MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– An already strong home men’s basketball schedule got even better on Thursday&nbsp; (June 16), when Florida was announced as Kansas State’s opponent in the 10th&nbsp;annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge set for Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Bramlage Coliseum.

Director of Men's Basketball Communications at K-State, Tom Gilbert , said ESPN will provide coverage of all games on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU with start times and complete television information to be released later.

The Gators will be one of at least 17 home games for the Wildcats in 2022-23, which includes Wichita State on Saturday, December 3, and the usual grueling nine game Big 12 slate. The team will also play host to Nebraska in the return of the Wildcat Classic on Saturday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– An already strong home men’s basketball schedule got even better on Thursday&nbsp; (June 16), when Florida was announced as Kansas State’s opponent in the 10th&nbsp;annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge set for Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Bramlage Coliseum.Director of Men's Basketball Communications at K-State, Tom Gilbert , said ESPN will provide coverage of all games on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU with start times and complete television information to be released later.The Gators will be one of at least 17 home games for the Wildcats in 2022-23, which includes Wichita State on Saturday, December 3, and the usual grueling nine game Big 12 slate. The team will also play host to Nebraska in the return of the Wildcat Classic on Saturday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

K-State to Host Florida in SEC/Big 12 Challenge

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Whit Merrifield broke a 2-2 tie with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly and the Kansas City Royals edged the San Francisco Giants 3-2 to avoid a three-game sweep. Andrew Benintendi led off the inning with a pinch-hit double off Giants reliever John Brebbia. Nicky Lopez moved him to third on a sacrifice bunt and Merrifield brought him home. Brandon Belt homered for the Giants, whose five-game winning streak ended. Royals reliever Jose Cuas retired three batters to earn his first career victory. Scott Barlow recorded the last five outs for his seventh save in eight opportunities. Kansas City snapped a four-game losing streak.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Whit Merrifield broke a 2-2 tie with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly and the Kansas City Royals edged the San Francisco Giants 3-2 to avoid a three-game sweep. Andrew Benintendi led off the inning with a pinch-hit double off Giants reliever John Brebbia. Nicky Lopez moved him to third on a sacrifice bunt and Merrifield brought him home. Brandon Belt homered for the Giants, whose five-game winning streak ended. Royals reliever Jose Cuas retired three batters to earn his first career victory. Scott Barlow recorded the last five outs for his seventh save in eight opportunities. Kansas City snapped a four-game losing streak.

Royals win final game of series with San Francisco

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin men’s and women’s basketball will play a doubleheader on Nov. 11 at the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The doubleheader at American Family Field will start with Wisconsin women’s team facing Kansas State. Then, the Badgers’ men’s team will take on Stanford. 

The event is billed as the “Brew City Battle,” and will mark the first time basketball games will be played in the stadium, which opened in 2001. Game times and television information will be announced later.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Wisconsin men’s and women’s basketball will play a doubleheader on Nov. 11 at the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. The doubleheader at American Family Field will start with Wisconsin women’s team facing Kansas State. Then, the Badgers’ men’s team will take on Stanford. The event is billed as the “Brew City Battle,” and will mark the first time basketball games will be played in the stadium, which opened in 2001. Game times and television information will be announced later.

K-State women's basketball in Brew City Battle

Junction City improved to 7-0 with a 14-5 win over the Lawrence Travelers Tuesday night in Lawrence.&nbsp;

Junction City will play a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Thursday in Belton, Missouri against the Midwest A's.

Junction City improved to 7-0 with a 14-5 win over the Lawrence Travelers Tuesday night in Lawrence.&nbsp;Junction City will play a doubleheader at 5 p.m. Thursday in Belton, Missouri against the Midwest A's.

Brigade baseball stays undefeated

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Logan Webb pitched five-hit ball over seven scoreless innings to win for the first time in a month, and the San Francisco Giants stretched their winning streak to five with a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Webb (struck out a season-high nine and walked three. He had been 0-1 in five starts since a May 13 win at St. Louis. Camilo Doval pitched the ninth for his ninth save. Kansas City has lost 12 of 16. At 20-41, the Royals have the worst record in the major leagues.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Logan Webb pitched five-hit ball over seven scoreless innings to win for the first time in a month, and the San Francisco Giants stretched their winning streak to five with a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Webb (struck out a season-high nine and walked three. He had been 0-1 in five starts since a May 13 win at St. Louis. Camilo Doval pitched the ninth for his ninth save. Kansas City has lost 12 of 16. At 20-41, the Royals have the worst record in the major leagues.

Giants defeat the Royals 4-2

Junction City used a seven-run third inning to open up a close game and rolled on to a 14-2 win over the Lawrence Travelers at Rathert Field. Cade Perkins picked up the pitching victory. The game was called after seven innings due to a 10-run rule.

Junction City will play the Travelers again in Lawrence Tuesday night.

Junction City used a seven-run third inning to open up a close game and rolled on to a 14-2 win over the Lawrence Travelers at Rathert Field. Cade Perkins picked up the pitching victory. The game was called after seven innings due to a 10-run rule.Junction City will play the Travelers again in Lawrence Tuesday night.

Brigade improve to 6-0 on the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Rougned Odor hit solo home runs, leading the Baltimore Orioles over the Kansas City Royals 10-7 on Sunday. Hunter Dozier, Michael A. Taylor and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals. Cedric Mullins had four hits and drove in two runs for Baltimore. Richie Martin and Austin Hays each had three hits and two RBIs.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Anthony Santander, Ryan Mountcastle and Rougned Odor hit solo home runs, leading the Baltimore Orioles over the Kansas City Royals 10-7 on Sunday. Hunter Dozier, Michael A. Taylor and Bobby Witt Jr. homered for the Royals. Cedric Mullins had four hits and drove in two runs for Baltimore. Richie Martin and Austin Hays each had three hits and two RBIs.

Orioles hit home runs to defeat the Royals

Junction City hosted the Sabetha Bravos Saturday night in summer collegiate baseball but the game was postponed in the second inning due to the thunderstorm that moved through the area. At the time Junction City was leading 1-0.

The remainder of that contest will be made up on July 12th when the Bravos visit Rathert Field for an already scheduled game.

Junction City hosted the Sabetha Bravos Saturday night in summer collegiate baseball but the game was postponed in the second inning due to the thunderstorm that moved through the area. At the time Junction City was leading 1-0.The remainder of that contest will be made up on July 12th when the Bravos visit Rathert Field for an already scheduled game.

Brigade game is postponed in the second inning

Teams are being sought for the HBC Wild West Fest Tournament in Hays June 30 - July 3. There will be two divisions including one for 18 and over players and another for 16 and over players.&nbsp;

Cost to enter is $650 per team, with the last day to enter June 24. This is a state qualifier tournament.

Teams are being sought for the HBC Wild West Fest Tournament in Hays June 30 - July 3. There will be two divisions including one for 18 and over players and another for 16 and over players.&nbsp;Cost to enter is $650 per team, with the last day to enter June 24. This is a state qualifier tournament.

Play baseball in the HBC Wild West Fest Tournament

Junction City picked up a 10-2 win over the Sabetha Bravos Friday night in Sabetha. The victory in Sabetha was the fifth straight for the Brigade and second in a row over the Bravos.

Junction City coach Brandon Bachar said Austin Gerrity gave the Brigade a strong start in the game. "He handles the noise, he attacks the zone and he's got a really good slider.

Junction City ( 5-0 ) will host Sabetha ( 2-6 ) Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

Junction City picked up a 10-2 win over the Sabetha Bravos Friday night in Sabetha. The victory in Sabetha was the fifth straight for the Brigade and second in a row over the Bravos.Junction City coach Brandon Bachar said Austin Gerrity gave the Brigade a strong start in the game. "He handles the noise, he attacks the zone and he's got a really good slider.Junction City ( 5-0 ) will host Sabetha ( 2-6 ) Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Rathert Field.

Brigade improve to 5-0 on the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley allowed one hit in a career-best seven sharp innings, Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez each homered and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 for their third straight win. Michael A. Taylor also homered for Kansas City which had a season-high eight extra-base hits. Heasley allowed just one baserunner and struck out seven. He became the fifth Royals player and first since 1992 to pitch seven innings and allow one hit or fewer with no walks. Baltimore's Bruce Zimmermann gave up a career-high seven earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings while allowing 10 hits. Anthony Santander homered in the ninth for the Orioles.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jonathan Heasley allowed one hit in a career-best seven sharp innings, Salvador Perez and MJ Melendez each homered and drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-1 for their third straight win. Michael A. Taylor also homered for Kansas City which had a season-high eight extra-base hits. Heasley allowed just one baserunner and struck out seven. He became the fifth Royals player and first since 1992 to pitch seven innings and allow one hit or fewer with no walks. Baltimore's Bruce Zimmermann gave up a career-high seven earned runs in 4 ⅔ innings while allowing 10 hits. Anthony Santander homered in the ninth for the Orioles.

Royals win third game in a row

Public Affairs Specialist - USAG Public Affairs Office

NFL wide receiver Malcolm Perry of the New England Patriots will host a youth football camp at Fort Riley June 29 – 30 for military children in grades 1 - 8.

The camp runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 29 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 30. Registration for the camp is free. The sign-up link is available at https://www.facebook.com/rileymwr. Participants will also get a free camp t-shirt, along with other goodies and pizza at the end of each session.

These instructional camps, held at multiple military bases this summer, are led by NFL players for youth in grades 1 – 8, active duty, reserve and retired military and DOD civilians.

Additionally, Perry will conduct an autograph signing session 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 29 at the Riley Big Red 1 Express, 6914 Warren Rd., Fort Riley.

Malcolm Perry played college football at the United States Naval Academy and is in his third year in the NFL. In addition to hosting the camp, Perry will talk about the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. He grew up in a military family and understands the challenges military kids face.


By Kirk HutchinsonPublic Affairs Specialist - USAG Public Affairs OfficeNFL wide receiver Malcolm Perry of the New England Patriots will host a youth football camp at Fort Riley June 29 – 30 for military children in grades 1 - 8.The camp runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on June 29 and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 30. Registration for the camp is free. The sign-up link is available at https://www.facebook.com/rileymwr. Participants will also get a free camp t-shirt, along with other goodies and pizza at the end of each session.These instructional camps, held at multiple military bases this summer, are led by NFL players for youth in grades 1 – 8, active duty, reserve and retired military and DOD civilians.Additionally, Perry will conduct an autograph signing session 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 29 at the Riley Big Red 1 Express, 6914 Warren Rd., Fort Riley.Malcolm Perry played college football at the United States Naval Academy and is in his third year in the NFL. In addition to hosting the camp, Perry will talk about the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle. He grew up in a military family and understands the challenges military kids face.

Upcoming youth football camp at Fort Riley will be hosted by NFL player

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Santana and MJ Melendez homered, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Santana hit a two-run homer to break a fifth-inning tie as the Royals won consecutive games for the first time since May 17-18. Bobby Witt Jr. and fellow rookie Melendez played large roles Thursday. Witt had two hits and stole two bases, while Melendez homered, drove in two and scored twice.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Carlos Santana and MJ Melendez homered, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 7-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Santana hit a two-run homer to break a fifth-inning tie as the Royals won consecutive games for the first time since May 17-18. Bobby Witt Jr. and fellow rookie Melendez played large roles Thursday. Witt had two hits and stole two bases, while Melendez homered, drove in two and scored twice.

Royals win 7-5 over the Orioles

Junction City ( 4-0 ) rolled to an 18-0 seven inning win over the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-4 ) Thursday night at Rathert Field. The Brigade tallied 14 hits and drew four walks.

Brady Stuewe started and went five innings on the mound, giving up one hit and walking two.&nbsp;

Junction City plays at Sabetha at 7 p.m. Friday night and the two teams play again at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rathert Field.

Junction City ( 4-0 ) rolled to an 18-0 seven inning win over the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-4 ) Thursday night at Rathert Field. The Brigade tallied 14 hits and drew four walks.Brady Stuewe started and went five innings on the mound, giving up one hit and walking two.&nbsp;Junction City plays at Sabetha at 7 p.m. Friday night and the two teams play again at 7 p.m. Saturday at Rathert Field.

Brigade hammer the Bravos

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With anticipation of the 2022 K-State Football season rising throughout the summer, K-State Athletics announced Thursday that single-game tickets will be on sale next week. Presale for Ahearn Fund members will begin on Monday, June 13, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets on Wednesday, June 15.

In addition to purchasing tickets to single games, fans will also have the opportunity to buy a mini plan to attend three games for $199, picking one game per month.

Tickets to the season opener against South Dakota on September 3 – which serves as the Ring of Honor Class of 2022 celebration, Golden Cats reunion and the 10-year anniversary of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team – begin at just $25 for view level seating. The game will kick at 6 p.m. and be shown on Big 12 Now.

When former conference foe Missouri comes calling for an 11 a.m. game on September 10 that will be televised by ESPN2, tickets start at $40, while tickets for Fort Riley Day and University Family Day surrounding the Tulane game on September 17 begin at $25. The Wildcats and Green Wave will kick at 2 p.m. in a game shown on Big 12 Now.

K-State will hold its annual Celebrate Ag game to begin Big 12 play on October 1 against Texas Tech with tickets beginning at $30. The same price also gets fans into the next home game on October 29 against Oklahoma State, which serves as Homecoming and Varsity K Club Weekend.

View level seating for the final two home games – November 5 against Texas and November 26 against Kansas – are priced at $40 apiece. The game against the Longhorns serves as Harley Day, while Senior Day festivities will be held prior to the game against the Jayhawks.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With anticipation of the 2022 K-State Football season rising throughout the summer, K-State Athletics announced Thursday that single-game tickets will be on sale next week. Presale for Ahearn Fund members will begin on Monday, June 13, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets on Wednesday, June 15.In addition to purchasing tickets to single games, fans will also have the opportunity to buy a mini plan to attend three games for $199, picking one game per month.Tickets to the season opener against South Dakota on September 3 – which serves as the Ring of Honor Class of 2022 celebration, Golden Cats reunion and the 10-year anniversary of the 2012 Big 12 Championship team – begin at just $25 for view level seating. The game will kick at 6 p.m. and be shown on Big 12 Now.When former conference foe Missouri comes calling for an 11 a.m. game on September 10 that will be televised by ESPN2, tickets start at $40, while tickets for Fort Riley Day and University Family Day surrounding the Tulane game on September 17 begin at $25. The Wildcats and Green Wave will kick at 2 p.m. in a game shown on Big 12 Now.K-State will hold its annual Celebrate Ag game to begin Big 12 play on October 1 against Texas Tech with tickets beginning at $30. The same price also gets fans into the next home game on October 29 against Oklahoma State, which serves as Homecoming and Varsity K Club Weekend.View level seating for the final two home games – November 5 against Texas and November 26 against Kansas – are priced at $40 apiece. The game against the Longhorns serves as Harley Day, while Senior Day festivities will be held prior to the game against the Jayhawks.

Single-Game Tickets for 2022 K-State Football On Sale Next Week

Mid Plains League standings for Thursday June 9th

Junction City ( 3-0 ) will host the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-3 ) in summer collegiate baseball Thursday evening at Rathert Field. Game time is 7 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654774764641.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City ( 3-0 ) will host the Sabetha Bravos ( 2-3 ) in summer collegiate baseball Thursday evening at Rathert Field. Game time is 7 p.m.

Brigade swing back into action Thursday evening

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak. 

Singer allowed home runs to Raimel Tapia and Zack Collins but only allowed one other run in five innings. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts. Toronto briefly tied the game 3-all before Trevor Richards allowed three more runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take the loss for the Blue Jays.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak. Singer allowed home runs to Raimel Tapia and Zack Collins but only allowed one other run in five innings. He improved to 3-1 in his five starts while the rest of the Kansas City rotation is 3-25 in 50 combined starts. Toronto briefly tied the game 3-all before Trevor Richards allowed three more runs in the fourth and fifth innings to take the loss for the Blue Jays.

Royals pick up win over Toronto

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0. Alejandro Kirk had four hits and scored a run for Toronto, and Bo Bichette reached base five times — including three walks. The Blue Jays have won back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last July. Manoah worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth after putting two of the runners on with two-out walks. Brad Keller (1-7) allowed three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked two and struck out four, and induced three inning-ending double plays. The Royals have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time since May 2021.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Alek Manoah scattered six hits in six scoreless innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 7-0. Alejandro Kirk had four hits and scored a run for Toronto, and Bo Bichette reached base five times — including three walks. The Blue Jays have won back-to-back shutouts for the first time since last July. Manoah worked around a bases-loaded jam in the sixth after putting two of the runners on with two-out walks. Brad Keller (1-7) allowed three runs and seven hits in six-plus innings for Kansas City. He walked two and struck out four, and induced three inning-ending double plays. The Royals have been shut out in consecutive games for the first time since May 2021.

Blue Jays shut out the Royals

Junction City ( 3-0 ) rolled to a 12-2 eight inning victory over the Topeka Farmers ( 1-3 ) at Rathert Field Tuesday night.

The Brigade drew eight walks from Topeka pitchers and connected for nine hits including a leadoff first inning triple by Aaron Gerdes enroute to the win.

Junction City will host the Sabetha Bravos at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Junction City ( 3-0 ) rolled to a 12-2 eight inning victory over the Topeka Farmers ( 1-3 ) at Rathert Field Tuesday night.The Brigade drew eight walks from Topeka pitchers and connected for nine hits including a leadoff first inning triple by Aaron Gerdes enroute to the win.Junction City will host the Sabetha Bravos at 7 p.m. Thursday at Rathert Field.

Brigade improve to 3-0 on the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit one of three Toronto home runs and five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a two-hitter in an 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ross Stripling (2-1) earned the win as he allowed just one hit over five innings, matching his season high. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Stripling pitched more than four innings for just the second time this season. Stripling, who made his sixth start, has been used out of the bullpen eight times. Bichette’s home run was the first Toronto hit of the night after the game was delayed 2:05 because of weather. Daniel Lynch (2-5) took the loss. He allowed six runs on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette hit one of three Toronto home runs and five Blue Jays pitchers combined on a two-hitter in an 8-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Ross Stripling (2-1) earned the win as he allowed just one hit over five innings, matching his season high. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Stripling pitched more than four innings for just the second time this season. Stripling, who made his sixth start, has been used out of the bullpen eight times. Bichette’s home run was the first Toronto hit of the night after the game was delayed 2:05 because of weather. Daniel Lynch (2-5) took the loss. He allowed six runs on six hits, with two walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

 Toronto shuts out the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez hit his 16th home run of the season and Framber Valdez won his fifth straight start for the Houston Astros, who beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Sunday. Álvarez extended his hitting streak to seven games. Valdez allowed only a third-inning leadoff single before the Royals got on the board in the sixth. Valdez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five. Rafael Montero got his fourth save. Salvador Perez had a home run and RBI double for the Royals.. Jonathan Heasley was given the loss for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez hit his 16th home run of the season and Framber Valdez won his fifth straight start for the Houston Astros, who beat the Kansas City Royals 7-4 on Sunday. Álvarez extended his hitting streak to seven games. Valdez allowed only a third-inning leadoff single before the Royals got on the board in the sixth. Valdez went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five. Rafael Montero got his fourth save. Salvador Perez had a home run and RBI double for the Royals.. Jonathan Heasley was given the loss for the Royals.

Royals fall to the Astros on Sunday

MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;A charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame and K-State Football Ring of Honor, former Wildcat halfback&nbsp;Veryl Switzer&nbsp;passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.

One of the best overall athletes in K-State history, Switzer was also a trailblazer and opened the doors for many that followed him, as he was the first African American scholarship player to graduate from K-State.

“Today is a sad day for Kansas State University,” Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “Veryl was one of the most influential and impactful K-Staters in our lifetime and helped pave the way for so many others to follow in his footsteps. He will be forever remembered as a true trailblazer as we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”

Switzer’s K-State legacy began in 1950 when he accepted an athletic scholarship, and he went on to pick up All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 1951 to 1953. One of the most well-rounded players in the school’s history, he was a team leader in practically every statistical category. He led the team in rushing in 1952 and 1953, while he was one of the best punt returners in school history. Nearly 70 years after his final season as a Wildcat, he still ranks in the top 10 for a career in five punt-return categories: touchdowns (t2nd; 3), longest return (t3rd; 93), yards (6th; 596), average (6th; 14.2) and attempts (9th; 42).

Voted the team’s most inspirational player in 1953, the Wildcats broke a string of five straight seventh-place finishes in the Big Seven that year by skyrocketing to second.

Switzer’s success wasn’t limited to the football field though. He was the Big Seven Indoor Long Jump Champion in 1952 and garnered three letters in track and field.

Following his senior season, Switzer was a favorite invitee of the college all-star games. He co-captained the West team in the 1954 East/West Shrine Game and was the runner-up for MVP honors. He earned the same honor in the&nbsp;Chicago Tribune’s College All-Star game against the World Champion Detroit Lions.

Switzer was the first halfback and the fourth player overall selected in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. To this day, he remains the highest drafted player in school history. During his rookie season, Switzer topped the NFL in punt returns with a 13-yard average. However, professional football was interrupted for Switzer from 1956 to 1958 as he entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. It was back to the gridiron in 1958 when he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He completed his pro stint in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes from 1959 to 1960.

Following his playing days, Switzer spent a decade working at the Chicago Board of Education before returning to K-State in an administrative capacity in 1969. At first, he was charged to develop the school’s first university-wide student minority program. Additionally, Switzer wrote the original grant proposal and was awarded one of the nation’s comprehensive federal programs for minority student support, which went to educational supportive services and talent search.

Many programs – some that are still in motion today – were developed under Switzer’s leadership, including Ebony Theater, United Black Voices, Hispanic advocacy groups and Black Student Union. For decades, the university enjoyed increased student enrollments and graduation rates and attracted more faculty and staff of color, all a direct product of Switzer’s energy and passion for students. He then went on to work in the athletic department until his retirement.

Switzer graduated from K-State in 1954 with a degree in physical education, while he earned his master’s in education from K-State in 1974.

Switzer was a charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame (1990) and K-State Football Ring of Honor (2002). He is also a member of the Kansas All Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Eight Sportswriters Football Hall of Fame.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654452226259.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy&nbsp;<a href="http://k-statesports.com/" target="_blank">k-statesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN&nbsp;–&nbsp;A charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame and K-State Football Ring of Honor, former Wildcat halfback&nbsp;Veryl Switzer&nbsp;passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.One of the best overall athletes in K-State history, Switzer was also a trailblazer and opened the doors for many that followed him, as he was the first African American scholarship player to graduate from K-State.“Today is a sad day for Kansas State University,” Athletics Director&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “Veryl was one of the most influential and impactful K-Staters in our lifetime and helped pave the way for so many others to follow in his footsteps. He will be forever remembered as a true trailblazer as we keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”Switzer’s K-State legacy began in 1950 when he accepted an athletic scholarship, and he went on to pick up All-America honors in three consecutive seasons from 1951 to 1953. One of the most well-rounded players in the school’s history, he was a team leader in practically every statistical category. He led the team in rushing in 1952 and 1953, while he was one of the best punt returners in school history. Nearly 70 years after his final season as a Wildcat, he still ranks in the top 10 for a career in five punt-return categories: touchdowns (t2nd; 3), longest return (t3rd; 93), yards (6th; 596), average (6th; 14.2) and attempts (9th; 42).Voted the team’s most inspirational player in 1953, the Wildcats broke a string of five straight seventh-place finishes in the Big Seven that year by skyrocketing to second.Switzer’s success wasn’t limited to the football field though. He was the Big Seven Indoor Long Jump Champion in 1952 and garnered three letters in track and field.Following his senior season, Switzer was a favorite invitee of the college all-star games. He co-captained the West team in the 1954 East/West Shrine Game and was the runner-up for MVP honors. He earned the same honor in the&nbsp;Chicago Tribune’s College All-Star game against the World Champion Detroit Lions.Switzer was the first halfback and the fourth player overall selected in the 1954 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. To this day, he remains the highest drafted player in school history. During his rookie season, Switzer topped the NFL in punt returns with a 13-yard average. However, professional football was interrupted for Switzer from 1956 to 1958 as he entered the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant. It was back to the gridiron in 1958 when he played for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. He completed his pro stint in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes from 1959 to 1960.Following his playing days, Switzer spent a decade working at the Chicago Board of Education before returning to K-State in an administrative capacity in 1969. At first, he was charged to develop the school’s first university-wide student minority program. Additionally, Switzer wrote the original grant proposal and was awarded one of the nation’s comprehensive federal programs for minority student support, which went to educational supportive services and talent search.Many programs – some that are still in motion today – were developed under Switzer’s leadership, including Ebony Theater, United Black Voices, Hispanic advocacy groups and Black Student Union. For decades, the university enjoyed increased student enrollments and graduation rates and attracted more faculty and staff of color, all a direct product of Switzer’s energy and passion for students. He then went on to work in the athletic department until his retirement.Switzer graduated from K-State in 1954 with a degree in physical education, while he earned his master’s in education from K-State in 1974.Switzer was a charter member of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame (1990) and K-State Football Ring of Honor (2002). He is also a member of the Kansas All Sports Hall of Fame and the Big Eight Sportswriters Football Hall of Fame.

K-State legend, trailblazer Veryl Switzer dies

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor

The Salina Liberty closed out their 2022 regular season in style with a comfortable 36-13 win over the Southwest Kansas Storm to secure the two-seed and a first-round bye in this year’s CIF playoffs.

While Salina and Sioux City take a rest next week, Billings, Omaha, Wyoming, and Southwest Kansas will battle it out for a spot in the semifinals.

In their regular-season finale, the Liberty put on a show in a game that embodied all of the usual Salina hallmarks.

The Storm got on the board first with an early field goal, but Salina quickly reclaimed the lead and never looked back, outpacing SW Kansas 36-10 the rest of the way.

On defense, the Liberty refused to allow a single touchdown, holding the opposing offense to just three field goals all night.

“We’d rather give up field goals than touchdowns and defensively our second half was amazing,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “Our special teams put us in bad positions all night but our defense made all the plays we needed with big turnovers.”

The Liberty turned their expansion foe over three times, with Tron Folsom responsible for both a pick and a fumble recovery on the night.

This game was also another opportunity for new QB1 Javin Kilgo to put on a show, adding four more touchdowns and 150 yards to his season tally.&nbsp;

“I was happy with Javin with how he responded in the second half,” O’Neal said. “He was able to really put it out of reach.”

In his first three CIF games, Kilgo has ten touchdowns to just one interception, completing 69% of his passes for just shy of 500 yards.

While this Liberty win came comfortably, it was not without its toll, and Salina will need the bye to get back to as close to 100% as they can before the semifinal round.

“It’s unfortunate to have guys dinged up in the last game of the season,” he said. “It’s good that we have a week to rest up because we’re beat up.”

The six-team playoff will begin next week with the Liberty hosting a quarterfinal winner in a Salina Semifinal the following week.

For more on the Liberty in the postseason stay tuned to the Salina, JC and Little Apple Post.

By TYLER HENRY Little Apple Post contributor<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617409785202.png" alt="Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing" />
 <figcaption>Coverage of Salina Liberty football is presented by Ryan Roofing</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Liberty closed out their 2022 regular season in style with a comfortable 36-13 win over the Southwest Kansas Storm to secure the two-seed and a first-round bye in this year’s CIF playoffs.While Salina and Sioux City take a rest next week, Billings, Omaha, Wyoming, and Southwest Kansas will battle it out for a spot in the semifinals.In their regular-season finale, the Liberty put on a show in a game that embodied all of the usual Salina hallmarks.The Storm got on the board first with an early field goal, but Salina quickly reclaimed the lead and never looked back, outpacing SW Kansas 36-10 the rest of the way.On defense, the Liberty refused to allow a single touchdown, holding the opposing offense to just three field goals all night.“We’d rather give up field goals than touchdowns and defensively our second half was amazing,” Salina HC Heron O’Neal said. “Our special teams put us in bad positions all night but our defense made all the plays we needed with big turnovers.”The Liberty turned their expansion foe over three times, with Tron Folsom responsible for both a pick and a fumble recovery on the night.This game was also another opportunity for new QB1 Javin Kilgo to put on a show, adding four more touchdowns and 150 yards to his season tally.&nbsp;“I was happy with Javin with how he responded in the second half,” O’Neal said. “He was able to really put it out of reach.”In his first three CIF games, Kilgo has ten touchdowns to just one interception, completing 69% of his passes for just shy of 500 yards.While this Liberty win came comfortably, it was not without its toll, and Salina will need the bye to get back to as close to 100% as they can before the semifinal round.“It’s unfortunate to have guys dinged up in the last game of the season,” he said. “It’s good that we have a week to rest up because we’re beat up.”The six-team playoff will begin next week with the Liberty hosting a quarterfinal winner in a Salina Semifinal the following week.For more on the Liberty in the postseason stay tuned to the Salina, JC and Little Apple Post.

Storm fizzles out as Liberty secure first-round bye

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez, Aledmys Díaz and Martín Maldonado each homered and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 for their fifth straight win. Kansas City has lost 12 of 14. Álvarez, who reportedly reached agreement on a $115 million, six-year contract, also had a pair of singles for his fifth straight multi-hit game. His 15 home runs are second in the American League behind the Yankees’ Aaron Judge.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Yordan Álvarez, Aledmys Díaz and Martín Maldonado each homered and the Houston Astros beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 for their fifth straight win. Kansas City has lost 12 of 14. Álvarez, who reportedly reached agreement on a $115 million, six-year contract, also had a pair of singles for his fifth straight multi-hit game. His 15 home runs are second in the American League behind the Yankees’ Aaron Judge.