The Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans traded Tennessee's DeAndre Hopkins for a conditional fourth round pick on Wednesday.

Hopkins has recorded just 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown, but he was limited by a knee injury suffered in preseason.

The reason Hopkins was attractive was due to the season-ending knee injury to the Chiefs Rashee Rice. Hopkins is in the final year of his contract and is a five-time Pro Bowl selection.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723386436838.png" alt="chiefs new.png" />
 <figcaption>chiefs new.png</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas City Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans traded Tennessee's DeAndre Hopkins for a conditional fourth round pick on Wednesday.Hopkins has recorded just 15 catches for 173 yards and one touchdown, but he was limited by a knee injury suffered in preseason.The reason Hopkins was attractive was due to the season-ending knee injury to the Chiefs Rashee Rice. Hopkins is in the final year of his contract and is a five-time Pro Bowl selection.

🏈 Chiefs add veteran WR

State Golf for the ladies took place Monday and Tuesday across Kansas.

The 6A tournament was contested at Hutchinson's Carey Park.&nbsp;

The individual title was won by Maize's Kinsley Jones with a 139. Manhattan won the team title with a 593.

The 5A tournament was at Salina Municipal Golf Course.

The individual title was won by Kapaun Mt. Carmel's&nbsp;Ximena Sarinana with a 142. 

Hutchinson's Ava Burlie was in a tie for 26th with a 179.

The 4A tournament was at the Hesston Golf Course.&nbsp;

The individual title was won by Wamego's Addison Douglas with a 142.&nbsp;

Topeka Hayden won the team crown with a 698. McPherson finished 3rd with a 727.&nbsp; McPherson's Brodie Kuhn was 5th with a 159 The Buhler girls held their own, finishing 5th with a 744. Anika Paulsrud was the top Buhler finisher placing 9th overall. She shot 163.

The 321A tournament was at Emporia Municipal Golf Course.

Amelia Bowles from Rawlins County was the individual winner with a 147.

The team champion was St. Mary's Colgan from Pittsburg with a 718.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729682652636.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>State Golf for the ladies took place Monday and Tuesday across Kansas.The 6A tournament was contested at Hutchinson's Carey Park.&nbsp;The individual title was won by Maize's Kinsley Jones with a 139. Manhattan won the team title with a 593.The 5A tournament was at Salina Municipal Golf Course.The individual title was won by Kapaun Mt. Carmel's&nbsp;Ximena Sarinana with a 142. Hutchinson's Ava Burlie was in a tie for 26th with a 179.The team champion was Kapaun with a 639.The 4A tournament was at the Hesston Golf Course.&nbsp;The individual title was won by Wamego's Addison Douglas with a 142.&nbsp;Topeka Hayden won the team crown with a 698. McPherson finished 3rd with a 727.&nbsp; McPherson's Brodie Kuhn was 5th with a 159 The Buhler girls held their own, finishing 5th with a 744. Anika Paulsrud was the top Buhler finisher placing 9th overall. She shot 163.The 321A tournament was at Emporia Municipal Golf Course.Amelia Bowles from Rawlins County was the individual winner with a 147.The team champion was St. Mary's Colgan from Pittsburg with a 718.

⛳ State Golf results

AP Sports Summary for October 23rd, 2024:

Fernando Valenzuela, Mexican-born pitcher whose feats for Dodgers fueled 'Fernandomania,' dies at 63

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fernando Valenzuela, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace who inspired "Fernandomania" in the early 1980s, has died. He was 63. The Mexican-born phenom won the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. His death comes as the Dodgers are preparing to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Valenzuela had left his job on the Dodgers' Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. He was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular sports figure in the 1980s.

LeBron and Bronny James make history as the NBA's first father-son duo to play together

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father and son to play in the NBA together when they checked into the game together in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener. LeBron James is the 39-year-old top scorer in NBA history, while his 20-year-old namesake son was a second-round pick by the Lakers last summer. They are the first father and son to play in the world's top basketball league at the same time, let alone on the same team. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. were in attendance at the Lakers' downtown arena to witness the same history they made in baseball.

Japan prepares to cheer on Ohtani and the Dodgers, and the country is dressing for the occasion

TOKYO (AP) — Television ratings in Japan have set records as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani have reached the World Series against the New York Yankees. The first game is Friday evening in the United States, which will be Saturday morning in Japan. Ohtani has stoked national pride, even among Japanese who don't care about baseball. Youth players in Japan adore him and newscasts often lead with Ohtani even though Japan is voting on Sunday in critical parliamentary elections.

Celtics tie, but don't break, NBA record with 29 3-pointers. Then they miss 13 3s in a row

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics tied the NBA record by making 29 3-pointers in their victory over the New York Knicks. With the chance to break the record, the Celtics missed 13 straight 3s. The defending champions won 132-109 and tied the record set by Milwaukee in 2020. Jayson Tatum made 8 of 11 from long distance, Derrick White connected on six and Jaylen Brown made five as the Celtics opened a 35-point lead over New York on the night Boston raised its 18th championship banner to the rafters.

Ohtani's historic 50-50 ball sells at auction for nearly $4.4M amid ongoing dispute over ownership

Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball has sold at auction for nearly $4.4 million, a record high price not just for a baseball, but for any ball in any sport. Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a season, reaching the milestone on Sept. 19 when the Los Angeles Dodgers star hit his second of three homers against the Marlins. The auctioneer in a statement Wednesday said bids came in from around the world. No information about the winning bidder was disclosed. The auction has been overshadowed by the litigation over ownership of the ball.

Jack Flaherty will start for Dodgers in World Series opener against Gerrit Cole and Yankees

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jack Flaherty will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series opener against the New York Yankees. The right-hander opposes Gerrit Cole on Friday night at Dodger Stadium in a matchup of Los Angeles area natives. Flaherty is from Burbank and attended high school at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles. Cole is from the Orange County city of Tustin and pitched at UCLA. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 2 on Saturday. The Dodgers also plan a bullpen game during the best-of-seven series. Flaherty dominated Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets and then struggled in Game 5.

Hailey Davidson opens qualifying with 78 as 275 players reportedly oppose LPGA transgender policy

Transgender golfer Hailey Davidson shot 78 to begin the second stage of LPGA qualifying. This comes amid reports of a letter signed by 275 female golfers. They want top organizations like the LPGA and USGA to repeal policies allowing people assigned male at birth to compete in women's events. The LPGA's policy allows for players who have had gender-affirming surgery after puberty. Golfweek reported earlier the LPGA commissioner is conducting a thorough review of the policy and will announce any update before the start of next season. Davidson was tied for 171st in the 194-player field. The top 35 and ties advance.

Watkins, Bueckers headline preseason AP All-America team in women's hoops; 3 sophomores for 1st time

USC star JuJu Watkins and UConn's Paige Bueckers headline The Associated Press preseason All-America team that for the first time includes three sophomores in a clear sign of the young talent in a sport coming off a record year of fan interest. Watkins and Bueckers were unanimous choices. The duo was joined by Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, Madison Booker of Texas and Kiki Iriafen of USC. Watkins, Hidalgo and Booker are all second-year players.

Nevada, San Jose St women's volleyball match switches location in 'best interest of both programs'

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The location of a women's volleyball match between Nevada and San Jose State on Saturday has been moved from Reno, Nevada, to San Jose, California. The schools announced the decision Tuesday in a joint statement. Before the venue change, a group of Nevada players recently issued a statement saying they will not take the floor for their home game against the Spartans. The Spartans have already seen four teams cancel games against them — Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State. None of the schools explicitly have said why it was forfeiting. Political figures from Wyoming, Idaho and Utah have weighed in and suggested the cancellations centered around protecting women's sports.

Bucs' Chris Godwin to have surgery, likely out for season. Fellow WR Mike Evans to miss 3 games

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin will undergo surgery on a dislocated left ankle. The procedure will likely sideline him for the rest of the regular season. Coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that the Bucs are holding out hope that Godwin might be able to return if Tampa Bay winds up playing deep into January. Tampa Bay also lost receiver Mike Evans to a hamstring injury in Monday night's loss to Baltimore. Evans is expected to miss the next three games before possibly returning after Tampa Bay's bye week. Quarterback Baker Mayfield says the two receivers are the "heartbeat" of the team.

Here are the scores from yesterday's sports events:

Final , Atlanta advances 5-4 on penalty kicks	Atlanta	2	CF Montréal	2	

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for October 23rd, 2024." />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for October 23rd, 2024.</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for October 23rd, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8594031/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>Fernando Valenzuela, Mexican-born pitcher whose feats for Dodgers fueled 'Fernandomania,' dies at 63LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fernando Valenzuela, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching ace who inspired "Fernandomania" in the early 1980s, has died. He was 63. The Mexican-born phenom won the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. His death comes as the Dodgers are preparing to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Valenzuela had left his job on the Dodgers' Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. He was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular sports figure in the 1980s.LeBron and Bronny James make history as the NBA's first father-son duo to play togetherLOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father and son to play in the NBA together when they checked into the game together in the second quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener. LeBron James is the 39-year-old top scorer in NBA history, while his 20-year-old namesake son was a second-round pick by the Lakers last summer. They are the first father and son to play in the world's top basketball league at the same time, let alone on the same team. Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. were in attendance at the Lakers' downtown arena to witness the same history they made in baseball.Japan prepares to cheer on Ohtani and the Dodgers, and the country is dressing for the occasionTOKYO (AP) — Television ratings in Japan have set records as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani have reached the World Series against the New York Yankees. The first game is Friday evening in the United States, which will be Saturday morning in Japan. Ohtani has stoked national pride, even among Japanese who don't care about baseball. Youth players in Japan adore him and newscasts often lead with Ohtani even though Japan is voting on Sunday in critical parliamentary elections.Celtics tie, but don't break, NBA record with 29 3-pointers. Then they miss 13 3s in a rowBOSTON (AP) — The Boston Celtics tied the NBA record by making 29 3-pointers in their victory over the New York Knicks. With the chance to break the record, the Celtics missed 13 straight 3s. The defending champions won 132-109 and tied the record set by Milwaukee in 2020. Jayson Tatum made 8 of 11 from long distance, Derrick White connected on six and Jaylen Brown made five as the Celtics opened a 35-point lead over New York on the night Boston raised its 18th championship banner to the rafters.Ohtani's historic 50-50 ball sells at auction for nearly $4.4M amid ongoing dispute over ownershipShohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball has sold at auction for nearly $4.4 million, a record high price not just for a baseball, but for any ball in any sport. Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a season, reaching the milestone on Sept. 19 when the Los Angeles Dodgers star hit his second of three homers against the Marlins. The auctioneer in a statement Wednesday said bids came in from around the world. No information about the winning bidder was disclosed. The auction has been overshadowed by the litigation over ownership of the ball.Jack Flaherty will start for Dodgers in World Series opener against Gerrit Cole and YankeesLOS ANGELES (AP) — Jack Flaherty will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series opener against the New York Yankees. The right-hander opposes Gerrit Cole on Friday night at Dodger Stadium in a matchup of Los Angeles area natives. Flaherty is from Burbank and attended high school at Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles. Cole is from the Orange County city of Tustin and pitched at UCLA. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Game 2 on Saturday. The Dodgers also plan a bullpen game during the best-of-seven series. Flaherty dominated Game 1 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets and then struggled in Game 5.Hailey Davidson opens qualifying with 78 as 275 players reportedly oppose LPGA transgender policyTransgender golfer Hailey Davidson shot 78 to begin the second stage of LPGA qualifying. This comes amid reports of a letter signed by 275 female golfers. They want top organizations like the LPGA and USGA to repeal policies allowing people assigned male at birth to compete in women's events. The LPGA's policy allows for players who have had gender-affirming surgery after puberty. Golfweek reported earlier the LPGA commissioner is conducting a thorough review of the policy and will announce any update before the start of next season. Davidson was tied for 171st in the 194-player field. The top 35 and ties advance.Watkins, Bueckers headline preseason AP All-America team in women's hoops; 3 sophomores for 1st timeUSC star JuJu Watkins and UConn's Paige Bueckers headline The Associated Press preseason All-America team that for the first time includes three sophomores in a clear sign of the young talent in a sport coming off a record year of fan interest. Watkins and Bueckers were unanimous choices. The duo was joined by Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame, Madison Booker of Texas and Kiki Iriafen of USC. Watkins, Hidalgo and Booker are all second-year players.Nevada, San Jose St women's volleyball match switches location in 'best interest of both programs'SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The location of a women's volleyball match between Nevada and San Jose State on Saturday has been moved from Reno, Nevada, to San Jose, California. The schools announced the decision Tuesday in a joint statement. Before the venue change, a group of Nevada players recently issued a statement saying they will not take the floor for their home game against the Spartans. The Spartans have already seen four teams cancel games against them — Southern Utah, Boise State, Wyoming and Utah State. None of the schools explicitly have said why it was forfeiting. Political figures from Wyoming, Idaho and Utah have weighed in and suggested the cancellations centered around protecting women's sports.Bucs' Chris Godwin to have surgery, likely out for season. Fellow WR Mike Evans to miss 3 gamesTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin will undergo surgery on a dislocated left ankle. The procedure will likely sideline him for the rest of the regular season. Coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday that the Bucs are holding out hope that Godwin might be able to return if Tampa Bay winds up playing deep into January. Tampa Bay also lost receiver Mike Evans to a hamstring injury in Monday night's loss to Baltimore. Evans is expected to miss the next three games before possibly returning after Tampa Bay's bye week. Quarterback Baker Mayfield says the two receivers are the "heartbeat" of the team.AP-ScorecardHere are the scores from yesterday's sports events:___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONFinal	Boston	132	New York	109	Final	L.A. Lakers	110	Minnesota	103	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEFinal	Washington	4	Philadelphia	1	Final	Minnesota	5	Florida	1	Final	Buffalo	4	Dallas	2	Final	Tampa Bay	8	New Jersey	5	Final	N-Y Rangers	7	Montreal	2	Final	Columbus	6	Toronto	2	Final	Detroit	1	N-Y Islanders	0	Final	Winnipeg	3	St. Louis	2	Final	Vancouver	6	Chicago	3	Final	Colorado	3	Seattle	2	Final	Nashville	4	Boston	0	Final OT	Carolina	3	Edmonton	2	Final	Ottawa	4	Utah	0	Final SO	Calgary	4	Pittsburgh	3	Final	Anaheim	3	San Jose	1	Final	Vegas	6	Los Angeles	1	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERFinal , Atlanta advances 5-4 on penalty kicks	Atlanta	2	CF Montréal	2	___TODAY'S SPORTS SCHEDULE___NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATIONIndiana	at	Detroit	7 p.m.	Brooklyn	at	Atlanta	7:30 p.m.	Cleveland	at	Toronto	7:30 p.m.	Milwaukee	at	Philadelphia	7:30 p.m.	Orlando	at	Miami	7:30 p.m.	Charlotte	at	Houston	8 p.m.	Chicago	at	New Orleans	8 p.m.	Memphis	at	Utah	9 p.m.	Golden State	at	Portland	10 p.m.	Phoenix	at	L.A. Clippers	10 p.m.	___NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUEPhiladelphia	at	Washington	7:30 p.m.	___MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCERPortland	at	Vancouver	10:30 p.m.	___

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Wednesday

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.

“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.

“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”

Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.

“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.

He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.

Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.

“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.

Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.

Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.

Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.

The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.

He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.

Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.

He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.

In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.

In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.

He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.

During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.

In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.

“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”

He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.

In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-jersey-retired-f553e3f694878731b9748532ee47a9f7">Fernando Valenzuela</a>, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has died. He was 63.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. <a href="https://t.co/MXeBlDzDWJ">pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848930562515615870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. <a href="https://t.co/zXhOF8cRCP">pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP</a>&mdash; Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/1848942975432462707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>His death comes as the Dodgers prepare to open the World Series on Friday night at home against the New York Yankees. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-fernando-valenzuela-e9972a2c3394ad1e6fff2c9b6c5bfc5e">Valenzuela had left</a>&nbsp;his color commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation. He was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. His job kept him as a regular at Dodger Stadium, where he held court in the press box dining room before games and remained popular with fans who sought him out for photos and autographs.“God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” actor and Dodgers fan&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/officialDannyT">Danny Trejo</a>&nbsp;posted on X.Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the 1980s, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, he is part of Cooperstown, which features several artifacts including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990.“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes," Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his feats on the mound made him hugely popular and influential in Los Angeles’ Latino community while helping attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their fondness for him continued for years after his retirement.“63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor and “Access Hollywood” co-host&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/mariolopezviva/status/1848939573277335998">Mario Lopez posted</a>&nbsp;on X. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.”Eva Torres, originally from Mexico City, drove from Anaheim to look at murals of Valenzuela on Sunset Boulevard near Dodgers Stadium.“I wasn’t a fan of baseball but I am a fan of his," she said. "He’s like me, an immigrant that came here to do great things.”In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers’ opening day starter as a rookie after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start. He shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and began the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He became the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season.His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. The ABBA hit “Fernando” would play as he warmed up on the mound.“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,”&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RepJimmyGomez/status/1848941109768045008">Rep. Jimmy Gomez</a>, D-Calif., posted on X. “His legacy and connection with the Latino community in LA is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”Valenzuela was 13-7 and had a 2.48 ERA in his first season, which was shortened by a players’ strike.He was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, when he recorded 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts and a 2.97 ERA. He was 5-1 with a 2.00 ERA in eight postseason starts. He earned two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990, a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium, was an emotional career highlight. He struck out seven and walked three.“If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efFHcfIuCEs">Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully</a>&nbsp;exclaimed in his game call.Nicknamed “El Toro” by the fans, Valenzuela had an unorthodox and memorable pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup. His repertoire included a screwball — making him one of the few pitchers of his era who threw that pitch regularly. It was taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo after the Dodgers felt Valenzuela, who wasn’t known as a hard thrower, needed another pitch.Early in his Dodgers career, Valenzuela spoke little English and had trouble communicating with his catchers. Rookie Mike Scioscia learned Spanish and became Valenzuela’s personal catcher before becoming the team’s full-time catcher.Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.Eventually, his pitching was compromised by nagging shoulder problems that kept him out of the 1988 postseason, when the Dodgers won the World Series.The team released Valenzuela just before the 1991 season. He also pitched for the former California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals.He retired in 1997, going 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons, the all-time major league leader in wins and strikeouts (2,074) by a Mexican-born player. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.Valenzuela’s rise from his tiny hometown of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora to stardom in the U.S. was improbable. He was the youngest child in a large family who tagged along when his older brothers played baseball.He signed his first pro contract at age 16, and soon began overpowering older players in the Mexican Central League.In 1978, legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito was in Mexico to watch a shortstop when Valenzuela entered the game as a reliever. He immediately commanded Brito’s attention and at age 18, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979. He was sent to the California League that same year.In 1980, Valenzuela was called up to the Dodgers in September and soon made his big league debut as a reliever.He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. The left-hander was the National League’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in 1981, the same year the Dodgers won the World Series.During his career, he made the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.In 2003, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as the Spanish-language radio color commentator for NL games. Twelve years later, he switched to the color commentator job on the team’s Spanish-language TV feed.“He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country,” Manfred said in a statement. “As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Five years later, the Mexican League retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey. The Dodgers followed in 2023 after keeping his number out of circulation since he last pitched for the team in 1991. The team has a rule that requires a player to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame before having the Dodgers retire his number, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.He became a U.S. citizen in 2015.Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017. He was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, with son Fernando Jr. serving as team president and son Ricky serving as general manager. Fernando Jr. played in the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations as a first baseman.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his wife, Linda, who was a schoolteacher from Mexico whom he married in 1981, and daughters Linda and Maria as well as seven grandchildren.

Dodgers legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 Conference may have lost longtime members Oklahoma and Texas and welcomed four new teams this season, but there are still a bunch of familiar women’s basketball programs that are expected to contend for the title in its first year as a 16-team league.

Those familiar programs have some familiar faces, too.

No. 13 Kansas State was the pick of the coaches to win the league, thanks largely to the return of preseason All-Big 12 picks Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell. Eighth-ranked Iowa State, led by the returning stars Audi Crooks and Emily Ryan, had the second-most votes while No. 12 Baylor, TCU and No. 16 West Virginia also received plenty of preseason praise.

Those are all schools that have called the Big 12 home for years. And while they are happy to have Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado joining the mix, they don’t intend to give up their spots in the conference hierarchy any time soon.

“I always felt if you were good enough to win the Big 12 championship, you’re good enough to go to the Final Four and compete for a national championship, and obviously that remains,” said Kansas coach Brandon Schneider, who has led the Jayhawks to the second round of the NCAA Tournament two of the past three years.

“I’ve also believed for a long time, if you talk about leagues across the country, none is more competitive than our league.”

Texas won the women’s Big 12 Tournament title two of the past three years, and Oklahoma has long been one of the nation’s premier programs. But even without them, the conference is expected to be one of the toughest in the nation. It has four of the top 16 teams in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">preseason AP Top 25 poll</a>&nbsp;for the first time since the 2008 season.

TCU and Utah could push their way into the poll in a hurry, too. The Horned Frogs feature star shooter Madison Conner and the nation’s No. 1-ranked transfer in Hailey Van Lith, while Utah is led by Gianna Kneepkens, a preseason All-Big 12 selection.

“We’ve advanced in the NCAA Tournament the last two years,” Utah coach Lynne Roberts said. “I’m hopeful even though we’ve been on the West Coast, people are still conscious of what we’ve achieved.”

The women’s Big 12 title game will be at the T-Mobile Center for the second consecutive season but shift from Tuesday night, the eve of the men’s tournament last season, to Sunday. If BYU makes the game, it would be pushed back to Monday.

“The championship last year at T-Mobile was incredible,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who moved the tourney from the smaller, antiquated nearby Municipal Auditorium to the same venue used by the men’s tournament. “We go on sale later this week for ticket sales and I expect those to grow exponentially.”

In the era of the transfer portal, a number of Big 12 players shuffled around within the conference after last season, and that means they will be facing their old teams — and many old teammates — over the next four months.

Aaronette Vonleh started every game for Colorado last season but is now playing for Baylor. Ashley Chevalier spent last season at Texas Tech but will play for Houston. Hannah Gusters was Oklahoma State’s top scorer last season before heading to UCF, while Lior Garzon started 30 games for the Cowgirls but left for the Buffaloes.

Van Lith, who played at Louisville and LSU before transferring to TCU for her final season, spent the summer as part of the 3x3 team representing the U.S. at the Paris Olympics. She helped the Americans come away with a bronze medal.

Her extensive experience in the 3x3 game, where pick-and-rolls play a big part in scoring, should help Van Lith transition into Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell’s offensive system — especially with 6-foot-7 Sedona Prince to work off in the post.

“One of the main reasons I wanted to come to TCU is the offensive system,” Van Lith said. “It will push me to get better.”

Houston coach Ronald Hughey leaned on Kelvin Sampson, his men’s basketball counterpart, for help navigating his first season in the Big 12 last year. Sampson coached in the league with Oklahoma long before he took over the Cougars’ program.

“Coach Sampson and I have a really good relationship. I’m in his practices all the time,” Hughey said. “The thing is there’s always open arms to help us be the best we can be. I tell the young women all the time, ‘We’re swimming next to sharks (in the Houston men).’ The tenacity they play with, we try to mimic that every day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729628987551.jpeg" alt="Kansas’ Wyvette Mayberry, left, Elle Evans (21) and S’Mya Nichols (12) pose with the Kansas mascot during the NCAA college Big 12 women’s basketball media day, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas’ Wyvette Mayberry, left, Elle Evans (21) and S’Mya Nichols (12) pose with the Kansas mascot during the NCAA college Big 12 women’s basketball media day, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Big 12 Conference may have lost longtime members Oklahoma and Texas and welcomed four new teams this season, but there are still a bunch of familiar women’s basketball programs that are expected to contend for the title in its first year as a 16-team league.Those familiar programs have some familiar faces, too.No. 13 Kansas State was the pick of the coaches to win the league, thanks largely to the return of preseason All-Big 12 picks Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell. Eighth-ranked Iowa State, led by the returning stars Audi Crooks and Emily Ryan, had the second-most votes while No. 12 Baylor, TCU and No. 16 West Virginia also received plenty of preseason praise.Those are all schools that have called the Big 12 home for years. And while they are happy to have Arizona, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado joining the mix, they don’t intend to give up their spots in the conference hierarchy any time soon.“I always felt if you were good enough to win the Big 12 championship, you’re good enough to go to the Final Four and compete for a national championship, and obviously that remains,” said Kansas coach Brandon Schneider, who has led the Jayhawks to the second round of the NCAA Tournament two of the past three years.“I’ve also believed for a long time, if you talk about leagues across the country, none is more competitive than our league.”Texas won the women’s Big 12 Tournament title two of the past three years, and Oklahoma has long been one of the nation’s premier programs. But even without them, the conference is expected to be one of the toughest in the nation. It has four of the top 16 teams in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">preseason AP Top 25 poll</a>&nbsp;for the first time since the 2008 season.TCU and Utah could push their way into the poll in a hurry, too. The Horned Frogs feature star shooter Madison Conner and the nation’s No. 1-ranked transfer in Hailey Van Lith, while Utah is led by Gianna Kneepkens, a preseason All-Big 12 selection.“We’ve advanced in the NCAA Tournament the last two years,” Utah coach Lynne Roberts said. “I’m hopeful even though we’ve been on the West Coast, people are still conscious of what we’ve achieved.”<h2>Title tilt time</h2>The women’s Big 12 title game will be at the T-Mobile Center for the second consecutive season but shift from Tuesday night, the eve of the men’s tournament last season, to Sunday. If BYU makes the game, it would be pushed back to Monday.“The championship last year at T-Mobile was incredible,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who moved the tourney from the smaller, antiquated nearby Municipal Auditorium to the same venue used by the men’s tournament. “We go on sale later this week for ticket sales and I expect those to grow exponentially.”<h2>Familiar faces, new places</h2>In the era of the transfer portal, a number of Big 12 players shuffled around within the conference after last season, and that means they will be facing their old teams — and many old teammates — over the next four months.Aaronette Vonleh started every game for Colorado last season but is now playing for Baylor. Ashley Chevalier spent last season at Texas Tech but will play for Houston. Hannah Gusters was Oklahoma State’s top scorer last season before heading to UCF, while Lior Garzon started 30 games for the Cowgirls but left for the Buffaloes.<h2>Olympic medalist arrives</h2>Van Lith, who played at Louisville and LSU before transferring to TCU for her final season, spent the summer as part of the 3x3 team representing the U.S. at the Paris Olympics. She helped the Americans come away with a bronze medal.Her extensive experience in the 3x3 game, where pick-and-rolls play a big part in scoring, should help Van Lith transition into Horned Frogs coach Mark Campbell’s offensive system — especially with 6-foot-7 Sedona Prince to work off in the post.“One of the main reasons I wanted to come to TCU is the offensive system,” Van Lith said. “It will push me to get better.”<h2>Swimming with sharks</h2>Houston coach Ronald Hughey leaned on Kelvin Sampson, his men’s basketball counterpart, for help navigating his first season in the Big 12 last year. Sampson coached in the league with Oklahoma long before he took over the Cougars’ program.“Coach Sampson and I have a really good relationship. I’m in his practices all the time,” Hughey said. “The thing is there’s always open arms to help us be the best we can be. I tell the young women all the time, ‘We’re swimming next to sharks (in the Houston men).’ The tenacity they play with, we try to mimic that every day.”

🏀 WBB: Despite 4 new teams, the Big 12 title could be decided by some familiar faces

COLBY, Kan. – Stepping up in key games leading to wins for both Hutchinson Community College and Garden City Community College, Blue Dragon forward Katharina Marx and Lady Broncbuster Leydaly Enriquez have each earned their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 1 Women’s Soccer Player of the Week awards of the season.

Katharina Marx (Hutchinson)&nbsp;– Blue Dragon sophomore forward Katharina Marx had a game-winning goal and three overall points as number 16 Hutchinson ran its unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-2) with a 2-0 win over Barton and a 1-1 road draw with number seven-ranked Kansas City Kansas. Marx had a goal and an assist in pacing the Blue Dragons in a home win over the Cougars.

Leydaly Enriquez (Garden City)&nbsp;– Enriquez had two shutouts this week, including one against number eight-ranked Butler in a match in which she recorded 14 saves. The sophomore added one additional save in a scoreless draw against Coffeyville to finish the week as the only goalkeeper in the KJCCC to record two shutouts in net last week.

Other Players Nominated: Meike Patzold – Dodge City&nbsp;

Other Goalkeepers Nominated: Mio Tanaka - Barton Rosa Forero Calabuig – Coffeyville Ana Ramirez-Cortes – Dodge City Marina Lopez - Hutchinson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729628775464.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCCCOLBY, Kan. – Stepping up in key games leading to wins for both Hutchinson Community College and Garden City Community College, Blue Dragon forward Katharina Marx and Lady Broncbuster Leydaly Enriquez have each earned their first Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Division 1 Women’s Soccer Player of the Week awards of the season.Katharina Marx (Hutchinson)&nbsp;– Blue Dragon sophomore forward Katharina Marx had a game-winning goal and three overall points as number 16 Hutchinson ran its unbeaten streak to seven games (5-0-2) with a 2-0 win over Barton and a 1-1 road draw with number seven-ranked Kansas City Kansas. Marx had a goal and an assist in pacing the Blue Dragons in a home win over the Cougars.Leydaly Enriquez (Garden City)&nbsp;– Enriquez had two shutouts this week, including one against number eight-ranked Butler in a match in which she recorded 14 saves. The sophomore added one additional save in a scoreless draw against Coffeyville to finish the week as the only goalkeeper in the KJCCC to record two shutouts in net last week.Other Players Nominated: Meike Patzold – Dodge City&nbsp;Other Goalkeepers Nominated: Mio Tanaka - Barton Rosa Forero Calabuig – Coffeyville Ana Ramirez-Cortes – Dodge City Marina Lopez - Hutchinson

⚽ HutchCC's Marx named KJCCC DI POW

COLBY, Kan. – Top-15 showdowns last week between Hutchinson and Coffeyville along with Garden City and Butler featured key performances from this week’s Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Football Players of the Week Dejuan Lacy (Garden City, Offensive), Kollin Collier (Hutchinson, Defensive), and Brady Braun (Coffeyville, Special Teams). &nbsp;&nbsp;

Offensive Player of the Week (Dejuan Lacy – Garden City) -&nbsp;Dejuan Lacy helped the number five ranked Broncbusters pick up a 21 - 10 road win over number 11 Butler in El Dorado on Saturday evening. Lacy had one rushing touchdown, one passing touchdown, 29 Carries for 115 yards, and 2 Catches for 58 yards.

Defensive Player of the Week (Kollin Collier - Hutchinson) –&nbsp;Kollin Collier became the first Blue Dragon since last season to have multiple interceptions in a game with two picks in number one Hutchinson's 40-17 victory over number 12 Coffeyville. Both of Collier's interceptions eventually led to Blue Dragon touchdowns and his interception in the left corner of the end zone prevented a Red Raven potential score. Overall, Collier had four total tackles and had one pass defended as well as a tackle for loss.

Special Teams Player of the Week (Brady Braun – Coffeyville) –&nbsp;Red Raven sophomore punter Brady Braun was excellent in the field position battle against top-ranked Hutchinson as he totaled five punts in the contest with four of the five being downed inside the 20-yard line. Over his five punts, Braun averaged 40 yards a punt.

Other Offensive Players Nominated: Jalile Bost - Coffeyville Waymond Jordan Jr. - Hutchinson

Other Defensive Players Nominated: Landon Boss – Butler Jeremiah Caldwell – Garden City&nbsp;

Other Special Teams Players Nominated: L.J. Lynch - Hutchinson

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729628672494.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy KJCCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy KJCCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KJCCCCOLBY, Kan. – Top-15 showdowns last week between Hutchinson and Coffeyville along with Garden City and Butler featured key performances from this week’s Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference Football Players of the Week Dejuan Lacy (Garden City, Offensive), Kollin Collier (Hutchinson, Defensive), and Brady Braun (Coffeyville, Special Teams). &nbsp;&nbsp;Offensive Player of the Week (Dejuan Lacy – Garden City) -&nbsp;Dejuan Lacy helped the number five ranked Broncbusters pick up a 21 - 10 road win over number 11 Butler in El Dorado on Saturday evening. Lacy had one rushing touchdown, one passing touchdown, 29 Carries for 115 yards, and 2 Catches for 58 yards.Defensive Player of the Week (Kollin Collier - Hutchinson) –&nbsp;Kollin Collier became the first Blue Dragon since last season to have multiple interceptions in a game with two picks in number one Hutchinson's 40-17 victory over number 12 Coffeyville. Both of Collier's interceptions eventually led to Blue Dragon touchdowns and his interception in the left corner of the end zone prevented a Red Raven potential score. Overall, Collier had four total tackles and had one pass defended as well as a tackle for loss.Special Teams Player of the Week (Brady Braun – Coffeyville) –&nbsp;Red Raven sophomore punter Brady Braun was excellent in the field position battle against top-ranked Hutchinson as he totaled five punts in the contest with four of the five being downed inside the 20-yard line. Over his five punts, Braun averaged 40 yards a punt.Other Offensive Players Nominated: Jalile Bost - Coffeyville Waymond Jordan Jr. - HutchinsonOther Defensive Players Nominated: Landon Boss – Butler Jeremiah Caldwell – Garden City&nbsp;Other Special Teams Players Nominated: L.J. Lynch - Hutchinson

🏈 HutchCC's Collier named KJCCC DPOW

AP Sports Summary for October 22nd, 2024:

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Jackson, who may be playing the best football of his career, made it look easy.&nbsp;The two-time MVP threw for 281 yards and five touchdowns Monday night, helping the Baltimore Ravens overcome an early double-digit deficit and extend their winning streak to five games with a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost their top two receivers to injuries. “I’m proud of him. I’m happy for him. He’s a great leader, a great player.” coach John Harbaugh added. ”He’s the ultimate competitor on a level with the greatest competitors I’ve ever seen.” Jackson improved improved to 23-1 against NFC teams, the best mark by a quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. He’s 3-0 against the Bucs (4-3), who faded after taking a 10-0 lead with help from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1848520199999230363" target="_blank">the 100th TD reception</a>&nbsp;of Mike Evans’ career.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona’s Kyler Murray rolled out to his left before turning on the jets, beating a Chargers defender to the sideline and then&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals/status/1848561020400505045" target="_blank">coasting for a spectacular 44-yard touchdown</a>, casually holding the ball with one hand like it was a backyard game. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon admitted that’s not the way his players are taught to protect the ball. Then again, Gannon didn’t teach Murray how to run like that, either. “Until he fumbles, I’ll let him ride,” Gannon said with a wry grin. “That was a pretty spectacular play.” Murray ran for the game-changing touchdown early in the fourth quarter and then led the Cardinals on a drive that set up Chad Ryland’s 32-yard field goal as time expired, and Arizona rallied for a 17-15 win over Los Angeles on Monday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart joined the New York Liberty two years ago with one goal in mind: to bring the long-suffering franchise it’s first championship. WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones soon joined her and the pair helped the Liberty accomplish their mission, a year after they suffered a disappointing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-aces-2641244f7287f5832dbe18d26c4475a2">loss in the Finals</a>&nbsp;to Las Vegas. “The wait was so, so, so worth it,” Stewart said. “We talked about it two years ago when it was free agency, and we wanted to come together. You look back and me, JJ, (Courtney Vandersloot), we all came together to win a championship. Last year we lost in the Finals. But look at us, now we’re here.” Now with the core group mostly intact, winning more championships might be in the future for Stewart and the Liberty after Sunday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-lynx-liberty-score-game-5-64d2a724bc33bbec219dee826b5376ca">67-62 overtime victory</a>&nbsp;against the Minnesota Lynx in the deciding Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.

CLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a>&nbsp;won’t finish the season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback for the second straight year. He’s injured again, and the Browns have new problems.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deshaun-watson-browns-76623d8f8713c4b8dc569b485d9d4593">Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon</a>&nbsp;in the first half of Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati, collapsing as he began to run and leading some Browns fans to cheer while the divisive QB laid on the ground writhing in pain. The team feared Watson’s year was over and an MRI on Monday confirmed the rupture. The Browns said Watson will have surgery this week and miss the rest of the season but “a full recovery is expected.” Watson’s injury is a blow to the Browns (1-6), who have lost five straight after making the playoffs last year.

MONDAY SCORESNational Football LeagueBaltimore 41, Tampa Bay 31

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701494597443.png" alt="Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024" />
 <figcaption>Sports Headlines and News for Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024</figcaption>
 </figure>AP Sports Summary for October 22nd, 2024:<div><iframe width="100%" height="95" src="https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8593342/embed?v=202301" style="background-color: transparent; display: block; padding: 0; width: 100%" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="allowtransparency" scrolling="no" title="Audioboom player" allow="autoplay" sandbox="allow-downloads allow-forms allow-popups allow-same-origin allow-scripts allow-storage-access-by-user-activation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation"></iframe></div>TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lamar Jackson, who may be playing the best football of his career, made it look easy.&nbsp;The two-time MVP threw for 281 yards and five touchdowns Monday night, helping the Baltimore Ravens overcome an early double-digit deficit and extend their winning streak to five games with a 41-31 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost their top two receivers to injuries. “I’m proud of him. I’m happy for him. He’s a great leader, a great player.” coach John Harbaugh added. ”He’s the ultimate competitor on a level with the greatest competitors I’ve ever seen.” Jackson improved improved to 23-1 against NFC teams, the best mark by a quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. He’s 3-0 against the Bucs (4-3), who faded after taking a 10-0 lead with help from&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1848520199999230363" target="_blank">the 100th TD reception</a>&nbsp;of Mike Evans’ career.GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona’s Kyler Murray rolled out to his left before turning on the jets, beating a Chargers defender to the sideline and then&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals/status/1848561020400505045" target="_blank">coasting for a spectacular 44-yard touchdown</a>, casually holding the ball with one hand like it was a backyard game. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon admitted that’s not the way his players are taught to protect the ball. Then again, Gannon didn’t teach Murray how to run like that, either. “Until he fumbles, I’ll let him ride,” Gannon said with a wry grin. “That was a pretty spectacular play.” Murray ran for the game-changing touchdown early in the fourth quarter and then led the Cardinals on a drive that set up Chad Ryland’s 32-yard field goal as time expired, and Arizona rallied for a 17-15 win over Los Angeles on Monday night.NEW YORK (AP) — Breanna Stewart joined the New York Liberty two years ago with one goal in mind: to bring the long-suffering franchise it’s first championship. WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones soon joined her and the pair helped the Liberty accomplish their mission, a year after they suffered a disappointing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-liberty-aces-2641244f7287f5832dbe18d26c4475a2">loss in the Finals</a>&nbsp;to Las Vegas. “The wait was so, so, so worth it,” Stewart said. “We talked about it two years ago when it was free agency, and we wanted to come together. You look back and me, JJ, (Courtney Vandersloot), we all came together to win a championship. Last year we lost in the Finals. But look at us, now we’re here.” Now with the core group mostly intact, winning more championships might be in the future for Stewart and the Liberty after Sunday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wnba-finals-lynx-liberty-score-game-5-64d2a724bc33bbec219dee826b5376ca">67-62 overtime victory</a>&nbsp;against the Minnesota Lynx in the deciding Game 5 of the WNBA Finals.CLEVELAND (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/deshaun-watson">Deshaun Watson</a>&nbsp;won’t finish the season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback for the second straight year. He’s injured again, and the Browns have new problems.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deshaun-watson-browns-76623d8f8713c4b8dc569b485d9d4593">Watson ruptured his right Achilles tendon</a>&nbsp;in the first half of Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati, collapsing as he began to run and leading some Browns fans to cheer while the divisive QB laid on the ground writhing in pain. The team feared Watson’s year was over and an MRI on Monday confirmed the rupture. The Browns said Watson will have surgery this week and miss the rest of the season but “a full recovery is expected.” Watson’s injury is a blow to the Browns (1-6), who have lost five straight after making the playoffs last year.MONDAY SCORESNational Football LeagueBaltimore 41, Tampa Bay 31Arizona 17, LA Chargers 15

📢📰🎧 Sports Headlines for Tuesday

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701263164849.png" alt="Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher" />
 <figcaption>Early Morning Sports with Rob Dreher</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Early Morning Sports for Oct. 22, 2024" 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=z4mu3-1716478-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>

🎧 LISTEN: Latest HutchCC in the national rankings, Blue Dragon 🏐 goes 3-0

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team picked up three victories on Monday night at the Blue Dragon triangular at the Sports Arena.

The Blue Dragons swept Neosho County 25-18, 25-18, 25-22. Hutchinson also defeated a pair of KCAC junior varsity teams, downing the Friends JV 25-16, 29-27, 25-18 and the McPherson College JV 25-20, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21.

Hutchinson improved to 17-17 overall and will return to Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday against Butler at 6 p.m. at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons will play Seward County on Friday and Pratt on Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Tiana Simmons led the Blue Dragons against the Panthers with 12 kills and three blocks. Simmons also had seven digs.

Freshman Atlyn Proctor had eight kills and one block. Freshman Brooke Galey had seven kills, three blocks and seven digs.

Sophomore setter Shelbi Wilson finished with 33 assists to go with two kills, two blocks and an ace.

Freshman Ellie Suber finished with a team-high 11 digs and two ace serves against Neosho County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729597169847.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team picked up three victories on Monday night at the Blue Dragon triangular at the Sports Arena.The Blue Dragons swept Neosho County 25-18, 25-18, 25-22. Hutchinson also defeated a pair of KCAC junior varsity teams, downing the Friends JV 25-16, 29-27, 25-18 and the McPherson College JV 25-20, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21.Hutchinson improved to 17-17 overall and will return to Jayhawk Conference play on Wednesday against Butler at 6 p.m. at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons will play Seward County on Friday and Pratt on Saturday.Redshirt freshman Tiana Simmons led the Blue Dragons against the Panthers with 12 kills and three blocks. Simmons also had seven digs.Freshman Atlyn Proctor had eight kills and one block. Freshman Brooke Galey had seven kills, three blocks and seven digs.Sophomore setter Shelbi Wilson finished with 33 assists to go with two kills, two blocks and an ace.Freshman Ellie Suber finished with a team-high 11 digs and two ace serves against Neosho County.

🏐 Dragons earn 3 wins at home triangular

The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team opened the new season as a nationally ranked team on Monday, returning to the preseason NJCAA Men’s Division I national preseason poll after a one-season-hiatus.

The Blue Dragons open the 2024-25 season ranked No. 15. The Blue Dragons are one of four Jayhawk Conference teams ranked in the Top 25 and 1 of 5 teams receiving mention in the national rankings.

Last week, the Dragons were picked to finish second in the KJCCC preseason coaches’ poll.

The Blue Dragons were 29-7 last season and went 20-4 in the KJCCC to place third in the league. The Dragons reached the Region 6 Tournament championship game and earned an at-large bid for the 2024 NJCAA Tournament. Hutchinson advanced to the national tournament quarterfinals after wins against USC-Salkehatchie and Chipola before falling to Connors State.

Hutchinson has just one player returning from last year, guard Kobe Smith 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season.

South Plains received 14 of the 16 first-place votes in the preseason rankings and is No. 1 to start the season. Defending national champion Barton received the other two first-place votes and starts the season ranked No. 2. Daytona State is No. 3, Triton is No. 4 and Trinity Valley is No. 5.

The Blue Dragons are the second-highest-ranked KJCCC team in the national poll at No. 15. Garden City is No. 19 and Cowley is No. 25. Coffeyville is receiving votes in the preseason poll.

Before the Blue Dragons officially open the season, they have one more one preseason scrimmage at 4 p.m. on Monday when they play host to Newman University in a home scrimmage on Monday at the Sports Arena.

The Dragons officially open the Kyle Fisher era on Tuesday, November 5 against Hesston College.

NJCAA DIV. 1 MEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL

                                                                        Points

1. South Plains (14)                                  349

2. Barton (2)                                               335

3. Daytona State                                       323

4. Triton                                                       306

5. Trinity Valley                                         299

6. Northwest Florida State                   274

7. Salt Lake                                                 264

8. Howard                                                   253

9. Jones                                                       234

10. Chipola                                                  228

11. Indian Hills                                           219

12. College of Southern Idaho            176

13. Odessa College                                  174

15. Hutchinson                                         166

16. Panola                                                   106

17. Moberly Area                                     80

18. Vincennes                                           79

19. Garden City                                         72

20. Walters State                                     69

21. Mineral Area                                      67

22. Georgia Highlands                            48

23. Eastern Florida State                       44

24. Snow                                                     32

25. Cowley                                                  24

Receiving Votes: Harcum, Lee, New Mexico, Southeastern, Monroe, Northeast Mississippi, Kilgore, Coffeyville, Murray St., Itawamba, Indian River St., Florida Southwestern, Caldwell Tech, Ranger, Wallace St., Albany Tech, Casper 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729595626217.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationThe Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team opened the new season as a nationally ranked team on Monday, returning to the preseason NJCAA Men’s Division I national preseason poll after a one-season-hiatus.The Blue Dragons open the 2024-25 season ranked No. 15. The Blue Dragons are one of four Jayhawk Conference teams ranked in the Top 25 and 1 of 5 teams receiving mention in the national rankings.Last week, the Dragons were picked to finish second in the KJCCC preseason coaches’ poll.The Blue Dragons were 29-7 last season and went 20-4 in the KJCCC to place third in the league. The Dragons reached the Region 6 Tournament championship game and earned an at-large bid for the 2024 NJCAA Tournament. Hutchinson advanced to the national tournament quarterfinals after wins against USC-Salkehatchie and Chipola before falling to Connors State.Hutchinson has just one player returning from last year, guard Kobe Smith 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season.South Plains received 14 of the 16 first-place votes in the preseason rankings and is No. 1 to start the season. Defending national champion Barton received the other two first-place votes and starts the season ranked No. 2. Daytona State is No. 3, Triton is No. 4 and Trinity Valley is No. 5.The Blue Dragons are the second-highest-ranked KJCCC team in the national poll at No. 15. Garden City is No. 19 and Cowley is No. 25. Coffeyville is receiving votes in the preseason poll.Before the Blue Dragons officially open the season, they have one more one preseason scrimmage at 4 p.m. on Monday when they play host to Newman University in a home scrimmage on Monday at the Sports Arena.The Dragons officially open the Kyle Fisher era on Tuesday, November 5 against Hesston College.NJCAA DIV. 1 MEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL Points1. South Plains (14) 3492. Barton (2) 3353. Daytona State 3234. Triton 3065. Trinity Valley 2996. Northwest Florida State 2747. Salt Lake 2648. Howard 2539. Jones 23410. Chipola 22811. Indian Hills 21912. College of Southern Idaho 17613. Odessa College 17414. Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M 16715. Hutchinson 16616. Panola 10617. Moberly Area 8018. Vincennes 7919. Garden City 7220. Walters State 6921. Mineral Area 6722. Georgia Highlands 4823. Eastern Florida State 4424. Snow 3225. Cowley 24Receiving Votes: Harcum, Lee, New Mexico, Southeastern, Monroe, Northeast Mississippi, Kilgore, Coffeyville, Murray St., Itawamba, Indian River St., Florida Southwestern, Caldwell Tech, Ranger, Wallace St., Albany Tech, Casper

🏀 MBB: HutchCC begins Fisher era ranked No. 15

Last season, the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team captured its first-ever NJCAA national championship.

Starting its 51st season next week, the Blue Dragons start a season ranked No. 1 for the second time in program history.

The NJCAA released its 2024-25 preseason basketball rankings on Monday and the Blue Dragons received all 12 first-place votes to sit atop the national rankings to open the new season, which begins on November 1 at NOC-Tonkawa.

The Blue Dragons were preseason No. 1 before the 2017-18 season. The previous high in an NJCAA National ranking was No. 2 in the 2014-15 preseason poll. The Dragons were No. 3 in the 2013-14 preseason rankings.

This is the fourth time Blue Dragons women’s basketball has been ranked No. 1 in the national rankings. Dating back to last season, the Dragons have been ranked No. 1 for five-consecutive polls.

The first time the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 1 was in the 2012-13 season and spent five weeks at No. 1. Then in the 2014-15 season, the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 1 for six weeks.

Last season, the Blue Dragons were unranked to open the season and subsequently went 37-0 to capture the national championship with an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State on April 1 in the NJCAA Tournament championship game in Casper, Wyoming.

Starting his 18th season on the Hutchinson bench, head coach John Ontjes has four players returning from last year’s national championship team.

All-conference, All-Region 6 and NJCAA All-Tournament performer Hailey Jackson is the lone full-time starter back for the new season. Also returning is guard Kahlen Norris, guard Jada Pleasant and forward Madi Denison are back this season.

The NJCAA preseason Top 5 has Hutchinson, Northwest Florida State, Wabash Valley, Eastern Arizona and Three Rivers.

Dodge City is the only other KJCCC team in the preseason rankings at No. 14.

The Blue Dragons will have one home scrimmage, which will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday against Tabor College at the Sports Arena.

NJCAA DIV. 1 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS

                                                                                Points

1. Hutchinson (12)                                   250

2. Northwest Florida State                           240       

3. Wabash Valley                                              230       

4. Eastern Arizona                                            220       

5. Three Rivers                                                  210       

6. Gulf Coast State                                           200       

7. New Mexico JC                                             190       

8. Odessa                                                            180       

9. Shelton State                                                170       

10. Casper College                                           160       

11. College of Southern Idaho                    150       

12. Collin County                                              140       

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729595416147.jpeg" alt="Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information" />
 <figcaption>Image Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information</figcaption>
 </figure>HutchCC Sports InformationLast season, the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team captured its first-ever NJCAA national championship.Starting its 51st season next week, the Blue Dragons start a season ranked No. 1 for the second time in program history.The NJCAA released its 2024-25 preseason basketball rankings on Monday and the Blue Dragons received all 12 first-place votes to sit atop the national rankings to open the new season, which begins on November 1 at NOC-Tonkawa.The Blue Dragons were preseason No. 1 before the 2017-18 season. The previous high in an NJCAA National ranking was No. 2 in the 2014-15 preseason poll. The Dragons were No. 3 in the 2013-14 preseason rankings.This is the fourth time Blue Dragons women’s basketball has been ranked No. 1 in the national rankings. Dating back to last season, the Dragons have been ranked No. 1 for five-consecutive polls.The first time the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 1 was in the 2012-13 season and spent five weeks at No. 1. Then in the 2014-15 season, the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 1 for six weeks.Last season, the Blue Dragons were unranked to open the season and subsequently went 37-0 to capture the national championship with an 88-80 overtime victory over Northwest Florida State on April 1 in the NJCAA Tournament championship game in Casper, Wyoming.Starting his 18th season on the Hutchinson bench, head coach John Ontjes has four players returning from last year’s national championship team.All-conference, All-Region 6 and NJCAA All-Tournament performer Hailey Jackson is the lone full-time starter back for the new season. Also returning is guard Kahlen Norris, guard Jada Pleasant and forward Madi Denison are back this season.The NJCAA preseason Top 5 has Hutchinson, Northwest Florida State, Wabash Valley, Eastern Arizona and Three Rivers.Dodge City is the only other KJCCC team in the preseason rankings at No. 14.The Blue Dragons will have one home scrimmage, which will be at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday against Tabor College at the Sports Arena.NJCAA DIV. 1 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS Points1. Hutchinson (12) 2502. Northwest Florida State 240 3. Wabash Valley 230 4. Eastern Arizona 220 5. Three Rivers 210 6. Gulf Coast State 200 7. New Mexico JC 190 8. Odessa 180 9. Shelton State 170 10. Casper College 160 11. College of Southern Idaho 150 12. Collin County 140 13. North Dakota SCOS 130 14. Dodge City 120 15. Trinity Valley 110 16. Cochise College 100 17. Mississippi Gulf Coast 90 18. Blinn 80 19. Pearl River 70 20. Eastern Florida State 60 21. Monroe University 50 22. Chattanooga State 40 23. McLennan 30 24. Pensacola State 20 25. Salt Lake 10