KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced tonight that they have acquired minor league right-handed pitchers&nbsp;Henry Williams&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jesus Rios&nbsp;from the Padres for right hander&nbsp;Scott Barlow. The Royals Major League Reserve List is now at 38.

Williams, 21, has recorded 40 strikeouts in 42.1 innings (8.5 K/9) across 12 starts this season with Class-A Lake Elsinore. He was selected in the 3rd&nbsp;round of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft out of Duke University. He will be assigned to Class-A Columbia.

Rios, 21, has made 16 relief appearances this season with San Diego’s Dominican Summer League teams, going 6-3 with 2 saves. He was signed as an international free agent in January out of Mexico. He will be assigned to Royals Blue in the Dominican Summer League

Barlow, 30, was 2-4 with a 5.35 ERA (23 ER in 38.2 IP) and a team-best 13 saves in 31 appearances with the Royals this season. He was selected by the Dodgers in the 6th&nbsp;round of the 2011 Draft and was signed as a free agent by Kansas City, before making his Major League debut in 2018. Barlow has spent his entire big league career with the Royals, going 20-16 with a 3.39 ERA and 361 strikeouts in 302.2 innings, including a career-high 24 saves in 2022.

Prior to tonight’s game, the Royals have recalled right-handed pitchers&nbsp;Jackson Kowar&nbsp;and&nbsp;James McArthur. An updated roster is attached.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682510670038.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Scott Barlow reacts to the team's 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).jpg" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Scott Barlow reacts to the team's 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks during a baseball game Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced tonight that they have acquired minor league right-handed pitchers&nbsp;Henry Williams&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jesus Rios&nbsp;from the Padres for right hander&nbsp;Scott Barlow. The Royals Major League Reserve List is now at 38.Williams, 21, has recorded 40 strikeouts in 42.1 innings (8.5 K/9) across 12 starts this season with Class-A Lake Elsinore. He was selected in the 3rd&nbsp;round of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft out of Duke University. He will be assigned to Class-A Columbia.Rios, 21, has made 16 relief appearances this season with San Diego’s Dominican Summer League teams, going 6-3 with 2 saves. He was signed as an international free agent in January out of Mexico. He will be assigned to Royals Blue in the Dominican Summer LeagueBarlow, 30, was 2-4 with a 5.35 ERA (23 ER in 38.2 IP) and a team-best 13 saves in 31 appearances with the Royals this season. He was selected by the Dodgers in the 6th&nbsp;round of the 2011 Draft and was signed as a free agent by Kansas City, before making his Major League debut in 2018. Barlow has spent his entire big league career with the Royals, going 20-16 with a 3.39 ERA and 361 strikeouts in 302.2 innings, including a career-high 24 saves in 2022.Prior to tonight’s game, the Royals have recalled right-handed pitchers&nbsp;Jackson Kowar&nbsp;and&nbsp;James McArthur. An updated roster is attached.

⚾ Royals trade closer Scott Barlow for a pair of pitching prospects

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday that they have acquired left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Tucker Davidson&nbsp;from the Angels for cash considerations. Davidson, who was designated for assignment last Thursday, will report to the big league club. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 40.

Davidson, 27, made his Major League debut with Atlanta in 2020 and made 4 starts for the 2021 Braves World Series-winning team. He also started Game 5 of the World Series. Last season as the Trade Deadline, he was acquired by the Angels in a three-player deal that sent&nbsp;Raisel Iglesias&nbsp;to the Braves.

Davidson made the Angels Opening Day roster this season and went 1-1 with 2 saves and 31 strikeouts in 31.2 innings (8.8 K/9) over 18 appearances. He recorded more than 1.0 inning in 11 of his 18 outings, including a season-high 4.0 scoreless innings in his season debut on April 1.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday that they have acquired left-handed pitcher&nbsp;Tucker Davidson&nbsp;from the Angels for cash considerations. Davidson, who was designated for assignment last Thursday, will report to the big league club. Kansas City’s Major League Reserve List is now at 40.Davidson, 27, made his Major League debut with Atlanta in 2020 and made 4 starts for the 2021 Braves World Series-winning team. He also started Game 5 of the World Series. Last season as the Trade Deadline, he was acquired by the Angels in a three-player deal that sent&nbsp;Raisel Iglesias&nbsp;to the Braves.Davidson made the Angels Opening Day roster this season and went 1-1 with 2 saves and 31 strikeouts in 31.2 innings (8.8 K/9) over 18 appearances. He recorded more than 1.0 inning in 11 of his 18 outings, including a season-high 4.0 scoreless innings in his season debut on April 1.

⚾ Royals acquire pitcher Tucker Davidson from Angels

&nbsp; ATLANTA - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team posted the second-best GPA in program history during the 2022-23 season, with the Tigers ranking sixth in Division II on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.805. It is the 12th time the Tigers cracked the top 25 during Tony Hobson's 15-year tenure as head coach, including their fifth appearance inside the top 10. Fort Hays State is the top-ranked MIAA program on the list again this season, with the Tigers doing so in five of the last six years. Two other league schools are ranked in the top 25 in No. 22 Central Missouri and No. 23 Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers placed 13 student-athletes on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll this season, including three that earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and two that received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/7521">Kate Dilsaver</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/7523">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ellie-stearns/7530">Ellie Stearns</a>&nbsp;all received the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/7525">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/7531">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;were MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award recipients for holding a GPA north of 3.50 in addition to earning All-MIAA status on the court. The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2022-23 season is the 27th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls. This year's release marks the second year in which all teams which reported a minimum 3.0 GPA also are recognized for their academic accomplishment. Fort Hays State's historical rankings in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll and the complete 2022-23 Top 25 can be found below. FHSU in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll Year | Rank - GPA 2022-23 | 6th - 3.805 2021-22 | 1st - 3.814 2020-21 | 3rd - 3.764 2018-19 | 6th - 3.708 2017-18 | 13th - 3.667 2016-17 | 13th - 3.624 2015-16 | 22nd - 3.559 2014-15 | 23rd - 3.536 2012-13 | 14th - 3.500 2011-12 | 4th - 3.628 2010-11 | 12th - 3.523 2009-10 | T14th - 3.473 2002-03 | 16th - 3.444 Rank - Institution - Head Coach - GPA 1 - Upper Iowa - Justin Maass - 3.894 2 - Lubbock Christian - Steve Gomez - 3.882 3 - University of Montevallo - Gary Van Atta - 3.841 4 - Ashland - Kari Pickens - 3.826 5 - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (FL) - Lisa Wilson - 3.822 6 - Fort Hays State - Tony Hobson - 3.805 7 - Rockhurst - Larry Park - 3.776 8 - Lee - Marty Rowe - 3.763 9 - Mercyhurst - Brooklyn Kohlheim - 3.753 T10 - University of Wisconsin Parkside - Jen Conely - 3.740 T10 - Montana State - Billings - Kevin Woodin - 3.740 12 - William Jewell College - Jill Slominski - 3.736 T13 - Northern Michigan - Casey Thousand - 3.723 T13 - Fort Lewis College - Taylor Harris - 3.723 15 - McKendree - Kari Kerkhoff - 3.719 16 - Tiffin - Josh Mason - 3.713 17 - Truman State - Theo Dean III - 3.707 18 - Maryville - Brita Hand - 3.706 19 - Kutztown - Janet Malouf - 3.701 T20 - Missouri University of Science and Technology - Kira Carter - 3.695 T20 - Southwest Minnesota State - Tom Webb - 3.695 22 - Central Missouri - David Slifer - 3.694 23 - Northwest Missouri State - Austin Meyer - 3.690 24 - Pace - Carrie Seymour - 3.688 25 - St. Cloud State - Lori Fish - 3.682 Special Mention:&nbsp;Thomas Jefferson, Tom Shirley, 3.674; Alaska Fairbanks, Amy Donovan, 3.665; Texas Woman's University, Beth Jillson, 3.659; Seattle Pacific, Mike Simonson, 3.653; Ursuline College, Shannon Sword, 3.648; Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied, 3.644; Northwood, Autumn Haggadone, 3.643; St. Thomas Aquinas College, Bill Cleary, 3.642; California State Polytechnic, Pomona, Danelle Bishop, 3.641; Wayne State (MI), Carrie Lohr, 3.632; Minot State, Michael Brandt, 3.630; Point Loma Nazarene, Charity Elliott, 3.629; California State East Bay, Jenny Thigpin, 3.627; Michigan Technological, Samantha Clayton, 3.616; Minnesota State, Emilee Thiesse, 3.606; Oklahoma Baptist, Bo Overton, 3.600; East Stroudsburg, Stephanie Del Preore, 3.590; Wingate, Ann Hancock, 3.589; Seton Hill, Mark Katarski, 3.577; Winona State , Ana Wurtz, 3.568; Adelphi, Sade Jackson, 3.563; Columbus State, Matt Houser, 3.552; West Liberty, Kyle Cooper, 3.547; Florida Southern College, Megan Dzikas, 3.547; Harding, Tim Kirby, 3.520; Northwest Nazarene, Steve Steele, 3.518; Southern New Hampshire, Karen Pinkos, 3.516; D'Youville, Alison Bouman, 3.502; Hawaii at Hilo, David Kaneshiro, 3.484; Western Washington, Carmen Dolfo, 3.455; Biola, Alan Nakamura, 3.454; Gannon, Cleve Wright, 3.437; Carson-Newman, Michael Mincey, 3.432; West Chester, Kiera Wooden, 3.393; Coker, Melissa DeVore, 3.383; Davenport, Shonda Sanders, 3.375; Union, Mark Campbell, 3.360; Bentley, Carolyn White, 3.359; California State Monterey Bay, Sarah Hopkins-Chery, 3.340; Azusa Pacific, T.J. Hardeman, 3.315; Assumption, Kerry Phayre, 3.298; Chowan, Lenise Stallings, 3.273; California State, Dominguez Hills, John Bonner, 3.224; West Florida, Stephanie Yelton, 3.215; California State, Los Angeles, Torino Johnson, 3.129; California State, San Bernardino, Casandra Renno, 3.108; North Carolina at Pembroke, John Haskins, 3.077; Converse, Samantha Davidson, 3.065.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690902426985.jpeg" alt="The Fort Hays State women's basketball teams huddles before the start of their game with Missouri Western State on Janaury 26, 2023 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)" />
 <figcaption>The Fort Hays State women's basketball teams huddles before the start of their game with Missouri Western State on Janaury 26, 2023 at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays, Kan. (FHSU Athletics photo/Madison Shapland)</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU Athletics&nbsp; ATLANTA - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team posted the second-best GPA in program history during the 2022-23 season, with the Tigers ranking sixth in Division II on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.805. It is the 12th time the Tigers cracked the top 25 during Tony Hobson's 15-year tenure as head coach, including their fifth appearance inside the top 10. Fort Hays State is the top-ranked MIAA program on the list again this season, with the Tigers doing so in five of the last six years. Two other league schools are ranked in the top 25 in No. 22 Central Missouri and No. 23 Northwest Missouri State. The Tigers placed 13 student-athletes on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll this season, including three that earned the MIAA Academic Excellence Award and two that received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kate-dilsaver/7521">Kate Dilsaver</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/megan-earney/7523">Megan Earney</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ellie-stearns/7530">Ellie Stearns</a>&nbsp;all received the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/olivia-hollenbeck/7525">Olivia Hollenbeck</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/katie-wagner/7531">Katie Wagner</a>&nbsp;were MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award recipients for holding a GPA north of 3.50 in addition to earning All-MIAA status on the court. The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2022-23 season is the 27th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls. This year's release marks the second year in which all teams which reported a minimum 3.0 GPA also are recognized for their academic accomplishment. Fort Hays State's historical rankings in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll and the complete 2022-23 Top 25 can be found below. FHSU in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll Year | Rank - GPA 2022-23 | 6th - 3.805 2021-22 | 1st - 3.814 2020-21 | 3rd - 3.764 2018-19 | 6th - 3.708 2017-18 | 13th - 3.667 2016-17 | 13th - 3.624 2015-16 | 22nd - 3.559 2014-15 | 23rd - 3.536 2012-13 | 14th - 3.500 2011-12 | 4th - 3.628 2010-11 | 12th - 3.523 2009-10 | T14th - 3.473 2002-03 | 16th - 3.444 Rank - Institution - Head Coach - GPA 1 - Upper Iowa - Justin Maass - 3.894 2 - Lubbock Christian - Steve Gomez - 3.882 3 - University of Montevallo - Gary Van Atta - 3.841 4 - Ashland - Kari Pickens - 3.826 5 - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (FL) - Lisa Wilson - 3.822 6 - Fort Hays State - Tony Hobson - 3.805 7 - Rockhurst - Larry Park - 3.776 8 - Lee - Marty Rowe - 3.763 9 - Mercyhurst - Brooklyn Kohlheim - 3.753 T10 - University of Wisconsin Parkside - Jen Conely - 3.740 T10 - Montana State - Billings - Kevin Woodin - 3.740 12 - William Jewell College - Jill Slominski - 3.736 T13 - Northern Michigan - Casey Thousand - 3.723 T13 - Fort Lewis College - Taylor Harris - 3.723 15 - McKendree - Kari Kerkhoff - 3.719 16 - Tiffin - Josh Mason - 3.713 17 - Truman State - Theo Dean III - 3.707 18 - Maryville - Brita Hand - 3.706 19 - Kutztown - Janet Malouf - 3.701 T20 - Missouri University of Science and Technology - Kira Carter - 3.695 T20 - Southwest Minnesota State - Tom Webb - 3.695 22 - Central Missouri - David Slifer - 3.694 23 - Northwest Missouri State - Austin Meyer - 3.690 24 - Pace - Carrie Seymour - 3.688 25 - St. Cloud State - Lori Fish - 3.682 Special Mention:&nbsp;Thomas Jefferson, Tom Shirley, 3.674; Alaska Fairbanks, Amy Donovan, 3.665; Texas Woman's University, Beth Jillson, 3.659; Seattle Pacific, Mike Simonson, 3.653; Ursuline College, Shannon Sword, 3.648; Pittsburg State, Amanda Davied, 3.644; Northwood, Autumn Haggadone, 3.643; St. Thomas Aquinas College, Bill Cleary, 3.642; California State Polytechnic, Pomona, Danelle Bishop, 3.641; Wayne State (MI), Carrie Lohr, 3.632; Minot State, Michael Brandt, 3.630; Point Loma Nazarene, Charity Elliott, 3.629; California State East Bay, Jenny Thigpin, 3.627; Michigan Technological, Samantha Clayton, 3.616; Minnesota State, Emilee Thiesse, 3.606; Oklahoma Baptist, Bo Overton, 3.600; East Stroudsburg, Stephanie Del Preore, 3.590; Wingate, Ann Hancock, 3.589; Seton Hill, Mark Katarski, 3.577; Winona State , Ana Wurtz, 3.568; Adelphi, Sade Jackson, 3.563; Columbus State, Matt Houser, 3.552; West Liberty, Kyle Cooper, 3.547; Florida Southern College, Megan Dzikas, 3.547; Harding, Tim Kirby, 3.520; Northwest Nazarene, Steve Steele, 3.518; Southern New Hampshire, Karen Pinkos, 3.516; D'Youville, Alison Bouman, 3.502; Hawaii at Hilo, David Kaneshiro, 3.484; Western Washington, Carmen Dolfo, 3.455; Biola, Alan Nakamura, 3.454; Gannon, Cleve Wright, 3.437; Carson-Newman, Michael Mincey, 3.432; West Chester, Kiera Wooden, 3.393; Coker, Melissa DeVore, 3.383; Davenport, Shonda Sanders, 3.375; Union, Mark Campbell, 3.360; Bentley, Carolyn White, 3.359; California State Monterey Bay, Sarah Hopkins-Chery, 3.340; Azusa Pacific, T.J. Hardeman, 3.315; Assumption, Kerry Phayre, 3.298; Chowan, Lenise Stallings, 3.273; California State, Dominguez Hills, John Bonner, 3.224; West Florida, Stephanie Yelton, 3.215; California State, Los Angeles, Torino Johnson, 3.129; California State, San Bernardino, Casandra Renno, 3.108; North Carolina at Pembroke, John Haskins, 3.077; Converse, Samantha Davidson, 3.065.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏀 FHSU women sixth on WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Rroll

Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/B60o9ftQ-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Dayne Pengelly" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Dayne Pengelly

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have acquired outfielder&nbsp;Nelson Velázquez&nbsp;from the Chicago Cubs for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jose Cuas. Velázquez, who is on the 40-man roster, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

Velázquez, 24, has appeared in 13 games for the Cubs this season, slashing .241/.313/.621 (7-for-29, .933 OPS) with 5 of his 7 hits going for extra bases (3 home runs). In 90 career games with the Cubs since last season, he has collected 21 extra-base hits and 32 RBI in 238 plate appearances, while appearing defensively at all three outfield positions, including 225.0 innings in center field, 195.0 in right field and 78.1 in left field. In 74 games with Triple-A Iowa this season, he has batted .253 (74-for-292) with 15 doubles, 16 home runs, 7 stolen bases and an .803 OPS.

Over parts of six minor league seasons, he has posted a .256/.326/.462 (421-for-1647, .789 OPS) slashline with 76 home runs, 245 RBI and 245 runs scored. He was the MVP of the 2021 Arizona Fall League after guiding the Mesa Solar Sox to the AFL title with a .385/.480/.712 (40-for-104) slashline that featured 7 doubles, 9 home runs, 24 runs and RBI and 17 walks in 26 games.

A right-handed hitter and thrower, he was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 5th round of the 2017 Draft out of the PJ Education School in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and was signed by Cubs scout&nbsp;Edwards Guzman.

Cuas, 29, signed as a minor league free agent with Kansas City in June 2021 and made his Major League debut with the Royals on May 31, 2022 in Cleveland. Jose was named the&nbsp;Tony Conigliaro&nbsp;Award winner by the Boston Red Sox in 2022, an award that is given to a “Major Leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.”

He has appeared in 45 games for the Royals this season, posting a 4.54 ERA (21 ER in 41.2 IP) with 52 strikeouts (27.1 K%) and 36 inherited runners, which ranks tied for 5th&nbsp;in the Majors.

Kansas City RoyalsKANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals announced today that they have acquired outfielder&nbsp;Nelson Velázquez&nbsp;from the Chicago Cubs for right-handed pitcher&nbsp;Jose Cuas. Velázquez, who is on the 40-man roster, was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.Velázquez, 24, has appeared in 13 games for the Cubs this season, slashing .241/.313/.621 (7-for-29, .933 OPS) with 5 of his 7 hits going for extra bases (3 home runs). In 90 career games with the Cubs since last season, he has collected 21 extra-base hits and 32 RBI in 238 plate appearances, while appearing defensively at all three outfield positions, including 225.0 innings in center field, 195.0 in right field and 78.1 in left field. In 74 games with Triple-A Iowa this season, he has batted .253 (74-for-292) with 15 doubles, 16 home runs, 7 stolen bases and an .803 OPS.Over parts of six minor league seasons, he has posted a .256/.326/.462 (421-for-1647, .789 OPS) slashline with 76 home runs, 245 RBI and 245 runs scored. He was the MVP of the 2021 Arizona Fall League after guiding the Mesa Solar Sox to the AFL title with a .385/.480/.712 (40-for-104) slashline that featured 7 doubles, 9 home runs, 24 runs and RBI and 17 walks in 26 games.A right-handed hitter and thrower, he was originally selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 5th round of the 2017 Draft out of the PJ Education School in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and was signed by Cubs scout&nbsp;Edwards Guzman.Cuas, 29, signed as a minor league free agent with Kansas City in June 2021 and made his Major League debut with the Royals on May 31, 2022 in Cleveland. Jose was named the&nbsp;Tony Conigliaro&nbsp;Award winner by the Boston Red Sox in 2022, an award that is given to a “Major Leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage that were trademarks of Tony C.”He has appeared in 45 games for the Royals this season, posting a 4.54 ERA (21 ER in 41.2 IP) with 52 strikeouts (27.1 K%) and 36 inherited runners, which ranks tied for 5th&nbsp;in the Majors.

⚾ Royals trade Cuas to Cubs for outfielder Nelson Velazquez

By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs need look no further than last season's playoffs, and the sight of Patrick Mahomes hobbling to the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a high ankle sprain, to understand the importance in protecting their quarterback.

Yet oddly enough, they were OK watching both of their starting offensive tackles leave in free agency.

The big blow was the departure of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., for whom the Chiefs paid the Ravens handsomely in a trade, when the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.

But nearly as painful was the loss of right tackle Andrew Wylie, who had gone from an afterthought fighting for a job to one of the more reliable players along the offensive line.

Rarely do the Chiefs make such moves without a plan, though. General manager Brett Veach acted quickly to sign ex-Tampa Bay tackle Donovan Smith to handle the left side and former Jacksonville tackle Jawaan Taylor to handle the right, then Veach used a third-round pick on Oklahoma's Wanya Morris to create instant competition at both positions.

So far, Chiefs coach Andy Reid — an old offensive line coach — has liked what he's seen.

“You're never sure exactly what you're going to get there,” Reid said, “but they're competing and that's important. That's an important part of this, that you're able to push through these practices, run and pass. I like the way they work their game.”

The decision to put Mahomes' health in the hands of Smith and Taylor is a gamble, though. Neither of them graded out particularly well last season, depending on the metric you use, though both of them have shown flashes of high-level play in the past.

Smith, for example, ranked No. 66 among 81 offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus. Taylor was just one spot better.

But the Chiefs have established a track record of unlocking the potential in relatively unheralded players, particularly along the offensive line, where assistant coach Andy Heck is among the best in the business.

Wylie is a prime example: He was undrafted out of Eastern Michigan and wound up earning two Super Bowl rings in Kansas City before signing with Washington.

“All of us have played a lot of football and a lot of big games, tough games,” Taylor said. “We’re all smart mentally, physically. It’s just more so we’re tying in each and every individual aspect of who we are and how we play and tying it together and figuring out what works, what meshes. You know, just the many things we bring to the table per guy I would say is our strength.”

Another strength is having one of the best interior offensive lines in the NFL. Left guard Joe Thuney is considered one of the top five in the league at his position, right guard Trey Smith is likewise considered a top-tier guard, and center Creed Humphrey was picked for the Pro Bowl in just his second season in the league.

It also helps having Mahomes calling out the signals.

“Just a great leader man. He brings that energy every day, you know? He holds everybody accountable,” Donovan Smith said. "You mess up, we are going to redo it. Even in the walk-throughs and the learning periods, we always slow it down and we get to learn the offense. That’s been helping me a lot with the walk-throughs and learning the things they like doing here.”

The Chiefs were fortunate to overcome Mahomes' ankle injury in the playoffs. He returned in the second half to lead them past Jacksonville in the divisional round, and he hobbled through an AFC title game-thriller against Cincinnati, before hurting the ankle again in the Super Bowl — and then leading the Chiefs past Philadelphia for the Lombardi Trophy.

The pressure is on the Chiefs' new offensive tackles to prevent the same such stress this season.

NOTES: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire returned to practice Monday after missing the previous two with an illness. ... TE Jody Fortson (shoulder), WR Kadarius Toney (knee) and DE Mike Danna (calf) were among those that remained out. P Tommy Townsend also spent time in the medical tent, though no reason was given by the Chiefs. ... DT Chris Jones continued his holdout. He has been fined $50,000 for each day missed, which brings the total to $550,000. ... The Chiefs had a short practice Monday after three consecutive workouts in pads. They are off Tuesday before resuming camp Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690884338994.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to pass during NFL football training camp Friday, July 28, 2023, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks to pass during NFL football training camp Friday, July 28, 2023, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports WriterST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs need look no further than last season's playoffs, and the sight of Patrick Mahomes hobbling to the sideline against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a high ankle sprain, to understand the importance in protecting their quarterback.Yet oddly enough, they were OK watching both of their starting offensive tackles leave in free agency.The big blow was the departure of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., for whom the Chiefs paid the Ravens handsomely in a trade, when the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.But nearly as painful was the loss of right tackle Andrew Wylie, who had gone from an afterthought fighting for a job to one of the more reliable players along the offensive line.Rarely do the Chiefs make such moves without a plan, though. General manager Brett Veach acted quickly to sign ex-Tampa Bay tackle Donovan Smith to handle the left side and former Jacksonville tackle Jawaan Taylor to handle the right, then Veach used a third-round pick on Oklahoma's Wanya Morris to create instant competition at both positions.So far, Chiefs coach Andy Reid — an old offensive line coach — has liked what he's seen.“You're never sure exactly what you're going to get there,” Reid said, “but they're competing and that's important. That's an important part of this, that you're able to push through these practices, run and pass. I like the way they work their game.”The decision to put Mahomes' health in the hands of Smith and Taylor is a gamble, though. Neither of them graded out particularly well last season, depending on the metric you use, though both of them have shown flashes of high-level play in the past.Smith, for example, ranked No. 66 among 81 offensive tackles by Pro Football Focus. Taylor was just one spot better.But the Chiefs have established a track record of unlocking the potential in relatively unheralded players, particularly along the offensive line, where assistant coach Andy Heck is among the best in the business.Wylie is a prime example: He was undrafted out of Eastern Michigan and wound up earning two Super Bowl rings in Kansas City before signing with Washington.“All of us have played a lot of football and a lot of big games, tough games,” Taylor said. “We’re all smart mentally, physically. It’s just more so we’re tying in each and every individual aspect of who we are and how we play and tying it together and figuring out what works, what meshes. You know, just the many things we bring to the table per guy I would say is our strength.”Another strength is having one of the best interior offensive lines in the NFL. Left guard Joe Thuney is considered one of the top five in the league at his position, right guard Trey Smith is likewise considered a top-tier guard, and center Creed Humphrey was picked for the Pro Bowl in just his second season in the league.It also helps having Mahomes calling out the signals.“Just a great leader man. He brings that energy every day, you know? He holds everybody accountable,” Donovan Smith said. "You mess up, we are going to redo it. Even in the walk-throughs and the learning periods, we always slow it down and we get to learn the offense. That’s been helping me a lot with the walk-throughs and learning the things they like doing here.”The Chiefs were fortunate to overcome Mahomes' ankle injury in the playoffs. He returned in the second half to lead them past Jacksonville in the divisional round, and he hobbled through an AFC title game-thriller against Cincinnati, before hurting the ankle again in the Super Bowl — and then leading the Chiefs past Philadelphia for the Lombardi Trophy.The pressure is on the Chiefs' new offensive tackles to prevent the same such stress this season.NOTES: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire returned to practice Monday after missing the previous two with an illness. ... TE Jody Fortson (shoulder), WR Kadarius Toney (knee) and DE Mike Danna (calf) were among those that remained out. P Tommy Townsend also spent time in the medical tent, though no reason was given by the Chiefs. ... DT Chris Jones continued his holdout. He has been fined $50,000 for each day missed, which brings the total to $550,000. ... The Chiefs had a short practice Monday after three consecutive workouts in pads. They are off Tuesday before resuming camp Wednesday.

🏈 Chiefs to rely on new offensive tackles to protect Patrick Mahomes this season

The 14th&nbsp;annual Tiger Auction and Dinner will take place on Saturday, August 19&nbsp;in the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Doors open at 4 p.m., dinner is served at 5 p.m., and the live auction begins at 6:30 p.m. and will end around 10 p.m. Tickets are available online or through the FHSU Athletic Department at 785-628-4050. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/feature/fhsutigerauction">www.tigerauction.org</a>&nbsp;for more information on the event. The event on Saturday, August 19 consists of about 80 live auction items and about 200 silent auction items. Ticket Price Increases After August 4 Get your tickets today by purchasing online or dropping by the FHSU Athletics office on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Tickets are $100 per person, but the price will increase to $125 per person starting August 5. The event is limited to 800 tickets sold. A ticket is good for admission to the event and a bid number, along with food and unlimited drinks throughout the evening. <a href="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/BuyNew.asp?EventID=329738">BUY TICKETS HERE</a> FHSU Athletic Office Summer Hours (until Aug. 4) 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Friday Closed Saturday and Sunday Phone: (785) 628-4050 Office hours return to standard 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on August 7. Online Auction There is still an online portion of the auction with a limited number of items that precedes the live in-person event running from Monday, August 14 through Wednesday, August 16, which will give supporters an additional chance to support Tiger Athletics from any location. Raffle Tickets Supporters can purchase $50 raffle tickets, which are good for a chance to win eight $1,000 cash prizes given out throughout the night (you do not have to be present to win). A $2000 cash prize will be given out before the last live item is sold, but the winner must be present for that drawing. Chamber Chat on Friday, August 18 FHSU Athletics will host a Chamber Chat at the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility on Friday, August 18 at 9 a.m. Tiger supporters can get a sneak peek at some of the items at that event. Table Sponsors If you would like to be a table sponsor for $2,000, it includes auction tickets for 12 at your table, along with two all-sport general admission season tickets, and recognition in the auction catalog. Tables without sponsorship for 12 people can be purchased for $1,200. Tiger Auction Item #40 Unlike previous years, Item #40 this year is not a tangible item. The simple truth is our biggest need is addressing&nbsp;Scholarships&nbsp;and inflationary costs associated with all aspects of our operations. By specifically targeting&nbsp;Scholarships, we will free up resources necessary to address the rising costs associated with day-to-day operations such as team transportation, meals, lodging, facility upkeep, etc. While tangible items are always exciting for the advancement of our programs, this year's needs are no less important in providing a quality experience for our approximately 500 student-athletes. Your donation to #40 will directly impact those student-athlete experiences! Our Item #40 goal this year is to generate an additional $100,000 on the day of the auction. Truly, every gift matters, so please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Item #40 this year. Donations can be paid in installments throughout the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This is one of the biggest annual events for the FHSU Athletic Department, which raised a record $778,501 in 2022. It was the first time Tiger supporters graciously topped the $500,000 mark in the 13-year history of the event. This will be the sixth Tiger Auction and Dinner hosted inside the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility, which has served as the venue for the event since 2017. The move to the large, spacious facility was a necessity due to this very popular event selling out year after year when held at the Memorial Union Ballroom in its early years. The move has allowed several more Tiger supporters to attend annually in recent years. Thank you in advance for your support of Tiger Athletics!&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690561791156.jpeg" alt="FHSU-Tiger Auction.jpg" />
 <figcaption>FHSU-Tiger Auction.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsThe 14th&nbsp;annual Tiger Auction and Dinner will take place on Saturday, August 19&nbsp;in the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Doors open at 4 p.m., dinner is served at 5 p.m., and the live auction begins at 6:30 p.m. and will end around 10 p.m. Tickets are available online or through the FHSU Athletic Department at 785-628-4050. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/feature/fhsutigerauction">www.tigerauction.org</a>&nbsp;for more information on the event. The event on Saturday, August 19 consists of about 80 live auction items and about 200 silent auction items. Ticket Price Increases After August 4 Get your tickets today by purchasing online or dropping by the FHSU Athletics office on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Tickets are $100 per person, but the price will increase to $125 per person starting August 5. The event is limited to 800 tickets sold. A ticket is good for admission to the event and a bid number, along with food and unlimited drinks throughout the evening. <a href="https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/BuyNew.asp?EventID=329738">BUY TICKETS HERE</a> FHSU Athletic Office Summer Hours (until Aug. 4) 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Friday Closed Saturday and Sunday Phone: (785) 628-4050 Office hours return to standard 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on August 7. Online Auction There is still an online portion of the auction with a limited number of items that precedes the live in-person event running from Monday, August 14 through Wednesday, August 16, which will give supporters an additional chance to support Tiger Athletics from any location. Raffle Tickets Supporters can purchase $50 raffle tickets, which are good for a chance to win eight $1,000 cash prizes given out throughout the night (you do not have to be present to win). A $2000 cash prize will be given out before the last live item is sold, but the winner must be present for that drawing. Chamber Chat on Friday, August 18 FHSU Athletics will host a Chamber Chat at the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility on Friday, August 18 at 9 a.m. Tiger supporters can get a sneak peek at some of the items at that event. Table Sponsors If you would like to be a table sponsor for $2,000, it includes auction tickets for 12 at your table, along with two all-sport general admission season tickets, and recognition in the auction catalog. Tables without sponsorship for 12 people can be purchased for $1,200. Tiger Auction Item #40 Unlike previous years, Item #40 this year is not a tangible item. The simple truth is our biggest need is addressing&nbsp;Scholarships&nbsp;and inflationary costs associated with all aspects of our operations. By specifically targeting&nbsp;Scholarships, we will free up resources necessary to address the rising costs associated with day-to-day operations such as team transportation, meals, lodging, facility upkeep, etc. While tangible items are always exciting for the advancement of our programs, this year's needs are no less important in providing a quality experience for our approximately 500 student-athletes. Your donation to #40 will directly impact those student-athlete experiences! Our Item #40 goal this year is to generate an additional $100,000 on the day of the auction. Truly, every gift matters, so please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Item #40 this year. Donations can be paid in installments throughout the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. This is one of the biggest annual events for the FHSU Athletic Department, which raised a record $778,501 in 2022. It was the first time Tiger supporters graciously topped the $500,000 mark in the 13-year history of the event. This will be the sixth Tiger Auction and Dinner hosted inside the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility, which has served as the venue for the event since 2017. The move to the large, spacious facility was a necessity due to this very popular event selling out year after year when held at the Memorial Union Ballroom in its early years. The move has allowed several more Tiger supporters to attend annually in recent years. Thank you in advance for your support of Tiger Athletics!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tickets available for 14th annual Tiger Auction and Dinner

***The deadline to purchase tickets for the 2nd Annual Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet is today, July 31, 2023.

The banquet will be held Saturday, August 12th at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall. A social hour will begin at 5:00. The banquet begins at 6:00 with supper at 6:15. Induction begins after supper. Dress for the event is business casual.

&nbsp; Tickets are available at American Family Insurance - Brian Ruder (1601 E 27th) and online&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/2fac0ad9-0e2a-4f04-b550-4ab7e3521ffd/">event.auctria.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This list of this year's inductees includes:&nbsp;

- Darrel Herl (1974) - Bob Lowen (1972) - Rich Green (1969) - Brady Maska (2004) - Kim Engel (1987) - Andre Schmidt (1983) - Bob Davis - Boys Cross Country teams of 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973

The Hays High Hall of Fame is also setting up a scholarship fund for Hays High athletes. Donations can be made to the fund at the ticket website.

Anybody that would like to sponsor the banquet is welcome to send a message to hayshighhof@gmail.com.

Information about the Hays High Hall of Fame can be found on their Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684438843553.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>***The deadline to purchase tickets for the 2nd Annual Hays High Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet is today, July 31, 2023.The banquet will be held Saturday, August 12th at the Rose Garden Banquet Hall. A social hour will begin at 5:00. The banquet begins at 6:00 with supper at 6:15. Induction begins after supper. Dress for the event is business casual.&nbsp; Tickets are available at American Family Insurance - Brian Ruder (1601 E 27th) and online&nbsp;<a href="https://event.auctria.com/2fac0ad9-0e2a-4f04-b550-4ab7e3521ffd/">event.auctria.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;This list of this year's inductees includes:&nbsp;- Darrel Herl (1974) - Bob Lowen (1972) - Rich Green (1969) - Brady Maska (2004) - Kim Engel (1987) - Andre Schmidt (1983) - Bob Davis - Boys Cross Country teams of 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973The Hays High Hall of Fame is also setting up a scholarship fund for Hays High athletes. Donations can be made to the fund at the ticket website.Anybody that would like to sponsor the banquet is welcome to send a message to hayshighhof@gmail.com.Information about the Hays High Hall of Fame can be found on their Facebook page.

Ticket Deadline TODAY for HHS Athletics HOF Banquet

The Hays Striders finished their final week of training for the 2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games now underway through August 5 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Seventeen of the 132 athletes who make up the Striders team qualified to move on to the national meet by competing in the Missouri Valley District and Region 16 qualifiers in Hays and Yukon, Oklahoma respectively. An athlete qualifies for the Junior Olympics by finishing in the top six at the regional meet. 

Coming out of the meet in Yukon, Oklahoma, the Striders had five regional champions all earning gold medals, with two athletes earning&nbsp; regional champion in three events at the Oklahoma meet.

Riley Leiker powered her way to gold in three events in the 8-Under Girls Division by taking first in the 400-m dash (1:14.21), 800-m run (2:54.05) and shot put (21’7.50”).

Emery Zimmerman continued his dominance in the 11-year-old Boys Division by earning gold in the 800-meter run (2:28.31), the 1500 (4:59.51), and 3000-meter run (10:46.63). He also qualified in the pentathlon (3rd, 1786 points).

Other regional champions included Tayte Lewallen, providing an amazing run in the 11-year-old Boys Division 80-meter hurdles to take the gold (14.72) and also qualified in the 800-meter run (3rd, 2:38.03) and pentathlon (2nd, 1865 points). 

Kane Staab tossed his way to gold in the discus in the 11-year-old Boys Division (62’05”) and also qualified in the shot put (2nd, 31’2”). 

Lyndi Zimmerman took Regional Champion gold in the shot put (38’3”), and pentathlon (2883). Zimmerman also qualified in the 200-meter dash (3rd, 25.35) 100-meter hurdles (2nd, 15.73) and 200-meter hurdles (3rd, 30.58).

“These athletes work hard, day in and day out, rain or shine, cold weather or hot; and are all champions. From the regional winners, the Junior Olympic qualifiers, down to the athlete who comes to our team to try it out for just a couple of months, we try to train them all to improve every day,” Head Coach Dave Haberman said.&nbsp;

Other qualifiers, along with their regional finishes and performances, include multi-sport athlete Kersee Wince, 8-Under Girls, shot put (6th, 12’2”);&nbsp; Plainville talent Jovie Staab, 8-Under Girls turbo javelin (4th, 32’1”); La Crosse powerhouse Danica Vap, 12-Girls, shot put (3rd, 31’6.75”) and discus (2nd, 86’1”); another Plainville talent, Hayden Staab 12-Girls shot put (2nd, 32’0.25”) and discus (3rd, 79’); gifted incoming Hays Middle School athlete Sydney Lewallen, 13-Girls, 400-meter dash (6th, 1:03.36) and 800-meter run (4th, 2:30.87); and incoming Hays High freshman force Makayla Lewallen, 14-Girls, pentathlon (2nd, 2309 points) and high jump (3rd, 4’8”).

Zippy Finley Zimmerman, 8-Under Boys qualified in the 1500-meter run with a fifth place finish at 6:38.82. Strongman Jacob Leiker qualified in the shot put (5th, 31’10.25”) and discus (5th, 73’02). Kobe Schmidt ran a season best in the 12-Boys 400-meter dash, finishing 6th (1:02.28); and teammate Robbie Readle ran the best race of his season to win his heat in the 400 at 1:15.12, also in the 12-Boys Division.

Logan Leiker, another incoming freshman and future star at Hays High School, qualified in the 14-Boys 3000-meter run by running 10:46.63, taking sixth.&nbsp;

Multi-talented runner Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, qualified in the 2000-meter steeplechase running 7:41.91.&nbsp;

Hays High football and track athlete Kamani Jones, who took sixth at the KSHSAA State meet in the Class 5A triple jump this past season, qualified in the rriple jump for the Junior Olympics (3rd, 41’11”) and high jump (5th, 5’10”).

Haberman said he would put these kids up against any in the nation and would be very confident they would be competitive.

 “Several of our Striders are ranked in the top 10 in the nation coming into the Junior Olympics," he said.

Some of the events will have over 100 athletes from across the country competing. “We have never seen this many Striders in the Top 10!” Haberman exclaimed. “Their work ethic is top shelf and we’re excited to see them compete against the best in the nation.”

Haberman is referring to Lyndi Zimmerman who has the top seed in the pentathlon. Riley Leiker, Hayden Staab, Danica Vap, Emery Zimmerman, Tayte Lewallen, and Kane Staab are the Striders with the Top 10 incoming times or distances.

“We also have about a dozen first-class coaches for our Strider athletes,” Haberman added. “Elaine Haberman (sprints, long and triple jump), Hunter Hearne (throws), Hannah Wince (high jump and hurdles), and Brooklyn Lewallen (hurdles) take the bulk of the duties; while Fort Hays State University athletes Abby Rueschhoff, Meredith Lewallen, Lynn Leiker, Jennifer Werth, Traci Vap, Mike Smith, and TJ Staab contribute substantially&nbsp; to Strider performance success.”&nbsp;

Of the 58 Striders who qualified from the district meet in Hays, there were 22 who competed in the regional qualifier in Yukon, Oklahoma.

 The region is made up of AAU teams in Kansas, Oklahoma, eastern Missouri, and northwest Arkansas. It is considered one of the hardest qualifying meets in the nation to qualify from to compete in the National meet.&nbsp;

Other notable performances from the regional meet include newcomer Channing Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 110-meter high hurdles (12th, 20.98) and 400-meter Hurdles (9th, 1:11.24); Hays High jumper Kaliyah Bannister 15-16 Girls long jump (9th, 15’9”); Russell’s Aubrey Briney 15-16 Girls long jump (13th, 14’7.50”) high jump (10th, 4’6”) and triple jump (8th, 31’9”); Kyla Schmidt, coming off of an injury, 15-16 Girls, long jump (24th, 12’2.50) and triple jump (7th, 31’11”); and the Strider throwing stalwart Caleb Englert, 15-16 discus, (12th, 91’2.75” and shot put (13th, 32’4”).&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690814007629.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Striders finished their final week of training for the 2023 AAU Junior Olympic Games now underway through August 5 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.Seventeen of the 132 athletes who make up the Striders team qualified to move on to the national meet by competing in the Missouri Valley District and Region 16 qualifiers in Hays and Yukon, Oklahoma respectively. An athlete qualifies for the Junior Olympics by finishing in the top six at the regional meet. Coming out of the meet in Yukon, Oklahoma, the Striders had five regional champions all earning gold medals, with two athletes earning&nbsp; regional champion in three events at the Oklahoma meet.Riley Leiker powered her way to gold in three events in the 8-Under Girls Division by taking first in the 400-m dash (1:14.21), 800-m run (2:54.05) and shot put (21’7.50”).Emery Zimmerman continued his dominance in the 11-year-old Boys Division by earning gold in the 800-meter run (2:28.31), the 1500 (4:59.51), and 3000-meter run (10:46.63). He also qualified in the pentathlon (3rd, 1786 points).Other regional champions included Tayte Lewallen, providing an amazing run in the 11-year-old Boys Division 80-meter hurdles to take the gold (14.72) and also qualified in the 800-meter run (3rd, 2:38.03) and pentathlon (2nd, 1865 points). Kane Staab tossed his way to gold in the discus in the 11-year-old Boys Division (62’05”) and also qualified in the shot put (2nd, 31’2”). Lyndi Zimmerman took Regional Champion gold in the shot put (38’3”), and pentathlon (2883). Zimmerman also qualified in the 200-meter dash (3rd, 25.35) 100-meter hurdles (2nd, 15.73) and 200-meter hurdles (3rd, 30.58).“These athletes work hard, day in and day out, rain or shine, cold weather or hot; and are all champions. From the regional winners, the Junior Olympic qualifiers, down to the athlete who comes to our team to try it out for just a couple of months, we try to train them all to improve every day,” Head Coach Dave Haberman said.&nbsp;Other qualifiers, along with their regional finishes and performances, include multi-sport athlete Kersee Wince, 8-Under Girls, shot put (6th, 12’2”);&nbsp; Plainville talent Jovie Staab, 8-Under Girls turbo javelin (4th, 32’1”); La Crosse powerhouse Danica Vap, 12-Girls, shot put (3rd, 31’6.75”) and discus (2nd, 86’1”); another Plainville talent, Hayden Staab 12-Girls shot put (2nd, 32’0.25”) and discus (3rd, 79’); gifted incoming Hays Middle School athlete Sydney Lewallen, 13-Girls, 400-meter dash (6th, 1:03.36) and 800-meter run (4th, 2:30.87); and incoming Hays High freshman force Makayla Lewallen, 14-Girls, pentathlon (2nd, 2309 points) and high jump (3rd, 4’8”).Zippy Finley Zimmerman, 8-Under Boys qualified in the 1500-meter run with a fifth place finish at 6:38.82. Strongman Jacob Leiker qualified in the shot put (5th, 31’10.25”) and discus (5th, 73’02). Kobe Schmidt ran a season best in the 12-Boys 400-meter dash, finishing 6th (1:02.28); and teammate Robbie Readle ran the best race of his season to win his heat in the 400 at 1:15.12, also in the 12-Boys Division.Logan Leiker, another incoming freshman and future star at Hays High School, qualified in the 14-Boys 3000-meter run by running 10:46.63, taking sixth.&nbsp;Multi-talented runner Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, qualified in the 2000-meter steeplechase running 7:41.91.&nbsp;Hays High football and track athlete Kamani Jones, who took sixth at the KSHSAA State meet in the Class 5A triple jump this past season, qualified in the rriple jump for the Junior Olympics (3rd, 41’11”) and high jump (5th, 5’10”).Haberman said he would put these kids up against any in the nation and would be very confident they would be competitive. “Several of our Striders are ranked in the top 10 in the nation coming into the Junior Olympics," he said.Some of the events will have over 100 athletes from across the country competing. “We have never seen this many Striders in the Top 10!” Haberman exclaimed. “Their work ethic is top shelf and we’re excited to see them compete against the best in the nation.”Haberman is referring to Lyndi Zimmerman who has the top seed in the pentathlon. Riley Leiker, Hayden Staab, Danica Vap, Emery Zimmerman, Tayte Lewallen, and Kane Staab are the Striders with the Top 10 incoming times or distances.“We also have about a dozen first-class coaches for our Strider athletes,” Haberman added. “Elaine Haberman (sprints, long and triple jump), Hunter Hearne (throws), Hannah Wince (high jump and hurdles), and Brooklyn Lewallen (hurdles) take the bulk of the duties; while Fort Hays State University athletes Abby Rueschhoff, Meredith Lewallen, Lynn Leiker, Jennifer Werth, Traci Vap, Mike Smith, and TJ Staab contribute substantially&nbsp; to Strider performance success.”&nbsp;Of the 58 Striders who qualified from the district meet in Hays, there were 22 who competed in the regional qualifier in Yukon, Oklahoma. The region is made up of AAU teams in Kansas, Oklahoma, eastern Missouri, and northwest Arkansas. It is considered one of the hardest qualifying meets in the nation to qualify from to compete in the National meet.&nbsp;Other notable performances from the regional meet include newcomer Channing Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 110-meter high hurdles (12th, 20.98) and 400-meter Hurdles (9th, 1:11.24); Hays High jumper Kaliyah Bannister 15-16 Girls long jump (9th, 15’9”); Russell’s Aubrey Briney 15-16 Girls long jump (13th, 14’7.50”) high jump (10th, 4’6”) and triple jump (8th, 31’9”); Kyla Schmidt, coming off of an injury, 15-16 Girls, long jump (24th, 12’2.50) and triple jump (7th, 31’11”); and the Strider throwing stalwart Caleb Englert, 15-16 discus, (12th, 91’2.75” and shot put (13th, 32’4”).&nbsp;

👟 Hays Striders prepared for Junior Olympics underway through Saturday

Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock visits with junior defensive back Mason Perez at MIAA Football Media Day.

Voice of the Tigers Gerard Wellbrock visits with junior defensive back Mason Perez at MIAA Football Media Day.<div><iframe title="Mason Perez" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=qyvxs-146bb59-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=2" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Mason Perez

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/xXhXoWMk-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Garrett Gruell" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Garrett Gruell

HAYS – The Hays Larks
struck early, scoring three runs in the first then adding another in the second
and beat the North Platte Plainsmen 4-2 Sunday night at Larks Park to close out
the regular season.

John Cecollo drove in the
first run with a sacrifice fly. L Ashby and Tyler LaRue both scored on a wild
pitch. Trent Baker led off the second with a single and scored on a wild pitch
for the Larks fourth run.

The Plainsmen (17-32) scored
a run in the fifth then got another in the seventh and had runners at second and
third when Dayne Pengelly got a flyout to end the inning. The Larks got two
runners out at the plate in the eighth then worked around a couple of two-out singles
in the ninth to hold on for the win.

Trent Baker and Garrett
Gruell both had two of the Larks five hits as Hays won their eighth-straight game.

Dylan Hill (2-1) allowed
one run on two hits with two strikeouts and a walk in two innings of relief and
picked up the win. Dayne Pengelly pitched the final three innings and allowed
one run on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk and got his second save.

The Larks will face the
Hutchinson Monarchs of the Jayhawk League Friday at 6:00 p.m. in their pool
play opener at the NBC World Series at Eck Stadium in Wichita.

You can hear all of the Larks
games from the NBC World Series on 96.9, KFIX.

Hays PostHAYS – The Hays Larks
struck early, scoring three runs in the first then adding another in the second
and beat the North Platte Plainsmen 4-2 Sunday night at Larks Park to close out
the regular season.John Cecollo drove in the
first run with a sacrifice fly. L Ashby and Tyler LaRue both scored on a wild
pitch. Trent Baker led off the second with a single and scored on a wild pitch
for the Larks fourth run.The Plainsmen (17-32) scored
a run in the fifth then got another in the seventh and had runners at second and
third when Dayne Pengelly got a flyout to end the inning. The Larks got two
runners out at the plate in the eighth then worked around a couple of two-out singles
in the ninth to hold on for the win.Trent Baker and Garrett
Gruell both had two of the Larks five hits as Hays won their eighth-straight game.Dylan Hill (2-1) allowed
one run on two hits with two strikeouts and a walk in two innings of relief and
picked up the win. Dayne Pengelly pitched the final three innings and allowed
one run on five hits with two strikeouts and a walk and got his second save.UP NEXTThe Larks will face the
Hutchinson Monarchs of the Jayhawk League Friday at 6:00 p.m. in their pool
play opener at the NBC World Series at Eck Stadium in Wichita.You can hear all of the Larks
games from the NBC World Series on 96.9, KFIX.

⚾ Larks close out regular season with win over Plainsmen

HAYS - Markus Hilger shot a tournament low 66 in his final round Sunday at Smoky Hill Country Club and won the Hays Recreation Commission's Merchants Golf Tournament by one stroke over Mike Butler.

Hilger shot a 68 in the first round Saturday at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.

Butler shot an opening round 66 and was the leader after day one then closed with a 69 in Sunday's final round.

Lonnie Melvin placed third in the Championship Flight with a two-round total of 140, six shots behind Hilger. Seth Oakley placed fourth with a 141.

Joe Roth, Curt Kitson and Mark Robben all shot a&nbsp; 137 to lead the Senior Flight.

Michael Reese and Ashton Dowell both shot a 146 to lead the First Flight.

Korey Koehn, Tate Wiemer and Jerol DeBoer led the Second Flight at 163.

Tyler Walters, Brady Jones and Sharon Honeyman led the Thrid Flight at 168

Steve Schumacher and John Dreiling topped the Fourth Flight at 179.

Jerry Kanzerbach won the Fifth Flight at 189. Terry Gasper won the Sixth Flight with a 199.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690763773094.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostHAYS - Markus Hilger shot a tournament low 66 in his final round Sunday at Smoky Hill Country Club and won the Hays Recreation Commission's Merchants Golf Tournament by one stroke over Mike Butler.Hilger shot a 68 in the first round Saturday at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.Butler shot an opening round 66 and was the leader after day one then closed with a 69 in Sunday's final round.Lonnie Melvin placed third in the Championship Flight with a two-round total of 140, six shots behind Hilger. Seth Oakley placed fourth with a 141.Joe Roth, Curt Kitson and Mark Robben all shot a&nbsp; 137 to lead the Senior Flight.Michael Reese and Ashton Dowell both shot a 146 to lead the First Flight.Korey Koehn, Tate Wiemer and Jerol DeBoer led the Second Flight at 163.Tyler Walters, Brady Jones and Sharon Honeyman led the Thrid Flight at 168Steve Schumacher and John Dreiling topped the Fourth Flight at 179.Jerry Kanzerbach won the Fifth Flight at 189. Terry Gasper won the Sixth Flight with a 199.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690763490923.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690763541965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

⛳ Hilger wins HRC Merchants Touranment

The Hays Larks close out the regular season Sunday night in their series finale with the North Platte Plainsmen at Larks Park.

First pitch for game one is set for 7:00 p.m.

You can view the can on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

The Hays Larks close out the regular season Sunday night in their series finale with the North Platte Plainsmen at Larks Park.First pitch for game one is set for 7:00 p.m.You can view the can on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@hayslarksbaseball/streams">Larks YouTube channel.</a>Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays Larks.

⚾🎥 WATCH Hays Larks vs North Platte

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves added veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

The major league-leading Braves sent left-hander Taylor Hearn to Kansas City for the 28-year-old Lopez, who can play shortstop, second base and third.

Hearn was designated for assignment by Texas on July 19. He was traded to Atlanta last week for cash, and he got one out in his only appearance with the Braves on Saturday.

Lopez hit .213 with 13 RBIs in 68 games with Kansas City this season. He is a .248 hitter with five homers and 119 RBIs in 520 career games — all with the Royals.

He was selected by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2016 amateur draft and made his big league debut in 2019.

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves added veteran infielder Nicky Lopez in a trade with the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.The major league-leading Braves sent left-hander Taylor Hearn to Kansas City for the 28-year-old Lopez, who can play shortstop, second base and third.Hearn was designated for assignment by Texas on July 19. He was traded to Atlanta last week for cash, and he got one out in his only appearance with the Braves on Saturday.Lopez hit .213 with 13 RBIs in 68 games with Kansas City this season. He is a .248 hitter with five homers and 119 RBIs in 520 career games — all with the Royals.He was selected by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 2016 amateur draft and made his big league debut in 2019.

⚾ Royals trade Lopez to Braves for LHP Taylor Hearn

By AVERY OSEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Freddy Fermin hit a homer, Maikel Garcia had an RBI double, Ryan Yarbrough gave up one run over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals completed a sweep of the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday.

It’s the first sweep by the Royals since last September, which was also against Minnesota.

“You see it every day, these guys work, come out and play hard and to be rewarded with some wins is something that's really nice to see,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Especially going into an off day, these guys deserve it.”

Yarbrough (4-5) had his best start of the season going seven innings, allowing one earned run and giving up seven hits while fanning five. It’s his third quality start of July and he lowered his ERA to 2.19 in the month of July with 15 strikeouts and just two walks.

“I think Freddy called a great ball game and we had some good back and forth between innings of what we're trying to do,” Yarbrough said. “We had a good game plan and made really good adjustments as we went.”

Fermin hit a 420-foot homer to left field in the second inning to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. He has a team high six-game hitting streak. Kansas City scored first in every game of the series.

“The home run was on an 0-2 splitter, and Freddy has been doing a great job of staying on the off-speed stuff,” Quatraro said. "Just to be in a position to stay back and hit that ... that can be tough."

Matt Wallner tied the game in the third with a 445-foot homer to right field, which was his fifth on the season.

The Royals took back the lead for good in the third with Garcia's double, scoring Nicky Lopez.

Kenta Maeda (2-6) went five innings and gave up two earned runs on four hits and struck out seven. It’s the first time in over a month that the Twins lost a game he started.

“As a whole it was a good outing for him. He found himself when he needed,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “His stuff was good. He gave us a chance to win the game.”

Carlos Hernandez shut down the Twins in the ninth for the first save of his career.

The win marks the first time this season Kansas City has won three games in a row.

“It's been a bit of a tough go and you don't get many opportunities to sweep teams so you want to take full advantage there,” Yarbrough said. “I was just trying to keep us in the ball game personally and go deep. This is just something to really build off of.”

This is the fourth time Minnesota has been swept since June 8.

“There are a lot of things we need to do better,” Baldelli said. “We’ve mixed some really good baseball in with some really bad baseball and it has evened out to being not good enough. Hopefully we can recapture that a little bit of that going to St. Louis.”

The Twins placed OF/1B Alex Kiriloff on the 10-day IL (right shoulder inflammation) and reinstated LHP Caleb Thielbar off the 15-day IL.

Twins: RHP Pablo Lopez (5-6) will start the first of three games at St. Louis on Tuesday.

Royals: RHP Zach Greinke (1-11) takes the mound as Kansas City hosts the Mets on Tuesday for a three-game series.

By AVERY OSEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Freddy Fermin hit a homer, Maikel Garcia had an RBI double, Ryan Yarbrough gave up one run over seven innings and the Kansas City Royals completed a sweep of the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday.It’s the first sweep by the Royals since last September, which was also against Minnesota.“You see it every day, these guys work, come out and play hard and to be rewarded with some wins is something that's really nice to see,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Especially going into an off day, these guys deserve it.”Yarbrough (4-5) had his best start of the season going seven innings, allowing one earned run and giving up seven hits while fanning five. It’s his third quality start of July and he lowered his ERA to 2.19 in the month of July with 15 strikeouts and just two walks.“I think Freddy called a great ball game and we had some good back and forth between innings of what we're trying to do,” Yarbrough said. “We had a good game plan and made really good adjustments as we went.”Fermin hit a 420-foot homer to left field in the second inning to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. He has a team high six-game hitting streak. Kansas City scored first in every game of the series.“The home run was on an 0-2 splitter, and Freddy has been doing a great job of staying on the off-speed stuff,” Quatraro said. "Just to be in a position to stay back and hit that ... that can be tough."Matt Wallner tied the game in the third with a 445-foot homer to right field, which was his fifth on the season.The Royals took back the lead for good in the third with Garcia's double, scoring Nicky Lopez.Kenta Maeda (2-6) went five innings and gave up two earned runs on four hits and struck out seven. It’s the first time in over a month that the Twins lost a game he started.“As a whole it was a good outing for him. He found himself when he needed,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “His stuff was good. He gave us a chance to win the game.”Carlos Hernandez shut down the Twins in the ninth for the first save of his career.The win marks the first time this season Kansas City has won three games in a row.“It's been a bit of a tough go and you don't get many opportunities to sweep teams so you want to take full advantage there,” Yarbrough said. “I was just trying to keep us in the ball game personally and go deep. This is just something to really build off of.”This is the fourth time Minnesota has been swept since June 8.“There are a lot of things we need to do better,” Baldelli said. “We’ve mixed some really good baseball in with some really bad baseball and it has evened out to being not good enough. Hopefully we can recapture that a little bit of that going to St. Louis.”TRAINER’S ROOMThe Twins placed OF/1B Alex Kiriloff on the 10-day IL (right shoulder inflammation) and reinstated LHP Caleb Thielbar off the 15-day IL.UP NEXTTwins: RHP Pablo Lopez (5-6) will start the first of three games at St. Louis on Tuesday.Royals: RHP Zach Greinke (1-11) takes the mound as Kansas City hosts the Mets on Tuesday for a three-game series.

⚾ Yarbrough, Fermin help Royals to sweep of Twins

By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Frank Clark has reunited with Russell Wilson in Denver and now the outside linebacker has former teammate Patrick Mahomes in his sights instead.

The 30-year-old outside linebacker signed with Denver after being jettisoned by the Kansas City Chiefs in a cost-cutting move this offseason and the Broncos are counting on him to add some oomph to their pass rush.

Still in the AFC West, Clark gets two opportunities at beating his former team this season, something the Broncos haven't done since 2015. Their 15-game skid against the Chiefs is the fourth longest by one team to a single opponent in NFL history.

Unlike his reunion with Wilson, revenge and rivalry aren't top of mind for Clark as he embraces his fresh start in the Rocky Mountains.

“I wouldn't call it a rivalry. A rivalry is competitive,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1685358050440597504?s=20">Clark interjected</a>&nbsp;in his first public comments since signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Denver last month. “I'm (with) the Broncos now. I've been on the other side. We didn't call it a rivalry then."

And before anyone around Denver can call it that the Broncos will have to beat Mahomes, something they have a better shot at doing with Clark on their side.

The Chiefs parted ways with Clark just a year after signing him to a two-year, $30 million extension. The Broncos haven't had a fearsome pass rush since trading Von Miller two years ago. And with Baron Browning sidelined by a knee injury and Randy Gregory coming off an injury-filled debut season in Denver, first-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">Sean Payton</a>&nbsp;eagerly welcomed the veteran with 58 1/2 sacks.

Clark had 23 1/2 sacks in four seasons in Kansas City and another 10 1/2 in the playoffs, helping the Chiefs go 10-2 in the postseason and make three trips to the Super Bowl.

“What we did in Kansas City was special,” Clark said. “Four-year run, two Super Bowl (rings), three AFC titles. It was fun, but at the end of the day all good things come to an end.”

Bad things, too, he hopes. Such as Denver's 15-game skid to the Chiefs.

One thing Clark insists isn't nearing the finish line in his proclivity for getting after the passer even though his five sacks in 2022 and two-game suspension for gun possession incidents a year earlier meant an end to his three-year run as a Pro Bowler.

“I wouldn't say it was the end" in Kansas City last season, Clark said. “It's never the end when you get the job finished.”

Now he aims to help the Broncos and Wilson bounce back in 2023.

“He's still dangerous. Don't get it twisted,” Clark said of Wilson, whom he played with in Seattle from 2015-18. "Russ is a veteran. He's a guy that's won on multiple levels. ... I was a part of Seahawks teams that were successful; I was a part of teams where we didn’t make the playoffs. But it was the same Russ.

“So don't think a bad season's going to shake a guy like Russ,” Clark added. "Naw, bro, we start fresh every year. Every summer's a fresh start.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598025283418.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football WriterENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Frank Clark has reunited with Russell Wilson in Denver and now the outside linebacker has former teammate Patrick Mahomes in his sights instead.The 30-year-old outside linebacker signed with Denver after being jettisoned by the Kansas City Chiefs in a cost-cutting move this offseason and the Broncos are counting on him to add some oomph to their pass rush.Still in the AFC West, Clark gets two opportunities at beating his former team this season, something the Broncos haven't done since 2015. Their 15-game skid against the Chiefs is the fourth longest by one team to a single opponent in NFL history.Unlike his reunion with Wilson, revenge and rivalry aren't top of mind for Clark as he embraces his fresh start in the Rocky Mountains.“I wouldn't call it a rivalry. A rivalry is competitive,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1685358050440597504?s=20">Clark interjected</a>&nbsp;in his first public comments since signing a one-year, $5.5 million deal with Denver last month. “I'm (with) the Broncos now. I've been on the other side. We didn't call it a rivalry then."And before anyone around Denver can call it that the Broncos will have to beat Mahomes, something they have a better shot at doing with Clark on their side.The Chiefs parted ways with Clark just a year after signing him to a two-year, $30 million extension. The Broncos haven't had a fearsome pass rush since trading Von Miller two years ago. And with Baron Browning sidelined by a knee injury and Randy Gregory coming off an injury-filled debut season in Denver, first-year head coach&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sean-payton-nathaniel-hackett-broncos-c83ef734c577cb1347dd0a198fb1e0c1">Sean Payton</a>&nbsp;eagerly welcomed the veteran with 58 1/2 sacks.Clark had 23 1/2 sacks in four seasons in Kansas City and another 10 1/2 in the playoffs, helping the Chiefs go 10-2 in the postseason and make three trips to the Super Bowl.“What we did in Kansas City was special,” Clark said. “Four-year run, two Super Bowl (rings), three AFC titles. It was fun, but at the end of the day all good things come to an end.”Bad things, too, he hopes. Such as Denver's 15-game skid to the Chiefs.One thing Clark insists isn't nearing the finish line in his proclivity for getting after the passer even though his five sacks in 2022 and two-game suspension for gun possession incidents a year earlier meant an end to his three-year run as a Pro Bowler.“I wouldn't say it was the end" in Kansas City last season, Clark said. “It's never the end when you get the job finished.”Now he aims to help the Broncos and Wilson bounce back in 2023.“He's still dangerous. Don't get it twisted,” Clark said of Wilson, whom he played with in Seattle from 2015-18. "Russ is a veteran. He's a guy that's won on multiple levels. ... I was a part of Seahawks teams that were successful; I was a part of teams where we didn’t make the playoffs. But it was the same Russ.“So don't think a bad season's going to shake a guy like Russ,” Clark added. "Naw, bro, we start fresh every year. Every summer's a fresh start.”

🏈 Ex-Chiefs linebacker Frank Clark reunites with Russell Wilson in Denver

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/gaG9tiMD-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kam Walton" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Kam Walton

HAYS – For a second-straight night, the Hays Larks rallied
from an early three-run deficit and beat the North Platte Plainsmen. Damain
Ruiz led off the bottom of the eight with a triple then scored on Lenny Ashby’s
single to lead the Larks to a 7-6 victory Saturday night at Larks Park. &nbsp;

The Plainsmen (17-31) took advantage of an error and scored
four runs to take a 4-1 lead in the top of the second. The Larks answered with
three in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 4-4. After Brady Evans walked
and Luis Garcia singled, Trent Baker tripled to drive them both home. Baker scored
on a Damain Ruiz sacrifice fly.

The Larks (36-6) took their first lead when Austen Jaslove
scored on a balk in the third.

North Platte scored twice in the sixth to retake a 5-4 lead
but the Larks tied it in the bottom of the inning when Lenny Ashby scored on a
wild pitch.

Preston Tabor (4-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief with
two strikeouts and picked up the win.

Starter Luuk ter Beek allowed one earned run on three hits
with a career-high eight strikeouts over five innings.

The Hays Larks will open NBC World Series play against the Hutchinson Monarchs. The Monarchs received the Jayhawks League's third spot in the series. The Larks and Monarchs will play at Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Wichita State's Eck Stadium.

The Larks close out the regular season Sunday night vs. the Plainsmen.
First pitch is 7:00 p.m.

Hays PostHAYS – For a second-straight night, the Hays Larks rallied
from an early three-run deficit and beat the North Platte Plainsmen. Damain
Ruiz led off the bottom of the eight with a triple then scored on Lenny Ashby’s
single to lead the Larks to a 7-6 victory Saturday night at Larks Park. &nbsp;The Plainsmen (17-31) took advantage of an error and scored
four runs to take a 4-1 lead in the top of the second. The Larks answered with
three in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 4-4. After Brady Evans walked
and Luis Garcia singled, Trent Baker tripled to drive them both home. Baker scored
on a Damain Ruiz sacrifice fly.The Larks (36-6) took their first lead when Austen Jaslove
scored on a balk in the third.North Platte scored twice in the sixth to retake a 5-4 lead
but the Larks tied it in the bottom of the inning when Lenny Ashby scored on a
wild pitch.Preston Tabor (4-0) pitched two scoreless innings of relief with
two strikeouts and picked up the win.Starter Luuk ter Beek allowed one earned run on three hits
with a career-high eight strikeouts over five innings.NBC OPPONENTThe Hays Larks will open NBC World Series play against the Hutchinson Monarchs. The Monarchs received the Jayhawks League's third spot in the series. The Larks and Monarchs will play at Friday at 6:00 p.m. at Wichita State's Eck Stadium.UP NEXTThe Larks close out the regular season Sunday night vs. the Plainsmen.
First pitch is 7:00 p.m.

⚾ Larks rally for second-straight night to beat Plainsmen

By CODY FRIESEN Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. recorded three RBIs with a homer, Kyle Isbel went 4-for-5 and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 10-7 on Saturday night.

Witt went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, a home run and a triple. In his first at-bat of the game after a career-high six RBI night that included a walk-off grand slam, Witt hit a solo homer. He leads the Royals with 60 RBIs and 18 homers.

“I have been just trying to prepare as much as I can to get ready every night, ” Witt said. “I have been working to stay as confident and comfortable as possible to go out there and compete.”

“It is really fun to watch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You have to stop and appreciate it when you see it because you know how hard it is to be that good for an extended period of time. (Witt) has driven the ball all around the park and he made some defensively. It is fun to watch.”

Jordan Lyles (2-12) tossed five innings and allowed three runs on four hits with four strikeouts, two walks and a hit batter. It was just the third start this season where the Royals offense gave Lyles at least six runs of support. Scott Barlow earned his 13 save of the year.

“Overall, I am pleased with the start,” Lyles said. “Glad the guys came out and swung it well tonight. That afforded me the chance to get five innings in.”

Six different Royals notched RBIs on a season-high 18 hits. Michael Massey hit a 415-foot homer to right in the second for his eighth of the year. Isbel and Witt have combined for 12 of the 18 Kansas City runs in the series. Maikel Garcia added two RBIs with a sacrifice fly and a single.

Bailey Ober (6-5) gave up six runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts and a hit batter in four innings. The two home runs allowed marked the second consecutive start he has given up two long balls.

Minnesota left five on base which included a bases loaded inning-ending double play by Carlos Correa in the sixth, his 20th of the season. The Twins went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

“There were a lot of things in this game we didn’t do very well," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. ”Shooting ourselves in the foot and things like that, which does take place in our game and every team is going to make mistakes and things aren’t going to go smooth. Overall, that was a hard one to watch because as we got closer, the game seemed to get further away.”

Byron Buxton went 3-for-3 with three doubles and two RBIs. He sparked a three-run fourth with a two-run double. Max Kepler belted a solo homer to lead off the sixth. Christian Vazquez recorded two RBIs. Willi Castro hit an RBI as part of a two-run eighth.

The Royals sealed a series win in the process against a Twins team in a heated battle for the AL Central crown. It is the fifth series win of the season for the Royals and the second time this season Kansas City avoided a rubber game for a series. The last was against San Francisco in April.

LHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-5, 4.70 ERA) will take the mound in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. RHP Kenta Maeda (2-5, 4.62) will get the nod for Minnesota. It is the final meeting of the 2023 season between the two AL Central opponents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690730037424.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) slides to third after hitting a triple during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) slides to third after hitting a triple during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 29, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CODY FRIESEN Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. recorded three RBIs with a homer, Kyle Isbel went 4-for-5 and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 10-7 on Saturday night.Witt went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, a home run and a triple. In his first at-bat of the game after a career-high six RBI night that included a walk-off grand slam, Witt hit a solo homer. He leads the Royals with 60 RBIs and 18 homers.“I have been just trying to prepare as much as I can to get ready every night, ” Witt said. “I have been working to stay as confident and comfortable as possible to go out there and compete.”“It is really fun to watch,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You have to stop and appreciate it when you see it because you know how hard it is to be that good for an extended period of time. (Witt) has driven the ball all around the park and he made some defensively. It is fun to watch.”Jordan Lyles (2-12) tossed five innings and allowed three runs on four hits with four strikeouts, two walks and a hit batter. It was just the third start this season where the Royals offense gave Lyles at least six runs of support. Scott Barlow earned his 13 save of the year.“Overall, I am pleased with the start,” Lyles said. “Glad the guys came out and swung it well tonight. That afforded me the chance to get five innings in.”Six different Royals notched RBIs on a season-high 18 hits. Michael Massey hit a 415-foot homer to right in the second for his eighth of the year. Isbel and Witt have combined for 12 of the 18 Kansas City runs in the series. Maikel Garcia added two RBIs with a sacrifice fly and a single.Bailey Ober (6-5) gave up six runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts and a hit batter in four innings. The two home runs allowed marked the second consecutive start he has given up two long balls.Minnesota left five on base which included a bases loaded inning-ending double play by Carlos Correa in the sixth, his 20th of the season. The Twins went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.“There were a lot of things in this game we didn’t do very well," Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. ”Shooting ourselves in the foot and things like that, which does take place in our game and every team is going to make mistakes and things aren’t going to go smooth. Overall, that was a hard one to watch because as we got closer, the game seemed to get further away.”Byron Buxton went 3-for-3 with three doubles and two RBIs. He sparked a three-run fourth with a two-run double. Max Kepler belted a solo homer to lead off the sixth. Christian Vazquez recorded two RBIs. Willi Castro hit an RBI as part of a two-run eighth.ROYAL FLUSHThe Royals sealed a series win in the process against a Twins team in a heated battle for the AL Central crown. It is the fifth series win of the season for the Royals and the second time this season Kansas City avoided a rubber game for a series. The last was against San Francisco in April.UP NEXTLHP Ryan Yarbrough (3-5, 4.70 ERA) will take the mound in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. RHP Kenta Maeda (2-5, 4.62) will get the nod for Minnesota. It is the final meeting of the 2023 season between the two AL Central opponents.

⚾ Witt stays hot. leads Royals to win over Twins

<div><div style="position:relative;overflow:hidden;padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/SairNyVL-KcBmu4K3.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Luuk Ter Beek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Stenzel Film and Ken Windholz Photography.

Meet The Larks: Luuk Ter Beek

HAYS – John Ceccoli and Damian Ruiz had three hits, Brady
Evans hit a grand slam and drove in five runs and the Hays Larks opened their final series of the
season with a 10-3 win over the North Platte Plainsmen Friday night at Larks
Park.

The Larks (35-16) rallied from an early three-run deficit
with single runs in the third and fourth then took the lead with a five-run
fifth, highlighted by Evans grand slam which broke a 3-3 tie and gave the Larks the lead for good. Evans drove in his fifth run of the game with a groundout in the sixth.

Lenny Ashby added a solo homer in the sixth.

The Plainsmen (17-30) grabbed the early lead with a run in the
top of the first and two in the second. Ruiz drove in the Larks’ first run with
a single in the third. Garrett Gruell added an RBI single in the fourth and an RBI double in the sixth.

Kaleb Meredith (3-0) pitched three hitless innings of relief
with six strikeouts and two walks and picked up the win. 

Starter Jose Velasquez allowed two earned runs on five hits
with five strikeouts and six walks.

The Larks have added a couple of players to their roster for
the upcoming NBC World Series. Lenny Junior Ashby is a native of Aruba. He
played the last two seasons at New Mexico and is transferring to Kansas for his
senior season. Ashby has played in three games.

Austen Jaslove joined the team for Friday night’s game. The
Knoxville, Tennessee native led the Larks in hits last summer. Jaslove will be
a junior at Tennessee. 

Hays PostHAYS – John Ceccoli and Damian Ruiz had three hits, Brady
Evans hit a grand slam and drove in five runs and the Hays Larks opened their final series of the
season with a 10-3 win over the North Platte Plainsmen Friday night at Larks
Park.The Larks (35-16) rallied from an early three-run deficit
with single runs in the third and fourth then took the lead with a five-run
fifth, highlighted by Evans grand slam which broke a 3-3 tie and gave the Larks the lead for good. Evans drove in his fifth run of the game with a groundout in the sixth.Lenny Ashby added a solo homer in the sixth.The Plainsmen (17-30) grabbed the early lead with a run in the
top of the first and two in the second. Ruiz drove in the Larks’ first run with
a single in the third. Garrett Gruell added an RBI single in the fourth and an RBI double in the sixth.Kaleb Meredith (3-0) pitched three hitless innings of relief
with six strikeouts and two walks and picked up the win. Starter Jose Velasquez allowed two earned runs on five hits
with five strikeouts and six walks.NEW FACESThe Larks have added a couple of players to their roster for
the upcoming NBC World Series. Lenny Junior Ashby is a native of Aruba. He
played the last two seasons at New Mexico and is transferring to Kansas for his
senior season. Ashby has played in three games.Austen Jaslove joined the team for Friday night’s game. The
Knoxville, Tennessee native led the Larks in hits last summer. Jaslove will be
a junior at Tennessee. UP NEXTThe Larks host the Plainsmen in game two of their three-game
series Saturday night. First pitch has been pushed back a half-hour to 7:30
p.m. due to extreme heat. Sunday night’s regular season finale will start at 7:00 p.m.