PITTSBURG — Saturday marks the 49th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Start football game and the Hays High Indians will be well represented.&nbsp;

Standout offensive and defensive lineman Gavin Nutting was a late addition to this year’s game being played in Pittsburg.&nbsp;

Nutting and Hays High head coach Tony Crough are on the west
squad. 

This year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Carnie
Smith Stadium in Pittsburg.

PITTSBURG — Saturday marks the 49th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Start football game and the Hays High Indians will be well represented.&nbsp;Standout offensive and defensive lineman Gavin Nutting was a late addition to this year’s game being played in Pittsburg.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1309860652&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-21-22-gavin-nutting" title="7-21-22 - Gavin Nutting" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">7-21-22 - Gavin Nutting</a></div></div>Nutting and Hays High head coach Tony Crough are on the west
squad. This year’s Kansas Shrine Bowl is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at Carnie
Smith Stadium in Pittsburg.

🏈Former Hays High standout Nutting set to play in Shrine Bowl

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy has appointed
Fort Hays State’s Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook as the Association’s
next Basketball Tournament Committee Chair.

Cook has been a member of the MIAA Basketball Tournament
Committee for eight years. He becomes the third representative to take over as
the committee chair since the committee began in 2008. Cook is replacing
Pittsburg State’s former Associate Athletic Director, Nate Davis.

“I am humbled and excited to be selected as the new chair
for the MIAA basketball tournament committee,” said Cook. “This is an event I
look forward to every year, not just for the great basketball games and
high-level competition we get to watch each day, but also for the time spent
working with other MIAA Athletic Administrators to put on the tournament. We
have a great group of people on the committee with great leadership from the
MIAA office and can’t wait to celebrate our 20th year of MIAA basketball in
Kansas City! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention learning the importance of
the MIAA basketball tournament and how things worked from a great mentor and
committee member in Tim Callahan and past chairs Brett Esely and Nate Davis.”

In his new appointment, Cook will help oversee the direction
of tournament operations. As chair, he will be in direct consultation with
Commissioner Racy and MIAA staff on meetings and agenda items leading into the
tournament.

Cook is entering his ninth year as the Assistant Athletic
Director of External Operations at Fort Hays State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658491820736.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MIAAKANSAS CITY, Mo. — MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy has appointed
Fort Hays State’s Assistant Athletic Director Matt Cook as the Association’s
next Basketball Tournament Committee Chair.Cook has been a member of the MIAA Basketball Tournament
Committee for eight years. He becomes the third representative to take over as
the committee chair since the committee began in 2008. Cook is replacing
Pittsburg State’s former Associate Athletic Director, Nate Davis.“I am humbled and excited to be selected as the new chair
for the MIAA basketball tournament committee,” said Cook. “This is an event I
look forward to every year, not just for the great basketball games and
high-level competition we get to watch each day, but also for the time spent
working with other MIAA Athletic Administrators to put on the tournament. We
have a great group of people on the committee with great leadership from the
MIAA office and can’t wait to celebrate our 20th year of MIAA basketball in
Kansas City! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention learning the importance of
the MIAA basketball tournament and how things worked from a great mentor and
committee member in Tim Callahan and past chairs Brett Esely and Nate Davis.”In his new appointment, Cook will help oversee the direction
of tournament operations. As chair, he will be in direct consultation with
Commissioner Racy and MIAA staff on meetings and agenda items leading into the
tournament.Cook is entering his ninth year as the Assistant Athletic
Director of External Operations at Fort Hays State.

🏀FHSU’s Cook named MIAA basketball tournament committee chair

Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Mon Jul 18 2022 09:42:11 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Brady Rose"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/9GEgSEct-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/9GEgSEct-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/9GEgSEct-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Brady Rose" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Brady Rose

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State cross country/track and field
head coach Dr. Jason McCullough has announced a nationwide schedule for the
2022-23 season. The Tigers will compete in eight states across all four time
zones in the continental United States during the upcoming season.

The cross country season kicks off on September 1 at the
Terry Masterson Twilight (Hutchinson, Kan.) before the Tigers travel to the
highly competitive Southern Stampede (Joplin, Mo.) on September 18. Fort Hays
State will battle another tough field at the Gans Creek Classic (Columbia, Mo.)
on September 30 hosted by SEC member Missouri before wrapping up the regular
season on October 15 at the Trojan Invite (Colby, Kan.).

The championship phase of the fall season begins in
Jefferson City, Mo. as Lincoln plays host to the MIAA Championships on November
5. The Tigers will then return to Joplin, Mo. for the NCAA Division II Central
Region Championships on November 19 with a trip to University Place, Wash. and
the NCAA Division II Championships (Dec. 3) on the line.

While the distance runners hope to wrap up their season at
the national race in Washington in early December, the indoor track and field
team will begin its season that same weekend at the UNK Pre-Holiday Classic
(Dec. 2, Kearney, Neb.). The Tigers will compete once more before wrapping up
the semester at the highly competitive Boo Rogers Combined Events and Crimson
&amp; Gold Invitational (Dec. 9-10, Pittsburg, Kan.). The Tigers broke seven
school records and achieved 23 NCAA provisional qualifying marks last season at
the Plaster Center on the campus of Pittsburg State.

After the calendar turns to 2023, the track and field
programs will take a tour of indoor facilities in Kansas at the Washburn Rust
Buster (Jan. 21, Topeka), the Jayhawk Classic (Jan. 27, Lawrence) and the Herm
Wilson Invitational (Feb. 3-4, Wichita) before returning to Pittsburg State for
the highly anticipated Gorilla Classic (Feb. 10-11). The regular season
concludes the following week with a trip to the Bob Devaney Sports Center for
the Nebraska Tune-Up (Feb. 17, Lincoln, Neb.). The Tigers will then travel to
Pittsburg a third time for the MIAA Indoor Championships (Feb. 24-26) before heading
to the east coast in Virginia Beach, Va. for the NCAA Division II Indoor
Championships (March 10-11) at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

The outdoor season is slated to begin in late March before
concluding with the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships at the CSU Pueblo
ThunderBowl in Pueblo, Colo. May 25-27. The Tigers will host the annual FHSU
Alex Francis Classic late in the regular season on April 28 at the FHSU Track
and Field Facility. Other regional competition in the spring includes trips to
Wichita State (April 7-8), Nebraska-Kearney (April 1 and 15, May 13), and host
of the 2024 and 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, Emporia State
(March 24-25, April 22).

Outside of those regional competitions, the Tigers are
planning trips to California and Texas for marquee events in pursuit of NCAA
qualifying marks and school records. In 2022, trips to these two states
produced seven school records, 17 NCAA Provisional marks and 15 FHSU DII era
top 10 performances. The Tigers plan to make their inaugural trip to the highly
acclaimed Stanford Invitational at the Cobb Track &amp; Angell Field in Palo
Alto, Calif. March 24-25. Fort Hays State will return to the Bay Area the
following week the following week (March 30-April 1) to compete in San Francisco
State's Mike Fanelli Classic, doing so for the first time since 2015. The
Tigers will also send athletes to Austin, Texas that week (March 29-April 1)
for the prestigious 95th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers
Stadium on Texas' campus, doing so for the second year in a row.

The Tigers will return to southern California two weeks
later, competing at three different venues between April 12-15. Fort Hays State
will compete in Long Beach, Calif. at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate (April
13) and Beach Invitational (April 14-15) at the Jack Rose Track on the campus
of Long Beach State. The Tigers will also attend the historically famous 63rd
Mt. SAC Relays (April 12-15) at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut Calif., hosted
by Mt. San Antonio Community College presented by Nike. Additional Tiger
student-athletes will compete at the prominent Bryan Clay Invitational (April
13-15) at Cougar Athletic Stadium hosted by Azusa Pacific in Azusa, Calif.

After hosting the Alex Francis Classic in late April, the
Tigers will head off to Jefferson City, Mo. for the MIAA Outdoor Championships
as Lincoln once again assumes hosting duties May 5-7.

Fort Hays State returns an impressive crop of athletes that
includes two national champions, 11 All-Americans, 14 NCAA Championship meet
participants, 15 All-MIAA performers and 30 MIAA Championship meet scorers
while adding a recruiting class that includes multiple high school state
champions, medalists and junior college All-Americans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658491951913.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State cross country/track and field
head coach Dr. Jason McCullough has announced a nationwide schedule for the
2022-23 season. The Tigers will compete in eight states across all four time
zones in the continental United States during the upcoming season.The cross country season kicks off on September 1 at the
Terry Masterson Twilight (Hutchinson, Kan.) before the Tigers travel to the
highly competitive Southern Stampede (Joplin, Mo.) on September 18. Fort Hays
State will battle another tough field at the Gans Creek Classic (Columbia, Mo.)
on September 30 hosted by SEC member Missouri before wrapping up the regular
season on October 15 at the Trojan Invite (Colby, Kan.).The championship phase of the fall season begins in
Jefferson City, Mo. as Lincoln plays host to the MIAA Championships on November
5. The Tigers will then return to Joplin, Mo. for the NCAA Division II Central
Region Championships on November 19 with a trip to University Place, Wash. and
the NCAA Division II Championships (Dec. 3) on the line.While the distance runners hope to wrap up their season at
the national race in Washington in early December, the indoor track and field
team will begin its season that same weekend at the UNK Pre-Holiday Classic
(Dec. 2, Kearney, Neb.). The Tigers will compete once more before wrapping up
the semester at the highly competitive Boo Rogers Combined Events and Crimson
&amp; Gold Invitational (Dec. 9-10, Pittsburg, Kan.). The Tigers broke seven
school records and achieved 23 NCAA provisional qualifying marks last season at
the Plaster Center on the campus of Pittsburg State.After the calendar turns to 2023, the track and field
programs will take a tour of indoor facilities in Kansas at the Washburn Rust
Buster (Jan. 21, Topeka), the Jayhawk Classic (Jan. 27, Lawrence) and the Herm
Wilson Invitational (Feb. 3-4, Wichita) before returning to Pittsburg State for
the highly anticipated Gorilla Classic (Feb. 10-11). The regular season
concludes the following week with a trip to the Bob Devaney Sports Center for
the Nebraska Tune-Up (Feb. 17, Lincoln, Neb.). The Tigers will then travel to
Pittsburg a third time for the MIAA Indoor Championships (Feb. 24-26) before heading
to the east coast in Virginia Beach, Va. for the NCAA Division II Indoor
Championships (March 10-11) at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.The outdoor season is slated to begin in late March before
concluding with the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships at the CSU Pueblo
ThunderBowl in Pueblo, Colo. May 25-27. The Tigers will host the annual FHSU
Alex Francis Classic late in the regular season on April 28 at the FHSU Track
and Field Facility. Other regional competition in the spring includes trips to
Wichita State (April 7-8), Nebraska-Kearney (April 1 and 15, May 13), and host
of the 2024 and 2026 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships, Emporia State
(March 24-25, April 22).Outside of those regional competitions, the Tigers are
planning trips to California and Texas for marquee events in pursuit of NCAA
qualifying marks and school records. In 2022, trips to these two states
produced seven school records, 17 NCAA Provisional marks and 15 FHSU DII era
top 10 performances. The Tigers plan to make their inaugural trip to the highly
acclaimed Stanford Invitational at the Cobb Track &amp; Angell Field in Palo
Alto, Calif. March 24-25. Fort Hays State will return to the Bay Area the
following week the following week (March 30-April 1) to compete in San Francisco
State's Mike Fanelli Classic, doing so for the first time since 2015. The
Tigers will also send athletes to Austin, Texas that week (March 29-April 1)
for the prestigious 95th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at Mike A. Myers
Stadium on Texas' campus, doing so for the second year in a row.The Tigers will return to southern California two weeks
later, competing at three different venues between April 12-15. Fort Hays State
will compete in Long Beach, Calif. at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate (April
13) and Beach Invitational (April 14-15) at the Jack Rose Track on the campus
of Long Beach State. The Tigers will also attend the historically famous 63rd
Mt. SAC Relays (April 12-15) at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in Walnut Calif., hosted
by Mt. San Antonio Community College presented by Nike. Additional Tiger
student-athletes will compete at the prominent Bryan Clay Invitational (April
13-15) at Cougar Athletic Stadium hosted by Azusa Pacific in Azusa, Calif.After hosting the Alex Francis Classic in late April, the
Tigers will head off to Jefferson City, Mo. for the MIAA Outdoor Championships
as Lincoln once again assumes hosting duties May 5-7.Fort Hays State returns an impressive crop of athletes that
includes two national champions, 11 All-Americans, 14 NCAA Championship meet
participants, 15 All-MIAA performers and 30 MIAA Championship meet scorers
while adding a recruiting class that includes multiple high school state
champions, medalists and junior college All-Americans.

👟FHSU track announces nationwide schedule for 2022-23 season

Stanford a former graduate assistant with Fort Hays State

COLBY — Colby Community College announced the hiring of Jerrod Stanford to lead the men's basketball program next season. He fills the position vacated by Rusty Elmore, who resigned in June.

Stanford begins his new role this week. He is no stranger to the Jayhawk Conference, as he spent the last seven years as the head men's coach at Division II Labette Community College, compiling a record of 83-92. His 2020-21 squad won Labette's first regular-season conference title. He took teams to the Region VI championship game in 2018 and 2021, the school's only appearances since 1961.

The St. John native is familiar with CCC basketball. He coached former Trojan and All-KJCCC guard Carson Konrade at Spearville High School, where Konrade was twice named to the Class 2A All-State team by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.

Colby Athletic Director Mike Saddler said the new coach is qualified in many ways.

"Jerrod brings a great background with him," said Saddler. "He spent time coaching in western Kansas at both the high school and college level and has years of experience as a head coach in the Jayhawk Conference. His background makes him an outstanding fit for Colby Community College, and we look for him to continue to help guide the program forward. We are really looking forward to getting Jerrod and his family to Colby."

"My family and I are excited to be part of the Colby community," said Stanford. "I look forward to continuing to build a strong Trojans program."

Stanford and his wife of nine years, Traci, are parents to three children, Ivy, age 8; Justus, 4; and one-year-old Raef.&nbsp;

"Fatherhood is the best blessing I could've ever asked for," Stanford added.

Outside coaching, he enjoys cooking, being outside and making memories with his family. He is active in his Catholic faith and teaches his children about the church's saints and sacraments.

Stanford earned a bachelor's degree from Sterling College and a master's degree when he was a graduate assistant on the Fort Hays State University basketball staff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658429337993.jpeg" alt="Jerrod Stanford" />
 <figcaption>Jerrod Stanford</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Stanford a former graduate assistant with Fort Hays State</h2>CCCCOLBY — Colby Community College announced the hiring of Jerrod Stanford to lead the men's basketball program next season. He fills the position vacated by Rusty Elmore, who resigned in June.Stanford begins his new role this week. He is no stranger to the Jayhawk Conference, as he spent the last seven years as the head men's coach at Division II Labette Community College, compiling a record of 83-92. His 2020-21 squad won Labette's first regular-season conference title. He took teams to the Region VI championship game in 2018 and 2021, the school's only appearances since 1961.The St. John native is familiar with CCC basketball. He coached former Trojan and All-KJCCC guard Carson Konrade at Spearville High School, where Konrade was twice named to the Class 2A All-State team by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association.Colby Athletic Director Mike Saddler said the new coach is qualified in many ways."Jerrod brings a great background with him," said Saddler. "He spent time coaching in western Kansas at both the high school and college level and has years of experience as a head coach in the Jayhawk Conference. His background makes him an outstanding fit for Colby Community College, and we look for him to continue to help guide the program forward. We are really looking forward to getting Jerrod and his family to Colby.""My family and I are excited to be part of the Colby community," said Stanford. "I look forward to continuing to build a strong Trojans program."Stanford and his wife of nine years, Traci, are parents to three children, Ivy, age 8; Justus, 4; and one-year-old Raef.&nbsp;"Fatherhood is the best blessing I could've ever asked for," Stanford added.Outside coaching, he enjoys cooking, being outside and making memories with his family. He is active in his Catholic faith and teaches his children about the church's saints and sacraments.Stanford earned a bachelor's degree from Sterling College and a master's degree when he was a graduate assistant on the Fort Hays State University basketball staff.

St. John native takes reins of Colby CC men's basketball program

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Brady Hunt Evans"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/Oyn11JDt-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/Oyn11JDt-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/Oyn11JDt-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Brady Hunt Evans" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Brady Hunt Evans

SALINA — As the volunteer sponsor of the 2022 Senior LPGA Championship at the 
Salina Country Club later this week, the Kansas Department of Commerce 
has assembled "The Governor's Team" to play in the Pro-Am Tournament 
Thursday.

The 2022 Senior LPGA Championship is scheduled for 
Thursday through Sunday at the Salina Country Club. Annika Sörenstam is 
scheduled to headline the 78-player field for the 2022 Senior LPGA 
Championship.

READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3718fe68-fdd8-41a1-b51a-4589b6df3a08">Annika Sörenstam to headline 2022 LPGA Championship in Salina</a>

Likewise, Governor Laura Kelly's team for the Pro-Am event Thursday 
has some of the state's best collegiate golfers: Aliyah North (Fort Hays
 State University), Gianna Augustine (Kansas State University), Hannah 
Hawks (University of Kansas), and Megan Lucas (Wichita State 
University). A senior pro will be named after the pairing party on 
Wednesday evening.

Adam Roorbach, Kansas Department of Commerce's 
Kansas Sports Tourism, said, “The State of Kansas is proud to sponsor 
this event. Bringing the Senior LPGA Championship event will have a 
significant impact on the Kansas economy. The Salina Country Club will 
provide a wonderful experience to participants and spectators from 
throughout the world. Ultimately, Kansas is a wonderful place to visit, 
work, live and play, and the Senior LPGA Championship will showcase just
 that!"

The Pro-Am is scheduled to begin with a shotgun start at 
noon on Thursday with 17 teams competing. Each team will consist of four
 amateur players and one senior pro. Several local businesses have 
sponsored teams and viewing of the event is open to the public.

If you’d like to learn more about the 2022 Senior LPGA Championship, go to <a href="http://www.SalinaCountryClub.com">www.SalinaCountryClub.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658347723244.jpeg" alt="The Salina Country Club will be a hub of international activity the next few days during the&nbsp;2022 Senior LPGA Championship. Photo courtesy Salina Country Club Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>The Salina Country Club will be a hub of international activity the next few days during the&nbsp;2022 Senior LPGA Championship. Photo courtesy Salina Country Club Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>Salina PostSALINA — As the volunteer sponsor of the 2022 Senior LPGA Championship at the 
Salina Country Club later this week, the Kansas Department of Commerce 
has assembled "The Governor's Team" to play in the Pro-Am Tournament 
Thursday.The 2022 Senior LPGA Championship is scheduled for 
Thursday through Sunday at the Salina Country Club. Annika Sörenstam is 
scheduled to headline the 78-player field for the 2022 Senior LPGA 
Championship.READ: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/3718fe68-fdd8-41a1-b51a-4589b6df3a08">Annika Sörenstam to headline 2022 LPGA Championship in Salina</a>Likewise, Governor Laura Kelly's team for the Pro-Am event Thursday 
has some of the state's best collegiate golfers: Aliyah North (Fort Hays
 State University), Gianna Augustine (Kansas State University), Hannah 
Hawks (University of Kansas), and Megan Lucas (Wichita State 
University). A senior pro will be named after the pairing party on 
Wednesday evening.Adam Roorbach, Kansas Department of Commerce's 
Kansas Sports Tourism, said, “The State of Kansas is proud to sponsor 
this event. Bringing the Senior LPGA Championship event will have a 
significant impact on the Kansas economy. The Salina Country Club will 
provide a wonderful experience to participants and spectators from 
throughout the world. Ultimately, Kansas is a wonderful place to visit, 
work, live and play, and the Senior LPGA Championship will showcase just
 that!"The Pro-Am is scheduled to begin with a shotgun start at 
noon on Thursday with 17 teams competing. Each team will consist of four
 amateur players and one senior pro. Several local businesses have 
sponsored teams and viewing of the event is open to the public.If you’d like to learn more about the 2022 Senior LPGA Championship, go to <a href="http://www.SalinaCountryClub.com">www.SalinaCountryClub.com</a>.

FHSU golfer will join governor's team at LPGA Pro-Am event

ATLANTA - With a cumulative team grade-point average of
3.814, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team led all Division II in the
2021-22 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, released Wednesday (July 20) by
the coaches association. It is both the highest ranking ever achieved by the
team in the 27-year history of the poll and the highest team GPA on record.

The Tigers have been listed in the Academic Top 25 11 times
under head coach Tony Hobson, including four appearances in the top 10.

The Tigers were one of just four schools nationwide ranked
in the top 25 in both the final WBCA DII national coaches poll and the academic
team honor roll.

School - Academic Top 25 Ranking - Final WBCA Ranking Fort Hays State - 1st - 7th Lubbock Christian - 4th - 19th Ashland - 6th - 9th Pace - 10th - 15th

Fort Hays State is one of three MIAA programs ranked in this
year's Academic Top 25. The Tigers have been the top-ranked conference school
four of the last five years.

All 14 Tigers on the 2021-22 roster were listed on the MIAA
Academic Honor Roll, with five student-athletes receiving the MIAA Academic
Excellence Award and four picking up the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award. Cydney
Bergmann, Kate Dilsaver, Megan Earney, Grace Eck and Whitney Randall all earned
the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for continuing to maintain a perfect 4.00
GPA, while Bergmann, Randall, Olivia Hollenbeck and Katie Wagner all received
the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for carrying a GPA north of 3.50 and earning
All-MIAA status on the court.

The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division
I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams
across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA)
inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The
2021-22 season is the 27th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls. This
year's release marks the first year in which all teams which reported a minimum
3.0 GPA also are recognized for their academic accomplishment.

Fort Hays State's historical rankings in the WBCA Academic
Top 25 Team Honor Roll and the complete 2021-22 Top 25 can be found below.

FHSU in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll

Year | Rank - GPA 2021-22 | 1st - 3.814 2020-21 | 3rd - 3.764 2018-19 | 6th - 3.708 2017-18 | 13th - 3.667 2016-17 | 13th - 3.624 2015-16 | 22nd - 3.559 2014-15 | 23rd - 3.536 2012-13 | 14th - 3.500 2011-12 | 4th - 3.628 2010-11 | 12th - 3.523 2009-10 | T14th - 3.473 2002-03 | 16th - 3.444

Rank - Institution - Head Coach&nbsp; - GPA 1 - Fort Hays State University - Tony Hobson - 3.814 T2 - Ursuline College - Shannon Sword - 3.806 T2 - Northwest Missouri State University - Austin Meyer -
3.806 4 - Lubbock Christian University - Steve Gomez - 3.805 5 - East Stroudsburg University - Stephanie Del Preore -
3.800 6 - Ashland University - Kari Pickens - 3.798 T7 - William Jewell College - Jill Slominski - 3.770 T7 - Montana State University Billings - Kevin Woodin -
3.770 9 - Kutztown University - Janet Malouf - 3.768 10 - Pace University - Carrie Seymour - 3.755 11 - Minot State University - Mike Brandt - 3.753 12 - Point Loma Nazarene University - Charity Elliott -
3.746 13 - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Lisa Wilson -
3.745 14 - University of Montevallo - Gary Van Atta - 3.736 15 - Michigan Technological University - Samantha Clayton -
3.734 16 - Adelphi University - Sade Jackson - 3.727 17 - University of Nebraska Kearney - Carrie Eighmey - 3.725 18 - Wayne State University - Carrie Lohr - 3.723 19 - Minnesota State University Moorhead - Karla Nelson -
3.686 20 - Seton Hill University - Mark Katarski - 3.679 21 - Henderson State University - Jill Thomas - 3.678 22 - Lindenwood University - Katie Falco - 3.670 23 - Rockhurst University - Larry Park - 3.658 24 - Fort Lewis College - Taylor Harris - 3.653 25 - University of Charleston - Tianni Kelly - 3.643

Special Mention: Truman State University, Theo Dean, 3.637;
Chestnut Hill College, Jim Connolly, 3.625; Southern New Hampshire University,
Karen Pinkos, 3.620; Emory &amp; Henry College, Jaclyn Dickens, 3.611;
University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Lynn Plett, 3.604; Southwest Minnesota
State University, Tom Webb, 3.600; McKendree University, Kari Kerkhoff, 3.598;
Augustana University, Dave Krauth, 3.591; University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Jen
Conely, 3.576; University of Mary, Rick Neumann, 3.570; Southwest Baptist
University, Kelsey Keizer, 3.561; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Jessie Craig,
3.557; St. Thomas Aquinas College, Bill Cleary, 3.552; Minnesota State
University, Emilee Thiesse, 3.552; Western Washington University, Carmen Dolfo,
3.545; Hillsdale College, Charlie Averkamp, 3.538; Chadron State College, Janet
Raymer, 3.536; Davenport University, Travis Schuba, 3.507; Bemidji State University,
Chelsea DeVille, 3.507; Gannon University, Cleve Wright, 3.498; Seattle Pacific
University, Mike Simonson, 3.488; Winona State University, Scott Ballard,
3.477; Wingate University, Ann Hancock, 3.466; Metropolitan State University of
Denver, Tanya Haave, 3.466; Miles College, Phillip Wallace, 3.460; Holy Family
University, Bernadette Laukaitis, 3.447; University of Illinois Springfield,
Casey Thousand, 3.440; Valdosta State University, Deandra Schirmer, 3.383;
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Jeri Jacobson, 3.380; Daemen
College, Jenepher Banker, 3.375; Goldey-Beacom College, Bethann Burke, 3.362;
Tusculum University, Meagan Price, 3.338; Stonehill College, Trisha Brown,
3.328; Union University, Mark Campbell, 3.327; California State University,
East Bay, Shanelle Stires, 3.325; Fort Valley State University, Andrea
Williams, 3.322; Azusa Pacific University, T.J. Hardeman, 3.313; Chaminade
University of Honolulu, Arthur King, 3.303; Barry University, Kristina Baugh,
3.289; University of West Florida, Stephanie Yelton, 3.276; Oklahoma Christian
University, Stephanie Findley, 3.255; California State University San Marcos,
Renee Jimenez, 3.251; Bentley University, C White, 3.242; Dominican University
of California, Tim LaKose, 3.231; West Texas A&amp;M University, Josh Prock,
3.229; Christian Brothers University, Jessie Carmack, 3.224; University of
Hawaii at Hilo, David Kaneshiro, 3.220; California State University, San
Bernardino, Casandra Renno, 3.209; Coker University, Melissa DeVore, 3.201;
Northwest Nazarene University, Steve Steele, 3.176; Converse University,
Samantha Davidson, 3.109; St. Mary's University (Texas), Jason Martens, 3.081;
California State University, Los Angeles, Torino Johnson, 3.069; Academy of Art
University, Krystle Evans, 3.049.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658405531580.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsATLANTA - With a cumulative team grade-point average of
3.814, the Fort Hays State women's basketball team led all Division II in the
2021-22 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, released Wednesday (July 20) by
the coaches association. It is both the highest ranking ever achieved by the
team in the 27-year history of the poll and the highest team GPA on record.The Tigers have been listed in the Academic Top 25 11 times
under head coach Tony Hobson, including four appearances in the top 10.The Tigers were one of just four schools nationwide ranked
in the top 25 in both the final WBCA DII national coaches poll and the academic
team honor roll.School - Academic Top 25 Ranking - Final WBCA Ranking Fort Hays State - 1st - 7th Lubbock Christian - 4th - 19th Ashland - 6th - 9th Pace - 10th - 15thFort Hays State is one of three MIAA programs ranked in this
year's Academic Top 25. The Tigers have been the top-ranked conference school
four of the last five years.All 14 Tigers on the 2021-22 roster were listed on the MIAA
Academic Honor Roll, with five student-athletes receiving the MIAA Academic
Excellence Award and four picking up the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award. Cydney
Bergmann, Kate Dilsaver, Megan Earney, Grace Eck and Whitney Randall all earned
the MIAA Academic Excellence Award for continuing to maintain a perfect 4.00
GPA, while Bergmann, Randall, Olivia Hollenbeck and Katie Wagner all received
the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award for carrying a GPA north of 3.50 and earning
All-MIAA status on the court.The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division
I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams
across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA)
inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The
2021-22 season is the 27th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls. This
year's release marks the first year in which all teams which reported a minimum
3.0 GPA also are recognized for their academic accomplishment.Fort Hays State's historical rankings in the WBCA Academic
Top 25 Team Honor Roll and the complete 2021-22 Top 25 can be found below.FHSU in the WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor RollYear | Rank - GPA 2021-22 | 1st - 3.814 2020-21 | 3rd - 3.764 2018-19 | 6th - 3.708 2017-18 | 13th - 3.667 2016-17 | 13th - 3.624 2015-16 | 22nd - 3.559 2014-15 | 23rd - 3.536 2012-13 | 14th - 3.500 2011-12 | 4th - 3.628 2010-11 | 12th - 3.523 2009-10 | T14th - 3.473 2002-03 | 16th - 3.444Rank - Institution - Head Coach&nbsp; - GPA 1 - Fort Hays State University - Tony Hobson - 3.814 T2 - Ursuline College - Shannon Sword - 3.806 T2 - Northwest Missouri State University - Austin Meyer -
3.806 4 - Lubbock Christian University - Steve Gomez - 3.805 5 - East Stroudsburg University - Stephanie Del Preore -
3.800 6 - Ashland University - Kari Pickens - 3.798 T7 - William Jewell College - Jill Slominski - 3.770 T7 - Montana State University Billings - Kevin Woodin -
3.770 9 - Kutztown University - Janet Malouf - 3.768 10 - Pace University - Carrie Seymour - 3.755 11 - Minot State University - Mike Brandt - 3.753 12 - Point Loma Nazarene University - Charity Elliott -
3.746 13 - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Lisa Wilson -
3.745 14 - University of Montevallo - Gary Van Atta - 3.736 15 - Michigan Technological University - Samantha Clayton -
3.734 16 - Adelphi University - Sade Jackson - 3.727 17 - University of Nebraska Kearney - Carrie Eighmey - 3.725 18 - Wayne State University - Carrie Lohr - 3.723 19 - Minnesota State University Moorhead - Karla Nelson -
3.686 20 - Seton Hill University - Mark Katarski - 3.679 21 - Henderson State University - Jill Thomas - 3.678 22 - Lindenwood University - Katie Falco - 3.670 23 - Rockhurst University - Larry Park - 3.658 24 - Fort Lewis College - Taylor Harris - 3.653 25 - University of Charleston - Tianni Kelly - 3.643Special Mention: Truman State University, Theo Dean, 3.637;
Chestnut Hill College, Jim Connolly, 3.625; Southern New Hampshire University,
Karen Pinkos, 3.620; Emory &amp; Henry College, Jaclyn Dickens, 3.611;
University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Lynn Plett, 3.604; Southwest Minnesota
State University, Tom Webb, 3.600; McKendree University, Kari Kerkhoff, 3.598;
Augustana University, Dave Krauth, 3.591; University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Jen
Conely, 3.576; University of Mary, Rick Neumann, 3.570; Southwest Baptist
University, Kelsey Keizer, 3.561; University of Alaska Fairbanks, Jessie Craig,
3.557; St. Thomas Aquinas College, Bill Cleary, 3.552; Minnesota State
University, Emilee Thiesse, 3.552; Western Washington University, Carmen Dolfo,
3.545; Hillsdale College, Charlie Averkamp, 3.538; Chadron State College, Janet
Raymer, 3.536; Davenport University, Travis Schuba, 3.507; Bemidji State University,
Chelsea DeVille, 3.507; Gannon University, Cleve Wright, 3.498; Seattle Pacific
University, Mike Simonson, 3.488; Winona State University, Scott Ballard,
3.477; Wingate University, Ann Hancock, 3.466; Metropolitan State University of
Denver, Tanya Haave, 3.466; Miles College, Phillip Wallace, 3.460; Holy Family
University, Bernadette Laukaitis, 3.447; University of Illinois Springfield,
Casey Thousand, 3.440; Valdosta State University, Deandra Schirmer, 3.383;
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Jeri Jacobson, 3.380; Daemen
College, Jenepher Banker, 3.375; Goldey-Beacom College, Bethann Burke, 3.362;
Tusculum University, Meagan Price, 3.338; Stonehill College, Trisha Brown,
3.328; Union University, Mark Campbell, 3.327; California State University,
East Bay, Shanelle Stires, 3.325; Fort Valley State University, Andrea
Williams, 3.322; Azusa Pacific University, T.J. Hardeman, 3.313; Chaminade
University of Honolulu, Arthur King, 3.303; Barry University, Kristina Baugh,
3.289; University of West Florida, Stephanie Yelton, 3.276; Oklahoma Christian
University, Stephanie Findley, 3.255; California State University San Marcos,
Renee Jimenez, 3.251; Bentley University, C White, 3.242; Dominican University
of California, Tim LaKose, 3.231; West Texas A&amp;M University, Josh Prock,
3.229; Christian Brothers University, Jessie Carmack, 3.224; University of
Hawaii at Hilo, David Kaneshiro, 3.220; California State University, San
Bernardino, Casandra Renno, 3.209; Coker University, Melissa DeVore, 3.201;
Northwest Nazarene University, Steve Steele, 3.176; Converse University,
Samantha Davidson, 3.109; St. Mary's University (Texas), Jason Martens, 3.081;
California State University, Los Angeles, Torino Johnson, 3.069; Academy of Art
University, Krystle Evans, 3.049.

🏀FHSU Women's Basketball Tops WBCA Academic Top 25 Honor Roll

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Hunter Marshall"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/qk4FKKbZ-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/qk4FKKbZ-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/qk4FKKbZ-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Hunter Marshall" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Hunter Marshall

The Hays Larks scored nine runs in the fifth inning and ran
their win streak to six straight Tuesday night in a 12-2 run-rule victory over
the Dodge City Athletics.

Dodge City took an early 1-0 lead on a lead-off homerun
in the top of the first inning.

It took the Larks (29-7, 20-3 RMBL) a few innings to get
going but when their bats found a rhythm they did so in a big way.

The Larks finally broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom of
the fourth inning. Jack Torosian led off the inning with his second homerun of
the season tying the game at one and then later in the inning Hunter Rosson
broke the tie with a two-run triple putting Hays up 3-1.

Leading by two, heading into the bottom of the fifth inning the Larks sent 14 to the plate in a nine-run inning.

With one out, nine straight Larks reached base. In the inning
Garrett Gruell doubled in a pair of runs, Dylan Dreiling hit his nineth home
run of the season, a two-run shot and Brady Evans drove in two runs with a
double. 

Hays collected six extra base hits in the inning as they
built a 12-1 lead through five innings.

Dodge City got a run back in the sixth inning but Hays
claimed the 12-2 run-rule victory in seven innings.

Starter Cade Brown did not factor into the decision but
struckout a season-high seven and allowed just one run on four hits in four
innings.

Kaleb Meredith earned the win with two innings of relief. He
allowed one run on four hits.

Jack Torosian finished two-for-three with a homerun and two
runs scored. Garrett Gruell was two-for-three with four RBI’s. Hunter Rosson
drove in three runs and Dylan Dreiling homered and drove in two runs. Brady Evans
also drove in two.

Hays will host Liberal for a key two-game series Thursday
and Friday at Larks Park.

The Hays Larks scored nine runs in the fifth inning and ran
their win streak to six straight Tuesday night in a 12-2 run-rule victory over
the Dodge City Athletics.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1308296275&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/07-19-22-hays-larks-coach-interview" title="07-19-22 Hays Larks Coach Frank Leo Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">07-19-22 Hays Larks Coach Frank Leo Interview</a></div></div>Dodge City took an early 1-0 lead on a lead-off homerun
in the top of the first inning.It took the Larks (29-7, 20-3 RMBL) a few innings to get
going but when their bats found a rhythm they did so in a big way.The Larks finally broke onto the scoreboard in the bottom of
the fourth inning. Jack Torosian led off the inning with his second homerun of
the season tying the game at one and then later in the inning Hunter Rosson
broke the tie with a two-run triple putting Hays up 3-1.Leading by two, heading into the bottom of the fifth inning the Larks sent 14 to the plate in a nine-run inning.With one out, nine straight Larks reached base. In the inning
Garrett Gruell doubled in a pair of runs, Dylan Dreiling hit his nineth home
run of the season, a two-run shot and Brady Evans drove in two runs with a
double. Hays collected six extra base hits in the inning as they
built a 12-1 lead through five innings.Dodge City got a run back in the sixth inning but Hays
claimed the 12-2 run-rule victory in seven innings.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1308296308&color=%23294b71&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/07-19-22-hays-larks-vs-dodge-city-as-highlights" title="07 - 19 - 22 Hays Larks Vs Dodge City A&#x27;s Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">07 - 19 - 22 Hays Larks Vs Dodge City A&#x27;s Highlights</a></div></div>Starter Cade Brown did not factor into the decision but
struckout a season-high seven and allowed just one run on four hits in four
innings.Kaleb Meredith earned the win with two innings of relief. He
allowed one run on four hits.Jack Torosian finished two-for-three with a homerun and two
runs scored. Garrett Gruell was two-for-three with four RBI’s. Hunter Rosson
drove in three runs and Dylan Dreiling homered and drove in two runs. Brady Evans
also drove in two.Hays will host Liberal for a key two-game series Thursday
and Friday at Larks Park.

⚾Offense carries Larks to win over Dodge City

Lainey Hardman recounted the events following what she thought was her last career school softball game. Hays High had just lost in the regional tournament falling a run short after a valiant five run, two-out team effort in the bottom of the seventh inning.

The hugs and fist bumps had been given. The final task was to load up on the bus and head home from Newton. However, just before Lainey stepped onto the Hays High bus, a coach from Coffeyville Community College stopped the Indians' centerfielder and had an offer. The offer was to play softball for the Red Ravens in Coffeyville.

Tuesday inside Hays High gym "A" the 2022 grad signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball beyond high school.

Hardman had the main role of pinch/courtesy runner for the Indians over the first half of the season with getting plate appearances in roughly half those games.

Abby Gillan remembers the moment that the senior game to her and said, "I think I can do more." The coach gave her the chance, and Hardman never left the lineup again, finishing the season with a .486 batting average and .538 with runners in scoring position. She finished third in both categories and led the team with three home runs. Hardman also led team in steals and was never thrown out trying to steal.

Hardman said that the deciding factor of rather to play in college or not was she just wasn't ready to put down the equipment quite yet. There is more softball to be played and for Lainey Hardman it will be at Coffeyville Community College.

Lainey Hardman recounted the events following what she thought was her last career school softball game. Hays High had just lost in the regional tournament falling a run short after a valiant five run, two-out team effort in the bottom of the seventh inning.The hugs and fist bumps had been given. The final task was to load up on the bus and head home from Newton. However, just before Lainey stepped onto the Hays High bus, a coach from Coffeyville Community College stopped the Indians' centerfielder and had an offer. The offer was to play softball for the Red Ravens in Coffeyville.Tuesday inside Hays High gym "A" the 2022 grad signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball beyond high school.Lainey Hardman<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1308055624&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/lainey-hardman-interview" title="Lainey Hardman Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Lainey Hardman Interview</a></div></div>Hardman had the main role of pinch/courtesy runner for the Indians over the first half of the season with getting plate appearances in roughly half those games.Abby Gillan remembers the moment that the senior game to her and said, "I think I can do more." The coach gave her the chance, and Hardman never left the lineup again, finishing the season with a .486 batting average and .538 with runners in scoring position. She finished third in both categories and led the team with three home runs. Hardman also led team in steals and was never thrown out trying to steal.Coach Abby Gillan&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1308055393&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/abby-gillan-about-lainey" title="Abby Gillan About Lainey" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Abby Gillan About Lainey</a></div></div>Hardman said that the deciding factor of rather to play in college or not was she just wasn't ready to put down the equipment quite yet. There is more softball to be played and for Lainey Hardman it will be at Coffeyville Community College.

Lainey Hardman signs with Coffeyville CC Softball

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State Men's Basketball team
and seven of its individuals received NABC academic recognition for the 2021-22
season. FHSU received the Team Academic Excellence Award, holding a team grade
point average of 3.218. Geoff Hamperian, Bjarni Jonsson, Jackson Miller, Gabe
Pieschl, Jared Vitztum, Devin Walker, and Nyjee Wright were named to the NABC
Honors Court.

The NABC Team Academic Excellence Award recognizes men's
basketball programs that completed the 2021-22 academic year with a team GPA of
3.0 or higher. The NABC Honors Court, meanwhile, includes individuals who have
reached their junior, senior or graduate student years academically, while
holding a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Below are the seven individuals on the 2021-22 FHSU Men's
Basketball team that earned the distinction, along with their major.

Geoff Hamperian – Health and Human Performance (Exercise
Science), Graduate Student

Jackson Miller – Agriculture (Agronomy)

Gabe Pieschl – Health and Human Performance (Sport &amp;
Exercise Therapy)

Jared Vitztum – Finance, Graduate Student

Devin Walker – Health and Human Performance (Sport &amp;
Exercise Therapy)

Nyjee Wright – Health and Human Performance (Fitness Programming/Health
Promotion)

"Academic success is a core value of the NABC and a
priority shared by men's basketball programs across the country," said
NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson. "Excellence in the classroom
requires hard work and dedication, and the NABC considers it a privilege to
honor these deserving student-athletes and the coaches and staff who support
them."

Over 2,000 players earned spots on the NABC Honors Court and
over 300 programs received NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards for 2021-22.
Click here for a full list of Honors Court recipients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658405365448.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsKANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Fort Hays State Men's Basketball team
and seven of its individuals received NABC academic recognition for the 2021-22
season. FHSU received the Team Academic Excellence Award, holding a team grade
point average of 3.218. Geoff Hamperian, Bjarni Jonsson, Jackson Miller, Gabe
Pieschl, Jared Vitztum, Devin Walker, and Nyjee Wright were named to the NABC
Honors Court.The NABC Team Academic Excellence Award recognizes men's
basketball programs that completed the 2021-22 academic year with a team GPA of
3.0 or higher. The NABC Honors Court, meanwhile, includes individuals who have
reached their junior, senior or graduate student years academically, while
holding a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.Below are the seven individuals on the 2021-22 FHSU Men's
Basketball team that earned the distinction, along with their major.Geoff Hamperian – Health and Human Performance (Exercise
Science), Graduate StudentBjarni Jonsson – Computer ScienceJackson Miller – Agriculture (Agronomy)Gabe Pieschl – Health and Human Performance (Sport &amp;
Exercise Therapy)Jared Vitztum – Finance, Graduate StudentDevin Walker – Health and Human Performance (Sport &amp;
Exercise Therapy)Nyjee Wright – Health and Human Performance (Fitness Programming/Health
Promotion)"Academic success is a core value of the NABC and a
priority shared by men's basketball programs across the country," said
NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson. "Excellence in the classroom
requires hard work and dedication, and the NABC considers it a privilege to
honor these deserving student-athletes and the coaches and staff who support
them."Over 2,000 players earned spots on the NABC Honors Court and
over 300 programs received NABC Team Academic Excellence Awards for 2021-22.
Click here for a full list of Honors Court recipients.

🏀FHSU Men’s Basketball Team and Seven Individuals Earn NABC Academic Honors

HAYS – For the second straight night three Hays Larks
pitchers combine to no-hit the Colorado Tribe and Dylan Dreiling drove in six
runs as the Larks cruise to a 16-1 run-rule win Monday night at Larks Park. 

Starter Adam Puett allowed a first inning run on a wild
pitch and walked six.

The Larks (28-7, 19-3 RMBL) got the run back in the bottom
of the first on a Ben Fierenzi RBI triple. Two hitters later Dreiling singled
home a pair of runs to put Hays up 3-1 after one inning.

After Puett walked the bases loaded to start the top of the
second and then with one out gave way to reliever Hunter Parker who turned in three
and two-thirds innings of shutout relief for the win.

Leading 3-1 Hays got three more runs in the bottom of the
second. Jack Torosian doubled in a pair of runs with one of his three doubles
on the night. Dreiling added an RBI single to put the Larks up 6-1.

Hays added two more runs in the fourth, seven in the fifth and
one more in the sixth on their way to the 16-1 run-rule victory.

Dylan Dreiling was four-for-five with six RBI’s for a second
straight game. Jack Torosian and Brady Evans each doubled three times. Torosian
drove in three runs and scored four runs.

The Larks return to Rocky Mountain Baseball League action Tuesday
night against Dodge City. 

With six league games left they are a game and a half back
of Liberal. 

HAYS – For the second straight night three Hays Larks
pitchers combine to no-hit the Colorado Tribe and Dylan Dreiling drove in six
runs as the Larks cruise to a 16-1 run-rule win Monday night at Larks Park. Starter Adam Puett allowed a first inning run on a wild
pitch and walked six.The Larks (28-7, 19-3 RMBL) got the run back in the bottom
of the first on a Ben Fierenzi RBI triple. Two hitters later Dreiling singled
home a pair of runs to put Hays up 3-1 after one inning.After Puett walked the bases loaded to start the top of the
second and then with one out gave way to reliever Hunter Parker who turned in three
and two-thirds innings of shutout relief for the win.Leading 3-1 Hays got three more runs in the bottom of the
second. Jack Torosian doubled in a pair of runs with one of his three doubles
on the night. Dreiling added an RBI single to put the Larks up 6-1.Hays added two more runs in the fourth, seven in the fifth and
one more in the sixth on their way to the 16-1 run-rule victory.Dylan Dreiling was four-for-five with six RBI’s for a second
straight game. Jack Torosian and Brady Evans each doubled three times. Torosian
drove in three runs and scored four runs.The Larks return to Rocky Mountain Baseball League action Tuesday
night against Dodge City. With six league games left they are a game and a half back
of Liberal.

⚾Larks no-hit Colorado Tribe for second straight game

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Frank Leo"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/MaO89avA-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/MaO89avA-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/MaO89avA-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Frank Leo" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Frank Leo

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team
received the 2021-22 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award, announced Monday (July 18)
by the United States Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
This is the eighth consecutive year the Tigers have earned the award.

The Tigers combined for a team GPA of 3.63 during the
2021-22 academic year, the best mark for the team on record. Teams must
maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.30 to earn the USMC/AVCA
Team Academic Award.

Jessica Wood-Atkins' squad has recorded a GPA north of 3.50
during all four of her seasons at the helm, including a 3.55 in 2020-21, a 3.54
in 2019-20 and a 3.52 in 2018-19.

The volleyball team had 13 student-athletes listed on the
MIAA Academic Honor Roll this season, including Morgan Christiansen, Jaden
Daffer, Emily Ellis, Mykah Eshbaugh, Elysia Glowacz, Olivia Hessman, Morgan
McIntire, Claire Olson, Delanie Patterson, Isabelle Reynolds, Jessica Saunders,
Riley Tinder and Jaysa Wichers.

Four Tigers earned additional honors from the conference
office, including Christiansen, Olson and Tinder picking up the MIAA
Scholar-Athlete Award (All-MIAA honors and at least a 3.50 GPA) and Ellis,
Olson and Tinder receiving the MIAA Academic Excellence Award (cumulative 4.00
GPA).

FHSU AthleticsLEXINGTON, Ky. - The Fort Hays State volleyball team
received the 2021-22 USMC/AVCA Team Academic Award, announced Monday (July 18)
by the United States Marine Corps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
This is the eighth consecutive year the Tigers have earned the award.The Tigers combined for a team GPA of 3.63 during the
2021-22 academic year, the best mark for the team on record. Teams must
maintain a year-long grade-point average of at least 3.30 to earn the USMC/AVCA
Team Academic Award.Jessica Wood-Atkins' squad has recorded a GPA north of 3.50
during all four of her seasons at the helm, including a 3.55 in 2020-21, a 3.54
in 2019-20 and a 3.52 in 2018-19.The volleyball team had 13 student-athletes listed on the
MIAA Academic Honor Roll this season, including Morgan Christiansen, Jaden
Daffer, Emily Ellis, Mykah Eshbaugh, Elysia Glowacz, Olivia Hessman, Morgan
McIntire, Claire Olson, Delanie Patterson, Isabelle Reynolds, Jessica Saunders,
Riley Tinder and Jaysa Wichers.Four Tigers earned additional honors from the conference
office, including Christiansen, Olson and Tinder picking up the MIAA
Scholar-Athlete Award (All-MIAA honors and at least a 3.50 GPA) and Ellis,
Olson and Tinder receiving the MIAA Academic Excellence Award (cumulative 4.00
GPA).

🏐 FHSU Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award

<div><div itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/VideoObject"><meta itemprop="uploadDate" content="Thu Jun 23 2022 15:45:48 GMT-0500 (Central Daylight Time)"/><meta itemprop="name" content="Palmer Hutchison"/><meta itemprop="duration" content="P0Y0M0DT0H0M15S" /><meta itemprop="thumbnailUrl" content="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/thumbs/oIYCym7G-720.jpg"/><meta itemprop="contentUrl" content="https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/oIYCym7G-25NauLGk.m4a"/><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/oIYCym7G-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Palmer Hutchison" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></div>Photo courtesy of Ken's Photography of Hays

⚾ MEET THE LARKS: Palmer Hutchison

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals added two college
position players to the organization on the first day of the 2022 First-Year
Player Draft. With the ninth overall pick in the first round, the Royals
selected Gavin Cross, an outfielder from Virginia Tech. With the 49th overall
pick in the second round, the Royals selected third baseman Cayden Wallace from
the University of Arkansas.

&nbsp;Cross, 21, hit .328
(80-for-244) with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games in his junior season as
Virginia Tech. The left-handed batter recorded 39 extra-base hits for a .660
slugging percentage and 1.071 OPS, while making most of his starts in center
field. He also stole 12 bases without being caught and was on the 2022 Golden
Spikes Award watch list. Cross’ 2022 performance led Virginia Tech to the Super
Regionals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history.

&nbsp;In three years at
Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 28 home runs and 28 stolen
bases in 124 games. In 2021, he became the first freshman in school history to
be named First Team All-ACC. He was also named to the All-ACC Academic Team in
2021 and was a USA Baseball Collegiate National Team selection. Cross is the
first Hokies baseball player selected in the first round since 1982, when the
Dodgers selected Franklin Stubbs (19th overall), who played 10 seasons in the
Majors. 

&nbsp;Wallace, 20, was a
starter for the Arkansas team that reached the College World Series semifinals
this year. He hit .298 (82-for-275) with 16 home runs and 60 RBI in 67 games as
a sophomore this season and led the team in runs (62), doubles (20), RBI,
stolen bases (12) and slugging percentage (.553) and tied for the team high in
home runs.

&nbsp;In 2021, Wallace tied
the school freshman record of 14 home runs, held by former first-round picks
Zack Cox (25th overall in 2010) and Heston Kjerstad (2nd overall in 2020).
Wallace also played in 18 games for Bourne in the Cape Code League last year
and hit .290 (18-for-62) with 14 RBI.

&nbsp;The Draft will resume
tomorrow beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT with rounds 3-10, exclusively on MLB.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Kansas City Royals added two college
position players to the organization on the first day of the 2022 First-Year
Player Draft. With the ninth overall pick in the first round, the Royals
selected Gavin Cross, an outfielder from Virginia Tech. With the 49th overall
pick in the second round, the Royals selected third baseman Cayden Wallace from
the University of Arkansas.&nbsp;Cross, 21, hit .328
(80-for-244) with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games in his junior season as
Virginia Tech. The left-handed batter recorded 39 extra-base hits for a .660
slugging percentage and 1.071 OPS, while making most of his starts in center
field. He also stole 12 bases without being caught and was on the 2022 Golden
Spikes Award watch list. Cross’ 2022 performance led Virginia Tech to the Super
Regionals of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history.&nbsp;In three years at
Virginia Tech, Cross slashed .340/.412/.609 with 28 home runs and 28 stolen
bases in 124 games. In 2021, he became the first freshman in school history to
be named First Team All-ACC. He was also named to the All-ACC Academic Team in
2021 and was a USA Baseball Collegiate National Team selection. Cross is the
first Hokies baseball player selected in the first round since 1982, when the
Dodgers selected Franklin Stubbs (19th overall), who played 10 seasons in the
Majors. &nbsp;Wallace, 20, was a
starter for the Arkansas team that reached the College World Series semifinals
this year. He hit .298 (82-for-275) with 16 home runs and 60 RBI in 67 games as
a sophomore this season and led the team in runs (62), doubles (20), RBI,
stolen bases (12) and slugging percentage (.553) and tied for the team high in
home runs.&nbsp;In 2021, Wallace tied
the school freshman record of 14 home runs, held by former first-round picks
Zack Cox (25th overall in 2010) and Heston Kjerstad (2nd overall in 2020).
Wallace also played in 18 games for Bourne in the Cape Code League last year
and hit .290 (18-for-62) with 14 RBI.&nbsp;The Draft will resume
tomorrow beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT with rounds 3-10, exclusively on MLB.com.&nbsp;-KANSAS CITY ROYALS-

⚾Royals select two players on first day

HAYS - The Hays Hammer went 6-0 and won the Hap Dumont 14U state championship over the weekend at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;

The Hammer (29-15-3)&nbsp; beat the WBC Brewers 13-3 in Sunday's title game. They scored five runs in the second and seven in the third. C Liles and S Thielen both had three of the Hammer's 15 hits. Liles homered and tripled and drove in six. B Rhoades and M Evans also hit home runs.

Starting pitcher C Drennon went 2 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on five hits. Liles pitched a scoreless fourth in the run-rule victory.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day they knocked off the Kansas Commodores 8-0 in the semifinals.

The Hammer went 2-0 in pool play Friday, beating Drive Baseball 12-0 and Spartans Baseball 4-2. They opened bracket play Saturday&nbsp;with a 10-3 win over the Rosehill Rockets then knocked off the Salina Spikes 6-3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658118918505.jpeg" alt="The HBC Hammer&nbsp; travelling team won the 2022 Hap Dumont&nbsp; 14U state tournament at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>The HBC Hammer&nbsp; travelling team won the 2022 Hap Dumont&nbsp; 14U state tournament at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS - The Hays Hammer went 6-0 and won the Hap Dumont 14U state championship over the weekend at the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex.&nbsp;The Hammer (29-15-3)&nbsp; beat the WBC Brewers 13-3 in Sunday's title game. They scored five runs in the second and seven in the third. C Liles and S Thielen both had three of the Hammer's 15 hits. Liles homered and tripled and drove in six. B Rhoades and M Evans also hit home runs.Starting pitcher C Drennon went 2 2/3 innings and allowed three runs on five hits. Liles pitched a scoreless fourth in the run-rule victory.&nbsp;Earlier in the day they knocked off the Kansas Commodores 8-0 in the semifinals.The Hammer went 2-0 in pool play Friday, beating Drive Baseball 12-0 and Spartans Baseball 4-2. They opened bracket play Saturday&nbsp;with a 10-3 win over the Rosehill Rockets then knocked off the Salina Spikes 6-3.

⚾ HBC Hammer win 14U Hap Dumont state championship

HAYS - Three Hays Larks pitchers combined on a no-hitter and Dylan Dreiling drove in six runs to lead the Larks to a 24-0 rout of the Colorado Tribe in a non-league game Sunday night at Larks Park.

C Grimsley pitched the first three innings, striking out seven of the 12 batters he faced. B Luikart pitched the next two frames and allowed two walks. P Tabor pitched the final inning and struckout two and walked one.

Ben Fierenzi and Dylan Dreiling both had three of the Larks 21 hits. Dreiling hit a grand slam and&nbsp; and drove in six runs. Cam Brown and Ben Baker-Livingston also homered. Tyler LaRue had four RBIs.

The Larks and Tribe conclude the two-game non-league series Monday at 7:30 p.m.

HAYS - Three Hays Larks pitchers combined on a no-hitter and Dylan Dreiling drove in six runs to lead the Larks to a 24-0 rout of the Colorado Tribe in a non-league game Sunday night at Larks Park.C Grimsley pitched the first three innings, striking out seven of the 12 batters he faced. B Luikart pitched the next two frames and allowed two walks. P Tabor pitched the final inning and struckout two and walked one.Ben Fierenzi and Dylan Dreiling both had three of the Larks 21 hits. Dreiling hit a grand slam and&nbsp; and drove in six runs. Cam Brown and Ben Baker-Livingston also homered. Tyler LaRue had four RBIs.The Larks and Tribe conclude the two-game non-league series Monday at 7:30 p.m.

⚾ Larks hold Tribe hitless in blowout win

GODDARD – The HBC 15U Hammer ended their season Sunday with
a runner-up finish in the 15/16U division of the High School Elite Series Tournament
at the Genesis Sports Complex. After avenging a pool play loss to the Great Bend
Bombers with a victory in the semifinals, the Hammer lost in extra innings to
the Wichita Wolfpack 9-8 in the finals.

In the title game, the Hammer (14-14-1) rallied from a six-run
deficit to force extra innings. They scored five in the fifth then tied the
game with a run in the sixth on a Jalen Smith single.

Tournament rules have extra innings starting with one out
and the last three outs from the previous inning on base.

The Hammer scored a run on a groundout. The Wolfpack tied
the game with a walk then scored the winning run on a groundout.

Trace Jacobs and C Lindenmeyer both drove in two runs for
Hays. Jacobs made the start on the mound and pitched three innings. Jonathan
Cano pitched the final 4 1/3 innings and suffered the loss.

The Hammer finished 1-1 in Saturday’s pool play, losing 22-2
to the Great Bend Bombers then beating the Wichita Falcons 8-1. They then beat the
HBC Hammer 16U 10-0 in their bracket opener Saturday night.

They knocked off the Bombers 7-6 in the semifinals. They
broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the fifth and three in the top of the sixth. The
Bombers scored four in the bottom of the sixth but left the tying run at second
when the game ended because or time limit.

The 16U Hammer (14-16-2) bounced back from their loss to the
15U with a pair if wins Sunday to win the consolation bracket. The 16U knocked
off the Mulvane Wildcats 7-2 then rallied to beat the Falcons 9-6. 

The Hammer trailed 6-2 in the consolation final then scored
two in the fourth and three in the sixth and seventh. Dylan Haselhorst and
Brett Schumacher both had three hits. Haselhorst homered and Schumacher two
doubles.

Tanner Boxberger pitched four scoreless innings of relief
and picked up the win.

The 16U went 1-1 in pool play before losing to the HBC 15U
in the bracket opener Saturday night.

The 18U Hammer (22-14) went 1-3 in the tournament. They lost
on a walkoff hit 3-2 to 316 Elite – Torres then 15-6 to the Wichita Aeros –
Oldenburg in Saturday’s pool play. In bracket play, Sunday they lost 8-5 to the
Wichita Aeros – Buseman-Mann then beat the Buhler National 5-3.

Carson Spray (5-1) pitched a complete game three-hitter against
Buhler. Spray struck out five and walked three with all three runs unearned.

Spray also went 2-for-2 with two RBIs at the plate.

In their first game Sunday, the Hammer rallied from an early
two-run deficit with three in the fifth to take a one-run lead but the Aeros
scored six in the top of the seventh.

Derick Riggs and Will Cadoret both had two hits including home
runs.

GODDARD – The HBC 15U Hammer ended their season Sunday with
a runner-up finish in the 15/16U division of the High School Elite Series Tournament
at the Genesis Sports Complex. After avenging a pool play loss to the Great Bend
Bombers with a victory in the semifinals, the Hammer lost in extra innings to
the Wichita Wolfpack 9-8 in the finals.In the title game, the Hammer (14-14-1) rallied from a six-run
deficit to force extra innings. They scored five in the fifth then tied the
game with a run in the sixth on a Jalen Smith single.Tournament rules have extra innings starting with one out
and the last three outs from the previous inning on base.The Hammer scored a run on a groundout. The Wolfpack tied
the game with a walk then scored the winning run on a groundout.Trace Jacobs and C Lindenmeyer both drove in two runs for
Hays. Jacobs made the start on the mound and pitched three innings. Jonathan
Cano pitched the final 4 1/3 innings and suffered the loss.The Hammer finished 1-1 in Saturday’s pool play, losing 22-2
to the Great Bend Bombers then beating the Wichita Falcons 8-1. They then beat the
HBC Hammer 16U 10-0 in their bracket opener Saturday night.They knocked off the Bombers 7-6 in the semifinals. They
broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the fifth and three in the top of the sixth. The
Bombers scored four in the bottom of the sixth but left the tying run at second
when the game ended because or time limit.16U wins consolation bracketThe 16U Hammer (14-16-2) bounced back from their loss to the
15U with a pair if wins Sunday to win the consolation bracket. The 16U knocked
off the Mulvane Wildcats 7-2 then rallied to beat the Falcons 9-6. The Hammer trailed 6-2 in the consolation final then scored
two in the fourth and three in the sixth and seventh. Dylan Haselhorst and
Brett Schumacher both had three hits. Haselhorst homered and Schumacher two
doubles.Tanner Boxberger pitched four scoreless innings of relief
and picked up the win.The 16U went 1-1 in pool play before losing to the HBC 15U
in the bracket opener Saturday night.18U ends season with winThe 18U Hammer (22-14) went 1-3 in the tournament. They lost
on a walkoff hit 3-2 to 316 Elite – Torres then 15-6 to the Wichita Aeros –
Oldenburg in Saturday’s pool play. In bracket play, Sunday they lost 8-5 to the
Wichita Aeros – Buseman-Mann then beat the Buhler National 5-3.Carson Spray (5-1) pitched a complete game three-hitter against
Buhler. Spray struck out five and walked three with all three runs unearned.Spray also went 2-for-2 with two RBIs at the plate.In their first game Sunday, the Hammer rallied from an early
two-run deficit with three in the fifth to take a one-run lead but the Aeros
scored six in the top of the seventh.Derick Riggs and Will Cadoret both had two hits including home
runs.

⚾ HBC Hammer high school teams end season in Goddard; 15U runner up

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.

The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.

Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.

Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).

“Thank God we’ve finished off strong in the first half,” Kirk said through an interpreter.

Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6.1 innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.

Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1.2 innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.

Royals starter Kris Bubic kept Blue Jays hitters off balance. He was effective against the right-handed heavy Jays, allowing just two unearned runs and five hits while striking out four. The 24-year-old said by diversifying his pitches, he was able to get hitters swinging at low-probability pitches.

“We mixed pitches really well, rhythm, tempo,” Bubic said. “Just wanted to stay on the attack as much as I could all day, and good things happened.”

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. let a routine double play ball go through his legs in the third inning. His 13th error of the season contributed to the first two Blue Jays runs.

But Royals manager Mike Matheny said he wasn’t worried about Witt’s lone miscue in this game.

“Errors happen to the very best players, and he does a great job of letting them go and getting ready for the next one,” Matheny said.

Matt Chapman had two more hits for the Blue Jays, giving him seven hits in his past six games.

Nick Pratto, one of Kansas City’s call-ups, hit his first major league home run in the second inning off Berríos.

“It was just something where he threw a pitch that kind of matched up with what I feel is a strength of mine, and I didn’t miss it,” the 24-year-old said.

During this four-game series, Pratto has showed why he’s considered one of the Royals’ top prospects, picking up three hits and playing well at first base.

Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen threw out the Royals' Freddy Fermin trying to steal second in the fifth inning, then picked off Pratto at first to end a threat in the seventh. The Jays catcher is 3 for 10 throwing out base-stealers this season.

Romano was announced Sunday as a replacement for the All-Star Game, joining Blue Jays teammates Kirk, Alek Manoah, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Santiago Espinal and George Springer on the AL roster.

Excluding the shortened 2020 season, the Royals are entering the All-Star break either tied for or in last place in the AL Central for the fourth consecutive season.

Bubic’s seven innings matched a career high. Sunday was also the second time in his career the left-hander has allowed no earned runs through seven innings, with the previous time coming Sept. 26, 2021.

Before Sunday’s game, the Royals recalled LHP Gabe Speier from Triple-A Omaha. Speier has a 2.33 ERA in 17 major-league appearances this season.

Blue Jays LHP Yusei Kikuchi threw a bullpen Sunday that was supervised by pitching coach Pete Walker. Kikuchi has been on the injured list with a neck strain since July 7.

Royals: Kansas City hosts Tampa Bay for three games beginning Friday night in its first series following the All-Star break.

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).“Thank God we’ve finished off strong in the first half,” Kirk said through an interpreter.Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6.1 innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1.2 innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.Royals starter Kris Bubic kept Blue Jays hitters off balance. He was effective against the right-handed heavy Jays, allowing just two unearned runs and five hits while striking out four. The 24-year-old said by diversifying his pitches, he was able to get hitters swinging at low-probability pitches.“We mixed pitches really well, rhythm, tempo,” Bubic said. “Just wanted to stay on the attack as much as I could all day, and good things happened.”Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. let a routine double play ball go through his legs in the third inning. His 13th error of the season contributed to the first two Blue Jays runs.But Royals manager Mike Matheny said he wasn’t worried about Witt’s lone miscue in this game.“Errors happen to the very best players, and he does a great job of letting them go and getting ready for the next one,” Matheny said.Matt Chapman had two more hits for the Blue Jays, giving him seven hits in his past six games.Nick Pratto, one of Kansas City’s call-ups, hit his first major league home run in the second inning off Berríos.“It was just something where he threw a pitch that kind of matched up with what I feel is a strength of mine, and I didn’t miss it,” the 24-year-old said.During this four-game series, Pratto has showed why he’s considered one of the Royals’ top prospects, picking up three hits and playing well at first base.Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen threw out the Royals' Freddy Fermin trying to steal second in the fifth inning, then picked off Pratto at first to end a threat in the seventh. The Jays catcher is 3 for 10 throwing out base-stealers this season.THE SIX FROM THE 6IXRomano was announced Sunday as a replacement for the All-Star Game, joining Blue Jays teammates Kirk, Alek Manoah, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Santiago Espinal and George Springer on the AL roster.ALL-STAR BLUESExcluding the shortened 2020 season, the Royals are entering the All-Star break either tied for or in last place in the AL Central for the fourth consecutive season.BUBIC’S BESTBubic’s seven innings matched a career high. Sunday was also the second time in his career the left-hander has allowed no earned runs through seven innings, with the previous time coming Sept. 26, 2021.ROSTER MOVESBefore Sunday’s game, the Royals recalled LHP Gabe Speier from Triple-A Omaha. Speier has a 2.33 ERA in 17 major-league appearances this season.TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays LHP Yusei Kikuchi threw a bullpen Sunday that was supervised by pitching coach Pete Walker. Kikuchi has been on the injured list with a neck strain since July 7.UP NEXTRoyals: Kansas City hosts Tampa Bay for three games beginning Friday night in its first series following the All-Star break.

⚾ Bubic solid in Royals loss in Toronto

HAYS - Big night's from Dylan Dreiling and Jackson Halter helped the Hays Larks to a 20-3, seven-inning run-rule rout of the Fort Collins Foxes on a hot Friday night at Larks Park.

Dreiling drove in six with a 3-run homer in the first, a two-run single in the fifth and a bases loaded walk in the sixth.

Halter hit a 2-run homer in the third then added a 3-run blast in the in the Larks 12-run sixth.

Kaleb Meredith (3-0) pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win. He struck out three with no walks while allowing three hits.

Starter Ben Baker-Livingston worked through trouble and only lasted 2 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on seven.

The Larks improved to 25-7 overall and 18-3 in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League where they still trail Liberal by 1 1/2 games. The Bee Jays won their 15th straight Friday night, 9-4 over the Gameday Angels.

The Larks and Foxes wrap up their three-game RMBL series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Larks will then host the Colorado Tribe in a couple of non-league games Sunday at Monday, both beginning at 7:30 p.m.

HAYS - Big night's from Dylan Dreiling and Jackson Halter helped the Hays Larks to a 20-3, seven-inning run-rule rout of the Fort Collins Foxes on a hot Friday night at Larks Park.Dreiling drove in six with a 3-run homer in the first, a two-run single in the fifth and a bases loaded walk in the sixth.Halter hit a 2-run homer in the third then added a 3-run blast in the in the Larks 12-run sixth.Kaleb Meredith (3-0) pitched 3 2/3 innings of scoreless relief and picked up the win. He struck out three with no walks while allowing three hits.Starter Ben Baker-Livingston worked through trouble and only lasted 2 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on seven.KEEPING PACEThe Larks improved to 25-7 overall and 18-3 in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League where they still trail Liberal by 1 1/2 games. The Bee Jays won their 15th straight Friday night, 9-4 over the Gameday Angels.UP NEXTThe Larks and Foxes wrap up their three-game RMBL series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Larks will then host the Colorado Tribe in a couple of non-league games Sunday at Monday, both beginning at 7:30 p.m.

⚾ Dreiling leads Larks past Foxes

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Friday night.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. The Royals, who won the first game of the series 3-1 on Thursday, lost for the second time in seven games.

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Friday night.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. The Royals, who won the first game of the series 3-1 on Thursday, lost for the second time in seven games.Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.“There’s no rift between us,” Royals infielder Nicky Lopez said of Kansas City’s absentees. “We respect their decision.”A second-year right-hander, Manoah (10-4) came in having lost consecutive starts for the first time in his brief career. He turned that around by giving up one run and four hits, walking none and striking out six.“He’s a beast,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “He’s got another gear with runners in scoring position when he runs into trouble.”Royals manager Mike Matheny said Manoah’s slider was tricky for the young Royals to handle.“He’s got a different slider,” Matheny said. “I mean, it just has different metrics to it, it has different break. You could tell the guys were having a little bit of trouble with him, especially some of the guys who hadn’t seen him before, which was most of them. He really capitalized on that pitch today.”Manoah’s next appearance will be for the American League at next week’s All-Star game in Los Angeles.“Hopefully I can get in the game early so I get to throw to (Blue Jays teammate and catcher Alejandro Kirk),” Manoah said. “Hopefully Dusty Baker will put me in there early.”Trevor Richards and Anthony Banda each worked an inning of relief.Chapman and Raimel Tapia each had three hits as the Blue Jays piled up 16 total. Toronto is 5-10 in July.Hernández connected off Royals right-hander Zack Greinke in the third, his 12th homer of the season. Chapman’s homer, his 15th, came off Royals call- up Carlos Hernández in the fifth.Greinke (3-6) allowed four runs, three earned, in four innings, losing to the Blue Jays for the first time since June 5, 2009, when new teammate first baseman Nick Pratto was 10 years old. Greinke had gone 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in five starts against Toronto since.“At times he made some pretty good pitches that were getting hit and that was frustrating for him,” Matheny said.Pratto had his first big league hit, a single in the fifth, but the Royals didn’t manage much against Manoah, who improved to 11-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 18 career starts north of the border.Shortstop Maikel Garcia became the fifth Kansas City player to make his debut this series when he replaced Bobby Witt Jr. on defense in the bottom of the sixth.Pratto doubled in the ninth to finish 2 for 4.PASSING OLD HOSSGreinke made his 503rd career start, breaking a tie with Old Hoss Radbourn and moving into 46th place on baseball’s all-time list.START ME UPBlue Jays starting pitchers have allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of the past nine games.ROYAL PAINKansas CIty has lost 18 of its past 26 meetings with the Blue Jays, including 10 of 12 in Toronto.ROSTER MOVESKansas City returned LHP Angel Zerpa to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, activated RHP Josh Staumont (strained neck) off the injured list and recalled Hernández from Triple-A Omaha. Hernández replaced RHP Brad Keller, who last pitched Monday, meaning he could not be replaced until Friday.TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: After throwing a side session Thursday, LHP Yusei Kikcuhi will test his strained neck with a bullpen session Sunday. Kikuchi has been out since July 6.UP NEXTLHP Daniel Lynch (3-7, 4.92) starts for the Royals on Saturday. Toronto has not named a starter, but RHP Max Castillo (0-0, 2.30) is a candidate to start for the Blue Jays. Lynch is 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA in two starts against Toronto.