KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs are re-signing Jerick McKinnon and declined the fifth-year option on fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on Tuesday, solidifying their backfield behind incumbent Isiah Pacheco heading into offseason workouts.

McKinnon, who turns 31 this week, ran 72 times for 291 yards and a touchdown but was at his best out of the backfield, catching 56 passes for 512 yards and nine scores. McKinnon ended the regular season by reaching the end zone in six straight games, helping the Chiefs secure the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.

McKinnon helped the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl and could have scored there, but he gave himself up at the 2-yard line in the closing minutes. That allowed the Chiefs to hit the winning field goal in a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

“He's certainly a guy that we love and greatly admire,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Monday.

Edwards-Helaire, a first-round pick in 2020, was the starter heading into last season, but injuries that have held him back throughout his career resurfaced. He missed much of the season with a high ankle sprain, forcing Pacheco to step into the role of lead running back, and the seventh-round draft pick never gave it up.

Edwards-Helaire came off injured reserve for the Super Bowl, but was inactive for the game.

In other news, Veach acknowledged that the Chiefs will begin working with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones on a contract extension. He's entering the final year of an $80 million, four-year deal, and his salary cap hit is $28 million for this season.

The 28-year-old Jones is coming off perhaps his best season. The four-time Pro Bowl pick matched a career high with 15 1/2 sacks in the regular season, then ended a maddeningly playoff oh-for by picking up his first two postseason sacks.

“I think that's on the list of things to do,” Veach said. “We get into the offseason, and you know, you’re into combine meetings, and then you’re into free agency, and then you’re into the draft. And then after the draft, let the dust settle and start working on the future and things we can get accomplished in the spring.”

Veach indicated that he would like to get an extension done before the Chiefs report to training camp in July.

“We'll get to work and see what we can do,” he said.

There isn't nearly the same time pressure to rework the deal of MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, though that could be on the agenda soon. He just completed the first season of a 10-year, $450 million contract, but recent deals — including one signed by the Eagle's Jalen Hurts — already have pushed Mahomes to seventh in the league in average yearly salary.

The benefits of working on Mahomes' contracts are twofold: The Chiefs want to keep him happy by paying him among the top tier of QBs, but they also can create some salary cap flexibility by altering the structure of the deal going forward.

“We're a few years into a long deal,” Veach said, “but at the same time, we have great communication with Pat, so that'll be a situation where we work through all those things. There's no timing from our end because we're in constant communication.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs are re-signing Jerick McKinnon and declined the fifth-year option on fellow running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on Tuesday, solidifying their backfield behind incumbent Isiah Pacheco heading into offseason workouts.McKinnon, who turns 31 this week, ran 72 times for 291 yards and a touchdown but was at his best out of the backfield, catching 56 passes for 512 yards and nine scores. McKinnon ended the regular season by reaching the end zone in six straight games, helping the Chiefs secure the No. 1 seed and first-round playoff bye.McKinnon helped the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl and could have scored there, but he gave himself up at the 2-yard line in the closing minutes. That allowed the Chiefs to hit the winning field goal in a 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.“He's certainly a guy that we love and greatly admire,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said Monday.Edwards-Helaire, a first-round pick in 2020, was the starter heading into last season, but injuries that have held him back throughout his career resurfaced. He missed much of the season with a high ankle sprain, forcing Pacheco to step into the role of lead running back, and the seventh-round draft pick never gave it up.Edwards-Helaire came off injured reserve for the Super Bowl, but was inactive for the game.In other news, Veach acknowledged that the Chiefs will begin working with All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones on a contract extension. He's entering the final year of an $80 million, four-year deal, and his salary cap hit is $28 million for this season.The 28-year-old Jones is coming off perhaps his best season. The four-time Pro Bowl pick matched a career high with 15 1/2 sacks in the regular season, then ended a maddeningly playoff oh-for by picking up his first two postseason sacks.“I think that's on the list of things to do,” Veach said. “We get into the offseason, and you know, you’re into combine meetings, and then you’re into free agency, and then you’re into the draft. And then after the draft, let the dust settle and start working on the future and things we can get accomplished in the spring.”Veach indicated that he would like to get an extension done before the Chiefs report to training camp in July.“We'll get to work and see what we can do,” he said.There isn't nearly the same time pressure to rework the deal of MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes, though that could be on the agenda soon. He just completed the first season of a 10-year, $450 million contract, but recent deals — including one signed by the Eagle's Jalen Hurts — already have pushed Mahomes to seventh in the league in average yearly salary.The benefits of working on Mahomes' contracts are twofold: The Chiefs want to keep him happy by paying him among the top tier of QBs, but they also can create some salary cap flexibility by altering the structure of the deal going forward.“We're a few years into a long deal,” Veach said, “but at the same time, we have great communication with Pat, so that'll be a situation where we work through all those things. There's no timing from our end because we're in constant communication.”

Chiefs re-sign McKinnon, decline 5th year on Edwards-Helaire

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Wells was just hoping to hang around long enough to save the Baltimore bullpen, and maybe give the Orioles' hot-hitting lineup a chance to get them back in the game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

“Whenever I say there's no quit in this team,” Wells said later, “there's no quit in this offense.”

That was evident by the fourth inning, when Ryan Mountcastle hit a two-run homer to help the Orioles wipe out an early three-run deficit with a five-run outburst. Mountcastle added another two-run homer the next inning and finished with five RBIs, helping the Orioles to an 11-7 victory over the Royals — and a 10th consecutive series-opening win.

“Just a great game offensively,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Mountcastle was a huge part of our lineup.”

He wasn't the only part, though. Adley Rutschman had four hits and an RBI, James McCann had three hits and also drove in a run, and the Orioles finished with 15 hits to go with eight walks against Kansas City pitching.

“They have a lot of ways to beat you,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Wells (2-1) allowed three hits over six innings but they were all homers: Bobby Witt Jr.'s leadoff rocket, a two-run homer by MJ Melendez and a solo shot by Salvador Perez. Wells also walked three and struck out four.

Perez, who added a two-run homer in the seventh, left in the eighth inning when Anthony Santander's follow-through hit the catcher on his glove. Perez bruised his middle finger and Freddy Fermin handled the rest of the game.

Ryan Yarbrough (0-4) matched a Royals record by striking out the first five Baltimore batters, including Mountcastle, before things fell apart in the fourth. The power-hitting first baseman followed a double by Rutschman with his first two-run homer, and Yarbrough was pulled after 3 2/3 innings as the Orioles batted through the lineup and scored five times.

Mountcastle added another two-run shot off Jose Cuas in the fifth, his eighth homer of the season, then added a run-scoring double in the sixth, before the Orioles cruised the rest of the way to their 16th win in their last 20 games.

The Royals have lost 10 straight at Kauffman Stadium to match the third-longest streak in franchise history. They also had a pair of 11-game streaks end in 2012 and 2013, the year before they won the first of back-to-back AL pennants.

This bunch appears to be a long way from such lofty heights. The Royals fell to 7-23 under Quatraro, matching the 2005 team that lost 106 games for the worst 30-game start in franchise history.

“It's not where we want to be right now,” Witt said. “You're in the big leagues. You can't stay away from that.”

Things started well for Kansas City on Tuesday night when Witt hit his first career leadoff homer and Melendez sent an 85 mph changeup deep to right field for a 3-0 lead. But after Yarbrough joined Gil Meche and Brady Singer as the only Royals to begin a game with five strikeouts, the Orioles quickly erased their deficit.

Mountcastle's first homer took care of most of it, an RBI single by McCann tied the game, and Cedric Mullins added a two-run single later in the fourth. Mountcastle's second two-run shot gave him his eighth career multi-homer game, and he helped the Orioles tack on three more runs in the sixth to put the game out of reach.

“I'm happy that we opened up another series with a win,” Hyde said.

On the at-bat that forced Perez out of the game, Santander eventually singled after seeing 16 pitches, including 12 consecutive foul balls. ... Orioles RHP Yennier Cano allowed a single in the ninth to end a club-record 32 straight hitless at-bats to start the season. ... The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announced Tuesday it was planning to build a new 30,000-square foot facility in the 18th &amp; Vine section of Kansas City. The museum is a popular attraction for teams visiting the Royals.

The Royals recalled INF Maikel Garcia, one of their top prospects, along with Fermin from Triple-A Omaha. DH Franmil Reyes was optioned to the same club and INF Nicky Lopez (appendicitis) placed on the 10-day IL.

Orioles: RHP Dillon Tate (flexor strain) allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings in a rehab stint for Double-A Bowie on Tuesday. RHP Mychal Givens (left knee inflammation) pitched a scoreless inning in the same game against Erie.

RHP Kyle Gibson (3.93 ERA) tries to become the first Orioles pitcher to start 5-0 since Jimmy Key won his first eight decisions in 1997 as the series continues on Wednesday night. RHP Zack Greinke (0-4, 6.10) gets the start for the Royals.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Tyler Wells was just hoping to hang around long enough to save the Baltimore bullpen, and maybe give the Orioles' hot-hitting lineup a chance to get them back in the game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.“Whenever I say there's no quit in this team,” Wells said later, “there's no quit in this offense.”That was evident by the fourth inning, when Ryan Mountcastle hit a two-run homer to help the Orioles wipe out an early three-run deficit with a five-run outburst. Mountcastle added another two-run homer the next inning and finished with five RBIs, helping the Orioles to an 11-7 victory over the Royals — and a 10th consecutive series-opening win.“Just a great game offensively,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Mountcastle was a huge part of our lineup.”He wasn't the only part, though. Adley Rutschman had four hits and an RBI, James McCann had three hits and also drove in a run, and the Orioles finished with 15 hits to go with eight walks against Kansas City pitching.“They have a lot of ways to beat you,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Wells (2-1) allowed three hits over six innings but they were all homers: Bobby Witt Jr.'s leadoff rocket, a two-run homer by MJ Melendez and a solo shot by Salvador Perez. Wells also walked three and struck out four.Perez, who added a two-run homer in the seventh, left in the eighth inning when Anthony Santander's follow-through hit the catcher on his glove. Perez bruised his middle finger and Freddy Fermin handled the rest of the game.Ryan Yarbrough (0-4) matched a Royals record by striking out the first five Baltimore batters, including Mountcastle, before things fell apart in the fourth. The power-hitting first baseman followed a double by Rutschman with his first two-run homer, and Yarbrough was pulled after 3 2/3 innings as the Orioles batted through the lineup and scored five times.Mountcastle added another two-run shot off Jose Cuas in the fifth, his eighth homer of the season, then added a run-scoring double in the sixth, before the Orioles cruised the rest of the way to their 16th win in their last 20 games.The Royals have lost 10 straight at Kauffman Stadium to match the third-longest streak in franchise history. They also had a pair of 11-game streaks end in 2012 and 2013, the year before they won the first of back-to-back AL pennants.This bunch appears to be a long way from such lofty heights. The Royals fell to 7-23 under Quatraro, matching the 2005 team that lost 106 games for the worst 30-game start in franchise history.“It's not where we want to be right now,” Witt said. “You're in the big leagues. You can't stay away from that.”Things started well for Kansas City on Tuesday night when Witt hit his first career leadoff homer and Melendez sent an 85 mph changeup deep to right field for a 3-0 lead. But after Yarbrough joined Gil Meche and Brady Singer as the only Royals to begin a game with five strikeouts, the Orioles quickly erased their deficit.Mountcastle's first homer took care of most of it, an RBI single by McCann tied the game, and Cedric Mullins added a two-run single later in the fourth. Mountcastle's second two-run shot gave him his eighth career multi-homer game, and he helped the Orioles tack on three more runs in the sixth to put the game out of reach.“I'm happy that we opened up another series with a win,” Hyde said.THIS AND THATOn the at-bat that forced Perez out of the game, Santander eventually singled after seeing 16 pitches, including 12 consecutive foul balls. ... Orioles RHP Yennier Cano allowed a single in the ninth to end a club-record 32 straight hitless at-bats to start the season. ... The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum announced Tuesday it was planning to build a new 30,000-square foot facility in the 18th &amp; Vine section of Kansas City. The museum is a popular attraction for teams visiting the Royals.MAKING MOVESThe Royals recalled INF Maikel Garcia, one of their top prospects, along with Fermin from Triple-A Omaha. DH Franmil Reyes was optioned to the same club and INF Nicky Lopez (appendicitis) placed on the 10-day IL.TRAINER'S ROOMOrioles: RHP Dillon Tate (flexor strain) allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings in a rehab stint for Double-A Bowie on Tuesday. RHP Mychal Givens (left knee inflammation) pitched a scoreless inning in the same game against Erie.UP NEXTRHP Kyle Gibson (3.93 ERA) tries to become the first Orioles pitcher to start 5-0 since Jimmy Key won his first eight decisions in 1997 as the series continues on Wednesday night. RHP Zack Greinke (0-4, 6.10) gets the start for the Royals.

Mountcastle's pair of 2-run HRs sends O's to 11-7 win in KC


- Barton Softball coach Carson Dubose preview's Region 6 Tournament
in Dodge City that begins for the Cougars on Friday with a 3pm
matchup with Garden City


- Mike Courson is “On the Prowl” for Panthers sports as he recaps
Monday's Western Athletic Conference Tennis Tournament with Panther
head coach Chris Manning

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660823675526.jpeg" alt="Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday show lineup with hosts Steve Webster, Mike Courson, Aaron Clark and Mike Hesher</figcaption>
 </figure>
- “Voice of the Cougars” Cole Reif
- Barton Softball coach Carson Dubose preview's Region 6 Tournament
in Dodge City that begins for the Cougars on Friday with a 3pm
matchup with Garden City
- Mike Courson is “On the Prowl” for Panthers sports as he recaps
Monday's Western Athletic Conference Tennis Tournament with Panther
head coach Chris Manning
- Tuesday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Tuesday on Sports Day (No Streaming or Audio  -  Technical Difficulties) 

Due to predicted weather conditions for Thursday, the Barton Community College baseball team hosting Garden City Community College conference doubleheader has been moved up a day to Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. 

The Cougars, who have clinched at least a tie for the Jayhawk West regular season title, need just one win in their final four games against the Broncbusters to win the title outright.

The series concludes Saturday in Garden City with another doubleheader that also begins at 1:00 p.m. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466479660.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Due to predicted weather conditions for Thursday, the Barton Community College baseball team hosting Garden City Community College conference doubleheader has been moved up a day to Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. The Cougars, who have clinched at least a tie for the Jayhawk West regular season title, need just one win in their final four games against the Broncbusters to win the title outright.The series concludes Saturday in Garden City with another doubleheader that also begins at 1:00 p.m.

Weather shifts Barton baseball hosting Garden City to Wednesday

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

All things lined up for a big day at the Shannon Schartz Courts in Great Bend Monday morning. The weather and wind were finally behaving, and the namesake of the courts delivered a ceremonial first serve ahead of the Western Athletic Conference tournament. A pair of early wins for Brendyn Schroeder proved to be it for the Panther tennis team. Garden City won the WAC title with 14 points, followed by Dodge City with 11 points, and Hays with 10 points. Great Bend scored two points for fifth.

At No. 1 singles, Schroeder opened with an 8-4 win against Liberal, then downed Hays 8-5. He dropped his final two matches 8-3 to Dodge City and 8-1 to Garden City. Aaron Ramirez, playing at No. 2 singles, opened with an 8-4 loss to Liberal. He followed with an 8-3 loss to Hays, an 8-1 loss to Dodge City, and an 8-2 defeat against Garden City.

Doubles action fared little better. In the No. 1 spot, Kameron Deines and Cameron Harbaugh opened with a tiebreak loss to Liberal. They fell to Hays and Garden City by a combined 16-1 tally, and lost to Dodge City 8-5. Jordan Manning and Jacob Parks also went 0-4 at No. 2 doubles. The duo fell to Liberal 8-5 and to Dodge City 8-4, but were outscored 16-4 combined against Hays and Garden City.

The Panthers head to Salina Central Friday for Class 5A regional action.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683024639340.jpeg" alt="Brendyn Schroeder posted a 2-2 record at No. 1 singles Monday at home." />
 <figcaption>Brendyn Schroeder posted a 2-2 record at No. 1 singles Monday at home.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostAll things lined up for a big day at the Shannon Schartz Courts in Great Bend Monday morning. The weather and wind were finally behaving, and the namesake of the courts delivered a ceremonial first serve ahead of the Western Athletic Conference tournament. A pair of early wins for Brendyn Schroeder proved to be it for the Panther tennis team. Garden City won the WAC title with 14 points, followed by Dodge City with 11 points, and Hays with 10 points. Great Bend scored two points for fifth.At No. 1 singles, Schroeder opened with an 8-4 win against Liberal, then downed Hays 8-5. He dropped his final two matches 8-3 to Dodge City and 8-1 to Garden City. Aaron Ramirez, playing at No. 2 singles, opened with an 8-4 loss to Liberal. He followed with an 8-3 loss to Hays, an 8-1 loss to Dodge City, and an 8-2 defeat against Garden City.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683024699581.jpeg" alt="Former GBHS Coach Shannon Schartz delivered the first serve Monday morning." />
 <figcaption>Former GBHS Coach Shannon Schartz delivered the first serve Monday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure>Doubles action fared little better. In the No. 1 spot, Kameron Deines and Cameron Harbaugh opened with a tiebreak loss to Liberal. They fell to Hays and Garden City by a combined 16-1 tally, and lost to Dodge City 8-5. Jordan Manning and Jacob Parks also went 0-4 at No. 2 doubles. The duo fell to Liberal 8-5 and to Dodge City 8-4, but were outscored 16-4 combined against Hays and Garden City.The Panthers head to Salina Central Friday for Class 5A regional action.

Panther tennis team finishes fifth in WAC tourney

The Kansas City Royals play the Baltimore Orioles looking to stop a nine-game home slide.

Baltimore Orioles (19-9, second in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (7-22, fifth in the AL Central)

Kansas City, Missouri; Tuesday, 7:40 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Orioles: Tyler Wells (1-1, 2.79 ERA, .72 WHIP, 23 strikeouts); Royals: Ryan Yarbrough (0-3, 6.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, seven strikeouts)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Orioles -151, Royals +129; over/under is 9 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals look to end their nine-game home slide with a victory against the Baltimore Orioles.

Kansas City is 7-22 overall and 1-12 at home. The Royals are 5-17 in games when they have given up at least one home run.

Baltimore has a 10-5 record in road games and a 19-9 record overall. The Orioles have a 14-1 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Tuesday's game is the first time these teams meet this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Edward Olivares has six doubles, two triples, two home runs and eight RBI for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 12-for-41 with two doubles and two home runs over the last 10 games.

Jorge Mateo has five doubles and six home runs for the Orioles. Ryan Mountcastle is 13-for-42 with two doubles and an RBI over the past 10 games.

Royals: 3-7, .243 batting average, 5.31 ERA, outscored by 13 runs

Orioles: 8-2, .269 batting average, 3.40 ERA, outscored opponents by 13 runs

Royals: Kris Bubic: 15-Day IL (flexor), Diego Hernandez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Drew Waters: 10-Day IL (oblique), Daniel Lynch: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Zerpa: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Orioles: Mychal Givens: 15-Day IL (knee), John Means: 60-Day IL (elbow), Dillon Tate: 15-Day IL (elbow)

The Kansas City Royals play the Baltimore Orioles looking to stop a nine-game home slide.Baltimore Orioles (19-9, second in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (7-22, fifth in the AL Central)Kansas City, Missouri; Tuesday, 7:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Orioles: Tyler Wells (1-1, 2.79 ERA, .72 WHIP, 23 strikeouts); Royals: Ryan Yarbrough (0-3, 6.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, seven strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Orioles -151, Royals +129; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals look to end their nine-game home slide with a victory against the Baltimore Orioles.Kansas City is 7-22 overall and 1-12 at home. The Royals are 5-17 in games when they have given up at least one home run.Baltimore has a 10-5 record in road games and a 19-9 record overall. The Orioles have a 14-1 record in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Tuesday's game is the first time these teams meet this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Edward Olivares has six doubles, two triples, two home runs and eight RBI for the Royals. Vinnie Pasquantino is 12-for-41 with two doubles and two home runs over the last 10 games.Jorge Mateo has five doubles and six home runs for the Orioles. Ryan Mountcastle is 13-for-42 with two doubles and an RBI over the past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 3-7, .243 batting average, 5.31 ERA, outscored by 13 runsOrioles: 8-2, .269 batting average, 3.40 ERA, outscored opponents by 13 runsINJURIES: Royals: Kris Bubic: 15-Day IL (flexor), Diego Hernandez: 60-Day IL (shoulder), Drew Waters: 10-Day IL (oblique), Daniel Lynch: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Jake Brentz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Angel Zerpa: 60-Day IL (shoulder)Orioles: Mychal Givens: 15-Day IL (knee), John Means: 60-Day IL (elbow), Dillon Tate: 15-Day IL (elbow)

Royals host the Orioles on home losing streak


- Barton Cougar Men's and Women's Golf coach Doug Kaiser will be in
studio with five of his qualifiers for the upcoming National
Tournament.


- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas.


- Mike Courson goes “On the Prowl” for Panther sports by talking
with Great Bend High School Track coach Lyles Lashley.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N-1hoB1mcfs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663183818995.jpeg" alt="Presented By" />
 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure>
- Barton Cougar Men's and Women's Golf coach Doug Kaiser will be in
studio with five of his qualifiers for the upcoming National
Tournament.
- Great Bend Tribune Sports Editor Jim Misunas.
- Mike Courson goes “On the Prowl” for Panther sports by talking
with Great Bend High School Track coach Lyles Lashley.
- Weekend Sports Headlines.
- Sounds of the Weekend.

Monday on Sports Day (Watch) 

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State saw two more of its former football players selected on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday, as defensive back Josh Hayes and running back Deuce Vaughn were both drafted in the sixth round. Hayes was selected with the fourth pick of the round – No. 181 overall – by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Vaughn was drafted with the 35th pick of the round – No. 212 overall – by the Dallas Cowboys.

K-State concluded the draft with four of its players selected, which was the most since four were selected in 2003.

Hayes was the eighth Wildcat ever to be selected by Tampa Bay and the first since quarterback Josh Freeman in 2009. Vaughn is just the third K-State player selected by the Cowboys and the first since cornerback Terence Newman went fifth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. Vaughn's selection was even more special as his father, Chris, is a scout for the Cowboys.

A transfer from North Dakota State prior to the 2022 season, Hayes played in 68 career games with 38 starts over parts of six seasons, including 13 starts during his lone season in Manhattan. Despite missing the season opener due to injury, Hayes still ranked third on the team in tackles (71) and tackles for loss (5.5), while he broke up seven passes. His highwater mark for tackles was 11 at Iowa State to go along with a TFL and a pass breakup as he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Vaughn, a product of Round Rock, Texas, left K-State with the school records for receptions (116) and receiving yards (1,280) by a running back, while he also ranked in the top 10 in 12 other categories. Just the second player in school history to earn two Consensus All-America honors, Vaughn was also just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, joining Darren Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004) and Daniel Thomas (2009, 2010). Additionally, Vaughn is the only player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving, while he was the only player in school history to reach 3,000 all-purpose yards prior to the end of his sophomore season.

In 2022, Vaughn earned First Team All-America honors from Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Sporting News and The Athletic, while he earned All-Big 12 First Team honors as an all-purpose player from the AP as he was the only player in the nation with over 1,500 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards. He ended his junior season ranked eighth nationally in total rushing yards (1,558), 12th in all-purpose yards per game (138.29) and 15th in rushing yards per game (111.3).

More former Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.

Felix Anudike-Uzomah	DE	Kansas City Chiefs Round 1

Julius Brents	CB	Indianapolis Colts Round 2

Josh Hayes	DB	Tampa Bay Buccaneers Round 6

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682950789517.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State saw two more of its former football players selected on the final day of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday, as defensive back Josh Hayes and running back Deuce Vaughn were both drafted in the sixth round. Hayes was selected with the fourth pick of the round – No. 181 overall – by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while Vaughn was drafted with the 35th pick of the round – No. 212 overall – by the Dallas Cowboys.K-State concluded the draft with four of its players selected, which was the most since four were selected in 2003.Hayes was the eighth Wildcat ever to be selected by Tampa Bay and the first since quarterback Josh Freeman in 2009. Vaughn is just the third K-State player selected by the Cowboys and the first since cornerback Terence Newman went fifth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. Vaughn's selection was even more special as his father, Chris, is a scout for the Cowboys.A transfer from North Dakota State prior to the 2022 season, Hayes played in 68 career games with 38 starts over parts of six seasons, including 13 starts during his lone season in Manhattan. Despite missing the season opener due to injury, Hayes still ranked third on the team in tackles (71) and tackles for loss (5.5), while he broke up seven passes. His highwater mark for tackles was 11 at Iowa State to go along with a TFL and a pass breakup as he earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.Vaughn, a product of Round Rock, Texas, left K-State with the school records for receptions (116) and receiving yards (1,280) by a running back, while he also ranked in the top 10 in 12 other categories. Just the second player in school history to earn two Consensus All-America honors, Vaughn was also just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons, joining Darren Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004) and Daniel Thomas (2009, 2010). Additionally, Vaughn is the only player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in both rushing and receiving, while he was the only player in school history to reach 3,000 all-purpose yards prior to the end of his sophomore season.In 2022, Vaughn earned First Team All-America honors from Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Sporting News and The Athletic, while he earned All-Big 12 First Team honors as an all-purpose player from the AP as he was the only player in the nation with over 1,500 rushing yards and 350 receiving yards. He ended his junior season ranked eighth nationally in total rushing yards (1,558), 12th in all-purpose yards per game (138.29) and 15th in rushing yards per game (111.3).More former Wildcats could join NFL teams as organizations begin to sign rookie free agents in the coming days. Those will be announced as they made public by their respective organizations.DRAFTED WILDCATSFelix Anudike-Uzomah	DE	Kansas City Chiefs Round 1Julius Brents	CB	Indianapolis Colts Round 2Josh Hayes	DB	Tampa Bay Buccaneers Round 6Deuce Vaughn	RB	Dallas Cowboys Round 6

Hayes, Vaughn Selected on Final Day of NFL Draft

The Barton Lady
Cougar softball team will head into the Region 6 Tournament with a
four game winning streak after blowing out NW Tech Sunday in Goodland
by scores of 24-1 and 8-0.

In game one, Barton
scored 16-runs in the third inning on the way to plating 24-runs on
19-hits.

In game two, Jaysa
Anderson and Callie McConell homered to back the shoutout pitching of
Jenna Henderson to blank the Mavericks 8-0.

Barton ends the
regular season with a record of 22-10 in conference play and a 29-20
record overall. The Lady Cougars will be the number-4 seed in the
Region 6 Tournament that begins Friday at Legends Field in Dodge
City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682950667350.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By Steve Webster Eagle RadioThe Barton Lady
Cougar softball team will head into the Region 6 Tournament with a
four game winning streak after blowing out NW Tech Sunday in Goodland
by scores of 24-1 and 8-0.In game one, Barton
scored 16-runs in the third inning on the way to plating 24-runs on
19-hits.In game two, Jaysa
Anderson and Callie McConell homered to back the shoutout pitching of
Jenna Henderson to blank the Mavericks 8-0.Barton ends the
regular season with a record of 22-10 in conference play and a 29-20
record overall. The Lady Cougars will be the number-4 seed in the
Region 6 Tournament that begins Friday at Legends Field in Dodge
City.

Barton softball clobbers Northwest Tech

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Behind eleven personal or season bests Saturday at the Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence, the 3rd ranked Barton Community College men's track and field team added a pair of new national qualifiers and made two edits on its storied program all-time top ten lists.

The additions bring the Cougars' total to 25 performances qualified for the national meet as Barton will first set its sight on the Region VI Championships taking place May 4-6 in Coffeyville.

A pair of freshmen highlighted the day's performances, one capping the Cougars' last event on Saturday in the 800m Invitational as Fabian Campbell gave a run for the title in a photo-finish .24 seconds for the runner-up position. Already nationally qualified in the event, Campbell's personal best vaulted into the 5th fastest time in program history and ranks 7th currently on the NJCAA's season list.

Already leading the nation in the javelin, Christopher Young bettered his previous mark by over 18 inches to move up a slot on the program best chart to No. 3 in winning the event at 66.98m.

Both of the Cougars' new national qualifiers came in the sprints as Aaron Charles led Barton's three personal best performances in the 100m clocking a winning 10.53 time. Malachi Carter placed 4th on his personal fastest 10.68 with Marlon Wordlow's best of 10.90 placing 15th.

Almond Small edged out teammate Jayden Singleton for 4th in the 200m, clocking a 21.17 while Singleton's personal fastest time registered a 21.18 in punching his national entry ticket. Wordlow also posted another best time of 21.97 to cross in 20th with Malachi Carter finishing in 28th at 22.56.

Matching their women teammates with the Rock Chalk Classic 4x100m relay title in a season best time, the tandem of Elijah Mosley, Charles, Small, and Revon Williams moved up two spots on the national season list to 4th fastest at 40.20 seconds.

In addition to Young the baton passers' Classic title, Christopher Crawford led Barton's three discus qualifiers with a 55.80m to win the event.

Fifth on the shot put program list, Brandon Lloyd led the throwing groups' 3-4-5 finish in the metal ball heave with a season best 18.06m with Young next at 17.51m and Crawford at 17.22m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682939877137.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoBehind eleven personal or season bests Saturday at the Rock Chalk Classic in Lawrence, the 3rd ranked Barton Community College men's track and field team added a pair of new national qualifiers and made two edits on its storied program all-time top ten lists.The additions bring the Cougars' total to 25 performances qualified for the national meet as Barton will first set its sight on the Region VI Championships taking place May 4-6 in Coffeyville.A pair of freshmen highlighted the day's performances, one capping the Cougars' last event on Saturday in the 800m Invitational as Fabian Campbell gave a run for the title in a photo-finish .24 seconds for the runner-up position. Already nationally qualified in the event, Campbell's personal best vaulted into the 5th fastest time in program history and ranks 7th currently on the NJCAA's season list.Already leading the nation in the javelin, Christopher Young bettered his previous mark by over 18 inches to move up a slot on the program best chart to No. 3 in winning the event at 66.98m.Both of the Cougars' new national qualifiers came in the sprints as Aaron Charles led Barton's three personal best performances in the 100m clocking a winning 10.53 time. Malachi Carter placed 4th on his personal fastest 10.68 with Marlon Wordlow's best of 10.90 placing 15th.Almond Small edged out teammate Jayden Singleton for 4th in the 200m, clocking a 21.17 while Singleton's personal fastest time registered a 21.18 in punching his national entry ticket. Wordlow also posted another best time of 21.97 to cross in 20th with Malachi Carter finishing in 28th at 22.56.Matching their women teammates with the Rock Chalk Classic 4x100m relay title in a season best time, the tandem of Elijah Mosley, Charles, Small, and Revon Williams moved up two spots on the national season list to 4th fastest at 40.20 seconds.In addition to Young the baton passers' Classic title, Christopher Crawford led Barton's three discus qualifiers with a 55.80m to win the event.Fifth on the shot put program list, Brandon Lloyd led the throwing groups' 3-4-5 finish in the metal ball heave with a season best 18.06m with Young next at 17.51m and Crawford at 17.22m.

3rd ranked Cougars record program impacts at Rock Chalk Classic

Two additional national qualifiers were added Saturday to the 2nd ranked Barton Community College women's track and field team list from the Cougars' performances in Lawrence at the Rock Chalk Classic hosted by the University of Kansas.

The additions bring the Cougars' total to 32 performances qualified for the national meet as Barton will first set its sight on the Region VI Championships taking place May 4-6 in Coffeyville.

Capping her indoor Barton hurdle career with the 60m hurdle national championship, Danae Nembhard made her sophomore outdoor campaign 100m variety debut in clocking the nation's fourth fastest time of 13.88 in placing 6th in the event. Nembhard recorded the program's 6th fastest time of 13.44 last season at the Region championships.

Treneese Hamilton punched her third ticket to the national event later in May by recording a new personal best discus throw of 41.33m in placing 9th on Saturday. Ranked second on the national shot put list behind teammate Kelsie Murrell-Ross, Hamilton's has the sixth best javelin mark with her discus throw currently ranking 10th.

The duo finished 3rd and 6th in Saturday's Classic, Murrell-Ross with a 15.17m mark with Hamilton at 13.15m. Joining the pair on the shot put qualifier list, Ana Couto was 14th at 11.11m while fellow multi athlete Kayleigh Prentiss marked a new personal best 9.84m. Couto and Prentiss also finished 23rd and 24th in the javelin, Couto marking a 30.73m while Prentiss chalked up another personal best at 28.33m

Orabile Tshosa added her name among Naiya Morgan and Antiana Walsh as national qualifiers in the 200m by clocking a 24.32 in placing 9th on Saturday. Ranked third nationally, Morgan took third against the Rock Chalk field at 23.88 while Tshosa climbed eleven spots up the national leaderboard to 10th after a 24.11 personal best clocking in finishing sixth.

One of the Cougars' four national qualifiers in the heptathlon, Ahniesha Presulme competed Saturday in the triple jump to place 5th with a personal best 11.45m

The 4x100m relay claimed Barton's lone event winner on the day, moving up a spot to 4th on the season's best performances as the tandem of Walsh, Tshosha, Kay-Lagay Clarke, and Morgan beat out a host of four-year colleges with a 45.41 time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1682939393308.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoTwo additional national qualifiers were added Saturday to the 2nd ranked Barton Community College women's track and field team list from the Cougars' performances in Lawrence at the Rock Chalk Classic hosted by the University of Kansas.The additions bring the Cougars' total to 32 performances qualified for the national meet as Barton will first set its sight on the Region VI Championships taking place May 4-6 in Coffeyville.Capping her indoor Barton hurdle career with the 60m hurdle national championship, Danae Nembhard made her sophomore outdoor campaign 100m variety debut in clocking the nation's fourth fastest time of 13.88 in placing 6th in the event. Nembhard recorded the program's 6th fastest time of 13.44 last season at the Region championships.Treneese Hamilton punched her third ticket to the national event later in May by recording a new personal best discus throw of 41.33m in placing 9th on Saturday. Ranked second on the national shot put list behind teammate Kelsie Murrell-Ross, Hamilton's has the sixth best javelin mark with her discus throw currently ranking 10th.The duo finished 3rd and 6th in Saturday's Classic, Murrell-Ross with a 15.17m mark with Hamilton at 13.15m. Joining the pair on the shot put qualifier list, Ana Couto was 14th at 11.11m while fellow multi athlete Kayleigh Prentiss marked a new personal best 9.84m. Couto and Prentiss also finished 23rd and 24th in the javelin, Couto marking a 30.73m while Prentiss chalked up another personal best at 28.33mOrabile Tshosa added her name among Naiya Morgan and Antiana Walsh as national qualifiers in the 200m by clocking a 24.32 in placing 9th on Saturday. Ranked third nationally, Morgan took third against the Rock Chalk field at 23.88 while Tshosa climbed eleven spots up the national leaderboard to 10th after a 24.11 personal best clocking in finishing sixth.One of the Cougars' four national qualifiers in the heptathlon, Ahniesha Presulme competed Saturday in the triple jump to place 5th with a personal best 11.45mThe 4x100m relay claimed Barton's lone event winner on the day, moving up a spot to 4th on the season's best performances as the tandem of Walsh, Tshosha, Kay-Lagay Clarke, and Morgan beat out a host of four-year colleges with a 45.41 time.

2nd ranked Barton women add three national qualifiers at Rock Chalk Classic

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer as part of a seven-run third inning, Sonny Gray kept rolling with six strong innings and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Sunday.

Gray (4-0) allowed one run on five hits while striking out seven batters. Gray has given up just three runs in 35 innings this season and saw his MLB-best ERA rise to 0.77 after the outing.

Continuing his historic start, Gray tied Ervin Santana in 2017 for the lowest ERA in the month of April in Twins history. Gray owns the fourth-lowest ERA in Twins/Senators history since 1913 through six starts to a season, trailing Walter Johnson (0.23 in 1913), Eddie Matteson (0.55 in 1918) and Santana (0.66 in 2017).

“I don’t know if anyone in baseball could have had a better month than what Sonny Gray just gave us,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “For much of the month, he pitched great. He cruised. When things got difficult, when runners got on base, he was even better.”

The Twins won three of the four games against Kansas City, have won six of eight and have won five of Gray’s starts this season.

“I think the biggest takeaway is the wins,” Gray said. “For me, that’s the only thing that truly matters is when I start a game that the team wins. I think, for the most part, it was a good month in that aspect of it.”

Buxton homered for the second straight game, making it four in his past five games. The Twins homered in 13 straight games, hitting 22 over that span.

Brady Singer (2-3) lasted just 2 2/3 innings for the Royals, surrendering career high-tying eight runs on five hits and three walks. Six straight batters reached in the third against Singer.

“I felt good the first two (innings) there, and I felt like all the pitches had the right movement and I was looking to have a pretty good day there,” Singer said. “(Minnesota) just kind of put a lot of hits together.”

Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits for Kansas City, including a two-run single in the ninth inning before Jhoan Duran entered with two outs and recorded his sixth save.

The Royals’ 21 losses in April tie the club record for losses in any calendar month.

“I think we’re trying to look for anything here to flip the script from April, whether that’s new month, whether that’s homestand, anything,” Pasquantino said. “We’ll use this off day tomorrow to regroup and try to find something, try to get something going.”

Buxton doubled and scored on a sacrifice bunt by Nick Gordon in the second inning before launching his seventh homer of the season to the third deck in left field in the third.

Gordon, Willi Castro and Christian Vázquez followed with consecutive run-scoring singles.

Buxton’s homer allowed Minnesota to show off its new home run celebration. When he entered the dugout, Buxton was given a fishing vest and a kid’s fishing pole. On the back of the vest was “Land of 10,000 Rakes” a play on Minnesota’s famous “Land of 10,000 Lakes” slogan.

“We’ve been thinking of something to do anyway, but that was definitely pretty cool,” Buxton said. “It’s something unique that makes up our team and stands for Minnesota.”

Twins: RHP Tyler Mahle will be shut down for at least four weeks after an MRI and X-rays showed a posterior impingement and flexor pronator strain in his pitching elbow. Mahle, who had two starts end early last season because of shoulder inflammation after being acquired at the trade deadline from Cincinnati, left his most recent start last Thursday against Kansas City after four innings while showing diminished velocity.

Royals: Host Baltimore on Tuesday for the first of 10 straight home games. LHP Ryan Yarbrough (0-3, 6.35 ERA) will make his second straight start for the Royals in place of Kris Bubic.

Twins: Start a six-game road trip with three games against the Chicago White Sox. RHP Joe Ryan (5-0, 2.81) starts the first game Tuesday with RHP Michael Kopech (0-3, 7.01) scheduled for Chicago.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer as part of a seven-run third inning, Sonny Gray kept rolling with six strong innings and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4 on Sunday.Gray (4-0) allowed one run on five hits while striking out seven batters. Gray has given up just three runs in 35 innings this season and saw his MLB-best ERA rise to 0.77 after the outing.Continuing his historic start, Gray tied Ervin Santana in 2017 for the lowest ERA in the month of April in Twins history. Gray owns the fourth-lowest ERA in Twins/Senators history since 1913 through six starts to a season, trailing Walter Johnson (0.23 in 1913), Eddie Matteson (0.55 in 1918) and Santana (0.66 in 2017).“I don’t know if anyone in baseball could have had a better month than what Sonny Gray just gave us,” Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said. “For much of the month, he pitched great. He cruised. When things got difficult, when runners got on base, he was even better.”The Twins won three of the four games against Kansas City, have won six of eight and have won five of Gray’s starts this season.“I think the biggest takeaway is the wins,” Gray said. “For me, that’s the only thing that truly matters is when I start a game that the team wins. I think, for the most part, it was a good month in that aspect of it.”Buxton homered for the second straight game, making it four in his past five games. The Twins homered in 13 straight games, hitting 22 over that span.Brady Singer (2-3) lasted just 2 2/3 innings for the Royals, surrendering career high-tying eight runs on five hits and three walks. Six straight batters reached in the third against Singer.“I felt good the first two (innings) there, and I felt like all the pitches had the right movement and I was looking to have a pretty good day there,” Singer said. “(Minnesota) just kind of put a lot of hits together.”Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits for Kansas City, including a two-run single in the ninth inning before Jhoan Duran entered with two outs and recorded his sixth save.The Royals’ 21 losses in April tie the club record for losses in any calendar month.“I think we’re trying to look for anything here to flip the script from April, whether that’s new month, whether that’s homestand, anything,” Pasquantino said. “We’ll use this off day tomorrow to regroup and try to find something, try to get something going.”Buxton doubled and scored on a sacrifice bunt by Nick Gordon in the second inning before launching his seventh homer of the season to the third deck in left field in the third.Gordon, Willi Castro and Christian Vázquez followed with consecutive run-scoring singles.DEEP FISHINGBuxton’s homer allowed Minnesota to show off its new home run celebration. When he entered the dugout, Buxton was given a fishing vest and a kid’s fishing pole. On the back of the vest was “Land of 10,000 Rakes” a play on Minnesota’s famous “Land of 10,000 Lakes” slogan.“We’ve been thinking of something to do anyway, but that was definitely pretty cool,” Buxton said. “It’s something unique that makes up our team and stands for Minnesota.”TRAINER’S ROOMTwins: RHP Tyler Mahle will be shut down for at least four weeks after an MRI and X-rays showed a posterior impingement and flexor pronator strain in his pitching elbow. Mahle, who had two starts end early last season because of shoulder inflammation after being acquired at the trade deadline from Cincinnati, left his most recent start last Thursday against Kansas City after four innings while showing diminished velocity.UP NEXTRoyals: Host Baltimore on Tuesday for the first of 10 straight home games. LHP Ryan Yarbrough (0-3, 6.35 ERA) will make his second straight start for the Royals in place of Kris Bubic.Twins: Start a six-game road trip with three games against the Chicago White Sox. RHP Joe Ryan (5-0, 2.81) starts the first game Tuesday with RHP Michael Kopech (0-3, 7.01) scheduled for Chicago.

Buxton homer, Gray's 6 innings push Twins over Royals 8-4

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer as part of a seven-run third
inning, Sonny Gray kept rolling with six strong innings and the
Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4. Gray allowed one run
on five hits while striking out seven batters. Gray tied Ervin
Santana in 2017 for the lowest ERA in the month of April in Twins
history. Minnesota won three of the four games against Kansas City.
Brady Singer lasted just 2 2/3 innings for the Royals, surrendering
eight runs on five hits and three walks. The Royals’ 21 losses in
April tie the club record for losses in any calendar month.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Noah Syndergaard got his first win in a Dodgers uniform and Los
Angeles got some timely hits and took advantage of mistakes by St.
Louis pitchers to defeat the reeling Cardinals 6-3. David Peralta
drove in two runs for the Dodgers as they posted their first
three-game series sweep of the season. Syndergaard allowed three runs
on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. St. Louis was swept in a series for
the second time this season and went 2-8 on its season-long 10-game
road trip.

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Two-time World Series winner and longtime St. Louis Cardinals
broadcaster Mike Shannon has died. He was 83. The Cardinals said he
died Saturday night in St. Louis. The team did not cite the cause of
death. Shannon spent 50 years in the broadcast booth. That followed a
short stint in the front office and a nine-year playing career with
his hometown team. Shannon was the regular right fielder for the 1964
championship team. He moved to third base in 1967 when St. Louis
acquired Roger Maris and also won the World Series. Shannon retired
after the 2021 season.

DENVER (AP) — C.J.
Cron had three hits, including a three-run homer, Austin Gomber gave
up one run over six innings and the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona
Diamondbacks 12-4 on Sunday to snap a seven-game home losing streak.
With the win, the last-place Rockies avoided both their third sweep
of the young season and tying the worst 29-game start in franchise
history. The 12 runs were the most this season for Colorado, which
came into the day with the fifth fewest runs in the majors.

HOUSTON (AP) —
Star slugger Bryce Harper could return to the Philadelphia Phillies
lineup as early as Tuesday if an exam on his surgically repaired
right elbow goes well. On Monday in Los Angeles, the two-time
National League MVP will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed
Tommy John surgery on Harper last November. Harper will learn if he’s
cleared to play.

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is frustrated he’s landed
on the injured list with right forearm tightness. He’s hoping the
inflammation goes down in the next couple of days and he can resume
throwing. DeGrom exited after 3 2/3 innings in his last start against
the New York Yankees on Friday night. It's the second time in his
past three starts that he left early with an injury. DeGrom signed a
$185 million, five-year contract with the Rangers in December after
leaving the New York Mets. He is 2-0 with a 2.67 ERA over 30 1/3
innings in his first six starts with Texas. He’s taking a
wait-and-see attitude on whether he’ll be ready to come off the IL
when he’s eligible to return on May 14.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Texans got two of the best players in the NFL draft in
the first three picks. The Eagles added three more defensive
standouts from Georgia. While it takes two or three years to judge
whether players panned out, it’s easy to identify the potential
winners of the 2023 NFL draft. Houston selected quarterback C.J.
Stroud at No. 2 and traded up to get Alabama edge rusher Will
Anderson Jr. with the third pick. In a 10-minute span, the Texans
added two players who could dramatically change the future of the
franchise. Defending NFC champion Philadelphia needed to replenish
the defense so it looked toward the two-time national champion
Bulldogs.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.
(AP) — Stephen Curry scored a playoff career-high 50 points and
answered time and again to will the defending champions on in their
quest for a repeat, Kevon Looney grabbed 21 rebounds, and the Golden
State Warriors advanced to the Western Conference semifinals by
beating the Sacramento Kings 120-100 in the winner-take-all Game 7.
Curry’s points are the most in NBA history in a Game 7, topping
former teammate Kevin Durant’s 48 for the Nets against Milwaukee in
2021. The Warriors fell behind 2-0 in this series then won twice on
the road in front of a hostile, cowbell-clanging crowd in the state
capital to become the first reigning champion to drop the first two
games and win any postseason series.

NEW YORK (AP) —
Jimmy Butler had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the No. 8-seeded
Miami Heat kept rolling after barely reaching the postseason, beating
the New York Knicks 108-101 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference
semifinals. Gabe Vincent scored 20 points for the Heat, who became
the sixth No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 when they toppled Milwaukee in
the first round. They continue to look nothing like a team that
needed to win a play-in game just to get the final postseason berth
in the East. RJ Barrett scored 26 points and Jalen Brunson had 25 for
the fifth-seeded Knicks, who were without Julius Randle.

BOSTON (AP) —
Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winner at 8:35 of overtime to lead
the Florida Panthers to a 4-3 Game 7 victory and eliminate the
record-setting Boston Bruins from the playoffs. Brandon Montour tied
it with 1 minute left in regulation to force the overtime. Sergei
Bobrovsky made 28 saves as the Panthers won three in a row after
falling behind 3-1 in the series. They advance in the postseason for
just the second time since reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 1996.
They will open the second round against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on
Tuesday night. Boston rallied from a two-goal deficit to take a 3-2
lead. The Bruins set NHL records with 65 wins and 135 points in the
regular season but become the second Presidents’ Trophy winner in
five years to lose in the first round.

DENVER (AP) —
Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, Philipp Grubauer was stellar in
stopping 33 shots and the Seattle Kraken eliminated the defending
Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche with a 2-1 win in Game 7. The
Kraken became the first expansion team to beat the reigning champs in
their inaugural playoff series, according to NHL Stats. Bjorkstrand
scored one goal off a fortuitous deflection — the puck hit off a
stick and glove — and another with a liner past goaltender
Alexandar Georgiev that clanged off the post. Seattle grabbed the
lead in every game in the series. Next up for the second-year Kraken
is a second-round series against Dallas. Colorado has now lost its
last six Game 7s.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
Police say the 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker
Shaquil Barrett drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s home.
Officers responding to a call that a child had fallen into a pool
were sent to Barrett’s home Sunday morning. The football player’s
youngest child, Arrayah, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced
dead. Police said an investigation is ongoing but the drowning “is
not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time.” Barrett and
his wife, Jordanna, have three other children.

Atlanta	at	N-Y
Mets	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)

NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFS

Final	Miami	108	New
York	101, Miami leads series 1 - 0	

Final	Golden
State	120	Sacramento 100, Golden State wins series 4 – 3

Philadelphia at
Boston, 7:30 p.m. - Game 1

Phoenix at Denver,
10 p.m., Denver leads series 1-0	

Final
OT	Florida	4	Boston	3, Florida wins series 4 - 3	

Final	Seattle	2	Colorado	1,
Seattle wins series 4 - 3	

N.Y. Rangers at New
Jersey, 8 p.m. Series tied 3-3

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676975758362.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —
Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer as part of a seven-run third
inning, Sonny Gray kept rolling with six strong innings and the
Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 8-4. Gray allowed one run
on five hits while striking out seven batters. Gray tied Ervin
Santana in 2017 for the lowest ERA in the month of April in Twins
history. Minnesota won three of the four games against Kansas City.
Brady Singer lasted just 2 2/3 innings for the Royals, surrendering
eight runs on five hits and three walks. The Royals’ 21 losses in
April tie the club record for losses in any calendar month.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Noah Syndergaard got his first win in a Dodgers uniform and Los
Angeles got some timely hits and took advantage of mistakes by St.
Louis pitchers to defeat the reeling Cardinals 6-3. David Peralta
drove in two runs for the Dodgers as they posted their first
three-game series sweep of the season. Syndergaard allowed three runs
on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. St. Louis was swept in a series for
the second time this season and went 2-8 on its season-long 10-game
road trip.ST. LOUIS (AP) —
Two-time World Series winner and longtime St. Louis Cardinals
broadcaster Mike Shannon has died. He was 83. The Cardinals said he
died Saturday night in St. Louis. The team did not cite the cause of
death. Shannon spent 50 years in the broadcast booth. That followed a
short stint in the front office and a nine-year playing career with
his hometown team. Shannon was the regular right fielder for the 1964
championship team. He moved to third base in 1967 when St. Louis
acquired Roger Maris and also won the World Series. Shannon retired
after the 2021 season.DENVER (AP) — C.J.
Cron had three hits, including a three-run homer, Austin Gomber gave
up one run over six innings and the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona
Diamondbacks 12-4 on Sunday to snap a seven-game home losing streak.
With the win, the last-place Rockies avoided both their third sweep
of the young season and tying the worst 29-game start in franchise
history. The 12 runs were the most this season for Colorado, which
came into the day with the fifth fewest runs in the majors.HOUSTON (AP) —
Star slugger Bryce Harper could return to the Philadelphia Phillies
lineup as early as Tuesday if an exam on his surgically repaired
right elbow goes well. On Monday in Los Angeles, the two-time
National League MVP will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed
Tommy John surgery on Harper last November. Harper will learn if he’s
cleared to play.ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is frustrated he’s landed
on the injured list with right forearm tightness. He’s hoping the
inflammation goes down in the next couple of days and he can resume
throwing. DeGrom exited after 3 2/3 innings in his last start against
the New York Yankees on Friday night. It's the second time in his
past three starts that he left early with an injury. DeGrom signed a
$185 million, five-year contract with the Rangers in December after
leaving the New York Mets. He is 2-0 with a 2.67 ERA over 30 1/3
innings in his first six starts with Texas. He’s taking a
wait-and-see attitude on whether he’ll be ready to come off the IL
when he’s eligible to return on May 14.KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — The Texans got two of the best players in the NFL draft in
the first three picks. The Eagles added three more defensive
standouts from Georgia. While it takes two or three years to judge
whether players panned out, it’s easy to identify the potential
winners of the 2023 NFL draft. Houston selected quarterback C.J.
Stroud at No. 2 and traded up to get Alabama edge rusher Will
Anderson Jr. with the third pick. In a 10-minute span, the Texans
added two players who could dramatically change the future of the
franchise. Defending NFC champion Philadelphia needed to replenish
the defense so it looked toward the two-time national champion
Bulldogs.SACRAMENTO, Calif.
(AP) — Stephen Curry scored a playoff career-high 50 points and
answered time and again to will the defending champions on in their
quest for a repeat, Kevon Looney grabbed 21 rebounds, and the Golden
State Warriors advanced to the Western Conference semifinals by
beating the Sacramento Kings 120-100 in the winner-take-all Game 7.
Curry’s points are the most in NBA history in a Game 7, topping
former teammate Kevin Durant’s 48 for the Nets against Milwaukee in
2021. The Warriors fell behind 2-0 in this series then won twice on
the road in front of a hostile, cowbell-clanging crowd in the state
capital to become the first reigning champion to drop the first two
games and win any postseason series.NEW YORK (AP) —
Jimmy Butler had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the No. 8-seeded
Miami Heat kept rolling after barely reaching the postseason, beating
the New York Knicks 108-101 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference
semifinals. Gabe Vincent scored 20 points for the Heat, who became
the sixth No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 when they toppled Milwaukee in
the first round. They continue to look nothing like a team that
needed to win a play-in game just to get the final postseason berth
in the East. RJ Barrett scored 26 points and Jalen Brunson had 25 for
the fifth-seeded Knicks, who were without Julius Randle.BOSTON (AP) —
Carter Verhaeghe scored the game-winner at 8:35 of overtime to lead
the Florida Panthers to a 4-3 Game 7 victory and eliminate the
record-setting Boston Bruins from the playoffs. Brandon Montour tied
it with 1 minute left in regulation to force the overtime. Sergei
Bobrovsky made 28 saves as the Panthers won three in a row after
falling behind 3-1 in the series. They advance in the postseason for
just the second time since reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 1996.
They will open the second round against the Maple Leafs in Toronto on
Tuesday night. Boston rallied from a two-goal deficit to take a 3-2
lead. The Bruins set NHL records with 65 wins and 135 points in the
regular season but become the second Presidents’ Trophy winner in
five years to lose in the first round.DENVER (AP) —
Oliver Bjorkstrand scored twice, Philipp Grubauer was stellar in
stopping 33 shots and the Seattle Kraken eliminated the defending
Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche with a 2-1 win in Game 7. The
Kraken became the first expansion team to beat the reigning champs in
their inaugural playoff series, according to NHL Stats. Bjorkstrand
scored one goal off a fortuitous deflection — the puck hit off a
stick and glove — and another with a liner past goaltender
Alexandar Georgiev that clanged off the post. Seattle grabbed the
lead in every game in the series. Next up for the second-year Kraken
is a second-round series against Dallas. Colorado has now lost its
last six Game 7s.TAMPA, Fla. (AP) —
Police say the 2-year-old daughter of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker
Shaquil Barrett drowned in a swimming pool at the family’s home.
Officers responding to a call that a child had fallen into a pool
were sent to Barrett’s home Sunday morning. The football player’s
youngest child, Arrayah, was taken to a hospital and later pronounced
dead. Police said an investigation is ongoing but the drowning “is
not believed to be suspicious in nature at this time.” Barrett and
his wife, Jordanna, have three other children.SUNDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	L.A.
Angels	3	Milwaukee	0	Final	Oakland	5	Cincinnati	4	Final	Houston	4	Philadelphia	3	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Boston	7	Cleveland	1	Final	Baltimore	5	Detroit	3	Final	Seattle	10	Toronto	8	Final	Minnesota	8	Kansas
City	4	Final	Texas	15	N.Y.
Yankees	2	Final	Chicago White
Sox	12	Tampa Bay	9	NATIONAL LEAGUEAtlanta	at	N-Y
Mets	4:40 p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Miami	4	Chicago
Cubs	3	Final	Washington	7	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Colorado	12	Arizona	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	6	St. Louis	3	Final	San
Diego	6	San Francisco	4	NATIONAL
BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYOFFSFinal	Miami	108	New
York	101, Miami leads series 1 - 0	Final	Golden
State	120	Sacramento 100, Golden State wins series 4 – 3Monday, May 1Philadelphia at
Boston, 7:30 p.m. - Game 1Phoenix at Denver,
10 p.m., Denver leads series 1-0	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal
OT	Florida	4	Boston	3, Florida wins series 4 - 3	Final	Seattle	2	Colorado	1,
Seattle wins series 4 - 3	Monday, May 1N.Y. Rangers at New
Jersey, 8 p.m. Series tied 3-3

Monday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Despite lacking a pick until 30 other teams had plucked 62 prospects off the board, the Denver Broncos landed the kind of breakaway threat that new head coach Sean Payton always employed and enjoyed in New Orleans.

GM George Paton moved up five spots in the NFL draft so the Broncos could select Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims with the final pick of Round 2 and their first selection of 2023, the gemstone of a five-member draft class that exhibits both value and versatility.

“Look, today’s the day where everyone says, ‘We got our guy,’” Payton said over the weekend. “It was hard to predict who our guy was going to be because of where we picked, but we felt really good about the guy we got.”

Russell Wilson’s new deep threat will be counted upon to make an immediate impact with speedy receiver KJ Hamler (torn chest muscle) and dynamic running back Javonte Williams (knee) still on the mend.

The Broncos, who are sticking with the 3-4 defense, also added All-American inside linebacker Drew Sanders and Iowa defensive back Riley Moss in the third round and Boise State safety JL Skinner in the sixth.

Payton and Paton capped their first draft together by selecting Oregon’s 6-foot-4 center Alex Forsyth in the seventh round.

Skinner’s draft stock fell from a projected third- or fourth-rounder after he tore a pectoral muscle while bench pressing ahead of the NFL scouting combine.

“I don’t really consider it a drop,” Skinner said. “I consider it me being placed in the right hands. And the Denver Broncos obviously are the correct hands for me.”

The Broncos traded the second of their two sixth-rounders Saturday to New Orleans for the Saints’ seventh-round compensatory pick they used to select Forsyth and fourth-year tight end Adam Trautman, a third-round selection by the Saints in 2020.

Like all of their draft picks this weekend, Trautman is versatile, in this case as a blocker and a receiving target. Payton said he was thrilled to reunite with Trautman, who becomes the sixth former Saints player on Denver’s roster.

“That was something that was just as exciting as any part of yesterday or today because that was something we were looking for,” Payton said.

The Broncos entered the draft without a first- or second-round pick after acquiring Wilson from Seattle last year and Payton from the Saints this year.

With only a fistful of picks, the Broncos did the bulk of their roster rebuilding in free agency, where they were the league’s biggest spenders, signing 14 players to contracts totally a whopping $242,647,500.

That was only slightly more than the $242,588,236 they gave Wilson, who signed a five-year contract extension on the eve of Denver’s dreadful 2022 season.

Unlike last year, when the Broncos tweeted a faux video of the team drafting Wilson with the ninth pick they had dealt to Seattle, the mood wasn’t as buoyant in Round 1 this time. Nor were there any glimpses of the team’s brass spending the night watching Wilson’s highlights from his decade in Seattle.

There weren’t many high points from Wilson’s horrid first season in Denver, which resulted in a 5-12 finish, another coaching change and the gift of a top-5 draft pick to the Seahawks, who reached the NFC playoffs under his longtime backup Geno Smith.

Seattle used that fifth overall pick on Illinois cornerback Devin Witherspoon on Thursday night and grabbed edge rusher Derick Hall in the second round Friday.

That closes the blockbuster trade that netted the Broncos Wilson and 2022 fourth-rounder Eyioma Uwazurike and sent Seattle veterans Drew Lock, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris and four premium picks, which they parlayed into Witherspoon and Hall, along with tackle Charles Cross and linebacker Boye Mafe last year.

Payton’s priority this season will be straightening out Wilson, and that process may have begun in earnest with the addition of a breakaway threat in Mims to help jumpstart an offense that ranked dead last in scoring in 2022 for the first time since 1966.

“Again, we heard it a million times: ‘We got our guy today.’ All right, half of them are lying,” Payton said. “But, I would say — and I don’t want to speak for George, but — man, I was excited” about Denver’s selections.

“And if you started really at the beginning of it all and you said, here’s free agency, here we are, the draft just ended — I’m really excited. And that’s an honest answer.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Despite lacking a pick until 30 other teams had plucked 62 prospects off the board, the Denver Broncos landed the kind of breakaway threat that new head coach Sean Payton always employed and enjoyed in New Orleans.GM George Paton moved up five spots in the NFL draft so the Broncos could select Oklahoma wide receiver Marvin Mims with the final pick of Round 2 and their first selection of 2023, the gemstone of a five-member draft class that exhibits both value and versatility.“Look, today’s the day where everyone says, ‘We got our guy,’” Payton said over the weekend. “It was hard to predict who our guy was going to be because of where we picked, but we felt really good about the guy we got.”Russell Wilson’s new deep threat will be counted upon to make an immediate impact with speedy receiver KJ Hamler (torn chest muscle) and dynamic running back Javonte Williams (knee) still on the mend.The Broncos, who are sticking with the 3-4 defense, also added All-American inside linebacker Drew Sanders and Iowa defensive back Riley Moss in the third round and Boise State safety JL Skinner in the sixth.Payton and Paton capped their first draft together by selecting Oregon’s 6-foot-4 center Alex Forsyth in the seventh round.Skinner’s draft stock fell from a projected third- or fourth-rounder after he tore a pectoral muscle while bench pressing ahead of the NFL scouting combine.“I don’t really consider it a drop,” Skinner said. “I consider it me being placed in the right hands. And the Denver Broncos obviously are the correct hands for me.”The Broncos traded the second of their two sixth-rounders Saturday to New Orleans for the Saints’ seventh-round compensatory pick they used to select Forsyth and fourth-year tight end Adam Trautman, a third-round selection by the Saints in 2020.Like all of their draft picks this weekend, Trautman is versatile, in this case as a blocker and a receiving target. Payton said he was thrilled to reunite with Trautman, who becomes the sixth former Saints player on Denver’s roster.“That was something that was just as exciting as any part of yesterday or today because that was something we were looking for,” Payton said.The Broncos entered the draft without a first- or second-round pick after acquiring Wilson from Seattle last year and Payton from the Saints this year.With only a fistful of picks, the Broncos did the bulk of their roster rebuilding in free agency, where they were the league’s biggest spenders, signing 14 players to contracts totally a whopping $242,647,500.That was only slightly more than the $242,588,236 they gave Wilson, who signed a five-year contract extension on the eve of Denver’s dreadful 2022 season.Unlike last year, when the Broncos tweeted a faux video of the team drafting Wilson with the ninth pick they had dealt to Seattle, the mood wasn’t as buoyant in Round 1 this time. Nor were there any glimpses of the team’s brass spending the night watching Wilson’s highlights from his decade in Seattle.There weren’t many high points from Wilson’s horrid first season in Denver, which resulted in a 5-12 finish, another coaching change and the gift of a top-5 draft pick to the Seahawks, who reached the NFC playoffs under his longtime backup Geno Smith.Seattle used that fifth overall pick on Illinois cornerback Devin Witherspoon on Thursday night and grabbed edge rusher Derick Hall in the second round Friday.That closes the blockbuster trade that netted the Broncos Wilson and 2022 fourth-rounder Eyioma Uwazurike and sent Seattle veterans Drew Lock, Noah Fant and Shelby Harris and four premium picks, which they parlayed into Witherspoon and Hall, along with tackle Charles Cross and linebacker Boye Mafe last year.Payton’s priority this season will be straightening out Wilson, and that process may have begun in earnest with the addition of a breakaway threat in Mims to help jumpstart an offense that ranked dead last in scoring in 2022 for the first time since 1966.“Again, we heard it a million times: ‘We got our guy today.’ All right, half of them are lying,” Payton said. “But, I would say — and I don’t want to speak for George, but — man, I was excited” about Denver’s selections.“And if you started really at the beginning of it all and you said, here’s free agency, here we are, the draft just ended — I’m really excited. And that’s an honest answer.”

Denver Broncos get value in paucity of NFL draft picks

Eleven Kansas high
school senior football players have been selected by the Coach Bill
Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation
as 2022-23 scholar-athletes as a result of their performance on the
field, in the classroom and through community involvement

“Congratulations
to these outstanding young men,” chapter board member Bernie Kish
said. “Kansas is blessed with outstanding and talented youth, so to
narrow it down to these 11 student-athletes tells you just how
accomplished they are. We thank them for their contributions
athletically, as students and through volunteering in their
communities.”

These awards
recognize excellence in academics, football and community leadership
as selected by the chapter board of directors. The honorees had to be
nominated by their head coach. The list includes:

Sam Becker
Defensive Line, McPherson High School

First team all-state
selection by Wichita Eagle and KFBCA…Team Captain…Sports in
Kansas finalist for Class 4A defensive player of the year…2023
Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Member of MHS National Honor Society
and Honor Roll…Wendy’s High School Heisman winner…Active in the
school and community including four years on student council, KAY
club, Basketball, USD 418 Community Visioning Committee, Catholic
Youth Ministry, Meals on Wheels, United Way, Food for NuManna
Volunteer….Will attend Friends University and major in Mechanical
Engineering and play football.

Michael Bergeron,
Defensive Back, Mill Valley High School

A top 11 selection
by the Wichita Eagle…Finished his senior season with 64 tackles
with three for a loss as Mill Valley won its fourth consecutive Class
5A state championship… Sports in Kansas 5A defensive player of the
year…2023 Shrine Bowl selection…On the MVHS football leadership
council…Two time Class 5A first team all-state selection…Member
of Mill Valley National Honor Society and Honor Roll…Volunteers at
Forever Dog Shelters, Harvesters Food Bank, Junior Jag Camps and
youth flag football coach…Plans to study accounting and play
football at Kansas State University.

Dylan Birge,
Center/Guard, Olathe West High School

A top 22 pick by the
Wichita Eagle as a senior…Finalist for Class 6A offensive player of
the year…Was a semifinalist for the Buck Buchanan Award (top
lineman in Kansas City – metro area)…All-state first team as a
junior and a senior…A 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Member of
the Olathe West National Honor Society and Honor Roll…Active in
community and school including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and
recipient of Olathe West Citizenship Award….Also volunteers for the
Miracle League and Angel Tree – 4L Foundation…Will attend the
University of South Dakota, majoring in Business and will play
football.

Landon Boss,
Quarterback/Linebacker, Osage City High School

Class 2A Defensive
Player of the Year by Sports in Kansas….2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl
Selection…Three time, first team all-state Class 2A
selection…Career stats of 8,174 total yards offense and 116
touchdowns…Standout in basketball and track, owner of school record
in the shot put …Active in his school and community as he
participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, youth coaching,
community service projects and a mentor for outdoors and hunting
activities…In line to be class Salutatorian…Will attend Butler
County Community College, major in Wildlife Management and play
football.

Harrison Brunk,
Wide Receiver, Inman High School

First team all-state
Class 1A selection by the Wichita Eagle and Kansas Football Coaches
Association…Was a finalist for Class 1A offensive player of the
year by Sports in Kansas as he owns the all-classes record for
receiving yards in a state title game (243)…Inman was runner-up in
Class 1A in 2022…Active in the school and community, also competing
in track and basketball…Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Covenant Leaders Bible Camp, Lions Club events, Food Bank of the
Rockies…Class valedictorian…Will attend Kansas State University
and major in computer science and engineering.

Nolan Freund,
Quarterback/Punter/Kicker, Kingman High School

Top 33 selection by
the Wichita Eagle as Kingman went 12-1 and Class 2A runner-up…First
team all-state as QB and owns more than 10 school records including
career and single season rushing touchdowns, passing yardage, points
and wins…2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Active in numerous
school and community organizations including 11 years in 4-H,
Catholic Youth Ministries, National Honor Society, STUCO and annually
performed 25-plus hours of community service such as cleaning up
trash, assisting with cancer patients, and more…Will attend Cloud
County Community College, study business and play baseball.

Keller Hurla,
Quarterback, St. Marys High School

Top 11 selection by
Wichita Eagle and KFBCA...Class 1A first team all-state selection &amp;
offensive player of the year in Class 1A according to Sports in
Kansas…2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Engineered final drive
to score in final seconds to defeat Inman 44-41 to win state
title…National Honor Society &amp; Completed Kansas Scholar
curriculum…Active in school and community as he also lettered in
basketball, baseball, track and golf…STUCo, Senior Class President,
Treasurer…Youth camp volunteer…Immaculate Conception Catholic
Heart Week…Will study business and play football at Washburn next
year.

John Niesen, Wide
Receiver, St. James Academy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682706724302.png" alt="Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter honors 11" />
 <figcaption>Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter honors 11</figcaption>
 </figure>By Jeff BolligEleven Kansas high
school senior football players have been selected by the Coach Bill
Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation
as 2022-23 scholar-athletes as a result of their performance on the
field, in the classroom and through community involvement“Congratulations
to these outstanding young men,” chapter board member Bernie Kish
said. “Kansas is blessed with outstanding and talented youth, so to
narrow it down to these 11 student-athletes tells you just how
accomplished they are. We thank them for their contributions
athletically, as students and through volunteering in their
communities.”These awards
recognize excellence in academics, football and community leadership
as selected by the chapter board of directors. The honorees had to be
nominated by their head coach. The list includes:Sam Becker
Defensive Line, McPherson High SchoolFirst team all-state
selection by Wichita Eagle and KFBCA…Team Captain…Sports in
Kansas finalist for Class 4A defensive player of the year…2023
Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Member of MHS National Honor Society
and Honor Roll…Wendy’s High School Heisman winner…Active in the
school and community including four years on student council, KAY
club, Basketball, USD 418 Community Visioning Committee, Catholic
Youth Ministry, Meals on Wheels, United Way, Food for NuManna
Volunteer….Will attend Friends University and major in Mechanical
Engineering and play football.Michael Bergeron,
Defensive Back, Mill Valley High SchoolA top 11 selection
by the Wichita Eagle…Finished his senior season with 64 tackles
with three for a loss as Mill Valley won its fourth consecutive Class
5A state championship… Sports in Kansas 5A defensive player of the
year…2023 Shrine Bowl selection…On the MVHS football leadership
council…Two time Class 5A first team all-state selection…Member
of Mill Valley National Honor Society and Honor Roll…Volunteers at
Forever Dog Shelters, Harvesters Food Bank, Junior Jag Camps and
youth flag football coach…Plans to study accounting and play
football at Kansas State University.Dylan Birge,
Center/Guard, Olathe West High SchoolA top 22 pick by the
Wichita Eagle as a senior…Finalist for Class 6A offensive player of
the year…Was a semifinalist for the Buck Buchanan Award (top
lineman in Kansas City – metro area)…All-state first team as a
junior and a senior…A 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Member of
the Olathe West National Honor Society and Honor Roll…Active in
community and school including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and
recipient of Olathe West Citizenship Award….Also volunteers for the
Miracle League and Angel Tree – 4L Foundation…Will attend the
University of South Dakota, majoring in Business and will play
football.Landon Boss,
Quarterback/Linebacker, Osage City High SchoolClass 2A Defensive
Player of the Year by Sports in Kansas….2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl
Selection…Three time, first team all-state Class 2A
selection…Career stats of 8,174 total yards offense and 116
touchdowns…Standout in basketball and track, owner of school record
in the shot put …Active in his school and community as he
participates in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, youth coaching,
community service projects and a mentor for outdoors and hunting
activities…In line to be class Salutatorian…Will attend Butler
County Community College, major in Wildlife Management and play
football.Harrison Brunk,
Wide Receiver, Inman High SchoolFirst team all-state
Class 1A selection by the Wichita Eagle and Kansas Football Coaches
Association…Was a finalist for Class 1A offensive player of the
year by Sports in Kansas as he owns the all-classes record for
receiving yards in a state title game (243)…Inman was runner-up in
Class 1A in 2022…Active in the school and community, also competing
in track and basketball…Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
Covenant Leaders Bible Camp, Lions Club events, Food Bank of the
Rockies…Class valedictorian…Will attend Kansas State University
and major in computer science and engineering.Nolan Freund,
Quarterback/Punter/Kicker, Kingman High SchoolTop 33 selection by
the Wichita Eagle as Kingman went 12-1 and Class 2A runner-up…First
team all-state as QB and owns more than 10 school records including
career and single season rushing touchdowns, passing yardage, points
and wins…2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Active in numerous
school and community organizations including 11 years in 4-H,
Catholic Youth Ministries, National Honor Society, STUCO and annually
performed 25-plus hours of community service such as cleaning up
trash, assisting with cancer patients, and more…Will attend Cloud
County Community College, study business and play baseball.Keller Hurla,
Quarterback, St. Marys High SchoolTop 11 selection by
Wichita Eagle and KFBCA...Class 1A first team all-state selection &amp;
offensive player of the year in Class 1A according to Sports in
Kansas…2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Engineered final drive
to score in final seconds to defeat Inman 44-41 to win state
title…National Honor Society &amp; Completed Kansas Scholar
curriculum…Active in school and community as he also lettered in
basketball, baseball, track and golf…STUCo, Senior Class President,
Treasurer…Youth camp volunteer…Immaculate Conception Catholic
Heart Week…Will study business and play football at Washburn next
year.John Niesen, Wide
Receiver, St. James AcademyA two-time, first
team Class 4A all-state selection…State leader in receiving yards
for all classes in 2021…Selected to All-Simone Team for Greater
Kansas City-metro…Two-time state champion in track in the 4 x
400…National Honor Society and Honor Roll member…Scored a 31 on
his ACT…Active in his school and community lettering also in
basketball and track…volunteered as a an academic tutor and was
foster care community volunteer. Participated in toy drives for
children, BREATHE and respite care volunteer…Pro-Life Ambassador
and Service Day Volunteer for St. James Academy…Will major in
accounting and play football at Northwest Missouri State next year.Jalen Rice,
Linebacker, El Dorado High SchoolClass 4A first team
all-state linebacker by KFBCA and Wichita Eagle…Named a Blue-Gray
High School All-American…A 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…Team
Captain…Member of EHS National Honor Society and Honor Roll and
school recipient of Heisman Scholarship…Active in community and
school as a Numana volunteer, Red Cross Blood Drive organizer,
Habitat for Humanity, Link Crew Leader, Childcare Volunteer, EHS
baseball letterwinner…Will attend Hutchinson Community College
major in physical education and compete in football.Keenan Schartz,
Quarterback, Manhattan High SchoolA top 11 pick
according to the Wichita Eagle and consensus first team Class 6A
all-state selection…Playing for his father, led Manhattan High to a
Class 6A state title with a 21-20 win over Gardner-Edgerton…First
state football title in 34 years…Manhattan High went 13-0…A 2023
Kansas Shrine Bowl selection…A dual threat with 1,344 passing
yards, 1,148 rushing yards and 30 total touchdowns…2023 Kansas
Shrine Bowl selection…Member of MHS National Honor Society and
Honor Roll…Member of St. Thomas More Youth Group, volunteers for
local youth sports camps, collects food for local food pantries…Will
major in business and play football at Washburn.Grady Seyfert,
Offensive/Defensive Tackle, Beloit High SchoolA top 11 selection
by the Kansas Football Coaches Association and a top 22 selection by
the Wichita Eagle…A 2023 Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection…Three time
first team Class 2A all-state selection and two-time Class 2A
defensive player of the year according to Sports in Kansas…Recorded
50 tackles for loss as a junior and senior…Member of BHS Honor
Society and Honor Roll…Member of chess, science, history and
foreign language clubs at BHS…Was the lead in the school play as a
junior and senior…President of Student Council as a senior…Plans
to study education and play football at the University of Kansas.These
student-athletes will be honored at the annual chapter awards dinner,
this year conducted May 10 in Manhattan.Sponsors of the
chapter and its activities include Dillons Food Stores, Bill Geiger
and the Geiger Foundation, Jim Schroeder and Great Western
Manufacturing. Joe and Brady Flannery and Weaver's Department Store.