ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Saturday's contest between Hutchinson (10-14, 5-13) and Cowley (15-8, 10-7) featured six ties and 12 lead changes.

Five of those ties and 10 lead changes came in the second half.

The Dragons trailed the Tigers by seven with 3:45 left in the first half before pulling back within one at the break. Just four minutes before Cowley's biggest lead of the first frame, Hutchinson took a three-point advantage.

The contest was deadlocked at 51 with just under seven minutes to play before Cowley started to keep its distance with a four-point advantage.

Hutchinson then cut that lead to 62-60 and had a chance to tie with a Bobby Cannon putback dunk. The dunk attempt with 32 seconds left shot off the back of the rim and forced the Dragons into foul mode.

The Dragons needed three fouls to put the Tigers in the one-and-one bonus.

With 18 seconds left, Roman Miller went to the line for the first time in the game and missed. Lolo Rudolph nearly had the rebound before the ball rolled free and back to the Tigers.

Hutchinson had to foul again, this time sending Xavier Vickerstaff to the line. He made the first free throw but missed the second.

Down three with 14 seconds, Hutchinson went down the court looking to tie the game with a deep ball.

Cannon got the ball with two seconds left but could not get a shot off before the ball was taken away.

Daleron Thomas led Hutchinson with 15 points. Kordell Williams scored 11 and Anthony Alston provided 10 off the bench.

The Dragons have lost eight-straight games.

Hutchinson returns home Wednesday, Feb. 11, to face No. 19 Dodge City at 7:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770516647382.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Saturday's contest between Hutchinson (10-14, 5-13) and Cowley (15-8, 10-7) featured six ties and 12 lead changes.Five of those ties and 10 lead changes came in the second half.The Dragons trailed the Tigers by seven with 3:45 left in the first half before pulling back within one at the break. Just four minutes before Cowley's biggest lead of the first frame, Hutchinson took a three-point advantage.The contest was deadlocked at 51 with just under seven minutes to play before Cowley started to keep its distance with a four-point advantage.Hutchinson then cut that lead to 62-60 and had a chance to tie with a Bobby Cannon putback dunk. The dunk attempt with 32 seconds left shot off the back of the rim and forced the Dragons into foul mode.The Dragons needed three fouls to put the Tigers in the one-and-one bonus.With 18 seconds left, Roman Miller went to the line for the first time in the game and missed. Lolo Rudolph nearly had the rebound before the ball rolled free and back to the Tigers.Hutchinson had to foul again, this time sending Xavier Vickerstaff to the line. He made the first free throw but missed the second.Down three with 14 seconds, Hutchinson went down the court looking to tie the game with a deep ball.Cannon got the ball with two seconds left but could not get a shot off before the ball was taken away.FINAL: Cowley 63 Hutchinson 60Daleron Thomas led Hutchinson with 15 points. Kordell Williams scored 11 and Anthony Alston provided 10 off the bench.Marcus Smith led Cowley with 15 points.The Dragons have lost eight-straight games.Hutchinson returns home Wednesday, Feb. 11, to face No. 19 Dodge City at 7:30 p.m.

🏀 MBB: Dragons and Tigers battle to final buzzer

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Katie Duncan scored a career-high 28 points and hit a career-high six three-pointers as No. 20 Hutchinson (19-5, 14-4) cruised to a road victory at Cowley (10-13, 6-11).

Hutchinson held Cowley to 0-of-11 shooting in the second quarter to build a 40-19 halftime lead.

Duncan had three of Hutchinson's seven made triples at the break.

The Dragons finished with a season-high 13-made threes on 43.3% shooting from deep. Duncan hit 6-of-13 attempts.

The Dragons also turned the ball over a season-low eight times.

Kaia Smith quietly posted her second double-double of the year with 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.

Delora Pricop was the only other Dragon in double figures as she provided 10 points off the bench.

The Dragons held Mallory Jackson to 2-of-15 shooting. She started the game 0-for-11.

Yatzel Renteria started for the first time this year and scored 17 points for the Tigers.

The Dragons return to the Sports Arena Wednesday, Feb. 11, to face No. 3 Dodge City at 5:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770516578944.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Katie Duncan scored a career-high 28 points and hit a career-high six three-pointers as No. 20 Hutchinson (19-5, 14-4) cruised to a road victory at Cowley (10-13, 6-11).Hutchinson held Cowley to 0-of-11 shooting in the second quarter to build a 40-19 halftime lead.Duncan had three of Hutchinson's seven made triples at the break.The Dragons finished with a season-high 13-made threes on 43.3% shooting from deep. Duncan hit 6-of-13 attempts.The Dragons also turned the ball over a season-low eight times.Kaia Smith quietly posted her second double-double of the year with 14 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.Delora Pricop was the only other Dragon in double figures as she provided 10 points off the bench.The Dragons held Mallory Jackson to 2-of-15 shooting. She started the game 0-for-11.Yatzel Renteria started for the first time this year and scored 17 points for the Tigers.FINAL: Hutchinson 75 Cowley 50The Dragons return to the Sports Arena Wednesday, Feb. 11, to face No. 3 Dodge City at 5:30 p.m.

🏀 WBB: Duncan powers No. 20 Dragons with career highs

&nbsp; CHARLOTTE, N.C. –&nbsp;A late Wichita State surge powered by hot shooting from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaila-harding/9470">Jaila Harding</a>&nbsp;gave the Shockers offensive momentum, but Charlotte kept its foot on the gas to hand the Shockers an 81-72 setback Saturday afternoon at Halton Arena.

Graduate guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaila-harding/9470">Jaila Harding</a>&nbsp;led the Shockers in scoring with a game-high 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers to move up to tie for No. 2 all-time in Wichita State history for single-season threes, while&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/bre-yon-white/9467">Bre'Yon White</a>&nbsp;finished in double figures for the second-straight game, tallying 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/abby-cater/9469">Abby Cater</a>&nbsp;finished with 10 points, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taya-davis/9473">Taya Davis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/maimouna-sissoko/9466">Maimouna Sissoko</a>&nbsp;each chipped in nine points, while Davis dished a game-high six assists, her fifth-straight game with five or more assists.

The best offensive rebounding team in the American Conference out-rebounded the Shockers 40-27 as the 49ers took advantage of their 15 offensive boards, scoring 17 second-chance points.

Charlotte jumped out to an early advantage, outscoring Wichita State 21-10 in the opening quarter behind hot perimeter shooting. The Shockers settled in during the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 38-28 at the break.

Wichita State continued to chip away in the third quarter, shooting 58 percent from the floor and pulling within three points before former Shocker&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/princess-anderson/9000">Princess Anderson</a>&nbsp;hit a buzzer beater three to end the quarter and make it a six-point game. The Shockers outscored Charlotte 20-16 in the quarter and carried momentum into the final 10 minutes.

In the fourth, Wichita State matched Charlotte bucket for bucket and shot 55.6 percent from the field, including four three-pointers from Harding, but Charlotte converted 10-of-11 free throws down the stretch to seal the win.The Shockers finished the game shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, while also scoring 36 points in the paint.

Charlotte was led by Anderson with 19 points as four Niners finished in double figures.

Wichita State returns home to face Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in Charles Koch Arena for Educator Appreciation Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770507878740.png" alt="(Photo courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)" />
 <figcaption>(Photo courtesy Wichita State Athletic Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA STATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS&nbsp; CHARLOTTE, N.C. –&nbsp;A late Wichita State surge powered by hot shooting from&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaila-harding/9470">Jaila Harding</a>&nbsp;gave the Shockers offensive momentum, but Charlotte kept its foot on the gas to hand the Shockers an 81-72 setback Saturday afternoon at Halton Arena.Graduate guard&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/jaila-harding/9470">Jaila Harding</a>&nbsp;led the Shockers in scoring with a game-high 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers to move up to tie for No. 2 all-time in Wichita State history for single-season threes, while&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/bre-yon-white/9467">Bre'Yon White</a>&nbsp;finished in double figures for the second-straight game, tallying 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting.&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/abby-cater/9469">Abby Cater</a>&nbsp;finished with 10 points, and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/taya-davis/9473">Taya Davis</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/maimouna-sissoko/9466">Maimouna Sissoko</a>&nbsp;each chipped in nine points, while Davis dished a game-high six assists, her fifth-straight game with five or more assists.The best offensive rebounding team in the American Conference out-rebounded the Shockers 40-27 as the 49ers took advantage of their 15 offensive boards, scoring 17 second-chance points.Charlotte jumped out to an early advantage, outscoring Wichita State 21-10 in the opening quarter behind hot perimeter shooting. The Shockers settled in during the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 38-28 at the break.Wichita State continued to chip away in the third quarter, shooting 58 percent from the floor and pulling within three points before former Shocker&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/princess-anderson/9000">Princess Anderson</a>&nbsp;hit a buzzer beater three to end the quarter and make it a six-point game. The Shockers outscored Charlotte 20-16 in the quarter and carried momentum into the final 10 minutes.In the fourth, Wichita State matched Charlotte bucket for bucket and shot 55.6 percent from the field, including four three-pointers from Harding, but Charlotte converted 10-of-11 free throws down the stretch to seal the win.The Shockers finished the game shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, while also scoring 36 points in the paint.Charlotte was led by Anderson with 19 points as four Niners finished in double figures.Wichita State returns home to face Florida Atlantic on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in Charles Koch Arena for Educator Appreciation Night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shockers fall at Charlotte, 81-72

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks and No. 11 Kansas beat Utah 71-59 on Saturday to take a seven-game winning streak into its Monday night home showdown with top-ranked Arizona.

Trey White added 16 points for Kansas (18-5, 8-2 Big 12). Darryn Peterson had 14. and Melvin Council 11.

Keanu Dawes led Utah (9-14, 1-9) with 20 points. Terrence Brown added 16. and Don McHenry had 12. The Utes have list five straight.

The Jayhawks led 38-31 at halftime and didn't take a double-digit lead until Council hit a short jumper midway through the second half. That was part of a 10-0 run, capped by a thunderous dunk by Peterson that made it 60-44.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770506696894.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (22) drives against Utah guard Terrence Brown (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (22) drives against Utah guard Terrence Brown (2) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Flory Bidunga had 17 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks and No. 11 Kansas beat Utah 71-59 on Saturday to take a seven-game winning streak into its Monday night home showdown with top-ranked Arizona.Trey White added 16 points for Kansas (18-5, 8-2 Big 12). Darryn Peterson had 14. and Melvin Council 11.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770506751822.jpeg" alt="Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) goes up for a shot against Utah forward Kendyl Sanders (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas guard Melvin Council Jr. (14) goes up for a shot against Utah forward Kendyl Sanders (13) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>Keanu Dawes led Utah (9-14, 1-9) with 20 points. Terrence Brown added 16. and Don McHenry had 12. The Utes have list five straight.The Jayhawks led 38-31 at halftime and didn't take a double-digit lead until Council hit a short jumper midway through the second half. That was part of a 10-0 run, capped by a thunderous dunk by Peterson that made it 60-44.

No. 11 Kansas beats Utah 71-59 with top-ranked Arizona looming Monday

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Xavier Edmonds scored a career-high 26 points and his six unanswered points down the stretch lifted TCU over Kansas State 84-82 on Saturday.

Edmonds made the tying and go-ahead free throws for an 83-82 lead with six seconds left, capping a rally from a five-point deficit in the final minute and a half. He had two free throws with 1:10 remaining and his dunk with 35 seconds left had made it a one-point game.

An alley-oop dunk by Khamari McGriff gave Kansas State an 82-77 lead with 1 1/2 minutes to go. The Wildcats, who did not score again, had turnovers on their three remaining possessions.

Micah Robinson made one of two free throws with two seconds left for the final margin.

Edmonds made nine of 10 shots, seven of 13 free throws and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fifth consecutive double-double. Robinson scored 16 points, David Punch 14 and Jayden Pierre 10 for the Horned Frogs (14-9, 4-6 Big 12).

PJ Haggerty scored 30, Marcus Johnson 15, Nate Johnson 13 with 11 rebounds, and David Castillo 11 for K-State (10-13, 1-10).

Marcus Johnson connected on his first four 3-point attempts and the Wildcats jumped out to a 29-14 lead. Later in the half, TCU rallied with a 15-2 run and K-State led 46-42 at halftime.

Eight consecutive points from Haggerty turned a three-point K-State lead into a 64-53 advantage eight minutes into the second half. The Wildcats still had a double-digit lead — 78-68 — with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.

TCU has a four-game winning streak in the series.

TCU: The Horned Frogs host No. 7 Iowa State on Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770502128873.png" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Xavier Edmonds scored a career-high 26 points and his six unanswered points down the stretch lifted TCU over Kansas State 84-82 on Saturday.Edmonds made the tying and go-ahead free throws for an 83-82 lead with six seconds left, capping a rally from a five-point deficit in the final minute and a half. He had two free throws with 1:10 remaining and his dunk with 35 seconds left had made it a one-point game.An alley-oop dunk by Khamari McGriff gave Kansas State an 82-77 lead with 1 1/2 minutes to go. The Wildcats, who did not score again, had turnovers on their three remaining possessions.Micah Robinson made one of two free throws with two seconds left for the final margin.Edmonds made nine of 10 shots, seven of 13 free throws and grabbed 10 rebounds for his fifth consecutive double-double. Robinson scored 16 points, David Punch 14 and Jayden Pierre 10 for the Horned Frogs (14-9, 4-6 Big 12).PJ Haggerty scored 30, Marcus Johnson 15, Nate Johnson 13 with 11 rebounds, and David Castillo 11 for K-State (10-13, 1-10).Marcus Johnson connected on his first four 3-point attempts and the Wildcats jumped out to a 29-14 lead. Later in the half, TCU rallied with a 15-2 run and K-State led 46-42 at halftime.Eight consecutive points from Haggerty turned a three-point K-State lead into a 64-53 advantage eight minutes into the second half. The Wildcats still had a double-digit lead — 78-68 — with 5 1/2 minutes remaining.TCU has a four-game winning streak in the series.<h2>Up next</h2>TCU: The Horned Frogs host No. 7 Iowa State on Tuesday.

🏀 Haggerty scored 30 for K-State in a loss at TCU

Terrance Gore, an eight-year MLB veteran known for dynamic baserunning that made him a member of three World Series championship clubs, has passed away at the age of 34.

Gore’s Major League career was wholly unique. He had just 85 regular-season plate appearances through 112 games. His first hit didn’t come until 2018 -- his fifth season in the league -- spanning just 12 at-bats.

But by that point, Gore had already racked up 23 stolen bases in the regular season and four more in the playoffs. With blazing speed that hardly ever slowed down, Gore began his career going 17-for-17 on the bases in the regular season. He quickly became someone the Royals insisted on having on their roster -- because he was the epitome of how the Royals took over baseball games during their postseason runs.

“There have been very few players who can take over a baseball game,” said former Royals general manager Dayton Moore, the architect of the 2014-15 postseason teams. “That’s exactly what he did. He became a fan favorite. He was beloved by his teammates. And he was just fearless and impactful on the bases but also off the field.”

Born in Macon, Ga., the 5-foot-7 Gore was drafted in the 20th round of the 2011 Draft out of Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Fla. His speed, of course, was the reason he stood out to scout Colin Gonzales and scouting director Lonnie Goldberg. It fit right in with Moore’s vision for the Royals.

“We were targeting speed and impactful players,” Moore said. “Who could win the game with their legs? Terrance was a natural fit for us and the type of player we looked for. We paid more attention to the guys who could flat out run than power because we knew developing the power tool might not fit within our timeline. We were heavily focused on speed at that point in the Draft.”

Three years later, Gore debuted with Kansas City in 2014. He pinch-ran and stole second base in his first Major League appearance and then scored from second on a ball through the left side of the infield. He logged just two plate appearances in 11 games that season, but he went 5-for-5 in steals and then nabbed three more bases during the postseason as the franchise advanced to its first World Series since 1985.

“He was like a little brother to all of us,” Eric Hosmer said. “Such a unique situation because he was so early in his development during our playoff runs, but he had incredible speed, so we needed him on our roster in September and in the playoffs. He fit right in with the group because he was fearless. … In his situation, it was A ball to a pennant chase. He made it seem like it was going from Low-A to High-A.”

The following year, Gore stole a base during Game 4 of the American League Division Series in a win over the Astros en route to the Royals’ first championship in 30 years. He also had a steal during the 2018 National League Wild Card Game with the Cubs and then stole a career-best 13 bases in 2019 during his second stint with Kansas City.

“The fans were almost waiting for him and [Jarrod Dyson] whenever someone got on,” Royals president of baseball operations and general manager J.J. Picollo said. “You could just feel the energy in the stadium go up a level because of that. They came into the game, and everybody in the ballpark knew exactly what was about to happen, and nobody could stop them. It was like if the Royals got on base, we were really on second base because of them. It was such a weapon for us. It would energize the team, it would energize the fans. It was pretty cool.”

“There’s stealing a base,” Hosmer added, “and then there’s stealing a base when everyone knows you’re trying to steal the base.”

Gore’s energetic personality made him not just a fan favorite but a team favorite, too. No matter what clubhouse he walked into, people gravitated toward him. And celebration always seemed to follow him.

He won a World Series ring with the 2020 Dodgers and 2021 Braves as well. Gore made his only appearances with Atlanta that entire year as a pinch-runner in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Brewers. When the Braves won the World Series over the Astros, Gore was the one to FaceTime starter Charlie Morton, who had broken his leg in Game 1 and was recovering from surgery. Gore wanted to make sure Morton was included in the celebration.

For his career, the speedster Gore recorded 16 hits and just one RBI, but he stole 48 bases in 58 tries and scored 36 runs (postseason included).

Gore is survived by his wife, Britney, and three children. They live in Panama City, Fla., where Gore was working as a speed and baseball trainer while coaching his son’s baseball team.

“The thing about Terrance, one of the things I really admire -- most people looked at him as just a basestealer,” Moore said. “That fired him up a little bit. He took pride in developing as a hitter and outfielder. He could have easily just showed up every day, kept his legs in shape and basestealing skill at a high level. But he worked at all aspects of his game. He just worked really, really hard, and that continued after he stopped playing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770490934046.jpeg" alt="Terrance_Gore_pinch_running_for_the_Kansas_City_Royals_on_September_1, _2015_(Cropped)" />
 <figcaption>Terrance_Gore_pinch_running_for_the_Kansas_City_Royals_on_September_1, _2015_(Cropped)</figcaption>
 </figure>Terrance Gore, an eight-year MLB veteran known for dynamic baserunning that made him a member of three World Series championship clubs, has passed away at the age of 34.Gore’s Major League career was wholly unique. He had just 85 regular-season plate appearances through 112 games. His first hit didn’t come until 2018 -- his fifth season in the league -- spanning just 12 at-bats.But by that point, Gore had already racked up 23 stolen bases in the regular season and four more in the playoffs. With blazing speed that hardly ever slowed down, Gore began his career going 17-for-17 on the bases in the regular season. He quickly became someone the Royals insisted on having on their roster -- because he was the epitome of how the Royals took over baseball games during their postseason runs.“There have been very few players who can take over a baseball game,” said former Royals general manager Dayton Moore, the architect of the 2014-15 postseason teams. “That’s exactly what he did. He became a fan favorite. He was beloved by his teammates. And he was just fearless and impactful on the bases but also off the field.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are heartbroken from the loss of Terrance Gore, and send our love to his family and loved ones. <a href="https://t.co/qgZFkHRFSx">pic.twitter.com/qgZFkHRFSx</a>&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/2020185615258775716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Born in Macon, Ga., the 5-foot-7 Gore was drafted in the 20th round of the 2011 Draft out of Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Fla. His speed, of course, was the reason he stood out to scout Colin Gonzales and scouting director Lonnie Goldberg. It fit right in with Moore’s vision for the Royals.“We were targeting speed and impactful players,” Moore said. “Who could win the game with their legs? Terrance was a natural fit for us and the type of player we looked for. We paid more attention to the guys who could flat out run than power because we knew developing the power tool might not fit within our timeline. We were heavily focused on speed at that point in the Draft.”Three years later, Gore debuted with Kansas City in 2014. He pinch-ran and stole second base in his first Major League appearance and then scored from second on a ball through the left side of the infield. He logged just two plate appearances in 11 games that season, but he went 5-for-5 in steals and then nabbed three more bases during the postseason as the franchise advanced to its first World Series since 1985.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We join the Gore family and the world of baseball in mourning the passing of Terrance Gore. Known for his great speed but even more so for his kindness and joyful smile, Terrance will be remembered as a tremendous teammate and a dedicated family man. <a href="https://t.co/xEvMjHdITF">pic.twitter.com/xEvMjHdITF</a>&mdash; Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) <a href="https://twitter.com/OMAStormChasers/status/2020172269704671411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He was like a little brother to all of us,” Eric Hosmer said. “Such a unique situation because he was so early in his development during our playoff runs, but he had incredible speed, so we needed him on our roster in September and in the playoffs. He fit right in with the group because he was fearless. … In his situation, it was A ball to a pennant chase. He made it seem like it was going from Low-A to High-A.”The following year, Gore stole a base during Game 4 of the American League Division Series in a win over the Astros en route to the Royals’ first championship in 30 years. He also had a steal during the 2018 National League Wild Card Game with the Cubs and then stole a career-best 13 bases in 2019 during his second stint with Kansas City.“The fans were almost waiting for him and [Jarrod Dyson] whenever someone got on,” Royals president of baseball operations and general manager J.J. Picollo said. “You could just feel the energy in the stadium go up a level because of that. They came into the game, and everybody in the ballpark knew exactly what was about to happen, and nobody could stop them. It was like if the Royals got on base, we were really on second base because of them. It was such a weapon for us. It would energize the team, it would energize the fans. It was pretty cool.”“There’s stealing a base,” Hosmer added, “and then there’s stealing a base when everyone knows you’re trying to steal the base.”Gore’s energetic personality made him not just a fan favorite but a team favorite, too. No matter what clubhouse he walked into, people gravitated toward him. And celebration always seemed to follow him.He won a World Series ring with the 2020 Dodgers and 2021 Braves as well. Gore made his only appearances with Atlanta that entire year as a pinch-runner in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Brewers. When the Braves won the World Series over the Astros, Gore was the one to FaceTime starter Charlie Morton, who had broken his leg in Game 1 and was recovering from surgery. Gore wanted to make sure Morton was included in the celebration.For his career, the speedster Gore recorded 16 hits and just one RBI, but he stole 48 bases in 58 tries and scored 36 runs (postseason included).Gore is survived by his wife, Britney, and three children. They live in Panama City, Fla., where Gore was working as a speed and baseball trainer while coaching his son’s baseball team.“The thing about Terrance, one of the things I really admire -- most people looked at him as just a basestealer,” Moore said. “That fired him up a little bit. He took pride in developing as a hitter and outfielder. He could have easily just showed up every day, kept his legs in shape and basestealing skill at a high level. But he worked at all aspects of his game. He just worked really, really hard, and that continued after he stopped playing.”

Terrance Gore, speedster who made mark with Royals, passes away at 34

SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Hutchinson High School’s girls and boys basketball teams both delivered clutch performances Friday night at Salina South, sweeping the Cougars in a pair of down-to-the-wire road victories that helped erase memories of a lopsided loss earlier in the week to Maize South.

The Hutch High girls stunned the Cougars 42-40 on a last-second floater, while the Salthawk boys withstood a late Salina South rally to secure a 47-39 win behind a career night from Lamar Govain.

Girls recap: Morgan delivers late heroics

Freshman Danea Morgan hit a 6-foot floater just left of the lane with 1.7 seconds remaining to lift Hutchinson to a dramatic 42-40 victory over Salina South at Salina South High School.

After being routed by Maize South in their previous outing, the Lady Salthawks responded with resilience and composure in a tense defensive battle that came down to the final possession.

The win also carried an element of redemption. When the two teams met in January, Salina South escaped Hutchinson with a 42-40 win. This time, the result flipped.

Hutchinson improved to 8-8 with the victory, evening its record, while Salina South dropped to 11-7 after suffering its third consecutive home loss.

Boys recap: Govain shines, freshmen step up

In the nightcap, the Hutchinson boys followed a familiar script — but with a different ending.

After falling to Salina South at the Salthawk Activity Center on Jan. 9, when the Cougars pulled away late for a double-digit win, Hutchinson built an early lead Friday and then closed the door at the free-throw line for a 47-39 victory.

Senior Lamar Govain was sensational, pouring in 19 points in the first half on his way to a varsity career-high 28 points. But the Salthawks’ effort was far from a one-man show.

Playing without Soph. Larry Jeremiah Jr., who turned an ankle in practice earlier in the week, Hutchinson leaned heavily on a young supporting cast. Freshman Eli Atha hit two corner 3-pointers in the first quarter and calmly knocked down three of four free throws late to finish with nine points.

Freshmen Roman Kerns, Will Cox and CJ McQueen all logged extended minutes and made key plays on both ends of the floor, while Jaidaence Embers earned a start in place of Jeremiah and turned in a solid all-around performance.

The win snapped Hutchinson’s three-game road losing streak and lifted the Salthawks to 6-10. Salina South saw its five-game winning streak come to an end and fell to 13-5.

Hutchinson returns home Tuesday for a rivalry matchup against Valley Center at 7:30 p.m. at the Salthawk Activity Center. It will be Hutch’s first home game since Jan. 9, and the Salthawks will look for a strong crowd to support two teams battling with heart and grit down the stretch of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607562367682.jpeg" alt="hutch-high Basketball traveled to Salina South on Friday and came away with big wins." />
 <figcaption>hutch-high Basketball traveled to Salina South on Friday and came away with big wins.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Hutchinson High School’s girls and boys basketball teams both delivered clutch performances Friday night at Salina South, sweeping the Cougars in a pair of down-to-the-wire road victories that helped erase memories of a lopsided loss earlier in the week to Maize South.The Hutch High girls stunned the Cougars 42-40 on a last-second floater, while the Salthawk boys withstood a late Salina South rally to secure a 47-39 win behind a career night from Lamar Govain.<h2>Girls recap: Morgan delivers late heroics</h2>Freshman Danea Morgan hit a 6-foot floater just left of the lane with 1.7 seconds remaining to lift Hutchinson to a dramatic 42-40 victory over Salina South at Salina South High School.After being routed by Maize South in their previous outing, the Lady Salthawks responded with resilience and composure in a tense defensive battle that came down to the final possession.The win also carried an element of redemption. When the two teams met in January, Salina South escaped Hutchinson with a 42-40 win. This time, the result flipped.Hutchinson improved to 8-8 with the victory, evening its record, while Salina South dropped to 11-7 after suffering its third consecutive home loss.<h2>Boys recap: Govain shines, freshmen step up</h2>In the nightcap, the Hutchinson boys followed a familiar script — but with a different ending.After falling to Salina South at the Salthawk Activity Center on Jan. 9, when the Cougars pulled away late for a double-digit win, Hutchinson built an early lead Friday and then closed the door at the free-throw line for a 47-39 victory.Senior Lamar Govain was sensational, pouring in 19 points in the first half on his way to a varsity career-high 28 points. But the Salthawks’ effort was far from a one-man show.Playing without Soph. Larry Jeremiah Jr., who turned an ankle in practice earlier in the week, Hutchinson leaned heavily on a young supporting cast. Freshman Eli Atha hit two corner 3-pointers in the first quarter and calmly knocked down three of four free throws late to finish with nine points.Freshmen Roman Kerns, Will Cox and CJ McQueen all logged extended minutes and made key plays on both ends of the floor, while Jaidaence Embers earned a start in place of Jeremiah and turned in a solid all-around performance.The win snapped Hutchinson’s three-game road losing streak and lifted the Salthawks to 6-10. Salina South saw its five-game winning streak come to an end and fell to 13-5.Hutchinson returns home Tuesday for a rivalry matchup against Valley Center at 7:30 p.m. at the Salthawk Activity Center. It will be Hutch’s first home game since Jan. 9, and the Salthawks will look for a strong crowd to support two teams battling with heart and grit down the stretch of the season.

🏀 Hutch High teams sweep Salina South; both games go down to the wire

MILAN (AP) — An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-opening-ceremony-olympics-winter-parade-d1aacd10cc2c4636aa985d4936db1d43">unprecedented four-site</a>, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture — plus American pop diva Mariah Carey — was scheduled to officially start the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>&nbsp;on Friday as the sports spectacle returns to a nation that last hosted the event 20 years ago.

This is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spread-out-games-milan-cortina-dba796da13d5a6a2824fc9abfd93d751">the most spread-out Olympics</a>&nbsp;— Summer or Winter — in history, with competition venues dotting an area of about 8,500 square miles (more than 22,000 square kilometers), roughly the size of the entire state of New Jersey.

The main hub Friday is in Milan at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-siro-opening-ceremony-winter-olympics-68f7447ed09409fc9dcb1146c46c7d79">San Siro</a>&nbsp;soccer stadium, which is home to Serie A titans AC Milan and Inter Milan, opened a century ago and is due to be razed and replaced in the next few years. There also will be three other places where athletes can march, some carrying their country’s flag: Cortina d’Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomite mountains; Livigno in the Alps; Predazzo in the autonomous province of Trento.

That allows up-in-the-mountains sports such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alpine-skiing-milan-cortina-olympics-b6541b08466527959803b2479c9a3416">Alpine skiing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-bobsled-f7abaed92a294763a66c5d8b58315cbd">bobsled</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-olympics-winter-cortina-64d55b7582479467d114298a6865346b">curling</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snowboarding-chloe-kim-glance-68ec5c83cab7f45ad825bd7f3d488d9c">snowboarding</a>&nbsp;to be represented in the Parade of Nations without needing to make the several-hours-long trek to Milan, the country’s financial capital, and back.

For good measure, the Feb. 22 closing ceremony will be held in yet another locale, Verona, where Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was set.

Another symbol of how far-flung things are this time: Instead of the usual one cauldron that is lit and burns throughout the Olympics, there will be two, both intended as an homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric studies. One is in Milan, 2½ miles (4 kilometers) from San Siro, and the other is going to be 250 miles (400 kilometers) away in Cortina.

The people given the honor of lighting both was a closely guarded secret, as is usually the case at any Olympics. At the Turin Winter Games in 2006, it was Italian cross-country skier Stefania Belmondo.

Other links to Italy’s heritage scheduled to be a part of Friday’s festivities include a performance by tenor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-milan-opening-bocelli-884a38887098840b63ea059c74ab954f">Andrea Bocelli</a>; classically trained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/an-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-rehearsals-for-the-milan-cortina-opening-ceremony-d9b2530b1723416091cc9070898eaff2">dancers from the academy</a>&nbsp;of the famed Milan opera house,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-la-scala-gala-season-premiere-58870d7d530c711a68f87a350fbcdeb4">Teatro alla Scala</a>; a tribute to the late fashion designer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-obit-giorgio-armani-bb4b91756214c456fd5db14216a91b75">Giorgio Armani, who died last year</a>&nbsp;at 91. Armani designed the Olympic and Paralympic uniforms for the Italian national team for decades, and was a personal friend of the former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò.

Plenty more planned for Friday was being kept under wraps by organizers who said they sought to convey themes of harmony and peace, seeking to represent the city-mountain dichotomy of the particularly unusual setup for these Olympics while also trying to appeal to a sense of unity at a time of global tensions.

Another unknown: What sort of reception would greet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-winter-olympics-armenia-azerbaijan-c3bd416df3afa3e64a5c29d9c438e8e5">U.S. Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;when he attended the ceremony in Milan? And what about the American athletes?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770388455174.jpeg" alt="United States' Erin Jackson warms up during a speedskating training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)" />
 <figcaption>United States' Erin Jackson warms up during a speedskating training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILAN (AP) — An&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-opening-ceremony-olympics-winter-parade-d1aacd10cc2c4636aa985d4936db1d43">unprecedented four-site</a>, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture — plus American pop diva Mariah Carey — was scheduled to officially start the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics">Milan Cortina Games</a>&nbsp;on Friday as the sports spectacle returns to a nation that last hosted the event 20 years ago.This is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/spread-out-games-milan-cortina-dba796da13d5a6a2824fc9abfd93d751">the most spread-out Olympics</a>&nbsp;— Summer or Winter — in history, with competition venues dotting an area of about 8,500 square miles (more than 22,000 square kilometers), roughly the size of the entire state of New Jersey.The main hub Friday is in Milan at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/san-siro-opening-ceremony-winter-olympics-68f7447ed09409fc9dcb1146c46c7d79">San Siro</a>&nbsp;soccer stadium, which is home to Serie A titans AC Milan and Inter Milan, opened a century ago and is due to be razed and replaced in the next few years. There also will be three other places where athletes can march, some carrying their country’s flag: Cortina d’Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomite mountains; Livigno in the Alps; Predazzo in the autonomous province of Trento.That allows up-in-the-mountains sports such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alpine-skiing-milan-cortina-olympics-b6541b08466527959803b2479c9a3416">Alpine skiing</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/milan-cortina-olympics-bobsled-f7abaed92a294763a66c5d8b58315cbd">bobsled</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/curling-olympics-winter-cortina-64d55b7582479467d114298a6865346b">curling</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/snowboarding-chloe-kim-glance-68ec5c83cab7f45ad825bd7f3d488d9c">snowboarding</a>&nbsp;to be represented in the Parade of Nations without needing to make the several-hours-long trek to Milan, the country’s financial capital, and back.For good measure, the Feb. 22 closing ceremony will be held in yet another locale, Verona, where Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” was set.Another symbol of how far-flung things are this time: Instead of the usual one cauldron that is lit and burns throughout the Olympics, there will be two, both intended as an homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s geometric studies. One is in Milan, 2½ miles (4 kilometers) from San Siro, and the other is going to be 250 miles (400 kilometers) away in Cortina.The people given the honor of lighting both was a closely guarded secret, as is usually the case at any Olympics. At the Turin Winter Games in 2006, it was Italian cross-country skier Stefania Belmondo.Other links to Italy’s heritage scheduled to be a part of Friday’s festivities include a performance by tenor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-milan-opening-bocelli-884a38887098840b63ea059c74ab954f">Andrea Bocelli</a>; classically trained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/an-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-rehearsals-for-the-milan-cortina-opening-ceremony-d9b2530b1723416091cc9070898eaff2">dancers from the academy</a>&nbsp;of the famed Milan opera house,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-la-scala-gala-season-premiere-58870d7d530c711a68f87a350fbcdeb4">Teatro alla Scala</a>; a tribute to the late fashion designer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/italy-obit-giorgio-armani-bb4b91756214c456fd5db14216a91b75">Giorgio Armani, who died last year</a>&nbsp;at 91. Armani designed the Olympic and Paralympic uniforms for the Italian national team for decades, and was a personal friend of the former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Giovanni Malagò.Plenty more planned for Friday was being kept under wraps by organizers who said they sought to convey themes of harmony and peace, seeking to represent the city-mountain dichotomy of the particularly unusual setup for these Olympics while also trying to appeal to a sense of unity at a time of global tensions.Another unknown: What sort of reception would greet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vance-winter-olympics-armenia-azerbaijan-c3bd416df3afa3e64a5c29d9c438e8e5">U.S. Vice President JD Vance</a>&nbsp;when he attended the ceremony in Milan? And what about the American athletes?

The Milan Cortina Olympics will start with a four-site and two-cauldron opening ceremony

🎧⚾ Royals elect Wathan to HOF; 🏀 Hutch High travels to Salina South

Blue Dragon freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2025-26/bios/beale_xylavene_h8ad">Xylavene Beale</a>&nbsp;broke two new Hutchinson Community College indoor track &amp; field records at Wichita State's Coach Wilson Invitational last weekend and was tabbed the NJCAA Women's Indoor Field Athlete of the Week.

Beale, a freshman from Australia, won both events at Wichita State, setting a mark of 58 feet, 5 inches (17.81 meters) in the weight throw Friday, Jan. 30 and followed that with a second record-breaking Blue Dragon record in the shot put with a winning throw of 50 feet 6 ¾ inches (15.41 meters).

Beale currently ranks No. 1 in the NJCAA in both events.

Beale is also now a two-time Jayhawk Conference women's field athlete of the week, winning her second straight honor this week.

Beale has already qualified for the 2026 NJCAA indoor championships in both the weight throw and shot put.

The Blue Dragon track and field teams compete at the Ichabod Open next Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14 in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770348180014.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson's Xylavene Beale won the shot put and weight throw at the Wichita State Coach Wilson Invite, setting new Blue Dragon records and earning NJCAA national indoor field athlete of the week." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson's Xylavene Beale won the shot put and weight throw at the Wichita State Coach Wilson Invite, setting new Blue Dragon records and earning NJCAA national indoor field athlete of the week.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationBlue Dragon freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://bluedragonsports.com/sports/wtrack/2025-26/bios/beale_xylavene_h8ad">Xylavene Beale</a>&nbsp;broke two new Hutchinson Community College indoor track &amp; field records at Wichita State's Coach Wilson Invitational last weekend and was tabbed the NJCAA Women's Indoor Field Athlete of the Week.Beale, a freshman from Australia, won both events at Wichita State, setting a mark of 58 feet, 5 inches (17.81 meters) in the weight throw Friday, Jan. 30 and followed that with a second record-breaking Blue Dragon record in the shot put with a winning throw of 50 feet 6 ¾ inches (15.41 meters).Beale currently ranks No. 1 in the NJCAA in both events.Beale is also now a two-time Jayhawk Conference women's field athlete of the week, winning her second straight honor this week.Beale has already qualified for the 2026 NJCAA indoor championships in both the weight throw and shot put.The Blue Dragon track and field teams compete at the Ichabod Open next Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14 in Topeka.

👟 HutchCC's Beale named NJCAA Indoor Field Athlete of the Week

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

The renovation of Wichita State’s Cessna Stadium into University Stadium took a big step forward Jan. 8 when the WSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to invest $38 million into Phase 2 of the project.

Phase 2 will begin after the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships May 29-30, 2026 with demolition of the west grandstand in June.

"We would like to thank the Board of Trustees for their investment in making University Stadium a state-of-the-art venue for Shocker track and field and the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships,” Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said. “University Stadium is a tremendous asset to Wichita State University, the community of Wichita and the state of Kansas as we improve the university’s ability to host Kansas’ top high school athletes. This renovation also enhances Wichita State’s potential to recruit a wide range of championship and external events – including but not limited to national track and field competition - &nbsp;to Wichita.”

Construction of the new west stadium will be phased to ensure that ample seating is available for the 2027 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships. Construction is scheduled to be complete before the 2028 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships.

“In late May every year, the state Track &amp; Field Championship meet allows students representing schools from across Kansas the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage,” said Bill Faflick, KSHSAA executive director. “The KSHSAA is grateful for the commitment and effort of the Wichita State Athletic Department to provide an incomparable championship venue for the championship performances of our athletes.”

Construction also continues for Phase 1B of University Stadium. Construction is anticipated to be completed in April ahead of the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet on May 29-30, 2026.

This phase (1B) of construction consists of widening the field to hold a regulation-sized artificial turf soccer field and installing both field event venues and a nine-lane track.&nbsp; Additionally, sidewalks will connect the east and west sides of the facility inside the stadium.

Improvements to the throwing area south of Charles Koch Arena are also underway as a part of Phase 1B. Additions also include a longer javelin runway, hammer/discus sectors, sprint warmup lanes and a three-sector shot put venue. Shot put competition will move to this area from inside the stadium.

For more than half-a-century, Cessna Stadium was home to one of Kansas’ best sporting traditions, the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championship. The nation’s largest state meet brings boys and girls from all six classifications to one site to compete for titles. Except for 1978 (when track renovations split the meet into three locations), Wichita State has been the site of every state meet since 1970.

Stadium construction phases are designed to allow that run to continue uninterrupted.

For information on donating to the University Stadium project, contact Telly McGaha, president and CEO of WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at 316-978-5670.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770319269135.jpeg" alt="Major renovations began in 2022 to turn Cessna Stadium into a state-of-the-art home for Shockers track and field and KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships. Work continues at what is now called University Stadium and will be phased to avoid interrupting the state high school meet. (Courtesy Wichita State University Strategic Communications)" />
 <figcaption>Major renovations began in 2022 to turn Cessna Stadium into a state-of-the-art home for Shockers track and field and KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships. Work continues at what is now called University Stadium and will be phased to avoid interrupting the state high school meet. (Courtesy Wichita State University Strategic Communications)</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONSThe renovation of Wichita State’s Cessna Stadium into University Stadium took a big step forward Jan. 8 when the WSU Board of Trustees voted unanimously to invest $38 million into Phase 2 of the project.Phase 2 will begin after the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships May 29-30, 2026 with demolition of the west grandstand in June."We would like to thank the Board of Trustees for their investment in making University Stadium a state-of-the-art venue for Shocker track and field and the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships,” Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal said. “University Stadium is a tremendous asset to Wichita State University, the community of Wichita and the state of Kansas as we improve the university’s ability to host Kansas’ top high school athletes. This renovation also enhances Wichita State’s potential to recruit a wide range of championship and external events – including but not limited to national track and field competition - &nbsp;to Wichita.”Construction of the new west stadium will be phased to ensure that ample seating is available for the 2027 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships. Construction is scheduled to be complete before the 2028 KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships.“In late May every year, the state Track &amp; Field Championship meet allows students representing schools from across Kansas the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage,” said Bill Faflick, KSHSAA executive director. “The KSHSAA is grateful for the commitment and effort of the Wichita State Athletic Department to provide an incomparable championship venue for the championship performances of our athletes.”Construction also continues for Phase 1B of University Stadium. Construction is anticipated to be completed in April ahead of the KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet on May 29-30, 2026.This phase (1B) of construction consists of widening the field to hold a regulation-sized artificial turf soccer field and installing both field event venues and a nine-lane track.&nbsp; Additionally, sidewalks will connect the east and west sides of the facility inside the stadium.Improvements to the throwing area south of Charles Koch Arena are also underway as a part of Phase 1B. Additions also include a longer javelin runway, hammer/discus sectors, sprint warmup lanes and a three-sector shot put venue. Shot put competition will move to this area from inside the stadium.For more than half-a-century, Cessna Stadium was home to one of Kansas’ best sporting traditions, the KSHSAA State Track and Field Championship. The nation’s largest state meet brings boys and girls from all six classifications to one site to compete for titles. Except for 1978 (when track renovations split the meet into three locations), Wichita State has been the site of every state meet since 1970.Stadium construction phases are designed to allow that run to continue uninterrupted.For information on donating to the University Stadium project, contact Telly McGaha, president and CEO of WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement, at 316-978-5670.

New investment moves WSU's former Cessna Stadium renovation forward

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School Athletic Director Steve Kappenman announced seven student-athletes have committed to continue their athletic careers on Winter Signing Day. Read more about each student below.

Myka Thompson signs with Butler Community College volleyball

Hutchinson High School senior Myka Thompson has signed to continue her volleyball career at Butler Community College, where she will compete for the Grizzlies this fall.

A dominant presence on the court, Thompson chose Butler for its competitive volleyball program and coaching staff’s emphasis on discipline, effort and continuous improvement. She plans to major in nursing, aligning her academic goals with a passion for service, leadership and caring for others.

Thompson leaves Hutchinson as an accomplished student-athlete. She earned AVCTL Division I First Team honors and was named AVCTL Division I Most Valuable Player. A three-year varsity starter, she also served as team captain for two seasons, leading through consistency, toughness and competitive drive.

Beyond volleyball, Thompson competed in basketball and bowling and was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Junior and Senior Leaders, Student Council and Briny Birds.

“Myka is an incredible leader on and off the court,” HHS coach Josie Armstrong said. “Her work ethic is unmatched. She is a great athlete and an even better person.”

At Butler, Thompson will enroll in the Associate of Applied Science nursing program, which prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu signs with Lincoln University football

Hutchinson senior Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu has signed to continue his football career at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, joining the Blue Tigers at the NCAA Division II level.

A powerful running back, Gaitho-Karanu earned AVCTL Division I All-League Honorable Mention honors. Known for his strength, vision and toughness, he consistently made an impact on and off the field.

He will compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and plans to major in finance.

Lincoln University is a public, historically Black, land-grant institution with approximately 2,250 students and offers comprehensive finance degree programs.

Jaden Durant signs with Seward County Community College softball

Hutchinson senior Jaden Durant has signed to continue her softball career at Seward County Community College, where she will compete for the Saints.

Durant lettered three years in varsity softball and also served as varsity wrestling manager for two seasons, demonstrating leadership and commitment to her teammates.

She plans to major in sports medicine with an interest in athletic training and athlete care.

Seward County offers a two-year Associate of Science program emphasizing injury prevention, care and rehabilitation.

Stephanie Jenkins signs with Missouri Valley College dance

Hutchinson senior Stephanie Jenkins has signed to continue her dance career at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, joining the Viking Dance Team.

Jenkins connected with the coaching staff during her campus visit and was drawn to the welcoming environment and strong academic support.

She was active in the Salthawk Dance Team, Student Council, HOSA and Junior and Senior Leaders. Jenkins also earned honor roll and principal’s honor roll recognition and was named Student of the Week twice.

She plans to major in psychology and counseling.

Kylan Mendoza commits to Sterling College football

Hutchinson senior Kylan Mendoza has committed to continue his football career at Sterling College, where he will play for the Warriors.

A key offensive lineman, Mendoza earned All-League Second Team honors, All-State Honorable Mention and recognition on the Sports in Kansas Top 100 Seniors list.

Sterling is a private four-year college competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Jenna Giles signs with Friends University cheer

Hutchinson senior Jenna Giles has signed to continue her cheer career at Friends University in Wichita, where she will join her sister Hannah on the team.

Giles lettered in cheer and soccer and was active in Junior and Senior Leaders, Salthawk Threads, HOSA, Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Friends University enrolls approximately 2,000 students and offers a variety of academic programs in a student-focused environment.

Tramel Walker signs with Southern Nazarene University football

Hutchinson senior Tramel Walker has signed to continue his athletic career at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he will compete for the Crimson Storm football team.

Walker competed in football, basketball and track and was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Powder Puff and Ironman activities. His honors include Ad Astra Radio Athlete of the Week, state track qualifier and AVCTL All-League recognition.

He plans to major in kinesiology and pursue physical therapy licensure.

Walker chose Southern Nazarene for its Christian values, community atmosphere and academic opportunities and received a full-ride scholarship.

USD 308 CommunicationsHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School Athletic Director Steve Kappenman announced seven student-athletes have committed to continue their athletic careers on Winter Signing Day. Read more about each student below.<h2>Myka Thompson signs with Butler Community College volleyball</h2>Hutchinson High School senior Myka Thompson has signed to continue her volleyball career at Butler Community College, where she will compete for the Grizzlies this fall.A dominant presence on the court, Thompson chose Butler for its competitive volleyball program and coaching staff’s emphasis on discipline, effort and continuous improvement. She plans to major in nursing, aligning her academic goals with a passion for service, leadership and caring for others.Thompson leaves Hutchinson as an accomplished student-athlete. She earned AVCTL Division I First Team honors and was named AVCTL Division I Most Valuable Player. A three-year varsity starter, she also served as team captain for two seasons, leading through consistency, toughness and competitive drive.Beyond volleyball, Thompson competed in basketball and bowling and was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Junior and Senior Leaders, Student Council and Briny Birds.“Myka is an incredible leader on and off the court,” HHS coach Josie Armstrong said. “Her work ethic is unmatched. She is a great athlete and an even better person.”At Butler, Thompson will enroll in the Associate of Applied Science nursing program, which prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309552457.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu signs with Lincoln University football</h2>Hutchinson senior Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu has signed to continue his football career at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, joining the Blue Tigers at the NCAA Division II level.A powerful running back, Gaitho-Karanu earned AVCTL Division I All-League Honorable Mention honors. Known for his strength, vision and toughness, he consistently made an impact on and off the field.He will compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and plans to major in finance.Lincoln University is a public, historically Black, land-grant institution with approximately 2,250 students and offers comprehensive finance degree programs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309540945.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Jaden Durant signs with Seward County Community College softball</h2>Hutchinson senior Jaden Durant has signed to continue her softball career at Seward County Community College, where she will compete for the Saints.Durant lettered three years in varsity softball and also served as varsity wrestling manager for two seasons, demonstrating leadership and commitment to her teammates.She plans to major in sports medicine with an interest in athletic training and athlete care.Seward County offers a two-year Associate of Science program emphasizing injury prevention, care and rehabilitation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309525511.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Stephanie Jenkins signs with Missouri Valley College dance</h2>Hutchinson senior Stephanie Jenkins has signed to continue her dance career at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, joining the Viking Dance Team.Jenkins connected with the coaching staff during her campus visit and was drawn to the welcoming environment and strong academic support.She was active in the Salthawk Dance Team, Student Council, HOSA and Junior and Senior Leaders. Jenkins also earned honor roll and principal’s honor roll recognition and was named Student of the Week twice.She plans to major in psychology and counseling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309512891.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kylan Mendoza commits to Sterling College football</h2>Hutchinson senior Kylan Mendoza has committed to continue his football career at Sterling College, where he will play for the Warriors.A key offensive lineman, Mendoza earned All-League Second Team honors, All-State Honorable Mention and recognition on the Sports in Kansas Top 100 Seniors list.He plans to major in sports medicine.Sterling is a private four-year college competing in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309499211.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Jenna Giles signs with Friends University cheer</h2>Hutchinson senior Jenna Giles has signed to continue her cheer career at Friends University in Wichita, where she will join her sister Hannah on the team.Giles lettered in cheer and soccer and was active in Junior and Senior Leaders, Salthawk Threads, HOSA, Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.She plans to major in health sciences.Friends University enrolls approximately 2,000 students and offers a variety of academic programs in a student-focused environment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309483353.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Tramel Walker signs with Southern Nazarene University football</h2>Hutchinson senior Tramel Walker has signed to continue his athletic career at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, where he will compete for the Crimson Storm football team.Walker competed in football, basketball and track and was active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Powder Puff and Ironman activities. His honors include Ad Astra Radio Athlete of the Week, state track qualifier and AVCTL All-League recognition.He plans to major in kinesiology and pursue physical therapy licensure.Walker chose Southern Nazarene for its Christian values, community atmosphere and academic opportunities and received a full-ride scholarship.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770309466964.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy USD 308 Communications</figcaption>
 </figure>

Seven Salthawks sign on National Signing Day

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770308152919.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City Royals<div>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&mdash;The Kansas City Royals announced today former player, coach, manager, broadcaster and baseball operations staffer&nbsp;John Wathan&nbsp;has been voted into the Royals Hall of Fame. He will become the 32nd member of the Royals Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;After 52 years in baseball and 47 with the Royals, I can honestly say I have always bled Royal blue,&rdquo; Wathan said. &ldquo;This is the ultimate honor for living as a Royal all those years. I couldn&rsquo;t begin to thank everyone involved on this journey with me. It has been a real privilege to be with one organization that long. It is a rare feat and one that I have been so proud of for all these years.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Few people in this organization have impacted the Royals the way Duke has &ndash; serving in so many roles and contributing at such a high level over so many years,&rdquo; Royals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager&nbsp;J.J. Picollo&nbsp;said. &ldquo;This honor is incredibly well deserved for Duke and his family, and we&rsquo;re proud to recognize a professional life devoted to the Royals and to Kansas City.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Wathan was selected 4th overall by the Royals in the 1971 January Draft and played all 10 of his big league seasons for Kansas City as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder. Wathan&rsquo;s first big league season was 1976, when the Royals won their first American League West championship. His last big league season as a player was 1985, when the Royals won their first World Series. He hit .305 with more walks (50) than strikeouts (42) for the 1980 American League Champion Royals, and in 1982 had 36 stolen bases as a catcher, a single-season Major League record that still stands.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;John Wathan is truly the Royals man for all seasons,&rdquo; said&nbsp;Curt Nelson, Senior Director of the Royals Hall of Fame. &ldquo;As a player, he was a key contributor in a career that bookended the entire first Royals&nbsp; championship era. He followed that with decades of service as a coach, manager, broadcaster, instructor and scout. All of it with class and a deep devotion to the Royals and Kansas City.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
After retiring as a player in 1985, Wathan returned as a member of the Royals Major League coaching staff in 1986 took on his first managerial duties with Triple-A Omaha in 1987. He made it back to Kansas City as Royals Manager on Aug. 28, 1987. During his time at the helm (1987-91), the Royals were 287-270 (.515), including a 92-70 record in 1989, which then tied for 3rd most single-season wins in club history. At the end of his tenure, his 287 wins and 557 games managed ranked 3rd in club history (currently 5th and 6th respectively), and his .515 winning percentage still ranks 4th.
&nbsp;
After a brief time away, Wathan returned to the Royals as a broadcaster in 1996. He later became a fixture in scouting and player development for more than 20 years. In all, Wathan spent 51 years in professional baseball, including 47 of those as a member of the Kansas City Royals before his retirement following the 2022 season.
&nbsp;
Wathan was placed on the ballot by the Royals Hall of Fame Executive Board and elected through the Royals Hall of Fame Veterans Committee voting process. The committee consists of 16 voting members selected by the board, comprised of Royals Hall of Fame members, Royals Club Executives, and media members. Candidates must be named on at least 75% of all ballots cast to be elected.
&nbsp;
For additional information, members of the media may contact Curt Nelson, Senior Director, Royals Hall of Fame, at (816) 504-4337 or via email&nbsp;<a title="mailto:curt.nelson%40royals.com?subject=" href="mailto:curt.nelson%40royals.com?subject=" data-linkindex="2" data-ogsc="">curt.nelson@royals.com</a>.
&nbsp;
The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of those players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Royals baseball. Previous Royals Hall of Fame inductees include:
&nbsp;
1986: Pitcher Steve Busby and Outfielder Amos Otis
&nbsp;
1987: Manager Dick Howser, Second Baseman Cookie Rojas and Pitcher Paul Splittorff
&nbsp;
1989: Pitcher Dennis Leonard and Designated Hitter Hal McRae
&nbsp;
1992: Club President Joe Burke, Pitcher Larry Gura and Shortstop Fred Patek
&nbsp;
1993: Owner Ewing Kauffman
&nbsp;
1994: Third Baseman George Brett
&nbsp;
1995: Second Baseman Frank White&nbsp;
&nbsp;
1996: Royals First Lady Muriel Kauffman and First Baseman John Mayberry
&nbsp;
1998: Relief Pitcher Dan Quisenberry
&nbsp;
2000: Manager Whitey Herzog and Outfielder Willie Wilson&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
2003: Pitcher Jeff Montgomery
&nbsp;
2004: Radio Announcer Denny Matthews
&nbsp;
2005: Pitcher Bret Saberhagen
&nbsp;
2006: Pitcher Mark Gubicza
&nbsp;
2008: Scout Art Stewart
&nbsp;
2011: Pitcher Kevin Appier
&nbsp;
2012: Groundskeeper George Toma
&nbsp;
2015: First Baseman/DH Mike Sweeney
&nbsp;
2023: Manager Ned Yost
&nbsp;
2024: General Manager Cedric Tallis, General Manager John Schuerholz and Outfielder Bo Jackson
&nbsp;
2025: Outfielder Alex Gordon</div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9rnlWuyeX9Q?si=z4rqb0soHWykX3e4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770308166426.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770308177504.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ John Wathan elected to Royals Hall of Fame

The Wichita Wind Surge says this year’s alternative name is the "Wichita Honkers." The Wind Surge select a new alternate name, logo and jersey for each season.

The new-look will be on display for select home games during the 2026 season. The Honkers name comes from the geese along the Arkansas River, which runs to the east of Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770307874551.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>The Wichita Wind Surge says this year’s alternative name is the "Wichita Honkers." The Wind Surge select a new alternate name, logo and jersey for each season.The new-look will be on display for select home games during the 2026 season. The Honkers name comes from the geese along the Arkansas River, which runs to the east of Riverfront Stadium in downtown Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770308274416.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUYZADSkW_a/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUYZADSkW_a/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUYZADSkW_a/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Emily Morgan (@emilymorgancreates)</a></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770307893956.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770307904026.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770307911296.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ Wind Surge unveil new alternate name, logo

🎧🏀 HutchCC splits with Barton; 🏀 Shockers beat Charlotte

FINAL: No. 20 Hutchinson women 49, Barton 38

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762665656970.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>FINAL: No. 20 Hutchinson women 49, Barton 38FINAL: Barton men 68, Hutchinson 60<div><iframe title="Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC WBB & MBB vs. Barton (Feb. 4, 2026)" allowtransparency="true" height="300" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:300px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bamdm-1a3a1b8-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=3267a3&size=300" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

🎧🏀 Blue Dragon Rewind: HutchCC vs. Barton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KaMyra Barber posted her fourth double-double of the season and No. 20 Hutchinson Community College used a stifling defensive effort to pull away from Barton Community College for a 49-38 KJCCC win Wednesday in the Sports Arena.

Hutchinson won its third straight game and improved to 18-5 overall and 13-4 in league play.

Barber finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and five steals, helping the Blue Dragons turn 22 Barton turnovers into 18 points. Whitney Brown knocked down three 3-pointers and scored 9 points, while Katie Duncan added 9 points and Jamya McPherson came off the bench with 6 points and three assists.

The game was a grind early, with both teams struggling to find clean looks. Barton led 5-2 after the opening quarter as Hutchinson went scoreless for more than three minutes to start and didn’t score its first basket until 6:28. The Cougars, though, couldn’t capitalize, shooting 2 of 15 in the first period while the teams combined for nine turnovers.

Hutchinson steadied itself in the second quarter, getting a spark from its bench and perimeter shooting. Kaia Smith buried a 3-pointer midway through the period to help the Blue Dragons climb back, and Hutchinson used a 9-2 stretch to erase the deficit and tie it at 13-13 late. Barton carried a slim 15-13 lead into the final seconds before Duncan scored on a driving layup with three seconds left, evening the game at 15-all at halftime.

The Blue Dragons seized control coming out of the break. Barber scored twice early in the third and Duncan drained a 3-pointer to give Hutchinson its first separation. After Barton briefly pulled even at 23-23, Hutchinson answered with a decisive run sparked by defense. Barber hit a 3 and later finished a layup off a turnover, and Duncan closed the quarter with a steal and layup at the horn to send Hutchinson into the fourth up 33-26.

Barton made one final push early in the fourth behind Mary Akinde, who scored inside and drew fouls as the Cougars trimmed the margin. But Hutchinson’s defense tightened again, forcing empty possessions and turning rebounds into transition chances. Brown connected on two 3-pointers in a one-minute span (4:40 and 3:39) to stretch the lead to 44-33, and the Blue Dragons finished the final minutes by holding Barton without a field goal during a key late stretch.

Despite being outrebounded 41-36, Hutchinson won the turnover battle 22-15 and generated a 16-4 edge in fastbreak points. The Blue Dragons shot 35.1% overall and made 5 of 18 from 3-point range, while Barton shot 29.6% and went 1 of 10 from deep.

Barton was led by Regina Donanu with 14 points and three assists, while Akinde had 13 points and 16 rebounds. The Cougars were held to 12 points in each of the final two quarters.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Hutchinson will travel to Arkansas City on Saturday to face Cowley. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. from W.S. Scott Auditorium.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770265110478.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — KaMyra Barber posted her fourth double-double of the season and No. 20 Hutchinson Community College used a stifling defensive effort to pull away from Barton Community College for a 49-38 KJCCC win Wednesday in the Sports Arena.Hutchinson won its third straight game and improved to 18-5 overall and 13-4 in league play.Barber finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and five steals, helping the Blue Dragons turn 22 Barton turnovers into 18 points. Whitney Brown knocked down three 3-pointers and scored 9 points, while Katie Duncan added 9 points and Jamya McPherson came off the bench with 6 points and three assists.The game was a grind early, with both teams struggling to find clean looks. Barton led 5-2 after the opening quarter as Hutchinson went scoreless for more than three minutes to start and didn’t score its first basket until 6:28. The Cougars, though, couldn’t capitalize, shooting 2 of 15 in the first period while the teams combined for nine turnovers.Hutchinson steadied itself in the second quarter, getting a spark from its bench and perimeter shooting. Kaia Smith buried a 3-pointer midway through the period to help the Blue Dragons climb back, and Hutchinson used a 9-2 stretch to erase the deficit and tie it at 13-13 late. Barton carried a slim 15-13 lead into the final seconds before Duncan scored on a driving layup with three seconds left, evening the game at 15-all at halftime.The Blue Dragons seized control coming out of the break. Barber scored twice early in the third and Duncan drained a 3-pointer to give Hutchinson its first separation. After Barton briefly pulled even at 23-23, Hutchinson answered with a decisive run sparked by defense. Barber hit a 3 and later finished a layup off a turnover, and Duncan closed the quarter with a steal and layup at the horn to send Hutchinson into the fourth up 33-26.Barton made one final push early in the fourth behind Mary Akinde, who scored inside and drew fouls as the Cougars trimmed the margin. But Hutchinson’s defense tightened again, forcing empty possessions and turning rebounds into transition chances. Brown connected on two 3-pointers in a one-minute span (4:40 and 3:39) to stretch the lead to 44-33, and the Blue Dragons finished the final minutes by holding Barton without a field goal during a key late stretch.Despite being outrebounded 41-36, Hutchinson won the turnover battle 22-15 and generated a 16-4 edge in fastbreak points. The Blue Dragons shot 35.1% overall and made 5 of 18 from 3-point range, while Barton shot 29.6% and went 1 of 10 from deep.Barton was led by Regina Donanu with 14 points and three assists, while Akinde had 13 points and 16 rebounds. The Cougars were held to 12 points in each of the final two quarters.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Hutchinson will travel to Arkansas City on Saturday to face Cowley. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. from W.S. Scott Auditorium.

🏀 Barber’s double-double powers No. 20 Hutchinson women past Barton

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Daleron Thomas scored a career-high 29 points, but Hutchinson Community College could not overcome a cold-shooting first half and a lopsided rebounding deficit in a 68-60 loss to Barton Community College on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons dropped their seventh straight game and fell to 10-13 overall and 5-12 in KJCCC play.

Thomas went 11 of 17 from the field and hit four 3-pointers to keep Hutchinson within striking distance throughout the second half. Bobby Cannon added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Lolo Rudolph had eight assists as the Blue Dragons finished with 17 assists on 25 made baskets.

Barton set the tone early with its depth and work on the glass. The Cougars built a 12-point lead in the first half and took a 35-24 advantage into the break after shooting 7 of 14 from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes. Hutchinson, meanwhile, managed just 1 of 10 from beyond the arc in the first half and struggled to generate second chances against Barton’s size.

Hutchinson responded after halftime with its best stretch of the night, opening the second half with a defensive spark and climbing within seven at 37-30. Thomas scored 17 of his points after the break, including a pair of 3s that helped the Blue Dragons pull within 58-49 with 2:36 to play.

Each time Hutchinson threatened, Barton answered with a big possession. The Cougars got 33 bench points and turned multiple offensive rebounds into extra opportunities, finishing with a 45-29 edge on the boards and 16 second-chance points. Jayden Ramirez led Barton’s reserves with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, and Noah Williams scored 12 points. Barton also had three players with nine points and totaled 18 assists.

Hutchinson shot 41.0% overall but went 4 of 24 from 3-point range and 6 of 11 at the free-throw line. Barton shot 39.7%, made 7 of 21 from deep and went 15 of 18 at the stripe to close out the win.

The Blue Dragons travel to Arkansas City on Saturday to face Cowley. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770265415712.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Daren Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Daleron Thomas scored a career-high 29 points, but Hutchinson Community College could not overcome a cold-shooting first half and a lopsided rebounding deficit in a 68-60 loss to Barton Community College on Wednesday at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons dropped their seventh straight game and fell to 10-13 overall and 5-12 in KJCCC play.Thomas went 11 of 17 from the field and hit four 3-pointers to keep Hutchinson within striking distance throughout the second half. Bobby Cannon added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Lolo Rudolph had eight assists as the Blue Dragons finished with 17 assists on 25 made baskets.Barton set the tone early with its depth and work on the glass. The Cougars built a 12-point lead in the first half and took a 35-24 advantage into the break after shooting 7 of 14 from 3-point range in the opening 20 minutes. Hutchinson, meanwhile, managed just 1 of 10 from beyond the arc in the first half and struggled to generate second chances against Barton’s size.Hutchinson responded after halftime with its best stretch of the night, opening the second half with a defensive spark and climbing within seven at 37-30. Thomas scored 17 of his points after the break, including a pair of 3s that helped the Blue Dragons pull within 58-49 with 2:36 to play.Each time Hutchinson threatened, Barton answered with a big possession. The Cougars got 33 bench points and turned multiple offensive rebounds into extra opportunities, finishing with a 45-29 edge on the boards and 16 second-chance points. Jayden Ramirez led Barton’s reserves with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, and Noah Williams scored 12 points. Barton also had three players with nine points and totaled 18 assists.Hutchinson shot 41.0% overall but went 4 of 24 from 3-point range and 6 of 11 at the free-throw line. Barton shot 39.7%, made 7 of 21 from deep and went 15 of 18 at the stripe to close out the win.The Blue Dragons travel to Arkansas City on Saturday to face Cowley. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

🏀 Thomas’ career-high not enough as Hutch men fall to Barton for seventh straight loss

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kenyon Giles had 23 points in Wichita State’s 74-64 victory against Charlotte on Wednesday.

Giles went 9 of 21 from the field (4 for 13 from 3-point range) for the Shockers (14-9, 6-4 American Athletic Conference). Karon Boyd scored 18 points, going 7 of 12 from the floor.

Dezayne Mingo led the 49ers (13-10, 7-3) in scoring, finishing with 24 points. Charlotte also got 11 points from Major Freeman. Arden Conyers had 10 points.

Wichita State took the lead for good with 6:04 to go in the first half. The score was 35-34 at halftime, with Boyd racking up 14 points. Wichita State used a 10-0 run in the second half to build a 14-point lead at 57-43.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/2/1770265736934.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kenyon Giles had 23 points in Wichita State’s 74-64 victory against Charlotte on Wednesday.Giles went 9 of 21 from the field (4 for 13 from 3-point range) for the Shockers (14-9, 6-4 American Athletic Conference). Karon Boyd scored 18 points, going 7 of 12 from the floor.Dezayne Mingo led the 49ers (13-10, 7-3) in scoring, finishing with 24 points. Charlotte also got 11 points from Major Freeman. Arden Conyers had 10 points.Wichita State took the lead for good with 6:04 to go in the first half. The score was 35-34 at halftime, with Boyd racking up 14 points. Wichita State used a 10-0 run in the second half to build a 14-point lead at 57-43.