OKLAHOMA CITY - The Fort Hays State volleyball team opened its 2022 season with a 1-1 split Friday at the Eagle Classic hosted by Oklahoma Christian. The Tigers fell in three close sets against Illinois-Springfield before posting a dramatic five-set victory over Arkansas Tech. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 30 kills and 31 digs on the day while adding four service aces. Making her collegiate debut,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6836">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;came in late to average a team-high 4.00 kills per set over the final two frames of the ATU match.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6668">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;totaled 47 assists, averaging 5.88 per set, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;adding 29 on the day (3.63 per set).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6665">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;led the squad with five blocks on the day, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6838">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6663">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;both contributed four blocks over the two matches.

Illinois-Springfield 3, Fort Hays State 0 (23-25, 16-25, 21-25) The Tigers fell in three sets against Illinois-Springfield in the season opener, despite holding a 7-4 lead in the blocks category against the Prairie Stars.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;recorded a double-double with 14 kills and 13 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6663">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;contributed five kills and four blocks. UIS led by as many as five in the first set before FHSU rattled off five-straight points to tie things up at 14-14. The teams traded points the rest of the way before the Prairie Stars pulled out a 25-23 win. The Tigers fell behind early in the second set, falling 25-16, before bouncing back to score the first six points in the third set. After FHSU maintained a six-point lead at 10-4, the Prairie Stars fought back with seven of the next nine rallies to close within one, 12-11. Fort Hays State led as late as 16-15 before UIS closed things out with a 25-21 victory. Tinder picked up her 14 kills on 40 swings while committing just two errors for an attack rate of .300.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6666">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;tallied seven kills and two blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6668">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;paced the Tigers with 16 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;was right behind with 13 assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6835">Brooke Hyland</a>&nbsp;dropped in a pair of service aces in her first collegiate contest and libero&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6664">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;led the squad with 14 digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fort Hays State 3, Arkansas Tech 2 (24-26, 25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 17-15) The Tigers came out on top in a back-and-forth tussle with Arkansas Tech in the night cap, winning in five sets. After the teams split the first four frames, the Golden Suns raced out to an 8-1 lead in the final set. ATU later led by as many as 12-4 before the Tigers went on a blistering run, scoring on 13 of the next 16 rallies to collect the victory. Arkansas Tech led by as many as five early in the opening frame, but five-consecutive points from the Tigers helped FHSU take a 15-13 lead. The Golden Suns then went back up by three before FHSU rallied again, tying the score at 24, but ATU then finished things off with the final two points. Fort Hays State left little doubt in the second set, playing highly efficient offense and suffocating defense to cruise to a 25-14 win. The Tigers posted an attack percentage of .323 in the second set while limiting ATU to a swing rate of just .030. Fort Hays State also tallied four service aces in the set, including three from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;and one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>. The Tigers never trailed in the third set, taking control early with five of the first six points before answering every ATU run. The Golden Suns rallied to tie things up five different times in the stanza, but the Tigers always responded with multiple-point runs to regain the momentum. The final tie occurred at 21-21 after a three-point Tech run, but two kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6666">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;and another Tinder service ace helped the Tigers seal the 25-21 win. Arkansas Tech came back strong in the fourth set, scoring eight of the first 10 points before leading by as many as seven, 14-7. The Tigers came roaring back midway through the set with four consecutive kills, including two from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6836">Gracie Rains</a>, one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6665">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;and one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6838">Caiya Stucky</a>. ATU put a brief stop to the run before Ellis, Stucky and Rains all added another kill, helping the Tigers go in front 17-16. The teams traded points the rest of the way, with ATU eventually capitalizing on consecutive rallies to win 27-25. The Golden Suns continued their strong push in the final set, outscoring the Tigers 8-1 before the teams changed sides. ATU later led by as many as eight, 12-4, before Fort Hays State came back to life. Two Golden Sun attack errors gave the Tigers life before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6839">Mya Vandrovec</a>&nbsp;and Tinder helped the Tigers close within one, 13-12. Arkansas Tech followed with a kill, but the Tigers fought off back-to-back match points to tie things up at 14 with kills from Tinder and Rains. After the sides swapped points to keep the score knotted at 15, Rains and Stucky finished off the 17-15 win with back-to-back kills. Tinder recorded her second double-double of the day, leading the team with 16 kills and 18 digs. She added four service aces and one solo block for 21.0 points. Stucky, Eshbaugh and Rains all added four kills each, with Rains swinging at a team-best .429 clip.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6668">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;also picked up a double-double, recording 31 assists and 10 digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU AthleticsOKLAHOMA CITY - The Fort Hays State volleyball team opened its 2022 season with a 1-1 split Friday at the Eagle Classic hosted by Oklahoma Christian. The Tigers fell in three close sets against Illinois-Springfield before posting a dramatic five-set victory over Arkansas Tech. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;led the Tigers with 30 kills and 31 digs on the day while adding four service aces. Making her collegiate debut,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6836">Gracie Rains</a>&nbsp;came in late to average a team-high 4.00 kills per set over the final two frames of the ATU match.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6668">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;totaled 47 assists, averaging 5.88 per set, with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;adding 29 on the day (3.63 per set).&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6665">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;led the squad with five blocks on the day, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6838">Caiya Stucky</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6663">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;both contributed four blocks over the two matches.Illinois-Springfield 3, Fort Hays State 0 (23-25, 16-25, 21-25) The Tigers fell in three sets against Illinois-Springfield in the season opener, despite holding a 7-4 lead in the blocks category against the Prairie Stars.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>&nbsp;recorded a double-double with 14 kills and 13 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6663">Morgan Christiansen</a>&nbsp;contributed five kills and four blocks. UIS led by as many as five in the first set before FHSU rattled off five-straight points to tie things up at 14-14. The teams traded points the rest of the way before the Prairie Stars pulled out a 25-23 win. The Tigers fell behind early in the second set, falling 25-16, before bouncing back to score the first six points in the third set. After FHSU maintained a six-point lead at 10-4, the Prairie Stars fought back with seven of the next nine rallies to close within one, 12-11. Fort Hays State led as late as 16-15 before UIS closed things out with a 25-21 victory. Tinder picked up her 14 kills on 40 swings while committing just two errors for an attack rate of .300.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6666">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;tallied seven kills and two blocks.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6668">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;paced the Tigers with 16 assists, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;was right behind with 13 assists.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6835">Brooke Hyland</a>&nbsp;dropped in a pair of service aces in her first collegiate contest and libero&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6664">Jaden Daffer</a>&nbsp;led the squad with 14 digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fort Hays State 3, Arkansas Tech 2 (24-26, 25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 17-15) The Tigers came out on top in a back-and-forth tussle with Arkansas Tech in the night cap, winning in five sets. After the teams split the first four frames, the Golden Suns raced out to an 8-1 lead in the final set. ATU later led by as many as 12-4 before the Tigers went on a blistering run, scoring on 13 of the next 16 rallies to collect the victory. Arkansas Tech led by as many as five early in the opening frame, but five-consecutive points from the Tigers helped FHSU take a 15-13 lead. The Golden Suns then went back up by three before FHSU rallied again, tying the score at 24, but ATU then finished things off with the final two points. Fort Hays State left little doubt in the second set, playing highly efficient offense and suffocating defense to cruise to a 25-14 win. The Tigers posted an attack percentage of .323 in the second set while limiting ATU to a swing rate of just .030. Fort Hays State also tallied four service aces in the set, including three from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6667">Jaida Felix</a>&nbsp;and one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6674">Riley Tinder</a>. The Tigers never trailed in the third set, taking control early with five of the first six points before answering every ATU run. The Golden Suns rallied to tie things up five different times in the stanza, but the Tigers always responded with multiple-point runs to regain the momentum. The final tie occurred at 21-21 after a three-point Tech run, but two kills from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6666">Mykah Eshbaugh</a>&nbsp;and another Tinder service ace helped the Tigers seal the 25-21 win. Arkansas Tech came back strong in the fourth set, scoring eight of the first 10 points before leading by as many as seven, 14-7. The Tigers came roaring back midway through the set with four consecutive kills, including two from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6836">Gracie Rains</a>, one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6665">Emily Ellis</a>&nbsp;and one from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6838">Caiya Stucky</a>. ATU put a brief stop to the run before Ellis, Stucky and Rains all added another kill, helping the Tigers go in front 17-16. The teams traded points the rest of the way, with ATU eventually capitalizing on consecutive rallies to win 27-25. The Golden Suns continued their strong push in the final set, outscoring the Tigers 8-1 before the teams changed sides. ATU later led by as many as eight, 12-4, before Fort Hays State came back to life. Two Golden Sun attack errors gave the Tigers life before&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6839">Mya Vandrovec</a>&nbsp;and Tinder helped the Tigers close within one, 13-12. Arkansas Tech followed with a kill, but the Tigers fought off back-to-back match points to tie things up at 14 with kills from Tinder and Rains. After the sides swapped points to keep the score knotted at 15, Rains and Stucky finished off the 17-15 win with back-to-back kills. Tinder recorded her second double-double of the day, leading the team with 16 kills and 18 digs. She added four service aces and one solo block for 21.0 points. Stucky, Eshbaugh and Rains all added four kills each, with Rains swinging at a team-best .429 clip.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6668">Elysia Glowacz</a>&nbsp;also picked up a double-double, recording 31 assists and 10 digs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🏐 Furious rally lifts FHSU to split on opening day

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - FHSU Women's Soccer started its 2022 season in dominating fashion as they defeated Sioux Falls 2-0 on Friday (Aug. 26). After a scoreless first half, the Tigers netted a pair of goals within an eight-minute span in the second half. FHSU begins the year 1-0, while USF fell to 0-1. The Tiger offense went to work early as they put three of their four shots on target in the first half, but they were unable to find the net before the break. The FHSU defense held USF at arm's length not allowing any shots in the first half. The first score of the match came when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6694">Carly Walker</a>&nbsp;intercepted a Cougar pass near the box and passed it to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6688">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;who spun away from a defender and shot the ball past the keeper in the 51st&nbsp;minute. The Tigers sealed the match when a corner kick from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6678">Gracen Chaney</a>&nbsp;was expertly picked out of the air by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6943">Britney Arneson</a>&nbsp;in the box during the 58th&nbsp;minute for her first score as a Tiger. The Tigers took 10 shots overall and put six on target, while the Cougars managed to put their lone shot on target late in the second half. FHSU keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;played the first 78 minutes in goal and picked up the win before yielding to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6690">Maddie Meehan</a>&nbsp;who closed out the final 12 minutes and recorded one save. USF keeper Caroline Titze had four saves in the match. Fort Hays State will wrap up their road trip on Sunday (Aug. 28) when it takes on Augustana with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661567485462.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics/Ryan Prickett</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsSIOUX FALLS, S.D. - FHSU Women's Soccer started its 2022 season in dominating fashion as they defeated Sioux Falls 2-0 on Friday (Aug. 26). After a scoreless first half, the Tigers netted a pair of goals within an eight-minute span in the second half. FHSU begins the year 1-0, while USF fell to 0-1. The Tiger offense went to work early as they put three of their four shots on target in the first half, but they were unable to find the net before the break. The FHSU defense held USF at arm's length not allowing any shots in the first half. The first score of the match came when&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6694">Carly Walker</a>&nbsp;intercepted a Cougar pass near the box and passed it to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6688">Hannah Mares</a>&nbsp;who spun away from a defender and shot the ball past the keeper in the 51st&nbsp;minute. The Tigers sealed the match when a corner kick from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6678">Gracen Chaney</a>&nbsp;was expertly picked out of the air by&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6943">Britney Arneson</a>&nbsp;in the box during the 58th&nbsp;minute for her first score as a Tiger. The Tigers took 10 shots overall and put six on target, while the Cougars managed to put their lone shot on target late in the second half. FHSU keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6693">Isabel Robben</a>&nbsp;played the first 78 minutes in goal and picked up the win before yielding to&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6690">Maddie Meehan</a>&nbsp;who closed out the final 12 minutes and recorded one save. USF keeper Caroline Titze had four saves in the match. Fort Hays State will wrap up their road trip on Sunday (Aug. 28) when it takes on Augustana with kickoff scheduled for 12 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

⚽ FHSU women take down Cougars in season opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The 2022 MIAA Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll was released on Friday (Aug. 26), with both the men's and women's teams from Fort Hays State slotted in sixth. Last year the Tiger women placed sixth at the MIAA Championships, while the men were seventh at the league meet. The women's squad returns one All-MIAA performer in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7047">Brooke Navarro</a>. The Tiger women have finished sixth or better at the league meet every year since 2013, including three finishes in the top three and a runner-up finish in 2017. The men have had at least one All-MIAA performer at each of the last 11 conference meets and have had runners qualify for five of the last nine NCAA DII National Championships. Nebraska-Kearney and Central Missouri tied for the top spot in the women's poll, while Missouri Southern stood alone atop the men's preseason rankings. The Tigers are slated to open their season in Hutchinson, Kan. on Thursday (Sept. 1) under the lights at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic. The women's three-mile race will begin at 8:30 p.m., followed by the men's four-mile race at 9:05 p.m. 2022 MIAA Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll T1) Nebraska Kearney – 125 Points [5 First Place Votes] T1) Central Missouri – 125 Points [2 First Place Votes] 3) Pittsburg State – 121 Points [2 First Place Votes] 4) Northwest Missouri – 120 Points [3 First Place Votes] 5) Rogers State – 97 Points [1 First Place Vote] 6) Fort Hays State – 94 Points 7) Missouri Southern – 87 Points 8) Washburn – 66 Points 9) Missouri Western – 59 Points 10) Emporia State – 41 Points 11) Central Oklahoma – 37 Points 12) Lincoln – 26 Points 13) Newman – 18 Points 2022 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll 1) Missouri Southern – 97 Points [7 First Place Votes] 2) Pittsburg State – 84 Points [2 First Place Votes] 3) Nebraska Kearney – 82 Points [1 First Place Vote] 4) Northwest Missouri – 76 Points 5) Central Missouri – 66 Points 6) Fort Hays State – 50 Points 7) Washburn – 47 Points 8) Emporia State – 38 Points 9) Rogers State – 31 points 10) Missouri Western – 23 Points 11) Newman – 11 Points&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661538940728.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. - The 2022 MIAA Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll was released on Friday (Aug. 26), with both the men's and women's teams from Fort Hays State slotted in sixth. Last year the Tiger women placed sixth at the MIAA Championships, while the men were seventh at the league meet. The women's squad returns one All-MIAA performer in&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7047">Brooke Navarro</a>. The Tiger women have finished sixth or better at the league meet every year since 2013, including three finishes in the top three and a runner-up finish in 2017. The men have had at least one All-MIAA performer at each of the last 11 conference meets and have had runners qualify for five of the last nine NCAA DII National Championships. Nebraska-Kearney and Central Missouri tied for the top spot in the women's poll, while Missouri Southern stood alone atop the men's preseason rankings. The Tigers are slated to open their season in Hutchinson, Kan. on Thursday (Sept. 1) under the lights at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic. The women's three-mile race will begin at 8:30 p.m., followed by the men's four-mile race at 9:05 p.m. 2022 MIAA Women's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll T1) Nebraska Kearney – 125 Points [5 First Place Votes] T1) Central Missouri – 125 Points [2 First Place Votes] 3) Pittsburg State – 121 Points [2 First Place Votes] 4) Northwest Missouri – 120 Points [3 First Place Votes] 5) Rogers State – 97 Points [1 First Place Vote] 6) Fort Hays State – 94 Points 7) Missouri Southern – 87 Points 8) Washburn – 66 Points 9) Missouri Western – 59 Points 10) Emporia State – 41 Points 11) Central Oklahoma – 37 Points 12) Lincoln – 26 Points 13) Newman – 18 Points 2022 MIAA Men's Cross Country Preseason Coaches Poll 1) Missouri Southern – 97 Points [7 First Place Votes] 2) Pittsburg State – 84 Points [2 First Place Votes] 3) Nebraska Kearney – 82 Points [1 First Place Vote] 4) Northwest Missouri – 76 Points 5) Central Missouri – 66 Points 6) Fort Hays State – 50 Points 7) Washburn – 47 Points 8) Emporia State – 38 Points 9) Rogers State – 31 points 10) Missouri Western – 23 Points 11) Newman – 11 Points&nbsp;&nbsp;

👟 FHSU men and women both picked sixth in MIAA preseason poll

TOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the&nbsp;2022 Pre-Season Volleyball Rankings. 

Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2021-22 school year, and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.

Class 6A 1. Olathe Northwest 2. Blue Valley North 3. Washburn Rural 4. Blue Valley West 5. Lawrence-Free State 6. Blue Valley 7. Blue Valley Northwest 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. Hutchinson

Class 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Lansing 4. Maize South 5. Topeka-Seaman 6. Bishop Carroll 7. Mill Valley 8. Spring Hill 9. Goddard-Eisenhower 10. Andover Central

Class 4A 1. Andale| 2. Bishop Miege 3. Circle 4. Baldwin 5. Ottawa 6. Augusta 7. Louisburg 8. McPherson 9. Abilene 10. Clearwater

Class 3A 1. Heritage Christian 2. Nemaha Central 3. Cheney 4. Beloit 5. Goodland 6. Riverton 7. Silver Lake 8. Trinity Academy 9. Phillipsburg 10. Smoky Valley

Class 2A 1. Smith Center 2. Hillsboro 3. Ellinwood 4. Garden Plain 5. Jefferson County North 6. Sedgwick 7. St. Mary’s-Colgan 8. Valley Heights 9. Maranatha Christian 10. Inman

Class 1A – Division 1 1. Spearville 2. Little River 3. Pretty Prairie 4. Centralia 5. Kiowa County 6. Victoria 7. South Central 8. Goessel 9. Sylvan-Lucas 10. Lakeside

Class 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Attica 4. Central Plains 5. Linn 6. Bucklin 7. Argonia 8. Golden Plains 9. Dighton 10. Wheatland-Grinnell

KVA ReleaseTOPEKA - The Kansas Volleyball Association is pleased to announce the&nbsp;2022 Pre-Season Volleyball Rankings. Current classifications for the rankings are based on enrollments from the 2021-22 school year, and the rankings will be adjusted when the updated classifications are released at the end of September.Rank – SchoolClass 6A 1. Olathe Northwest 2. Blue Valley North 3. Washburn Rural 4. Blue Valley West 5. Lawrence-Free State 6. Blue Valley 7. Blue Valley Northwest 8. Shawnee Mission Northwest 9. Wichita Northwest 10. HutchinsonClass 5A 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Lansing 4. Maize South 5. Topeka-Seaman 6. Bishop Carroll 7. Mill Valley 8. Spring Hill 9. Goddard-Eisenhower 10. Andover CentralClass 4A 1. Andale| 2. Bishop Miege 3. Circle 4. Baldwin 5. Ottawa 6. Augusta 7. Louisburg 8. McPherson 9. Abilene 10. ClearwaterClass 3A 1. Heritage Christian 2. Nemaha Central 3. Cheney 4. Beloit 5. Goodland 6. Riverton 7. Silver Lake 8. Trinity Academy 9. Phillipsburg 10. Smoky ValleyClass 2A 1. Smith Center 2. Hillsboro 3. Ellinwood 4. Garden Plain 5. Jefferson County North 6. Sedgwick 7. St. Mary’s-Colgan 8. Valley Heights 9. Maranatha Christian 10. InmanClass 1A – Division 1 1. Spearville 2. Little River 3. Pretty Prairie 4. Centralia 5. Kiowa County 6. Victoria 7. South Central 8. Goessel 9. Sylvan-Lucas 10. LakesideClass 1A – Division 2 1. Hanover 2. Lebo 3. Attica 4. Central Plains 5. Linn 6. Bucklin 7. Argonia 8. Golden Plains 9. Dighton 10. Wheatland-Grinnell

🏐 KVA releases preseason rankings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes gazed over the first-team Kansas City offense Thursday night, lined up before him as if members of a choir, and together the Chiefs took a poignant penalty to honor Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson.

Then they beat the Green Bay Packers 17-10 in an otherwise forgettable preseason finale.

Third-string quarterback Shane Buechele outplayed Chiefs backup Chad Henne, throwing for 166 yards with a pair of TD tosses to journeyman tight end Matt Bushman. Isaih Pacheco capped a strong rookie camp for Kansas City with 52 yards rushing, while veteran Ronald Jones ran for 43 yards in a last-ditch effort at securing a job.

Meanwhile, the Packers' Jordan Love threw for 148 yards with an interception in his final work before Aaron Rodgers takes over for the regular season. Trent Goodson ran for 28 yards and a score as he tries to win the No. 3 running back job.

Yet it was the penalty to honor Dawson, who died this week at the age of 87, that left the lasting impression.

It came after the first-team Chiefs defense forced the Packers, playing their starting offensive line with Love and a host of backups, to a 3-and-out to start the game. Mahomes headed onto the field with most of Kansas City's starting offense and lined them up in the old-fashioned style of huddle favored by Dawson in the 1960s and '70s.

“We all wanted to do something,” Mahomes said. “Obviously, we’re praying for his family, but he did so much to impact the Kansas City community and this organization. We wanted to do something, a little token to show our appreciation.”

Mahomes high-fived his guys while allowing the play clock to run out, then the delay-of-game foul was announced not on his No. 15 but on 16, the number Dawson wore during his playing days. Green Bay declined it.

There were plenty of other tributes Thursday night to “Lenny the Cool," who led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title before becoming known to millions more football fans as a Hall of Fame broadcaster. There was a moment of silence before the game and the Chiefs wore a sticker with the No. 16 on his helmet.

“He really took advantage of every day he had on Earth here,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Mahomes, who had an excellent first two preseason games, never took a snap before joining Travis Kelce and other Chiefs stars on the sideline. Other starters, such as running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, were done after a couple of snaps.

Most of the work went to those competing for the last few jobs, which must be decided before Tuesday’s deadline for teams to cut rosters to 53 players. Tight end Jody Fortson continued to solidify his job with three catches for 26 yards, while just about everyone on the backup offensive line struggled to lock down a job.

“When you look at your eight, ninth lineman and you look at your fifth linebacker and your sixth receiver, those guys are really going to end up starting, playing meaningful minutes throughout the course of the season,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “so we’re always trying to turn our roster over.”

The same goes for the Packers, who also spent Thursday night sifting through the last few roster spots.

Goodson got the bulk of the work as he tries to beat out Patrick Taylor and Dexter Williams for the job behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon in the Packers backfield, and his 24-yard touchdown run featured a nifty open-field spin move.

Samori Toure had six catches for 83 yards, Amari Rodgers had four catches for 39 yards and Juwann Winfree had one grab for seven yards. All three are in the mix for the last spot or two in the Green Bay receiving corps.

“It's kind of an awkward time for us having a game Thursday and having cuts on Tuesday,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who hopes to squeeze in two more practices before making those decisions. “A lot of it's going to come down to how guys perform on special teams. I thought they all did a lot of good things out there.”

Packers: WR Christian Watson (knee surgery) did not play, which means the 34th overall pick in the draft will go into the season without any NFL game action. ... S Innis Gaines and TE Alize Mack left with hamstring injuries.

Chiefs: CB Trent McDuffie, one of the Kansas City's two first-round picks, was placed in the concussion protocol in the first quarter. ... WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (concussion) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) did not play, though Reid hopes to have both of them available for Week 1.

The Packers visit NFC North-rival Minnesota to open their season Sept. 11.

The Chiefs visit the Arizona Cardinals for their opener the same day.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes gazed over the first-team Kansas City offense Thursday night, lined up before him as if members of a choir, and together the Chiefs took a poignant penalty to honor Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson.Then they beat the Green Bay Packers 17-10 in an otherwise forgettable preseason finale.Third-string quarterback Shane Buechele outplayed Chiefs backup Chad Henne, throwing for 166 yards with a pair of TD tosses to journeyman tight end Matt Bushman. Isaih Pacheco capped a strong rookie camp for Kansas City with 52 yards rushing, while veteran Ronald Jones ran for 43 yards in a last-ditch effort at securing a job.Meanwhile, the Packers' Jordan Love threw for 148 yards with an interception in his final work before Aaron Rodgers takes over for the regular season. Trent Goodson ran for 28 yards and a score as he tries to win the No. 3 running back job.Yet it was the penalty to honor Dawson, who died this week at the age of 87, that left the lasting impression.It came after the first-team Chiefs defense forced the Packers, playing their starting offensive line with Love and a host of backups, to a 3-and-out to start the game. Mahomes headed onto the field with most of Kansas City's starting offense and lined them up in the old-fashioned style of huddle favored by Dawson in the 1960s and '70s.“We all wanted to do something,” Mahomes said. “Obviously, we’re praying for his family, but he did so much to impact the Kansas City community and this organization. We wanted to do something, a little token to show our appreciation.”Mahomes high-fived his guys while allowing the play clock to run out, then the delay-of-game foul was announced not on his No. 15 but on 16, the number Dawson wore during his playing days. Green Bay declined it.There were plenty of other tributes Thursday night to “Lenny the Cool," who led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title before becoming known to millions more football fans as a Hall of Fame broadcaster. There was a moment of silence before the game and the Chiefs wore a sticker with the No. 16 on his helmet.“He really took advantage of every day he had on Earth here,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.Mahomes, who had an excellent first two preseason games, never took a snap before joining Travis Kelce and other Chiefs stars on the sideline. Other starters, such as running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, were done after a couple of snaps.Most of the work went to those competing for the last few jobs, which must be decided before Tuesday’s deadline for teams to cut rosters to 53 players. Tight end Jody Fortson continued to solidify his job with three catches for 26 yards, while just about everyone on the backup offensive line struggled to lock down a job.“When you look at your eight, ninth lineman and you look at your fifth linebacker and your sixth receiver, those guys are really going to end up starting, playing meaningful minutes throughout the course of the season,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said, “so we’re always trying to turn our roster over.”The same goes for the Packers, who also spent Thursday night sifting through the last few roster spots.Goodson got the bulk of the work as he tries to beat out Patrick Taylor and Dexter Williams for the job behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon in the Packers backfield, and his 24-yard touchdown run featured a nifty open-field spin move.Samori Toure had six catches for 83 yards, Amari Rodgers had four catches for 39 yards and Juwann Winfree had one grab for seven yards. All three are in the mix for the last spot or two in the Green Bay receiving corps.“It's kind of an awkward time for us having a game Thursday and having cuts on Tuesday,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who hopes to squeeze in two more practices before making those decisions. “A lot of it's going to come down to how guys perform on special teams. I thought they all did a lot of good things out there.”INJURIESPackers: WR Christian Watson (knee surgery) did not play, which means the 34th overall pick in the draft will go into the season without any NFL game action. ... S Innis Gaines and TE Alize Mack left with hamstring injuries.Chiefs: CB Trent McDuffie, one of the Kansas City's two first-round picks, was placed in the concussion protocol in the first quarter. ... WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (concussion) and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) did not play, though Reid hopes to have both of them available for Week 1.UP NEXTThe Packers visit NFC North-rival Minnesota to open their season Sept. 11.The Chiefs visit the Arizona Cardinals for their opener the same day.

🏈 Chiefs honor Dawson, beat Packers in preseason finale

HAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team rallied to defeat CSU-Pueblo 2-1 on Thursday in the 2022 season opener in Hays. The 23rd-ranked ThunderWolves took the lead early in the second half, but the 7th-ranked Tigers fought back with two goals in the final 19 minutes of play. The Tigers start the season 1-0, while the&nbsp;ThunderWolves fall to 0-1.

In the first half, CSU-Pueblo was on the attack taking six shots and putting three on target. The Tigers were able to fend off the ThunderWolves as the match remained scoreless at the half. CSU-Pueblo struck first as Caio Oliveira headed in a well-placed crossing pass from Reggie Nicolas in the 52nd&nbsp;minute. But Tigers found the equalizer in the 71st&nbsp;minute as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6932">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;headed in a corner from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7069">Inigo Jimenez</a>&nbsp;for the first goal of his collegiate career.

The ThunderWolves looked to regain the lead when a foul inside the box brought them a penalty opportunity with just over seven minutes remaining, but Tiger keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;made a massive diving save to keep the match level. The Tigers used the momentum to fuel their attack and then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6240">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;was fouled just feet away from the goal to gain a penalty kick opportunity. Arndt blasted his shot an unmanned area of the goal in the 88th&nbsp;minute, putting FHSU up 2-1. Brown notched four saves in the match, three occurring in the first half, compared to two saves by CSU-Pueblo keeper Nils Roth. The ThunderWolves managed 13 shots with five on target, while the Tigers lined up six shots with four on goal.

The Tigers will travel west on Sunday (Aug. 28) to face off with UC-Colorado Springs. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT/2:30 p.m. MT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661509623323.jpeg" alt="FHSU's Blake Arndt maneuvers vs. CSU-Pueblo Thursday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium. Photo&nbsp; courtesy FHSU Athletics/Nicole Heitmann" />
 <figcaption>FHSU's Blake Arndt maneuvers vs. CSU-Pueblo Thursday at the FHSU Soccer Stadium. Photo&nbsp; courtesy FHSU Athletics/Nicole Heitmann</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - The Fort Hays State men's soccer team rallied to defeat CSU-Pueblo 2-1 on Thursday in the 2022 season opener in Hays. The 23rd-ranked ThunderWolves took the lead early in the second half, but the 7th-ranked Tigers fought back with two goals in the final 19 minutes of play. The Tigers start the season 1-0, while the&nbsp;ThunderWolves fall to 0-1.In the first half, CSU-Pueblo was on the attack taking six shots and putting three on target. The Tigers were able to fend off the ThunderWolves as the match remained scoreless at the half. CSU-Pueblo struck first as Caio Oliveira headed in a well-placed crossing pass from Reggie Nicolas in the 52nd&nbsp;minute. But Tigers found the equalizer in the 71st&nbsp;minute as&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6932">Callum Frogson</a>&nbsp;headed in a corner from&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7069">Inigo Jimenez</a>&nbsp;for the first goal of his collegiate career.The ThunderWolves looked to regain the lead when a foul inside the box brought them a penalty opportunity with just over seven minutes remaining, but Tiger keeper&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6244">Kieran Brown</a>&nbsp;made a massive diving save to keep the match level. The Tigers used the momentum to fuel their attack and then&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6240">Blake Arndt</a>&nbsp;was fouled just feet away from the goal to gain a penalty kick opportunity. Arndt blasted his shot an unmanned area of the goal in the 88th&nbsp;minute, putting FHSU up 2-1. Brown notched four saves in the match, three occurring in the first half, compared to two saves by CSU-Pueblo keeper Nils Roth. The ThunderWolves managed 13 shots with five on target, while the Tigers lined up six shots with four on goal.The Tigers will travel west on Sunday (Aug. 28) to face off with UC-Colorado Springs. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT/2:30 p.m. MT.

⚽ Late goal lifts Tiger men past CSU-Pueblo

CIMARRON -&nbsp;The Hays High girls tennis team opened their season Thursday with a second-place finish at the Cimarron Invitational.

The Indians finished with 35 points, five behind host and first-place Cimarron who had 40. Tribune finished third with 21.

HHS had two two first place finishes. Katrina Delimont went 3-0 and won No. 2 Singles as did the No. 2 Doubles team of Morgen Berry and Ava Neil. The No. 1 Doubles team of Danica Scheve and Kayler Wellbrock were 2-1 and finished second. Britnee Leiker went 1-2 and placed fourth in No. 1 Singles.

The Indians return to action Monday in Scott City.

Hays PostCIMARRON -&nbsp;The Hays High girls tennis team opened their season Thursday with a second-place finish at the Cimarron Invitational.The Indians finished with 35 points, five behind host and first-place Cimarron who had 40. Tribune finished third with 21.HHS had two two first place finishes. Katrina Delimont went 3-0 and won No. 2 Singles as did the No. 2 Doubles team of Morgen Berry and Ava Neil. The No. 1 Doubles team of Danica Scheve and Kayler Wellbrock were 2-1 and finished second. Britnee Leiker went 1-2 and placed fourth in No. 1 Singles.The Indians return to action Monday in Scott City.

🎾 HHS girls finish second in season opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nobody could blame Patrick Mahomes for not knowing what to expect when the Pro Bowl quarterback walked onto the field for the season opener a year ago behind an entirely rebuilt Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line.

It wound up being one of the best in the league, and a big reason why they hosted a fourth straight AFC title game.

Mahomes will be in a somewhat similar situation when he walks onto the field for the opener Sept. 11 at Arizona, only this time it will be just about everyone catching his passes that will be new. The biggest move in recent Chiefs' history came early in the offseason, when they traded explosive wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a package of draft picks and committed to using the money they saved by not signing him to a long-term deal to create a much deeper core of pass catchers.

They signed JuJu Smith-Schuster away from Pittsburgh and Marquez Valdes-Scantling away from Green Bay. They drafted Skyy Moore in the second round and supplemented those three newcomers with a couple of wild cards.

The returns through training camp and the preseason have been nothing but positive.

“It's going to be a very diverse group in that receiving room, all guys that can make an impact in the game,” said Mahomes, who took the extraordinary step of inviting all of them to his Texas home in the offseason to begin building chemistry.

No longer can a defense take away Hill, focus on Travis Kelce and rest easy that nobody else will hurt them.

“We can kind of interchange those guys and they can all just make plays happen,” Mahomes explained. “It’s going to make our offense — we’re going to be different, but I think we’ll still be able to go out there and have a ton of success.”

Still, everything that Kansas City does in pursuit of a seventh consecutive AFC West title and third Super Bowl appearance in four years begins with Mahomes, who is feeling rejuvenated after a full offseason program. He was recovering from a foot injury a year ago that some believe curtailed his mobility and creativity during the early portion of the season.

He also has that brutish offensive line ahead of him. Everyone is back from the group that was just getting to know each other last fall, including franchise left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who skipped the offseason program after the sides failed to reach an extension but reported to camp in time for the start of padded practices and the entire preseason schedule.

“Well, they're getting an idea of how (Mahomes) plays," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If something's not there, how he's moving. We have these scramble rules that we spend a bunch of time on and you go over them and go back and look at the execution of those all the way around. But guys are always open for him when he's moving."

In other words, perhaps Mahomes does know what to expect from his new bunch of wide receivers this season.

“At the end of the day,” Moore said, “he's got the keys to the car. Just tell me what you want me to do. That's how I look at that. He wants it done that way, I'm going to do it all the way. That's how it is for all of us.”

The Chiefs, who were third-from-last in the NFL in sacks last year, used a first-round pick on George Karlaftis and signed two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Carlos Dunlap early in training camp. Those two will be counted upon to help a slimmed-and-hungry Frank Clark and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones turn those sack numbers around.

The Chiefs let safety Tyrann Mathieu and top cornerback Charvarius Ward depart in free agency, along with depth pieces such as Daniel Sorensen. But their new-look secondary could be improved with the arrival of safety Justin Reid, first-round pick Trent McDuffie and fellow rookie defensive backs Bryan Cook, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, a surprise first-round pick in 2020, has struggled to live up to expectations during his first two injury-filled seasons. Now, Edwards-Helaire finds himself in a crowded running back room alongside Jerick McKinnon and Isaih Pacheco, a seventh-round pick from Rutgers who has impressed in camp.

Matt Nagy parlayed success as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in Kansas City into the head job in Chicago, where a 12-win debut was followed by two 8-8 seasons and a 6-11 finish that cost him his job last season. He is back as the QB coach of the Chiefs, giving Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy another experienced sounding board.

The Chiefs play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, where all four teams have legitimate playoff aspirations. They also face the AFC South and NFC West along with the Bills, Buccaneers and Bengals, which means 10 of their 14 opponents had winning records last season. Eight of them made the postseason.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nobody could blame Patrick Mahomes for not knowing what to expect when the Pro Bowl quarterback walked onto the field for the season opener a year ago behind an entirely rebuilt Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line.It wound up being one of the best in the league, and a big reason why they hosted a fourth straight AFC title game.Mahomes will be in a somewhat similar situation when he walks onto the field for the opener Sept. 11 at Arizona, only this time it will be just about everyone catching his passes that will be new. The biggest move in recent Chiefs' history came early in the offseason, when they traded explosive wide receiver Tyreek Hill for a package of draft picks and committed to using the money they saved by not signing him to a long-term deal to create a much deeper core of pass catchers.They signed JuJu Smith-Schuster away from Pittsburgh and Marquez Valdes-Scantling away from Green Bay. They drafted Skyy Moore in the second round and supplemented those three newcomers with a couple of wild cards.The returns through training camp and the preseason have been nothing but positive.“It's going to be a very diverse group in that receiving room, all guys that can make an impact in the game,” said Mahomes, who took the extraordinary step of inviting all of them to his Texas home in the offseason to begin building chemistry.No longer can a defense take away Hill, focus on Travis Kelce and rest easy that nobody else will hurt them.“We can kind of interchange those guys and they can all just make plays happen,” Mahomes explained. “It’s going to make our offense — we’re going to be different, but I think we’ll still be able to go out there and have a ton of success.”Still, everything that Kansas City does in pursuit of a seventh consecutive AFC West title and third Super Bowl appearance in four years begins with Mahomes, who is feeling rejuvenated after a full offseason program. He was recovering from a foot injury a year ago that some believe curtailed his mobility and creativity during the early portion of the season.He also has that brutish offensive line ahead of him. Everyone is back from the group that was just getting to know each other last fall, including franchise left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who skipped the offseason program after the sides failed to reach an extension but reported to camp in time for the start of padded practices and the entire preseason schedule.“Well, they're getting an idea of how (Mahomes) plays," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “If something's not there, how he's moving. We have these scramble rules that we spend a bunch of time on and you go over them and go back and look at the execution of those all the way around. But guys are always open for him when he's moving."In other words, perhaps Mahomes does know what to expect from his new bunch of wide receivers this season.“At the end of the day,” Moore said, “he's got the keys to the car. Just tell me what you want me to do. That's how I look at that. He wants it done that way, I'm going to do it all the way. That's how it is for all of us.”ON THE GROUNDThe Chiefs, who were third-from-last in the NFL in sacks last year, used a first-round pick on George Karlaftis and signed two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Carlos Dunlap early in training camp. Those two will be counted upon to help a slimmed-and-hungry Frank Clark and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones turn those sack numbers around.THROUGH THE AIRThe Chiefs let safety Tyrann Mathieu and top cornerback Charvarius Ward depart in free agency, along with depth pieces such as Daniel Sorensen. But their new-look secondary could be improved with the arrival of safety Justin Reid, first-round pick Trent McDuffie and fellow rookie defensive backs Bryan Cook, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson.MAKE OR BREAKClyde Edwards-Helaire, a surprise first-round pick in 2020, has struggled to live up to expectations during his first two injury-filled seasons. Now, Edwards-Helaire finds himself in a crowded running back room alongside Jerick McKinnon and Isaih Pacheco, a seventh-round pick from Rutgers who has impressed in camp.WELCOME BACKMatt Nagy parlayed success as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in Kansas City into the head job in Chicago, where a 12-win debut was followed by two 8-8 seasons and a 6-11 finish that cost him his job last season. He is back as the QB coach of the Chiefs, giving Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy another experienced sounding board.SCHEDULE STUFFThe Chiefs play in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, where all four teams have legitimate playoff aspirations. They also face the AFC South and NFC West along with the Bills, Buccaneers and Bengals, which means 10 of their 14 opponents had winning records last season. Eight of them made the postseason.

🏈 Chiefs face brutal schedule amid changes on offense, defense

WICHITA, Kan. – The 2022 NBC
All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through
the 88th NBC World Series powered by Evergy. The Santa Barbara
Foresters claimed their 10th National Championship, becoming only
the third team in NBCWS history to win three championships in a row. Foresters
manager Bill Pintard was selected as Manager of the Year. The presenting
sponsor for the NBC All-American Team is Hook Bats, <a href="http://www.hookbats.com">www.hookbats.com</a>. Each All-American will receive a customized
commemorative bat.

2022 NBC World
Series All-American Team

Pitchers Anthony Brady&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seattle Studs (WA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 1-0 Record, 2 APP, 18
Innings, 15 K’s, 1 BB Will Maynard &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.00 ERA, 2 APP, 12.33 Innings, 16
K’s, 1 BB, 5 Hits Brady Rose&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.75 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 14
K’s, 3 BB, 4 Hits Parker Smith &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 11
K’s, 2 BB

Catchers Alex Birge&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.250 BA, HR, 6 RBI, 1.000 FLD %, 33
PO, 2-4 TOS

Infielders 1B - Gavin Kash&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.520 BA, 13 Hits, 8 RBI, 6 2B, .760
SLG%, 1.000 FLD% 2B – Gianni
Horvat&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 8 Hits, 6 RBI, .563 SLG%,
1.000 FLD% 3B – Sawyre Thornhill
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
385 BA, 5 Hits, HR, 3 RBI, .615
SLG%, .467 OB% SS – Ryan Leary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Liberal Bee Jays (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 6 Hits, .583 SLG%, .571 OB%,
.941 FLD%

Outfielders Lenny Ashby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cheney Diamond Dawgs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Hits, 1.200
SLG%, .615 OB% Leo Jiminian&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.421 BA, 3 2B, 8 Hits, 1.000 FLD% Nick McLain&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.571 BA, HR, 5 RBI, 12 Hits, .952
SLG%, 1.000 FLD%

Utility&nbsp; Nate Rombach
(C/DH)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.434 BA, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2B, 10 Hits,
6 Games, .869 SLG%

Designated
Hitter Ronnie Bailey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lonestar Baseball Club (TX)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.333 BA, 5 RBI, HR, 4 Hits, .583
SLG%, 2 SB

Manager – Bill Pintard, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) MVP – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Home Run
Trophy – Nate Rombach,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Leading
Prospect to the Majors – Gavin
Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Eric Pintard
Most Inspirational Player – Leo Jiminian, Hays Larks (KS) Best Team
Offensive – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Best Team
Defensive – Liberal Bee
Jays (KS) Best Team
Pitching – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Leading
Pitcher – Will Maynard,
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) Leading Hitter
– Nick McLain, Santa
Barbara Foresters (CA) Michael Dean
RBI Award – Gavin Kash,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Outstanding
Local Player – Brady
Pacha, Haysville Aviators (KS) Hap Dumont
Award – William “Bill”
Polzin

NBC ReleaseWICHITA, Kan. – The 2022 NBC
All-Americans all played key roles in advancing their respective teams through
the 88th NBC World Series powered by Evergy. The Santa Barbara
Foresters claimed their 10th National Championship, becoming only
the third team in NBCWS history to win three championships in a row. Foresters
manager Bill Pintard was selected as Manager of the Year. The presenting
sponsor for the NBC All-American Team is Hook Bats, <a href="http://www.hookbats.com">www.hookbats.com</a>. Each All-American will receive a customized
commemorative bat. 2022 NBC World
Series All-American TeamPitchers Anthony Brady&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Seattle Studs (WA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 1-0 Record, 2 APP, 18
Innings, 15 K’s, 1 BB Will Maynard &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.00 ERA, 2 APP, 12.33 Innings, 16
K’s, 1 BB, 5 Hits Brady Rose&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
0.75 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 14
K’s, 3 BB, 4 Hits Parker Smith &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
1.50 ERA, 2-0 Record, 12 Innings, 11
K’s, 2 BBCatchers Alex Birge&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.250 BA, HR, 6 RBI, 1.000 FLD %, 33
PO, 2-4 TOS Infielders 1B - Gavin Kash&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.520 BA, 13 Hits, 8 RBI, 6 2B, .760
SLG%, 1.000 FLD% 2B – Gianni
Horvat&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 8 Hits, 6 RBI, .563 SLG%,
1.000 FLD% 3B – Sawyre Thornhill
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hutchinson Monarchs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
385 BA, 5 Hits, HR, 3 RBI, .615
SLG%, .467 OB% SS – Ryan Leary&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Liberal Bee Jays (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 6 Hits, .583 SLG%, .571 OB%,
.941 FLD%Outfielders Lenny Ashby&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Cheney Diamond Dawgs (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.500 BA, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Hits, 1.200
SLG%, .615 OB% Leo Jiminian&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Hays Larks (KS)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.421 BA, 3 2B, 8 Hits, 1.000 FLD% Nick McLain&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.571 BA, HR, 5 RBI, 12 Hits, .952
SLG%, 1.000 FLD%Utility&nbsp; Nate Rombach
(C/DH)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Santa Barbara Foresters (CA)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.434 BA, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 2B, 10 Hits,
6 Games, .869 SLG%Designated
Hitter Ronnie Bailey&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Lonestar Baseball Club (TX)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
.333 BA, 5 RBI, HR, 4 Hits, .583
SLG%, 2 SBManager – Bill Pintard, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) MVP – Gavin Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Home Run
Trophy – Nate Rombach,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Leading
Prospect to the Majors – Gavin
Kash, Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Eric Pintard
Most Inspirational Player – Leo Jiminian, Hays Larks (KS) Best Team
Offensive – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Best Team
Defensive – Liberal Bee
Jays (KS) Best Team
Pitching – Santa Barbara
Foresters (CA) Leading
Pitcher – Will Maynard,
Hutchinson Monarchs (KS) Leading Hitter
– Nick McLain, Santa
Barbara Foresters (CA) Michael Dean
RBI Award – Gavin Kash,
Santa Barbara Foresters (CA) Outstanding
Local Player – Brady
Pacha, Haysville Aviators (KS) Hap Dumont
Award – William “Bill”
Polzin

⚾ Two Larks named to NBC All-America team

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered during Kansas City's five-run rally in the seventh inning, leading Brady Singer and the Royals over the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 Wednesday night.

Arizona starter Zac Gallen extended his shutout streak to 27 1/3 innings, leaving after the sixth with a 1-0 lead. He gave up three hits, walked three and struck out six.

“I just felt like I was trying to worry about (the shutout streak),” Gallen said. “It’s one of those things where if you let it get too big and control you too much it can be a problem. I felt like that in the first couple innings. I was trying to worry about that too much. I just need to do my job and not worry about it.”

The Royals broke loose in the seventh against the Arizona bullpen. Kansas City finished with seven hits, snapping an eight-game streak of six hits or less.

“Guys coming through in big situations, that situational hitting is what we need to fight our way in close games,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “And then Bobby Witt does what Bobby Witt does.”

Christian Walker hit his career-high 30th homer for Arizona, which has dropped four of five.

Singer (7-4) allowed four hits, including a fifth-inning solo homer by Daulton Varsho, in seven innings.

“I felt good,” Singer said. “The fastball, slider were working. The fastball had a lot of movement on it.”

Singer is 4-1 over his past 10 starts, posting a 2.14 ERA in that span.

“I don’t know a pitcher around the league who has thrown better than what the guy on the other side has, except maybe our guy,” Matheny said. “He’s going to have to be good because their guy isn’t giving up anything. He kept us in the game right down to his last hitter, figured out how to get it done and let his offense figure out a way to do something.”

Gallen had his fifth scoreless outing in the past seven starts, with a sparkling 0.80 ERA in that stretch.

Kansas City tagged Noe Ramirez (4-4) and Joe Mantiply for five runs in the seventh.

After Nicky Lopez made it 1-all with a suicide squeeze bunt, MJ Melendez hit a go-ahead single.

“That’s part of Nicky’s game,” Matheny said. “It’s a weapon that Nicky has. He’s so good at bunting. In that situation it’s a really hard play to defend.”

“It just started with what (Kyle Isbel) did leading off and Nicky getting him in, and MJ getting that base hit,” Witt said. “That was an energy booster. Everything was building, building. You could feel it building and we scored some more runs.”

Witt hit his team-leading 18th homer, a three-run drive to deep left-center field.

“The ball coming off Bobby’s bat is different,” Matheny said. “He’s been gifted with great hands and strength and bat speed. It’s impressive to watch.”

Witt has extra-base hits in five of his last six games. He ranks first or second among major league rookies in extra-base hits (45), homers, doubles (21), triples (six), RBIs (64), runs (63), and steals (24).

“Just trying to get back to feeling comfortable, getting back to being myself and go have fun and compete,” Witt said.

Royals: RHP Josh Staumont (right biceps tendinitis) and RHP Zack Greinke (right forearm tightness) were placed on the 15-day injured list. RHP Collin Snider and LHP Anthony Misiewicz were recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Diamondbacks: LHP Tommy Henry (2-2, 3.57 ERA) starts Friday against White Sox RHP Johnny Cueto (6-5, 2.58 ERA) in Chicago.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-8, 5.29 ERA) pitches on Friday against the San Diego Padres and LHP Joe Musgrove (8-6, 2.91 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. homered during Kansas City's five-run rally in the seventh inning, leading Brady Singer and the Royals over the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 Wednesday night.Arizona starter Zac Gallen extended his shutout streak to 27 1/3 innings, leaving after the sixth with a 1-0 lead. He gave up three hits, walked three and struck out six.“I just felt like I was trying to worry about (the shutout streak),” Gallen said. “It’s one of those things where if you let it get too big and control you too much it can be a problem. I felt like that in the first couple innings. I was trying to worry about that too much. I just need to do my job and not worry about it.”The Royals broke loose in the seventh against the Arizona bullpen. Kansas City finished with seven hits, snapping an eight-game streak of six hits or less.“Guys coming through in big situations, that situational hitting is what we need to fight our way in close games,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “And then Bobby Witt does what Bobby Witt does.”Christian Walker hit his career-high 30th homer for Arizona, which has dropped four of five.Singer (7-4) allowed four hits, including a fifth-inning solo homer by Daulton Varsho, in seven innings.“I felt good,” Singer said. “The fastball, slider were working. The fastball had a lot of movement on it.”Singer is 4-1 over his past 10 starts, posting a 2.14 ERA in that span.“I don’t know a pitcher around the league who has thrown better than what the guy on the other side has, except maybe our guy,” Matheny said. “He’s going to have to be good because their guy isn’t giving up anything. He kept us in the game right down to his last hitter, figured out how to get it done and let his offense figure out a way to do something.”Gallen had his fifth scoreless outing in the past seven starts, with a sparkling 0.80 ERA in that stretch.Kansas City tagged Noe Ramirez (4-4) and Joe Mantiply for five runs in the seventh.After Nicky Lopez made it 1-all with a suicide squeeze bunt, MJ Melendez hit a go-ahead single.“That’s part of Nicky’s game,” Matheny said. “It’s a weapon that Nicky has. He’s so good at bunting. In that situation it’s a really hard play to defend.”“It just started with what (Kyle Isbel) did leading off and Nicky getting him in, and MJ getting that base hit,” Witt said. “That was an energy booster. Everything was building, building. You could feel it building and we scored some more runs.”Witt hit his team-leading 18th homer, a three-run drive to deep left-center field.“The ball coming off Bobby’s bat is different,” Matheny said. “He’s been gifted with great hands and strength and bat speed. It’s impressive to watch.”Witt has extra-base hits in five of his last six games. He ranks first or second among major league rookies in extra-base hits (45), homers, doubles (21), triples (six), RBIs (64), runs (63), and steals (24).“Just trying to get back to feeling comfortable, getting back to being myself and go have fun and compete,” Witt said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Josh Staumont (right biceps tendinitis) and RHP Zack Greinke (right forearm tightness) were placed on the 15-day injured list. RHP Collin Snider and LHP Anthony Misiewicz were recalled from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTDiamondbacks: LHP Tommy Henry (2-2, 3.57 ERA) starts Friday against White Sox RHP Johnny Cueto (6-5, 2.58 ERA) in Chicago.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (2-8, 5.29 ERA) pitches on Friday against the San Diego Padres and LHP Joe Musgrove (8-6, 2.91 ERA).

⚾ Witt homers in late rally to lead Royals past Dbacks

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hays HS is looking forward to hosting the 2022 Maroon and Gold Fall Sports Kickoff on Thursday, August 25th at the HHS facilities. Come out to take a look at members of our teams. Click the picture to check out the schedule. <a href="https://t.co/IPLFCZ674q">pic.twitter.com/IPLFCZ674q</a>&mdash; Hays HS Athletics (@HaysHighAD) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaysHighAD/status/1562238776667443202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661360993225.png" alt="" />
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2022 Maroon & Gold Fall Sports Kickoff set for Thursday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname “Lenny the Cool,” died Wednesday. He was 87.

Dawson's family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. No cause was given, though Dawson had been in declining health for years.

“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family's statement read. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”

The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970, Dawson had entered hospice care on Aug. 12.

“He loved Kansas City," his family said, "and no matter where his travels took him he could not wait to return home."

Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.

The coach and quarterback won the AFL championship together in 1962, their first year together, and became bona fide stars the following year, when club founder Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City and rechristened it the Chiefs.

They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in '69, when Dawson came back from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.

“Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

“I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues, and I’m grateful for each of them.”

Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail him. But he always had time for fans, whether it be a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: the exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet.

It perfectly captured a time and place. And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance.

“Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said a few years ago. “Over the course of a legendary career, first as a player and later as a broadcaster, Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history.”

Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue.

There, Dawson led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and he helped lead a memorable upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football.

Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Browns, where Dawson was unable to beat out Milt Plum for the job and was released.

One of the great disappointments of Dawson's career wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to him.

With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Stram was able to finally tap into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the league's prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships.

The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Green Bay Packers — and coach Vince Lombardi — in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat.

It was the 1969 season that proved to be the most memorable of Dawson's career, though. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games, but went on a tear once he returned to the field. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph.

“It was overwhelming,” Dawson said afterward. “It’s just, you know how that relief comes with you know it’s over with, and we’ve been successful? That’s the feeling that I had when I came off the field.”

Dawson continued to play for six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season.

Along the way, Dawson parlayed what began as a publicity stunt into a second career in broadcasting.

In 1966, then-Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman wanted to drum up support for the franchise in Kansas City and convinced Dawson to anchor a sports segment on the nightly news. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural, he turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career had finished.

Dawson continued to work in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL” from 1977-2001. He also served more than three decades on the Chiefs' radio broadcast team.

After going into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1987, Dawson was inducted as a broadcaster in 2012.

“It’s been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years,” said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs’ radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. “His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound.”

Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side even when Dawson was forced to enter hospice care.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660354181481.jpeg" alt="Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons" />
 <figcaption>Len Dawson U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joel Pfiester/Released, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson, whose unmistakable swagger in helping the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title earned him the nickname “Lenny the Cool,” died Wednesday. He was 87.Dawson's family announced his death in a statement through KMBC, the Kansas City-based television station where he starred in his second career as a broadcaster. No cause was given, though Dawson had been in declining health for years.“With wife Linda at his side, it is with much sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Len Dawson,” the family's statement read. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Len was always grateful and many times overwhelmed by the countless bonds he made during his football and broadcast careers.”The MVP of the Chiefs’ victory over the Vikings in January 1970, Dawson had entered hospice care on Aug. 12.“He loved Kansas City," his family said, "and no matter where his travels took him he could not wait to return home."Dawson personified the Chiefs almost from the start, when the suave standout from Purdue lost out on starting jobs in Pittsburgh and Cleveland and landed with the nascent franchise, then located in Dallas. There, Dawson reunited with Hank Stram, who had been an assistant with the Boilermakers, and together they forever changed the franchise.The coach and quarterback won the AFL championship together in 1962, their first year together, and became bona fide stars the following year, when club founder Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City and rechristened it the Chiefs.They proceeded to win two more AFL titles, one in 1966 when they lost to the Packers in the first Super Bowl, and the other in '69, when Dawson came back from an injury to help beat the Vikings at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.“Looking back on my career, I’ve been blessed for what I had the opportunity to do,” Dawson said told The Associated Press in 2017, shortly after he announced his retirement from his second career as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.“I could not have accomplished so much without my teammates and colleagues, and I’m grateful for each of them.”Dawson always remained a beloved figure in Kansas City, even though he cut back on public appearances several years ago when his health began to fail him. But he always had time for fans, whether it be a photograph or signature, the latter often on an iconic black-and-white photo from halftime of that first Super Bowl: the exhausted quarterback, white uniform caked with mud, sitting on a folding chair with a cigarette in his mouth and a bottle of Fresca at his feet.It perfectly captured a time and place. And it perfectly captured a man that embodied poise and self-assurance.“Next to my father, few people have had a more lasting impact on the Kansas City Chiefs than Len Dawson,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said a few years ago. “Over the course of a legendary career, first as a player and later as a broadcaster, Len has been a part of every major moment in franchise history.”Dawson was born June 20, 1935, the ninth of 11 children that filled the house of James and Annie Dawson in the blue-collar manufacturing town of Alliance, Ohio. He was a three-sport athlete at Alliance High School, setting records in both football and basketball, and turned his success on the gridiron into a scholarship offer from Purdue.There, Dawson led the NCAA in passing efficiency as a sophomore while also playing defense and kicking, and he helped lead a memorable upset of Notre Dame during that 1954 season. By the end of his college career, Dawson had thrown for more than 3,000 yards, despite playing in an era that favored ground-and-pound football.Dawson was chosen by the Steelers in the first round of the 1957 draft, but he wound up riding the bench behind Earl Morrall as a rookie and then failed to beat out Bobby Layne for he starting job the following season. The Steelers ultimately traded him to the Browns, where Dawson was unable to beat out Milt Plum for the job and was released.One of the great disappointments of Dawson's career wound up being one of the best things to ever happen to him.With newfound freedom to sign anywhere, Dawson jumped to the upstart AFL and the Texans, lured in part by the chance to play for one of his old coaches at Purdue. Stram was able to finally tap into his talent, helping Dawson to quickly become one of the league's prolific passers as the Texans went 11-3 and won the first of three championships.The second came in 1966, when Dawson led the Chiefs to an 11-2-1 record and a 31-7 blowout of the Bills in the AFL title game. That earned the Chiefs the chance to face the powerhouse Green Bay Packers — and coach Vince Lombardi — in the inaugural Super Bowl, where Dawson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a 35-10 defeat.It was the 1969 season that proved to be the most memorable of Dawson's career, though. He sustained a serious knee injury against the Patriots in Week 2, forcing him to miss the next five games, but went on a tear once he returned to the field. Dawson led the Chiefs to victories over the defending champion Jets and bitter rival Raiders to reach what would be the final Super Bowl before the AFL-NFL merger, where he threw for 142 yards and a score in a 23-7 triumph.“It was overwhelming,” Dawson said afterward. “It’s just, you know how that relief comes with you know it’s over with, and we’ve been successful? That’s the feeling that I had when I came off the field.”Dawson continued to play for six more seasons in Kansas City, setting many franchise records that stood until a youngster named Patrick Mahomes came along, before hanging up his helmet after the 1975 season.Along the way, Dawson parlayed what began as a publicity stunt into a second career in broadcasting.In 1966, then-Chiefs general manager Jack Steadman wanted to drum up support for the franchise in Kansas City and convinced Dawson to anchor a sports segment on the nightly news. His natural charisma and folksy style made Dawson a natural, he turned his attention to TV and radio on a full-time basis after his playing career had finished.Dawson continued to work in local TV for several decades, adding game analysis for NBC from 1977-82 and hosting HBO's iconic “Inside the NFL” from 1977-2001. He also served more than three decades on the Chiefs' radio broadcast team.After going into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1987, Dawson was inducted as a broadcaster in 2012.“It’s been a true privilege and honor to have Len at the center of our broadcast team for the last 33 years,” said Dan Israel, the executive producer of the Chiefs’ radio network, upon his retirement a few years ago. “His contributions to not only this sport, but our industry, are incredibly profound.”Dawson was married to his high school sweetheart, Jackie, from 1954 until her death in 1978, and together they had two children. His second wife, Linda, remained by his side even when Dawson was forced to enter hospice care.

Longtime broadcaster, Chiefs star Len Dawson dead at 87

The Kansas Association of Broadcasters recently unveiled the 2022 class of inductees for the group's Hall of Fame. Included is longtime northwest Kansas broadcaster and former Voice of the Tigers Wyatt Thompson.

Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State Wildcats

Wyatt has been in the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. Wyatt’s first opportunity to do play-by-play was on the student station at Colby Community College. Wyatt’s plan upon completing community college was to attend K-State. In 1976, he was working part-time for Kay Melia’s radio and television stations in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he was offered a full-time position at the Goodland stations. During this time, Wyatt learned production, news, sports, for both radio and television. Wyatt describes those years as the “best 3 years of my professional life from the standpoint of learning the business." During the next 10 years Wyatt made radio stops in Goodland, Abilene, Great Bend, and Arkansas City. Those years provided him the opportunity to hone his broadcast skills while doing play-by-play for community colleges and high schools. From 1985 until 1989 Thompson worked for KAYS radio and television in Hays, Kansas. He was the play-by-play voice for Ft. Hays State. In 1989, Thompsons career took him to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had his first Division 1 opportunity covering The Colorado State Rams. He initially started as the color analyst and eventually did play-by-play for five seasons. The Colorado Broadcasters Association recognized Wyatt for the best-play-by-play in 2000. Wyatt had also been a sports reporter in Denver on Clear Channels KOA.&nbsp;He hosted Countdown to Kickoff for the Denver Broncos as well as the “Zone Sports Insiders” show on KOA. In 2002, K-State announced Wyatt Thompson would be the new voice for K-State Athletics. In addition to play-by-play responsibilities for football, basketball, and selected K-State baseball games, he is the host for football and basketball coaches show on the K-State Radio Network. Additionally, Wyatt hosts weekly television shows for football and basketball throughout the state. Wyatt dedicates lots of time to his K-State community by appearing for gatherings, mentoring, appearances, and interviews. Wyatt enters his 21st year with his on-air partner Stan Weber for the 2022-23 sports season. Wyatt has received numerous broadcast awards during his career, including the KAB’s best play-by-play in 1982, the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year in 1989 and the Hod Humiston Award for Sports Broadcasting in 2011. Since arriving at K-State, he has been recognized as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award six times. Wyatt is a role model for aspiring young broadcasters and has participated in numerous KAB events from the annual KAB convention as a panelist to KAB sponsored seminars. He is admired and respected by his colleagues within the broadcast industry and coaches throughout the country.

Don Free, Retired Engineer for the Kansas City Royals

Don Free is a Topeka resident and has spent over 50 years in broadcasting. He joined the Air Force in 1964 and in 1967 while stationed at Forbes Air Base in Topeka, started working part time at WIBW-TV.&nbsp; Following his discharge from the Air Force, he went full-time as their cameraman and directing news. Four years later, Don moved into engineering, which was his ambition leaving high school. He began helping on TV remotes to broadcast an array of sporting events, including the Kansas City Royals. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to engineer 15 radio games for the Royals Radio Network, the year they won the World Series. The next season, he was hired full time with the Royals and started his 32-year-long dream job.&nbsp;Don retired from the Royals following the 2017 season. Without Don’s expertise, patience, and engineering ingenuity, those memorable play-by-play calls from Denny, Fred, Ryan, Bob and Steve would never have been heard. During his remarkable career, Don and his family lived in Topeka, meaning he drove to the Royals' stadium 81 times a year and to his other "office" at a ballpark somewhere around the country 81 more times. Despite being retired, Don continues to engineer some radio games for visiting teams at Kauffman Stadium and works with the Kansas State Football Radio Network as an engineer.&nbsp; Don was inducted into the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Bob Fidler Award designated for a media member who helped promote the sport. He’s been married to Sandy 42 years, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.&nbsp;

Jack Oliver, KEYN Program Director and Show Host

Since 1969, Jack has worked at numerous Wichita radio stations including KLEO (1969) (only a few overnights), then on to KGNO in Dodge City and then Back to Wichita at KAKE (1973-1979), and KKRD (1980-2004). Since 2004, Jack has been program director at KEYN (Audacy, Inc.). Previously, he was heard daily from 12-7 p.m. However, following the death of Don Hall in April of 2020, Jack moved from afternoons to host the KEYN morning show. Jack advises young radio broadcasters to “find a city that likes you and stay for a while.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Early in his broadcast career, Jack received a first-class radio telephone operator’s license through the FCC. In addition to this, he developed extraordinary skills as a top radio programmer, on-air talent, and production voice. Jack never worked with wax cylinders, but he has certainly watched the broadcasting industry grow from its days of analog mono, tape and vinyl to its evolution into stereo and digital, and at age 72, he has adapted well and today still enjoys practicing his craft.&nbsp; Jack is from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He’s a 1968 graduate of South High School in Wichita and earned a master’s degree in Business Communications from Wichita State University. Jack is very active in Wichita’s Native American Community and served on the board of directors of the All-American Indian Center for ten years. From 1994- 1996, he was a board member of the Wichita Zoning Commission and from 1996-1998 was a board member of the Wichita Traffic Commission. Jack has also helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. In addition, Jack has been a sought-after speaker on numerous panels at radio-TV conventions such as the NAB, Radio &amp;; Records, The Gavin Report, and The Conclave. He also received a prestigious nomination for&nbsp;air talent and program director of the year from Billboard Magazine, Radio &amp; Records and Hitmakers Magazine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267525296.jpeg" alt="Thompson" />
 <figcaption>Thompson</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Association of Broadcasters recently unveiled the 2022 class of inductees for the group's Hall of Fame. Included is longtime northwest Kansas broadcaster and former Voice of the Tigers Wyatt Thompson.Wyatt Thompson, Voice of the Kansas State WildcatsWyatt has been in the broadcasting industry for over 40 years. Wyatt’s first opportunity to do play-by-play was on the student station at Colby Community College. Wyatt’s plan upon completing community college was to attend K-State. In 1976, he was working part-time for Kay Melia’s radio and television stations in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he was offered a full-time position at the Goodland stations. During this time, Wyatt learned production, news, sports, for both radio and television. Wyatt describes those years as the “best 3 years of my professional life from the standpoint of learning the business." During the next 10 years Wyatt made radio stops in Goodland, Abilene, Great Bend, and Arkansas City. Those years provided him the opportunity to hone his broadcast skills while doing play-by-play for community colleges and high schools. From 1985 until 1989 Thompson worked for KAYS radio and television in Hays, Kansas. He was the play-by-play voice for Ft. Hays State. In 1989, Thompsons career took him to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he had his first Division 1 opportunity covering The Colorado State Rams. He initially started as the color analyst and eventually did play-by-play for five seasons. The Colorado Broadcasters Association recognized Wyatt for the best-play-by-play in 2000. Wyatt had also been a sports reporter in Denver on Clear Channels KOA.&nbsp;He hosted Countdown to Kickoff for the Denver Broncos as well as the “Zone Sports Insiders” show on KOA. In 2002, K-State announced Wyatt Thompson would be the new voice for K-State Athletics. In addition to play-by-play responsibilities for football, basketball, and selected K-State baseball games, he is the host for football and basketball coaches show on the K-State Radio Network. Additionally, Wyatt hosts weekly television shows for football and basketball throughout the state. Wyatt dedicates lots of time to his K-State community by appearing for gatherings, mentoring, appearances, and interviews. Wyatt enters his 21st year with his on-air partner Stan Weber for the 2022-23 sports season. Wyatt has received numerous broadcast awards during his career, including the KAB’s best play-by-play in 1982, the Oscar Stauffer Sportscaster of the Year in 1989 and the Hod Humiston Award for Sports Broadcasting in 2011. Since arriving at K-State, he has been recognized as the Kansas Sportscaster of the Year award six times. Wyatt is a role model for aspiring young broadcasters and has participated in numerous KAB events from the annual KAB convention as a panelist to KAB sponsored seminars. He is admired and respected by his colleagues within the broadcast industry and coaches throughout the country.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267657802.jpeg" alt="Free" />
 <figcaption>Free</figcaption>
 </figure>Don Free, Retired Engineer for the Kansas City RoyalsDon Free is a Topeka resident and has spent over 50 years in broadcasting. He joined the Air Force in 1964 and in 1967 while stationed at Forbes Air Base in Topeka, started working part time at WIBW-TV.&nbsp; Following his discharge from the Air Force, he went full-time as their cameraman and directing news. Four years later, Don moved into engineering, which was his ambition leaving high school. He began helping on TV remotes to broadcast an array of sporting events, including the Kansas City Royals. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to engineer 15 radio games for the Royals Radio Network, the year they won the World Series. The next season, he was hired full time with the Royals and started his 32-year-long dream job.&nbsp;Don retired from the Royals following the 2017 season. Without Don’s expertise, patience, and engineering ingenuity, those memorable play-by-play calls from Denny, Fred, Ryan, Bob and Steve would never have been heard. During his remarkable career, Don and his family lived in Topeka, meaning he drove to the Royals' stadium 81 times a year and to his other "office" at a ballpark somewhere around the country 81 more times. Despite being retired, Don continues to engineer some radio games for visiting teams at Kauffman Stadium and works with the Kansas State Football Radio Network as an engineer.&nbsp; Don was inducted into the Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Bob Fidler Award designated for a media member who helped promote the sport. He’s been married to Sandy 42 years, and they have two daughters and four grandchildren.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661267690392.jpeg" alt="Oliver" />
 <figcaption>Oliver</figcaption>
 </figure>Jack Oliver, KEYN Program Director and Show HostSince 1969, Jack has worked at numerous Wichita radio stations including KLEO (1969) (only a few overnights), then on to KGNO in Dodge City and then Back to Wichita at KAKE (1973-1979), and KKRD (1980-2004). Since 2004, Jack has been program director at KEYN (Audacy, Inc.). Previously, he was heard daily from 12-7 p.m. However, following the death of Don Hall in April of 2020, Jack moved from afternoons to host the KEYN morning show. Jack advises young radio broadcasters to “find a city that likes you and stay for a while.”&nbsp;&nbsp; Early in his broadcast career, Jack received a first-class radio telephone operator’s license through the FCC. In addition to this, he developed extraordinary skills as a top radio programmer, on-air talent, and production voice. Jack never worked with wax cylinders, but he has certainly watched the broadcasting industry grow from its days of analog mono, tape and vinyl to its evolution into stereo and digital, and at age 72, he has adapted well and today still enjoys practicing his craft.&nbsp; Jack is from Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He’s a 1968 graduate of South High School in Wichita and earned a master’s degree in Business Communications from Wichita State University. Jack is very active in Wichita’s Native American Community and served on the board of directors of the All-American Indian Center for ten years. From 1994- 1996, he was a board member of the Wichita Zoning Commission and from 1996-1998 was a board member of the Wichita Traffic Commission. Jack has also helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. In addition, Jack has been a sought-after speaker on numerous panels at radio-TV conventions such as the NAB, Radio &amp;; Records, The Gavin Report, and The Conclave. He also received a prestigious nomination for&nbsp;air talent and program director of the year from Billboard Magazine, Radio &amp; Records and Hitmakers Magazine.

Former Voice of the Tigers heading to broadcasting hall of fame

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Christian Walker had three hits, including a run-scoring double, to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

Walker’s two-out double highlighted a three-run eighth against Josh Staumont (3-3) to extend the Diamondbacks’ lead to 5-1.

“That’s what every team’s playing for to some extent, that hit with traffic on,” Walker said. “Everybody wants to come through and get that timely hit.”

Walker delivered after Manager Torey Lovullo turned him loose on a 3-0 count.

“He earned that right to get that 3-0 swing,” Lovullo said. “I just thought it was a crucial time in the game and right guy and the right situation.”

Arizona starter Zach Davies didn’t allow a baserunner until Bobby Witt Jr., hammered his 17th homer to left field with one out in the fourth.

“My command was a little bit off,” Davies said. “I got behind guys but was able to get back into counts and was able to get contact right at guys and use my defense a lot tonight. When I needed to be able to make a pitch I could.”

Lovullo said Davies was "just pounding the zone, front to back changing speeds with his changeup/fastball combination.”

Nicky Lopez and Witt tripled during a two-run eighth to cut Arizona’s lead to 5-3.

Royals starter Jonathan Heasley pitched out of trouble in each of the first four innings, allowing a hit and a walk in each frame. Heasley escaped damage when the Diamondbacks went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Heasley’s most uncomfortable moment came in the fourth as he paused twice to vomit behind the mound. He eventually had to leave the game when the problem recurred with two out in the fifth.

“It’s not a ‘sick’ issue,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He gets amped up and that’s something that’s happened to him multiple times throughout his life. He was completely unsurprised because it’s happened so often. It got to the point where I had to get him out. At some point we had to draw a line.”

Heasley's attempt to pitch through the problem impressed Lovullo.

“It certainly spoke volumes about his toughness,” Lovullo said. “You get one out away from potentially winning a baseball game and you’ve got to come out, it’s not very satisfying, but he threw the ball well.”

Arizona tied the game in the sixth on Geraldo Perdomo’s two-out hit off reliever José Cuas’ leg.

Jake McCarthy delivered a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead.

Arizona scored all seven runs against three Kansas City relievers.

“We were patient,” Lovullo said. “We executed. The first several innings we were just giving away at-bats. We weren’t locked in the way we were later in the game.”

Alek Thomas had three hits and a walk as Arizona snapped a three-game losing streak.

Joe Mantiply (2-4) got four outs to earn the win.

The Royals were outhit 13-5 and have gone a franchise-record eight consecutive games without more than six hits. They have lost seven of nine.

Royals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort.

Royals RHP Jonathan Heasley was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Omaha, and C Sebastian Rivero was recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

The Diamondbacks claimed RHP Reyes Moronta off waivers from the Dodgers and designated IF Jake Hager for assignment.

Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (9-2, 2.78 ERA) will face Royals RHP Brady Singer (6-4, 3.27) on Wednesday night.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Christian Walker had three hits, including a run-scoring double, to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.Walker’s two-out double highlighted a three-run eighth against Josh Staumont (3-3) to extend the Diamondbacks’ lead to 5-1.“That’s what every team’s playing for to some extent, that hit with traffic on,” Walker said. “Everybody wants to come through and get that timely hit.”Walker delivered after Manager Torey Lovullo turned him loose on a 3-0 count.“He earned that right to get that 3-0 swing,” Lovullo said. “I just thought it was a crucial time in the game and right guy and the right situation.”Arizona starter Zach Davies didn’t allow a baserunner until Bobby Witt Jr., hammered his 17th homer to left field with one out in the fourth.“My command was a little bit off,” Davies said. “I got behind guys but was able to get back into counts and was able to get contact right at guys and use my defense a lot tonight. When I needed to be able to make a pitch I could.”Lovullo said Davies was "just pounding the zone, front to back changing speeds with his changeup/fastball combination.”Nicky Lopez and Witt tripled during a two-run eighth to cut Arizona’s lead to 5-3.Royals starter Jonathan Heasley pitched out of trouble in each of the first four innings, allowing a hit and a walk in each frame. Heasley escaped damage when the Diamondbacks went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.Heasley’s most uncomfortable moment came in the fourth as he paused twice to vomit behind the mound. He eventually had to leave the game when the problem recurred with two out in the fifth.“It’s not a ‘sick’ issue,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “He gets amped up and that’s something that’s happened to him multiple times throughout his life. He was completely unsurprised because it’s happened so often. It got to the point where I had to get him out. At some point we had to draw a line.”Heasley's attempt to pitch through the problem impressed Lovullo.“It certainly spoke volumes about his toughness,” Lovullo said. “You get one out away from potentially winning a baseball game and you’ve got to come out, it’s not very satisfying, but he threw the ball well.”Arizona tied the game in the sixth on Geraldo Perdomo’s two-out hit off reliever José Cuas’ leg.Jake McCarthy delivered a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the seventh, giving the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead.Arizona scored all seven runs against three Kansas City relievers.“We were patient,” Lovullo said. “We executed. The first several innings we were just giving away at-bats. We weren’t locked in the way we were later in the game.”Alek Thomas had three hits and a walk as Arizona snapped a three-game losing streak.Joe Mantiply (2-4) got four outs to earn the win.HITTING SLUMPThe Royals were outhit 13-5 and have gone a franchise-record eight consecutive games without more than six hits. They have lost seven of nine.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder discomfort.TRANSACTIONSRoyals RHP Jonathan Heasley was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. RHP Collin Snider was optioned to Omaha, and C Sebastian Rivero was recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.The Diamondbacks claimed RHP Reyes Moronta off waivers from the Dodgers and designated IF Jake Hager for assignment.UP NEXTDiamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (9-2, 2.78 ERA) will face Royals RHP Brady Singer (6-4, 3.27) on Wednesday night.

⚾ Walker’s 3 hits lift Diamondbacks over slumping Royals

GREAT BEND — Retired WNBA Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said celebrating the 50th anniversary is an important milestone to acknowledge.

“President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said. “Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.”

Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this landmark anniversary.

“Jackie is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us … not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said.

Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin, she led the country in scoring. Then to Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books en route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, to a professional career in the WNBA, Jackie has inspired and impacted millions. In 2016, Stiles was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.

For more information, please contact Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownc@bartonccc.edu">brownc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620)786-7441

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660935230253.jpeg" alt="Stiles" />
 <figcaption>Stiles</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOE VINDUSKA BCCGREAT BEND — Retired WNBA Basketball legend Jackie Stiles will speak at Barton Community College at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in the Fine Arts Auditorium to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.Barton Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown said celebrating the 50th anniversary is an important milestone to acknowledge.“President Richard Nixon signed Title IX into law in 1972,” she said. “Early efforts to obtain equal access for women in education focused on athletics, but it also opened the doors for women in all the professions and every field beyond education.”Brown said Stiles is an exciting figure to help celebrate this landmark anniversary.“Jackie is a Barton County hometown hero who was asked to speak at Barton to inspire not only our students but all of us … not just in athletics, but in all of life’s endeavors,” she said.Stiles is one of the most renowned basketball players in the history of the women's game. From her roots in Claflin, she led the country in scoring. Then to Southwest Missouri State University, she rewrote the NCAA women's basketball record books en route to leading the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Finally, to a professional career in the WNBA, Jackie has inspired and impacted millions. In 2016, Stiles was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.For more information, please contact Title IX Coordinator Cheryl Brown at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:brownc@bartonccc.edu">brownc@bartonccc.edu</a>&nbsp;or call (620)786-7441

Jackie Stiles to speak at Barton Community College Aug. 29

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs tight end Blake Bell had surgery to repair what coach Andy Reid has termed an “unusual” hip flexor injury, leaving them without their primary backup to Travis Kelce for at least the start of the regular season.

Bell hurt the hip on a touchdown catch during the Chiefs' preseason opener Aug. 13 in Chicago. He tried to play through it but ultimately left the game, and the veteran tight end has not played or practiced since.

Asked when Bell might return to the field, Reid said Tuesday: “I don't think it's going to be real quick.”

Reid didn't say whether Bell would be placed on injured reserve next week, when teams are required to reduce their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players. But he did acknowledge that “we're kind of throwing some things around.”

The Chiefs, who play their preseason finale against Green Bay on Thursday night, are better equipped to deal with an injury at tight end than perhaps any other position group. Kelce has been one of the best in the league the past several years and the Chiefs have capable backups in Jody Fortson and second-year pro Noah Gray.

Fortson, who is coming back from a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon, had two touchdown receptions in last weekend's preseason game against Washington. Gray appeared in all 16 games as a rookie last season.

“You don't want it to happen to anybody,” Reid said of the injury to Bell, “but that position, we have some capable guys in there. Noah has worked very hard at it and done a nice job with it.”

The Chiefs rely heavily upon their tight ends, both as blockers in the run game and downfield threats in their wide-open passing attack. They used two tight ends on 22% of snaps last season, and only a handful of teams used three more often. Kelce surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth consecutive season while catching nine TD passes.

Bell has been his primary backup two of the past three seasons. He helped them end a 50-year championship drought with a Super Bowl victory in February 2020, then spent a season with Dallas before returning to Kansas City, where he started five games last season and appeared in all 16 while specializing in his blocking ability.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs tight end Blake Bell had surgery to repair what coach Andy Reid has termed an “unusual” hip flexor injury, leaving them without their primary backup to Travis Kelce for at least the start of the regular season.Bell hurt the hip on a touchdown catch during the Chiefs' preseason opener Aug. 13 in Chicago. He tried to play through it but ultimately left the game, and the veteran tight end has not played or practiced since.Asked when Bell might return to the field, Reid said Tuesday: “I don't think it's going to be real quick.”Reid didn't say whether Bell would be placed on injured reserve next week, when teams are required to reduce their roster to the regular-season limit of 53 players. But he did acknowledge that “we're kind of throwing some things around.”The Chiefs, who play their preseason finale against Green Bay on Thursday night, are better equipped to deal with an injury at tight end than perhaps any other position group. Kelce has been one of the best in the league the past several years and the Chiefs have capable backups in Jody Fortson and second-year pro Noah Gray.Fortson, who is coming back from a season-ending injury to his Achilles tendon, had two touchdown receptions in last weekend's preseason game against Washington. Gray appeared in all 16 games as a rookie last season.“You don't want it to happen to anybody,” Reid said of the injury to Bell, “but that position, we have some capable guys in there. Noah has worked very hard at it and done a nice job with it.”The Chiefs rely heavily upon their tight ends, both as blockers in the run game and downfield threats in their wide-open passing attack. They used two tight ends on 22% of snaps last season, and only a handful of teams used three more often. Kelce surpassed 1,000 yards receiving for the sixth consecutive season while catching nine TD passes.Bell has been his primary backup two of the past three seasons. He helped them end a 50-year championship drought with a Super Bowl victory in February 2020, then spent a season with Dallas before returning to Kansas City, where he started five games last season and appeared in all 16 while specializing in his blocking ability.The Chiefs reached the 80-man roster limit Tuesday by putting running back Derrick Gore on injured reserve with a fractured hand and offensive tackle Lucas Niang on the in-season physically unable to perform list. The designation for Gore means his season is over while Niang, who had offseason knee surgery, cannot return until at least Week 5.In other injury news, defensive end Carlos Dunlap is dealing with inflammation in his Achilles tendon, cornerback Rashad Fenton has a groin strain and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster remains out with a sore knee.Reid thinks Smith-Schuster will be back in time for the season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.“He's right there right now,” Reid said. “He's starting to kind of turn the corner the last couple of days. He's running on it.”None of the ailing players will play against the Packers on Thursday night, and there's a chance Patrick Mahomes and most of the starters get the night off, too. Reid said he's counting the practice reps and plays from the first two preseason games but has not decided whether his Pro Bowl quarterback will take the field at all at Arrowhead Stadium.Mahomes has been sharp in the preseason, going 18 of 26 for 222 yards with three TDs and no picks in the preseason.“We'll see how that goes. He's been practicing,” Reid said. “I haven't made up my mind on all that.”Regardless, the preseason finale is important for the second- and third-team players to make a final impression, both on the Chiefs and the rest of the league. Many of them will be looking for a job after next week's cuts, and the product they put on film is important in helping them potentially land a spot on a roster elsewhere.“There's competition all the way through,” Reid said. “For starting positions and depth positions, we'll keep our eyes on that."