MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women's basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame member and 1988 Olympic gold medalist Bridgette Gordon as the program’s Coordinator of Recruiting Operations following the departure of Sadie Thramer, who was recently named as an assistant coach at South Dakota State.

"Bridgette has been a winner at every level she has played and coached,” stated Mittie about the women’s basketball legend joining the Wildcat staff. “Her on-court accolades as a player include a gold medal in the Seoul Olympics with USA basketball, NCAA Championships at Tennessee and numerous All-American and Player of the Year awards throughout her collegiate career.

Bridgette was also a highly decorated professional overseas and enjoyed playing time in the WNBA during the league’s infancy. As a coach, she has been a part of championship teams and NCAA Tournament teams at both Wichita State and Tennessee while also guiding their recruiting efforts. We are thrilled to welcome Bridgette to our staff and the K-State Family."

Gordon’s responsibilities with the Wildcats will include: management of recruiting, organization and coordination of on-campus visits and cultivation and maintenance of relationships with high school and junior college coaches.

Prior to coming to Manhattan, Gordon served as the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at SMU from 2019-21. While working with the Mustangs, Gordon helped coach the team’s post players.

Before joining the coaching staff at SMU, Gordon was an assistant at her alma mater, Tennessee, from 2017-19. She helped guide the Lady Vols to 44 wins and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

During her playing career at Tennessee, Gordon was one of the most prolific student athletes in the history of Tennessee women’s basketball. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, won an Olympic gold medal in 1988 and was a two-time NCAA national champion with the Lady Vols.

As a player at Tennessee, Gordon was named 1989 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, 1989 SEC Female Athlete of the Year and 1989 SEC Player of the Year as a senior and was a two-time All-America honoree. She led the Lady Vols to their first two national championships and four straight Final Fours. Gordon finished her college career as the all-time leader in points (2,462) and steals (336) and remains second in both categories.

Gordon won an Olympic gold medal in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. She was the fourth-leading scorer and was second on the team with a 57.1 field goal percentage. She played professionally in Italy, where she was a perennial all-star and won seven Italian Championships and two European Cups (1994 &amp; 1996), and Turkey, before a two-year stint with the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs.

Gordon has experience within the state of Kansas, as she spent seven seasons as an assistant at Wichita State from 2010-17, serving as the recruiting coordinator during her final three seasons. Her efforts helped the Shockers land the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history when Blue Star Basketball rated the 2012-13 signing class at No. 47 in the nation.

During her time at Wichita State, the Shockers won three conference championships, advancing to the program’s first three NCAA Tournaments, and competed in the postseason five times overall. The 2014-15 team went 29-5 for the best record during Gordon’s tenure.

She also worked as an assistant coach at Stetson (2001-06) and Georgia State (2007-10). She signed the nation’s No. 52-ranked class as the recruiting coordinator at Georgia State, and in 2006-07, she was a regional scout for the WNBA.

<a>Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. To purchase season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call (800) 221-CATS.</a>

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).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629910207356.png" alt="Mittie Adds Gordon as Coordinator of Recruiting Operations" />
 <figcaption>Mittie Adds Gordon as Coordinator of Recruiting Operations</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;K-State women's basketball head coach Jeff Mittie has added Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame member and 1988 Olympic gold medalist Bridgette Gordon as the program’s Coordinator of Recruiting Operations following the departure of Sadie Thramer, who was recently named as an assistant coach at South Dakota State."Bridgette has been a winner at every level she has played and coached,” stated Mittie about the women’s basketball legend joining the Wildcat staff. “Her on-court accolades as a player include a gold medal in the Seoul Olympics with USA basketball, NCAA Championships at Tennessee and numerous All-American and Player of the Year awards throughout her collegiate career.Bridgette was also a highly decorated professional overseas and enjoyed playing time in the WNBA during the league’s infancy. As a coach, she has been a part of championship teams and NCAA Tournament teams at both Wichita State and Tennessee while also guiding their recruiting efforts. We are thrilled to welcome Bridgette to our staff and the K-State Family."Gordon’s responsibilities with the Wildcats will include: management of recruiting, organization and coordination of on-campus visits and cultivation and maintenance of relationships with high school and junior college coaches.Prior to coming to Manhattan, Gordon served as the recruiting coordinator and assistant coach at SMU from 2019-21. While working with the Mustangs, Gordon helped coach the team’s post players.Before joining the coaching staff at SMU, Gordon was an assistant at her alma mater, Tennessee, from 2017-19. She helped guide the Lady Vols to 44 wins and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.During her playing career at Tennessee, Gordon was one of the most prolific student athletes in the history of Tennessee women’s basketball. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, won an Olympic gold medal in 1988 and was a two-time NCAA national champion with the Lady Vols.As a player at Tennessee, Gordon was named 1989 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, 1989 SEC Female Athlete of the Year and 1989 SEC Player of the Year as a senior and was a two-time All-America honoree. She led the Lady Vols to their first two national championships and four straight Final Fours. Gordon finished her college career as the all-time leader in points (2,462) and steals (336) and remains second in both categories.Gordon won an Olympic gold medal in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. She was the fourth-leading scorer and was second on the team with a 57.1 field goal percentage. She played professionally in Italy, where she was a perennial all-star and won seven Italian Championships and two European Cups (1994 &amp; 1996), and Turkey, before a two-year stint with the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs.Gordon has experience within the state of Kansas, as she spent seven seasons as an assistant at Wichita State from 2010-17, serving as the recruiting coordinator during her final three seasons. Her efforts helped the Shockers land the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history when Blue Star Basketball rated the 2012-13 signing class at No. 47 in the nation.During her time at Wichita State, the Shockers won three conference championships, advancing to the program’s first three NCAA Tournaments, and competed in the postseason five times overall. The 2014-15 team went 29-5 for the best record during Gordon’s tenure.She also worked as an assistant coach at Stetson (2001-06) and Georgia State (2007-10). She signed the nation’s No. 52-ranked class as the recruiting coordinator at Georgia State, and in 2006-07, she was a regional scout for the WNBA.<a>Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sale now. To purchase season tickets, visit kstatesports.com/tickets or call (800) 221-CATS.</a>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).

Mittie Adds Gordon as Coordinator of Recruiting Operations

810 Varsity released its preseason rankings ahead of the 2021 Kansas High School football season Tuesday.&nbsp;

In the Kansas Class 6A poll, defending Centennial League Champion Junction City Blue Jays were tabbed at #7, while its rival Manhattan comes into the poll ranked #9.&nbsp;

In Class 4A, the Wamego Red Raiders crack the top 10 at the #10 spot.

Two more local schools are featured in the Class 3A rankings, with Riley County at #8 and Marysville at #9.

To view the rankings for all classifications in Kansas, visit 810 Varsity's website <a href="https://www.810varsity.com/news_article/show/1180243">HERE.</a>

810 Varsity released its preseason rankings ahead of the 2021 Kansas High School football season Tuesday.&nbsp;In the Kansas Class 6A poll, defending Centennial League Champion Junction City Blue Jays were tabbed at #7, while its rival Manhattan comes into the poll ranked #9.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629857224105.png" alt="Kansas Class 6A rankings from 810 Varsity" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Class 6A rankings from 810 Varsity</figcaption>
 </figure>In Class 4A, the Wamego Red Raiders crack the top 10 at the #10 spot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629857302537.png" alt="Kansas Class 4A rankings from 810 Varsity" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Class 4A rankings from 810 Varsity</figcaption>
 </figure>Two more local schools are featured in the Class 3A rankings, with Riley County at #8 and Marysville at #9.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629857372030.png" alt="Kansas Class 3A rankings from 810 Varsity" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Class 3A rankings from 810 Varsity</figcaption>
 </figure>To view the rankings for all classifications in Kansas, visit 810 Varsity's website <a href="https://www.810varsity.com/news_article/show/1180243">HERE.</a>

Local schools ranked in preseason poll

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman met with members of the media Tuesday afternoon inside of the new Shamrock Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium. His update included all phases of his team ahead of it's 2021 debut against Stanford on September 4th.&nbsp;

One position group that has received&nbsp; large amount of attention ahead of the upcoming season is the running backs. With returning Freshman All-American Deuce Vaughn highlighting the room, Klieman says he'll do the brunt of the work.

Klieman also detailed a few other young backs who will likely impact games for Kansas State, like fellow sophomores Joe Ervin who played in four games as a freshman in 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season, and Jacardia Wright who has seen action in seven games as a Wildcat.

But one local product whose name has already been spoken a number of times throughout camp was mentioned as well.

"D.J. Giidens, I really believe will be in that mix, whether it's now or as the season goes along, he's done some really good things that we're excited about him possibly playing as a freshman," said Klieman. "We just have got to continue to slow the game down for him. So we feel like we're gaining some versatility there and more guys than just Deuce van make plays."

When asked about Giddens' rather quiet arrival to Manhattan and how the Wildcat coaching staff found out about him, Klieman referenced seeing Giddens perform in-person this season.

"Well, he's just from right down the road at Junction, so that's how he ended up here. I mean, we knew who he was all the way through the last few years," said Klieman. "I was able to watch him play when my son played over there. Knew he had an unbelievable amount of ability, and Coach Anderson did a great job recruiting him, Coach Sped did as well and we knew his athleticism and now how could he understand what we're doing, how good was he able to comprehend, as well as the maturity factor to play college football. It's just different from high school and he's done a nice job."

Throughout fall camp, both players and coaches have highlighted Giddens' ability and how he might impact the offense as a true freshman. Klieman detailed exactly how he's been able to make his mark.

"Very strong running back, breaks arm tackles and stuff. We're continuing to have him learn the protections and he's getting so much better at that, he's got nice hands out of the backfield," said Klieman. "It's just, you're not going to force feed a kid like that 40-50 plays early on in a season, but he's somebody that we think has a chance to help us this year."

Klieman also assured the media that his arrival on the media's radar was not a surprise inside of Vanier.&nbsp;

"He didn't fall under the radar in our mind. We were well-aware of him and well-aware of his ability for a while," he said. "We were not surprised, we were pleased with how quickly he was able to acclimate to college football, so he's a guy that we've been on for a while and we're excited about getting him here."

By Jackson SchneiderMANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State Head Coach Chris Klieman met with members of the media Tuesday afternoon inside of the new Shamrock Zone of Bill Snyder Family Stadium. His update included all phases of his team ahead of it's 2021 debut against Stanford on September 4th.&nbsp;One position group that has received&nbsp; large amount of attention ahead of the upcoming season is the running backs. With returning Freshman All-American Deuce Vaughn highlighting the room, Klieman says he'll do the brunt of the work.Klieman also detailed a few other young backs who will likely impact games for Kansas State, like fellow sophomores Joe Ervin who played in four games as a freshman in 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season, and Jacardia Wright who has seen action in seven games as a Wildcat.But one local product whose name has already been spoken a number of times throughout camp was mentioned as well."D.J. Giidens, I really believe will be in that mix, whether it's now or as the season goes along, he's done some really good things that we're excited about him possibly playing as a freshman," said Klieman. "We just have got to continue to slow the game down for him. So we feel like we're gaining some versatility there and more guys than just Deuce van make plays."When asked about Giddens' rather quiet arrival to Manhattan and how the Wildcat coaching staff found out about him, Klieman referenced seeing Giddens perform in-person this season. "Well, he's just from right down the road at Junction, so that's how he ended up here. I mean, we knew who he was all the way through the last few years," said Klieman. "I was able to watch him play when my son played over there. Knew he had an unbelievable amount of ability, and Coach Anderson did a great job recruiting him, Coach Sped did as well and we knew his athleticism and now how could he understand what we're doing, how good was he able to comprehend, as well as the maturity factor to play college football. It's just different from high school and he's done a nice job."Throughout fall camp, both players and coaches have highlighted Giddens' ability and how he might impact the offense as a true freshman. Klieman detailed exactly how he's been able to make his mark."Very strong running back, breaks arm tackles and stuff. We're continuing to have him learn the protections and he's getting so much better at that, he's got nice hands out of the backfield," said Klieman. "It's just, you're not going to force feed a kid like that 40-50 plays early on in a season, but he's somebody that we think has a chance to help us this year."Klieman also assured the media that his arrival on the media's radar was not a surprise inside of Vanier.&nbsp;"He didn't fall under the radar in our mind. We were well-aware of him and well-aware of his ability for a while," he said. "We were not surprised, we were pleased with how quickly he was able to acclimate to college football, so he's a guy that we've been on for a while and we're excited about getting him here."

Klieman says former Blue Jay Giddens 'in the mix,' at RB

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With the 2021 football home opener right around the corner, K-State – continually striving to provide its fans with the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 – announced today a list of new improvements for fans attending games this fall at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

“We are excited to welcome back the best fans in all of college football to Bill Snyder Family Stadium,” Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “The past year has allowed us to really think about how we operate and what we can do to make their experience the best it can be possibly be each week. Our fans do an outstanding job informing us of their concerns through surveys and emails, and we take that input very seriously when considering making improvements and enhancements that will serve as a benefit for them.”

Headlining the new amenities are aspects of the South End Zone Concourse and Shamrock Zone that will impact all K-State fans inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Those include:

Kansas State opens the 2021 campaign next Saturday, September 4, as the Wildcats take on Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will be shown nationally on FS1.

Tickets to the game against the Cardinal – or any of K-State’s seven home games – can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629818452869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With the 2021 football home opener right around the corner, K-State – continually striving to provide its fans with the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 – announced today a list of new improvements for fans attending games this fall at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.“We are excited to welcome back the best fans in all of college football to Bill Snyder Family Stadium,” Director of Athletics&nbsp;Gene Taylor&nbsp;said. “The past year has allowed us to really think about how we operate and what we can do to make their experience the best it can be possibly be each week. Our fans do an outstanding job informing us of their concerns through surveys and emails, and we take that input very seriously when considering making improvements and enhancements that will serve as a benefit for them.”Headlining the new amenities are aspects of the South End Zone Concourse and Shamrock Zone that will impact all K-State fans inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Those include:<ol>
 <li>The Powercat Porch, a new beer garden available to all fans located behind Sections 18 and 19</li><li>Willie’s Fun Zone located behind Sections 10 and 11</li><li>Expanded concessions offerings, including:</li><li>EMAW Chos – Featuring various types of meat or vegetarian nachos</li><li>Willie’s Fair Favorites – Bacon Wrapped Corndog, Fried PB&amp;J, Funnel Cake, Fried Bologna Sandwich</li><li>Gridiron Grill – Featuring various types of hamburgers</li><li>Wabash Wraps and Little Cat’s Snacks</li><li>New restrooms located behind Sections 12 and 17</li><li>Nursing Mother’s Room located behind Section 16</li><li>The Touchdown Terrace at the top of the Shamrock Zone, a premium space that includes 50 standing-room tickets with access to the Shamrock Zone Club for an all-inclusive buffet, non-alcoholic beverages and access to a private cash bar.</li>
 </ol>Other amenities include:<ol>
 <li>Updated K-State Sports mobile app that allows you to easily manage your digital tickets</li><li>The return of tailgating beginning five hours prior to kickoff</li><li>The return of the Pride of Wildcat Land to the student section</li><li>Re-entry into the stadium throughout the game (Gates D and M at the conclusion of the third quarter)</li><li>The return of the South Tailgate Terrace Beer Garden located behind Section 9</li><li>A new North Tailgate Terrace Beer Garden located behind Section 2</li>
 </ol>Kansas State opens the 2021 campaign next Saturday, September 4, as the Wildcats take on Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game, which kicks off at 11 a.m., will be shown nationally on FS1.Tickets to the game against the Cardinal – or any of K-State’s seven home games – can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.k-statesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.k-statesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

K-State announces football game day improvements for 2021 season

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the third time in as many seasons, Kansas State sixth-year senior quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7990">Skylar Thompson</a>&nbsp;has been named to the initial watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Golden Arm Foundation announced Thursday. Current K-State quarterbacks coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1514">Collin Klein</a>&nbsp;won the award in 2012, while previous Wildcat candidates for the award include Jake Waters (2014), Michael Bishop (1998 finalist) and Chad May (1994 finalist). This is the fifth preseason watch list Thompson has been named to prior to the 2021 season, a list that also includes the Maxwell Award, Manning Award, Wuerffel Trophy and Senior Bowl. A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson has thrown for 5,021 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career, while he has rushed for 1,083 yards and another 22 scores. He enters his second senior season in the top 10 of 15 career categories in K-State history. Additionally, he is one of just two signal callers in school history – along with Ell Roberson – to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– For the third time in as many seasons, Kansas State sixth-year senior quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7990">Skylar Thompson</a>&nbsp;has been named to the initial watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Golden Arm Foundation announced Thursday. Current K-State quarterbacks coach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1514">Collin Klein</a>&nbsp;won the award in 2012, while previous Wildcat candidates for the award include Jake Waters (2014), Michael Bishop (1998 finalist) and Chad May (1994 finalist). This is the fifth preseason watch list Thompson has been named to prior to the 2021 season, a list that also includes the Maxwell Award, Manning Award, Wuerffel Trophy and Senior Bowl. A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson has thrown for 5,021 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career, while he has rushed for 1,083 yards and another 22 scores. He enters his second senior season in the top 10 of 15 career categories in K-State history. Additionally, he is one of just two signal callers in school history – along with Ell Roberson – to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thompson is selected for another award watch list

As the 2021 Kansas high school football practices are underway, The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of our 2022 Head Coaches. Wichita Collegiate’s Troy Black and Basehor-Linwood’s Rod Stallbaumer will serve as the Head Coaches for the 49th Kansas Shrine Bowl, to be held Saturday, July 23rd at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas. Black will lead the West and Stallbaumer the East. The head coaches are selected by a vote of the previous games staff, including fellow coaches, camp directors, trainers, and managers.

Rod Stallbaumer returns to the helm of the East Squad after serving as the Head Coach in 2009 representing Lyndon High School. The East fell to the West 14-7. This will mark the 5th&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl for Coach Stallbaumer, who also served as an assistant in 2008, 2014, and 2021. Stallbaumer leads a competitive Basehor-Linwood program, building a 53-22 record in 7 years. The last two Basehor-Linwood starting quarterbacks have been selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Overall, Coach Stallbaumer is 119-50 as a head coach. Stallbaumer prepped at Bern High School, before earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kansas State University. Stallbaumer also has an Educational and Building Leadership graduate degree from Fort Hays State University. Rod and his wife Angela reside in Basehor with their three children, Leah, Landon, and Lexi.

“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the Head Coach of the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Stallbaumer. “To be a part of a game that is so much more than a game means a lot. The chance to give back to a great cause and represent the Basehor-Linwood school and community is humbling.”

Troy Black returns to the Kansas Shrine Bowl after serving as an assistant in 2021. Coach Black’s first Kansas Shrine Bowl experience came more than 20 years ago, serving as an assistant for the East Squad in 1999, representing Fredonia High School. Coach Black will be entering his 33rd year of coaching football, and his 23rd year at Wichita Collegiate School. Coach Black is entering his third year as the Head Coach at Wichita Collegiate, building a record of 16-6. While serving as the Head Coach at his alma mater from 1998-2001, Fredonia, Coach Black built a 27-13 record and had a 3A Runner-Up finish in 1998. Coach Black was a starter on Fredonia’s 1983 State Championship team. Coach Black continued his football career and earned his undergraduate degree from Bethel College. Black also completed his graduate degree at Wichita State University. Coach Black and his wife Michelle reside in Park City with their son Brett. They also have two grown children and one grandchild, with two more on the way.

“I am very honored and humbled to be selected to be the West Team Head Coach,” said Coach Black. “This game is not only such a great opportunity for us to play and coach the game we love, but to do it for a much bigger reason and purpose.&nbsp; This will be the third time I have coached in this game and the relationships with the players, coaches, and support staff and the experience with the Shriners and Shriner kids has been life changing.&nbsp; I have the utmost respect and admiration for what the Shriners and Shriner Hospital provide for families in our state, and I cannot be more honored to be participating in the 2022 game.”

“It’s a great honor to serve as a head coach in the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Executive Director, B.J. Harris. “The fact that it is decided on by a vote of their peers is certainly special for our coaches. Our 2021 coaching staffs were filled with quality coaches, any of them would have been great for our game. Coach Black and Coach Stallbaumer each bring tremendous experience and energy and they definitely understand the meaning behind our game,” added Harris, “I’m looking forward to working with them this year.”

The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children. The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer for 48 years at host cities across Kansas and will return to Pittsburg for the sixth time, Saturday, July 23rd, 2022, at Carnie Smith Stadium on the campus of Pittsburg State University.

See a full list of past coaches and players at&nbsp;<a>www.kansasshrinebowl.com/past-participants-and-coaches.html</a>

As the 2021 Kansas high school football practices are underway, The Kansas Shrine Bowl Board of Directors is excited to announce the selection of our 2022 Head Coaches. Wichita Collegiate’s Troy Black and Basehor-Linwood’s Rod Stallbaumer will serve as the Head Coaches for the 49th Kansas Shrine Bowl, to be held Saturday, July 23rd at Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas. Black will lead the West and Stallbaumer the East. The head coaches are selected by a vote of the previous games staff, including fellow coaches, camp directors, trainers, and managers.Rod Stallbaumer returns to the helm of the East Squad after serving as the Head Coach in 2009 representing Lyndon High School. The East fell to the West 14-7. This will mark the 5th&nbsp;Kansas Shrine Bowl for Coach Stallbaumer, who also served as an assistant in 2008, 2014, and 2021. Stallbaumer leads a competitive Basehor-Linwood program, building a 53-22 record in 7 years. The last two Basehor-Linwood starting quarterbacks have been selected to the Kansas Shrine Bowl. Overall, Coach Stallbaumer is 119-50 as a head coach. Stallbaumer prepped at Bern High School, before earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kansas State University. Stallbaumer also has an Educational and Building Leadership graduate degree from Fort Hays State University. Rod and his wife Angela reside in Basehor with their three children, Leah, Landon, and Lexi.“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the Head Coach of the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Stallbaumer. “To be a part of a game that is so much more than a game means a lot. The chance to give back to a great cause and represent the Basehor-Linwood school and community is humbling.”Troy Black returns to the Kansas Shrine Bowl after serving as an assistant in 2021. Coach Black’s first Kansas Shrine Bowl experience came more than 20 years ago, serving as an assistant for the East Squad in 1999, representing Fredonia High School. Coach Black will be entering his 33rd year of coaching football, and his 23rd year at Wichita Collegiate School. Coach Black is entering his third year as the Head Coach at Wichita Collegiate, building a record of 16-6. While serving as the Head Coach at his alma mater from 1998-2001, Fredonia, Coach Black built a 27-13 record and had a 3A Runner-Up finish in 1998. Coach Black was a starter on Fredonia’s 1983 State Championship team. Coach Black continued his football career and earned his undergraduate degree from Bethel College. Black also completed his graduate degree at Wichita State University. Coach Black and his wife Michelle reside in Park City with their son Brett. They also have two grown children and one grandchild, with two more on the way.“I am very honored and humbled to be selected to be the West Team Head Coach,” said Coach Black. “This game is not only such a great opportunity for us to play and coach the game we love, but to do it for a much bigger reason and purpose.&nbsp; This will be the third time I have coached in this game and the relationships with the players, coaches, and support staff and the experience with the Shriners and Shriner kids has been life changing.&nbsp; I have the utmost respect and admiration for what the Shriners and Shriner Hospital provide for families in our state, and I cannot be more honored to be participating in the 2022 game.”“It’s a great honor to serve as a head coach in the Kansas Shrine Bowl,” said Kansas Shrine Bowl Executive Director, B.J. Harris. “The fact that it is decided on by a vote of their peers is certainly special for our coaches. Our 2021 coaching staffs were filled with quality coaches, any of them would have been great for our game. Coach Black and Coach Stallbaumer each bring tremendous experience and energy and they definitely understand the meaning behind our game,” added Harris, “I’m looking forward to working with them this year.”The Kansas Shrine Bowl is an all-star high school senior, East vs. West, football game put on each year by the Kansas Shrine. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit charity that produces annual events and related activities, with net proceeds benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children. The game has been played throughout Kansas each summer for 48 years at host cities across Kansas and will return to Pittsburg for the sixth time, Saturday, July 23rd, 2022, at Carnie Smith Stadium on the campus of Pittsburg State University.See a full list of past coaches and players at&nbsp;<a>www.kansasshrinebowl.com/past-participants-and-coaches.html</a>

Kansas Shrine Bowl Announces Head Coaches for 49th Game

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has announced the promotional schedule and single-match ticket pricing&nbsp;for&nbsp;the 2021 K-State volleyball season.

Single-match tickets are now available through the K-State Athletics ticket office at 1-800-221-CATS and&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=VB&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/Tickets</a>. Tickets start at just $5 when purchased in advance or $8 for adults and $5 for youth/military/seniors at the gates.

General admission season tickets are still available for just $40. A Wildcat 4-Pack is the best value at only $120 – a savings of up to $10 per pass and less than $4 per match.

The twelve-match home schedule, including four Big 12 weekend matches, will feature fan-friendly events including theme nights, giveaways, and special offers. For a complete listing of promotions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2019/7/30/_131476206163550750.aspx" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/Promotions.</a>

Promotions and match times are subject to change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629490065283.png" alt="Volleyball Single-Match Tickets on Sale, Promotions Announced" />
 <figcaption>Volleyball Single-Match Tickets on Sale, Promotions Announced</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has announced the promotional schedule and single-match ticket pricing&nbsp;for&nbsp;the 2021 K-State volleyball season.Single-match tickets are now available through the K-State Athletics ticket office at 1-800-221-CATS and&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetGroupList?groupCode=VB&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/Tickets</a>. Tickets start at just $5 when purchased in advance or $8 for adults and $5 for youth/military/seniors at the gates.General admission season tickets are still available for just $40. A Wildcat 4-Pack is the best value at only $120 – a savings of up to $10 per pass and less than $4 per match.The twelve-match home schedule, including four Big 12 weekend matches, will feature fan-friendly events including theme nights, giveaways, and special offers. For a complete listing of promotions, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2019/7/30/_131476206163550750.aspx" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/Promotions.</a>Season-Long Ticket Promotions:<ul>
 <li>Youth Team and Camper Nights:&nbsp;Youth teams and K-State volleyball camp attendees can attend select matches for free this season with prior registration.&nbsp; For more information or to register your teams, contact&nbsp;Fan Experience office at (785) 532-7741 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:promotions@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">promotions@kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;no later than three days prior to your selected match.&nbsp; Team/Camper Nights include: Sept. 10 vs. Loyola, Sept. 25 vs. Baylor, Oct. 27 vs. Texas Tech, and Nov. 27 vs. Kansas.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wildcat Weekends:&nbsp;Purchase a general admission ticket for just $3 when you show your football or soccer ticket from that same weekend’s game.&nbsp; This season’s Wildcat Weekends include the September 9-11 K-State Invitational and October 14 vs. West Virginia.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Wildcat 4-Pack:&nbsp;Order a $38 Wildcat 4-Pack for any Thursday match this season to receive four general admission tickets and four $10 concessions vouchers. Wildcat 4-Packs are available for the following matches: September 9 vs. Ohio, October 14 vs. West Virginia, and October 28 vs. Texas Tech</li>
 </ul>Theme Nights:<ul>
 <li>Season-Ticket Holder Appreciation Event&nbsp;– Sept. 9 vs. Ohio:&nbsp;Volleyball season-ticket holders are invited to an exclusive pregame event in the New Shamrock Zone. Information will be sent directly to season-ticket holders.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Diversity and Inclusion Anti-Bullying Match&nbsp;– Sept.25 vs. Baylor:&nbsp;Continuing the core commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives, the Wildcats will bring awareness to anti-bullying resources throughout the match.&nbsp;The first 200 fans will receive a Better Together Anti-Bullying Bracelet.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>$10 T-Shirt Package&nbsp;– Sept.25 vs. Baylor:&nbsp;Show your Wildcat Pride by purchasing a t-shirt package for the Baylor match.&nbsp; Each package includes a general admission ticket and an exclusive K-State Volleyball t-shirt for just $10.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Tik Tok Night&nbsp;– Oct. 14 vs. West Virginia:&nbsp;The Wildcats would like to invite you to Tik Tok night as we showcase our fans best and favorite Tik Toks. Join in on the fun, and don’t miss your chance to win a Tik Tok bundle with all your favorite goodies.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Dollar Day– Oct. 15 vs. West Virginia:&nbsp;Dollar Day is back! All general admission tickets and select concessions are just $1 each.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Light Up Bramlage&nbsp;– Oct. 27 vs. Texas Tech:&nbsp;Let’s ‘Light Up’ Bramlage. Join the Wildcats for an neon, 80’s themed match. Fans will have the opportunity to win a glow-in-the-dark autographed volleyball signed by the team.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Junior Wildcats Day&nbsp;–&nbsp;Nov. 27 vs. KU: Members of the Junior Wildcats Club are invited to a special pregame event in the new Shamrock Zone.&nbsp; This exclusive event for kids club members will include concession discounts and the opportunity to participate in pregame activities with&nbsp;Willie Wildcat.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Senior Day T-Shirt Package&nbsp;– Nov. 27 vs. KU:&nbsp;Salute K-State’s senior class in a special presentation on match day.&nbsp; Plus, fans can purchase a&nbsp;t-shirt package for the regular season home finale against our in-state rival.&nbsp; Each package includes a general admission ticket and an exclusive K-State Volleyball t-shirt for just $10.</li>
 </ul>Promotions and match times are subject to change.

Volleyball Single-Match Tickets on Sale, Promotions Announced

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State volleyball will have 10 home matches broadcast across multiple platforms in 2021, including three nationally televised matches on ESPNU, K-State Athletics and Big 12 Conference officials announced Friday.

The Wildcats, who will again play their home matches inside Bramlage Coliseum, will have matchups against Baylor (September 26), West Virginia (October 15) and Texas Tech (October 27) featured on ESPNU.

The two-match set with the Bears will now take place September 25-26 (originally scheduled for September 24-25), with the start time being shifted for 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 26. Two matches against the Red Raiders are now scheduled for October 27-28 (originally scheduled for October 28-29), with the nationally televised contest starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27.

Seven additional home matches will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and produced by the Emmy Award-winning K-StateHD.TV department.

The broadcast team of&nbsp;Brian Smoller&nbsp;and former Wildcat two-time All-American&nbsp;Liz Wegner-Busch&nbsp;are back to call the action on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;Fans&nbsp;can listen to&nbsp;Rob Voelker&nbsp;call every K-State volleyball match – home and away – on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM), Sunny 102.5 FM and online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=10737&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/watch</a>.

ESPN+ is available via the ESPN app, ESPN.com or espnplus.com. Subscribers can watch on the ESPN app via most major mobile and connected-TV platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android devices, Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, PlayStation, XBOX and connected TVs.

K-State officially begins its 2021 campaign on Friday, August 27 at the Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska. For the second straight season, the Big 12 Conference will feature a doubleheader format, as teams will play against the same opponent on consecutive days in a single location.

General admission season tickets are still available for just $40. A Wildcat 4-Pack is the best value at only $120 – a savings of up to $10 per pass and less than $4 per match. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=VBSG&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/Tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

In accordance with University policy, it is required that face coverings be worn at all times inside Bramlage Coliseum, regardless of vaccination status, unless actively eating or drinking.

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2020/9/1/vb-bramlage-coliseum-a-z.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to view all the 2021 K-State volleyball gameday policies</a>.

2021 K-State Volleyball Home Broadcast Schedule

Date /&nbsp;Opponent /&nbsp;TV / Radio /&nbsp;Time

Sept. 9 / Ohio / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 / Loyola Chicago / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp; 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 / Fresno State / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 11 a.m.

Sept. 25 /&nbsp;Baylor /&nbsp;Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;6 p.m.

Sept. 26 /&nbsp;Baylor /&nbsp;ESPNU / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;5 p.m.

Oct. 14 / West Virginia / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 /&nbsp;West Virginia /&nbsp;ESPNU / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;7 p.m.

Oct. 27 /&nbsp;Texas Tech /&nbsp;ESPNU / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;7 p.m.

Nov. 26 / Kansas / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 / Kansas / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 6:30 p.m.

All times Central. BOLD&nbsp;indicates date/time change. Dates and times subject to change.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629490166376.png" alt="Wildcats Announce 2021 Home Broadcast Schedule" />
 <figcaption>Wildcats Announce 2021 Home Broadcast Schedule</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– K-State volleyball will have 10 home matches broadcast across multiple platforms in 2021, including three nationally televised matches on ESPNU, K-State Athletics and Big 12 Conference officials announced Friday.The Wildcats, who will again play their home matches inside Bramlage Coliseum, will have matchups against Baylor (September 26), West Virginia (October 15) and Texas Tech (October 27) featured on ESPNU.The two-match set with the Bears will now take place September 25-26 (originally scheduled for September 24-25), with the start time being shifted for 5 p.m. on Sunday, September 26. Two matches against the Red Raiders are now scheduled for October 27-28 (originally scheduled for October 28-29), with the nationally televised contest starting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27.Seven additional home matches will be shown on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and produced by the Emmy Award-winning K-StateHD.TV department.The broadcast team of&nbsp;Brian Smoller&nbsp;and former Wildcat two-time All-American&nbsp;Liz Wegner-Busch&nbsp;are back to call the action on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;Fans&nbsp;can listen to&nbsp;Rob Voelker&nbsp;call every K-State volleyball match – home and away – on News Radio KMAN (93.3 FM, 1350 AM), Sunny 102.5 FM and online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=10737&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/watch</a>.ESPN+ is available via the ESPN app, ESPN.com or espnplus.com. Subscribers can watch on the ESPN app via most major mobile and connected-TV platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Android devices, Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, PlayStation, XBOX and connected TVs.K-State officially begins its 2021 campaign on Friday, August 27 at the Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska. For the second straight season, the Big 12 Conference will feature a doubleheader format, as teams will play against the same opponent on consecutive days in a single location.General admission season tickets are still available for just $40. A Wildcat 4-Pack is the best value at only $120 – a savings of up to $10 per pass and less than $4 per match. Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=VBSG&amp;linkID=kansuse&amp;shopperContext=&amp;caller=&amp;appCode=" target="_blank">K-StateSports.com/Tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS.In accordance with University policy, it is required that face coverings be worn at all times inside Bramlage Coliseum, regardless of vaccination status, unless actively eating or drinking.<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2020/9/1/vb-bramlage-coliseum-a-z.aspx" target="_blank">Click here to view all the 2021 K-State volleyball gameday policies</a>.2021 K-State Volleyball Home Broadcast ScheduleDate /&nbsp;Opponent /&nbsp;TV / Radio /&nbsp;TimeSept. 9 / Ohio / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 7 p.m.Sept. 10 / Loyola Chicago / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp; 6:30 p.m.Sept. 11 / Fresno State / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 11 a.m.Sept. 25 /&nbsp;Baylor /&nbsp;Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;6 p.m.Sept. 26 /&nbsp;Baylor /&nbsp;ESPNU / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;5 p.m.Oct. 14 / West Virginia / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 6:30 p.m.Oct. 15 /&nbsp;West Virginia /&nbsp;ESPNU / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;7 p.m.Oct. 27 /&nbsp;Texas Tech /&nbsp;ESPNU / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 /&nbsp;7 p.m.Nov. 26 / Kansas / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 6:30 p.m.Nov. 27 / Kansas / Big 12 Now on ESPN+ / KMAN/Sunny 102.5 / 6:30 p.m.All times Central. BOLD&nbsp;indicates date/time change. Dates and times subject to change.

Wildcats Announce 2021 Home Broadcast Schedule

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State fans can once again take advantage of several “Back to Campus Day” ticket promotions on the first day of the fall semester on Monday, August 23.

All single-game purchases will have no additional ticket fees during the annual one-day promotion, and fans can purchase tickets by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-221-CATS.

• Football single-game tickets up to 25% off

• Men’s basketball non-conference Wildcat 4 Packs for just $40

• Women’s basketball against Oregon for just $1

• Soccer non-conference games for only $3

• Volleyball non-conference games for only $3

Football single-game tickets available during the one-day sale start at just:

• $22.50 for the home opener against Southern Illinois on September 11

• $15 for the Fort Riley Day game against Nevada on September 18

• $40 for the Hall of Fame game against Oklahoma on October 2

• And $25 for the last four Big 12 home games against Iowa State (October 16), TCU (October 30), West Virginia (November 13) and Baylor (November 20)

Monday is also the incentive deadline for all men’s and women’s basketball season tickets. Fans who order or renew by Monday receive $10 off the season processing fee and can sign up for a three-month payment plan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629483626896.jpeg" alt="“Back to Campus Day” Ticket Specials Available on Monday" />
 <figcaption>“Back to Campus Day” Ticket Specials Available on Monday</figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State fans can once again take advantage of several “Back to Campus Day” ticket promotions on the first day of the fall semester on Monday, August 23.All single-game purchases will have no additional ticket fees during the annual one-day promotion, and fans can purchase tickets by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-221-CATS.This year’s ticket discounts include:• Football single-game tickets up to 25% off• Men’s basketball non-conference Wildcat 4 Packs for just $40• Women’s basketball against Oregon for just $1• Soccer non-conference games for only $3• Volleyball non-conference games for only $3Football single-game tickets available during the one-day sale start at just:• $22.50 for the home opener against Southern Illinois on September 11• $15 for the Fort Riley Day game against Nevada on September 18• $40 for the Hall of Fame game against Oklahoma on October 2• And $25 for the last four Big 12 home games against Iowa State (October 16), TCU (October 30), West Virginia (November 13) and Baylor (November 20)Monday is also the incentive deadline for all men’s and women’s basketball season tickets. Fans who order or renew by Monday receive $10 off the season processing fee and can sign up for a three-month payment plan.

“Back to Campus Day” Ticket Specials Available on Monday

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan High School is just over two weeks away from opening its 2021 campaign, and during the first week of practice Head Coach Joe Schartz says they have a lot to clean up.&nbsp;

After a 6-4 record in 2020, Coach Schartz and the Indians will look to build with six returning starters on each side of the ball.&nbsp;Schartz mentioned some inexperience with his team, but the experience that does return will be very beneficial for his team ahead of this season.

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Manhattan High School is just over two weeks away from opening its 2021 campaign, and during the first week of practice Head Coach Joe Schartz says they have a lot to clean up.&nbsp;After a 6-4 record in 2020, Coach Schartz and the Indians will look to build with six returning starters on each side of the ball.&nbsp;Schartz mentioned some inexperience with his team, but the experience that does return will be very beneficial for his team ahead of this season.For the full audio listen below:<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1109208475&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/manhattan-hs-football-hc-joe-schartz" title="Manhattan HS Football HC Joe Schartz" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Manhattan HS Football HC Joe Schartz</a></div></div>

MHS Coach Joe Schartz previews 2021

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;For the third time in as many seasons, Kansas State sixth-year senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;has been named to the initial watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Golden Arm Foundation announced Thursday.

Current K-State quarterbacks coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;won the award in 2012, while previous Wildcat candidates for the award include Jake Waters (2014), Michael Bishop (1998 finalist) and Chad May (1994 finalist).

This is the fifth preseason watch list Thompson has been named to prior to the 2021 season, a list that also includes the Maxwell Award, Manning Award, Wuerffel Trophy and Senior Bowl.

A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson has thrown for 5,021 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career, while he has rushed for 1,083 yards and another 22 scores. He enters his second senior season in the top 10 of 15 career categories in K-State history. Additionally, he is one of just two signal callers in school history – along with Ell Roberson – to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career.

The Wildcats embark on the 2021 campaign two weeks from Saturday, as the Wildcats face Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 4. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be shown on FS1.

Fans can purchase&nbsp;tickets to the game against the Cardinal – or any of the Wildcats’ seven home games this year – by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-221-CATS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629398895823.jpeg" alt="K-State’s Thompson Lands on Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List" />
 <figcaption>K-State’s Thompson Lands on Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List</figcaption>
 </figure><a>MANHATTAN, Kan.</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;For the third time in as many seasons, Kansas State sixth-year senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;has been named to the initial watch list for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Golden Arm Foundation announced Thursday.Current K-State quarterbacks coach&nbsp;Collin Klein&nbsp;won the award in 2012, while previous Wildcat candidates for the award include Jake Waters (2014), Michael Bishop (1998 finalist) and Chad May (1994 finalist).This is the fifth preseason watch list Thompson has been named to prior to the 2021 season, a list that also includes the Maxwell Award, Manning Award, Wuerffel Trophy and Senior Bowl.A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson has thrown for 5,021 yards and 30 touchdowns in his career, while he has rushed for 1,083 yards and another 22 scores. He enters his second senior season in the top 10 of 15 career categories in K-State history. Additionally, he is one of just two signal callers in school history – along with Ell Roberson – to throw for 5,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career.The Wildcats embark on the 2021 campaign two weeks from Saturday, as the Wildcats face Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on September 4. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be shown on FS1.Fans can purchase&nbsp;tickets to the game against the Cardinal – or any of the Wildcats’ seven home games this year – by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-221-CATS.

K-State’s Thompson Lands on Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch List

MANHATTAN, Kan. - With just 16 days until Kansas State opens its 2021 football season, Head Coach Chris Klieman opened a portion of practice to members of the media Thursday.&nbsp;

Through stretching, and individual position drills, it was impossible to evaluate players or full position groups with anything other than the eye test, but the Wildcats and several of their new faces passed the exam.&nbsp;

Transfer tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe was a name that drew significant interest from the media personalities watching from the stands. His size and physique helping him to stand above the rest in terms of "how they look in uniform."

The 6-4, 240-pound transfer by way of USC and Illinois is expected to make an instant impact in an offense that heavily involves his position.&nbsp;

Another name that has stirred up a flurry of interest is true-freshman running back D.J. Giddens, a native of Junction City. Giddens, who rushed for 1,255 yards in his senior season with the Blue Jays will blueshirt for the Cats, meaning his scholarship won't count against the 25 allotted to K-State in the class of 2021. Instead, his number will count in the class of 2022.&nbsp;

In the past few weeks, Giddens has earned praise from both Chris Klieman and starting quarterback Skylar Thompson, and his 6-1, 207-pound frame could be a lottery find for a Wildcat offense with an already competitive running back room.&nbsp;

There's no word yet on exactly how much fans can expect to see him on the field in the coming season, but as a local product, there will certainly be a lot to look forward to.&nbsp;

Senior wide receiver Chabastin Taylor was present on the field as well, which should be encouraging for K-State fans, as Taylor had surgery in December for a torn ACL suffered in 2020. 

Taylor caught 19 passes and started nine games a season ago, but will be expected to pick up a larger workload in the coming months, as Kansas State looks to improve on an abysmal passing attack from last year.&nbsp;

In 2020, the Wildcats receiver room was unproductive, and in some cases, completely absent from the offensive attack, leaving running back Deuce Vaughn and tight end Briley Moore to do the lion's share in the receiving game. The return of Taylor, and in addition a healthy Malik Knowles should do wonders for K-State.&nbsp;

Kansas State will look forward to being full-strength when it opens the 2021 season in AT&amp;T Stadium against the Stanford Cardinal on FS1.&nbsp;

By Jackson SchneiderMANHATTAN, Kan. - With just 16 days until Kansas State opens its 2021 football season, Head Coach Chris Klieman opened a portion of practice to members of the media Thursday.&nbsp;Through stretching, and individual position drills, it was impossible to evaluate players or full position groups with anything other than the eye test, but the Wildcats and several of their new faces passed the exam.&nbsp;Transfer tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe was a name that drew significant interest from the media personalities watching from the stands. His size and physique helping him to stand above the rest in terms of "how they look in uniform."The 6-4, 240-pound transfer by way of USC and Illinois is expected to make an instant impact in an offense that heavily involves his position.&nbsp;Another name that has stirred up a flurry of interest is true-freshman running back D.J. Giddens, a native of Junction City. Giddens, who rushed for 1,255 yards in his senior season with the Blue Jays will blueshirt for the Cats, meaning his scholarship won't count against the 25 allotted to K-State in the class of 2021. Instead, his number will count in the class of 2022.&nbsp;In the past few weeks, Giddens has earned praise from both Chris Klieman and starting quarterback Skylar Thompson, and his 6-1, 207-pound frame could be a lottery find for a Wildcat offense with an already competitive running back room.&nbsp;There's no word yet on exactly how much fans can expect to see him on the field in the coming season, but as a local product, there will certainly be a lot to look forward to.&nbsp;Senior wide receiver Chabastin Taylor was present on the field as well, which should be encouraging for K-State fans, as Taylor had surgery in December for a torn ACL suffered in 2020. Taylor caught 19 passes and started nine games a season ago, but will be expected to pick up a larger workload in the coming months, as Kansas State looks to improve on an abysmal passing attack from last year.&nbsp;In 2020, the Wildcats receiver room was unproductive, and in some cases, completely absent from the offensive attack, leaving running back Deuce Vaughn and tight end Briley Moore to do the lion's share in the receiving game. The return of Taylor, and in addition a healthy Malik Knowles should do wonders for K-State.&nbsp;Kansas State will look forward to being full-strength when it opens the 2021 season in AT&amp;T Stadium against the Stanford Cardinal on FS1.&nbsp;

K-State football holds open practice

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Junction City High School product DJ Giddens set single-season school records for total touchdowns (30), rushing touchdowns (30) and points (180) as a senior for the Blue Jays last season.

Now, the 6-foot-1, 207 lb. true freshman running back is turning heads at Kansas State.

“He’s done a tremendous job,” senior quarterback Skylar Thompson said. “He is a really good football player. DJ and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/rj-garcia-ii/8111" target="_blank">RJ Garcia</a>&nbsp;have been doing really well. Both of those two players you can tell have a natural feel for the game. They just have certain characteristics that you can’t really teach someone. When you’re watching somebody like, ‘Oh that dude gets it.’ I feel like both those guys are like that.”

Giddens scored five touchdowns — just the third player in JC history to do so — as the Blue Jays rallied past Wichita East in the 6A West Sectional final last season. His go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter pushed his team to a 49-42 win.

Junction City fell to eventual state champ Derby in the 6A semis. Giddens scored a pair of touchdowns as the Blue Jays lost 62-27.

Following a standout high school career, Giddens now joins a K-State running back room led by 2020 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and 2021 Preseason All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce--vaughn/7993" target="_blank">Deuce Vaughn</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/d-j-giddens-271814" target="_blank">Rivals&nbsp;two-star recruit&nbsp;</a>has caught the eye of head coach Chris Klieman early.

“DJ Giddens and Devrin Weathers are young players that the game has not slowed down for them, but they’re both talented young players,” Klieman said last week. “So, we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. They’re going to have plenty of opportunities because we’re probably not going to hit Deuce a whole lot from a live standpoint. I want to see what some of those younger backs can do.”

“The biggest thing for them now is learning the playbook, playing fast,” Thompson said. “That’s the biggest thing. Our offense is pretty complex, we’re a pro-style system. There are a lot of moving parts. So once you understand that, you can play fast, watch out.”

By WIBW TVMANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - Junction City High School product DJ Giddens set single-season school records for total touchdowns (30), rushing touchdowns (30) and points (180) as a senior for the Blue Jays last season.Now, the 6-foot-1, 207 lb. true freshman running back is turning heads at Kansas State.“He’s done a tremendous job,” senior quarterback Skylar Thompson said. “He is a really good football player. DJ and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/rj-garcia-ii/8111" target="_blank">RJ Garcia</a>&nbsp;have been doing really well. Both of those two players you can tell have a natural feel for the game. They just have certain characteristics that you can’t really teach someone. When you’re watching somebody like, ‘Oh that dude gets it.’ I feel like both those guys are like that.”Giddens scored five touchdowns — just the third player in JC history to do so — as the Blue Jays rallied past Wichita East in the 6A West Sectional final last season. His go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter pushed his team to a 49-42 win.Junction City fell to eventual state champ Derby in the 6A semis. Giddens scored a pair of touchdowns as the Blue Jays lost 62-27.Following a standout high school career, Giddens now joins a K-State running back room led by 2020 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and 2021 Preseason All-American&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/football/roster/deuce--vaughn/7993" target="_blank">Deuce Vaughn</a>.The&nbsp;<a href="https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/d-j-giddens-271814" target="_blank">Rivals&nbsp;two-star recruit&nbsp;</a>has caught the eye of head coach Chris Klieman early.“DJ Giddens and Devrin Weathers are young players that the game has not slowed down for them, but they’re both talented young players,” Klieman said last week. “So, we’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. They’re going to have plenty of opportunities because we’re probably not going to hit Deuce a whole lot from a live standpoint. I want to see what some of those younger backs can do.”“The biggest thing for them now is learning the playbook, playing fast,” Thompson said. “That’s the biggest thing. Our offense is pretty complex, we’re a pro-style system. There are a lot of moving parts. So once you understand that, you can play fast, watch out.”

DJ Giddens impresses at K-State

MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;The 2021&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball non-conference schedule has been finalized as the Wildcats will travel to South Carolina on Friday, December 3, for the 2021 Big 12/SEC Challenge.

K-State begins the month of December with a three-game road trip. The Wildcats will start the road slate at South Carolina on Friday, December 3, in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. The all-time series between K-State and South Carolina is tied at two games apiece.

The Gamecocks finished the 2020-21 season with a 26-5 overall record and a 14-2 mark in the SEC. South Carolina reached the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national champion Stanford, 66-65. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley recently led the U.S. Women’s National Team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

For the 2021-22 season, the Wildcats 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).

The 2021-22 Big 12 schedule, game times, promotional and television schedules will be released later this summer. The 2022 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will be contested at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri, March 10-13, 2022.

K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2021-22 are on sale now. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ 20-game home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629304013915.png" alt="K-State travels to South Carolina on December 3rd" />
 <figcaption>K-State travels to South Carolina on December 3rd</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas –&nbsp;The 2021&nbsp;K-State women’s basketball non-conference schedule has been finalized as the Wildcats will travel to South Carolina on Friday, December 3, for the 2021 Big 12/SEC Challenge.K-State begins the month of December with a three-game road trip. The Wildcats will start the road slate at South Carolina on Friday, December 3, in the Big 12/SEC Challenge. The all-time series between K-State and South Carolina is tied at two games apiece.The Gamecocks finished the 2020-21 season with a 26-5 overall record and a 14-2 mark in the SEC. South Carolina reached the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Tournament before falling to eventual national champion Stanford, 66-65. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley recently led the U.S. Women’s National Team to a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.For the 2021-22 season, the Wildcats 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).The 2021-22 Big 12 schedule, game times, promotional and television schedules will be released later this summer. The 2022 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship will be contested at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri, March 10-13, 2022.K-State women’s basketball season tickets for the 2021-22 are on sale now. For more information on season ticket packages for the Wildcats’ 20-game home schedule, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office by calling 1-800-221-CATS or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State to Face South Carolina in 2021 Big 12/SEC Challenge

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Big 12 teams will have to forfeit games and be given a loss if unable to play a conference game this fall because of COVID-19. Or any other reasons. The Big 12 says a no contest will be declared only if both teams are unable to compete. There are no plans to make up any games not played as scheduled. And there are no longer football roster thresholds in effect like there were last season and allowed teams to seek a no contest.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Big 12 teams will have to forfeit games and be given a loss if unable to play a conference game this fall because of COVID-19. Or any other reasons. The Big 12 says a no contest will be declared only if both teams are unable to compete. There are no plans to make up any games not played as scheduled. And there are no longer football roster thresholds in effect like there were last season and allowed teams to seek a no contest.

Big 12 issues decision on games that could have to be forfeited

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State Assistant Head Coach and Cornerbacks Coach Van Malone met with members of the media Tuesday morning to discuss the Wildcats and their progress throughout fall camp.&nbsp;

"It looks like we're almost back to normal, but it's kind of been cool to go through this process 2019, 2020, and now to be able to do it this fall camp. It's been cool for our players, for our coaches, to be able to come back to some sense of normalcy. I think our support staff, our training staff, they've done a great job with our players so far in fall camp, even with us dealing with the COVID protocols," said Malone. "It's definitely not the same as we dealt with last year, but there still are challenges. So, I really am excited, from the place I sit, to be able to work with our staff in a way that they've done. We've had a lot of fun, our players have, in fall camp so far. Been a lot of hard work, hard work for coaches as well. I don't know what number this is for me in terms of fall camps, but it's been a grueling camp.'

Coach Malone praised several young players for their efforts and how some have begun carving out larger roles than in the past, such as sophomore Aamaris Brown, whose role in the Nickelback position has become more clear over fall camp.

"Well, the thing is, he does a good job in man coverage and in the situations that we play in, the situations that you can have that nickel position. Aamaris is a great fit. As athletic as he is, he can play multiple positions in the secondary. He's a guy that when you watch him play, he makes plays. He's athletic. He plays with a lot of energy at all times. I'm excited for him. Definitely, he's a younger player. I'm excited for him to continue to grow.," said Malone. "And like I said, the fact is his athleticism allows him to be able to play multiple positions. So, yes, he'll line up at nickel, but he'll play other positions as well. Then he'll help us tremendously on special teams because of his speed, because of his toughness, because of his ability to be able to play in multiple positions."

Malone even fielded the unavoidable question of Big 12 realignment, with Oklahoma and Texas leaving for the SEC, and where exactly that leaves K-State in the picture. Malone, lighthearted as ever, answered: "First of all, that's about eight levels above my paygrade, no, actually 10 levels."

Malone also assured the media that his team wasn't worried about that at the moment.&nbsp; "Our players on our current team, that's not a factor in their lives. That's not a distraction for them. They are locked in and focused on their jobs and the things that they can control."

For the full audio of Coach Van Malone's meeting with the media, listen to the link below:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629231496718.jpeg" alt="K-State Assistant Coach and Cornerbacks Coach Van Malone speaks to the media Tuesday in Manhattan." />
 <figcaption>K-State Assistant Coach and Cornerbacks Coach Van Malone speaks to the media Tuesday in Manhattan.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jackson SchneiderMANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State Assistant Head Coach and Cornerbacks Coach Van Malone met with members of the media Tuesday morning to discuss the Wildcats and their progress throughout fall camp.&nbsp;"It looks like we're almost back to normal, but it's kind of been cool to go through this process 2019, 2020, and now to be able to do it this fall camp. It's been cool for our players, for our coaches, to be able to come back to some sense of normalcy. I think our support staff, our training staff, they've done a great job with our players so far in fall camp, even with us dealing with the COVID protocols," said Malone. "It's definitely not the same as we dealt with last year, but there still are challenges. So, I really am excited, from the place I sit, to be able to work with our staff in a way that they've done. We've had a lot of fun, our players have, in fall camp so far. Been a lot of hard work, hard work for coaches as well. I don't know what number this is for me in terms of fall camps, but it's been a grueling camp.'Coach Malone praised several young players for their efforts and how some have begun carving out larger roles than in the past, such as sophomore Aamaris Brown, whose role in the Nickelback position has become more clear over fall camp."Well, the thing is, he does a good job in man coverage and in the situations that we play in, the situations that you can have that nickel position. Aamaris is a great fit. As athletic as he is, he can play multiple positions in the secondary. He's a guy that when you watch him play, he makes plays. He's athletic. He plays with a lot of energy at all times. I'm excited for him. Definitely, he's a younger player. I'm excited for him to continue to grow.," said Malone. "And like I said, the fact is his athleticism allows him to be able to play multiple positions. So, yes, he'll line up at nickel, but he'll play other positions as well. Then he'll help us tremendously on special teams because of his speed, because of his toughness, because of his ability to be able to play in multiple positions."Malone even fielded the unavoidable question of Big 12 realignment, with Oklahoma and Texas leaving for the SEC, and where exactly that leaves K-State in the picture. Malone, lighthearted as ever, answered: "First of all, that's about eight levels above my paygrade, no, actually 10 levels."Malone also assured the media that his team wasn't worried about that at the moment.&nbsp; "Our players on our current team, that's not a factor in their lives. That's not a distraction for them. They are locked in and focused on their jobs and the things that they can control."For the full audio of Coach Van Malone's meeting with the media, listen to the link below:<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1107771817&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/van-malone-k-state-football-8-17-2021" title="Van Malone, K-State Football (8-17-2021)" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Van Malone, K-State Football (8-17-2021)</a></div></div>

K-State's Van Malone speaks to media Tuesday

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Monday marks day one on the Kansas State High School Activities Association calendar, with fall sports practices beginning across the state. For Manhattan High School, seven sports will begin their 2021 campaigns this week, with six starting Monday afternoon.

Cheerleading will be the lone sport not beginning on Monday and will hold its first practice from 4-7p.m. at the Manhattan High School East Gym on Thursday.

Cross Country got an early start to their practice, holding it from 6:45-8a.m.

Volleyball will begin Monday with 9th grade from 4-6p.m., and 10th-12th grade from 6-8p.m. at Manhattan High's West Campus South Gym.

Boys Soccer will start their season at Bishop Stadium, holding practice from 4:15-6:15p.m.

Girls Tennis practice will be located at the City Park tennis courts from 4:15-6p.m.

Stagg Hill Golf Course will host Girls Golf practices, beginning Monday at 4p.m., and Tuesday from 1:30-4:30p.m.

Football began its season with its first practice in walkthrough fashion at 7a.m., but will hold a second practice on Monday from 4-7p.m at Manhattan High School's West Campus.

For a full schedule of Manhattan High School practice times and information, visit the USD 383 website <a href="https://www.usd383.org/schools/secondary-schools/manhattan-high-school/athletics-and-activities">HERE</a>.

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Monday marks day one on the Kansas State High School Activities Association calendar, with fall sports practices beginning across the state. For Manhattan High School, seven sports will begin their 2021 campaigns this week, with six starting Monday afternoon.Cheerleading will be the lone sport not beginning on Monday and will hold its first practice from 4-7p.m. at the Manhattan High School East Gym on Thursday.Cross Country got an early start to their practice, holding it from 6:45-8a.m.Volleyball will begin Monday with 9th grade from 4-6p.m., and 10th-12th grade from 6-8p.m. at Manhattan High's West Campus South Gym.Boys Soccer will start their season at Bishop Stadium, holding practice from 4:15-6:15p.m.Girls Tennis practice will be located at the City Park tennis courts from 4:15-6p.m.Stagg Hill Golf Course will host Girls Golf practices, beginning Monday at 4p.m., and Tuesday from 1:30-4:30p.m.Football began its season with its first practice in walkthrough fashion at 7a.m., but will hold a second practice on Monday from 4-7p.m at Manhattan High School's West Campus.For a full schedule of Manhattan High School practice times and information, visit the USD 383 website <a href="https://www.usd383.org/schools/secondary-schools/manhattan-high-school/athletics-and-activities">HERE</a>.

Fall sports practices begin today

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced changes to his coaching staff on Monday (August 16), which included the promotion of&nbsp;Nate Michael&nbsp;to video coordinator and the additions of former Wildcat lettermen&nbsp;Curtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zack Price&nbsp;as graduate student managers.

Michael, who enters his third season on the coaching staff, was promoted to video coordinator after a spending the last two seasons (2019-21) as a graduate student manager for the Wildcats.

Kelly, who helped the Wildcats to their first Elite Eight in more than 22 years in 2010 during his three-year playing career (2008-11), returns to K-State as a graduate student manager after recently retiring from an eight-year professional career overseas. Price also joins as a graduate student manager after spending the last three years (2018-21) as a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.

The additions are the latest for Weber, who announced&nbsp;A.J. Kloss&nbsp;as the program’s strength and conditioning coach on June 18 after he spent the past seven seasons with the women’s basketball team.

Although Weber has made several additions this offseason, he returns a majority of his staff for the 2021-22 season, including all three assistant coaches as associate head coach&nbsp;Chris Lowery&nbsp;returns for his 10th&nbsp;season, along with assistant coaches&nbsp;Jermaine Henderson&nbsp;(fifth season) and&nbsp;Shane Southwell&nbsp;(fourth season). In addition, he welcomes back director of operations&nbsp;Drew Speraw&nbsp;(10th&nbsp;season), director of student-athlete development&nbsp;Mike Furlong&nbsp;(seventh season), athletic trainer&nbsp;Luke Sauber&nbsp;(eighth season) and recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach&nbsp;Bailey Bachamp&nbsp;(10th&nbsp;season).

Nate Michael&nbsp;was named video coordinator for the men’s basketball team on August 16, 2021, after the spending the previous two seasons (2019-21) as a graduate student manager.

During his time as a graduate manager, Michael was tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including 1-on-1 work with individual players and practice, film breakdown and the creation of scouting reports and game plans.

Michael came to K-State&nbsp;<a>after a&nbsp;</a>five-year playing career (2014-19) at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, where he finished 22nd&nbsp;on the Bearcats’ all-time scoring list with 1,528 points. One of the school’s best all-around shooters, he drained 226 three-pointers in his career, which ranks sixth on the program’s career chart, while he connected on 86.2 percent (344-of-399) from the free throw line, which ranks fifth all-time at the school.

As a junior in 2017-18, Michael poured in a school-record 51 points in the school’s regular-season finale at Quincy University on February 24, 2018, to break the 62-year-old school mark of 47 by&nbsp;Rich Herrin. As a fifth-year senior in 2018-19, he led the Bearcats in multiple categories, including scoring (13.8 ppg.), 3-point field goals (66), free throw percentage (91.3), to go along with averages of 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31.3 minutes per game. He also set the single season mark for free throw percentage at 91.3 percent (84-of-92).

Michael earned bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2018) and an MBA (2019) at McKendree, while he received a master’s degree in College Student Personnel and Intercollegiate Athletics in May 2021.

Michael replaces former Wildcat&nbsp;Mason Schoen, who left the coaching profession to enter private business.

Curtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zack Price&nbsp;were announced as graduate student managers for the men’s basketball team on August 16, 2021. Kelly returns to his alma mater after an eight-year international professional playing career, while Price joins the K-State staff after spending the last three years (2018-21) as a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.

A native of Bronx, New York, Kelly spent three seasons (2008-11) at K-State, including a redshirt season in 2008-09, and guided the Wildcats to 52 wins and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2010, 2011) after transferring from Connecticut (2006-08). He scored nearly 700 points (11.1 ppg.) and grabbed nearly 400 rebounds (5.9 rpg.) in his Wildcat career. He still ranks among the Top 10 in two career categories, placing fifth in both field goal percentage (55.1) and blocked shots (107).

As a junior in 2009-10, Kelly played on one of the most exciting teams in school history, as the Wildcats won a school-record 29 games and nearly advanced to the Final Four. He teamed with All-Americans&nbsp;Denis Clemente&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jacob Pullen&nbsp;to set the school’s single-season record for games played (37) and started (37) while also leading the team in double-doubles (4), field goal percentage (56.5) and rebounding (6.2 rpg.). His signature game as a Wildcat came in thrilling two-overtime win over Xavier in the NCAA West Regional Semifinal, in which, he scored 21 points on 9-of-17 field goals to go with a team-high 8 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists in a career-best 43 minutes.

Kelly finished his career in 2010-11, guiding the Wildcats to the third round of the NCAA Tournament while averaging 10.5 points on 53.2 percent shooting with 5.5 rebounds per game.

After graduating from K-State in 2011, Kelly logged eight professional seasons in various pro leagues in six countries (Israel, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, France and The Philippines) before retiring earlier this month. In all, he tallied 3,234 points (13.2 ppg.) and 1,606 rebounds (6.6 rpg.) in 245 professional games in his career. He was the 2012 Balkan League Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Balkan League Second Team selection after averaging 15.9 points and 8.3 rebounds for Israeli National League Champion Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Most recently, Kelly played for Akhisar Bial in Turkish Basketball League (TBL) in 2019, averaging 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25 games.

Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from K-State in 2011.

A native of Leawood, Kansas, Price arrives at K-State with valuable coaching experience, including stints at the college, high school and club level, as well as a supporting role with USA Basketball. He played collegiately at TCU (2010-11) and Missouri Western (2012-15).

Price most recently spent the last three years (2018-21) on the coaching staff of legendary Kansas high school basketball coach&nbsp;Ed Fritz&nbsp;at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, where he was a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach. During his tenure, the Huskies captured the 2019 Kansas 6A State Championship, three Kansas 6A Sub-State Championships (2019, 2020, 2021) and a pair of Eastern Kansas League conference championships (2020, 2021) en route to posting a 65-6 combined record.

Prior to joining the staff at Blue Valley, Price was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Missouri Western, from 2016-18 for his college coach&nbsp;Brett Weiberg. He was involved in all aspects of the program, including day-to-day operations, travel, scouting and player recruitment, evaluation and development.

In addition to his coaching experience, Price has been involved in the development of players in the USA Basketball system, including stints as a staffer with both the 2021 U19 and U16 Men’s Junior National Teams. He helped head coach&nbsp;Jaime Dixon&nbsp;and the U19 staff prepare for the FIBA U19 World Cup, in which, they won a second-straight gold medal in July, while he has assisted head coach&nbsp;Sharman White&nbsp;and the U16 staff with the upcoming FIBA Americas Championship, which is set for August 23-29 in Xalapa, Mexico.

Price played one season (2010-11) for head coach&nbsp;Jim Christian&nbsp;at TCU before finishing his playing career (2012-15) at Missouri Western for head coaches&nbsp;Tom Smith&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brett Weiberg. He was three-time Academic Honor Roll selection (2013, 2014, 2015) and the recipient of the inaugural Griffon Award (2015).

Price earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Missouri Western in 2015 before adding a master’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management in 2018.

Michael has already begun his duties, while Kelly and Price are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Kansas State – Named&nbsp;Nate Michael&nbsp;video coordinator,&nbsp;Curtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zack Price&nbsp;graduate student managers.

How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629137187727.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced changes to his coaching staff on Monday (August 16), which included the promotion of&nbsp;Nate Michael&nbsp;to video coordinator and the additions of former Wildcat lettermen&nbsp;Curtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zack Price&nbsp;as graduate student managers.Michael, who enters his third season on the coaching staff, was promoted to video coordinator after a spending the last two seasons (2019-21) as a graduate student manager for the Wildcats.Kelly, who helped the Wildcats to their first Elite Eight in more than 22 years in 2010 during his three-year playing career (2008-11), returns to K-State as a graduate student manager after recently retiring from an eight-year professional career overseas. Price also joins as a graduate student manager after spending the last three years (2018-21) as a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.The additions are the latest for Weber, who announced&nbsp;A.J. Kloss&nbsp;as the program’s strength and conditioning coach on June 18 after he spent the past seven seasons with the women’s basketball team.Although Weber has made several additions this offseason, he returns a majority of his staff for the 2021-22 season, including all three assistant coaches as associate head coach&nbsp;Chris Lowery&nbsp;returns for his 10th&nbsp;season, along with assistant coaches&nbsp;Jermaine Henderson&nbsp;(fifth season) and&nbsp;Shane Southwell&nbsp;(fourth season). In addition, he welcomes back director of operations&nbsp;Drew Speraw&nbsp;(10th&nbsp;season), director of student-athlete development&nbsp;Mike Furlong&nbsp;(seventh season), athletic trainer&nbsp;Luke Sauber&nbsp;(eighth season) and recruiting coordinator and assistant to the head coach&nbsp;Bailey Bachamp&nbsp;(10th&nbsp;season).Michael Named Video CoordinatorNate Michael&nbsp;was named video coordinator for the men’s basketball team on August 16, 2021, after the spending the previous two seasons (2019-21) as a graduate student manager.During his time as a graduate manager, Michael was tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including 1-on-1 work with individual players and practice, film breakdown and the creation of scouting reports and game plans.Michael came to K-State&nbsp;<a>after a&nbsp;</a>five-year playing career (2014-19) at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, where he finished 22nd&nbsp;on the Bearcats’ all-time scoring list with 1,528 points. One of the school’s best all-around shooters, he drained 226 three-pointers in his career, which ranks sixth on the program’s career chart, while he connected on 86.2 percent (344-of-399) from the free throw line, which ranks fifth all-time at the school.As a junior in 2017-18, Michael poured in a school-record 51 points in the school’s regular-season finale at Quincy University on February 24, 2018, to break the 62-year-old school mark of 47 by&nbsp;Rich Herrin. As a fifth-year senior in 2018-19, he led the Bearcats in multiple categories, including scoring (13.8 ppg.), 3-point field goals (66), free throw percentage (91.3), to go along with averages of 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31.3 minutes per game. He also set the single season mark for free throw percentage at 91.3 percent (84-of-92).Michael earned bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2018) and an MBA (2019) at McKendree, while he received a master’s degree in College Student Personnel and Intercollegiate Athletics in May 2021.Michael replaces former Wildcat&nbsp;Mason Schoen, who left the coaching profession to enter private business.Kelly, Price Join StaffCurtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zack Price&nbsp;were announced as graduate student managers for the men’s basketball team on August 16, 2021. Kelly returns to his alma mater after an eight-year international professional playing career, while Price joins the K-State staff after spending the last three years (2018-21) as a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.A native of Bronx, New York, Kelly spent three seasons (2008-11) at K-State, including a redshirt season in 2008-09, and guided the Wildcats to 52 wins and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances (2010, 2011) after transferring from Connecticut (2006-08). He scored nearly 700 points (11.1 ppg.) and grabbed nearly 400 rebounds (5.9 rpg.) in his Wildcat career. He still ranks among the Top 10 in two career categories, placing fifth in both field goal percentage (55.1) and blocked shots (107).As a junior in 2009-10, Kelly played on one of the most exciting teams in school history, as the Wildcats won a school-record 29 games and nearly advanced to the Final Four. He teamed with All-Americans&nbsp;Denis Clemente&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jacob Pullen&nbsp;to set the school’s single-season record for games played (37) and started (37) while also leading the team in double-doubles (4), field goal percentage (56.5) and rebounding (6.2 rpg.). His signature game as a Wildcat came in thrilling two-overtime win over Xavier in the NCAA West Regional Semifinal, in which, he scored 21 points on 9-of-17 field goals to go with a team-high 8 rebounds, 5 blocks and 4 assists in a career-best 43 minutes.Kelly finished his career in 2010-11, guiding the Wildcats to the third round of the NCAA Tournament while averaging 10.5 points on 53.2 percent shooting with 5.5 rebounds per game.After graduating from K-State in 2011, Kelly logged eight professional seasons in various pro leagues in six countries (Israel, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, France and The Philippines) before retiring earlier this month. In all, he tallied 3,234 points (13.2 ppg.) and 1,606 rebounds (6.6 rpg.) in 245 professional games in his career. He was the 2012 Balkan League Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Balkan League Second Team selection after averaging 15.9 points and 8.3 rebounds for Israeli National League Champion Hapoel Tel-Aviv.Most recently, Kelly played for Akhisar Bial in Turkish Basketball League (TBL) in 2019, averaging 13.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 25 games.Kelly earned a bachelor’s degree in social science from K-State in 2011.A native of Leawood, Kansas, Price arrives at K-State with valuable coaching experience, including stints at the college, high school and club level, as well as a supporting role with USA Basketball. He played collegiately at TCU (2010-11) and Missouri Western (2012-15).Price most recently spent the last three years (2018-21) on the coaching staff of legendary Kansas high school basketball coach&nbsp;Ed Fritz&nbsp;at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, where he was a varsity assistant coach and junior varsity head coach. During his tenure, the Huskies captured the 2019 Kansas 6A State Championship, three Kansas 6A Sub-State Championships (2019, 2020, 2021) and a pair of Eastern Kansas League conference championships (2020, 2021) en route to posting a 65-6 combined record.Prior to joining the staff at Blue Valley, Price was a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Missouri Western, from 2016-18 for his college coach&nbsp;Brett Weiberg. He was involved in all aspects of the program, including day-to-day operations, travel, scouting and player recruitment, evaluation and development.In addition to his coaching experience, Price has been involved in the development of players in the USA Basketball system, including stints as a staffer with both the 2021 U19 and U16 Men’s Junior National Teams. He helped head coach&nbsp;Jaime Dixon&nbsp;and the U19 staff prepare for the FIBA U19 World Cup, in which, they won a second-straight gold medal in July, while he has assisted head coach&nbsp;Sharman White&nbsp;and the U16 staff with the upcoming FIBA Americas Championship, which is set for August 23-29 in Xalapa, Mexico.Price played one season (2010-11) for head coach&nbsp;Jim Christian&nbsp;at TCU before finishing his playing career (2012-15) at Missouri Western for head coaches&nbsp;Tom Smith&nbsp;and&nbsp;Brett Weiberg. He was three-time Academic Honor Roll selection (2013, 2014, 2015) and the recipient of the inaugural Griffon Award (2015).Price earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Missouri Western in 2015 before adding a master’s degree in Sport and Fitness Management in 2018.Michael has already begun his duties, while Kelly and Price are expected to begin in the coming weeks.TRANSACTIONS:Kansas State – Named&nbsp;Nate Michael&nbsp;video coordinator,&nbsp;Curtis Kelly&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zack Price&nbsp;graduate student managers.How to follow the ‘Cats:&nbsp;For complete information on K-State men’s basketball, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;and follow the team’s social media channels on&nbsp;<a href="mailto:@KStateMBB" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kstatembb/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/kstatembb/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

Michael Promoted; Kelly, Price Added to K-State Coaching Staff

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