<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746649933846.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
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The Jayhawk Conference champion Hutchinson Community College softball team had a program-record 12 players receive All-Jayhawk Conference recognition this season.
The 2025 All-KJCCC Division I softball team was released on Wednesday. The Blue Dragons placed two players on the first time &ndash; shortstop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/tomlinson_morgan_0v0v">Morgan Tomlinson</a>. Three others earned second-team honors &ndash; third baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_haley_h3bo">Haley Kruger</a>, center fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/kruger_kaibryn_wwcp">Kaibryn Kruger</a>&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/schmidt_jessica_edec">Jessica Schmidt</a>. First baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>, outfielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/brawner_brie_hldl">Brie Brawner</a>, second baseman&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/dice_emily_75aj">Emily Dice</a>, catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/golly_taylor_l19d">Tailor Golly</a>, utility player Addi Lutz, right-fielder&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/stauffer_gabby_t8qf">Gabby Stauffer</a>&nbsp;and pitcher&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/thomas_aubree_o0p2">Aubree Thomas</a>&nbsp;were all named honorable mention.
Both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;and Tomlinson are repeat first-team selections.
The 12 players selected this season surpass the old record of 11 players set by the 2023 Jayhawk Conference champion Blue Dragons.
The 2025 Blue Dragons posted a 37-11 overall record and tied Butler for the league title with a 27-5 mark. The Blue Dragons went 2-2 in the 2025 Region 6 Tournament.
<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/files/2025_All-KJCCC_D1_Softball.pdf">CLICK FOR ENTIRE 2025 ALL-KJCCC DIVISION I SOFTBALL TEAM</a>
BAILEY BACKHAUS (So./SS) &ndash; 1st Team <a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;concluded an incredible two-year run with the Blue Dragons that included 202 career hits (most by a two-year player in Blue Dragon history) and a career batting average of .502, which established a Blue Dragon career record.
This season, the sophomore from Newkirk, Oklahoma, hit .530, the second-highest batting average in a single season in team history with 98 hits, second only to her record 104 hits from her freshman season in 2024. In 30 KJCCC games, Backhaus hit a torrid .608 (76 for 125) with 64 runs scored and 35 RBIs from the leadoff position.
Of her 98 hits, nine went for doubles and she hit a single-season record 10 triples to up her career record to 16 triples.
Backhaus broke the Blue Dragon single-season stolen base record with 57 steals in 58 attempts. Her 82 career steals tied Lexi Williams (2020-21) for first place in team history.
Backhaus also broke a Blue Dragon single-season record for runs scores with 78, again surpassing her own record of 77 set last season.
Backhaus had a season-long 16 game hitting streak this season and reached base in 33 consecutive games. Se had 31 multi-hit games this season, including three five-hit games against Fort Hays Tech Northwest on March 1, Colby on March 16 and Garden City on April 17. She tied single-game record for runs with five against Pratt on February 26 and Garden City on April 17.
MORGAN TOMLINSON (So./P) &ndash; 1st Team Tomlinson became the first 20-game winner for the Blue Dragons since Holly Kelley in 2016, posting a record of 21-7 with a 3.18 earned run average. In KJCCC play &ndash; where she made 15 starts and eight relief appearances &ndash; Tomlinson was 16-3 with a 3.11 ERA.
The sophomore from Harveyville, Kansas, had 131 strikeouts in 147 1-3 innings pitched this season. She walked only 24 batters and allowed 149 hits with opposing batters hitting only .251 off of her.
Tomlinson pitched two combined no-hitters this season and had six complete games with two complete-game shutouts.
In three-straight starts this season, Tomlinson set new single-game career highs in strikeouts with eight against Colby on March 17, nine against Garden City on March 18 and 10 against Dodge City on March 20.
Tomlinson completed her career with a 37-10 record and a 3.14 earned-run average. She finished with 180 strikeouts in 236 innings. Her 37 wins rank fourth on the Blue Dragon career list and her 180 strikeouts are 10th.
HALEY KRUGER (So./3B) &ndash; 2nd Team Kruger hit .313 this season (41 for 131) with 15 doubles, three home runs and 37 RBIs.
The sophomore from Oklahoma City, had 10 multi-hit games, including a career-high four hits against Pratt on March 29. She also drove in a career-best eight RBIs in that game. The eight RBIs are third most in Blue Dragon single-game history.
Kruger hit .341 in conference play this season with 29 hits, 13 doubles, two home runs and 34 RBIs.
KAIBRYN KRUGER (Fr./CF) &ndash; 2nd Team The freshman from Silver Lake was second on the team in batting this season with a .456 average. Kruger was 73 for 160 with 13 doubles, six triples and seven home runs. She drove in 51 runs and scored 76, which is third-most in Blue Dragon single-season history.
Kruger was 40 of 42 in stolen-base attempts this season, which is No. 3 on the Blue Dragon single-season list.
Kruger matched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_bailey_44zk">Bailey Backhaus</a>&nbsp;for the longest hitting streak this season at 16 and she will carry a 43-game streak of reach base into next season.
Kruger had 24 multi-hit games, including a season-high four hits against Seward County on March 12.
Kruger had two games with four steals &ndash; Fort Hays Tech Northwest on March on and Labette on March 9 &ndash; to establish a new Blue Dragon single-game record for steals.
JESSICA SCHMIDT (Fr./P) &ndash; 2nd Team A freshman left-handed pitcher from Norfolk, Nebraska, pitched exclusively out of the bullpen this season. Schmidt had a 2-1 record with a team-high three saves and a 2.96 ERA.
Over 52 innings in 27 appearances, Schmidt had 38 strikeouts and allowed opponents only a .238 batting average.
In 18 conference appearances, Schmidt was 1-0 with three saves and a 2.73 ERA.
Schmidt had a single-game high four strikeouts three different times. She had saves against Pratt on February 26, Butler on April 7 and Seward County on April 13.
BROOKE BACKHAUS (So./1B) &ndash; Honorable Mention The only Blue Dragon to appear in all 48 games this season,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bluedragonsports.com/sports/sball/2024-25/bios/backhaus_brooke_ngsp">Brooke Backhaus</a>&nbsp;hit .321 (53 for 165) with 13 doubles, two home runs and 40 RBIs.
A sophomore from Newkirk, Oklahoma, Backhaus' .987 career fielding percentage ties for seventh in Blue Dragon history.
BRIE BRAWNER (So./LF) &ndash; Honorable Mention The sophomore left-fielder from Haven wound up hitting .312 (43 for 138) with four extra-base hits, including a home run at Colby. Brawner scored 37 runs and was 11 of 11 in stolen bases.
EMILY DICE (So./2B) &ndash; Honorable Mention Stepping into the full-time starting role at second base this season, the sophomore from Wichita, served as another leadoff hitter from the No. 9 spot in the order. Dice hit .377 this season (57 for 151) with seven doubles, an inside-the-park home run and a out-of-the-park homer. She drove in 32 RBIs this season. Dice was 16 of 18 on steals this season.
TAIBOR GOLLY (Fr./C) &ndash; Honorable Mention The freshman catcher from Grimes, Iowa, led the Blue Dragons with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs this season. She was second on the team with 20 doubles. Golly hit .444 for the season (71 for 160) with a slugging percentage of .788. Golly had three two-home run games this season against Colby twice on March 16 and Fort Hays Tech Northwest on April 2. Golly was also named to the All-Region 6 Tournament team.
ADDI LUTZ (Fr./Utl.) &ndash; Honorable Mention The freshman from Olathe had some clutch hits this season, including both the game-tying and walk-off hits in Hutchinson's come-from-behind 7-6 win over Butler on nine innings on March 6 at Fun Valley. Lutz hit .331 in her freshman season as a catcher and designated player. She went 44 for 133 this season with three doubles, two home runs, 23 RBIs and 24 runs scored.
GABBY STAUFFER (Fr./RF) &ndash; Honorable Mention The Blue Dragons' freshman right-fielder from Wichita was the fourth player this season to post a batting average of .400 or higher, hitting .406 (69 for 170). Stauffer had a team-high 21 doubles, five home runs and was second on the team with 64 RBIs. Against Colby on April 16, Stauffer became this sixth Blue Dragon player with three home runs in a game after going 3 for 8 with eight RBIs against the Trojans.
AUBREE THOMAS (Fr./P) &ndash; Honorable Mention The freshman starting pitcher from Hays posted a 13-3 record with a 4.18 ERA in 24 starts this season. Thomas struck out 72 in 90 1-3 innings pitched this season and opponents hit .292 against her. Thomas' top performance this season came in the postseason, a complete-game two-hit shutout of Seward County in a 1-0 win over the Saints in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament on Friday in Dodge City.</div>

🥎 Blue Dragons place record 12 players on all-conference team

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746643584276.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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COLUMBUS, Ohio &ndash;&nbsp;The Kansas women's golf team is headed to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2014 after capturing the NCAA Columbus Regional title on Wednesday at OSU Golf Club, the first regional championship win in program history.&nbsp; &nbsp; Battling cold and rainy conditions all week, the Jayhawks secured the win by three shots and were led by sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lyla-louderbaugh/3478" rel="smarttag" rev="3478">Lyla Louderbaugh</a></dfn>, who became the first player in program history to earn medalist honors at an NCAA Regional Championship.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The tournament win marks the first collegiate individual title for Louderbaugh, who fired a final round, career-low 65 (-7) to win the event by eight shots. After an early bogey on the second hole, Louderbaugh kept a clean scorecard and rolled in eight birdies the rest of the way. She stayed under par all week, posting rounds of 69-70-65 to finish at -12 with a career-low 54-hole total of 204.&nbsp; &nbsp; In Wednesday's final round, the Jayhawks fired a tournament-low round of 276 (-12) to jump two spots and win the event by three shots. Kansas' team scores of 289-293-276-858 (-6) were enough to secure the first NCAA Regional team title in program history.&nbsp; &nbsp; This marks just the third NCAA Championship appearance for the Jayhawks, with the previous trips coming in 1990 and 2014. It's also only the second time Kansas has advanced through regional qualifying, as NCAA Regionals were first introduced in 1993. In 1990, the Jayhawks earned their spot at the NCAA Championship by winning the Big Eight Tournament and receiving an invitation to compete in the championship.&nbsp; &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/johanna-ebner/3462" rel="smarttag" rev="3462">Johanna Ebner</a></dfn>&nbsp;was another key contributor to Kansas' dominant final round, firing a 5-under 67 that included seven birdies. Ebner earned a tie for 12th, finishing the tournament at 1-over par.&nbsp; &nbsp; In her NCAA Regional debut, freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/ebba-nordstedt/15549" rel="smarttag" rev="15549">Ebba Nordstedt</a></dfn>&nbsp;posted rounds of 77-74-70 to finish tied for 21st at +5. Her final round featured four birdies and a clean scorecard through 14 holes, before carding bogeys on the 15th and 18th.&nbsp; &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lauren-clark/3465" rel="smarttag" rev="3465">Lauren Clark</a></dfn>&nbsp;also tied for 21st, finishing 5-over for the tournament with rounds of 72-75-74, including a final-round 74 (+2) on Wednesday.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/amy-dekock/3474" rel="smarttag" rev="3474">Amy DeKock</a></dfn>&nbsp;rounded out the Jayhawks' lineup with a final-round 74 (+2), finishing tied for 38th at +10 overall after rounds of 72-80-74.&nbsp; &nbsp; TEAM LEADERBOARD&nbsp; 1. KANSAS (-6)&nbsp; 2. Arkansas (-3)&nbsp; 3. Ohio State (+1) - host&nbsp; 4. UNLV (+4)&nbsp; 5. LSU (+18)&nbsp; cut line (top five teams advanced to NCAA Championship)&nbsp; 6. Houston (+22)&nbsp; 7. Kent State (+25)&nbsp; 8. SMU (+26)&nbsp; 9. Illinois (+27)&nbsp; 10. Xaver (+29)&nbsp; 11. Illinois State (+58)&nbsp; 12. Oakland (+78)&nbsp; &nbsp; KANSAS INDIVIDUAL STANDINGS&nbsp; 1. Louderbaugh (-12)&nbsp; T13. Ebner (+1)&nbsp; T21. Nordstedt (+5)&nbsp; T21. Clark (+5)&nbsp; T35. DeKock (+10)&nbsp; &nbsp; UP NEXT&nbsp; After finishing in the top five at the Columbus Regional, the Jayhawks are headed to Carlsbad, California, for their third NCAA Championship appearance in program history, taking place May 16-21 at the Omni La Costa Resort &amp; Spa's Champions Course.&nbsp;</div>

⛳ KU, Louderbaugh win Columbus Regional; Jayhawks advance to first NCAA Championship since 2014

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School honored its top students and athletes during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Athletic Director Steve Kappenman presented the Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year award to Kade Smith, while Grace Posch received the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year honor.

Smith, who has signed to continue his academic and football career at Hutchinson Community College, capped off an exceptional senior year in both football and wrestling.

On the gridiron, Smith rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. He recorded nine games with over 100 rushing yards, including a career-high 245 yards on 24 attempts against Liberal.

In wrestling, Smith concluded his career tied with Romero Cotton for the most wins in program history with 136. He earned a third-place finish at the Class 5A state tournament on March 1 in Park City.

Posch is headed to Seward County Community College to play basketball and pursue her academic goals. She was a multi-sport standout for the Salthawks, excelling in both basketball and volleyball.

On the basketball court, Posch scored 968 career points. She shot 35% from three-point range and 80% from the free-throw line during her senior season, averaging 12 points per game—second on the team behind Kaia Smith. She topped 20 points in three games, including a season-high 22 against Salina South.

In volleyball, Posch was an honorable mention selection on the all-league team in 2024 and was a four-year varsity letterwinner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746641153463.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Hutchinson High School Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson High School honored its top students and athletes during the annual Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday morning.Athletic Director Steve Kappenman presented the Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year award to Kade Smith, while Grace Posch received the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year honor.<h2>Kade Smith</h2>Smith, who has signed to continue his academic and football career at Hutchinson Community College, capped off an exceptional senior year in both football and wrestling.On the gridiron, Smith rushed for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. He recorded nine games with over 100 rushing yards, including a career-high 245 yards on 24 attempts against Liberal.In wrestling, Smith concluded his career tied with Romero Cotton for the most wins in program history with 136. He earned a third-place finish at the Class 5A state tournament on March 1 in Park City.<h2>Grace Posch</h2>Posch is headed to Seward County Community College to play basketball and pursue her academic goals. She was a multi-sport standout for the Salthawks, excelling in both basketball and volleyball.On the basketball court, Posch scored 968 career points. She shot 35% from three-point range and 80% from the free-throw line during her senior season, averaging 12 points per game—second on the team behind Kaia Smith. She topped 20 points in three games, including a season-high 22 against Salina South.In volleyball, Posch was an honorable mention selection on the all-league team in 2024 and was a four-year varsity letterwinner.

Hutch High's Smith, Posch earn awards at Senior Awards Ceremony

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746639997086.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;&mdash; Kansas softball standouts&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/olivia-bruno/6949" rel="smarttag" rev="6949">Olivia Bruno</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/softball/roster/presley-limbaugh/6855" rel="smarttag" rev="6855">Presley Limbaugh</a></dfn>&nbsp;have been recognized by the Big 12 Conference for their stellar play during the 2025 season as the league office&nbsp;announced its postseason honors Wednesday Bruno was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team, while Limbaugh was selected to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team. The conference postseason honors were voted on by the league coaches. A utility player Topeka, Kansas, Bruno has played in 45 games for the Jayhawks, posting a .326 batting average with 12 home runs, 40 RBIs, and a slugging percentage of .637, ranking among the team's leaders in nearly every offensive category. She also has a .408 on-base percentage with 20 walks, consistently producing in the heart of the lineup. Bruno's 12 home runs this season ranked eighth in the Big 12, tying her single-season best and affirming her status as one of the conference's premier power hitters. In the circle, Bruno has made 18 appearances with 11 starts, compiling a 4-6 record and a team-best 2.88 ERA across 73.0 innings pitched. She has held opposing hitters to a .245 average, with 47 strikeouts. Defensively, Bruno was flawless, recording a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 45 putouts and 16 assists without committing an error. Limbaugh has capped off her final season in center field where she has underscored a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, tallying 75 putouts and two assists on 77 total chances without a single error. The Cooper, Texas, native's speed and range in the outfield have been critical in limiting extra-base hits and anchoring the Jayhawk defense. Limbaugh's defensive efforts rank her third in the Big 12 for fielding percentage and make her one of just three players in the conference to maintain a perfect mark this season. Offensively, Limbaugh was equally impactful, starting all 49 games and leads the team with a .367 batting average. She has collected 58 hits, with 10 doubles, two triples, and 13 RBI. Her .436 on-base percentage and 19 walks make her one of Kansas' most reliable top-of-the-lineup hitters. Additionally, Limbaugh has five stolen bases in 2025. Kansas enters the 2025 Big 12 Championship as the No. 9 seed and will face No. 8 Baylor on Wednesday, May 7, at 2:30 p.m. CT at Devon Park in Oklahoma City. The contest will be televised on ESPN+ and fans can also follow the action on the KU softball social media accounts with the tag @KUSoftball.</div>

🥎 KU's Bruno, Limbaugh collect Big 12 postseason awards

BILL FAFLICK KSHSAA Executive Director

When students are involved in education-based activities, they are better! We all know the connection with peers, with coaches and sponsors, and to the community support their academic success as well as their physical health and mental wellness. However, can some students take it too far and be doing too much? 

Earlier in April, I listened intently to the doctors, athletic trainers, school nurses and school leaders serving on the KSHSAA Sports Medicine Academy as they talked about a significant concern becoming more prevalent in their work with students. That topic is burnout. While the discussion was focused on supporting the many students who experience overuse injury, it also included students who have lost the love of the game. It was reported:

Over 50% of high school athletes report training related injuries which contribute to mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to burnout.

Teenagers who overtrain are also at a higher risk of eating disorders and sleep problems.

36% of high school student-athletes report feeling burned out because they feel pressure to succeed from their coaches and parents.

30-40% of young athletes experience burnout at some point in their sports careers and 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13.

Overtraining and burnout are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

While I support the notion of learning to work hard to achieve at the highest level, many of our students are exhausted. We need to teach our students to work smarter, not necessarily more! As we prepare for summer, which has been transformed from an opportunity for students and coaches to recharge and pursue options not possible during the school year, into a fight for more training and more competition. Is it too much?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students not spend more than 5 days a week playing or practicing one sport and 2-3 months per year of no organized sports. The KSHSAA SMAC suggested a general rule of thumb for a student is for the maximum hours of training, practice and competition per week to not exceed the age of the student or 16 hours per week (whichever is less).

As you head to summer, I encourage you to lead the discussion on how less can be more.  Thank you for supporting the healthy development of students.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598357043542.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>BILL FAFLICK KSHSAA Executive DirectorWhen students are involved in education-based activities, they are better! We all know the connection with peers, with coaches and sponsors, and to the community support their academic success as well as their physical health and mental wellness. However, can some students take it too far and be doing too much? Earlier in April, I listened intently to the doctors, athletic trainers, school nurses and school leaders serving on the KSHSAA Sports Medicine Academy as they talked about a significant concern becoming more prevalent in their work with students. That topic is burnout. While the discussion was focused on supporting the many students who experience overuse injury, it also included students who have lost the love of the game. It was reported:Over 50% of high school athletes report training related injuries which contribute to mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to burnout.Teenagers who overtrain are also at a higher risk of eating disorders and sleep problems.36% of high school student-athletes report feeling burned out because they feel pressure to succeed from their coaches and parents.30-40% of young athletes experience burnout at some point in their sports careers and 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13.Overtraining and burnout are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.While I support the notion of learning to work hard to achieve at the highest level, many of our students are exhausted. We need to teach our students to work smarter, not necessarily more! As we prepare for summer, which has been transformed from an opportunity for students and coaches to recharge and pursue options not possible during the school year, into a fight for more training and more competition. Is it too much?The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students not spend more than 5 days a week playing or practicing one sport and 2-3 months per year of no organized sports. The KSHSAA SMAC suggested a general rule of thumb for a student is for the maximum hours of training, practice and competition per week to not exceed the age of the student or 16 hours per week (whichever is less).As you head to summer, I encourage you to lead the discussion on how less can be more. Thank you for supporting the healthy development of students.

OPINION: Less is more during summer workouts for student-athletes

Because of rain forecast for Wednesday morning and early Wednesday afternoon, the start time for the Hutchinson Community College baseball team's Region 6 Opening-round series Game 1 has been pushed back to 6 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Blue Dragons and Allen Red Devils were originally scheduled to start at 3 p.m. today, but the teams moved the start time back 3 hours to 6&nbsp;p.m. to allow the rain to move out of the area.

Game 2 is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday and the if necessary Game 3 is&nbsp;scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday.

There is no admission for any game in the series.&nbsp; All games will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1677155580308.jpeg" alt="Blue Dragon Baseball image" />
 <figcaption>Blue Dragon Baseball image</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationBecause of rain forecast for Wednesday morning and early Wednesday afternoon, the start time for the Hutchinson Community College baseball team's Region 6 Opening-round series Game 1 has been pushed back to 6 p.m. at Hobart-Detter Field.The Blue Dragons and Allen Red Devils were originally scheduled to start at 3 p.m. today, but the teams moved the start time back 3 hours to 6&nbsp;p.m. to allow the rain to move out of the area.Game 2 is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Thursday and the if necessary Game 3 is&nbsp;scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday.There is no admission for any game in the series.&nbsp; All games will be streamed on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚾ HutchCC-Allen series opener moved to 6 p.m. Wednesday

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Wednesday, May 7, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=bt65j-18a0eae-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧⚾ Royals win in walk-off fashion, ⚾ Hutch High splits, 🏀 McPherson's Pyle named Mr. Kansas Basketball

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746583143021.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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NICHOLASVILLE, Ky.&nbsp;&ndash; Kansas State senior women's golfer&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/carla-bernat/12238" rel="smarttag" rev="12238">Carla Bernat</a></dfn>&nbsp;put together a score of 4-under par 68 on Tuesday to lead the Wildcats during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional held at the par-72, 6,095-yard Keene Trace Golf Club. The Wildcats finished at even par for a second-straight day as they reside in third place with a 36-hole score of 576. K-State is six shots clear of the cutline as the top five teams from the NCAA Lexington Regional will advance to the 2025 NCAA Championship after Wednesday's final round. Kansas State holds a two-shot lead over second-seeded USC, while No. 3 seed TCU is in fifth place at 6-over par 582, just one stroke ahead of fourth-seeded Vanderbilt. "We put up another good score today, which could have been a little better with a stronger finish," head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/coaches/stew-burke/2590" rel="smarttag" rev="2590">Stew Burke</a></dfn>&nbsp;said. "However, we got off to a much better start and kept the mistakes to a minimum throughout the round. We will tee off first in the lead groups, so it will be up to us to set a number and let others chase it. As a team, we have not yet put four good scores together in the same round, so tomorrow would be the ideal time." A product of Castellon, Spain, Bernat went bogey free during Tuesday's round, which was the best ever by a Wildcat in NCAA Regional play. The previous record was 69 by Bernat, who did it twice in last year's NCAA Bryan (Texas) Regional, and by Miranda Smith in the 2003 NCAA Central Regional. Bernat was able to set that mark thanks to three-straight birdies on Nos. 4, 5 and 6 in addition to a birdie on the par-5 15th hole. Bernat enters Wednesday's final round in third place at 6-under par 138. She is only two shots back of the lead and behind a pair of Florida State players in Mirabel Ting &ndash; the No. 1 player in the country &ndash; and Lottie Woad &ndash; the No. 2 player in the nation. Bernat is tied for second in the 66-player field in par-4 (3-under par) and par-5 (4-under par) scoring, while she is also tied for second with nine total birdies. The Wildcats also received an under-par round from sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/alenka-navarro/12239" rel="smarttag" rev="12239">Alenka Navarro</a></dfn>, who posted a score of 1-under par 71. The Mexico City native had three birdies on the day, including two during a bogey-free front 9. Navarro rose eight spots during the second round into a tie for 11th place at even-par 144. Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/noa-van-beek/12240" rel="smarttag" rev="12240">Noa van Beek</a></dfn>&nbsp;is tied for 22nd place at 2-over par 146 following a round of 4-over par 76, and the Oene, Netherlands, native is tied with Bernat for second by going a collective 4-under par on the par 5s. Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/nanami-nakashima/12243" rel="smarttag" rev="12243">Nanami Nakashima</a></dfn>&nbsp;went 2-over par 74 on the day as she is tied for 34th place with a 36-hole score of 5-over par 149. The Kani, Japan, product ranks third in the field with 28 total pars. Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/sophie-bert/12241" rel="smarttag" rev="12241">Sophie Bert</a></dfn>&nbsp;shaved five strokes off her first-round total by turning in a score of 3-over par 75. She enters the final round in a tie for 54th place at 11-over par 155. The Wildcats went 4-under par on the front 9 during the second round and 4-over par on the back. Six of the toughest eight holes on the course are on the back 9, a side that is playing 2-over par per player on average. Kansas State leads the 12-team field by going a collective 12-under par on the par 5s, while the Wildcats are tied for second with 29 total birdies. K-State enters the final round five shots back of Georgia Southern for second place, while top-seeded Florida State leads the event at 14-under par 562. The final round of the 2025 NCAA Lexington Regional sees Kansas State's tee times begin at 8 a.m. (ET) off the first tee. The Wildcats will once again be in the top group as they are paired with the Seminoles and Eagles. Live results can be followed on&nbsp;<a href="https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/236565/scoring/team">SCOREBOARD powered by Clippd</a>.</div>

⛳ K-State sits in 3rd place heading into final round of NCAA Regional

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746583001095.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas Athletics
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COLUMBUS, Ohio &ndash;&nbsp;Sophomore&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lyla-louderbaugh/3478" rel="smarttag" rev="3478">Lyla Louderbaugh</a></dfn>&nbsp;leads the field through two rounds at the NCAA Columbus Regional in Ohio, following her opening-round 69 (-3) with a 2-under 70 on Tuesday. The Jayhawks are tied for third at +6 heading into Wednesday's final round.&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas posted the lowest team round of the day on Tuesday, shooting a 293 (+5) to climb three spots and move inside the top-five cut line.&nbsp; &nbsp; "Really proud of everyone on the team today," said Kansas head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/coaches/lindsay-kuhle/364" rel="smarttag" rev="364">Lindsay Kuhle</a></dfn>. "This has been a total team effort the last two days. We know we have the experience and ability to play in tough conditions because that's what we practice and prepare for back home. Everything we did this year was to prepare for a round like today."&nbsp; &nbsp; Arkansas leads the pack after the opening two rounds at +4, followed by UNLV (+5), host school Ohio State (+6), Kansas (+6) and SMU (+16) to round out the top five of the leaderboard. The top five teams will advance to the NCAA Championship in La Costa, California, May 16-21. The top player not on an advancing team will qualify for the NCAA Championship as an individual.&nbsp; &nbsp; Louderbaugh sits at 5-under for the tournament and leads the NCAA Columbus Regional by two strokes through 36 holes. Her second-round 70 featured a team-high-tying five birdies, including a stretch of three straight on holes 14, 15 and 16. No Kansas women's golfer has ever earned medalist honors at an NCAA Regional.&nbsp; &nbsp; "Lyla was awesome today with three birdies in a row and a great par save on the last hole," Kuhle added.&nbsp; &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/lauren-clark/3465" rel="smarttag" rev="3465">Lauren Clark</a></dfn>&nbsp;fired a 75 (+3) in the second round and sits inside the top 20 at +3, tied for 18th. Her round was highlighted by a pair of birdies on the back nine.&nbsp; &nbsp; Senior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/johanna-ebner/3462" rel="smarttag" rev="3462">Johanna Ebner</a></dfn>&nbsp;climbed 21 spots on the individual leaderboard with a steady second-round 74 (+2). She recorded two birdies and is tied for 30th.&nbsp; &nbsp; Freshman&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/ebba-nordstedt/15549" rel="smarttag" rev="15549">Ebba Nordstedt</a></dfn>&nbsp;carded a team-high-tying five birdies en route to a 74 (+2), jumping 21 spots on the leaderboard to sit tied for 34th at +7.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/amy-dekock/3474" rel="smarttag" rev="3474">Amy DeKock</a></dfn>&nbsp;posted an 8-over 80 in the second round and is tied for 41st at +8 for the tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp; "Super proud of the team's effort and the way they competed," said Kuhle. "We're in a great position but we know we need to perform tomorrow. We want to win and embrace the challenge that comes with it. This is everything we have worked for and we're ready for the challenge."&nbsp; &nbsp; THE FINAL ROUND&nbsp; Kansas will tee off for the third and final round on Wednesday, May 7, at 7:00 a.m. CT and will be grouped with Arkansas (+4) and UNLV (+5). Live scoring for the third round will be available<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscoreboard.clippd.com%2Ftournaments%2F236562%2Fscoring%2Fteam&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cpjohnson_email%40ku.edu%7C6bb9a3dc45ab4397696408dd8cd18b5a%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638821553833053021%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ERGqabxHmlkj0ic6t5gkkzgt727%2FdJHd%2FZ7XDb8k9vc%3D&amp;reserved=0">&nbsp;here</a>, while fans can also follow with live updates throughout the round from the official<a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FKUWomensGolf&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cpjohnson_email%40ku.edu%7C6bb9a3dc45ab4397696408dd8cd18b5a%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C638821553833083630%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=c849hUDfqePo0DEoINVvpjP1p9kyf%2FjfnrPU7JrOwDY%3D&amp;reserved=0">&nbsp;Kansas Women's Golf Twitter (X) account</a>.</div>

⛳ KU's Louderbaugh leads Columbus Regional by two shots, Jayhawks tied for 3rd

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt singled with the bases loaded to cap a crazy rally in the bottom of the ninth as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday night.

It was the second walk-off hit of Witt's career, following a game-ending grand slam in 2023.

Mark Canha coaxed a walk off Cam Boozer (0-3) to lead off the ninth. Drew Waters blooped it to very short right field, but Michael A. Taylor's throw was wide at second. Freddy Fermin bunted for a hit to load the bases. After Kyle Isbel popped out, Jonathan India drove in the tying run with a fielder's choice and Witt followed with a single to center.

Taylor Clarke (1-0) earned the win in relief.

The White Sox got on the board first with an RBI single from Brooks Baldwin in the fourth, scoring Matt Thaiss.

Thaiss led off the sixth with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. He went to third on a ground out and scored when Vaughn's grounder went under the glove of third baseman Jonathan India for an error.

Isbel led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive home run that just cleared the fence in right center.

The White Sox added a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Josh Rojas to make it 3-1.

Salvador Perez had a double in the eighth, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, to pull the Royals within one.

The Royals had first and second with one out, trailing 2-1 in the seventh. However, reliever Steven Wilson got Fermin to foul out and then retired Isbel on a fielder's choice to end the inning.

The White Sox have lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium, their most ever in Kansas City.

White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon (2-3, 4.26 ERA) goes against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 3.52 ERA) on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746585240000.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt singled with the bases loaded to cap a crazy rally in the bottom of the ninth as the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Tuesday night.It was the second walk-off hit of Witt's career, following a game-ending grand slam in 2023.Mark Canha coaxed a walk off Cam Boozer (0-3) to lead off the ninth. Drew Waters blooped it to very short right field, but Michael A. Taylor's throw was wide at second. Freddy Fermin bunted for a hit to load the bases. After Kyle Isbel popped out, Jonathan India drove in the tying run with a fielder's choice and Witt followed with a single to center.Taylor Clarke (1-0) earned the win in relief.The White Sox got on the board first with an RBI single from Brooks Baldwin in the fourth, scoring Matt Thaiss.Thaiss led off the sixth with a single and went to second on a wild pitch. He went to third on a ground out and scored when Vaughn's grounder went under the glove of third baseman Jonathan India for an error.Isbel led off the bottom of the sixth with a line drive home run that just cleared the fence in right center.The White Sox added a run in the eighth on an RBI single by Josh Rojas to make it 3-1.Salvador Perez had a double in the eighth, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, to pull the Royals within one.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Royals had first and second with one out, trailing 2-1 in the seventh. However, reliever Steven Wilson got Fermin to foul out and then retired Isbel on a fielder's choice to end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox have lost nine straight at Kauffman Stadium, their most ever in Kansas City.<h2>Up next</h2>White Sox RHP Jonathan Cannon (2-3, 4.26 ERA) goes against Royals RHP Michael Wacha (1-4, 3.52 ERA) on Wednesday in the third game of a four-game series.

⚾ Witt has RBI single in the 9th to rally Royals over White Sox

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746582906507.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
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WICHITA, Kan. --&nbsp;BYU struck for five runs in the top of the eighth inning to blow open a close game, cruising to a 9-2 win over Wichita State on Tuesday afternoon at Eck Stadium. The Cougars (23-23) led 4-1 entering the eighth but did damage against the Wichita State bullpen. Three walks all came around to score in the inning as Tate Gambill, Ryder Robinson and Cooper Vest all drove in runs to extend the Cougars lead to 9-1. The Shockers (15-32) got an RBI single from&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/josh-livingston/9185" rel="smarttag" rev="9185">Josh Livingston</a></dfn>&nbsp;in the bottom of the eighth for the final margin. The BYU bullpen combined for 7.1 innings of one-run ball, highlighted by 2.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts from Jaden Harris (2-7).&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/colton-vercoe/9193" rel="smarttag" rev="9193">Colton Vercoe</a></dfn>&nbsp;(0-1) was tagged with the loss for Wichita State, allowing three runs over three innings. Gambill homered on the second pitch of the game to stake BYU to an early lead, which they extended to 3-0 in the second on a two-run single from Chipper Beck.&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/logan-kreske/9184" rel="smarttag" rev="9184">Logan Kreske</a></dfn>&nbsp;rifled an RBI double in the home half of the inning to get Wichita State on the board, but a Beck RBI groundout in the top of the fourth restored the three-run lead. Wichita State used eight pitchers in the game, allowing 13 hits and six walks. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/baseball/roster/camden-johnson/9183" rel="smarttag" rev="9183">Camden Johnson</a></dfn>&nbsp;led the Shockers offensively with three hits, including a double. Wichita State is back in action on Friday night at Rice. First pitch from Houston is scheduled for 6:30 pm CT.</div>

⚾ Shockers fall to Cougars in midweek tilt

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Newton traded wins in Tuesday’s baseball doubleheader at Hobart-Detter Field, with the Railers claiming a 4-1 victory in the opener before the Salthawks bounced back in dominant fashion with a 12-2 run-rule win in Game 2.

Hutchinson is now 13-10 on the season and will host Maize on Friday at home, while Newton moves to 4-17 on the year and will play in McPherson on Friday.

The Newton Railers secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season, defeating Hutchinson, 4-1.

A groundout by Trevor Beyer gave Newton a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth, but Hutchinson tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a sacrifice fly from Jack Yoder.

Brayden Fox delivered the go-ahead hit for the Railers in the fifth, driving in two runs with a single through the right side to make it 3-1. Newton added an insurance run in the sixth.

Fox finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Railers offensively, while Beyer also drove in two.

Oliver Smith earned the win for Newton, allowing three hits and one unearned run over four innings with two strikeouts and no walks. JuJu Lyons took the loss for Hutchinson, surrendering three runs on three hits across five innings.

The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Hutchinson, which fell to 12-10. Yoder, Cole Bleything, and Lyons each recorded a hit for the Salthawks.

Newton - 000 120 1 - 4 4 1 Hutchinson - 000 100 0 - 1 4 1 W: Smith. L: Lyons (2-3). Time: 1:40.&nbsp;

Game 2 — Hutchinson 12, Newton 2 (5 Innings)

Gabe Valadez struck out a season-high eight batters and Hutchinson made key changes to the lineup as the Salthawks rolled to a 12-2 victory.

The win came in emphatic fashion after Hutchinson dropped the opener of the doubleheader. Valadez set the tone early, allowing just two hits and two runs (one earned) over five innings to earn the win.

Hutchinson jumped ahead with a four-run first inning, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Jack Yoder, a two-run single by Cole Bleything, and an RBI single from Valadez. The Salthawks added three more runs in the second, with JuJu Lyons driving in one on a sacrifice fly and Valadez singling home two more.

Offensively, Hutchinson tallied 10 hits. Bleything, Caiden Beavers, Lyons, and Valadez each recorded two hits, while Bleything and Valadez each finished with three RBIs. The Salthawks also showed patience at the plate with six walks and aggressiveness on the bases, swiping eight bags—three by Beavers.

Newton used three pitchers. Trevor Beyer started and allowed seven hits and seven runs (four earned) over 1 2/3 innings. Nate Barron took the loss, issuing one walk in 2/3 of an inning without allowing a hit or run.

Barron and Cody Jay each had one hit for Newton, with Barron driving in the team’s lone RBI.

Newton - 002 00x x - 2 2 4 Hutchinson - 430 2x x - 12 11 2 W: Valadez (2-3). L: Beyer. Time: 1:42.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746571715970.jpeg" alt="Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston" />
 <figcaption>Hutch Post Photo/Sean Boston</figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson and Newton traded wins in Tuesday’s baseball doubleheader at Hobart-Detter Field, with the Railers claiming a 4-1 victory in the opener before the Salthawks bounced back in dominant fashion with a 12-2 run-rule win in Game 2.Hutchinson is now 13-10 on the season and will host Maize on Friday at home, while Newton moves to 4-17 on the year and will play in McPherson on Friday.Game 1 — Newton 4, Hutchinson 1The Newton Railers secured back-to-back victories for the first time this season, defeating Hutchinson, 4-1.A groundout by Trevor Beyer gave Newton a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth, but Hutchinson tied it in the bottom half of the inning on a sacrifice fly from Jack Yoder.Brayden Fox delivered the go-ahead hit for the Railers in the fifth, driving in two runs with a single through the right side to make it 3-1. Newton added an insurance run in the sixth.Fox finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Railers offensively, while Beyer also drove in two.Oliver Smith earned the win for Newton, allowing three hits and one unearned run over four innings with two strikeouts and no walks. JuJu Lyons took the loss for Hutchinson, surrendering three runs on three hits across five innings.The loss snapped a two-game win streak for Hutchinson, which fell to 12-10. Yoder, Cole Bleything, and Lyons each recorded a hit for the Salthawks.Newton - 000 120 1 - 4 4 1 Hutchinson - 000 100 0 - 1 4 1 W: Smith. L: Lyons (2-3). Time: 1:40.&nbsp;Game 2 — Hutchinson 12, Newton 2 (5 Innings)Gabe Valadez struck out a season-high eight batters and Hutchinson made key changes to the lineup as the Salthawks rolled to a 12-2 victory.The win came in emphatic fashion after Hutchinson dropped the opener of the doubleheader. Valadez set the tone early, allowing just two hits and two runs (one earned) over five innings to earn the win.Hutchinson jumped ahead with a four-run first inning, highlighted by a sacrifice fly from Jack Yoder, a two-run single by Cole Bleything, and an RBI single from Valadez. The Salthawks added three more runs in the second, with JuJu Lyons driving in one on a sacrifice fly and Valadez singling home two more.Offensively, Hutchinson tallied 10 hits. Bleything, Caiden Beavers, Lyons, and Valadez each recorded two hits, while Bleything and Valadez each finished with three RBIs. The Salthawks also showed patience at the plate with six walks and aggressiveness on the bases, swiping eight bags—three by Beavers.Newton used three pitchers. Trevor Beyer started and allowed seven hits and seven runs (four earned) over 1 2/3 innings. Nate Barron took the loss, issuing one walk in 2/3 of an inning without allowing a hit or run.Barron and Cody Jay each had one hit for Newton, with Barron driving in the team’s lone RBI.Newton - 002 00x x - 2 2 4 Hutchinson - 430 2x x - 12 11 2 W: Valadez (2-3). L: Beyer. Time: 1:42.

⚾ Hutchinson, Newton split doubleheader, Salthawks dominate Game 2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746571833076.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita Wind Surge</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita Wind Surge
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SPRINGDALE, Ark. (May 6, 2025)&mdash;The Wichita Wind Surge got squeezed past 5-4 by the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark. A pair of Jac Caglianone home runs yielded by the Wind Surge provided the difference in the early Tuesday contest.
Tanner Schobel&nbsp;opened the game by reaching on an infield error.&nbsp;Rubel Cespedes&nbsp;later lined an opposite-field double off the wall in left to score Schobel for an early 1-0 Wichita lead.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1919787509057200282&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwichita-clipped-in-series-opener-by-northwest-arkansas&amp;sessionId=8be263a09b0b93b110e445843a6f7cafd0d37dea&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1919787509057200282"></iframe></div>
Jordan Groshans scored on a wild pitch to tie the game in the bottom of the second, an inning where the Naturals got four free passes and later stranded the bases loaded on a flyout to&nbsp;Ben Ross&nbsp;in center.
Two runs came for Wichita in the top of the third as Schobel doubled around&nbsp;Jake Rucker&nbsp;before scoring on a single up the middle by&nbsp;Kala&rsquo;i Rosario.
<div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" class="" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-1&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1919797023303160319&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.milb.com%2Fnews%2Fwichita-clipped-in-series-opener-by-northwest-arkansas&amp;sessionId=8be263a09b0b93b110e445843a6f7cafd0d37dea&amp;siteScreenName=milb&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=550px" width="300" height="150" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-tweet-id="1919797023303160319"></iframe></div>
Jac Caglianone lined his seventh home run of the year out to the left field bullpen to return the score to a one-run difference at 3-2 in the bottom of the third.
<div id="taboola-mobile-mid-article-thumbnails-wichita-clipped-in-series-opener-by-northwest-arkansas" class="taboola-mid-article">&nbsp;</div>
Another run scored for the Wind Surge on a bases-loaded infield fielder&rsquo;s choice in the top of the sixth, then Caglianone left the yard for the second time in the game on a three-run jack to the opposite way after the stretch for a 5-4 Naturals lead that stood after six of the final seven Wichita hitters were retired to end the game.
John Klein&nbsp;is now even on the year at 3-3 after the loss. He surrendered three earned runs on six hits with a walk and three strikeouts over two and two-thirds innings of relief action.
POSTGAME NOTES
<ul>
<li>The six doubles are the most in a game this season by Wichita.</li>
<li>Every man in the starting lineup reached base for the Wind Surge, with eight different guys tallying hits.</li>
<li>Over nine innings, Pierson Ohl has nine strikeouts and no runs given up.</li>
<li>Today is just Wichita's second loss on a Tuesday so far in 2025.</li>
<li>Aaron Sabato records his fourth multi-hit game of the season after finishing 2-for-3 at the plate.</li>
</ul>
The Wind Surge continue the series against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Tuesday, May 6, at Arvest Ballpark at 7:05 PM. Wichita returns to Equity Bank Park on May 13 for a series with the Arkansas Travelers. You can listen to Wind Surge games on ESPN Wichita 92.3 FM and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com">windsurge.com</a>&nbsp;or watch online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/MiLB.TV">MiLB.TV</a>&nbsp;and Bally Sports Live. For ticket information, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.milb.com/windsurge.com/tickets">windsurge.com/tickets</a>.</div>

⚾ Wind Surge drop series opener to Naturals

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team continues it's AVCTL schedule at home this week by hosting the Newton in a doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.

The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 12-9 record and are fresh off&nbsp; wins over Andale/Garden Plain and Haven last Friday at home in the Krol Family Triangular.&nbsp;

Click below to listen or view by fan.hudl.com to the broadcast and stream of both games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746526910966.png" alt="Game Day Hutch High vs Newton today at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park" />
 <figcaption>Game Day Hutch High vs Newton today at Hobart-Detter Field in Carey Park</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Hutchinson High School varsity baseball team continues it's AVCTL schedule at home this week by hosting the Newton in a doubleheader this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. for Game 1, with Game 2 to follow.The Salthawks enter the doubleheader with a 12-9 record and are fresh off&nbsp; wins over Andale/Garden Plain and Haven last Friday at home in the Krol Family Triangular.&nbsp;Click below to listen or view by fan.hudl.com to the broadcast and stream of both games.Hutch High Baseball Audio Stream:<div><iframe src="https://eagle-media-sports-hutch.mixlr.com/embed" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="200px" width="100%"></iframe><a href="https://mixlr.com/" style="color:#1a1a1a;display:block;font-family:Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:11px;text-align:left;padding: 4px 0;">Eagle Media Sports - Hutchpost Sports is on Mixlr</a></div>Hudl.tv Video Stream Gm 1:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2375625?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>Hudl.tv Video Stream Gm 2:<div><iframe src="https://vcloud.hudl.com/broadcast/embed/2375626?autoplay=1" width="640" height="360" allow="fullscreen;" style="border:0;overflow:hidden;"></iframe></div>

🎧🎥⚾ Hutch High to host Newton in season AVCTL doubleheader

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746546377961.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Wichita State Athletics
&nbsp;
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WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>&nbsp;was tabbed American Athletic Conference Co-Freshman of the Year, highlighting the conference awards for Wichita State softball, the league announced Tuesday morning. <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>&nbsp;was named a First Team All-Conference selection for the third time in her career (2022, 2023, 2025). Wichita State has had at least one first team honoree every season since 2013. A native of Alvin, Texas, Nihart&nbsp;was also named to the All-Conference Second Team and All-Freshman Team. In conference play, Nihart appeared 21 games, making 17 starts in the circle. She had a team-low 3.08 ERA in 97.2 innings. Nihart was 10-4 with 49 strikeouts, and opponents hit just .242 against her. Overall this season, the true freshman is 10-7 with a 2.92 ERA in 124.2 innings. Her eight complete games are also tops on the team. Nihart is the third Shocker to take home American Freshman of the Year honors, joining&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/alex-aguilar/9309" rel="smarttag" rev="9309">Alex Aguilar</a></dfn>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/addison-barnard/7558" rel="smarttag" rev="7558">Addison Barnard</a></dfn>. Lucas returned to form after missing the 2024 season with an injury to lead the Shockers in batting average (.386), hits (61), RBIs (42), total bases (113) and on base percentage (.500). Her 13 home runs and 11 doubles rank second on the team. Lucas' 13 home runs this season also mark a career high. In conference games, Lucas hit .395 with four doubles, nine home runs and 26 RBIs. Her nine home runs tied for third most in conference play. As it stands now, Lucas holds spots on several career record lists at Wichita State: second in batting average, third in on base percentage, fourth in slugging percentage and triples, fifth in RBIs, seventh in doubles, ninth in runs and 10th in walks. Joining Nihart on the All-Freshman Team was teammate&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>. Livanec&nbsp;burst into the lineup at the start of conference play and never looked back. She started all but one game in AAC play, hitting .351 with five doubles, a triple, 10 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Overall this season, Livanec has produced a .363 batting average, eight doubles, a triple, 15 RBIs and 19 runs in 42 games as a true freshman. Her .363 average at the plate is second highest on the team. The Shockers open the 2025 American Athletic Conference Championship on Wednesday, May 7 at 3 p.m. CT vs. the winner of UTSA/Tulsa. 2025 American Athletic Conference Softball Regular-Season Awards &nbsp; Player of the Year Jenna Lord, Charlotte &nbsp; Pitcher of the Year Autumn Courtney, Florida Atlantic* &nbsp; Defensive Player of the Year Jesiana Mora, Florida Atlantic &nbsp; Freshmen of the Year Jaylah Jarrell, Charlotte <dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>, Wichita State &nbsp; Coaching Staff of the Year Florida Atlantic &nbsp; All-Conference First Team P &ndash; Autumn Courtney, Florida Atlantic* P &ndash; Payton Dixon, South Florida P &ndash; Belle Sardja, South Florida C &ndash; Chloe Yeats 1B &ndash; Morgan Johnson, East Carolina 2B &ndash; Cierra Simon, North Texas SS &ndash; Maci Cole, Tulsa 3B &ndash; Jenna Lord, Charlotte OF &ndash; Kylie Hammonds, Florida Atlantic OF &ndash; Kailyn Bearpaw, North Texas OF &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/lauren-lucas/9314" rel="smarttag" rev="9314">Lauren Lucas</a></dfn>, Wichita State DP/U/Non-P &ndash; Madison Conley, North Texas* &nbsp; All-Conference Second Team P &ndash; Ainsley Lambert, South Florida P &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>, Wichita State C &ndash; Annie Kate Dalton, East Carolina 1B &ndash; Bella Cimino, Florida Atlantic 1B &ndash; Celeste Wood, Tulsa 2B &ndash; Jaylah Jarrell, Charlotte SS &ndash; Kiley Channell, Florida Atlantic 3B &ndash; Jesiana More, Florida Atlantic OF - Emma Jackson, East Carolina OF &ndash; Bella Foran, Florida Atlantic OF &ndash; Olivia Elliott, South Florida DP/U/Non-P &ndash; Kari Shedrick, Charlotte &nbsp; All-Freshman Team P &ndash; Kendall Frost, East Carolina P &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/ryley-nihart/9325" rel="smarttag" rev="9325">Ryley Nihart</a></dfn>, Wichita State 1B &ndash; Ausha Moore, North Texas 2B &ndash; Jaylah Jarrell, Charlotte 2B &ndash; Destiny Johns, Florida Atlantic OF &ndash; Bella Foran, Florida Atlantic DP &ndash;&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://goshockers.com/sports/softball/roster/brookelyn-livanec/9329" rel="smarttag" rev="9329">Brookelyn Livanec</a></dfn>, Wichita State &nbsp; * denotes unanimous selection</div>

🥎 WSU's Nihart tabbed AAC Co-Freshman of the Year

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

McPHERSON, Kan. — Wichita Collegiate claimed the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division 3 &amp; 4 boys tennis championship on Monday at McPherson High School, finishing with 61 points to secure the team title.

Buhler placed second with 43 points, followed closely by Winfield (41) and host McPherson (40). El Dorado finished fifth with 22, followed by Wellington (19), Circle (16), and Augusta (10).

Up next is regional play on Friday. Buhler will host a regional site that includes Augusta, El Dorado, Hesston, Towanda-Circle, Wellington and Winfield. McPherson will travel to the Scott City regional alongside Abilene, Colby, Concordia, Pratt, Ulysses and host Scott City.

Buhler’s Von Woleslagel led area competitors with a fourth-place finish. He fell in the third-place match to Collegiate’s Vihaan Ganganala, 6-2, 6-4, after dropping his semifinal match to eventual champion William Farha of Collegiate, 6-0, 6-1. Farha went on to defeat Jackson Davis of Winfield in the final, 6-1, 6-3.

McPherson’s Cooper Bohme defeated Buhler’s Tucker Schlatter in the seventh-place match, 6-1, 6-2. McPherson's Manny Morales placed 11th after an 8-5 win over Augusta’s Dax Henderson.

Buhler’s Davian Spies and Reuben Harder finished runner-up in doubles after falling in the finals to Collegiate’s Charlie Gentile and Amir Khicha, 6-2, 6-1.

McPherson’s Bryson Archer and Alex Berger placed third, defeating teammates Jonas Emery and Mason Eisenbarth, 6-3, 6-2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746538278787.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Buhler Tennis" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Buhler Tennis</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostMcPHERSON, Kan. — Wichita Collegiate claimed the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division 3 &amp; 4 boys tennis championship on Monday at McPherson High School, finishing with 61 points to secure the team title.Buhler placed second with 43 points, followed closely by Winfield (41) and host McPherson (40). El Dorado finished fifth with 22, followed by Wellington (19), Circle (16), and Augusta (10).Up next is regional play on Friday. Buhler will host a regional site that includes Augusta, El Dorado, Hesston, Towanda-Circle, Wellington and Winfield. McPherson will travel to the Scott City regional alongside Abilene, Colby, Concordia, Pratt, Ulysses and host Scott City.<h2>Singles</h2>Buhler’s Von Woleslagel led area competitors with a fourth-place finish. He fell in the third-place match to Collegiate’s Vihaan Ganganala, 6-2, 6-4, after dropping his semifinal match to eventual champion William Farha of Collegiate, 6-0, 6-1. Farha went on to defeat Jackson Davis of Winfield in the final, 6-1, 6-3.McPherson’s Cooper Bohme defeated Buhler’s Tucker Schlatter in the seventh-place match, 6-1, 6-2. McPherson's Manny Morales placed 11th after an 8-5 win over Augusta’s Dax Henderson.<h2>Doubles</h2>Buhler’s Davian Spies and Reuben Harder finished runner-up in doubles after falling in the finals to Collegiate’s Charlie Gentile and Amir Khicha, 6-2, 6-1.McPherson’s Bryson Archer and Alex Berger placed third, defeating teammates Jonas Emery and Mason Eisenbarth, 6-3, 6-2.

🎾 Buhler 2nd, McPherson 4th at AVCTL D3 & D4 championship

McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson High School senior Gabe Pyle has been named the 2025 Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, becoming the third member of his family to earn the state’s top boys basketball honor.

Pyle joins older brothers Drew (2016) and Ben (2018) as recipients of the award. Drew went on to play at Washburn University, while Ben competed at Western Illinois, San Diego and later McPherson College.

A standout senior, Pyle helped lead the Bullpups to their 15th boys state championship in program history this March in Salina. He hit buzzer-beating, game-winning shots in both the quarterfinals and semifinals before McPherson defeated Rock Creek 53-44 in the Class 4A title game.

The victory secured back-to-back state titles for the Bullpups, who went a combined 46-4 over the past two seasons. Pyle finished his career with 1,186 points, ranking sixth all-time in program history. He also tallied 190 career steals, the second-most in school history.

The Pyle family has been deeply woven into McPherson basketball for generations. Gabe’s grandfather, Tom Pyle, was an all-state selection for the Bullpups in the 1960s before playing at Iowa State. His parents, David and Deedra, both played at McPherson in the early 1990s, with David helping the Bullpups to back-to-back Class 5A titles.

His sister, Grace, also made her mark on the court. A former Bullpup standout, she helped lead Pittsburg State to the NCAA Division II national semifinals this season.

In recent years, the family’s presence on the roster has remained strong. Gabe played this season alongside his cousin, Jett Pyle, a junior. Last year, Jett’s older brother, Owen, was part of McPherson’s undefeated title team, giving the Bullpups a trio of Pyles on the floor.

Pyle, who graduates May 17, committed to Hutchinson Community College on April 15 and will join Kyle Fisher’s 2025-26 Blue Dragons. He is also slated to play for the Gold Team in the KBCA All-Star Game on June 21 in Salina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746540804497.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy @GabrielPyle24 on X" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy @GabrielPyle24 on X</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostMcPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson High School senior Gabe Pyle has been named the 2025 Mr. Kansas Basketball by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association, becoming the third member of his family to earn the state’s top boys basketball honor.Pyle joins older brothers Drew (2016) and Ben (2018) as recipients of the award. Drew went on to play at Washburn University, while Ben competed at Western Illinois, San Diego and later McPherson College.A standout senior, Pyle helped lead the Bullpups to their 15th boys state championship in program history this March in Salina. He hit buzzer-beating, game-winning shots in both the quarterfinals and semifinals before McPherson defeated Rock Creek 53-44 in the Class 4A title game.The victory secured back-to-back state titles for the Bullpups, who went a combined 46-4 over the past two seasons. Pyle finished his career with 1,186 points, ranking sixth all-time in program history. He also tallied 190 career steals, the second-most in school history.The Pyle family has been deeply woven into McPherson basketball for generations. Gabe’s grandfather, Tom Pyle, was an all-state selection for the Bullpups in the 1960s before playing at Iowa State. His parents, David and Deedra, both played at McPherson in the early 1990s, with David helping the Bullpups to back-to-back Class 5A titles.His sister, Grace, also made her mark on the court. A former Bullpup standout, she helped lead Pittsburg State to the NCAA Division II national semifinals this season.In recent years, the family’s presence on the roster has remained strong. Gabe played this season alongside his cousin, Jett Pyle, a junior. Last year, Jett’s older brother, Owen, was part of McPherson’s undefeated title team, giving the Bullpups a trio of Pyles on the floor.Pyle, who graduates May 17, committed to Hutchinson Community College on April 15 and will join Kyle Fisher’s 2025-26 Blue Dragons. He is also slated to play for the Gold Team in the KBCA All-Star Game on June 21 in Salina.

🏀 McPherson senior and HutchCC commit Gabe Pyle named Mr. Kansas Basketball

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has received a three-year contract extension through 2030, the conference confirmed Tuesday.

ESPN first reported the Big 12 board of directors agreed to extend his original five-year contract, which was set to expire in 2027.

Yormark was CEO of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-college-football-nba-sports-1bac087789482200e746769eea3c799b">hired to take over for Bob Bowlsby in 2022.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720617551083.png" alt="Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Las Vegas Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)" />
 <figcaption>Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks during Big 12 NCAA college football media days in Las Vegas Tuesday, July 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)</figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas (AP) — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has received a three-year contract extension through 2030, the conference confirmed Tuesday.ESPN first reported the Big 12 board of directors agreed to extend his original five-year contract, which was set to expire in 2027.Yormark was CEO of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation entertainment company when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-college-football-nba-sports-1bac087789482200e746769eea3c799b">hired to take over for Bob Bowlsby in 2022.</a>

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark receives 3-year contract extension through 2030

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Tuesday, May 6, 2025" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kxdq8-189ef72-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=60a0c8&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=ff6d00" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 ⚾ Royals continue hot streak, 🏈 K-State adds RB

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746539574026.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy HutchCC Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Hutchinson CC Sports Information
The Hutchinson Community College baseball team will play host to the Allen Red Devils in an opening-round series of the 2025 Region 6 Tournament, which begins on Wednesday at Hobart-Detter Field.
The Blue Dragons (37-19) are the No. 3 seed from the Jayhawk West, while Allen (16-31) is the sixth seed from the Jayhawk East.
Game 1 of the best-of-3 series will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Game 2 will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday and Game 3, if necessary, will be at 1 p.m. Friday.
BLUE DRAGON BASEBALL Hutchinson (37-19) vs. Allen (16-31) Region 6 Tournament Opening-Round Series When: Wednesday-Friday, May 7-9 At: Hobart-Detter Field, Hutchinson Series Schedule Game 1&nbsp;&ndash; Wednesday, May 7, 3 p.m. Game 2&nbsp;&ndash; Thursday, May 8, 1 p.m. Game 3 (if necessary)&nbsp;&ndash; Friday, May 9, 1 p.m. Admission: Free Video: All games on the Blue Dragon Sports Network
There will be no admission for the entire series. All games will be streamed live and for free on the Blue Dragon Sports Network.
The Blue Dragons closed the season winning 3 of its last 4 games, including a doubleheader sweep of Pratt on the final day of the regular season to clinch third place in the Jayhawk West. The Dragons were 18-14 in the Jayhawk West, going 4-2-2 in its eight conference series.
Allen has won two in a row and is 5-5 in its last 10 games. The Red Devils split a four-game series with Neosho County last weekend. The Devils tied Labette for sixth at 12-20 and won the head-to-head tiebreaker with the Cardinals by winning 3 of 4 games.
Hutchinson is the No. 5 overall seed in the Region 6 Tournament and Allen is seeded No. 12.
Hutchinson and Allen played each other on each teams' conference bye week and the Blue Dragons earned a four-game sweep of the Red Devils. The Dragons won 11-1 and 20-4 at Hobart-Detter Field on March 22 and 17-3 and 11-2 in Iola on March 24.
This will be the first postseason meeting between Hutchinson and Allen since May 15, 2021 when the Blue Dragons rallied to defeat Allen 11-10 in 10 innings in a sub-regional matchup at Hobart-Detter Field.
The 2025 matchup will be only the fifth time Hutchinson and Allen will play in the postseason since Region 6 went to its current format in 2005. The other three matchups were: + Hutchinson defeated Allen 5-4 in 12 innings in the opening round of the Region 6 Tournament in 2005 at old Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in Wichita. + The Dragons defeated Allen twice in a four-team sub-regional at Johnson County in 2010 by scores of 6-5 and 4-3 in 10 innings. + The Dragons swept Allen in a best-of-3 series in 2024, winning 3-0 and 4-1.
The Dragons and Devils haven't played each other many times over the years. The Blue Dragons have won 20 consecutive games over the Red Devils dating back to 1995. The last Allen win was the 1995 season opener in a 6-5 victory over Hutchinson.
The Hutchinson-Allen winner advances to the Plains District (Region 6) Tournament for an eight-team double-elimination series. The Dragon-Devil winner will play the Cowley-Seward County series winner on May 13 at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina.
2025 Region 6 (NJCAA Plains District Tournament) May 7-9 (Best of three series) No. 16 Neosho County (34-28) at No. 1 Barton (40-11) &ndash; 2 p.m./2 p.m./2 p.m. No. 9 Butler (25-26) at No. 8 Coffeyville (31-18) &ndash; 2 p.m./2 p.m./2 p.m. No. 12 Allen (16-31) at No. 5 Hutchinson (37-19) &ndash; 3 p.m./1 p.m./1 p.m. No. 13 Seward County (26-29) at No. 4 Cowley (41-10) &ndash; 3 p.m./1 p.m./1 p.m. No. 14 Labette (15-31) at No. 3 Cloud County (42-14) &ndash; 3 p.m./2 p.m./TBA No. 11 Dodge City (32-23) at No. 6 Kansas City (35-20) &ndash; 1 p.m./1 p.m./1 p.m. No. 10 Fort Scott (35-21) at No. 7 Colby (30-25) &ndash; 1 p.m./1 p.m./1 p.m. No. 15 Garden City (22-33) at No. 2 Johnson County (45-11) &ndash; 1 p.m./1 p.m./1 p.m.
2025 Region 6 (NJCAA Plains District Tournament) Dean Evans Stadium, Salina &ndash; May 13-17 Eight-team Double-Elimination Format May 13 &ndash; Opening Round Barton/Neosho County winner vs. Coffeyville/Butler winner Hutchinson/Allen winner vs. Cowley/Seward County winner Cloud County/Labette winner vs. Kansas City/Dodge City winner Colby/Fort Scott winner vs. Johnson County/Garden City winner</div>

⚾ Blue Dragons open Region VI Tournament with Red Devils Wednesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. scored the first run and drove in the second to back five overpowering innings and 11 strikeouts from Cole Ragans as the Kansas City Royals stayed hot with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.

The Royals (20-16) took the opener of a four-game series to begin a seven-game homestand. They have won three straight and 11 of 13.

Witt, who walked and stole a base before being stranded in the first, led off the fourth with a single. He stole his 11th base, advanced to third on a wild pitch by rookie Shane Smith and scored on a one-out single by Maikel Garcia.

Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India reached on one-out singles and Witt doubled to right to make it 2-0 in the fifth.

Ragans (2-1), who missed a start with a mild groin strain, came in averaging an MLB-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked two in his fourth outing with 10 or more strikeouts this season and his ninth in 60 career starts.

Four relievers finished a six-hitter. Carlos Estévez pitched a one-hit ninth for his 10th save.

Smith (1-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.

Caleb Freeman made his major league debut in the eighth for Chicago and struck out Salvador Perez before walking Garcia, who stole second and moved to third on a flyout. Drew Waters singled with two strikes for a 3-0 lead.

Kansas City hit a club-record seven home runs in an 11-6 win over the Orioles on Sunday after launching three solo shots in 4-0 victory Saturday. The Royals entered the series with an MLB-low 15 homers.

RHP Sean Burke (2-4, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday for the White Sox against RHP Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.07).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746498118765.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. scored the first run and drove in the second to back five overpowering innings and 11 strikeouts from Cole Ragans as the Kansas City Royals stayed hot with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.The Royals (20-16) took the opener of a four-game series to begin a seven-game homestand. They have won three straight and 11 of 13.Witt, who walked and stole a base before being stranded in the first, led off the fourth with a single. He stole his 11th base, advanced to third on a wild pitch by rookie Shane Smith and scored on a one-out single by Maikel Garcia.Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India reached on one-out singles and Witt doubled to right to make it 2-0 in the fifth.Ragans (2-1), who missed a start with a mild groin strain, came in averaging an MLB-best 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The left-hander allowed three hits and walked two in his fourth outing with 10 or more strikeouts this season and his ninth in 60 career starts.Four relievers finished a six-hitter. Carlos Estévez pitched a one-hit ninth for his 10th save.Smith (1-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Caleb Freeman made his major league debut in the eighth for Chicago and struck out Salvador Perez before walking Garcia, who stole second and moved to third on a flyout. Drew Waters singled with two strikes for a 3-0 lead.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City hit a club-record seven home runs in an 11-6 win over the Orioles on Sunday after launching three solo shots in 4-0 victory Saturday. The Royals entered the series with an MLB-low 15 homers.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Sean Burke (2-4, 4.91 ERA) starts Tuesday for the White Sox against RHP Seth Lugo (3-3, 3.07).

⚾ Witt and Ragans lead surging Royals to win over White Sox

McPHERSON, Kan.&nbsp;— McPherson College Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://macbulldogs.com/staff-directory/josh-daume/336">Josh Daume</a>&nbsp;announced today (May 5) that Alex Moorehead has been named Head Women's Basketball Coach.

Coach Moorehead comes to McPherson after a successful four-year stint as the Head Coach at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Fla.

"We're excited to welcome Coach Moorehead and his family to McPherson," Daume said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program and will make an immediate impact on our women's basketball team and our campus."

During his tenure at Ave Maria, Moorehead compiled a 67-51 record after taking over a program that finished 8-19 the year before his arrival. He led the Gyrenes to four consecutive Sun Conference semifinals appearances and led the team to a regular season and tournament runner-up finish in 2023-24. He coached eight regular-season all-conference and six Sun Conference All-Tournament selections. In Coach Moorehead's first season at the helm, he was named Sun Conference Coach of Year, WBCA Region 6 Coach of the Year, and WBCA NAIA Coach of the Year Finalist.

His teams accumulated over 1500 community service hours, had above a 3.1 GPA each year, and broke 30 individual and team records. The team had their first 20-win season in six years and beat a Top 10 team for the first time in over ten years under Coach Moorehead's leadership.

"I'm incredibly honored to accept the position as Head Women's Basketball Coach at McPherson College," said Moorehead. "This opportunity is not just about basketball, it's about shaping a program that develops women of character, discipline, and purpose. I'm excited to lead a team that competes with toughness, represents the college with pride, and grows together both on and off the court.

"I want to sincerely thank President&nbsp;<a href="https://macbulldogs.com/staff-directory/michael-schneider/218">Michael Schneider</a>, Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://macbulldogs.com/staff-directory/josh-daume/336">Josh Daume</a>, and the entire search committee and administrative staff for their trust and transparency throughout this process. From the beginning, it was clear that McPherson is a place committed to student success, competitive excellence, and values-driven leadership — principles that align with my own approach to coaching and mentorship.

"My wife Michelle, and sons Ezra and Eli, are excited to join the McPherson community and get to work building something meaningful with this program and its student-athletes."

Prior to his arrival at Ave Maria, Moorehead had a successful four-year stint at Deer Creek High School in Edmond, Okla. There he coached six McDonald's All-America nominees, nine collegiate signees, and three 1,000-point scorers. His 2019-20 team was Area and Regional Champions, earning a bid to the state tournament that ended due to Covid.

Moorehead spent the 2016-17 season as the Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach at California State University- Maritime.

"Not only am I excited to see Coach Moorehead lead our women on the court, but I also can't wait to watch the impact he has on our campus and in our community," Daume stated. "I know with his extensive recruiting connections, he will attract outstanding student-athletes to our college and our fans will love the style of basketball we're going to play. We're proud to welcome he and his wife Michelle along with their two sons Eli and Ezra to Kansas!"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746470841287.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy McPherson College Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy McPherson College Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>McPHERSON, Kan.&nbsp;— McPherson College Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://macbulldogs.com/staff-directory/josh-daume/336">Josh Daume</a>&nbsp;announced today (May 5) that Alex Moorehead has been named Head Women's Basketball Coach.Coach Moorehead comes to McPherson after a successful four-year stint as the Head Coach at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Fla."We're excited to welcome Coach Moorehead and his family to McPherson," Daume said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program and will make an immediate impact on our women's basketball team and our campus."During his tenure at Ave Maria, Moorehead compiled a 67-51 record after taking over a program that finished 8-19 the year before his arrival. He led the Gyrenes to four consecutive Sun Conference semifinals appearances and led the team to a regular season and tournament runner-up finish in 2023-24. He coached eight regular-season all-conference and six Sun Conference All-Tournament selections. In Coach Moorehead's first season at the helm, he was named Sun Conference Coach of Year, WBCA Region 6 Coach of the Year, and WBCA NAIA Coach of the Year Finalist.His teams accumulated over 1500 community service hours, had above a 3.1 GPA each year, and broke 30 individual and team records. The team had their first 20-win season in six years and beat a Top 10 team for the first time in over ten years under Coach Moorehead's leadership."I'm incredibly honored to accept the position as Head Women's Basketball Coach at McPherson College," said Moorehead. "This opportunity is not just about basketball, it's about shaping a program that develops women of character, discipline, and purpose. I'm excited to lead a team that competes with toughness, represents the college with pride, and grows together both on and off the court."I want to sincerely thank President&nbsp;<a href="https://macbulldogs.com/staff-directory/michael-schneider/218">Michael Schneider</a>, Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://macbulldogs.com/staff-directory/josh-daume/336">Josh Daume</a>, and the entire search committee and administrative staff for their trust and transparency throughout this process. From the beginning, it was clear that McPherson is a place committed to student success, competitive excellence, and values-driven leadership — principles that align with my own approach to coaching and mentorship."My wife Michelle, and sons Ezra and Eli, are excited to join the McPherson community and get to work building something meaningful with this program and its student-athletes."Prior to his arrival at Ave Maria, Moorehead had a successful four-year stint at Deer Creek High School in Edmond, Okla. There he coached six McDonald's All-America nominees, nine collegiate signees, and three 1,000-point scorers. His 2019-20 team was Area and Regional Champions, earning a bid to the state tournament that ended due to Covid.Moorehead spent the 2016-17 season as the Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach at California State University- Maritime."Not only am I excited to see Coach Moorehead lead our women on the court, but I also can't wait to watch the impact he has on our campus and in our community," Daume stated. "I know with his extensive recruiting connections, he will attract outstanding student-athletes to our college and our fans will love the style of basketball we're going to play. We're proud to welcome he and his wife Michelle along with their two sons Eli and Ezra to Kansas!"

🏀 Moorehead named women's basketball head coach at McPherson College

HESSTON, Kan. — The Smoky Valley Vikings claimed the Central Kansas League boys tennis title on Monday at Hesston High School and Hesston College.

The Vikings were followed by Hesston in 2nd place and Hoisington in 3rd place. Haven finished 4th, Larned 5th, Pratt 6th, Hillsboro 7th and Nickerson 8th.

Smoky Valley edged Hesston by three points, 63-60 to claim the league crown.

Smoky Valley's Zeke Baker claimed the No. 1 singles title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hoisington's Jasper Pawloski in the finals.&nbsp;

Baker defeated Hesston's Janmejay Patwardhan in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-2. Patwardhan finished 3rd with a 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 win over Haven's Devin Boyce.

Hoisington's Brody Rossman claimed the No. 2 singles title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hesston's Tim van Bergeijk.&nbsp;

Rossman defeated Haven's Brennan Williams, 6-0, 6-2 in the semifinals. Williams lost to Smoky Valley's Isaac Ayala in the 3rd place match, 7-5, 6-0.

Hesston's doubles team of Duetschendorf/Liechty cruised their way through the bracket to claim the No. 1 doubles title over Smoky Valley's Beiker/Keller, 6-1, 6-1.&nbsp;

Hoisington's Mooney/Palowski finished 3rd, defeating Haven's Jaques/Rinhart, 6-2, 4-6, 10-4.

Smoky Valley's duo of Baker/Elliot beat Hesston's Hiebert/Gomez, 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 2 doubles finals.

Haven's Pierson/Miller beat Hoisington's Delong/Mooney for 3rd place.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728352153791.jpg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>SEAN BOSTON Hutch PostHESSTON, Kan. — The Smoky Valley Vikings claimed the Central Kansas League boys tennis title on Monday at Hesston High School and Hesston College.The Vikings were followed by Hesston in 2nd place and Hoisington in 3rd place. Haven finished 4th, Larned 5th, Pratt 6th, Hillsboro 7th and Nickerson 8th.Smoky Valley edged Hesston by three points, 63-60 to claim the league crown.<h2>No. 1 Singles</h2>Smoky Valley's Zeke Baker claimed the No. 1 singles title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hoisington's Jasper Pawloski in the finals.&nbsp;Baker defeated Hesston's Janmejay Patwardhan in the semifinals, 6-3, 6-2. Patwardhan finished 3rd with a 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 win over Haven's Devin Boyce.<h2>No. 2 Singles</h2>Hoisington's Brody Rossman claimed the No. 2 singles title with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Hesston's Tim van Bergeijk.&nbsp;Rossman defeated Haven's Brennan Williams, 6-0, 6-2 in the semifinals. Williams lost to Smoky Valley's Isaac Ayala in the 3rd place match, 7-5, 6-0.<h2>No. 1 Doubles</h2>Hesston's doubles team of Duetschendorf/Liechty cruised their way through the bracket to claim the No. 1 doubles title over Smoky Valley's Beiker/Keller, 6-1, 6-1.&nbsp;Hoisington's Mooney/Palowski finished 3rd, defeating Haven's Jaques/Rinhart, 6-2, 4-6, 10-4.<h2>No. 2 Doubles</h2>Smoky Valley's duo of Baker/Elliot beat Hesston's Hiebert/Gomez, 6-1, 6-2 in the No. 2 doubles finals.Haven's Pierson/Miller beat Hoisington's Delong/Mooney for 3rd place.

🎾 Smoky Valley claims Central Kansas League title, Hesston 2nd

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746538618889.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure><div>Kansas State Athletics
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MANHATTAN, Kan. &ndash;&nbsp;After his record-tying performance helped the Wildcats to a series win at BYU, K-State's&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/keegan-o-connor/12317" rel="smarttag" rev="12317">Keegan O'Connor</a></dfn>&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week, the conference office announced Monday. It is the first honor for O'Connor and gives K-State five Big 12 Weekly honors this season, the second most in the conference (Kansas, Arizona State &ndash; 7). It is the 25th&nbsp;weekly award K-State has garnered under seventh-year head coach&nbsp;<dfn><a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/baseball/roster/coaches/pete-hughes/2603" rel="smarttag" rev="2603">Pete Hughes</a></dfn>. O'Connor tied the program's single-game home run record in an 18-4 victory over the Cougars on Friday, becoming just the fifth Wildcat in school history to hit three home runs in a game &mdash; and the first since 2006. A native of Andover, Massachusetts, O'Connor finished just a grand slam shy of the home run cycle and a double short of hitting for the cycle, finishing the game going 5-for-6 with six runs batted in and four runs scored. He also became the second Big 12 player this season to hit three homers in a single game. For the week, the graduate left fielder hit .476 (10-for-21) with a 1.048 slugging percentage and a .500 on-base percentage. Five of his 10 hits were for extra-bases, totaling an incredible 1.548 OPS and driving a team-high eight RBI. &nbsp; With a team-leading 15 homers on the year, O'Connor is now just one home run away from matching the program's single-season record. He ties first in the Big 12 with nine home runs in conference play, ranking second overall in the league. K-State (28-20, 14-10 Big 12) returns to Manhattan, where it owns the best home record in the league this season (16-2), for the final regular-season contests at Tointon Family Stadium against Big 12 leader and No. 12 West Virginia (39-7, 18-4 Big 12), starting Friday, May 9 at 6 p.m. Single-game tickets for games at Tointon Family Stadium can be purchased by visiting&nbsp;<a name="_Hlk192492882"></a>KStateSports.com, call 1-800-221-CATS (2287), or stopping by the K-State Athletics Ticket Office in Bramlage Coliseum.</div>

⚾ K-State's O'Connor named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745559178455.jpeg" alt="FILE - Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons blocks against Western Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)(Jay LaPrete | AP)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons blocks against Western Michigan during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)(Jay LaPrete | AP)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chiefs first-round pick Josh Simmons signed his four-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth $14,675,353, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus, Robert Bailey and Oliver Chell. <a href="https://t.co/35pdggNMnv">pic.twitter.com/35pdggNMnv</a>&mdash; Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1919183770814411019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>