MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team has been selected to play in the 21st annual Hall of Fame Classic powered by ShotTracker, which is set for Monday-Tuesday, November 22-23, 2021 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This will be the third time that K-State has participated in the event.

K-State will be joined in the tournament by an impressive field, including 2021 No. 1 seed Illinois and Elite Eight participant Arkansas as well as American Athletic Conference Tournament runner-up Cincinnati. All four schools in the field rank in the Top 20 for all-time NCAA Tournament appearances – combining for 128 – with each advancing to 31 or more such appearances in their respective histories.

The semifinals will take place on the evening of Monday, November 22 at the T-Mobile Center with the consolation and championship games following on Tuesday, November 23. Specific matchups and game times will be announced later. All four games will air on ESPN networks.

<a>“We are excited about playing in the Hall of Fame Classic again and hopefully playing in front of a purple-packed T-Mobile Center,” said head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber. “Arkansas and Illinois should be preseason Top 20 teams and Cincinnati always has a quality team, so it will be one of the top preseason tournaments next season.”</a>

The two-day tournament is part of Kansas City’s Hall of Fame Weekend, which also includes the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021 induction celebration.

This will be the third time that K-State has participated in the event, advancing to the championship game in its previous two appearances before falling to Top 10 foes Duke (2010) and North Carolina (2015). The Wildcats won each of their semifinal matchups against Gonzaga (2010) and Missouri (2015).

Arkansas and Illinois are listed among the Top 25 in many “Way-Too-Early” preseason polls. The Razorbacks won 25 games and advanced to their first Elite Eight since 1995 under head coach&nbsp;Eric Musselman, while the Fighting Illini won 24 games and earned their first No. 1 seed since 2005 under K-State alum and head coach&nbsp;Brad Underwood. The Bearcats have won 20 or more games 10 times in the last 11 seasons and will be led by a first-year head coach in&nbsp;Wes Miller, who was recently hired from UNC Greensboro after earning five consecutive 20-win seasons, four regular-season conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619017992817.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team has been selected to play in the 21st annual Hall of Fame Classic powered by ShotTracker, which is set for Monday-Tuesday, November 22-23, 2021 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. This will be the third time that K-State has participated in the event.K-State will be joined in the tournament by an impressive field, including 2021 No. 1 seed Illinois and Elite Eight participant Arkansas as well as American Athletic Conference Tournament runner-up Cincinnati. All four schools in the field rank in the Top 20 for all-time NCAA Tournament appearances – combining for 128 – with each advancing to 31 or more such appearances in their respective histories.The semifinals will take place on the evening of Monday, November 22 at the T-Mobile Center with the consolation and championship games following on Tuesday, November 23. Specific matchups and game times will be announced later. All four games will air on ESPN networks.<a>“We are excited about playing in the Hall of Fame Classic again and hopefully playing in front of a purple-packed T-Mobile Center,” said head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber. “Arkansas and Illinois should be preseason Top 20 teams and Cincinnati always has a quality team, so it will be one of the top preseason tournaments next season.”</a>The two-day tournament is part of Kansas City’s Hall of Fame Weekend, which also includes the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2021 induction celebration.This will be the third time that K-State has participated in the event, advancing to the championship game in its previous two appearances before falling to Top 10 foes Duke (2010) and North Carolina (2015). The Wildcats won each of their semifinal matchups against Gonzaga (2010) and Missouri (2015).Arkansas and Illinois are listed among the Top 25 in many “Way-Too-Early” preseason polls. The Razorbacks won 25 games and advanced to their first Elite Eight since 1995 under head coach&nbsp;Eric Musselman, while the Fighting Illini won 24 games and earned their first No. 1 seed since 2005 under K-State alum and head coach&nbsp;Brad Underwood. The Bearcats have won 20 or more games 10 times in the last 11 seasons and will be led by a first-year head coach in&nbsp;Wes Miller, who was recently hired from UNC Greensboro after earning five consecutive 20-win seasons, four regular-season conference championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances.

K-State Selected to Play in 2021 Hall of Fame Classic at T-Mobile Center

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows and Mike Zunino homered and the Tampa Bay Rays pounded out 17 hits in a 14-7 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Meadows, Randy Arozarena and Joey Wendle had three hits each, and Manual Margot and Yoshi Tsutsugo had three RBIs apiece.

The Rays roughed up starter Brad Keller (1-2) for five runs in 1 2/3 innings. Keller allowed three hits and walked three, including Lowe to load the bases on his final pitch. Jake Newberry relieved and walked the next two batters to give Tampa Bay a 5-0 advantage.

Carlos Santana homered and had two hits and three RBIs for the Royals.

Tampa Bay rattled off another four-run inning in the sixth sparked by five straight hits from the heart of the batting order.

Rich Hill allowed four runs in two innings for Tampa Bay. Andrew Kittredge (3-0) followed with a scoreless inning, and Trevor Richards pitched one-run ball over the last three innings for his first career save.

Zunino and Meadows hit back-to-back homers in the ninth.

Rays: RHP Cody Reed (left thumb weakness) was placed on the 10-day IL. Tampe Bay recalled RHP Brent Honeywell Jr. from the alternate training site. Honeywell tossed 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run, two hits and two walks.

Royals: The Royals have only had three players spend time on the injured list this season. RHP Josh Staumont spent one day on the IL for a non-disclosed injury.

The Rays have yet to announce the starter for the series finale Wednesday. Jacob Junis (1-0, 1.50) will take the mound for Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brandon Lowe, Austin Meadows and Mike Zunino homered and the Tampa Bay Rays pounded out 17 hits in a 14-7 rout of the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Meadows, Randy Arozarena and Joey Wendle had three hits each, and Manual Margot and Yoshi Tsutsugo had three RBIs apiece.The Rays roughed up starter Brad Keller (1-2) for five runs in 1 2/3 innings. Keller allowed three hits and walked three, including Lowe to load the bases on his final pitch. Jake Newberry relieved and walked the next two batters to give Tampa Bay a 5-0 advantage.Carlos Santana homered and had two hits and three RBIs for the Royals.ADVERTISEMENTTampa Bay rattled off another four-run inning in the sixth sparked by five straight hits from the heart of the batting order.Rich Hill allowed four runs in two innings for Tampa Bay. Andrew Kittredge (3-0) followed with a scoreless inning, and Trevor Richards pitched one-run ball over the last three innings for his first career save.Zunino and Meadows hit back-to-back homers in the ninth.TRAINERS ROOMRays: RHP Cody Reed (left thumb weakness) was placed on the 10-day IL. Tampe Bay recalled RHP Brent Honeywell Jr. from the alternate training site. Honeywell tossed 1 1/3 innings, allowing one run, two hits and two walks.Royals: The Royals have only had three players spend time on the injured list this season. RHP Josh Staumont spent one day on the IL for a non-disclosed injury.UP NEXTThe Rays have yet to announce the starter for the series finale Wednesday. Jacob Junis (1-0, 1.50) will take the mound for Kansas City.

Lowe, Meadows HRs highlight Rays' 14-7 rout of Royals

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;Former K-State forward Peyton Williams has parlayed a strong professional debut in Europe into a training camp roster invitation from defending WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm.

Williams, a two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, played her first professional season in the 2020-21 season with Spartak Vidnoe in Moscow. During the regular season in the Russian PBL, Williams averaged 8.6 points on a .528 field goal percentage and a .722 free throw percentage. She also hauled in 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

In four Euroleague games against the top women’s teams across Europe, Williams averaged a team-high 19.5 points on a .692 field goal percentage, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals.

The Seattle Storm finished the 2020 season in the WNBA bubble in Bradenton, Florida, with an 18-4 regular season record. The Storm completed its run to the 2020 title with a three-game sweep of the Las Vegas Aces.

The Storm are led on the sideline by head coach Dan Hughes and paced on the floor by Sue Bird and reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. Williams will play with a familiar face, as fellow silver medalist on the 2019 U.S. Pan American Games Women’s Team Kiana Williams from Stanford was drafted in the second round of the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Storm.

Among her many career women’s basketball honors, Williams was a candidate for national awards including the Naismith Trophy, Wade Trophy, Wooden Award and the Katrina McClain Award in the 2019-20 season.

Williams, a two-sport star with the Wildcats, completed her K-State women’s basketball career as the first player in program history with the combination of 1,500 or more points, 900 or more rebounds, 200 or more assists, 150 or more steals and 100 or more blocks. She ranks among the top-15 in program history for career points (9th; 1,553), rebounds (3rd; 967), blocks (6th; 119), field goals made (10th; 585) and free throws made (5th; 333).

In volleyball, Williams garnered 2019 All-Big 12 Second Team and was selected to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team in 2017.

In addition to her on-court honors in both sports, Williams was just as stellar as a double major in anthropology and international studies with a minor in political science. Prior to her graduation in May of 2020,&nbsp; she collected a number of academic honors including: 2020 Senior CLASS Award All-America Second Team (women’s basketball), 2020 CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team (women’s basketball), four CoSIDA Academic All-District VII honors (women’s basketball and volleyball), six-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team, a two-time Big 12 Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the 2019 Big 12/Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award recipient and 2016-17 Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team.

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;Former K-State forward Peyton Williams has parlayed a strong professional debut in Europe into a training camp roster invitation from defending WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm.Williams, a two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, played her first professional season in the 2020-21 season with Spartak Vidnoe in Moscow. During the regular season in the Russian PBL, Williams averaged 8.6 points on a .528 field goal percentage and a .722 free throw percentage. She also hauled in 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists.In four Euroleague games against the top women’s teams across Europe, Williams averaged a team-high 19.5 points on a .692 field goal percentage, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals.The Seattle Storm finished the 2020 season in the WNBA bubble in Bradenton, Florida, with an 18-4 regular season record. The Storm completed its run to the 2020 title with a three-game sweep of the Las Vegas Aces.The Storm are led on the sideline by head coach Dan Hughes and paced on the floor by Sue Bird and reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. Williams will play with a familiar face, as fellow silver medalist on the 2019 U.S. Pan American Games Women’s Team Kiana Williams from Stanford was drafted in the second round of the 2021 WNBA Draft by the Storm.Among her many career women’s basketball honors, Williams was a candidate for national awards including the Naismith Trophy, Wade Trophy, Wooden Award and the Katrina McClain Award in the 2019-20 season.Williams, a two-sport star with the Wildcats, completed her K-State women’s basketball career as the first player in program history with the combination of 1,500 or more points, 900 or more rebounds, 200 or more assists, 150 or more steals and 100 or more blocks. She ranks among the top-15 in program history for career points (9th; 1,553), rebounds (3rd; 967), blocks (6th; 119), field goals made (10th; 585) and free throws made (5th; 333).In volleyball, Williams garnered 2019 All-Big 12 Second Team and was selected to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team in 2017.In addition to her on-court honors in both sports, Williams was just as stellar as a double major in anthropology and international studies with a minor in political science. Prior to her graduation in May of 2020,&nbsp; she collected a number of academic honors including: 2020 Senior CLASS Award All-America Second Team (women’s basketball), 2020 CoSIDA Academic All-America Second Team (women’s basketball), four CoSIDA Academic All-District VII honors (women’s basketball and volleyball), six-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team, a two-time Big 12 Women’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the 2019 Big 12/Dr. Gerald Lage Academic Achievement Award recipient and 2016-17 Big 12 Academic All-Rookie Team.

Former Wildcat Williams Added to Seattle Training Camp Roster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Fleming pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, Kevin Kiermaier led a strong effort from the bottom of Tampa Bay’s batting order and the Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1. Fleming struck out three in 5 1/3 innings, getting big cheers from friends and family who journeyed over from his hometown of Bridgeton, Missouri. Relievers Ryan Thompson and Hunter Strickland carried the baton out of the bullpen and held Kansas City to two hits, both in the eighth. Chris Mazza shut the door in the ninth.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Josh Fleming pitched two-hit ball into the sixth inning, Kevin Kiermaier led a strong effort from the bottom of Tampa Bay’s batting order and the Rays beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1. Fleming struck out three in 5 1/3 innings, getting big cheers from friends and family who journeyed over from his hometown of Bridgeton, Missouri. Relievers Ryan Thompson and Hunter Strickland carried the baton out of the bullpen and held Kansas City to two hits, both in the eighth. Chris Mazza shut the door in the ninth.&nbsp;

Royals lose to Tampa Bay

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer off Toronto reliever T.J. Zeuch in the seventh inning Sunday to propel the Kansas City Royals to a 2-0 victory over the Blue Jays. Brady Singer kept the Blue Jays off the board through six innings, and Kyle Zimmer and Josh Staumont each worked a perfect inning before Greg Holland finished off the two-hitter. Perez’s go-ahead shot came one day after his two-out, walk-off homer gave the Royals a 3-2 win and split of their doubleheader. Kansas City also won the opener Thursday night to take a series from Toronto for the first time since September 2017.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer off Toronto reliever T.J. Zeuch in the seventh inning Sunday to propel the Kansas City Royals to a 2-0 victory over the Blue Jays. Brady Singer kept the Blue Jays off the board through six innings, and Kyle Zimmer and Josh Staumont each worked a perfect inning before Greg Holland finished off the two-hitter. Perez’s go-ahead shot came one day after his two-out, walk-off homer gave the Royals a 3-2 win and split of their doubleheader. Kansas City also won the opener Thursday night to take a series from Toronto for the first time since September 2017.

Royals shut out the Blue Jays

Former Kansas City Royal Nick Heath has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Heath, a former Junction City Blue Jay player, started in center field for the Diamondbacks on Sunday and went three for four in his first game with Arizona.

Heath, saw some playing time at the major league level with the Royals last season.&nbsp;

Former Kansas City Royal Nick Heath has been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618780922284.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy Kim Milleson." />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kim Milleson.</figcaption>
 </figure>Heath, a former Junction City Blue Jay player, started in center field for the Diamondbacks on Sunday and went three for four in his first game with Arizona.Heath, saw some playing time at the major league level with the Royals last season.&nbsp;

Nick Heath plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs tight end Fred Arbanas, a key member of their first two Super Bowl teams in the 1960s and ’70s who later had a long career in county politics, has died. He was 82.

The Jackson County Democratic Party in Missouri, for which Arbanas was a major player for more than four decades, announced his death in a brief statement Saturday. No cause was given.

Arbanas, a member of the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame, was a six-time all-AFL selection and was picked to the All-Time AFL Team by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Dallas Texans team that won the 1962 AFL title and, after the club moved to Kansas City, helped the rechristened Chiefs reach the Super Bowl in 1967 and 1970.

After his playing career, Arbanas served more than 40 years in the Jackson County Legislature. He was so influential in working with the local parks system that a golf course was renamed in his honor in 1999.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618773521712.png" alt="Fred Arbanas-photo courtesy Jackson Co. Democrats" />
 <figcaption>Fred Arbanas-photo courtesy Jackson Co. Democrats</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs tight end Fred Arbanas, a key member of their first two Super Bowl teams in the 1960s and ’70s who later had a long career in county politics, has died. He was 82.The Jackson County Democratic Party in Missouri, for which Arbanas was a major player for more than four decades, announced his death in a brief statement Saturday. No cause was given.Arbanas, a member of the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame, was a six-time all-AFL selection and was picked to the All-Time AFL Team by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Dallas Texans team that won the 1962 AFL title and, after the club moved to Kansas City, helped the rechristened Chiefs reach the Super Bowl in 1967 and 1970.After his playing career, Arbanas served more than 40 years in the Jackson County Legislature. He was so influential in working with the local parks system that a golf course was renamed in his honor in 1999.

Chiefs great Arbanas, longtime local politician, dies at 82

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays got wildly different yet equally effective pitching performances in splitting their day-night doubleheader on Saturday. 

In the opener, Steven Matz held the Royals without a hit into the sixth inning in pitching Toronto to a 5-1 victory. 

In Game 2, the Royals followed spot-starter Ervin Santana with four relief pitchers before Salvador Perez's two-out, walk-off homer gave them a 3-2 win.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays got wildly different yet equally effective pitching performances in splitting their day-night doubleheader on Saturday. In the opener, Steven Matz held the Royals without a hit into the sixth inning in pitching Toronto to a 5-1 victory. In Game 2, the Royals followed spot-starter Ervin Santana with four relief pitchers before Salvador Perez's two-out, walk-off homer gave them a 3-2 win.

Royals earn doubleheader split with Toronto

Jakob Junis ran his scoreless streak to 14 innings and the Kansas City Royals staked him to a seven-run lead before their bullpen gave most of it back in a 7-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Scott Barlow put two on with one out in the ninth for Kansas City before getting Bo Bichette to pop out and striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for his first save of the season. Guerrero finished a triple shy of the cycle. Anthony Kay took the loss after giving up five runs over 3 1/3 innings in a spot start for Toronto.

Jakob Junis ran his scoreless streak to 14 innings and the Kansas City Royals staked him to a seven-run lead before their bullpen gave most of it back in a 7-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Scott Barlow put two on with one out in the ninth for Kansas City before getting Bo Bichette to pop out and striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for his first save of the season. Guerrero finished a triple shy of the cycle. Anthony Kay took the loss after giving up five runs over 3 1/3 innings in a spot start for Toronto.

Royals overcome shaky bullpen to win

Salvador Pérez homered and doubled to cap off an impressive series, leading Brad Keller and the Kansas City Royals over the Los Angeles Angels 6-1 on Wednesday. 

drove in two runs. The All-Star catcher went 8 for 12 with four RBIs this week against Los Angeles. Carlos Santana also homered as the Royals took two of three from the Angels.

Salvador Pérez homered and doubled to cap off an impressive series, leading Brad Keller and the Kansas City Royals over the Los Angeles Angels 6-1 on Wednesday. drove in two runs. The All-Star catcher went 8 for 12 with four RBIs this week against Los Angeles. Carlos Santana also homered as the Royals took two of three from the Angels.

Royals defeat the Angels at Kaufman Stadium

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics announced today an increase in capacity of up to 50 percent at baseball games at Tointon Family Stadium for the remainder of the spring season beginning with this weekend's three-game series against Oklahoma.

In coordination with University officials and under current county health guidelines, capacity will be allowed to increase from 25 percent when the Wildcats begin their Big 12 Conference series against the Sooners at 6 p.m., on Friday. The move will permit approximately 1,100 fans to now attend a K-State baseball game.

In a change from how tickets were previously purchased, all tickets will now be sold individually as general admission and no longer in reserved pods. Fans may select a seat in the stadium grandstand or choose to watch from a standing room only location where they feel most comfortable.

For&nbsp;the continued&nbsp;health and safety of student-athletes, fans, coaches and staff, guests must continue to wear face coverings over their mouths and noses inside Tointon Family Stadium. Social distancing is encouraged, and additional cleaning and sanitation measures will remain in place&nbsp;at the stadium.&nbsp; &nbsp; Tickets may be purchased beginning at noon the day before each home series online at kstatesports.com/tickets, by phone at 1.800.221.CATS (2287) or in person at the West Stadium Center ticket booth due to construction on Bramlage Coliseum. 2020 season ticket holders can purchase during a presale window from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Any remaining tickets will be available on gameday at the Tointon Family Stadium box office one hour prior to first pitch.

Up to 175 students will also be admitted for free with their K-State student ID and can sit in the designated student section in the right field bleachers.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics announced today an increase in capacity of up to 50 percent at baseball games at Tointon Family Stadium for the remainder of the spring season beginning with this weekend's three-game series against Oklahoma.In coordination with University officials and under current county health guidelines, capacity will be allowed to increase from 25 percent when the Wildcats begin their Big 12 Conference series against the Sooners at 6 p.m., on Friday. The move will permit approximately 1,100 fans to now attend a K-State baseball game.In a change from how tickets were previously purchased, all tickets will now be sold individually as general admission and no longer in reserved pods. Fans may select a seat in the stadium grandstand or choose to watch from a standing room only location where they feel most comfortable.For&nbsp;the continued&nbsp;health and safety of student-athletes, fans, coaches and staff, guests must continue to wear face coverings over their mouths and noses inside Tointon Family Stadium. Social distancing is encouraged, and additional cleaning and sanitation measures will remain in place&nbsp;at the stadium.&nbsp; &nbsp; Tickets may be purchased beginning at noon the day before each home series online at kstatesports.com/tickets, by phone at 1.800.221.CATS (2287) or in person at the West Stadium Center ticket booth due to construction on Bramlage Coliseum. 2020 season ticket holders can purchase during a presale window from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Any remaining tickets will be available on gameday at the Tointon Family Stadium box office one hour prior to first pitch.Up to 175 students will also be admitted for free with their K-State student ID and can sit in the designated student section in the right field bleachers.

Capacity Limits to Increase at Baseball Beginning Friday

Kansas State basketball player Christiana Carr has announced that she plans to enter the transfer portal. Carr posted her decision on Twitter.

She thanked her teammates and coaches for their support and noted that she was beyond thankful for the opportunity to play for her father at K-State.&nbsp;

Carr was a member of the Wildcat team that went 9-18 this past season. She is a former standout basketball player for Manhattan High School.

Kansas State basketball player Christiana Carr has announced that she plans to enter the transfer portal. Carr posted her decision on Twitter.She thanked her teammates and coaches for their support and noted that she was beyond thankful for the opportunity to play for her father at K-State.&nbsp;Carr was a member of the Wildcat team that went 9-18 this past season. She is a former standout basketball player for Manhattan High School.

Carr will enter transfer portal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals catcher Salvador Perez picked David Fletcher off third with the bases loaded for the final out in the ninth inning, helping the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Danny Duffy pitched one-run ball over six innings, and Perez had two hits and an RBI. Kansas City’s veteran backstop ended the game by blocking Greg Holland’s 0-2 pitch in the dirt. The ball bounced off batter Jared Walsh and right back to Perez, who picked it up and caught Fletcher venturing too far off third base.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals catcher Salvador Perez picked David Fletcher off third with the bases loaded for the final out in the ninth inning, helping the Kansas City Royals beat Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels 3-2. Danny Duffy pitched one-run ball over six innings, and Perez had two hits and an RBI. Kansas City’s veteran backstop ended the game by blocking Greg Holland’s 0-2 pitch in the dirt. The ball bounced off batter Jared Walsh and right back to Perez, who picked it up and caught Fletcher venturing too far off third base.

Perez makes big play to lift Royals past the Angels

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had three hits and three RBIs, and Mike Trout hit a two-run homer, leading the Los Angeles Angels over the Kansas City Royals 10-3. Ohtani hit a two-run double off Scott Barlow in the seventh for a 6-3 lead. Ohtani added an RBI double against Jake Newberry in the ninth. Trout, following Ohtani in the batting order, hit his fourth home run of the season, a two-run drive in the ninth. Alex Cobb struck out 10, his high since he fanned 12 on July 29, 2014, for Tampa Bay against Milwaukee. Seven of his strikeouts came in spl

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani had three hits and three RBIs, and Mike Trout hit a two-run homer, leading the Los Angeles Angels over the Kansas City Royals 10-3. Ohtani hit a two-run double off Scott Barlow in the seventh for a 6-3 lead. Ohtani added an RBI double against Jake Newberry in the ninth. Trout, following Ohtani in the batting order, hit his fourth home run of the season, a two-run drive in the ninth. Alex Cobb struck out 10, his high since he fanned 12 on July 29, 2014, for Tampa Bay against Milwaukee. Seven of his strikeouts came in spl

Royals fall to the Angels

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best football players in Kansas State history will be getting his own bobblehead as K-State Athletics announced Monday that the miniature version of Darren Sproles will be made available to fans who are season ticket holders for the 2021 football season.

Sproles, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December as part of the Class of 2021, will return to Manhattan for an on-campus recognition for the contest against Oklahoma on October 2.

All K-State Football season ticket account holders who renew or purchase by May 15 will receive one free Sproles bobblehead, which is designed based off the life-sized version inside the Vanier Family Football Complex. Each season ticket holder will also have the option to purchase up to three more bobbleheads per account for $35 apiece.

A product of Olathe, Kansas, Sproles is the sixth K-State player or coach to be selected to college football’s highest honor and the third in the last 10 years. A 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, Sproles held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 16 seasons after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, which ranks third in Big 12 history and is nearly 2,000 yards more than any other player in K-State history. Sproles, who finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best football players in Kansas State history will be getting his own bobblehead as K-State Athletics announced Monday that the miniature version of Darren Sproles will be made available to fans who are season ticket holders for the 2021 football season.Sproles, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December as part of the Class of 2021, will return to Manhattan for an on-campus recognition for the contest against Oklahoma on October 2.All K-State Football season ticket account holders who renew or purchase by May 15 will receive one free Sproles bobblehead, which is designed based off the life-sized version inside the Vanier Family Football Complex. Each season ticket holder will also have the option to purchase up to three more bobbleheads per account for $35 apiece.A product of Olathe, Kansas, Sproles is the sixth K-State player or coach to be selected to college football’s highest honor and the third in the last 10 years. A 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, Sproles held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 16 seasons after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, which ranks third in Big 12 history and is nearly 2,000 yards more than any other player in K-State history. Sproles, who finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American.

K-State introduces Darren Sproles Bobblehead giveaway

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael A. Taylor scored when Garrett Crochet misplayed Andrew Benintendi’s bunt in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Taylor opened the 10th on second base and advanced on Nicky Lopez’s sacrifice. After Whit Merrifield was walked intentionally, Benintendi bunted the ball right back to the mound. It looked as if Crochet had time to get Taylor at the plate, but he spiked his throw and catcher Zack Collins couldn’t come up with it. It was Chicago’s second error of the day and ninth overall in the first nine games.

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael A. Taylor scored when Garrett Crochet misplayed Andrew Benintendi’s bunt in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Taylor opened the 10th on second base and advanced on Nicky Lopez’s sacrifice. After Whit Merrifield was walked intentionally, Benintendi bunted the ball right back to the mound. It looked as if Crochet had time to get Taylor at the plate, but he spiked his throw and catcher Zack Collins couldn’t come up with it. It was Chicago’s second error of the day and ninth overall in the first nine games.

Royals get an extra inning win

Due to inclement weather conditions today in Chicago, today’s Kansas City Royals-Chicago White Sox has been postponed. The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Friday, May 14th.

Due to inclement weather conditions today in Chicago, today’s Kansas City Royals-Chicago White Sox has been postponed. The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Friday, May 14th.

Royals - White Sox game postponed

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. 

Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Royals are shut out by the White Sox

CHICAGO (April 8, 2021)&nbsp;— In its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company today announced Taylor Briggs of Chapman High School as its 2020-2021 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Briggs is the first Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Chapman High School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Briggs as Kansas's best high school girls cross country player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade national Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced in April, Briggs joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lukas Verzbicas (2010-11, 2009-10, Carl Sundburg High School, Orland Park, Ill.), Megan Goethals (2009-10, Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jordan Hasay (2008-09, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Chris Derrick (2007-08, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.).&nbsp;

The 5-foot-3-inch senior distant talent broke the tape at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships with a time of 18:19.00, outdistancing her next-closest competitor by almost two minutes. Her state meet speed rating according to Dyestat and TallyRunners.com ranked No. 40 nationally among the Top 100 fastest competitors in the country. Just the sixth Kansas girls in history to win four state titles, Briggs finished 7-0 on the season to go undefeated on some of the state's most challenging racecourses, clocking a 5K personal-best 18:07.10 in the process. The two-time reigning Kansas Best of Preps Female cross Country Athlete of the Year and a nine-time state champion overall including track and field, Briggs raced and trained as the only girl on the Chapman team in both 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;

Briggs is a four-year member of her school's Student Council and served as her class president her freshman year. An American Youth Foundation National Leadership Award-winner in 2020, she has been a member of both Students Against Destructive Driving Decisions and her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Briggs has volunteered locally at a library, a soup kitchen and on behalf of community service initiatives with her church community. Also a member of her church bell choir, she has served as a peer tutor, a community pool swim instructor and has assisted at a youth track and field camp. "In the six years I've known Taylor as a student-athlete, I can confidently say she has it all," said Cindy Zumbrunn, head coach at Chapman High. "By that I mean natural ability, self-motivation, work ethic, desire, determination and grit. On top of that, she's responsible, dependable, conscientious and respectful."&nbsp;

Briggs has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.&nbsp;

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track &amp; field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.&nbsp;

Briggs joins recent Kansas Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Hope Jackson (2019-20, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School), Jaybe Shufelberger (2018-19, Washburn Rural High School), Olivia Sovereign (2017-18, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), and Molly Born (2016-17, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School), among the state's list of former award winners.&nbsp;

Through Gatorade's cause marketing platform "Play it Forward," Briggs has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Briggs is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners' grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.&nbsp;

Since the program's inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.&nbsp;

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit <a href="http://www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com">www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY">www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY</a> or follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gatorade">www.twitter.com/Gatorade</a>.&nbsp;

CHICAGO (April 8, 2021)&nbsp;— In its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company today announced Taylor Briggs of Chapman High School as its 2020-2021 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Briggs is the first Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Chapman High School.The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Briggs as Kansas's best high school girls cross country player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade national Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced in April, Briggs joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lukas Verzbicas (2010-11, 2009-10, Carl Sundburg High School, Orland Park, Ill.), Megan Goethals (2009-10, Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jordan Hasay (2008-09, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Chris Derrick (2007-08, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.).&nbsp;The 5-foot-3-inch senior distant talent broke the tape at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships with a time of 18:19.00, outdistancing her next-closest competitor by almost two minutes. Her state meet speed rating according to Dyestat and TallyRunners.com ranked No. 40 nationally among the Top 100 fastest competitors in the country. Just the sixth Kansas girls in history to win four state titles, Briggs finished 7-0 on the season to go undefeated on some of the state's most challenging racecourses, clocking a 5K personal-best 18:07.10 in the process. The two-time reigning Kansas Best of Preps Female cross Country Athlete of the Year and a nine-time state champion overall including track and field, Briggs raced and trained as the only girl on the Chapman team in both 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;Briggs is a four-year member of her school's Student Council and served as her class president her freshman year. An American Youth Foundation National Leadership Award-winner in 2020, she has been a member of both Students Against Destructive Driving Decisions and her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Briggs has volunteered locally at a library, a soup kitchen and on behalf of community service initiatives with her church community. Also a member of her church bell choir, she has served as a peer tutor, a community pool swim instructor and has assisted at a youth track and field camp. "In the six years I've known Taylor as a student-athlete, I can confidently say she has it all," said Cindy Zumbrunn, head coach at Chapman High. "By that I mean natural ability, self-motivation, work ethic, desire, determination and grit. On top of that, she's responsible, dependable, conscientious and respectful."&nbsp;Briggs has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.&nbsp;The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track &amp; field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.&nbsp;Briggs joins recent Kansas Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Hope Jackson (2019-20, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School), Jaybe Shufelberger (2018-19, Washburn Rural High School), Olivia Sovereign (2017-18, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), and Molly Born (2016-17, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School), among the state's list of former award winners.&nbsp;Through Gatorade's cause marketing platform "Play it Forward," Briggs has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Briggs is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners' grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.&nbsp;Since the program's inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.&nbsp;To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit <a href="http://www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com">www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY">www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY</a> or follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gatorade">www.twitter.com/Gatorade</a>.&nbsp;

Chapman student-athlete named Gatorade Girls Cross Country Player of the Year

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians claimed the series finale of their two-game stint against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon, 4-2.&nbsp;

The Royals claimed an early lead off of a solo home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the 4th inning, and starter Jakob Junis shutout the Indians in five innings of work, allowing just one hit, but Cleveland would strike back in the 6th.&nbsp;

A two-run home run from Cleveland's Jose Ramirez gave the Indians their firs runs of the day; however, the Royals would tie the game at 2 in the top of the 7th, thanks to an RBI single from shortstop Nicky Lopez.&nbsp;

The Royals' bullpen would surrender the lead for the final time in the bottom of the 8th once again to Jose Ramirez. The Indian third baseman crushed his second two-run homer of the afternoon to clinch the victory and salvage a series split.&nbsp;

Kansas City falls to 3-2 on the young season, while Cleveland improved to 2-3.&nbsp;

The Royals will be back in action on Thursday afternoon in yet another matinee contest when they take on the Chicago White Sox at 3:10 PM.&nbsp;

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians claimed the series finale of their two-game stint against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon, 4-2.&nbsp;The Royals claimed an early lead off of a solo home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the 4th inning, and starter Jakob Junis shutout the Indians in five innings of work, allowing just one hit, but Cleveland would strike back in the 6th.&nbsp;A two-run home run from Cleveland's Jose Ramirez gave the Indians their firs runs of the day; however, the Royals would tie the game at 2 in the top of the 7th, thanks to an RBI single from shortstop Nicky Lopez.&nbsp;The Royals' bullpen would surrender the lead for the final time in the bottom of the 8th once again to Jose Ramirez. The Indian third baseman crushed his second two-run homer of the afternoon to clinch the victory and salvage a series split.&nbsp;Kansas City falls to 3-2 on the young season, while Cleveland improved to 2-3.&nbsp;The Royals will be back in action on Thursday afternoon in yet another matinee contest when they take on the Chicago White Sox at 3:10 PM.&nbsp;

Royals fall to Cleveland, 4-2

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Cleveland Indians 3-0. 

The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance was 8,914. The Indians are allowing 30% of ballpark capacity. Last season, fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health protocols. Merrifield hit a two-run homer off starter Logan Allen in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. The Indians managed just three hits.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Cleveland Indians 3-0. The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance was 8,914. The Indians are allowing 30% of ballpark capacity. Last season, fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health protocols. Merrifield hit a two-run homer off starter Logan Allen in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. The Indians managed just three hits.

Royals shut out the Indians

UNDATED (AP) — The Baylor men’s basketball program was in shambles when Scott Drew took over 18 years ago, ridden with scandal following the murder of a player by a teammate. On Monday, Drew was cutting down the nets after the Bears earned the first NCAA championship in program history.

Baylor opened with an 11-1 run and led 29-10 midway through the first half before celebrating an 86-70 pounding of previously-unbeaten Gonzaga. Jared Butler poured in 22 points and had seven assists for the Bears, who shot 10-for-23 from 3-point range and outrebounded the Bulldogs, 38-22. Mark Vital led Baylor’s board dominance by grabbing 11.

UNDATED (AP) — The Baylor men’s basketball program was in shambles when Scott Drew took over 18 years ago, ridden with scandal following the murder of a player by a teammate. On Monday, Drew was cutting down the nets after the Bears earned the first NCAA championship in program history.Baylor opened with an 11-1 run and led 29-10 midway through the first half before celebrating an 86-70 pounding of previously-unbeaten Gonzaga. Jared Butler poured in 22 points and had seven assists for the Bears, who shot 10-for-23 from 3-point range and outrebounded the Bulldogs, 38-22. Mark Vital led Baylor’s board dominance by grabbing 11.

Baylor wins the men's college basketball national championship

The University of Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program. A Sunflower State native who graduated from KU, Goff has been been at Northwestern since 2012. He most recently was deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern. 

Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago. He was criticized for his hiring of longtime friend and football coach Les Miles, who parted ways with Kansas amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617702455626.jpeg" alt="Travis Goff courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Travis Goff courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program. A Sunflower State native who graduated from KU, Goff has been been at Northwestern since 2012. He most recently was deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern. Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago. He was criticized for his hiring of longtime friend and football coach Les Miles, who parted ways with Kansas amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

University of Kansas hires a new athletic director

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit a towering, three-run homer and the Texas Rangers figured how to hold onto a big lead, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for their first win of the season. Texas blew a five-run edge on opening day and a four-run lead Saturday. Boosted by Lowe, the Rangers avoided a sweep. Lowe connected in the third for a 3-0 lead. He has nine RBIs in the first three games of the season, a Texas record. Isiah Kiner-Falefa also drove in three runs for the Rangers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit a towering, three-run homer and the Texas Rangers figured how to hold onto a big lead, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for their first win of the season. Texas blew a five-run edge on opening day and a four-run lead Saturday. Boosted by Lowe, the Rangers avoided a sweep. Lowe connected in the third for a 3-0 lead. He has nine RBIs in the first three games of the season, a Texas record. Isiah Kiner-Falefa also drove in three runs for the Rangers.

Rangers hold off the Royals

SARASOTA, Fla.&nbsp;– The Kansas State women’s rowing team earned a bronze medal in the Grand Finals of the Varsity Four race to highlight the final day of competition at the Sunshine State Invitational on Saturday morning (April 3) at Nathan Benderson Park.

In just their second official race of the season, the Wildcats’ bronze medal finish in the Varsity Four race in Saturday’s Grand Finals highlighted a solid two-day performance against a field that included host UCF, Clemson, Jacksonville, Kansas, Miami (Fla.) and Stetson. On Friday, the team collected third-place finishes from the Varsity Four (1v4+) and Varsity Eight (1v8+) boats.

“This weekend was a huge learning opportunity for the coaches and the athletes,” said head coach&nbsp;Patrick Sweeney. “We saw what we need to work on in order to keep moving forward. Looking forward, we plan to make some shifts with lineups. We still have time to make adjustments and make sure we have the strongest combinations possible.”

The Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Logan Frost, sophomore&nbsp;Ellie Hahn, sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Sloan, sophomore&nbsp;Kate Odgers&nbsp;and sophomore coxswain&nbsp;Kaitlyn Henke, finished in third place behind host UCF and Clemson with a time of 8:56.43. K-State was one of only three boats to record times less than 9 minutes in the race, as the Wildcats outdistanced fourth-place Kansas by more than 23 seconds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The conditions while we were competing were not the best today,” said Sweeney. “The 1v4+ built on the heats from the day before in order to medal. They raced hard and stayed focused on what they needed to do to be successful.”

Senior&nbsp;Logan Frost&nbsp;said that the Varsity Four pushed through the difficult conditions and made the most of the today’s opportunity as they continue to prepare for the Big 12 Championships in May.

“Toward the finish I think we all decided that it was just time to go,” said Frost. “That’s where we improved from yesterday. We sat in there and said, ‘Okay it’s time to go. We’re going to go here. We’re going to go together.’ That’s the biggest leap we took from yesterday. Every race we are learning a little bit each time, so that by Big 12s we’re going to be ready.

“We did the best we could with what we had. The fact that we finished stronger and had a harder race proves the mental growth we’ve taken over the whole season. It feels good to come home with something to prove how hard you worked.”

Despite some elements out of their control, the Varsity Eight collected a time of 8:01.36 to finish in fifth place. The boat, which consisted of sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Mummert, junior&nbsp;Marissa Rodriguez, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Maya Morrow, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taylor Hartman, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Madison Jensen, sophomore&nbsp;Megan Michaelis, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Idallis Shaffer&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Lauren Plum, were less than 6 seconds behind fourth-place Miami.

“The 1v8+ didn’t repeat what they did in the heats,” said Sweeney. “They had a rough start this morning but were able to still be in the race up until the halfway point. Around the 1000 they caught a boat-stopping-crab, which took them out of the race completely. The boat didn’t show their true speed today. We know we can go faster and we’re ready to work back into that speed.”

The Second Varsity Eight, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Natasha Johnson, freshman&nbsp;Kaylee Kleinschmit, freshman&nbsp;Patricia Hokanson, redshirt junior&nbsp;Megan Kelly, freshman&nbsp;Ashley Cass, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lauren Walker, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Jessica Schenk, freshman&nbsp;Jayden Wert&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Kelsey Ladlie, placed sixth with a time of 8:31.12.

“The 2v8+ didn’t race to what they are capable of,” said Sweeney. “There is more speed across the board and we’re ready to do what it takes to make sure we get there.”

The Second Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lindsey Devreugd, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Buettner, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Pemberton&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lisa Zuiderveen&nbsp;and junior coxswain&nbsp;Morgan Thompson, earned a fifth place finish with a time of 9:23.01. The Wildcats were less 4 seconds behind fourth-place Kansas.

“The 2v4+ made progress but they still have a lot of room to grow,” said Sweeney. “Today was more competitive, but we can still be more effective in how we attack.”

K-State will continue its race schedule next weekend, as the Wildcats travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Tulsa Triangular on Saturday, April 10. The regatta will include host Tulsa and Central Oklahoma.

SARASOTA, Fla.&nbsp;– The Kansas State women’s rowing team earned a bronze medal in the Grand Finals of the Varsity Four race to highlight the final day of competition at the Sunshine State Invitational on Saturday morning (April 3) at Nathan Benderson Park.In just their second official race of the season, the Wildcats’ bronze medal finish in the Varsity Four race in Saturday’s Grand Finals highlighted a solid two-day performance against a field that included host UCF, Clemson, Jacksonville, Kansas, Miami (Fla.) and Stetson. On Friday, the team collected third-place finishes from the Varsity Four (1v4+) and Varsity Eight (1v8+) boats.“This weekend was a huge learning opportunity for the coaches and the athletes,” said head coach&nbsp;Patrick Sweeney. “We saw what we need to work on in order to keep moving forward. Looking forward, we plan to make some shifts with lineups. We still have time to make adjustments and make sure we have the strongest combinations possible.”The Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Logan Frost, sophomore&nbsp;Ellie Hahn, sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Sloan, sophomore&nbsp;Kate Odgers&nbsp;and sophomore coxswain&nbsp;Kaitlyn Henke, finished in third place behind host UCF and Clemson with a time of 8:56.43. K-State was one of only three boats to record times less than 9 minutes in the race, as the Wildcats outdistanced fourth-place Kansas by more than 23 seconds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The conditions while we were competing were not the best today,” said Sweeney. “The 1v4+ built on the heats from the day before in order to medal. They raced hard and stayed focused on what they needed to do to be successful.”Senior&nbsp;Logan Frost&nbsp;said that the Varsity Four pushed through the difficult conditions and made the most of the today’s opportunity as they continue to prepare for the Big 12 Championships in May.“Toward the finish I think we all decided that it was just time to go,” said Frost. “That’s where we improved from yesterday. We sat in there and said, ‘Okay it’s time to go. We’re going to go here. We’re going to go together.’ That’s the biggest leap we took from yesterday. Every race we are learning a little bit each time, so that by Big 12s we’re going to be ready.“We did the best we could with what we had. The fact that we finished stronger and had a harder race proves the mental growth we’ve taken over the whole season. It feels good to come home with something to prove how hard you worked.”Despite some elements out of their control, the Varsity Eight collected a time of 8:01.36 to finish in fifth place. The boat, which consisted of sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Mummert, junior&nbsp;Marissa Rodriguez, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Maya Morrow, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taylor Hartman, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Madison Jensen, sophomore&nbsp;Megan Michaelis, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Idallis Shaffer&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Lauren Plum, were less than 6 seconds behind fourth-place Miami.“The 1v8+ didn’t repeat what they did in the heats,” said Sweeney. “They had a rough start this morning but were able to still be in the race up until the halfway point. Around the 1000 they caught a boat-stopping-crab, which took them out of the race completely. The boat didn’t show their true speed today. We know we can go faster and we’re ready to work back into that speed.”The Second Varsity Eight, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Natasha Johnson, freshman&nbsp;Kaylee Kleinschmit, freshman&nbsp;Patricia Hokanson, redshirt junior&nbsp;Megan Kelly, freshman&nbsp;Ashley Cass, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lauren Walker, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Jessica Schenk, freshman&nbsp;Jayden Wert&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Kelsey Ladlie, placed sixth with a time of 8:31.12.“The 2v8+ didn’t race to what they are capable of,” said Sweeney. “There is more speed across the board and we’re ready to do what it takes to make sure we get there.”The Second Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lindsey Devreugd, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Buettner, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Pemberton&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lisa Zuiderveen&nbsp;and junior coxswain&nbsp;Morgan Thompson, earned a fifth place finish with a time of 9:23.01. The Wildcats were less 4 seconds behind fourth-place Kansas.“The 2v4+ made progress but they still have a lot of room to grow,” said Sweeney. “Today was more competitive, but we can still be more effective in how we attack.”K-State will continue its race schedule next weekend, as the Wildcats travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Tulsa Triangular on Saturday, April 10. The regatta will include host Tulsa and Central Oklahoma.By Tom Gilbert

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