K-State News and Communication Services

MANHATTAN — As Kansas State University's 2022-2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/provost/enrichment/scholars/" target="_blank">Coffman Chair for Distinguished Teaching Scholars</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/polsci/faculty-staff/birkhead-nathaniel.html" target="_blank">Nate Birkhead</a>&nbsp;will assess experiential learning at the university, including identifying and assessing where its use is most successful and developing recommendations for ensuring its most effective use. The Coffman chair was created in 1995 to highlight K-State's commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and learning. Each chair is an acknowledged leading teaching scholar and is provided the time and resources to conduct a research project or develop programs to improve educational methods at the university. Recipients retain the title of teaching scholar throughout their career at K-State. Birkhead is an associate professor of political science who teaches about the American political system at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He also serves as director of his department's undergraduate internship program. He helps around 35 students a year earn credit for serving internships with various political organizations, including in congressional and state legislative offices, the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security, and a number of various interest groups such as the Kansas Farm Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce. His research and interest in effective pedagogy — including the use of experiential learning techniques in his courses — and engaging undergraduates in research are among the reasons Birkhead wanted to serve as Coffman Chair for Distinguished Teaching Scholars. "Beyond my role as internship director, I regularly use experiential learning in class, whether it is in the form of involving students in research projects or through hands-on applications of course concepts," Birkhead said. "I am certainly not alone in utilizing experiential learning as a part of pedagogical practice, but the science of teaching and learning still has many questions on how exactly instructors can tailor experiential learning to suit pedagogical goals. That is, I know that what we're doing is valuable, but I want to help add to our understanding of when and what kinds of experiential learning opportunities are going to offer the best utility for students and instructors." During the first two months of Birkhead's term as Coffman chair, he will develop a survey for K-State faculty across disciplines to determine what types and how common experiential learning techniques are used in their fields, as well as the and the nature of experiential learning opportunities most used in their subjects. A teaching assistant will be hired to help Birkhead administer the survey. The second phase of his Coffman chair term will be used to assess experiential learning techniques. Birkhead will work with professors identified in his first phase who use such techniques so he can develop pre-test and post-test measures of learning outcomes to assess the effectiveness of each technique. "While implementation of experiential learning techniques has been common across the country, what has not kept pace has been assessment of these techniques' effectiveness," Birkhead said. "There are many studies that show students have positive experiences with outside engagement — including my own research on this topic — but many questions remain." Birkhead also will use the survey to compile a directory of faculty across campus using experiential learning techniques who can serve as contacts for other faculty members considering adding or revising an experiential learning component to their courses. He also plans to share results from his Coffman project in a pedagogical journal. Birkhead, who joined K-State in 2012, has previously been recognized as one of K-State's top teachers, earning the Commerce Bank and W.T. Kemper Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award in 2016 and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2017. He also received an Open/Alternative Textbook Award in 2018. Along with teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Birkhead is sought after for student mentoring and research. He serves as a research mentor to students who are working on projects as part of the College of Arts and Sciences' undergraduate research program. Recently, he received a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/2019-10/open_network_grant101619.html" target="_blank">National Science Foundation grant</a>&nbsp;and hired seven students to help him with data collection for the project to develop an open knowledge network for public policy. He has also served as a research mentor for the Manhattan High School University Level Research Mentorship program. Birkhead's work has been published in serval leading journals, including Political Research Quarterly, Legislative Studies Quarterly and American Politics Research. He is the co-author of the book "Congress in Reverse: Repeals from Reconstruction to the Present," published in 2020 by the University of Chicago Press. He also has given invited talks across the nation on effective teaching and more.

A native of Colorado, Birkhead earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Colorado and a doctorate in political science from Indiana University.&nbsp;

Effective experiential learning will be focus of K-State's new Coffman chair, Nate Birkhead

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Nearly five hundred students walked across the stage in Bramlage Coliseum Saturday for the College of Arts and Sciences Commencement ceremony.

Students were presented diploma covers signifying their success in meeting graduation requirements for one of the more than 50-degree pathways in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“You just talk about graduation all four years and then all of the sudden you’re there. So, it was…it’s incredible, I’m so happy.” Kansas State University graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Art, Gillian Nichols says.

“I am happy I’ll never have to see a final again, that’s how I feel.” Kansas State University graduate, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, Christopher Reardon says.

Kansas State University hosted seven graduation ceremonies throughout the day on Saturday honoring Spring 2022 graduates. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates later this month.

K-State hosts graduation ceremonies

By EMILY HALSTEAD K-State Research and Extension news service&nbsp;

MANHATTAN — Storm season can be stressful for many reasons, but for Kansas gardeners, protecting their plants is a priority.&nbsp;

With Kansas’ storm season in full swing, Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham has tips on how to protect and recover gardens from severe weather damage.&nbsp;

“We are entering storm season and various areas of the state will likely have high winds, excessive rainfall and hail,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The force of rainfall pounding on the soil can result in a thick crust that prevents seed emergence and partially blocks oxygen from reaching roots,” Upham said. Correcting this issue is as easy as lightly scraping the soil surface after is has dried. Upham cautions deep tiling as it could damage young, tender roots.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Standing water cuts off oxygen to the roots, which can result in plant damage if it doesn’t drain quickly enough,” he said. Plants can sometimes handle 24 hours of standing water, but hot weather following the rainfall can cause the water to become hot enough to ‘cook’ the plants.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“There isn’t much that can be done about this unless a channel can be cut to allow the water to drain,” Upham said.&nbsp;

Hail damaged plants should recover quickly as long as only the leaves were damaged. If stems and fruit were damaged the situation may become more serious. “The plant can recover from a few bruises, but if it looks like the plants were mowed down by a weed whip, replanting is in order,” Upham said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Either wind or water can cause plants to lean,” Upham said “They should start to straighten after a few days.” He does not recommend trying to bend them back as the plants often break easily.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is&nbsp;available to view online&nbsp;or can be delivered by email each week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:wupham@ksu.edu">wupham@ksu.edu</a>, or contact your&nbsp;local K-State Research and Extension office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tips on protecting gardens during storm season

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

JOHNNAE JANESSA BISIO, 22, Junction City, Failure to Appear(5x); Bond $15,000

CHARLES RAY SHELBY, 58, Manhattan,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $1000

JOSEPH JAMES STEPNEY, 43, Manhattan,&nbsp;Aggravated assault of LEO; Use of a deadly weapon, Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Bond $14,000

DAVID ALAN SMILEY, 66, Ogden,&nbsp;Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption, Driving while suspended; 1st conviction Criminal trespass; Remain in defiance of order by owner and Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $6000

DARYL BENOIT, 22, Fort Riley,&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $1500

DAVIYON TERRELL WILLIAMS, 20, Topeka, Probation Violation; Bond $258.00

LUIS ELICEO OTERO, 38, Loveland, CO.,&nbsp;Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Bond $1000

Riley County Arrest Report May 15

&nbsp;Second floor renovation project for the Flint Hills Discovery Center

At 10 a.m. May 27, the Flint Hills Discovery Center will celebrate the grand opening of Prairie Playscape, a complete renovation of the second-floor children’s area. This new exhibit fulfills the original vision of the Discovery Center to enhance the connection of children to the Flint Hills.

The FHDC Foundation has been working towards this renovation since 2019. With more than 60 individual donors, grants, and foundations, and a fundraising goal of $1.5 million, Prairie Playscape is the single largest project to date for the Foundation. No taxpayer money was used.

Prairie Playscape is an interactive, hands-on exhibit for kids. It features three themed areas – exploring the land, working the land, and sharing the land – where children can learn about the Kansas Flint Hills. With 13 new interactive stations, Prairie Playscape will provide endless entertainment and education for children of all ages.

“Prairie Playscape was created to help children celebrate the Flint Hills,” Bruce Snead, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation President, said. “The Foundation will be forever grateful to donors who made this project possible”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about the Prairie Playscape Grand Opening, contact Foundation Director, Lesley White at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fhdcfoundation1@gmail.com">fhdcfoundation1@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;or 785-748-1275.

The FHDC Foundation functions to advance the mission and work of the Flint Hills Discovery Center through dynamic and vibrant development programs which identify, cultivate, solicit and express appreciation to donors of the Foundation. The Foundation seeks capital and programming, along with deferred and endowed gifts in support of the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

Flint Hills Discovery Center Prairie Playscape grand opening scheduled

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Recent obituaries and service times

K-State News and Communications Services

MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's 2022&nbsp;Presidential&nbsp;Awards&nbsp;are going to three individuals for their teaching or leadership excellence.

<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/academics/clinical-sciences/faculty-staff/faculty/davis/" target="_blank">Elizabeth Davis</a>, professor and head of the clinical sciences department and director of the Veterinary Health Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is the recipient of the&nbsp;Presidential&nbsp;Award for Outstanding Department Head.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.math.ksu.edu/people/gradstudents.html" target="_blank">Elizabeth Hale</a>, doctoral student and graduate teaching assistant in mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences, is the winner of the&nbsp;Presidential&nbsp;Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a Graduate Teaching Assistant.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.hhs.k-state.edu/fndh/about/people/lyarrow/" target="_blank">Linda Yarrow</a>, instructor of food, nutrition, dietetics and health in the College of Health and Human Services, is receiving the&nbsp;Presidential&nbsp;Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Each award includes a $5,000 honorarium sponsored by the university president's office and Curtin Property Company, a real estate development firm with offices in Manhattan and Kansas City.

KSU 2022 Presidential Awards honor outstanding teaching, leadership

(Riley County, KS - May 13, 2022) Riley County Commissioners have announced that Anna Burson has accepted the position of County Appraiser. She will start on May 16th. As County Appraiser, Burson will establish market values for real estate and personal property as defined by Kansas statutes,&nbsp; lead the Appraiser’s Office and be responsible for the listing, classification, and appraisal of all real estate and tangible personal property in Riley County.&nbsp; “I am confident that Anna will be a great fit for Riley County,” said Riley County Commissioner John Ford. “She brings an impressive level of professionalism and experience to the role and her friendly and engaging personality will make her a great spokesperson for the department.”&nbsp; &nbsp; Burson’s professional history includes three years of experience as Deputy County Appraiser for Cowley County and six years as Senior Residential Appraiser for Sedgwick County. She holds a Registered Mass Appraiser (RMA) Designation from the Kansas Department of Revenue as well as a Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES) Designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). Burson currently serves as an Executive Board Member of the South Central Chapter of the IAAO.&nbsp; &nbsp; “I am grateful for the opportunity to follow in Greg McHenry’s footsteps. He set the standard as a leader within the industry,” said Anna Burson. “I look forward to working with the skilled staff both maintaining the work that has been done and looking to the future. Have you ever been somewhere that just feels like home? That’s how I felt the first time I visited Manhattan and I’m excited to be a part of the community.”&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Greg McHenry served in the role of Riley County Appraiser for 16 years before his passing this February.&nbsp;

Anna Burson Selected as Riley County Appraiser

BRIANNA MONIQUE LITTLE, 30, Fort Riley,&nbsp;&nbsp;Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol; 1st conv; blood/breath .08 or &gt;; Bond $750

BAILEY MARIE COLLIER, 19, Fort Riley, Failure to Appear; Bond $760

Riley County Arrest Report May 14

Geary County Sheriff's Department authorities have recovered the remains of a man last seen swimming to shore in Milford Lake on April 30.

With help from Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Parks Division, members of the Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit and Sheriff's Office / Junction City Fire Department dive team recovered&nbsp; the remains of Jesse Paul Sockness, 41, of Lawrence. The recovery occurred after boaters saw his body floating in the water about 300 yards north of where Sockness was suspected of entering the water. The location was in the Curtis Creek area on the west side of Milford Lake.

Deputies had responded to Eagle Ridge Campground in Milford State Park at 3:29 p.m. on April 30 for a woman who had drifted into shoreline in a homemade water vessel.&nbsp;

According to the Sheriff's Department, the woman said at that time that she and a man ( Sockness ) were walking the shoreline near Curtis Creek when they located a water vessel made from 55 gallon drums and 2x4 lumber. The couple entered the water in the vessel when they were caught by the wind and were being pulled toward the main body of the lake. The man jumped into the water to swim to shore to call for help. He was last seen in the water as the woman drifted away in the vessel.

The incident is being investigated as an accidental drowning, pending autopsy results.

Authorities locate remains of a drowning victim at Milford Lake

CHASE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Chase County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) are investigating shooting that occurred early Friday morning along Kansas Highway 150 in Chase County, according to a media release from the agency.

Just 6:15 a.m., the Chase County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a man reporting that a passenger in their vehicle had been shot. Deputies from the Chase County Sheriff’s Office and KHP troopers responded to mile marker 13 on Highway 150. 

Upon arrival they found a 33-year-old man, from Emporia, suffering from a gunshot wound to his right hip. EMS transported the victim to an Emporia hospital.

KBI agents responded to the scene. After conducting a preliminary investigation it appears that four men were carpooling to work from Emporia, heading west toward McPherson in a grey 2015 Nissan Murano. 

As the SUV’s driver passed a black 2015 Ford Explorer, that appeared broke down on the side of the road, the occupants in the Murano heard loud bangs. Then the rear right passenger realized that he had been shot.

When law enforcement officers examined the Ford Explorer it was unoccupied, so they began searching the pasture areas around the highway. After searching for a while, they found a 38-year-old male suspect, from Milford, Kansas, lying face down and unconscious in a creek. They administered naloxone which revived him. He was then transported to the hospital in Emporia.

Authorities conducted an extensive search of the scene and located a handgun in the water, not far from where the suspect was discovered.

The man who was shot was treated for his injuries and has been released from the hospital. The suspect remains hospitalized. It is not believed that the two men had any prior contact.

KBI: Man from Milford involved in shooting on Kan. highway

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas State men’s basketball players&nbsp;Markquis Nowell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ismael (Ish) Massoud&nbsp;met with the media on Friday afternoon (May 13) to discuss the transition to new head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang&nbsp;and his coaching staff, spring workouts with just two players and a look ahead to the 2022-23 season.

Nowell is coming off a stellar season in 2021-22, in which, the transfer earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and Big 12 All-Defensive Team honors after placing in the league’s top-15 in scoring (12th/12.4 ppg.) and top-5 in assists (2nd/5.0 apg.), steals (1st/2.2 spg.) and assist-to-turnover ratio (2nd/1.97). In addition to leading the Wildcats in assists and steals, he was second in 3-point field goals (43) and free throws (68) and third in scoring, double-digit scoring games (19) and 20-point games (3). He also posted three double-doubles (points/assists), which are the most such double-doubles in school history for both a career and a single season.

Massoud was one of just two Wildcats to see action in all 31 games in 2021-22, starting 18. He had a strong ending to the season, averaging 10.7 points on 45.5 percent (10-of-22) shooting and 4.0 rebounds per game in the last 3 games, including 13 points vs. West Virginia in the Big 12 Championship. He scored in double figures in 11 games, including 5 times in Big 12 play, with a season-high 17 points vs. Green Bay on Dec. 12. For the season, he averaged 6.8 points on 36.3 percent (70-of-193) shooting, including 33.3 percent (36-of-108) from 3-point range, to go with 2.8 rebounds and 0.7 steals in 24.3 minutes per game.

Nowell and Massoud completed semester exams on Friday (May 13) and will now have a few weeks off before the summer session begins on Monday, June 6.

MARKQUIS NOWELL, RISING SENIOR GUARD

On the strangeness of spring workouts with just two players...

“We still found ways to get better. All you need is a coaching staff, and you&nbsp;are still getting better each and every day. It doesn't matter how many people are here, we still stick (to the same routine) until you know our normal routine. We are just playing the waiting game and eventually we'll have enough pieces to where we can do some team activities, but the grind doesn’t stop. We’re still working, still doing everything that we need to do.”

On his involvement with recruiting….

“This is actually my choice. I wanted to be involved in recruitment (process) because I wanted to play along guys that I can trust, who could trust me right away, so it's been a fun process. It's been a good process. We got a couple of guys out of the portal like me and Ish, along some high school guys. It's been fun to get to know other players and how they think. It has been fun just being a part of how we build the process.”

On what it has been like to go from where you were a year ago to this year…

“It has been a fun challenge. But you know, my vision is not what God's vision is. So, whatever He wants to happen will happen. And that's how I live my day on a daily basis. Whatever I expected coming into this year, He didn't have planned for me, so it's going to eventually work itself out. We'll have the guys that we need to win. I trust Coach Tang and I trust everybody on the coaching staff, so you know, I have high hopes.”

On what the last few months have been like with Coach Tang…

“It's been a lot of fun. We've got a group of coaches who are genuine and hard working. They are probably one of the hardest working coaching staffs that I've been around. And, you know, they just made me feel at home. Nothing really changed for me. We just continue to keep working, continuing to keep helping each other to build this program back up. It's been a fun journey. It hasn't been devastating or depressing. It's been it's been a fun one.”

On what he has learned so far from Coach Tang…

“He has a winning mindset. The first couple of days I picked up a couple of his quotes but his mindset to certain things is just remarkable. I remember we were in the weight room working out and he came in and told us when we break the huddle instead of saying ‘1-2-3’ we are going to say ‘3-2-1’. I was thinking why is he saying that? He was like because we were never going be number three in anything, we want to be number one in everything we do and that really stuck with me. I'm like this guy really wants to win.”

On what a typical day has been of late…

“It's been finals week. It's been crazy. I got all my finals done (today). But now I can just wake up, come in, talk to the coaches see what they're doing, workout, go do some weight training and do treatment. I will stick to that routine each and every day from now on.”

On seeing nine teammates enter the transfer portal…

“I kind of expected it (with the coaching transition). It wasn't much of a reaction. It was more of how we can move forward. I knew I was going to stay. And I knew Ish was going to stay. So, I knew we had to do everything in our power to focus on what's in front of us. And that was only reaction.”

On where Coach Tang wants to see improvement from him next season…

“He just preaches consistency, winning the day, winning each and every drill, just continue to keep being me. And that's what I love about him the most because he preaches to be you and wherever you are, to be you and win the day. And over a long span of time, then you'll see the results.”

On what his role is during official visits…

“There is no specific role (with the recruits). We just go out to eat with them and have fun. We talk about certain experiences we share. We take them to the gym to workout and just be around them, show them love. Show them as much love as we can and make them feel at home. We don't try to convince anybody. But we just try to be ourselves and let them know what they can expect if they come here.”

On what you have found from the interactions with the incoming recruits…

“I noticed that everybody that has committed have the same mindset as me and that is to get better each and every day and that's a huge part of what this team is trying to rebuild and do. You know, we got guys like Cam Carter, who sat out much of the season last year and he just wants to come in and work. Jerrell Colbert, the same thing he sat out and wants to come in and work. All these guys just want to come in and get better. Leaders need to set their egos aside and just work and that's a huge part of where we need to be right now.”

On memorable quotes from Coach Tang so far…

“I can’t think of one at the moment. But has been a lot. He has a lot of gems. He has a lot of quotes. He is just a very good person.”

On comparing the pressure of finals week to the pressure of the last minute on the basketball floor…

“Finals week is tough. You want to make sure you do everything you can, just like you do at the end of a game. But I’m in a good position. I had a couple of papers to write and a couple of tests, but I’m glad that I’m done (for the semester) and now I can just focus on basketball.”

“Just getting some players here. That's probably priority number one and then just focusing on my health and adding little things to my game. Just trying to get better each and every day. As much as I can appreciate it.”

On the difference between Coach Weber and Coach Tang…

“That’s a hard one to answer. Obviously, I haven’t been around Coach Tang that long. But they’re very similar. They both want to win; they want to represent K-State Basketball in a first-class way and have a strong culture. I can’t imagine coaches that work as hard as they do. They both are very good people, and they want to help you outside of basketball and want to help others in the K-State community. I can’t find much of a difference.”

On what it means to be one of the pieces Coach Tang is building around…

“They would have had to do a lot to take me off this team. Because I was trying to stay. I know he was evaluating the team and trying to see who wanted to stay here. So, I’m honored that he wanted me to be a part of rebuilding this team. And I’m happy that he wanted Ish to stay as well because we are a tremendous combo. It’s been a crazy journey so far. I just have to keep working and getting better.”

On Nijel Pack deciding to transfer…

“I kind of knew is up in the air. I didn't know if he would stay or if he would leave. But once he entered the transfer portal, I knew he was not coming back. I knew he wanted to see other options. I'm super, super proud of him. And the decision he made, there is no love lost between me and him or between anybody that's on his team (that decided to transfer). At the end of the day, it was a business decision. You got to look at it that way. And you know, he's happy, we're happy. All we got to do is keep moving forward.”

On his relationship with the rest of the coaching staff…

“The coaching staff is just great. They are a bunch of masterminds that know basketball. Coach (Kevin) Sutton), we call him Mr. Miyagi because he is a very, very good trainer who knows what he is doing. Coach Jareem (Dowling), he knows what he is doing. He really knows how to recruit. Coach (Marco) Borne. I could go down the list, they are a bunch of great coaches. From top to bottom, they have all added value in their own way. So, I really liked them. I really enjoyed it. I’m really excited for the year. I think it’s going to be great.”

On if there is one signee you most excited to play with…

“I like all the guys, but I would say I’m excited to play with Nae’Qwan (Tomlin) because we come from similar backgrounds. We are both from New York. He really plays with that passion and joy and love for the game.”

ISH MASSOUD, RISING JUNIOR FORWARD

On his first impressions of Coach Tang…

“Like they say, your first impression is what’s really important and Coach had a strong first impression. From the moment he got here, he spoke to me about what we’re going to try and do as a program. He and the staff have done nothing but show us love and tell us how much they value us. I appreciate what he’s been trying to do with K-State basketball.”

On what the strangest thing about only having two guys around the complex every day…

“The gym has been a little emptier than has been (in the past). But Markquis and I are always in the gym. So, we are used to being in there by ourselves. I wouldn’t say it's strange. There's just not that many people to talk to other than ourselves.”

On being one of only two players with a new coaching staff…

“If anyone's familiar with my situation, my college career so far, you know that this is nothing new to me. I have been through this situation before (at Wake Forest). So myself, I try to evaluate what I can do to make the most challenging situation I'm given. I feel I'm optimistic about what the future holds especially because Markquis decided to stay as well. That's my brother. I’m pretty confident in my abilities as well as Markquis and I know what we are trying to do next year. I have faith in the coaches, so I’m optimistic (about the future).”

“It means a lot especially of where Coach came from and the pedigree in terms of the players he's coached. And obviously the program he's been a part of, so he's not just keeping us to be nice. It’s the reason Markquis and I wanted to stay because we will be better off here. It just shows that he sees something in both of us.”

On his relationship with Markquis Nowell…

“Markquis and I have a crazy relationship. It's almost like every other day where we find old pictures or videos, a person on the same course. So, we have a long history already and are pretty close. Every day, it is just he and I and the coaching staff, so that bond has only grown tighter.”

On if he has any fun Coach Tang stories yet…

“Not sure if it’s a funny story, but I kept seeing this car up at the training facility and I’m like ‘whose BMW is that?’ because that car is fire. (laughter). Then I found out that it was Coach’s. It was one of the things he bought for himself when he got the job. And I’m like that car is fire.”

On what he has been able to accomplish this spring with just two players…

“In a way it has been a big benefit for me because the coaches can focus their attention on just me and Markquis other than just recruiting new players. So, it has been big for our development. We can get better and learn to do better for next season. That’s something I really appreciate and value because it’s just more reps for me and more reps for Markquis.”

On if he and Markquis have found a way to scrimmage…

“I think we played one time when people were still on the roster. But since then, I’ve just been working on my game, trying to kill the gym three, four time

Nowell, Massoud Discuss New Coaching Staff, Look Forward to 2022-23 Season

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

After falling behind Omaha for a second time this season the Salina Liberty once again battled back but this time, came up just short in the fourth quarter falling to the Beef 14-11.

Salina falls to 4-3 on the season, dropping to fifth place in the CIF standings while the Beef move up to third at 5-3.

As expected both defenses came to play combining to allow fewer than 300 yards of total offense with each team finding the end zone just once throughout the contest.

Omaha would get their lone touchdown first as Deshawn Jones punched in a three-yard score on the ground to put the Beef on top 6-0 early in the first quarter.

Each team had more opportunities to strike but Andrew Jackson and Vincent Espinoza traded picks at the tail end of the first to keep any potential points off the board.

From there, the two teams traded just a field goal apiece and went to the locker room with Omaha ahead 9-3.

Out of the break, the defensive dominance continued as the two once again traded interceptions to start the half.

The Beef were able to scrap together two field goals and a safety in the second half to take a critical two-possession lead into the back end of the fourth quarter.

Salina would finally find paydirt as Espinoza connected with Anthony Love in the red zone and a two-point conversion made it 14-11 in the final minute, but it proved to be too little too late.

The Liberty will be back in action on Saturday, May 21 when they travel to Sioux City for a revenge game against the Bandits.

Liberty drop defensive duel with Omaha

Manhattan ( 17-3 ) drew the top seed in their 6A regional boys baseball tournament. The Indians will host the regional on Wednesday, and will meet Wichita Southeast ( 2-18 ) in a first round game. The other half of the bracket finds Wichita Heights ( 12-8 ) meeting Wichita Northwest ( 10-10 ). The championship game will also be Wednesday.

In softball Manhattan ( 14-6 ) will play Hutchinson ( 8-12 ) and Derby ( 17-3 ) will host Wichita Southeast ( 6-14 ) on Thursday in Derby. The championship game will also be played on Thursday.

KSHSAA releases baseball and softball regional pairings

With just four games to play in the regular season, the 4-2 Salina Liberty will begin a long road stretch with a Saturday evening showdown against the Omaha Beef.

Salina took the first meeting between the two back in March as the team pulled out a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the reigning champs 36-31.

“Most of these games come down to who makes more plays in the fourth quarter and in the first meeting with Omaha we got the big play when it mattered most to win it,” Salina Head Coach Heron O’Neal said.

The Liberty have been heating up at the right time, handing the Billings Outlaws their second loss of the season last week to advance to 4-2, vaulting themselves into third place in the CIF in the process.

“That was a great win in front of a great crowd,” O’Neal said. “Our defense and special teams played phenomenally and our offense woke up in the fourth quarter. It was great but we’re on to Omaha now.”

This iteration of the Beef will look much different from the one Salina faced in week two, and may look a lot more like the team they fell to in last year's CIF Championship game.

“Omaha got some big pieces back from last year’s team that they didn’t have on the roster the first time we played them,” he said. “This game will be a little bit different and we’ll have to make some adjustments.” The Liberty will have a few new faces to throw at Omaha themselves as rookie quarterback Vincent Espinoza prepares to make his third-ever CIF start hoping to remain undefeated in his Liberty career.

While Salina has won both games with Espinoza under center, ball protection and downfield vision will be paramount in a high-stakes game like this.

“We haven’t protected the football well in these last few games and we have to cut down on our turnovers and make better decisions,” O’Neal said. “With that being said we have to be willing to take our shots, we’ve left a lot of points on the board these last few weeks.”

On the other side the Liberty defense, which ranks best in the league allowing just 28 points per game, will once again be tasked with slowing quarterback Andrew Jackson. Jackson sits atop the league averaging 173 passing yards per game with a top-two touchdown tally of 22 this season.

“It all starts with finding ways to contain Jackson,” he said. “He was the offensive player of the year last year for a reason and we’ll have to play mistake play football while remaining aggressive on him.”

While Salina’s playoff hopes should be in good shape, the team remains laser-focused on taking things one game at a time and will have plenty of motivation to try and sweep the Beef in front of a rowdy Omaha crowd on Saturday.

Kickoff between the Liberty and Beef is set for 7:05 PM in Omaha and as always the game can be heard on KINA (910 AM or 107.5 FM) courtesy of Eagle Radio.

Fresh faces headline rematch between Liberty and Beef

DENVER (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a two-run homer and an RBI triple, Hunter Dozier had his first career five-hit game and the Kansas City Royals broke out of their offensive funk in a 14-10 victory over the bumbling Colorado Rockies. Ryan O’Hearn also homered, Michael A. Taylor had three hits and drove in two, and Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a two-run triple for the Royals, who entered the night with the second fewest runs in the majors. Brendan Rodgers hit a two-run homer, doubled twice and drove in four, and Sam Hilliard homered for the Rockies in their fifth straight loss.

Royals break out the offense

Despite a 2-2 start, several early-season suspensions, and the loss of both reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tyrie Adams and MVP Tracy Brooks, the Salina Liberty look like strong contenders again as the team heads into the final four games of their season.

When at full strength, the Liberty are a perfect 4-0 with big wins over two title rivals in Omaha and Billings, sitting in a tie for third going into the final month of the season at 4-2.

“We’ve faced a lot of adversity this year, some self-inflicted and some not, but I’ve been really proud of our guys for how they’ve handled that adversity,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “We’ve shown a lot of resolve and that all starts with our ownership group, our coaching staff, and our players who have stepped up when we’ve needed them.”

The Liberty returned a ton of talent from last year’s 9-1 squad, and that veteran leadership has been an anchor for the team throughout some of this year's storms.

“It’s definitely crucial to have people like K-Hop and Travis Taylor to anchor your defense and to have guys like Kelvin McCoy on offense,” O’Neal said. “Those are the guys that understand the way we do things and they’ve helped some of the younger guys to add their own leadership to this team.”

Among the newcomers on offense, Salina has gotten a big boost from Aleki Tapa on the O-Line, as well as Tre Griffin and Tristan Gould who stepped up big in Tracy Brooks’ absence.

“Our running backs outside of Tracy didn’t come in with a lot of hype but Tre has been top two in the league in every big stat category and Tristan has given us that power run game and has been big on special teams,” he said.

Salina also had to fill a hole left by quarterback Tyrie Adams, who signed a CFL contract with the Ottowa Redblacks, becoming the third member of the Liberty and the 64th player in the 17-year career of Heron O’Neal to sign at the next level.

“I’m so happy for Tyrie,” O’Neal said. “This is one of the biggest reasons I’m here. My philosophy is to win games but it’s also to get these kids opportunities to play at the next level. This is part of the Salina Liberty way.”

In Adams’ stead, Salina has turned to rookie QB Vincent Espinoza who has looked sharp in his first two CIF starts, helping lead the team to two wins to begin his Liberty career.

While the offense has gotten the job done this season, it has once again been the defense that the Liberty hang their hat on as Salina boasts one of the most formidable groups in the league.

The Liberty allow the fewest points per game in the CIF (28) and are top three in the league in interceptions, fumbles recovered, sacks, and yards allowed both on the ground and through the air.

Much of that success can be attributed to the aforementioned leadership of Kendrick Harper and Travis Taylor, but the team has also gotten big production from Tron Folsom and Dewayne Autrey as the Salina secondary has tallied twelve picks already.

This year's playoff format will see the top six teams in the CIF make the postseason with the top two earning byes.

Going into the final four games Sioux City leads the way at 6-0 followed by 5-2 Southwest Kansas, 4-2 Salina and Billings, and 4-3 Omaha.

The Liberty will face a road gauntlet down the stretch with trips to Omaha on the 14th, Sioux City on the 21st, and SW Kansas on June 4th with one final home game coming against Topeka on May 28th.

After surviving early season storms Salina looks strong amidst playoff push

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Taylor Hearn allowed only one hit in five scoreless innings, Brad Miller homered and the Texas Rangers defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1. The Royals’ first hit literally was off Hearn. Michael A. Taylor sent a liner up the middle off the pitcher’s leg that continued to the left of second base and into left field with two out in the second inning. Hearn walked three and struck out five. Joe Barlow pitched a scoreless ninth, retiring Whit Merrifield on a grounder with two runners on base, for his sixth save in six opportunities.

Strong pitching leads Texas past Kansas State 

Manhattan ( 17-3 )&nbsp; rolled by Junction City 9-2 and 12-2 in a baseball doubleheader Thursday.&nbsp;

Despite the losses Blue Jay coach James Denton thought his team played well. Denton noted in the first game Junction City ( 8-12 ) had just one bad inning. "The wind was blowing out about 30 miles per hour. We ended up giving up four home runs in one inning and it turned into an eight-spot for them."

Junction City took a 2-0 lead in the first inning in the second game but then gave up four walks in the bottom of the first inning including one run. Denton added that Manhattan had a four-run inning later in the game.

Both teams will prepare for regional tournament action next week.&nbsp;

Big innings lift Manhattan past Junction City in baseball

Manhattan defeated Junction City 10-6 and 11-0 on Senior Night for the Lady Jays at Cleary Field. Junction City coach Aaron Craig addressed the first game. The girls came out. It was white out, it was Senior Night, it's your rival. We did some really good things. We were in the game. " 

Craig noted that it was 3-2 until about the fourth inning, before Manhattan opened up a lead. Junction City tried to rally in the seventh inning when they scored four runs.

The second game was called after five innings due to a 10-run rule.

Junction City ( 6-12 ) plays at Washburn Rural on Friday.

Manhattan sweeps Junction City in softball

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Among those receiving degrees from Kansas State this weekend inside Bramlage Coliseum are 61 Wildcat student-athletes who competed during the 2021-22 school year.

Highlighting the 61 graduates this weekend are: 18 football players, 10 members of the rowing team, eight from women’s track and field, six from men’s track and field, five baseball players, four apiece from soccer and tennis, three volleyball players, two women’s basketball players and one women’s golfer.

During the 2021-22 academic year, K-State student-athletes have combined for 170 Academic All-Big 12 citations with baseball yet to be announced. The men’s track and field (23), women’s cross country (10) and women’s tennis (6) teams each either led the Big 12 or tied for the conference lead in academic honors this school year.

Additionally, the USTFCCA honored both Wildcat cross country squads as an Academic All-America team, the women’s golf program had all five eligible members receive Academic All-Big 12 accolades, and eight K-State student-athletes earned the 12th&nbsp;annual Dr. Gerald Lang Academic Achievement Award, the Big 12 Conference’s highest academic honor.

In the latest graduation rate data released by the NCAA in December, K-State’s all-sport graduation rate of 92% tied for the highest in department history, while eight programs recorded Big 12-best graduation figures.

SPRING 2022 STUDENT-ATHLETE GRADUATES:

Cartez Crook-Jones – Communications Studies

Ross Elder – Master’s in Business Administration

Cody Fletcher – Master’s in Business Administration

Kirmari Gainous – Human Development and Family Science

Noah Johnson – Master’s in Business Administration

KT Leveston – Human Development and Family Science

Logan Long – Grad Certificate in Public Administration

Jaylen Pickle – Management Information Systems

Spencer Trussell – Communication Studies

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