out early in the game, and led by as many as 12 in the third quarter. Mass Street tied the game at 62 with under four minutes to go, setting up the <a href="https://thetournament.com/tbt/elam-ending/">Elam Ending</a>, and the target score of 70.&nbsp;

With Mass Street leading, 68-67, Mario Little went to the free-throw line with a chance to seal the win. Little missed both attempts, but Thomas Robinson tipped the second miss back in off the backboard to give Mass Street the target score and the win.

Robinson finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds in the victory, while Little had 17, and Keith Langford scored 15.&nbsp;

Mass Street will face the Show Me Squad made up of Missouri alumni in a Border Showdown type TBT game on Saturday at 3 p.m.

For more information on TBT, <a href="https://thetournament.com/tbt/regions/wichita/">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689853361712.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;— Mass Street, the KU alumni team competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) came from behind to defeat We Are D3, 70-67 in the first round on Wednesday night at Charles Koch Arena on the campus of Wichita State University.We Are D3 jumped out early in the game, and led by as many as 12 in the third quarter. Mass Street tied the game at 62 with under four minutes to go, setting up the <a href="https://thetournament.com/tbt/elam-ending/">Elam Ending</a>, and the target score of 70.&nbsp;With Mass Street leading, 68-67, Mario Little went to the free-throw line with a chance to seal the win. Little missed both attempts, but Thomas Robinson tipped the second miss back in off the backboard to give Mass Street the target score and the win.Robinson finished with 21 points and 15 rebounds in the victory, while Little had 17, and Keith Langford scored 15.&nbsp;Mass Street will face the Show Me Squad made up of Missouri alumni in a Border Showdown type TBT game on Saturday at 3 p.m.For more information on TBT, <a href="https://thetournament.com/tbt/regions/wichita/">click here</a>.

🏀 Robinson leads Mass Street to comeback win in TBT opener

AMARILLO, Texas - Brooks Lee had an exceptional game where he had three hits in four at bats with a double, single, home run and an RBI but the Sod Poodles out hit the Surge as a team 11 hits to seven. Amarillo defeated the Wind Surge 7-5 and now lead the series two games to none.

Third-baseman Tanner Schobel made his AA debut tonight for the Wind Surge after being promoted from Cedar Rapids. He hit an RBI single on a ground ball into left field in his very first at bat that gave the Surge an early lead in the top of the first.

The Sod Poodles tied the game in the bottom of the second. Deyvison De Los Santos hit a solo home run over the center field wall.

Brooks Lee had his second extra base hit of the game in the top of the third. He hit a solo home run over the right field wall to lead off the inning and give the Surge the lead back.

Amarillo tied the game back up again in the bottom of the fourth. Neyfy Castillo hit an RBI single on a ground ball to right field.

Wichita took a three-run lead in the top of the seventh. Two runs were brought in by Amarillo pitching walking batters with the bases loaded. The other run was an RBI single on a line drive to right field by Yunior Severino.

The Sod Poodles took the lead for the first time of the ball game in the bottom of the seventh. An RBI hit by Camden Duzenack and a three-run home run by A.J. Yukovich put the Sod Poodles up by one.

One more run was scored by Amarillo in the bottom of the eighth. Vukovich hit an RBI single on a line drive to left field.

Chad Donato started on the mound for the Wind Surge. He pitched five full innings, gave up two runs off five hits and struck out five batters. Taylor Floyd was credited with the loss.

The starting pitcher for Amarillo was Chad Patrick. He pitched six full innings and also gave up two runs off of five hits. He stuck out six batters and walked one more. He earned the win.

The Wichita Wind Surge fall to (7-10, 35-50) and the Amarillo Sod Poodles to (12-5, 46-40).

NOTES: Brooks Lee hit his league-leading 30th double of the season tonight. Tanner Schobel made his AA debut for the Wind Surge from Class A Cedar Rapids. Schobel led the Midwest League in Home Runs, second in RBI and fifth in batting average. The 22-year-old was drafted last year from Virginia Tech.

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 Wind Surge continue their six game road series in Amarillo and play game three Thursday at 7:05 PM. RH David Festa will get the start for the Wichita and RH Luke Albright will get the start for Amarillo.

NEXT HOME GAME: The Wichita Wind Surge return home Tuesday July 25th at 7:05 PM when they host a six-game series against the Frisco Rough Riders.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689852292329.jpeg" alt="Wind Surge drop 2nd straight to Amarillo" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge drop 2nd straight to Amarillo</figcaption>
 </figure>AMARILLO, Texas - Brooks Lee had an exceptional game where he had three hits in four at bats with a double, single, home run and an RBI but the Sod Poodles out hit the Surge as a team 11 hits to seven. Amarillo defeated the Wind Surge 7-5 and now lead the series two games to none.<div><iframe src="https://streamable.com/milb/curtis-taylor-s-strikeouts" width="560" height="315"></iframe></div>Third-baseman Tanner Schobel made his AA debut tonight for the Wind Surge after being promoted from Cedar Rapids. He hit an RBI single on a ground ball into left field in his very first at bat that gave the Surge an early lead in the top of the first.The Sod Poodles tied the game in the bottom of the second. Deyvison De Los Santos hit a solo home run over the center field wall.Brooks Lee had his second extra base hit of the game in the top of the third. He hit a solo home run over the right field wall to lead off the inning and give the Surge the lead back.Amarillo tied the game back up again in the bottom of the fourth. Neyfy Castillo hit an RBI single on a ground ball to right field.Wichita took a three-run lead in the top of the seventh. Two runs were brought in by Amarillo pitching walking batters with the bases loaded. The other run was an RBI single on a line drive to right field by Yunior Severino.The Sod Poodles took the lead for the first time of the ball game in the bottom of the seventh. An RBI hit by Camden Duzenack and a three-run home run by A.J. Yukovich put the Sod Poodles up by one.One more run was scored by Amarillo in the bottom of the eighth. Vukovich hit an RBI single on a line drive to left field.Chad Donato started on the mound for the Wind Surge. He pitched five full innings, gave up two runs off five hits and struck out five batters. Taylor Floyd was credited with the loss.The starting pitcher for Amarillo was Chad Patrick. He pitched six full innings and also gave up two runs off of five hits. He stuck out six batters and walked one more. He earned the win.The Wichita Wind Surge fall to (7-10, 35-50) and the Amarillo Sod Poodles to (12-5, 46-40).NOTES: Brooks Lee hit his league-leading 30th double of the season tonight. Tanner Schobel made his AA debut for the Wind Surge from Class A Cedar Rapids. Schobel led the Midwest League in Home Runs, second in RBI and fifth in batting average. The 22-year-old was drafted last year from Virginia Tech.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 Wind Surge continue their six game road series in Amarillo and play game three Thursday at 7:05 PM. RH David Festa will get the start for the Wichita and RH Luke Albright will get the start for Amarillo.NEXT HOME GAME: The Wichita Wind Surge return home Tuesday July 25th at 7:05 PM when they host a six-game series against the Frisco Rough Riders.

⚾ Wichita Wind Surge drop second game in Amarillo

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez allowed two runs and four hits over seven dominant innings, and Miguel Cabrera drove in the go-ahead run, as the Detroit Tigers held on for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Jason Foley worked the eighth before Alex Lange finished up the ninth for his 16th save. He left runners on the corners by striking out Kyle Isbel. Ryan Yarbrough took the loss for Kansas City. He pitched well before leaving with two outs in the sixth inning with a cramp in his hamstring. Yarbrough allowed three runs on six hits and a walk.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nolan Gorman hit a three-run homer and had four RBIs to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Mami Marlins 6-4 for just their second series sweep this season. Nolan Arenado’s RBI single and Gorman’s 19th homer built a 4-0 lead in the first off NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, and the Marlins’ losing streak reached a season-high six. St. Louis had just one previous sweep this season, from May 12-14 at Boston. The Cardinals have won a season-high five in a row, moving ahead of Pittsburgh and out of the NL Central cellar.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — If anyone didn’t think the New York Yankees are frustrated over their latest struggles, Carlos Rodón and Tommy Kahnle visibly displayed it on Wednesday. Rodón sarcastically blew a kiss while walking to the dugout after the second inning and Kahnle took out his frustrations on a cooling fan in the dugout during the Yankees’ 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The loss marked the first time in 14 years the Yankees were swept in a three-game series by the Angels and completed a 1-5 road trip that saw them drop to last place in the AL East. They have dropped four straight and nine of their last 11 after winning seven of their previous 10.

DENVER (AP) — Brandon Bielak pitched one-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Wednesday. Chas McCormick homered for Houston, which split the two-game series with Colorado. Bielak struck out four and walked three in 5 2/3 innings. Phil Maton, Rafael Montero, Ryne Stanek and Ryan Pressly then combined for 3 1/3 innings of one-hit relief. Bielak’s scoreless outing was the longest by a Houston pitcher at Coors Field since Roy Oswalt threw a one-hit shutout on Sept. 6, 2008. C.J. Cron spoiled the shutout bid with a home run off Pressly in the ninth.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets reported for training camp Wednesday with massive expectations and plenty of cameras watching their every move. They’ve got Super Bowl goals and are the subject of this year’s “Hard Knocks” series, adding to what was already expected to be a summer in the spotlight. Cornerback D.J. Reed said the energy feels different from last year and there's more excitement. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams said Rodgers brings a spark to everyone. The Jets are trying to end a 12-year postseason drought that is the longest active skid in the NFL.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez has announced that San Diego State will remain in the conference, at least for now. The Aztecs will get the $6.6 million that was withheld after they initially informed the conference of their intention to leave. San Diego State is responsible for paying the conference’s legal fees associated with the matter. Nevarez knows this could be a temporary arrangement. She acknowledged the Aztecs could still leave at some point should the Pac-12 or Big 12 come calling. They are committed for the next two years.

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Cameron Smith has started his title defense at the British Open and is chasing a South African amateur holding an unlikely lead at Royal Liverpool. Smith is looking to do what no player has achieved since Padraig Harrington in 2008 and lift the claret jug in successive years. The Australian opened with a birdie at the first after a putt from about eight feet. Christo Lamprecht reached the back nine at 3 under. He is a two-time All-American from Georgia Tech who qualified by winning the British Amateur at the nearby Hillside links. He made three birdies in a four-hole stretch from No. 3.

CHICAGO (AP) — Allegations of hazing in Northwestern’s athletic programs have broadened. Attorneys say male and female athletes reported misconduct within two other sports and suggested sexual abuse and racial discrimination within the football program was so rampant coaches knew about it. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump says he and other attorneys have received disturbing details from former baseball and softball players, in addition to growing complaints of abuse in the football program. Black football players appear to have faced an additional layer of abuse. A lawsuit filed Tuesday accuses fired football coach Pat Fitzgerald of enabling a culture of racism, including forcing players of color to cut their hair and behave differently to be more in line with the “Wildcat Way.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688383699667.jpeg" alt="Sports Headlines for Thursday, July 20th, 2023" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines for Thursday, July 20th, 2023</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez allowed two runs and four hits over seven dominant innings, and Miguel Cabrera drove in the go-ahead run, as the Detroit Tigers held on for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Jason Foley worked the eighth before Alex Lange finished up the ninth for his 16th save. He left runners on the corners by striking out Kyle Isbel. Ryan Yarbrough took the loss for Kansas City. He pitched well before leaving with two outs in the sixth inning with a cramp in his hamstring. Yarbrough allowed three runs on six hits and a walk.ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nolan Gorman hit a three-run homer and had four RBIs to help the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Mami Marlins 6-4 for just their second series sweep this season. Nolan Arenado’s RBI single and Gorman’s 19th homer built a 4-0 lead in the first off NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara, and the Marlins’ losing streak reached a season-high six. St. Louis had just one previous sweep this season, from May 12-14 at Boston. The Cardinals have won a season-high five in a row, moving ahead of Pittsburgh and out of the NL Central cellar.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — If anyone didn’t think the New York Yankees are frustrated over their latest struggles, Carlos Rodón and Tommy Kahnle visibly displayed it on Wednesday. Rodón sarcastically blew a kiss while walking to the dugout after the second inning and Kahnle took out his frustrations on a cooling fan in the dugout during the Yankees’ 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. The loss marked the first time in 14 years the Yankees were swept in a three-game series by the Angels and completed a 1-5 road trip that saw them drop to last place in the AL East. They have dropped four straight and nine of their last 11 after winning seven of their previous 10.DENVER (AP) — Brandon Bielak pitched one-hit ball into the sixth inning, and the Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies 4-1 on Wednesday. Chas McCormick homered for Houston, which split the two-game series with Colorado. Bielak struck out four and walked three in 5 2/3 innings. Phil Maton, Rafael Montero, Ryne Stanek and Ryan Pressly then combined for 3 1/3 innings of one-hit relief. Bielak’s scoreless outing was the longest by a Houston pitcher at Coors Field since Roy Oswalt threw a one-hit shutout on Sept. 6, 2008. C.J. Cron spoiled the shutout bid with a home run off Pressly in the ninth.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets reported for training camp Wednesday with massive expectations and plenty of cameras watching their every move. They’ve got Super Bowl goals and are the subject of this year’s “Hard Knocks” series, adding to what was already expected to be a summer in the spotlight. Cornerback D.J. Reed said the energy feels different from last year and there's more excitement. Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams said Rodgers brings a spark to everyone. The Jets are trying to end a 12-year postseason drought that is the longest active skid in the NFL.LAS VEGAS (AP) — Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez has announced that San Diego State will remain in the conference, at least for now. The Aztecs will get the $6.6 million that was withheld after they initially informed the conference of their intention to leave. San Diego State is responsible for paying the conference’s legal fees associated with the matter. Nevarez knows this could be a temporary arrangement. She acknowledged the Aztecs could still leave at some point should the Pac-12 or Big 12 come calling. They are committed for the next two years.HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Cameron Smith has started his title defense at the British Open and is chasing a South African amateur holding an unlikely lead at Royal Liverpool. Smith is looking to do what no player has achieved since Padraig Harrington in 2008 and lift the claret jug in successive years. The Australian opened with a birdie at the first after a putt from about eight feet. Christo Lamprecht reached the back nine at 3 under. He is a two-time All-American from Georgia Tech who qualified by winning the British Amateur at the nearby Hillside links. He made three birdies in a four-hole stretch from No. 3.CHICAGO (AP) — Allegations of hazing in Northwestern’s athletic programs have broadened. Attorneys say male and female athletes reported misconduct within two other sports and suggested sexual abuse and racial discrimination within the football program was so rampant coaches knew about it. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump says he and other attorneys have received disturbing details from former baseball and softball players, in addition to growing complaints of abuse in the football program. Black football players appear to have faced an additional layer of abuse. A lawsuit filed Tuesday accuses fired football coach Pat Fitzgerald of enabling a culture of racism, including forcing players of color to cut their hair and behave differently to be more in line with the “Wildcat Way.”WEDNESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal Pittsburgh 7 Cleveland 5Final Baltimore 8 L.A. Dodgers 5Final Houston 4 Colorado 1Final N.Y. Mets 5 Chicago White Sox 1Final San Diego 2 Toronto 0AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal Texas 5 Tampa Bay 1Final Oakland 6 Boston 5Final L.A. Angels 7 N.Y. Yankees 3Final Detroit 3 Kansas City 2Final Minnesota 6 Seattle 3NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal St. Louis 6 Miami 4Final Cincinnati 3 San Francisco 2Final Milwaukee 5 Philadelphia 3Final Arizona 5 Atlanta 3Final Chicago Cubs 8 Washington 3

📢📰 Sports Headlines for Thursday

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez made a spectacular start for the Detroit Tigers against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

Pretty good audition for a bunch of contenders in need of pitching, too.

Rodriguez allowed two runs and four hits over seven dominant innings in what could be one of his final starts for the Tigers as the trade deadline approaches, helping them to a 3-2 victory that wasn't decided until the end of a nervy night inning.

Rodriguez (6-5) needed just 37 pitches to cut through the Kansas City lineup once, and the left-hander still had not allowed a hit until Matt Duffy's one-out single in the fifth. Rodriguez wound up striking out seven without allowing a walk.

“Eddie is always good,” said the Tigers' Riley Greene. “He's my teammate and that's all I can really say about that.”

Jason Foley worked the eighth for Detroit before Alex Lange ran into trouble closing things out.

He began by plunking Salvador Perez, bounced by to get pinch hitter Nicky Lopez to ground into a double play, then walked Michael Massey. Drew Waters followed with a sharp single that looked as if it might score the tying run, but Royals third base coach Vance Wilson threw up the stop sign, leaving them with runners on the corners and two outs.

Lange proceeded to strike out Kyle Isbel and finish off his 16th save.

Javier Baez homered and Miguel Cabrera and Kerry Carpenter also drove runs for Detroit, which struggled to solve Ryan Yarbrough until the lanky Royals left-hander experienced some cramping in his hamstring with two outs in the sixth inning.

Yarbrough (2-5) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk before departing.

“He just had a mild cramp but when he tried to throw a practice pitch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “it cramped again.”

The Tigers jumped ahead on Baez's solo shot in the second, his seventh of the year, and for a while it looked as if that might be enough. Rodriguez leaned on his fastball and cutter, along with an occasional changeup, to keep Kansas City guessing until Duffy finally delivered his single in the fifth inning.

Massey followed with a tying double down the right-field line. And after Waters grounded out, Isbel added an RBI double to give Kansas City a 2-1 lead — and leave Rodriguez slapping his glove in frustration.

“He's our guy. He accepts that responsibility,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He stayed in there for us.”

It paid off when Yarbrough and the Royals bullpen gave the lead right back.

The Tigers had pulled even again in the sixth on Carpenter's single when Yarbrough — who missed 55 games this season with head fractures from a line drive — began to cramp. He was checked on by the Kansas City training staff and threw one warm-up pitch before departing, and Carlos Hernandez proceeded to walk Baez before Cabrera's single put Detroit ahead for good.

“If there's one person that you get to put up to the plate with someone throwing a hundred," Greene said, “it's got to be Miggy.”

Royals: Perez was back in the lineup after missing a couple of starts with a left hamstring strain. “Everything is good,” Quatraro said, “just don't look for him to score from first or anything.”

Royals LHP Daniel Lynch went on the injured list with a shoulder strain and reliever Austin Cox recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his place. Lynch experienced a dip in velocity before the All-Star break and it was still there during his start Tuesday night, so the Royals decided to give him a rest. They hope Lynch is back as soon as he is eligible.

Cabrera, who is retiring after this season, was honored by the Royals during his final scheduled visit to Kauffman Stadium. Perez and Hall of Famer George Brett helped to present a $10,000 check to Cabrera's foundation along with a framed crown-and-photo montage, which honored the triple crown that Cabrera clinched in Kansas City on Oct. 4, 2012.

Royals RHP Zack Greinke is expected to come off the IL to start the series finale against Detroit on Thursday. The 39-year-old Greinke (1-9, 5.44) has been out since leaving his start July 4 against Minnesota with right shoulder discomfort. The Tigers will counter with RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-6, 3.75).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689821462838.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel celebrates on second after hitting an RBI double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Kyle Isbel celebrates on second after hitting an RBI double during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday, July 19, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Eduardo Rodriguez made a spectacular start for the Detroit Tigers against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.Pretty good audition for a bunch of contenders in need of pitching, too.Rodriguez allowed two runs and four hits over seven dominant innings in what could be one of his final starts for the Tigers as the trade deadline approaches, helping them to a 3-2 victory that wasn't decided until the end of a nervy night inning.Rodriguez (6-5) needed just 37 pitches to cut through the Kansas City lineup once, and the left-hander still had not allowed a hit until Matt Duffy's one-out single in the fifth. Rodriguez wound up striking out seven without allowing a walk.“Eddie is always good,” said the Tigers' Riley Greene. “He's my teammate and that's all I can really say about that.”Jason Foley worked the eighth for Detroit before Alex Lange ran into trouble closing things out.He began by plunking Salvador Perez, bounced by to get pinch hitter Nicky Lopez to ground into a double play, then walked Michael Massey. Drew Waters followed with a sharp single that looked as if it might score the tying run, but Royals third base coach Vance Wilson threw up the stop sign, leaving them with runners on the corners and two outs.Lange proceeded to strike out Kyle Isbel and finish off his 16th save.Javier Baez homered and Miguel Cabrera and Kerry Carpenter also drove runs for Detroit, which struggled to solve Ryan Yarbrough until the lanky Royals left-hander experienced some cramping in his hamstring with two outs in the sixth inning.Yarbrough (2-5) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk before departing.“He just had a mild cramp but when he tried to throw a practice pitch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “it cramped again.”The Tigers jumped ahead on Baez's solo shot in the second, his seventh of the year, and for a while it looked as if that might be enough. Rodriguez leaned on his fastball and cutter, along with an occasional changeup, to keep Kansas City guessing until Duffy finally delivered his single in the fifth inning.Massey followed with a tying double down the right-field line. And after Waters grounded out, Isbel added an RBI double to give Kansas City a 2-1 lead — and leave Rodriguez slapping his glove in frustration.“He's our guy. He accepts that responsibility,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He stayed in there for us.”It paid off when Yarbrough and the Royals bullpen gave the lead right back.The Tigers had pulled even again in the sixth on Carpenter's single when Yarbrough — who missed 55 games this season with head fractures from a line drive — began to cramp. He was checked on by the Kansas City training staff and threw one warm-up pitch before departing, and Carlos Hernandez proceeded to walk Baez before Cabrera's single put Detroit ahead for good.“If there's one person that you get to put up to the plate with someone throwing a hundred," Greene said, “it's got to be Miggy.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Perez was back in the lineup after missing a couple of starts with a left hamstring strain. “Everything is good,” Quatraro said, “just don't look for him to score from first or anything.”INJURED LISTRoyals LHP Daniel Lynch went on the injured list with a shoulder strain and reliever Austin Cox recalled from Triple-A Omaha to take his place. Lynch experienced a dip in velocity before the All-Star break and it was still there during his start Tuesday night, so the Royals decided to give him a rest. They hope Lynch is back as soon as he is eligible.MIGGY'S FAREWELLCabrera, who is retiring after this season, was honored by the Royals during his final scheduled visit to Kauffman Stadium. Perez and Hall of Famer George Brett helped to present a $10,000 check to Cabrera's foundation along with a framed crown-and-photo montage, which honored the triple crown that Cabrera clinched in Kansas City on Oct. 4, 2012.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Zack Greinke is expected to come off the IL to start the series finale against Detroit on Thursday. The 39-year-old Greinke (1-9, 5.44) has been out since leaving his start July 4 against Minnesota with right shoulder discomfort. The Tigers will counter with RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-6, 3.75).

⚾ Eduardo Rodriguez pitches Detroit to win over Kansas City

HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs pitching staff struck out a season-high 13 batters en route to a 7-2 win over the Kansas Cannons in the series opener on Wednesday night at Hobart-Detter Field.

Brett Black started the game on the mound and went six innings, striking out seven Cannons hitters. Noah Kelley tossed one inning of relief, and then Cole Toureau went the final two frames, striking out all six Cannons hitters he retired.

The Monarchs did their offensive damage in the third inning. Jarrett Flaggert swung at the first pitch of the inning and crushed it over the fence near the scoreboard in left-center field to put the Monarchs in front. The next two Monarchs were retired, but then the next eight reached base safely. Max Buettenback delivered with a two-run single to lead 3-0, and then Jaden Gustafson delivered with a towering solo home run over the centerfield fence. Hutchinson (14-14) scored six runs on six hits in the inning, and stranded the bases loaded.

The Kansas Cannons (20-11) scored their two runs in the top of the fourth on a two-run home run from Trey Orman.

The Monarchs added their final run of the night in the eighth inning. After Blake Bradford singled to right with one out, a pick-off attempt from the catcher went up the right field line and into the corner, allowing Bradford to go first to home.

Bradford (2-for-5), Gustafson (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Flaggert (2-for-3, 1 RBI) all had a multi-hit game for the Monarchs.&nbsp;

The series switches to Augusta for game two tonight at 7 p.m. before returning to Hobart-Detter for the series finale on Friday night at 7 p.m.

NOTES: Noah Kelley became the all-time appearance leader among Monarchs pitchers in program history following a scoreless seventh inning. The appearance was his 39th in his fourth season with the Monarchs.

Kansas - 000 200 000 - 2 8 4 Hutchinson - 006 000 01x - 7 10 1 W: Black (1-0). L: Stacy. HR: Monarchs: Flaggert (3, 3rd inning off Stacy), Gustafson (1, 3rd inning off Woods); Cannons: Orman (2, 4th inning off Black). Time: 2:24. Attendance: 363.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689852006196.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan.&nbsp;— The Hutchinson Monarchs pitching staff struck out a season-high 13 batters en route to a 7-2 win over the Kansas Cannons in the series opener on Wednesday night at Hobart-Detter Field. Brett Black started the game on the mound and went six innings, striking out seven Cannons hitters. Noah Kelley tossed one inning of relief, and then Cole Toureau went the final two frames, striking out all six Cannons hitters he retired.The Monarchs did their offensive damage in the third inning. Jarrett Flaggert swung at the first pitch of the inning and crushed it over the fence near the scoreboard in left-center field to put the Monarchs in front. The next two Monarchs were retired, but then the next eight reached base safely. Max Buettenback delivered with a two-run single to lead 3-0, and then Jaden Gustafson delivered with a towering solo home run over the centerfield fence. Hutchinson (14-14) scored six runs on six hits in the inning, and stranded the bases loaded.The Kansas Cannons (20-11) scored their two runs in the top of the fourth on a two-run home run from Trey Orman.The Monarchs added their final run of the night in the eighth inning. After Blake Bradford singled to right with one out, a pick-off attempt from the catcher went up the right field line and into the corner, allowing Bradford to go first to home.Bradford (2-for-5), Gustafson (2-for-4, 2 RBI) and Flaggert (2-for-3, 1 RBI) all had a multi-hit game for the Monarchs.&nbsp;The series switches to Augusta for game two tonight at 7 p.m. before returning to Hobart-Detter for the series finale on Friday night at 7 p.m.NOTES: Noah Kelley became the all-time appearance leader among Monarchs pitchers in program history following a scoreless seventh inning. The appearance was his 39th in his fourth season with the Monarchs.Kansas - 000 200 000 - 2 8 4 Hutchinson - 006 000 01x - 7 10 1 W: Black (1-0). L: Stacy. HR: Monarchs: Flaggert (3, 3rd inning off Stacy), Gustafson (1, 3rd inning off Woods); Cannons: Orman (2, 4th inning off Black). Time: 2:24. Attendance: 363.

⚾ Dominant pitching leads Monarchs to win over 1st place Cannons

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Longtime college administrator Lew Perkins, who played basketball at Iowa before serving as the athletic director at several universities and taking on an influential role within the NCAA, died Tuesday. He was 78.

Perkins' family announced his death in a statement issued by Kansas, where he served as the athletic director from June 2003 through September 2011, a period that included a men's basketball national championship.

No cause was given, though Perkins had been battling the effects of Parkinson's disease.

"Lew made an indelible impact on Kansas Athletics and served his role at KU with passion and vigor on a daily basis,” Jayhawks athletic director Travis Goff said. “We will forever be grateful for his dedication to this university and athletic department. We are thinking of Lew’s amazing family during this time and sending our deepest thoughts and sympathies.”

Perkins was chosen for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees in 2005. He also served on the NCAA championships and competition cabinet and the NCAA bowl certification committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689850295011.png" alt="Lew Perkins photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Lew Perkins photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Longtime college administrator Lew Perkins, who played basketball at Iowa before serving as the athletic director at several universities and taking on an influential role within the NCAA, died Tuesday. He was 78.Perkins' family announced his death in a statement issued by Kansas, where he served as the athletic director from June 2003 through September 2011, a period that included a men's basketball national championship.No cause was given, though Perkins had been battling the effects of Parkinson's disease."Lew made an indelible impact on Kansas Athletics and served his role at KU with passion and vigor on a daily basis,” Jayhawks athletic director Travis Goff said. “We will forever be grateful for his dedication to this university and athletic department. We are thinking of Lew’s amazing family during this time and sending our deepest thoughts and sympathies.”Perkins was chosen for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees in 2005. He also served on the NCAA championships and competition cabinet and the NCAA bowl certification committee.Perkins grew up in Massachusetts before joining the Hawkeyes, where he played from 1965-67 under Hall of Fame basketball coach Ralph Miller. He then embarked on a career in administration at the University of South Carolina-Aiken, where he helped the school grow from a junior college to a four-year school as both athletic director and basketball coach.Perkins returned to USC-Aiken in 2005 to receive an honorary doctorate.He went on to serve as the associate athletic director at Penn before getting the AD job at Wichita State, which was then serving two years of probation. He made the controversial decision to end the school's football program in a cost-saving move, but Perkins was also praised for the hiring of successful basketball coach Eddie Fogler.Perkins left for Maryland in 1987, where the men's basketball program was reeling from the death of star basketball player Len Bias. During his brief stay, Perkins brought in basketball coach Gary Williams, who later led the Terps to a national title.Perkins spent the next 13 years as the athletic director at Connecticut, where the women's basketball program won four national titles and the men's basketball and soccer programs also claimed championships. He also was instrumental in the development of the Huskies' football program, which joined the Division I level in 2000 and the Big East a year after his departure.The often-affable Perkins is perhaps known for his time at Kansas, though.While he was the Jayhawks' athletic director, their long-downtrodden football program won the 2008 Orange Bowl under Mark Mangino and, months later, the men's basketball national title under Bill Self. The schools' athletic budget soared and significant upgrades were made to Memorial Stadium, the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and other facilities on campus.Perkins' tenure ended in scandal when, in March 2010, the school announced it was conducting an internal investigation of the athletics ticketing office. A separate investigation led by the FBI and IRS led to federal charges against five employees and one consultant and alleged that they had stolen more than $2 million in tickets to be illegally resold.Perkins announced months later that he would retire, and he stepped away from the Jayhawks in September 2010."Lew did a lot of good things in his time here at KU,” Self said. “He was a big contributor in us changing the mindset of the athletic department and also competing for championships on a more consistent level. ... The one thing I will remember most about Lew was he always put the student-athletes first, and the student-athletes that got to know him well, all loved him.”