PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — The 88th annual Pretty Prairie Rodeo opened Wednesday night at the Booster Club Arena with strong early performances across multiple events, including a standout ride from Tennessee’s Connor Griffith in bareback riding.

Griffith earned 74 points on Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo’s Blue Moon to take the early lead in bareback riding. Nebraska’s Tanner Drueke followed with a 69-point ride, while no other contestants recorded qualified scores.

In steer wrestling, Tyler Scheevel of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, leads the average with a 4.0-second run in the first round, which also topped the payout list at $1,090. Rhett Witt (4.1) and Adam Musil (4.2) rounded out the top three. In the second round, Gary Gilbert of Paradise, Texas, posted the fastest time at 4.5 seconds to lead a tight leaderboard.

The team roping duo of Marcus Marriott and Jarrett Peek set the bar in the first round with a 5.4-second run, earning $1,211 apiece. Bubba Buckaloo and Joseph Harrison took second with a 5.6, while two teams tied for third at 5.9 seconds.

Weston Patterson’s 82.5-point effort on Beutler &amp; Son’s Fortune Hunter gave him the lead in saddle bronc riding. Blake Steuck followed closely with 80 points, while John Allen and Cauy Pennington also turned in solid rides.

In tie-down roping, Trent Creager of Stillwater, Oklahoma, leads after stopping the clock in 10.8 seconds. Jared Turner sits second at 11.6.

Alicia Kilgus of Stephenville, Texas, posted a 17.15-second run to top the barrel racing standings. Lauren England (17.39) and Jennifer Baker (17.59) sit in second and third, respectively.

Only one bull rider posted a qualified score, as Canton, Kansas, cowboy Cash Toews earned 58 points on Beutler &amp; Son’s Priceline to take the early lead.

Night 2 of the Pretty Prairie Rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Thursday at Booster Club Arena. For ticket information, visit <a href="http://pprodeo.com">pprodeo.com</a>.

Stock contractor:&nbsp;Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752719899354.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Pretty Prairie Rodeo" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Pretty Prairie Rodeo</figcaption>
 </figure>PRETTY PRAIRIE, Kan. — The 88th annual Pretty Prairie Rodeo opened Wednesday night at the Booster Club Arena with strong early performances across multiple events, including a standout ride from Tennessee’s Connor Griffith in bareback riding.Griffith earned 74 points on Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo’s Blue Moon to take the early lead in bareback riding. Nebraska’s Tanner Drueke followed with a 69-point ride, while no other contestants recorded qualified scores.In steer wrestling, Tyler Scheevel of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, leads the average with a 4.0-second run in the first round, which also topped the payout list at $1,090. Rhett Witt (4.1) and Adam Musil (4.2) rounded out the top three. In the second round, Gary Gilbert of Paradise, Texas, posted the fastest time at 4.5 seconds to lead a tight leaderboard.The team roping duo of Marcus Marriott and Jarrett Peek set the bar in the first round with a 5.4-second run, earning $1,211 apiece. Bubba Buckaloo and Joseph Harrison took second with a 5.6, while two teams tied for third at 5.9 seconds.Weston Patterson’s 82.5-point effort on Beutler &amp; Son’s Fortune Hunter gave him the lead in saddle bronc riding. Blake Steuck followed closely with 80 points, while John Allen and Cauy Pennington also turned in solid rides.In tie-down roping, Trent Creager of Stillwater, Oklahoma, leads after stopping the clock in 10.8 seconds. Jared Turner sits second at 11.6.Alicia Kilgus of Stephenville, Texas, posted a 17.15-second run to top the barrel racing standings. Lauren England (17.39) and Jennifer Baker (17.59) sit in second and third, respectively.Only one bull rider posted a qualified score, as Canton, Kansas, cowboy Cash Toews earned 58 points on Beutler &amp; Son’s Priceline to take the early lead.Night 2 of the Pretty Prairie Rodeo begins at 8 p.m. Thursday at Booster Club Arena. For ticket information, visit <a href="http://pprodeo.com">pprodeo.com</a>.<h2>Thursday's Daysheet</h2>Bareback Riding<ul>
 <li>Colt Eck, Redfield, Kan., on Shame On You (BU)</li><li>Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan., on Nutrena’s Electi (BU)
</li><li>Karson Harris, Hepler, Kan., on Witchcraft (BU)
</li><li>Owen Brouillette, St. Francisville, La., on Dangerous Doug (BU)
</li><li>Brayze Schill, West Columbia, Texas, on Oddly Real (BU)
</li><li>Cole Hollen, Liberty Hill, Texas, on Quite Fancy (BU)
</li>
 </ul>Steer Wrestling<ul>
 <li>Adam Musil, Crescent, Okla.
</li><li>Shawn Musil, Crescent, Okla.
</li><li>Tyler Scheevel, Lester Prairie, Minn.
</li><li>Gus Franzen, Kearney, Neb.
</li><li>Mason Couch, Bronaugh, Mo.
</li><li>Isaiah Naauao-Asing, Haiku, Hawaii
</li><li>Juddsen Napier, Sallisaw, Okla.
</li><li>Tucker Ravenscroft, Nenzel, Neb.
</li><li>Coy Johnston, Stapleton, Neb.
</li><li>Sam Daly, Tryon, Neb.
</li><li>Paul Melvin, Paradise, Texas
</li>
 </ul>Team Roping<ul>
 <li>Boogie Ray, Mabank, Texas, and Zach Kilgus, Stephenville, Texas
</li><li>Billie Saebens, Nowata, Okla., and Jaxson Tucker, Statesville, N.C.
</li><li>Blake Barnes and Latham Dickson, Chelsea, Okla.
</li><li>Zane Thompson, Cheyenne, Wyo., and Chad Mathes, Montalba, Texas
</li><li>Kingston Chang, Makawao, Hawaii, and Mason Stueve, Newton, Kan.
</li><li>Shannon Frascht, Alva, Okla., and Tyler Hobert, Clearwater, Kan.
</li><li>Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla.
</li><li>Jessen James, Moyers, Okla., and Jaxon Hill, Antlers, Okla.
</li><li>Wade Perry, Wellsville, Kan., and Jason Arndt, Fort Scott, Kan.
</li><li>McCoy Profili, Roans Prairie, Texas, and McCray Profili, Bedias, Texas
</li>
 </ul>Saddle Bronc Riding<ul>
 <li>Korben Baker, Marlow, Okla., on Regulator (BU)
</li><li>Michael Johnston, Weatherford, Texas, on Grizzly (BU)
</li><li>Bryan Huey, Corona, N.M., on Red Eclipse (BU)
</li><li>Levi Mines, Elfrida, Ariz., on Revolving Door (BU)
</li><li>Tejay Angland, Wantabadgery, Australia, on Mean Dream (BU)
</li><li>Mitchell Story, Bayfield, Colo., on High Tech (BU)
</li><li>Jase Stout, Bayfield, Colo., on Roan Ranger (BU)
</li><li>Smiley Hay, Taroom, Australia, on Cat Scratch (BU)
</li><li>Luke Price, Pryor, Okla., on Tune Up (BU)
</li><li>Trent Burd, Madison, Kan., on Bad Religion (BU)
</li><li>Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb., on River Monster (BU)
</li><li>Waitley Sharon, Ordway, Colo., on Buckaroo (BU)
</li>
 </ul>Tie-down Roping<ul>
 <li>Ethan Hill, South Coffeyville, Okla.
</li><li>Tylen Layton, Copan, Okla.
</li><li>Glenn Jackson, Okmulgee, Okla.
</li><li>Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas
</li><li>Tate Jordan, Wichita Falls, Texas
</li><li>Kyan Wilhite, Clovis, N.M.
</li><li>Haze Wright, Ozark, Mo.
</li><li>Lane Watson, Fort Scott, Kan.
</li><li>Wade Perry, Wellsville, Kan.
</li><li>Ryan Belew, Raton, N.M.
</li>
 </ul>Barrel Racing<ul>
 <li>Melanie McKay, Tonganoxie, Kan.
</li><li>Kappie Bryant, Hico, Texas
</li><li>Megan Albrecht, Deming, N.M.
</li><li>Tracy Nowlin, Nowata, Okla.
</li><li>Ivy Hurst, Springer, Okla.
</li><li>Diana Shoop, Inola, Okla.
</li><li>Angela Bartley, Chouteau, Okla.
</li><li>Jesse Harris, Itasca, Texas
</li><li>Sandy McElreath, Cimarron, Kan.
</li><li>Kara Kreder, Bluff Dale, Texas
</li><li>Sadie Troyer, Weatherford, Okla.
</li>
 </ul>Bull Riding<ul>
 <li>Coy Pollmeier, Fort Scott, Kan., on Dracula (BU)
</li><li>Tate Pollmeier, Fort Scott, Kan., on Bomb Squad (BU)
</li><li>Brayden Lamb, Fort Scott, Kan., on Record Rack’s Ov (BU)
</li><li>Thaddeus Towns, Palco, Kan., on Fake Friend (BU)
</li><li>Jesse Hopper, Mangum, Okla., on Yellowfin (BU)</li>
 </ul>Stock contractor:&nbsp;Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pretty Prairie Rodeo: Night 1 results

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752691552845.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/brandon-schneider/927" rel="smarttag" rev="927">Brandon Schneider</a></dfn>&nbsp;has announced a challenging, 12-game non-conference schedule that awaits the Jayhawks during the upcoming 2025-26 season. The Jayhawks will face three power conference opponents prior to league play, beginning with the previously announced StorageMart Border Showdown against Missouri on Nov. 15 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. KU will then host Minnesota on Nov. 19 and travel to Northwestern on Dec. 3 after playing two games at the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Nov. 28-29 in Florida. Kansas will play seven non-conference games at home, with three at a neutral site and two true road games. "We feel very good about the quality of our non-conference schedule," Schneider said. "The strength and mixture of home, away, and neutral site games will prepare us for the always challenging Big 12 slate." After hosting Fort Hays State for an exhibition contest on Oct. 29, Kansas opens the regular season with three straight home games, hosting Kansas City (Nov. 5), Northwestern State (Nov. 9) and Lamar (Nov. 12). The Jayhawks then head to Kansas City to face Missouri before returning home to host Minnesota (Nov. 19) and Oral Roberts (Nov. 23). Thanksgiving week will be spent in Florida as the Jayhawks compete at the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Nov. 28-29. Matchups and game times for the event are expected to be announced soon. The Jayhawks then play consecutive road games at Northwestern (Dec. 3) and Missouri State (Dec. 7) before closing out the non-conference portion of the schedule at home against Denver (Dec. 14) and Haskell (Dec. 17). Kansas will face Haskell, a crosstown foe, for the first time in a regular season contest since 1974. The Jayhawks hold a 4-1 all-time advantage in the series. "Over the past few years, we have been able to build a connection off the court with the Haskell women's basketball program that we hope has been mutually beneficial for both teams," Schneider said. "I have tremendous respect for Coach Adam Strom and the loyalty he displayed for his young women last spring. Coach Strom and I believe that it is time for our programs to connect on the court. Games like these produce tremendous memories for all involved.&nbsp; We feel that the game will be strongly supported by both institutions and the Lawrence community." On June 12, The Big 12 Conference announced conference matchups for the 2025-26 season. Kansas will host BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Utah and West Virginia and travel to Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Iowa State, TCU and UCF. The Jayhawks will also play home-and-home contests against Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech. Season tickets for the 2025-26 Kansas women's basketball campaign are now on sale. For as low as $110, fans can reserve their seat at historic Allen Fieldhouse for the upcoming season. To learn more about ticket options, fans are encouraged to visit KUAthletics.com or call 800-34-HAWKS. 2025-26 Kansas Women's Basketball Non-Conference Schedule:&nbsp;
<table border="0" width="776" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Date</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Opponent</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Location</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Series History</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Last Meeting</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Oct. 29</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Fort Hays State (exh)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">--</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 5</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Kansas City</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 19-4</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2024</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 9</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Northwestern State</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 2-1</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2024</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 12</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lamar</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 2-1</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2011</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 15</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Missouri</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Kansas City, Mo. (T-Mobile Center)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 45-38</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2023</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 19</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Minnesota</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 14-4</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2013</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 23</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Oral Roberts</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 15-1</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2020</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Nov. 28-29</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Fort Myers Tip-Off</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Fort Myers, Fla. (Suncoast Credit Union Arena)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">--</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">--</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Dec. 3</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Northwestern</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Evanston, Ill. (Welsh-Ryan Arena)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">NU Leads 3-1</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2018</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Dec. 7</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Missouri State</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Springfield, Mo. (Great Southern Bank Arena)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 9-6</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2016</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Dec. 14</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Denver</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 2-1</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">2004</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Dec. 17</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Haskell</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">Lawrence, Kan. (Allen Fieldhouse)</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">KU Leads 4-1</td>
<td nowrap="nowrap">1974</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
 Big 12 Scheduling Opponent Matrix (18-game schedule) Home and Away: Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech Home Only: BYU, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Utah, West Virginia Away Only: Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Iowa State, TCU, UCF</div>

🏀 KU unveils non-conference women's hoops schedule

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752691670940.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Wichita State head softball coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/coaches/kristi-bredbenner/1271" rel="smarttag" rev="1271">Kristi Bredbenner</a></dfn>&nbsp;has added three graduate assistants to her staff, all three former All-Americans for the Shockers during their playing days. Sydney McKinney,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/cc-wong/8967" rel="smarttag" rev="8967">CC Wong</a></dfn>&nbsp;will all make their return to the Shocker softball program after highly decorated playing careers in the Black and Yellow. "We are ecstatic to have Sydney, Lauren and CC back," Bredbenner said. "Their willingness to want to stay and give back to Shocker Softball says a lot about their experience. Most importantly, their knowledge, passion and desire to develop the next generation of Shocker is evident. All three of them continue to represent Wichita State at the highest level. We are proud of their accomplishments, and we are so excited to have them share their experiences with our program." McKinney, the former No. 1 overall draft pick is in her first season with the Bandits, the inaugural season of the AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League).&nbsp;She is wrapping up her third professional season overall with Athletes Unlimited. McKinney is the most decorated softball player in program history, earning All-America honors three times and a two-time American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Lucas just completed her eligibility this past season at Wichita State, picking up First Team All-Conference honors for the third time in her career. Fresh out of college, Lucas is nearing the end of her first season as a professional with the New York Rise. Wong made the most of her lone season in uniform for Wichita State, earning All-America honors and ranking 2nd nationally in batting average. She was a student assistant on the softball team in 2024-25 while finishing her bachelor's degree. Wong is currently representing her home country on the Canadian National Team.</div>

🥎 Bredbenner adds trio of former players to coaching staff at WSU

Hutchinson Community College assistant softball coach Ray Aguirre earned a national honor on Wednesday being named the Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) NJCAA Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year.

Aguirre has been with the Blue Dragon softball program for since 2017. He became a full-time assistant coach in 2021. Over that span, the Blue Dragons have won 198 games, two Jayhawk Conference titles, a Region 6/Plains District championship and was part of Hutchinson's first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Softball World Series.

Aguirre serves as the Blue Dragons' pitching coach, first-base coach and Recruiting Coordinator. He is also in charge of field maintenance.

"Ray is a tireless worker and recruiter," Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose said. "His compassion for the players in unmatched."

As the Blue Dragon pitching coach, Hutchinson's average staff ERA has been 3.60 since 2021.

Aguirre's 2022, 2023 and 2024 pitching staffs all rank in the Top 5 in program single-game history. The 2024 Region 6 champion's team ERA is second all-time at 2.75. The 2023 team is fourth at 2.80 and the 2022 team is fifth at 2.89.

The 2025 pitching staff endured injuries throughout the season and under Aguirre's tutelage, the Blue Dragons still posted a 3.59 team ERA en route to a conference title. Pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>, a two-time 20-win pitcher at Hutchinson, was a first-team All-KJCCC selection,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>&nbsp;was a second team selection and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;as an honorable mention all-conference player.

Aguirre has coached two All-American pitchers in his tenure: Dakota Lake (2024/NFCA) and Riley Wertz (2022/NJCAA).

Aguirre's overall recruiting as netted the Blue Dragons 34 all-KJCCC selections and eight All-America awards.

Before coming to Hutchinson, Aguirre was the pitching coach for Friends University in Wichita for 11 seasons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752690172096.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationHutchinson Community College assistant softball coach Ray Aguirre earned a national honor on Wednesday being named the Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) NJCAA Division I National Assistant Coach of the Year.Aguirre has been with the Blue Dragon softball program for since 2017. He became a full-time assistant coach in 2021. Over that span, the Blue Dragons have won 198 games, two Jayhawk Conference titles, a Region 6/Plains District championship and was part of Hutchinson's first-ever appearance in the NJCAA Softball World Series.Aguirre serves as the Blue Dragons' pitching coach, first-base coach and Recruiting Coordinator. He is also in charge of field maintenance."Ray is a tireless worker and recruiter," Blue Dragon head coach Jaime Rose said. "His compassion for the players in unmatched."As the Blue Dragon pitching coach, Hutchinson's average staff ERA has been 3.60 since 2021.Aguirre's 2022, 2023 and 2024 pitching staffs all rank in the Top 5 in program single-game history. The 2024 Region 6 champion's team ERA is second all-time at 2.75. The 2023 team is fourth at 2.80 and the 2022 team is fifth at 2.89.The 2025 pitching staff endured injuries throughout the season and under Aguirre's tutelage, the Blue Dragons still posted a 3.59 team ERA en route to a conference title. Pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>, a two-time 20-win pitcher at Hutchinson, was a first-team All-KJCCC selection,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>&nbsp;was a second team selection and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;as an honorable mention all-conference player.Aguirre has coached two All-American pitchers in his tenure: Dakota Lake (2024/NFCA) and Riley Wertz (2022/NJCAA).Aguirre's overall recruiting as netted the Blue Dragons 34 all-KJCCC selections and eight All-America awards.Before coming to Hutchinson, Aguirre was the pitching coach for Friends University in Wichita for 11 seasons.

🥎 HutchCC's Ray Aguirre named NFCA's NJCAA DI Assistant Coach of the Year

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Hutchinson Community College earned national recognition for overall athletic excellence in the 2024-25 Ron Case Cup presented by Daktronics, finishing 13th in the country among two-year colleges.

The Blue Dragons totaled 97.5 points in the annual competition, which ranks the top athletic programs in the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Scholarship Division. Hutchinson was one of three Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) schools to place in the top 15, joining fourth-place Barton Community College (163 points) and eighth-place Cowley College (129.5 points).

Two additional KJCCC schools, Johnson County (17th, 80.5 points) and Butler (26th, 62.5 points), also cracked the top 30.

The Ron Case Cup, formerly known as the NATYCAA Cup, awards points based on a college’s top five team finishes per gender at the highest level of postseason competition. First-place finishes earn 20 points, with a sliding scale down to one point.

This marks the seventh year the award has been sponsored by Daktronics and the first under its new name, honoring former NATYCAA president Ron Case, who led the organization’s Cup initiative from its creation in 2004 until his retirement in June 2024.

Iowa Western claimed the top spot with 179.5 points, followed by College of Dupage (165 points) and Iowa Central (164.5 points) to round out the top three.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752681677383.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy NACDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy NACDA</figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND, Ohio — Hutchinson Community College earned national recognition for overall athletic excellence in the 2024-25 Ron Case Cup presented by Daktronics, finishing 13th in the country among two-year colleges.The Blue Dragons totaled 97.5 points in the annual competition, which ranks the top athletic programs in the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Scholarship Division. Hutchinson was one of three Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) schools to place in the top 15, joining fourth-place Barton Community College (163 points) and eighth-place Cowley College (129.5 points).Two additional KJCCC schools, Johnson County (17th, 80.5 points) and Butler (26th, 62.5 points), also cracked the top 30.The Ron Case Cup, formerly known as the NATYCAA Cup, awards points based on a college’s top five team finishes per gender at the highest level of postseason competition. First-place finishes earn 20 points, with a sliding scale down to one point.This marks the seventh year the award has been sponsored by Daktronics and the first under its new name, honoring former NATYCAA president Ron Case, who led the organization’s Cup initiative from its creation in 2004 until his retirement in June 2024.Iowa Western claimed the top spot with 179.5 points, followed by College of Dupage (165 points) and Iowa Central (164.5 points) to round out the top three.&nbsp;

HutchCC finishes 13th nationally in 2024-25 Ron Case Cup standings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals have brought back a familiar face, acquiring veteran utility man Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for infielder Cam Devanney, according to a report from FanSided’s Robert Murray.

Frazier, 33, was batting .255 with a .318 on-base percentage, three home runs and seven stolen bases in 78 games this season for Pittsburgh. He played for Kansas City in 2024, hitting just .202 over 104 games, but remains valued for his leadership and versatility. A left-handed hitter, Frazier has posted a .267 average against right-handed pitching this year and can slot in at second base or the corner outfield.

Despite his experience, Frazier's overall production remains below league average with an OPS+ of 83, an upgrade at best for a Royals lineup that has struggled offensively.

Devanney, 28, was recently called up from Triple-A Omaha but did not appear in a game for the Royals. He was acquired from Milwaukee in the offseason trade that sent reliever Taylor Clarke to the Brewers. At the time of the trade, Devanney was hitting .272 with 18 homers and a .931 OPS in Triple-A.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752677778554.png" alt="Kansas City Royals' Adam Frazier in action during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 26, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Adam Frazier in action during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 26, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals have brought back a familiar face, acquiring veteran utility man Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for infielder Cam Devanney, according to a report from FanSided’s Robert Murray.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Trade: The Kansas City Royals are acquiring infielder Adam Frazier from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to sources familiar with the deal. Cam Devanney is going to the Pirates.&mdash; Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) <a href="https://twitter.com/ByRobertMurray/status/1945489594062954598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Frazier, 33, was batting .255 with a .318 on-base percentage, three home runs and seven stolen bases in 78 games this season for Pittsburgh. He played for Kansas City in 2024, hitting just .202 over 104 games, but remains valued for his leadership and versatility. A left-handed hitter, Frazier has posted a .267 average against right-handed pitching this year and can slot in at second base or the corner outfield.Despite his experience, Frazier's overall production remains below league average with an OPS+ of 83, an upgrade at best for a Royals lineup that has struggled offensively.Devanney, 28, was recently called up from Triple-A Omaha but did not appear in a game for the Royals. He was acquired from Milwaukee in the offseason trade that sent reliever Taylor Clarke to the Brewers. At the time of the trade, Devanney was hitting .272 with 18 homers and a .931 OPS in Triple-A.

⚾ Royals acquiring Adam Frazier from Pirates

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Wednesday, July 16, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=7ynur-19088c7-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ NL wins ASG in swing-off; ⚾ Monarchs drop second straight; 🏐 Nickerson hires Trish Wade as head coach

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs suffered their second consecutive run-rule loss Tuesday night, falling to the Junction City Brigade 13-3 in seven innings in Junction City.

The loss marks back-to-back games in which the Monarchs have been run-ruled in seven innings, and it came in similar fashion to Monday night’s defeat, with Junction City breaking the game open early.

Hutchinson (25-7) struck first when Keegan Demmer scored on a sacrifice fly by Omare Cross in the top of the second. But the Brigade quickly turned the tide in the bottom half of the inning, plating six runs on three hits and a pair of free passes. Gannon White delivered the key hit of the inning with a two-RBI single.

The Brigade continued to pour it on in the third, scoring three more on RBI singles from Ian Luce, White, and Chad Pantuso to push the lead to 9-1.

Bradyn McClure started for Hutchinson and was charged with the loss. He allowed eight runs—only two earned—on four hits over 2.2 innings while striking out four and walking three. Defensive miscues again proved costly, as the Monarchs committed two errors behind him.

Jackson Gowan earned the win for Junction City, tossing 6.1 innings while giving up five hits and three runs (two earned), striking out four and walking just one.

Offensively, Dylan Bell led the Monarchs with two hits, including a seventh-inning double. Jarrett Herrmann added an RBI double, and Cross and Herrmann each drove in a run.

Junction City (19-11) compiled 10 hits and ran wild on the base paths with six stolen bases. White and Sawyer Tolk drove in three runs apiece. The Brigade played clean defensively with no errors and turned three double plays.

Hutchinson will try to regroup Thursday night when they travel to face the Wichita Wildcats in their final regular season road game before a rematch with the Wildcats Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field to wrap up the regular season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752651363357.png" alt="Final- Junction City defeats the Hutchinson Monarchs on back-to-back nights." />
 <figcaption>Final- Junction City defeats the Hutchinson Monarchs on back-to-back nights.</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs suffered their second consecutive run-rule loss Tuesday night, falling to the Junction City Brigade 13-3 in seven innings in Junction City.The loss marks back-to-back games in which the Monarchs have been run-ruled in seven innings, and it came in similar fashion to Monday night’s defeat, with Junction City breaking the game open early.Hutchinson (25-7) struck first when Keegan Demmer scored on a sacrifice fly by Omare Cross in the top of the second. But the Brigade quickly turned the tide in the bottom half of the inning, plating six runs on three hits and a pair of free passes. Gannon White delivered the key hit of the inning with a two-RBI single.The Brigade continued to pour it on in the third, scoring three more on RBI singles from Ian Luce, White, and Chad Pantuso to push the lead to 9-1.Bradyn McClure started for Hutchinson and was charged with the loss. He allowed eight runs—only two earned—on four hits over 2.2 innings while striking out four and walking three. Defensive miscues again proved costly, as the Monarchs committed two errors behind him.Jackson Gowan earned the win for Junction City, tossing 6.1 innings while giving up five hits and three runs (two earned), striking out four and walking just one.Offensively, Dylan Bell led the Monarchs with two hits, including a seventh-inning double. Jarrett Herrmann added an RBI double, and Cross and Herrmann each drove in a run.Junction City (19-11) compiled 10 hits and ran wild on the base paths with six stolen bases. White and Sawyer Tolk drove in three runs apiece. The Brigade played clean defensively with no errors and turned three double plays.Hutchinson will try to regroup Thursday night when they travel to face the Wichita Wildcats in their final regular season road game before a rematch with the Wildcats Friday night at Hobart-Detter Field to wrap up the regular season.First pitch Thursday is set for 7 p.m.

⚾ Brigade defeats Monarchs for second straight night

ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber went 3 for 3 to put the National League ahead as they won the first All-Star Game home run swing-off 4-3 following a 6-6 tie in which the American League rallied from a six-run deficit on Tuesday night.

In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take three swings each off coaches. The change was agreed to in 2022 to alleviate the concern of teams running out of pitchers.

Schwarber was named All-Star MVP after going 0 for 2 with a walk in the game.

Brent Rooker put the AL ahead by homering on his last two swings, and Kyle Stowers — subbing for Eugenio Suárez — hit one.

Randy Arozarena boosted the AL lead to 3-1, and Schwarber was successful on all three tries, going down to a knee as he sent the one into the Chop House seats in right.

Jonathan Aranda failed on all three tries, hitting the right-field wall with his second, and the NL didn’t have to use its last batter, two-time Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso, as it won for just the second time in the last 12 All-Star Games. The AL leads 48-45 with two ties.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752638555921.png" alt="Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber celebrates after winning the tiebreaker at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
 <figcaption>Philadelphia Phillies Kyle Schwarber celebrates after winning the tiebreaker at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Kyle Schwarber went 3 for 3 to put the National League ahead as they won the first All-Star Game home run swing-off 4-3 following a 6-6 tie in which the American League rallied from a six-run deficit on Tuesday night.In baseball’s equivalent of soccer’s penalty-kicks shootout, the game was decided by having three batters from each league take three swings each off coaches. The change was agreed to in 2022 to alleviate the concern of teams running out of pitchers.Schwarber was named All-Star MVP after going 0 for 2 with a walk in the game.Brent Rooker put the AL ahead by homering on his last two swings, and Kyle Stowers — subbing for Eugenio Suárez — hit one.Randy Arozarena boosted the AL lead to 3-1, and Schwarber was successful on all three tries, going down to a knee as he sent the one into the Chop House seats in right.Jonathan Aranda failed on all three tries, hitting the right-field wall with his second, and the NL didn’t have to use its last batter, two-time Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso, as it won for just the second time in the last 12 All-Star Games. The AL leads 48-45 with two ties.

⚾ Kyle Schwarber’s 3 homers in All-Star Game’s first tiebreaking swing-off lift NL over AL

ATLANTA (AP) — Major League Baseball honored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hank-aaron-dead-0fa32aff826d18bbeb9efedd42cd81a2">late Hall of Famer Hank Aaron</a>&nbsp;by recreating his record-breaking 715th home run through the use of projection mapping and pyrotechnics.

The lights went down at Truist Park and fans stood holding their cell phone lights following the sixth inning of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game. The scene from April 8, 1974 at old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was projected on the infield and also shown on the video board.

The high-tech images of Aaron and other players were seen on the Truist Park infield before a blaze of a fireball launched from home plate to signify the homer that pushed Aaron past Babe Ruth’s record of 714 homers.

Aaron’s widow, Billye Aaron, stood and waved as the cheers from the sellout crowd of 41,702 grew louder.

NL players warmed up for the game in batting practice jerseys with Aaron’s No. 44 on the back.

One year ago, MLB celebrated the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hank-aaron-715-anniversary-e64c8134cf4de655088d8a83078b053d">50th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of Aaron’s homer with announcements for a new statue at Baseball’s Hall of Fame and a commemorative stamp from the U.S. Postal Service.

Also, Commissioner Rob Manfred helped honor Aaron in Atlanta last year by joining the Braves in announcing the $100,000 endowment of a scholarship at Tuskegee University, a historically Black university in Aaron’s home state of Alabama.

Manfred noted the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, launched by the Braves following Aaron’s death in 2021, and the Chasing the Dream Foundation, created by Aaron and his wife were designed to clear paths for minorities in baseball and to encourage educational opportunities.

Aaron hit 755 home runs from 1954-76, a mark that stood until Barry Bonds reached 762 in 2007 during baseball’s steroid era.

Aaron was elected to the Hall in 1982. A 25-time All-Star, he set a record with 2,297 RBIs. He continues to hold the records of 1,477 extra-base hits and 6,856 total bases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752637136054.png" alt="Billye Aaron, wife of baseball great Hank Aaron waves during at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)" />
 <figcaption>Billye Aaron, wife of baseball great Hank Aaron waves during at the MLB baseball All-Star game between the American League and National League, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Major League Baseball honored&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hank-aaron-dead-0fa32aff826d18bbeb9efedd42cd81a2">late Hall of Famer Hank Aaron</a>&nbsp;by recreating his record-breaking 715th home run through the use of projection mapping and pyrotechnics.The lights went down at Truist Park and fans stood holding their cell phone lights following the sixth inning of Tuesday night’s All-Star Game. The scene from April 8, 1974 at old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium was projected on the infield and also shown on the video board.The high-tech images of Aaron and other players were seen on the Truist Park infield before a blaze of a fireball launched from home plate to signify the homer that pushed Aaron past Babe Ruth’s record of 714 homers.Aaron’s widow, Billye Aaron, stood and waved as the cheers from the sellout crowd of 41,702 grew louder.NL players warmed up for the game in batting practice jerseys with Aaron’s No. 44 on the back.One year ago, MLB celebrated the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hank-aaron-715-anniversary-e64c8134cf4de655088d8a83078b053d">50th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of Aaron’s homer with announcements for a new statue at Baseball’s Hall of Fame and a commemorative stamp from the U.S. Postal Service.Also, Commissioner Rob Manfred helped honor Aaron in Atlanta last year by joining the Braves in announcing the $100,000 endowment of a scholarship at Tuskegee University, a historically Black university in Aaron’s home state of Alabama.Manfred noted the Henry Louis Aaron Fund, launched by the Braves following Aaron’s death in 2021, and the Chasing the Dream Foundation, created by Aaron and his wife were designed to clear paths for minorities in baseball and to encourage educational opportunities.Aaron hit 755 home runs from 1954-76, a mark that stood until Barry Bonds reached 762 in 2007 during baseball’s steroid era.Aaron was elected to the Hall in 1982. A 25-time All-Star, he set a record with 2,297 RBIs. He continues to hold the records of 1,477 extra-base hits and 6,856 total bases.

⚾ MLB honors Hank Aaron with recreation of record 715th homer during All-Star Game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have locked up a key piece of their offensive line, signing right guard Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million contract extension just ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline for franchise-tagged players to reach long-term deals.

Smith, 26, had been franchise-tagged by the team in March. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the new deal includes $70 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Alongside center Creed Humphrey, the Chiefs now feature the league’s top-paid interior offensive line duo.

A sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2021, Smith slid in the draft due to medical concerns but quickly became a mainstay in Kansas City. He’s started 67 games over the past four seasons, earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024, and helped anchor the offensive front for two Super Bowl-winning teams.

Smith played on a rookie deal worth $6.5 million over four years. Had he played on the franchise tag in 2025, he would have made a record $23.4 million for a guard.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641507090892.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have locked up a key piece of their offensive line, signing right guard Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million contract extension just ahead of Tuesday’s 3 p.m. CT deadline for franchise-tagged players to reach long-term deals.Smith, 26, had been franchise-tagged by the team in March. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the new deal includes $70 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Alongside center Creed Humphrey, the Chiefs now feature the league’s top-paid interior offensive line duo.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith and the Chiefs reached agreement just ahead of today’s franchise-tag deadline on a four-year, $94 million deal that includes $70 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history, ESPN’s sources tell me and <a href="https://twitter.com/ByNateTaylor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ByNateTaylor</a>. It’s the…&mdash; Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1945178397816111176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2021, Smith slid in the draft due to medical concerns but quickly became a mainstay in Kansas City. He’s started 67 games over the past four seasons, earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024, and helped anchor the offensive front for two Super Bowl-winning teams.Smith played on a rookie deal worth $6.5 million over four years. Had he played on the franchise tag in 2025, he would have made a record $23.4 million for a guard.

🏈 Chiefs sign Trey Smith to four-year, $94 million extension

HALSTEAD, Kan. — Halstead High School has named Chandler Henkelman as its new head baseball coach.

Henkelman is a former first baseman and pitcher at Tabor College under longtime head coach Mark Standiford.

After graduating, Henkelman began his teaching and coaching career in Quinter, where he spent one year before returning to south-central Kansas. He has since served as a special education teacher and assistant baseball coach at Halstead High School.

Henkelman is a third-generation head baseball coach, continuing a proud family tradition.&nbsp;

In addition to his role at Halstead, Henkelman also coaches summer baseball for the Kansas Curve. He is known for his compassion, competitiveness and commitment to mentoring student-athletes on and off the field.

Henkelman is married to Kylie Henkelman, a third-grade teacher at Bentley Primary School and an assistant girls basketball coach at Halstead Middle School.

Halstead High School Athletic Director Nick Barnes said they are excited for the future of the school’s baseball program under Henkelman’s leadership.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752601452879.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HALSTEAD, Kan. — Halstead High School has named Chandler Henkelman as its new head baseball coach.Henkelman is a former first baseman and pitcher at Tabor College under longtime head coach Mark Standiford.After graduating, Henkelman began his teaching and coaching career in Quinter, where he spent one year before returning to south-central Kansas. He has since served as a special education teacher and assistant baseball coach at Halstead High School.Henkelman is a third-generation head baseball coach, continuing a proud family tradition.&nbsp;In addition to his role at Halstead, Henkelman also coaches summer baseball for the Kansas Curve. He is known for his compassion, competitiveness and commitment to mentoring student-athletes on and off the field.Henkelman is married to Kylie Henkelman, a third-grade teacher at Bentley Primary School and an assistant girls basketball coach at Halstead Middle School.Halstead High School Athletic Director Nick Barnes said they are excited for the future of the school’s baseball program under Henkelman’s leadership.

⚾ Halstead hires Henkelman as new head baseball coach

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kamden Edge, a former pitcher for the Hutchinson Monarchs, was selected with the 608th pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2025 MLB Draft.

Edge, a native of Soper, Oklahoma, recently completed his freshman season at Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa, where he went 12-0 with a 3.25 ERA in 14 appearances, 13 of them in relief. The right-hander struck out 74 batters in 52.2 innings and posted a 1.25 WHIP.

This summer, Edge has been pitching for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the MLB Draft League. Based in Niles, Ohio, the Scrappers are part of a collegiate summer league designed to showcase draft-eligible players. Edge has made two appearances, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA over four innings. He has struck out seven batters and has not issued a walk.

Edge pitched for the Monarchs in the summer of 2024, going 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in nine regular season appearances, including two starts. He struck out 37 batters over 20 innings while allowing just nine hits. He also made one appearance in the NBC World Series, striking out four in 2.1 innings against the Liberal Bee Jays.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752588136694.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kamden Edge, a former pitcher for the Hutchinson Monarchs, was selected with the 608th pick by the Kansas City Royals in the 20th round of the 2025 MLB Draft.Edge, a native of Soper, Oklahoma, recently completed his freshman season at Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa, where he went 12-0 with a 3.25 ERA in 14 appearances, 13 of them in relief. The right-hander struck out 74 batters in 52.2 innings and posted a 1.25 WHIP.This summer, Edge has been pitching for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the MLB Draft League. Based in Niles, Ohio, the Scrappers are part of a collegiate summer league designed to showcase draft-eligible players. Edge has made two appearances, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA over four innings. He has struck out seven batters and has not issued a walk.Edge pitched for the Monarchs in the summer of 2024, going 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in nine regular season appearances, including two starts. He struck out 37 batters over 20 innings while allowing just nine hits. He also made one appearance in the NBC World Series, striking out four in 2.1 innings against the Liberal Bee Jays.

⚾ Former Monarch Kamden Edge drafted by Kansas City Royals

<a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 has hired Trish Wade as the next head volleyball coach at Nickerson High School.

The USD 309 Board of Education approved the hiring during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night.

"Coach Wade knows what it takes to compete at the highest level," Nickerson Athletic Director Devin Maxwell said. "She’s dedicated to instilling that same drive and excellence in her athletes."

Wade brings an accomplished resume to Nickerson after a standout 17-year tenure at St. John High School, where she compiled more than 420 career victories and guided the Tigers to three Class 1A state championships. St. John captured the state title in 2008 with a 43-2 record, followed by back-to-back 1A Division I championships in 2010 and 2011 with records of 41-4 and 43-2, respectively. Under her leadership, St. John advanced to the state semifinals in 10 of her 17 seasons and finished 29-15 last fall with a return trip to the 1A Division I state tournament.

A decorated athlete in her own right, Wade was inducted into the Barton Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. She was a two-time All-American for the Cougars from 1985-86, helping the volleyball team to a 111-10 record and two Top 4 finishes at the NJCAA National Tournament. She went on to play at Florida Southern, where she earned AVCA Second Team All-America honors in 1987 and was twice named First Team All-Sunshine State Conference. Wade still holds the school records for solo blocks in a match (11), season (99) and career (182), and remains ranked in several career and single-season statistical categories.

Wade is also the mother of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, a former Kansas State standout and the only player in Wildcat history to record at least 1,000 points, 100 3-pointers, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 steals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752525658331.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309 has hired Trish Wade as the next head volleyball coach at Nickerson High School.The USD 309 Board of Education approved the hiring during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night."Coach Wade knows what it takes to compete at the highest level," Nickerson Athletic Director Devin Maxwell said. "She’s dedicated to instilling that same drive and excellence in her athletes."Wade brings an accomplished resume to Nickerson after a standout 17-year tenure at St. John High School, where she compiled more than 420 career victories and guided the Tigers to three Class 1A state championships. St. John captured the state title in 2008 with a 43-2 record, followed by back-to-back 1A Division I championships in 2010 and 2011 with records of 41-4 and 43-2, respectively. Under her leadership, St. John advanced to the state semifinals in 10 of her 17 seasons and finished 29-15 last fall with a return trip to the 1A Division I state tournament.A decorated athlete in her own right, Wade was inducted into the Barton Community College Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. She was a two-time All-American for the Cougars from 1985-86, helping the volleyball team to a 111-10 record and two Top 4 finishes at the NJCAA National Tournament. She went on to play at Florida Southern, where she earned AVCA Second Team All-America honors in 1987 and was twice named First Team All-Sunshine State Conference. Wade still holds the school records for solo blocks in a match (11), season (99) and career (182), and remains ranked in several career and single-season statistical categories.Wade is also the mother of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade, a former Kansas State standout and the only player in Wildcat history to record at least 1,000 points, 100 3-pointers, 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 steals.

🏐 Nickerson hires Trish Wade as new head volleyball coach

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Tuesday, July 15, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=fs5r5-1906f6b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Monarchs' win-streak halted; ⚾ Royals wrap up MLB Draft; ⚾ 'Big Dumper' wins Home Run Derby

ATLANTA (AP) — Cal Raleigh approached the All-Star Home Run Derby like a day on the lawn. Dad was on the mound and baby brother was behind the plate.

Only this time, there were tens of thousands looking on at Truist Park and a $1 million prize.

“It goes all the way back to him coming home and me forcing him to throw me a ball and hit it in the backyard or in the house or something probably shouldn’t be doing,” a beaming Cal said, flanked by Todd and Todd Jr. after defeating Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final round Monday night.

Todd Raleigh, former coach of Tennessee and Western Carolina, threw the pitches and Cal’s 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., did the catching. A first-time All-Star at age 28, Cal became the first switch-hitter and first catcher to win the title. He’s the second Mariners player to take the title after three-time winner Ken Griffey Jr., who was on the field, snapping photos.

“Anybody that’s ever played baseball as a kid dreams of stuff like this,” Cal’s dad said. “I dreamed of it. He dreamed of it. When you’re a parent, you look at it differently because you want your kids to be happy.”

Leading the major leagues with 38 home runs at the All-Star break, Cal almost didn’t make it past the first round. The Mariners’ breakout slugger nicknamed Big Dumper and the Athletics’ Brent Rooker each hit 17 homers, and Raleigh advanced on a tiebreaker for longest long ball: 470.61 feet to 470.53 — or 0.96 inches. At first, Cal wasn’t aware whether there would be a swing-off.

“An inch off, and I’m not even in the final four, which is amazing,” Cal said. “So I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit.”

Raleigh totaled 54 homers. He won his semifinal 19-13 over Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz, whose 513-foot first-round drive over the right-center field seats was the longest of the night.

Cal’s brother, nicknamed T, kept yelling encouragement to the brother he so admires.

“His swag, the way he plays, the way he hustles,” T said.

Hitting second in the final round, the 22-year-old Caminero closed within three dingers — MLB counted one that a fan outfielder caught with an over-the-wall grab. Using a multicolored bat and down to his last out, Caminero took three pitches and hit a liner to left.

“I didn’t think I was going to hit as many home runs or make it to the finals,” Caminero said through a translator.

Cal was just the second Derby switch-hitter after Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman in 2023. His dad was a righty and wanted both his sons to hit from both sides.

“Did it from the first day, when he was in diapers, literally,” Todd Sr. said. “I would take that big ball and he had a big red bat. I’d throw it slow and he’d hit it. Then I’d say stay there, pick him up, turn him around, switch his hands and do it again. I was a catcher. I played a little bit, and I just knew what a premium it was. I didn’t want either one of my boys to ever say, am I right-handed or left-handed?”

“I don’t recommend it if you have two kids, they’re both switch hitters, if you want to save your arm, because that’s a lot of throwing,” said dad, who had rotator cuff surgery.

Raleigh hit his first eight homers left-handed, took a timeout, then hit seven right-handed. Going back to lefty, he hit two more in the bonus round and stayed lefty for the rest of the night.

“Was grooving a little bit more lefty so we were like, since we have a chance to win, we might as well stick to the side that’s working a little better,” Cal said.

Caminero beat Minnesota’s Byron Buxton 8-7 in the other semifinal. Atlanta’s Matt Olson, Washington’s James Wood, the New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Rooker were eliminated in the first round of the annual power show.

Cruz’s long drive was the hardest-hit at 118 mph.

Wood hit 16 homers, including one that landed on the roof of the Chop House behind the right-field wall. Olson, disappointing his hometown fans, did not go deep on his first nine swings and finished with 15, Chisholm hit just three homers, the fewest since the timer format started in 2015.

After it was all over, the Raleighs headed out. Stephanie, the boys’ mom and Todd Sr.'s wife, is surrounded by baseball.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752582448615.jpeg" alt="Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh celebrates after winning the MLB baseball Home Run Derby, Monday, July 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)" />
 <figcaption>Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh celebrates after winning the MLB baseball Home Run Derby, Monday, July 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Cal Raleigh approached the All-Star Home Run Derby like a day on the lawn. Dad was on the mound and baby brother was behind the plate.Only this time, there were tens of thousands looking on at Truist Park and a $1 million prize.“It goes all the way back to him coming home and me forcing him to throw me a ball and hit it in the backyard or in the house or something probably shouldn’t be doing,” a beaming Cal said, flanked by Todd and Todd Jr. after defeating Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final round Monday night.Todd Raleigh, former coach of Tennessee and Western Carolina, threw the pitches and Cal’s 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh Jr., did the catching. A first-time All-Star at age 28, Cal became the first switch-hitter and first catcher to win the title. He’s the second Mariners player to take the title after three-time winner Ken Griffey Jr., who was on the field, snapping photos.“Anybody that’s ever played baseball as a kid dreams of stuff like this,” Cal’s dad said. “I dreamed of it. He dreamed of it. When you’re a parent, you look at it differently because you want your kids to be happy.”Leading the major leagues with 38 home runs at the All-Star break, Cal almost didn’t make it past the first round. The Mariners’ breakout slugger nicknamed Big Dumper and the Athletics’ Brent Rooker each hit 17 homers, and Raleigh advanced on a tiebreaker for longest long ball: 470.61 feet to 470.53 — or 0.96 inches. At first, Cal wasn’t aware whether there would be a swing-off.“An inch off, and I’m not even in the final four, which is amazing,” Cal said. “So I guess I got lucky there. One extra biscuit.”Raleigh totaled 54 homers. He won his semifinal 19-13 over Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz, whose 513-foot first-round drive over the right-center field seats was the longest of the night.Cal’s brother, nicknamed T, kept yelling encouragement to the brother he so admires.“His swag, the way he plays, the way he hustles,” T said.Hitting second in the final round, the 22-year-old Caminero closed within three dingers — MLB counted one that a fan outfielder caught with an over-the-wall grab. Using a multicolored bat and down to his last out, Caminero took three pitches and hit a liner to left.“I didn’t think I was going to hit as many home runs or make it to the finals,” Caminero said through a translator.Cal was just the second Derby switch-hitter after Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman in 2023. His dad was a righty and wanted both his sons to hit from both sides.“Did it from the first day, when he was in diapers, literally,” Todd Sr. said. “I would take that big ball and he had a big red bat. I’d throw it slow and he’d hit it. Then I’d say stay there, pick him up, turn him around, switch his hands and do it again. I was a catcher. I played a little bit, and I just knew what a premium it was. I didn’t want either one of my boys to ever say, am I right-handed or left-handed?”There was a downside.“I don’t recommend it if you have two kids, they’re both switch hitters, if you want to save your arm, because that’s a lot of throwing,” said dad, who had rotator cuff surgery.Raleigh hit his first eight homers left-handed, took a timeout, then hit seven right-handed. Going back to lefty, he hit two more in the bonus round and stayed lefty for the rest of the night.“Was grooving a little bit more lefty so we were like, since we have a chance to win, we might as well stick to the side that’s working a little better,” Cal said.Caminero beat Minnesota’s Byron Buxton 8-7 in the other semifinal. Atlanta’s Matt Olson, Washington’s James Wood, the New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Rooker were eliminated in the first round of the annual power show.Cruz’s long drive was the hardest-hit at 118 mph.Wood hit 16 homers, including one that landed on the roof of the Chop House behind the right-field wall. Olson, disappointing his hometown fans, did not go deep on his first nine swings and finished with 15, Chisholm hit just three homers, the fewest since the timer format started in 2015.After it was all over, the Raleighs headed out. Stephanie, the boys’ mom and Todd Sr.'s wife, is surrounded by baseball.

⚾ With family support, Cal Raleigh becomes first catcher, switch-hitter to win Home Run Derby

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Junction City Brigade took full advantage of erratic Hutchinson pitching Monday night, routing the Monarchs 14-1 in a seven-inning run-rule win on Eagle Media night at Hobart-Detter Field.

Junction City scored 11 of its 14 runs in the fourth through sixth innings, including seven in the fifth alone, capitalizing on a flurry of walks, hit batters, and defensive miscues. The Brigade plated four runs in the fourth without recording a hit, thanks to three walks, two hit batters, and a costly error.

Hutchinson starter Ethan Giesbrecht (3-1) took the loss after allowing three earned runs over three innings, though the brunt of the damage came after his departure. Aiden Sowers and the Monarch bullpen struggled to stem the tide, surrendering nine runs over the next two innings on five walks, three hit batters, and two errors.

Joey Ruller (4-0) earned the win for Junction City, striking out nine and allowing just one run over six solid innings.

Junction City wasted no time, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with back-to-back RBI singles from Chad Pantuso and Eli Kellogg. Hutchinson (25-6) answered with a run in the bottom half, but would manage just four hits the rest of the way.

The Monarchs' lone bright spot came in the first, when Jacob Gutierrez, Tyson Vassart, and Jackson Legg strung together three straight singles to cut the early deficit in half. Hutch stranded runners in the fourth and sixth but never seriously threatened again.

With the loss, Hutchinson dropped to 25-6 on the season, while Junction City improved their standing ahead of the postseason as they are tied with the Derby Twins in the Jayhawk standings in second place both five games out.

The Monarchs continue their final week of the regular season Tuesday night in Junction City. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Hutch returns to Hobart-Detter field on Friday night for Reno County Food Back night. Bring your non-perishable food items as a donation. That will be the final regular season game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752568199592.png" alt="Final - The Junction City Brigade used timely hitting and good pitching to defeat the Hutchinson Monarchs 14-1 on Eagle Media night at Hobart-Detter Field." />
 <figcaption>Final - The Junction City Brigade used timely hitting and good pitching to defeat the Hutchinson Monarchs 14-1 on Eagle Media night at Hobart-Detter Field.</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Junction City Brigade took full advantage of erratic Hutchinson pitching Monday night, routing the Monarchs 14-1 in a seven-inning run-rule win on Eagle Media night at Hobart-Detter Field.Junction City scored 11 of its 14 runs in the fourth through sixth innings, including seven in the fifth alone, capitalizing on a flurry of walks, hit batters, and defensive miscues. The Brigade plated four runs in the fourth without recording a hit, thanks to three walks, two hit batters, and a costly error.Hutchinson starter Ethan Giesbrecht (3-1) took the loss after allowing three earned runs over three innings, though the brunt of the damage came after his departure. Aiden Sowers and the Monarch bullpen struggled to stem the tide, surrendering nine runs over the next two innings on five walks, three hit batters, and two errors.Joey Ruller (4-0) earned the win for Junction City, striking out nine and allowing just one run over six solid innings.Junction City wasted no time, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first with back-to-back RBI singles from Chad Pantuso and Eli Kellogg. Hutchinson (25-6) answered with a run in the bottom half, but would manage just four hits the rest of the way.The Monarchs' lone bright spot came in the first, when Jacob Gutierrez, Tyson Vassart, and Jackson Legg strung together three straight singles to cut the early deficit in half. Hutch stranded runners in the fourth and sixth but never seriously threatened again.With the loss, Hutchinson dropped to 25-6 on the season, while Junction City improved their standing ahead of the postseason as they are tied with the Derby Twins in the Jayhawk standings in second place both five games out.The Monarchs continue their final week of the regular season Tuesday night in Junction City. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Hutch returns to Hobart-Detter field on Friday night for Reno County Food Back night. Bring your non-perishable food items as a donation. That will be the final regular season game.

⚾ Hutchinson Monarchs fall after strong showing by Junction City Brigade

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752585826599.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;K-State saw two baseball players selected on the final day of the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft, as shortstop&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/maximus-martin/12314" rel="smarttag" rev="12314">Maximus Martin</a></dfn>&nbsp;and left-handed pitcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/jacob-frost/12294" rel="smarttag" rev="12294">Jacob Frost</a></dfn>&nbsp;heard their names called on Monday. Martin was selected in the 10th&nbsp;round by the Boston Red Sox with the 298th&nbsp;overall pick, followed by Frost, who was taken with the 315th&nbsp;pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers to close out the round. Martin becomes just the second Wildcat ever drafted by the Red Sox, joining Robert Youngdahl (2011), while Frost is the ninth player in program history selected by the Dodgers. Under seventh-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>, K-State has had 12 players selected within the first 10 rounds. In total, Hughes has overseen 91 players selected in the MLB Draft, including eight first-rounders during his 28 seasons as a head coach while he has recruited 145 players who have gone on to play professionally. In his first season at K-State, Martin earned ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-Region honors and was named Second Team All-Big 12. A native of Edgewater Park, New Jersey, he slashed .320/.420/.612, tallying a team-high 18 doubles and 14 home runs &ndash; tied for fourth-most in a single season in program history. Martin was one of the league's top offensive performers, finishing the regular season ranked in the Big 12's top 10 in three statistical categories. He garnered both Golden Spikes Award and National Shortstop of the Week recognition. He led the team with 18 games with two or more hits and ranked second with 15 multi-RBI games. Frost caps his second season with the Cats where earned his first All-Big 12 accolade in 2025, striking out 75 batters while holding opponents to a .238 batting average &ndash; the eighth-best mark in the league. The St. Louis, Missouri, product was one of two K-State pitchers to record 10 or more strikeouts in a single game this season, notching a career-high 10 against KU. He also led the Big 12 with 22 strikeouts looking in conference play. Across two seasons with the Wildcats, Frost posted a 4-6 record with a 6.49 ERA and totaled 115 strikeouts over 32 appearances and 23 starts, including three quality starts. In 2024, he helped lead K-State to its ninth no-hitter in program history.</div>

⚾ K-State has two selected on final day of MLB Draft

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752585705664.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;Kansas baseball infielder/outfielder&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>, right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/alex-breckheimer/16154" rel="smarttag" rev="16154">Alex Breckheimer</a></dfn>&nbsp;and outfielder&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-cerda/16140" rel="smarttag" rev="16140">Derek Cerda</a></dfn>&nbsp;were all selected in the 2025 MLB Draft on Monday.&nbsp;The three Jayhawks drafted marks nine players picked from Kansas in the last two seasons. Counsell was chosen in the 10th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Breckheimer was a 16th round selection by the St. Louis Cardinals and Cerda went in the 17th round to the Chicago White Sox. "Having guys drafted is one of the many signs of a healthy program and having guys drafted for the first time is a major sign of great development," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/dan-fitzgerald/871" rel="smarttag" rev="871">Dan Fitzgerald</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. In the last two years, Fitzgerald and his coaching staff of&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/brandon-scott/872" rel="smarttag" rev="872">Brandon Scott</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/tyler-hancock/873" rel="smarttag" rev="873">Tyler Hancock</a></dfn>,&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/jon-coyne/874" rel="smarttag" rev="874">Jon Coyne</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/ryan-holland/875" rel="smarttag" rev="875">Ryan Holland</a></dfn>&nbsp;have helped 11 Jayhawks become professional baseball players. The combination of draft picks and free agent signings over the last two years is the most in consecutive seasons in school history. Counsell&nbsp;is the third Kansas player in the last two drafts to be a Top 10 round pick, with&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/hunter-cranton/151" rel="smarttag" rev="151">Hunter Cranton</a></dfn>&nbsp;(third round) and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/kodey-shojinaga/141" rel="smarttag" rev="141">Kodey Shojinaga</a></dfn>&nbsp;(sixth round) being chosen in the 2024 MLB Draft. The last time Kansas had players selected in the top 10 rounds of back-to-back MLB Drafts was 2018 and 2019. The 2025 season marked one of the most historic years ever for Kansas. A 43-17 overall record helped KU reach its first NCAA Tournament since 2014. Fitzgerald was named the first Big 12 Coach of the Year in program history and the Jayhawks set program records in regular season wins (42), Big 12 wins (20), conference wins (20), conference series wins (seven), conference series sweeps (five), road wins (20), come-from-behind wins (26) and home runs (104). INF/OF&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-counsell/16135" rel="smarttag" rev="16135">Brady Counsell</a></dfn>&nbsp;(Sr.) Round 10, No. 303 Overall, Arizona Diamondbacks Counsell, an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick, became the first Kansas player in school history to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2025. One of Counsell's greatest strengths was his durability to start every game, the only Jayhawk to do so this past season. "Brady will be a great Diamondback and really checks every box for the type of player you want in your organization," Fitzgerald said. "He can really work and is an incredible teammate. He is a total pro &ndash; on the field and in the clubhouse." One of four Kansas players with double-digit home runs, Counsell finished the year with 12 home runs. He drove in 57 RBIs and scored 54 runs, both of which were the second most on the team. His 57 RBIs were also tied for seventh in the Big 12. Defensively, Counsell posted a .992 fielding percentage with only one error in 121 chances to earn his Gold Glove. Counsell's versatility was on display all season as he started 30 games at third base, 25 games in left field and five games at second base. A native of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, Counsell came to Kansas for his final year of eligibility after spending his first three years at Minnesota. Counsell made an emphatic return to Minnesota in 2025 by hitting the third of an NCAA record-tying five consecutive home runs on March 12 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1944835830930891169&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F7%2F14%2Fbaseball-trio-of-jayhawks-hear-names-called-in-2025-mlb-draft&amp;sessionId=6a6fbeef46d79813aca058866b5fb806cd75ec33&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1944835830930891169"></iframe></div>
RHP&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/alex-breckheimer/16154" rel="smarttag" rev="16154">Alex Breckheimer</a></dfn>&nbsp;(Jr.) Round 16, No. 480 Overall, St. Louis Cardinals Breckheimer developed into one of the most relied on back-end bullpen arms in the Big 12 this season. An imposing presence on the mound, standing at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, Breckheimer was tied for fourth in the nation with 33 pitching appearances. "Alex was one of the better relievers in the Big 12 and will be a nice addition to the St. Louis farm system," Fitzgerald said. "He took a big jump in his one year with us and will continue to make strides in the bullpen for the Cards." The strong righty whose fastball touched 98 mph this past season had a record of 5-0 with a 3.56 ERA in 48 innings of work. He recorded 50 strikeouts compared to only 14 walks. Breckheimer produced multiple strikeouts in 16 outings, nearly half of his appearances. Breckheimer finished the season with seven saves, tied for the third most in the conference. His ability to perform in high leverage situations became more evident as the season progressed and is a big reason for him throwing more than 1.0 inning in 17 of his relief appearances. The Chilton, Wisconsin, native was only at Kansas for one season after choosing to transfer to KU from Bryant &amp; Stratton College in Wisconsin. He was the first-ever power-conference recruit from Bryant &amp; Stratton College.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1944880897377103991&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F7%2F14%2Fbaseball-trio-of-jayhawks-hear-names-called-in-2025-mlb-draft&amp;sessionId=6a6fbeef46d79813aca058866b5fb806cd75ec33&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1944880897377103991"></iframe></div>
OF&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/derek-cerda/16140" rel="smarttag" rev="16140">Derek Cerda</a></dfn>&nbsp;(Jr.) Round 17, No. 496 Overall, Chicago White Sox Cerda was a successful presence atop the Kansas batting order for much of the season. He scored a run in each of his final 10 games and 27 of his last 30 contests. Cerda finished third on the team with 52 runs scored. "Derek is an exceptional center fielder and a great worker," Fitzgerald said. "We couldn't be happier for him. He made a huge impact on our program in a short period of time." Transitioning from the junior college level to the Big 12 is not a small step and Cerda proved ready for the challenge. Cerda reached base safely in 29 of 30 conference games in 2025. He also ended the season with a 10-game on-base streak and had a season-long 20-game on-base streak from March 21 to April 19. Cerda's speed was critical with a team-high 10 stolen bases and tracking down fly balls in center field. The speedy outfielder saved many runs for the pitching staff and appeared on SportsCenter's Top 10 plays twice for his extraordinary effort. A Santiago, Dominican Republic, native, Cerda capitalized on his opportunity to play one season at Kansas.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-2&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1944884400367272351&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fkuathletics.com%2Fnews%2F2025%2F7%2F14%2Fbaseball-trio-of-jayhawks-hear-names-called-in-2025-mlb-draft&amp;sessionId=6a6fbeef46d79813aca058866b5fb806cd75ec33&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1944884400367272351"></iframe></div></div>

⚾ Trio of Jayhawks hear names called in 2025 MLB Draft

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals selected 17 players on the final day of the 2025 First-Year Player Draft.&nbsp;

In total, the Royals selected 13 pitchers (12 RHP, 1 LHP), five infielders, three outfielders and one catcher. Of their 22 picks, 16 were from the college ranks, including 2 from JUCO, and six were high school players. Of note, out of the nine position players selected, only No. 28 (PPI) Josh Hammond bats right-handed.

With the 128th overall pick in the 4th round, the Royals selected outfielder Nolan Sailors out of Creighton University (Neb.). Sailors, 22, slashed .389/.485/.584 (88-for-226, 1.069 OPS) with 28 extra-base hits, 44 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 59 games as a senior. In four seasons with the Bluejays, he played in 207 games and slashed .320/.422/.491 (251-for-784) with 19 home runs, 148 RBI and 63 stolen bases. He graduated from Ralston High School (Neb.), where he was named to the All-Nebraska and Super State First Teams after hitting .476 as a senior. He is a native of Omaha, Neb.

With the 158th overall pick in the 5th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Aiden Jimenez out of the University of Arkansas. Jimenez, 21, completed his redshirt sophomore season with the Razorbacks in 2025, going 4-1 with 40 strikeouts (8.5 K/9) in 42.1 innings pitched, posting a 3.40 ERA (16 ER) in a team-high 22 games (2 GS). He began his collegiate career at Oregon State in 2023, where he appeared in 22 games (1 GS) and struck out 35 batters in 38.0 innings of work (8.3 K/9). Jimenez graduated from Elk Grove High School (Calif.). His father, Jason Jimenez, appeared in 6 Major League games with Tampa Bay (5) and Detroit (1) in 2002, and was a 28th round pick by the Rays in 1997. Jason was teammates with Royals Manager Matt Quatraro and Bench Coach Paul Hoover in the Rays minor league system from 1998-2002. His grandfather, Ken Hottman, also played in 6 MLB games in 1971.

With the 188th overall pick in the 6th round, the Royals selected infielder Tyriq Kemp out of Baylor University (Texas). Kemp, 22, played in 55 games for the Bears this season, slashing .358/.446/.542 (72-for-201, .988 OPS) with 48 runs, 41 RBI and more walks (32) than strikeouts (27). He was also announced as a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award in 2025, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate shortstop. In two seasons at Baylor, he posted an .849 OPS and batted .305 (110-for-361), playing in 108 games. In 2024, he played for Curaçao Neptunus in the Dutch Major League, and he slashed .292/.400/.427 (28-for-96, .827 OPS) as a 21-year-old, while playing alongside his older brother, Dwayne, who signed with the Cubs in 2009. Prior to attending Baylor, he played two seasons at Western Oklahoma State College (the same school that notable Curaçaoan shortstop Andrelton Simmons attended), where he hit .375 with 9 home runs and 41 RBI as a sophomore. Kemp was raised in The Netherlands and was a member of the Dutch National Teams from ages U15 to U23, guiding the U23 team to a gold medal at the European Baseball Championship in 2021.

With the 218th overall pick in the 7th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Bryson Dudley out of Texas State University. Dudley, 21, just finished his first season with Texas State and earned CSC Academic All-District Team and Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team honors. He pitched in 24 games (2 GS) for the Bobcats, holding opponents to a .185 batting average that was a school record, paired with a 3.93 ERA (22 ER in 50.1 IP). He pitched in 2 games for Trenton in the MLB Draft League this year, striking out 13 batters in 7.0 innings. Spent two seasons at Blinn College (Texas) and helped the Buccaneers win the NJCAA National Championship as a sophomore in 2024.

With the 248th overall pick in the 8th round, the Royals selected catcher Brooks Bryan out of Troy University (Ala.). Bryan, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today, spent each of the last three seasons at Troy, and started all 60 games for them this season, slashing .279/.399/.533 (64-for-229, .931 OPS) with 18 doubles and 12 home runs. He earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors as a sophomore in 2024 and was named a semifinalist for both the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award, after he posted a .970 OPS with 18 home runs and 85 RBI in 58 games. He was a part of the 2024 Team USA Collegiate National Team, appearing in 4 games, and hit a grand slam on July 3 vs. Chinese Taipei. He also played in 7 games for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League in 2024. He batted .380 with 8 home runs as a senior at Opelika High School (Ala.) in 2022, the alma mater of 10-year MLB vet Roy Lee Jackson.

With the 278th overall pick in the 9th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Shane Van Dam out of North Carolina State University. Van Dam, who underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2024, pitched in just 3 games (1 start) at the end of this season. The 21-year-old pitched in 16 games and covered 37.1 innings as a sophomore in 2024, striking out 38 batters (9.2 K/9). He played both baseball and football at SUNY Cortland in 2023, striking out 43 batters in 29.1 innings (13.2 K/9) while playing quarterback for the Red Dragons, but not appearing in a game. He graduated from Cranford High School (N.J.) in 2022, where he was a three-year member of the football team and a two-year starter on the baseball team. He was teammates with Kansas City’s 2025 5th rounder Aiden Jimenez and their 2024 12th rounder Tommy Molsky on the 2023 Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod League.

With the 308th overall pick in the 10th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Max Martin out of the University of California-Irvine. Martin, 21, finished his junior season with 14 saves, tied for 4th among all Division I pitchers this season, as well as a 3.29 ERA (14 ER in 38.1 IP) and 39 strikeouts. In three seasons at U.C. Irvine, he struck out 83 batters in 84.1 innings and earned 19 saves. Pitched in 8 games for the Pulaski River Turtles of the Appalachian League in 2024, and allowed just 2 runs (1 ER) across 15.0 innings (0.60 ERA), striking out 17 and walking just 3. He graduated from Sierra Canyon School (Calif.), where he was teammates with Kehden Hettiger, Philadelphia’s 11th round pick in 2023.

With the 338th overall pick in the 11th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Hunter Alberini out of the University of Arizona. Alberini, 23, pitched in one season at Arizona, going 1-0 with 33 strikeouts (14.4 K/9) to just 7 walks (3.0 BB/9) and a 3.48 ERA (8 ER in 20.2 IP) in 18 games. Prior to joining the Wildcats, he spent two seasons at Umpqua Community College (Ore.) from 2021-22 and two seasons at the College of Southern Nevada (2023-24), the alma mater of Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. In 2024, he pitched in 7 games for State College in the MLB Draft League and struck out 10 in 12.0 IP. He graduated from Centennial High School (Nev.) in 2020, where he earned two baseball letters.

With the 368th overall pick in the 12th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Matthew Hoskins out of the University of Georgia. Hoskins, 21, made 18 appearances (2 starts) for the Bulldogs as a junior this year, and struck out 39 batters in just 27.1 innings (12.8 K/9), earning 1 win and 2 saves. After the season, he also pitched once for Trenton in the MLB Draft League, where he was teammates with Kansas City’s 7th round selection this year, Bryson Dudley. While at Georgia, he earned three SEC Academic Honor Roll nominations and struck out 67 batters across 50.2 innings (11.9 K/9). He graduated from Peachtree Ridge High School (Ga.) in 2022, where he went 4-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 62 strikeouts as a senior. He also batted .382 with 6 doubles, 5 home runs and 24 RBI as a senior, playing primarily as an outfielder when he wasn’t pitching. He was rated as the No. 11 prospect in the state of Georgia coming out of high school, per Perfect Game.

With the 398th overall pick in the 13th round, the Royals selected infielder Tyson Moran out of the F.E. Madill Secondary School (Ontario, CAN). Moran, 19, is currently committed to play at North Dakota State University. He plays for the Great Lakes Canadians amateur baseball program, and is coached by former big leaguer Jamie Romak, who played in 27 games for the Dodgers (2014) and Diamondbacks (2015).

With the 428th overall pick in the 14th round, the Royals selected infielder JC Vanek out of Chipola College (Fla.). Vanek, 20, slashed .395/.512/.631 (62-for-157, 1.143 OPS) with 9 home runs, 50 runs scored, 43 RBI and more walks (30) than strikeouts (27). Was named to the Panhandle All-Conference First Team in 2024 after leading Chipola in average (.366), hits (53) and RBI (47). He has since committed to Florida State University. After the season, he played in 16 games for Mahoning Valley in the MLB Draft League and posted a .712 OPS with 2 home runs, 13 RBI and 4 stolen bases in 16 games. He graduated from Alfred M. Barbe High School (La.) in 2023.

With the 458th overall pick in the 15th round, the Royals selected infielder Connor Rasmussen out of Tulane University (La.). Rasmussen, 21, has spent each of the last two seasons at Tulane, and has slashed .321/.425/.485 (141-for-439, .910 OPS) in 120 games for the Green Wave, driving in 96 runs while scoring 92. He also drew more walks (71) than he had strikeouts (58). Prior to transferring to Tulane, he spent his freshman season at East Carolina University (N.C.), where he appeared in 17 games. He graduated from Fort Mill High School (S.C.) in 2022, where his .418 average as a senior guided his team to a state championship runner-up finish. His brother, Cole, was a long snapper for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks from 2021-24.

With the 488th overall pick in the 16th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Randy Ramnarace out of the University of New Haven (Conn.). Ramnarace, 20, went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA (9 ER in 32.1 IP) and 45 strikeouts (12.5 K/9) in 12 games (1 GS), earning 3 saves. He has spent three seasons with the Chargers, amassing a 9-5 record and a 4.28 ERA (56 ER in 117.2 IP) with 146 strikeouts. This summer, he pitched in 5 games for Bristol in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, his second consecutive summer in the NECBL after pitching in 5 games for Danbury in 2024. He graduated from Brentwood High School (N.Y.), where he was the team captain as a senior.

With the 518th overall pick in the 17th round, the Royals selected outfielder Luke Nowak out of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nowak, 22, just finished his senior season at UIC, and he posted a .387/.455/.559 (86-for-222, 1.014 OPS) slashline, leading the Missouri Valley Conference in average (.387), while ranking among qualified leaders in hits (3rd, 86), triples (T-4th, 3) and OBP (5th, .455). He spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at East Carolina University (N.C.), where he was teammates with Kansas City’s 15th rounder Connor Rasmussen. In three seasons at ECU, he slashed .268/.382/.362 (71-for-265) with 17 extra-base hits and 49 RBI in 118 games (71 starts). He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School (Wis.), where he earned seven letters (3 in baseball, 4 in track and field), and was a two-time conference and regional champion in baseball as well as a four-time state qualifier in track.

With the 548th overall pick in the 18th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Grayson Boles out of St. Augustine High School (Calif.). Boles, 18, is committed to the University of Texas, and is ranked the 9th-best right-handed pitcher in the state of California by Perfect Game. Per his Maxpreps.com page, he posted a 2.92 ERA (71 ER in 170.1 IP) in high school, including a 1.95 mark (17 ER in 61.0 IP) this year, with 81 strikeouts to just 22 walks. As a hitter, he batted .335 (55-for-164) in four years, and he hit 2 home runs while batting .393 (11-for-28) this season. He started the High School All-American Game on Aug. 15, 2024 at Petco Park, and finished the 1st inning with a strikeout.

With the 578th overall pick in the 19th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Dylan Wood out of Franklin High School (Calif.). Wood, 18, went 8-0 as a senior while posting a 1.65 ERA (14 ER in 59.1 IP) with 100 strikeouts. He is ranked as the No. 102 prospect and No. 25 RHP nationally and as the No. 20 prospect and No. 6 RHP in California by Perfect Game. He pitched in 3 games for Team USA’s 18U National Team, allowing 1 run in 6.1 innings, and earned the win in the gold medal game at the 2024 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier with 1.1 hitless innings. He is committed to play baseball at the University of Arizona.

With the 608th overall pick in the 20th and final round of the 2025 Draft, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Kamden Edge out of Northern Oklahoma Junior College. Edge, 20, pitched in 14 games this year for the Mavericks, logging a 3.25 ERA (19 ER in 52.2 IP) and 74 strikeouts (12.7 K/9). After the season, he made 2 appearances for Mahoning Valley in the MLB Draft League, striking out 7 in 4.0 innings. In the summer of 2024, he pitched in 9 games for the Hutchinson Monarchs in the Jayhawk Collegiate League, striking out 37 batters across 20.0 innings pitched (16.7 K/9).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591095847004.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals selected 17 players on the final day of the 2025 First-Year Player Draft.&nbsp;In total, the Royals selected 13 pitchers (12 RHP, 1 LHP), five infielders, three outfielders and one catcher. Of their 22 picks, 16 were from the college ranks, including 2 from JUCO, and six were high school players. Of note, out of the nine position players selected, only No. 28 (PPI) Josh Hammond bats right-handed.With the 128th overall pick in the 4th round, the Royals selected outfielder Nolan Sailors out of Creighton University (Neb.). Sailors, 22, slashed .389/.485/.584 (88-for-226, 1.069 OPS) with 28 extra-base hits, 44 RBI and 27 stolen bases in 59 games as a senior. In four seasons with the Bluejays, he played in 207 games and slashed .320/.422/.491 (251-for-784) with 19 home runs, 148 RBI and 63 stolen bases. He graduated from Ralston High School (Neb.), where he was named to the All-Nebraska and Super State First Teams after hitting .476 as a senior. He is a native of Omaha, Neb.With the 158th overall pick in the 5th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Aiden Jimenez out of the University of Arkansas. Jimenez, 21, completed his redshirt sophomore season with the Razorbacks in 2025, going 4-1 with 40 strikeouts (8.5 K/9) in 42.1 innings pitched, posting a 3.40 ERA (16 ER) in a team-high 22 games (2 GS). He began his collegiate career at Oregon State in 2023, where he appeared in 22 games (1 GS) and struck out 35 batters in 38.0 innings of work (8.3 K/9). Jimenez graduated from Elk Grove High School (Calif.). His father, Jason Jimenez, appeared in 6 Major League games with Tampa Bay (5) and Detroit (1) in 2002, and was a 28th round pick by the Rays in 1997. Jason was teammates with Royals Manager Matt Quatraro and Bench Coach Paul Hoover in the Rays minor league system from 1998-2002. His grandfather, Ken Hottman, also played in 6 MLB games in 1971.With the 188th overall pick in the 6th round, the Royals selected infielder Tyriq Kemp out of Baylor University (Texas). Kemp, 22, played in 55 games for the Bears this season, slashing .358/.446/.542 (72-for-201, .988 OPS) with 48 runs, 41 RBI and more walks (32) than strikeouts (27). He was also announced as a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award in 2025, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate shortstop. In two seasons at Baylor, he posted an .849 OPS and batted .305 (110-for-361), playing in 108 games. In 2024, he played for Curaçao Neptunus in the Dutch Major League, and he slashed .292/.400/.427 (28-for-96, .827 OPS) as a 21-year-old, while playing alongside his older brother, Dwayne, who signed with the Cubs in 2009. Prior to attending Baylor, he played two seasons at Western Oklahoma State College (the same school that notable Curaçaoan shortstop Andrelton Simmons attended), where he hit .375 with 9 home runs and 41 RBI as a sophomore. Kemp was raised in The Netherlands and was a member of the Dutch National Teams from ages U15 to U23, guiding the U23 team to a gold medal at the European Baseball Championship in 2021.With the 218th overall pick in the 7th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Bryson Dudley out of Texas State University. Dudley, 21, just finished his first season with Texas State and earned CSC Academic All-District Team and Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team honors. He pitched in 24 games (2 GS) for the Bobcats, holding opponents to a .185 batting average that was a school record, paired with a 3.93 ERA (22 ER in 50.1 IP). He pitched in 2 games for Trenton in the MLB Draft League this year, striking out 13 batters in 7.0 innings. Spent two seasons at Blinn College (Texas) and helped the Buccaneers win the NJCAA National Championship as a sophomore in 2024.With the 248th overall pick in the 8th round, the Royals selected catcher Brooks Bryan out of Troy University (Ala.). Bryan, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today, spent each of the last three seasons at Troy, and started all 60 games for them this season, slashing .279/.399/.533 (64-for-229, .931 OPS) with 18 doubles and 12 home runs. He earned All-Sun Belt First Team honors as a sophomore in 2024 and was named a semifinalist for both the Dick Howser Trophy and the Golden Spikes Award, after he posted a .970 OPS with 18 home runs and 85 RBI in 58 games. He was a part of the 2024 Team USA Collegiate National Team, appearing in 4 games, and hit a grand slam on July 3 vs. Chinese Taipei. He also played in 7 games for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League in 2024. He batted .380 with 8 home runs as a senior at Opelika High School (Ala.) in 2022, the alma mater of 10-year MLB vet Roy Lee Jackson.With the 278th overall pick in the 9th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Shane Van Dam out of North Carolina State University. Van Dam, who underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2024, pitched in just 3 games (1 start) at the end of this season. The 21-year-old pitched in 16 games and covered 37.1 innings as a sophomore in 2024, striking out 38 batters (9.2 K/9). He played both baseball and football at SUNY Cortland in 2023, striking out 43 batters in 29.1 innings (13.2 K/9) while playing quarterback for the Red Dragons, but not appearing in a game. He graduated from Cranford High School (N.J.) in 2022, where he was a three-year member of the football team and a two-year starter on the baseball team. He was teammates with Kansas City’s 2025 5th rounder Aiden Jimenez and their 2024 12th rounder Tommy Molsky on the 2023 Chatham Anglers of the Cape Cod League.With the 308th overall pick in the 10th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Max Martin out of the University of California-Irvine. Martin, 21, finished his junior season with 14 saves, tied for 4th among all Division I pitchers this season, as well as a 3.29 ERA (14 ER in 38.1 IP) and 39 strikeouts. In three seasons at U.C. Irvine, he struck out 83 batters in 84.1 innings and earned 19 saves. Pitched in 8 games for the Pulaski River Turtles of the Appalachian League in 2024, and allowed just 2 runs (1 ER) across 15.0 innings (0.60 ERA), striking out 17 and walking just 3. He graduated from Sierra Canyon School (Calif.), where he was teammates with Kehden Hettiger, Philadelphia’s 11th round pick in 2023.With the 338th overall pick in the 11th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Hunter Alberini out of the University of Arizona. Alberini, 23, pitched in one season at Arizona, going 1-0 with 33 strikeouts (14.4 K/9) to just 7 walks (3.0 BB/9) and a 3.48 ERA (8 ER in 20.2 IP) in 18 games. Prior to joining the Wildcats, he spent two seasons at Umpqua Community College (Ore.) from 2021-22 and two seasons at the College of Southern Nevada (2023-24), the alma mater of Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. In 2024, he pitched in 7 games for State College in the MLB Draft League and struck out 10 in 12.0 IP. He graduated from Centennial High School (Nev.) in 2020, where he earned two baseball letters.With the 368th overall pick in the 12th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Matthew Hoskins out of the University of Georgia. Hoskins, 21, made 18 appearances (2 starts) for the Bulldogs as a junior this year, and struck out 39 batters in just 27.1 innings (12.8 K/9), earning 1 win and 2 saves. After the season, he also pitched once for Trenton in the MLB Draft League, where he was teammates with Kansas City’s 7th round selection this year, Bryson Dudley. While at Georgia, he earned three SEC Academic Honor Roll nominations and struck out 67 batters across 50.2 innings (11.9 K/9). He graduated from Peachtree Ridge High School (Ga.) in 2022, where he went 4-3 with a 2.89 ERA and 62 strikeouts as a senior. He also batted .382 with 6 doubles, 5 home runs and 24 RBI as a senior, playing primarily as an outfielder when he wasn’t pitching. He was rated as the No. 11 prospect in the state of Georgia coming out of high school, per Perfect Game.With the 398th overall pick in the 13th round, the Royals selected infielder Tyson Moran out of the F.E. Madill Secondary School (Ontario, CAN). Moran, 19, is currently committed to play at North Dakota State University. He plays for the Great Lakes Canadians amateur baseball program, and is coached by former big leaguer Jamie Romak, who played in 27 games for the Dodgers (2014) and Diamondbacks (2015).With the 428th overall pick in the 14th round, the Royals selected infielder JC Vanek out of Chipola College (Fla.). Vanek, 20, slashed .395/.512/.631 (62-for-157, 1.143 OPS) with 9 home runs, 50 runs scored, 43 RBI and more walks (30) than strikeouts (27). Was named to the Panhandle All-Conference First Team in 2024 after leading Chipola in average (.366), hits (53) and RBI (47). He has since committed to Florida State University. After the season, he played in 16 games for Mahoning Valley in the MLB Draft League and posted a .712 OPS with 2 home runs, 13 RBI and 4 stolen bases in 16 games. He graduated from Alfred M. Barbe High School (La.) in 2023.With the 458th overall pick in the 15th round, the Royals selected infielder Connor Rasmussen out of Tulane University (La.). Rasmussen, 21, has spent each of the last two seasons at Tulane, and has slashed .321/.425/.485 (141-for-439, .910 OPS) in 120 games for the Green Wave, driving in 96 runs while scoring 92. He also drew more walks (71) than he had strikeouts (58). Prior to transferring to Tulane, he spent his freshman season at East Carolina University (N.C.), where he appeared in 17 games. He graduated from Fort Mill High School (S.C.) in 2022, where his .418 average as a senior guided his team to a state championship runner-up finish. His brother, Cole, was a long snapper for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks from 2021-24.With the 488th overall pick in the 16th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Randy Ramnarace out of the University of New Haven (Conn.). Ramnarace, 20, went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA (9 ER in 32.1 IP) and 45 strikeouts (12.5 K/9) in 12 games (1 GS), earning 3 saves. He has spent three seasons with the Chargers, amassing a 9-5 record and a 4.28 ERA (56 ER in 117.2 IP) with 146 strikeouts. This summer, he pitched in 5 games for Bristol in the New England Collegiate Baseball League, his second consecutive summer in the NECBL after pitching in 5 games for Danbury in 2024. He graduated from Brentwood High School (N.Y.), where he was the team captain as a senior.With the 518th overall pick in the 17th round, the Royals selected outfielder Luke Nowak out of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Nowak, 22, just finished his senior season at UIC, and he posted a .387/.455/.559 (86-for-222, 1.014 OPS) slashline, leading the Missouri Valley Conference in average (.387), while ranking among qualified leaders in hits (3rd, 86), triples (T-4th, 3) and OBP (5th, .455). He spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career at East Carolina University (N.C.), where he was teammates with Kansas City’s 15th rounder Connor Rasmussen. In three seasons at ECU, he slashed .268/.382/.362 (71-for-265) with 17 extra-base hits and 49 RBI in 118 games (71 starts). He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School (Wis.), where he earned seven letters (3 in baseball, 4 in track and field), and was a two-time conference and regional champion in baseball as well as a four-time state qualifier in track.With the 548th overall pick in the 18th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Grayson Boles out of St. Augustine High School (Calif.). Boles, 18, is committed to the University of Texas, and is ranked the 9th-best right-handed pitcher in the state of California by Perfect Game. Per his Maxpreps.com page, he posted a 2.92 ERA (71 ER in 170.1 IP) in high school, including a 1.95 mark (17 ER in 61.0 IP) this year, with 81 strikeouts to just 22 walks. As a hitter, he batted .335 (55-for-164) in four years, and he hit 2 home runs while batting .393 (11-for-28) this season. He started the High School All-American Game on Aug. 15, 2024 at Petco Park, and finished the 1st inning with a strikeout.With the 578th overall pick in the 19th round, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Dylan Wood out of Franklin High School (Calif.). Wood, 18, went 8-0 as a senior while posting a 1.65 ERA (14 ER in 59.1 IP) with 100 strikeouts. He is ranked as the No. 102 prospect and No. 25 RHP nationally and as the No. 20 prospect and No. 6 RHP in California by Perfect Game. He pitched in 3 games for Team USA’s 18U National Team, allowing 1 run in 6.1 innings, and earned the win in the gold medal game at the 2024 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier with 1.1 hitless innings. He is committed to play baseball at the University of Arizona.With the 608th overall pick in the 20th and final round of the 2025 Draft, the Royals selected right-handed pitcher Kamden Edge out of Northern Oklahoma Junior College. Edge, 20, pitched in 14 games this year for the Mavericks, logging a 3.25 ERA (19 ER in 52.2 IP) and 74 strikeouts (12.7 K/9). After the season, he made 2 appearances for Mahoning Valley in the MLB Draft League, striking out 7 in 4.0 innings. In the summer of 2024, he pitched in 9 games for the Hutchinson Monarchs in the Jayhawk Collegiate League, striking out 37 batters across 20.0 innings pitched (16.7 K/9).

⚾ Royals select 17 players on final day of First-Year Player Draft

HUTCHINSON, Kan.  — The Hutchinson Monarchs (25-5) will pay host to the Junction City Brigade tonight at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.&nbsp; With the win on Saturday, the Monarchs are the 2025 Jayhawk Collegiate League Champions!

Hutchinson is slated for 19 home games this season, all of which will be streamed live on HutchPost.com and the MonarchsLive.tv channel. Glen Grunwald of Eagle Media will handle the play-by-play tonight, with Matt Peterson on the video stream.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752530282858.png" alt="Game Day - Hutch Monarchs host the Junction City Brigade tonight at Hobart-Detter Field at 7pm." />
 <figcaption>Game Day - Hutch Monarchs host the Junction City Brigade tonight at Hobart-Detter Field at 7pm.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2490926?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Monarchs (25-5) will pay host to the Junction City Brigade tonight at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park. First pitch is set for 7 p.m.&nbsp; With the win on Saturday, the Monarchs are the 2025 Jayhawk Collegiate League Champions!Hutchinson is slated for 19 home games this season, all of which will be streamed live on HutchPost.com and the MonarchsLive.tv channel. Glen Grunwald of Eagle Media will handle the play-by-play tonight, with Matt Peterson on the video stream.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1751389681632.png" alt="AudioFetch App is available either on your Android Device or Apple Device" />
 <figcaption>AudioFetch App is available either on your Android Device or Apple Device</figcaption>
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🎥⚾ WATCH LIVE: Hutch Monarchs host Junction City tonight at Hobart-Detter for Eagle Media night

WICHITA, Kan. — One of the most decorated players in Wichita State softball history is coming home.

<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>, the former All-American shortstop and record-setting hitter for the Shockers, will return to the program as a graduate assistant coach for the upcoming season, head coach Kristi Bredbenner announced Monday.

McKinney, who is currently playing professionally in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), spent the 2024 spring season as an assistant coach at Marshall University. Her return to Wichita marks a homecoming for one of the most accomplished athletes to wear the black and yellow.

McKinney’s collegiate résumé is stacked with accolades. She holds Wichita State’s career records in batting average, hits, at-bats, on-base percentage, runs scored and total bases. In 2023, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited College Softball Draft after setting single-season school records with a .522 batting average, 103 hits and 76 runs scored.

She also posted a 34-game hitting streak during her career, the sixth-longest in NCAA history.

McKinney now brings her elite playing experience and rising coaching pedigree back to Wichita, where she helped elevate the Shockers into a nationally recognized program.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752524070094.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — One of the most decorated players in Wichita State softball history is coming home.<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>, the former All-American shortstop and record-setting hitter for the Shockers, will return to the program as a graduate assistant coach for the upcoming season, head coach Kristi Bredbenner announced Monday.McKinney, who is currently playing professionally in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), spent the 2024 spring season as an assistant coach at Marshall University. Her return to Wichita marks a homecoming for one of the most accomplished athletes to wear the black and yellow.McKinney’s collegiate résumé is stacked with accolades. She holds Wichita State’s career records in batting average, hits, at-bats, on-base percentage, runs scored and total bases. In 2023, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited College Softball Draft after setting single-season school records with a .522 batting average, 103 hits and 76 runs scored.She also posted a 34-game hitting streak during her career, the sixth-longest in NCAA history.McKinney now brings her elite playing experience and rising coaching pedigree back to Wichita, where she helped elevate the Shockers into a nationally recognized program.

🥎 Former WSU star McKinney rejoins program in coaching role

WICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita State junior right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-potter/9404">Nick Potter</a>&nbsp;was selected in the 5th Round of the 2025&nbsp;MLB Draft by the Houston Astros on Monday afternoon. Potter was the 156th overall selection.

The Shockers have now had a player picked&nbsp;in 45 consecutive MLB drafts with the exception of 2020, which was shortened to just five rounds due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Potter appeared in 23 games out of the Wichita State bullpen in 2025, going 2-1 with three saves and a 3.34 ERA in 29.2 innings. The native of&nbsp;Greenwood, Missouri&nbsp;struck out 33 and walked 17, allowing 21 hits for an opponent batting average of .200. A junior college transfer from Crowder College, Potter developed into one of the nation's hardest throwers while at Wichita State, with a fastball that was regularly clocked in the upper-90s and touched 100 miles per hour.

The righty turned in several dominant outings at the back-end of the WSU bullpen. On March 5 at Globe Life Park against Abilene Christian, Potter struck out five of seven hitters over two hitless scoreless innings, and shined even brighter in the Lone Star State against Rice on May 9. He allowed just one baserunner on a walk over 4.0 scoreless innings, striking out a season-high six batters along the way. Potter was at his best in high-leverage situations, holding opposing batters to a .171 batting average with runners in scoring position. The junior also allowed just a single home run and six total extra-base hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752516376007.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Wichita State junior right-handed pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-potter/9404">Nick Potter</a>&nbsp;was selected in the 5th Round of the 2025&nbsp;MLB Draft by the Houston Astros on Monday afternoon. Potter was the 156th overall selection.The Shockers have now had a player picked&nbsp;in 45 consecutive MLB drafts with the exception of 2020, which was shortened to just five rounds due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Potter appeared in 23 games out of the Wichita State bullpen in 2025, going 2-1 with three saves and a 3.34 ERA in 29.2 innings. The native of&nbsp;Greenwood, Missouri&nbsp;struck out 33 and walked 17, allowing 21 hits for an opponent batting average of .200. A junior college transfer from Crowder College, Potter developed into one of the nation's hardest throwers while at Wichita State, with a fastball that was regularly clocked in the upper-90s and touched 100 miles per hour.The righty turned in several dominant outings at the back-end of the WSU bullpen. On March 5 at Globe Life Park against Abilene Christian, Potter struck out five of seven hitters over two hitless scoreless innings, and shined even brighter in the Lone Star State against Rice on May 9. He allowed just one baserunner on a walk over 4.0 scoreless innings, striking out a season-high six batters along the way. Potter was at his best in high-leverage situations, holding opposing batters to a .171 batting average with runners in scoring position. The junior also allowed just a single home run and six total extra-base hits.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ WSU's Potter selected in 5th Round of MLB Draft

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nick Hague cemented his dominance over the local golf scene Sunday afternoon, rallying on the back nine to win his eighth City Match Play title in the last nine years.

Hague, the tournament’s No. 1 seed and defending champion, edged No. 2 seed Mason Faucett in a dramatic final at Carey Park Golf Course. The match saw several momentum swings before Hague delivered a clutch stretch from holes 14 through 16 to erase a two-hole deficit and claim the title.

Faucett struck first with a birdie on No. 3 and extended his lead to 2 up after Hague missed a par putt at No. 8. But a wayward tee shot by Faucett on No. 9 led to a lost ball and cut the lead in half heading to the back nine.

After the players tied 10 and 11, Hague gave a shot back when he hit his tee ball out of bounds on No. 12, allowing Faucett to regain a 2-up advantage. They halved the 13th, setting up the turning point of the match.

Hague responded like a champion, playing holes 14 through 16 in two under par, including back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16, to square the match.

Both players parred No. 17, and Hague only needed to tie the 18th to secure the win. Faucett’s birdie attempt narrowly missed, and Hague held on to complete the comeback and secure another City Match Play championship.

The City Match Play was the first leg of Hutchinson’s summer golf championship series. Entries for the City Stroke Play, scheduled for Aug. 16-17, are now being accepted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1752503494407.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Golf Council" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson Golf Council</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON </a>Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Nick Hague cemented his dominance over the local golf scene Sunday afternoon, rallying on the back nine to win his eighth City Match Play title in the last nine years.Hague, the tournament’s No. 1 seed and defending champion, edged No. 2 seed Mason Faucett in a dramatic final at Carey Park Golf Course. The match saw several momentum swings before Hague delivered a clutch stretch from holes 14 through 16 to erase a two-hole deficit and claim the title.Faucett struck first with a birdie on No. 3 and extended his lead to 2 up after Hague missed a par putt at No. 8. But a wayward tee shot by Faucett on No. 9 led to a lost ball and cut the lead in half heading to the back nine.After the players tied 10 and 11, Hague gave a shot back when he hit his tee ball out of bounds on No. 12, allowing Faucett to regain a 2-up advantage. They halved the 13th, setting up the turning point of the match.Hague responded like a champion, playing holes 14 through 16 in two under par, including back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16, to square the match.Both players parred No. 17, and Hague only needed to tie the 18th to secure the win. Faucett’s birdie attempt narrowly missed, and Hague held on to complete the comeback and secure another City Match Play championship.The City Match Play was the first leg of Hutchinson’s summer golf championship series. Entries for the City Stroke Play, scheduled for Aug. 16-17, are now being accepted.

⛳ Hague rallies late to win 8th City Match Play title in 9 years

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
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