HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch is pleased with how the annual Blue Dragon golf tournament fundraiser is coming together.

"Tyler at Carey Park, him and his staff do an absolutely wonderful job of being welcoming, putting all the fine details on to put on a first-class event," Gooch said.

The tournament will be Friday, May 6, with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Gooch is glad to be closer to normal than it was during COVID.

"It's just another thing that we get to do," Gooch said. "We get to touch the community. Our spirit squad will be out there at the tournament, with Duke the Dragon with a chance to get your picture taken. It gives us an opportunity to just put on a first-class event."

It's important for the recruiting efforts of HutchCC that they are able to recruit well beyond just central Kansas.

"All the money that we collect goes into our HutchCC athletic endowment," Gooch said. "It pays for scholarships. It pays for opportunities for student athletes to come and pay for their tuition and books, fees, housing, room and board and events like this is what has elevated Hutchinson Community College athletically and provides us opportunities to recruit top-notch student athletes from across the country."

For more information, call the Athletic Department office at (620) 665-3530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1651157626736.jpeg" alt="2022BlueDragonGolf.JPG" />
 <figcaption>2022BlueDragonGolf.JPG</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
HutchCC Athletic Director Josh Gooch is pleased with how the annual Blue Dragon golf tournament fundraiser is coming together."Tyler at Carey Park, him and his staff do an absolutely wonderful job of being welcoming, putting all the fine details on to put on a first-class event," Gooch said.The tournament will be Friday, May 6, with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Gooch is glad to be closer to normal than it was during COVID."It's just another thing that we get to do," Gooch said. "We get to touch the community. Our spirit squad will be out there at the tournament, with Duke the Dragon with a chance to get your picture taken. It gives us an opportunity to just put on a first-class event."It's important for the recruiting efforts of HutchCC that they are able to recruit well beyond just central Kansas."All the money that we collect goes into our HutchCC athletic endowment," Gooch said. "It pays for scholarships. It pays for opportunities for student athletes to come and pay for their tuition and books, fees, housing, room and board and events like this is what has elevated Hutchinson Community College athletically and provides us opportunities to recruit top-notch student athletes from across the country."For more information, call the Athletic Department office at (620) 665-3530.

Blue Dragon Golf Tournament coming May 6

George Alfred Ross, 92, of Hutchinson, died April 24, 2022. He was born March 21, 1930, on the family farm in Jewell County, to Gustav A. and Atta E. (Quick) Ross.

George graduated from Mankato High School in 1947 and attended Hutchinson Community College and Pittsburg State University. He served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952.&nbsp; George worked as a telegraph operator, railroad agent, and automotive technician and instructor. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. George was a member of 10th&nbsp;Avenue United Methodist Church.

On January 4, 1964, he married Linda K. Long, in Pueblo, CO. She survives.

Also surviving are: his children, Jandrea Blumanhourst (Doug) of Wichita; Ryan Ross (Jennifer) of Olathe; Gary Ross (Cindi Golson) of Wilsonville, AL; grandchildren, Kaylan Edwards (Trevor), Nathan Blumanhourst (Taylor), Alyssa Thornton (Evan), Drew Ross, Graham Ross; great-grandchildren, Emilyn, Michael, Elias, Olivia, Elspeth; sister, Letha Essinger (Don) of Fruitland, ID; and many extended family members.

George was preceded in death by his parents and 6 brothers and sisters.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10th&nbsp;Avenue United Methodist Church, 300 W 10th&nbsp;Ave., Hutchinson, with Rev. Richard G. Brooks officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Private family burial will be in Lyons Municipal Cemetery.

Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

George Alfred Ross, 92, of Hutchinson, died April 24, 2022. He was born March 21, 1930, on the family farm in Jewell County, to Gustav A. and Atta E. (Quick) Ross.George graduated from Mankato High School in 1947 and attended Hutchinson Community College and Pittsburg State University. He served in the United States Navy from 1948-1952.&nbsp; George worked as a telegraph operator, railroad agent, and automotive technician and instructor. He enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family. George was a member of 10th&nbsp;Avenue United Methodist Church.On January 4, 1964, he married Linda K. Long, in Pueblo, CO. She survives.Also surviving are: his children, Jandrea Blumanhourst (Doug) of Wichita; Ryan Ross (Jennifer) of Olathe; Gary Ross (Cindi Golson) of Wilsonville, AL; grandchildren, Kaylan Edwards (Trevor), Nathan Blumanhourst (Taylor), Alyssa Thornton (Evan), Drew Ross, Graham Ross; great-grandchildren, Emilyn, Michael, Elias, Olivia, Elspeth; sister, Letha Essinger (Don) of Fruitland, ID; and many extended family members.George was preceded in death by his parents and 6 brothers and sisters.Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 10th&nbsp;Avenue United Methodist Church, 300 W 10th&nbsp;Ave., Hutchinson, with Rev. Richard G. Brooks officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Private family burial will be in Lyons Municipal Cemetery.Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

George Alfred Ross  |1930-2022|  

Patricia Jean Kerns, 84, died April 26, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society, Hutchinson. She was born January 1, 1938, in Hutchinson, to Clarence and Lois (Tracy) Shuman.

Patty graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1956, and later from Salt City Business College. She worked as an office administrator for Rainbow Bakery. Patty was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchinson and loved to volunteer with the children, which she did for many years.

In 1981 she married Robert Kerns in Hutchinson. He passed away in 2005.

Patty is survived by: children, Steve Turnbull, Sedgwick, Laura Tracy, Hutchinson, Mike Turnbull, Hutchinson; sisters, Barbara Welch, Phyllis Fowler, both of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Nicole Potter, Tadan Turnbull, Serrenity Turnbull, Brandon Turnbull; and great-grandchild, Logan Siebel.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Robert Kerns; sister, Nancy Steele; and brother-in-law, Brad Steele.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.

Patricia Jean Kerns, 84, died April 26, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society, Hutchinson. She was born January 1, 1938, in Hutchinson, to Clarence and Lois (Tracy) Shuman.Patty graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1956, and later from Salt City Business College. She worked as an office administrator for Rainbow Bakery. Patty was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Hutchinson and loved to volunteer with the children, which she did for many years.In 1981 she married Robert Kerns in Hutchinson. He passed away in 2005.Patty is survived by: children, Steve Turnbull, Sedgwick, Laura Tracy, Hutchinson, Mike Turnbull, Hutchinson; sisters, Barbara Welch, Phyllis Fowler, both of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Nicole Potter, Tadan Turnbull, Serrenity Turnbull, Brandon Turnbull; and great-grandchild, Logan Siebel.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Robert Kerns; sister, Nancy Steele; and brother-in-law, Brad Steele.Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time.

Patricia Jean Kerns  |1938-2022|  

Katherine Marie Brown, 83, died April 25, 2022, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson.&nbsp; She was born January 21, 1939, in Sharon, the oldest daughter of Lester Eugene and Troye Frances (Hensley) Rose.

Katherine graduated from Whitewater High School in 1956, and Wichita Business College.&nbsp; She enjoyed volunteering in the community, and served on the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and Kansas Cosmosphere’s Board of Directors.&nbsp; Katherine served as secretary and treasurer for T&amp;E Oil Company, Inc., which she owned along with her husband, Shorty.&nbsp; She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.&nbsp; Katherine was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.&nbsp;

On April 15, 1956, Katherine married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Eugene “Shorty” Brown, in Wichita.&nbsp; He died February 12, 2018, after they shared almost 62 years of marriage.

Katherine is survived by: sons, Kevin Brown (Marina) of Hutchinson, and Kent Brown (Lori) of Wichita; sisters, Barbara Balzer (Keith) of Shawnee, and Connie Bogan (Phil) of Fort Worth, TX; four granddaughters, Kelsey Baker (Brandon) of Wichita, Dr. Aunya Cameron of Leawood, Courtney Scherzer (Nate), and Mischia Kirkpatrick (Sam), all of Fairway, KS; and great-grandchildren, Dune Cameron, Kennedy Baker, Roddie Cameron, Knowles Cameron, Camden Baker, and Finnegan Kirkpatrick.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Brent Eugene Brown.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Whitewater Cemetery, Whitewater, KS.&nbsp; Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Michael Tomson-Degreeff officiating.&nbsp; Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; The family will greet friends at the church following Katherine’s service.

Katherine Marie Brown, 83, died April 25, 2022, at Hester Care Center, Hutchinson.&nbsp; She was born January 21, 1939, in Sharon, the oldest daughter of Lester Eugene and Troye Frances (Hensley) Rose.Katherine graduated from Whitewater High School in 1956, and Wichita Business College.&nbsp; She enjoyed volunteering in the community, and served on the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and Kansas Cosmosphere’s Board of Directors.&nbsp; Katherine served as secretary and treasurer for T&amp;E Oil Company, Inc., which she owned along with her husband, Shorty.&nbsp; She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.&nbsp; Katherine was a devoted and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.&nbsp;On April 15, 1956, Katherine married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Eugene “Shorty” Brown, in Wichita.&nbsp; He died February 12, 2018, after they shared almost 62 years of marriage.Katherine is survived by: sons, Kevin Brown (Marina) of Hutchinson, and Kent Brown (Lori) of Wichita; sisters, Barbara Balzer (Keith) of Shawnee, and Connie Bogan (Phil) of Fort Worth, TX; four granddaughters, Kelsey Baker (Brandon) of Wichita, Dr. Aunya Cameron of Leawood, Courtney Scherzer (Nate), and Mischia Kirkpatrick (Sam), all of Fairway, KS; and great-grandchildren, Dune Cameron, Kennedy Baker, Roddie Cameron, Knowles Cameron, Camden Baker, and Finnegan Kirkpatrick.She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Brent Eugene Brown.Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Whitewater Cemetery, Whitewater, KS.&nbsp; Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1602 N. Main, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Michael Tomson-Degreeff officiating.&nbsp; Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.&nbsp; The family will greet friends at the church following Katherine’s service.

Katherine Marie Brown  |1939-2022|  

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports Information

LIBERAL – Easton Swanson’s go-ahead RBI single in the top of the seventh inning of Game 2 against Seward County pushed the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team to a KJCCC doubleheader sweep and a 10-game winning streak on Wednesday.

Emily Munson and Riley Wertz combined for a three-hit shutout in the Blue Dragons’ 4-0 win over the Seward County Saints in Game 1 at French Family Field. Swanson’s go-ahead single in the top of the seventh broke Game 2’s second tie and was the difference in a 7-6 Blue Dragon victory.

The Blue Dragons improved to 36-6 overall and 27-3 in the Jayhawk Conference. Hutchinson swept the season series with Seward County (23-23, 14-16).

The 36 wins tied the 2006 Blue Dragons for the seventh-most wins in a season in program history. The Dragons have won 10 games in a row – the second win streak of 10 or more games this season – and have won 23 of their last 25 games.

Hutchinson will close out the regular season with a doubleheader on Saturday at Pratt.

The Blue Dragons had leads of 4-0 and 6-4, only to have Seward County battle back and tie the game on both occasions.

Wertz led off the seventh inning with a single and was pinch-ran for by Lexi Pitcher. With two out and Pitcher still at second, Swanson hit a sharp groundball through the left side of the infield to score Pitcher for a 7-6 Blue Dragon lead.

Wertz, who entered the game in the bottom of the fourth, retired the Saints in order in the seventh inning to earn the pitching victory and improve her season record to 12-1.

Hutchinson took a 4-0 lead when Wertz hit a grand slam to left field in the third inning. Seward County tied the game at four with four runs in the fourth inning, which snapped the Blue Dragon pitching staff’s consecutive scoreless streak at 19 innings.

The Blue Dragons scored single runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Goetz broke the 4-all tie with a two-out RBI single in the fifth for a 5-4 lead. The Dragons took a two-run lead in the sixth when Natalie Bevan grounded out to third to score Haley Miller.

Swanson had her third career three-hit game, going 3 for 4 in Game 2 with three singles and her go-ahead hit in the top of the seventh. Swanson’s three hits are a season high for the sophomore outfielder.

Wertz was 3 for 3 with the team’s second grand slam this season – Goetz had the other grand slam, which came against the Ottawa JV on January 29. Wertz struck out five in 3 2-3 innings to up her season total to 140. Wertz moved past Elise Beguelin for ninth on the Blue Dragon single-season strikeout list. Wertz allowed three earned runs on two hits and three walks.

Munson and Wertz combined for the Blue Dragons’ ninth shutout of the season in the opener.

Munson improved to 8-0 for the season with 5 1-3 shutout innings. She allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four.

Wertz extended her Blue Dragon single-season and career records for saves with her eighth of the season. She retired all five batters she faced with three strikeouts.

The Blue Dragons out-hit Seward County 8-3.

Ella Dougherty had the only multi-hit game, going 2 for 4 with a pair of single and a run scored. Wertz broke a 12-game streak without a home run, going 1 for 3 with a homer to left field.

The Blue Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Dougherty scored on a passed ball and Grimes’ groundout plated Miller. An error off the bat of Bevan scored Miller in the fifth inning. Wertz then homered to lead off the sixth for a 4-0 lead.

Miller had a bunt single in the first inning, her 22nd bunt for a base hit this season.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationLIBERAL – Easton Swanson’s go-ahead RBI single in the top of the seventh inning of Game 2 against Seward County pushed the No. 15-ranked Hutchinson Community College softball team to a KJCCC doubleheader sweep and a 10-game winning streak on Wednesday.Emily Munson and Riley Wertz combined for a three-hit shutout in the Blue Dragons’ 4-0 win over the Seward County Saints in Game 1 at French Family Field. Swanson’s go-ahead single in the top of the seventh broke Game 2’s second tie and was the difference in a 7-6 Blue Dragon victory.The Blue Dragons improved to 36-6 overall and 27-3 in the Jayhawk Conference. Hutchinson swept the season series with Seward County (23-23, 14-16).The 36 wins tied the 2006 Blue Dragons for the seventh-most wins in a season in program history. The Dragons have won 10 games in a row – the second win streak of 10 or more games this season – and have won 23 of their last 25 games.Hutchinson will close out the regular season with a doubleheader on Saturday at Pratt.GAME 2 RECAPThe Blue Dragons had leads of 4-0 and 6-4, only to have Seward County battle back and tie the game on both occasions.Wertz led off the seventh inning with a single and was pinch-ran for by Lexi Pitcher. With two out and Pitcher still at second, Swanson hit a sharp groundball through the left side of the infield to score Pitcher for a 7-6 Blue Dragon lead.Wertz, who entered the game in the bottom of the fourth, retired the Saints in order in the seventh inning to earn the pitching victory and improve her season record to 12-1.Hutchinson took a 4-0 lead when Wertz hit a grand slam to left field in the third inning. Seward County tied the game at four with four runs in the fourth inning, which snapped the Blue Dragon pitching staff’s consecutive scoreless streak at 19 innings.The Blue Dragons scored single runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Goetz broke the 4-all tie with a two-out RBI single in the fifth for a 5-4 lead. The Dragons took a two-run lead in the sixth when Natalie Bevan grounded out to third to score Haley Miller.Swanson had her third career three-hit game, going 3 for 4 in Game 2 with three singles and her go-ahead hit in the top of the seventh. Swanson’s three hits are a season high for the sophomore outfielder.Wertz was 3 for 3 with the team’s second grand slam this season – Goetz had the other grand slam, which came against the Ottawa JV on January 29. Wertz struck out five in 3 2-3 innings to up her season total to 140. Wertz moved past Elise Beguelin for ninth on the Blue Dragon single-season strikeout list. Wertz allowed three earned runs on two hits and three walks.GAME 1 RECAPMunson and Wertz combined for the Blue Dragons’ ninth shutout of the season in the opener.Munson improved to 8-0 for the season with 5 1-3 shutout innings. She allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four.Wertz extended her Blue Dragon single-season and career records for saves with her eighth of the season. She retired all five batters she faced with three strikeouts.The Blue Dragons out-hit Seward County 8-3.Ella Dougherty had the only multi-hit game, going 2 for 4 with a pair of single and a run scored. Wertz broke a 12-game streak without a home run, going 1 for 3 with a homer to left field.The Blue Dragons took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Dougherty scored on a passed ball and Grimes’ groundout plated Miller. An error off the bat of Bevan scored Miller in the fifth inning. Wertz then homered to lead off the sixth for a 4-0 lead.Miller had a bunt single in the first inning, her 22nd bunt for a base hit this season.

Dragon softball win streak at 10 after sweep of Seward County

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox stopped an eight-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The winning rally for the White Sox started when Danny Mendick and Tim Anderson hit consecutive two-out singles off Collin Snider. Scott Barlow then came in, and Vaughn drove his first pitch into the home bullpen in left. The White Sox added another run in the eighth when Leury García scampered home on Reese McGuire's double-play grounder.

UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Blues are no longer the big, bruising team they were when they won the Stanley Cup in 2019. This incarnation is reliant far more on speed, skill and scoring. The Blues will try to win that way this time around starting with their first-round series against Minnesota. Three years ago they battered their way through the playoffs to win the first title in franchise history. Only 10 players remain from that Cup team and even they have altered their approach. Craig Berube is even coaching differently to his personnel to get the most out of a talented roster.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State men's basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has promoted Nate Schmidt from recruiting and player development coordinator to assistant coach. He takes the spot of Daniyal Robinson, who was hired as head coach at Cleveland State. Schmidt had been a graduate assistant and player development coordinator at Iowa State from 2014-17. He returned to the Cyclones with Otzelberger last year. Schmidt worked on Otzelberger's staff at UNLV. Otzelberger also announced that former Northern Iowa assistant coach Erik Crawford has been named the director of player development and graduate assistant Mo Ba has been promoted to assistant director of player development.

UNDATED (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 30 points in his return to Golden State's starting lineup and the Warriors beat the Denver Nuggets 102-98 to end their first-round series in five games.

Curry converted a three-point play with 1:33 left and scored again with 29 seconds remaining to held sent the Warriors on to the second round in the Western Conference.

Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) scored 12 of his 30 points in the final 3:46 and finished with 19 rebounds and eight assists.

The Warriors advanced to play the winner of the Memphis-Minnesota, with the Grizzlies up 3-2 going into Game 6 on Friday night in Minneapolis.

In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) led the defending NBA champion Bucks with 33 points as Milwaukee routed the Chicago Bulls 116-100 to finish off the first-round series in five games.

The third-seeded Bucks advance to face second-seeded Boston in conference semifinals, with Game 1 on Sunday in Boston.

After splitting the first two games, the Bucks won the last three by an average margin of 23.3 points. They won those three games without Khris Middleton. The All-Star sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the fourth quarter of Game 2.

Chicago didn't handle the loss of key players quite as well. The Bulls played without the starting backcourt they used for the first four games because two-time All-Star Zach LaVine was in health and safety protocols and Alex Caruso was in concussion protocol.

Arenado buzzed, frustrated Mets brawl with Cardinals in loss

UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets' hit-by-pitch frustrations boiled over when reliever Yoan López threw a pitch near Nolan Arenado's head, sparking a benches-clearing brawl that led to Arenado's ejection in the St. Louis Cardinals' 10-5 victory.

Arenado reached four times and drove in three runs before the incident in the eighth inning.

Mets hitter J.D. Davis left in the top of the eighth after being hit in the left foot by a pitch from Génesis Cabrera, the major league-leading 19th hit-by-pitch for the Mets this season. Lopez zipped a 94 mph fastball near Arenado's head, and Arenado began yelling for Lopez to "do it again," sparking the melee.

The New York Mets are upset after several of their hitters have been hit by pitches over the first few weeks of the season. Mets pitcher Chris Bassitt says bad baseballs are to blame. The actual problem is probably multifaceted, ranging from cold weather to bad luck.

The Mets have been hit 20 times this season in 19 games, which leads the league by a wide margin.

MLB-wide hit-by-pitch rates were actually down slightly heading into Wednesday's games.

— Taylor Ward hit a grand slam and finished a single shy of the cycle and the surging Los Angeles Angels rolled to a 9-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians for their fourth consecutive win. Shohei Ohtani showed off his two-way prowess, winning his second straight start while also delivering three hits and driving in a run.

— The Oakland Athletics ended the Giants' five-game winning streak with a 1-0 victory over San Francisco. Paul Blackburn and five relievers combined on a three-hitter, making Chad Pinder's leadoff homer stand up for the A's. Blackburn allowed three hits in five innings, lowering his ERA to 1.35.

— Giancarlo Stanton hit his 350th career homer and lifted a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the sixth inning, sending the New York Yankees over the Baltimore Orioles 5-2. Joey Gallo also homered for the second straight night. Stanton is the seventh fastest player to 350 homers, getting there in 1,341 games.

— The Boston Red Sox celebrated the return of manager Alex Cora by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1. Cora missed the past six games because of COVID-19, and Boston lost five of them. Xander Bogaerts went 4 for 4 with four singles and a walk for the Red Sox, while Michael Wacha earned his second straight win.

— The Tampa Bay Rays beat Seattle 3-2, ending the Mariners' four-game winning streak. Drew Rasmussen struck out nine in six shutout innings for the Rays, while Kevin Kiermaier hit a two-run home run.

— Kyle Tucker hit a three-run double in the fifth inning and Cristian Javier won his first start of the season as the Houston Astros held off the Texas Rangers 4-3. Javier allowed two runs in five innings, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out four.

— Joe Ryan threw seven innings of one-hit ball and Max Kepler stayed hot with a pair of home runs as the streaking Minnesota Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 5-0. Ryan Jeffers homered, doubled and drove in three runs for the Twins, who won their sixth game in a row. Ryan was dominant from the start, walking just one batter and striking out nine.

— The Philadelphia Phillies won their third straight over the Colorado Rockies, 7-3. Bryce Harper had a triple among his three hits, while Odubel Herrera homered and drove in two runs, and Didi Gregorius added a double, single and two RBIs for Philadelphia.

— Willson Contreras gave Chicago the lead with a run-scoring double in the 10th inning and Patrick Wisdom followed with a two-run homer, as the Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 6-3. The Cubs recovered after right-hander Mychal Givens blew a 3-1 lead in the eighth. David Robertson relieved Givens and got the win.

— Aaron Ashby combined with four relievers on a one-hitter, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1. Neither team got a hit until the sixth inning, but Tyrone Taylor singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning for the Brewers.

— The Miami Marlins moved above .500 for the first time this season, beating the slumping Washington Nationals 2-1. Pablo López lowered his majors-best ERA to 0.39 by throwing six shutout innings. He's now 3-0, having allowed just one run in four starts. The Marlins have won four games in a row, while the Nationals have lost seven straight.

— Jurickson Profar hit a three-run homer, MacKenzie Gore struck out 10 over five innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-5. San Diego will go for its second sweep of the season Thursday of the hard-luck Reds. Cincinnati has lost 12 of 13 amid a rash of injuries and slumps, and their 3-15 record is the worst in the majors.

— Arizona scored two runs after Max Muncy's throwing error in the eighth inning to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1. Zac Gallen pitched six scoreless innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

— Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox stopped an eight-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The winning rally for the White Sox started when Danny Mendick and Tim Anderson hit consecutive two-out singles off Collin Snider. Scott Barlow then came in, and Vaughn drove his first pitch into the home bullpen in left.

UNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Stars wrapped up the Western Conference's final playoff spot despite a 4-3 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes.

After a seven-round shootout win at home over Vegas on Tuesday night, the Stars needed only one point to join Nashville in the two wild-card spots. The Stars got that point by getting to overtime, though they blew a 3-0 lead in the third period and lost when Travis Boyd scored his 16th goal 1:43 into the extra period past Scott Wedgewood.

— The Chicago Blackhawks beat Vegas 4-3 in a shootout, eliminating the Golden Knights from the playoff race. Tyler Johnson scored in the seventh round of the shootout, the only goal in 14 attempts.

— The Montreal Canadiens snapped a nine-game losing streak, beating the playoff-bound New York Rangers 4-3. Jeff Petry scored his second goal of the game with 31 seconds remaining to put Montreal ahead for the fourth time and forge the victory. The Rangers rested seven regulars in a night after losing at home to first-place Carolina, assuring New York would finish second in the Metropolitan Division.

— Lias Andersson's his first goal of the season for Los Angeles snapped a tie early in the third period and the Kings beat the Seattle Kraken 5-3. Jonathan Quick made 36 saves to get his fifth straight win.

— Eric Comrie made 35 saves for his first NHL shutout in the Winnipeg Jets' 4-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Winnipeg's Kyle Connor had an empty-net goal and two assists to push his season points total to 92, the most since the franchise moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.

AP source: Jags, LT Robinson agree to 3-year, $54M extension

UNDATED (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars essentially have ruled out taking a left tackle with the top pick in the NFL draft by agreeing to terms with veteran Cam Robinson on a three-year extension. That's according to a person familiar with the negotiations, who tells The Associated Press that Robinson's new deal totals just shy of $54 million, roughly $18 million a year.

Robinson signed his franchise tender two weeks ago, guaranteeing him $16.7 million next season. But he ended up getting more from the extension. The move also means Jacksonville will likely chose between a pair of pass rushers at No. 1. It's expected to be either Georgia's Travon Walker or Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson.

— The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have picked up the fifth-year contract option on Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White, who has 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries over three NFL seasons. White was a key contributor during Tampa Bay's Super Bowl championship run two years ago and a first-time Pro Bowl selection last season.

— The Tennessee Titans have picked up the fifth-year option on defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. It's worth $10.7 million. Simmons is coming off his best season yet after posting a career-high 8 1/2 sacks and led the Titans with 58 quarterback pressures.

— The Washington Commanders have picked up edge rusher Montez Sweat's fifth-year option as expected. Sweat has 21 sacks in 42 NFL games with Washington.

— Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has thrown his support behind struggling head coach Matt Rhule (rool), saying it takes patience and time to build a winning foundation in the NFL. Rhule is 10-23 in his two seasons with the Panthers. Only the Lions, Texans, Jets and Jaguars have won fewer games than Carolina since Rhule's arrival in 2020. He's entering the third year of a seven-year, $62 million contract.

Ex-NBA Players Association VP and Jazz assistant arrested

NEW YORK (AP) — A former vice president of the National Basketball Players Association and current assistant coach for the Utah Jazz has been arrested in a fraud case. Keyon Dooling was among three individuals added to a case first brought in New York in October, when 18 former NBA players were charged.

Dooling, like the others, is charged with illegally pocketing thousands of dollars by defrauding the league's health and welfare benefit plan. Authorities say Dooling pocketed $350,000 himself.

Dooling was a union officer for eight years and eventually became its first vice president. Now an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz, he spent parts of 13 seasons in the NBA. The Jazz placed Dooling on paid administrative leave after learning of the indictment.

Akron extends coach John Groce's contract thru 2030 season

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Following a trip to the NCAA Tournament, Akron has extended coach John Groce's contract through the 2029-30 season. Groce led the Zips to Mid-American Conference tournament title last season and the league's automatic NCAA bid. Groce's previous deal was to expire after the 2026 season.

Hearing officer recommends 2-year NYRA ban for Bob Baffert

UNDATED (AP) — A retired New York State Supreme Court Justice has recommended a two-year suspension for trainer Bob Baffert for repeated medication violations after a New York Racing Association hearing.

Baffert's camp and NYRA have two weeks to offer rebuttals before a three-person panel makes a final decision on the Triple Crown-winning trainer's status.

Churchill Downs has banned Baffert from entering horses in the Kentucky Derby this year and next.

<h2>Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press</h2>CHICAGO (AP) — Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox stopped an eight-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The winning rally for the White Sox started when Danny Mendick and Tim Anderson hit consecutive two-out singles off Collin Snider. Scott Barlow then came in, and Vaughn drove his first pitch into the home bullpen in left. The White Sox added another run in the eighth when Leury García scampered home on Reese McGuire's double-play grounder.UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Blues are no longer the big, bruising team they were when they won the Stanley Cup in 2019. This incarnation is reliant far more on speed, skill and scoring. The Blues will try to win that way this time around starting with their first-round series against Minnesota. Three years ago they battered their way through the playoffs to win the first title in franchise history. Only 10 players remain from that Cup team and even they have altered their approach. Craig Berube is even coaching differently to his personnel to get the most out of a talented roster.AMES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa State men's basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has promoted Nate Schmidt from recruiting and player development coordinator to assistant coach. He takes the spot of Daniyal Robinson, who was hired as head coach at Cleveland State. Schmidt had been a graduate assistant and player development coordinator at Iowa State from 2014-17. He returned to the Cyclones with Otzelberger last year. Schmidt worked on Otzelberger's staff at UNLV. Otzelberger also announced that former Northern Iowa assistant coach Erik Crawford has been named the director of player development and graduate assistant Mo Ba has been promoted to assistant director of player development.<h2>Update on the latest sports</h2>NBA PLAYOFFSWarrior, Bucks advanceUNDATED (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 30 points in his return to Golden State's starting lineup and the Warriors beat the Denver Nuggets 102-98 to end their first-round series in five games.Curry converted a three-point play with 1:33 left and scored again with 29 seconds remaining to held sent the Warriors on to the second round in the Western Conference.Nuggets' star Nikola Jokic (nih-KOH'-lah YOH'-kihch) scored 12 of his 30 points in the final 3:46 and finished with 19 rebounds and eight assists.The Warriors advanced to play the winner of the Memphis-Minnesota, with the Grizzlies up 3-2 going into Game 6 on Friday night in Minneapolis.In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH'-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON'-poh) led the defending NBA champion Bucks with 33 points as Milwaukee routed the Chicago Bulls 116-100 to finish off the first-round series in five games.The third-seeded Bucks advance to face second-seeded Boston in conference semifinals, with Game 1 on Sunday in Boston.After splitting the first two games, the Bucks won the last three by an average margin of 23.3 points. They won those three games without Khris Middleton. The All-Star sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the fourth quarter of Game 2.Chicago didn't handle the loss of key players quite as well. The Bulls played without the starting backcourt they used for the first four games because two-time All-Star Zach LaVine was in health and safety protocols and Alex Caruso was in concussion protocol.MLB-SCHEDULEArenado buzzed, frustrated Mets brawl with Cardinals in lossUNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets' hit-by-pitch frustrations boiled over when reliever Yoan López threw a pitch near Nolan Arenado's head, sparking a benches-clearing brawl that led to Arenado's ejection in the St. Louis Cardinals' 10-5 victory.Arenado reached four times and drove in three runs before the incident in the eighth inning.Mets hitter J.D. Davis left in the top of the eighth after being hit in the left foot by a pitch from Génesis Cabrera, the major league-leading 19th hit-by-pitch for the Mets this season. Lopez zipped a 94 mph fastball near Arenado's head, and Arenado began yelling for Lopez to "do it again," sparking the melee.The New York Mets are upset after several of their hitters have been hit by pitches over the first few weeks of the season. Mets pitcher Chris Bassitt says bad baseballs are to blame. The actual problem is probably multifaceted, ranging from cold weather to bad luck.The Mets have been hit 20 times this season in 19 games, which leads the league by a wide margin.MLB-wide hit-by-pitch rates were actually down slightly heading into Wednesday's games.Elsewhere around the majors:— Taylor Ward hit a grand slam and finished a single shy of the cycle and the surging Los Angeles Angels rolled to a 9-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians for their fourth consecutive win. Shohei Ohtani showed off his two-way prowess, winning his second straight start while also delivering three hits and driving in a run.— The Oakland Athletics ended the Giants' five-game winning streak with a 1-0 victory over San Francisco. Paul Blackburn and five relievers combined on a three-hitter, making Chad Pinder's leadoff homer stand up for the A's. Blackburn allowed three hits in five innings, lowering his ERA to 1.35.— Giancarlo Stanton hit his 350th career homer and lifted a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the sixth inning, sending the New York Yankees over the Baltimore Orioles 5-2. Joey Gallo also homered for the second straight night. Stanton is the seventh fastest player to 350 homers, getting there in 1,341 games.— The Boston Red Sox celebrated the return of manager Alex Cora by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-1. Cora missed the past six games because of COVID-19, and Boston lost five of them. Xander Bogaerts went 4 for 4 with four singles and a walk for the Red Sox, while Michael Wacha earned his second straight win.— The Tampa Bay Rays beat Seattle 3-2, ending the Mariners' four-game winning streak. Drew Rasmussen struck out nine in six shutout innings for the Rays, while Kevin Kiermaier hit a two-run home run.— Kyle Tucker hit a three-run double in the fifth inning and Cristian Javier won his first start of the season as the Houston Astros held off the Texas Rangers 4-3. Javier allowed two runs in five innings, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out four.— Joe Ryan threw seven innings of one-hit ball and Max Kepler stayed hot with a pair of home runs as the streaking Minnesota Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 5-0. Ryan Jeffers homered, doubled and drove in three runs for the Twins, who won their sixth game in a row. Ryan was dominant from the start, walking just one batter and striking out nine.— The Philadelphia Phillies won their third straight over the Colorado Rockies, 7-3. Bryce Harper had a triple among his three hits, while Odubel Herrera homered and drove in two runs, and Didi Gregorius added a double, single and two RBIs for Philadelphia.— Willson Contreras gave Chicago the lead with a run-scoring double in the 10th inning and Patrick Wisdom followed with a two-run homer, as the Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves 6-3. The Cubs recovered after right-hander Mychal Givens blew a 3-1 lead in the eighth. David Robertson relieved Givens and got the win.— Aaron Ashby combined with four relievers on a one-hitter, and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1. Neither team got a hit until the sixth inning, but Tyrone Taylor singled home the go-ahead run in the seventh inning for the Brewers.— The Miami Marlins moved above .500 for the first time this season, beating the slumping Washington Nationals 2-1. Pablo López lowered his majors-best ERA to 0.39 by throwing six shutout innings. He's now 3-0, having allowed just one run in four starts. The Marlins have won four games in a row, while the Nationals have lost seven straight.— Jurickson Profar hit a three-run homer, MacKenzie Gore struck out 10 over five innings and the San Diego Padres beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-5. San Diego will go for its second sweep of the season Thursday of the hard-luck Reds. Cincinnati has lost 12 of 13 amid a rash of injuries and slumps, and their 3-15 record is the worst in the majors.— Arizona scored two runs after Max Muncy's throwing error in the eighth inning to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-1. Zac Gallen pitched six scoreless innings for the Arizona Diamondbacks.— Andrew Vaughn hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox stopped an eight-game slide with a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The winning rally for the White Sox started when Danny Mendick and Tim Anderson hit consecutive two-out singles off Collin Snider. Scott Barlow then came in, and Vaughn drove his first pitch into the home bullpen in left.NHL SCHEDULEStars take final playoff in OT lossUNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Stars wrapped up the Western Conference's final playoff spot despite a 4-3 overtime loss to the Arizona Coyotes.After a seven-round shootout win at home over Vegas on Tuesday night, the Stars needed only one point to join Nashville in the two wild-card spots. The Stars got that point by getting to overtime, though they blew a 3-0 lead in the third period and lost when Travis Boyd scored his 16th goal 1:43 into the extra period past Scott Wedgewood.Elsewhere in the NHL:— The Chicago Blackhawks beat Vegas 4-3 in a shootout, eliminating the Golden Knights from the playoff race. Tyler Johnson scored in the seventh round of the shootout, the only goal in 14 attempts.— The Montreal Canadiens snapped a nine-game losing streak, beating the playoff-bound New York Rangers 4-3. Jeff Petry scored his second goal of the game with 31 seconds remaining to put Montreal ahead for the fourth time and forge the victory. The Rangers rested seven regulars in a night after losing at home to first-place Carolina, assuring New York would finish second in the Metropolitan Division.— Lias Andersson's his first goal of the season for Los Angeles snapped a tie early in the third period and the Kings beat the Seattle Kraken 5-3. Jonathan Quick made 36 saves to get his fifth straight win.— Eric Comrie made 35 saves for his first NHL shutout in the Winnipeg Jets' 4-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. Winnipeg's Kyle Connor had an empty-net goal and two assists to push his season points total to 92, the most since the franchise moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.NFL-NEWSAP source: Jags, LT Robinson agree to 3-year, $54M extensionUNDATED (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars essentially have ruled out taking a left tackle with the top pick in the NFL draft by agreeing to terms with veteran Cam Robinson on a three-year extension. That's according to a person familiar with the negotiations, who tells The Associated Press that Robinson's new deal totals just shy of $54 million, roughly $18 million a year.Robinson signed his franchise tender two weeks ago, guaranteeing him $16.7 million next season. But he ended up getting more from the extension. The move also means Jacksonville will likely chose between a pair of pass rushers at No. 1. It's expected to be either Georgia's Travon Walker or Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson.In other NFL news:— The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have picked up the fifth-year contract option on Pro Bowl linebacker Devin White, who has 15 sacks, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries over three NFL seasons. White was a key contributor during Tampa Bay's Super Bowl championship run two years ago and a first-time Pro Bowl selection last season.— The Tennessee Titans have picked up the fifth-year option on defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. It's worth $10.7 million. Simmons is coming off his best season yet after posting a career-high 8 1/2 sacks and led the Titans with 58 quarterback pressures.— The Washington Commanders have picked up edge rusher Montez Sweat's fifth-year option as expected. Sweat has 21 sacks in 42 NFL games with Washington.— Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has thrown his support behind struggling head coach Matt Rhule (rool), saying it takes patience and time to build a winning foundation in the NFL. Rhule is 10-23 in his two seasons with the Panthers. Only the Lions, Texans, Jets and Jaguars have won fewer games than Carolina since Rhule's arrival in 2020. He's entering the third year of a seven-year, $62 million contract.NBA-NEWSEx-NBA Players Association VP and Jazz assistant arrestedNEW YORK (AP) — A former vice president of the National Basketball Players Association and current assistant coach for the Utah Jazz has been arrested in a fraud case. Keyon Dooling was among three individuals added to a case first brought in New York in October, when 18 former NBA players were charged.Dooling, like the others, is charged with illegally pocketing thousands of dollars by defrauding the league's health and welfare benefit plan. Authorities say Dooling pocketed $350,000 himself.Dooling was a union officer for eight years and eventually became its first vice president. Now an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz, he spent parts of 13 seasons in the NBA. The Jazz placed Dooling on paid administrative leave after learning of the indictment.COLLEGE BASKETBALLAkron extends coach John Groce's contract thru 2030 seasonAKRON, Ohio (AP) — Following a trip to the NCAA Tournament, Akron has extended coach John Groce's contract through the 2029-30 season. Groce led the Zips to Mid-American Conference tournament title last season and the league's automatic NCAA bid. Groce's previous deal was to expire after the 2026 season.HORSE RACING-BAFFERT BANHearing officer recommends 2-year NYRA ban for Bob BaffertUNDATED (AP) — A retired New York State Supreme Court Justice has recommended a two-year suspension for trainer Bob Baffert for repeated medication violations after a New York Racing Association hearing.Baffert's camp and NYRA have two weeks to offer rebuttals before a three-person panel makes a final decision on the Triple Crown-winning trainer's status.Churchill Downs has banned Baffert from entering horses in the Kentucky Derby this year and next.

Sports Highlights for Thursday

Virginia E. Roman, 95, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Hospice House. She was born March 17, 1927, in Hutchinson, to Mauro and Pauline Garcia.

Virginia attended schools in Hutchinson, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1945, and later graduated from Salt City Business College. She worked for various attorney’s in the Hutchinson area before working for and retiring from Continental Telephone Company. After retirement, Virginia worked part-time for First Federal Savings and Loan for 11 years.

On August 16, 1952, she married Joe Angel Roman Jr. He passed away on March 3, 1969. Virginia later married Anselmo Jaramillo on December 2, 1981, they later divorced.

She was an avid KU basketball fan and had special love for Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors (and thought Lebron James was a bit overrated). Virginia spent most of her free time enjoying the company of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Virginia liked to work in her rock garden, Mexican music, singing, dancing, and she loved her dogs.&nbsp;

She is survived by: children, Becky Christman (Doug), Bobby Roman, Kate Schnider (Mike), Ernie Roman (Angie), Patty Ramos (Vince), all of Hutchinson; sister, Irene Anzo, Hutchinson; grandchildren, Abby Church, Jacque Schwartz, Hope Mesa, Melissa Seyam, Andrea Leonard, Joseph Roman, Allison Roman-Herrera, Layne Cryan, Michael Schnider, Ernie Roman, Joe Roman, Arturo Roman, Anthony Ramos; 16 great-grandchildren; five special stepchildren, Chato Jaramillo, Ruben Jaramillo, Micheala Martinez, Ofelia Calvillo, Norma Jarmillo Aleman, all of Carrolton, Texas.

Virginia was preceded in death by: parents; brothers, John Garcia, Morris Garcia, Rudolf Garcia; sisters, Katie Gallardo, Angie Amaro; and great-grandson, Finnley Cryan.

Parish rosary will be 10 am, Friday April 29, 2022, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson, with Father Eric Weldon officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Thursday with the family present from 5 to 7 pm at Elliott Mortuary.

Virginia E. Roman, 95, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Hospice House. She was born March 17, 1927, in Hutchinson, to Mauro and Pauline Garcia.Virginia attended schools in Hutchinson, graduating from Hutchinson High School in 1945, and later graduated from Salt City Business College. She worked for various attorney’s in the Hutchinson area before working for and retiring from Continental Telephone Company. After retirement, Virginia worked part-time for First Federal Savings and Loan for 11 years.On August 16, 1952, she married Joe Angel Roman Jr. He passed away on March 3, 1969. Virginia later married Anselmo Jaramillo on December 2, 1981, they later divorced.She was an avid KU basketball fan and had special love for Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors (and thought Lebron James was a bit overrated). Virginia spent most of her free time enjoying the company of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Virginia liked to work in her rock garden, Mexican music, singing, dancing, and she loved her dogs.&nbsp;She is survived by: children, Becky Christman (Doug), Bobby Roman, Kate Schnider (Mike), Ernie Roman (Angie), Patty Ramos (Vince), all of Hutchinson; sister, Irene Anzo, Hutchinson; grandchildren, Abby Church, Jacque Schwartz, Hope Mesa, Melissa Seyam, Andrea Leonard, Joseph Roman, Allison Roman-Herrera, Layne Cryan, Michael Schnider, Ernie Roman, Joe Roman, Arturo Roman, Anthony Ramos; 16 great-grandchildren; five special stepchildren, Chato Jaramillo, Ruben Jaramillo, Micheala Martinez, Ofelia Calvillo, Norma Jarmillo Aleman, all of Carrolton, Texas.Virginia was preceded in death by: parents; brothers, John Garcia, Morris Garcia, Rudolf Garcia; sisters, Katie Gallardo, Angie Amaro; and great-grandson, Finnley Cryan.Parish rosary will be 10 am, Friday April 29, 2022, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, South Hutchinson, with Father Eric Weldon officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Thursday with the family present from 5 to 7 pm at Elliott Mortuary.

Virginia E. Roman  |1927-2022|  

HASTINGS, Nebraska – The No. 3-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team will have an opportunity to defend its 2021 NJCAA national championship.

The Blue Dragons finished second in the NJCAA District III (Central District)/Region VI Championship on Tuesday at Lochland Country Club to qualify for the NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship for the 21st consecutive season and for the 24th time in program history.

The Blue Dragons won their third-straight Region VI team championship and sophomore Harry Crockett became the first Blue Dragon player to win back-to-back District titles and was the second to repeat as Region VI individual champion.

Hutchinson will now play in the 2022 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship on May 10-13 at the Odessa Country Club in Odessa, Texas.

Leading by a single stroke after 36 holes, the Blue Dragons posted a 300 team score in Tuesday’s final round – the Dragons counted scores of 72 from Ben Partridge, 73 from Crockett 73, 77 from Blake Saffel and 78 from Addison Alonzo.

The Blue Dragons finished at 889 (+25). No. 9-ranked Iowa Western shot 291 on Tuesday and defeated the Blue Dragons by seven strokes for the District at 882.

Iowa Western, Hutchinson, Indian Hills, Dodge City and Garden City are the five teams to qualify for nationals from the Central District.

The Blue Dragons won their third-straight Region VI title and 21st in program history with an 11-stroke victory over Dodge City. Both Dodge City and Garden City posted team scores of 303 on Tuesday. The Conquistadors closed at 893 and Broncbusters at 898.

This is the third time the Blue Dragons have won three-straight Region VI team championships. Hutchinson also three-peated in the region in 1993-95 and 2007-09.

Hutchinson finished as a district team runner-up for the fourth time in program history (1998, 2014 and 2019).

Crockett repeated as both the District and Region VI individual champion with a two-stroke victory over Indian Hills’ Fran Vucic. Crockett shot 1-over 73 on Tuesday and finished at even-par 216 to win his second-straight tournament.

Crockett is the fourth Blue Dragon to win the District and the 10th Blue Dragon to win a Region VI individual championship. Crockett joins Alex Wasinger (2007 and 2008) as Blue Dragons to repeat as a regional champion.

Crockett is also the third-straight Blue Dragons to win both the District and Regional championships. Crockett’s brother, Charlie, won both titles in 2019. The 2020 season was canceled because of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Crockett and Partridge both earned All-District and All-Region first-team honors with Top 5 finishes on Tuesday.

Partridge shot 72 on Tuesday to finish fifth at 4-over 220. Saffel tied for 12th at 9-over 225. Alonzo tied for 21st at 12-over 228. Dominic Clemons shot 82 on Tuesday and finished 36th at 243.

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationHASTINGS, Nebraska – The No. 3-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team will have an opportunity to defend its 2021 NJCAA national championship.The Blue Dragons finished second in the NJCAA District III (Central District)/Region VI Championship on Tuesday at Lochland Country Club to qualify for the NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship for the 21st consecutive season and for the 24th time in program history.The Blue Dragons won their third-straight Region VI team championship and sophomore Harry Crockett became the first Blue Dragon player to win back-to-back District titles and was the second to repeat as Region VI individual champion.Hutchinson will now play in the 2022 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship on May 10-13 at the Odessa Country Club in Odessa, Texas.Leading by a single stroke after 36 holes, the Blue Dragons posted a 300 team score in Tuesday’s final round – the Dragons counted scores of 72 from Ben Partridge, 73 from Crockett 73, 77 from Blake Saffel and 78 from Addison Alonzo.The Blue Dragons finished at 889 (+25). No. 9-ranked Iowa Western shot 291 on Tuesday and defeated the Blue Dragons by seven strokes for the District at 882.Iowa Western, Hutchinson, Indian Hills, Dodge City and Garden City are the five teams to qualify for nationals from the Central District.The Blue Dragons won their third-straight Region VI title and 21st in program history with an 11-stroke victory over Dodge City. Both Dodge City and Garden City posted team scores of 303 on Tuesday. The Conquistadors closed at 893 and Broncbusters at 898.This is the third time the Blue Dragons have won three-straight Region VI team championships. Hutchinson also three-peated in the region in 1993-95 and 2007-09.Hutchinson finished as a district team runner-up for the fourth time in program history (1998, 2014 and 2019).Crockett repeated as both the District and Region VI individual champion with a two-stroke victory over Indian Hills’ Fran Vucic. Crockett shot 1-over 73 on Tuesday and finished at even-par 216 to win his second-straight tournament.Crockett is the fourth Blue Dragon to win the District and the 10th Blue Dragon to win a Region VI individual championship. Crockett joins Alex Wasinger (2007 and 2008) as Blue Dragons to repeat as a regional champion.Crockett is also the third-straight Blue Dragons to win both the District and Regional championships. Crockett’s brother, Charlie, won both titles in 2019. The 2020 season was canceled because of the Coronavirus Pandemic.Crockett and Partridge both earned All-District and All-Region first-team honors with Top 5 finishes on Tuesday.Partridge shot 72 on Tuesday to finish fifth at 4-over 220. Saffel tied for 12th at 9-over 225. Alonzo tied for 21st at 12-over 228. Dominic Clemons shot 82 on Tuesday and finished 36th at 243.

⛳ Dragon golf headed to nationals; Crockett wins individually

Carol E Lambert, 83, of Hutchinson, passed April 22, 2022, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, Buhler. She was born July 13, 1938, to Arthur and Thelma (Byron) Wipf.

Carol graduated from Nickerson High School in 1956, Hutchinson Community College in 1958, and Sterling College in 1966. She was a teacher at Burrton for three years and at Nickerson for 34 years.

On August 8, 1958, Carol married Ronald Sherman Lambert, in Hutchinson. Together they had one son. Ronald passed away July 11, 2004.

Carol is survived by: son, Sherman Lambert (Sandy), Hutchinson; granddaughter, Rebecca Baetz (Kenton), Smith Center; grandsons, Joshua Lambert (Lana), Inman, Robert Luce (Traci), Wichita, Kenneth Luce (Traci), Hutchinson; seven great-grandchildren, Kaden and Brysen Baetz, Dalton, Devin, Makayla, Amelia, and Peyton Luce; sisters, Rheta Carter, Dinah McHome, both of Bakersfield, California, Charlotte Finical, Arizona; and brother, Byron Wipf.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; and great-grandson, Cole Garrett Luce.

Graveside service will be 1 pm Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Carol E Lambert, 83, of Hutchinson, passed April 22, 2022, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, Buhler. She was born July 13, 1938, to Arthur and Thelma (Byron) Wipf.Carol graduated from Nickerson High School in 1956, Hutchinson Community College in 1958, and Sterling College in 1966. She was a teacher at Burrton for three years and at Nickerson for 34 years.On August 8, 1958, Carol married Ronald Sherman Lambert, in Hutchinson. Together they had one son. Ronald passed away July 11, 2004.Carol is survived by: son, Sherman Lambert (Sandy), Hutchinson; granddaughter, Rebecca Baetz (Kenton), Smith Center; grandsons, Joshua Lambert (Lana), Inman, Robert Luce (Traci), Wichita, Kenneth Luce (Traci), Hutchinson; seven great-grandchildren, Kaden and Brysen Baetz, Dalton, Devin, Makayla, Amelia, and Peyton Luce; sisters, Rheta Carter, Dinah McHome, both of Bakersfield, California, Charlotte Finical, Arizona; and brother, Byron Wipf.She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; and great-grandson, Cole Garrett Luce.Graveside service will be 1 pm Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may call from 9 am to 5 pm Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Carol E Lambert  |1938-2022|  

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Sophomore Jack Torosian’s walkoff single to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning capped a four-run comeback for the Hutchinson Community College baseball team on Monday in a doubleheader sweep of the Sterling College Junior Varsity at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Blue Dragons took advantage of 12 free baserunners, while Will Edmunson and Landon Snyder combined for a six-hit shutout in a 12-0 Hutchinson run-rule win in five innings in the opening game.

Hutchinson then built a 6-0 lead through three innings only to see Sterling take a three-run lead after a nine-run fourth inning. Trailing by four runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Dragons tied the game and walked off for an 11-10 win in eight innings in Game 2.

The Blue Dragons are now a season-high seven games over .500 at 27-20. The Dragon open a four-game Jayhawk West series with the Pratt Beavers on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.

The Blue Dragons took advantage of 12 free baserunners in Game nine – nine walks and three hit batsmen – in their run-rule victory in the first game on Monday.

The Dragons scores four runs in the first on a two-run Ben McLaughlin double, P.J. Loucks sacrifice fly and Daniel Beebe RBI single. The Dragons added three more runs in the second – Braedyn Sommer scored on a wild pitch, Loucks had a second sacrifice fly and Bodi Wallar drove in a run with a single – for a 7-0 lead.

After the first two batters were retired in the fourth, eight Hutchinson players reached in a five-run inning. All the runs came on bases-loaded walks to Beebe, Bryce Logan, Sommer and McLaughlin and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to pinch-hitter Carter Booe.

Beebe was 2 for 2 with two RBIs to lead the seven-hit attack by the Blue Dragons. McLaughlin was 1 for 3 with a game-high three RBIs. Loucks had two RBIs on a pair of sacrifice flies. Seven different Blue Dragons had at least one RBI in the first game.

The Blue Dragons had six stolen bases. Sommer had a career high with four steals.

Edmondson (2-0) earned a win in his second-straight start with four shutout innings. Edmonson allowed six hits and two walks with six strikeouts. He pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the first with a strikeout, and then started a 1-5-6 double play in the second to keep the Warriors off the board.

Snyder had two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 fifth inning.

Trailing 10-6 entering the bottom of the seventh, the Blue Dragons score four runs in the inning to force extra innings. McLaughlin had an RBI single, Torosian had an RBI triple and then scored on a wild pitch to cut the Sterling lead to 10-9.

The Dragons tied the game at 10-all on Sterling Sutcliffe’s two-out RBI single that scored Kael Babin.

With one out in the eighth, McLaughlin drew a walk and stole second base. He scored the winning run and Torosian lined a base hit to right field for the walk-off win.

Kael Babin, who snapped an 0 for 17 streak in Game 1, went 2 for 3 with three runs and a career-best three stolen bases in Game 2.

Sutcliffe was 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs. Sutcliffe now has 14 RBIs in his last five games.

Wallar was 2 for 3 with two doubles and an RBI.

Torosian was 2 for 2 with a triple and two RBIs.

Brady Beverman (3-1) pitched a spotless top of the eight to earn the win. Noah Kelley worked 3 2-3 innings out of the bullpen to keep the Dragons in the game. Kelley allowed one earned run on four hits.

Starter Luke Hornberger faced the minimum through the first three innings with five strikeouts and only one hit allowed.

Sterling rallied from six runs down with a nine-run fourth inning. Thanks to four errors, all nine runs were unearned. The Dragons added to the Warriors’ rally with four walks. Sterling had just three hits in the inning.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650970552149.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Sophomore Jack Torosian’s walkoff single to right field in the bottom of the eighth inning capped a four-run comeback for the Hutchinson Community College baseball team on Monday in a doubleheader sweep of the Sterling College Junior Varsity at Hobart-Detter Field.The Blue Dragons took advantage of 12 free baserunners, while Will Edmunson and Landon Snyder combined for a six-hit shutout in a 12-0 Hutchinson run-rule win in five innings in the opening game.Hutchinson then built a 6-0 lead through three innings only to see Sterling take a three-run lead after a nine-run fourth inning. Trailing by four runs in the bottom of the seventh, the Dragons tied the game and walked off for an 11-10 win in eight innings in Game 2.The Blue Dragons are now a season-high seven games over .500 at 27-20. The Dragon open a four-game Jayhawk West series with the Pratt Beavers on Thursday at Hobart-Detter Field.GAME 1 RECAPThe Blue Dragons took advantage of 12 free baserunners in Game nine – nine walks and three hit batsmen – in their run-rule victory in the first game on Monday.The Dragons scores four runs in the first on a two-run Ben McLaughlin double, P.J. Loucks sacrifice fly and Daniel Beebe RBI single. The Dragons added three more runs in the second – Braedyn Sommer scored on a wild pitch, Loucks had a second sacrifice fly and Bodi Wallar drove in a run with a single – for a 7-0 lead.After the first two batters were retired in the fourth, eight Hutchinson players reached in a five-run inning. All the runs came on bases-loaded walks to Beebe, Bryce Logan, Sommer and McLaughlin and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch to pinch-hitter Carter Booe.Beebe was 2 for 2 with two RBIs to lead the seven-hit attack by the Blue Dragons. McLaughlin was 1 for 3 with a game-high three RBIs. Loucks had two RBIs on a pair of sacrifice flies. Seven different Blue Dragons had at least one RBI in the first game.The Blue Dragons had six stolen bases. Sommer had a career high with four steals.Edmondson (2-0) earned a win in his second-straight start with four shutout innings. Edmonson allowed six hits and two walks with six strikeouts. He pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the first with a strikeout, and then started a 1-5-6 double play in the second to keep the Warriors off the board.Snyder had two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 fifth inning.GAME 2 RECAPTrailing 10-6 entering the bottom of the seventh, the Blue Dragons score four runs in the inning to force extra innings. McLaughlin had an RBI single, Torosian had an RBI triple and then scored on a wild pitch to cut the Sterling lead to 10-9.The Dragons tied the game at 10-all on Sterling Sutcliffe’s two-out RBI single that scored Kael Babin.With one out in the eighth, McLaughlin drew a walk and stole second base. He scored the winning run and Torosian lined a base hit to right field for the walk-off win.The Blue Dragons had 12 hits in Game 2.Kael Babin, who snapped an 0 for 17 streak in Game 1, went 2 for 3 with three runs and a career-best three stolen bases in Game 2.Sutcliffe was 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs. Sutcliffe now has 14 RBIs in his last five games.Wallar was 2 for 3 with two doubles and an RBI.Torosian was 2 for 2 with a triple and two RBIs.Brady Beverman (3-1) pitched a spotless top of the eight to earn the win. Noah Kelley worked 3 2-3 innings out of the bullpen to keep the Dragons in the game. Kelley allowed one earned run on four hits.Starter Luke Hornberger faced the minimum through the first three innings with five strikeouts and only one hit allowed.Sterling rallied from six runs down with a nine-run fourth inning. Thanks to four errors, all nine runs were unearned. The Dragons added to the Warriors’ rally with four walks. Sterling had just three hits in the inning.

Dragon baseball rallies in Game 2 to sweep the Sterling JV

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Community College softball team climbed five spots to No. 15 in the latest NJCAA Division I softball rankings on Monday.

Ranked for the second time this season, the No. 15 rankings is the highest the Blue Dragons have been ranked since a No. 18 ranking in the Division II poll at the end of the 2018 season. This is also the highest the Blue Dragons have been ranked in a Division I poll since they were ranked No. 8 at the end of the 1988 season.

The Blue Dragons are 34-6 overall and are in second place in the Jayhawk Conference at 25-3. The Blue Dragons have won eight games in a row and have won 21 of their last 23 games.

The Dragons close out the regular season this week with a pair of road doubleheaders – on Wednesday at Seward County and on Saturday at Pratt.

Yavapai College remains the No. 1 in the NJCAA Division I rankings. Florida Southwestern State is second and Wallace State is third.

Butler is the only other Jayhawk Conference team. The Grizzlies are No. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1650970389470.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
The Hutchinson Community College softball team climbed five spots to No. 15 in the latest NJCAA Division I softball rankings on Monday.Ranked for the second time this season, the No. 15 rankings is the highest the Blue Dragons have been ranked since a No. 18 ranking in the Division II poll at the end of the 2018 season. This is also the highest the Blue Dragons have been ranked in a Division I poll since they were ranked No. 8 at the end of the 1988 season.The Blue Dragons are 34-6 overall and are in second place in the Jayhawk Conference at 25-3. The Blue Dragons have won eight games in a row and have won 21 of their last 23 games.The Dragons close out the regular season this week with a pair of road doubleheaders – on Wednesday at Seward County and on Saturday at Pratt.Yavapai College remains the No. 1 in the NJCAA Division I rankings. Florida Southwestern State is second and Wallace State is third.Butler is the only other Jayhawk Conference team. The Grizzlies are No. 6.

Dragon softball now No. 15

HASTINGS, Nebraska – Harry Crockett’s 2-under round of 70 on Monday afternoon gave the No. 3-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team the narrowest of leads entering the final round of the NJCAA District III (Central District)/Region VI Championships at Lochland Country Club.

Under cool and breezy scoring conditions, the Blue Dragons posted rounds of 298 and 291 for a 36-hole total of 13-over par 589.

The Blue Dragons have a one-stroke lead over second-place Dodge City at 590 (301-289). Iowa Western is third at 591 (301-290). Garden City is fourth at 595 (300-295) and Indian Hills is fifth at 596 (304-292). Barton is sixth at 613.

The top five teams earn bids to the NJCAA Division I Championship in May in Odessa, Texas

The final round is an 8 a.m. shotgun start on Tuesday.

Crockett opened the district tournament with a 1-over 73 on Monday morning on the Par-72 Lochland Country Club course. He posted one of only four scored under par on Monday, closing with a 2-under 70. Crockett is tied with Iowa Western’s Thomas Craig for the individual lead.

Crockett is the defending District III/Region VI individual champion.

The Blue Dragons have three players in the Top 10 after 36 holes.

Both Ben Partridge and Blake Saffel are part of an eight-way tie for fourth place at 4-over 148. Partridge shot rounds of 75 and 73. Saffell had back-to-back rounds of 74.

Sophomore Addison Alonzo is tied for 14th at 150 (76-74).

Freshman Dominic Clemons is 35th at 161 (79-82).

STEVE CARPENTER HutchCC Sports InformationHASTINGS, Nebraska – Harry Crockett’s 2-under round of 70 on Monday afternoon gave the No. 3-ranked Hutchinson Community College men’s golf team the narrowest of leads entering the final round of the NJCAA District III (Central District)/Region VI Championships at Lochland Country Club.Under cool and breezy scoring conditions, the Blue Dragons posted rounds of 298 and 291 for a 36-hole total of 13-over par 589.The Blue Dragons have a one-stroke lead over second-place Dodge City at 590 (301-289). Iowa Western is third at 591 (301-290). Garden City is fourth at 595 (300-295) and Indian Hills is fifth at 596 (304-292). Barton is sixth at 613.The top five teams earn bids to the NJCAA Division I Championship in May in Odessa, TexasThe final round is an 8 a.m. shotgun start on Tuesday.Crockett opened the district tournament with a 1-over 73 on Monday morning on the Par-72 Lochland Country Club course. He posted one of only four scored under par on Monday, closing with a 2-under 70. Crockett is tied with Iowa Western’s Thomas Craig for the individual lead.Crockett is the defending District III/Region VI individual champion.The Blue Dragons have three players in the Top 10 after 36 holes.Both Ben Partridge and Blake Saffel are part of an eight-way tie for fourth place at 4-over 148. Partridge shot rounds of 75 and 73. Saffell had back-to-back rounds of 74.Sophomore Addison Alonzo is tied for 14th at 150 (76-74).Freshman Dominic Clemons is 35th at 161 (79-82).

Dragons take slim lead into District final round

HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
As the Kansas Legislature gavels back in for their veto session Monday, it's important to note that test scores for students have not gotten better in recent years.

"Are assessments rising or falling?" asked the KASB's Mark Tallman. "Since we've started this system in 2015, there has been a decline. The debate is over what has been the reason for that. There was a bigger decline in last year's scores from two years before, which most people ascribe to the COVID pandemic."

It's important to note that getting a college ready score on the state's standardized tests is more difficult in Kansas than other states.

"Our tests, relatively speaking, are very hard to hit the accepted standard," Tallman said. "If you want to think of it, to pass, or to get kind of a good grade, they are tough tests compared to others."

The question is, do those level 2 kids that don't test to college ready still succeed in life?

"Regardless of test scores, our overall educational attainment, in other words, how many kids graduate high school, how many kids go on to college or other post-secondary, you know, trade schools," Tallman said. "Counting all of that, we have never had as many people in Kansas with education levels that we have now."

According to recently released American Community Survey figures from the 2020 census, Kansas best performance for 18-24-year-olds is in the percentage with any postsecondary education, from a few college courses to a graduate degree. That percentage increased from census to census from 56.5 to 58.8 percent, ranking 10th in the nation. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648234906372.jpg" alt="bus, school, transportation" />
 <figcaption>bus, school, transportation</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
As the Kansas Legislature gavels back in for their veto session Monday, it's important to note that test scores for students have not gotten better in recent years."Are assessments rising or falling?" asked the KASB's Mark Tallman. "Since we've started this system in 2015, there has been a decline. The debate is over what has been the reason for that. There was a bigger decline in last year's scores from two years before, which most people ascribe to the COVID pandemic."It's important to note that getting a college ready score on the state's standardized tests is more difficult in Kansas than other states."Our tests, relatively speaking, are very hard to hit the accepted standard," Tallman said. "If you want to think of it, to pass, or to get kind of a good grade, they are tough tests compared to others."The question is, do those level 2 kids that don't test to college ready still succeed in life?"Regardless of test scores, our overall educational attainment, in other words, how many kids graduate high school, how many kids go on to college or other post-secondary, you know, trade schools," Tallman said. "Counting all of that, we have never had as many people in Kansas with education levels that we have now."According to recently released American Community Survey figures from the 2020 census, Kansas best performance for 18-24-year-olds is in the percentage with any postsecondary education, from a few college courses to a graduate degree. That percentage increased from census to census from 56.5 to 58.8 percent, ranking 10th in the nation.