TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 6,000 Kansans are set to take part in this year’s Sunflower State Games.

“We are looking in great shape as far as registration numbers go,” Cassie Criger, executive director of the Games, said. “Our mission is to bring an Olympic-style festivity to all ages and all skill levels.”

Athletes will compete in 43 events at 20 venues across the Capital City this weekend and next.

“There’s gonna be some really good competition this year, and also we’ve got our sports that are just fun like miniature golf and cornhole,” Criger said.

The games are for everyone. Competitors from ages five to 99 will participate in everything from basketball to fishing, team paintball and axe throwing.

The Games kick off Friday with a free-to-attend Cauldron Fest and Tailgate Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hummer Sports Park. The cauldron will be lit around 6:00 p.m.

“We’ll have inflatables, we’re going to have face painting and balloons, there will be a couple food trucks out here,” Crirger said.

It’s a team effort from the lighting of the torch to the final event. More than 700 volunteers will help out this year.

“The goal is just to get people to come out and be active and get their body moving again,” Criger said. “Especially coming out of the COVID year, everybody is ready to come back out and start competing.”

<a href="https://www.sunflowergames.com/" target="_blank">The registration deadline</a>&nbsp;for next weekend’s events is Friday, July 9.

<p>By WIBW's Marleah Campbell</p><p>TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 6,000 Kansans are set to take part in this year’s Sunflower State Games.</p><p>“We are looking in great shape as far as registration numbers go,” Cassie Criger, executive director of the Games, said. “Our mission is to bring an Olympic-style festivity to all ages and all skill levels.”</p><p>Athletes will compete in 43 events at 20 venues across the Capital City this weekend and next.</p><p>“There’s gonna be some really good competition this year, and also we’ve got our sports that are just fun like miniature golf and cornhole,” Criger said.</p><p>The games are for everyone. Competitors from ages five to 99 will participate in everything from basketball to fishing, team paintball and axe throwing.</p><p>The Games kick off Friday with a free-to-attend Cauldron Fest and Tailgate Party from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hummer Sports Park. The cauldron will be lit around 6:00 p.m.</p><p>“We’ll have inflatables, we’re going to have face painting and balloons, there will be a couple food trucks out here,” Crirger said.</p><p>It’s a team effort from the lighting of the torch to the final event. More than 700 volunteers will help out this year.</p><p>“The goal is just to get people to come out and be active and get their body moving again,” Criger said. “Especially coming out of the COVID year, everybody is ready to come back out and start competing.”</p><p><a href="https://www.sunflowergames.com/" target="_blank">The registration deadline</a>&nbsp;for next weekend’s events is Friday, July 9.</p>

More than 6,000 Kansans expected to compete at this year’s Sunflower State Games

The&nbsp; Hays Larks defeated the Junction City Brigade 6-4 in summer collegiate baseball at Rathert Field Wednesday night. The game was tied 3-3 before the Larks scored three runs late in the contest.

Junction City will host the Baldwin City Blues at 7 p.m. Thursday.

<p>The&nbsp; Hays Larks defeated the Junction City Brigade 6-4 in summer collegiate baseball at Rathert Field Wednesday night. The game was tied 3-3 before the Larks scored three runs late in the contest.</p><p>Junction City will host the Baldwin City Blues at 7 p.m. Thursday.</p>

Brigade fall to the Larks

<b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– Kansas State junior&nbsp;<b>Phillip Brooks</b>&nbsp;has been named to the 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 team as a kickoff/punt returner by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Wednesday.

It is the first preseason all-conference honor for Brooks, who was a First Team All-Big 12 returner by the league’s coaches following the 2020 season. It is one of multiple preseason honors by the 2020 All-American, who was most recently named a Preseason All-American by Phil Steele.

Brooks enters the 2021 campaign ranking second in school history and tied for sixth in Big 12 history with three punt-return touchdowns, which is tied for first nationally among active players entering the season. Last season, the Lee’s Summit, Missouri native was a Third Team All-American punt returner after putting together a 23.7-yard punt return average, a mark that would have led the nation and be the best in school history if he had one more return to meet the NCAA required minimum.

Brooks’ best game of the year came against Kansas when he set a school record with 189 punt-return yards and two touchdowns en route to Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors. His two punt-return touchdowns were the most in Big 12 history for a conference game, while his 47.25-yard average against the Jayhawks was the highest by any player in the nation with at least four attempts since at least 1996.

K-State takes part in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Big 12 Media Days next Wednesday at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Wildcats will be back in AT&amp;T Stadium just over seven weeks later as they open the 2021 season on September 4 against Stanford in an 11 a.m. contest televised by FS1.

Kansas State begins its seven-game home slate on September 11 when the Wildcats host Southern Illinois prior to a date with Nevada the next week. Fans can order tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.

<p><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– Kansas State junior&nbsp;<b>Phillip Brooks</b>&nbsp;has been named to the 2021 Preseason All-Big 12 team as a kickoff/punt returner by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Wednesday.</p><p>It is the first preseason all-conference honor for Brooks, who was a First Team All-Big 12 returner by the league’s coaches following the 2020 season. It is one of multiple preseason honors by the 2020 All-American, who was most recently named a Preseason All-American by Phil Steele.</p><p>Brooks enters the 2021 campaign ranking second in school history and tied for sixth in Big 12 history with three punt-return touchdowns, which is tied for first nationally among active players entering the season. Last season, the Lee’s Summit, Missouri native was a Third Team All-American punt returner after putting together a 23.7-yard punt return average, a mark that would have led the nation and be the best in school history if he had one more return to meet the NCAA required minimum.</p><p>Brooks’ best game of the year came against Kansas when he set a school record with 189 punt-return yards and two touchdowns en route to Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors. His two punt-return touchdowns were the most in Big 12 history for a conference game, while his 47.25-yard average against the Jayhawks was the highest by any player in the nation with at least four attempts since at least 1996.</p><p>K-State takes part in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Big 12 Media Days next Wednesday at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Wildcats will be back in AT&amp;T Stadium just over seven weeks later as they open the 2021 season on September 4 against Stanford in an 11 a.m. contest televised by FS1.</p><p>Kansas State begins its seven-game home slate on September 11 when the Wildcats host Southern Illinois prior to a date with Nevada the next week. Fans can order tickets online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;by phone at 1-800-221-CATS or at the main ticket office inside Bramlage Coliseum.</p>

K-State’s Brooks Named to Preseason All-Big 12 Team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Pérez’s walk-off single capped Kansas City’s four-run rally as the Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6. The Royals scored six runs off the Reds’ bullpen in the final two innings and Pérez got his third game-ending hit this season. Trailing 6-3 to start the ninth, the Royals got the tying run on second with no outs without the benefit of a hit. Ryan O’Hearn walked and Hunter Dozier was hit by a pitch. Michael A. Taylor then rolled a ground ball through the legs of Eugenio Suarez at third, scoring O’Hearn. With one out, Nicky Lopez flared a ball into short left field, scoring both runners to tie it 6-6. He advanced to third on a throw and error on the play. Whit Merrifield walked and Andrew Benintendi struck out, bringing Pérez to the plate.

<p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Pérez’s walk-off single capped Kansas City’s four-run rally as the Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-6. The Royals scored six runs off the Reds’ bullpen in the final two innings and Pérez got his third game-ending hit this season. Trailing 6-3 to start the ninth, the Royals got the tying run on second with no outs without the benefit of a hit. Ryan O’Hearn walked and Hunter Dozier was hit by a pitch. Michael A. Taylor then rolled a ground ball through the legs of Eugenio Suarez at third, scoring O’Hearn. With one out, Nicky Lopez flared a ball into short left field, scoring both runners to tie it 6-6. He advanced to third on a throw and error on the play. Whit Merrifield walked and Andrew Benintendi struck out, bringing Pérez to the plate.</p>

Royals rally in the ninth to defeat Cincinnati

Junction City defeated the Lawrence Travelers 7-4 in Mid Plains League baseball Tuesday night in Lawrence.

Junction City will host the Hays Larks at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

<p>Junction City defeated the Lawrence Travelers 7-4 in Mid Plains League baseball Tuesday night in Lawrence.</p><p>Junction City will host the Hays Larks at 7 p.m. Wednesday.</p>

Brigade defeat the Lawrence Travelers

LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - Ochai Agbaji and Remy Martin will both return to Kansas for the upcoming season, per multiple reports Tuesday.

<a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1412395482513559578?s=20" target="_blank">ESPN’s Jonathan Givony&nbsp;</a>first tweeted Tuesday morning Agbaji, who led the Jayhawks in scoring last season, has withdrawn from the NBA Draft.

Agbaji averaged 14.1 points per game last season, along with 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 37.7% from three and 42% from the floor.

The Kansas City, Missouri-native was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection for the second-straight season.

Later in the afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1412477245504081925?s=20" target="_blank">CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein</a>&nbsp;reported Arizona State transfer Remy Martin also made the decision to withdraw and will take the court for KU this season.

Martin, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31427091/arizona-state-sun-devils-remy-martin-enters-transfer-portal">ESPN called&nbsp;</a>“arguably the best available transfer in the portal,” averaged 19.1 points and 3.7 assists at Arizona State last season. In 2019-2020, he put up 19.1 points and 4.1 assists per game.

Agbaji and Martin join Jalen Wilson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/07/02/jalen-wilson-announces-return-ku-2021-22-season/" target="_blank">announced last week</a>&nbsp;he would withdraw from the Draft and return to Lawrence.

Wednesday marks the deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft and keep their eligiblity.

<p>By WIBW's Marleah Campbell</p><p>LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - Ochai Agbaji and Remy Martin will both return to Kansas for the upcoming season, per multiple reports Tuesday.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1412395482513559578?s=20" target="_blank">ESPN’s Jonathan Givony&nbsp;</a>first tweeted Tuesday morning Agbaji, who led the Jayhawks in scoring last season, has withdrawn from the NBA Draft.</p><p>Agbaji averaged 14.1 points per game last season, along with 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 37.7% from three and 42% from the floor.</p><p>The Kansas City, Missouri-native was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection for the second-straight season.</p><p>Later in the afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1412477245504081925?s=20" target="_blank">CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein</a>&nbsp;reported Arizona State transfer Remy Martin also made the decision to withdraw and will take the court for KU this season.</p><p>Martin, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/31427091/arizona-state-sun-devils-remy-martin-enters-transfer-portal">ESPN called&nbsp;</a>“arguably the best available transfer in the portal,” averaged 19.1 points and 3.7 assists at Arizona State last season. In 2019-2020, he put up 19.1 points and 4.1 assists per game.</p><p>Agbaji and Martin join Jalen Wilson, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2021/07/02/jalen-wilson-announces-return-ku-2021-22-season/" target="_blank">announced last week</a>&nbsp;he would withdraw from the Draft and return to Lawrence.</p><p>Wednesday marks the deadline for players to withdraw from the NBA Draft and keep their eligiblity.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: Kansas&#39; Remy Martin will withdraw from the 2021 NBA Draft and play in college next season. Transfer from Arizona State.</p>&mdash; Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/1412477245504081925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Breaking: Ochai Agbaji will withdraw from the NBA draft and return to Kansas for his senior season, a source told ESPN. Agbaji, one of the best defenders in college basketball, is a potential first round pick in 2022. <a href="https://t.co/vqJqbGUVkr">https://t.co/vqJqbGUVkr</a></p>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1412395482513559578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Reports: KU’s Agbaji, Martin to return for 2021-22 season

<b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– K-State Athletics, in conjunction with the KSU Alumni Association, invites all K-Staters to join us on Tuesday, July 13 for the 2021 Virtual Catbacker Tour presented by Kansas Strong.

This year’s Catbacker Tour will be broadcasted live from Manhattan at 12 p.m. (CT) on July 13.&nbsp;The virtual program will feature fun interviews with head coaches&nbsp;<b>Jeff Mittie</b>&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;<b>Bruce Weber</b>&nbsp;(men’s basketball) and&nbsp;<b>Chris Klieman</b>&nbsp;(football) in addition to Alumni Association President and CEO&nbsp;<b>Amy Button Renz</b>, K-State President&nbsp;<b>Richard Myers</b>&nbsp;and many more.

Voice of the Wildcats&nbsp;<b>Wyatt Thompson</b>&nbsp;will host the event and sit down with several K-State student-athletes to preview their coming seasons.&nbsp;Featured athletes will be&nbsp;<b>Brooklyn Entz</b>&nbsp;(soccer),&nbsp;<b>Aliyah Carter</b>&nbsp;(volleyball),&nbsp;<b>Mike McGuirl</b>&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;<b>Ayoka Lee</b>&nbsp;(women’s basketball) and&nbsp;<b>Skylar Thompson</b>&nbsp;(football).

K-Staters will also have the opportunity to submit questions to student-athletes during the broadcast and be eligible to win unique K-State Athletics prizes and gear.&nbsp;Prizes include K-State Nike gear, K-State men’s basketball gear, Harley Day ride, game tickets and an autograph Cats script football helmet signed by the coaching staff.&nbsp;To submit questions to our student-athletes or to be eligible to win prizes, fans must&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sb_output.aspx?form=25" target="_blank">register here</a>&nbsp;and tune in on July 13.&nbsp;Prize winners will be announced during the broadcast.

To watch the 2021 Virtual Catbacker Tour, visit either&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatesports/" target="_blank">K-State Athletics Facebook</a>&nbsp;page at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13.

<p><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– K-State Athletics, in conjunction with the KSU Alumni Association, invites all K-Staters to join us on Tuesday, July 13 for the 2021 Virtual Catbacker Tour presented by Kansas Strong.</p><p>This year’s Catbacker Tour will be broadcasted live from Manhattan at 12 p.m. (CT) on July 13.&nbsp;The virtual program will feature fun interviews with head coaches&nbsp;<b>Jeff Mittie</b>&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;<b>Bruce Weber</b>&nbsp;(men’s basketball) and&nbsp;<b>Chris Klieman</b>&nbsp;(football) in addition to Alumni Association President and CEO&nbsp;<b>Amy Button Renz</b>, K-State President&nbsp;<b>Richard Myers</b>&nbsp;and many more.</p><p>Voice of the Wildcats&nbsp;<b>Wyatt Thompson</b>&nbsp;will host the event and sit down with several K-State student-athletes to preview their coming seasons.&nbsp;Featured athletes will be&nbsp;<b>Brooklyn Entz</b>&nbsp;(soccer),&nbsp;<b>Aliyah Carter</b>&nbsp;(volleyball),&nbsp;<b>Mike McGuirl</b>&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;<b>Ayoka Lee</b>&nbsp;(women’s basketball) and&nbsp;<b>Skylar Thompson</b>&nbsp;(football).</p><p>K-Staters will also have the opportunity to submit questions to student-athletes during the broadcast and be eligible to win unique K-State Athletics prizes and gear.&nbsp;Prizes include K-State Nike gear, K-State men’s basketball gear, Harley Day ride, game tickets and an autograph Cats script football helmet signed by the coaching staff.&nbsp;To submit questions to our student-athletes or to be eligible to win prizes, fans must&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sb_output.aspx?form=25" target="_blank">register here</a>&nbsp;and tune in on July 13.&nbsp;Prize winners will be announced during the broadcast.</p><p>To watch the 2021 Virtual Catbacker Tour, visit either&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatesports/" target="_blank">K-State Athletics Facebook</a>&nbsp;page at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13.</p>

K-State Athletics Announces 2021 Virtual Catbacker Tour Presented by Kansas Strong

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) - As fireworks lit up the sky, different sparks were flying between Tyreek Hill and Keeta Vaccaro on the 4th of July.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill popped the question to his now-fiancee Keeta Vaccaro on Sunday evening. The pair posted a video and picture of the engagement.

The couple posed for a picture as white boards were removed from a sign that read “Will You Marry Me?” Fireworks lit up beside them as Vaccaro said yes and a beautiful diamond ring now sparkles on her finger.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625599347220.png" alt="Chiefs' WR Tyreek Hill poses with his now fiancee following their engagement. The image was posted on Hill's Instagram" />
                        <figcaption>Chiefs' WR Tyreek Hill poses with his now fiancee following their engagement. The image was posted on Hill's Instagram</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>By WIBW's Sarah Motter</p><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) - As fireworks lit up the sky, different sparks were flying between Tyreek Hill and Keeta Vaccaro on the 4th of July.</p><p>Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill popped the question to his now-fiancee Keeta Vaccaro on Sunday evening. The pair posted a video and picture of the engagement.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQ-A8b6pZfv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQ-A8b6pZfv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQ-A8b6pZfv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by ItskeetaV (@keeta_vaccaro)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p>The couple posed for a picture as white boards were removed from a sign that read “Will You Marry Me?” Fireworks lit up beside them as Vaccaro said yes and a beautiful diamond ring now sparkles on her finger.</p><div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9PBDQBCSW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); 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 Tyreek Hill pops question to now-fiancee as sparks fly

Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described Monday as a tragic accident at a Michigan home on the Fourth of July.

Police in Novi, Michigan, said the firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people nearby Sunday night. The 24-year-old Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and tried to get clear with several other people, police Lt. Jason Meier said. Authorities earlier said the Latvian had died of an apparent head injury during a fall, but an autopsy clarified the cause of death.

The fire department and EMTs got to the home shortly after 10 p.m. and took Kivlenieks to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Meier said. The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office reported preliminary autopsy results Monday afternoon.

Prior to the autopsy, police said Kivlenieks was believed to have slipped and hit his head on concrete while running from a malfunctioning firework.

“At the moment, we’re pretty certain this was a tragic accident,” Meier said.

Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen tweeted: “Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.” Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson called it a “devastating time” for the team.

“Kivi was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten,” he said.

Kivlenieks’ death came on the eve of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in Montreal. Bell Centre held a moment of silence for Kivlenieks prior to the national anthems, and Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper offered remarks about Kivlenieks after his team’s overtime loss to the Canadiens.

“I just want to give our heartfelt condolences to the Kivlenieks family,” Cooper said. “It’s an awful tragedy for anybody, any family to go through that. But somebody in the NHL family, as close as we all are as the teams even battling out there, from all the Lightning, our condolences.”

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Kivlenieks’ “love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend.”

The Latvian Hockey Federation called Kivlenieks’ death “a great loss not only for Latvian hockey but for the entire Latvian nation.”

Kivlenieks most recently represented Latvia this spring at the world hockey championship in which he played four games. He played two games for the Blue Jackets and eight for the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters this past season.

A native of Riga, Latvia, Kivlenieks signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in May 2017 and played eight games for the club overall. He was seen as a possible No. 2 goaltender next season if Joonas Korpisalo or Elvis Merzlikins is traded.

Kivlenieks was at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington last Tuesday as a guest of IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi. Rossi announced that day he was going to race in Mexico in November, and Kivlenieks took a ride around Mid-Ohio in a Honda Ridgeline to help promote both Rossi and Sunday’s IndyCar race.

“This hits hard,” Rossi tweeted. “Prayers to the family and the team.”

Meier said the autopsy findings prompted officers to re-interview some witnesses. He said police will continue trying to interview as many people as they can who were there.

“We’re starting to put together a pretty good picture of what occurred,” he said.

Meier said police who responded to the emergency calls said there was a “large gathering” at the home but he didn’t have an estimate of how many people were there.

Meier would not provide the address of the property in Novi, a northern suburb of Detroit. A police report had not yet been completed.

“What a tragic loss for all of us who knew him and I am thinking and praying for his family,” former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno tweeted. “Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person… Just, way too soon.”

Former Columbus defenseman David Savard learned of the accident from Foligno.

“That was a brutal wakeup this morning,” Savard said in French. “That was a good kid with a lot of talent who was going to be a part of the team next year or in the future. That’s extremely sad.”

<p>By Associated Press</p><p>Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks died of chest trauma from an errant fireworks mortar blast in what authorities described Monday as a tragic accident at a Michigan home on the Fourth of July.</p><p>Police in Novi, Michigan, said the firework tilted slightly and started to fire toward people nearby Sunday night. The 24-year-old Kivlenieks was in a hot tub and tried to get clear with several other people, police Lt. Jason Meier said. Authorities earlier said the Latvian had died of an apparent head injury during a fall, but an autopsy clarified the cause of death.</p><p>The fire department and EMTs got to the home shortly after 10 p.m. and took Kivlenieks to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Meier said. The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office reported preliminary autopsy results Monday afternoon.</p><p>Prior to the autopsy, police said Kivlenieks was believed to have slipped and hit his head on concrete while running from a malfunctioning firework.</p><p>“At the moment, we’re pretty certain this was a tragic accident,” Meier said.</p><p>Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen tweeted: “Life is so precious and can be so fragile. Hug your loved ones today. RIP Matiss, you will be dearly missed.” Blue Jackets president of hockey operations John Davidson called it a “devastating time” for the team.</p><p>“Kivi was an outstanding young man who greeted every day and everyone with a smile and the impact he had during his four years with our organization will not be forgotten,” he said.</p><p>Kivlenieks’ death came on the eve of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in Montreal. Bell Centre held a moment of silence for Kivlenieks prior to the national anthems, and Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper offered remarks about Kivlenieks after his team’s overtime loss to the Canadiens.</p><p>“I just want to give our heartfelt condolences to the Kivlenieks family,” Cooper said. “It’s an awful tragedy for anybody, any family to go through that. But somebody in the NHL family, as close as we all are as the teams even battling out there, from all the Lightning, our condolences.”</p><p>NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said Kivlenieks’ “love for life and passion for the game will be deeply missed by all those who have been fortunate to have him as a teammate and a friend.”</p><p>The Latvian Hockey Federation called Kivlenieks’ death “a great loss not only for Latvian hockey but for the entire Latvian nation.”</p><p>Kivlenieks most recently represented Latvia this spring at the world hockey championship in which he played four games. He played two games for the Blue Jackets and eight for the American Hockey League’s Cleveland Monsters this past season.</p><p>A native of Riga, Latvia, Kivlenieks signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in May 2017 and played eight games for the club overall. He was seen as a possible No. 2 goaltender next season if Joonas Korpisalo or Elvis Merzlikins is traded.</p><p>Kivlenieks was at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington last Tuesday as a guest of IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi. Rossi announced that day he was going to race in Mexico in November, and Kivlenieks took a ride around Mid-Ohio in a Honda Ridgeline to help promote both Rossi and Sunday’s IndyCar race.</p><p>“This hits hard,” Rossi tweeted. “Prayers to the family and the team.”</p><p>Meier said the autopsy findings prompted officers to re-interview some witnesses. He said police will continue trying to interview as many people as they can who were there.</p><p>“We’re starting to put together a pretty good picture of what occurred,” he said.</p><p>Meier said police who responded to the emergency calls said there was a “large gathering” at the home but he didn’t have an estimate of how many people were there.</p><p>Meier would not provide the address of the property in Novi, a northern suburb of Detroit. A police report had not yet been completed.</p><p>“What a tragic loss for all of us who knew him and I am thinking and praying for his family,” former Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno tweeted. “Heaven gained a darn good goalie and better person… Just, way too soon.”</p><p>Former Columbus defenseman David Savard learned of the accident from Foligno.</p><p>“That was a brutal wakeup this morning,” Savard said in French. “That was a good kid with a lot of talent who was going to be a part of the team next year or in the future. That’s extremely sad.”</p>

Columbus Blue Jackets goalie dies after fireworks accident

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is teaming with USA Football to host three youth football coaching clinics across Missouri this summer while his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has provided grants to 15 youth football leagues.

The collaboration between the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and USA Football was announced Monday.

Webb City (Missouri) High School coach John Roderique, who has led the Cardinals to a state-record 12 championships, and longtime Rockwood (Missouri) Summit High School coach Mike Bellars will lead the clinics. Their purpose is to prepare other coaches to teach youth athletes based on their age, skill level and the type of football games they are playing.

The first of the clinics, which are free to youth football coaches, will take place July 27 in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas. The second will take place July 31 in Web City, Missouri, and the third on Aug. 7 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Along with the clinics, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation announced that $2,000 operating grants will be distributed to 15 area youth leagues across the region. They will be awarded through an online grant application.

“Smart coaching can make a lasting and positive impact on kids and their sports development,” said Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to three consecutive AFC tile games and back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. “I’m happy to partner with USA Football to support healthy football practices for coaches and youth athletes across the KC region.”

The collaboration is another example of the investment that Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Matthews, are making in their adopted community. Mahomes recently purchased a minority interest in the Kansas City Royals while Matthews, who played professional soccer in Iceland, is part owner of the Kansas City franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Meanwhile, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local causes. That includes funding the renovation of Martin Luther King Jr. Park, not far from Arrowhead Stadium, which will feature an all-inclusive play site along with opportunities to learn about and commemorate King’s work.

“Patrick’s commitment to kids through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation is immense and uncommon,” USA Football chief executive Scott Hallenbeck said. “We value Patrick’s friendship and love of the game to deliver best-in-class coach training and grants to help elevate youth football programs throughout Greater Kansas City.”

Mahomes will join the Chiefs’ other quarterbacks, rookies and select veterans in reporting to training camp July 23 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. The rest of the team reports July 28, with the first full-squad workout the following day open to the public for the first time since the 2019 preseason.

The Chiefs open the regular season Sept. 12 against the Cleveland Browns.

<p>By Associated Press</p><p>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is teaming with USA Football to host three youth football coaching clinics across Missouri this summer while his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation has provided grants to 15 youth football leagues.</p><p>The collaboration between the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and USA Football was announced Monday.</p><p>Webb City (Missouri) High School coach John Roderique, who has led the Cardinals to a state-record 12 championships, and longtime Rockwood (Missouri) Summit High School coach Mike Bellars will lead the clinics. Their purpose is to prepare other coaches to teach youth athletes based on their age, skill level and the type of football games they are playing.</p><p>The first of the clinics, which are free to youth football coaches, will take place July 27 in the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, Kansas. The second will take place July 31 in Web City, Missouri, and the third on Aug. 7 in Kansas City, Missouri.</p><p>Along with the clinics, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation announced that $2,000 operating grants will be distributed to 15 area youth leagues across the region. They will be awarded through an online grant application.</p><p>“Smart coaching can make a lasting and positive impact on kids and their sports development,” said Mahomes, who has led the Chiefs to three consecutive AFC tile games and back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. “I’m happy to partner with USA Football to support healthy football practices for coaches and youth athletes across the KC region.”</p><p>The collaboration is another example of the investment that Mahomes and his wife, Brittany Matthews, are making in their adopted community. Mahomes recently purchased a minority interest in the Kansas City Royals while Matthews, who played professional soccer in Iceland, is part owner of the Kansas City franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League.</p><p>Meanwhile, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local causes. That includes funding the renovation of Martin Luther King Jr. Park, not far from Arrowhead Stadium, which will feature an all-inclusive play site along with opportunities to learn about and commemorate King’s work.</p><p>“Patrick’s commitment to kids through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation is immense and uncommon,” USA Football chief executive Scott Hallenbeck said. “We value Patrick’s friendship and love of the game to deliver best-in-class coach training and grants to help elevate youth football programs throughout Greater Kansas City.”</p><p>Mahomes will join the Chiefs’ other quarterbacks, rookies and select veterans in reporting to training camp July 23 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. The rest of the team reports July 28, with the first full-squad workout the following day open to the public for the first time since the 2019 preseason.</p><p>The Chiefs open the regular season Sept. 12 against the Cleveland Browns.</p>

Chiefs’ Mahomes joins USA Football in youth football support

Junction City picked up a summer baseball win over the Barn Academy of Manhattan by the score of 20-6 Monday evening at Rathert Field. Junction City jumped out to a big early lead and never trailed in the contest.

The Brigade host the Hays Larks at 7 p.m. Wednesday.&nbsp;

<p>Junction City picked up a summer baseball win over the Barn Academy of Manhattan by the score of 20-6 Monday evening at Rathert Field. Junction City jumped out to a big early lead and never trailed in the contest.</p><p>The Brigade host the Hays Larks at 7 p.m. Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

Brigade roll past the Barn Academy

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - K-State Football will welcome a new man behind the mic this fall.

Mitch Fortner will take over for Dave Lewis as the Wildcats’ new public address announcer. Lewis signed off for the final time last fall after 14 seasons.

“It definitely means a lot to me that I get the opportunity to do it for the team I grew up loving all my life,” Fortner said. “I think it also maybe adds a little bit to the pressure of not messing up the job and hoping people still enjoy the game day atmosphere even though it’s going to be a completely new voice.”

Fortner, Manhattan-born and Clay Center-raised, is no stranger to the Wildcats.

Over the last six years, the K-State faithful have heard him on the call at men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball and women’s soccer games.

He even got a taste of his new role at Bill Snyder Family Stadium once before, filling in for Lewis.

<p>By WIBW TV</p><p>MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - K-State Football will welcome a new man behind the mic this fall.</p><p>Mitch Fortner will take over for Dave Lewis as the Wildcats’ new public address announcer. Lewis signed off for the final time last fall after 14 seasons.</p><p>“It definitely means a lot to me that I get the opportunity to do it for the team I grew up loving all my life,” Fortner said. “I think it also maybe adds a little bit to the pressure of not messing up the job and hoping people still enjoy the game day atmosphere even though it’s going to be a completely new voice.”</p><p>Fortner, Manhattan-born and Clay Center-raised, is no stranger to the Wildcats.</p><p>Over the last six years, the K-State faithful have heard him on the call at men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball and women’s soccer games.</p><p>He even got a taste of his new role at Bill Snyder Family Stadium once before, filling in for Lewis.</p>

K-State football will have a new public address announcer

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson withdrew from the NBA draft on Friday and announced he would return to Kansas for his sophomore season, providing more experience on the wing for a rebuilt team that should begin among the top five in the nation. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound Wilson averaged 11.8 points and a team-high 7.8 rebounds last season, helping the Jayhawks reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Kansas is still awaiting decisions from Ochai Agbaji, who declared for the draft after his junior season, and Remy Martin, who intends to transfer from Arizona State should he withdraw from the draft.

<p>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Jalen Wilson withdrew from the NBA draft on Friday and announced he would return to Kansas for his sophomore season, providing more experience on the wing for a rebuilt team that should begin among the top five in the nation. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound Wilson averaged 11.8 points and a team-high 7.8 rebounds last season, helping the Jayhawks reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Kansas is still awaiting decisions from Ochai Agbaji, who declared for the draft after his junior season, and Remy Martin, who intends to transfer from Arizona State should he withdraw from the draft.</p>

Wilson returns for sophomore season at KU

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Kade Graff smacked a base hit down the left field line, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the ninth, as the Brigade defeated the Lawrence Travelers 4-3.

Tristan Wolf pitched 7 innings in the effort, giving up two earned runs, but it would be Zach Ebert who tallied the win, pitching a spotless top of the ninth.&nbsp;

Junction City had not played since sweeping a double-header against the Topeka Golden Giants, but the five day layoff didn't seem to bother the Brigade. Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the seventh, JC would tack one on the board in that inning, and add one more the each the eighth and the ninth to come from behind for the victory.&nbsp;

Junction City improved to 12-7 on the season with the win and stay in first place in the Mid-Plains League. The Brigade will take on the Lawrence Travelers again tomorrow from Lawrence before taking them on in the series-finale at Rathert Field Saturday night at 7 p.m..&nbsp;

<p>JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Kade Graff smacked a base hit down the left field line, scoring the winning run in the bottom of the ninth, as the Brigade defeated the Lawrence Travelers 4-3.</p><p>Tristan Wolf pitched 7 innings in the effort, giving up two earned runs, but it would be Zach Ebert who tallied the win, pitching a spotless top of the ninth.&nbsp;</p><p>Junction City had not played since sweeping a double-header against the Topeka Golden Giants, but the five day layoff didn't seem to bother the Brigade. Trailing 3-1 entering the bottom of the seventh, JC would tack one on the board in that inning, and add one more the each the eighth and the ninth to come from behind for the victory.&nbsp;</p><p>Junction City improved to 12-7 on the season with the win and stay in first place in the Mid-Plains League. The Brigade will take on the Lawrence Travelers again tomorrow from Lawrence before taking them on in the series-finale at Rathert Field Saturday night at 7 p.m..&nbsp;</p>

Brigade walk off Travelers

<b>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;</b>K-State women’s basketball will have a new voice in its strength and conditioning program, as 2015 K-State graduate Lane Trudo has been tabbed as the program’s Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 2021-22 season.

“We are glad to have Lane join our staff,” said head coach Jeff Mittie about the addition of Trudo. “He brings an excellent amount of experience in women’s basketball and has excelled in every area of his young career.”

In his role as the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Trudo is responsible for designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for the team as a whole and individual student-athletes. He will also work with the K-State Athletic Training staff to facilitate individualized rehabilitation programs for athlete recovery from surgical procedures or injuries.

Prior to coming to Manhattan, Trudo worked for two seasons at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he started as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning and was promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports for the 2020-21 season.

While with the Bears, Trudo worked with the men’s and women’s basketball programs and the volleyball and beach volleyball squads where he designed and implemented the training for those teams.

In the 2020-21 season, Trudo was responsible for the strength and conditioning programs for 10 sports. As a result of his efforts, the Mercer women’s basketball program won the 2021 Southern Conference title and reached the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Before joining the Mercer staff, Trudo spent the 2017-18 and 2018-19 athletic seasons at Lamar as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. During his time at Lamar, Trudo worked with the men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams, which included strength and power development, linear and lateral speed, conditioning, mobility, and pre-game and practice warm-ups.

While working with those teams, he trained one All-American and saw the women’s basketball team win back-to-back Southland Conference regular season titles. He also assisted in the development of a ninth-round draft pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and two draft picks in 2019.

Before spending two years at Lamar, Trudo spent a year and a half at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, as a graduate assistant athletic performance coach. While at William Penn, Trudo helped train four men’s basketball All-Americans and worked with men’s basketball, baseball and men’s soccer.

Trudo earned his Master of Business Leadership from William Penn University in 2018.

Trudo, a 2015 graduate of K-State with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology, worked for two seasons with the Wildcats as a volunteer assistant in strength and conditioning as an undergrad student. He grew from originally working with Olympic sports teams to working with football and Olympic sports.

Trudo is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is also a Level I Coach with USA Weightlifting and holds certification in CPR and AED use by the American Heart Association.

For the 2021-22 season, the Wildcats will return eight letter winners led by 2022 All-America candidate Ayoka Lee and All-Big 12 candidate Rachel Ranke. K-State will add the services of five newcomers including: Rebekah Dallinger (Sydney, Australia), Brylee Glenn (Kansas City, Missouri), Jaelyn Glenn (Kansas City, Missouri) Malene Lind Pederson (Aabyhoj, Denmark) and Serena Sundell (Maryville, Missouri).

<p><b>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;</b>K-State women’s basketball will have a new voice in its strength and conditioning program, as 2015 K-State graduate Lane Trudo has been tabbed as the program’s Strength and Conditioning Coach for the 2021-22 season.</p><p>“We are glad to have Lane join our staff,” said head coach Jeff Mittie about the addition of Trudo. “He brings an excellent amount of experience in women’s basketball and has excelled in every area of his young career.”</p><p>In his role as the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Trudo is responsible for designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for the team as a whole and individual student-athletes. He will also work with the K-State Athletic Training staff to facilitate individualized rehabilitation programs for athlete recovery from surgical procedures or injuries.</p><p>Prior to coming to Manhattan, Trudo worked for two seasons at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where he started as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning and was promoted to Director of Strength and Conditioning for Olympic Sports for the 2020-21 season.</p><p>While with the Bears, Trudo worked with the men’s and women’s basketball programs and the volleyball and beach volleyball squads where he designed and implemented the training for those teams.</p><p>In the 2020-21 season, Trudo was responsible for the strength and conditioning programs for 10 sports. As a result of his efforts, the Mercer women’s basketball program won the 2021 Southern Conference title and reached the 2021 NCAA Tournament.</p><p>Before joining the Mercer staff, Trudo spent the 2017-18 and 2018-19 athletic seasons at Lamar as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coordinator. During his time at Lamar, Trudo worked with the men’s and women’s basketball and baseball teams, which included strength and power development, linear and lateral speed, conditioning, mobility, and pre-game and practice warm-ups.</p><p>While working with those teams, he trained one All-American and saw the women’s basketball team win back-to-back Southland Conference regular season titles. He also assisted in the development of a ninth-round draft pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and two draft picks in 2019.</p><p>Before spending two years at Lamar, Trudo spent a year and a half at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, as a graduate assistant athletic performance coach. While at William Penn, Trudo helped train four men’s basketball All-Americans and worked with men’s basketball, baseball and men’s soccer.</p><p>Trudo earned his Master of Business Leadership from William Penn University in 2018.</p><p>Trudo, a 2015 graduate of K-State with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology, worked for two seasons with the Wildcats as a volunteer assistant in strength and conditioning as an undergrad student. He grew from originally working with Olympic sports teams to working with football and Olympic sports.</p><p>Trudo is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He is also a Level I Coach with USA Weightlifting and holds certification in CPR and AED use by the American Heart Association.</p><p>For the 2021-22 season, the Wildcats will return eight letter winners led by 2022 All-America candidate Ayoka Lee and All-Big 12 candidate Rachel Ranke. K-State will add the services of five newcomers including: Rebekah Dallinger (Sydney, Australia), Brylee Glenn (Kansas City, Missouri), Jaelyn Glenn (Kansas City, Missouri) Malene Lind Pederson (Aabyhoj, Denmark) and Serena Sundell (Maryville, Missouri).</p>

Trudo Hired as K-State Women’s Basketball Strength Coach

<b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– Eight home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including a marquee matchup with Marquette, the Hall of Fame Classic at T-Mobile Center and road contests against regional foes Wichita State and Nebraska highlight the 2021-22 Kansas State men’s basketball non-conference schedule released on Thursday (July 1).

The upcoming 2021-22 season will mark a return to full capacity at Bramlage Coliseum, as the Wildcats open their eight-game non-conference home schedule against Florida A&amp;M on Wednesday, November 10. The team will also host a pair of to-be-determined exhibition games prior to the season opener.

“I have said a number of times that building your non-conference schedule is nearly as important as recruiting,” said head coach&nbsp;<b>Bruce Weber</b>. “As a staff, you want to build a quality schedule that gives your team a chance at an NCAA Tournament bid, but also help develop them as the season goes along. We still have a relatively young team, so it was important to give them more experience especially at home to build confidence.”

K-State previously announced several components of its non-conference schedule, including the Hall of Fame Classic with Arkansas, Cincinnati and Illinois on Monday and Tuesday, November 22-23 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, a matchup with Wichita State at INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita on Sunday, December 5, a home game with Marquette in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle on Wednesday, December 8 as well as road contests at Nebraska on Sunday, December 19 and at Ole Miss in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

In all, the Wildcats will play at least 17 home games (not including exhibitions) in 2021-22, including the nine-game Big 12 schedule with visits from reigning national champion Baylor and NCAA Tournament participants Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia. The complete conference schedule is expected to be released early in the fall.

Season tickets for the 2021-22 season will go on sale on Wednesday, July 21.

<p><b>MANHATTAN, Kan.</b>&nbsp;– Eight home games at Bramlage Coliseum, including a marquee matchup with Marquette, the Hall of Fame Classic at T-Mobile Center and road contests against regional foes Wichita State and Nebraska highlight the 2021-22 Kansas State men’s basketball non-conference schedule released on Thursday (July 1).</p><p>The upcoming 2021-22 season will mark a return to full capacity at Bramlage Coliseum, as the Wildcats open their eight-game non-conference home schedule against Florida A&amp;M on Wednesday, November 10. The team will also host a pair of to-be-determined exhibition games prior to the season opener.</p><p>“I have said a number of times that building your non-conference schedule is nearly as important as recruiting,” said head coach&nbsp;<b>Bruce Weber</b>. “As a staff, you want to build a quality schedule that gives your team a chance at an NCAA Tournament bid, but also help develop them as the season goes along. We still have a relatively young team, so it was important to give them more experience especially at home to build confidence.”</p><p>K-State previously announced several components of its non-conference schedule, including the Hall of Fame Classic with Arkansas, Cincinnati and Illinois on Monday and Tuesday, November 22-23 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, a matchup with Wichita State at INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita on Sunday, December 5, a home game with Marquette in the BIG EAST/Big 12 Battle on Wednesday, December 8 as well as road contests at Nebraska on Sunday, December 19 and at Ole Miss in the Big 12/SEC Challenge on Saturday, January 29, 2022.</p><p>In all, the Wildcats will play at least 17 home games (not including exhibitions) in 2021-22, including the nine-game Big 12 schedule with visits from reigning national champion Baylor and NCAA Tournament participants Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech and West Virginia. The complete conference schedule is expected to be released early in the fall.</p><p>Season tickets for the 2021-22 season will go on sale on Wednesday, July 21.</p>

Eight home games highlight the 2020-2021 nonconference schedule

BOSTON (AP) — J.D. Martinez and Hunter Renfroe homered, Martin Perez pitched two-run ball into the sixth inning and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 in a game twice delayed by poor weather. First pitch was pushed back 41 minutes and umpires stopped play for 1 hour, 56 minutes in the middle of the sixth, but the teams managed to play nine innings. Perez allowed two runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out two. He allowed a homer to Salvador Pérez leading off the second. Pérez’s homer came during a 4-for-4 night. Mike Minor gave up five runs on seven hits over five innings.

<p>BOSTON (AP) — J.D. Martinez and Hunter Renfroe homered, Martin Perez pitched two-run ball into the sixth inning and the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-2 in a game twice delayed by poor weather. First pitch was pushed back 41 minutes and umpires stopped play for 1 hour, 56 minutes in the middle of the sixth, but the teams managed to play nine innings. Perez allowed two runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out two. He allowed a homer to Salvador Pérez leading off the second. Pérez’s homer came during a 4-for-4 night. Mike Minor gave up five runs on seven hits over five innings.</p>

Royals lose in rain delayed game

DALLAS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors approved one of the biggest changes in the history of college athletics Wednesday, clearing the way for nearly a half-million athletes to start earning money based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades.

The decision, expected for months as state after state passed laws intended to render NCAA rules moot on the topic, came on the eve of the market opening Thursday for athletes in a dozen states, including giants like Texas and Florida.

“This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness is a step in the right direction as states begin enacting their own student athlete compensation laws," said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. 

"However, this is not a long-term solution and further demonstrates that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.”

In February, Sen. Moran introduced the&nbsp;<i><a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/sen-moran-introduces-bill-to-establish-a-federal-standard-for-student-athletes-to-receive-compensation-for-their-name-image-and-likeness" target="_blank">Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021</a></i>&nbsp;to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their NIL.

“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.

The decision effectively suspends NCAA restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances. it applies to all three divisions or some 460,000 athletes.

The NCAA will also allow athletes to enter into agreements with agents, though all athletes are expected to keep their school informed of any and all NIL arrangements. The NCAA said schools are responsible “for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.”

The NCAA had hoped to have broad NIL rules in place months ago, but that process bogged down, as did efforts on Capitol Hill to have Congress pass a law addressing the issue. Emmert said the NCAA will continue to push for a federal law to “provide clarity on a national level.”

The NCAA was forced to seek a temporary solution rather than have athletes in some states eligible for compensation while others were not.&nbsp;<a href="https://businessofcollegesports.com/tracker-name-image-and-likeness-legislation-by-state/" target="_blank">More than 10 states have laws set to go into effect</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would have undercut or simply declared inert existing NCAA rules regarding NIL earnings.

Without NCAA action, athletes in some states could be making money without putting their college eligibility in jeopardy while their counterparts in other states could be in danger of breaking NCAA rules.

The NCAA’s stopgap measure comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the association in a case involving education-related benefits. That 9-0 ruling is expected to impact issues related to compensation for athletes.

While the NCAA has been fighting court battles and debating rules for compensation for years, the sudden pivot is jarring, if not perfectly clear on how it will affect recruiting and competitive balance.

For now, the NCAA has largely left the issue in the hands of more than 1,100 member schools.

“The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve,” Emmert said.

In a letter to member schools last week, Emmert stressed the high court still puts authority to govern college sports in the hands of the association. However, he warned schools that “existing and new rules are subject to antitrust analysis and we should expect continued litigation., particularly in the area of ‘play for pay.’”

The NCAA said the temporary policy addresses “play for pay” and the continued ban on improper inducements tied to choosing a school.

“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements.”

<p>DALLAS (AP) — The NCAA Board of Directors approved one of the biggest changes in the history of college athletics Wednesday, clearing the way for nearly a half-million athletes to start earning money based on their fame and celebrity without fear of endangering their eligibility or putting their school in jeopardy of violating amateurism rules that have stood for decades.</p><p>The decision, expected for months as state after state passed laws intended to render NCAA rules moot on the topic, came on the eve of the market opening Thursday for athletes in a dozen states, including giants like Texas and Florida.</p><p>“This decision by the NCAA to adopt interim rules to allow college athletes to profit from the use of their name, image and likeness is a step in the right direction as states begin enacting their own student athlete compensation laws," said Kansas Senator Jerry Moran. </p><p>"However, this is not a long-term solution and further demonstrates that Congress must act to establish a consistent, federal standard on NIL. Creating a level playing field regarding student athlete protection and compensation through federal legislation will empower amateur athletes while maintaining the integrity of college sports that we all know and love.”</p><p>In February, Sen. Moran introduced the&nbsp;<i><a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2021/2/sen-moran-introduces-bill-to-establish-a-federal-standard-for-student-athletes-to-receive-compensation-for-their-name-image-and-likeness" target="_blank">Amateur Athletes Protection and Compensation Act of 2021</a></i>&nbsp;to establish a consistent, federal standard to allow student athletes greater control of their NIL.</p><p>“This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said.</p><p>The decision effectively suspends NCAA restrictions on payments to athletes for things such as sponsorship deals, online endorsements and personal appearances. it applies to all three divisions or some 460,000 athletes.</p><p>The NCAA will also allow athletes to enter into agreements with agents, though all athletes are expected to keep their school informed of any and all NIL arrangements. The NCAA said schools are responsible “for determining whether those activities are consistent with state law.”</p><p>The NCAA had hoped to have broad NIL rules in place months ago, but that process bogged down, as did efforts on Capitol Hill to have Congress pass a law addressing the issue. Emmert said the NCAA will continue to push for a federal law to “provide clarity on a national level.”</p><p>The NCAA was forced to seek a temporary solution rather than have athletes in some states eligible for compensation while others were not.&nbsp;<a href="https://businessofcollegesports.com/tracker-name-image-and-likeness-legislation-by-state/" target="_blank">More than 10 states have laws set to go into effect</a>&nbsp;Thursday that would have undercut or simply declared inert existing NCAA rules regarding NIL earnings.</p><p>Without NCAA action, athletes in some states could be making money without putting their college eligibility in jeopardy while their counterparts in other states could be in danger of breaking NCAA rules.</p><p>The NCAA’s stopgap measure comes less than two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the association in a case involving education-related benefits. That 9-0 ruling is expected to impact issues related to compensation for athletes.</p><p>While the NCAA has been fighting court battles and debating rules for compensation for years, the sudden pivot is jarring, if not perfectly clear on how it will affect recruiting and competitive balance.</p><p>For now, the NCAA has largely left the issue in the hands of more than 1,100 member schools.</p><p>“The current environment — both legal and legislative — prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve,” Emmert said.</p><p>In a letter to member schools last week, Emmert stressed the high court still puts authority to govern college sports in the hands of the association. However, he warned schools that “existing and new rules are subject to antitrust analysis and we should expect continued litigation., particularly in the area of ‘play for pay.’”</p><p>The NCAA said the temporary policy addresses “play for pay” and the continued ban on improper inducements tied to choosing a school.</p><p>“The new policy preserves the fact college sports are not pay-for-play,” said Division II Presidents Council chair Sandra Jordan, chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Aiken. “It also reinforces key principles of fairness and integrity across the NCAA and maintains rules prohibiting improper recruiting inducements.”</p><p>___</p>

History: NCAA clears way for student athlete compensation

BOSTON (AP) — Hunter Renfroe homered twice, the second to break a sixth-inning tie, as the Red Sox rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5. Kiké Hernández led off the bottom of the first with a home run for the second straight game, Bobby Dalbec also homered and Renfroe had a two-run shot in the fourth as Boston came back after falling behind 5-1. It was Renfroe’s 13th career multihomer game. The victory was Boston’s fourth straight, following a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees. It was also the team's major league-leading 26th come-from-behind win.

<p>BOSTON (AP) — Hunter Renfroe homered twice, the second to break a sixth-inning tie, as the Red Sox rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5. Kiké Hernández led off the bottom of the first with a home run for the second straight game, Bobby Dalbec also homered and Renfroe had a two-run shot in the fourth as Boston came back after falling behind 5-1. It was Renfroe’s 13th career multihomer game. The victory was Boston’s fourth straight, following a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees. It was also the team's major league-leading 26th come-from-behind win.</p>

Royals fall to Red Sox

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Royals fans will have the opportunity to get free game tickets when they get vaccinated against COVID-19 Wednesday.

The Royals are participating in the MLB’s “Vaccinate at the Plate” initiative, which offers game tickets as incentives for getting vaccinated. On June 30, fans can get vaccinated at Price Chopper Pharmacies or the Blue KC Gate at Kauffman Stadium from 3 to 8 pm and receive two vouchers for tickets to select 2021 regular-season games. Additional tickets will also be available for purchase at 50% off.

Pre-registration is recommended; walk-in appointments will be offered depending on availability. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/community/vaccinate" target="_blank">here&nbsp;</a>to register.

<p><i>By WIBW's Marissa Ventrelli</i></p><p>TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Royals fans will have the opportunity to get free game tickets when they get vaccinated against COVID-19 Wednesday.</p><p>The Royals are participating in the MLB’s “Vaccinate at the Plate” initiative, which offers game tickets as incentives for getting vaccinated. On June 30, fans can get vaccinated at Price Chopper Pharmacies or the Blue KC Gate at Kauffman Stadium from 3 to 8 pm and receive two vouchers for tickets to select 2021 regular-season games. Additional tickets will also be available for purchase at 50% off.</p><p>Pre-registration is recommended; walk-in appointments will be offered depending on availability. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/royals/community/vaccinate" target="_blank">here&nbsp;</a>to register.</p>

Royals fans can get free tickets for receiving COVID-19 vaccine

The Junction City Brigade defeated the Hays Larks 5-1 in summer collegiate baseball Monday evening in Hays.

The Brigade play at the Midwest A's Tuesday night.

<p>The Junction City Brigade defeated the Hays Larks 5-1 in summer collegiate baseball Monday evening in Hays.</p><p>The Brigade play at the Midwest A's Tuesday night.</p>

Brigade pick up a road win

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - For one final time, Kansas graduating seniors got to don their alma mater's colors on Saturday evening. All-Stars from all levels across the state participated in the 48th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, with teams divided into east and west.&nbsp;

Representing Junction City, Quarterback Andrew Khoury lead the West squad to a 14-0 victory.&nbsp;

"It was such a cool experience," said Khoury. "The football game was awesome. It was cool being around a bunch of stud players and being around the best in Kansas."&nbsp;

Khoury delivered a touchdown pass to Ty Sides of Phillipsburg on the first possession of the game for the west team. Sides would go on to be named MVP of the west, thanks to a five catch, 126 yard performance in the charity game.&nbsp;

Khoury said after the fact that it reminded him of several plays as a Blue Jay where he would deliver a short pass to a teammate and they would make a move for a score.

Ironically enough, it was his own coach that drew up the play.&nbsp;

Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman&nbsp; was the offensive coordinator and play-caller for the west team in the 2021 Shrine Bowl, allowing him the opportunity to call in one last TD for his star quarterback.

Highlights aside, Khoury said the best part of the whole week, was learning the reason behind the game itself.

"The best part about Hutchinson would probably be learning about the Shriners organization, and meeting some of the Shriners kids," said Khoury.&nbsp;

The Kansas Shrine Bowl raises money for the Shriners Hospitals for children, and the game has been played since 1974. According to the Shrine Bowl website, the organization has raised over $2.5 million for the hospital.&nbsp;

Khoury currently plans on attending the University of Kansas to study finance, but says its still possible he hasn't played his final game of football.&nbsp;

"If something comes up and I like it, I'm definitely going to look into it," he said.&nbsp;

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624913606617.jpeg" alt="The West team poses following its 14-0 win in the&nbsp; 48th annual Shrine Bowl. Image courtesy of Sports in Kansas." />
                        <figcaption>The West team poses following its 14-0 win in the&nbsp; 48th annual Shrine Bowl. Image courtesy of Sports in Kansas.</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>HUTCHINSON, Kan. - For one final time, Kansas graduating seniors got to don their alma mater's colors on Saturday evening. All-Stars from all levels across the state participated in the 48th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl, with teams divided into east and west.&nbsp;</p><p>Representing Junction City, Quarterback Andrew Khoury lead the West squad to a 14-0 victory.&nbsp;</p><p>"It was such a cool experience," said Khoury. "The football game was awesome. It was cool being around a bunch of stud players and being around the best in Kansas."&nbsp;</p><p>Khoury delivered a touchdown pass to Ty Sides of Phillipsburg on the first possession of the game for the west team. Sides would go on to be named MVP of the west, thanks to a five catch, 126 yard performance in the charity game.&nbsp;</p><p>Khoury said after the fact that it reminded him of several plays as a Blue Jay where he would deliver a short pass to a teammate and they would make a move for a score.</p><p>Ironically enough, it was his own coach that drew up the play.&nbsp;</p><p>Junction City Head Coach Randall Zimmerman&nbsp; was the offensive coordinator and play-caller for the west team in the 2021 Shrine Bowl, allowing him the opportunity to call in one last TD for his star quarterback.</p><p>Highlights aside, Khoury said the best part of the whole week, was learning the reason behind the game itself.</p><p>"The best part about Hutchinson would probably be learning about the Shriners organization, and meeting some of the Shriners kids," said Khoury.&nbsp;</p><p>The Kansas Shrine Bowl raises money for the Shriners Hospitals for children, and the game has been played since 1974. According to the Shrine Bowl website, the organization has raised over $2.5 million for the hospital.&nbsp;</p><p>Khoury currently plans on attending the University of Kansas to study finance, but says its still possible he hasn't played his final game of football.&nbsp;</p><p>"If something comes up and I like it, I'm definitely going to look into it," he said.&nbsp;</p>

Junction City's Khoury reflects on Shrine Bowl

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Joey Gallo homered again, Jordan Lyles pitched seven strong innings after getting bumped from the rotation for one start, and the Texas Rangers finished a three-game sweep with a 4-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The last-place Rangers have won three consecutive games for the first time since sweeping Houston at home from May 21-23. Whit Merrifield had an RBI single among three hits as the Royals lost their fifth straight on a 10-game trip. Lyles allowed seven hits, all singles, in his longest outing this year.

<p>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Joey Gallo homered again, Jordan Lyles pitched seven strong innings after getting bumped from the rotation for one start, and the Texas Rangers finished a three-game sweep with a 4-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The last-place Rangers have won three consecutive games for the first time since sweeping Houston at home from May 21-23. Whit Merrifield had an RBI single among three hits as the Royals lost their fifth straight on a 10-game trip. Lyles allowed seven hits, all singles, in his longest outing this year.</p>

Royals fall to Texas

Gus Freeman laced a hit to right-center field in the bottom of the ninth inning, knocking in Price Allman and Dalton Nelson with the tying and winning runs in a 4-3 victory for the Junction City Brigade over the Topeka Golden Giants Saturday night at Rathert Field. Freeman ended the game with two singles and two walks. He also scored one run.

The Brigade rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to get the victory.&nbsp;

In an earlier game Saturday evening at Rathert Field the Brigade also defeated the Golden Giants 4-0.&nbsp;

Junction City will host the Lawrence Travelers Thursday and Saturday nights of next week at Rathert Field.

<p>Gus Freeman laced a hit to right-center field in the bottom of the ninth inning, knocking in Price Allman and Dalton Nelson with the tying and winning runs in a 4-3 victory for the Junction City Brigade over the Topeka Golden Giants Saturday night at Rathert Field. Freeman ended the game with two singles and two walks. He also scored one run.</p><p>The Brigade rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to get the victory.&nbsp;</p><p>In an earlier game Saturday evening at Rathert Field the Brigade also defeated the Golden Giants 4-0.&nbsp;</p><p>Junction City will host the Lawrence Travelers Thursday and Saturday nights of next week at Rathert Field.</p>

Brigade get a walk-off win in the ninth inning

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kyle Gibson had a season-high 10 strikeouts, Joey Gallo hit two massive home runs and the Texas Rangers have won consecutive games for the first time in more than a month. Gallo matched his career high with five RBIs in the 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. He hit a three-run homer 451 feet in the fourth inning, and added a two-run shot in the eighth that went 445 feet. Gibson is 6-0 after allowing only two singles and a walk in his seven innings. The Rangers hadn't won back-to-back games since a three-game sweep of Houston from May 20-22.

<p>ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Kyle Gibson had a season-high 10 strikeouts, Joey Gallo hit two massive home runs and the Texas Rangers have won consecutive games for the first time in more than a month. Gallo matched his career high with five RBIs in the 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. He hit a three-run homer 451 feet in the fourth inning, and added a two-run shot in the eighth that went 445 feet. Gibson is 6-0 after allowing only two singles and a walk in his seven innings. The Rangers hadn't won back-to-back games since a three-game sweep of Houston from May 20-22.</p>