🎧⚾ Royals open series with Tigers; ⚾ Wind Surge wins; 👟 Terry Masterson tonight

HESSTON, Kan. — The McPherson High School Bullpup tennis team opened the 2025 season with a team title at the Hesston Invitational on Thursday.

The Bullpups scored 26 points to edge Buhler (25) and Hesston (21) in the top three. Wichita Collegiate (15), Maize South (10), Smoky Valley (7), Wichita Trinity Academy (7) and Abilene (4) rounded out the team scoring.

Buhler's Sofia Spies placed second in No. 1 singles, while Ella Gillespie was second in No. 2 singles. Emily Allen and Kylee Bradshaw placed first in No. 1 doubles and the team of Katelyn Harding and Payton Barnes finished third in No. 2 doubles.

McPherson's Maryn Sandbo placed third in No. 1 singles, while Mayson Wiens won No. 2 singles. Dragon Rodriguez and McKenna Paul placed third in No. 1 doubles, while Quinn Liebl and Avery Unruh won No. 2 doubles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756474141807.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy McPherson High School tennis coach, Tyler Brown." />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy McPherson High School tennis coach, Tyler Brown.</figcaption>
 </figure>HESSTON, Kan. — The McPherson High School Bullpup tennis team opened the 2025 season with a team title at the Hesston Invitational on Thursday.The Bullpups scored 26 points to edge Buhler (25) and Hesston (21) in the top three. Wichita Collegiate (15), Maize South (10), Smoky Valley (7), Wichita Trinity Academy (7) and Abilene (4) rounded out the team scoring.Buhler's Sofia Spies placed second in No. 1 singles, while Ella Gillespie was second in No. 2 singles. Emily Allen and Kylee Bradshaw placed first in No. 1 doubles and the team of Katelyn Harding and Payton Barnes finished third in No. 2 doubles.McPherson's Maryn Sandbo placed third in No. 1 singles, while Mayson Wiens won No. 2 singles. Dragon Rodriguez and McKenna Paul placed third in No. 1 doubles, while Quinn Liebl and Avery Unruh won No. 2 doubles.

🎾 McPherson, Buhler, Hesston go 1-2-3 in Hesston Invitational

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs knew that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-suspended-db7c2a8f3521f044eae93709290564c8">Rashee Rice’s six-game suspension</a>&nbsp;was coming down from the NFL this week.

That’s why they kept eight wide receivers on cutdown day.

Now, they believe they are better suited to deal with the absence of their No. 1 wide receiver than they were last season, when the Chiefs were suddenly without Rice for most of the season following an injury to his right knee.

JuJu Smith-Schuster came back to training camp in excellent shape, general manager Brett Veach said, and rookie Jalen Royals has a similar skillset. Throw in a healthy Marquise Brown, who was out most of last season because of a shoulder injury, and the Chiefs think they can weather the loss of Rice until his return Oct. 19 for a game against the Raiders.

“It wasn’t a surprise,” Veach told a small group of reporters Thursday. “It was communicated to us, and we were certainly made aware a few days prior to cutdown day that this was a better-than-50 percent shot that this would get resolved.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-charges-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-d71cfd66fabfc151111d67ea1bfa0f74">Rice pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last month to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of his plea agreement from the March 2024 crash on a Dallas highway, prosecutors said, Rice also received a sentence of five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The NFL had to wait until the legal process was finished before launching its own internal investigation. There was a hearing set for Sept. 30 before former federal judge Sue L. Robinson to determine the length and terms of Rice’s suspension, but that voided when Rice and his team agreed to the six-game banishment.

Along with the Chargers game in Brazil, Rice will miss a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles on Sept. 14 at Arrowhead Stadium; a Sunday night trip to the Meadowlands to face the Giants; a high-profile matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sept. 28; a game against Jacksonville the following Monday night; and a Sunday night showdown with the Lions.

“I think Rashee is a top-10 receiver. I think he’s a legit stud, a star in this league, and it’s going to be awfully hard to do what he can do, and I don’t think we have anybody like Rashee,” Veach acknowledged. “There are few players who can punish tacklers like Rashee can at that position.”

Indeed, while Rice has the speed to take the top off a defense, he is at his best catching balls near the line of scrimmage and then getting up the field. The 28-year-old Smith-Schuster, who has more size and experience on his side, can play some of the same roles in what is considered a complex Kansas City offense.

“JuJu to his credit, I think, he’s looked better this camp than the last camp he was here,” Veach said. “That’s a good thing. We’re getting JuJu fresh at the beginning of the season.”

As for Royals, the fourth-round pick out of Utah State has been sidelined by knee tendinitis late in training camp, an injury that could extend into the start of the season. But the Chiefs are hopeful of him returning soon, and the 15.2-yards per catch and 21 touchdowns he had over his final two seasons in college provide a peek at his game-changing ability.

“His athletic ability, we think he’ll ascend and be a good player,” Veach said.

The Chiefs have been similarly careful with Brown, who missed time in training camp and did not play in any of their preseason games because of an ankle injury. They lost him in their preseason opener a year ago and he did not return until the playoffs, and even then he could only provide a fraction of what he can do when healthy.

Then there is also second-year pro Xavier Worthy, who may have benefited the most from Rice and Brown being absent last season. He was forced into a starring role alongside star tight end Travis Kelce and flourished, especially in the playoffs, where Worthy had 19 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns in three games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756385879693.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) reacts during warm ups before an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) reacts during warm ups before an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs knew that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-chiefs-rashee-rice-suspended-db7c2a8f3521f044eae93709290564c8">Rashee Rice’s six-game suspension</a>&nbsp;was coming down from the NFL this week.That’s why they kept eight wide receivers on cutdown day.Now, they believe they are better suited to deal with the absence of their No. 1 wide receiver than they were last season, when the Chiefs were suddenly without Rice for most of the season following an injury to his right knee.JuJu Smith-Schuster came back to training camp in excellent shape, general manager Brett Veach said, and rookie Jalen Royals has a similar skillset. Throw in a healthy Marquise Brown, who was out most of last season because of a shoulder injury, and the Chiefs think they can weather the loss of Rice until his return Oct. 19 for a game against the Raiders.“It wasn’t a surprise,” Veach told a small group of reporters Thursday. “It was communicated to us, and we were certainly made aware a few days prior to cutdown day that this was a better-than-50 percent shot that this would get resolved.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rashee-rice-charges-dallas-crash-kansas-city-chiefs-d71cfd66fabfc151111d67ea1bfa0f74">Rice pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;last month to two third-degree felony charges of collision involving serious bodily injury and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. As part of his plea agreement from the March 2024 crash on a Dallas highway, prosecutors said, Rice also received a sentence of five years of deferred probation and 30 days in jail as a condition of his probation.&nbsp;&nbsp;The NFL had to wait until the legal process was finished before launching its own internal investigation. There was a hearing set for Sept. 30 before former federal judge Sue L. Robinson to determine the length and terms of Rice’s suspension, but that voided when Rice and his team agreed to the six-game banishment.Along with the Chargers game in Brazil, Rice will miss a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles on Sept. 14 at Arrowhead Stadium; a Sunday night trip to the Meadowlands to face the Giants; a high-profile matchup with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sept. 28; a game against Jacksonville the following Monday night; and a Sunday night showdown with the Lions.“I think Rashee is a top-10 receiver. I think he’s a legit stud, a star in this league, and it’s going to be awfully hard to do what he can do, and I don’t think we have anybody like Rashee,” Veach acknowledged. “There are few players who can punish tacklers like Rashee can at that position.”Indeed, while Rice has the speed to take the top off a defense, he is at his best catching balls near the line of scrimmage and then getting up the field. The 28-year-old Smith-Schuster, who has more size and experience on his side, can play some of the same roles in what is considered a complex Kansas City offense.“JuJu to his credit, I think, he’s looked better this camp than the last camp he was here,” Veach said. “That’s a good thing. We’re getting JuJu fresh at the beginning of the season.”As for Royals, the fourth-round pick out of Utah State has been sidelined by knee tendinitis late in training camp, an injury that could extend into the start of the season. But the Chiefs are hopeful of him returning soon, and the 15.2-yards per catch and 21 touchdowns he had over his final two seasons in college provide a peek at his game-changing ability.“His athletic ability, we think he’ll ascend and be a good player,” Veach said.The Chiefs have been similarly careful with Brown, who missed time in training camp and did not play in any of their preseason games because of an ankle injury. They lost him in their preseason opener a year ago and he did not return until the playoffs, and even then he could only provide a fraction of what he can do when healthy.Then there is also second-year pro Xavier Worthy, who may have benefited the most from Rice and Brown being absent last season. He was forced into a starring role alongside star tight end Travis Kelce and flourished, especially in the playoffs, where Worthy had 19 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns in three games.

🏈 Chiefs brace for Rashee Rice’s six-game suspension with deep wide receiver roster

(AP) —&nbsp;Week 1 of the 2025 college football season boasts a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-football-f9b67c602d84bc4b44d6e1ab6820013e">loaded schedule</a>&nbsp;with top-10 matchups and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-what-to-watch-d8381e39915c7e880ee92f8f5d2c3b93">revenge games,</a>&nbsp;and the spotlight falls squarely on the quarterbacks. Unless everyone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">runs the table,</a>&nbsp;expect some shakeups in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the next AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.

Several top programs are breaking in new QBs, from the Arch Manning takeover at Texas to Julian Sayin filling the shoes of national championship-winner Will Howard at Ohio State. Just like Manning-Sayin, Heisman Trophy hopefuls Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik will also go head-to-head, while Notre Dame and Miami debut new starters with a vast difference in experience.

The theme is common across six can’t-miss Week 1 games: How the QBs perform could set the tone for the playoff hunt as early as this weekend:

One of the most talked-about Week 1 matchups in years, Texas travels to Columbus to take on the reigning national champs. The two teams met in a College Football Playoff semifinal, where Ohio State won 28-14. Less than a year later, the two rosters look quite different, starting at signal-caller.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-arch-manning-ohio-state-798695ef3ef467e0ec09e1240e365417">Manning</a>&nbsp;makes his long-awaited debut as official QB1 for the Longhorns while the Buckeyes turn to Sayin, who transferred from Alabama and sat behind Howard last year. Sayin’s job is simple but could be daunting for an inexperienced QB:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-ohio-state-jeremiah-smith-fdaf58ef416751553e22043fd897a28b">feed Jeremiah Smith,</a>&nbsp;the sophomore receiver considered a Heisman candidate.

Tiger vs. Tiger, Death Valley vs. Death Valley. QBs Nussmeier and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clemson-cade-klubnik-af2b4f7abb453868d37df5bc9ef114c9">Klubnik</a>&nbsp;should each have high-powered offenses in this one.

LSU is 3-1 in the series and the last meeting came in January 2019 when it ended Clemson’s 29-game winning streak with a 42-25 victory for the national championship. Five years later, the teams meet again, with two Heisman favorites eager to get a title run started with a big win.

Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck will make his debut for the Hurricanes, and the Fighting Irish have picked CJ Carr to start following Riley Leonard’s departure for the pros.

Carr played all of four snaps in 2024 and is tasked with taking on a top-10 opponent on the road. Carr will lean on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-presesaon-allamerica-35afa7cb3f15918ad16d7d52d9b2cb51">Jeremiyah Love</a>, one of the top backs in the game and the Irish have seven starters back on defense.

The Crimson Tide have something to prove after falling short of the CFP during coach Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural season. Will Florida State be able to slow down a highly motivated Alabama team? The Seminoles received eight votes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">preseason poll</a>&nbsp;but are coming off a 2-10 season.

The Seminoles hope senior transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos can jumpstart the rebuild. Returner Ty Simpson will fill Jalen Milroe’s shoes for a Crimson Tide team with higher expectations and little margin for error.

It’s a somewhat sentimental season opener for South Carolina coach Shane Beamer facing Virginia Tech, where his father, Frank, was the winningest coach in Hokies’ history. The teams meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Expectations are high for the Gamecocks and quarterback LaNorris Sellers after winning six straight to end the season. The Gamecocks welcome back nine starters — five on the offensive side of the ball, and four defensively, including Dylan Stewart, expected to have a breakout year.

It’s an opportunity for South Carolina to get a win under its belt before a challenging SEC schedule commences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-tech-football-preview-dbe47f55fb4aef928f64b24f9642b978">Virginia Tech</a>&nbsp;has a chance to make a statement after a 6-7 finish last year, including 0-5 in one-possession games last year with two overtime road losses.

A whole bunch of orange in this one. No. 24 Tennessee’s quarterback room was a hot topic of conversation this offseason with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-ucla-nico-iamaleava-463f1bbdb7fbd4bc491ab8d68b9510b1">Nico Iamaleava</a>&nbsp;unexpectedly departing for UCLA. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-joey-aguilar-ucla-iamaleava-564aa3f972327748c808938e2690d517">Volunteers landed Joey Aguilar</a>&nbsp;in return, ironically coming off a short stint at UCLA.

The dual-threat veteran will lead an offense against a Syracuse defense that struggled against the run and pass last fall.

Syracuse is tasked with replacing key offensive playmakers in quarterback Kyle McCord and running back LeQuint Allen Jr. Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli has big shoes to fill at QB.

(AP) —&nbsp;Week 1 of the 2025 college football season boasts a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-25-football-f9b67c602d84bc4b44d6e1ab6820013e">loaded schedule</a>&nbsp;with top-10 matchups and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-what-to-watch-d8381e39915c7e880ee92f8f5d2c3b93">revenge games,</a>&nbsp;and the spotlight falls squarely on the quarterbacks. Unless everyone&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">runs the table,</a>&nbsp;expect some shakeups in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">the next AP Top 25</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday.Several top programs are breaking in new QBs, from the Arch Manning takeover at Texas to Julian Sayin filling the shoes of national championship-winner Will Howard at Ohio State. Just like Manning-Sayin, Heisman Trophy hopefuls Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik will also go head-to-head, while Notre Dame and Miami debut new starters with a vast difference in experience.The theme is common across six can’t-miss Week 1 games: How the QBs perform could set the tone for the playoff hunt as early as this weekend:<h2>No. 1 Texas at No. 3 Ohio State</h2>One of the most talked-about Week 1 matchups in years, Texas travels to Columbus to take on the reigning national champs. The two teams met in a College Football Playoff semifinal, where Ohio State won 28-14. Less than a year later, the two rosters look quite different, starting at signal-caller.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-arch-manning-ohio-state-798695ef3ef467e0ec09e1240e365417">Manning</a>&nbsp;makes his long-awaited debut as official QB1 for the Longhorns while the Buckeyes turn to Sayin, who transferred from Alabama and sat behind Howard last year. Sayin’s job is simple but could be daunting for an inexperienced QB:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-ohio-state-jeremiah-smith-fdaf58ef416751553e22043fd897a28b">feed Jeremiah Smith,</a>&nbsp;the sophomore receiver considered a Heisman candidate.<h2>No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson</h2>Tiger vs. Tiger, Death Valley vs. Death Valley. QBs Nussmeier and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/clemson-cade-klubnik-af2b4f7abb453868d37df5bc9ef114c9">Klubnik</a>&nbsp;should each have high-powered offenses in this one.LSU is 3-1 in the series and the last meeting came in January 2019 when it ended Clemson’s 29-game winning streak with a 42-25 victory for the national championship. Five years later, the teams meet again, with two Heisman favorites eager to get a title run started with a big win.<h2>No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami</h2>Georgia transfer quarterback Carson Beck will make his debut for the Hurricanes, and the Fighting Irish have picked CJ Carr to start following Riley Leonard’s departure for the pros.Carr played all of four snaps in 2024 and is tasked with taking on a top-10 opponent on the road. Carr will lean on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-presesaon-allamerica-35afa7cb3f15918ad16d7d52d9b2cb51">Jeremiyah Love</a>, one of the top backs in the game and the Irish have seven starters back on defense.<h2>No. 8 Alabama at Florida State</h2>The Crimson Tide have something to prove after falling short of the CFP during coach Kalen DeBoer’s inaugural season. Will Florida State be able to slow down a highly motivated Alabama team? The Seminoles received eight votes in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">preseason poll</a>&nbsp;but are coming off a 2-10 season.The Seminoles hope senior transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos can jumpstart the rebuild. Returner Ty Simpson will fill Jalen Milroe’s shoes for a Crimson Tide team with higher expectations and little margin for error.<h2>Virginia Tech vs. No. 13 South Carolina</h2>It’s a somewhat sentimental season opener for South Carolina coach Shane Beamer facing Virginia Tech, where his father, Frank, was the winningest coach in Hokies’ history. The teams meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.Expectations are high for the Gamecocks and quarterback LaNorris Sellers after winning six straight to end the season. The Gamecocks welcome back nine starters — five on the offensive side of the ball, and four defensively, including Dylan Stewart, expected to have a breakout year.It’s an opportunity for South Carolina to get a win under its belt before a challenging SEC schedule commences.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-tech-football-preview-dbe47f55fb4aef928f64b24f9642b978">Virginia Tech</a>&nbsp;has a chance to make a statement after a 6-7 finish last year, including 0-5 in one-possession games last year with two overtime road losses.<h2>Syracuse vs. No. 24 Tennessee</h2>A whole bunch of orange in this one. No. 24 Tennessee’s quarterback room was a hot topic of conversation this offseason with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-ucla-nico-iamaleava-463f1bbdb7fbd4bc491ab8d68b9510b1">Nico Iamaleava</a>&nbsp;unexpectedly departing for UCLA. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tennessee-joey-aguilar-ucla-iamaleava-564aa3f972327748c808938e2690d517">Volunteers landed Joey Aguilar</a>&nbsp;in return, ironically coming off a short stint at UCLA.The dual-threat veteran will lead an offense against a Syracuse defense that struggled against the run and pass last fall.Syracuse is tasked with replacing key offensive playmakers in quarterback Kyle McCord and running back LeQuint Allen Jr. Notre Dame transfer Steve Angeli has big shoes to fill at QB.

🏈 AP Top 25: Quarterbacks, clashes and storylines to know heading into Week 1

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

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler sophomore Anika Paulsrud, a Trinity Catholic student who competes for the Crusaders because Trinity does not sponsor girls golf, tied for runner-up honors with McPherson senior Brodie Kuhn on Thursday at the <a href="https://highschoolgolfscores.com/tournaments/results/105?page=1">Class 4A Girls State Preview tournament</a> at Carey Park Golf Course.

Wamego captured the team title with a score of 329 on the par-71 layout. Wellington was second at 334, followed by McPherson in third with 347. Buhler placed fourth with 370, while Hesston was eighth at 400 and Pratt finished 16th at 449 in the 16-team field.

Paulsrud and Kuhn each posted rounds of 79, finishing 8-over par. They trailed only medalist Addison Douglass of Wamego, who fired a 3-under 68. McPherson placed two more golfers inside the top 15 with Andi Buschbom taking ninth at 84 and Lleyton Kuhn tying for 13th at 87. Amelia Moody added a 97, and Pera Bauer shot 100.

Buhler backed up Paulsrud’s performance with steady rounds from Macy Miller (95), Paityn Weber (98), Harlie Terrell (98) and Addison Specht (100).

Hesston was led by Elizabeth Hosford’s 91, tying for 20th, and Wendy Roth’s 92, good for a share of 23rd. Maci Kramer added a 96, while Brynn Thiesen shot 121.

Pratt’s top score came from Hayden Riffey with a 97 to tie for 34th. The Falcons also counted rounds from Ava Simmons (110), Kaitlyn Vega (120), Lexi Simmons (122) and Rachel Rawlings (126).

By <a href="mailto:sean.boston@eaglemedia.com">SEAN BOSTON</a> Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler sophomore Anika Paulsrud, a Trinity Catholic student who competes for the Crusaders because Trinity does not sponsor girls golf, tied for runner-up honors with McPherson senior Brodie Kuhn on Thursday at the <a href="https://highschoolgolfscores.com/tournaments/results/105?page=1">Class 4A Girls State Preview tournament</a> at Carey Park Golf Course.Wamego captured the team title with a score of 329 on the par-71 layout. Wellington was second at 334, followed by McPherson in third with 347. Buhler placed fourth with 370, while Hesston was eighth at 400 and Pratt finished 16th at 449 in the 16-team field.Paulsrud and Kuhn each posted rounds of 79, finishing 8-over par. They trailed only medalist Addison Douglass of Wamego, who fired a 3-under 68. McPherson placed two more golfers inside the top 15 with Andi Buschbom taking ninth at 84 and Lleyton Kuhn tying for 13th at 87. Amelia Moody added a 97, and Pera Bauer shot 100.Buhler backed up Paulsrud’s performance with steady rounds from Macy Miller (95), Paityn Weber (98), Harlie Terrell (98) and Addison Specht (100).Hesston was led by Elizabeth Hosford’s 91, tying for 20th, and Wendy Roth’s 92, good for a share of 23rd. Maci Kramer added a 96, while Brynn Thiesen shot 121.Pratt’s top score came from Hayden Riffey with a 97 to tie for 34th. The Falcons also counted rounds from Ava Simmons (110), Kaitlyn Vega (120), Lexi Simmons (122) and Rachel Rawlings (126).

⛳ Buhler’s Paulsrud, McPherson’s Kuhn tie for runner-up at 4A state preview 

WICHITA, Kan. - In a move reflecting the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, institutional alignment, and simplicity for stakeholders, beginning August 1, Wichita State Athletics has transitioned support from the Wheat Shock Collective (WSC) into the newly restructured Shocker Athletics Annual Membership model, specifically through the We Fight for Wichita Fund. Effective August 1, 2025, all WSC memberships concluded. Those memberships are now seamlessly honored under the new, streamlined model along with philanthropic contributions previously gifted to the WSC.

"This proactive step brings Roster Resources support and NIL operations fully in-house with Shocker Athletics," said Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. "It provides a more unified model for our donors, ensures tax-deductible giving, and directly aligns with our mission to advance student-athlete success. We are deeply grateful for what the Wheat Shock Collective accomplished and look forward to building on that momentum with Shocker Nation."

All Wheat Shock Collective (WSC) memberships will now be honored under the Shocker Athletics Annual Membership model.

Future philanthropic giving to support Roster Resources can be done through the newly created We Fight for Wichita Fund. This allows donors to take advantage of tax-deductible opportunities and add more value to their Shocker Athletics Annual Membership.

Emily Hiebert, former General Manager of the Wheat Shock Collective and now Wichita State's Director of Development, Roster Resources/NIL, will lead this work internally for Shocker Athletics. 

"Over the last year, it's been an honor to lead in the Wheat Shock Collective's growth, and I'm thrilled to continue this mission from within Wichita State Athletics, and through the We Fight for Wichita Fund," Hiebert said. "Wichita State and its competitive success mean the world to me, and I am glad to be here serving our loyal donors and amazing student-athletes!"

As previously announced, to honor donors who launched NIL support at WSU, all past contributions will retroactively receive four Priority Points per $100 donated, ensuring equitable recognition within the Shocker Athletics priority point system. Ongoing support for Roster Resources and NIL will also earn four Priority Points for every $100 donated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756431801264.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Wichita State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. - In a move reflecting the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, institutional alignment, and simplicity for stakeholders, beginning August 1, Wichita State Athletics has transitioned support from the Wheat Shock Collective (WSC) into the newly restructured Shocker Athletics Annual Membership model, specifically through the We Fight for Wichita Fund. Effective August 1, 2025, all WSC memberships concluded. Those memberships are now seamlessly honored under the new, streamlined model along with philanthropic contributions previously gifted to the WSC."This proactive step brings Roster Resources support and NIL operations fully in-house with Shocker Athletics," said Wichita State Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. "It provides a more unified model for our donors, ensures tax-deductible giving, and directly aligns with our mission to advance student-athlete success. We are deeply grateful for what the Wheat Shock Collective accomplished and look forward to building on that momentum with Shocker Nation."As part of this transition:All Wheat Shock Collective (WSC) memberships will now be honored under the Shocker Athletics Annual Membership model.Future philanthropic giving to support Roster Resources can be done through the newly created We Fight for Wichita Fund. This allows donors to take advantage of tax-deductible opportunities and add more value to their Shocker Athletics Annual Membership.Emily Hiebert, former General Manager of the Wheat Shock Collective and now Wichita State's Director of Development, Roster Resources/NIL, will lead this work internally for Shocker Athletics. "Over the last year, it's been an honor to lead in the Wheat Shock Collective's growth, and I'm thrilled to continue this mission from within Wichita State Athletics, and through the We Fight for Wichita Fund," Hiebert said. "Wichita State and its competitive success mean the world to me, and I am glad to be here serving our loyal donors and amazing student-athletes!"As previously announced, to honor donors who launched NIL support at WSU, all past contributions will retroactively receive four Priority Points per $100 donated, ensuring equitable recognition within the Shocker Athletics priority point system. Ongoing support for Roster Resources and NIL will also earn four Priority Points for every $100 donated.

Wheat Shock Collective transitions under Shocker Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Warren Corman, a fixture in the rich history of the Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas architecture, died August 28, in Lawrence, the Corman family informed KU officials. The last of the seven architects that built Allen Fieldhouse to pass, Corman was 99 years old.

A KU men's basketball season ticket holder for more than 60 years, Corman, and his wife, Mary, were regulars at both football and men's basketball weekly Hawk Talk radio shows and deeply passionate about the Jayhawks.

"Warren Corman's legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the University of Kansas with his incredible contributions to Allen Fieldhouse," Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "That historic venue would not be what it is today without Warren. We will miss his amazing stories and his passion for KU but cherish the time we have had with him. The KU Athletics' family sends our love and condolences to Mary and the entire family."

Corman was the youngest of the architects on the Allen Fieldhouse project. The others included James Canole, Frank Johnson, Charles Marshall, Robert Jokish, Robert Schober, and Thornton Beck. Six of Kansas' eight all-time coaches played their home contests in Allen Fieldhouse and all developed a relationship with Corman.

"Warren Corman played an integral role in what Kansas basketball is today as one the architects who designed Allen Fieldhouse," Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self said. "Cindy and I truly enjoyed getting to know Warren and Mary over the years and listening to Warren tell stories about his role with the University. He had such a wealth of knowledge about everything KU. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family.

A 1950 architecture engineering graduate from KU who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Corman had a major impact on the learning environment encountered by the state's college students. In 1966, he was recruited by the Kansas Board of Regents to be director of facilities, a position he held for 31 years. During his tenure, Corman worked with all the regents institutions, overseeing planning and construction on more than 300 construction projects, valued at more than $500 million. 

Corman also was instrumental in two public policy actions that continue to serve Kansans: the State Building Advisory Committee, which greatly reduced the opportunity for corruption, and Crumbling Classrooms, widely recognized as the single most important facilities repair-and-rehabilitation funding project in regents history.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756431599521.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. – Warren Corman, a fixture in the rich history of the Kansas Athletics and University of Kansas architecture, died August 28, in Lawrence, the Corman family informed KU officials. The last of the seven architects that built Allen Fieldhouse to pass, Corman was 99 years old.A KU men's basketball season ticket holder for more than 60 years, Corman, and his wife, Mary, were regulars at both football and men's basketball weekly Hawk Talk radio shows and deeply passionate about the Jayhawks."Warren Corman's legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of the University of Kansas with his incredible contributions to Allen Fieldhouse," Kansas Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "That historic venue would not be what it is today without Warren. We will miss his amazing stories and his passion for KU but cherish the time we have had with him. The KU Athletics' family sends our love and condolences to Mary and the entire family."Corman was the youngest of the architects on the Allen Fieldhouse project. The others included James Canole, Frank Johnson, Charles Marshall, Robert Jokish, Robert Schober, and Thornton Beck. Six of Kansas' eight all-time coaches played their home contests in Allen Fieldhouse and all developed a relationship with Corman."Warren Corman played an integral role in what Kansas basketball is today as one the architects who designed Allen Fieldhouse," Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self said. "Cindy and I truly enjoyed getting to know Warren and Mary over the years and listening to Warren tell stories about his role with the University. He had such a wealth of knowledge about everything KU. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and his family."KU lost a treasure in Warren."A 1950 architecture engineering graduate from KU who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Corman had a major impact on the learning environment encountered by the state's college students. In 1966, he was recruited by the Kansas Board of Regents to be director of facilities, a position he held for 31 years. During his tenure, Corman worked with all the regents institutions, overseeing planning and construction on more than 300 construction projects, valued at more than $500 million. Corman also was instrumental in two public policy actions that continue to serve Kansans: the State Building Advisory Committee, which greatly reduced the opportunity for corruption, and Crumbling Classrooms, widely recognized as the single most important facilities repair-and-rehabilitation funding project in regents history.

🏀 Allen Fieldhouse architect, Warren Corman dies at 99

No. 17 Kansas State (0-1) vs North Dakota, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET.

Overall offense: 360.2 yards per game (61st in FCS)

Overall defense: 386.4 yards allowed per game (80th in FCS)

Passing: 198.6 yards allowed per game (40th)

Rushing: 187.8 yards allowed per game (102nd)

Scoring: 30.9 points allowed per game (92nd)

Overall offense: 426.8 yards per game (31st in FBS)

Overall defense: 343.4 yards allowed per game (43rd in FBS)

Passing: 224.7 yards allowed per game (77th)

Rushing: 118.7 yards allowed per game (28th)

Scoring: 23.4 points allowed per game (50th)

Passing: Simon Romfo, 2,050 yards, 18 TDs, 8 INTs, 60.8 completion percentage

Rushing: Gavin Ziebarth, 534 yards on 133 carries, 8 TDs

Receiving: Caden Dennis, 245 yards on 32 catches, 2 TDs

Passing: Avery Johnson, 2,712 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 58.3 completion percentage

Rushing: Dylan Edwards, 546 yards on 74 carries, 5 TDs

Receiving: Jayce Brown, 823 yards, 47 catches, 5 TDs

North Dakota lost to Illinois State 35-13 to finish 5-7 last season

Kansas State lost to Iowa State 24-21 last Saturday in Dublin, Ireland

North Dakota plays its home opener against Portland State on Sept. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1755542588219.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State on Nov. 30, 2024, in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>No. 17 Kansas State (0-1) vs North Dakota, Saturday, 7 p.m. ET.BetMGM College Football Odds: No line.How to watch: ESPN+<h2>Key stats</h2>North Dakota (2024):Overall offense: 360.2 yards per game (61st in FCS)Passing: 173.2 yards per game (95th)Rushing: 186.9 yards per game (25th)Scoring: 30.8 points per game (26th)Overall defense: 386.4 yards allowed per game (80th in FCS)Passing: 198.6 yards allowed per game (40th)Rushing: 187.8 yards allowed per game (102nd)Scoring: 30.9 points allowed per game (92nd)Kansas State (2024):Overall offense: 426.8 yards per game (31st in FBS)Passing: 211.4 yards per game (85th)Rushing: 215.5 yards per game (11th)Scoring: 30.8 points per game (46th)Overall defense: 343.4 yards allowed per game (43rd in FBS)Passing: 224.7 yards allowed per game (77th)Rushing: 118.7 yards allowed per game (28th)Scoring: 23.4 points allowed per game (50th)<h2>Team leaders</h2>North Dakota (2024)Passing: Simon Romfo, 2,050 yards, 18 TDs, 8 INTs, 60.8 completion percentageRushing: Gavin Ziebarth, 534 yards on 133 carries, 8 TDsReceiving: Caden Dennis, 245 yards on 32 catches, 2 TDsKansas State (2024)Passing: Avery Johnson, 2,712 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs, 58.3 completion percentageRushing: Dylan Edwards, 546 yards on 74 carries, 5 TDsReceiving: Jayce Brown, 823 yards, 47 catches, 5 TDs<h2>Last game</h2>North Dakota lost to Illinois State 35-13 to finish 5-7 last seasonKansas State lost to Iowa State 24-21 last Saturday in Dublin, Ireland<h2>Next game</h2>North Dakota plays its home opener against Portland State on Sept. 6.

🏈 No. 17 K-State seeks redemption against North Dakota after narrow loss to open season

Kansas (1-0) vs Wagner (0-0), Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT.

Overall offense: 305.1 yards per game (103rd in FCS)

Overall defense: 322.0 yards allowed per game (25th in FCS)

Passing: 181.1 yards allowed per game (24th)

Rushing: 140.9 yards allowed per game (40th)

Scoring: 24.3 points allowed per game (50th)

Overall offense: 420.2 yards per game (37th in FBS)

Overall defense: 392.6 yards allowed per game (92nd in FBS)

Passing: 239.1 yards allowed per game (103rd)

Rushing: 153.5 yards allowed per game (75th)

Scoring: 26.0 points allowed per game (75th)

Passing: Jack Stevens, 68 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 66.7 completion percentage

Rushing: Sekou Kamau, 342 yards on 59 carries, 1 TD

Receiving: Teree McDonald, 309 yards on 26 catches, 5 TDs

Passing: Jalon Daniels, 2,454 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs, 57.0 completion percentage

Rushing: Daniel Hishaw Jr., 376 yards on 65 carries, 3 TDs

Receiving: Bryson Canty, 760 yards, 43 catches, 9 TDs (at Columbia)

Wagner lost to Long Island 35-28 to finish 4-8 last season.

Kansas beat Fresno State 31-7 to open the season last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756231458879.jpeg" alt="Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Fresno State, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas (1-0) vs Wagner (0-0), Friday, 7:30 p.m. EDT.BetMGM College Football Odds: No line.How to watch: ESPN+<h2>Key stats</h2>Wagner (2024)Overall offense: 305.1 yards per game (103rd in FCS)Passing: 181.9 yards per game (88th)Rushing: 123.2 yards per game (93rd)Scoring: 19.2 points per game (105th)Overall defense: 322.0 yards allowed per game (25th in FCS)Passing: 181.1 yards allowed per game (24th)Rushing: 140.9 yards allowed per game (40th)Scoring: 24.3 points allowed per game (50th)Kansas (2024)Overall offense: 420.2 yards per game (37th in FBS)Passing: 208.8 yards per game (90th)Rushing: 211.4 yards per game (13th)Scoring: 29.7 points per game (52nd)Overall defense: 392.6 yards allowed per game (92nd in FBS)Passing: 239.1 yards allowed per game (103rd)Rushing: 153.5 yards allowed per game (75th)Scoring: 26.0 points allowed per game (75th)<h2>Team leaders</h2>Wagner (2024)Passing: Jack Stevens, 68 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 66.7 completion percentageRushing: Sekou Kamau, 342 yards on 59 carries, 1 TDReceiving: Teree McDonald, 309 yards on 26 catches, 5 TDsKansas (2024)Passing: Jalon Daniels, 2,454 yards, 14 TDs, 12 INTs, 57.0 completion percentageRushing: Daniel Hishaw Jr., 376 yards on 65 carries, 3 TDsReceiving: Bryson Canty, 760 yards, 43 catches, 9 TDs (at Columbia)<h2>Last game</h2>Wagner lost to Long Island 35-28 to finish 4-8 last season.Kansas beat Fresno State 31-7 to open the season last week.<h2>Next game</h2>Wagner visits Georgetown on Sept. 6.

🏈 KU opens season with dominant win over Fresno State, faces Wagner next

🎧⚾ Royals win big; ⚾ Wind Surge beat Travelers; ⚽ HutchCC blanks Western Wyoming

CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.

Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.

Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.

Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.

Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.

Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.

Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.

Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.

The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.

The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.

White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756350904034.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a leadoff homer and a two-run double in Kansas City's eight-run fifth inning as the Royals pummeled the Chicago White Sox 12-1 on Wednesday night.Perez’s double gave him 993 RBIs — one more than Amos Otis for third place in Royals history. Next on the list is Hal McRae with 1,012. George Brett leads with 1,596.Ryan Bergert (2-1) pitched a season-high six innings, allowing one run and six hits for his first win in five starts with Kansas City. Jonathan Bowlan, Angel Zerpa and Daniel Lynch IV finished with a scoreless inning apiece.Perez tied it at 1 with his 23rd homer when he connected off Aaron Civale (3-9). Bobby Witt Jr. chased Civale with a two-out, two-run single and Vinnie Pasquantino greeted Tyler Gilbert with a two-run single for a 5-1 lead. Adam Frazier doubled in Perez for an 8-1 advantage.Mike Yastrzemski hit his 14th homer — a three-run shot off Gilbert in the sixth to make it 11-1. Yastrzemski doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia's single in the eighth. Witt went 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to 16 games.Andrew Benintendi hit his 15th home run in the Chicago fourth. The drive came on a pitch 1.02 feet above the ground, the lowest pitch he's homered on in his career, according to MLB Statcast.Civale gave up five runs in 4 2/3 innings. Gilbert retired one batter and allowed six runs.<h2>Key moment</h2>Bergert earned his first win since beating the New York Yankees 4-3 on May 5 with San Diego.<h2>Key stat</h2>The White Sox need to win 15 of their final 29 games to avoid reaching 100 losses for a third straight season.<h2>Up next</h2>The Royals host the Detroit Tigers for three games beginning Friday. Neither team had announced a starting pitcher.White Sox RHP Davis Martin (5-9, 3.93 ERA) starts Thursday at home in the opener of a four-game series against RHP Will Warren (7-6, 4.47) and the Yankees.

⚾ Eight-run fifth inning helps Royals rout the White Sox

Isabell Van Fleet, Poppy Smith and Maria Azevedo all scored first-half goals and the Blue Dragon defense did the rest as the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team rolled to a 3-0 victory over Western Wyoming on Wednesday afternoon at Don Michael Field.

The Blue Dragons improved to 2-0 for the second-straight season and extended their current home unbeaten streak to 12 games (9 wins, 3 ties).

The Blue Dragons travel to NOC-Enid for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Sunday in Enid, Oklahoma. Western Wyoming falls to 0-2-1.

With a light, but steady rain falling through the first half and coming off Monday's thrilling last-minute victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley, the Blue Dragons got off to a slow offensive start on Wednesday against the Mustangs.

The Dragons picked up the pace and opened the scoring with a corner kick in the 23rd minute. The corner was awarded after Anastasia Pokrandt's free kick from midfield following a Mustang foul nearly bounced over Western goalkeeper Maliya Bell, who jumped and swatted the ball out of play for a Dragon corner.

The Blue Dragons scored their second goal of the season off the set piece as freshman midfielder Olivia Tamaki's cross was headed into the goal by Van Fleet, her first goal as a Blue Dragon, for a 1-0 lead.

Hutchinson took a 2-0 lead a little more than 4 minutes later when freshman Onna Dowling stole a Mustang clearing attempt with an athletic open-field play and immediately got the ball to Smith, who worked her way through traffic and fired a shot from 20 yards out into the lower left corner with 16:55 remaining in the first half.

Smith scored her third goal of the season.

The Blue Dragons opened a three-goal advantage with 3:51 to go in the first half when Isabell Puchinelli made a strong run down the sideline and just before reaching the back line, sent a perfect cross to the left side of the goal where Azevedo scored into a wide open net for a 3-0 Hutchinson lead.

The lead was then protected by a season-high five saves from freshman goalkeeper Evie Carvell (2-0) and another strong game from the back line of Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison, Lucy Bacon and Ava McAnich, who combined to limit Western Wyoming to only five shots on goal and 12 total shots taken.

The shutout was in jeopardy in the 68th minute when Western Wyoming was awarded a penalty kick. The attempt by Maddie Miller hit off the cross bar to keep the shutout intact.

The Blue Dragons out-shot Western Wyoming 14-12 overall and 6-5 in shots on goal.

+ Hutchinson is now 4-0 all-time against Western Wyoming, three of the wins are by shutout.

+ This was Hutchinson's 190th all-time women's soccer shutout in its 21 seasons.

+ Both of Olivia Tamaki's assists this season have come directly off her corner kicks.

+ Opposing teams are now 3 for 10 all-time in penalty kicks.

+ Maria Azevedo's goal was her fifth career goal as a Blue Dragon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1756345114244.jpeg" alt="Freshman Isabell Van Fleet reacts after scoring her first career goal in the No. 15 Blue Dragons' 3-0 win over Western Wyoming on Wednesday at Don Michael Field. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)" />
 <figcaption>Freshman Isabell Van Fleet reacts after scoring her first career goal in the No. 15 Blue Dragons' 3-0 win over Western Wyoming on Wednesday at Don Michael Field. (Sydney Holzrichter/Blue Dragon Sports Information)</figcaption>
 </figure>Hutchinson CC Sports InformationIsabell Van Fleet, Poppy Smith and Maria Azevedo all scored first-half goals and the Blue Dragon defense did the rest as the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College women's soccer team rolled to a 3-0 victory over Western Wyoming on Wednesday afternoon at Don Michael Field.The Blue Dragons improved to 2-0 for the second-straight season and extended their current home unbeaten streak to 12 games (9 wins, 3 ties).The Blue Dragons travel to NOC-Enid for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Sunday in Enid, Oklahoma. Western Wyoming falls to 0-2-1.With a light, but steady rain falling through the first half and coming off Monday's thrilling last-minute victory over No. 12 Trinity Valley, the Blue Dragons got off to a slow offensive start on Wednesday against the Mustangs.The Dragons picked up the pace and opened the scoring with a corner kick in the 23rd minute. The corner was awarded after Anastasia Pokrandt's free kick from midfield following a Mustang foul nearly bounced over Western goalkeeper Maliya Bell, who jumped and swatted the ball out of play for a Dragon corner.The Blue Dragons scored their second goal of the season off the set piece as freshman midfielder Olivia Tamaki's cross was headed into the goal by Van Fleet, her first goal as a Blue Dragon, for a 1-0 lead.Hutchinson took a 2-0 lead a little more than 4 minutes later when freshman Onna Dowling stole a Mustang clearing attempt with an athletic open-field play and immediately got the ball to Smith, who worked her way through traffic and fired a shot from 20 yards out into the lower left corner with 16:55 remaining in the first half.Smith scored her third goal of the season.The Blue Dragons opened a three-goal advantage with 3:51 to go in the first half when Isabell Puchinelli made a strong run down the sideline and just before reaching the back line, sent a perfect cross to the left side of the goal where Azevedo scored into a wide open net for a 3-0 Hutchinson lead.The lead was then protected by a season-high five saves from freshman goalkeeper Evie Carvell (2-0) and another strong game from the back line of Pokrandt, Teagan Garrison, Lucy Bacon and Ava McAnich, who combined to limit Western Wyoming to only five shots on goal and 12 total shots taken.The shutout was in jeopardy in the 68th minute when Western Wyoming was awarded a penalty kick. The attempt by Maddie Miller hit off the cross bar to keep the shutout intact.The Blue Dragons out-shot Western Wyoming 14-12 overall and 6-5 in shots on goal.GAME NOTES:+ Hutchinson is now 4-0 all-time against Western Wyoming, three of the wins are by shutout.+ This was Hutchinson's 190th all-time women's soccer shutout in its 21 seasons.+ Both of Olivia Tamaki's assists this season have come directly off her corner kicks.+ Opposing teams are now 3 for 10 all-time in penalty kicks.+ Maria Azevedo's goal was her fifth career goal as a Blue Dragon.

⚽ No. 15 Blue Dragons blank Mustangs 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Fourth-year head coach Jerome Tang has announced the 2025-26 Wildcat men’s basketball team, which includes four returners and 10 newcomers.

K-State welcomes back four returners in senior C.J. Jones (East St. Louis, Ill.), juniors Mobi Ikegwuruka (Galway, Ireland) and Taj Manning (Grandview, Mo.) and sophomore David Castillo (Bartlesville, Okla.). Castillo, Ikegwuruka and Jones are all returning for a second year at K-State, while Manning is entering his fourth year.

The 10 newcomers (listed in alphabetical order) include junior Abdi Bashir Jr. (Omaha, Neb./Monmouth), junior Dorin Buca (Perugia, Italy/Akern Libertas Livorno), junior P.J. Haggerty (Crosby, Texas/Memphis), senior Marcus Johnson (Akron, Ohio/Bowling Green), senior Nate Johnson (Liberty Township, Ohio/Akron), freshman Andrej Kostic (Belgrade, Serbia/Crvena zevda Meridan bet Beograd), senior Khamari McGriff (Tallahassee, Fla./UNC Wilmington), sophomore Stephen Osei (Toronto, Ontario/Casper College), junior Elias Rapieque (Berlin, Germany/ALBA Berlin), and freshman Exavier Wilson (Columbia, Mo./Father Tolton Catholic).

The newcomer class includes three seniors (M. Johnson, N. Johnson and McGriff), four juniors (Bashir, Buca, Haggerty and Rapieque), one sophomore (Osei) and two freshmen (Kostic and Wilson). There are five Division I transfers (Bashir, Haggerty, M. Johnson, N. Johnson and McGriff), one junior college transfer (Osei), one from the high school ranks (Wilson) and three international players (Buca, Rapieque and Kostic). It marks the first time in school history that K-State has had a player from Germany (Rapieque), Italy (Buca) and Serbia (Kostic).

“I'm excited about this group,” said Tang. “They are high character, hardworking, a mature group. They take their craft seriously. They understand that how they do anything is how they do everything. They take care of business in the classroom, they conduct themselves right off the floor, and then when we step on the floor, they really get after it, and they like each other and they're fun to be around. And so, regardless of the results of what happens with the season, we're going to be able to enjoy this journey together.”

The newcomer profiles are listed in alphabetical order followed by individual quotes from Tang.

Abdi Bashir Jr. [pronounced OBB-dee BUH-sheer]

(6-7, 175, Jr.-TR, G, Omaha, Neb./PHHoenix Prep/Monmouth)

[Rating: 4-star / 94.36 Rivals | 4-star / 93 On3 | 4-star / 94 247Sports]

Bashir arrives at K-State after two seasons (2023-25) at Monmouth, where he scored nearly 900 points (872) on 37.8 percent (298-of-789) shooting from the field, including 38.4 percent (178-of-463) from 3-point range, and 86 percent (98-of-114) from the free throw line. He scored in double figures in 36 of 66 career games at Monmouth, including 14 20-point games and five 30-point games. He scored a career-high 38 points at Rutgers on Nov. 15, 2024, on 11-of-23 field goals, including 10-of-17 from 3-point range. It was the most points scored by an opponent against the Scarlet Knights since 1977.

Bashir was one of the top scorers in the country in 2024-25, leading the CAA in scoring at 20.1 points per game while was 16th in scoring and 25th in total points (663) nationally. He posted five 30-point games, which tied for the most in program history. He was named First Team All-CAA, becoming the fourth sophomore in school history to earn First Team honors.

A big threat from 3-point range, Bashir led the nation in 3-point field goals/game (3.85) while was second in total 3-point field goals (127) and 3-point field goals attempted (332) in 2024-25. He broke both school and conference single-season records for 3-pointers (127).

Bashir was born in Minnesota and raised in Omaha, Neb., before he prepped at PHHoenix Prep in Arizona. His twin brother, Abdul, was the top scorer (27.2 ppg.) in the junior college ranks at Casper College a year ago and currently plays at Auburn.

On what interested the coaches about Abdi Bashir Jr. …

“We were interested in Abdi, first of all, because he was a prolific scorer at Monmouth. His coach there, King Rice, just absolutely loved him. Abdi being from Omaha right up the road was something I think was really exciting for us and for him to be able to play closer to home. Fans are going to fall in love with his infectious smile and the energy he brings every day.”

“Abdi’s playing style, best described with one word, he’s a bucket. He can score it from all three levels, and the ball comes out of his hands easily. He has a beautiful shot. He loves making plays for his teammates and his leadership skills are gonna be very evident on the court.”

On what enticed Tang about Abdi Bashir Jr. while recruiting him…

“Abdi started the season last year great at Monmouth putting up big numbers. And his college coach King Rice actually went to the media and announced to all of America, ‘look he’s gonna transfer at the end of the year but leave him alone this season so he can focus on basketball and getting better and his team.’ Man, I thought that was so impressive of both King and Abdi to have that mature approach to it. That was definitely one of the things that enticed me about him is his approach and how he’s very serious about this game.”

Dorin Buca [pronounced DOOR-reen BOO-cah]

(7-2, 254, Jr.-TR, W, Perugia, Italy/Akern Libertas Livorno)

Buca arrives at K-State after playing the past season (2024-25) at Akern Libertas Livorno in the Italian Serie A2, which is in the second-tier of the pro basketball in Italy. He was one of three players to see action in all 43 games with Libertas Livorno, averaging 5.6 points on 60.8 percent (101-of-166) shooting with 5.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 16.7 minutes per game. He led the team in blocks per game (1.2 bpg.) while he was second in field goal percentage (60.8), third in rebounding (5.3 rpg.) and fourth in field goals made (101). He scored in 38 of 43 games with seven double-digit scoring games with a season-high 15 points vs. Piazenza on March 8.

Buca began his career with Basket Perugia in the Italian Serie C in 2019-20, spending two seasons before moving to Sana Basketball Academy Siena in the Italian Serie C in 2022-23. He was promoted to Libertas 1947 Livorno in the Italian Serie B in 2023-24, where he averaged 3.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in helping the team to the 2024 Italian Serie B Cup Finals.

Buca holds dual citizenship in Romania and Italy.

On what interested the coaches in Dorin Buca…

“Well, his size, first of all, and then how well he moved for his size, and then he set illegal screens. And so, he wasn't afraid of contact. He's played in Europe for a while and moved up in the league to a higher level to better competition, and got most improved player, which meant that he's just continuing to get better and better and better. And we learned this a long time ago that big guys get better later, so his best basketball is ahead of him, and the fact that he wants to get better, and he's got a great work ethic. Everyone, all his coaches, raved about his work ethic and people around him that watched him play and scouts over there had great things to say about him. I got on a Zoom with him, and he was fun to talk to. He made me laugh. I made him laugh. He has just a terrific story.”

“He’s a big, physical presence with good touch around the rim. He really can go over either shoulder. He’s someone who has played in a situation (in Europe) where he had a role and he had to execute that role in order to play, and he was willing to buy into his role and execute it to allow his team to be successful and stay on the floor.”

(6-4, 195, Jr.-TR, G, Crosby, Texas/Crosby/TCU/Tulsa/Memphis)

[Rating: 5-star / 98.46 Rivals | 4-star / 97 On3 | 5-star / 99 247Sports]

Haggerty arrives at K-State after one season (2024-25) at Memphis, where he became the first Tiger since 2008 to be named an AP All-American while earning consensus Second Team All-America honors. He was also selected as the AAC Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player of the AAC Championship en route to leading Memphis to 29 wins, both the AAC regular season and tournament championships and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Haggerty has scored more than 1,400 points (1,433) in 72 games and 66 starts in his college career, which has included one-year stints at TCU (2022-23), Tulsa (2023-24) and Memphis. He has averaged nearly 20 points per game in his career, including better than 21 points per game in each of the last past two seasons at Tulsa and Memphis. He is the only Division I player to average at least 21 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in each of the last two seasons.

Haggerty has connected on 48.4 percent (452-of-934) of his field goals in his career, including 33.2 percent (61-of-184) from 3-point range, and 79.1 percent (468-of-592) from the free throw line. He has averaged 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 steals in 2,381 minutes played.

Haggerty has scored in double figures in 64 of 72 career games with 25 games of 25 or more points, including two 30-point games and one 40-point games in his career. He scored a career-high and AAC Championship-tying 42 points vs. Wichita State on March 14 in the quarterfinals of the AAC Championship on 16-of-25 field goals and 10-of-11 free throws.

Haggerty ranked third nationally in both scoring (21.7 ppg.) and total points (759) in 2024-25. His 759 points were an AAC single-season record and the most since Dajuan Wagner (762) set the school single-season record in 2001-02. He has also ranked in the top-3 nationally in both free throws made and attempted in the past two seasons, including second in attempts (309) and third in makes (237) in 2023-24 and second in both makes (224) and attempts (274) in 2024-25.

Last season, Haggerty became the first Division I player to average at least 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game to go with 6.5 free throws per game since Ja Morant in 2018-19.

Prior to his time at Memphis, Haggerty played the 2023-24 season at Tulsa, where he earned Kyle Macy National Freshman of the Year and unanimous AAC Freshman of the Year honors.

On what interested the coaches about P.J. Haggerty…

“It was very easy to be interested in P.J. Haggerty. This is actually the third time I’m recruiting him. I recruited him for a little bit when I was at Baylor when he’s coming out of high school. I’ve known him for a while since he actually grew up in a town just right down the road from where my wife grew up. So, we’re real excited to have him be a part of the program.”

“PJ’s style of play is aggressive and attack. I think those two words describe him, while he’s playing downhill he’s trying to get to the rim, get to the free throw line. Big time shot maker and then he makes the game easier for his teammates.”

On what excites him about the upcoming season with P.J. Haggerty…

“Anytime you get to have an All-American with a ball in his hands in your backcourt as a coach it gets you very excited and as fans we should be super excited about the opportunity to cheer P.J. on this year and the rest of the Wildcats.”

(6-7, 265, Jr.-TR, W, Akron, Ohio/St. Vincent-St. Mary/Wheeling/Bowling Green)

[Rating: 4-star / 91.38 Rivals | 4-star / 91 On3]

Johnson arrives at K-State coming off a career season at Bowling Green in 2024-25, in which, he ranked sixth in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in scoring (16.2 ppg.) while scoring in double figures in 26 of 32 games played with 13 games of 20 or more points. In total, he ranked in the MAC’s top-15 in four other categories, including first in free throw percentage (89.8), fourth in 3-point field goals made (78), ninth in 3-point field goal percentage (39.4) and 14th in minutes (31.4).

Johnson has scored nearly 1,900 points (1,865) in his college career in 107 games and 80 starts in his college career, which has included one season (2021-22) at NJCAA’s Parkland College and two seasons (2022-24) at Division II Wheeling College. He has scored more than 1,600 points (1,627) at the Division I and/or II ranks in 88 career games with 86 starts at Wheeling and Bowling Green with three consecutive seasons of 500 or more points, including a career-high 582 in 2023-24.

Johnson has connected on 46.8 percent (678-of-1449) shooting from the field, including 40.9 percent (201-of-492) from 3-point range, and 85.8 percent (308-of-359) from the free throw line. He has also averaged 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 3,171 minutes played.

Johnson has scored in double figures in 86 of 107 career games at Parkland, Wheeling and Bowling Green, including 42 20-point games and four 30-point games. He scored a career-high 34 points vs. West Virginia State on Feb. 3, 2024, while at Wheeling on 12-of-23 field goals, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range. He posted a Division I scoring high of 28 points vs. Toledo on Jan. 24.

Johnson prepped at famed St. Vincent-St. Mary Catholic High School in Akron, Ohio, where he led the Fighting Irish to back-to-back state championships in 2016-17 and 2017-18.

On what interested the coaches about Marcus Johnson…

“We were very interested in Marcus because we needed a stretch forward. And a forward who could stretch the floor but was a mismatch in the post-up area. Marcus’ quickness, agility and touch are very unique for someone with his size.”

“He’s a guard in a forward’s body because he can shoot it, he can handle it and he’s so light on his feet. That a unique quality that’s gonna allow him to be able to always have an advantage offensively on the floor.”

On what excites him about the upcoming season with Marcus…

“I can’t wait to see Marcus in uniform. Looking forward to the fans getting to enjoy his ability to make shots from a variety of angles and then his ability to score on the block. But also, the infectious smile that he brings to the court and the energy that he plays with.”

(6-3, 215, Sr.-TR, G, Liberty Township, Ohio/Lakota East/Akron)