ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is learning the NCAA’s issues in real time and during a period of sweeping change and uncertainty.

While Monday is Yormark’s first day working full-time out of the Big 12 office, leaving behind Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, the ex-CEO of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets has been steadily involved in conference matters since landing his first job in college athletics.

He was named the Big 12′s new leader on June 29. A day later, conference realignment became a pressing issue again when Southern California and UCLA said they would be leaving the Pac-12 in 2024 to join the Big Ten.

Beyond that, Yormark has to get familiar with name, image and likeness compensation for athletes, the transfer portal, FBS conferences potentially splitting from the NCAA with their own governance structure for football, and the future of the College Football Playoff.

“One of his best qualities is he doesn’t pretend to know what he doesn’t know … He asks a lot of questions, and listens,” Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades said of Yormark. “He hasn’t been in the industry, so he’s got to absorb all of that, which is, just under normal circumstances, difficult. But then throw on top of that conference realignment part two.”

When asked during his introduction at Big 12 football media days in mid-July if there were active talks with any Pac-12 schools,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-nba-college-football-sports-texas-4064ffcb7f86561578586c7bced78513">Yormark said his league was “open for business” and exploring all options</a>&nbsp;for the future — but gave no specific details.

Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-california-10e379933cbc3702a7133dcb94ecf6e7">expressed frustration Friday</a>, saying he has spent the past month “trying to defend against grenades being lobbed in from every corner of the Big 12 trying to destabilize our remaining conference.” He also said his league intends to keep its current members and entertain new additions.

The Big 12 is going through another transition in membership, and its media rights deal with ESPN and Fox Sports expires after the 2024-25 academic year. While Oklahoma and Texas are set to leave for the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season, four new schools will join the Big 12 next summer.

Yormark brings an outside perspective to what has been a resilient conference, as well as a background in building brands.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-college-football-nba-sports-1bac087789482200e746769eea3c799b">Before joining Roc Nation</a>&nbsp;in 2019, where he was chief operating officer on the commercial side of the business, Yormark spent almost 15 years with the Nets, overseeing the club’s move from New Jersey and construction of the Barclays Center. He previously worked for NASCAR, where he oversaw a $750 million agreement with Nextel Communications for naming rights to the circuit’s top racing series.

Yormark said he pledged the Big 12 board of directors that he would ensure the league would be “bold and humble, aggressive and thoughtful, and innovative and creative” in growing its brand and business — and becoming a bit more contemporary.

“One thing is crystal clear. There is no higher priority than to best position the Big 12 for its upcoming multimedia rights negotiations,” Yormark said. “Everything we do must create momentum for these negotiations, as well as building the value of the Big 12 brand and business.”

When the Big 12′s only football national champions leave, the league will have only half of its original 12 members. Nebraska left for the Big Ten and Colorado went to the Pac-12 in 2011. Texas A&amp;M and Missouri joined the SEC the following season.

The Big 12 added TCU and West Virginia in 2012, the same year Bob Bowlsby became commissioner. The 70-year-old decided earlier this year that he was ready to step out of that role.

Within weeks of the Sooners and Longhorns getting invitations from the SEC last summer, the Big 12 approved membership for football independent BYU and American Athletic Conference schools Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida.

Yormark plans to visit all 14 campuses in the coming months, including the four schools that will join next summer, as well as departing Oklahoma and Texas.

“He’s the perfect guy for us right now,” TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati said. “He’s going to be aggressive, he’s going to be bold. He’s not going to apologize for it. … We’ve got to just stand behind him and let him do his thing and continue to put us in the best possible positions as we can.”

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark is learning the NCAA’s issues in real time and during a period of sweeping change and uncertainty.While Monday is Yormark’s first day working full-time out of the Big 12 office, leaving behind Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, the ex-CEO of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets has been steadily involved in conference matters since landing his first job in college athletics.He was named the Big 12′s new leader on June 29. A day later, conference realignment became a pressing issue again when Southern California and UCLA said they would be leaving the Pac-12 in 2024 to join the Big Ten.Beyond that, Yormark has to get familiar with name, image and likeness compensation for athletes, the transfer portal, FBS conferences potentially splitting from the NCAA with their own governance structure for football, and the future of the College Football Playoff.“One of his best qualities is he doesn’t pretend to know what he doesn’t know … He asks a lot of questions, and listens,” Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades said of Yormark. “He hasn’t been in the industry, so he’s got to absorb all of that, which is, just under normal circumstances, difficult. But then throw on top of that conference realignment part two.”When asked during his introduction at Big 12 football media days in mid-July if there were active talks with any Pac-12 schools,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-nba-college-football-sports-texas-4064ffcb7f86561578586c7bced78513">Yormark said his league was “open for business” and exploring all options</a>&nbsp;for the future — but gave no specific details.Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-california-10e379933cbc3702a7133dcb94ecf6e7">expressed frustration Friday</a>, saying he has spent the past month “trying to defend against grenades being lobbed in from every corner of the Big 12 trying to destabilize our remaining conference.” He also said his league intends to keep its current members and entertain new additions.The Big 12 is going through another transition in membership, and its media rights deal with ESPN and Fox Sports expires after the 2024-25 academic year. While Oklahoma and Texas are set to leave for the Southeastern Conference no later than the 2025 season, four new schools will join the Big 12 next summer.Yormark brings an outside perspective to what has been a resilient conference, as well as a background in building brands.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brooklyn-nets-college-football-nba-sports-1bac087789482200e746769eea3c799b">Before joining Roc Nation</a>&nbsp;in 2019, where he was chief operating officer on the commercial side of the business, Yormark spent almost 15 years with the Nets, overseeing the club’s move from New Jersey and construction of the Barclays Center. He previously worked for NASCAR, where he oversaw a $750 million agreement with Nextel Communications for naming rights to the circuit’s top racing series.Yormark said he pledged the Big 12 board of directors that he would ensure the league would be “bold and humble, aggressive and thoughtful, and innovative and creative” in growing its brand and business — and becoming a bit more contemporary.“One thing is crystal clear. There is no higher priority than to best position the Big 12 for its upcoming multimedia rights negotiations,” Yormark said. “Everything we do must create momentum for these negotiations, as well as building the value of the Big 12 brand and business.”When the Big 12′s only football national champions leave, the league will have only half of its original 12 members. Nebraska left for the Big Ten and Colorado went to the Pac-12 in 2011. Texas A&amp;M and Missouri joined the SEC the following season.The Big 12 added TCU and West Virginia in 2012, the same year Bob Bowlsby became commissioner. The 70-year-old decided earlier this year that he was ready to step out of that role.Within weeks of the Sooners and Longhorns getting invitations from the SEC last summer, the Big 12 approved membership for football independent BYU and American Athletic Conference schools Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida.Yormark plans to visit all 14 campuses in the coming months, including the four schools that will join next summer, as well as departing Oklahoma and Texas.“He’s the perfect guy for us right now,” TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati said. “He’s going to be aggressive, he’s going to be bold. He’s not going to apologize for it. … We’ve got to just stand behind him and let him do his thing and continue to put us in the best possible positions as we can.”

Big 12′s new boss Yormark learning NCAA issues in real time

HAYS – Six Hays Larks pitchers combined on a one-hitter but the
Larks needed to rally late to beat the Junction City Brigade 4-1 in their non-league
game Wednesday night at Larks Park.

After Junction City scored their lone run on a fielder’s choice
in the sixth, the Larks (16-5) took the lead in the seventh on Austen Jaslove’s
single to right field which scored newcomer Garrett Gruell. Gruell hit a
two-run homer an inning later to give the Larks some insurance.

Jackson Halter had three of the Larks nine hits. Gruell went
2-for-3 in his second game in a Larks uniform.

Chris Echavarria (1-0) was the third of the Larks six
pitchers and picked up the win after throwing two scoreless innings. Luke Ter
Beek got the final out and notched his first save.

The Larks hit the road for their next five beginning Friday
in For Collins.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656609790918.png" alt="Kaleb Meridith / Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Kaleb Meridith / Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS – Six Hays Larks pitchers combined on a one-hitter but the
Larks needed to rally late to beat the Junction City Brigade 4-1 in their non-league
game Wednesday night at Larks Park.After Junction City scored their lone run on a fielder’s choice
in the sixth, the Larks (16-5) took the lead in the seventh on Austen Jaslove’s
single to right field which scored newcomer Garrett Gruell. Gruell hit a
two-run homer an inning later to give the Larks some insurance.Jackson Halter had three of the Larks nine hits. Gruell went
2-for-3 in his second game in a Larks uniform.Chris Echavarria (1-0) was the third of the Larks six
pitchers and picked up the win after throwing two scoreless innings. Luke Ter
Beek got the final out and notched his first save.The Larks hit the road for their next five beginning Friday
in For Collins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656609850386.png" alt="Palmer Hutchinson / Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Palmer Hutchinson / Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656609913245.png" alt="Luuk ter Beek / Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Luuk ter Beek / Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656609972186.png" alt="Leo Jiminian gives Luuk ter Beek a ice cold water bath as he is getting interviewed. Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network" />
 <figcaption>Leo Jiminian gives Luuk ter Beek a ice cold water bath as he is getting interviewed. Photo by Cayden Sanders, Tiger Media Network</figcaption>
 </figure>

⚾ Larks rally late to beat the Brigade

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Luuk Ter Beek"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/JXdCVjBW-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/JXdCVjBW-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/JXdCVjBW-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Luuk Ter Beek" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Luuk Ter Beek

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke allowed just one run on four hits in his 500th career start, helping the Kansas City Royals avoid a three-game sweep by beating the Texas Rangers 2-1 on Wednesday.

Kansas City's Kyle Isbel provided the winning cushion with his second home run in as many games.

Greinke (2-4) is the 48th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to start 500 games, and the only active pitcher to reach that milestone. He was understated as usual after the game, but did acknowledge the day's significance.

“Not many numbers I’ve been interested in, but I found out about that after the last game. I think that’s a pretty neat number. It seems like a lot of games,” said Greinke, who went six innings, striking out three and walking one.

Royals manager Mike Matheny was more impressed.

“Trying to get your head around 500 starts, that’s just amazing,” he said. “You’re just not going to see many people moving forward that are going to be able to do something like that and do it as well as he’s done it.

“Then, to go out against a very good offense that’s given him trouble in the past and put up that kind of start, I thought the first inning was indicative of who Zack Greinke is. ... He was in control of what he wanted to do. It was impressive."

Three Royals relievers combined for three strikeouts and one hit allowed over three innings, and Scott Barlow picked up his 10th save in 12 chances with a perfect ninth inning.

Texas' Dane Dunning (1-6) suffered his first loss when allowing fewer than three runs this season. He gave up six hits in six innings, walking three and striking out three.

The Royals scored a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by MJ Melendez. Hunter Dozier was thrown out at the plate trying to make it 2-0.

Leody Taveras tied it in the fifth with a leadoff home run that just cleared the wall in right field. It was his first homer of the season.

Isbel answered that with his second home run of the season, a line drive into the seats in right field.

“I feel like I’m making good decisions at the plate,” Isbel said. “I made a couple of swing changes, but most importantly I’m hitting pitches I can handle.”

Greinke was drafted sixth in the first round of the 2002 draft and spent his first seven years with the Royals, returning for a one-year contract this past offseason.

“I thought I pitched good and got some really good defense today," he said of his 500th start. "And Isbel had a good game all the way around, defense and hitting. It was a good game today.”

Rangers 3B Josh Smith was back in the lineup after leaving Tuesday’s game with a right calf contusion after fouling a ball off his leg.

The Rangers and Royals both have Thursday off. The Rangers will open a three-game series in New York against the Yankees; the starting pitchers have not been determined. The Royals will open a three-game series in Detroit. RHP Brad Keller (2-9, 4.56 ERA) will start for KC, with Detroit’s starter to be determined.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Greinke allowed just one run on four hits in his 500th career start, helping the Kansas City Royals avoid a three-game sweep by beating the Texas Rangers 2-1 on Wednesday.Kansas City's Kyle Isbel provided the winning cushion with his second home run in as many games.Greinke (2-4) is the 48th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to start 500 games, and the only active pitcher to reach that milestone. He was understated as usual after the game, but did acknowledge the day's significance.“Not many numbers I’ve been interested in, but I found out about that after the last game. I think that’s a pretty neat number. It seems like a lot of games,” said Greinke, who went six innings, striking out three and walking one.Royals manager Mike Matheny was more impressed.“Trying to get your head around 500 starts, that’s just amazing,” he said. “You’re just not going to see many people moving forward that are going to be able to do something like that and do it as well as he’s done it.“Then, to go out against a very good offense that’s given him trouble in the past and put up that kind of start, I thought the first inning was indicative of who Zack Greinke is. ... He was in control of what he wanted to do. It was impressive."Three Royals relievers combined for three strikeouts and one hit allowed over three innings, and Scott Barlow picked up his 10th save in 12 chances with a perfect ninth inning.Texas' Dane Dunning (1-6) suffered his first loss when allowing fewer than three runs this season. He gave up six hits in six innings, walking three and striking out three.The Royals scored a run in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by MJ Melendez. Hunter Dozier was thrown out at the plate trying to make it 2-0.Leody Taveras tied it in the fifth with a leadoff home run that just cleared the wall in right field. It was his first homer of the season.Isbel answered that with his second home run of the season, a line drive into the seats in right field.“I feel like I’m making good decisions at the plate,” Isbel said. “I made a couple of swing changes, but most importantly I’m hitting pitches I can handle.”GREINKE-GRAMGreinke was drafted sixth in the first round of the 2002 draft and spent his first seven years with the Royals, returning for a one-year contract this past offseason.“I thought I pitched good and got some really good defense today," he said of his 500th start. "And Isbel had a good game all the way around, defense and hitting. It was a good game today.”TRAINERS ROOMRangers 3B Josh Smith was back in the lineup after leaving Tuesday’s game with a right calf contusion after fouling a ball off his leg.UP NEXTThe Rangers and Royals both have Thursday off. The Rangers will open a three-game series in New York against the Yankees; the starting pitchers have not been determined. The Royals will open a three-game series in Detroit. RHP Brad Keller (2-9, 4.56 ERA) will start for KC, with Detroit’s starter to be determined.

⚾ Greinke solid in Royals win over Texas

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association is excited to welcome Newman University and Rogers State University as full members of the Association. With the approval of the MIAA CEO Council, Newman and Rogers State will become the Association’s 13th and 14th full-time members beginning July 1, 2022. Both the Jets and Hillcats joined the MIAA as associate members in 2019. They become the MIAA’s 21st and 22nd NCAA Division II institutions to join the Association. The MIAA joined the NCAA’s College Division in 1957. This week’s membership action occurred in accordance with MIAA Constitution Article III (Membership and Fees), which requires an affirmative vote of a supermajority of MIAA CEO’s (two-thirds vote of the MIAA CEO Council) for an institution to become a member of the Association. “The MIAA CEO Council’s action this week culminated two years of study and discussion about membership and the strategic direction of the MIAA as the preeminent regional conference in NCAA Division II,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy.&nbsp;“Newman’s and Rogers State’s geographic fit for current MIAA members, and their broad sports offerings, and our shared philosophy and values of NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics make both institutions great additions to the MIAA family. &nbsp;We are excited to welcome NU and RSU as new members, and to identify Wichita and Tulsa as new communities with MIAA institutions.” The MIAA is one of the nation’s oldest conferences and one of the most successful in NCAA Division II with 51 national titles and over 400 individual national champions. With full membership in the league, Newman and Rogers State will receive the Association’s full privileges and benefits. The Jets and Hillcats will now be included in the MIAA’s Commissioner’s Cup standings and SAAC Cup initiative. Their student-athletes will now be able to be nominated for the MIAA’s Ken B. Jones Award and be inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame. Newman was founded in 1933 and is located in Wichita, Kansas with an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. The Jets have competed as an associate member in MIAA wrestling since 2013. They have 14 NCAA sports that will now compete as MIAA full-time members. To visit Newman’s Athletic website,&nbsp;<a href="https://newmanjets.com/">click here</a>.

“Membership into the MIAA has been something that Newman University Athletics has had an interest in for a decade.&nbsp; We are extremely honored and excited to be accepted into full membership of the MIAA.&nbsp; Our coaches and student-athletes have worked very&nbsp;hard for this over the last three years.&nbsp; We are up for the challenge and ready to represent Newman University and the MIAA both on and off the field.&nbsp; I would like to thank the MIAA CEO's, AD's, SWA's,&nbsp;FAR's, and the conference office for their work in the membership process and allowing Newman University to showcase why we are a great university.&nbsp; Last but not least, I would like to thank President Jagger for her support of Newman Athletics and her&nbsp;vision for the future.” – Joanna Pryor, Newman University Director of Athletics

“Newman is proud and excited to become a full member of the Division II MIAA conference, one in which striving for excellence both on and off the field, court, or other performance location is expected. Although we are the only private school in the conference, we welcome the competition from other larger conference schools, and are confident we can live up to the MIAA conference standards. This opportunity is consistent with one of the primary focuses of our new strategic plan, providing an exceptional student experience to foster student success. Since nearly 40% of our undergraduate students are intercollegiate athletes, the athletic experience constitutes a major emphasis for many of our students in the degree of difference they experience. We are proud of our Newman players, coaches, and athletic administration led by our exceptional AD, Joanna Pryor, for reaching this membership goal. Through our associate membership period we have seen healthy rivalries emerge from conference play. We expect these to grow and flourish.”&nbsp; “Newman is grateful for the support of the MIAA administration, Mike Racy and his staff, and for the thoughtful consideration given us by leadership of other conference schools. Let the competition begin! Go Jets!” – Kathleen Jagger, Newman University President

Rogers State was founded in 1909 and is located in Claremore, Oklahoma with an enrollment of approximately 4,300 students. The Hillcats offer 14 NCAA Championship sports that will compete as MIAA full-time members. The Hillcats added athletics in 2005 and was approved for NCAA Division II membership in 2011 after competing in the NAIA. To visit the Rogers State Athletic website,&nbsp;<a href="https://rsuhillcats.com/index.aspx">click here</a>.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with the top conference in NCAA Division II after being extended an offer for full membership today. As I said in 2018 when it was announced we would be joining the league, the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;reputation for championship-caliber athletic programs, emphasis on academic excellence and a commitment to community service perfectly mirror the traits we strive to uphold in our vision for&nbsp;Hillcat&nbsp;Athletics. Thank you to our fellow members for displaying their confidence in us to add value to the league and help continue to build on this next chapter of excellence in its storied history." – Chris Ratcliff, Rogers State&nbsp;Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics

“Today is a historic day for Rogers State University as we accept full membership into the MIAA. The MIAA is the preeminent athletic conference in NCAA Division II and full membership for RSU not only enhances the standing of our athletic teams, but the reputation of the University as well.&nbsp;I am proud of the work of our athletic staff and coaches, along with the efforts of our student-athletes, in achieving full membership.&nbsp;We are grateful to the other league members who demonstrated confidence in our ability to add new chapters to its history of excellence.” – Larry Rice, Rogers State University President

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656555977761.jpeg" alt="Courtesy MIAA" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy MIAA</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;– The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association is excited to welcome Newman University and Rogers State University as full members of the Association. With the approval of the MIAA CEO Council, Newman and Rogers State will become the Association’s 13th and 14th full-time members beginning July 1, 2022. Both the Jets and Hillcats joined the MIAA as associate members in 2019. They become the MIAA’s 21st and 22nd NCAA Division II institutions to join the Association. The MIAA joined the NCAA’s College Division in 1957. This week’s membership action occurred in accordance with MIAA Constitution Article III (Membership and Fees), which requires an affirmative vote of a supermajority of MIAA CEO’s (two-thirds vote of the MIAA CEO Council) for an institution to become a member of the Association. “The MIAA CEO Council’s action this week culminated two years of study and discussion about membership and the strategic direction of the MIAA as the preeminent regional conference in NCAA Division II,” said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy.&nbsp;“Newman’s and Rogers State’s geographic fit for current MIAA members, and their broad sports offerings, and our shared philosophy and values of NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics make both institutions great additions to the MIAA family. &nbsp;We are excited to welcome NU and RSU as new members, and to identify Wichita and Tulsa as new communities with MIAA institutions.” The MIAA is one of the nation’s oldest conferences and one of the most successful in NCAA Division II with 51 national titles and over 400 individual national champions. With full membership in the league, Newman and Rogers State will receive the Association’s full privileges and benefits. The Jets and Hillcats will now be included in the MIAA’s Commissioner’s Cup standings and SAAC Cup initiative. Their student-athletes will now be able to be nominated for the MIAA’s Ken B. Jones Award and be inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame. Newman was founded in 1933 and is located in Wichita, Kansas with an enrollment of approximately 1,200 students. The Jets have competed as an associate member in MIAA wrestling since 2013. They have 14 NCAA sports that will now compete as MIAA full-time members. To visit Newman’s Athletic website,&nbsp;<a href="https://newmanjets.com/">click here</a>. “Membership into the MIAA has been something that Newman University Athletics has had an interest in for a decade.&nbsp; We are extremely honored and excited to be accepted into full membership of the MIAA.&nbsp; Our coaches and student-athletes have worked very&nbsp;hard for this over the last three years.&nbsp; We are up for the challenge and ready to represent Newman University and the MIAA both on and off the field.&nbsp; I would like to thank the MIAA CEO's, AD's, SWA's,&nbsp;FAR's, and the conference office for their work in the membership process and allowing Newman University to showcase why we are a great university.&nbsp; Last but not least, I would like to thank President Jagger for her support of Newman Athletics and her&nbsp;vision for the future.” – Joanna Pryor, Newman University Director of Athletics“Newman is proud and excited to become a full member of the Division II MIAA conference, one in which striving for excellence both on and off the field, court, or other performance location is expected. Although we are the only private school in the conference, we welcome the competition from other larger conference schools, and are confident we can live up to the MIAA conference standards. This opportunity is consistent with one of the primary focuses of our new strategic plan, providing an exceptional student experience to foster student success. Since nearly 40% of our undergraduate students are intercollegiate athletes, the athletic experience constitutes a major emphasis for many of our students in the degree of difference they experience. We are proud of our Newman players, coaches, and athletic administration led by our exceptional AD, Joanna Pryor, for reaching this membership goal. Through our associate membership period we have seen healthy rivalries emerge from conference play. We expect these to grow and flourish.”&nbsp; “Newman is grateful for the support of the MIAA administration, Mike Racy and his staff, and for the thoughtful consideration given us by leadership of other conference schools. Let the competition begin! Go Jets!” – Kathleen Jagger, Newman University President Rogers State was founded in 1909 and is located in Claremore, Oklahoma with an enrollment of approximately 4,300 students. The Hillcats offer 14 NCAA Championship sports that will compete as MIAA full-time members. The Hillcats added athletics in 2005 and was approved for NCAA Division II membership in 2011 after competing in the NAIA. To visit the Rogers State Athletic website,&nbsp;<a href="https://rsuhillcats.com/index.aspx">click here</a>.“We are excited to continue our relationship with the top conference in NCAA Division II after being extended an offer for full membership today. As I said in 2018 when it was announced we would be joining the league, the&nbsp;MIAA's&nbsp;reputation for championship-caliber athletic programs, emphasis on academic excellence and a commitment to community service perfectly mirror the traits we strive to uphold in our vision for&nbsp;Hillcat&nbsp;Athletics. Thank you to our fellow members for displaying their confidence in us to add value to the league and help continue to build on this next chapter of excellence in its storied history." – Chris Ratcliff, Rogers State&nbsp;Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics“Today is a historic day for Rogers State University as we accept full membership into the MIAA. The MIAA is the preeminent athletic conference in NCAA Division II and full membership for RSU not only enhances the standing of our athletic teams, but the reputation of the University as well.&nbsp;I am proud of the work of our athletic staff and coaches, along with the efforts of our student-athletes, in achieving full membership.&nbsp;We are grateful to the other league members who demonstrated confidence in our ability to add new chapters to its history of excellence.” – Larry Rice, Rogers State University PresidentMIAA&nbsp;

Newman and Rogers State granted full MIAA membership

IRVING, Texas – Brett Yormark has been named the Big 12 Conference’s fifth Commissioner, as announced Wednesday by the league’s Board of Directors, according to a statement from the conference.

Yormark succeeds Bob Bowlsby, who announced in April he was stepping away from the Commissioner’s chair after a decade with the Big 12. KEY COMMENTS

NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver: “Brett is one of the most skilled and knowledgeable executives in sports and entertainment,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.&nbsp; “His decades of operational experience, relentless work ethic and strong industry relationships will be of enormous value to the Big 12, its schools and fans.” Fox Sports CEO and Executive Producer, Eric Shanks: “On behalf of FOX Sports, we’d like to officially congratulate Brett Yormark on being named the new Commissioner of the Big 12,” said Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports. “Brett is a talented and innovative executive who brings a remarkably unique perspective to the position. Under his leadership and vision, the conference is set up for success, and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship as a premier partner of the Big 12.” Texas Tech University President and Big 12 Conference Board Chair, Lawrence Schovanec: “In Brett Yormark, we have chosen a highly adaptable leader who thrives in dynamic times. The landscape of college athletics is evolving to look more like the world Brett has been leading,” said Lawrence Schovanec, President of Texas Tech University and Chair of the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors. “He’s authentic and genuine in the way he builds relationships and partnerships, and he works relentlessly to deliver impact. As Brett immerses himself in college sports and connects with all our stakeholders, he will bring a fresh approach and dynamic energy to the Big 12 as we engage a new generation of student-athletes and fans.” “I want to thank my fellow board members and our partners at TurnkeyZRG. Turnkey is more than just a search firm; they orchestrated a flawless strategy and process, delivering strong interest and strong candidates from college and professional sports, as well as the media and entertainment industries,” added Schovanec. New Big 12 Conference Commissioner, Brett Yormark: “Thank you to the Big 12 Board, the ADs, the student-athletes, the whole Conference for giving me a chance to support what they all do,” said new Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “I’m here to listen, learn, find ways to add value, add resources and try to help shine a light on the importance of college athletics. I look forward to leveraging my experience and network alongside our presidents, chancellors and athletic directors to shape the future of the Big 12 brand and emphasize our collective strengths.”&nbsp; Yormark joins the Big 12 from Roc Nation, where he served as chief operating officer and co-CEO of Roc Nation Unified, the commercial side of the business. Yormark, a graduate of Indiana University, began his sports career in 1988, working in the ticket office for the New Jersey Nets and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of the industry when he was named CEO. From 2005-19, as CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, he oversaw their move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, building the first new arena in New York City in 60 years and re-launching the Nets organization and brand in Brooklyn. Barclays Center soon became a college basketball destination, attracting the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the Atlantic 10 Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament. Prior to joining the Nets, Yormark served as vice president of corporate sponsorships for NASCAR, where he oversaw a $750 million partnership agreement, the largest in history at that time, that gave Nextel Communications the naming rights to its premier racing series. Yormark is recognized for his creative business approaches and has been named to&nbsp;Crain’s “40 Under 40” list twice and the “Forty Under 40” three times by the&nbsp;Sports Business Journal. Under Yormark’s leadership, the Barclays Center became one of the top 10 entertainment venues worldwide for ticket sales. Yormark has two children and is married to Elaina Scotto. The Big 12 Commissioner search was led by the conference’s Executive Committee, which includes Schovanec, Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone and Kansas Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, with the assistance of national search firm TurnkeyZRG. The Big 12’s Board of Directors, comprised of the presidents and chancellors of the ten current Big 12 members, participated in the Commissioner interview process, along with the four new members of the conference who will enter the Big 12 in 2023. The Big 12’s current membership made the final selection of the Commissioner. Yormark’s official start date with the Big 12 is anticipated to be August 1. His initial contract term is five years. As announced in April, Bowlsby will transition to a new interim role with the Conference, subject to the mutual agreement of the new Commissioner and Bowlsby. The current Big 12 membership includes Baylor University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, University of Kansas, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas and West Virginia University. Entering Big 12 membership in the Summer of 2023 will be Brigham Young University, University of Central Florida, University of Cincinnati and University of Houston.&nbsp; Over the past decade, the Big 12 has won 32 team national championships. In 2021-22, the Big 12 captured 8 team national titles, including NCAA men’s basketball for the second consecutive season (Baylor and Kansas). Big 12 teams have played in the last four men’s Final Fours. In football, the Big 12 has placed teams in the College Football Playoff New Year’s Bowls throughout its eight-year history. The Big 12 is the home of two of the last five Heisman Trophy winners and was the only Conference to place a team in the Final Four and CFP semi-finals in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656517373265.png" alt="Brett Yormark -image courtesy Big 12 Conference" />
 <figcaption>Brett Yormark -image courtesy Big 12 Conference</figcaption>
 </figure>IRVING, Texas – Brett Yormark has been named the Big 12 Conference’s fifth Commissioner, as announced Wednesday by the league’s Board of Directors, according to a statement from the conference.Yormark succeeds Bob Bowlsby, who announced in April he was stepping away from the Commissioner’s chair after a decade with the Big 12. KEY COMMENTS<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome to the Big 12 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KState</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/KSTATEADGT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KSTATEADGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/P9rSqXEeyY">pic.twitter.com/P9rSqXEeyY</a>&mdash; K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kstatesports/status/1542171076842717187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver: “Brett is one of the most skilled and knowledgeable executives in sports and entertainment,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.&nbsp; “His decades of operational experience, relentless work ethic and strong industry relationships will be of enormous value to the Big 12, its schools and fans.” Fox Sports CEO and Executive Producer, Eric Shanks: “On behalf of FOX Sports, we’d like to officially congratulate Brett Yormark on being named the new Commissioner of the Big 12,” said Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer of FOX Sports. “Brett is a talented and innovative executive who brings a remarkably unique perspective to the position. Under his leadership and vision, the conference is set up for success, and we look forward to continuing to build on our relationship as a premier partner of the Big 12.” Texas Tech University President and Big 12 Conference Board Chair, Lawrence Schovanec: “In Brett Yormark, we have chosen a highly adaptable leader who thrives in dynamic times. The landscape of college athletics is evolving to look more like the world Brett has been leading,” said Lawrence Schovanec, President of Texas Tech University and Chair of the Big 12 Conference Board of Directors. “He’s authentic and genuine in the way he builds relationships and partnerships, and he works relentlessly to deliver impact. As Brett immerses himself in college sports and connects with all our stakeholders, he will bring a fresh approach and dynamic energy to the Big 12 as we engage a new generation of student-athletes and fans.” “I want to thank my fellow board members and our partners at TurnkeyZRG. Turnkey is more than just a search firm; they orchestrated a flawless strategy and process, delivering strong interest and strong candidates from college and professional sports, as well as the media and entertainment industries,” added Schovanec. New Big 12 Conference Commissioner, Brett Yormark: “Thank you to the Big 12 Board, the ADs, the student-athletes, the whole Conference for giving me a chance to support what they all do,” said new Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “I’m here to listen, learn, find ways to add value, add resources and try to help shine a light on the importance of college athletics. I look forward to leveraging my experience and network alongside our presidents, chancellors and athletic directors to shape the future of the Big 12 brand and emphasize our collective strengths.”&nbsp; Yormark joins the Big 12 from Roc Nation, where he served as chief operating officer and co-CEO of Roc Nation Unified, the commercial side of the business. Yormark, a graduate of Indiana University, began his sports career in 1988, working in the ticket office for the New Jersey Nets and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of the industry when he was named CEO. From 2005-19, as CEO of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, he oversaw their move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, building the first new arena in New York City in 60 years and re-launching the Nets organization and brand in Brooklyn. Barclays Center soon became a college basketball destination, attracting the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the Atlantic 10 Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament. Prior to joining the Nets, Yormark served as vice president of corporate sponsorships for NASCAR, where he oversaw a $750 million partnership agreement, the largest in history at that time, that gave Nextel Communications the naming rights to its premier racing series. Yormark is recognized for his creative business approaches and has been named to&nbsp;Crain’s “40 Under 40” list twice and the “Forty Under 40” three times by the&nbsp;Sports Business Journal. Under Yormark’s leadership, the Barclays Center became one of the top 10 entertainment venues worldwide for ticket sales. Yormark has two children and is married to Elaina Scotto. The Big 12 Commissioner search was led by the conference’s Executive Committee, which includes Schovanec, Baylor President Linda A. Livingstone and Kansas Chancellor Douglas A. Girod, with the assistance of national search firm TurnkeyZRG. The Big 12’s Board of Directors, comprised of the presidents and chancellors of the ten current Big 12 members, participated in the Commissioner interview process, along with the four new members of the conference who will enter the Big 12 in 2023. The Big 12’s current membership made the final selection of the Commissioner. Yormark’s official start date with the Big 12 is anticipated to be August 1. His initial contract term is five years. As announced in April, Bowlsby will transition to a new interim role with the Conference, subject to the mutual agreement of the new Commissioner and Bowlsby. The current Big 12 membership includes Baylor University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University, University of Kansas, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas and West Virginia University. Entering Big 12 membership in the Summer of 2023 will be Brigham Young University, University of Central Florida, University of Cincinnati and University of Houston.&nbsp; Over the past decade, the Big 12 has won 32 team national championships. In 2021-22, the Big 12 captured 8 team national titles, including NCAA men’s basketball for the second consecutive season (Baylor and Kansas). Big 12 teams have played in the last four men’s Final Fours. In football, the Big 12 has placed teams in the College Football Playoff New Year’s Bowls throughout its eight-year history. The Big 12 is the home of two of the last five Heisman Trophy winners and was the only Conference to place a team in the Final Four and CFP semi-finals in 2017-18 and 2018-19.

Big 12 Conference names new commissioner

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Kameron Walton"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/dAtWBdcc-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/dAtWBdcc-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dAtWBdcc-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kameron Walton" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Kameron Walton

DODGE CITY – The Hays Larks scored a run in the top of the
ninth then stranded the tying run at second base in the bottom of the inning to
beat the Dodge City A’s 6-5 Tuesday night at Cavalier Field.

Leo Jiminain’s two-out triple scored Hunter Rosson with what
proved to be the game-winning run. Cade Brown retired the first two batters in
the bottom of the ninth but gave up a double to Arte Ramirez then walked Roberto
Gonzalez but got Tyker Tobey to ground out to end the game and pick up the
save.

The Larks scored two in the top of the first on a Jack
Torosian sacrifice fly and Tyler LaRue home run. They pushed the lead to 3-0 on
a Brady Evans sacrifice fly in the second but the A’s answered with three in the
bottom of the inning to tie the game 3-3.

Palmer Hutchison’s RBI single gave the Larks the lead back
in the third only to see tie the game in the fifth. LaRue’s second homer of the
night gave the Larks a 5-4 lead in the sixth but the A’s scored in the seventh
to the game 5-5.

Preston Tabor allowed one run on four hits over two innings
if relief and picked up the win. Starter Hunter Marshall gave up four runs
(three earned) on five hits with four strikeouts and one walk over six innings.

LaRue and Hutchison both had two of the Larks eight hits.
LaRue drove in two runs with a pair of solo homers.

The Larks return home Wednesday night for a non-league game
with Junction City.

DODGE CITY – The Hays Larks scored a run in the top of the
ninth then stranded the tying run at second base in the bottom of the inning to
beat the Dodge City A’s 6-5 Tuesday night at Cavalier Field.Leo Jiminain’s two-out triple scored Hunter Rosson with what
proved to be the game-winning run. Cade Brown retired the first two batters in
the bottom of the ninth but gave up a double to Arte Ramirez then walked Roberto
Gonzalez but got Tyker Tobey to ground out to end the game and pick up the
save.The Larks scored two in the top of the first on a Jack
Torosian sacrifice fly and Tyler LaRue home run. They pushed the lead to 3-0 on
a Brady Evans sacrifice fly in the second but the A’s answered with three in the
bottom of the inning to tie the game 3-3.Palmer Hutchison’s RBI single gave the Larks the lead back
in the third only to see tie the game in the fifth. LaRue’s second homer of the
night gave the Larks a 5-4 lead in the sixth but the A’s scored in the seventh
to the game 5-5.Preston Tabor allowed one run on four hits over two innings
if relief and picked up the win. Starter Hunter Marshall gave up four runs
(three earned) on five hits with four strikeouts and one walk over six innings.LaRue and Hutchison both had two of the Larks eight hits.
LaRue drove in two runs with a pair of solo homers.The Larks return home Wednesday night for a non-league game
with Junction City.

⚾ Larks rally late for win over Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Garver and Kole Calhoun each had two hits, two runs and two RBIs, leading the Texas Rangers to a 10-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.

Garver’s two RBIs came on his eighth homer of the season in the fifth inning as the Rangers won for the third straight season on manager Chris Woodward’s birthday.

“I asked for double-digits, and they got it for me,” Woodward said. “Our team is so talented ... I know hitting is hard. I was a hitter, and I know how hard it is.”

Every Rangers starter except Marcus Semien had at least one hit, and every starter but Charlie Culberson scored at least one run.

“That’s the identity that we have,” Woodward said. “We’d love for that to be the identity we have every night. We take a lot of pride in having a 1-9 approach. It’s got to be every guy in the lineup. Not that everybody is going to get a hit or score a run every night, but everybody has got to contribute.”

Martín Pérez (6-2) was shaky early but settled in, allowing four runs on seven hits in the win. He walked two and struck out six.

“That’s part of the game,” Pérez&nbsp;said. “I never lost my focus. I knew we were going to score a lot of runs, so I just wanted to keep us in the game. When they scored four runs, I said, ‘Stop it here.’”

Kris Bubic (1-5) took the loss. He allowed seven runs, five earned, in 4.2 innings.

Bobby Witt Jr. drove in Whit Merrifield on a fielder’s choice to give the Royals the lead in the first inning. Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi reached on infield singles to open the inning.

The Rangers answered with four in the second, with one of the runs unearned. The Rangers saw their first six batters reach safely. A walk to Nathaniel Lowe forced in the first run, followed by a two-run single by Leody Taveras. The final run scored on a groundout.

The lead didn’t last long as the Royals scored three with two outs in the bottom of the second, tying the score at 4, on Merrifield’s two-run double and Benintendi’s single.

“It was a little frustrating,” Woodward said. “Those balls just missed our gloves and were just out of reach. Toward the end of the second inning (Pérez) got hit hard. But he does a good job and goes six innings after that. That’s what aces do.”

The Rangers got another unearned run in the fourth. Taveras rolled a single up the line, and Bubic threw it over Hunter Dozier’s head at first, sending Taveras to second. He went to third on a wild pitch and scored an unearned run on a sacrifice fly.

Garver put the Rangers up by three runs again with a two-run blast in the fifth. He launched a 3-0 pitch into the bullpen in left field.

The Rangers blew it open in the sixth, adding three more runs. Adolis Garcia doubled home one run, and Calhoun singled home two more to make it 10-4.

The Royals traded 1B Carlos Santana and cash considerations to the Seattle Mariners for two pitching prospects. The Royals received RHP Wyatt Mills and RHP William Fleming. Mills was placed on the 40-man roster and was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Fleming was assigned to High-A Quad Cities. The Royals selected 1B Vinnie Pasquantino from Omaha, who will make his major league debut when he sees his first action. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated RHP Ronald Bolaños for assignment.

The Rangers and Royals play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday. The Rangers will start RHP Jon Gray (3-3, 4.18 ERA) against Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley (1-3, 4.14 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Mitch Garver and Kole Calhoun each had two hits, two runs and two RBIs, leading the Texas Rangers to a 10-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.Garver’s two RBIs came on his eighth homer of the season in the fifth inning as the Rangers won for the third straight season on manager Chris Woodward’s birthday.“I asked for double-digits, and they got it for me,” Woodward said. “Our team is so talented ... I know hitting is hard. I was a hitter, and I know how hard it is.”Every Rangers starter except Marcus Semien had at least one hit, and every starter but Charlie Culberson scored at least one run.“That’s the identity that we have,” Woodward said. “We’d love for that to be the identity we have every night. We take a lot of pride in having a 1-9 approach. It’s got to be every guy in the lineup. Not that everybody is going to get a hit or score a run every night, but everybody has got to contribute.”Martín Pérez (6-2) was shaky early but settled in, allowing four runs on seven hits in the win. He walked two and struck out six.“That’s part of the game,” Pérez&nbsp;said. “I never lost my focus. I knew we were going to score a lot of runs, so I just wanted to keep us in the game. When they scored four runs, I said, ‘Stop it here.’”Kris Bubic (1-5) took the loss. He allowed seven runs, five earned, in 4.2 innings.Bobby Witt Jr. drove in Whit Merrifield on a fielder’s choice to give the Royals the lead in the first inning. Merrifield and Andrew Benintendi reached on infield singles to open the inning.The Rangers answered with four in the second, with one of the runs unearned. The Rangers saw their first six batters reach safely. A walk to Nathaniel Lowe forced in the first run, followed by a two-run single by Leody Taveras. The final run scored on a groundout.The lead didn’t last long as the Royals scored three with two outs in the bottom of the second, tying the score at 4, on Merrifield’s two-run double and Benintendi’s single.“It was a little frustrating,” Woodward said. “Those balls just missed our gloves and were just out of reach. Toward the end of the second inning (Pérez) got hit hard. But he does a good job and goes six innings after that. That’s what aces do.”The Rangers got another unearned run in the fourth. Taveras rolled a single up the line, and Bubic threw it over Hunter Dozier’s head at first, sending Taveras to second. He went to third on a wild pitch and scored an unearned run on a sacrifice fly.Garver put the Rangers up by three runs again with a two-run blast in the fifth. He launched a 3-0 pitch into the bullpen in left field.The Rangers blew it open in the sixth, adding three more runs. Adolis Garcia doubled home one run, and Calhoun singled home two more to make it 10-4.TRANSACTIONSThe Royals traded 1B Carlos Santana and cash considerations to the Seattle Mariners for two pitching prospects. The Royals received RHP Wyatt Mills and RHP William Fleming. Mills was placed on the 40-man roster and was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Fleming was assigned to High-A Quad Cities. The Royals selected 1B Vinnie Pasquantino from Omaha, who will make his major league debut when he sees his first action. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated RHP Ronald Bolaños for assignment.UP NEXTThe Rangers and Royals play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday. The Rangers will start RHP Jon Gray (3-3, 4.18 ERA) against Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley (1-3, 4.14 ERA).

⚾ Bubic struggles in Royals loss to Texas

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Hunter Parker"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/JXE5Tx6B-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/JXE5Tx6B-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/JXE5Tx6B-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Hunter Parker" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Hunter Parker

WICHITA – The Kansas Sports Hall of
Fame has announced their induction class of 2022 Monday. 

There will be 10 new members that
will be inducted this year, bringing the total number of people in the Kansas
Sports Hall of Fame to 317.

The Induction Ceremony will take
place on Sunday, October 2nd at the Kansas Star Casino. Tickets go on sale
August 1st on the <a href="https://www.kshof.org/">Kansas Sports Hall of Fame website</a>.

The Induction Class of 2022 includes
the following:

Clint Bowyer – Emporia HS, 1997 | Flint Hills
Technical College 
Began racing motocross in 1985. Won over 200 races in motocross as an amateur.
Began racing street stocks and modified in 1996. Won the Modified championship
in 2000. Won the 2002 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Midwest Championship, Signed
with Richard Childress Racing in 2003. Finished second in NASCAR Xfinity Series
in 2005; finished third in NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2006. Became a full-time
NASCAR Cup Series driver in 2006. Won the 2008 NASCAR Xfinity Series
Championship in 2008. NASCAR Truck Series career: three wins, ten top-ten in
fourten races. NASCAR Xfinity Series career: eight wins, 116 top-ten finishes in
181 races. NASCAR Cup Series career: 10 wins, 226 top-ten finishes in 541
races. Retired from racing in 2020. Currently works as a full-time analyst for
Fox NASCAR.

Emily Bloss Carpenter – Wellsville HS, 1997 / Emporia
State, 2001 
All-state basketball selection at Wellsville. Four-year letterwinner in basketball
at Emporia State. All-American selection in 2001. Three-time All-MIAA
selection. Led Lady Hornets to four straight MIAA regular season and tournament
championships and four straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. NCAA
Division II National Player of the Year and MIAA MVP in 2001. Won the Ken B.
Jones Award from the MIAA as the conference’s top female athlete in 2001. Named
NCAA Top VIII Student-Athlete in 2001. Finished Emporia State career as the
school’s all-time leader in points scored and steals and fourth in rebounds.
Also earned All-America honors as part of the Emporia State 1600 relay team in
1998. Three-time Academic All-American selection. Inducted into the Emporia State
Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2012.

Tara Holloway Churchill – Moundridge HS, 1996 | Emporia
State, 2000 
All-state basketball selection at Moundridge. Led Wildcats to a state
championship during her senior season. Four-year letterwinner in basketball at
Emporia State. All-American selection in 2000. NCAA Division II National Player
of the Year and MIAA MVP in 2000. Two-time All-MIAA selection. Finished Emporia
State career as the school’s second all-time leader in points scored, fourth in
rebounds and leader in steals. Led the Hornets to four-straight NCAA Tournament
appearances, three regular season MIAA titles, three MIAA Tournament titles, two
NCAA II Final Four appearances and one NCAA II Elite Eight appearance. Inducted
into the Emporia State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

Elwood “BINGO” DeMoss – Born in Topeka, 1889 
Negro League Baseball player, Played shortstop for the Topeka Giants in 1905.
Also played for the Indianapolis ABC’s before moving on to the Chicago American
Giants. Played second base for Chicago from 1917-1925. Named captain of the
team in 1919, serving in that role for six seasons. Hit over .300 for times
during his career. Coached the Detroit Stars for six seasons as player-manager.
Also served as coach for the Indianapolis ABC’s, Brown Bombers and the Brooklyn
Brown Dodgers. One of three finalists at second base for the Negro League Baseball
Museum Gold Glove Award. Inducted to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012
and the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013

Kendall Gammon – Rose Hill HS, 1988 / Pittsburg
State, 1991 
Three-time All-MIAA football player at Pittsburg State. First-team All-American
selection in 1991. Member of the 1991 NCAA Division II national championship
football team. Won three MIAA titles in football. Played for KSHOF inductee
Chuck Broyles at Pitt State. Drafted in the 11th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by
the Pittsburgh Steelers. Played 15 NFL seasons as a long-snapper and lineman
for the Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. Won Super Bowl XXX
with the Steelers. Named to the 2004 NFL Pro Bowl. Named to the Pittsburg State
100th Anniversary Team in 2003. Inducted into the Pittsburg State Athletic Hall
of Fame in 2007 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2014. 
 
Bill James – Mayetta HS, 1967 / Kansas,
1971 (Contributor) 
Baseball writer, historian and researcher. Wrote and published the Bill
James Baseball Abstract in 1977-98, which presented an in-depth analysis of
baseball statistics from the proceeding season. Wrote several other baseball
books and abstracts including The Baseball Book, the Bill James Historical
Baseball Abstract, The Bill James Handbook. Created new statistical
categories including Runs Created, Win Shares and Major League Equivalency for minor
league players. Coined the team “sabermetrics” for his statistical analysis and
to honor the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR). Served as senior
advisor for baseball operations for the Boston Red Sox from 2002-19, winning
four World Series titles.

Jesse Nelson – Emporia HS, 1970 / Emporia
State, 1974 (Coach) 
Four-year letterwinner in basketball at Emporia State under KSHOF inductee Ron
Slaymaker. Scored 640 points in 98 career games for the Hornets. Named head
coach of Olpe girls basketball in 1978. Finished career as the all-time
winningest coach in Kansas high school basketball history, girls or boys, with 951
wins. Career win percentage of 89.5% (951-111). Won four state championships at
Olpe in 1981, 2010, 2011 and 2021. Made the state tournament 30 times. Named
the 2014 USA Today America’s Girls Basketball Coach National Champion,
2016 McDonald’s All-American head coach and the 2021 National Federation of
High School Associations (NFHS) girls basketball Coach of the Year. Inducted
into the Emporia State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

George Toma – Edwardsville (PA) HS 1947
(Contributor) 
Groundskeeper over seven decades in professional sports. Groundskeeper for the Kansas
City Athletics 1957-67; Kansas Cit Royals 1969-99; Kansas City Chiefs 1963-91. Has
worked the grounds for over 50 Super Bowls, two U.S. hosted Olympic games and
37 Pro Bowls. One of four that founded the Sports Turf Managers Association
(STMA) in 1981; namesake of STMA’s George Toma Golden Rake Award, NFL Dan
Reeves Pioneer Award recipient in 2001. Inducted into the MLB Groundskeepers
Hall of Fame in 2012, Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Missouri
Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

Gordan Vadakin – Wichita Southeast HS, 1971 /
Wichita State, 1982 (Coach) 
Head bowling coach at Wichita State 1977-2019. Won 18 bowling national
championships at WSU; 11 men’s team titles and seven women’s team titles.
Coaches men’s and/or women’s team to the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships
every year as a coach. Coached nine individual national champions; four men and
five women. Member of the Team USA bowling coaching staff 1991-2008. Namesake
of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Men’s Coach of the Year
Award. Inducted as a competitor to the Great Plains Bowling Association Hall of
Fame in 2004, the United State Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and the
Bowling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.

Roy Williams – T.C. Roberson (NC) HS, 1968 / North
Carolina, 1972 (Coach) 
Began coaching career at Charles D. Owen (NC) High School in 1973 before being
hired as an assistant coach for KSHOF inductee Dean Smith at the University of
North Carolina in 1978. Helped the Tar Heels win the 1982 NCAA national
championship. Named head coach at the University of Kansas in 1988 where he coached
for 15 years. KU coaches record: 418-101. Won five Big Eight and four Big 12
regular season titles; four NCAA Final Four appearances. Coached KSHOF inductees
Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Raef LaFrentz and Wayne Simien. Named the head
coach at the University of North Carolina in 2003. Won three NCAA national championships;
made five NCAA Final Four appearances. Career coaching record: 903-264. Only
coach in NCAA history to win 400 or more games at two different schools.
Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Basketball
Hall of Fame in 2007.

WICHITA – The Kansas Sports Hall of
Fame has announced their induction class of 2022 Monday. There will be 10 new members that
will be inducted this year, bringing the total number of people in the Kansas
Sports Hall of Fame to 317.The Induction Ceremony will take
place on Sunday, October 2nd at the Kansas Star Casino. Tickets go on sale
August 1st on the <a href="https://www.kshof.org/">Kansas Sports Hall of Fame website</a>.The Induction Class of 2022 includes
the following:Clint Bowyer – Emporia HS, 1997 | Flint Hills
Technical College 
Began racing motocross in 1985. Won over 200 races in motocross as an amateur.
Began racing street stocks and modified in 1996. Won the Modified championship
in 2000. Won the 2002 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Midwest Championship, Signed
with Richard Childress Racing in 2003. Finished second in NASCAR Xfinity Series
in 2005; finished third in NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2006. Became a full-time
NASCAR Cup Series driver in 2006. Won the 2008 NASCAR Xfinity Series
Championship in 2008. NASCAR Truck Series career: three wins, ten top-ten in
fourten races. NASCAR Xfinity Series career: eight wins, 116 top-ten finishes in
181 races. NASCAR Cup Series career: 10 wins, 226 top-ten finishes in 541
races. Retired from racing in 2020. Currently works as a full-time analyst for
Fox NASCAR.Emily Bloss Carpenter – Wellsville HS, 1997 / Emporia
State, 2001 
All-state basketball selection at Wellsville. Four-year letterwinner in basketball
at Emporia State. All-American selection in 2001. Three-time All-MIAA
selection. Led Lady Hornets to four straight MIAA regular season and tournament
championships and four straight NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. NCAA
Division II National Player of the Year and MIAA MVP in 2001. Won the Ken B.
Jones Award from the MIAA as the conference’s top female athlete in 2001. Named
NCAA Top VIII Student-Athlete in 2001. Finished Emporia State career as the
school’s all-time leader in points scored and steals and fourth in rebounds.
Also earned All-America honors as part of the Emporia State 1600 relay team in
1998. Three-time Academic All-American selection. Inducted into the Emporia State
Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2012.Tara Holloway Churchill – Moundridge HS, 1996 | Emporia
State, 2000 
All-state basketball selection at Moundridge. Led Wildcats to a state
championship during her senior season. Four-year letterwinner in basketball at
Emporia State. All-American selection in 2000. NCAA Division II National Player
of the Year and MIAA MVP in 2000. Two-time All-MIAA selection. Finished Emporia
State career as the school’s second all-time leader in points scored, fourth in
rebounds and leader in steals. Led the Hornets to four-straight NCAA Tournament
appearances, three regular season MIAA titles, three MIAA Tournament titles, two
NCAA II Final Four appearances and one NCAA II Elite Eight appearance. Inducted
into the Emporia State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.Elwood “BINGO” DeMoss – Born in Topeka, 1889 
Negro League Baseball player, Played shortstop for the Topeka Giants in 1905.
Also played for the Indianapolis ABC’s before moving on to the Chicago American
Giants. Played second base for Chicago from 1917-1925. Named captain of the
team in 1919, serving in that role for six seasons. Hit over .300 for times
during his career. Coached the Detroit Stars for six seasons as player-manager.
Also served as coach for the Indianapolis ABC’s, Brown Bombers and the Brooklyn
Brown Dodgers. One of three finalists at second base for the Negro League Baseball
Museum Gold Glove Award. Inducted to the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012
and the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013Kendall Gammon – Rose Hill HS, 1988 / Pittsburg
State, 1991 
Three-time All-MIAA football player at Pittsburg State. First-team All-American
selection in 1991. Member of the 1991 NCAA Division II national championship
football team. Won three MIAA titles in football. Played for KSHOF inductee
Chuck Broyles at Pitt State. Drafted in the 11th round of the 1992 NFL Draft by
the Pittsburgh Steelers. Played 15 NFL seasons as a long-snapper and lineman
for the Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. Won Super Bowl XXX
with the Steelers. Named to the 2004 NFL Pro Bowl. Named to the Pittsburg State
100th Anniversary Team in 2003. Inducted into the Pittsburg State Athletic Hall
of Fame in 2007 and the MIAA Hall of Fame in 2014. 
 
Bill James – Mayetta HS, 1967 / Kansas,
1971 (Contributor) 
Baseball writer, historian and researcher. Wrote and published the Bill
James Baseball Abstract in 1977-98, which presented an in-depth analysis of
baseball statistics from the proceeding season. Wrote several other baseball
books and abstracts including The Baseball Book, the Bill James Historical
Baseball Abstract, The Bill James Handbook. Created new statistical
categories including Runs Created, Win Shares and Major League Equivalency for minor
league players. Coined the team “sabermetrics” for his statistical analysis and
to honor the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR). Served as senior
advisor for baseball operations for the Boston Red Sox from 2002-19, winning
four World Series titles.Jesse Nelson – Emporia HS, 1970 / Emporia
State, 1974 (Coach) 
Four-year letterwinner in basketball at Emporia State under KSHOF inductee Ron
Slaymaker. Scored 640 points in 98 career games for the Hornets. Named head
coach of Olpe girls basketball in 1978. Finished career as the all-time
winningest coach in Kansas high school basketball history, girls or boys, with 951
wins. Career win percentage of 89.5% (951-111). Won four state championships at
Olpe in 1981, 2010, 2011 and 2021. Made the state tournament 30 times. Named
the 2014 USA Today America’s Girls Basketball Coach National Champion,
2016 McDonald’s All-American head coach and the 2021 National Federation of
High School Associations (NFHS) girls basketball Coach of the Year. Inducted
into the Emporia State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.George Toma – Edwardsville (PA) HS 1947
(Contributor) 
Groundskeeper over seven decades in professional sports. Groundskeeper for the Kansas
City Athletics 1957-67; Kansas Cit Royals 1969-99; Kansas City Chiefs 1963-91. Has
worked the grounds for over 50 Super Bowls, two U.S. hosted Olympic games and
37 Pro Bowls. One of four that founded the Sports Turf Managers Association
(STMA) in 1981; namesake of STMA’s George Toma Golden Rake Award, NFL Dan
Reeves Pioneer Award recipient in 2001. Inducted into the MLB Groundskeepers
Hall of Fame in 2012, Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Missouri
Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.Gordan Vadakin – Wichita Southeast HS, 1971 /
Wichita State, 1982 (Coach) 
Head bowling coach at Wichita State 1977-2019. Won 18 bowling national
championships at WSU; 11 men’s team titles and seven women’s team titles.
Coaches men’s and/or women’s team to the Intercollegiate Bowling Championships
every year as a coach. Coached nine individual national champions; four men and
five women. Member of the Team USA bowling coaching staff 1991-2008. Namesake
of the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Men’s Coach of the Year
Award. Inducted as a competitor to the Great Plains Bowling Association Hall of
Fame in 2004, the United State Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2007 and the
Bowling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012.Roy Williams – T.C. Roberson (NC) HS, 1968 / North
Carolina, 1972 (Coach) 
Began coaching career at Charles D. Owen (NC) High School in 1973 before being
hired as an assistant coach for KSHOF inductee Dean Smith at the University of
North Carolina in 1978. Helped the Tar Heels win the 1982 NCAA national
championship. Named head coach at the University of Kansas in 1988 where he coached
for 15 years. KU coaches record: 418-101. Won five Big Eight and four Big 12
regular season titles; four NCAA Final Four appearances. Coached KSHOF inductees
Nick Collison, Drew Gooden, Raef LaFrentz and Wayne Simien. Named the head
coach at the University of North Carolina in 2003. Won three NCAA national championships;
made five NCAA Final Four appearances. Career coaching record: 903-264. Only
coach in NCAA history to win 400 or more games at two different schools.
Inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Basketball
Hall of Fame in 2007.

Kansas Sports Hall of Fame names 2022 inductees

KANSAS
CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals
announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitchers Wyatt Mills and William
Fleming from Seattle for first
baseman Carlos Santana and cash considerations. Mills, who is on
the 40-man roster, will be optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Fleming will be assigned
to High-A Quad Cities.

Additionally,
first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been selected from Triple-A Omaha. In a
corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Ronald
Bolaños has been designated for
assignment. 

Mills,
27, made his Major League debut with 11 appearances in relief for Seattle last
season. He’s made 8 appearances with the Mariners this season, in which he’s
pitched to a 4.15 ERA (4 ER in 8.2 IP) and .179 opponents’ average (5-for-28).
In 16 appearances with Triple-A Tacoma this season, he’s 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA (4
ER in 19.2 IP). He was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2017
First-Year Player Draft out of Gonzaga University.

Fleming,
23, was selected by Seattle in the 11th round in the 2021 First-Year
Player Draft out of Wake Forest University. He made his professional debut last
season and went 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA (8 ER in 22.0 IP) with 27 strikeouts (11.0
K/9) and only 4 walks (1.6 BB/9) in 9 appearances (2 starts) between the
Arizona Complex League and Low-A Modesto. In 14 starts this season with Low-A
Modesto, he’s 6-6 with a 4.92 ERA (37 ER in 67.2 IP), but he’s allowed 2 earned
runs or fewer in 10 of his 14 starts. 

Santana,
36, signed a two-year contract with Kansas City before the 2021 season. He hit
19 home runs in 158 games with the Royals last year and has 4 HR in 52 games
with the Royals this season, with more walks (36) than strikeouts (28). In 17
games this month, he’s hit .357 (20-for-56) with 7 extra-base hits and 11 RBI,
and his .478 on-base percentage in June ranks 2nd in the Majors,
trailing only Yordan Alvarez (.494). 

Pasquantino,
24, hit .280 (70-for-250) with Triple-A Omaha, recording 18 home runs and more
walks (37) than strikeouts (36). He ranked among the Triple-A leaders in
extra-base hits (36, tied for 3rd), runs (51, tied for 3rd), home runs (tied
for 3rd), total bases (144, 4th), slugging percentage (.576, 6th) and OPS
(.948, 7th) and has 67 RBI in 69 games, which rank 2nd among all professional
players, trailing only the Mets Pete
Alonso, who has 69 RBI in 73
games. Pasquantino was selected by Kansas City in the 11th round of
the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University. In parts of
three seasons in the minor leagues, he’s slashed .293/.382/.574 with 133
extra-base hits and 204 RBI in 242 games.

Bolaños,
25, recorded a 4.42 ERA (9 ER in 18.1 IP) in 8 appearances with the Royals this
season. In 9 outings (4 starts) with Triple-A Omaha, he went 0-2 with a 5.49
ERA (12 ER in 19.2 IP).

KANSAS
CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals
announced today that they have acquired right-handed pitchers Wyatt Mills and William
Fleming from Seattle for first
baseman Carlos Santana and cash considerations. Mills, who is on
the 40-man roster, will be optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Fleming will be assigned
to High-A Quad Cities.Additionally,
first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino has been selected from Triple-A Omaha. In a
corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Ronald
Bolaños has been designated for
assignment. Mills,
27, made his Major League debut with 11 appearances in relief for Seattle last
season. He’s made 8 appearances with the Mariners this season, in which he’s
pitched to a 4.15 ERA (4 ER in 8.2 IP) and .179 opponents’ average (5-for-28).
In 16 appearances with Triple-A Tacoma this season, he’s 1-0 with a 1.83 ERA (4
ER in 19.2 IP). He was selected by Seattle in the third round of the 2017
First-Year Player Draft out of Gonzaga University.Fleming,
23, was selected by Seattle in the 11th round in the 2021 First-Year
Player Draft out of Wake Forest University. He made his professional debut last
season and went 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA (8 ER in 22.0 IP) with 27 strikeouts (11.0
K/9) and only 4 walks (1.6 BB/9) in 9 appearances (2 starts) between the
Arizona Complex League and Low-A Modesto. In 14 starts this season with Low-A
Modesto, he’s 6-6 with a 4.92 ERA (37 ER in 67.2 IP), but he’s allowed 2 earned
runs or fewer in 10 of his 14 starts. Santana,
36, signed a two-year contract with Kansas City before the 2021 season. He hit
19 home runs in 158 games with the Royals last year and has 4 HR in 52 games
with the Royals this season, with more walks (36) than strikeouts (28). In 17
games this month, he’s hit .357 (20-for-56) with 7 extra-base hits and 11 RBI,
and his .478 on-base percentage in June ranks 2nd in the Majors,
trailing only Yordan Alvarez (.494). Pasquantino,
24, hit .280 (70-for-250) with Triple-A Omaha, recording 18 home runs and more
walks (37) than strikeouts (36). He ranked among the Triple-A leaders in
extra-base hits (36, tied for 3rd), runs (51, tied for 3rd), home runs (tied
for 3rd), total bases (144, 4th), slugging percentage (.576, 6th) and OPS
(.948, 7th) and has 67 RBI in 69 games, which rank 2nd among all professional
players, trailing only the Mets Pete
Alonso, who has 69 RBI in 73
games. Pasquantino was selected by Kansas City in the 11th round of
the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Old Dominion University. In parts of
three seasons in the minor leagues, he’s slashed .293/.382/.574 with 133
extra-base hits and 204 RBI in 242 games.Bolaños,
25, recorded a 4.42 ERA (9 ER in 18.1 IP) in 8 appearances with the Royals this
season. In 9 outings (4 starts) with Triple-A Omaha, he went 0-2 with a 5.49
ERA (12 ER in 19.2 IP).Kansas City Royals

⚾ Royals acquire two pitchers from Seattle for Carlos Santana

By SHELDON WICKWAR <a href="https://wheelinganddeal.com/f/kyle-rohleder-victorious-at-the-cody-younger-memorial-race">Wheelinganddeal.com</a>

Seventy-four
 race teams checked into the RPM Speedway for a night of weekly racing, 
and to honor the memory of the late Cody Younger. Making the trip to 
victory lane was Troy Burkhart in the cruiser class, Logan Casper in the
 sport compact class, Nicholas Ronnebaum in the hobby stock class, 
Blaine Walt in the sport mod class, Tathan Burkhart in the stock car 
class, and Kyle Rohleder in the modified class.

CRUISERS: (One six lap heat race, twelve lap feature)

The
 heat race started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Matt Ramsey on 
the front row. Burkhart grabbed an early lead, as the field would go 
three wide for second place, Shaun Woods would grab second after the 
three wide battle. Shaun Woods would spin in turn two on lap two, and 
would gather it back up without a caution coming out. Burkhart would 
continue to dominate the heat race and grab the win. Troy Burkhart won 
the heat, second was Dylan Pfeifer, third Matt Ramsey, fourth Devon 
Ghumm and fifth was Shaun Woods.

The
 twelve lap feature started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Dylan 
Pfeifer. Burkhart would power to the early lead, with Dylan Pfeifer 
chasing after. Pfeifer would get the lead after a couple laps, but would
 lose it after getting a bit loose, and Burkhart regained the lead. 
Burkhart would lead the remainder to pick up the feature win. Second was
 Dylan Pfeifer, third Matt Ramsey, fourth Shaun Woods, and fifth Devon 
Ghumm. Shaun Woods earned the hard charger award as he was the only 
cruiser to pick up a position during the feature.

A
 Feature 1 (12 Laps): 1. 12-Troy Burkhart[1]; 2. 10 32-Dylan Pfeifer[2];
 3. 911-Matt Ramsey[3]; 4. 666-Shaun Woods[5]; 5. (DNF) 01-Devon 
Ghumm[4]

Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 
12-Troy Burkhart[1]; 2. 10 32-Dylan Pfeifer[3]; 3. 911-Matt Ramsey[2]; 
4. 01-Devon Ghumm[5]; 5. 666-Shaun Woods[4]

SPORT COMPACTS: (One eight lap heat race, fifteen lap feature)

The
 heat race started with a front row of Remington Cox and Logan Casper. 
Casper would grab an early lead, meanwhile Connor Schwien, Remington 
Cox, and David Kappel would battle for second and third. Caution would 
come out as Cox went off track in turns one and two, after the field had
 completed one lap. Casper would bring the field to a single-file 
restart, Casper would hold the lead. On the restart Ted Trumbo had 
troubles getting going, and on the next lap his engine unfortunately 
expired, ending his night. Casper would continue to lead, with Schwien 
in toe, Gage Porter would bump Kappel but both drivers kept it straight 
without spinning. Casper would hold on to win the heat race, Connor 
Schwien second, third Gage Porter, fourth Dave Kappel and fifth was 
Kiowa Higdon.

The fifteen lap 
feature started with a front row of Logan Casper and Connor Schwien. 
Casper got the early lead, Schwien spun in turn three, and Kiowa Higdon 
had nowhere to go and slammed into Schwien, ending Schwien's night. 
Casper would restart the field with Kyle Mortensen on his outside. 
Casper got the early advantage and Mortensen would chase. Quickly a four
 car battle would break out for second, Mortensen would prevail. Dave 
Kappel was third, with Brock Leibhart and Gage Porter battling closely. 
Mortensen would get to Casper's rear bumper, trying to figure out a way 
to gain the lead. While Casper and Mortensen were side by side for the 
lead, Porter and Kappel were side by side for second, with Porter 
lurking in fifth. Mortensen and Porter were battling side by side for 
second, and Porter ultimately spun Casper. Porter would go to the tail 
of the field for causing the caution and Casper regained his lead. 
Casper would hold the lead on the restart, meanwhile Mortensen and 
Leibhart were battling side by side for third. Porter, Leibhart and 
Mortensen would have a three wide battle for third place. Logan Casper 
came away with the victory, his first career feature win, second went to
 Dave Kappel, third to Brock Leibhart, fourth to Kyle Mortensen and 
fifth to Gage Porter. Going into the evening David Kappel and Madison 
Reed were tied in state IMCA points, Kappel now holds the state point 
lead, as Madison Reed missed this race, as he is out of state battling 
fires. Going from seventh to third was Brock Leibhart who picked up hard
 charger honors.&nbsp;

A
 Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 26C-Logan Casper[1]; 2. 45-David Kappel[3]; 3. 
15B-Brock Leibhart[7]; 4. 03K-Kyle Mortensen[6]; 5. 69G-Gage Porter[5]; 
6. 17-Kiowa Higdon[4]; 7. (DNF) 33X-Remington Cox[9]; 8. (DNF) 
16C-Connor Schwien[2]; 9. (DNS) T21-Ted Trumbo

Heat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 26C-Logan Casper[2]; 2. 16C-Connor Schwien[3]; 3. 
69G-Gage Porter[8]; 4. 45-David Kappel[4]; 5. 17-Kiowa Higdon[7]; 6. 
03K-Kyle Mortensen[5]; 7. 15B-Brock Leibhart[9]; 8. (DNF) T21-Ted 
Trumbo[6]; 9. (DNF) 33X-Remington Cox[1]

HOBBY STOCKS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)

Brooke
 Russell and Daniel Irwin started the first heat race from the front 
row, Irwin would grab the early lead, as Brooke fell to second, and Lyle
 Russell got to third, &nbsp;Trevor Schmidt got to fourth. Lyle Russell got a
 little sideways in turn one and two, and slightly bunched up the field.
 A lap later Lyle would pull a slider on Brooke to grab the second 
position. With two laps to go Lyle would get around Irwin to grab the 
lead. Lyle Russell won the first heat race, second went to Daniel Irwin,
 third to Trevor Schmidt, fourth to Derick Coomes and rounding out the 
top five was Shay Simoneau.

The 
second heat race started with a front row of Jonathan Saliba and Austin 
Meis. Meis would grab an early lead, but spin in front of Bingston 
Rogers and CJ Bollig. Nicholas Ronnebaum would grab the lead in the 
midst of the chaos. Caution would come out as Roger Garrison got off 
track on the backstretch. Ronnebaum would lead the field to a restart, 
James Hart was second, Jonathan Saliba third. Ronnebaum would go on to 
win the second heat race, James Hart second, third Jonathan Saliba, 
fourth Allen Snethen, and fifth was Austin Meis.

The
 twenty lap feature started with a front row of Jonathan Saliba, and 
Daniel Irwin. Irwin would grab an early lead, Saliba would spin in front
 of the field out of turn two, but did not collect anyone and was able 
to get back going. Numerous side by side battles would start to begin, 
with drivers pulling sliders left and right. Ronnebaum would start 
battling side by side for the lead, meanwhile Lyle Russell and James 
Hart were side by side. Ronneabaum would gain the lead with a slider, 
but going down the backstretch Irwin would regain the lead, but at the 
line Ronnebaum would have the advantage. Schmidt would spin in turns one
 and two, and Lyle Russell went around as well with seven laps 
completed. Trevor Schmidt would get charged with the caution and be sent
 to the tail of the field. Ronnebaum would restart the field with James 
Hart and Daniel Irwin behind him. Caution would come out on the restart 
as Snethen went off track in one and two. Ronnebaum would lead the field
 back to the restart. Rogers would force the issue three wide on the 
restart, and after a lap the caution would fly for a spin by Hayden 
Gottstine. Ronnebaum would lead the field to another restart, Shay 
Simoneau would gain a lot of momentum and just before halfway take the 
lead away from Ronnebaum. Ronnebaum would regain the lead after a couple
 laps, but he and Simoneau would battle closely for the lead. Saliba 
would spin in &nbsp;the back of the field but got back going. The top six 
would battle in three different side by side battles. Nick Ronnebaum 
would hold on to win the feature, second went to Shay Simoneau, third to
 Lyle Russell, fourth to Bingston Rogers, and fifth to Derick Coomes. 
Ronnebaum completed a weekend sweep after winning Friday night at the 
Salina Speedway and then tonight in Hays, he has now went back to back 
with two wins in a row at RPM Speedway. The hard charger was a very fast
 and impressive Bingston Rogers who picked up twelve spots going from 
sixteenth to fourth.&nbsp;

A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 7N-Nicholas Ronnebaum[7]; 2. 29-Shay 
Simoneau[10]; 3. 22R-Lyle Russell[6]; 4. 37-Bingston Rogers[16]; 5. 
03-Derick Coomes[5]; 6. 7I-Daniel Irwin[2]; 7. 20-James Hart[4]; 8. 
8X-CJ Bollig[14]; 9. 6X-Roger Garrison[12]; 10. 12R-Brooke Russell[11]; 
11. 18M-Austin Meis[3]; 12. 311X-Austin Woods[13]; 13. 21-Allen 
Snethen[9]; 14. 5S-Jonathan Saliba[1]; 15. (DNF) 55H-Hayden 
Gottstine[15]; 16. (DNF) 2X-Trevor Schmidt[8]

Heat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 22R-Lyle Russell[5]; 2. 7I-Daniel Irwin[2]; 3. 2X-Trevor
 Schmidt[6]; 4. 03-Derick Coomes[4]; 5. 29-Shay Simoneau[8]; 6. 
12R-Brooke Russell[3]; 7. 311X-Austin Woods[1]; 8. 55H-Hayden 
Gottstine[7]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1.
 7N-Nicholas Ronnebaum[5]; 2. 20-James Hart[3]; 3. 5S-Jonathan 
Saliba[1]; 4. 21-Allen Snethen[7]; 5. 18M-Austin Meis[2]; 6. (DNF) 
6X-Roger Garrison[8]; 7. (DNF) 8X-CJ Bollig[4]; 8. (DNF) 37-Bingston 
Rogers[6]

STOCK CARS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)

Brandon
 Conkwright and Jason Rogers started the first heat race from the front 
row. Jason Rogers would grab the early lead, Ben Bogle went off track in
 one and two but was able to recover. Petersilie and Conkwright would 
battle side by side for second. Garrett Hager would close in on the 
battle for second as well, meanwhile Jason Rogers was running away with 
the heat race. Jason Rogers won, second to Brandon Conkwright, third to 
Mike Petersilie, fourth to Garrett Hager, fifth to Travis Baird, sixth 
to Robert Hoing, and seventh was Ben Bogle.

Heat
 race two started with a front row of Barrett Wagoner and Kyle Pfeifer. 
Quickly Pfeifer found his way to the lead, and Tathan Burkhart got by 
Wagoner for second. Troy Burkhart, Austin Carter and Wagoner would all 
battle for third. Wagoner and Troy would battle side by side, Troy would
 get the position with a slider, and protected from Wagoner's crossover 
attempt. Tathan Burkhart would get the heat race win coming to the line,
 narrowly passing Kyle Pfeifer, third would be Troy Burkhart, fourth 
Barrett Wagoner, fifth Austin Carter, sixth Wheat Lippelman, and seventh
 was Nick Budig.

The twenty lap 
feature started with a front row of Brandon Conkwright and Barrett 
Wagoner. Conkwright would take an initial lead, but quickly Wagoner went
 side by side, and Wagoner actually led lap one. Wagoner would solidly 
grab the lead, Conkwright would lose second after a big wheel hop, 
Rogers grabbed second, Conkwright third. Caution would come out after a 
spin in turn four. Austin Carter was sent to the back of the field for 
causing the caution. Wagoner would lead on the restart, with Rogers 
pressuring him. Meanwhile Tathan Burkhart was coming with a full head of
 steam. Tathan would get around Rogers around halfway for second. 
Pfeifer would get around Rogers to grab third place. Wagoner continued 
to lead, but the two fiddy was lurking and ready to make his move. 
Tathan would pull a slider to gain the lead, and Pfeifer would follow 
through to grab second from Wagoner. Tathan and Pfeifer would battle 
side by side for the lead. Two laps left and those two would remain side
 by side. On the last lap a lapped car would slightly hold up Pfeifer 
and Tathan Burkhart grabbed the feature win. Second was Kyle Pfeifer, 
third Barrett Wagoner, fourth Jason Rogers and fifth Brandon Conkwright.
 Not only did Tathan Burkhart win the race, he also claimed hard charger
 as he picked up seven spots in the future, going from eighth to first.&nbsp;

A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 250-Tathan Burkhart[8]; 2. 54P-Kyle Pfeifer[4];
 3. 51W-Barrett Wagoner[2]; 4. 37-Jason Rogers[3]; 5. 24C-Brandon 
Conkwright[1]; 6. 68-Garrett Hager[9]; 7. 63C-Austin Carter[10]; 8. 
52T-Travis Baird[5]; 9. X-Wheat Lippelman[12]; 10. 09H-Robert Hoing[11];
 11. (DNF) 25P-Mike Petersilie[7]; 12. (DNF) 08-Nick Budig[14]; 13. 
(DNF) 25X-Troy Burkhart[6]; 14. (DNF) 34-Ben Bogle[13]

Heat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 37-Jason Rogers[2]; 2. 24C-Brandon Conkwright[1]; 3. 
25P-Mike Petersilie[4]; 4. 68-Garrett Hager[6]; 5. 52T-Travis Baird[3]; 
6. 09H-Robert Hoing[5]; 7. 34-Ben Bogle[7]

Heat
 2 (8 Laps): 1. 250-Tathan Burkhart[4]; 2. 54P-Kyle Pfeifer[2]; 3. 
25X-Troy Burkhart[3]; 4. 51W-Barrett Wagoner[1]; 5. 63C-Austin 
Carter[7]; 6. X-Wheat Lippelman[5]; 7. 08-Nick Budig[6]

SPORT MODS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)

Garrett
 Kuhlmann and Jack Kirchoff formed the front row of the first heat race.
 Kirchoff would grab the early lead, but caution came out as Sage Dinkel
 went around. The field would take an original restart, and Jack 
Kirchoff would grab the lead, and Brianna Maughlin would get to second 
quickly. Connor Barnes and Maughlin would battle side by side, Maughlin 
would prevail, meanwhile Blaine Walt got around Barnes for third, and 
would start working to pass Maughlin. Walt would get by Maughlin and 
then also get by Kirchoff to gain the lead. Kirchoff and Maughlin would 
battle side by side for second. Blaine Walt rode off to grab the heat 
race win, second was Jack Kirchoff, third Brianna Maughlin, fourth 
Connor Barnes, and fifth Tony Steenson.&nbsp;

Taos
 Leighton and Jacey Archer formed the front row of the second heat race.
 Leighton would get sideways down the backstretch and Ryan Kirchoff went
 around as a result to bring out the caution. The field would take an 
original restart, and Jacey Archer would gain the early lead, with Tyler
 Watts and Josh Barnhart chasing. Watts would battle side by side with 
Archer for the lead. Watts would try to throw sliders to get around 
Archer and nothing would stick. Meanwhile that brought Barnhart into the
 picture. Watts and Archer would get to high with two laps to go and 
Barnhart would take advantage and pass them both in one corner. Josh 
Barnhart would go on to win the heat race, Tyler Watts second, Jacey 
Archer third, and Tim Stallbaumer fourth.

The
 twenty lap feature started with a front row of Jack Kirchoff and Jacey 
Archer. Archer would grab the early lead, meanwhile Jack Kirchoff and 
Tyler Watts battled side by side. Blaine Walt was starting a charge to 
the front as well. Caution would come out as Sage Dinkel went for a spin
 in turns three and four after two laps completed. Archer would bring 
the field back to the restart, and Watts would battle side by side for 
the lead. Blaine Walt would jump to third, and Watts got to the lead. 
Walt would power by each of them with a slider to grab the lead. At the 
halfway mark Blaine Walt had a solid lead over Watts, Barnhart was up to
 fourth and was battling Archer for third. Blaine Walt would cruise to 
the feature win, Tyler Watts second, Josh Barnhart third, Jacey Archer 
fourth and rounding out the top five was Jack Kirchoff. Going from ninth
 to third was Josh Barnhart who picked up hard charger honors.

A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 14W-Blaine Walt[6]; 2. 77W-Tyler Watts[5]; 3. 
5150-Josh Barnhart[9]; 4. 2BA-Jacey Archer[2]; 5. 88J-Jack Kirchoff[1]; 
6. 17M-Brianna Maughlin[4]; 7. 28K-Ryan Kirchoff[12]; 8. 59S-Tony 
Steenson[3]; 9. 28D-Sage Dinkel[11]; 10. 83L-Taos Leighton[10]; 11. 
(DNF) 7C-Connor Barnes[8]; 12. (DNF) T25-Tim Stallbaumer[7]; 13. (DNF) 
2K-Garrett Kuhlmann[13]

Heat 1 
(8 Laps): 1. 14W-Blaine Walt[5]; 2. 88J-Jack Kirchoff[2]; 3. 17M-Brianna
 Maughlin[4]; 4. 7C-Connor Barnes[6]; 5. 59S-Tony Steenson[3]; 6. 
28D-Sage Dinkel[7]; 7. 2K-Garrett Kuhlmann[1]

Heat
 2 (8 Laps): 1. 5150-Josh Barnhart[6]; 2. 77W-Tyler Watts[4]; 3. 
2BA-Jacey Archer[2]; 4. T25-Tim Stallbaumer[5]; 5. (DNF) 83L-Taos 
Leighton[1]; 6. (DNF) 28K-Ryan Kirchoff[3]

MODIFIEDS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)

Brandon
 Conkwright and Rich Tegethoff started the first heat race from the 
front row. Conkwright grabbed an early lead. Caution would come out and 
as the field slowed down Tim Watts slammed into Jake Nightengale. All 
drivers continued and the field would do an original restart. Conkwright
 would grab the early lead, Kyle Rohleder would start charging to the 
front and easily get to second. Rohleder would battle closely with 
Conkwright. Caution would come out as Terry Berry spun in turn four. 
Conkwright would gain a good lead off the restart, and would go on to 
win the first heat race. Second was Kyle Rohleder, third was Jake 
Nightingale, fourth Mike Petersilie and fifth was Tim Watts.

Jeremy
 Sigler and Dylan Sherfick started the second heat race from the front 
row. Quickly Sherfick gained the lead and started pulling away. Tanner 
Black and Clay Money would battle for second, with Money prevailing. 
Sherfick went on to win the second heat race, second was Clay Money, 
third was Tanner Black, fourth Daniel Gottschalk and fifth went to Kaid 
Calhoon.

The twenty lap feature 
started with a front row of Brandon Conkwright and Tim Watts. Conkwright
 grabbed the initial lead, and caution would come out as Jake 
Nightingale, Mike Petersilie, Kaid Calhoon and TeeJay Janousek would all
 get in an incident in turn four. Ending the night for Petersilie and 
Nightingale, and the field would go to an original restart. Conkwright, 
Watts and Rohleder would all battle for the lead off the restart, 
Rohleder and Conkwright would battle side by side, and Rohleder would 
power to the lead on the outside. Meanwhile five cars would battle for 
third place, while Rohleder was cruising. Clay Money would start making 
moves towards the front. At halfway Rohleder still led, over Gottschalk,
 Watts and Money. Watts and Gottschalk would battle side by side. 
Rohleder would run away with the feature win, second was Daniel 
Gottschalk, third was Clay Money, fourth was Brandon Conkwright, and 
Tanner Black rounded out the top five. Going from ninth to third, 
picking up six spots was Clay Money making him the hard charger.&nbsp;

A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 0-Kyle Rohleder[6]; 2. 3D-Daniel Gottschalk[3];
 3. 7-Clay Money[9]; 4. 24C-Brandon Conkwright[1]; 5. 44T-Tanner 
Black[7]; 6. 11W-Tim Watts[2]; 7. 66D-Dylan Sherfick[5]; 8. 43-Kaid 
Calhoon[10]; 9. 7B-Curtis Barnes[11]; 10. K98-Danny Keller[12]; 11. 
10-TeeJay Janousek[15]; 12. 87-Rich Tegethoff[16]; 13. (DNF) 25P-Mike 
Petersilie[8]; 14. (DNF) 3J-Jake Nightingale[4]; 15. (DNF) 21J-Jeremy 
Sigler[14]; 16. (DNS) 92-John Rawson; 17. (DNS) B6-Terry Berry

Heat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 24C-Brandon Conkwright[1]; 2. 0-Kyle Rohleder[5]; 3. 
3J-Jake Nightingale[4]; 4. 25P-Mike Petersilie[6]; 5. 11W-Tim Watts[3]; 
6. 7B-Curtis Barnes[8]; 7. (DNF) 92-John Rawson[7]; 8. (DNF) B6-Terry 
Berry[9]; 9. (DNF) 87-Rich Tegethoff[2]

Heat
 2 (8 Laps): 1. 66D-Dylan Sherfick[4]; 2. 7-Clay Money[6]; 3. 44T-Tanner
 Black[5]; 4. 3D-Daniel Gottschalk[3]; 5. 43-Kaid Calhoon[8]; 6. 
K98-Danny Keller[7]; 7. (DNF) 21J-Jeremy Sigler[1]; 8. (DNS) 10-TeeJay 
Janousek

The
 next races at RPM will be July 16th and 17th for the Ellis County Fair 
Races, stay tuned to the Rolling Plains Motor Speedway page on Facebook 
for more information on those events!&nbsp;

Results from <a href="https://www.myracepass.com/events/400836/media-results" target="_blank">https://www.myracepass.com/events/400836/media-results</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1656340451775.png" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHELDON WICKWAR <a href="https://wheelinganddeal.com/f/kyle-rohleder-victorious-at-the-cody-younger-memorial-race">Wheelinganddeal.com</a>Seventy-four
 race teams checked into the RPM Speedway for a night of weekly racing, 
and to honor the memory of the late Cody Younger. Making the trip to 
victory lane was Troy Burkhart in the cruiser class, Logan Casper in the
 sport compact class, Nicholas Ronnebaum in the hobby stock class, 
Blaine Walt in the sport mod class, Tathan Burkhart in the stock car 
class, and Kyle Rohleder in the modified class.CRUISERS: (One six lap heat race, twelve lap feature)The
 heat race started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Matt Ramsey on 
the front row. Burkhart grabbed an early lead, as the field would go 
three wide for second place, Shaun Woods would grab second after the 
three wide battle. Shaun Woods would spin in turn two on lap two, and 
would gather it back up without a caution coming out. Burkhart would 
continue to dominate the heat race and grab the win. Troy Burkhart won 
the heat, second was Dylan Pfeifer, third Matt Ramsey, fourth Devon 
Ghumm and fifth was Shaun Woods.The
 twelve lap feature started with a front row of Troy Burkhart and Dylan 
Pfeifer. Burkhart would power to the early lead, with Dylan Pfeifer 
chasing after. Pfeifer would get the lead after a couple laps, but would
 lose it after getting a bit loose, and Burkhart regained the lead. 
Burkhart would lead the remainder to pick up the feature win. Second was
 Dylan Pfeifer, third Matt Ramsey, fourth Shaun Woods, and fifth Devon 
Ghumm. Shaun Woods earned the hard charger award as he was the only 
cruiser to pick up a position during the feature.A
 Feature 1 (12 Laps): 1. 12-Troy Burkhart[1]; 2. 10 32-Dylan Pfeifer[2];
 3. 911-Matt Ramsey[3]; 4. 666-Shaun Woods[5]; 5. (DNF) 01-Devon 
Ghumm[4]Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 
12-Troy Burkhart[1]; 2. 10 32-Dylan Pfeifer[3]; 3. 911-Matt Ramsey[2]; 
4. 01-Devon Ghumm[5]; 5. 666-Shaun Woods[4]SPORT COMPACTS: (One eight lap heat race, fifteen lap feature)The
 heat race started with a front row of Remington Cox and Logan Casper. 
Casper would grab an early lead, meanwhile Connor Schwien, Remington 
Cox, and David Kappel would battle for second and third. Caution would 
come out as Cox went off track in turns one and two, after the field had
 completed one lap. Casper would bring the field to a single-file 
restart, Casper would hold the lead. On the restart Ted Trumbo had 
troubles getting going, and on the next lap his engine unfortunately 
expired, ending his night. Casper would continue to lead, with Schwien 
in toe, Gage Porter would bump Kappel but both drivers kept it straight 
without spinning. Casper would hold on to win the heat race, Connor 
Schwien second, third Gage Porter, fourth Dave Kappel and fifth was 
Kiowa Higdon.The fifteen lap 
feature started with a front row of Logan Casper and Connor Schwien. 
Casper got the early lead, Schwien spun in turn three, and Kiowa Higdon 
had nowhere to go and slammed into Schwien, ending Schwien's night. 
Casper would restart the field with Kyle Mortensen on his outside. 
Casper got the early advantage and Mortensen would chase. Quickly a four
 car battle would break out for second, Mortensen would prevail. Dave 
Kappel was third, with Brock Leibhart and Gage Porter battling closely. 
Mortensen would get to Casper's rear bumper, trying to figure out a way 
to gain the lead. While Casper and Mortensen were side by side for the 
lead, Porter and Kappel were side by side for second, with Porter 
lurking in fifth. Mortensen and Porter were battling side by side for 
second, and Porter ultimately spun Casper. Porter would go to the tail 
of the field for causing the caution and Casper regained his lead. 
Casper would hold the lead on the restart, meanwhile Mortensen and 
Leibhart were battling side by side for third. Porter, Leibhart and 
Mortensen would have a three wide battle for third place. Logan Casper 
came away with the victory, his first career feature win, second went to
 Dave Kappel, third to Brock Leibhart, fourth to Kyle Mortensen and 
fifth to Gage Porter. Going into the evening David Kappel and Madison 
Reed were tied in state IMCA points, Kappel now holds the state point 
lead, as Madison Reed missed this race, as he is out of state battling 
fires. Going from seventh to third was Brock Leibhart who picked up hard
 charger honors.&nbsp;A
 Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 26C-Logan Casper[1]; 2. 45-David Kappel[3]; 3. 
15B-Brock Leibhart[7]; 4. 03K-Kyle Mortensen[6]; 5. 69G-Gage Porter[5]; 
6. 17-Kiowa Higdon[4]; 7. (DNF) 33X-Remington Cox[9]; 8. (DNF) 
16C-Connor Schwien[2]; 9. (DNS) T21-Ted TrumboHeat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 26C-Logan Casper[2]; 2. 16C-Connor Schwien[3]; 3. 
69G-Gage Porter[8]; 4. 45-David Kappel[4]; 5. 17-Kiowa Higdon[7]; 6. 
03K-Kyle Mortensen[5]; 7. 15B-Brock Leibhart[9]; 8. (DNF) T21-Ted 
Trumbo[6]; 9. (DNF) 33X-Remington Cox[1]HOBBY STOCKS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)Brooke
 Russell and Daniel Irwin started the first heat race from the front 
row, Irwin would grab the early lead, as Brooke fell to second, and Lyle
 Russell got to third, &nbsp;Trevor Schmidt got to fourth. Lyle Russell got a
 little sideways in turn one and two, and slightly bunched up the field.
 A lap later Lyle would pull a slider on Brooke to grab the second 
position. With two laps to go Lyle would get around Irwin to grab the 
lead. Lyle Russell won the first heat race, second went to Daniel Irwin,
 third to Trevor Schmidt, fourth to Derick Coomes and rounding out the 
top five was Shay Simoneau.The 
second heat race started with a front row of Jonathan Saliba and Austin 
Meis. Meis would grab an early lead, but spin in front of Bingston 
Rogers and CJ Bollig. Nicholas Ronnebaum would grab the lead in the 
midst of the chaos. Caution would come out as Roger Garrison got off 
track on the backstretch. Ronnebaum would lead the field to a restart, 
James Hart was second, Jonathan Saliba third. Ronnebaum would go on to 
win the second heat race, James Hart second, third Jonathan Saliba, 
fourth Allen Snethen, and fifth was Austin Meis.The
 twenty lap feature started with a front row of Jonathan Saliba, and 
Daniel Irwin. Irwin would grab an early lead, Saliba would spin in front
 of the field out of turn two, but did not collect anyone and was able 
to get back going. Numerous side by side battles would start to begin, 
with drivers pulling sliders left and right. Ronnebaum would start 
battling side by side for the lead, meanwhile Lyle Russell and James 
Hart were side by side. Ronneabaum would gain the lead with a slider, 
but going down the backstretch Irwin would regain the lead, but at the 
line Ronnebaum would have the advantage. Schmidt would spin in turns one
 and two, and Lyle Russell went around as well with seven laps 
completed. Trevor Schmidt would get charged with the caution and be sent
 to the tail of the field. Ronnebaum would restart the field with James 
Hart and Daniel Irwin behind him. Caution would come out on the restart 
as Snethen went off track in one and two. Ronnebaum would lead the field
 back to the restart. Rogers would force the issue three wide on the 
restart, and after a lap the caution would fly for a spin by Hayden 
Gottstine. Ronnebaum would lead the field to another restart, Shay 
Simoneau would gain a lot of momentum and just before halfway take the 
lead away from Ronnebaum. Ronnebaum would regain the lead after a couple
 laps, but he and Simoneau would battle closely for the lead. Saliba 
would spin in &nbsp;the back of the field but got back going. The top six 
would battle in three different side by side battles. Nick Ronnebaum 
would hold on to win the feature, second went to Shay Simoneau, third to
 Lyle Russell, fourth to Bingston Rogers, and fifth to Derick Coomes. 
Ronnebaum completed a weekend sweep after winning Friday night at the 
Salina Speedway and then tonight in Hays, he has now went back to back 
with two wins in a row at RPM Speedway. The hard charger was a very fast
 and impressive Bingston Rogers who picked up twelve spots going from 
sixteenth to fourth.&nbsp;A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 7N-Nicholas Ronnebaum[7]; 2. 29-Shay 
Simoneau[10]; 3. 22R-Lyle Russell[6]; 4. 37-Bingston Rogers[16]; 5. 
03-Derick Coomes[5]; 6. 7I-Daniel Irwin[2]; 7. 20-James Hart[4]; 8. 
8X-CJ Bollig[14]; 9. 6X-Roger Garrison[12]; 10. 12R-Brooke Russell[11]; 
11. 18M-Austin Meis[3]; 12. 311X-Austin Woods[13]; 13. 21-Allen 
Snethen[9]; 14. 5S-Jonathan Saliba[1]; 15. (DNF) 55H-Hayden 
Gottstine[15]; 16. (DNF) 2X-Trevor Schmidt[8]Heat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 22R-Lyle Russell[5]; 2. 7I-Daniel Irwin[2]; 3. 2X-Trevor
 Schmidt[6]; 4. 03-Derick Coomes[4]; 5. 29-Shay Simoneau[8]; 6. 
12R-Brooke Russell[3]; 7. 311X-Austin Woods[1]; 8. 55H-Hayden 
Gottstine[7]Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1.
 7N-Nicholas Ronnebaum[5]; 2. 20-James Hart[3]; 3. 5S-Jonathan 
Saliba[1]; 4. 21-Allen Snethen[7]; 5. 18M-Austin Meis[2]; 6. (DNF) 
6X-Roger Garrison[8]; 7. (DNF) 8X-CJ Bollig[4]; 8. (DNF) 37-Bingston 
Rogers[6]STOCK CARS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)Brandon
 Conkwright and Jason Rogers started the first heat race from the front 
row. Jason Rogers would grab the early lead, Ben Bogle went off track in
 one and two but was able to recover. Petersilie and Conkwright would 
battle side by side for second. Garrett Hager would close in on the 
battle for second as well, meanwhile Jason Rogers was running away with 
the heat race. Jason Rogers won, second to Brandon Conkwright, third to 
Mike Petersilie, fourth to Garrett Hager, fifth to Travis Baird, sixth 
to Robert Hoing, and seventh was Ben Bogle.Heat
 race two started with a front row of Barrett Wagoner and Kyle Pfeifer. 
Quickly Pfeifer found his way to the lead, and Tathan Burkhart got by 
Wagoner for second. Troy Burkhart, Austin Carter and Wagoner would all 
battle for third. Wagoner and Troy would battle side by side, Troy would
 get the position with a slider, and protected from Wagoner's crossover 
attempt. Tathan Burkhart would get the heat race win coming to the line,
 narrowly passing Kyle Pfeifer, third would be Troy Burkhart, fourth 
Barrett Wagoner, fifth Austin Carter, sixth Wheat Lippelman, and seventh
 was Nick Budig.The twenty lap 
feature started with a front row of Brandon Conkwright and Barrett 
Wagoner. Conkwright would take an initial lead, but quickly Wagoner went
 side by side, and Wagoner actually led lap one. Wagoner would solidly 
grab the lead, Conkwright would lose second after a big wheel hop, 
Rogers grabbed second, Conkwright third. Caution would come out after a 
spin in turn four. Austin Carter was sent to the back of the field for 
causing the caution. Wagoner would lead on the restart, with Rogers 
pressuring him. Meanwhile Tathan Burkhart was coming with a full head of
 steam. Tathan would get around Rogers around halfway for second. 
Pfeifer would get around Rogers to grab third place. Wagoner continued 
to lead, but the two fiddy was lurking and ready to make his move. 
Tathan would pull a slider to gain the lead, and Pfeifer would follow 
through to grab second from Wagoner. Tathan and Pfeifer would battle 
side by side for the lead. Two laps left and those two would remain side
 by side. On the last lap a lapped car would slightly hold up Pfeifer 
and Tathan Burkhart grabbed the feature win. Second was Kyle Pfeifer, 
third Barrett Wagoner, fourth Jason Rogers and fifth Brandon Conkwright.
 Not only did Tathan Burkhart win the race, he also claimed hard charger
 as he picked up seven spots in the future, going from eighth to first.&nbsp;A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 250-Tathan Burkhart[8]; 2. 54P-Kyle Pfeifer[4];
 3. 51W-Barrett Wagoner[2]; 4. 37-Jason Rogers[3]; 5. 24C-Brandon 
Conkwright[1]; 6. 68-Garrett Hager[9]; 7. 63C-Austin Carter[10]; 8. 
52T-Travis Baird[5]; 9. X-Wheat Lippelman[12]; 10. 09H-Robert Hoing[11];
 11. (DNF) 25P-Mike Petersilie[7]; 12. (DNF) 08-Nick Budig[14]; 13. 
(DNF) 25X-Troy Burkhart[6]; 14. (DNF) 34-Ben Bogle[13]Heat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 37-Jason Rogers[2]; 2. 24C-Brandon Conkwright[1]; 3. 
25P-Mike Petersilie[4]; 4. 68-Garrett Hager[6]; 5. 52T-Travis Baird[3]; 
6. 09H-Robert Hoing[5]; 7. 34-Ben Bogle[7]Heat
 2 (8 Laps): 1. 250-Tathan Burkhart[4]; 2. 54P-Kyle Pfeifer[2]; 3. 
25X-Troy Burkhart[3]; 4. 51W-Barrett Wagoner[1]; 5. 63C-Austin 
Carter[7]; 6. X-Wheat Lippelman[5]; 7. 08-Nick Budig[6]SPORT MODS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)Garrett
 Kuhlmann and Jack Kirchoff formed the front row of the first heat race.
 Kirchoff would grab the early lead, but caution came out as Sage Dinkel
 went around. The field would take an original restart, and Jack 
Kirchoff would grab the lead, and Brianna Maughlin would get to second 
quickly. Connor Barnes and Maughlin would battle side by side, Maughlin 
would prevail, meanwhile Blaine Walt got around Barnes for third, and 
would start working to pass Maughlin. Walt would get by Maughlin and 
then also get by Kirchoff to gain the lead. Kirchoff and Maughlin would 
battle side by side for second. Blaine Walt rode off to grab the heat 
race win, second was Jack Kirchoff, third Brianna Maughlin, fourth 
Connor Barnes, and fifth Tony Steenson.&nbsp;Taos
 Leighton and Jacey Archer formed the front row of the second heat race.
 Leighton would get sideways down the backstretch and Ryan Kirchoff went
 around as a result to bring out the caution. The field would take an 
original restart, and Jacey Archer would gain the early lead, with Tyler
 Watts and Josh Barnhart chasing. Watts would battle side by side with 
Archer for the lead. Watts would try to throw sliders to get around 
Archer and nothing would stick. Meanwhile that brought Barnhart into the
 picture. Watts and Archer would get to high with two laps to go and 
Barnhart would take advantage and pass them both in one corner. Josh 
Barnhart would go on to win the heat race, Tyler Watts second, Jacey 
Archer third, and Tim Stallbaumer fourth.The
 twenty lap feature started with a front row of Jack Kirchoff and Jacey 
Archer. Archer would grab the early lead, meanwhile Jack Kirchoff and 
Tyler Watts battled side by side. Blaine Walt was starting a charge to 
the front as well. Caution would come out as Sage Dinkel went for a spin
 in turns three and four after two laps completed. Archer would bring 
the field back to the restart, and Watts would battle side by side for 
the lead. Blaine Walt would jump to third, and Watts got to the lead. 
Walt would power by each of them with a slider to grab the lead. At the 
halfway mark Blaine Walt had a solid lead over Watts, Barnhart was up to
 fourth and was battling Archer for third. Blaine Walt would cruise to 
the feature win, Tyler Watts second, Josh Barnhart third, Jacey Archer 
fourth and rounding out the top five was Jack Kirchoff. Going from ninth
 to third was Josh Barnhart who picked up hard charger honors.A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 14W-Blaine Walt[6]; 2. 77W-Tyler Watts[5]; 3. 
5150-Josh Barnhart[9]; 4. 2BA-Jacey Archer[2]; 5. 88J-Jack Kirchoff[1]; 
6. 17M-Brianna Maughlin[4]; 7. 28K-Ryan Kirchoff[12]; 8. 59S-Tony 
Steenson[3]; 9. 28D-Sage Dinkel[11]; 10. 83L-Taos Leighton[10]; 11. 
(DNF) 7C-Connor Barnes[8]; 12. (DNF) T25-Tim Stallbaumer[7]; 13. (DNF) 
2K-Garrett Kuhlmann[13]Heat 1 
(8 Laps): 1. 14W-Blaine Walt[5]; 2. 88J-Jack Kirchoff[2]; 3. 17M-Brianna
 Maughlin[4]; 4. 7C-Connor Barnes[6]; 5. 59S-Tony Steenson[3]; 6. 
28D-Sage Dinkel[7]; 7. 2K-Garrett Kuhlmann[1]Heat
 2 (8 Laps): 1. 5150-Josh Barnhart[6]; 2. 77W-Tyler Watts[4]; 3. 
2BA-Jacey Archer[2]; 4. T25-Tim Stallbaumer[5]; 5. (DNF) 83L-Taos 
Leighton[1]; 6. (DNF) 28K-Ryan Kirchoff[3]MODIFIEDS: (Two eight lap heat races, twenty lap feature)Brandon
 Conkwright and Rich Tegethoff started the first heat race from the 
front row. Conkwright grabbed an early lead. Caution would come out and 
as the field slowed down Tim Watts slammed into Jake Nightengale. All 
drivers continued and the field would do an original restart. Conkwright
 would grab the early lead, Kyle Rohleder would start charging to the 
front and easily get to second. Rohleder would battle closely with 
Conkwright. Caution would come out as Terry Berry spun in turn four. 
Conkwright would gain a good lead off the restart, and would go on to 
win the first heat race. Second was Kyle Rohleder, third was Jake 
Nightingale, fourth Mike Petersilie and fifth was Tim Watts.Jeremy
 Sigler and Dylan Sherfick started the second heat race from the front 
row. Quickly Sherfick gained the lead and started pulling away. Tanner 
Black and Clay Money would battle for second, with Money prevailing. 
Sherfick went on to win the second heat race, second was Clay Money, 
third was Tanner Black, fourth Daniel Gottschalk and fifth went to Kaid 
Calhoon.The twenty lap feature 
started with a front row of Brandon Conkwright and Tim Watts. Conkwright
 grabbed the initial lead, and caution would come out as Jake 
Nightingale, Mike Petersilie, Kaid Calhoon and TeeJay Janousek would all
 get in an incident in turn four. Ending the night for Petersilie and 
Nightingale, and the field would go to an original restart. Conkwright, 
Watts and Rohleder would all battle for the lead off the restart, 
Rohleder and Conkwright would battle side by side, and Rohleder would 
power to the lead on the outside. Meanwhile five cars would battle for 
third place, while Rohleder was cruising. Clay Money would start making 
moves towards the front. At halfway Rohleder still led, over Gottschalk,
 Watts and Money. Watts and Gottschalk would battle side by side. 
Rohleder would run away with the feature win, second was Daniel 
Gottschalk, third was Clay Money, fourth was Brandon Conkwright, and 
Tanner Black rounded out the top five. Going from ninth to third, 
picking up six spots was Clay Money making him the hard charger.&nbsp;A
 Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 0-Kyle Rohleder[6]; 2. 3D-Daniel Gottschalk[3];
 3. 7-Clay Money[9]; 4. 24C-Brandon Conkwright[1]; 5. 44T-Tanner 
Black[7]; 6. 11W-Tim Watts[2]; 7. 66D-Dylan Sherfick[5]; 8. 43-Kaid 
Calhoon[10]; 9. 7B-Curtis Barnes[11]; 10. K98-Danny Keller[12]; 11. 
10-TeeJay Janousek[15]; 12. 87-Rich Tegethoff[16]; 13. (DNF) 25P-Mike 
Petersilie[8]; 14. (DNF) 3J-Jake Nightingale[4]; 15. (DNF) 21J-Jeremy 
Sigler[14]; 16. (DNS) 92-John Rawson; 17. (DNS) B6-Terry BerryHeat
 1 (8 Laps): 1. 24C-Brandon Conkwright[1]; 2. 0-Kyle Rohleder[5]; 3. 
3J-Jake Nightingale[4]; 4. 25P-Mike Petersilie[6]; 5. 11W-Tim Watts[3]; 
6. 7B-Curtis Barnes[8]; 7. (DNF) 92-John Rawson[7]; 8. (DNF) B6-Terry 
Berry[9]; 9. (DNF) 87-Rich Tegethoff[2]Heat
 2 (8 Laps): 1. 66D-Dylan Sherfick[4]; 2. 7-Clay Money[6]; 3. 44T-Tanner
 Black[5]; 4. 3D-Daniel Gottschalk[3]; 5. 43-Kaid Calhoon[8]; 6. 
K98-Danny Keller[7]; 7. (DNF) 21J-Jeremy Sigler[1]; 8. (DNS) 10-TeeJay 
JanousekThe
 next races at RPM will be July 16th and 17th for the Ellis County Fair 
Races, stay tuned to the Rolling Plains Motor Speedway page on Facebook 
for more information on those events!&nbsp;Results from <a href="https://www.myracepass.com/events/400836/media-results" target="_blank">https://www.myracepass.com/events/400836/media-results</a>

🏁 Kyle Rohleder victorious at Cody Younger Memorial Race

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Fri Jun 17 2022 10:04:54 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Coby Grimsley"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/m9txsyeK-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/m9txsyeK-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/m9txsyeK-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Coby Grimsley" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Coby Grimsley

DODGE CITY – The Hays Larks avenged Saturday
night’s home loss to Dodge City with a 9-3 non-league road win at Cavalier
Field Sunday night. It’s just their second win in the last five games
following a season-high eight-game winning streak.

The Larks raced out to an early 4-0
lead. Leo Jiminian hit a two-run homer two batters into the game. Jack Torosian
added a two-run single in the third. After the A’s scored three unearned runs
in the bottom of the third, the Larks answered with single runs in the fifth
and sixth and three in the seventh.

Jackson Halter singled to left driving in
Austen Jaslove to make it a 5-3 game in the fifth. Jaslove drove in a run with
a single to center in the sixth. Hunter Rosson, Tanner Rice and Leo Jiminain all
drove in runs in the third to put the game away.

Starting pitcher Caden Hare (1-1) allowed
only one hit with two strikeouts and no walks over the first two innings and
was awarded the win. Sam Hendon, Coby Grimsley and Brady Rose combine for five
scoreless innings to close out the game.

Austen Jaslove had three hits and Jiminian drove in three runs.

The Larks are back in Dodge City for an RMBLS game on Tuesday then return home for a non-league game with Junction
City on Wednesday.

DODGE CITY – The Hays Larks avenged Saturday
night’s home loss to Dodge City with a 9-3 non-league road win at Cavalier
Field Sunday night. It’s just their second win in the last five games
following a season-high eight-game winning streak.The Larks raced out to an early 4-0
lead. Leo Jiminian hit a two-run homer two batters into the game. Jack Torosian
added a two-run single in the third. After the A’s scored three unearned runs
in the bottom of the third, the Larks answered with single runs in the fifth
and sixth and three in the seventh.Jackson Halter singled to left driving in
Austen Jaslove to make it a 5-3 game in the fifth. Jaslove drove in a run with
a single to center in the sixth. Hunter Rosson, Tanner Rice and Leo Jiminain all
drove in runs in the third to put the game away.Starting pitcher Caden Hare (1-1) allowed
only one hit with two strikeouts and no walks over the first two innings and
was awarded the win. Sam Hendon, Coby Grimsley and Brady Rose combine for five
scoreless innings to close out the game.Austen Jaslove had three hits and Jiminian drove in three runs.UP NEXTThe Larks are back in Dodge City for an RMBLS game on Tuesday then return home for a non-league game with Junction
City on Wednesday.

⚾ Larks pick up road win in Dodge City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Brown hit his 10th home run of the season, Nick Allen had two RBIs and the Oakland Athletics defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday.

Brown leads the team in HRs, and belted a solo shot to right in the sixth inning to make it 2-0.

“I’ve faced (Royals starter Brady Singer) quite a few times now and I felt confident going in,” Brown said. “I knew what I wanted to do with my approach and I worked out well today.”

Kansas City responded in the bottom of the sixth with three runs, including Carlos Santana’s two-run single and a pinch-hit RBI bloop single by Edward Olivares.

Allen then hit his two-RBI single in the seventh, and Cristian Pache added an insurance run in the ninth with an RBI single.

“It was a two-out rally in the seventh,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “... We had some momentum and for Nick to drop one into centerfield like that, we haven’t been getting many of those types of hits. It was good to see a ball fall in for us and give us a lead there.”

The win clinched the series, snapping an eight-series losing streak for the A’s. It was also the first time Oakland won back-to-back since May 24 and 25 at Seattle; the A's had lost 30 of their last 39 games.

Oakland starter James Kaprielian gave up three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings of work with two strikeouts and four walks. He was chased after giving up a leadoff triple to Nicky Lopez and two walks, and Sam Moll allowed all those runners to score.

“Overall, I would say the performance (from Kaprielian) was really good,” Kotsay said. “He almost ended up on the wrong side of it with a fluke hit that falls in thankfully we were able to get him off the hook and get him a win.”

Oakland relievers Moll, Domingo Acevedo (1-1) and Zach Jackson held the Royals scoreless, and Lou Trivino recorded his fourth save of the year.

Brady Singer (3-3) gave up five runs on seven hits in a career-high 8 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and a walk. All runs came with two outs. Singer became the first Royal to lose a start of at least 8 1/3 innings since Danny Duffy in July 2017.

“Brady was terrific. Couldn’t ask for anything more,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “So close to that being at least seven with just two runs. He did everything we needed him to do and he was efficient and so close.”

Kansas City dropped its sixth consecutive rubber game at home, dating back to September.

Royals: Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ballysports.com/kansas-city/news/kansas-city-royals-josh-staumont-foster-griffin-matt-peacock" target="_blank">placed RHP Josh Staumont (neck strain) on the 15-day injured list</a>&nbsp;and recalled Matt Peacock.

Athletics: Jonah Bride exited the game after colliding with Chad Pinder on Olivares’ hit in the sixth.

Athletics: Recalled LHP Sam Selman from Triple-A Las Vegas and LHP Jared Koenig was optioned back to Las Vegas.

Royals: RHP Jackson Kowar was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and LHP Foster Griffin was optioned to Omaha.

Athletics: Oakland’s Paul Blackburn (6-3, 2.97 ERA) will take the mound Monday to open a three-game series against the American League-leading Yankees as part of a 10-game road trip. LHP Jordan Montgomery (3-1, 2.97) will pitch for New York.

Royals: Continue a 12-game stretch against AL West opponents, taking on the Texas Rangers. Kris Bubic (1-4, 7.41) will get the start against Texas LHP Martin Perez (5-2, 1.96).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Seth Brown hit his 10th home run of the season, Nick Allen had two RBIs and the Oakland Athletics defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Sunday.Brown leads the team in HRs, and belted a solo shot to right in the sixth inning to make it 2-0.“I’ve faced (Royals starter Brady Singer) quite a few times now and I felt confident going in,” Brown said. “I knew what I wanted to do with my approach and I worked out well today.”Kansas City responded in the bottom of the sixth with three runs, including Carlos Santana’s two-run single and a pinch-hit RBI bloop single by Edward Olivares.Allen then hit his two-RBI single in the seventh, and Cristian Pache added an insurance run in the ninth with an RBI single.“It was a two-out rally in the seventh,” Oakland manager Mark Kotsay said. “... We had some momentum and for Nick to drop one into centerfield like that, we haven’t been getting many of those types of hits. It was good to see a ball fall in for us and give us a lead there.”The win clinched the series, snapping an eight-series losing streak for the A’s. It was also the first time Oakland won back-to-back since May 24 and 25 at Seattle; the A's had lost 30 of their last 39 games.Oakland starter James Kaprielian gave up three runs on two hits in 5 1/3 innings of work with two strikeouts and four walks. He was chased after giving up a leadoff triple to Nicky Lopez and two walks, and Sam Moll allowed all those runners to score.“Overall, I would say the performance (from Kaprielian) was really good,” Kotsay said. “He almost ended up on the wrong side of it with a fluke hit that falls in thankfully we were able to get him off the hook and get him a win.”Oakland relievers Moll, Domingo Acevedo (1-1) and Zach Jackson held the Royals scoreless, and Lou Trivino recorded his fourth save of the year.Brady Singer (3-3) gave up five runs on seven hits in a career-high 8 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and a walk. All runs came with two outs. Singer became the first Royal to lose a start of at least 8 1/3 innings since Danny Duffy in July 2017.“Brady was terrific. Couldn’t ask for anything more,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “So close to that being at least seven with just two runs. He did everything we needed him to do and he was efficient and so close.”Kansas City dropped its sixth consecutive rubber game at home, dating back to September.RAINER’S ROOMRoyals: Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ballysports.com/kansas-city/news/kansas-city-royals-josh-staumont-foster-griffin-matt-peacock" target="_blank">placed RHP Josh Staumont (neck strain) on the 15-day injured list</a>&nbsp;and recalled Matt Peacock.Athletics: Jonah Bride exited the game after colliding with Chad Pinder on Olivares’ hit in the sixth.ROSTER MOVESAthletics: Recalled LHP Sam Selman from Triple-A Las Vegas and LHP Jared Koenig was optioned back to Las Vegas.Royals: RHP Jackson Kowar was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and LHP Foster Griffin was optioned to Omaha.UP NEXTAthletics: Oakland’s Paul Blackburn (6-3, 2.97 ERA) will take the mound Monday to open a three-game series against the American League-leading Yankees as part of a 10-game road trip. LHP Jordan Montgomery (3-1, 2.97) will pitch for New York.Royals: Continue a 12-game stretch against AL West opponents, taking on the Texas Rangers. Kris Bubic (1-4, 7.41) will get the start against Texas LHP Martin Perez (5-2, 1.96).

⚾ Royals can't hold on to late lead, lose finale to Oakland

McPHERSON - For a second weekend in a row, the HBC Hammer 18U baseball team finished runner-up at a tournament. After winning both of their pool play games Friday then winning their first two bracket games Saturday, the Hammer lost 8-2 to the Kansas Curve in Saturday night's title game.

In the title game, the Hammer (15-7) scored twice in the second inning to take a 2-1 lead, but the Curve (23-5-2) answered with three in the third and three more in the fifth. They closed out the scoring with a run in the top in the top of the seventh f0r the final margin.

Both teams had four hits but the Curve took advantage of seven walks, three hit batters and three Hammer errors to avenge a 12-10 loss to Hays in Friday's pool play.

Dalton Dale (1-1) allowed seven runs (two earned) on four hits with five walks and five strikeouts and suffered the loss.

In the semifinals, the Hammer rallied from a 7-2 deficit to beat the Olathe Owls 8-7 in eight innings. Hays scored four in the bottom of the sixth on two-run doubles from Will Cadoret and Garrett Wellbrock to tie the game.&nbsp;

After a runner was placed on second to start extra innings, Garrett Wellbrock worked around a walk and hit batter which loaded the bases but got a flyout to end the inning to keep the game tied. Wellbrock singled to open the bottom of the eighth. Dalton Dale followed with another single to left which scored Tyson Jimenez from third with the game-winning run.

Garrett Wellbrock (5-1) allowed three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and one walk over seven innings of relief for the win.

Hays scored in every inning and beat E3 Freedom out of Fort Scott 10-2 in five innings to open bracket play Saturday morning. Garrett Wellbrock went 3-for-3 with three triples and two RBIs. Dalton Dale also hit a triple and drove in three runs. Gage Porter added two RBIs.

Tyson Jimenez (3-0) allowed one earned run on five hits with five strikeouts and three walks and picked up the complete game victory.

McPHERSON - For a second weekend in a row, the HBC Hammer 18U baseball team finished runner-up at a tournament. After winning both of their pool play games Friday then winning their first two bracket games Saturday, the Hammer lost 8-2 to the Kansas Curve in Saturday night's title game.In the title game, the Hammer (15-7) scored twice in the second inning to take a 2-1 lead, but the Curve (23-5-2) answered with three in the third and three more in the fifth. They closed out the scoring with a run in the top in the top of the seventh f0r the final margin.Both teams had four hits but the Curve took advantage of seven walks, three hit batters and three Hammer errors to avenge a 12-10 loss to Hays in Friday's pool play.Dalton Dale (1-1) allowed seven runs (two earned) on four hits with five walks and five strikeouts and suffered the loss.In the semifinals, the Hammer rallied from a 7-2 deficit to beat the Olathe Owls 8-7 in eight innings. Hays scored four in the bottom of the sixth on two-run doubles from Will Cadoret and Garrett Wellbrock to tie the game.&nbsp;After a runner was placed on second to start extra innings, Garrett Wellbrock worked around a walk and hit batter which loaded the bases but got a flyout to end the inning to keep the game tied. Wellbrock singled to open the bottom of the eighth. Dalton Dale followed with another single to left which scored Tyson Jimenez from third with the game-winning run.Garrett Wellbrock (5-1) allowed three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and one walk over seven innings of relief for the win.Hays scored in every inning and beat E3 Freedom out of Fort Scott 10-2 in five innings to open bracket play Saturday morning. Garrett Wellbrock went 3-for-3 with three triples and two RBIs. Dalton Dale also hit a triple and drove in three runs. Gage Porter added two RBIs.Tyson Jimenez (3-0) allowed one earned run on five hits with five strikeouts and three walks and picked up the complete game victory.<h2>Hammer 16U in Hutchinson</h2>The Hammer 16U went 1-2-1 at the Perfect Game Wood Bat Championship in Hutchinson. They lost 4-3 to 316 Elite McBratney and 12-0 to The Show 405 Baseball on Friday. Saturday they tied the AASA Athletics 2-2 and beat the Midwest Braves 10-2&nbsp; but failed to advance to Sunday's bracket play.The 15U Hammer did not play this weekend.