HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's wrestling head coach Alijah Jeffrey&nbsp;announced the signing of 15 newcomers for the upcoming season. The program heads into its first official season of team competition in 2024-25. The program started in 2023-24 when all of the individuals on the team were allowed to compete unattached in tournaments, but they redshirted to retain their season of eligibility.

Below are capsules on each of the 15 incoming true freshmen.

Alexis Burton, 145, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Hays HS: State runner-up at 140 in Kansas Class 6-5A as a senior with a record of 32-2…Three-time state placer overall…Was ranked second among Kansas all-class rankings…Recorded a total of 95 wins over her four years at Hays High School.

Hailey Conley, 207, Olathe, Kan. / Olathe North HS Olathe North: Four-time state placer in Kansas at 235, including a runner-up finish as a junior in 2022-23…Greco and Junior Duals All-America performer…Held a No. 1 ranking in Kansas in her class…Posted an overall record of 119-24 in high school, winning at least 40 matches each of her last two seasons.

Isabella Cross, 110, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Mesa Ridge HS Mesa Ridge HS: Won two consecutive state titles in Colorado, winning at 110 as a senior and 125 as a junior…Four-time state placer, also earning a state runner-up finish as a freshman and a third-place finish as a sophomore…Posted an overall high school record of 129-10…Folkstyle All-America performer…Ranked among the top 20 nationally in her class.

Ivy Davis, 138, Lakin, Kan. / Lakin HS Lakin HS: Posted a record of 35-8 as a senior…Multiple-time state qualifier in Kansas at 135.

Josie Houk,&nbsp;160, Torrington, Wyo. / Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS: Back-to-back state championships in Wyoming as a junior and senior at 155…Had a combined record of 74-1 overall as a junior and senior, going a perfect 38-0 as a senior…State qualifier in the boys tournament as a freshman in 2021.

Amanda Jaeger, 131, Colby, Kan. / Colby HS Colby HS: Two-time state champion in Kansas Class 4-1A at 130 as a junior and senior…Went an undefeated 41-0 as a senior and 32-1 as a junior…Had an overall record of 100-8 in high school and was a three-time state placer…Folkstyle All-America performer.

Grace Johns, 180, Minneapolis, Kan. / Minneapolis HS Minneapolis HS: State champion in Kansas as a junior at 170 in 2022-23 with a record of 36-2...Two-time state finalist at 170…Wrestled her first two years of high school at Chapman High School in Chapman, Kan…Fargo and Folkstyle All-America honors.

Jamie Laswell, 125, Phoenix, Ariz. / Cesar Chavez HS Cesar Chavez HS: Arizona state champion at 132 as a senior in 2024, going 28-0 overall…State runner-up finish in 2023 at 132, going 18-1…Multiple folkstyle All-America honors…Ranked among the top 15 in the nation in her class.

Lexie Lopez, 125, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Colorado state champion at 125 as a senior with a 33-1 record…State runner-up as a junior at 120 with a record of 32-1…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo finalist.

Lindsey Lopez, 117, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Two-time state placer in Colorado at 115, including a runner-up finish as a senior and third-place finish as a junior…Had a record of 61-3 over her last two years of high school…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo All-America performer.

Ciara Monger, 207, Calhan, Colo. / Calhan HS Calhan HS: Four-time state champion in Colorado, joining Persaeus Gomez the same day as the first two girls wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat…Won first two titles at 215 and the final two at 235…Went undefeated as a senior (33-0) and as a freshman (15-0)…Had an overall record of 93-4 in high school…Fargo Freestyle All-America honors…Folkstyle Nationals All-America performer…Ranked among the top 10 nationally in her class.

Isabella Renfro, 180, Seneca, Mo. / Seneca HS Seneca HS: Two-time Missouri state champion at 190, winning her junior and senior seasons…Went a perfect 47-0 as both a junior and senior, winning the final 94 matches of her high school career at 190…State runner-up as a sophomore at 174…Had an overall record of 164-12 in high school…Four-time state placer in Missouri and three-time state finalist…Multiple Fargo All-America honors.

Dylen Ritchey, 138, Ralston, Neb. / Ralston HS Ralston HS: Nebraska state champion at 135 as a junior…State runner-up at 140 as a senior…Went 80-1 overall as a junior and senior combined…Posted a perfect 42-0 record to win the 135 title as a junior…Ranked among the top 20 in the nation in her class.

Jazmin Roschmann, 117, Roseville, Calif. / Roseville HS Roseville HS: California state tournament qualifier…California SJS Masters runner-up…State runner-up in freestyle…Multiple All-America performances.

Sophia Schultz, 110, Raymond, Neb. / Raymond Central HS Raymond Central HS: Nebraska state champion at 110 as a senior in 2023-24…Went a perfect 35-0 as a senior…State runner-up in 2022-23…2024 USA Wrestling Southern Plains Regional freestyle champion at 110…Placed third at preseason nationals going into 2023-24…Multiple All-America honors…Four-time Nebraska state qualifier in high school, including once in the boys tournament her freshman year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720022754261.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsHAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State women's wrestling head coach Alijah Jeffrey&nbsp;announced the signing of 15 newcomers for the upcoming season. The program heads into its first official season of team competition in 2024-25. The program started in 2023-24 when all of the individuals on the team were allowed to compete unattached in tournaments, but they redshirted to retain their season of eligibility.Below are capsules on each of the 15 incoming true freshmen.Alexis Burton, 145, Hays, Kan. / Hays HS Hays HS: State runner-up at 140 in Kansas Class 6-5A as a senior with a record of 32-2…Three-time state placer overall…Was ranked second among Kansas all-class rankings…Recorded a total of 95 wins over her four years at Hays High School.Hailey Conley, 207, Olathe, Kan. / Olathe North HS Olathe North: Four-time state placer in Kansas at 235, including a runner-up finish as a junior in 2022-23…Greco and Junior Duals All-America performer…Held a No. 1 ranking in Kansas in her class…Posted an overall record of 119-24 in high school, winning at least 40 matches each of her last two seasons.Isabella Cross, 110, Colorado Springs, Colo. / Mesa Ridge HS Mesa Ridge HS: Won two consecutive state titles in Colorado, winning at 110 as a senior and 125 as a junior…Four-time state placer, also earning a state runner-up finish as a freshman and a third-place finish as a sophomore…Posted an overall high school record of 129-10…Folkstyle All-America performer…Ranked among the top 20 nationally in her class.Ivy Davis, 138, Lakin, Kan. / Lakin HS Lakin HS: Posted a record of 35-8 as a senior…Multiple-time state qualifier in Kansas at 135.Josie Houk,&nbsp;160, Torrington, Wyo. / Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS Lingle-Fort Laramie/Southeast HS: Back-to-back state championships in Wyoming as a junior and senior at 155…Had a combined record of 74-1 overall as a junior and senior, going a perfect 38-0 as a senior…State qualifier in the boys tournament as a freshman in 2021.Amanda Jaeger, 131, Colby, Kan. / Colby HS Colby HS: Two-time state champion in Kansas Class 4-1A at 130 as a junior and senior…Went an undefeated 41-0 as a senior and 32-1 as a junior…Had an overall record of 100-8 in high school and was a three-time state placer…Folkstyle All-America performer.Grace Johns, 180, Minneapolis, Kan. / Minneapolis HS Minneapolis HS: State champion in Kansas as a junior at 170 in 2022-23 with a record of 36-2...Two-time state finalist at 170…Wrestled her first two years of high school at Chapman High School in Chapman, Kan…Fargo and Folkstyle All-America honors.Jamie Laswell, 125, Phoenix, Ariz. / Cesar Chavez HS Cesar Chavez HS: Arizona state champion at 132 as a senior in 2024, going 28-0 overall…State runner-up finish in 2023 at 132, going 18-1…Multiple folkstyle All-America honors…Ranked among the top 15 in the nation in her class.Lexie Lopez, 125, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Colorado state champion at 125 as a senior with a 33-1 record…State runner-up as a junior at 120 with a record of 32-1…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo finalist.Lindsey Lopez, 117, Loveland, Colo. / Loveland HS Loveland HS: Two-time state placer in Colorado at 115, including a runner-up finish as a senior and third-place finish as a junior…Had a record of 61-3 over her last two years of high school…Attended Mt. Carmel High School in California her first two years of high school and was a state qualifier in 2022…Ranked among the top five of her class nationally...Fargo All-America performer.Ciara Monger, 207, Calhan, Colo. / Calhan HS Calhan HS: Four-time state champion in Colorado, joining Persaeus Gomez the same day as the first two girls wrestlers in state history to accomplish the feat…Won first two titles at 215 and the final two at 235…Went undefeated as a senior (33-0) and as a freshman (15-0)…Had an overall record of 93-4 in high school…Fargo Freestyle All-America honors…Folkstyle Nationals All-America performer…Ranked among the top 10 nationally in her class.Isabella Renfro, 180, Seneca, Mo. / Seneca HS Seneca HS: Two-time Missouri state champion at 190, winning her junior and senior seasons…Went a perfect 47-0 as both a junior and senior, winning the final 94 matches of her high school career at 190…State runner-up as a sophomore at 174…Had an overall record of 164-12 in high school…Four-time state placer in Missouri and three-time state finalist…Multiple Fargo All-America honors.Dylen Ritchey, 138, Ralston, Neb. / Ralston HS Ralston HS: Nebraska state champion at 135 as a junior…State runner-up at 140 as a senior…Went 80-1 overall as a junior and senior combined…Posted a perfect 42-0 record to win the 135 title as a junior…Ranked among the top 20 in the nation in her class.Jazmin Roschmann, 117, Roseville, Calif. / Roseville HS Roseville HS: California state tournament qualifier…California SJS Masters runner-up…State runner-up in freestyle…Multiple All-America performances.Sophia Schultz, 110, Raymond, Neb. / Raymond Central HS Raymond Central HS: Nebraska state champion at 110 as a senior in 2023-24…Went a perfect 35-0 as a senior…State runner-up in 2022-23…2024 USA Wrestling Southern Plains Regional freestyle champion at 110…Placed third at preseason nationals going into 2023-24…Multiple All-America honors…Four-time Nebraska state qualifier in high school, including once in the boys tournament her freshman year.

🤼‍♀️ FHSU women announce 15 signings for 2024-25 season

Wednesday, July 3
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pm

Thursday, July 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pm

Friday, July 5&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 6:30pm

Saturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pm

Sunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

Wednesday, July 3
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmThursday, July 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmFriday, July 5&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 6:30pmSaturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pmSunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

🎧 Eagle Radio, Hull sports broadcast schedule

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.

Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.

When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.

“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”

Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.

Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.

“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”

Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.

“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”

Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.

Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.

“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”

Royals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720002823157.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' CJ Alexander watches his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' CJ Alexander watches his single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.UP NEXT

⚾ Rays beat the Royals after 2 1/2-hour rain delay

DENVER – The Hays Larks
bounced back from their first shoutout of the season with a run-rule win,
defeating the Colorado Roughriders 12-1 in seven innings Tuesday at the Regis Baseball
Field.

The Larks (18-4, 14-4
RMBL) blew the game open with six runs in the fifth inning then three more in
the sixth.

Kaleb Duncan had three
of the Larks 14 hits and drove in five runs. Houston Russell added two RBIs for
the Larks who finished up their seven-game road trip with a 5-2 record.

The Larks took the lead
in the second. Taber Stokes led off the inning with a double then scored on
Trent Baker’s groundout. They added a second run in the third. After back-to-back
singles from Kaleb Duncan and Garrett Gruell to start the inning then a walk to
Wilbert Espinal to load the bases, Duncan later scored on a Houston Russell sacrifice
fly. Thomas Lyssy was hit by a pitch to load the bases again but a popup to
short and fly ball to center ended the inning.

The Larks pushed the
lead to 3-0 with another run in the fourth on a Garrett Gruell triple which
scored Trent Baker who opened the inning with a walk.

The Larks first six
batters all had hits to open the fifth. Lyssy and Stokes both doubled followed
by singles from Gage Gilchrist, Baker, Kaiden Ashton and Duncan. Houston
Russell added an RBI single later in the inning.

The Larks used a walk,
hit by pitch and single to load the bases in the sixth. Duncan later drove in three
runs with a two-out double.

Ismael Cordoba (1-0) gave
up just the one run on two hits over five innings and picked up the win.

Houston Russell had a
hit to extend his hitting-streak to 12 games. Wilbert Espinal finished 0-for-3
to end his 12-game hit streak.

The Larks return home to
play the Junction City Brigade on July 4 at 7 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy
of Pepsi and Wal-Mart.

Hays PostDENVER – The Hays Larks
bounced back from their first shoutout of the season with a run-rule win,
defeating the Colorado Roughriders 12-1 in seven innings Tuesday at the Regis Baseball
Field.The Larks (18-4, 14-4
RMBL) blew the game open with six runs in the fifth inning then three more in
the sixth.Kaleb Duncan had three
of the Larks 14 hits and drove in five runs. Houston Russell added two RBIs for
the Larks who finished up their seven-game road trip with a 5-2 record.The Larks took the lead
in the second. Taber Stokes led off the inning with a double then scored on
Trent Baker’s groundout. They added a second run in the third. After back-to-back
singles from Kaleb Duncan and Garrett Gruell to start the inning then a walk to
Wilbert Espinal to load the bases, Duncan later scored on a Houston Russell sacrifice
fly. Thomas Lyssy was hit by a pitch to load the bases again but a popup to
short and fly ball to center ended the inning.The Larks pushed the
lead to 3-0 with another run in the fourth on a Garrett Gruell triple which
scored Trent Baker who opened the inning with a walk.The Larks first six
batters all had hits to open the fifth. Lyssy and Stokes both doubled followed
by singles from Gage Gilchrist, Baker, Kaiden Ashton and Duncan. Houston
Russell added an RBI single later in the inning.The Larks used a walk,
hit by pitch and single to load the bases in the sixth. Duncan later drove in three
runs with a two-out double.Ismael Cordoba (1-0) gave
up just the one run on two hits over five innings and picked up the win.HIT STREAKSHouston Russell had a
hit to extend his hitting-streak to 12 games. Wilbert Espinal finished 0-for-3
to end his 12-game hit streak.UP NEXTThe Larks return home to
play the Junction City Brigade on July 4 at 7 p.m. at Larks Park. Admission is free courtesy
of Pepsi and Wal-Mart.

⚾ Larks end road trip with run-rule win

The Hays Larks take on the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday in a single&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Baseball League game.

Tuesday's game is set for 6 p.m. at Regis Baseball Field in Denver.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXDYmEzPRBY">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks take on the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday in a single&nbsp;Rocky Mountain Baseball League game.Tuesday's game is set for 6 p.m. at Regis Baseball Field in Denver.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXDYmEzPRBY">Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks take on Colorado Roughriders

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team will play host to Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic on Tuesday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.

Season ticket holders can now request tickets for the game during the current ordering and renewal process. Tickets for the public will go on sale this fall.

The matchup will mark the 13th&nbsp;Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center with K-State winning 10 of the 12 previous Classics, including victories over Nebraska in 2022 and Wichita State last season. The Wildcat Classic dates to 2007 and has included such notable opponents as Alabama, Florida, Texas A&amp;M, UNLV and Vanderbilt.

This will be the 28th&nbsp;meeting between K-State and Drake with 26 of the last 27 matchups coming between 1918 and 1956. The Bulldogs won the most recent meeting, 80-70, at Bramlage Coliseum on Nov. 25, 2020.

Drake posted a 28-7 record in 2023-24, including a second-place finish in the MVC standings with a 16-4 mark, and earned the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with an 84-80 win over top-seed Indiana State in the championship game. The Bulldogs will have a new head coach in former Northwest Missouri State coach&nbsp;Ben McCollum, who won 394 games and 4 NCAA Division II Championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) in building the Bearcats into a national powerhouse.

K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.

The Wildcats return 3 lettermen (senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and sophomores&nbsp;Taj Manning&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich) in 2024-25, along with the 10 newcomers, which includes 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).

The transfer class is considered one of the best in the country and includes notable additions&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;(Samford),&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Illinois),&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Michigan) and&nbsp;Ugonna Onyenso&nbsp;(Kentucky) as well as&nbsp;Baye Fall&nbsp;(Arkansas),&nbsp;Brendan Hausen&nbsp;(Villanova),&nbsp;C.J. Jones&nbsp;(UIC) and&nbsp;Max Jones&nbsp;(Cal State Fullerton).

The rest of the non-conference schedule is still being finalized, but the Wildcats will play a 20-game Big 12 schedule that includes 10 home games with NCAA Tournament teams Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech as well as Arizona State, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and West Virginia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719954684628.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas State AthleticsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– The Kansas State men’s basketball team will play host to Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic on Tuesday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.Season ticket holders can now request tickets for the game during the current ordering and renewal process. Tickets for the public will go on sale this fall.The matchup will mark the 13th&nbsp;Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center with K-State winning 10 of the 12 previous Classics, including victories over Nebraska in 2022 and Wichita State last season. The Wildcat Classic dates to 2007 and has included such notable opponents as Alabama, Florida, Texas A&amp;M, UNLV and Vanderbilt.This will be the 28th&nbsp;meeting between K-State and Drake with 26 of the last 27 matchups coming between 1918 and 1956. The Bulldogs won the most recent meeting, 80-70, at Bramlage Coliseum on Nov. 25, 2020.Drake posted a 28-7 record in 2023-24, including a second-place finish in the MVC standings with a 16-4 mark, and earned the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament with an 84-80 win over top-seed Indiana State in the championship game. The Bulldogs will have a new head coach in former Northwest Missouri State coach&nbsp;Ben McCollum, who won 394 games and 4 NCAA Division II Championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) in building the Bearcats into a national powerhouse.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including an 8-10 mark in Big 12 play, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats’ 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in head coach&nbsp;Jerome Tang’s&nbsp;tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.The Wildcats return 3 lettermen (senior&nbsp;David N’Guessan&nbsp;and sophomores&nbsp;Taj Manning&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macaleab Rich) in 2024-25, along with the 10 newcomers, which includes 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).The transfer class is considered one of the best in the country and includes notable additions&nbsp;Achor Achor&nbsp;(Samford),&nbsp;Coleman Hawkins&nbsp;(Illinois),&nbsp;Dug McDaniel&nbsp;(Michigan) and&nbsp;Ugonna Onyenso&nbsp;(Kentucky) as well as&nbsp;Baye Fall&nbsp;(Arkansas),&nbsp;Brendan Hausen&nbsp;(Villanova),&nbsp;C.J. Jones&nbsp;(UIC) and&nbsp;Max Jones&nbsp;(Cal State Fullerton).The rest of the non-conference schedule is still being finalized, but the Wildcats will play a 20-game Big 12 schedule that includes 10 home games with NCAA Tournament teams Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech as well as Arizona State, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and West Virginia.

🏀 K-State to face Drake in Kansas City in December

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Utah State announced Tuesday it’s firing football coach Blake Anderson after an external review of allegations that he hadn’t complied with Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases.

Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach, will be Utah State’s interim coach during the upcoming season. Athletic director Diana Sabau met players and staff Tuesday to inform them of the move, the university said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-makes-significant-changes-in-football-program" target="_blank">a news release</a>.

Dreiling grew up in Victoria but played in high school at Hutchinson under his father, legendary coach Randy Dreiling. Dreiling went on to have an All-American career at Pittsburg State and was was recently inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame.

According to ESPN's Pate Thamel, Dreiling becomes the youngest FBS head coach in the nation at 33 years old. He had previously been the defensive coordinator at New Mexico State.

Utah State also said associate vice president/deputy athletic director of external affairs Jerry Bovee and football director of player development and community Austin Albrecht were fired “for violations of university policies related to the reporting of sexual and domestic violence and failures of professional responsibilities.”

Bovee was Utah State’s interim athletic director in 2023. Utah State said Anderson was being fired for actions that took place in the spring of 2023.

Utah State noted that Title IX policies “require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct — including domestic violence — and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves.”

“As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring allegations of USU policy violations are investigated,” Sabau and Utah State President Elizabeth Cantwell said in an email they sent to faculty and staff. “Today’s actions are the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence demands immediate action. Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and to make sure that, for the sake of our students and our community, we are living the values of our university.

“While recognizing the impact of these decisions on our student athletes and football program, we will continue to take the steps necessary to deliver a respectful, transparent and winning culture at Utah State University.”

School officials noted that Anderson has 14 days to respond to the university’s decision under terms of his employment agreement. School officials said they couldn‘t release any additional information until all opportunities to respond or appeal to the decision have expired.

Anderson posted a 23-17 record in three seasons at Utah State, with the Aggies reaching bowl games each of those years. He went&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-utah-deven-thompkins-andrew-peasley-a06e6fda70eeb9625a9c497570a9d4d5">11-3 in 2021</a>&nbsp;before going 6-7 each of the last two years.

He came to Utah State after going 51-37 at Arkansas State from 2014-20. He took a leave of absence prior to the 2019 season just before his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0076f849b4f64c2fb1745d73d283aca5">Wendy Anderson,</a>&nbsp;died after a two-year fight with breast cancer. He returned for the second game of that season and helped Arkansas State go 8-5.

LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Utah State announced Tuesday it’s firing football coach Blake Anderson after an external review of allegations that he hadn’t complied with Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases.Nate Dreiling, who had been Utah State’s defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach, will be Utah State’s interim coach during the upcoming season. Athletic director Diana Sabau met players and staff Tuesday to inform them of the move, the university said in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-makes-significant-changes-in-football-program" target="_blank">a news release</a>.Dreiling grew up in Victoria but played in high school at Hutchinson under his father, legendary coach Randy Dreiling. Dreiling went on to have an All-American career at Pittsburg State and was was recently inducted into the MIAA Hall of Fame.According to ESPN's Pate Thamel, Dreiling becomes the youngest FBS head coach in the nation at 33 years old. He had previously been the defensive coordinator at New Mexico State.Utah State also said associate vice president/deputy athletic director of external affairs Jerry Bovee and football director of player development and community Austin Albrecht were fired “for violations of university policies related to the reporting of sexual and domestic violence and failures of professional responsibilities.”Bovee was Utah State’s interim athletic director in 2023. Utah State said Anderson was being fired for actions that took place in the spring of 2023.Utah State noted that Title IX policies “require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct — including domestic violence — and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves.”“As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring allegations of USU policy violations are investigated,” Sabau and Utah State President Elizabeth Cantwell said in an email they sent to faculty and staff. “Today’s actions are the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence demands immediate action. Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and to make sure that, for the sake of our students and our community, we are living the values of our university.“While recognizing the impact of these decisions on our student athletes and football program, we will continue to take the steps necessary to deliver a respectful, transparent and winning culture at Utah State University.”School officials noted that Anderson has 14 days to respond to the university’s decision under terms of his employment agreement. School officials said they couldn‘t release any additional information until all opportunities to respond or appeal to the decision have expired.Anderson posted a 23-17 record in three seasons at Utah State, with the Aggies reaching bowl games each of those years. He went&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-sports-utah-deven-thompkins-andrew-peasley-a06e6fda70eeb9625a9c497570a9d4d5">11-3 in 2021</a>&nbsp;before going 6-7 each of the last two years.He came to Utah State after going 51-37 at Arkansas State from 2014-20. He took a leave of absence prior to the 2019 season just before his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-0076f849b4f64c2fb1745d73d283aca5">Wendy Anderson,</a>&nbsp;died after a two-year fight with breast cancer. He returned for the second game of that season and helped Arkansas State go 8-5.

🏈 Victoria native named interim head coach at Utah State

Tuesday, July 2&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pm

Tuesday, July 2&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmWednesday, July 3
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmThursday, July 4
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 6:30pmFriday, July 5&nbsp; KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 6:30pmSaturday, July 6
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 7:30pmSunday, July 7
 KAYS: Kansas City Royals at Colorado Rockies, 1:30pm

The Hays Striders traveled to Centerton, Arkansas last week to compete in the AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet. The Top three finishers in multi-events and top five in track and field qualified to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina July 27 - August 3.

The Striders had a record nine Regional Champions, with several athletes taking the top spot in numerous events.

Riley Leiker continued her dominance in the 9 year old girls age division taking 1st in all three of her events - Shot Put - 22’6.25,”, 400 - 1:08.45, and 800 - 2:46.72.

Danica Vap tossed the discus to a Regional Champion distance of 33’7” in the 13 year old girls division. She also placed 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 34’9.”

Sydney Lewallen scored a dominating 2690 points in the 14 year old girls Pentathlon, a full 379 points in front of the second place finisher. Lewallen captured 1st in the long jump, shot put, and 800 during the five event Pentathlon. She also placed 4th in the Individual shot put - 33’1,” 4th in the 400 - 1:03.11, and 4th in the 800 - 2:34.95.

Lyndi Zimmerman, last year's National runner-up in the Pentathlon, captured regional Championship status in the 15-16 girls shot put - 32’5.25” and 100 meter hurdles - 16.01. She finished 4th in the Heptathlon - 3567 Points, 13th in the 200 – 27.44, and 11th in the 400 Hurdles – 1:16.08.

Lakin Scott, in his first year of competition, took Regional champion status in the 8 year old boys shot put with a commanding toss of 18’3.”

Tucker Schmidt continued his banner year of running the 9 year old boys 800 with a blistering time of 2:43.71 to earn a Regional Championship.

Tayte Lewallen was impressive in the 12 year old Boys 80 meter Hurdles, capturing the regional Championship with a run of 14.10 seconds. Lewallen also took 4th in the Pentathlon, 2103 points, 3rd in the 800, 2:37.49, and 4th in the 4x100, along with Gavyn Wolf, Chris Grady, and Casen Flax, with a time of 54.92

Last year's 3000 meter National champion, Emery Zimmerman, comes into this season just as strong by winning the Pentathlon with 2276 points, the 800 - 2:25.22, and 3000 meter run - 10:28.57. Zimmerman also took 2nd in the 1500 - 5:01.38.

Jacob Leiker was crowned Regional Champion in the discus by throwing 111’9.” Leiker also took 3rd in both the Shot put - 33’2,” and javelin - 91’8;” as well as placing 13th in the 800 - 2:30.31.

In all, 20 athletes qualified at the Region 16 AAU event in Arkansas to compete in the National meet in late July. Region 16 comprises athletes from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Western Missouri and is considered one of the toughest regions in the U.S. to compete in.

Results for the rest of the Striders are listed below:

Gavyn Wolf, competing in the 12 year old boys division, placed 4th in the 4x100 meter dash, 9th in the 200, 28.65; and 10th in the 100, 14.25.

Sydney Wince, 8 Under Girls, Long Jump - 13th, 5’9.25,” Turbo Javelin - 10th, 23’5”

Cheyenne Vap, 9 Girls, Shot Put - 4th, 16’25”

Kersee Wince, 9 Girls, Long Jump - 18th, 8’3.25,” High Jump - 3rd, 2’11,” Turbo Jav - 3rd, 21’8,” Triathlon - 5th, 143

Jessie Wright, 12 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 13’9,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’4”

Kaliyah Bannister, 15-16 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 15’3”

Makayla Lewallen, 15-16 Girls, Heptathlon - 9th, 2520 points, High Jump - 7th, 4’7”

Aubrey Birney, 17-18 Young Women, Long Jump - 12th, 14’5,” Triple Jump - 6th, 31’2.50,” High Jump - 3rd, 4’11”

Zoe Brown, 17-18 Young Women, Heptathlon - 10th, 2597 points, Long Jump - 15th, 13’6”

Finley Zimmerman, 8 Under Boys, 400 - 8th, 1:19.72, 800 - 6th, 3:06.78, 1500 - 4th, 6:24.89

Pryce Day, 9 Boys, Long Jump - 25th, 9’00.25

Austin Flax, 10 Boys, Long Jump - 11th, 10’1.25,” 200 - 21, 33.40, 800 - 7th, 2:59.66

Casen Flax, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 6th, 13’8.25,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’6,” 4x100 - 4th, 54.92

Chris Grady, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 13th, 11’5.75, 200 - 10th, 28.73, 4x100 - 4th, 54.92

Robbie Readle, 13 Boys, 400 - 18th, 1:06.50, 800 - 16th, 2:40.34

Logan Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 800 - 28th, 2:26.06, 1500 - 25th, 5:04.62, 3000 m Run - 13th, 11:05

Caleb Englert, 15-16 Boys, Shot Put - 4th, 40’11,” Discus - 8th, 113’03”

Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, 400 m H - 5th, 1:08.39, 800 - 26th, 2:25.13

Skeeter Gleason, 17-18 Young Men, 100 - 39th, 12.06, Long Jump - 19th, 18’4.50,” Triple Jump - 11th, 37’5.75”

Kamani Jones, 17-18 Young Men, Triple Jump - 4th, 43’6.50,” Long Jump - 9th, 20’11.75

SubmittedThe Hays Striders traveled to Centerton, Arkansas last week to compete in the AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet. The Top three finishers in multi-events and top five in track and field qualified to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina July 27 - August 3.The Striders had a record nine Regional Champions, with several athletes taking the top spot in numerous events.Riley Leiker continued her dominance in the 9 year old girls age division taking 1st in all three of her events - Shot Put - 22’6.25,”, 400 - 1:08.45, and 800 - 2:46.72.Danica Vap tossed the discus to a Regional Champion distance of 33’7” in the 13 year old girls division. She also placed 2nd in the shot put with a throw of 34’9.”Sydney Lewallen scored a dominating 2690 points in the 14 year old girls Pentathlon, a full 379 points in front of the second place finisher. Lewallen captured 1st in the long jump, shot put, and 800 during the five event Pentathlon. She also placed 4th in the Individual shot put - 33’1,” 4th in the 400 - 1:03.11, and 4th in the 800 - 2:34.95.Lyndi Zimmerman, last year's National runner-up in the Pentathlon, captured regional Championship status in the 15-16 girls shot put - 32’5.25” and 100 meter hurdles - 16.01. She finished 4th in the Heptathlon - 3567 Points, 13th in the 200 – 27.44, and 11th in the 400 Hurdles – 1:16.08.Lakin Scott, in his first year of competition, took Regional champion status in the 8 year old boys shot put with a commanding toss of 18’3.”Tucker Schmidt continued his banner year of running the 9 year old boys 800 with a blistering time of 2:43.71 to earn a Regional Championship.Tayte Lewallen was impressive in the 12 year old Boys 80 meter Hurdles, capturing the regional Championship with a run of 14.10 seconds. Lewallen also took 4th in the Pentathlon, 2103 points, 3rd in the 800, 2:37.49, and 4th in the 4x100, along with Gavyn Wolf, Chris Grady, and Casen Flax, with a time of 54.92Last year's 3000 meter National champion, Emery Zimmerman, comes into this season just as strong by winning the Pentathlon with 2276 points, the 800 - 2:25.22, and 3000 meter run - 10:28.57. Zimmerman also took 2nd in the 1500 - 5:01.38.Jacob Leiker was crowned Regional Champion in the discus by throwing 111’9.” Leiker also took 3rd in both the Shot put - 33’2,” and javelin - 91’8;” as well as placing 13th in the 800 - 2:30.31.In all, 20 athletes qualified at the Region 16 AAU event in Arkansas to compete in the National meet in late July. Region 16 comprises athletes from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Western Missouri and is considered one of the toughest regions in the U.S. to compete in.Results for the rest of the Striders are listed below:Gavyn Wolf, competing in the 12 year old boys division, placed 4th in the 4x100 meter dash, 9th in the 200, 28.65; and 10th in the 100, 14.25.Sydney Wince, 8 Under Girls, Long Jump - 13th, 5’9.25,” Turbo Javelin - 10th, 23’5”Cheyenne Vap, 9 Girls, Shot Put - 4th, 16’25”Kersee Wince, 9 Girls, Long Jump - 18th, 8’3.25,” High Jump - 3rd, 2’11,” Turbo Jav - 3rd, 21’8,” Triathlon - 5th, 143Jessie Wright, 12 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 13’9,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’4”Kaliyah Bannister, 15-16 Girls, Long Jump - 9th, 15’3”Makayla Lewallen, 15-16 Girls, Heptathlon - 9th, 2520 points, High Jump - 7th, 4’7”Aubrey Birney, 17-18 Young Women, Long Jump - 12th, 14’5,” Triple Jump - 6th, 31’2.50,” High Jump - 3rd, 4’11”Zoe Brown, 17-18 Young Women, Heptathlon - 10th, 2597 points, Long Jump - 15th, 13’6”Finley Zimmerman, 8 Under Boys, 400 - 8th, 1:19.72, 800 - 6th, 3:06.78, 1500 - 4th, 6:24.89Pryce Day, 9 Boys, Long Jump - 25th, 9’00.25Austin Flax, 10 Boys, Long Jump - 11th, 10’1.25,” 200 - 21, 33.40, 800 - 7th, 2:59.66Casen Flax, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 6th, 13’8.25,” High Jump - 2nd, 4’6,” 4x100 - 4th, 54.92Chris Grady, 12 Boys, Long Jump - 13th, 11’5.75, 200 - 10th, 28.73, 4x100 - 4th, 54.92Robbie Readle, 13 Boys, 400 - 18th, 1:06.50, 800 - 16th, 2:40.34Logan Leiker, 15-16 Boys, 800 - 28th, 2:26.06, 1500 - 25th, 5:04.62, 3000 m Run - 13th, 11:05Caleb Englert, 15-16 Boys, Shot Put - 4th, 40’11,” Discus - 8th, 113’03”Brayden Staley, 15-16 Boys, 400 m H - 5th, 1:08.39, 800 - 26th, 2:25.13Skeeter Gleason, 17-18 Young Men, 100 - 39th, 12.06, Long Jump - 19th, 18’4.50,” Triple Jump - 11th, 37’5.75”Kamani Jones, 17-18 Young Men, Triple Jump - 4th, 43’6.50,” Long Jump - 9th, 20’11.75

Hays Striders compete in AAU Region 16 qualifying track meet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.

Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.

After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter's lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.

“We're all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It's obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively — the staff, the players, the sporting department — have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it's a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn't show it.”

Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its round-of-16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the U.S. managed only a 2-0 win over lowly Bolivia and were upset 2-1 by the Panamanians.

“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”

Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.

Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.

Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.

Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.

“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn't really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don't get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”

Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.

During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”

The U.S. next plays September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.

“It wasn't only Copa America. It's learning from these high-level games we're playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”

Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.

Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation — Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance — and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.

It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.

Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.

Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.

In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.

The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue — while still holding the card — as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.

“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I've never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he's got a yellow card in his hand. And it's literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”

Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed — or even one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719912817542.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States greets goalkeeper Matt Turner after losing 0-1 against Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Coach Gregg Berhalter of the United States greets goalkeeper Matt Turner after losing 0-1 against Uruguay at the end of a Copa America Group C soccer match in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffman)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gregg Berhalter gave a single-word answer after the United States was eliminated from the Copa America with a loss to Uruguay when asked whether he was the right man to lead the Americans into the 2026 World Cup.“Yes,” Berhalter said.Plenty of others are sure to have plenty more to say about his future with the national team.After a disastrous loss to Panama put the U.S. in a dire predicament, Berhalter's lineup of players from European clubs created precious few opportunities against Uruguay. And when Mathías Olivera found the back of the net for a questionable second-half goal, La Celeste walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 1-0 victory on Monday night and the Americans were left wondering how everything had gone so wrong.“We're all going to do a review of the whole tournament and see where we fell short,” Berhalter said. “It's obvious the Panama game hurt us, put us behind the 8-ball, and I think collectively — the staff, the players, the sporting department — have to look at where do we improve. How do we get better? We know it's a talented team, one with big potential, and we didn't show it.”Berhalter and the U.S. hoped to show the team had advanced since its round-of-16 elimination against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup. Instead, the U.S. managed only a 2-0 win over lowly Bolivia and were upset 2-1 by the Panamanians.“We had a good start and brought a lot of energy but at the end of the day, just not enough quality,” U.S. captain Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like we gave it everything but we just couldn’t score.”Indeed, the lone goal Monday night came in the 66th minute when Nicolas De La Cruz swung a free kick in front of the American goal. Matt Turner parried a header by Ronald Araújo, who out-jumped defender Tim Ream, but the rebound went right to Olivera and he tapped the ball in with his left foot.Olivera appeared to be offside on the initial header but the goal stood after a video review.Three minutes before Uruguay scored, the U.S. was in position to advance.Bruno Miranda had tied the score for Bolivia against Panama in a game started simultaneously in Orlando, Florida, which meant the U.S. would only need a tie. But Panama went on to a 3-1 victory to claim the second spot in Group C behind Uruguay, and the U.S. was bounced from the group stage for the first time in 20 continental and global tournaments on home soil.“This is still a young team. Still a lot of potential. But potential doesn't really matter if you go out on the pitch and you don't get the job done,” defender Antonee Robinson said. “Everyone needs to try and up the level, myself included.”Berhalter was rehired in June 2023 and given a contract through the upcoming World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite a lineup that included Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the U.S. failed to even match its last Copa America appearance, when it lost to Argentina in the 2016 semifinals.During the second half Monday night, the home crowd of 55,460 in less-than-full Arrowhead Stadium began chanting, “Fire Gregg.”The U.S. next plays September friendlies against Canada and New Zealand.“It wasn't only Copa America. It's learning from these high-level games we're playing pre-tournament,” Berhalter said, “and having this collective understanding that the margins are so small, and there is very little separating any of these teams.”Uruguay played without coach Marcelo Bielsa, suspended for sending his team out late for the second half of its first two games. Diego Reyes and Pablo Quiroga were in charge on a mild but humid night in Kansas City.Berhalter and the Americans knew the difficulty of their situation — Pulisic at one point said they would need to play “the best game of our lives” to advance — and they looked like a team with nothing to lose for most of the first half.It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.Folarin Balogun, who had two goals already in the tournament, bore the brunt of several challenges. He was left calling for help after a collision with Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet, then was left rolling on the field after Araújo’s challenge later in the half. Balogun eventually had to leave with a hip pointer and Ricardo Pepi took his place.Uruguay lost Maximiliano Araújo earlier in the half after a scary collision with Ream near the U.S. goal. He had to be taken off the field on a stretcher, though he was able to move his arms before heading up the tunnel.In the middle of the chaos was 32-year-old Peruvian referee Kevin Ortega, whose several questionable calls hurt the U.S.The first came when Ortega began to pull a yellow card and stop play, then allowed it to continue — while still holding the card — as Uruguay nearly scored on an attack. The second came when the U.S. had a clear advantage after a hand ball on Uruguay, but the Peruvian referee eventually blew his whistle and called the play back for a free kick.“This referee was awful,” Robinson said. “I've never seen a referee, you know, let a quick free kick go while he's got a yellow card in his hand. And it's literally embarrassing. And I hope something happens to him from that.”Uruguay applied more pressure midway through the second half, then had the Americans in desperation mode after the goal. And while the U.S. had a few good runs and a couple of good opportunities in the box, a team that had such big expectations was unable to find the two goals it needed — or even one.

⚽ US eliminated from Copa America with 1-0 loss to Uruguay

PARKER, Colo. – Three Hays
Larks pitches combined on a three-hitter, but the Larks failed to score and
lost 1-0 to the Gameday Angels Monday night at Double Angel Ballpark. It’s the
first time the Larks have been shoutout since July 19, 2023 when they lost 5-0 in the second game of a doubleheader with the Liberal Bee Jays.&nbsp;

The Angels took
advantage of two walks and then scored on an Owen Best single in the bottom of
the second. They would get only one hit past the third inning.

The Larks (17-4, 13-3
RMBL) had their chances, stranding five base runners in the first four innings,
three of which were in scoring position.

Their best scoring
chance came in the sixth&nbsp; after ssngles from Garrett Gruell, Wilbert Espinal and Houston
Russell loaded the bases with no outs but the next three batters struck out to
end the threat.

The Larks threatened
again in the ninth. Kaleb Duncan doubled with two outs then advanced to third
on Kaiden Ashton’s single, but Will Carpenter struck out to end the game.

The Larks out-hit the
Angels 11-3 but stranded 11 base runners, seven of which were in scoring
position.

Logan LaPierre (0-1) allowed
the one run on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks over two innings and
suffered the loss.

Felix Brunner and
Garrett Hicks combined to allow no runs on one hit over six innings of relief.

Kiaden Ashton had three
of the Larks’ 11 hits. Gruell and Russell both had two hits, all singles.

The Larks have out-hit
their opponents in each of the six games of&nbsp;
the road trip but have stranded 10 or more base runners in five of the
six games.

Monday's game was the first time the Larks have been shutout on the road since losing 3-0 in the first game of doubleheader against the Derby Twins on July 14, 2017.

The Larks close out the
seven-game road trip at the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday night. They return for
a non-league game with the Junction City Brigade on July 4.

Hays PostPARKER, Colo. – Three Hays
Larks pitches combined on a three-hitter, but the Larks failed to score and
lost 1-0 to the Gameday Angels Monday night at Double Angel Ballpark. It’s the
first time the Larks have been shoutout since July 19, 2023 when they lost 5-0 in the second game of a doubleheader with the Liberal Bee Jays.&nbsp;The Angels took
advantage of two walks and then scored on an Owen Best single in the bottom of
the second. They would get only one hit past the third inning.The Larks (17-4, 13-3
RMBL) had their chances, stranding five base runners in the first four innings,
three of which were in scoring position.Their best scoring
chance came in the sixth&nbsp; after ssngles from Garrett Gruell, Wilbert Espinal and Houston
Russell loaded the bases with no outs but the next three batters struck out to
end the threat.The Larks threatened
again in the ninth. Kaleb Duncan doubled with two outs then advanced to third
on Kaiden Ashton’s single, but Will Carpenter struck out to end the game.The Larks out-hit the
Angels 11-3 but stranded 11 base runners, seven of which were in scoring
position.Logan LaPierre (0-1) allowed
the one run on two hits with four strikeouts and two walks over two innings and
suffered the loss.Felix Brunner and
Garrett Hicks combined to allow no runs on one hit over six innings of relief.Kiaden Ashton had three
of the Larks’ 11 hits. Gruell and Russell both had two hits, all singles.MISSED OPPORTUNITIESThe Larks have out-hit
their opponents in each of the six games of&nbsp;
the road trip but have stranded 10 or more base runners in five of the
six games.RARE ROAD SHUTOUTMonday's game was the first time the Larks have been shutout on the road since losing 3-0 in the first game of doubleheader against the Derby Twins on July 14, 2017.UP NEXTThe Larks close out the
seven-game road trip at the Colorado Roughriders Tuesday night. They return for
a non-league game with the Junction City Brigade on July 4.

⚾ Larks shutout by Angels

The Hays Larks are on the road for a Rocky Mountain Baseball League game against the Gameday Angels.

The Larks play a single game Monday night at 7:05 p.m. at Double Angel Field in Parker.

You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojGh8iezjXA">Larks YouTube channel.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717183089670.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Hays Larks are on the road for a Rocky Mountain Baseball League game against the Gameday Angels.The Larks play a single game Monday night at 7:05 p.m. at Double Angel Field in Parker.You can catch on the action on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojGh8iezjXA">Larks YouTube channel.</a> Hays Larks baseball on HaysPost.com is courtesy of the Hays
Larks. The broadcast is produced by the Hays Larks

⚾🎥 WATCH LIVE Hays Larks take on Gameday Angels

WICHITA, Kan. – Former Fort Hays State standout women's basketball player and head coach Annette Wiles will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 13 in Topeka. Wiles is one of 12 individuals being inducted in the Class of 2024. She is already a member of the FHSU Tiger Sports Hall of Fame and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

Wiles was a two-time NAIA All-America selection and the NAIA National Tournament MVP her senior year when she helped lead Fort Hays State to the 1991 NAIA Women's Basketball national title. Wiles is also the all-time leading scorer in Fort Hays State program history with 2,407 points and a scoring average of 20.4 points per game. She is the only player in the program's history to score 2,000 points in a career and only player with a career scoring average better than 16 points per game. Wiles still owns FHSU career records for the following categories – field goals made (993), field goals attempted (1,700), and field goal percentage (.584). She also owns the single-season records for points (880, 1990-91), scoring average (24.4 ppg), field goals made (358), field goals attempted (582), and rebounds (364).

Following her four-year playing career at Fort Hays State, Wiles went on to have a successful career as a women's collegiate basketball coach. She put together a career record 409-227 (.643). Her first head coaching position was at Bethany (Kan.) College (164-52 record) for seven years from 1994-2000 before leading her alma mater Fort Hays State (136-89 record) for eight years from 2000-2008. She moved on to become head coach for seven years at Minnesota Duluth (109-86 record) from 2008-2015. She was twice named Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year and twice named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. She led three teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, which included Fort Hays State in 2005 and Minnesota Duluth in 2010 and 2012. She led Bethany College to four NAIA national tournament appearances. Following her time at Minnesota Duluth, Wiles returned to Kansas as athletic director at Topeka High School and then became the director of Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.

The 2024 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame class includes seven individuals who have ties to Olympic competition, including a gold medalist, paralympic medalist and the only American to be named a head track and field starter for two Olympic Games. The group also includes national champion coaches, collegiate champions and All-Americans, and American-record holders.

This year's class will bring the total number of inductees to 340, with the first class in 1961. Created by the Kansas State legislature in 1961, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame has operated for 63 years and is located at the Wichita Boathouse.

The reception (5 p.m.), featuring appetizers and refreshments, and induction ceremony (6 p.m.) will be conducted in the Sunflower Ballroom of the Hotel Topeka City Center. The venue is located at 1717 Southwest Topeka Blvd., in Topeka.

"Topeka as the location for the induction makes sense for several reasons, but the fact that all of our inductees are either from, live or competed collegiately in the Manhattan-Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City corridor creates an opportunity for more of their family and friends to attend," Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning said. "This event is about the honorees, and we want to do as much as we can to make it special for them."

Dunning said the Hall would be making an effort to invite past Olympians with Kansas ties and those past KSHOF inductees. He noted that the annual induction ceremony is not only a celebration for the incoming class, but also for past inductees. Tickets for the reception and induction ceremony are $100 and go on sale Monday, July 15 at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshof.org/">www.kshof.org</a>. For ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities, contact Dunning at 316-641-0162.

Dave Bingham&nbsp;- NAIA national champion baseball coach at Emporia State and head coach for College World Series qualifier Kansas

Erik Kynard&nbsp;– Olympic Gold Medalist High Jumper at Kansas State

Melvin Lister&nbsp;- National champion in the Long Jump at Leavenworth H.S., Butler County CC, and Arkansas

Mark Mangino&nbsp;- National Assistant Football Coach-of-the-Year at Oklahoma; and Head Coach for Orange Bowl Champion at Kansas

Ron Neugent&nbsp;- Swimming Gold Medalist in World University Games; and American Record-Holder at Kansas

Kelly Rankin&nbsp;- He's the only American to be the head starter for two Olympic Games

Scott Russell&nbsp;- NCAA champ and Olympic qualifier for Canada in the Javelin at Kansas

Kevin Saunders&nbsp;- Bronze Medalist and Record-Holder for U.S. in Paralympic Games

Will Shields&nbsp;- Native Kansan, 14-year NFL veteran with Kansas City Chiefs and member of College and NFL halls of fame

Sean Snyder&nbsp;- Consensus All-American punter and national special teams coach of the year at Kansas State

Mark Turgeon&nbsp;- All-State basketball player at Topeka Hayden H.S., four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier at Kansas, Missouri Valley (Wichita State) and Big Ten Champion (Maryland) Head Coach and conference Coach-of-the-Year.

Annette Wiles&nbsp;- Two-time NAIA Basketball All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP at Fort Hays State

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719849185091.png" alt="2024-07-01.png" />
 <figcaption>2024-07-01.png</figcaption>
 </figure>FHSU AthleticsWICHITA, Kan. – Former Fort Hays State standout women's basketball player and head coach Annette Wiles will be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 13 in Topeka. Wiles is one of 12 individuals being inducted in the Class of 2024. She is already a member of the FHSU Tiger Sports Hall of Fame and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.Wiles was a two-time NAIA All-America selection and the NAIA National Tournament MVP her senior year when she helped lead Fort Hays State to the 1991 NAIA Women's Basketball national title. Wiles is also the all-time leading scorer in Fort Hays State program history with 2,407 points and a scoring average of 20.4 points per game. She is the only player in the program's history to score 2,000 points in a career and only player with a career scoring average better than 16 points per game. Wiles still owns FHSU career records for the following categories – field goals made (993), field goals attempted (1,700), and field goal percentage (.584). She also owns the single-season records for points (880, 1990-91), scoring average (24.4 ppg), field goals made (358), field goals attempted (582), and rebounds (364).Following her four-year playing career at Fort Hays State, Wiles went on to have a successful career as a women's collegiate basketball coach. She put together a career record 409-227 (.643). Her first head coaching position was at Bethany (Kan.) College (164-52 record) for seven years from 1994-2000 before leading her alma mater Fort Hays State (136-89 record) for eight years from 2000-2008. She moved on to become head coach for seven years at Minnesota Duluth (109-86 record) from 2008-2015. She was twice named Kansas Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year and twice named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. She led three teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, which included Fort Hays State in 2005 and Minnesota Duluth in 2010 and 2012. She led Bethany College to four NAIA national tournament appearances. Following her time at Minnesota Duluth, Wiles returned to Kansas as athletic director at Topeka High School and then became the director of Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.The 2024 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame class includes seven individuals who have ties to Olympic competition, including a gold medalist, paralympic medalist and the only American to be named a head track and field starter for two Olympic Games. The group also includes national champion coaches, collegiate champions and All-Americans, and American-record holders.This year's class will bring the total number of inductees to 340, with the first class in 1961. Created by the Kansas State legislature in 1961, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame has operated for 63 years and is located at the Wichita Boathouse.The reception (5 p.m.), featuring appetizers and refreshments, and induction ceremony (6 p.m.) will be conducted in the Sunflower Ballroom of the Hotel Topeka City Center. The venue is located at 1717 Southwest Topeka Blvd., in Topeka."Topeka as the location for the induction makes sense for several reasons, but the fact that all of our inductees are either from, live or competed collegiately in the Manhattan-Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City corridor creates an opportunity for more of their family and friends to attend," Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Jim Dunning said. "This event is about the honorees, and we want to do as much as we can to make it special for them."Dunning said the Hall would be making an effort to invite past Olympians with Kansas ties and those past KSHOF inductees. He noted that the annual induction ceremony is not only a celebration for the incoming class, but also for past inductees. Tickets for the reception and induction ceremony are $100 and go on sale Monday, July 15 at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshof.org/">www.kshof.org</a>. For ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities, contact Dunning at 316-641-0162.Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024Dave Bingham&nbsp;- NAIA national champion baseball coach at Emporia State and head coach for College World Series qualifier KansasErik Kynard&nbsp;– Olympic Gold Medalist High Jumper at Kansas StateMelvin Lister&nbsp;- National champion in the Long Jump at Leavenworth H.S., Butler County CC, and ArkansasMark Mangino&nbsp;- National Assistant Football Coach-of-the-Year at Oklahoma; and Head Coach for Orange Bowl Champion at KansasRon Neugent&nbsp;- Swimming Gold Medalist in World University Games; and American Record-Holder at KansasKelly Rankin&nbsp;- He's the only American to be the head starter for two Olympic GamesScott Russell&nbsp;- NCAA champ and Olympic qualifier for Canada in the Javelin at KansasKevin Saunders&nbsp;- Bronze Medalist and Record-Holder for U.S. in Paralympic GamesWill Shields&nbsp;- Native Kansan, 14-year NFL veteran with Kansas City Chiefs and member of College and NFL halls of fameSean Snyder&nbsp;- Consensus All-American punter and national special teams coach of the year at Kansas StateMark Turgeon&nbsp;- All-State basketball player at Topeka Hayden H.S., four-time NCAA Tournament qualifier at Kansas, Missouri Valley (Wichita State) and Big Ten Champion (Maryland) Head Coach and conference Coach-of-the-Year.Annette Wiles&nbsp;- Two-time NAIA Basketball All-American and NAIA Tournament MVP at Fort Hays State

Former FHSU player/coach Wiles to be inducted into Kansas Sports HOF

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

By the time Mason Younger finished his high school
athletic career, he was one of the most decorated athletes in Ellis High School history,
winning multiple state wrestling championships and a state pole vault title. 

The accolades and hard work eventually earned him a track
and field scholarship to Fort Hays State University. While the journey was
not easy, Younger’s faith never wavered. In fact, his faith made it possible for him to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that allowed him to share
his faith with others. 

Growing up, Younger thought he would be the
first-ever member of his family to wrestle in college.

Wrestling was always his passion, and after claiming a second-place finish as a sophomore, Younger went on to win back-to-back state championships, becoming the first Ellis Railroader to accomplish that feat.

But after 14 years, he began feeling burnt out and seriously looked elsewhere. There, he found track and field, specifically pole
vault.

“The reason that I chose pole vault over any of the
other events is because I thought it was the most interesting. It's the most unique
event in track and field. There's so many things that go into it, and it's
not that easy to even do let alone to be good at,” Younger said.

“I kind of
just felt like flying through the air. ... I kind of like challenging myself.”

After a rough freshman year, Younger began to focus on
improving at pole vault, and the results started to show.

"Track was always my second sport because I've done
wrestling for 14 years," Younger said. "It wasn't until after my sophomore
year that I actually started taking pole vault and track seriously."

That year, he earned a sixth-place finish at state, but Younger’s competitive nature fueled his desire to be better.

He said it all started to click at the end of his junior
year, culminating in a third-place finish. But that still wasn’t good
enough.

"After I trained through the summer before my senior year, I started going to camps. I started to see myself improve, and when I
started to see myself improve, that's when I was like, I want to do this in
college," Younger said. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719611774562.jpeg" alt="Younger signs with FHSU for track and field.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Younger signs with FHSU for track and field.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostBy the time Mason Younger finished his high school
athletic career, he was one of the most decorated athletes in Ellis High School history,
winning multiple state wrestling championships and a state pole vault title. The accolades and hard work eventually earned him a track
and field scholarship to Fort Hays State University. While the journey was
not easy, Younger’s faith never wavered. In fact, his faith made it possible for him to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that allowed him to share
his faith with others. Growing up, Younger thought he would be the
first-ever member of his family to wrestle in college.Wrestling was always his passion, and after claiming a second-place finish as a sophomore, Younger went on to win back-to-back state championships, becoming the first Ellis Railroader to accomplish that feat.But after 14 years, he began feeling burnt out and seriously looked elsewhere. There, he found track and field, specifically pole
vault.“The reason that I chose pole vault over any of the
other events is because I thought it was the most interesting. It's the most unique
event in track and field. There's so many things that go into it, and it's
not that easy to even do let alone to be good at,” Younger said.“I kind of
just felt like flying through the air. ... I kind of like challenging myself.”After a rough freshman year, Younger began to focus on
improving at pole vault, and the results started to show."Track was always my second sport because I've done
wrestling for 14 years," Younger said. "It wasn't until after my sophomore
year that I actually started taking pole vault and track seriously."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610484044.jpeg" alt="Younger became a three time state placer at this year's state track and field championship." />
 <figcaption>Younger became a three time state placer at this year's state track and field championship.</figcaption>
 </figure>That year, he earned a sixth-place finish at state, but Younger’s competitive nature fueled his desire to be better.He said it all started to click at the end of his junior
year, culminating in a third-place finish. But that still wasn’t good
enough."After I trained through the summer before my senior year, I started going to camps. I started to see myself improve, and when I
started to see myself improve, that's when I was like, I want to do this in
college," Younger said. In his senior year, Younger said his goal was to earn
all-state football honors and win a state championship in wrestling and
pole vault.In his senior season, Younger hauled in 65 passes for 941
yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him 1A Sports in Kansas first-team honors on
the football field.He followed that with a record of 39-1 and his second
straight state wrestling championship at 144 pounds.Then, in his first track meet of the season, he broke the school record in pole vault, clearing 13’7”. But after that, he struggled for much of
the season and could never clear the 14’ mark."It just wasn't clicking and wasn't making sense to me. Why couldn't I get it, and why wasn't my technique getting down?" Younger
said. "Me and my family ended up just praying about it, and I was like in God's
will and in his control that things will work."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610468485.jpeg" alt="Younger capped off the state meet with his best performance.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Younger capped off the state meet with his best performance.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>He followed that with a regional performance of 14’6”, his new personal record, which also broke his previous school record.Younger bettered his regional performance at state and
clinched the elusive 2A state pole vault title with a height of 14’7”.The new record also worked well for Younger’s
scholarship situation at FHSU. Although he had previously contacted the coaches at
FHSU, it wasn’t until he reached the new height that he secured a
bigger scholarship opportunity."It means a lot because Fort Hays is obviously only 15
minutes away from where I live, and both my parents graduated from Fort Hays,"
Younger said. "I know that even my cousins and my aunts and uncles and
grandparents all love watching me and supporting me, so I know that being at Fort
Hays will be even better for them, too, is that they're even close enough that
they could come support and watch me."He plans to major in health and human performance to become a chiropractor.Younger is quick to praise God for the athletic success he
has experienced and says that his faith, growing up and attending the Ellis
Baptist Church, is an extremely important part of his life.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610493306.jpeg" alt="Younger and the rest of the Ellis group pause for a photo in Africa.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Younger and the rest of the Ellis group pause for a photo in Africa.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>His faith is so important to him that he decided to take part in a mission
trip to Africa after the school year.Younger was part of a group of six people who left the United States at
the end of May and spent two weeks in Africa. His mother, Jenifer, his older sister, Tessa, his best friend, Logan Russell, and a local Ellis teacher also participated in the mission trip.Russell is also headed to Fort Hays State University next
season. <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e58b4363-d4d8-4720-b0ca-04d952f095ef">He has signed to play football for the Tigers. </a>Their trip took them to Johannesburg, South Africa, and then
to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.Younger said they spent the week sharing the gospel there."We stayed in a mission house for a week down there and went to many different boys' homes and girls' homes. We went to a dump, which had a
church there, and we ministered that whole week. We talked to many different
people and different groups and gave our testimonies," Younger said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719610502292.jpeg" alt="The group attended a church located in a landfill in Africa.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The group attended a church located in a landfill in Africa.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>After a week, they returned to Johannesburg before flying to
Kimberley, South Africa.While in Kimberley, Younger said they spent the week on a
farm called Africa for Jesus. There, they were able to help teach lessons and
helped with manual labor.“We helped teach lessons, and I learned a bunch just from
sitting down there and listening,” Younger said. “So, each different part that
we went to was all a completely different experience and a very eye opening
experience.”Younger said that after the initial excitement of the trip wore off, he was a little apprehensive but believed it was worth it."Obviously, it was scary, fully committing to it," Younger
said. "But once we landed, and we met everybody down there, we all got
comfortable down in Africa. It all became way easier because I knew I
was there for God's will and not my own plan."Younger said he’s unsure if he will take part in another
mission trip but will continue to lean on his Christian faith."My faith has been a huge part of my life because I don't
know what I would be or where I would be without having the Lord next to me the
whole time and having him guide my path and lead me into the right direction
that I can never leave myself," Younger said.