Due to predicted weather conditions for Saturday, the Barton Community College softball team hosting Colby Community College conference doubleheader has been pushed back a day to Sunday.

Barton and the Trojans will be battling for 3rd place of the conference standings in the 1:00 p.m. doubleheader, the Cougars two games ahead in the win column at 17-7 in league and 24-17 overall while Colby arrives at 15-7 and 26-10 on the year.

The Cougars will also be looking to snap a four-game slide, started last Friday at Colby on a pair of losses before dropping Wednesday's doubleheader at conference leading 17th ranked Hutchinson. Meanwhile Colby's climb up the ladder has been going 12-2 in the last month of conference play including the sweep over Barton and splits with 16th ranked Butler and Hutchinson.

Following the Colby series, Barton will have just a trio of regular season dates left before post-season play, beginning Wednesday in traveling to second place Butler. The Cougars then close out home field on April 26 hosting Dodge City before wrapping up the regular season April 29 at Northwest Kansas Technical College.

For the latest breaking news related to Barton Athletics follow the Cougars online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/admin/tinymce4/www.bartonsports.com" target="_blank">www.bartonsports.com</a>&nbsp;and on Facebook and Twitter by simply searching "BartonSports".

Due to predicted weather conditions for Saturday, the Barton Community College softball team hosting Colby Community College conference doubleheader has been pushed back a day to Sunday.Barton and the Trojans will be battling for 3rd place of the conference standings in the 1:00 p.m. doubleheader, the Cougars two games ahead in the win column at 17-7 in league and 24-17 overall while Colby arrives at 15-7 and 26-10 on the year.The Cougars will also be looking to snap a four-game slide, started last Friday at Colby on a pair of losses before dropping Wednesday's doubleheader at conference leading 17th ranked Hutchinson. Meanwhile Colby's climb up the ladder has been going 12-2 in the last month of conference play including the sweep over Barton and splits with 16th ranked Butler and Hutchinson.Following the Colby series, Barton will have just a trio of regular season dates left before post-season play, beginning Wednesday in traveling to second place Butler. The Cougars then close out home field on April 26 hosting Dodge City before wrapping up the regular season April 29 at Northwest Kansas Technical College.For the latest breaking news related to Barton Athletics follow the Cougars online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/admin/tinymce4/www.bartonsports.com" target="_blank">www.bartonsports.com</a>&nbsp;and on Facebook and Twitter by simply searching "BartonSports".

Weather shifts Barton softball hosting Colby to Sunday


- Sports in Kansas contributor Conor Nicholl who will have the latest
on high school softball and the new women's basketball coach at Fort
Hays State.


- Ellinwood High School Basketball coach Derek Joiner who will talk
about his decision to step down as high school boys coach to become
the new middle school girls coach.


- Mike Courson goes “On the Prowl” with Great Bend Panther Girls swim coach Klara Gilbert.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZV5JvVK3edk" 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>
- Sports in Kansas contributor Conor Nicholl who will have the latest
on high school softball and the new women's basketball coach at Fort
Hays State.
- Ellinwood High School Basketball coach Derek Joiner who will talk
about his decision to step down as high school boys coach to become
the new middle school girls coach.
- Mike Courson goes “On the Prowl” with Great Bend Panther Girls swim coach Klara Gilbert.
- Friday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-hours

Friday on Sports Day (Watch)

Because of predicted wet weather and cool temperatures forecasted, Saturday's baseball doubleheader between 7th ranked Barton Community College and Butler Community College has been postponed to Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Jimmy Lawson-Danny Biggs Field in Great Bend.

Splitting Thursday's doubleheader at El Dorado, the Cougars sit atop the Jayhawk West at 15-3 and 36-5 overall while the Grizzlies enter tied for third in the conference standings at 11-7 and 24-16 overall.

For the latest breaking news related to Barton Athletics follow the Cougars online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/" target="_blank">www.bartonsports.com</a>&nbsp;and on Facebook and Twitter by simply searching "BartonSports"

Because of predicted wet weather and cool temperatures forecasted, Saturday's baseball doubleheader between 7th ranked Barton Community College and Butler Community College has been postponed to Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Jimmy Lawson-Danny Biggs Field in Great Bend.Splitting Thursday's doubleheader at El Dorado, the Cougars sit atop the Jayhawk West at 15-3 and 36-5 overall while the Grizzlies enter tied for third in the conference standings at 11-7 and 24-16 overall.For the latest breaking news related to Barton Athletics follow the Cougars online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bartonsports.com/" target="_blank">www.bartonsports.com</a>&nbsp;and on Facebook and Twitter by simply searching "BartonSports"

7th ranked Barton Baseball alters series finale with Butler

Talia Kahrs was officially introduced as the seventh head coach in Fort Hays State women’s basketball program history in a press conference on Thursday. 

Karhs served 11 years under head coach Tony Hobson before he <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3b99b288-ea47-4757-8d76-b753a0d1628e">announced his retirement</a>, after 15 years, earlier this spring.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681479826517.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Talia Kahrs was officially introduced as the seventh head coach in Fort Hays State women’s basketball program history in a press conference on Thursday. <div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/LkU8AttK-oVs1oZUT.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Kahrs Pc" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Video courtesy FHSU AthleticsKarhs served 11 years under head coach Tony Hobson before he <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3b99b288-ea47-4757-8d76-b753a0d1628e">announced his retirement</a>, after 15 years, earlier this spring.

Kahrs officially introduced as FHSU women's coach

All five Western Athletic Conference schools converged on Garden City Tuesday for a swim invitational. It turned into a competition between the host Lady Buffs and Great Bend. Garden City scored 400 points for the win, closely followed by the Lady Panthers with 379 points. Dodge City finished a distant third with 195 points.

The Lady Panthers dominated the first race of the day, taking the top-two spots in the 200-yard medley relay. The team of Emilee Hall, Ava Gregg, Elly Somers, and Kamry Johns cruised to the win in 2:11.07. The squad of Reggie Huslig, Braylee Carper, Alyvia Mingenback, and Sydney Kruckenberg finished second in 2:26.96, still six seconds ahead of the third-place team from Hays.

Josephine Mazouch won the 200-yard freestyle by better than three seconds in 2:24.60, 11 seconds off a state consideration time. Hall won the 50-yard freestyle by 0.09 seconds in 28.35 to miss state qualification by 2.06 seconds.

Great Bend's distance swimmers were strong in the 500-yard free. Katelyn Mermis beat out a pair of teammates for the gold in 6:48.64. Mazourch picked up the silver in 6:49.66, and Clarise Snapp swam third in 7:05.04.

The Lady Panthers took three of the top-five spots in the 100-yard butterfly. Somers led all swimmers by seven seconds in 1:10.82 to miss the consideration time by two seconds. Mingenback swam third in 1:25.88, and Huslig placed fifth in 1:27.62.

One of the best races came late in the day. Great Bend has already qualified its 200-yard free relay to state. The team of Hall, Somers, Johns, and Mazouch swam second in 1:53.94, just three-quarters of a second behind the winners from Garden City. The third-place team finished 10 seconds later.

The swimmers take a week off before returning to competition next Friday at Salina South.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886547614.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostAll five Western Athletic Conference schools converged on Garden City Tuesday for a swim invitational. It turned into a competition between the host Lady Buffs and Great Bend. Garden City scored 400 points for the win, closely followed by the Lady Panthers with 379 points. Dodge City finished a distant third with 195 points.The Lady Panthers dominated the first race of the day, taking the top-two spots in the 200-yard medley relay. The team of Emilee Hall, Ava Gregg, Elly Somers, and Kamry Johns cruised to the win in 2:11.07. The squad of Reggie Huslig, Braylee Carper, Alyvia Mingenback, and Sydney Kruckenberg finished second in 2:26.96, still six seconds ahead of the third-place team from Hays.Josephine Mazouch won the 200-yard freestyle by better than three seconds in 2:24.60, 11 seconds off a state consideration time. Hall won the 50-yard freestyle by 0.09 seconds in 28.35 to miss state qualification by 2.06 seconds.Great Bend's distance swimmers were strong in the 500-yard free. Katelyn Mermis beat out a pair of teammates for the gold in 6:48.64. Mazourch picked up the silver in 6:49.66, and Clarise Snapp swam third in 7:05.04.The Lady Panthers took three of the top-five spots in the 100-yard butterfly. Somers led all swimmers by seven seconds in 1:10.82 to miss the consideration time by two seconds. Mingenback swam third in 1:25.88, and Huslig placed fifth in 1:27.62.One of the best races came late in the day. Great Bend has already qualified its 200-yard free relay to state. The team of Hall, Somers, Johns, and Mazouch swam second in 1:53.94, just three-quarters of a second behind the winners from Garden City. The third-place team finished 10 seconds later.The swimmers take a week off before returning to competition next Friday at Salina South.

Lady Panther swimmers finish second at Garden City

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Henry Hayman hit a pair of home runs and drove in four helping the 7th ranked Barton Community College baseball team to an 17-8 game two victory over Butler Community College to split the first two games of a four game Jayhawk West Series Thursday afternoon at McDonald Stadium in El Dorado.

Scoring 20 runs over the afternoon, the Cougars strung together 13 of their 17 runs in the final three innings in game two to salvage the doubleheader split after the Grizzlies won the series opener 8-3.

Barton remains atop the Jayhawk West standings at 15-3, improving to 36-5 on the season with Butler slipping into a third place tie in the league standings at 11-7 and 24-16 on the season.

The four-game series will continue Saturday with the series shifting to Great Bend's Danny Lawson-Jimmy Biggs Field for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader.

Playing without their leading hitter Riley Silva, the Cougars offense would come at a minimum for the Cougars in the opener managing just three runs on six hits.

Scoring in all six innings, Butler would be gifted right out of the gates as a lost ball in the sun with two outs handed the home squad a 1-0 advantage on Brock Lummus run producing triple.

Catching a break of their own in the top of the second, Barton drew even as a Ayden Blachowicz one out double raced home from second on Henry Hayman's high chopping infield single.

Two batters into the bottom of the second, the Grizzlies grabbed the lead for good as one of two Cougar errors committed in the game opened the frame before trotting home on the next pitch off Cole Murrell's two-run homer to right.

Barton clawed within a pair in the top of the fourth when Chandler Miller reached on a leadoff error, stealing second, reaching third on the second error of the inning and scoring on Hayman's groundout his second run producer of the game.

Answering the call, Butler responded with a pair of runs coming with two outs in the bottom of the fourth as a Garrett Fager solo shot and back-to-back singles produced another run with a Barton error in the fifth adding another making it 7-2

Dryden Howse capped the Cougars scoring leading off the sixth with his fourth-round tripper of the season while Butler struck back with a run in the home sixth.

Starting pitcher David Stuart (3-3) struck out eight over four innings, allowing eight hits and six runs (five earned).

Tyrus Riley worked 1 1/3 innings with Kade Walker working the final 2/3 innings.

Trailing 5-1 after four innings, the Cougars began to cut into the deficit as an Owen Bailey walk to open the fifth jogged home one pitch later on Robby Bolin's X fence clearer of the year trimming the deficit to a pair, 5-3.

An inning later Hayman airmailed the first of his two home runs out to right field for his fourth of the season pulling Barton within one, 5-4.

Breaking things open, the Cougars pieced together an eight-run top of the seventh sending 13 batters to the plate. Loading the bases with no outs on a pair of Bolin and Ricardo Sanchez singles and four pitch walk to Quinton Robertson, Howse drew Barton even at 5-apiece drawing the second straight four pitch base on balls. A batter later, Jaden Wiley pushed the Cougars in front with a one out run producing single while Grant Nottlemann increased the lead reaching on a fielder's choice bringing in Howse and another crossing on the end of a Grizzlies throwing error scoring Blachowicz. Three pitches later Hayman launched his second of the game and team leading fifth home run of the season to left driving in three while a Robertson RBI fielder's choice closing out the eight-run inning.

Butler rallied back in the home seventh loading the bases with no outs as a leadoff triple and back-to-back walks helped produce an RBI fielder's choice and sacrifice fly clawing within, 12-8.

The Cougars laid the game on ice in the top of the ninth plating five more runs off six singles and a walk. Owen Bailey strung the first of five straight singles to begin the ninth extending his hitting streak to 10 straight games while Robertson drove in a pair and Howse plating another before the first out would be recorded. Nottlemann capped the Barton scoring two batters later with the sixth single of the inning driving home a pair.

Starting hurler Owen Reynolds earned a no-decision working three innings, allowing five runs, nine hits with four strikeouts. Ivan Cox (2-0) secured his second victory of the season in relief going 3 1/3 innings scattering three hits, three runs, walking a pair and fanning four Grizzlies.

Entering in a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh, Bryan Bartels limited the damage in his inning of work, walking two and striking out two.

Hunter Jones tossed 1 1/3 innings recording two strikeouts and walking one with Colton Wahlstrom notching the final out with a strikeout.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681466289014.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoHenry Hayman hit a pair of home runs and drove in four helping the 7th ranked Barton Community College baseball team to an 17-8 game two victory over Butler Community College to split the first two games of a four game Jayhawk West Series Thursday afternoon at McDonald Stadium in El Dorado.Scoring 20 runs over the afternoon, the Cougars strung together 13 of their 17 runs in the final three innings in game two to salvage the doubleheader split after the Grizzlies won the series opener 8-3.Barton remains atop the Jayhawk West standings at 15-3, improving to 36-5 on the season with Butler slipping into a third place tie in the league standings at 11-7 and 24-16 on the season.The four-game series will continue Saturday with the series shifting to Great Bend's Danny Lawson-Jimmy Biggs Field for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader.Game 1 RecapPlaying without their leading hitter Riley Silva, the Cougars offense would come at a minimum for the Cougars in the opener managing just three runs on six hits.Scoring in all six innings, Butler would be gifted right out of the gates as a lost ball in the sun with two outs handed the home squad a 1-0 advantage on Brock Lummus run producing triple.Catching a break of their own in the top of the second, Barton drew even as a Ayden Blachowicz one out double raced home from second on Henry Hayman's high chopping infield single.Two batters into the bottom of the second, the Grizzlies grabbed the lead for good as one of two Cougar errors committed in the game opened the frame before trotting home on the next pitch off Cole Murrell's two-run homer to right.Barton clawed within a pair in the top of the fourth when Chandler Miller reached on a leadoff error, stealing second, reaching third on the second error of the inning and scoring on Hayman's groundout his second run producer of the game.Answering the call, Butler responded with a pair of runs coming with two outs in the bottom of the fourth as a Garrett Fager solo shot and back-to-back singles produced another run with a Barton error in the fifth adding another making it 7-2Dryden Howse capped the Cougars scoring leading off the sixth with his fourth-round tripper of the season while Butler struck back with a run in the home sixth.Starting pitcher David Stuart (3-3) struck out eight over four innings, allowing eight hits and six runs (five earned).Tyrus Riley worked 1 1/3 innings with Kade Walker working the final 2/3 innings.Game 2 RecapTrailing 5-1 after four innings, the Cougars began to cut into the deficit as an Owen Bailey walk to open the fifth jogged home one pitch later on Robby Bolin's X fence clearer of the year trimming the deficit to a pair, 5-3.An inning later Hayman airmailed the first of his two home runs out to right field for his fourth of the season pulling Barton within one, 5-4.Breaking things open, the Cougars pieced together an eight-run top of the seventh sending 13 batters to the plate. Loading the bases with no outs on a pair of Bolin and Ricardo Sanchez singles and four pitch walk to Quinton Robertson, Howse drew Barton even at 5-apiece drawing the second straight four pitch base on balls. A batter later, Jaden Wiley pushed the Cougars in front with a one out run producing single while Grant Nottlemann increased the lead reaching on a fielder's choice bringing in Howse and another crossing on the end of a Grizzlies throwing error scoring Blachowicz. Three pitches later Hayman launched his second of the game and team leading fifth home run of the season to left driving in three while a Robertson RBI fielder's choice closing out the eight-run inning.Butler rallied back in the home seventh loading the bases with no outs as a leadoff triple and back-to-back walks helped produce an RBI fielder's choice and sacrifice fly clawing within, 12-8.The Cougars laid the game on ice in the top of the ninth plating five more runs off six singles and a walk. Owen Bailey strung the first of five straight singles to begin the ninth extending his hitting streak to 10 straight games while Robertson drove in a pair and Howse plating another before the first out would be recorded. Nottlemann capped the Barton scoring two batters later with the sixth single of the inning driving home a pair.Starting hurler Owen Reynolds earned a no-decision working three innings, allowing five runs, nine hits with four strikeouts. Ivan Cox (2-0) secured his second victory of the season in relief going 3 1/3 innings scattering three hits, three runs, walking a pair and fanning four Grizzlies.Entering in a bases loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh, Bryan Bartels limited the damage in his inning of work, walking two and striking out two.Hunter Jones tossed 1 1/3 innings recording two strikeouts and walking one with Colton Wahlstrom notching the final out with a strikeout.

7th ranked Barton splits doubleheader at Butler

The Kansas City Royals start a three-game series at home against the Atlanta Braves on Friday.

Atlanta Braves (9-4, first in the NL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (4-9, fourth in the AL Central)

Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Charlie Morton (0-0); Royals: Brady Singer (0-0)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -155, Royals +135; over/under is 9 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals host the Atlanta Braves to begin a three-game series.

Kansas City is 1-6 at home and 4-9 overall. The Royals are 2-1 in games when they have more hits than their opponents.

Atlanta has a 5-1 record in road games and a 9-4 record overall. The Braves are 4-2 in games when they did not allow a home run.

The matchup Friday is the first meeting this season between the two teams.

Royals: 4-6, .000 batting average, 4.59 ERA, outscored by seven runs

Braves: 7-3, .000 batting average, 4.35 ERA, outscored opponents by two runs

INJURIES: Royals: 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)

Braves: Orlando Arcia: 10-Day IL (wrist), Travis d'Arnaud: 7-Day IL (concussion), Michael Harris II: 10-Day IL (back), Collin McHugh: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Fried: 15-Day IL (left hamstring), Huascar Ynoa: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kolby Allard: 60-Day IL (oblique), Tyler Matzek: 60-Day IL (elbow), Raisel Iglesias: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

The Kansas City Royals start a three-game series at home against the Atlanta Braves on Friday.Atlanta Braves (9-4, first in the NL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (4-9, fourth in the AL Central)Kansas City, Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Charlie Morton (0-0); Royals: Brady Singer (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Braves -155, Royals +135; over/under is 9 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Kansas City Royals host the Atlanta Braves to begin a three-game series.Kansas City is 1-6 at home and 4-9 overall. The Royals are 2-1 in games when they have more hits than their opponents.Atlanta has a 5-1 record in road games and a 9-4 record overall. The Braves are 4-2 in games when they did not allow a home run.The matchup Friday is the first meeting this season between the two teams.TOP PERFORMERS:LAST 10 GAMES: Royals: 4-6, .000 batting average, 4.59 ERA, outscored by seven runsBraves: 7-3, .000 batting average, 4.35 ERA, outscored opponents by two runsINJURIES: Royals: 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)Braves: Orlando Arcia: 10-Day IL (wrist), Travis d'Arnaud: 7-Day IL (concussion), Michael Harris II: 10-Day IL (back), Collin McHugh: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Max Fried: 15-Day IL (left hamstring), Huascar Ynoa: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kolby Allard: 60-Day IL (oblique), Tyler Matzek: 60-Day IL (elbow), Raisel Iglesias: 15-Day IL (shoulder)

Royals begin 3-game series with the Braves

Dodge City gave the Lady Panther softball team a fight in Tuesday's single varsity game at the Great Bend Sports Complex. Thursday's games in Dodge City were a little less dramatic. The Lady Panthers took game one 16-5, then dominated game two 12-1. Great Bend have now won six straight games to move to 6-3 on the season.

The Lady Panthers led game one 7-1 after two innings, then piled on nine more runs in the final three innings to end things after six. DeShawnna Bryant had a monster game with five hits, including a double and triple. She drove in six and scored twice. Right behind her, Katherine Mazouch had three hits, including a double. She drove in two and scored three runs. Lauryn Davis had three hits, including a double, and Alyssa McCauley also doubled. Halle Post singled three times and accounted for three runs.

Paige Thexton threw all six innings for the win. The junior allowed just one earned run on six hits while striking out six.

Game two remained a tight game for a while with Dodge City leading 1-0 into the third. Great Bend scored two runs in the fourth and fifth innings before opening the floodgates with an 8-run sixth to end the evening early.

Thexton, Mazouch, Bryant, McCauley, and Davis each had two hits. Thexton drove in three with a pair of singles. Mazouch and Bryant each tripled and drove in two. Post singled and finished with two RBIs.

McCauley and Braelyn Turner combined for a two-hitter. Turner pitched 1.1 innings without allowing a hit, but did give up an unearned run and five walks. McCauley struck out four and allowed two hits in her 4.2 innings of work.

The Lady Panthers host Hays for a single game on Tuesday, then travel to Hays for a doubleheader on Thursday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673886521357.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Great Bend PostDodge City gave the Lady Panther softball team a fight in Tuesday's single varsity game at the Great Bend Sports Complex. Thursday's games in Dodge City were a little less dramatic. The Lady Panthers took game one 16-5, then dominated game two 12-1. Great Bend have now won six straight games to move to 6-3 on the season.The Lady Panthers led game one 7-1 after two innings, then piled on nine more runs in the final three innings to end things after six. DeShawnna Bryant had a monster game with five hits, including a double and triple. She drove in six and scored twice. Right behind her, Katherine Mazouch had three hits, including a double. She drove in two and scored three runs. Lauryn Davis had three hits, including a double, and Alyssa McCauley also doubled. Halle Post singled three times and accounted for three runs.Paige Thexton threw all six innings for the win. The junior allowed just one earned run on six hits while striking out six.Game two remained a tight game for a while with Dodge City leading 1-0 into the third. Great Bend scored two runs in the fourth and fifth innings before opening the floodgates with an 8-run sixth to end the evening early.Thexton, Mazouch, Bryant, McCauley, and Davis each had two hits. Thexton drove in three with a pair of singles. Mazouch and Bryant each tripled and drove in two. Post singled and finished with two RBIs.McCauley and Braelyn Turner combined for a two-hitter. Turner pitched 1.1 innings without allowing a hit, but did give up an unearned run and five walks. McCauley struck out four and allowed two hits in her 4.2 innings of work.The Lady Panthers host Hays for a single game on Tuesday, then travel to Hays for a doubleheader on Thursday.&nbsp;

Lady Panthers pick up two more wins at Dodge

The Kansas State High School Activities Association has announced that Scott Goodheart of Pratt will join its staff as director of officials. Goodheart will serve in the role that Francine Martin fulfilled during the 2022-23 school year, the first year for this position at the KSHSAA.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Goodheart has been an active registered official with the KSHSAA for 17 years, working in the sports of volleyball, softball and basketball. Since 2016, Goodheart has held the role of league commissioner for the Heart of the Plains League.

“I am honored and excited to join the KSHSAA team, serving as the director of officials,” Goodheart said. “Interscholastic activities have been an intricate part of my life, participating in sports and activities through high school, working as a registered official since college, and now serving as the Director of Officials. I am excited to serve the officials in the state of Kansas, and hope to help enhance students' experiences in interscholastic activities.”

As the KSHSAA director of officials, Goodheart’s main responsibilities will be to oversee the official’s department at the KSHSAA including the recruitment of new officials, educate and retain all high school activities.

“As a respected veteran official, Scott Goodheart brings firsthand knowledge of service as an interscholastic official," said Bill Faflick, KSHSAA Executive Director. “I am confident his leadership will further the good work of Ms. Martin and the KSHSAA as we seek to recruit, train, and retain officials across the state who ensure regular season and championship tournament competitions are conducted according to prescribed rules for the respective education-based activities.”

Goodheart had been instrumental to officiating off the field as well. From 2016-2019 he served on the KSHSAA Officials Advisory Board and has been a yearly camp/clinician organizer for the western Kansas basketball clinics during the summer.

A member of the National Association of Sports Officials and the Kansas Sports Officials Association, Goodheart was named the NFHS Boys Basketball Official of the Year in 2014. Scott has been an active basketball official in the NJCAA and MIAA.

Prior to joining the KSHSAA this summer, Scott worked at Bucklin Tractor and Implement as a parts sales representative and e-commerce sales. Goodheart received his Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University and his Masters of Sports Administration from Fort Hays State University.

From 2016-2019, Goodheart was an Assistant Athletic Director at Pratt Community College and from 2012-2014 was the Hoisington Recreation Director.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681420334355.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KSHSAAThe Kansas State High School Activities Association has announced that Scott Goodheart of Pratt will join its staff as director of officials. Goodheart will serve in the role that Francine Martin fulfilled during the 2022-23 school year, the first year for this position at the KSHSAA.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Goodheart has been an active registered official with the KSHSAA for 17 years, working in the sports of volleyball, softball and basketball. Since 2016, Goodheart has held the role of league commissioner for the Heart of the Plains League.“I am honored and excited to join the KSHSAA team, serving as the director of officials,” Goodheart said. “Interscholastic activities have been an intricate part of my life, participating in sports and activities through high school, working as a registered official since college, and now serving as the Director of Officials. I am excited to serve the officials in the state of Kansas, and hope to help enhance students' experiences in interscholastic activities.”As the KSHSAA director of officials, Goodheart’s main responsibilities will be to oversee the official’s department at the KSHSAA including the recruitment of new officials, educate and retain all high school activities.“As a respected veteran official, Scott Goodheart brings firsthand knowledge of service as an interscholastic official," said Bill Faflick, KSHSAA Executive Director. “I am confident his leadership will further the good work of Ms. Martin and the KSHSAA as we seek to recruit, train, and retain officials across the state who ensure regular season and championship tournament competitions are conducted according to prescribed rules for the respective education-based activities.”Goodheart had been instrumental to officiating off the field as well. From 2016-2019 he served on the KSHSAA Officials Advisory Board and has been a yearly camp/clinician organizer for the western Kansas basketball clinics during the summer.A member of the National Association of Sports Officials and the Kansas Sports Officials Association, Goodheart was named the NFHS Boys Basketball Official of the Year in 2014. Scott has been an active basketball official in the NJCAA and MIAA.Prior to joining the KSHSAA this summer, Scott worked at Bucklin Tractor and Implement as a parts sales representative and e-commerce sales. Goodheart received his Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University and his Masters of Sports Administration from Fort Hays State University.From 2016-2019, Goodheart was an Assistant Athletic Director at Pratt Community College and from 2012-2014 was the Hoisington Recreation Director.

Scott Goodheart selected as KSHSAA director of officials

ST. LOUIS (AP) —
St. Louis rookie Jordan Walker’s hitting streak ended at 12 games
when he went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in the Cardinals’ 5-0 loss
to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 20-year-old tied the record for
longest hitting streak at the start of a career by a player 20 or
younger, set by Eddie Murphy, who hit in 12 straight games with the
Philadelphia Athletics from Aug. 26, 1912, to Sept. 5, 1912. Carlos
Santana doubled twice, and Connor Joe and Rodolfo Castro hit
consecutive homers in the eighth against Génesis Cabrera.

UNDATED (AP) —
Prospects no longer will have limits on the number of schools they
can officially visit during their college selection process. The NCAA
Division I Council approved the policy change that will take effect
on July 1. Prospects previously could make official visits to five
schools. Prospects can only make one official visit to each school,
unless that program has a head coaching change.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays tied Major League Baseball’s post-1900
record of 13 consecutive wins at a season’s start, rallying to beat
the Boston Red Sox 9-3 behind a seven-run fifth inning that Harold
Ramirez began and capped with doubles. Tampa Bay matched the 13-0
start of the 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1987 Milwaukee Brewers. The only
longer opening streak was a 20-0 start by the 1884 St. Louis Maroons
of the Union Association. Playing before a crowd of 21,175, the
largest at Tropicana Field since opening day, the Rays set a team
record for wins at any point in a season.

UNDATED (AP) — Two
people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press that
a group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and including Magic
Johnson has an agreement in principle to buy the Washington
Commanders from longtime owner Dan Snyder. Harris and Rales are set
to pay $6.05 billion for the storied NFL franchise. It's the most
money a professional sports franchise in North American has been sold
for, topping the $4.65 billion paid by Walmart heir Rob Walton's
group for the Denver Broncos last year. The sale of the Commanders is
pending approval from the rest of the league's owners. That could
happen as soon as their next meeting in Minnesota in May.

OWINGS MILLS, Md.
(AP) — The Baltimore Ravens acquired receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on
a one-year deal worth up to $18 million including $15 million
guaranteed. That agreement led to some obvious questions: Was this a
sign that Beckham knew Lamar Jackson would be the quarterback in
Baltimore this season? Or would the addition of a star wide receiver
make it easier for the Ravens to keep their franchise quarterback?
Beckham says he can’t make any promises about Jackson’s future.
The Ravens used the franchise tag on Jackson, who then announced that
he’d requested a trade in early March.

BOSTON (AP) — In
the decade since the Boston Marathon bombing, the streets and
sidewalks have been repaired, and memorials stand at the site of the
explosions to remember the three who died. But the healing continues.
And, for many, the race itself is an important part. Bombing
survivors with no previous interest in distance running made it a
bucket-list goal. For others, friends and family entered on their
behalf. Doctors and first responders and others affected by the
attacks on April 15, 2013, have also been drawn back to the race on
the Massachusetts holiday of Patriots’ Day. The 127th Boston
Marathon is Monday.

UNDATED (AP) — The
first quarterback-specific helmet designed to help reduce concussions
has been approved for use by the NFL and NFLPA, the AP has learned.
The helmet, manufactured by Vicis, reduces severity of
helmet-to-ground impacts, which league data says account for
approximately half of quarterback concussions, including the one
suffered by Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa last season when his head
slammed violently against the turf during a Thursday night game
against Cincinnati. The helmet performed 7% better than the most
popular helmet worn by quarterbacks last season, the league said in a
memo sent to team executives on Thursday.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND,
S.C. (AP) — Viktor Hovland shot a 7-under 64 to take the
first-round lead at the rain-delayed RBC Heritage. Masters champion
Jon Rahm was eight shots back after a frustrating 1-over 72 and
acknowledged the fatigue from his win at Augusta National affected
him. Hovland also shared the first-round lead at the Masters and
finished tied for seventh. He led Brian Harman by one shot at Harbour
Town. Aaron Rai and Jimmy Walker were also 6 under but did not finish
their rounds before darkness halted play. The RBC Heritage is a
designated event on the PGA Tour this year, giving it a $20 million
purse and a strong field.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680169902327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) —
St. Louis rookie Jordan Walker’s hitting streak ended at 12 games
when he went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in the Cardinals’ 5-0 loss
to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 20-year-old tied the record for
longest hitting streak at the start of a career by a player 20 or
younger, set by Eddie Murphy, who hit in 12 straight games with the
Philadelphia Athletics from Aug. 26, 1912, to Sept. 5, 1912. Carlos
Santana doubled twice, and Connor Joe and Rodolfo Castro hit
consecutive homers in the eighth against Génesis Cabrera.UNDATED (AP) —
Prospects no longer will have limits on the number of schools they
can officially visit during their college selection process. The NCAA
Division I Council approved the policy change that will take effect
on July 1. Prospects previously could make official visits to five
schools. Prospects can only make one official visit to each school,
unless that program has a head coaching change.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays tied Major League Baseball’s post-1900
record of 13 consecutive wins at a season’s start, rallying to beat
the Boston Red Sox 9-3 behind a seven-run fifth inning that Harold
Ramirez began and capped with doubles. Tampa Bay matched the 13-0
start of the 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1987 Milwaukee Brewers. The only
longer opening streak was a 20-0 start by the 1884 St. Louis Maroons
of the Union Association. Playing before a crowd of 21,175, the
largest at Tropicana Field since opening day, the Rays set a team
record for wins at any point in a season.UNDATED (AP) — Two
people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press that
a group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and including Magic
Johnson has an agreement in principle to buy the Washington
Commanders from longtime owner Dan Snyder. Harris and Rales are set
to pay $6.05 billion for the storied NFL franchise. It's the most
money a professional sports franchise in North American has been sold
for, topping the $4.65 billion paid by Walmart heir Rob Walton's
group for the Denver Broncos last year. The sale of the Commanders is
pending approval from the rest of the league's owners. That could
happen as soon as their next meeting in Minnesota in May.OWINGS MILLS, Md.
(AP) — The Baltimore Ravens acquired receiver Odell Beckham Jr. on
a one-year deal worth up to $18 million including $15 million
guaranteed. That agreement led to some obvious questions: Was this a
sign that Beckham knew Lamar Jackson would be the quarterback in
Baltimore this season? Or would the addition of a star wide receiver
make it easier for the Ravens to keep their franchise quarterback?
Beckham says he can’t make any promises about Jackson’s future.
The Ravens used the franchise tag on Jackson, who then announced that
he’d requested a trade in early March.BOSTON (AP) — In
the decade since the Boston Marathon bombing, the streets and
sidewalks have been repaired, and memorials stand at the site of the
explosions to remember the three who died. But the healing continues.
And, for many, the race itself is an important part. Bombing
survivors with no previous interest in distance running made it a
bucket-list goal. For others, friends and family entered on their
behalf. Doctors and first responders and others affected by the
attacks on April 15, 2013, have also been drawn back to the race on
the Massachusetts holiday of Patriots’ Day. The 127th Boston
Marathon is Monday.UNDATED (AP) — The
first quarterback-specific helmet designed to help reduce concussions
has been approved for use by the NFL and NFLPA, the AP has learned.
The helmet, manufactured by Vicis, reduces severity of
helmet-to-ground impacts, which league data says account for
approximately half of quarterback concussions, including the one
suffered by Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa last season when his head
slammed violently against the turf during a Thursday night game
against Cincinnati. The helmet performed 7% better than the most
popular helmet worn by quarterbacks last season, the league said in a
memo sent to team executives on Thursday.HILTON HEAD ISLAND,
S.C. (AP) — Viktor Hovland shot a 7-under 64 to take the
first-round lead at the rain-delayed RBC Heritage. Masters champion
Jon Rahm was eight shots back after a frustrating 1-over 72 and
acknowledged the fatigue from his win at Augusta National affected
him. Hovland also shared the first-round lead at the Masters and
finished tied for seventh. He led Brian Harman by one shot at Harbour
Town. Aaron Rai and Jimmy Walker were also 6 under but did not finish
their rounds before darkness halted play. The RBC Heritage is a
designated event on the PGA Tour this year, giving it a $20 million
purse and a strong field.THURSDAY SCORESAMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Tampa
Bay	9	Boston	3	Final	Baltimore	8	Oakland	7	Final	Minnesota	11	N.Y.
Yankees	2	Final	Detroit	3	Toronto	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Cincinnati	6	Philadelphia	2	Final	Pittsburgh	5	St.
Louis	0	Final	Milwaukee	4	San
Diego	3	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal
OT	Columbus	3	Pittsburgh	2	Final	Toronto	3	N-Y
Rangers	2	Final	Tampa
Bay	5	Detroit	0	Final
OT	Buffalo	4	Ottawa	3	Final	Carolina	6	Florida	4	Final	Boston	5	Montreal	4	Final OT	New
Jersey	5	Washington	4	Final
OT	Nashville	4	Minnesota	3	Final	Dallas	1	St.
Louis	0	Final	Colorado	4	Winnipeg	2	Final
OT	Philadelphia	5	Chicago	4	Final	Edmonton	5	San
Jose	2	Final
OT	Vancouver	5	Arizona	4	Final	Los
Angeles	5	Anaheim	3	Final	Vegas	3	Seattle	1

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Ana Couto and Christopher Young of the nationally 2nd ranked Barton Community College track and field program have earned distinctive honors following historic performances this past weekend in Canyon, Texas, at the Jo Meaker Classic &amp; Multi hosted by West Texas A&amp;M University.

Couto earned not only the KJCCC's Field Athlete award for the fourth week of the outdoor season announced on Tuesday as one day later added the national NJCAA honor being named as the Division I Women's Athlete of the Week.

Placing second in the two-day heptathlon, Couto accumulated 5,117 points for the 7th most in program history and the NJCAA's 12th most all-time.

Couto began her grueling seven-event trek with a national qualifying 100m hurdle 14.16 time for second place, adding a first place in the shot put and a pair of second placings to pile up the most points since Ayesha Champagnie's program third most 5397 points in the 2016 season.

The freshman is into her first collegiate year of outdoor competition, coming off a NJCAA pentathlon national championship in the indoor season after racking up a program and national all-time 2nd best 3945 points.

An additional indoor qualifier in the shot put and 60m hurdles, Couto finished 12th in the ball of steel throw before false starting in the hurdles after clocking a nation's 9th best time in the event during the pentathlon competition.

Young's second KJCCC Field Athlete of the Week honor, the freshman's first of the outdoor, comes after leading another solid outing from the throwing group.

Week after week, the throwing group for both the women's and men's team seemingly make impacts on the program record book. This past week Young led a pair of freshmen climbing into the shot put chart.

Young won the event, marking a program 6th best 18.11m throw, placed second in the discus on a 51.68m distance, and added a seventh place finish in the hammer throw at 46.29m.

The efforts were just ahead of fellow collegiate first-year thrower Christopher Crawford who finished runner-up to Young in the shot put on a program 8th best 17.89m throw but beat out Young for the discus title on a 54.65m. Sophomore Brandon Lloyd, who already has the program's 5th best shot put 18.15m mark, finished 4th behind the duo in the shot at 16.99m and discus at 48.78m. The trio also went 7-10-12 in Friday's hammer throw, Young's personal best 51.22 increasing his national qualifying spot, Lloyd marking a personal best 48.75m to reach national standards, and Crawford's personal best 46.54m coming up short of joining the two on the national stage of the event.

The Cougars' next meet comes this Saturday in Newton participating in the Bethel Invite.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681399353418.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoAna Couto and Christopher Young of the nationally 2nd ranked Barton Community College track and field program have earned distinctive honors following historic performances this past weekend in Canyon, Texas, at the Jo Meaker Classic &amp; Multi hosted by West Texas A&amp;M University.Couto earned not only the KJCCC's Field Athlete award for the fourth week of the outdoor season announced on Tuesday as one day later added the national NJCAA honor being named as the Division I Women's Athlete of the Week.Placing second in the two-day heptathlon, Couto accumulated 5,117 points for the 7th most in program history and the NJCAA's 12th most all-time.Couto began her grueling seven-event trek with a national qualifying 100m hurdle 14.16 time for second place, adding a first place in the shot put and a pair of second placings to pile up the most points since Ayesha Champagnie's program third most 5397 points in the 2016 season.The freshman is into her first collegiate year of outdoor competition, coming off a NJCAA pentathlon national championship in the indoor season after racking up a program and national all-time 2nd best 3945 points.An additional indoor qualifier in the shot put and 60m hurdles, Couto finished 12th in the ball of steel throw before false starting in the hurdles after clocking a nation's 9th best time in the event during the pentathlon competition.Young's second KJCCC Field Athlete of the Week honor, the freshman's first of the outdoor, comes after leading another solid outing from the throwing group.Week after week, the throwing group for both the women's and men's team seemingly make impacts on the program record book. This past week Young led a pair of freshmen climbing into the shot put chart.Young won the event, marking a program 6th best 18.11m throw, placed second in the discus on a 51.68m distance, and added a seventh place finish in the hammer throw at 46.29m.The efforts were just ahead of fellow collegiate first-year thrower Christopher Crawford who finished runner-up to Young in the shot put on a program 8th best 17.89m throw but beat out Young for the discus title on a 54.65m. Sophomore Brandon Lloyd, who already has the program's 5th best shot put 18.15m mark, finished 4th behind the duo in the shot at 16.99m and discus at 48.78m. The trio also went 7-10-12 in Friday's hammer throw, Young's personal best 51.22 increasing his national qualifying spot, Lloyd marking a personal best 48.75m to reach national standards, and Crawford's personal best 46.54m coming up short of joining the two on the national stage of the event.The Cougars' next meet comes this Saturday in Newton participating in the Bethel Invite.

Barton's Couto earns national award, Young garners conference honor

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas men’s and women’s track and field teams will be competing in the 100th Kansas Relays April 13-15 at Rock Chalk Park.

The meet will not be live streamed, but fans can follow along with the live scoring link provided below.

The action will take place today-Saturday, with Thursday’s events being strictly collegiate while Friday and Saturday with feature both high school and college competition.

There will also be various recognitions and special events to celebrate alums and other key Kansas Relays personnel throughout the weekend.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Kansas men’s and women’s track and field teams will be competing in the 100th Kansas Relays April 13-15 at Rock Chalk Park.The meet will not be live streamed, but fans can follow along with the live scoring link provided below.https://live.pttiming.com/?mid=5499The action will take place today-Saturday, with Thursday’s events being strictly collegiate while Friday and Saturday with feature both high school and college competition.There will also be various recognitions and special events to celebrate alums and other key Kansas Relays personnel throughout the weekend.Kansas Athletics

Kansas Set to Compete in 100th Kansas Relays This Weekend

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

7th ranked Barton Community College baseball starting pitcher Reece Hemmerling and outfielder Riley Silva swept the Week 10 Kansas Jayhawk Conference's West weekly awards on Tuesday. Hemmerling has been named the conference's pitcher of the week, while Silva is the Player of the Week.

Hemmerling's Pitcher of the Week honor comes on the heels of a nine-strikeout performance against Seward County in the Cougars' 6-0 series-clinching victory Saturday afternoon in Liberal. The freshman allowed just two hits over seven innings, a second-inning single and third inning double while walking one. The nine strikeouts for Hemmerling are a career-high, surpassing his previous trio of seven strikeout performances

The Beaumont, Alberta, Canada, native is 6-0 on the season sporting a 2.97 earned run average and has 45 strikeouts, which is 19th most in the KJCCC West.

Held hitless in the opening game of the week, Silva went on a tear over the next five games hitting .571 for the week going 12 of 21 from the plate. Switching between the leadoff and second spot in the lineup, Silva concluded the week, over six games, with 10 RBIs on the strength of 12 hits of which legging out four doubles, a triple, and drawing two walks.

The Ontario, Canada native was a Saints killer in the Cougars four game conference series against Seward opening the four-game set 10 of 12 at the plate including a perfect 5 for 5 performance in game three of the series.

Sitting atop the Jayhawk West Standings at 14-2 and 35-4 overall, the Cougars will open a four-game weekend set Thursday on the road at second place Butler Community College in a scheduled 1:00 p.m. doubleheader before concluding the series Saturday hosting the final two games against the Grizzlies in a 1:00 p.m. twin bill.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681398645281.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info7th ranked Barton Community College baseball starting pitcher Reece Hemmerling and outfielder Riley Silva swept the Week 10 Kansas Jayhawk Conference's West weekly awards on Tuesday. Hemmerling has been named the conference's pitcher of the week, while Silva is the Player of the Week.Hemmerling's Pitcher of the Week honor comes on the heels of a nine-strikeout performance against Seward County in the Cougars' 6-0 series-clinching victory Saturday afternoon in Liberal. The freshman allowed just two hits over seven innings, a second-inning single and third inning double while walking one. The nine strikeouts for Hemmerling are a career-high, surpassing his previous trio of seven strikeout performancesThe Beaumont, Alberta, Canada, native is 6-0 on the season sporting a 2.97 earned run average and has 45 strikeouts, which is 19th most in the KJCCC West.Held hitless in the opening game of the week, Silva went on a tear over the next five games hitting .571 for the week going 12 of 21 from the plate. Switching between the leadoff and second spot in the lineup, Silva concluded the week, over six games, with 10 RBIs on the strength of 12 hits of which legging out four doubles, a triple, and drawing two walks.The Ontario, Canada native was a Saints killer in the Cougars four game conference series against Seward opening the four-game set 10 of 12 at the plate including a perfect 5 for 5 performance in game three of the series.Sitting atop the Jayhawk West Standings at 14-2 and 35-4 overall, the Cougars will open a four-game weekend set Thursday on the road at second place Butler Community College in a scheduled 1:00 p.m. doubleheader before concluding the series Saturday hosting the final two games against the Grizzlies in a 1:00 p.m. twin bill.

Barton Baseball's Hemmerling and Silva sweep KJCCC West Weekly Honors

PHOENIX (AP) — Thanks to the pitch clock, the action is moving much faster at Major League Baseball games.

It also means a little less time for fans to enjoy a frosty adult beverage.

To combat that time crunch, at least four teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers — have extended alcohol sales through the eighth inning this season. Others, like the Miami Marlins and New York Mets, still have seventh-inning cutoffs, but haven't ruled out changes.

“Totally makes sense to me,” said Tom Lienhardt, who was sipping on a beer Tuesday night before the Brewers-Diamondbacks game at Chase Field. “Since the games are shorter, you’ve got to adjust.”

Teams historically have stopped selling alcohol after the seventh.

At least one team, the Baltimore Orioles, already sold alcohol through the eighth inning, or until 3 1/2 hours after first pitch, whichever came first.

MLB games have been considerably shorter this season, largely thanks to a series of rule changes, particularly the new pitch clock. Through the first 1 1/2 weeks of the season, the average game time was down 31 minutes, on track to be the sport’s lowest since 1984.

The minor leagues played with the pitch clock last season. At least one minor league general manager — Kevin Mahoney of the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones — said there was no dropoff in concession sales even with shorter games.

Still, some big league teams have felt the need to make adjustments.

The Rangers allowed some alcohol sales in the eighth inning last season, but have made that option more widely available in 2023. The team said the move to offer in-seat service to everyone — fans can order on their phones — was done partly in reaction to the pitch clock and the potential of shorter game times so fans would not have to miss extended action waiting in lines at concession stands.

Brewers President of business operations Rick Schlesinger confirmed to MLB.com that their team's move to extend alcohol sales through the eighth was an experiment.

“If it turns out that this is causing an issue or we feel that it might cause an issue, then we’ll revert to what we have done previously,” Schlesinger said.

MLB says it does not regulate when teams sell alcohol. Most franchises have used the seventh inning as a cutoff, at least partly to avoid overserving customers who could then get in their cars and drive home.

But in reality, most teams already had areas around the ballpark where fans could get alcohol after the seventh, even if the concession stands stopped serving. Many parks are connected to restaurants or have VIP areas where the booze still flows.

“If it cuts off sales in the seventh inning, the eighth inning or the ninth inning, that really doesn’t affect our stance because regardless, we just don’t want people to drink alcohol and then drive home from the game,” said Erin Payton, Regional Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

PHOENIX (AP) — Thanks to the pitch clock, the action is moving much faster at Major League Baseball games.It also means a little less time for fans to enjoy a frosty adult beverage.To combat that time crunch, at least four teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers — have extended alcohol sales through the eighth inning this season. Others, like the Miami Marlins and New York Mets, still have seventh-inning cutoffs, but haven't ruled out changes.“Totally makes sense to me,” said Tom Lienhardt, who was sipping on a beer Tuesday night before the Brewers-Diamondbacks game at Chase Field. “Since the games are shorter, you’ve got to adjust.”Teams historically have stopped selling alcohol after the seventh.At least one team, the Baltimore Orioles, already sold alcohol through the eighth inning, or until 3 1/2 hours after first pitch, whichever came first.MLB games have been considerably shorter this season, largely thanks to a series of rule changes, particularly the new pitch clock. Through the first 1 1/2 weeks of the season, the average game time was down 31 minutes, on track to be the sport’s lowest since 1984.The minor leagues played with the pitch clock last season. At least one minor league general manager — Kevin Mahoney of the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones — said there was no dropoff in concession sales even with shorter games.Still, some big league teams have felt the need to make adjustments.The Rangers allowed some alcohol sales in the eighth inning last season, but have made that option more widely available in 2023. The team said the move to offer in-seat service to everyone — fans can order on their phones — was done partly in reaction to the pitch clock and the potential of shorter game times so fans would not have to miss extended action waiting in lines at concession stands.Brewers President of business operations Rick Schlesinger confirmed to MLB.com that their team's move to extend alcohol sales through the eighth was an experiment.“If it turns out that this is causing an issue or we feel that it might cause an issue, then we’ll revert to what we have done previously,” Schlesinger said.MLB says it does not regulate when teams sell alcohol. Most franchises have used the seventh inning as a cutoff, at least partly to avoid overserving customers who could then get in their cars and drive home.But in reality, most teams already had areas around the ballpark where fans could get alcohol after the seventh, even if the concession stands stopped serving. Many parks are connected to restaurants or have VIP areas where the booze still flows.“If it cuts off sales in the seventh inning, the eighth inning or the ninth inning, that really doesn’t affect our stance because regardless, we just don’t want people to drink alcohol and then drive home from the game,” said Erin Payton, Regional Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

MLB teams extend beer sales after pitch clock shortens games

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The conference road hasn't been kind lately to the Barton Community College softball team as the Cougars' short trip to Hutchinson came up empty in a pair of run-rule losses at 17th ranked Hutchinson Community College 9-1 and 13-0.

The Cougars mustered just three hits in the twin bill against the conference's top rated pitching staff, aiding the troubles at the plate by committing seven defensive errors resulting in less than half of the Blue Dragons' runs being earned.

Barton drops to 17-7 in conference play and 24-17 overall while conference leading Hutchinson improves to 19-3 in league and 31-6 on the season.

Looking for home turf cures to end a four-game slide, the Cougars' next contest comes Saturday at 1:00 p.m. hosting fourth place Colby as the sophomore class will be recognized in between the pair of games. The Trojans come to Great Bend after sweeping the Cougars last Friday and earning a split with 16th ranked Butler today to join Barton in the loss column at 15-7 in league play and 26-10 overall.

Barton will then travel to Butler on Wednesday, April 19, before closing out Cougar Field April 26 hosting Dodge City, wrapping up the regular season April 29 at Northwest Kansas Technical College.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681379449007.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe conference road hasn't been kind lately to the Barton Community College softball team as the Cougars' short trip to Hutchinson came up empty in a pair of run-rule losses at 17th ranked Hutchinson Community College 9-1 and 13-0.The Cougars mustered just three hits in the twin bill against the conference's top rated pitching staff, aiding the troubles at the plate by committing seven defensive errors resulting in less than half of the Blue Dragons' runs being earned.Barton drops to 17-7 in conference play and 24-17 overall while conference leading Hutchinson improves to 19-3 in league and 31-6 on the season.Looking for home turf cures to end a four-game slide, the Cougars' next contest comes Saturday at 1:00 p.m. hosting fourth place Colby as the sophomore class will be recognized in between the pair of games. The Trojans come to Great Bend after sweeping the Cougars last Friday and earning a split with 16th ranked Butler today to join Barton in the loss column at 15-7 in league play and 26-10 overall.Barton will then travel to Butler on Wednesday, April 19, before closing out Cougar Field April 26 hosting Dodge City, wrapping up the regular season April 29 at Northwest Kansas Technical College.

Barton softball shut down at 17th ranked Hutchinson

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. tripled in front of the hometown crowd, then really turned on the speed with two stolen bases to start a four-run inning for Kansas City.

The son of former Texas pitcher Bobby Witt helped the Royals to season highs in runs and hits as they avoided a three-game sweep with a 10-1 rout of the Rangers on Wednesday night.

The RBI triple was among three hits for the younger Witt, and his three steals overall were a career high as the Royals ended a three-game losing streak.

“There’s going to be some times this year when he’s going to beat out some routine ground balls,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I haven’t looked at the time, but those plays are a lot closer than they should be when he hits a ground ball. He’s going to score some runs single-handedly for us.”

MJ Melendez drove in three runs to back another strong outing from Brad Keller, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Royals had three consecutive run-scoring singles — the last of their 14 hits — in the four-run seventh after coming in with .190 team batting average while scoring 2.8 runs per game.

The Rangers had their second three-game winning streak of the season stopped on the day they announced star shortstop Corey Seager would miss at least four weeks with a hamstring strain.

“They’re not fun days,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “You’re going to have them during a season. I always say, these games are games you flush out, put behind you.”

Witt led off the seventh with a single and stole second and third before Franmil Reyes’ RBI single. Edward Olivares drove in another, and Michael Massey brought home two off reliever Taylor Hearn.

Keller (2-1) didn't allow a run after giving up Nathaniel Lowe's first-inning homer, leaving after his two-out walk in the seventh ended a streak of 10 consecutive batters retired.

The right-hander, who gave up three hits and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings, has half of Kansas City's four victories without allowing more than two runs in any of his three starts.

It was Keller's 18th consecutive start with a decision, the longest streak in the majors in three years and longest for the Royals since Tim Belcher's 21-start streak in 1996-97.

“The breaking ball was outstanding,” Quatraro said. “You can tell, even when he was pulling the fastball a little bit, he’d get back in the count with the breaking ball and got bad swings.”

Melendez lined a tiebreaking two-run double into the gap in right-center for a 3-1 lead in the second and an RBI single in the fourth before scoring on Witt's triple into the right field corner.

Nathan Eovaldi (1-2), one of three free agent additions to the Texas rotation, allowed 10 hits and six runs with seven strikeouts and a pitch clock violation over five innings in a second consecutive loss.

Josh Smith started in place of Seager, who was injured running the bases a night earlier, and went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts from the second spot in the order normally occupied by the three-time All-Star.

Kansas City built a 6-1 lead with a big boost from four run-scoring hits with two out. The clutch hits came a night after an 8-5 extra-inning loss in which the Royals went 4 for 20 with runners in scoring position, their most such at-bats in six years.

“It was just a matter of time for when it was going to break open for sure,” Witt said. “They were great at-bats, just not getting the results. So then, now you get results with those at-bats and this is the outcome.”

Both teams are off Thursday going into three-game weekend series. Kansas City RHP Brady Singer (1-0, 4.91 ERA) is scheduled to face Atlanta at home. Texas LHP Martín Pérez (1-1, 2.53) is set for the first meeting of the season with Houston.

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. tripled in front of the hometown crowd, then really turned on the speed with two stolen bases to start a four-run inning for Kansas City.The son of former Texas pitcher Bobby Witt helped the Royals to season highs in runs and hits as they avoided a three-game sweep with a 10-1 rout of the Rangers on Wednesday night.The RBI triple was among three hits for the younger Witt, and his three steals overall were a career high as the Royals ended a three-game losing streak.“There’s going to be some times this year when he’s going to beat out some routine ground balls,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I haven’t looked at the time, but those plays are a lot closer than they should be when he hits a ground ball. He’s going to score some runs single-handedly for us.”MJ Melendez drove in three runs to back another strong outing from Brad Keller, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Royals had three consecutive run-scoring singles — the last of their 14 hits — in the four-run seventh after coming in with .190 team batting average while scoring 2.8 runs per game.The Rangers had their second three-game winning streak of the season stopped on the day they announced star shortstop Corey Seager would miss at least four weeks with a hamstring strain.“They’re not fun days,” Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. “You’re going to have them during a season. I always say, these games are games you flush out, put behind you.”Witt led off the seventh with a single and stole second and third before Franmil Reyes’ RBI single. Edward Olivares drove in another, and Michael Massey brought home two off reliever Taylor Hearn.Keller (2-1) didn't allow a run after giving up Nathaniel Lowe's first-inning homer, leaving after his two-out walk in the seventh ended a streak of 10 consecutive batters retired.The right-hander, who gave up three hits and struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings, has half of Kansas City's four victories without allowing more than two runs in any of his three starts.It was Keller's 18th consecutive start with a decision, the longest streak in the majors in three years and longest for the Royals since Tim Belcher's 21-start streak in 1996-97.“The breaking ball was outstanding,” Quatraro said. “You can tell, even when he was pulling the fastball a little bit, he’d get back in the count with the breaking ball and got bad swings.”Melendez lined a tiebreaking two-run double into the gap in right-center for a 3-1 lead in the second and an RBI single in the fourth before scoring on Witt's triple into the right field corner.Nathan Eovaldi (1-2), one of three free agent additions to the Texas rotation, allowed 10 hits and six runs with seven strikeouts and a pitch clock violation over five innings in a second consecutive loss.Josh Smith started in place of Seager, who was injured running the bases a night earlier, and went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts from the second spot in the order normally occupied by the three-time All-Star.CLUTCH HITSKansas City built a 6-1 lead with a big boost from four run-scoring hits with two out. The clutch hits came a night after an 8-5 extra-inning loss in which the Royals went 4 for 20 with runners in scoring position, their most such at-bats in six years.“It was just a matter of time for when it was going to break open for sure,” Witt said. “They were great at-bats, just not getting the results. So then, now you get results with those at-bats and this is the outcome.”UP NEXTBoth teams are off Thursday going into three-game weekend series. Kansas City RHP Brady Singer (1-0, 4.91 ERA) is scheduled to face Atlanta at home. Texas LHP Martín Pérez (1-1, 2.53) is set for the first meeting of the season with Houston.

Witt shines at home, Royals rout Rangers 10-1 to avoid sweep

ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — MJ Melendez drove in three runs to back another strong
outing from Brad Keller, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a
three-game sweep with a 10-1 rout of the Texas Rangers. The Rangers
had their second three-game winning streak of the season stopped on
the day they learned star shortstop Corey Seager would miss at least
four weeks with a hamstring strain. Vinnie Pasquantino homered, and
Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI triple among three hits against his
hometown team. The Royals ended a three-game losing streak with
season highs in runs and hits.

DENVER (AP) —
Nolan Gorman hit a late tiebreaking home run for the second straight
day, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals over the Colorado Rockies 7-4.
Nolan Arenado hit his 139th home run at Coors Field and Tyler O’Neill
hit his first home run since opening day. With the score 4-4 in the
eighth, Willson Contreras hit a two-out chopper off Justin Lawrence
to second baseman Ryan McMahon and reached on an error by first
baseman C.J. Cron. Gorman drove a sinker into the left-field seats
for his fourth homer and a 6-4 lead.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays won their 12th straight game to start the
season, one short of the major league record, as Randy Arozarena hit
a three-run homer in a 9-7 victory over the Boston Red Sox. The 1987
Milwaukee Brewers and 1982 Atlanta Braves both opened 13-0, tying for
the best mark in big league history. Tampa Bay’s 12-game winning
streak matches the team record set in June 2004. Taj Bradley won his
major league debut for the Rays. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed
three runs and struck out eight over five innings. Arozarena made it
3-0 with a homer off Chris Sale in the first. Tampa Bay leads the
majors with 30 home runs and has outscored opponents 92-27.

CLEVELAND (AP) —
Umpire Larry Vanover is being evaluated for a concussion and other
injuries at a hospital after being struck in the head with a relay
throw during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and
Cleveland Guardians. The 67-year-old Vanover was knocked down by the
throw from Guardians All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez.
Vanover was positioned on the infield grass between second and the
mound. MaJor League Baseball said Vanover is being checked for a head
injury “and other potential medical issues. The timeline on his
return is to be determined.” He's expected to be hospitalized
overnight. Plate umpire Chris Cuccione told a pool reporter Vanover
had a large knot on his head.

PHOENIX (AP) —
Thanks to the pitch clock, the action is moving much faster at Major
League Baseball games. It also means a little less time for fans to
enjoy a frosty adult beverage. To combat that time crunch, at least
four teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota
Twins and Milwaukee Brewers — have extended alcohol sales through
the eighth inning this season. Teams historically have stopped
selling alcohol after the seventh. MLB games have been considerably
shorter this season, largely thanks to a series of rule changes.
Through the first 1 1/2 weeks of the season, the average game time
was down 31 minutes, on track to be the sport’s lowest since 1984.

AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Iowa State basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has received a two-year
contract extension that keeps him with the Cyclones through the
2028-29 season. Otzelberger has led the team to the NCAA Tournament
each of his first two seasons and signed the highest-rated recruiting
class in program history. When Otzelberger was hired away from UNLV,
he agreed to a lower salary to help the athletic department manage
buyout costs of the previous staff. Otzelberger’s annual salary
will increase to $2.5 million on July 1, $3 million in 2024 and $3.5
million in 2025. He will received $100,000 increases each of the
following years.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) —
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted his 32-point night with a
go-ahead baseline jumper and four clutch free throws in the final 29
seconds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans
Pelicans 123-118 to remain alive in the Western Conference play-in
tourament. Josh Giddey had 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds
for Oklahoma City, the only Western Conference team to advance to the
postseason with a losing record. Brandon Ingram scored 20 of his 30
points in the second half. The loss eliminated the ninth-seeded
Pelicans while 10th seed Oklahoma City advanced to play at Minnesota
on Friday night for the right to enter the NBA playoffs as an eighth
seed.

TORONTO (AP) —
Zach LaVine scored 39 points, DeMar DeRozan had 23 against his former
team and the Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the
Toronto Raptors 109-105 in a play-in tournament game. The Bulls will
visit the Miami Heat on Friday night for the chance to earn the
eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, and a
first-round playoff matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. Nikola Vucevic
had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls, who trailed 66-47 in the
third quarter. Fred VanVleet had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Pascal
Siakam scored 32 points but Toronto’s season ended in
disappointment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680169902327.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ARLINGTON, Texas
(AP) — MJ Melendez drove in three runs to back another strong
outing from Brad Keller, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a
three-game sweep with a 10-1 rout of the Texas Rangers. The Rangers
had their second three-game winning streak of the season stopped on
the day they learned star shortstop Corey Seager would miss at least
four weeks with a hamstring strain. Vinnie Pasquantino homered, and
Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI triple among three hits against his
hometown team. The Royals ended a three-game losing streak with
season highs in runs and hits.DENVER (AP) —
Nolan Gorman hit a late tiebreaking home run for the second straight
day, lifting the St. Louis Cardinals over the Colorado Rockies 7-4.
Nolan Arenado hit his 139th home run at Coors Field and Tyler O’Neill
hit his first home run since opening day. With the score 4-4 in the
eighth, Willson Contreras hit a two-out chopper off Justin Lawrence
to second baseman Ryan McMahon and reached on an error by first
baseman C.J. Cron. Gorman drove a sinker into the left-field seats
for his fourth homer and a 6-4 lead.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.
(AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays won their 12th straight game to start the
season, one short of the major league record, as Randy Arozarena hit
a three-run homer in a 9-7 victory over the Boston Red Sox. The 1987
Milwaukee Brewers and 1982 Atlanta Braves both opened 13-0, tying for
the best mark in big league history. Tampa Bay’s 12-game winning
streak matches the team record set in June 2004. Taj Bradley won his
major league debut for the Rays. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed
three runs and struck out eight over five innings. Arozarena made it
3-0 with a homer off Chris Sale in the first. Tampa Bay leads the
majors with 30 home runs and has outscored opponents 92-27.CLEVELAND (AP) —
Umpire Larry Vanover is being evaluated for a concussion and other
injuries at a hospital after being struck in the head with a relay
throw during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and
Cleveland Guardians. The 67-year-old Vanover was knocked down by the
throw from Guardians All-Star second baseman Andrés Giménez.
Vanover was positioned on the infield grass between second and the
mound. MaJor League Baseball said Vanover is being checked for a head
injury “and other potential medical issues. The timeline on his
return is to be determined.” He's expected to be hospitalized
overnight. Plate umpire Chris Cuccione told a pool reporter Vanover
had a large knot on his head.PHOENIX (AP) —
Thanks to the pitch clock, the action is moving much faster at Major
League Baseball games. It also means a little less time for fans to
enjoy a frosty adult beverage. To combat that time crunch, at least
four teams — the Arizona Diamondbacks, Texas Rangers, Minnesota
Twins and Milwaukee Brewers — have extended alcohol sales through
the eighth inning this season. Teams historically have stopped
selling alcohol after the seventh. MLB games have been considerably
shorter this season, largely thanks to a series of rule changes.
Through the first 1 1/2 weeks of the season, the average game time
was down 31 minutes, on track to be the sport’s lowest since 1984.AMES, Iowa (AP) —
Iowa State basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has received a two-year
contract extension that keeps him with the Cyclones through the
2028-29 season. Otzelberger has led the team to the NCAA Tournament
each of his first two seasons and signed the highest-rated recruiting
class in program history. When Otzelberger was hired away from UNLV,
he agreed to a lower salary to help the athletic department manage
buyout costs of the previous staff. Otzelberger’s annual salary
will increase to $2.5 million on July 1, $3 million in 2024 and $3.5
million in 2025. He will received $100,000 increases each of the
following years.NEW ORLEANS (AP) —
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted his 32-point night with a
go-ahead baseline jumper and four clutch free throws in the final 29
seconds, and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans
Pelicans 123-118 to remain alive in the Western Conference play-in
tourament. Josh Giddey had 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds
for Oklahoma City, the only Western Conference team to advance to the
postseason with a losing record. Brandon Ingram scored 20 of his 30
points in the second half. The loss eliminated the ninth-seeded
Pelicans while 10th seed Oklahoma City advanced to play at Minnesota
on Friday night for the right to enter the NBA playoffs as an eighth
seed.TORONTO (AP) —
Zach LaVine scored 39 points, DeMar DeRozan had 23 against his former
team and the Chicago Bulls overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the
Toronto Raptors 109-105 in a play-in tournament game. The Bulls will
visit the Miami Heat on Friday night for the chance to earn the
eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket, and a
first-round playoff matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. Nikola Vucevic
had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulls, who trailed 66-47 in the
third quarter. Fred VanVleet had 26 points and 12 rebounds and Pascal
Siakam scored 32 points but Toronto’s season ended in
disappointment.WEDNESDAY SCORESINTERLEAGUEFinal	Houston	7	Pittsburgh	0	Final	Seattle	5	Chicago
Cubs	2	Final	L.A.
Angels	3	Washington	2	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	3	Chicago
White Sox	1	Final	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Cleveland	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	9	Boston	7	Final	Oakland	8	Baltimore	4	Final	Toronto	4	Detroit	3	Final	Kansas
City	10	Texas	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	N.Y.
Mets	5	San Diego	2	Final	St.
Louis	7	Colorado	4	Final	Arizona	7	Milwaukee	3	Final	Miami	3	Philadelphia	2	Final	Atlanta	5	Cincinnati	4	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	10	San Francisco	5	NBA PLAYOFFSFinal	Chicago	109	Toronto	105	Final	Oklahoma
City	123	New Orleans	118	NATIONAL HOCKEY
LEAGUE PLAYOFFSFinal	N-Y
Islanders	4	Montreal	2	Final	Dallas	5	St.
Louis	2	Final	Calgary	3	San
Jose	1

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

The Barton Community College eSports program wrapped up the regular season in style posting their seventh straight winning week with a 4-3 mark.

Sending three different into the NJCAA postseason, Barton concludes the seven-week season with an overall mark of 30-16. The two-week long NJCAAE playoffs get underway this week with the Cougars starting two of their runs on Wednesday with the other set to begin Saturday.

Capping a perfect season was the defending fall champion Rainbow 6 Siege squad taking care of business in perfect style once again with its' sixth straight clean 2-0 sweep over Johnston Community College. The five pack will ride its' perfect 6-0 spring record and cumulative semester record of 16-0 into Wednesday evenings Quarterfinals against eighth seeded Johnston Community College.

Securing a spot already in the postseason, Madden 23 gamer Caden Nokleby concluded his regular season with a 2-0 dispatching over North Central Missouri College finishing his regular season with a 5-1 record. Entering the postseason as the lone individual participant, Nokleby will begin his hopes of a deep postseason run Wednesday in the opening round against 11th seeded Northeast State Community College with the quarterfinals set for Friday.

Highlighting the final postseason spot was the Overwatch 2 squad securing their playoff spot with a 3-1 victory over Jacksonville College concluding the regular season at 5-2. Entering the big dance as the 15th seed, the Cougars will open the playoffs Saturday against 18th seed with the winner later taking on second seeded Northwest Florida State College later in the evening

Barton's Rocket League group had their season end dropping a 3-1 result to Hutchinson Community College finishing the season at 3-3 overall.

Finishing off the weeks results was Barton's Super Smash Brothers trio finishing with a 1-2 record against the trio of Lorain County Community College entrants. Frank Wilkens (5-2) ended his season on a positive note picking up the lone Cougar win against Lorain County with a 3-0 sweep while Harley Headley (4-3) and Misti Wick (1-5) each suffered 3-0 decisions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681306046786.jpeg" alt="Barton's Eli Friedli and Will Spires competing in Rainbow 6 Siege" />
 <figcaption>Barton's Eli Friedli and Will Spires competing in Rainbow 6 Siege</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoThe Barton Community College eSports program wrapped up the regular season in style posting their seventh straight winning week with a 4-3 mark.Sending three different into the NJCAA postseason, Barton concludes the seven-week season with an overall mark of 30-16. The two-week long NJCAAE playoffs get underway this week with the Cougars starting two of their runs on Wednesday with the other set to begin Saturday.Capping a perfect season was the defending fall champion Rainbow 6 Siege squad taking care of business in perfect style once again with its' sixth straight clean 2-0 sweep over Johnston Community College. The five pack will ride its' perfect 6-0 spring record and cumulative semester record of 16-0 into Wednesday evenings Quarterfinals against eighth seeded Johnston Community College.Securing a spot already in the postseason, Madden 23 gamer Caden Nokleby concluded his regular season with a 2-0 dispatching over North Central Missouri College finishing his regular season with a 5-1 record. Entering the postseason as the lone individual participant, Nokleby will begin his hopes of a deep postseason run Wednesday in the opening round against 11th seeded Northeast State Community College with the quarterfinals set for Friday.Highlighting the final postseason spot was the Overwatch 2 squad securing their playoff spot with a 3-1 victory over Jacksonville College concluding the regular season at 5-2. Entering the big dance as the 15th seed, the Cougars will open the playoffs Saturday against 18th seed with the winner later taking on second seeded Northwest Florida State College later in the eveningBarton's Rocket League group had their season end dropping a 3-1 result to Hutchinson Community College finishing the season at 3-3 overall.Finishing off the weeks results was Barton's Super Smash Brothers trio finishing with a 1-2 record against the trio of Lorain County Community College entrants. Frank Wilkens (5-2) ended his season on a positive note picking up the lone Cougar win against Lorain County with a 3-0 sweep while Harley Headley (4-3) and Misti Wick (1-5) each suffered 3-0 decisions.

Barton eSports wraps up regular season

With a “chemistry of winning,” the FHSU shotgun sports team’s dedication to their sport and their fellow teammates has made for a highly successful 2022-23 season.

In March alone, the team brought home two Division 2 national championships and won the first-ever Federal Cup being the High Overall Team across all divisions at the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association (NCSSAA) &nbsp;event. During 16 days of shooting and travel, the team competed at the NCSSAA Nationals in Las Vegas, earning five All-American shooters and four honorable mentions. Traveling then to San Antonio for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Collegiate Championship, the team earned nine All-Americans and first place in trap, skeet, skeet doubles, and super sport. In addition, FHSU’s varsity team has been undefeated in 2023.

For team members Kyler Niblock, Hoxie sophomore, and Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb. senior, the 16-day trip from Las Vegas to San Antonio and winning Division 2 &nbsp;and the federal cup from NCSSAA were highlights for the 2022-23 season.

“We had that goal at the beginning of the year, but to be able to go out and achieve it was something special,” Dettmann said. “We pushed everybody to be there mentally and physically.”

The team’s dedication has rewarded the students both on the range and off. For Dettmann, being a member of the team has contributed to her drive, passion, and dedication.

“We are always working as a team and wanting to better everybody,” she said. “It’s a family. We’re in it together. You are helping everybody, and they are helping you.”

Niblock said he agreed and added, “There is a chemistry on our team of winning. Everyone wants to put in the work and wants to win. Everyone has the same goal of winning.”

“Even if we are struggling, your teammates will be there to help you, no matter what,” Dettmann said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681327071244.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By FHSU University CommunicationsWith a “chemistry of winning,” the FHSU shotgun sports team’s dedication to their sport and their fellow teammates has made for a highly successful 2022-23 season.In March alone, the team brought home two Division 2 national championships and won the first-ever Federal Cup being the High Overall Team across all divisions at the National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association (NCSSAA) &nbsp;event. During 16 days of shooting and travel, the team competed at the NCSSAA Nationals in Las Vegas, earning five All-American shooters and four honorable mentions. Traveling then to San Antonio for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Collegiate Championship, the team earned nine All-Americans and first place in trap, skeet, skeet doubles, and super sport. In addition, FHSU’s varsity team has been undefeated in 2023.For team members Kyler Niblock, Hoxie sophomore, and Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb. senior, the 16-day trip from Las Vegas to San Antonio and winning Division 2 &nbsp;and the federal cup from NCSSAA were highlights for the 2022-23 season.“We had that goal at the beginning of the year, but to be able to go out and achieve it was something special,” Dettmann said. “We pushed everybody to be there mentally and physically.”The team’s dedication has rewarded the students both on the range and off. For Dettmann, being a member of the team has contributed to her drive, passion, and dedication.“We are always working as a team and wanting to better everybody,” she said. “It’s a family. We’re in it together. You are helping everybody, and they are helping you.”Niblock said he agreed and added, “There is a chemistry on our team of winning. Everyone wants to put in the work and wants to win. Everyone has the same goal of winning.” “Even if we are struggling, your teammates will be there to help you, no matter what,” Dettmann said.Balancing academics and shooting sports is central to the responsibility taken seriously by team members. Dr. Duane Shepherd, who is an FHSU professor as well as team coach, said he has impressed upon his team members the importance of responsibility.Shepherd started the shotgun sports team 18 years ago, writing the constitution, bylaws, and working with five young men who desired to compete collegiately. The team has grown over the years, and next fall will start with about 40 team members representing 11 states.“These young people have completed a fabulous year in collegiate shotgun sports,” Shepherd said. “They have overcome several challenges, and it has been a privilege to be a part of their success.”&nbsp;“For years, we were probably the best-kept secret on campus. But the team’s success is all due to the students’ dedication and discipline and reaching the level that it takes to compete. In college, they are up against the top 1 or 2 percent in the nation.”The team competes collegiately and regionally during the fall semester and in (also in collegiate shoots in the spring) national tournaments during the spring semester. Practice and competition, though, continues through the summer as students travel to different states to compete in state championships.“A lot of us are still practicing and staying sharp,” Niblock said. “Getting better as we participate in more competitions.”Maintaining solid practice habits is central to the team’s success.“That mental focus, when everyone’s on the same page, you can help everyone lock in,” Niblock said. “We saw it during both of our trap events when they shot perfect 500s. When some of the team is really clicking and really focused, it can influence the rest of us. That’s awesome to see.”“Most of the time, if your squad is shooting well, you will shoot well,” Dettmann added. “It’s one of those things where you feed off each other, and you go with the flow. It’s really about the connection and the chemistry.”Twenty-one students participated in national competitions this spring. Those students include:Alex Hunter, Hickman, Neb.Barrett Swenson, Greenfield, Minn.Colby Cook, Cushing, Okla.Gus Dunbar, Milburn, Neb.Hailey Zulkoski, Ord, Neb.Hank McVeigh, Lincoln, Neb.Jade Chapman, Papillion, Neb.Jared Greenwood, Benton, Kan.Kaden Bryant, Firth, Neb.Kaden Westfall, Colorado Springs, Colo.Katie Dettmann, Avoca, Neb.Kyler Niblock, Hoxie, Kan.Lane Sorensen, Hampton, Neb.Lexi Wickham, Goodland, Kan.Logan Smith, Burwell, Neb.Mason Weller, Palmer, Neb.Max Werner, St. George, Kan.Nick Borchardt, Johnson Creek, Wis.Riley Ross, St. Paul, Neb.Xander Winchel, Springhill, Kan.Zach Beers, Syracuse, Neb.