Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

WINFIELD, Kan. – Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/holt_alexander_w5nu">Alexander Holt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/hamilton_sharim_i49d">Sharim Hamilton</a>&nbsp;won events and the 4x100-meter relay qualified for the NJCAA Championships on Saturday at the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays at Jantz Stadium.

Holt claimed the men's high jump title after clearing 6 feet, 0 3/4 inches on Saturday. Holt also placed second in the 110-meter hurdles after a time of 14.74 seconds.

Hamilton, who is already a national qualifier, won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 53.24 seconds.

The Blue Dragons earned their ninth national qualifier for the 2023 championships by finishing third in the 4x100 relay on Saturday. The relay team of Omari smith, Hamilton, Cameron Campbell and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/seamster_ezekiel_tjbo">Ezekiel Seamster</a>&nbsp;posted a season-best time of 41.44 seconds.

The Blue Dragons had two event runner-up performances at Southwestern.

Seamster finished second in the 100 meters with a time of 10.67 seconds. Seamster ran the top time out of qualifying of 10.72 seconds.

The Blue Dragons had four Top 8 placers in both the long and triple jumps.

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/manning_caleb_yxs7">Caleb Manning</a>&nbsp;placed third in the triple jump at 47-1 (14.35m).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/dimond_adrian_fuju">Adrian Dimond</a>&nbsp;was fifth at 43-5 (13.23m).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/knowles_james_wmfz">James Knowles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/losew_jack_sr8p">Jack Losew</a>&nbsp;tied for seventh at 41-5 1/4 (12.63m).

Manning was fourth in the long jump at 21-10 1/4 (6.66m). Dimond was fifth at 21-7 1/2 (6.59), which is a PR. Losew was seventh at 21-2 3/4 (4.67m) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/browne_dimetre_nfic">Dimetre Browne</a>&nbsp;was eighth at 21-0 1/2 (6.41m).

The Dragons had three pole vaulters place in the Top 5.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/hein_nathaniel_dm71">Nathaniel Hein</a>&nbsp;placed second after clearing 13-7 1/4 (4.15m). Braden Peterson was fourth, also clearing 13-7 1/4. Tanner Tustain was fifth at 12-7 1/2 (3.85m).

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/bryant_donovan_z8pg">Donovan Bryant</a>&nbsp;placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 50.26 seconds.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/raigoza_noah_7716">Noah Raigoza</a>&nbsp;placed fourth in the javelin with a top throw of 150-11 (46.00m).

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/miller_wesley_yyrt">Wesley Miller</a>&nbsp;posted a PR in the shot put at 40-9 1/2 (12.43m).

Smith was eighth in the 200 meter after a time of 22.24 seconds.

The Blue Dragons run the Region VI Championships next weekend at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Coffeyville.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682855375409.jpeg" alt="Alexander Holt wins in the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays on Saturday in Winfield (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Alexander Holt wins in the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays on Saturday in Winfield (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWINFIELD, Kan. – Sophomores&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/holt_alexander_w5nu">Alexander Holt</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/hamilton_sharim_i49d">Sharim Hamilton</a>&nbsp;won events and the 4x100-meter relay qualified for the NJCAA Championships on Saturday at the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays at Jantz Stadium.Holt claimed the men's high jump title after clearing 6 feet, 0 3/4 inches on Saturday. Holt also placed second in the 110-meter hurdles after a time of 14.74 seconds.Hamilton, who is already a national qualifier, won the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 53.24 seconds.The Blue Dragons earned their ninth national qualifier for the 2023 championships by finishing third in the 4x100 relay on Saturday. The relay team of Omari smith, Hamilton, Cameron Campbell and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/seamster_ezekiel_tjbo">Ezekiel Seamster</a>&nbsp;posted a season-best time of 41.44 seconds.The Blue Dragons had two event runner-up performances at Southwestern.Seamster finished second in the 100 meters with a time of 10.67 seconds. Seamster ran the top time out of qualifying of 10.72 seconds.The Blue Dragons had four Top 8 placers in both the long and triple jumps.Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/manning_caleb_yxs7">Caleb Manning</a>&nbsp;placed third in the triple jump at 47-1 (14.35m).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/dimond_adrian_fuju">Adrian Dimond</a>&nbsp;was fifth at 43-5 (13.23m).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/knowles_james_wmfz">James Knowles</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/losew_jack_sr8p">Jack Losew</a>&nbsp;tied for seventh at 41-5 1/4 (12.63m).Manning was fourth in the long jump at 21-10 1/4 (6.66m). Dimond was fifth at 21-7 1/2 (6.59), which is a PR. Losew was seventh at 21-2 3/4 (4.67m) and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/browne_dimetre_nfic">Dimetre Browne</a>&nbsp;was eighth at 21-0 1/2 (6.41m).The Dragons had three pole vaulters place in the Top 5.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/hein_nathaniel_dm71">Nathaniel Hein</a>&nbsp;placed second after clearing 13-7 1/4 (4.15m). Braden Peterson was fourth, also clearing 13-7 1/4. Tanner Tustain was fifth at 12-7 1/2 (3.85m).Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/bryant_donovan_z8pg">Donovan Bryant</a>&nbsp;placed fourth in the 400 meters with a time of 50.26 seconds.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/raigoza_noah_7716">Noah Raigoza</a>&nbsp;placed fourth in the javelin with a top throw of 150-11 (46.00m).<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/mtrack/2022-23/bios/miller_wesley_yyrt">Wesley Miller</a>&nbsp;posted a PR in the shot put at 40-9 1/2 (12.43m).Smith was eighth in the 200 meter after a time of 22.24 seconds.The Blue Dragons run the Region VI Championships next weekend at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Coffeyville.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;

👟 HutchCC Men claim 2 event titles, 9th NJCAA qualifier

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —&nbsp; Jhoan Duran’s wild pitch allowed Edward Olivares to score the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning, and the Kansas City Royals ended a nine-game losing streak at Target Field with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

Olivares doubled twice and walked on four pitches from Duran (0-1) leading off the ninth. Olivares stole second, and Michael Massey walked for the first time in 81 plate appearances this season when Duran committed a pitch-clock violation with a full count.

Nicky Lopez sacrificed and Olivares bounced a 1-0 curveball off the mitt of catcher Ryan Jeffers, the ball bouncing to the warning track in front of the first-base dugout.

“You get Duran coming in there throwing 101 (mph). It easy to say, ‘Oh, he wasn’t throwing strikes,’ but you have to gear up and be ready for that, for laying off some of those pitches,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Ollie had a really good at-bat. You can’t overstate what Nicky’s bunt did for us there. Throwing that hard it’s not easy to bunt, and then when you’re a little bit erratic it’s even tougher.”

Kansas City (7-21) won for just the third time in 15 games as Scott Barlow hung on for his fourth save. Carlos Correa and Jorge Polanco singled with one out, Byron Buxton took a called third strike and Trevor Larnach hit a game-ending comebacker. The Royals had not won at Minnesota since last May 28.

Minnesota went 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 runners, matching its season high. The AL Central-leading Twins had won five of their previous six games.

“We had a good offensive approach. We just didn’t get those timely hits that we normally get,” Buxton said. “To be able to have a chance to tie it up and win the game in the ninth, that’s what you’re asking for.”

José Caus, Taylor Clarke, Chapman (1-1) and Barlow allowed one run over the final 3 2/3 innings, a day after the bullpen gave up one hit in four innings. In its past seven games, Royals relievers have allowed five earned runs in 25 innings.

Chapman got his first win with the Royals.

“The group we got down there is just feeding off each other really well. One of the things we say in meetings is pass the baton, feed off the guy that went before you and fight for the guys behind that are going to come in after you,” Barlow said.

Polanco thought he hit a line drive home run in the first inning and, with the crowd cheering, started a home run trot. However, the ball ricocheted off the top of the wall near the right field foul pole and right fielder Nick Pratto threw to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who tagged a shocked Polanco as he got to second base. A video review showed the ball missed clearing the wall by inches.

Buxton homered in the seventh off Clarke for a 2-1 lead, a ball that skipped off the top of the left-field wall, caromed off a short fence just past the flower bed and back onto the field. Buxton stopped at second base, but after a brief huddle by the umpires, a home run was signaled.

Brad Keller’s wild pitch allowed Minnesota to score its first run in the fourth, Lopez had a tying RBI single in the fifth and Salvador Perez had a tying RBI single in the eighth.

Keller gave up one run, five hits in 5 1/3 innings, threw a pair of wild pitches and walked five, one shy of his career high. He has 16 walks over 13 1/3 innings in his last three starts.

Bailey Ober, recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and taking the slot of injured Kenta Maeda, allowed one run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and two walks.

Kansas City stole four bases for the first time since April 4 last year.

Twins: INF Kyle Farmer, hit on the face by a fastball on April 12, is expected to play some rehab games next week. Manager Rocco Baldelli said Farmer is “mostly done” with dental work and has been taking swings and fielding. … Maeda was placed on the on the 15-day IL retroactive to Thursday with a right triceps strain.

Minnesota RHP Sonny Gray (3-0, 0.62) looks to extend his strong start in Sunday’s series finale. Kansas City plans to start RHP Brady Singer (2-2, 6.67).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680115673148.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —&nbsp; Jhoan Duran’s wild pitch allowed Edward Olivares to score the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning, and the Kansas City Royals ended a nine-game losing streak at Target Field with a 3-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.Olivares doubled twice and walked on four pitches from Duran (0-1) leading off the ninth. Olivares stole second, and Michael Massey walked for the first time in 81 plate appearances this season when Duran committed a pitch-clock violation with a full count.Nicky Lopez sacrificed and Olivares bounced a 1-0 curveball off the mitt of catcher Ryan Jeffers, the ball bouncing to the warning track in front of the first-base dugout.“You get Duran coming in there throwing 101 (mph). It easy to say, ‘Oh, he wasn’t throwing strikes,’ but you have to gear up and be ready for that, for laying off some of those pitches,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Ollie had a really good at-bat. You can’t overstate what Nicky’s bunt did for us there. Throwing that hard it’s not easy to bunt, and then when you’re a little bit erratic it’s even tougher.”Kansas City (7-21) won for just the third time in 15 games as Scott Barlow hung on for his fourth save. Carlos Correa and Jorge Polanco singled with one out, Byron Buxton took a called third strike and Trevor Larnach hit a game-ending comebacker. The Royals had not won at Minnesota since last May 28.Minnesota went 0 for 11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 runners, matching its season high. The AL Central-leading Twins had won five of their previous six games.“We had a good offensive approach. We just didn’t get those timely hits that we normally get,” Buxton said. “To be able to have a chance to tie it up and win the game in the ninth, that’s what you’re asking for.”José Caus, Taylor Clarke, Chapman (1-1) and Barlow allowed one run over the final 3 2/3 innings, a day after the bullpen gave up one hit in four innings. In its past seven games, Royals relievers have allowed five earned runs in 25 innings.Chapman got his first win with the Royals.“The group we got down there is just feeding off each other really well. One of the things we say in meetings is pass the baton, feed off the guy that went before you and fight for the guys behind that are going to come in after you,” Barlow said.Polanco thought he hit a line drive home run in the first inning and, with the crowd cheering, started a home run trot. However, the ball ricocheted off the top of the wall near the right field foul pole and right fielder Nick Pratto threw to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who tagged a shocked Polanco as he got to second base. A video review showed the ball missed clearing the wall by inches.Buxton homered in the seventh off Clarke for a 2-1 lead, a ball that skipped off the top of the left-field wall, caromed off a short fence just past the flower bed and back onto the field. Buxton stopped at second base, but after a brief huddle by the umpires, a home run was signaled.Brad Keller’s wild pitch allowed Minnesota to score its first run in the fourth, Lopez had a tying RBI single in the fifth and Salvador Perez had a tying RBI single in the eighth.Keller gave up one run, five hits in 5 1/3 innings, threw a pair of wild pitches and walked five, one shy of his career high. He has 16 walks over 13 1/3 innings in his last three starts.Bailey Ober, recalled from Triple-A St. Paul and taking the slot of injured Kenta Maeda, allowed one run and four hits in 5 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and two walks.THIEVERYKansas City stole four bases for the first time since April 4 last year.TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: INF Kyle Farmer, hit on the face by a fastball on April 12, is expected to play some rehab games next week. Manager Rocco Baldelli said Farmer is “mostly done” with dental work and has been taking swings and fielding. … Maeda was placed on the on the 15-day IL retroactive to Thursday with a right triceps strain.UP NEXTMinnesota RHP Sonny Gray (3-0, 0.62) looks to extend his strong start in Sunday’s series finale. Kansas City plans to start RHP Brady Singer (2-2, 6.67).

⚾ Royals win 3-2 on wild pitch, ending 9-game skid at Twins

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;combined for three home runs and seven RBIS on Saturday as the No. 14-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team swept the Pratt Beavers at Fun Valley and claimed its first Jayhawk Conference championship in 31 years.

Hutchinson defeated Pratt in a pair of five-inning run-rule games, 9-1 and 19-0, clinching the program's first conference championship since 1992.

The Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to 12 games and improved to 41-6 overall and 29-3 in the conference. The Dragons will be the No. 1 seed for the Region VI Tournament, which opens on Friday at Legends Park in Dodge City.

Hutchinson won its fourth outright league championship, joining the 1986, 1987 and 1992 teams. The Dragons shared the 1991 league championship.

The 2023 Blue Dragons are now tied for the second-most wins in program history with the 2022 Blue Dragons. Hutchinson has 25 run-rule victories and posted its 16th shutout of the season.

GAME 1 RECAP The Blue Dragons got off to a slow start in Game 1, scoring two runs in the first inning on an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;two-run single in the first inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;homered to lead off the second for a 3-0 lead after two innings.

The Dragons scored five runs in the third inning to break the game open. After a bases-loaded walk to Wertz and a bases-load hit-by-pitch to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;had a two-run hit to give Hutchinson an 8-1 lead.

Goetz homered to lead off the fourth for a 9-1 lead.

The Blue Dragons out-hit Pratt 7-4. Dougherty and Mastin had two-hit games. Mastin was 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Dougherty was 2 for 3 with a double and RBI.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/weitze_kiersten_naju">Kierstan Weitze</a>&nbsp;improved to 9-1 in the pitching circle with three innings of work. Weitze allowed three hits, one run and one walk with three strikeouts. Wertz struck out five in the final two innings. She allowed one hit and one walk.

GAME 2 RECAP Goetz had a two-run and three-run home run to lead the Blue Dragons. She drove in six runs, her sixth game of five or more RBIs. Goetz extended her single-season and career home run records to 19 and 26 homers, respectively. She also extended her single-season RBI record to 90.

The Blue Dragons wasted no time in Game 2 with an eight-run first inning and a seven-run third inning.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;and Wertz had three hits each to lead the Dragons' 17-hit attack. Grimes was 3 for 4 with a double, four runs scored and two RBIs. She also had two stolen bases, giving her 80 for her career, three shy of Lexi Williams' career record of 82.

Dougherty, Sandoval, and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sykora_grace_dykt">Grace Sykora</a>&nbsp;all had two hits each.

Sykora hit her fourth home run of the season and she drove in a career-high four runs. Sandoval hit her 20th double of the season, which is third-most in single-game Blue Dragon history. Dougherty scored three runs and drove in one.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;earned her team-high 15th victory of the season in three innings of work. She allowed four hits and no runs with no strikeouts and one walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/blakesley_delaney_sqgd">Delaney Blakesley</a>&nbsp;worked a 1-2-3 inning with three groundouts in the fourth inning. Wertz struck out two in one inning of work.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682855122395.jpeg" alt="The Blue Dragon softball team raises the 2023 Jayhawk Conference championship trophy after a doubleheader sweep of Pratt on Saturday at Fun Valley. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>The Blue Dragon softball team raises the 2023 Jayhawk Conference championship trophy after a doubleheader sweep of Pratt on Saturday at Fun Valley. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationSophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/goetz_aspen_qe50">Aspen Goetz</a>&nbsp;combined for three home runs and seven RBIS on Saturday as the No. 14-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team swept the Pratt Beavers at Fun Valley and claimed its first Jayhawk Conference championship in 31 years.Hutchinson defeated Pratt in a pair of five-inning run-rule games, 9-1 and 19-0, clinching the program's first conference championship since 1992.The Blue Dragons extended their winning streak to 12 games and improved to 41-6 overall and 29-3 in the conference. The Dragons will be the No. 1 seed for the Region VI Tournament, which opens on Friday at Legends Park in Dodge City.Hutchinson won its fourth outright league championship, joining the 1986, 1987 and 1992 teams. The Dragons shared the 1991 league championship.The 2023 Blue Dragons are now tied for the second-most wins in program history with the 2022 Blue Dragons. Hutchinson has 25 run-rule victories and posted its 16th shutout of the season.GAME 1 RECAP The Blue Dragons got off to a slow start in Game 1, scoring two runs in the first inning on an&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/mastin_alexis_xhvz">Alexis Mastin</a>&nbsp;two-run single in the first inning.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/wertz_riley_hm55">Riley Wertz</a>&nbsp;homered to lead off the second for a 3-0 lead after two innings.The Dragons scored five runs in the third inning to break the game open. After a bases-loaded walk to Wertz and a bases-load hit-by-pitch to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/lies_korri_wryv">Korri Lies</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/dougherty_ella_9103">Ella Dougherty</a>&nbsp;had an RBI single and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sandoval_olivia_qojo">Olivia Sandoval</a>&nbsp;had a two-run hit to give Hutchinson an 8-1 lead.Goetz homered to lead off the fourth for a 9-1 lead.The Blue Dragons out-hit Pratt 7-4. Dougherty and Mastin had two-hit games. Mastin was 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Dougherty was 2 for 3 with a double and RBI.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/weitze_kiersten_naju">Kierstan Weitze</a>&nbsp;improved to 9-1 in the pitching circle with three innings of work. Weitze allowed three hits, one run and one walk with three strikeouts. Wertz struck out five in the final two innings. She allowed one hit and one walk.GAME 2 RECAP Goetz had a two-run and three-run home run to lead the Blue Dragons. She drove in six runs, her sixth game of five or more RBIs. Goetz extended her single-season and career home run records to 19 and 26 homers, respectively. She also extended her single-season RBI record to 90.The Blue Dragons wasted no time in Game 2 with an eight-run first inning and a seven-run third inning.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/grimes_madison_371p">Madison Grimes</a>&nbsp;and Wertz had three hits each to lead the Dragons' 17-hit attack. Grimes was 3 for 4 with a double, four runs scored and two RBIs. She also had two stolen bases, giving her 80 for her career, three shy of Lexi Williams' career record of 82.Dougherty, Sandoval, and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/sykora_grace_dykt">Grace Sykora</a>&nbsp;all had two hits each.Sykora hit her fourth home run of the season and she drove in a career-high four runs. Sandoval hit her 20th double of the season, which is third-most in single-game Blue Dragon history. Dougherty scored three runs and drove in one.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/pennycuff_morgan_4wht">Morgan Pennycuff</a>&nbsp;earned her team-high 15th victory of the season in three innings of work. She allowed four hits and no runs with no strikeouts and one walk.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2022-23/bios/blakesley_delaney_sqgd">Delaney Blakesley</a>&nbsp;worked a 1-2-3 inning with three groundouts in the fourth inning. Wertz struck out two in one inning of work.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Blue Dragon Softball clinch 2023 KJCCC Championship

WINFIELD – For the second-straight meet, Hutchinson Community College sophomore thrower&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/davis_lushous_v9nv">Lushous Davis</a>&nbsp;posted a PR and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/hernandez_madelyn_xh1v">Madelyn Hernandez</a>&nbsp;won two events to lead the Blue Dragon women's track and field team at the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays at Jantz Stadium.

Davis earned her first career collegiate victory in the women's hammer and she placed in the Top 8 in three events.

Davis improved her national qualifying mark in the hammer by winning the Southwester Relays with a throw of 156 feet, 6 inches (47.20 meters). That was the second-best hammer throw in Blue Dragon women's team history.

Davis also finished fifth in the discus at 124-9 (38.03m) and was eighth in the shot put at 35-1 (10.69).

Hernandez won both the 100-meter hurdles and high jump events for the second-straight week. Hernandez won the 100 hurdles at Southwestern with a time of 15.25 seconds. She won the high jump after clearing 5-3 1/2 (1.60m).

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/limon_liberty_kvcl">Liberty Limon</a>&nbsp;had two runner-up performances at Southwestern. He was second in the high jump after clearing 5-1 (1.55 m) and was second in the triple jump with a PR performance of 34-10 1/2 (10.63m).

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/watkins_emme_5qoi">Emme Watkins</a>&nbsp;posted two PRs on Saturday. Watkins placed third in the triple jump after a top jump of 32-4 3/4 (9.87m) and was seventh in the long jump at 14-4 (4.37m).

Three Blue Dragon pole vaulters placed in the top five. All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/martinez_violet_ghy2">Violet Martinez</a>&nbsp;as third after clearing 10 feet (3.05m).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/noll_alivia_vman">Alivia Noll</a>&nbsp;was fourth at 9-6 (2.90m) and All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/brown_kiana_ndhf">Kiana Brown</a>&nbsp;was fifth at 9-6 (2.90m).

Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/romney_keneah_z4mj">Keneah Romney</a>&nbsp;placed third in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:09.92.

Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/chandler_chanelle_bsa4">Chanelle Chandler</a>&nbsp;placed sixth in the discus at 124-9 (38.03m).

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/burke_hayleigh_j2o2">Hayleigh Burke</a>&nbsp;was seventh in the javelin at 89 feet (27.12m).

The Blue Dragons will compete in the Region VI Outdoor Championships next Thursday through Saturday at Coffeyville.

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682854880731.jpeg" alt="Lushous Davis has another strong day for the Blue Dragon women's track and field team on Saturday at the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) " />
 <figcaption>Lushous Davis has another strong day for the Blue Dragon women's track and field team on Saturday at the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays. (Steve Carpenter/Blue Dragon Sports Information) </figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationWINFIELD – For the second-straight meet, Hutchinson Community College sophomore thrower&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/davis_lushous_v9nv">Lushous Davis</a>&nbsp;posted a PR and freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/hernandez_madelyn_xh1v">Madelyn Hernandez</a>&nbsp;won two events to lead the Blue Dragon women's track and field team at the Mike Kirkland/Southwestern Relays at Jantz Stadium.Davis earned her first career collegiate victory in the women's hammer and she placed in the Top 8 in three events.Davis improved her national qualifying mark in the hammer by winning the Southwester Relays with a throw of 156 feet, 6 inches (47.20 meters). That was the second-best hammer throw in Blue Dragon women's team history.Davis also finished fifth in the discus at 124-9 (38.03m) and was eighth in the shot put at 35-1 (10.69).Hernandez won both the 100-meter hurdles and high jump events for the second-straight week. Hernandez won the 100 hurdles at Southwestern with a time of 15.25 seconds. She won the high jump after clearing 5-3 1/2 (1.60m).Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/limon_liberty_kvcl">Liberty Limon</a>&nbsp;had two runner-up performances at Southwestern. He was second in the high jump after clearing 5-1 (1.55 m) and was second in the triple jump with a PR performance of 34-10 1/2 (10.63m).Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/watkins_emme_5qoi">Emme Watkins</a>&nbsp;posted two PRs on Saturday. Watkins placed third in the triple jump after a top jump of 32-4 3/4 (9.87m) and was seventh in the long jump at 14-4 (4.37m).Three Blue Dragon pole vaulters placed in the top five. All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/martinez_violet_ghy2">Violet Martinez</a>&nbsp;as third after clearing 10 feet (3.05m).&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/noll_alivia_vman">Alivia Noll</a>&nbsp;was fourth at 9-6 (2.90m) and All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/brown_kiana_ndhf">Kiana Brown</a>&nbsp;was fifth at 9-6 (2.90m).Sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/romney_keneah_z4mj">Keneah Romney</a>&nbsp;placed third in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:09.92.Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/chandler_chanelle_bsa4">Chanelle Chandler</a>&nbsp;placed sixth in the discus at 124-9 (38.03m).<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2022-23/bios/burke_hayleigh_j2o2">Hayleigh Burke</a>&nbsp;was seventh in the javelin at 89 feet (27.12m).The Blue Dragons will compete in the Region VI Outdoor Championships next Thursday through Saturday at Coffeyville.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 Davis, Hernandez lead Blue Dragon Women at Southwestern Relays

GREAT BEND –&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/edmunson_will_rdcc">Will Edmunson</a>&nbsp;had a combined four hits and A.J. Mustow had two home runs, but the Hutchinson Community College baseball team dropped a pair of Jayhawk West games at No. 8 Barton on Saturday at Lawson-Biggs Field.

Barton rallied with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat Hutchinson 10-9 in the first game on Saturday. The Cougars scored 10 runs over the first four innings of Game 2 and defeated Hutchinson 15-5 in seven innings to win the series 3-1.

The Blue Dragons fell to 27-25 overall and 15-13 in the Jayhawk West. The Dragons play their final regular-season conference series next week against Colby. The first two games will be in Colby on Thursday and the final two games next Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. Barton is now 43-8 and 22-6 in the league.

GAME 1 RECAP After a bases-loaded walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/cymbalista_colin_zaji">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;and Edmunson's two-run double in the sixth inning gave the Blue Dragons 9-7 lead, the Cougar parlayed a leadoff hit batter and Hutchinson error into a three-run inning to take a 10-9 lead.

The Dragons took a 3-0 lead in the first when Cymbalista led off the game with his 10th home run of the season and Mustow launched a two-run homer.

Cymbalista, Edmunson and Mustow had three RBIs each. Edmunson went 2 for 4 with a double. Cymbalista was 1 for 3. With a run scored. Mustow was 2 for 4 with two home runs.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/beverman_brady_cf7n">Brady Beverman</a>&nbsp;(1-2) was the losing pitcher, going the final 2 2-3 innings. He allowed three hits and three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_uono">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;worked the 3 1-3 innings. He allowed eight hits and seven runs.

GAME 2 RECAP Edmunson and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/bradford_blake_qa9v">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;both homered in Game 2, but six Blue Dragon pitchers weren't able to hold down the Jayhawk West's top offense, which out-hit Hutchinson 11-9.

Edmunson went 2 for 3 with two runs and two RBIs. Bradford went 2 for 2 with a home run and two RBIs. Bradford was also hit with pitches twice.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/gunderson_cody_4bzo">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;went 2 for 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/davis_jon_ucpo">Jon Davis</a>&nbsp;was also 2 for 4.

<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/mckee_gus_hrea">Gus McKay</a>&nbsp;(3-2) was the losing pitcher.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/dandelet_ben_xj34">Ben Dandelet</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/blue_jackson_ncrj">Jackson Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/uhler_michael_i630">Michael Uhler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/hadden_jacob_yqcx">Jacob Hadden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/wragge_sam_4jcu">Sam Wragge</a>&nbsp;all pitched for the Dragons in Game 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682854611557.jpeg" alt="Will Edmunson combines for four hits Saturday" />
 <figcaption>Will Edmunson combines for four hits Saturday</figcaption>
 </figure>Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationGREAT BEND –&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/edmunson_will_rdcc">Will Edmunson</a>&nbsp;had a combined four hits and A.J. Mustow had two home runs, but the Hutchinson Community College baseball team dropped a pair of Jayhawk West games at No. 8 Barton on Saturday at Lawson-Biggs Field.Barton rallied with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat Hutchinson 10-9 in the first game on Saturday. The Cougars scored 10 runs over the first four innings of Game 2 and defeated Hutchinson 15-5 in seven innings to win the series 3-1.The Blue Dragons fell to 27-25 overall and 15-13 in the Jayhawk West. The Dragons play their final regular-season conference series next week against Colby. The first two games will be in Colby on Thursday and the final two games next Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field. Barton is now 43-8 and 22-6 in the league.GAME 1 RECAP After a bases-loaded walk to&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/cymbalista_colin_zaji">Colin Cymbalista</a>&nbsp;and Edmunson's two-run double in the sixth inning gave the Blue Dragons 9-7 lead, the Cougar parlayed a leadoff hit batter and Hutchinson error into a three-run inning to take a 10-9 lead.The Dragons took a 3-0 lead in the first when Cymbalista led off the game with his 10th home run of the season and Mustow launched a two-run homer.Cymbalista, Edmunson and Mustow had three RBIs each. Edmunson went 2 for 4 with a double. Cymbalista was 1 for 3. With a run scored. Mustow was 2 for 4 with two home runs.The Blue Dragons were out-hit 11-9.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/beverman_brady_cf7n">Brady Beverman</a>&nbsp;(1-2) was the losing pitcher, going the final 2 2-3 innings. He allowed three hits and three runs.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/giesbrecht_ethan_uono">Ethan Giesbrecht</a>&nbsp;worked the 3 1-3 innings. He allowed eight hits and seven runs.GAME 2 RECAP Edmunson and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/bradford_blake_qa9v">Blake Bradford</a>&nbsp;both homered in Game 2, but six Blue Dragon pitchers weren't able to hold down the Jayhawk West's top offense, which out-hit Hutchinson 11-9.Edmunson went 2 for 3 with two runs and two RBIs. Bradford went 2 for 2 with a home run and two RBIs. Bradford was also hit with pitches twice.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/gunderson_cody_4bzo">Cody Gunderson</a>&nbsp;went 2 for 4.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/davis_jon_ucpo">Jon Davis</a>&nbsp;was also 2 for 4.<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/mckee_gus_hrea">Gus McKay</a>&nbsp;(3-2) was the losing pitcher.&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/dandelet_ben_xj34">Ben Dandelet</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/blue_jackson_ncrj">Jackson Blue</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/uhler_michael_i630">Michael Uhler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/hadden_jacob_yqcx">Jacob Hadden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/wragge_sam_4jcu">Sam Wragge</a>&nbsp;all pitched for the Dragons in Game 2.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Blue Dragons drop a pair to No. 8 Barton

Via Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Former Hutchinson Community College defensive back Jakorian Bennett became the 13th former Hutchinson Community College football player to be selected in the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Bennett was drafted in the fourth round with the 104th overall selection by the Las Vegas Raiders. Bennett is the second Blue Dragon player drafted by the Raiders. The other was Jerome Love, who was taken by the Raiders in the eighth round of the 1973 NFL Draft.

After all 259 picks were announced at Kansas City's Union Station, two other former Blue Dragons were signed as Undrafted Free Agents – former cornerback Art Green was signed by the Denver Broncos and former receiver Mitchell Tinsley was signed by the Washington Commanders.

The Blue Dragons now have 46 players either drafted or signed as Undrafted Free Agents, 25 players have been chosen since 2010.

Jakorian Bennett (4th Round – Las Vegas Raiders) Bennett, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back from Mobile, Alabama, is the seventh Blue Dragon to be drafted in the fourth round or earlier in program history.

Bennett played at Hutchinson in 2018 and 2019, earning first-team all-KJCCC honors in 2019.

Bennett had 25 total tackles, collecting 22 tackles in his sophomore season. Bennett had three tackles for loss in his Blue Dragon career. He added seven total takeaways – four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Bennett returned one interception returns for a touchdown, a 57-yard pick-six against RPA.

After Hutchinson, Bennett transferred to the University of Maryland. He earned All-Big 10 honorable mention honors in both 2021 and 2022.

During his senior season with the Terrapins, Bennett tied for third in the Big 10 in passes broken up (11) and fifth in passes defended (13).

Over three seasons at Maryland, Bennett had 69 career tackles with four interceptions, 29 passes defended.

Art Green (UDFA – Denver Broncos) Green, a 6-2, 200-pound defensive back from Chesterfield, Missouri, was a two-year starter for the Blue Dragons in 2018 and 2019.

As a freshman in 2018, Green was an all-Jayhawk Conference honorable mention selection after grabbing six interceptions with six passes broken up. Green had 19 total tackles. Green totaled 32 total tackles with eight career interceptions and 11 passes broken up. Green also blocked three kicks in two seasons with the Blue Dragons.

Green went to play at the University of Houston, playing in 31 total games over three seasons. He tallied 76 total tackles, including 59 solo stops. Green had three interceptions and 15 passes broken up with the Cougars. He was a second-team All-American conference players a freshman and was named the 2022 Independence Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player.

Mitchell Tinsley (UDFA – Washington Commanders) Tinsley played receiver for the Blue Dragons in 2018 and 2019, earning all-KJCCC honors in 2019 after a season where he caught 47 passes for 556 yards and four touchdowns. Tinsley also averaged 10.8 yards per return on 16 punt returns with two touchdowns.

Over his two seasons at Hutchinson, Tinsley had 57 total receptions for 656 yards and four touchdowns. He was a first-team all-KJCCC receiver and second-team All-Jayhawk return specialists.

Tinsley played at Western Kentucky in 2020 and 2021. Tinsley had 87 catches in 2021 for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. Tinsley had 130 receptions in two seasons at WKU for 1,779 yards and 18 touchdowns.

At Penn State in 2022, Tinsley had 51 catches for 577 yards and five touchdowns.

Johnny Lumpkin (UDFA – New England Patriots) Lumpkin played in 2017 for the Blue Dragons and had 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound tight end from Atlanta then played four seasons for the University of Louisiana. He had 36 receptions for 408 yards and six touchdowns. Lumpkin had 16 catches for 143 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.

Tiyon Evans (UDFA – Los Angeles Rams)

Evans played one season for the Blue Dragons in 2019 and had a big impact as both a running back and return specialist.

The 5-10, 235-pound back from Hartsville, South Carolina, ran for 538 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019. He led the KJCCC in kickoff returns in 2019 with an average of 33.8 yards per return and two touchdowns, including a 95-yard return against Iowa Western. Evans was a first-team all-KJCCC return specialist.

After Hutchinson, Evans transferred to Tennessee and eventually to Louisville. At Tennessee, Evans recorded 525 yards on the ground on 81 carries for six touchdowns along with four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in seven games for the Vols in 2020. After sitting out in 2021, Evans ran for 525 yards and six touchdowns for the Cardinals.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682936891326.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure> Via Hutchinson CC Sports InformationFormer Hutchinson Community College defensive back Jakorian Bennett became the 13th former Hutchinson Community College football player to be selected in the NFL Draft on Saturday.Bennett was drafted in the fourth round with the 104th overall selection by the Las Vegas Raiders. Bennett is the second Blue Dragon player drafted by the Raiders. The other was Jerome Love, who was taken by the Raiders in the eighth round of the 1973 NFL Draft.After all 259 picks were announced at Kansas City's Union Station, two other former Blue Dragons were signed as Undrafted Free Agents – former cornerback Art Green was signed by the Denver Broncos and former receiver Mitchell Tinsley was signed by the Washington Commanders.The Blue Dragons now have 46 players either drafted or signed as Undrafted Free Agents, 25 players have been chosen since 2010.Jakorian Bennett (4th Round – Las Vegas Raiders) Bennett, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back from Mobile, Alabama, is the seventh Blue Dragon to be drafted in the fourth round or earlier in program history.Bennett played at Hutchinson in 2018 and 2019, earning first-team all-KJCCC honors in 2019.Bennett had 25 total tackles, collecting 22 tackles in his sophomore season. Bennett had three tackles for loss in his Blue Dragon career. He added seven total takeaways – four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. Bennett returned one interception returns for a touchdown, a 57-yard pick-six against RPA.After Hutchinson, Bennett transferred to the University of Maryland. He earned All-Big 10 honorable mention honors in both 2021 and 2022.During his senior season with the Terrapins, Bennett tied for third in the Big 10 in passes broken up (11) and fifth in passes defended (13).Over three seasons at Maryland, Bennett had 69 career tackles with four interceptions, 29 passes defended.Art Green (UDFA – Denver Broncos) Green, a 6-2, 200-pound defensive back from Chesterfield, Missouri, was a two-year starter for the Blue Dragons in 2018 and 2019.As a freshman in 2018, Green was an all-Jayhawk Conference honorable mention selection after grabbing six interceptions with six passes broken up. Green had 19 total tackles. Green totaled 32 total tackles with eight career interceptions and 11 passes broken up. Green also blocked three kicks in two seasons with the Blue Dragons.Green went to play at the University of Houston, playing in 31 total games over three seasons. He tallied 76 total tackles, including 59 solo stops. Green had three interceptions and 15 passes broken up with the Cougars. He was a second-team All-American conference players a freshman and was named the 2022 Independence Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player.Mitchell Tinsley (UDFA – Washington Commanders) Tinsley played receiver for the Blue Dragons in 2018 and 2019, earning all-KJCCC honors in 2019 after a season where he caught 47 passes for 556 yards and four touchdowns. Tinsley also averaged 10.8 yards per return on 16 punt returns with two touchdowns.Over his two seasons at Hutchinson, Tinsley had 57 total receptions for 656 yards and four touchdowns. He was a first-team all-KJCCC receiver and second-team All-Jayhawk return specialists.Tinsley played at Western Kentucky in 2020 and 2021. Tinsley had 87 catches in 2021 for 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns. Tinsley had 130 receptions in two seasons at WKU for 1,779 yards and 18 touchdowns.At Penn State in 2022, Tinsley had 51 catches for 577 yards and five touchdowns.Johnny Lumpkin (UDFA – New England Patriots) Lumpkin played in 2017 for the Blue Dragons and had 11 receptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns.The 6-foot-6, 260-pound tight end from Atlanta then played four seasons for the University of Louisiana. He had 36 receptions for 408 yards and six touchdowns. Lumpkin had 16 catches for 143 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.Tiyon Evans (UDFA – Los Angeles Rams)Evans played one season for the Blue Dragons in 2019 and had a big impact as both a running back and return specialist.The 5-10, 235-pound back from Hartsville, South Carolina, ran for 538 yards and nine touchdowns in 2019. He led the KJCCC in kickoff returns in 2019 with an average of 33.8 yards per return and two touchdowns, including a 95-yard return against Iowa Western. Evans was a first-team all-KJCCC return specialist.After Hutchinson, Evans transferred to Tennessee and eventually to Louisville. At Tennessee, Evans recorded 525 yards on the ground on 81 carries for six touchdowns along with four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown in seven games for the Vols in 2020. After sitting out in 2021, Evans ran for 525 yards and six touchdowns for the Cardinals.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

 🏈 Jakorian Bennett drafted by the Raiders; 4 other Dragons UDFA signees

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;K-State dropped a 5-2 decision on Saturday afternoon as No. 14 Texas Tech retaliated to take game two of the conference series, forcing the rubber match. The loss moved the Wildcats (27-17, 10-7 Big 12) to third in the Big 12 standings. "Disappointing day because we left 12 runners on base," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. "With a good conference weekend, you have to get the big hit and we needed one, but were unable to get it today." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;(2-2) was credited the loss after allowing five earned runs on six hits with four strikeouts. Reliever&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyler-heyne/10982">Kyler Heyne</a>&nbsp;tossed three shutout innings in his first outing of the series limiting the Red Raiders to one hit with three strikeouts. "I thought Kyler came in and pitched great to give us a chance to get back in that game," said Hughes. "Disappointing today because we had such a great crowd. I wish we played better in front of that crowd, but we will tomorrow." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;each went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Cats offense while Day drove in the lone RBI. &nbsp;&nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED The Red Raiders plated the first run of game two after scoring on a balk in the opening frame. Leadoff&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;reached base on a throwing error until the sophomore advanced to third on a single from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;who extended his on-base streak out to 26. With no outs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;hit a grounder to the right side to bring in the tying run. The Wildcats took advantage of a throwing error to grab a one-run lead, 2-1, in the third inning. Texas Tech used a pair of hits to take the lead in the fourth frame before Tracer Lopez launched a two-run homer in the sixth to make it 5-2. INSIDE THE BOX

ON DECK The final game of the Big 12 series between the Cats and Red Raiders is slated for 1 p.m. Sunday at Tointon Family Stadium. The series finale will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682818551247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;K-State dropped a 5-2 decision on Saturday afternoon as No. 14 Texas Tech retaliated to take game two of the conference series, forcing the rubber match. The loss moved the Wildcats (27-17, 10-7 Big 12) to third in the Big 12 standings. "Disappointing day because we left 12 runners on base," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>. "With a good conference weekend, you have to get the big hit and we needed one, but were unable to get it today." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/german-fajardo/10949">German Fajardo</a>&nbsp;(2-2) was credited the loss after allowing five earned runs on six hits with four strikeouts. Reliever&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyler-heyne/10982">Kyler Heyne</a>&nbsp;tossed three shutout innings in his first outing of the series limiting the Red Raiders to one hit with three strikeouts. "I thought Kyler came in and pitched great to give us a chance to get back in that game," said Hughes. "Disappointing today because we had such a great crowd. I wish we played better in front of that crowd, but we will tomorrow." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;each went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Cats offense while Day drove in the lone RBI. &nbsp;&nbsp; HOW IT HAPPENED The Red Raiders plated the first run of game two after scoring on a balk in the opening frame. Leadoff&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brendan-jones/10954">Brendan Jones</a>&nbsp;reached base on a throwing error until the sophomore advanced to third on a single from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cash-rugely/10963">Cash Rugely</a>&nbsp;who extended his on-base streak out to 26. With no outs,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-day/10948">Brady Day</a>&nbsp;hit a grounder to the right side to bring in the tying run. The Wildcats took advantage of a throwing error to grab a one-run lead, 2-1, in the third inning. Texas Tech used a pair of hits to take the lead in the fourth frame before Tracer Lopez launched a two-run homer in the sixth to make it 5-2. INSIDE THE BOX<ul>
 <li>K-State scored two runs on six hits with one error and 12 left on base</li><li>Four players registered a hit on Saturday</li><li>Day drove in the lone RBI</li><li>Rugely and Day went 2-for-4 at the plate</li><li>Fajardo (2-2) received the loss</li><li>TTU scored five runs on seven hits with three errors and nine left stranded</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>Johnson expanded his hit streak out to eight</li><li>Rugely extended his on-base streak to 26 straight games followed by Day (24) and Pelletier (20)</li><li>TTU leads the all-time series 51-33-1</li><li>Cats are 20-18 against the Red Raiders in Manhattan</li><li>K-State move to 14-6 at home this season</li><li>The Cats moves to third in the Big 12 standings at 10-7</li>
 </ul>ON DECK The final game of the Big 12 series between the Cats and Red Raiders is slated for 1 p.m. Sunday at Tointon Family Stadium. The series finale will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

⚾ K-State drops Saturday tilt to No. 14 Texas Tech

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics

TULSA, Okla. –&nbsp;No. 19 Wichita State secured its sixth straight conference series win with a pair of wins at Tulsa on Saturday, 17-2 and 8-2. Wichita State (42-8, 15-2) also clinched at least a share of the 2023 American Athletic Conference regular season title with the two wins. It marks the second regular season title in the last three years and fourth conference title in school history. The 42 wins are the second-most in school history, trailing only the 2005 team at 46. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;continued her climb up the NCAA all-time hits list, passing Kelly Kretschman for sixth place with 370 career hits. Game 1 McKinney was responsible for nearly half of Wichita State's nine hits, going 4-for-5 with a double and three runs scored.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;scored twice to go with a pair of bunt singles and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;singled twice in three at bats along with a couple of runs scored.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;walked a career-high four times to go with two RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;was 1-for-3 with an RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;drove in two. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;(14-2) recorded the win after throwing 4.0 innings before play was suspended. She allowed two runs on four hits and struck out three.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7231">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;threw the final 3.0 innings of shutout relief on Saturday. McKinney sparked a two-run top of the third with a leadoff double. Barnard laid down a bunt single and a throwing error on the play allowed McKinney to score. Barnard then stole second and advanced to third on another Tulsa error, and Lucas took advantage sending a deep fly ball to center, bringing Barnard in to make it 2-0. Tulsa didn't waste any time in tying the game in the home half of the third. Three straight doubles with one out evened the game at 2-2. Play was suspended in the top of the fifth due to rain with two Shockers on base and no outs. When the game resumed Saturday, Barnard laid down a perfect bunt single to immediately load the bases. A walk to Lucas and a sac fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;put the Shockers back in front, 4-2. A sharp grounder off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;was too hot to handle for the Tulsa shortstop, allowing two more runs to come home, making it 6-2. Wichita State upped the lead in the top of the sixth behind Mills' bases loaded walk and Hood's bases loaded hit by pitch. Game 2 Lucas led the hit parade, going 4-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Barnard was 2-for-3 with a double, home run, two RBI and three runs scored. McKinney drove in a pair behind two singles, while scoring two more. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;drove in a game-high four runs behind a double and her third triple of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7248">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;(home run) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;had a hit apiece, while scoring twice. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;(17-2) won her team-high 17th game in the circle behind a complete game. She struck out four, allowing two runs on only three hits. Wichita State didn't waste any time putting runs on the board. Six runs came across in the top of the first behind a Barnard RBI double, Jones two-run triple, Hood RBI double and Sedlacek two-run home run. It didn't get much better for Tulsa in the second, as Wichita State tacked on eight more. Barnard opened the frame with a monster solo home run, her 14th of the season and 69th career. With the bases then loaded, Hood drove in a run on a sac fly and Nelson drew a bases loaded walk. The final five runs of the inning were courtesy of a two-run single from McKinney, Lucas RBI single and Jones two-run double. Another bases loaded walk for Nelson in the top of the third made it 15-0 and then&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/caroline-tallent/7241">Caroline Tallent</a>&nbsp;upped the margin to 17-0 on a two-run double into the left-center gap. Tulsa broke up the no hitter and shutout in the bottom of the third behind a two-run home run. Up Next No. 19 Wichita State and Tulsa wrap up the series Sunday at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682818354584.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State AthleticsTULSA, Okla. –&nbsp;No. 19 Wichita State secured its sixth straight conference series win with a pair of wins at Tulsa on Saturday, 17-2 and 8-2. Wichita State (42-8, 15-2) also clinched at least a share of the 2023 American Athletic Conference regular season title with the two wins. It marks the second regular season title in the last three years and fourth conference title in school history. The 42 wins are the second-most in school history, trailing only the 2005 team at 46. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sydney-mckinney/7236">Sydney McKinney</a>&nbsp;continued her climb up the NCAA all-time hits list, passing Kelly Kretschman for sixth place with 370 career hits. Game 1 McKinney was responsible for nearly half of Wichita State's nine hits, going 4-for-5 with a double and three runs scored.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7228">Addison Barnard</a>&nbsp;scored twice to go with a pair of bunt singles and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/krystin-nelson/7238">Krystin Nelson</a>&nbsp;singled twice in three at bats along with a couple of runs scored.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/7235">Lauren Lucas</a>&nbsp;walked a career-high four times to go with two RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-mills/7237">Lauren Mills</a>&nbsp;was 1-for-3 with an RBI and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;drove in two. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/7249">Alex Aguilar</a>&nbsp;(14-2) recorded the win after throwing 4.0 innings before play was suspended. She allowed two runs on four hits and struck out three.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alison-cooper/7231">Alison Cooper</a>&nbsp;threw the final 3.0 innings of shutout relief on Saturday. McKinney sparked a two-run top of the third with a leadoff double. Barnard laid down a bunt single and a throwing error on the play allowed McKinney to score. Barnard then stole second and advanced to third on another Tulsa error, and Lucas took advantage sending a deep fly ball to center, bringing Barnard in to make it 2-0. Tulsa didn't waste any time in tying the game in the home half of the third. Three straight doubles with one out evened the game at 2-2. Play was suspended in the top of the fifth due to rain with two Shockers on base and no outs. When the game resumed Saturday, Barnard laid down a perfect bunt single to immediately load the bases. A walk to Lucas and a sac fly from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;put the Shockers back in front, 4-2. A sharp grounder off the bat of&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;was too hot to handle for the Tulsa shortstop, allowing two more runs to come home, making it 6-2. Wichita State upped the lead in the top of the sixth behind Mills' bases loaded walk and Hood's bases loaded hit by pitch. Game 2 Lucas led the hit parade, going 4-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Barnard was 2-for-3 with a double, home run, two RBI and three runs scored. McKinney drove in a pair behind two singles, while scoring two more. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/zoe-jones/7234">Zoe Jones</a>&nbsp;drove in a game-high four runs behind a double and her third triple of the season.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/sami-hood/7246">Sami Hood</a>&nbsp;was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/taylor-sedlacek/7248">Taylor Sedlacek</a>&nbsp;(home run) and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lainee-brown/7229">Lainee Brown</a>&nbsp;had a hit apiece, while scoring twice. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-howell/7244">Lauren Howell</a>&nbsp;(17-2) won her team-high 17th game in the circle behind a complete game. She struck out four, allowing two runs on only three hits. Wichita State didn't waste any time putting runs on the board. Six runs came across in the top of the first behind a Barnard RBI double, Jones two-run triple, Hood RBI double and Sedlacek two-run home run. It didn't get much better for Tulsa in the second, as Wichita State tacked on eight more. Barnard opened the frame with a monster solo home run, her 14th of the season and 69th career. With the bases then loaded, Hood drove in a run on a sac fly and Nelson drew a bases loaded walk. The final five runs of the inning were courtesy of a two-run single from McKinney, Lucas RBI single and Jones two-run double. Another bases loaded walk for Nelson in the top of the third made it 15-0 and then&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/caroline-tallent/7241">Caroline Tallent</a>&nbsp;upped the margin to 17-0 on a two-run double into the left-center gap. Tulsa broke up the no hitter and shutout in the bottom of the third behind a two-run home run. Up Next No. 19 Wichita State and Tulsa wrap up the series Sunday at 1 p.m. CT on ESPN+.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🥎 Shockers clinch AAC title, series at Tulsa

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;allowed just one run on five hits over seven excellent innings, and the Wichita State offense roughed up Memphis ace Dalton Fowler in an 8-1 win on Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium. The Shockers (26-16, 10-4) have now won seven consecutive conference games and have moved into sole possession of first place in the American Athletic Conference standings. Tolle (8-1) put together yet another quality start, striking out nine while issuing just one walk. He allowed a run on three hits in the second inning, but bounced back with five scoreless frames while the Shocker offense took control. Trailing 1-0 into the third, Wichita State struck for a pair of runs to take a lead they did not relinquish.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;continued his recent hot stretch with an RBI single, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;gave WSU the lead with a fielder's choice ground out to third. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;added another run in the fourth with an RBI double, one of three doubles on the day for McDonald to establish a new individual single-game high for the Shockers in 2023. The two-out, two-bagger scored&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;all the way from first for a 4-1 advantage. Wichita State got a gift run in the fifth with Memphis second baseman Austin Baskin dropped a high pop up from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>, allowing Ingram to score and increase the lead to 5-1. The Shockers continued to tack on in the seventh with three runs, highlighted by run-scoring singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyre-thornhill/7455">Sawyre Thornhill</a>. Little produced the final run of the afternoon in the eighth with a sacrifice fly. Seven of the eight runs were charged to Fowler (5-4), who had not allowed more than five hits in any start this season before the Shockers touched him up for seven. The southpaw entered the start sixth nationally with 84 strikeouts, but punched out a season-low four over 6.1 innings. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nate-snead/7469">Nate Snead</a>&nbsp;closed out the victory for the Shockers with two scoreless innings in relief, striking out two. Wichita State and Memphis conclude the series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 12:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682815004292.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp; WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;allowed just one run on five hits over seven excellent innings, and the Wichita State offense roughed up Memphis ace Dalton Fowler in an 8-1 win on Saturday afternoon at Eck Stadium. The Shockers (26-16, 10-4) have now won seven consecutive conference games and have moved into sole possession of first place in the American Athletic Conference standings. Tolle (8-1) put together yet another quality start, striking out nine while issuing just one walk. He allowed a run on three hits in the second inning, but bounced back with five scoreless frames while the Shocker offense took control. Trailing 1-0 into the third, Wichita State struck for a pair of runs to take a lead they did not relinquish.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;continued his recent hot stretch with an RBI single, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;gave WSU the lead with a fielder's choice ground out to third. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/kyte-mcdonald/7459">Kyte McDonald</a>&nbsp;added another run in the fourth with an RBI double, one of three doubles on the day for McDonald to establish a new individual single-game high for the Shockers in 2023. The two-out, two-bagger scored&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;all the way from first for a 4-1 advantage. Wichita State got a gift run in the fifth with Memphis second baseman Austin Baskin dropped a high pop up from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>, allowing Ingram to score and increase the lead to 5-1. The Shockers continued to tack on in the seventh with three runs, highlighted by run-scoring singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyre-thornhill/7455">Sawyre Thornhill</a>. Little produced the final run of the afternoon in the eighth with a sacrifice fly. Seven of the eight runs were charged to Fowler (5-4), who had not allowed more than five hits in any start this season before the Shockers touched him up for seven. The southpaw entered the start sixth nationally with 84 strikeouts, but punched out a season-low four over 6.1 innings. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/nate-snead/7469">Nate Snead</a>&nbsp;closed out the victory for the Shockers with two scoreless innings in relief, striking out two. Wichita State and Memphis conclude the series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 12:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Tolle's strong start leads WSU to series win

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State saw two more of its former football players selected on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday, as defensive back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/josh-hayes/8594">Josh Hayes</a>&nbsp;and running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce-vaughn/8582">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;were both drafted in the sixth round. Hayes was selected with the fourth pick of the round – No. 181 overall – by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Vaughn was drafted with the 35th&nbsp;pick of the round – No. 212 overall – by the Dallas Cowboys.

K-State concluded the draft with four of its players selected, which was the most since four were selected in 2003. Hayes was the eighth Wildcat ever to be selected by Tampa Bay and the first since quarterback Josh Freeman in 2009. Vaughn is just the third K-State player selected by the Cowboys and the first since cornerback Terence Newman went fifth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. Vaughn's selection was even more special as his father, Chris, is a scout for the Cowboys. A transfer from North Dakota State prior to the 2022 season, Hayes played in 68 career games with 38 starts over parts of six seasons, including 13 starts during his lone season in Manhattan. Despite missing the season opener due to injury, Hayes still ranked third on the team in tackles (71) and tackles for loss (5.5), while he broke up seven passes. His highwater mark for tackles was 11 at Iowa State to go along with a TFL and a pass breakup as he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Vaughn, a product of Round Rock, Texas, left K-State with the school records for receptions (116) and receiving yards (1,280) by a running back, while he also ranked in the top 10 in 12 other categories. Just the second player in school history to earn two Consensus All-America honors, Vaughn was also just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, joining Darren Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004) and Daniel Thomas (2009, 2010). Additionally, Vaughn is the only player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving, while he was the only player in school history to reach 3,000 all-purpose yards prior to the end of his sophomore season. In 2022, Vaughn earned First Team All-America honors from Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association,&nbsp;Sporting News&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Athletic, while he earned All-Big 12 First Team honors as an all-purpose player from the AP as he was the only player in the nation with over 1,500 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards. He ended his junior season ranked eighth nationally in total rushing yards (1,558), 12th in all-purpose yards per game (138.29) and 15th in rushing yards per game (111.3). More former Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682814830507.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State saw two more of its former football players selected on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday, as defensive back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/josh-hayes/8594">Josh Hayes</a>&nbsp;and running back&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce-vaughn/8582">Deuce Vaughn</a>&nbsp;were both drafted in the sixth round. Hayes was selected with the fourth pick of the round – No. 181 overall – by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Vaughn was drafted with the 35th&nbsp;pick of the round – No. 212 overall – by the Dallas Cowboys. K-State concluded the draft with four of its players selected, which was the most since four were selected in 2003. Hayes was the eighth Wildcat ever to be selected by Tampa Bay and the first since quarterback Josh Freeman in 2009. Vaughn is just the third K-State player selected by the Cowboys and the first since cornerback Terence Newman went fifth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. Vaughn's selection was even more special as his father, Chris, is a scout for the Cowboys. A transfer from North Dakota State prior to the 2022 season, Hayes played in 68 career games with 38 starts over parts of six seasons, including 13 starts during his lone season in Manhattan. Despite missing the season opener due to injury, Hayes still ranked third on the team in tackles (71) and tackles for loss (5.5), while he broke up seven passes. His highwater mark for tackles was 11 at Iowa State to go along with a TFL and a pass breakup as he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors. Vaughn, a product of Round Rock, Texas, left K-State with the school records for receptions (116) and receiving yards (1,280) by a running back, while he also ranked in the top 10 in 12 other categories. Just the second player in school history to earn two Consensus All-America honors, Vaughn was also just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, joining Darren Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004) and Daniel Thomas (2009, 2010). Additionally, Vaughn is the only player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving, while he was the only player in school history to reach 3,000 all-purpose yards prior to the end of his sophomore season. In 2022, Vaughn earned First Team All-America honors from Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association,&nbsp;Sporting News&nbsp;and&nbsp;The Athletic, while he earned All-Big 12 First Team honors as an all-purpose player from the AP as he was the only player in the nation with over 1,500 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards. He ended his junior season ranked eighth nationally in total rushing yards (1,558), 12th in all-purpose yards per game (138.29) and 15th in rushing yards per game (111.3). More former Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Hayes, Vaughn selected on final day of NFL Draft

WICHITA, Kan. — Justin Seuser has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Men's Basketball Coordinator of Officials, the conference office announced Friday.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to be selected as the next Men's Basketball Coordinator of Officials for the KCAC," Seuser remarked. "I'm looking forward to partnering with Dr. Crawford, the member institutions, and the Men's Basketball Coaches and Players of the KCAC.

"The state of officiating in the Midwest is in a great place because of the conference leadership and the coordinators that have served in this position prior to me," Seuser continued. "Taking on this new role in my officiating&nbsp;journey is very humbling but I'm looking forward to the challenge. The biggest challenge we face in the officiating community is continuing to identify and develop the next group&nbsp;of officials to referee Men's College Basketball. With the combination of getting to work with some of the best officials in the Midwest, and my passion for officiating, we will continue to raise the bar on officiating in the KCAC."

Before retiring from officiating, Seuser worked for 14 years as a collegiate men's basketball official, working in the KCAC, KJCCC, MIAA, OCAC, SAC, and GAC. He has officiated multiple KCAC and KJCCC conference championship games,&nbsp;the NAIA First and Second Rounds at regional sites,&nbsp;the NAIA National Tournament, and multiple NJCAA national tournaments,&nbsp;including two NJCAA national championship games."I knew early on in this process with our search committee that Justin would be a strong fit for the KCAC in taking on this important role. He has been a tremendous official, a true professional in how he conducts himself, and a great communicator with coaches in his tenure as an official.&nbsp; I look forward to working with Justin and supporting him as our coordinator in the coming years as he develops our staff officials," stated Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner.&nbsp;Seuser will begin in this position immediately.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682790709516.jpeg" alt=" " />
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 </figure>Courtesy of the KCACWICHITA, Kan. — Justin Seuser has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Men's Basketball Coordinator of Officials, the conference office announced Friday."I'm excited for the opportunity to be selected as the next Men's Basketball Coordinator of Officials for the KCAC," Seuser remarked. "I'm looking forward to partnering with Dr. Crawford, the member institutions, and the Men's Basketball Coaches and Players of the KCAC."The state of officiating in the Midwest is in a great place because of the conference leadership and the coordinators that have served in this position prior to me," Seuser continued. "Taking on this new role in my officiating&nbsp;journey is very humbling but I'm looking forward to the challenge. The biggest challenge we face in the officiating community is continuing to identify and develop the next group&nbsp;of officials to referee Men's College Basketball. With the combination of getting to work with some of the best officials in the Midwest, and my passion for officiating, we will continue to raise the bar on officiating in the KCAC."Before retiring from officiating, Seuser worked for 14 years as a collegiate men's basketball official, working in the KCAC, KJCCC, MIAA, OCAC, SAC, and GAC. He has officiated multiple KCAC and KJCCC conference championship games,&nbsp;the NAIA First and Second Rounds at regional sites,&nbsp;the NAIA National Tournament, and multiple NJCAA national tournaments,&nbsp;including two NJCAA national championship games."I knew early on in this process with our search committee that Justin would be a strong fit for the KCAC in taking on this important role. He has been a tremendous official, a true professional in how he conducts himself, and a great communicator with coaches in his tenure as an official.&nbsp; I look forward to working with Justin and supporting him as our coordinator in the coming years as he develops our staff officials," stated Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner.&nbsp;Seuser will begin in this position immediately.

Seuser named KCAC Men’s Basketball Coordinator of Officials

Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State scored seven runs in the first two innings and got another quality start from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>, racing past Memphis 12-3 on Friday night at Eck Stadium. It was an early onslaught for the Shocker offense against Memphis starter JT Durham (3-3), who was tagged for nine hits and seven runs in just 1.1 innings of work. RBI singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyre-thornhill/7455">Sawyre Thornhill</a>&nbsp;made it 3-0 in the first, then WSU used a combination of power and speed to blow the game open in the second. A double steal from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;led to a Memphis throwing error, scoring Little for a 4-0 advantage. After a walk put two Shockers aboard, Pennington sliced an opposite field, three-run homer down the line in right for a 7-0 cushion. Pennington has now tied&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;for the team lead with 12 home runs, and drove in four runs for the third time in the last eight games to give him 43 RBI for the season. The 7-0 lead was plenty for Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>&nbsp;(7-2), who turned in another solid performance to win his sixth straight start and seventh straight decision. Candiotti allowed three runs on six hits over 6.0 innings, striking out six and walking two. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;connected for a mammoth solo home run in the fourth, a tape-measure shot that left the stadium and bounced into the parking lot beyond the right field fence. Tolle's blast made it 8-1 Wichita State, and the Shockers put the game out of reach for good with four runs in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run&nbsp;single from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;and a two-run double from Rodden. The Shockers banged out four doubles for the game, extending their conference-best mark to 95 two-baggers. Millan extended his hitting streak to 17 games, one of five Shockers to record a multi-hit effort. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/7449">Jace Miner</a>&nbsp;turned in two scoreless innings out of the Wichita State bullpen, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-wilkinson/7476">Matt Wilkinson</a>&nbsp;closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth. The Shockers and Tigers continue the series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 2:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682772409274.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics&nbsp;WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;Wichita State scored seven runs in the first two innings and got another quality start from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>, racing past Memphis 12-3 on Friday night at Eck Stadium. It was an early onslaught for the Shocker offense against Memphis starter JT Durham (3-3), who was tagged for nine hits and seven runs in just 1.1 innings of work. RBI singles from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/garrett-pennington/7468">Garrett Pennington</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/mauricio-millan/7461">Mauricio Millan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/sawyre-thornhill/7455">Sawyre Thornhill</a>&nbsp;made it 3-0 in the first, then WSU used a combination of power and speed to blow the game open in the second. A double steal from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jack-little/7464">Jack Little</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/chuck-ingram/7448">Chuck Ingram</a>&nbsp;led to a Memphis throwing error, scoring Little for a 4-0 advantage. After a walk put two Shockers aboard, Pennington sliced an opposite field, three-run homer down the line in right for a 7-0 cushion. Pennington has now tied&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/brock-rodden/7450">Brock Rodden</a>&nbsp;for the team lead with 12 home runs, and drove in four runs for the third time in the last eight games to give him 43 RBI for the season. The 7-0 lead was plenty for Wichita State starter&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/clark-candiotti/7475">Clark Candiotti</a>&nbsp;(7-2), who turned in another solid performance to win his sixth straight start and seventh straight decision. Candiotti allowed three runs on six hits over 6.0 innings, striking out six and walking two. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/payton-tolle/7456">Payton Tolle</a>&nbsp;connected for a mammoth solo home run in the fourth, a tape-measure shot that left the stadium and bounced into the parking lot beyond the right field fence. Tolle's blast made it 8-1 Wichita State, and the Shockers put the game out of reach for good with four runs in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run&nbsp;single from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/david-herring/7462">David Herring</a>&nbsp;and a two-run double from Rodden. The Shockers banged out four doubles for the game, extending their conference-best mark to 95 two-baggers. Millan extended his hitting streak to 17 games, one of five Shockers to record a multi-hit effort. <a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/jace-miner/7449">Jace Miner</a>&nbsp;turned in two scoreless innings out of the Wichita State bullpen, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/matt-wilkinson/7476">Matt Wilkinson</a>&nbsp;closed it out with a 1-2-3 ninth. The Shockers and Tigers continue the series on Saturday afternoon. First pitch from Eck Stadium is scheduled for 2:00 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ WSU takes down Memphis in series opener

Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State senior cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/julius-brents/8508">Julius Brents</a>&nbsp;is the second Wildcat in as many days to be drafted by his hometown team as he was selected with the 13th&nbsp;pick of the second round – No. 44 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts on Friday during the 2023 NFL Draft outside Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp;

The pick came one night after Kansas City native&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/felix-anudike-uzomah/8503">Felix Anudike-Uzomah</a>&nbsp;was taken in the first round by the Chiefs. It is the first time in school history two Wildcats were selected within the first 44 picks of an NFL Draft. Additionally, it is the third time in school history that two Wildcats were selected within the first two rounds of a draft. The other two times were 2003 when Terence Newman (first round – Dallas) and Terry Pierce (second round – Denver) were taken, and 1997 when Chris Canty (first round – New England) and Kevin Lockett (second round – Kansas City) came off the board. Brents became the fifth K-State player ever selected by the Colts and the first since tight end Eddy Whitley was selected in the 11th&nbsp;round in 1980 when the organization was located in Baltimore. A product of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Brents began his career at Iowa before transferring to K-State prior to the 2021 season. He played in 46 collegiate games with 32 starts between the Hawkeyes and Wildcats, which included starts in all 27 games over his two-year stint in Manhattan. An All-Big 12 honoree each of the last two seasons – including first-team honors in 2022 – Brents totaled 45 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and eight total passes defended during his senior campaign. Brents ranked 22nd nationally and third in the Big 12 in total interceptions during the 2022 season, one of which came in the end zone during the Big 12 Championship to halt a potential TCU scoring drive. He also forced his first-career fumble in the championship game following a 31-yard reception. More Wildcats were hear their names called on Saturday when the 2023 NFL Draft concludes with rounds 4 through 7 beginning at 11 a.m. (CT). The draft can be seen on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682772075376.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State senior cornerback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/julius-brents/8508">Julius Brents</a>&nbsp;is the second Wildcat in as many days to be drafted by his hometown team as he was selected with the 13th&nbsp;pick of the second round – No. 44 overall – by the Indianapolis Colts on Friday during the 2023 NFL Draft outside Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.&nbsp; The pick came one night after Kansas City native&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/felix-anudike-uzomah/8503">Felix Anudike-Uzomah</a>&nbsp;was taken in the first round by the Chiefs. It is the first time in school history two Wildcats were selected within the first 44 picks of an NFL Draft. Additionally, it is the third time in school history that two Wildcats were selected within the first two rounds of a draft. The other two times were 2003 when Terence Newman (first round – Dallas) and Terry Pierce (second round – Denver) were taken, and 1997 when Chris Canty (first round – New England) and Kevin Lockett (second round – Kansas City) came off the board. Brents became the fifth K-State player ever selected by the Colts and the first since tight end Eddy Whitley was selected in the 11th&nbsp;round in 1980 when the organization was located in Baltimore. A product of Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Brents began his career at Iowa before transferring to K-State prior to the 2021 season. He played in 46 collegiate games with 32 starts between the Hawkeyes and Wildcats, which included starts in all 27 games over his two-year stint in Manhattan. An All-Big 12 honoree each of the last two seasons – including first-team honors in 2022 – Brents totaled 45 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and eight total passes defended during his senior campaign. Brents ranked 22nd nationally and third in the Big 12 in total interceptions during the 2022 season, one of which came in the end zone during the Big 12 Championship to halt a potential TCU scoring drive. He also forced his first-career fumble in the championship game following a 31-yard reception. More Wildcats were hear their names called on Saturday when the 2023 NFL Draft concludes with rounds 4 through 7 beginning at 11 a.m. (CT). The draft can be seen on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Brents selected by Colts in day 2

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Seven strikeouts over six innings from starter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;and a two-run homer by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;led K-State to a 3-2 victory over No. 14 Texas Tech at Tointon Family Stadium on Friday night. After falling behind 2-0, the Wildcats (27-16, 10-6 Big 12) chipped their way to a one-run deficit before Pena launched his 12th&nbsp;home run of the season to pick up the series opener against the Red Raiders (29-14, 8-8 Big 12) to move to second in the league standings. "That was a great college baseball game," head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;said about his team's upset victory. "We saw two really great starts from both pitchers with great defense and in those tight games it's either going to be a big error or a big hit that's going to win it and we were fortunate enough to get the big hit." Boerema fanned seven batters to keep the game within one during his six innings to bring his season total to 76. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/10964">Ty Ruhl</a>&nbsp;(3-3) picked up the victory in relief after tossing two shutout innings with a pair of strikeouts while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was credited with his eighth save of the year. The sophomore duo combined for three hitless innings with just one runner reaching second. "Owen [Boerema] was steady to keep us in the game and our bullpen picked him up and was lights out." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;each went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the offense with Pena driving in a game-high three RBI. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;broke the K-State TrackMan-era pitch velocity record, touching 99 mph. HOW IT HAPPENED Texas Tech looked to quickly jump on the board in the first inning after taking advantage of two walks to load the bases, but Boerema forced a fly ball to center to end the threat. The Wildcats defense backed the left-hander over four scoreless innings with only one runner advancing to second. In the fifth frame, the Red Raiders tagged a pair of runs to the board after stringing together back-to-back RBI singles. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;responded for the Cats in the bottom of the inning as the senior from Southlake, Texas hit a single out to right field before stealing second to move into scoring position.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;laid down the sac bunt where the Raiders' starter Mason Molina couldn't come up with the play to position runners on first and third. Pena hit a fly ball into center to plate Johnson, bridging the gap to one, 2-1. Ruhl used 16 pitches to retire the side in the seventh after relieving Boerema in the seventh. K-State took control in bottom of the frame as Pena launched his 12th&nbsp;homer of the season out to right field. After Pelletier singled to right, the senior from Caracas, Venezuela unloaded on a 3-2 pitch to put the Wildcats on top. With a one-run lead, the Cats made the call to bring Neighbors to the mound in the ninth. The sophomore walked the first batter he faced but was picked up with a double play to stop the Red Raiders' momentum. With two outs, the Neighbors forced a grounder to short to seal the upset victory. INSIDE THE BOX

ON DECK Game two of the Big 12 series is slated for 4 p.m. Saturday at Tointon Family Stadium. The entire series will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682771953468.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Courtesy of Kansas State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Seven strikeouts over six innings from starter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/owen-boerema/10978">Owen Boerema</a>&nbsp;and a two-run homer by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/roberto-pena/10971">Roberto Pena</a>&nbsp;led K-State to a 3-2 victory over No. 14 Texas Tech at Tointon Family Stadium on Friday night. After falling behind 2-0, the Wildcats (27-16, 10-6 Big 12) chipped their way to a one-run deficit before Pena launched his 12th&nbsp;home run of the season to pick up the series opener against the Red Raiders (29-14, 8-8 Big 12) to move to second in the league standings. "That was a great college baseball game," head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/1939">Pete Hughes</a>&nbsp;said about his team's upset victory. "We saw two really great starts from both pitchers with great defense and in those tight games it's either going to be a big error or a big hit that's going to win it and we were fortunate enough to get the big hit." Boerema fanned seven batters to keep the game within one during his six innings to bring his season total to 76. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/ty-ruhl/10964">Ty Ruhl</a>&nbsp;(3-3) picked up the victory in relief after tossing two shutout innings with a pair of strikeouts while&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;was credited with his eighth save of the year. The sophomore duo combined for three hitless innings with just one runner reaching second. "Owen [Boerema] was steady to keep us in the game and our bullpen picked him up and was lights out." <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/kaelen-culpepper/10947">Kaelen Culpepper</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-goodwin/10950">Nick Goodwin</a>&nbsp;each went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the offense with Pena driving in a game-high three RBI. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/tyson-neighbors/10958">Tyson Neighbors</a>&nbsp;broke the K-State TrackMan-era pitch velocity record, touching 99 mph. HOW IT HAPPENED Texas Tech looked to quickly jump on the board in the first inning after taking advantage of two walks to load the bases, but Boerema forced a fly ball to center to end the threat. The Wildcats defense backed the left-hander over four scoreless innings with only one runner advancing to second. In the fifth frame, the Red Raiders tagged a pair of runs to the board after stringing together back-to-back RBI singles. <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/cole-johnson/10953">Cole Johnson</a>&nbsp;responded for the Cats in the bottom of the inning as the senior from Southlake, Texas hit a single out to right field before stealing second to move into scoring position.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/raphael-pelletier/10960">Raphael Pelletier</a>&nbsp;laid down the sac bunt where the Raiders' starter Mason Molina couldn't come up with the play to position runners on first and third. Pena hit a fly ball into center to plate Johnson, bridging the gap to one, 2-1. Ruhl used 16 pitches to retire the side in the seventh after relieving Boerema in the seventh. K-State took control in bottom of the frame as Pena launched his 12th&nbsp;homer of the season out to right field. After Pelletier singled to right, the senior from Caracas, Venezuela unloaded on a 3-2 pitch to put the Wildcats on top. With a one-run lead, the Cats made the call to bring Neighbors to the mound in the ninth. The sophomore walked the first batter he faced but was picked up with a double play to stop the Red Raiders' momentum. With two outs, the Neighbors forced a grounder to short to seal the upset victory. INSIDE THE BOX<ul>
 <li>K-State scored three runs on nine hits with seven left on base and no errors committed</li><li>Pena launched his 12th&nbsp;homer; ties third in the Big 12</li><li>Seven different players registered a hit, two hit multiple</li><li>Pena produced a game-high three RBI</li><li>Culpepper and Goodwin went 2-for-4 at the plate</li><li>Ruhl earned the victory to move to 3-3</li><li>Neighbors collected his eighth save; ties eighth in Cats single-season record book</li><li>Boerema earned his 11th&nbsp;start on the mound</li><li>TTU scored two runs on six hits with one error and 10 left on base</li><li>Free (5-4) received the loss</li>
 </ul>NOTES<ul>
 <li>The Wildcats grabbed their third victory over a ranked opponent this year</li><li>Pena is one homer away from tying seventh in K-State's single season records</li><li>Neighbors broke the K-State TrackMan-era pitch velocity record at 99 mph</li><li>Johnson expanded his hit streak out to seven</li><li>Rugely extended his on-base streak to 25 straight games followed by Day (23) and Pelletier (19)</li><li>TTU leads the all-time series 50-33-1</li><li>Cats are 20-17 against the Red Raiders in Manhattan</li><li>K-State improves to 14-5 at home this season</li><li>The Cats jump to second in the Big 12 standings at 10-6 (.625)</li>
 </ul>ON DECK Game two of the Big 12 series is slated for 4 p.m. Saturday at Tointon Family Stadium. The entire series will be streamed on the Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app with radio coverage on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM). Live streaming audio is available for all games at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Live=3268&amp;type=Archive">KStateSports.com/watch</a>&nbsp;and on the K-State Sports app.

⚾ Wildcats upset No. 14 Texas Tech in game 1

WICHITA, Kan. — Some birthdays are just better than others. Wichita Sky Kings shooting guard Julian Winton found that out Friday night at Koch Arena in Wichita. Winton jumped high to steal the Rockwall 7ERS Rasheed Brooks skip-pass with 5.6 seconds remaining in a 98-all tied game and sprinted out 85-plus feet to score the winning basket to give the Sky Kings the 100-98 victory.

Winton turned 27 on Friday and celebrated with 14 points, three steals, two assists and was 6-of-11 from the field for 54.4% shooting, helping the Wichita Sky Kings get their 13th win of the season. Wichita is now 13-4, in 3rd place in the TBL Central division race and face first-place Potawatomi Fire on Sunday at Koch Arena with a 3 p.m. tip.

Sunday's game will also feature KU and Miami Heat great Mario Chalmers for a meet-and-greet at 2 p.m. and at halftime as the Sky Kings guest celebrity.

The Sky Kings placed six players in double figures, led by Derrick Colter's 16 points (4-of-9 from downtown). Johnny McCants secured his third-straight double-double with a 15-point, 17-rebound effort. Isaac Johnson had a 15-point, nine-rebound night. Kam Williams continued to shoot well with 13 points. Jachai Simmons had 12 points and eight boards.

D'Evon Andrews came off the bench to add six points, Terrell Brown chipped in seven.

For Rockwall, Sean Gardner was spectacular with 32 points and seven rebounds. Rasheed Brooks had 25 points and seven boards. Brooks kept the 7ERS in the game with a huge 4th quarter, including the shot that tied the game at 98 with 15 seconds remaining. Troy Jones also scored 18 for the 7ERS. &nbsp;

The 7ERS fall to 4-12 and travel to Shawnee, Oklahoma, on Saturday to take on the first-place Potawatomi Fire, then host Shreveport on May 7, Potawatomi again on May 12 and the Sky Kings again on May 13 for a really tough schedule over the next two weeks.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680354465527.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — Some birthdays are just better than others. Wichita Sky Kings shooting guard Julian Winton found that out Friday night at Koch Arena in Wichita. Winton jumped high to steal the Rockwall 7ERS Rasheed Brooks skip-pass with 5.6 seconds remaining in a 98-all tied game and sprinted out 85-plus feet to score the winning basket to give the Sky Kings the 100-98 victory.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/phBUR-QLTqo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Winton turned 27 on Friday and celebrated with 14 points, three steals, two assists and was 6-of-11 from the field for 54.4% shooting, helping the Wichita Sky Kings get their 13th win of the season. Wichita is now 13-4, in 3rd place in the TBL Central division race and face first-place Potawatomi Fire on Sunday at Koch Arena with a 3 p.m. tip.Sunday's game will also feature KU and Miami Heat great Mario Chalmers for a meet-and-greet at 2 p.m. and at halftime as the Sky Kings guest celebrity.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682772305224.jpeg" alt="Mario Chalmers will appear at the Sky Kings game on April 30." />
 <figcaption>Mario Chalmers will appear at the Sky Kings game on April 30.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sky Kings placed six players in double figures, led by Derrick Colter's 16 points (4-of-9 from downtown). Johnny McCants secured his third-straight double-double with a 15-point, 17-rebound effort. Isaac Johnson had a 15-point, nine-rebound night. Kam Williams continued to shoot well with 13 points. Jachai Simmons had 12 points and eight boards.D'Evon Andrews came off the bench to add six points, Terrell Brown chipped in seven.For Rockwall, Sean Gardner was spectacular with 32 points and seven rebounds. Rasheed Brooks had 25 points and seven boards. Brooks kept the 7ERS in the game with a huge 4th quarter, including the shot that tied the game at 98 with 15 seconds remaining. Troy Jones also scored 18 for the 7ERS. &nbsp;The 7ERS fall to 4-12 and travel to Shawnee, Oklahoma, on Saturday to take on the first-place Potawatomi Fire, then host Shreveport on May 7, Potawatomi again on May 12 and the Sky Kings again on May 13 for a really tough schedule over the next two weeks.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp;

🏀 Wichita Sky Kings win on last-second steal, lay up

WICHITA, Kan – The Springfield Cardinals hit back-to-back home runs in the third and scored runs in three of the first four innings to defeat the Wind Surge 9-1. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals even the series at two games each on Friday night.

Kenny Hernandez earned the win and pitched five innings for Springfield. He allowed one run on four hits, struck out eight and walked one. &nbsp;Chad Donato started and allowed six runs in the loss for the Surge.

Springfield sent seven batters in the first and hit two RBI singles to open the scoring. &nbsp;They extended their lead by hitting two solo home runs in the third. The Surge answered with their lone run of the game on an RBI double from Jake Rucker.

The Cardinals drove in two more runs in the fourth. &nbsp;Springfield added their final three runs of the game in the eighth.

NOTES&nbsp;–Brooks Lee has a hit in 15 of the 18 games he’s started this season. Wind Surge adjusted a game time in May. May 20 will be a 6:05 p.m. start.

&nbsp;UPCOMING&nbsp;– The Wind Surge will play against the Springfield Cardinals in game five tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. in their six-game series with Springfield.&nbsp; The Wind Surge will start RH Carols Luna against the Cardinals RH Logan Gragg.

&nbsp;BROADCAST:&nbsp;Catch the game at MiLB First Pitch App, &nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>. Promotion: Bark in the Park. Happy Hour from when gates open to first pitch for fans 21 and over.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623021009687.png" alt="Wind Surge win 9-1" />
 <figcaption>Wind Surge win 9-1</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan – The Springfield Cardinals hit back-to-back home runs in the third and scored runs in three of the first four innings to defeat the Wind Surge 9-1. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Cardinals even the series at two games each on Friday night.Kenny Hernandez earned the win and pitched five innings for Springfield. He allowed one run on four hits, struck out eight and walked one. &nbsp;Chad Donato started and allowed six runs in the loss for the Surge.Springfield sent seven batters in the first and hit two RBI singles to open the scoring. &nbsp;They extended their lead by hitting two solo home runs in the third. The Surge answered with their lone run of the game on an RBI double from Jake Rucker.The Cardinals drove in two more runs in the fourth. &nbsp;Springfield added their final three runs of the game in the eighth.NOTES&nbsp;–Brooks Lee has a hit in 15 of the 18 games he’s started this season. Wind Surge adjusted a game time in May. May 20 will be a 6:05 p.m. start.&nbsp;UPCOMING&nbsp;– The Wind Surge will play against the Springfield Cardinals in game five tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. in their six-game series with Springfield.&nbsp; The Wind Surge will start RH Carols Luna against the Cardinals RH Logan Gragg.&nbsp;BROADCAST:&nbsp;Catch the game at MiLB First Pitch App, &nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=http%3a%2f%2fwindsurge.com%2f&amp;c=E,1,tQnMbXbKGjGd_XbWZijt5b5-cOxiRn5WzBk28FG0UQkENRqaECorsuX7ZOU-Ukm2cmUOkH3ePkp-SzzJ3Tyvi-rFodXTwhQV8wpt3RnbwV_dEzGo8cij0Wepgw,,&amp;typo=1" target="_blank">windsurge.com</a>. Promotion: Bark in the Park. Happy Hour from when gates open to first pitch for fans 21 and over.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ Springfield Cardinals defeat Wind Surge

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up in the second round of the NFL draft&nbsp;to select SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice on Friday night, giving MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target in a rebuilt pass-catching corps.

The Chiefs acquired the 55th pick along with a sixth-round selection from Detroit to move up from the No. 63 pick while kicking in fourth-round and seventh-round choices. That allowed the Super Bowl champions to leap other teams looking for a wide receiver and address one of their biggest holes on the offensive side of the ball.

Rice caught 96 passes for 1,335 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.

The Chiefs lost JuJu Smith-Schuster and fellow wide receiver Mecole Hardman in free agency, and their only notable addition had been Richie James. That means Rice will be counted upon right away to help last year's second-round pick, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney.

The Chiefs used their first-round pick on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-chiefs-super-bowl-5b503ec7789b81a50176f87215a4c7a3">Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.</a>&nbsp;They still had a third-round choice Friday night

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682731399472.png" alt="Chiefs 2nd round draft pick WR Rashee Rice.png" />
 <figcaption>Chiefs 2nd round draft pick WR Rashee Rice.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs traded up in the second round of the NFL draft&nbsp;to select SMU wide receiver Rashee Rice on Friday night, giving MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes another target in a rebuilt pass-catching corps.The Chiefs acquired the 55th pick along with a sixth-round selection from Detroit to move up from the No. 63 pick while kicking in fourth-round and seventh-round choices. That allowed the Super Bowl champions to leap other teams looking for a wide receiver and address one of their biggest holes on the offensive side of the ball.Rice caught 96 passes for 1,335 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.The Chiefs lost JuJu Smith-Schuster and fellow wide receiver Mecole Hardman in free agency, and their only notable addition had been Richie James. That means Rice will be counted upon right away to help last year's second-round pick, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney.The Chiefs used their first-round pick on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-draft-chiefs-super-bowl-5b503ec7789b81a50176f87215a4c7a3">Kansas State pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah.</a>&nbsp;They still had a third-round choice Friday night<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Chiefs trade up to pick SMU WR Rashee Rice in 2nd round

Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former returner/wide receiver Dante Hall will be the 2023 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hall is the 52nd individual and 48th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall.

"My family and I are delighted to announce Dante as this year's inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "It's not every day you get to witness a generational talent at the returner position, but Chiefs Kingdom was blessed to witness Dante's talent for seven seasons. His quickness, agility and pure athleticism as a returner and wide receiver cemented him as one of the franchise's greats. Following his playing career, Dante joined the Kansas City Ambassador program and has been an active participant in the brand's international expansion efforts. We are looking forward to celebrating Dante's Hall of Fame induction at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall."

Hall spent seven seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (2000-06), appearing in 97 games (10 starts) which is tied for the seventh most by a wide receiver in franchise history. Hall was named to two-straight Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams following the 2002-03 seasons, becoming the second player in Chiefs history to garner a Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist. Hall was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week seven times, the most of any player in Chiefs history. He was also named first-team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team as a punt returner and second-team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team as a kick returner.

He returned 360 kicks for 8,644 yards with six touchdowns and 188 punts for 1,882 yards with five touchdowns. His 11 total return touchdowns are a franchise best, and he sits at – or near the top – of virtually every Chiefs career, season and single-game record list as a return specialist. Hall accumulated 1,615 receiving yards on 145 receptions with nine touchdowns and 215 rushing yards on 47 attempts. His 12,356 combined yards ranks first in franchise history.

Hall recorded five seasons with 1,000+ kickoff return yards, ranking sixth-most such seasons in NFL history. On December 8, 2002, Hall returned both a kickoff and punt for a touchdown, making him just the eighth player in NFL history to score on both a kickoff return and punt return in the same game and the only individual in Chiefs annals to own that distinction. In 2003, Hall recorded four-consecutive games with a kick return touchdown which was the first time in league history such a feat was accomplished. Later that season, he returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the playoffs, marking the second time any NFL player recorded five kick return scores in a season including playoffs (only one player has done it since).

Hall was originally drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Texas A&amp;M where he finished with 4,707 all-purpose yards, the second-highest tally in school history at the time. His 943 career punt return yards also ranked second in Aggies history at the time. In 43 games, Hall started 25 games, rushed 522 times for 2,818 yards with 22 touchdowns, caught 22 passes for 260 yards, returned 78 punts for 943 yards with two touchdowns and returned 32 kickoffs for 686 yards. Hall had eight 100-yard rushing games. He was named first-team All-Big 12 in 1996 and second-team All-Big 12 in 1997. While at Texas A&amp;M, Hall majored in sociology.

Off the field, Hall participated in a myriad of philanthropic events. He partnered with the NFL's "Play It Smart" program, serving as a mentor to the Central High School football team in Kansas City. In 2003, Hall was named the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City "Role Model of the Year," which is selected by the children. The following year, Hall partnered with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, KaBoom! and the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Department to construct an inner-city playground, and also received the Special Achievement for Professional Athletics Award from the Kansas City Sports Commission.

Following his playing career, the Houston, Texas, native continued his philanthropic efforts by being an active out-of-town Kansas City Ambassador. Hall was part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City Most Wanted Auction in 2022.

He currently resides in the Summit, New Jersey, area where he's played an active role in expanding the Chiefs brand internationally by participating in multiple marketing and goodwill trips to Germany as well as regularly working with Sky Sports out of the United Kingdom. As a Hall of Fame player for NFL Europe's Scottish Claymores, Hall's experience gives him a unique perspective of how the NFL is perceived internationally, therefore playing an integral part in growing the Kingdom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682770013791.jpeg" alt="Dante Hall elected to Chiefs Hall of Fame" />
 <figcaption>Dante Hall elected to Chiefs Hall of Fame</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has announced that former returner/wide receiver Dante Hall will be the 2023 inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame. Hall is the 52nd individual and 48th player to earn this coveted honor. The official enshrinement ceremony into the Chiefs Hall of Fame will be held during Chiefs Legends Weekend at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall."My family and I are delighted to announce Dante as this year's inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "It's not every day you get to witness a generational talent at the returner position, but Chiefs Kingdom was blessed to witness Dante's talent for seven seasons. His quickness, agility and pure athleticism as a returner and wide receiver cemented him as one of the franchise's greats. Following his playing career, Dante joined the Kansas City Ambassador program and has been an active participant in the brand's international expansion efforts. We are looking forward to celebrating Dante's Hall of Fame induction at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium this fall."<figure>
 <img src="https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/f_auto/chiefs/dhxgxlbpecrl2zbkrcxa.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hall spent seven seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (2000-06), appearing in 97 games (10 starts) which is tied for the seventh most by a wide receiver in franchise history. Hall was named to two-straight Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams following the 2002-03 seasons, becoming the second player in Chiefs history to garner a Pro Bowl selection as a return specialist. Hall was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week seven times, the most of any player in Chiefs history. He was also named first-team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team as a punt returner and second-team NFL 2000s All-Decade Team as a kick returner.He returned 360 kicks for 8,644 yards with six touchdowns and 188 punts for 1,882 yards with five touchdowns. His 11 total return touchdowns are a franchise best, and he sits at – or near the top – of virtually every Chiefs career, season and single-game record list as a return specialist. Hall accumulated 1,615 receiving yards on 145 receptions with nine touchdowns and 215 rushing yards on 47 attempts. His 12,356 combined yards ranks first in franchise history.<figure>
 <img src="https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/f_auto/chiefs/j0i3heqmzeg2mfvg4gtw.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hall recorded five seasons with 1,000+ kickoff return yards, ranking sixth-most such seasons in NFL history. On December 8, 2002, Hall returned both a kickoff and punt for a touchdown, making him just the eighth player in NFL history to score on both a kickoff return and punt return in the same game and the only individual in Chiefs annals to own that distinction. In 2003, Hall recorded four-consecutive games with a kick return touchdown which was the first time in league history such a feat was accomplished. Later that season, he returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the playoffs, marking the second time any NFL player recorded five kick return scores in a season including playoffs (only one player has done it since).<figure>
 <img src="https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/f_auto/chiefs/khf3tth3ejgaiobzvryh.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hall was originally drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round (153rd overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at Texas A&amp;M where he finished with 4,707 all-purpose yards, the second-highest tally in school history at the time. His 943 career punt return yards also ranked second in Aggies history at the time. In 43 games, Hall started 25 games, rushed 522 times for 2,818 yards with 22 touchdowns, caught 22 passes for 260 yards, returned 78 punts for 943 yards with two touchdowns and returned 32 kickoffs for 686 yards. Hall had eight 100-yard rushing games. He was named first-team All-Big 12 in 1996 and second-team All-Big 12 in 1997. While at Texas A&amp;M, Hall majored in sociology.Off the field, Hall participated in a myriad of philanthropic events. He partnered with the NFL's "Play It Smart" program, serving as a mentor to the Central High School football team in Kansas City. In 2003, Hall was named the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City "Role Model of the Year," which is selected by the children. The following year, Hall partnered with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, KaBoom! and the Kansas City Missouri Parks and Recreation Department to construct an inner-city playground, and also received the Special Achievement for Professional Athletics Award from the Kansas City Sports Commission.<figure>
 <img src="https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/f_auto/chiefs/fgcaye3dgtxeqpbhsb3c.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Following his playing career, the Houston, Texas, native continued his philanthropic efforts by being an active out-of-town Kansas City Ambassador. Hall was part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City Most Wanted Auction in 2022. <figure>
 <img src="https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/f_auto/chiefs/zrymqjr1kcetsfr5n8au.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>He currently resides in the Summit, New Jersey, area where he's played an active role in expanding the Chiefs brand internationally by participating in multiple marketing and goodwill trips to Germany as well as regularly working with Sky Sports out of the United Kingdom. As a Hall of Fame player for NFL Europe's Scottish Claymores, Hall's experience gives him a unique perspective of how the NFL is perceived internationally, therefore playing an integral part in growing the Kingdom.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

🏈 Dante Hall to be Inducted into Chiefs Hall of Fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Day 2 of the NFL draft is a wrap. The second and third rounds ended with 16 trades, including the Tennessee Titans moving up eight spots to select quarterback Will Levis with the No. 33 overall pick. The Kentucky standout was the biggest name on the board when the second round kicked off Friday from Kansas City's Union Station. Bryce Young went first overall to the Carolina Panthers followed by C.J. Stroud to the Houston Texans for a 1-2 quarterback combo on Thursday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Day 2 of the NFL draft is a wrap!

There were 16 trades during the second and third rounds, including the Tennessee Titans moving up eight spots to select quarterback Will Levis with the second pick of the day.

Day 3 begins at noon EST on Saturday and will feature the last four rounds. The draft kicked off Thursday with the Carolina Panthers selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young first overall.

- Joey Porter Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the first pick of the second round. The Penn State cornerback is the son of former Steelers linebacker and Super Bowl champion Joey Porter.

-Levis, the biggest name on the board at the start of Day 2, went No. 33 overall to the Titans.

-Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, another player who was expected to potentially go in the first round, fell to the third round and was selected No. 68 overall by the Detroit Lions.

Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo is the highest-rated prospect remaining on NFL.com's list going into the final day of the draft.

Ringo is rated 47th overall and has watched four of his teammates from the two-time national champions selected ahead of him in the first three rounds.

Alabama leads its Southeastern Conference rivals with eight selections through the first three rounds, including Young at No. 1 overall. Big Ten rivals Ohio State and Michigan had four players apiece taken in the first three rounds.

The Carolina Panthers traded up 13 spots in the third round to No. 80 to select outside linebacker DJ Johnson from Oregon, who garnered national attention last season when he appeared to punch a fan in the back of the head following a 38-34 loss to rival Oregon State.

Johnson said the issue was handled internally, and he has not been charged with any crime. He said he has learned from the experience.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682470460132.jpeg" alt="The NFL draft will conclude today." />
 <figcaption>The NFL draft will conclude today.</figcaption>
 </figure>By The Associated Press undefinedKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Day 2 of the NFL draft is a wrap. The second and third rounds ended with 16 trades, including the Tennessee Titans moving up eight spots to select quarterback Will Levis with the No. 33 overall pick. The Kentucky standout was the biggest name on the board when the second round kicked off Friday from Kansas City's Union Station. Bryce Young went first overall to the Carolina Panthers followed by C.J. Stroud to the Houston Texans for a 1-2 quarterback combo on Thursday.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Day 2 of the NFL draft is a wrap!There were 16 trades during the second and third rounds, including the Tennessee Titans moving up eight spots to select quarterback Will Levis with the second pick of the day.Day 3 begins at noon EST on Saturday and will feature the last four rounds. The draft kicked off Thursday with the Carolina Panthers selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young first overall.TOP PICKS ON DAY 2 OF THE NFL DRAFT- Joey Porter Jr. was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the first pick of the second round. The Penn State cornerback is the son of former Steelers linebacker and Super Bowl champion Joey Porter.-Levis, the biggest name on the board at the start of Day 2, went No. 33 overall to the Titans.-Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, another player who was expected to potentially go in the first round, fell to the third round and was selected No. 68 overall by the Detroit Lions.TOP PLAYERS AVAILABLE FOR DAY 3Georgia cornerback Kelee Ringo is the highest-rated prospect remaining on NFL.com's list going into the final day of the draft.Ringo is rated 47th overall and has watched four of his teammates from the two-time national champions selected ahead of him in the first three rounds.Alabama leads its Southeastern Conference rivals with eight selections through the first three rounds, including Young at No. 1 overall. Big Ten rivals Ohio State and Michigan had four players apiece taken in the first three rounds.PANTHERS TRADE UP TO SELECT DJ JOHNSONThe Carolina Panthers traded up 13 spots in the third round to No. 80 to select outside linebacker DJ Johnson from Oregon, who garnered national attention last season when he appeared to punch a fan in the back of the head following a 38-34 loss to rival Oregon State.Johnson said the issue was handled internally, and he has not been charged with any crime. He said he has learned from the experience."You learn how to keep your composure no matter what the situation," Johnson said.QB HENDON HOOKER SELECTED IN THIRD ROUNDThe Tennessee quarterback had an outside chance of going in the first round, but the second round appeared the likely destination.Until it wasn't.Hooker's wait finally ended in the third round when the Detroit Lions selected him with the 68th overall pick.SECOND ROUND ENDS WITH SEVEN TRADESThe trades started early and kept on coming in the second round of the NFL draft.It started when Tennessee moved up eight spots to the second selection and took Levis off the board.Other teams moving up were Las Vegas, Atlanta, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Chicago. Green Bay and Indianapolis moved down in the second round twice each.The Chiefs moved up eight spots to get another target for Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, taking wide receiver Rashee Rice at No. 55.NEW RAIDERS TIGHT END HAS GOOD MEMORIES FROM VEGASNew Las Vegas tight end Michael Mayer has some familiarity with the Raiders' Allegiant Stadium.Mayer's Notre Dame beat BYU 28-20 in a Shamrock Series game there Oct. 8. Mayer starred by catching 11 passes for 118 yards and two TDs.Mayer, selected No. 35 overall, also starred in a promotional video before the game against BYU. Mayer, defensive lineman Isaiah Foskey and coach Marcus Freeman did a spoof of "The Hangover," the 2009 comedy of a bachelor party gone wrong in Las Vegas."That was cool," Mayer said. "That was the first time I got to see the city and drive around. I'm looking forward to the fans, the greatest fans in America. I know (the Raiders) have a great fan base. I'm excited to be a part of it."FAMILY FIRST FOR WILL LEVISLevis left the NFL draft in Kansas City before the second round started Friday night because he and his family needed to get back to their home in Connecticut for a big party planned for Saturday, reports AP Football Writer Teresa Walker.The Titans ended the QB's agonizing wait under the glare of TV cameras with the No. 33 overall pick. Levis says they were in a very different atmosphere at home after being in nice suits and dresses Thursday night.Levis said his fight was delayed, and he arrived home just before the Titans called to tell him they selected him. Levis says he was a "crying mess" and he was "ecstatic to get the call."LAST DRAFT ATTENDEES FINALLY OFF THE BOARDThe last two of the 17 players who attended the draft are finally off the board.Alabama cornerback Brian Branch and Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White have been taken back-to-back picks in the middle of the second round. Branch went 45th overall to Detroit and White was taken at No. 46 by New England.Branch was the last player in the green room. White left Kansas City before his name was announced and received the news from his home in Atlanta."It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Branch said when asked why he decided to stay in Kansas City. "Just wanted to enjoy the moment."TOP TIGHT END PROSPECTS GO QUICKLY IN ROUND 2The top prospects at tight end have gone quickly in the second round of the NFL draft after hanging around longer than expected on opening night.Detroit has taken Iowa's Sam LaPorta at No. 34 overall. Michael Mayer of Notre Dame was the next selection to Las Vegas, and Luke Musgrave went No. 42 to the Green Bay Packers. The Raiders traded up four spots with Indianapolis to get Mayer.LEVIS TAKEN IN SECOND ROUND BY TITANSThe Titans selected Levis with the 33rd overall pick.The Kentucky QB projected as a first-round pick but wasn't selected on opening night.The 6-foot-4 Levis has prototypical size for an NFL quarterback with a strong arm. Accuracy and decision-making have been inconsistent, especially in his final college season.PICK OFF THE OLD BLOCK: STEELERS GET JOEY PORTER JR.The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted the Penn State cornerback with the first pick in the second round.Porter is the son of former Pittsburgh linebacker Joey Porter. The elder Porter was a four-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl with the Steelers.The younger Porter was projected as a first-round pick but didn't get selected on opening night. Steelers fans at the draft in Kansas City were chanting, "Jo-ey, Jo-ey" when the Steelers were on the clock.LEVIS LEAVES KANSAS CITYLevis didn't stick around to hear his name called with the 33rd overall pick by the Titans.He was expected to go in the top 15 with some draft analysts projecting him among the top five. Levis sat uncomfortably in the green room, sometimes squirming in front of the TV cameras, as he watched three quarterbacks picked in the first four selections: Young to the Panthers, Stroud to the Texans and Anthony Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts.CHIEFS OWNER SAYS NFL DRAFT IS A SHOWCASE FOR KCThe owner of the Kansas City Chiefs believes the NFL Draft has been a spectacular showcase for their hometown.Clark Hunt, the son of Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, added Friday that he's "heard nothing but compliments from league personnel about the job the city has done," AP's Dave Skretta reports.The draft is being held at Union Station, where the Chiefs celebrated their latest Super Bowl triumph in February. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce began the draft Thursday night by bringing the Lombardi Trophy onto the stage to hype up a crowd of about 125,000.MAHOMES TO RAIDERS PICK: TAKE IT EASY ON MEMahomes tweeted at new Las Vegas pass rusher Tyree Wilson to "take it easy on me" when the Raiders play the Chiefs this season.The Raiders drafted Wilson seventh overall Thursday out of Texas Tech, where Mahomes starred before leading the Chiefs to two Supers Bowl titles."Pat is from the same area I'm from," Wilson said Friday at the Raiders' facility in Henderson, Nevada. "I know his family, and it's ironic that me and him both went to Texas Tech, and now we're in the same division. So it's going to be a lot of competition and excitement for Texas Tech and East Texas."RAIN DAMPENS NFL DRAFTShowers started in the Kansas City area with the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft approaching, dampening the festive spirit that came with Thursday's first round at Union Station.Still, thousands of fans descended on the downtown area for the second straight night to take in the scene. Many headed for the NFL Draft Experience and the little cover it provided in an otherwise open expanse of grass.The stage erected in front of the train station is covered, as are the seats immediately in front of it. But most of the crowd, which figures to be far less than on opening night, will have to deal with the intermittent rain expected throughout the second and third rounds.LEVIS TO THE COLTS?Colts owner Jim Irsay raised eyebrows on Twitter hours before the start of the second round of the NFL draft by asking fans if the team should take Levis for a Joe Montana-Steve Young QB combo.Irsay asked the question after Indianapolis took Richardson with the fourth overall pick. The Colts had the fourth pick in the second round, the 35th overall.Montana and Young are both Pro Football Hall of Famers who won Super Bowls in San Francisco. Young was Montana's backup before replacing him.Levis was selected No. 33 overall by the Titans.FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICKSAP College Football Writer Ralph Russo breaks down all 31 first-round picks.Young, Stroud, Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (Texans), Richardson and Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks) were the top five selections, while Kansas State defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah was the last player picked in the first round by the Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs.BIJAN ROBINSON, BACK WHERE HE STARTEDRobinson knew all about the Atlanta Falcons – and their Dirty Birds nickname – long before there was any hint he might one day be picked by the team in the first round of the NFL draft.Robinson, a native of Tucson, Arizona, played for the Tucson Falcons as his first team in youth football. He posted photos on his Twitter account of him holding his No. 1 Falcons jersey on Thursday night and wearing his No. 8 Tuscon Falcons jersey."We stole every slogan from the Falcons. We were the Dirty Birds," Robinson said during first news conference at the Falcons' practice facility on Friday. "That was my first team. It's just crazy that now we're here because I wore No. 8 the first year and wore No. 1 the year after."STELLERS FIRST ROUNDER HONORS GEORGIA TEAMMATESteelers first-round pick Broderick Jones began his NFL career by honoring former Georgia teammate Devin Willock.Jones, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive tackle taken 14th overall by the Steelers, will wear No. 77 in Pittsburgh. That's the number Willock wore during his time with the Bulldogs."I just wanted to show my respects by taking that number and letting (Willock) live through me," Jones said.Willock and Georgia recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy died in a car accident in January, shortly after the Bulldogs won their second straight national title. Willock started every game at right guard for Georgia last season. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, taken ninth overall by the Eagles on Thursday, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing related to the wreck.<a href="https://hutchpost.com/download" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to download the Hutch Post mobile app. <a href="https://hutchpost.com/posts/5e73b532afae0f4d5f5d90ea" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;