
- Great Bend Panther Cross Country coach Lyles Lashley


- Playoff preview with K-Preps Conor Nicholl


- Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers Gerard Wellbrock

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- Great Bend Panther Cross Country coach Lyles Lashley
- Playoff preview with K-Preps Conor Nicholl
- Voice of the Fort Hays State Tigers Gerard Wellbrock
- Wednesday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24-Hours

(WATCH) Wednesday on Sports Day

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Ben McCollum was not a popular pick when Northwest Missouri State hired him to lead its men’s basketball team 14 years ago. He was 27 years old and had never been a head coach, and he was being asked to take over a Division II program that had a proud and winning reputation.

The pride is still there. The winning? Well, these days the Bearcats almost never lose.

They are coming off a record third straight national title and their fourth in the last five NCAA tournaments, and they lost just one player from the team that cut down the nets again in March. That one was Trevor Hudgins, who became the first Northwest Missouri State player in the NBA when he signed with the Houston Rockets over the summer.

Not surprisingly, McCollum's phone has been alive the past few years as Division I administrators gauge his interest in moving to college basketball's highest level. And while that time may come, McCollum is clear that it would take the perfect opportunity to pry him away from the dynasty he's built in the small northwest Missouri town of Maryville.

“I'm not the type that's self-promoting. It's just not what I do,” McCollum explained. “I'm not constantly out there searching for the next place to go. If that place comes to find me and it's a match, that's probably how it will end up happening. If I do leave at some point. But the right fit is probably a bigger version of what we have here.”

Good luck finding a bigger program that wins as much as the Bearcats.

They rose to prominence in the 1980s and '90s under Steve Tappmeyer, winning seven conference championships with 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament. But not even Tappmeyer could get the Bearcats to the Elite Eight until a gritty overachiever from Iowa transferred in from a junior college to lead the way.

It was the first time that McCollum led them to new heights.

The second came after a couple of years as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, then five years as an assistant at conference-rival Emporia State. Tappmeyer stepped away in 2009 and Northwest Missouri State turned to the energetic former player to take over, a questionable decision made even more unpopular by two straight losing seasons.

The turnaround came in 2012, when McCollum led the Bearcats to a 22-7 record, won the conference title and reached the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They reached the Sweet 16 two years later, went 35–1 and won their first national title in 2017, then went 38-0 and won their second championship two years later. And after COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the 2020 tournament — the Bearcats were 31-1 at the time — they proceeded to win two more titles.

All told, they've won 17 consecutive NCAA Tournament games and 24 of their past 25, and the only schools to win more Division II national championships are Kentucky Wesleyan with eight and Evansville, now in Division I, with five.

“I don't think people understand the difficulty of handling success vs. handling adversity,” said McCollum, who's won a record five NABC coach of the year awards at his level. “It's excruciatingly difficult to take in the amount of love these guys get for winning a title and come back with humility and do it again.”

It helps that there is continuity within the program. Xavier Kurth was one of the stars of McCollum's first title team and became an assistant coach. Hudgins redshirted as a freshman and played four seasons at Northwest Missouri State. Others have had chances to transfer to Division I schools but have remained loyal to the Bearcats.

“They turned me into the player I am today,” Hudgins said. “All the records I broke and everything else, it's all coach and the players I played with — just how we played, how well we were coached. It made a huge impact on me.”

The Bearcats win despite being in a talent-lean area of the country, though most of their players still come from a relatively small geographic area. And that speaks volumes of the ability of McCollum and his staff to identify underappreciated talent like Hudgins, who received no Division I offers despite growing up in the same town as Kansas State.

On the floor, the Bearcats run perhaps the most efficient offense in college basketball. It's predicated on angles and screens and spacing to get open looks, but there are no discernable patterns. It is a nightmare to defend.

“We just get the right players, and I mean, the coaching staff is a big part of it,” said forward Wes Dreamer, who grew up not far from the University of Nebraska. “Then it comes down to effort in the end, and what Coach Mac is telling us to do.”

There are plenty of examples of Division I schools plucking head coaches from the lower rungs of the sport.

Missouri hired Kim Anderson, fresh off a national title at Central Missouri, to lead its program, though he was fired after just three years. Indiana State recently hired Lincoln coach Josh Shertz, who had taken the Railsplitters to three Final Fours since 2016. And Mount St. Mary's hired Dan Engelstead in 2018 from Southern Vermont, a Division III program, and two years ago he took the Mountaineers to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.

Those three coaches had been Division I assistants, though. McCollum has never worked at that level. So if he does leave Northwest Missouri State, it will probably take an athletic director willing to take a calculated risk, and a considerable leap of faith, in hiring McCollum to lead a program at college basketball's highest level.

Just like administrators did at Northwest Missouri State more than a decade ago.

MARYVILLE, Mo. (AP) — Ben McCollum was not a popular pick when Northwest Missouri State hired him to lead its men’s basketball team 14 years ago. He was 27 years old and had never been a head coach, and he was being asked to take over a Division II program that had a proud and winning reputation.The pride is still there. The winning? Well, these days the Bearcats almost never lose.They are coming off a record third straight national title and their fourth in the last five NCAA tournaments, and they lost just one player from the team that cut down the nets again in March. That one was Trevor Hudgins, who became the first Northwest Missouri State player in the NBA when he signed with the Houston Rockets over the summer.Not surprisingly, McCollum's phone has been alive the past few years as Division I administrators gauge his interest in moving to college basketball's highest level. And while that time may come, McCollum is clear that it would take the perfect opportunity to pry him away from the dynasty he's built in the small northwest Missouri town of Maryville.“I'm not the type that's self-promoting. It's just not what I do,” McCollum explained. “I'm not constantly out there searching for the next place to go. If that place comes to find me and it's a match, that's probably how it will end up happening. If I do leave at some point. But the right fit is probably a bigger version of what we have here.”Good luck finding a bigger program that wins as much as the Bearcats.They rose to prominence in the 1980s and '90s under Steve Tappmeyer, winning seven conference championships with 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament. But not even Tappmeyer could get the Bearcats to the Elite Eight until a gritty overachiever from Iowa transferred in from a junior college to lead the way.It was the first time that McCollum led them to new heights.The second came after a couple of years as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, then five years as an assistant at conference-rival Emporia State. Tappmeyer stepped away in 2009 and Northwest Missouri State turned to the energetic former player to take over, a questionable decision made even more unpopular by two straight losing seasons.The turnaround came in 2012, when McCollum led the Bearcats to a 22-7 record, won the conference title and reached the first round of the NCAA Tournament. They reached the Sweet 16 two years later, went 35–1 and won their first national title in 2017, then went 38-0 and won their second championship two years later. And after COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the 2020 tournament — the Bearcats were 31-1 at the time — they proceeded to win two more titles.All told, they've won 17 consecutive NCAA Tournament games and 24 of their past 25, and the only schools to win more Division II national championships are Kentucky Wesleyan with eight and Evansville, now in Division I, with five.“I don't think people understand the difficulty of handling success vs. handling adversity,” said McCollum, who's won a record five NABC coach of the year awards at his level. “It's excruciatingly difficult to take in the amount of love these guys get for winning a title and come back with humility and do it again.”It helps that there is continuity within the program. Xavier Kurth was one of the stars of McCollum's first title team and became an assistant coach. Hudgins redshirted as a freshman and played four seasons at Northwest Missouri State. Others have had chances to transfer to Division I schools but have remained loyal to the Bearcats.“They turned me into the player I am today,” Hudgins said. “All the records I broke and everything else, it's all coach and the players I played with — just how we played, how well we were coached. It made a huge impact on me.”The Bearcats win despite being in a talent-lean area of the country, though most of their players still come from a relatively small geographic area. And that speaks volumes of the ability of McCollum and his staff to identify underappreciated talent like Hudgins, who received no Division I offers despite growing up in the same town as Kansas State.On the floor, the Bearcats run perhaps the most efficient offense in college basketball. It's predicated on angles and screens and spacing to get open looks, but there are no discernable patterns. It is a nightmare to defend.“We just get the right players, and I mean, the coaching staff is a big part of it,” said forward Wes Dreamer, who grew up not far from the University of Nebraska. “Then it comes down to effort in the end, and what Coach Mac is telling us to do.”There are plenty of examples of Division I schools plucking head coaches from the lower rungs of the sport.Missouri hired Kim Anderson, fresh off a national title at Central Missouri, to lead its program, though he was fired after just three years. Indiana State recently hired Lincoln coach Josh Shertz, who had taken the Railsplitters to three Final Fours since 2016. And Mount St. Mary's hired Dan Engelstead in 2018 from Southern Vermont, a Division III program, and two years ago he took the Mountaineers to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history.Those three coaches had been Division I assistants, though. McCollum has never worked at that level. So if he does leave Northwest Missouri State, it will probably take an athletic director willing to take a calculated risk, and a considerable leap of faith, in hiring McCollum to lead a program at college basketball's highest level.Just like administrators did at Northwest Missouri State more than a decade ago.

Northwest Missouri State hoops on verge of becoming dynasty

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas suspended Hall of Fame coach Bill Self and top assistant Kurtis Townsend for the first four games of the season Wednesday, along with imposing several recruiting restrictions, as part of the fallout from a lengthy FBI investigation into college basketball corruption.

Norm Roberts will be the acting coach for the defending national champions beginning with their opener Monday night against Omaha. Self and Townsend also will miss games against North Dakota State and Southern Utah along with a high-profile showdown between the No. 5 Jayhawks and No. 7 Duke in the Champions Classic.

Self and Townsend will rejoin the team to face North Carolina State at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas on Nov. 23.

The school already had barred the two coaches from off-campus recruiting this past summer. It will also reduce the number of official visits during the 2023-24 academic year, reduce the total number of scholarships by three over a three-year span and reduce the number of permissible recruiting days during the upcoming year by 13 days.

There were no official visitors this year for Late Night at the Phog, the annual celebration to kick off the season.

“Coach Townsend and I accept and support KU’s decision,” Self said in a statement. “We are in good hands with Coach Roberts, and I am confident that he will do a great job on the bench leading our team. I am proud of the way our guys have handled this situation and I look forward to returning to the bench for our game against N.C. State.”

The infractions case against Kansas stems from a federal investigation in 2017 that led to the conviction of shoe company executives, a middleman who worked with them and several assistant coaches.

Kansas was among the schools named in the case, along with Arizona, LSU, Louisville and N.C. State.

The Kansas case hinged on whether representatives of apparel company Adidas were considered boosters — the school contends they were not — when two of them arranged payments to prospective recruits. The school never disputed that the payments were made, only that it had any knowledge that the inducements were happening.

Auburn received four years of probation through a traditional NCAA infractions process for a similar case, but Kansas joined other schools in appealing its case to an Independent Accountability Review Panel, which was among the proposals made by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2018 to reform the sport.

The panel works outside the purview of the NCAA and was designed to handle particularly complex cases. But its work has been painfully slow — NCAA president Mark Emmert acknowledged the process takes “way too long” — and Kansas decided to self-impose restrictions while continuing to wait for the IARP to announce its decision.

“We are hopeful these difficult self-imposed sanctions will assist in bringing the case to a conclusion,” Kansas athletic director Travis Goff said in a statement, and declining any additional comment. “Until then, we will continue to focus on supporting our outstanding men’s basketball student-athletes and coaches.”

Kansas had already doubled down on Self by signing him to a new contract in April 2021.

Under the terms of the five-year deal, Self gets one additional year after the conclusion of each season — in effect, making it a lifetime contract. It guaranteed him $5.41 million per year with a base salary of $225,000, a professional services contract of $2.75 million and an annual $2.435 million retention bonus.

The contract includes a clause that states the school cannot fire Self for cause “due to any current infractions matter that involves conduct that occurred on or prior to” the signing of the deal. And while he would have to forfeit half of his base salary and professional services pay while serving any Big 12 or NCAA suspension, it's unclear whether that includes any self-imposed suspensions such as the one handed down Wednesday.

“Throughout this process, we have had ongoing conversations with all the involved parties,” Kansas chancellor Douglas A. Girod said in a statement. “We believe the actions we are announcing today move us closer to resolving this matter."

Making the Kansas case more complex, though, is the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports. Some of the alleged infractions from the 2017 investigation would no longer be against the rules following name, image and likeness legislation, which has allowed athletes in all sports to begin making money from endorsements and other off-the-field business arrangements.

Meanwhile, the days of postseason bans and crippling scholarship reductions as punishments appear to be ending.

Memphis was placed on three years of probation in August and slapped with a public reprimand and fine for violations in the recruitment of James Wiseman, now with the Golden State Warriors. But the Tigers escaped any scholarship penalties or postseason bans because the IARP said it did not want to punish current athletes.

Even as the IARP continues to work on several cases, the NCAA’s Division I Transformation Committee earlier this year put forth a recommendation to end the process. The proposal was swiftly adopted by the Division I Board of Directors.

“We look forward to commenting further when this process is fully resolved,” Girod said of the IARP process. “Until then, I want to reiterate our unwavering support of Coach Self and our men’s basketball program.”

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas suspended Hall of Fame coach Bill Self and top assistant Kurtis Townsend for the first four games of the season Wednesday, along with imposing several recruiting restrictions, as part of the fallout from a lengthy FBI investigation into college basketball corruption.Norm Roberts will be the acting coach for the defending national champions beginning with their opener Monday night against Omaha. Self and Townsend also will miss games against North Dakota State and Southern Utah along with a high-profile showdown between the No. 5 Jayhawks and No. 7 Duke in the Champions Classic.Self and Townsend will rejoin the team to face North Carolina State at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas on Nov. 23.The school already had barred the two coaches from off-campus recruiting this past summer. It will also reduce the number of official visits during the 2023-24 academic year, reduce the total number of scholarships by three over a three-year span and reduce the number of permissible recruiting days during the upcoming year by 13 days.There were no official visitors this year for Late Night at the Phog, the annual celebration to kick off the season.“Coach Townsend and I accept and support KU’s decision,” Self said in a statement. “We are in good hands with Coach Roberts, and I am confident that he will do a great job on the bench leading our team. I am proud of the way our guys have handled this situation and I look forward to returning to the bench for our game against N.C. State.”The infractions case against Kansas stems from a federal investigation in 2017 that led to the conviction of shoe company executives, a middleman who worked with them and several assistant coaches.Kansas was among the schools named in the case, along with Arizona, LSU, Louisville and N.C. State.The Kansas case hinged on whether representatives of apparel company Adidas were considered boosters — the school contends they were not — when two of them arranged payments to prospective recruits. The school never disputed that the payments were made, only that it had any knowledge that the inducements were happening.Auburn received four years of probation through a traditional NCAA infractions process for a similar case, but Kansas joined other schools in appealing its case to an Independent Accountability Review Panel, which was among the proposals made by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2018 to reform the sport.The panel works outside the purview of the NCAA and was designed to handle particularly complex cases. But its work has been painfully slow — NCAA president Mark Emmert acknowledged the process takes “way too long” — and Kansas decided to self-impose restrictions while continuing to wait for the IARP to announce its decision.“We are hopeful these difficult self-imposed sanctions will assist in bringing the case to a conclusion,” Kansas athletic director Travis Goff said in a statement, and declining any additional comment. “Until then, we will continue to focus on supporting our outstanding men’s basketball student-athletes and coaches.”Kansas had already doubled down on Self by signing him to a new contract in April 2021.Under the terms of the five-year deal, Self gets one additional year after the conclusion of each season — in effect, making it a lifetime contract. It guaranteed him $5.41 million per year with a base salary of $225,000, a professional services contract of $2.75 million and an annual $2.435 million retention bonus.The contract includes a clause that states the school cannot fire Self for cause “due to any current infractions matter that involves conduct that occurred on or prior to” the signing of the deal. And while he would have to forfeit half of his base salary and professional services pay while serving any Big 12 or NCAA suspension, it's unclear whether that includes any self-imposed suspensions such as the one handed down Wednesday.“Throughout this process, we have had ongoing conversations with all the involved parties,” Kansas chancellor Douglas A. Girod said in a statement. “We believe the actions we are announcing today move us closer to resolving this matter."Making the Kansas case more complex, though, is the rapidly shifting landscape of college sports. Some of the alleged infractions from the 2017 investigation would no longer be against the rules following name, image and likeness legislation, which has allowed athletes in all sports to begin making money from endorsements and other off-the-field business arrangements.Meanwhile, the days of postseason bans and crippling scholarship reductions as punishments appear to be ending.Memphis was placed on three years of probation in August and slapped with a public reprimand and fine for violations in the recruitment of James Wiseman, now with the Golden State Warriors. But the Tigers escaped any scholarship penalties or postseason bans because the IARP said it did not want to punish current athletes.Even as the IARP continues to work on several cases, the NCAA’s Division I Transformation Committee earlier this year put forth a recommendation to end the process. The proposal was swiftly adopted by the Division I Board of Directors.“We look forward to commenting further when this process is fully resolved,” Girod said of the IARP process. “Until then, I want to reiterate our unwavering support of Coach Self and our men’s basketball program.”

Kansas suspends Self for 4 games in ongoing infractions case

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State used an impressive first-half start to extend its winning streak in exhibition play to 28 games at home in a 76-49 victory over Washburn on Tuesday night before 6,800 fans at Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats have not lost an exhibition game at home since the second exhibition of the 2003-04 season and have now won 11 straight overall in exhibition play since 2016.

K-State used a mixture of efficient offense and stifling defense to jump out to a 35-10 lead with just over 6 minutes left in the first half. Nine different players scored during this stretch, including 8 by senior Keyontae Johnson, who was playing in his first game in front of fans in two seasons. Fellow senior Markquis Nowell and sophomore Cam Carter added 6 and 5 points, respectively, in this decisive span.

The Ichabods, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2021-22, never got the lead below 22 points in the second half, as the Wildcat lead ballooned to as many as 34 (74-40) with 3 minutes to play.

Carter led all scorers with 13 points on 4-of-7 field goals and 4-of-5 free throws to go with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a team-high 24 minutes, while junior Nae'Qwan Tomlin added 11 points and a team-high 7 rebounds in nearly 20 minutes off the bench. Three others – Johnson, Nowell and junior David N'Guessan – each had 8 points.

All 15 players saw action with no one playing more than 23 minutes, while 12 of the 15 scored at least one point.

K-State connected on 44.4 percent (28-of-63) from the field, including 57.5 percent (23-of-40) from inside the 3-point arc with 46 of the Wildcats' 76 points coming in the paint. The team controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Ichabods, 54-38, including 21 offensive rebounds that resulted in a 23-5 edge in second-chance points.

The defense was also impressive on the night, as K-State held Washburn to just 25.9 percent (15-of-58) shooting, including 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from 3-point range, while forcing 20 turnovers. The Ichabods had just 38 points with just under 4 minutes to play before scoring 11 points in the last 3:31.

Junior Connor Deffebaugh was lone Washburn player in double figures, as he finished with 11 points on 4-of-13 field goals and 2-of-3 free throws.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667383008320.jpeg" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State used an impressive first-half start to extend its winning streak in exhibition play to 28 games at home in a 76-49 victory over Washburn on Tuesday night before 6,800 fans at Bramlage Coliseum.The Wildcats have not lost an exhibition game at home since the second exhibition of the 2003-04 season and have now won 11 straight overall in exhibition play since 2016.K-State used a mixture of efficient offense and stifling defense to jump out to a 35-10 lead with just over 6 minutes left in the first half. Nine different players scored during this stretch, including 8 by senior Keyontae Johnson, who was playing in his first game in front of fans in two seasons. Fellow senior Markquis Nowell and sophomore Cam Carter added 6 and 5 points, respectively, in this decisive span.The Ichabods, who advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2021-22, never got the lead below 22 points in the second half, as the Wildcat lead ballooned to as many as 34 (74-40) with 3 minutes to play.Carter led all scorers with 13 points on 4-of-7 field goals and 4-of-5 free throws to go with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in a team-high 24 minutes, while junior Nae'Qwan Tomlin added 11 points and a team-high 7 rebounds in nearly 20 minutes off the bench. Three others – Johnson, Nowell and junior David N'Guessan – each had 8 points.All 15 players saw action with no one playing more than 23 minutes, while 12 of the 15 scored at least one point.K-State connected on 44.4 percent (28-of-63) from the field, including 57.5 percent (23-of-40) from inside the 3-point arc with 46 of the Wildcats' 76 points coming in the paint. The team controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Ichabods, 54-38, including 21 offensive rebounds that resulted in a 23-5 edge in second-chance points.The defense was also impressive on the night, as K-State held Washburn to just 25.9 percent (15-of-58) shooting, including 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from 3-point range, while forcing 20 turnovers. The Ichabods had just 38 points with just under 4 minutes to play before scoring 11 points in the last 3:31.Junior Connor Deffebaugh was lone Washburn player in double figures, as he finished with 11 points on 4-of-13 field goals and 2-of-3 free throws.

Impressive Start Propels K-State Past Washburn in Exhibition Play

Running backs have been dominant in the Big 12 this season.

Five of the top 13 Power Five conference rushers in yards per game hail from the league. Kendre Miller is a key reason unbeaten TCU has a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff. Texas' Bijan Robinson is projected by many to be a first-round draft pick. Deuce Vaughn — a 5-foot-6 dynamo — has fueled Kansas State's surprising run into the Big 12 title race. And Oklahoma's Eric Gray and Baylor's Richard Reese both average nearly 100 yards rushing per game.

Miller averages 106.4 yards rushing per game and has scored 11 touchdowns for the 8-0 Horned Frogs. He ran for 120 yards and a touchdown in last week's 41-31 win over West Virginia.

“Kendre’s stepped up like you hoped he would and I think has shown everybody, certainly, what he’s capable of,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “I think (he is) one of the best running backs in college football -- just what he does and how he does it. And he’s certainly incredibly valuable to us and the way that we use him. He’s just a combination of power and balance and speed and can make big plays.”

Miller arrived at TCU with Zach Evans, a five-star recruit and the highest-ranked ever signed with Gary Patterson. Evans transferred to Ole Miss after TCU’s coaching change, and Miller has stepped up by rushing for at least 100 yards in five of his past six games.

“When your number is called, you’ve just got to produce, and I think it’s a big deal to do it week in and week out, so that’s where I try to be with my game,” Miller said. “I try to stay consistent and do it every week, so that (separates) the great ones from the good ones.”

Miller has rushing touchdowns in all eight games this season and nine consecutive games overall going back to last season's finale. It's the second-longest streak in school history, trailing only NFL Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s 15 in a row from 1999-2000. Among active Power Five running backs, Miller’s career 6.92 yards-per-carry is the most, just ahead of Evans’ 6.86.

Texas' Robinson leads the conference with 115.0 yards rushing per game. When his 280 yards receiving are added, his contribution jumps to 150 all-purpose yards per game – good for seventh nationally.

Vaughn is second in the league with 112.8 yards rushing per game and has 130 yards receiving.

“He’s got great hips and feet and vision,” Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof said before his Sooners allowed 116 yards rushing to Vaughn. “He’s got a lot of patience too. He’ll stay back there, wait for somebody to get nosy and jump out of their gap and then here he goes. At the same time, he’s a weapon in the throwing game as well too. They get very creative in how they get him the ball.”

Gray has become Oklahoma's most consistent offensive player. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in five of his eight games. He averages 99.5 yards per contest. His 6.8 yards per carry rank seventh nationally.

Reese — a freshman — is averaging 98.9 yards rushing per game for Baylor, and he leads the league with 12 rushing touchdowns.

West Virginia’s CJ Donaldson and Tony Mathis, Kansas’ Devin Neal and Oklahoma State’s Dominic Richardson also have had great moments and rank in the Top 10 in the league in rushing yards per contest.

“I think the league is really good,” Dykes said. “I mean, obviously everybody’s kind of got backs that fit their personality. And they’re all different. … So you just look around the league, there’s just a lot of really good running backs.”

Running backs have been dominant in the Big 12 this season.Five of the top 13 Power Five conference rushers in yards per game hail from the league. Kendre Miller is a key reason unbeaten TCU has a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff. Texas' Bijan Robinson is projected by many to be a first-round draft pick. Deuce Vaughn — a 5-foot-6 dynamo — has fueled Kansas State's surprising run into the Big 12 title race. And Oklahoma's Eric Gray and Baylor's Richard Reese both average nearly 100 yards rushing per game.Miller averages 106.4 yards rushing per game and has scored 11 touchdowns for the 8-0 Horned Frogs. He ran for 120 yards and a touchdown in last week's 41-31 win over West Virginia.“Kendre’s stepped up like you hoped he would and I think has shown everybody, certainly, what he’s capable of,” TCU coach Sonny Dykes said. “I think (he is) one of the best running backs in college football -- just what he does and how he does it. And he’s certainly incredibly valuable to us and the way that we use him. He’s just a combination of power and balance and speed and can make big plays.”Miller arrived at TCU with Zach Evans, a five-star recruit and the highest-ranked ever signed with Gary Patterson. Evans transferred to Ole Miss after TCU’s coaching change, and Miller has stepped up by rushing for at least 100 yards in five of his past six games.“When your number is called, you’ve just got to produce, and I think it’s a big deal to do it week in and week out, so that’s where I try to be with my game,” Miller said. “I try to stay consistent and do it every week, so that (separates) the great ones from the good ones.”Miller has rushing touchdowns in all eight games this season and nine consecutive games overall going back to last season's finale. It's the second-longest streak in school history, trailing only NFL Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s 15 in a row from 1999-2000. Among active Power Five running backs, Miller’s career 6.92 yards-per-carry is the most, just ahead of Evans’ 6.86.Texas' Robinson leads the conference with 115.0 yards rushing per game. When his 280 yards receiving are added, his contribution jumps to 150 all-purpose yards per game – good for seventh nationally.Vaughn is second in the league with 112.8 yards rushing per game and has 130 yards receiving.“He’s got great hips and feet and vision,” Oklahoma defensive coordinator Ted Roof said before his Sooners allowed 116 yards rushing to Vaughn. “He’s got a lot of patience too. He’ll stay back there, wait for somebody to get nosy and jump out of their gap and then here he goes. At the same time, he’s a weapon in the throwing game as well too. They get very creative in how they get him the ball.”Gray has become Oklahoma's most consistent offensive player. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in five of his eight games. He averages 99.5 yards per contest. His 6.8 yards per carry rank seventh nationally.Reese — a freshman — is averaging 98.9 yards rushing per game for Baylor, and he leads the league with 12 rushing touchdowns.West Virginia’s CJ Donaldson and Tony Mathis, Kansas’ Devin Neal and Oklahoma State’s Dominic Richardson also have had great moments and rank in the Top 10 in the league in rushing yards per contest.“I think the league is really good,” Dykes said. “I mean, obviously everybody’s kind of got backs that fit their personality. And they’re all different. … So you just look around the league, there’s just a lot of really good running backs.”

Miller, Robinson, Vaughn lead RBs making mark in Big 12

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons, in need of depth at cornerback, acquired Rashad Fenton from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2023 conditional seventh-round pick before Tuesday's trade deadline.

Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell missed Sunday's 37-34 overtime win over Carolina with a hamstring injury. Casey Hayward, who opened the season with Terrell as the starting cornerbacks, is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

Fenton was a sixth-round pick from South Carolina in 2019. He has started 16 of 47 games played over his four seasons and has 117 total tackles with 20 passes defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble.

Fenton has 24 total tackles while starting five games this season.

The Falcons on Tuesday also traded safety Dean Marlowe to the Buffalo Bills for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick.

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons, in need of depth at cornerback, acquired Rashad Fenton from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2023 conditional seventh-round pick before Tuesday's trade deadline.Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell missed Sunday's 37-34 overtime win over Carolina with a hamstring injury. Casey Hayward, who opened the season with Terrell as the starting cornerbacks, is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.Fenton was a sixth-round pick from South Carolina in 2019. He has started 16 of 47 games played over his four seasons and has 117 total tackles with 20 passes defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble.The Falcons announced the trade.Fenton has 24 total tackles while starting five games this season.The Falcons on Tuesday also traded safety Dean Marlowe to the Buffalo Bills for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick.

Falcons add depth at cornerback, acquire Fenton from Chiefs

Barton Men 110 Sterling 46; Barton Women 96 Sterling 43

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639328302345.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>Barton Men 110 Sterling 46; Barton Women 96 Sterling 43<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/3fblext4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>


- Voice of the Barton Cougars and Hoisington Cardinal Football Cole
Reif


- Macksville Football Coach Kyle Bright along with Senior Captains
Ryan Kuckelman and Lance Lickiss

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- Voice of the Barton Cougars and Hoisington Cardinal Football Cole
Reif
- Macksville Football Coach Kyle Bright along with Senior Captains
Ryan Kuckelman and Lance Lickiss
- “On the Prowl” with Mike Courson
- Tuesday Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the past 24 hours

(WATCH) Tuesday on Sports Day

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Former Kansas baseball catcher and current Philadelphia Phillies manager, Rob Thomson, has led the Phillies organization back to the World Series for the first time since 2009. Thomson was a catcher at KU from 1983-85 and posted the best hitting season in program history in 1984 with a .443 batting average.

“He has grinded his way through professional baseball for a really long time,” Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “He really epitomizes what a Jayhawk is – a big-time, blue-collar grinder. To play for the ultimate prize in baseball in the World Series is pretty special.”

The Phillies defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 in the first round, then knocked off the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series with a 3-1 series win. Thomson and the Phillies advanced to the World Series by beating the San Diego Padres 4-1 in the National League Championship Series.

Thomson was named the interim manager for the Phillies on June 3, 2022 following the dismissal of Joe Girardi. Thomson had the interim tag removed from his title on October 10 and was given a two-year contract extension. He took over the club with a 22-29 record and led the Phillies to an 87-75 regular-season record and a trip to the postseason.

“He’s finally gotten the opportunity,” said former Kansas assistant Lee Ice, who coached with the Jayhawks from 1984-90 and played baseball at KU from 1976-78. “I think he would have been successful even if he would have had the opportunity sooner. That’s what I saw in him from following his career and his organizational skills. His attention to detail is incredible. I’m happy for him.”

Former teammate Scott Jones echoed that sentiment. “Rob was a terrific teammate at KU,” said Jones, who played at Kansas in 1984 and was teammates with Thomson. “He was generous with his talent as a ball player on the field and off the field. His generosity included providing support and advice to his teammates to improve their performance and our team’s performance. His future as a coach and ultimately a manager was evident.”

Thomson was a career .369 hitter during his three seasons at KU, which is tied for the fifth-highest career batting average in program history (minimum 200 at-bats). He also ended his career with the sixth-best slugging percentage at .570 and ninth-highest on-base percentage at .448. Following the 1984 and 1985 seasons, Thomson was awarded the Gib Francis MVP Award as voted on by his teammates.

“Rob was an exceptional leader for us and a great catcher back when I played with him in 1983 and 1984,” former teammate and pitcher Kevin Kroeker said. “I’m so glad he finally got a chance to manage after all these years. He’s totally turned the Phillies into winners that believe in themselves (just like Rob).”

Thomson’s leadership was pretty clear to his old coach as well.

“That’s the first thing that comes to mind,” Ice said. “A lot of the players that played at that time looked to Rob because of how tough he was and he was kind of the quarterback of the club. He’s the guy that ran the pitching staff.”

Thomson went on to be drafted in the 32nd round of the 1985 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Following a short playing career with the Tigers, Thomson transitioned into coaching and has spent more than 30 years working in various positions with the Tigers, New York Yankees and now the Philadelphia Phillies.

Thomson spent 27 years in the Yankees organization in the front office and as a coach. He was the bench coach for the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees. Thomson helped coach Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez during his time in New York and was in the organization for five World Series Championships.

The last KU player to participate in the World Series was Bob Allison on the 1965 Minnesota Twins. Allison played at KU in 1954. Thomson is believed to be the first KU player to manage in the World Series.

“It’s just cool to see the success that he’s having after all these years,” Ice concluded. “He’s very proud of being a Jayhawk and I think people are starting to realize that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667318405869.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. — Former Kansas baseball catcher and current Philadelphia Phillies manager, Rob Thomson, has led the Phillies organization back to the World Series for the first time since 2009. Thomson was a catcher at KU from 1983-85 and posted the best hitting season in program history in 1984 with a .443 batting average.“He has grinded his way through professional baseball for a really long time,” Head Coach Dan Fitzgerald said. “He really epitomizes what a Jayhawk is – a big-time, blue-collar grinder. To play for the ultimate prize in baseball in the World Series is pretty special.”The Phillies defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 in the first round, then knocked off the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves in the National League Division Series with a 3-1 series win. Thomson and the Phillies advanced to the World Series by beating the San Diego Padres 4-1 in the National League Championship Series.Thomson was named the interim manager for the Phillies on June 3, 2022 following the dismissal of Joe Girardi. Thomson had the interim tag removed from his title on October 10 and was given a two-year contract extension. He took over the club with a 22-29 record and led the Phillies to an 87-75 regular-season record and a trip to the postseason.“He’s finally gotten the opportunity,” said former Kansas assistant Lee Ice, who coached with the Jayhawks from 1984-90 and played baseball at KU from 1976-78. “I think he would have been successful even if he would have had the opportunity sooner. That’s what I saw in him from following his career and his organizational skills. His attention to detail is incredible. I’m happy for him.”Former teammate Scott Jones echoed that sentiment. “Rob was a terrific teammate at KU,” said Jones, who played at Kansas in 1984 and was teammates with Thomson. “He was generous with his talent as a ball player on the field and off the field. His generosity included providing support and advice to his teammates to improve their performance and our team’s performance. His future as a coach and ultimately a manager was evident.”Thomson was a career .369 hitter during his three seasons at KU, which is tied for the fifth-highest career batting average in program history (minimum 200 at-bats). He also ended his career with the sixth-best slugging percentage at .570 and ninth-highest on-base percentage at .448. Following the 1984 and 1985 seasons, Thomson was awarded the Gib Francis MVP Award as voted on by his teammates.“Rob was an exceptional leader for us and a great catcher back when I played with him in 1983 and 1984,” former teammate and pitcher Kevin Kroeker said. “I’m so glad he finally got a chance to manage after all these years. He’s totally turned the Phillies into winners that believe in themselves (just like Rob).”Thomson’s leadership was pretty clear to his old coach as well.“That’s the first thing that comes to mind,” Ice said. “A lot of the players that played at that time looked to Rob because of how tough he was and he was kind of the quarterback of the club. He’s the guy that ran the pitching staff.”Thomson went on to be drafted in the 32nd round of the 1985 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Following a short playing career with the Tigers, Thomson transitioned into coaching and has spent more than 30 years working in various positions with the Tigers, New York Yankees and now the Philadelphia Phillies.Thomson spent 27 years in the Yankees organization in the front office and as a coach. He was the bench coach for the 2009 World Series Champion New York Yankees. Thomson helped coach Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez during his time in New York and was in the organization for five World Series Championships.The last KU player to participate in the World Series was Bob Allison on the 1965 Minnesota Twins. Allison played at KU in 1954. Thomson is believed to be the first KU player to manage in the World Series.“It’s just cool to see the success that he’s having after all these years,” Ice concluded. “He’s very proud of being a Jayhawk and I think people are starting to realize that.”

Former Jayhawk Thomson Leads Phillies to the World Series

Baylor teammates Gabe Hall (defensive) and Richard Reese (newcomer) joined the K-State duo of Will Howard (offensive) and Ty Zentner (co-special teams) along with Oklahoma’s Michael Turk (co-special teams) in earning Big 12 Football Week 9 awards. Howard and Turk collected their second career honor while Reese picked up his second of the season. Hall and Zentner were recognized for the first time.

In a game-time decision to start after being injured the previous week, Howard tied the school record with four touchdown passes in No. 22 K-State’s 48-0 win over No. 9 Oklahoma State. The junior was 21-of-37 for 296 passing yards with no interceptions. His completions and passing yards were both career highs. Howard is the third QB in school history to throw four TD passes in a half as he led the Wildcats to their second win this season over a Top 10 team.

Hall led the charge defensively for Baylor in its 45-17 win at Texas Tech, recording three sacks for a loss of 24 yards. The junior DL recorded half of BU’s six sacks by himself, as the Bears constantly found pressure on Tech’s trio of quarterbacks throughout the game. Six sacks were Baylor’s most in a game this season. Hall also recorded a QB hurry, as BU snatched five interceptions in the game, its most in a contest since 1989 vs. TCU.

Zentner handled all three kicking duties for K-State for the first time this season. Two of his four punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and five of his nine kickoffs were touchbacks. The senior also connected on both of his field goal attempts, from 23 and 29 yards, and had a 51-yard punt.

Turk averaged 49.3 yards on his six punts and became Oklahoma's first full-time punter since 1970 to throw a touchdown pass in OU's 27-13 win at Iowa State. The TD pass came on a fake field goal attempt as Turk, the holder, flipped the ball to kicker Zach Schmit, who ran the ball in from two yards out to give OU a 10-3 second-quarter lead. As a punter, the senior was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, booming 61- and 60-yarders to flip the field with the Sooners holding on to a seven-point lead. The 60-yard punt was downed at the two-yard line, and OU's defense registered takeaways on both ensuing ISU possessions. Turk leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally with his 45.8-yard punt average this season.

Reese was once again a workhorse for the Bears in their 45-17 win at Texas Tech. He topped his career high with 36 carries, after setting his previous best just one week ago with 31 vs. Kansas, and ran for 148 yards and three TDs. It was Reese’s third 100-plus yard game of the season and fourth multi-TD effort. He has 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022, which already ranks tied for seventh in a single season in program history. That mark is also good for seventh nationally. Since 2014, only one other Bear has rushed for as many TDs as Reese (Abram Smith, 12 in 2021). He now sits just 90 yards shy of BU’s freshman rushing record. Reese is second nationally among all freshmen in rushing yards (791) and rushing TDs (12).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667318106382.png" alt="big12sports.com" />
 <figcaption>big12sports.com</figcaption>
 </figure>Baylor teammates Gabe Hall (defensive) and Richard Reese (newcomer) joined the K-State duo of Will Howard (offensive) and Ty Zentner (co-special teams) along with Oklahoma’s Michael Turk (co-special teams) in earning Big 12 Football Week 9 awards. Howard and Turk collected their second career honor while Reese picked up his second of the season. Hall and Zentner were recognized for the first time.In a game-time decision to start after being injured the previous week, Howard tied the school record with four touchdown passes in No. 22 K-State’s 48-0 win over No. 9 Oklahoma State. The junior was 21-of-37 for 296 passing yards with no interceptions. His completions and passing yards were both career highs. Howard is the third QB in school history to throw four TD passes in a half as he led the Wildcats to their second win this season over a Top 10 team.Hall led the charge defensively for Baylor in its 45-17 win at Texas Tech, recording three sacks for a loss of 24 yards. The junior DL recorded half of BU’s six sacks by himself, as the Bears constantly found pressure on Tech’s trio of quarterbacks throughout the game. Six sacks were Baylor’s most in a game this season. Hall also recorded a QB hurry, as BU snatched five interceptions in the game, its most in a contest since 1989 vs. TCU.Zentner handled all three kicking duties for K-State for the first time this season. Two of his four punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and five of his nine kickoffs were touchbacks. The senior also connected on both of his field goal attempts, from 23 and 29 yards, and had a 51-yard punt.Turk averaged 49.3 yards on his six punts and became Oklahoma's first full-time punter since 1970 to throw a touchdown pass in OU's 27-13 win at Iowa State. The TD pass came on a fake field goal attempt as Turk, the holder, flipped the ball to kicker Zach Schmit, who ran the ball in from two yards out to give OU a 10-3 second-quarter lead. As a punter, the senior was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, booming 61- and 60-yarders to flip the field with the Sooners holding on to a seven-point lead. The 60-yard punt was downed at the two-yard line, and OU's defense registered takeaways on both ensuing ISU possessions. Turk leads the Big 12 and ranks sixth nationally with his 45.8-yard punt average this season.Reese was once again a workhorse for the Bears in their 45-17 win at Texas Tech. He topped his career high with 36 carries, after setting his previous best just one week ago with 31 vs. Kansas, and ran for 148 yards and three TDs. It was Reese’s third 100-plus yard game of the season and fourth multi-TD effort. He has 12 rushing touchdowns in 2022, which already ranks tied for seventh in a single season in program history. That mark is also good for seventh nationally. Since 2014, only one other Bear has rushed for as many TDs as Reese (Abram Smith, 12 in 2021). He now sits just 90 yards shy of BU’s freshman rushing record. Reese is second nationally among all freshmen in rushing yards (791) and rushing TDs (12).

Big 12’s Week 9 Football Awards Announced

By RYAN PRICKETT FHSU Sports Info

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team kept the Kansas State Wildcats on their toes for much of the first three quarters on Monday (Oct. 31) before KSU pulled away in the fourth quarter to win by 11 in exhibition play, 74-63. The Tigers were within one point at the end of the third frame, but K-State opened the fourth quarter on a 13-2 run to pull away for good.

The Tigers got off to a slow start, falling behind 10-0 before using a 14-2 run to take their first lead of the game on a corner 3-pointer from Sasha Koenig. Katie Wagner went 3-for-3 during the run, scoring the first six of her team-high 17 points. K-State regained the lead on a 3-pointer late in the first quarter before a stick-back layup from Clary Donica put the Tigers back in front early in the second stanza, 16-15.

The Wildcats regained control after that point, taking an eight-point lead into the locker room, 34-26. KSU then opened the second half on an 8-2 run to pad the lead to 14 before a massive 13-0 Tiger run cut the deficit to one.

Fort Hays State scored on six of seven possessions over the heart of the third quarter, including seven points from Kate Dilsaver. The Tiger defense forced seven-straight misses from the Wildcats and created one turnover during the three-minute, 43-second run.

Jessie Sallach opened the run with a jumper before Dilsaver buried a 3-pointer from the right wing. The Lincoln, Neb. sophomore then blocked a shot on the defensive end before Sydney Golladay made a layup through contact and connected on the ensuing free throw to make it a six-point game. A Donica free throw and a pair of driving layups from Dilsaver that bookended the media timeout helped the Tigers claw within one with 3:41 on the clock in the third quarter, 42-41.

The teams traded punches over the final minutes of the third quarter, with Brooke Loewe connecting on a pair of free throws to keep the margin at one entering the final frame, 47-46.

That's when the Wildcat defense took control, forcing FHSU to miss its first six shots and make five early turnovers in the fourth quarter. K-State took advantage, scoring eight of the first 10 points in the period to build the lead back to double figures. The Wildcats later led by as many as 16 before 3-pointers from Emma Ruddle and Whitney Brown and a Kia Wilson layup helped the Tigers close within 11 by the final horn.

Donica led the Tigers with 10 rebounds while adding seven points and two assists. Golladay led the team with five assists alongside five rebounds and three points. In addition to leading the team with 17 points, Wagner grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists. Thirteen different Tigers played in the game, with 11 of the 13 finding their way onto the scoresheet. K-State was led by Gabby Gregory with 22 points and nine rebounds.

The Tigers outshot K-State for the game, 38.7 percent to 37.9 percent. Each team collected 42 rebounds in the contest, with FHSU scoring seven second-chance points to eight for the Wildcats. FHSU outscored the Wildcats in the paint, 24-22, and off the bench, 30-13.

Fort Hays State and seven other top Division II teams from across the country will open the regular season this weekend at the 2022 D2CCA Tip-Off Classic inside historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The Tigers will first play West Texas A&amp;M, a national quarterfinalist from last season, on Saturday (Nov. 4) and before battling Southern Nazarene on Sunday (Nov. 5), with both contests beginning at 1:30 p.m. FHSU's home opener is set for Friday, November 18 against Minnesota State at 6 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667317844832.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN PRICKETT FHSU Sports InfoMANHATTAN, Kan. - The Fort Hays State women's basketball team kept the Kansas State Wildcats on their toes for much of the first three quarters on Monday (Oct. 31) before KSU pulled away in the fourth quarter to win by 11 in exhibition play, 74-63. The Tigers were within one point at the end of the third frame, but K-State opened the fourth quarter on a 13-2 run to pull away for good.The Tigers got off to a slow start, falling behind 10-0 before using a 14-2 run to take their first lead of the game on a corner 3-pointer from Sasha Koenig. Katie Wagner went 3-for-3 during the run, scoring the first six of her team-high 17 points. K-State regained the lead on a 3-pointer late in the first quarter before a stick-back layup from Clary Donica put the Tigers back in front early in the second stanza, 16-15.The Wildcats regained control after that point, taking an eight-point lead into the locker room, 34-26. KSU then opened the second half on an 8-2 run to pad the lead to 14 before a massive 13-0 Tiger run cut the deficit to one.Fort Hays State scored on six of seven possessions over the heart of the third quarter, including seven points from Kate Dilsaver. The Tiger defense forced seven-straight misses from the Wildcats and created one turnover during the three-minute, 43-second run.Jessie Sallach opened the run with a jumper before Dilsaver buried a 3-pointer from the right wing. The Lincoln, Neb. sophomore then blocked a shot on the defensive end before Sydney Golladay made a layup through contact and connected on the ensuing free throw to make it a six-point game. A Donica free throw and a pair of driving layups from Dilsaver that bookended the media timeout helped the Tigers claw within one with 3:41 on the clock in the third quarter, 42-41.The teams traded punches over the final minutes of the third quarter, with Brooke Loewe connecting on a pair of free throws to keep the margin at one entering the final frame, 47-46.That's when the Wildcat defense took control, forcing FHSU to miss its first six shots and make five early turnovers in the fourth quarter. K-State took advantage, scoring eight of the first 10 points in the period to build the lead back to double figures. The Wildcats later led by as many as 16 before 3-pointers from Emma Ruddle and Whitney Brown and a Kia Wilson layup helped the Tigers close within 11 by the final horn.Donica led the Tigers with 10 rebounds while adding seven points and two assists. Golladay led the team with five assists alongside five rebounds and three points. In addition to leading the team with 17 points, Wagner grabbed nine rebounds and dished out four assists. Thirteen different Tigers played in the game, with 11 of the 13 finding their way onto the scoresheet. K-State was led by Gabby Gregory with 22 points and nine rebounds.The Tigers outshot K-State for the game, 38.7 percent to 37.9 percent. Each team collected 42 rebounds in the contest, with FHSU scoring seven second-chance points to eight for the Wildcats. FHSU outscored the Wildcats in the paint, 24-22, and off the bench, 30-13.Fort Hays State and seven other top Division II teams from across the country will open the regular season this weekend at the 2022 D2CCA Tip-Off Classic inside historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo. The Tigers will first play West Texas A&amp;M, a national quarterfinalist from last season, on Saturday (Nov. 4) and before battling Southern Nazarene on Sunday (Nov. 5), with both contests beginning at 1:30 p.m. FHSU's home opener is set for Friday, November 18 against Minnesota State at 6 p.m.

Women's Basketball Keeps K-State Close in Exhibition Play


- “On the Prowl” with Mike Courson - Great Bend Boys Soccer Coach Chuy Loera

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 <figcaption>Presented By</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SNS2-pJZsV0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
- Voice of the Panthers Patrick Burnett
- Great Bend Tribune's Jim Misunas
- “On the Prowl” with Mike Courson - Great Bend Boys Soccer Coach Chuy Loera
- Weekend Sports Headlines
- Sounds of the Weekend

(WATCH) Monday on Sports Day

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Barton Men 2 KCK 2 - BCC wins in shootout

A Saturday morning visit to the Cougar Soccer Complex was not for the faint of the heart as 5th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team survived and advanced past the first round of the Region VI/Plains District on a fourteen round shootout over Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Setting up the shootout, the Cougars trailed with eighteen minutes to play before their constant offensive attack and near misses off the post finally resulted in the break they needed. Going to the penalty kick stripe following a Blue Devil hand-ball in the box, Tajay Grant delivered a tying goal with just 1:32 left.

Playing a pair of scoreless ten minute periods, the over three hour long battle finally came to a close in the 14th round as Dennis Bottcher produced the lone keeper save of the shootout setting up Arthur Seelig-Orth's big man on campus role driving the winner to the back of the net.

Next up for the now 14-4-1 Cougars is a Thursday trip to Wichita's Stryker Sports Complex for a 1:30 p.m. kick against 18th ranked Johnson County. The Cavaliers, who knocked off Barton 2-1 last Tuesday to secure the East's second seed, won Sunday 2-1 at home over Dodge City. KCK completes the 2022 season at 3-10-1.

A two goal differential didn't tell the whole story as the 17th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team controlled most of Saturday's Region VI/Plains District first round action in coming out victorious 4-2 hosting Kansas City Kansas Community College

Barton outshot the Blue Devils 35-4 in the ninety minutes, sending seventeen on frame while allowing just three. Leading 2-1 into the halftime break, the Cougars put two more on the board before the mid-point in cruising the final fifteen until a late Blue Devil score with thirty-five seconds left closed out the scoring.

The second seeded Cougars improve to 15-3 on the year, advancing to Thursday's 11:00 a.m. semifinal round at Wichita's Stryker Sports Complex against third seeded Coffeyville (14-4-1) as the Red Ravens dispatched Cowley 5-2 on Sunday. KCK completes the 2022 season at 5-9-2.

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoBarton Men 2 KCK 2 - BCC wins in shootoutA Saturday morning visit to the Cougar Soccer Complex was not for the faint of the heart as 5th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team survived and advanced past the first round of the Region VI/Plains District on a fourteen round shootout over Kansas City Kansas Community College.Setting up the shootout, the Cougars trailed with eighteen minutes to play before their constant offensive attack and near misses off the post finally resulted in the break they needed. Going to the penalty kick stripe following a Blue Devil hand-ball in the box, Tajay Grant delivered a tying goal with just 1:32 left.Playing a pair of scoreless ten minute periods, the over three hour long battle finally came to a close in the 14th round as Dennis Bottcher produced the lone keeper save of the shootout setting up Arthur Seelig-Orth's big man on campus role driving the winner to the back of the net.Next up for the now 14-4-1 Cougars is a Thursday trip to Wichita's Stryker Sports Complex for a 1:30 p.m. kick against 18th ranked Johnson County. The Cavaliers, who knocked off Barton 2-1 last Tuesday to secure the East's second seed, won Sunday 2-1 at home over Dodge City. KCK completes the 2022 season at 3-10-1.Barton Women 4 KCK 2A two goal differential didn't tell the whole story as the 17th ranked Barton Community College women's soccer team controlled most of Saturday's Region VI/Plains District first round action in coming out victorious 4-2 hosting Kansas City Kansas Community CollegeBarton outshot the Blue Devils 35-4 in the ninety minutes, sending seventeen on frame while allowing just three. Leading 2-1 into the halftime break, the Cougars put two more on the board before the mid-point in cruising the final fifteen until a late Blue Devil score with thirty-five seconds left closed out the scoring.The second seeded Cougars improve to 15-3 on the year, advancing to Thursday's 11:00 a.m. semifinal round at Wichita's Stryker Sports Complex against third seeded Coffeyville (14-4-1) as the Red Ravens dispatched Cowley 5-2 on Sunday. KCK completes the 2022 season at 5-9-2.

Barton Men and Women advance in Region 6

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hired Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro as manager Sunday night, turning over the young core of a rebuilding franchise to a forward-thinking manager with experience winning in a small market.

Quatraro replaces Mike Matheny, who was fired as part of a wide-spread shakeup within the Royals after a 65-97 finish for their sixth straight losing season. Quatraro was chosen by Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who took over as head of the club's baseball operations after the firing of longtime front-office executive Dayton Moore.

“We are extremely excited to have Matt leading our club and core of talent,” Picollo said in a statement. “Matt has great experiences throughout his career that have prepared him for this. He thoroughly impressed us all during our interview process and is clearly respected across the industry.”

The Royals interviewed their own bench coach, Pedro Grifol, along with third base coach Vance Wilson and Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman. They also expressed interest in Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and Boston Red Sox bench coach Will Venable, who have been linked to manager openings elsewhere.

One of the priorities that owner John Sherman had in overhauling the front office was that it lean more heavily on advanced analytics. And the 48-year-old Quatraro reflects that same emphasis in the manager; the Rays have excelled in using analytics to guide their decision-making, allowing them to consistently compete despite modest payrolls.

“I do think the managerial position has changed,” Picollo said. “You talk to players around the league, executives — there are things teams are doing that are pretty advanced. Our goal is to find out what those things are and implement them here.”

Tampa Bay has had five straight winning seasons while playing in the rugged AL East.

Quatraro, who interviewed for the Mets and A’s manager jobs last season, will take over one of the youngest teams in baseball, flush with up-and-coming talent such as AL rookie of the year candidate Bobby Witt Jr., catcher MJ Melendez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. However, there is a dearth of pitching prospects across the organization.

"I’m grateful to Mr. Sherman and the ownership group, J.J. and the front office, and everyone else with the Royals for this opportunity,” Quatraro said. “I already knew the talent on the roster and how great the fans in Kansas City are, and the interview process convinced me that the terrific things I’d heard about the organization’s culture are true. I can’t wait to get started, and for my family to get to Kansas City and be part of that community.”

Quatraro starred as a college catcher at Old Dominion before the Rays chose him in the eighth round of the 1996 first-year player draft. And while he eventually reached the Triple-A level, Quatraro never appeared in a major league game.

After retiring as a player, Quatraro began working as an instructor in the Rays' minor league system. He started out as a hitting coach for Class A Hudson Valley but eventually rose to become the franchise's minor-league hitting coordinator.

He was hired by Cleveland as its assistant hitting coach in 2010, and worked alongside manager Terry Francona through the 2017 season — a period in which Sherman was a minority owner of the franchise.

Quatraro eventually returned to the Rays as their third base coach, and when Charlie Montoyo was hired as manager of the Blue Jays after the 2018 season, he was promoted to bench coach. He had served since as a sounding board for Rays manager Kevin Cash, helping the club win two division titles and make four straight playoff appearances.

The Rays were swept by the Guardians earlier this month in their AL wild-card series.

“J.J. and his staff designed and executed a rigorous process that revealed Matt to be the best leader for our club,” Sherman said. “Matt is widely respected throughout baseball with a proven record and tangible contributions in two organizations that built winning cultures through creativity and innovation. We are thrilled to welcome Matt, his wife Chris, and sons George and Leo to the Kansas City community.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hired Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro as manager Sunday night, turning over the young core of a rebuilding franchise to a forward-thinking manager with experience winning in a small market.Quatraro replaces Mike Matheny, who was fired as part of a wide-spread shakeup within the Royals after a 65-97 finish for their sixth straight losing season. Quatraro was chosen by Royals general manager J.J. Picollo, who took over as head of the club's baseball operations after the firing of longtime front-office executive Dayton Moore.“We are extremely excited to have Matt leading our club and core of talent,” Picollo said in a statement. “Matt has great experiences throughout his career that have prepared him for this. He thoroughly impressed us all during our interview process and is clearly respected across the industry.”The Royals interviewed their own bench coach, Pedro Grifol, along with third base coach Vance Wilson and Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman. They also expressed interest in Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough and Boston Red Sox bench coach Will Venable, who have been linked to manager openings elsewhere.One of the priorities that owner John Sherman had in overhauling the front office was that it lean more heavily on advanced analytics. And the 48-year-old Quatraro reflects that same emphasis in the manager; the Rays have excelled in using analytics to guide their decision-making, allowing them to consistently compete despite modest payrolls.“I do think the managerial position has changed,” Picollo said. “You talk to players around the league, executives — there are things teams are doing that are pretty advanced. Our goal is to find out what those things are and implement them here.”Tampa Bay has had five straight winning seasons while playing in the rugged AL East.Quatraro, who interviewed for the Mets and A’s manager jobs last season, will take over one of the youngest teams in baseball, flush with up-and-coming talent such as AL rookie of the year candidate Bobby Witt Jr., catcher MJ Melendez and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. However, there is a dearth of pitching prospects across the organization."I’m grateful to Mr. Sherman and the ownership group, J.J. and the front office, and everyone else with the Royals for this opportunity,” Quatraro said. “I already knew the talent on the roster and how great the fans in Kansas City are, and the interview process convinced me that the terrific things I’d heard about the organization’s culture are true. I can’t wait to get started, and for my family to get to Kansas City and be part of that community.”Quatraro starred as a college catcher at Old Dominion before the Rays chose him in the eighth round of the 1996 first-year player draft. And while he eventually reached the Triple-A level, Quatraro never appeared in a major league game.After retiring as a player, Quatraro began working as an instructor in the Rays' minor league system. He started out as a hitting coach for Class A Hudson Valley but eventually rose to become the franchise's minor-league hitting coordinator.He was hired by Cleveland as its assistant hitting coach in 2010, and worked alongside manager Terry Francona through the 2017 season — a period in which Sherman was a minority owner of the franchise.Quatraro eventually returned to the Rays as their third base coach, and when Charlie Montoyo was hired as manager of the Blue Jays after the 2018 season, he was promoted to bench coach. He had served since as a sounding board for Rays manager Kevin Cash, helping the club win two division titles and make four straight playoff appearances.The Rays were swept by the Guardians earlier this month in their AL wild-card series.“J.J. and his staff designed and executed a rigorous process that revealed Matt to be the best leader for our club,” Sherman said. “Matt is widely respected throughout baseball with a proven record and tangible contributions in two organizations that built winning cultures through creativity and innovation. We are thrilled to welcome Matt, his wife Chris, and sons George and Leo to the Kansas City community.”

Royals hire Rays bench coach Matt Quatraro as manager

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

The night didn't go as planned for eight sophomores of the Barton Community College volleyball team as Dodge City Community College spoiled the home and regular season finale with a 3-1 victory (21-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-

Concluding the conference slate at 4-11 and 17-14 on the season, Barton will hit the road Wednesday for the first round of the Region VI/Plains District Tournament in a 6:30 p.m. first serve at 13th ranked and top seeded Seward County Community College. Dodge City completes at the slate at 10-6 and 21-8 on the year and will host Garden City in a first round matchup of the fourth and fifth seeds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667213480279.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoThe night didn't go as planned for eight sophomores of the Barton Community College volleyball team as Dodge City Community College spoiled the home and regular season finale with a 3-1 victory (21-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-Concluding the conference slate at 4-11 and 17-14 on the season, Barton will hit the road Wednesday for the first round of the Region VI/Plains District Tournament in a 6:30 p.m. first serve at 13th ranked and top seeded Seward County Community College. Dodge City completes at the slate at 10-6 and 21-8 on the year and will host Garden City in a first round matchup of the fourth and fifth seeds.

Barton Volleyball wraps up regular season

Tennessee moved into a tie with Ohio State for No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll. That sets up a 1 vs. 2 matchup next week between the Volunteers and top-ranked Georgia. It'll be the 25th regular-season game matching the top two teams in the AP poll, and the third straight involving Southeastern Conference teams. Neither the Bulldogs nor the Volunteers have ever played in a 1-2 game in the regular season. Georgia remained No. 1 for the fourth straight week, receiving 30 first-place votes and 1,528 points. The last time there was a tie at No. 2 in the AP poll was Nov. 14, 2004, between Auburn and Oklahoma behind No. 1 Southern California.

Others receiving votes: Texas 58, Kentucky 57, Maryland 36, Cincinnati 32, Notre Dame 24, Washington 12, Arkansas 11, Baylor 9, Florida St. 8, Coastal Carolina 8, Troy 7, Mississippi St. 5, Boise St. 4, East Carolina 2, South Carolina 2, Louisville 1, UTSA 1.

Tennessee moved into a tie with Ohio State for No. 2 in The Associated Press college football poll. That sets up a 1 vs. 2 matchup next week between the Volunteers and top-ranked Georgia. It'll be the 25th regular-season game matching the top two teams in the AP poll, and the third straight involving Southeastern Conference teams. Neither the Bulldogs nor the Volunteers have ever played in a 1-2 game in the regular season. Georgia remained No. 1 for the fourth straight week, receiving 30 first-place votes and 1,528 points. The last time there was a tie at No. 2 in the AP poll was Nov. 14, 2004, between Auburn and Oklahoma behind No. 1 Southern California.Record	Pts	Prv1. Georgia (30)	8-0	1528	12. Tennessee (18)	8-0	1500	32. Ohio St. (15)	8-0	1500	24. Michigan	8-0	1378	45. Clemson	8-0	1312	56. Alabama	7-1	1258	67. TCU	8-0	1220	78. Oregon	7-1	1135	89. Southern Cal	7-1	1010	1010. UCLA	7-1	979	1211. Mississippi	8-1	905	1512. Utah	6-2	876	1413. Kansas St.	6-2	772	2214. Illinois	7-1	741	1715. LSU	6-2	679	1816. Penn St.	6-2	641	1317. North Carolina	7-1	542	2118. Oklahoma St.	6-2	513	919. Tulane	7-1	455	2320. Wake Forest	6-2	388	1021. NC State	6-2	285	2422. Syracuse	6-2	205	1623. Liberty	7-1	136	-24. Oregon St.	6-2	129	-25. UCF	6-2	111	-Others receiving votes: Texas 58, Kentucky 57, Maryland 36, Cincinnati 32, Notre Dame 24, Washington 12, Arkansas 11, Baylor 9, Florida St. 8, Coastal Carolina 8, Troy 7, Mississippi St. 5, Boise St. 4, East Carolina 2, South Carolina 2, Louisville 1, UTSA 1.

K-State up to No. 13 in AP Poll

The Big 12 has reached an agreement on a six-year contract extension with ESPN and Fox worth more than $2 billion that will keep the conference's media rights with those networks through the 2030-31 college sports seasons, according to people familiar with the deal.

Two people confirmed details of the new media rights deal to The Associated Press on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because contracts have yet to be finalized and no official announcement was expected soon.

Sports Business Journal was the first to report the deal would be worth $380 million annually. The Big 12 still has two years left on its current deals with Fox and ESPN.

New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark announced in August he was engaging the networks in discussions about an extension and just a few weeks ago said a new deal could be done soon.

The television deal provides stability to a league that a little more than a year ago seemed to be in danger of falling apart. Oklahoma and Texas announced in the summer of 2021 that they intended to leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference at the end of the current TV deal, which expires in 2025.

Former Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and the conference moved quickly to add Houston, Cincinnati, Central Florida and BYU. Those four will join next year, giving the Big 12 14 teams for at least one season.

It would cost tens of millions of dollars for Texas and Oklahoma to break current contracts leave the conference early.

Without the Longhorns and Sooners, there were concerns about how much networks would value the the Big 12. The final two years of the current deal pays $220 million annually.

The Big 12 has reached an agreement on a six-year contract extension with ESPN and Fox worth more than $2 billion that will keep the conference's media rights with those networks through the 2030-31 college sports seasons, according to people familiar with the deal.Two people confirmed details of the new media rights deal to The Associated Press on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because contracts have yet to be finalized and no official announcement was expected soon.Sports Business Journal was the first to report the deal would be worth $380 million annually. The Big 12 still has two years left on its current deals with Fox and ESPN.New Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark announced in August he was engaging the networks in discussions about an extension and just a few weeks ago said a new deal could be done soon.The television deal provides stability to a league that a little more than a year ago seemed to be in danger of falling apart. Oklahoma and Texas announced in the summer of 2021 that they intended to leave the Big 12 for the Southeastern Conference at the end of the current TV deal, which expires in 2025.Former Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and the conference moved quickly to add Houston, Cincinnati, Central Florida and BYU. Those four will join next year, giving the Big 12 14 teams for at least one season.It would cost tens of millions of dollars for Texas and Oklahoma to break current contracts leave the conference early.Without the Longhorns and Sooners, there were concerns about how much networks would value the the Big 12. The final two years of the current deal pays $220 million annually.

Big 12 agrees to 6-year extension with ESPN, Fox

Girls Team Scores 1. St. James 51 2. Aquinas 81 3. Kapaun 115 4. Topeka Seaman 116 5. Great Bend 131 (Won tie-breaker) 6. DeSoto 131 7. Bishop Carroll 170 8. Emporia 184 9. Maize South 188 10. Hays 261 11. Lansing 301 12. Basehor-Linwood 339

Great Bend Girls 8. Marissa Boone 19:33.5 15. Addy Nicholson 19:45.4 34. Eliana Beckham 20:34.0 45. Sienna Smith 20:59.3 67. Morgan Beckwith 21:43.7 71. Reese King 21:48.6 86 Kate Welcher 22:11.9

Great Bend Boys 11. Kaiden Esfeld 16:13.7

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1667133846350.jpeg" alt="Saturday at Rim Rock Farm - Lawrence" />
 <figcaption>Saturday at Rim Rock Farm - Lawrence</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls Team Scores 1. St. James 51 2. Aquinas 81 3. Kapaun 115 4. Topeka Seaman 116 5. Great Bend 131 (Won tie-breaker) 6. DeSoto 131 7. Bishop Carroll 170 8. Emporia 184 9. Maize South 188 10. Hays 261 11. Lansing 301 12. Basehor-Linwood 339Great Bend Girls 8. Marissa Boone 19:33.5 15. Addy Nicholson 19:45.4 34. Eliana Beckham 20:34.0 45. Sienna Smith 20:59.3 67. Morgan Beckwith 21:43.7 71. Reese King 21:48.6 86 Kate Welcher 22:11.9Great Bend Boys 11. Kaiden Esfeld 16:13.7

Boone leads Lady Panthers to 5th place finish, Esfeld 11th for GBHS Boys

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — After the final seconds ticked away on No. 22 Kansas State's comprehensive 48-0 win over ninth-ranked Oklahoma State on Saturday, thousands of purple-clad fans didn't storm the field so much as they wandered onto it in celebration.

Which was altogether fitting, considering the way the Wildcats methodically trounced the Cowboys.

Backup quarterback Will Howard threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns, Deuce Vaughn ran for 158 yards and another score, and a late interception by the Wildcats sealed Oklahoma State's first shutout loss since 2009 while allowing Kansas State to remain a game behind TCU in the race for berths in the Big 12 championship game.

“This is as good a win as I've ever been a part of,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “Offense fed off defense. Defense fed off the offense. We need to play complementary football and we were really good in all three phases.”

Kansas State scored TDs on its first two possessions, had 495 yards of total offense and held Oklahoma State, which had been the nation’s No. 3 scoring offense at 44.7 points per game, to just 217 yards — less than half its season average.

Kade Warner caught five passes for 97 yards and two scores, and Malik Knowles had eight catches for 113 yards. The late interception gave the Wildcats (6-2, 4-1) their first shutout of the Cowboys since a 10-0 win on Nov. 21, 1992.

“We’re confident," Howard said. "We feel good right now. And we just played a really good game against a really good team and beat them 48-0. And the nice thing is, we haven’t played our best game, and that's still in front of us.”

Spencer Sanders was just 13 of 26 for 147 yards with an interception for Oklahoma State (6-2, 3-2) before landing hard on his shoulder midway through the fourth quarter. The star quarterback did not return to the game.

The Cowboys’ most lopsided loss in nearly 18 seasons under coach Mike Gundy was also their first shutout loss to anyone since Nov. 28, 2009, when they fell 27-0 to Oklahoma in the Bedlam game.

“We got our butt kicked,” Gundy said. “I'm not taking anything away from Kansas State. They're a good team and they played really well. I don't know if they could have played a better game than they did today.”

The Wildcats have had some strangely easy wins over Oklahoma State. The last time a Gundy team was held to 12 points or fewer was in a 31-12 loss in Manhattan in 2018, and the last time the Cowboys trailed any game by at least 38 points was during a 48-14 loss to the Wildcats in 2014.

The biggest question surrounding Kansas State was the health of its own quarterback, Adrian Martinez, who played just four snaps in last week's loss to TCU because of a knee injury. And while he warmed up with the starters Saturday, it was the veteran backup Howard who headed out to the field on the opening possession of the game.

Howard proceeded to torture the banged-up Cowboys defense for the next 30 minutes.

He capped the opening drive by hitting Warner on fourth-and-10 for a 38-yard TD reception. Then, after Vaughn ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run, Howard threw a 31-yard third-down scoring strike to Phillip Brooks to make it 21-0.

“Adrian didn't feel like he was 100 percent confident in what he was going to be able to do,” Klieman said, “and I appreciate that because he's a team player. We knew we would be good either way.”

Howard's fourth TD throw — also to Warner and also on third down — was a short screen that turned into a 41-yard strike. And the final touchdown of the half, after Oklahoma State stuffed Kansas State twice at the goal line, went to Vaughn with just 11 seconds left and made it 35-0 at halftime.

Meanwhile, the prolific Cowboys offense couldn't answer any of the scores.

Their opening drive ended with a fourth-down incompletion. The next ended in a punt, and the next when Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley fumbled the ball away on the first play. The Cowboys punted twice more in the half around an interception, when Sanders overthrew everyone but the Kansas State defense.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — After the final seconds ticked away on No. 22 Kansas State's comprehensive 48-0 win over ninth-ranked Oklahoma State on Saturday, thousands of purple-clad fans didn't storm the field so much as they wandered onto it in celebration.Which was altogether fitting, considering the way the Wildcats methodically trounced the Cowboys.Backup quarterback Will Howard threw for 296 yards and four touchdowns, Deuce Vaughn ran for 158 yards and another score, and a late interception by the Wildcats sealed Oklahoma State's first shutout loss since 2009 while allowing Kansas State to remain a game behind TCU in the race for berths in the Big 12 championship game.“This is as good a win as I've ever been a part of,” Kansas State coach Chris Klieman said. “Offense fed off defense. Defense fed off the offense. We need to play complementary football and we were really good in all three phases.”Kansas State scored TDs on its first two possessions, had 495 yards of total offense and held Oklahoma State, which had been the nation’s No. 3 scoring offense at 44.7 points per game, to just 217 yards — less than half its season average.Kade Warner caught five passes for 97 yards and two scores, and Malik Knowles had eight catches for 113 yards. The late interception gave the Wildcats (6-2, 4-1) their first shutout of the Cowboys since a 10-0 win on Nov. 21, 1992.“We’re confident," Howard said. "We feel good right now. And we just played a really good game against a really good team and beat them 48-0. And the nice thing is, we haven’t played our best game, and that's still in front of us.”Spencer Sanders was just 13 of 26 for 147 yards with an interception for Oklahoma State (6-2, 3-2) before landing hard on his shoulder midway through the fourth quarter. The star quarterback did not return to the game.The Cowboys’ most lopsided loss in nearly 18 seasons under coach Mike Gundy was also their first shutout loss to anyone since Nov. 28, 2009, when they fell 27-0 to Oklahoma in the Bedlam game.“We got our butt kicked,” Gundy said. “I'm not taking anything away from Kansas State. They're a good team and they played really well. I don't know if they could have played a better game than they did today.”The Wildcats have had some strangely easy wins over Oklahoma State. The last time a Gundy team was held to 12 points or fewer was in a 31-12 loss in Manhattan in 2018, and the last time the Cowboys trailed any game by at least 38 points was during a 48-14 loss to the Wildcats in 2014.The biggest question surrounding Kansas State was the health of its own quarterback, Adrian Martinez, who played just four snaps in last week's loss to TCU because of a knee injury. And while he warmed up with the starters Saturday, it was the veteran backup Howard who headed out to the field on the opening possession of the game.Howard proceeded to torture the banged-up Cowboys defense for the next 30 minutes.He capped the opening drive by hitting Warner on fourth-and-10 for a 38-yard TD reception. Then, after Vaughn ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run, Howard threw a 31-yard third-down scoring strike to Phillip Brooks to make it 21-0.“Adrian didn't feel like he was 100 percent confident in what he was going to be able to do,” Klieman said, “and I appreciate that because he's a team player. We knew we would be good either way.”Howard's fourth TD throw — also to Warner and also on third down — was a short screen that turned into a 41-yard strike. And the final touchdown of the half, after Oklahoma State stuffed Kansas State twice at the goal line, went to Vaughn with just 11 seconds left and made it 35-0 at halftime.Meanwhile, the prolific Cowboys offense couldn't answer any of the scores.Their opening drive ended with a fourth-down incompletion. The next ended in a punt, and the next when Oklahoma State wide receiver Brennan Presley fumbled the ball away on the first play. The Cowboys punted twice more in the half around an interception, when Sanders overthrew everyone but the Kansas State defense.The only question in the second half was whether the Wildcats would keep the Cowboys off the scoreboard.“It takes all of us," Warner said, “to have an outcome like that today.”THE TAKEAWAYOklahoma State had won eight of its past 10 against ranked opponents, and the losses were by five last year to Baylor and three in double-overtime to TCU this season. But the Cowboys never put up a fight against Kansas State, even though the winner would have the inside track on a possible rematch with the Horned Frogs in the Big 12 title game.Kansas State celebrated its first home game in 28 days by ending a three-game skid against the Cowboys in confidence-building fashion. It dominated on both sides of the ball, and on special teams, nearly got a punt return touchdown.UP NEXTOklahoma State heads down Interstate 70 to face Kansas next Saturday.Kansas State welcomes Texas to Bill Snyder Family Stadium the same day.