MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– With a home run in four straight games and 15 RBI last week, K-State senior&nbsp;Chris Ceballos&nbsp;was selected as Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

Ceballos put together a slash line of .538/.600/1.615 in the Wildcats’ 4-0 week that was capped by a weekend sweep of Texas Southern. In a 13-8 win over Missouri last Tuesday, Ceballos went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and a career-high five RBI.

The Chino Hills, California, launched his first career grand slam in the series opener against the Tigers Friday before connecting on three-run homers Saturday and Sunday. Ceballos’ home run and RBI totals along with his slugging percentage were all the top marks in the Big 12 last week, as the second-highest RBI total was eight.

Ceballos’ efforts helped push the Cats’ winning streak to a season-best six games. In four games last week, K-State totaled 60 runs and a dozen home runs. K-State plated 47 runs in its three-game sweep of Texas Southern, finishing a 12-game homestand with a 10-2 record.

The weekly honor is the second in the career of Ceballos, as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on May 13, 2019. He joins&nbsp;Connor McCullough&nbsp;(April 26) and&nbsp;Jordan Wicks&nbsp;(February 22), who were each named Pitcher of the Week, as Wildcats to collect a weekly conference award this year.

The Cats begin a six-game Big 12 road swing with a trip to Baylor Friday. The three-game series will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage is available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM) with free audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– With a home run in four straight games and 15 RBI last week, K-State senior&nbsp;Chris Ceballos&nbsp;was selected as Big 12 Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.Ceballos put together a slash line of .538/.600/1.615 in the Wildcats’ 4-0 week that was capped by a weekend sweep of Texas Southern. In a 13-8 win over Missouri last Tuesday, Ceballos went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a home run and a career-high five RBI.The Chino Hills, California, launched his first career grand slam in the series opener against the Tigers Friday before connecting on three-run homers Saturday and Sunday. Ceballos’ home run and RBI totals along with his slugging percentage were all the top marks in the Big 12 last week, as the second-highest RBI total was eight.Ceballos’ efforts helped push the Cats’ winning streak to a season-best six games. In four games last week, K-State totaled 60 runs and a dozen home runs. K-State plated 47 runs in its three-game sweep of Texas Southern, finishing a 12-game homestand with a 10-2 record.The weekly honor is the second in the career of Ceballos, as he was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week on May 13, 2019. He joins&nbsp;Connor McCullough&nbsp;(April 26) and&nbsp;Jordan Wicks&nbsp;(February 22), who were each named Pitcher of the Week, as Wildcats to collect a weekly conference award this year.The Cats begin a six-game Big 12 road swing with a trip to Baylor Friday. The three-game series will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Radio coverage is available on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM) with free audio streaming at K-StateSports.com/watch.

Ceballos Earns Big 12 Player of the Week

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andrelton Simmons and Mitch Garver homered in a seven-run third inning, and rookie Alex Kirilloff went deep for the fourth time in three games as the Minnesota Twins routed the Kansas City Royals 13-4. 

José Berríos took advantage of Minnesota’s recent tear at the plate to win for the first time in four starts. Berríos gave up four runs and struck out nine in six innings. The Twins have won three of four and scored 35 runs during that stretch. Royals starter Brad Keller was undone by the long ball and his own defense. Keller gave up all seven runs in the third, but only two were earned after a pair of errors by third baseman Hunter Dozier.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Andrelton Simmons and Mitch Garver homered in a seven-run third inning, and rookie Alex Kirilloff went deep for the fourth time in three games as the Minnesota Twins routed the Kansas City Royals 13-4. José Berríos took advantage of Minnesota’s recent tear at the plate to win for the first time in four starts. Berríos gave up four runs and struck out nine in six innings. The Twins have won three of four and scored 35 runs during that stretch. Royals starter Brad Keller was undone by the long ball and his own defense. Keller gave up all seven runs in the third, but only two were earned after a pair of errors by third baseman Hunter Dozier.

Twins roll by the Royals on Sunday

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 250 people participated in the Spring Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills 5K on Saturday morning.

It’s been more than a year since they have been able to complete their season with an in-person celebration.

“It feels amazing because last year was virtual so we couldn’t run with anybody.” Amanda Arnold Elementary School Paraeducator and GOTR Coach, Vicki King says.

The girls participating in Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills are students in both Manhattan and Wamego school districts, coming together to celebrate the end of their season.

To complete the 5K each girl had a running buddy, and community members were invited to participate in the 5K and help celebrate the end of the season.

Results from the 5K can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/351726/results/Event/964477/Results?fbclid=IwAR3y9gBGo-uA5rQgBSmIvxObTLEDeDyhqtLT3mjrP6vfi_tUwa5stIvC12s" target="_blank">here</a>.

By WIBWMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - More than 250 people participated in the Spring Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills 5K on Saturday morning.It’s been more than a year since they have been able to complete their season with an in-person celebration.“It feels amazing because last year was virtual so we couldn’t run with anybody.” Amanda Arnold Elementary School Paraeducator and GOTR Coach, Vicki King says.The girls participating in Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills are students in both Manhattan and Wamego school districts, coming together to celebrate the end of their season.To complete the 5K each girl had a running buddy, and community members were invited to participate in the 5K and help celebrate the end of the season.Results from the 5K can be found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athlinks.com/event/351726/results/Event/964477/Results?fbclid=IwAR3y9gBGo-uA5rQgBSmIvxObTLEDeDyhqtLT3mjrP6vfi_tUwa5stIvC12s" target="_blank">here</a>.

Runners celebrated the end of their season on Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;saw his NFL dream come true on Saturday afternoon as he was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Hubert, who was chosen with the seventh pick of the seventh round (No. 235 overall), is the fifth Wildcat all-time to be selected by Cincinnati. The last was another defensive end when&nbsp;Jordan Willis, who is currently with the San Francisco 49ers, was taken by the Bengals in the 2017 draft.

A two-time First Team All-Big 12 defender, Hubert started 29 career games for the Wildcats and tied for eighth in school history with 20.0 career sacks. Hubert, who earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year awards each of the last two seasons, was ranked seventh in the nation among active players in career sacks per game (0.59) and 10th in tackles for loss per game (1.00) following the 2020 season.

Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started every in 2020, totaling 27 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, the latter two being career highs despite K-State playing in a COVID-shortened 10 games. He was the only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous selection to the first team.

With the conclusion of the draft on Saturday, former Wildcat football players can begin to sign undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams. Those will be announced after being made official by those respective franchises.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1619919564437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;saw his NFL dream come true on Saturday afternoon as he was selected in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.Hubert, who was chosen with the seventh pick of the seventh round (No. 235 overall), is the fifth Wildcat all-time to be selected by Cincinnati. The last was another defensive end when&nbsp;Jordan Willis, who is currently with the San Francisco 49ers, was taken by the Bengals in the 2017 draft.A two-time First Team All-Big 12 defender, Hubert started 29 career games for the Wildcats and tied for eighth in school history with 20.0 career sacks. Hubert, who earned votes for the Big 12 Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year awards each of the last two seasons, was ranked seventh in the nation among active players in career sacks per game (0.59) and 10th in tackles for loss per game (1.00) following the 2020 season.Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started every in 2020, totaling 27 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, the latter two being career highs despite K-State playing in a COVID-shortened 10 games. He was the only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous selection to the first team.With the conclusion of the draft on Saturday, former Wildcat football players can begin to sign undrafted free agent contracts with NFL teams. Those will be announced after being made official by those respective franchises.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's Hubert selected by Bengals in 2021 NFL Draft

<a>KANSAS CITY, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– The win streak by the Kansas State women’s rowing team in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown came to an end on Saturday morning, as Kansas collected wins in both Varsity Eight races at Wyandotte County Lake to earn the rivalry trophy back for the first time since 2017.

Due to how the races are weighed, the Jayhawks won the Sunflower Showdown, 15-5, on the strength of its victories in the First Varsity Eight (9 points) and Second Varsity Eight (6 points), as the First Varsity Four (3 points) and Second Varsity Four (2 points) counted for the remaining 5 points.

In the first head-to-head meeting in the Sunflower Showdown since 2019, Kansas jumped out to wins in the first two races of the day – the First Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight – before the Wildcats earned points in each of the Varsity Four races, including a dominant performance in the First Varsity Four by nearly 17 seconds.

Despite the loss, K-State has still won the Sunflower Showdown six times in the last 10 years, including a 22-0 sweep in 2019 – a first in the rivalry since 2012.

<a>“Today, I think was really a mixed bag,” said head coach&nbsp;Pat Sweeney. “We’ve had strong training with our young team, but our weakness today was that we had too many technical errors. The 1v8 didn’t hear the start and got dropped by a half a length and it stayed that way until the finish.</a>

“We were physically really doing well, but they got to learn better technique so to not make mistakes when they're racing. They really beat themselves by just making mistakes and we can't afford to do that.”

Putting the Wildcats’ youth in perspective, 23 of 28 athletes competing in the Sunflower Showdown were underclassmen, including 14 who are either redshirt or true freshmen.

<a>KANSAS CITY, Kan.</a>&nbsp;– The win streak by the Kansas State women’s rowing team in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown came to an end on Saturday morning, as Kansas collected wins in both Varsity Eight races at Wyandotte County Lake to earn the rivalry trophy back for the first time since 2017.Due to how the races are weighed, the Jayhawks won the Sunflower Showdown, 15-5, on the strength of its victories in the First Varsity Eight (9 points) and Second Varsity Eight (6 points), as the First Varsity Four (3 points) and Second Varsity Four (2 points) counted for the remaining 5 points.In the first head-to-head meeting in the Sunflower Showdown since 2019, Kansas jumped out to wins in the first two races of the day – the First Varsity Eight and Second Varsity Eight – before the Wildcats earned points in each of the Varsity Four races, including a dominant performance in the First Varsity Four by nearly 17 seconds.Despite the loss, K-State has still won the Sunflower Showdown six times in the last 10 years, including a 22-0 sweep in 2019 – a first in the rivalry since 2012.<a>“Today, I think was really a mixed bag,” said head coach&nbsp;Pat Sweeney. “We’ve had strong training with our young team, but our weakness today was that we had too many technical errors. The 1v8 didn’t hear the start and got dropped by a half a length and it stayed that way until the finish.</a>“We were physically really doing well, but they got to learn better technique so to not make mistakes when they're racing. They really beat themselves by just making mistakes and we can't afford to do that.”Putting the Wildcats’ youth in perspective, 23 of 28 athletes competing in the Sunflower Showdown were underclassmen, including 14 who are either redshirt or true freshmen.Tom Gilbert - K-State Athletics

K-State falls to Kansas in Sunflower Showdown Saturday

The Manhattan Indians swept the Junction City Blue Jays in baseball 9-2 and 13-2 in five innings Friday evening.

The games were played at Rathert Field in Junction City.

The Manhattan Indians swept the Junction City Blue Jays in baseball 9-2 and 13-2 in five innings Friday evening.The games were played at Rathert Field in Junction City.

Manhattan sweeps in baseball

Manhattan took two softball games from Junction City Friday night by the scores of 13-1 and 7-2. The games were played in Manhattan.

Manhattan took two softball games from Junction City Friday night by the scores of 13-1 and 7-2. The games were played in Manhattan.

Junction City - Manhattan softball results

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has hired Buffalo's Lance Leipold as its next football coach. The Jayhawks are turning over one of college football’s worst programs to a longtime Division III coach with Midwestern roots. Leipold signed a six-year contract and takes over for Les Miles. 

Miles, a former title-winning coach at LSU, parted with the Jayhawks after two losing seasons amid allegations of sexual harassment dating to his time with the Tigers. 

Leipold won six Division III national titles in eight seasons before going to the Bulls, where he was 37-33 the past six years.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has hired Buffalo's Lance Leipold as its next football coach. The Jayhawks are turning over one of college football’s worst programs to a longtime Division III coach with Midwestern roots. Leipold signed a six-year contract and takes over for Les Miles. Miles, a former title-winning coach at LSU, parted with the Jayhawks after two losing seasons amid allegations of sexual harassment dating to his time with the Tigers. Leipold won six Division III national titles in eight seasons before going to the Bulls, where he was 37-33 the past six years.

KU hires Lance Leipold as head football coach

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The pivotal stretch for the Kansas State women’s rowing team begins on Saturday (May 1), as the Wildcats renew their rivalry with Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kansas. The first of the four races in the rivalry matchup will begin at 8:30 a.m., CT.

The meet is free and open to the public with fans viewing the races from the Wyandotte County Lake Shelter 8 location. Due to COVID-19 protocols, fans will need to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth and maintain six-feet of social distancing. There is a $5 charge for parking.

The First Varsity Eight will kick things off at 8:30 a.m., CT on Saturday morning. It will be followed by the Second Varsity Eight at 8:45 a.m., CT, the First Varsity Four at 9 a.m., CT and the Second Varsity Four at 9:15 a.m., CT. The trophy presentation will be immediately following at 9:30 a.m., CT.

Fans can follow live updates on @KStateROW throughout the day.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The pivotal stretch for the Kansas State women’s rowing team begins on Saturday (May 1), as the Wildcats renew their rivalry with Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City, Kansas. The first of the four races in the rivalry matchup will begin at 8:30 a.m., CT.The meet is free and open to the public with fans viewing the races from the Wyandotte County Lake Shelter 8 location. Due to COVID-19 protocols, fans will need to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth and maintain six-feet of social distancing. There is a $5 charge for parking.The First Varsity Eight will kick things off at 8:30 a.m., CT on Saturday morning. It will be followed by the Second Varsity Eight at 8:45 a.m., CT, the First Varsity Four at 9 a.m., CT and the Second Varsity Four at 9:15 a.m., CT. The trophy presentation will be immediately following at 9:30 a.m., CT.Fans can follow live updates on @KStateROW throughout the day.

Sunflower Showdown is set for Saturday in rowing

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jorge Soler had two doubles among his three hits and drove in three runs to lead Kansas City over the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-6 and improve the Royals’ record to a major league-best 15-8. Soler’s doubles sparked three-run rallies in the first and sixth innings, the latter stretching the lead to 9-5. Kansas City won for the sixth time in seven games. Salvador Pérez also had three of Kansas City’s 12 hits. Hunter Dozier hit a two-run triple and Andrew Benintendi added a two-run double.&nbsp;

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jorge Soler had two doubles among his three hits and drove in three runs to lead Kansas City over the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-6 and improve the Royals’ record to a major league-best 15-8. Soler’s doubles sparked three-run rallies in the first and sixth innings, the latter stretching the lead to 9-5. Kansas City won for the sixth time in seven games. Salvador Pérez also had three of Kansas City’s 12 hits. Hunter Dozier hit a two-run triple and Andrew Benintendi added a two-run double.&nbsp;

Royals edge the Pirates

DETROIT, Mich. - The Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Monday afternoon, claiming KC's fifth-straight win.&nbsp;

In the effort, Royals' starter Brad Keller contributed six innings, allowing just two runs and eight hits.&nbsp;

Carlos Santana broke open the scoring with a two-run homer to right field in the third inning, but Detroit would battle back scoring one run in both the third and fourth innings.&nbsp;

In the fifth, hit Merrifield would bring in Jarrod Dyson with a sacrifice fly that would ultimately win the game.

The victory marked Kansas city's first ever four-game sweep of the Tigers in Detroit and improved their record to 14-7, two games ahead of second place Chicago in the AL Central standings, and the best record in the American League.&nbsp;

KC will be on the road for five more, beginning with a two-game stint in Pittsburgh Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both games will begin at 5:35p.m..&nbsp;

DETROIT, Mich. - The Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Monday afternoon, claiming KC's fifth-straight win.&nbsp;In the effort, Royals' starter Brad Keller contributed six innings, allowing just two runs and eight hits.&nbsp;Carlos Santana broke open the scoring with a two-run homer to right field in the third inning, but Detroit would battle back scoring one run in both the third and fourth innings.&nbsp;In the fifth, hit Merrifield would bring in Jarrod Dyson with a sacrifice fly that would ultimately win the game.The victory marked Kansas city's first ever four-game sweep of the Tigers in Detroit and improved their record to 14-7, two games ahead of second place Chicago in the AL Central standings, and the best record in the American League.&nbsp;KC will be on the road for five more, beginning with a two-game stint in Pittsburgh Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both games will begin at 5:35p.m..&nbsp;

Royals sweep Tigers, Win fifth-straight

DETROIT (AP) — Mike Minor held Detroit hitless until the fifth inning, and Andrew Benintendi and Ryan O’Hearn homered off Casey Mize to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Tigers. Robbie Grossman went deep for Detroit in the fifth, but by then the Tigers were trailing 6-0 after another rough start for Mize. The top pick in the 2018 draft earned his first big league win earlier this month when he held Houston scoreless for seven innings. Since then, Mize has allowed 11 runs in two outings against Oakland and Kansas City. Minor allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

DETROIT (AP) — Mike Minor held Detroit hitless until the fifth inning, and Andrew Benintendi and Ryan O’Hearn homered off Casey Mize to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Tigers. Robbie Grossman went deep for Detroit in the fifth, but by then the Tigers were trailing 6-0 after another rough start for Mize. The top pick in the 2018 draft earned his first big league win earlier this month when he held Houston scoreless for seven innings. Since then, Mize has allowed 11 runs in two outings against Oakland and Kansas City. Minor allowed two runs and four hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Mike Minor sharp in Royals win over Detroit

There are three categories in&nbsp; the Bass Nation Central Regional which wraps up Friday at Milford Lake. On Thursday championship awards and prizes were awarded in one of the divisions, the State Team competition.

Teams from eight states entered the tournament. The group from Texas finished third and received $2,000. New Mexico was second and will get $3,000, and Colorado finished first and receives $5,000. The Kansas team finished sixth.

The other divisions include boaters and co-anglers. The fishing has been tough the last two days to the cold weather. John Stewart, Tournament Director, observed that it was tougher on the fish. "Two weeks ago all the fisherman were saying that the fishing was really good and then this cold front came through. " Stewart added that the anglers are used to the weather and they come prepared. "The fishing could be a little better,"

Stewart, who is from nearby Solomon, KS. called Milford Reservoir a great fishing lake. "We came here hoping we would hit it just right and get some really good catches." Stewart also credited Acorn's Resort and the Geary County Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau with being good hosts, and were also a reason the tournament was brought to Milford Lake.&nbsp;

Top winners in the boater and non-angler divisions move on to the TNT Bass Nation championship. A total of $34,500 in prize money will be given away in the tournament at Milford Lake.

Stewart would like to return to the lake with the tournament again in the future. "Maybe we'll come a month later or something like that."

There are three categories in&nbsp; the Bass Nation Central Regional which wraps up Friday at Milford Lake. On Thursday championship awards and prizes were awarded in one of the divisions, the State Team competition.Teams from eight states entered the tournament. The group from Texas finished third and received $2,000. New Mexico was second and will get $3,000, and Colorado finished first and receives $5,000. The Kansas team finished sixth.The other divisions include boaters and co-anglers. The fishing has been tough the last two days to the cold weather. John Stewart, Tournament Director, observed that it was tougher on the fish. "Two weeks ago all the fisherman were saying that the fishing was really good and then this cold front came through. " Stewart added that the anglers are used to the weather and they come prepared. "The fishing could be a little better,"Stewart, who is from nearby Solomon, KS. called Milford Reservoir a great fishing lake. "We came here hoping we would hit it just right and get some really good catches." Stewart also credited Acorn's Resort and the Geary County Convention &amp; Visitor's Bureau with being good hosts, and were also a reason the tournament was brought to Milford Lake.&nbsp;Top winners in the boater and non-angler divisions move on to the TNT Bass Nation championship. A total of $34,500 in prize money will be given away in the tournament at Milford Lake.Stewart would like to return to the lake with the tournament again in the future. "Maybe we'll come a month later or something like that."

Colorado wins state team division in Bass Nation Central Regional

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — College football teams will have to go for 2 after touchdowns starting with the second overtime possession, and beginning in the third round each team will get one play to score from the 3-yard line. 

The NCAA playing rules oversight panel approved a proposal made last month by the playing rules committee to tweak the overtime format. The new rule will have teams run alternating 2-point plays in the third overtime instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The 2-point shootout currently starts in the fifth overtime.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — College football teams will have to go for 2 after touchdowns starting with the second overtime possession, and beginning in the third round each team will get one play to score from the 3-yard line. The NCAA playing rules oversight panel approved a proposal made last month by the playing rules committee to tweak the overtime format. The new rule will have teams run alternating 2-point plays in the third overtime instead of starting another drive at the opponent’s 25-yard line. The 2-point shootout currently starts in the fifth overtime.

Overtime rules will see changes in college football

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a sweep by topping the Tampa Bay Rays 9-8. 

Jorge Soler, Hunter Dozier and Carlos Santana homered for Kansas City, which trailed 6-3 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning. Scott Barlow allowed Joey Wendle’s tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth, but got the win when the Royals rallied. 

Wendle had two hits and three RBIs for Tampa Bay, which had won five in a row. Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer during the Rays’ four-run first inning against Jacob Junis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1618832070186.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a sweep by topping the Tampa Bay Rays 9-8. Jorge Soler, Hunter Dozier and Carlos Santana homered for Kansas City, which trailed 6-3 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning. Scott Barlow allowed Joey Wendle’s tiebreaking RBI double in the ninth, but got the win when the Royals rallied. Wendle had two hits and three RBIs for Tampa Bay, which had won five in a row. Brandon Lowe hit a two-run homer during the Rays’ four-run first inning against Jacob Junis.

Perez comes through in 9-8 Royals win

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.