LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Football's cornerback duo of seniors Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson were selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, the Big 12 Conference announced on Tuesday.

Bryant and Dotson's selections to the Preseason All-Big 12 Defense team make Kansas the only program with two selections in the secondary. Bryant earns Preseason All-Big 12 honors for the second time in his career, while Dotson makes his first appearance on the preseason list.

From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant enters his senior season as an All-Big 12 First Team selection in back-to-back seasons, becoming the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups.

Opposite of Bryant, Dotson enters his senior season following a breakout junior campaign that included 48 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 15 pass breakups and four interceptions. Dotson returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns (vs. Oklahoma, at Iowa State), becoming the first Jayhawk in school history with interceptions returned for touchdowns in back-to-back games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720018187265.jpeg" alt="KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Football's cornerback duo of seniors Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson were selected to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, the Big 12 Conference announced on Tuesday.Bryant and Dotson's selections to the Preseason All-Big 12 Defense team make Kansas the only program with two selections in the secondary. Bryant earns Preseason All-Big 12 honors for the second time in his career, while Dotson makes his first appearance on the preseason list.From Evergreen, Alabama, Bryant enters his senior season as an All-Big 12 First Team selection in back-to-back seasons, becoming the first Kansas defensive back to earn first team honors in consecutive seasons since Aqib Talib in 2006-07. Bryant finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups.Opposite of Bryant, Dotson enters his senior season following a breakout junior campaign that included 48 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 15 pass breakups and four interceptions. Dotson returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns (vs. Oklahoma, at Iowa State), becoming the first Jayhawk in school history with interceptions returned for touchdowns in back-to-back games.

Cobee Bryant, Mello Dotson Picked to Preseason All-Big 12 Team

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1720006177318.jpeg" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State men's basketball team will play host to Missouri Valley Conference Tournament champion Drake in the Wildcat Classic on Tuesday, December 17 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.Season ticket holders can now request tickets for the game during the current ordering and renewal process. Tickets for the public will go on sale this fall.The matchup will mark the 13th Wildcat Classic game at the T-Mobile Center with K-State winning 10 of the 12 previous Classics, including victories over Nebraska in 2022 and Wichita State last season. The Wildcat Classic dates to 2007 and has included such notable opponents as Alabama, Florida, Texas A&amp;M, UNLV and Vanderbilt.This will be the 28th meeting between K-State and Drake with 26 of the last 27 matchups coming between 1918 and 1956. The Bulldogs won the most recent meeting, 80-70, at Bramlage Coliseum on Nov. 25, 2020.

K-State to Face Drake in Kansas City December 17

The Big 12 Conference has announced its 2024 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team and individual awards, chosen by media representatives who cover the league.

2024 Preseason All-Big 12 Individual Honors

Offensive Player of the Year: Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State, RB, 6-2, 215, Jr., Fort Worth, Texas

Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Hunter, Colorado,DB, 6-1, 185, Jr., Suwanee, Ga.

Newcomer of the Year: KJ Jefferson, UCF, QB, 6-3, 247, Sr., Sardis, Miss.

Pos Name School Ht Wt Class Hometown

QB Shedeur Sanders Colorado 6-2 215 Sr. Dallas, Texas

RB Ollie Gordon II* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr. Fort Worth, Texas

RB Tahj Brooks Texas Tech 5-10 230 Sr. Manor, Texas

FB Stevo Klotz Iowa State 6-4 260 Sr. Chaska, Minn.

WR Tetairoa McMillan Arizona 6-5 210 Jr. Waimanalo, Hawai’i

WR Kobe Hudson UCF 6-1 200 Sr. Pine Mountain, Ga.

WR Jayden Higgins Iowa State 6-4 210 Sr. South Miami, Fla.

WR Brennan Presley Oklahoma State 5-8 160 Sr. Tulsa, Okla.

TE Brant Kuithe Utah 6-2 236 Sr. Katy, Texas

OL Jonah Savaiinaea Arizona 6-5 330 Jr. Tafuna, American Samoa

OL Luke Kandra Cincinnati 6-4 323 Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio

OL Dalton Cooper Oklahoma State 6-7 290 Sr. Prague, Okla.

OL Joe Michalski Oklahoma State 6-5 300 Sr. Kansas City, Kan.

OL Wyatt Milum West Virginia 6-6 317 Sr. Kenova, W. Va.

PK Tyler Loop Arizona 6-1 190 Sr. Lucas, Texas

KR/PR Drae McCray Texas Tech 5-9 185 Sr. Tallahassee, Fla

DL Tyler Batty BYU 6-5 275 Sr. Payson, Utah

DL Dontay Corleone Cincinnati 6-1 320 Jr. Cincinnati, Ohio

DL B.J. Green II Colorado 6-1 270 Sr. Powder Springs, Ga.

DL Lee Hunter UCF 6-4 320 Jr. Mobile, Ala.

DL Junior Tafuna Utah 6-3 308 Sr. Taylorsville, Utah

LB Jacob Manu Arizona 5-11 225 Jr. Santa Ana, Calif.

LB Nick Martin Oklahoma State 6-0 210 Jr. Texarkana, Texas

LB Collin Oliver Oklahoma State 6-2 235 Sr. Oklahoma City, Okla.

DB Tacario Davis Arizona 6-4 195 Jr. Long Beach, Calif.

DB Travis Hunter Colorado 6-1 185 Jr. Suwanee, Ga.

DB Jeremiah Cooper Iowa State 6-0 185 Jr. El Paso, Texas

DB Cobee Bryant Kansas 6-0 170 Sr. Evergreen, Ala.

DB Mello Dotson Kansas 6-1 190 Sr. Daytona Beach, Fla.

P Jack Bouwmeester Utah 6-3 197 Jr. Bendigo, Australia

The Big 12 Conference has announced its 2024 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team and individual awards, chosen by media representatives who cover the league.2024 Preseason All-Big 12 Individual HonorsOffensive Player of the Year: Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State, RB, 6-2, 215, Jr., Fort Worth, Texas Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Hunter, Colorado,DB, 6-1, 185, Jr., Suwanee, Ga. Newcomer of the Year: KJ Jefferson, UCF, QB, 6-3, 247, Sr., Sardis, Miss.OffensePos Name School Ht Wt Class HometownQB Shedeur Sanders Colorado 6-2 215 Sr. Dallas, TexasRB Ollie Gordon II* Oklahoma State 6-2 215 Jr. Fort Worth, TexasRB Tahj Brooks Texas Tech 5-10 230 Sr. Manor, TexasFB Stevo Klotz Iowa State 6-4 260 Sr. Chaska, Minn.WR Tetairoa McMillan Arizona 6-5 210 Jr. Waimanalo, Hawai’iWR Kobe Hudson UCF 6-1 200 Sr. Pine Mountain, Ga.WR Jayden Higgins Iowa State 6-4 210 Sr. South Miami, Fla.WR Brennan Presley Oklahoma State 5-8 160 Sr. Tulsa, Okla.TE Brant Kuithe Utah 6-2 236 Sr. Katy, TexasOL Jonah Savaiinaea Arizona 6-5 330 Jr. Tafuna, American SamoaOL Luke Kandra Cincinnati 6-4 323 Sr. Cincinnati, OhioOL Dalton Cooper Oklahoma State 6-7 290 Sr. Prague, Okla.OL Joe Michalski Oklahoma State 6-5 300 Sr. Kansas City, Kan.OL Wyatt Milum West Virginia 6-6 317 Sr. Kenova, W. Va.PK Tyler Loop Arizona 6-1 190 Sr. Lucas, TexasKR/PR Drae McCray Texas Tech 5-9 185 Sr. Tallahassee, FlaDefenseDL Tyler Batty BYU 6-5 275 Sr. Payson, UtahDL Dontay Corleone Cincinnati 6-1 320 Jr. Cincinnati, OhioDL B.J. Green II Colorado 6-1 270 Sr. Powder Springs, Ga.DL Lee Hunter UCF 6-4 320 Jr. Mobile, Ala.DL Junior Tafuna Utah 6-3 308 Sr. Taylorsville, UtahLB Jacob Manu Arizona 5-11 225 Jr. Santa Ana, Calif.LB Nick Martin Oklahoma State 6-0 210 Jr. Texarkana, TexasLB Collin Oliver Oklahoma State 6-2 235 Sr. Oklahoma City, Okla.DB Tacario Davis Arizona 6-4 195 Jr. Long Beach, Calif.DB Travis Hunter Colorado 6-1 185 Jr. Suwanee, Ga.DB Jeremiah Cooper Iowa State 6-0 185 Jr. El Paso, TexasDB Cobee Bryant Kansas 6-0 170 Sr. Evergreen, Ala.DB Mello Dotson Kansas 6-1 190 Sr. Daytona Beach, Fla.P Jack Bouwmeester Utah 6-3 197 Jr. Bendigo, Australia

Big 12 Announces Media Preseason Football Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rays RHP Ryan Pepiot (4-4, 4.40 ERA) tries to follow a strong start against Seattle when he faces the Royals for the first time in his career. Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.91) will oppose him after shutting down Cleveland his last time out.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball before rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run once play resumed, and the Rays beat beat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 in a game that ended just after midnight Wednesday.Brandon Lowe homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs, and Richie Palacios had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch by Brady Singer (4-5), the only run either team scored before the 2 1/2-hour delay.When the game continued, the trio of Kevin Kelly, Colin Poche and Jason Adam surrendered just one run — Bobby Witt Jr.‘s homer in the sixth — before handing the ball to Pete Fairbanks. The Rays’ closer took care of the ninth to wrap up the win.“Guys stayed pretty dialed in,” Littell said. “It obviously showed the way they went back out there and jumped on them.”Littell (3-5) was pretty dialed in, too, wiggling out of one last jam just as thunder began to sound through Kauffman Stadium. MJ Melendez had hit a two-out pitch to right in the fifth and CJ Alexander followed with his first career big league hit, only for Littell to strike out Kyle Isbel and leave runners on the corners.Sheets of rain began to fall moments after the teams walked off the field.“We were really just chilling in here. Talking trash. Keeping it light,” Palacios said, “and making sure we had some energy when we got back on the field. We wanted to make sure we came out there and grabbed some more runs.”Tampa Bay added to its lead when Palacios ripped an RBI double off John Schreiber in the sixth. Paredes added a two-run double off Chris Stratton in the seventh before Lowe homered off Nick Anderson in the ninth inning.“You have to give them credit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “One run wasn't going to be enough.”Singer allowed one run on three hits and three walks over five innings for Kansas City. He escaped most of his messes except for the second inning, when Palacios singled, reached third on a double by Jose Siri and scored on his wild pitch.Singer has not won since May 19, going 0-3 in his last seven starts. But the lousy record is not entirely his fault. He's allowed one earned run apiece in each of his last three starts, yet received two runs of support or fewer in 11 of 17 this season.“Our bullpen matched up really well,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Everybody who came in threw really well.”TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: INF/OF Adam Frazier (right thumb strain) could begin a rehab assignment this week, Quatraro said. Frazier went on the injured list June 24. He has spent the past few days ramping up baseball activity.UP NEXTRays RHP Ryan Pepiot (4-4, 4.40 ERA) tries to follow a strong start against Seattle when he faces the Royals for the first time in his career. Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (4-6, 3.91) will oppose him after shutting down Cleveland his last time out.

Zack Littell, Rays bullpen hold Royals in check in a 5-1 win

KANSAS
CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball
before the rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run the
rest of the way, and the Rays beat beat the Royals 5-1. Brandon Lowe
homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs and Richie Palacios
had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch.
That was the only run for either team before the 2 1/2-hour delay.
The Rays tacked on three runs off the Royals bullpen once play
resumed. Bobby Witt Jr. had KC's only run with a homer in the sixth
inning.

PITTSBURGH
(AP) — Nolan Gorman hit his second career grand slam, and the St.
Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4. Matt Carpenter
dropped a soft single into left to load the bases with no outs in the
fourth inning. Gorman followed with his 17th homer of the season, a
415-foot drive to left-center on a 1-2 sweeper from Mitch Keller.
Cardinals starter Kyle Gibson gave up four runs, all in the fifth,
and five hits in five innings. He struck out eight and walked one.
Ryan Helsley struck out one in a perfect ninth inning, earning his
major league-leading 31st save in 32 opportunities.

LOS
ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won’t participate in the Home Run
Derby on July 15 despite the Japanese superstar ranking second in the
majors with 27 homers for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani has taken
part in the Derby just once, exiting in the first round in 2021 at
Coors Field in Denver. This year’s event is at Globe Life Field in
Arlington, Texas. He says he's in the middle of his rehab from an
injured elbow ligament and subsequent surgery last fall that is
keeping him from pitching this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
says it's not Ohtani's responsibility alone to the carry the sport.

IRVING,
Texas (AP) — Big 12 newcomer Utah has been picked to finish first
in the expanded 16-team football conference this fall. The Utes got
20 of 61 first-place votes in the poll released Tuesday from the
votes of media who cover the league. Kansas State got 19 first-place
votes and was picked second, with last year’s Big 12 runner-up
Oklahoma State third with 14 first-place ballots. Pac-12 teams
Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah officially became Big 12
members this week, at the same time that reigning Big 12 champion
Texas and Oklahoma joined the Southeastern Conference. Colorado and
coach Deion Sanders were picked 11th in the Big 12 preseason poll,
with Arizona State picked 16th.

UNDATED
(AP) — Police say Oklahoma State running back and Doak Walker Award
winner Ollie Gordon II has been arrested for suspicion of DUI. A
state trooper in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, reported seeing Gordon
swerving in a vehicle on Sunday morning. According to a probable
cause affidavit, the vehicle was clocked at 82 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The trooper pulled the vehicle over, smelled alcohol and found
half-full bottles of alcohol inside. Gordon was arrested and
registered breath alcohol content levels of 0.11 and 0.10 at the
Cleveland County jail. He later posted bond and was released. It
wasn’t immediately clear whether Gordon had an attorney.

NEW
YORK (AP) — Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry and Marcelo Bielsa are
among those being speculated about as candidates to take over from
Gregg Berhalter as U.S. coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Jesse
Marsch, Hugo Pérezm, Pellegrino Matarazzo and David Wagner also
could be considered if Berhalter is fired or quits. Among high-level
European club coaches, Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino
are available. Berhalter remained after the U.S. was eliminated from
the Copa America in the first round with a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. He
has a contract through the 2026 tournament but has lost the support
of a significant portion of the fan base.

LOS
ANGELES (AP) — The United States’ 1-0 loss to Uruguay in its
final Copa America group stage match averaged 3.78 million viewers.
It was the most-watched non-World Cup soccer telecast on FS1 and the
most-watched English-language Copa America telecast in the U.S. The
audience peaked at 4.87 million during the last 15 minutes of Monday
night's match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Through
Monday night, Copa America games on Fox, FS1 and FS2 were averaging
1.10 million. That’s a 48% jump from 2016, the last time the
tournament was held in the U.S.

CLEVELAND
(AP) — A person familiar with the decision says All-Star guard
Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract
extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 27-year-old said on
numerous occasions this past season that he’s happy playing with
Cleveland, which acquired him in a 2022 trade from Utah. The Cavs
have made the playoffs in both seasons with Mitchell. He agreed to
the deal in Los Angeles over the weekend, according to the person,
who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because
the NBA prohibits deals from being announced until its moratorium
ends on Saturday. ESPN was first to report Mitchell’s agreement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718617262520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS
CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zack Littell pitched five innings of four-hit ball
before the rain arrived, four Tampa Bay relievers allowed one run the
rest of the way, and the Rays beat beat the Royals 5-1. Brandon Lowe
homered, Isaac Paredes drove in a pair of runs and Richie Palacios
had three hits, drove in a run and scored from third on a wild pitch.
That was the only run for either team before the 2 1/2-hour delay.
The Rays tacked on three runs off the Royals bullpen once play
resumed. Bobby Witt Jr. had KC's only run with a homer in the sixth
inning.PITTSBURGH
(AP) — Nolan Gorman hit his second career grand slam, and the St.
Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4. Matt Carpenter
dropped a soft single into left to load the bases with no outs in the
fourth inning. Gorman followed with his 17th homer of the season, a
415-foot drive to left-center on a 1-2 sweeper from Mitch Keller.
Cardinals starter Kyle Gibson gave up four runs, all in the fifth,
and five hits in five innings. He struck out eight and walked one.
Ryan Helsley struck out one in a perfect ninth inning, earning his
major league-leading 31st save in 32 opportunities.LOS
ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won’t participate in the Home Run
Derby on July 15 despite the Japanese superstar ranking second in the
majors with 27 homers for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani has taken
part in the Derby just once, exiting in the first round in 2021 at
Coors Field in Denver. This year’s event is at Globe Life Field in
Arlington, Texas. He says he's in the middle of his rehab from an
injured elbow ligament and subsequent surgery last fall that is
keeping him from pitching this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts
says it's not Ohtani's responsibility alone to the carry the sport.IRVING,
Texas (AP) — Big 12 newcomer Utah has been picked to finish first
in the expanded 16-team football conference this fall. The Utes got
20 of 61 first-place votes in the poll released Tuesday from the
votes of media who cover the league. Kansas State got 19 first-place
votes and was picked second, with last year’s Big 12 runner-up
Oklahoma State third with 14 first-place ballots. Pac-12 teams
Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah officially became Big 12
members this week, at the same time that reigning Big 12 champion
Texas and Oklahoma joined the Southeastern Conference. Colorado and
coach Deion Sanders were picked 11th in the Big 12 preseason poll,
with Arizona State picked 16th.UNDATED
(AP) — Police say Oklahoma State running back and Doak Walker Award
winner Ollie Gordon II has been arrested for suspicion of DUI. A
state trooper in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, reported seeing Gordon
swerving in a vehicle on Sunday morning. According to a probable
cause affidavit, the vehicle was clocked at 82 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The trooper pulled the vehicle over, smelled alcohol and found
half-full bottles of alcohol inside. Gordon was arrested and
registered breath alcohol content levels of 0.11 and 0.10 at the
Cleveland County jail. He later posted bond and was released. It
wasn’t immediately clear whether Gordon had an attorney.NEW
YORK (AP) — Jürgen Klopp, Thierry Henry and Marcelo Bielsa are
among those being speculated about as candidates to take over from
Gregg Berhalter as U.S. coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Jesse
Marsch, Hugo Pérezm, Pellegrino Matarazzo and David Wagner also
could be considered if Berhalter is fired or quits. Among high-level
European club coaches, Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino
are available. Berhalter remained after the U.S. was eliminated from
the Copa America in the first round with a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. He
has a contract through the 2026 tournament but has lost the support
of a significant portion of the fan base.LOS
ANGELES (AP) — The United States’ 1-0 loss to Uruguay in its
final Copa America group stage match averaged 3.78 million viewers.
It was the most-watched non-World Cup soccer telecast on FS1 and the
most-watched English-language Copa America telecast in the U.S. The
audience peaked at 4.87 million during the last 15 minutes of Monday
night's match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Through
Monday night, Copa America games on Fox, FS1 and FS2 were averaging
1.10 million. That’s a 48% jump from 2016, the last time the
tournament was held in the U.S.CLEVELAND
(AP) — A person familiar with the decision says All-Star guard
Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a three-year, $150.3 million contract
extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 27-year-old said on
numerous occasions this past season that he’s happy playing with
Cleveland, which acquired him in a 2022 trade from Utah. The Cavs
have made the playoffs in both seasons with Mitchell. He agreed to
the deal in Los Angeles over the weekend, according to the person,
who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because
the NBA prohibits deals from being announced until its moratorium
ends on Saturday. ESPN was first to report Mitchell’s agreement.TUESDAY
SCORESMAJOR
LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Boston	8	Miami	3	Final	Cincinnati	5	N.Y.
Yankees	4	Final	Texas	7	San
Diego	0	AMERICAN
LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	7	Chicago
White Sox	6	Final	Toronto	7	Houston	6	Final	Minnesota	5	Detroit	3	Final	Tampa
Bay	5	Kansas City	1	Final	Baltimore	2	Seattle	0	Final	Oakland	7	L.A.
Angels	5	NATIONAL
LEAGUEFinal	St.
Louis	7	Pittsburgh	4	Final	N.Y.
Mets	7	Washington	2	Final	San
Francisco	5	Atlanta	3	Final	Philadelphia	6	Chicago
Cubs	4	Final	Milwaukee	4	Colorado	3

Wednesday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

In its debut season as a member of the Big 12, Utah was chosen to finish first in the Conference’s 2024 football preseason poll as voted on by media representatives.

The Utes claimed 20 first-place votes and totaled 906 points, edging out Kansas State in second with 19 first-place ballots and 889 points. Oklahoma State placed third with 14 first-place votes and 829 points after playing in the 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship. Kansas came in fourth with five first-place nods and 772 points while Arizona notched fifth with three first-place votes and 762 points.

The remaining preseason rankings include 6. Iowa State (661 points), 7. West Virginia (581 points), 8. UCF (551 points), 9. Texas Tech (532 points), 10. TCU (436 points), 11. Colorado (400 points), 12. Baylor (268 points), 13. BYU (215 points), 14. Cincinnati (196 points), 15. Houston (157 points) and 16. Arizona State (141 points).

Big 12 Football Media Days, Presented by Totino’s will be conducted next Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9-10. Coverage from both days will be provided on ESPNU and Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;

1. Utah (20)906 2. Kansas State (19)889 3. Oklahoma State (14)829 4. Kansas (5)772 5. Arizona (3)762 6. Iowa State 661 7. West Virginia 581 8. UCF 551 9. Texas Tech 532 10. TCU 436 11. Colorado 400 12. Baylor 268 13. BYU 215 14. Cincinnati 196 15. Houston 157 16. Arizona State 141

Big 12 ConferenceIn its debut season as a member of the Big 12, Utah was chosen to finish first in the Conference’s 2024 football preseason poll as voted on by media representatives.The Utes claimed 20 first-place votes and totaled 906 points, edging out Kansas State in second with 19 first-place ballots and 889 points. Oklahoma State placed third with 14 first-place votes and 829 points after playing in the 2023 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship. Kansas came in fourth with five first-place nods and 772 points while Arizona notched fifth with three first-place votes and 762 points.The remaining preseason rankings include 6. Iowa State (661 points), 7. West Virginia (581 points), 8. UCF (551 points), 9. Texas Tech (532 points), 10. TCU (436 points), 11. Colorado (400 points), 12. Baylor (268 points), 13. BYU (215 points), 14. Cincinnati (196 points), 15. Houston (157 points) and 16. Arizona State (141 points).Big 12 Football Media Days, Presented by Totino’s will be conducted next Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9-10. Coverage from both days will be provided on ESPNU and Big 12 Now on ESPN+.&nbsp;1. Utah (20)906 2. Kansas State (19)889 3. Oklahoma State (14)829 4. Kansas (5)772 5. Arizona (3)762 6. Iowa State 661 7. West Virginia 581 8. UCF 551 9. Texas Tech 532 10. TCU 436 11. Colorado 400 12. Baylor 268 13. BYU 215 14. Cincinnati 196 15. Houston 157 16. Arizona State 141First-place votes in parenthesis.

K-State 2nd, KU 4th in Big 12 media preseason poll

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang met with the media on Friday morning (June 28) to provide a summer update on the team, as the Wildcats welcome 10 new players, including eight Division I transfers, for the 2024-25 campaign.

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

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

The full list of newcomers includes:

Achor Achor (Melbourne, Australia/Greenforest McCalep Academy/Chipola College/Samford)

David Castillo (Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.])

Baye Fall (Dakar, Senegal/ Accelerated Prep [Colo.]/Arkansas)

Brendan Hausen (Amarillo, Texas/Amarillo/ Villanova)

Coleman Hawkins (Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois)

Mobi Ikegwuruka (Galway, Ireland/Ellsworth [Iowa] Community College)

C.J. Jones (East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC)

Max Jones (Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater/University of Tampa/Cal State Fullerton)

Dug McDaniel (Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan)

Ugonna Onyenso (Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria/NBA Africa/Putnam Science Academy/Kentucky)

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719929149018.jpeg" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head men's basketball coach Jerome Tang met with the media on Friday morning (June 28) to provide a summer update on the team, as the Wildcats welcome 10 new players, including eight Division I transfers, for the 2024-25 campaign.K-State finished the 2023-24 season with a 19-15 record, including a tie for ninth in the Big 12 with an 8-10 mark, and advanced to the NIT. Among the Wildcats' 19 victories were 4 over Top 25 teams, including 3 in the Top 10. The team has won 45 games in Tang's tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.The Wildcats return 3 lettermen (senior David N'Guessan and sophomores Taj Manning and Macaleab Rich) in 2024-25, along with the 10 newcomers, which includes 8 Division I transfers, a junior college All-American (Mobi Ikegwuruka) and a top-50 high school prospect (David Castillo).The full list of newcomers includes:Achor Achor (Melbourne, Australia/Greenforest McCalep Academy/Chipola College/Samford)David Castillo (Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.])Baye Fall (Dakar, Senegal/ Accelerated Prep [Colo.]/Arkansas)Brendan Hausen (Amarillo, Texas/Amarillo/ Villanova)Coleman Hawkins (Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois)Mobi Ikegwuruka (Galway, Ireland/Ellsworth [Iowa] Community College)C.J. Jones (East St. Louis, Ill./East St. Louis/UIC)Max Jones (Clearwater, Fla./Clearwater/University of Tampa/Cal State Fullerton)Dug McDaniel (Washington, D.C./St. Paul VI Catholic VI/Michigan)Ugonna Onyenso (Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria/NBA Africa/Putnam Science Academy/Kentucky)The non-conference schedule is still being finalized, but the Wildcats will play a 20-game Big 12 schedule that includes 10 home games with NCAA Tournament teams Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas and Texas Tech as well as Arizona State, Cincinnati, Oklahoma State and West Virginia.

Jerome Tang Provides Summer Update

By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post

Life, as recent Hoisington High graduate Josiah Ball says, is about getting better for yourself and God.

“I am a person who would do anything to see a teammate or classmate succeed. I’m always there to assist and help others achieve their goals,” Ball said. “Every day, I strive to get at least 1% better as a person, athlete and man of God.”

That man of God will continue the sports excellence his older brothers established. He signed a track scholarship with Fort Hays State.

“Fort Hays is getting a good athlete and a great student. My approach to athletics is hard work and dedication,” Ball said. “Simple commitments such as showing up to practice, working hard while at practice, and taking care of the body and soul in the interim are some of my crucial elements to my success.”

Ball will take his pole vault talents to the next level. HE may possibly compete in the 110 and 60-meter hurdles.

“As a student, I am respectful in the classroom. I work hard to understand and comprehend the curriculum, and I am willing to take steps outside of the classroom to ensure my success,” Ball said. “I am also actively involved in my local church. I have gone on several mission trips and camps geared toward serving others and serving God. I understand that life is more than sports, education and entertainment. As such, I want to give back to others and build up my community.”

“He’s a really hard worker and is very consistent,” classmate Tony Moore said.

The Tigers are getting the latest Ball brother as the family that prays together, wins together.

“I am the youngest of five brothers, three of whom were college athletes at Fort Hays (I will be the fourth),” Ball said. “My oldest brother was particularly good at wrestling. He became a three-time All-American in college and broke the FHSU win-to-loss rate. My brothers were also grateful students, all doing very well in high school and college.”

Similarly, Josiah is a successful student with a 3.8 GPA and involvement in National Honor society, Scholars Bowl, vocal music, FBLA and the mental health club called Zero Reasons Why.

Ball won state in pole vault his junior and senior years and finished sixth his freshman season. He placed third in the 110 meter high hurdles the past two years and fourth his sophomore year. He added a fourth place finish in the 300 meter hurdles the past two seasons after qualifying for state the first two years.

His well-rounded contributions as a student carried over to his musical talents where he medaled for a solo at state vocal his senior year and went to state for a solo junior year. Ball took first at state wrestling his senior year, second as a junior and fifth as a freshman.

“Winning state this past year has been my lifelong goal,” said Ball, who was 23-1 at 138 pounds after a 30-5 mark as a junior at 132. “I started wrestling when I was three. And have been trying to keep up with my brothers ever since. I watched my brothers win numerous state titles, learning what I needed to do if I wanted to reach my goal of winning one for myself.”

That goal that was spurred from watching oldest brother Brandon compete with some of the best wrestlers in the nation.

“My brother took fourth at nationals, not quite reaching the big goal of being a national champion,” Josiah said. “I saw him come back from competing to instantly training for his senior year in college to reach his big goal. That year was covid, he was ranked #1 in the nation for D2 and they canceled nationals on him and countless other wrestlers. I learned that day that it’s hard to get a second chance.”

Pole vault is his favorite sport and will be the one he’s focused at Hays.

“It's an event like no other. I get to fly in the air, experiencing one of the best thrills anyone could ever dream of,” Josiah said. “I also get the opportunity to learn hundreds of life lessons. Some of which include being patient, understanding that you're never going to be perfect but that you can get back up and try again and again. Always knowing in the back of your head that you could get seriously hurt if you don't keep a focused mind. In many ways, I feel like this sport has provided me with a strong outlook on life. This outlook will help me continue my career as an athlete, work hard as a student, and reach others with the gospel.”

His gold medal vaults at state have been 14 feet (junior) and 15 feet (senior). His career best leap is 15-7 1/2.

“When I won pole vault for my second time jumping 15ft to capture state, it became another blessing God gave me,” Josiah said.

Track, Josiah said, is important to him in two different ways.&nbsp;

“First, it allows me to continue the goals I set for myself when I was younger. This occurred when I saw my oldest brother, Brandon Ball, win state four times in wrestling and once in pole vault and then continue his career, still being incredibly successful in college,” Josiah said. “Second, it's going to allow me to have an outreach to others so I can share the gospel with them. I believe God has provided this platform for me so I can point others toward Him, so I am very mindful of how I conduct myself in public and private.”

“I see how far he has come and how he continues to live up to the expectations put in place by his 4 older brothers,” Cardinal teammate Ethan Grubb said. “I’m just proud to say I know him and his family is some of the nicest people I have ever met.”

“I participated in track, cross country and wrestling with Josiah, and through all three of them he was a leader,” teammate Eli Lewis said. “He naturally leads people to become the best they can be in a sport, whether it benefits him personally or not. A big part of his leadership comes from his faith, which he puts second to nothing. Pointing people towards athletic excellence and toward God are the two biggest things that impressed me about Josiah's athletic career that I saw.”

Josiah fielded offers in all divisions, including schools from California, Missouri, Iowa, New Mexico and South Dakota.&nbsp;

“I wasn't very proactive in my search for colleges because I knew what I was looking for,” he said. “FHSU effectively offered all the things I cared about. I have had three of my four older brothers pursue sports in college and they all chose Fort Hays. I chose Fort Hays&nbsp;because it's close to home, affordable and the environment is awesome.&nbsp;I feel like it will give me great opportunities in the workplace, provide an avenue to get an affordable education, and all for plenty positive interactions with family and friends.”

It also continues what his brothers started in their Tiger careers.

“To me, it gives me the opportunity to try and keep up with my older brothers' accomplishments and continue the name on the back of our shirts in college,” Josiah said. “Also, this is another platform for me to speak the truth of Christ's life to others.”

“Josiah is a born leader and has a work ethic that is unmatched by anyone I’ve met,” Wichita State vaulter Shellamae Farmer said. “He’s done an outstanding job leading this team and being a role model for the younger athletes on our team. Josiah has been my training partner since the beginning and has been one of my biggest supporters and inspirations.”

How does he want to be remembered at Hoisington?

“The last of the Ball’s, also some of Coach Schmidt's work. As well as the accomplishments we had as a family and individually,” Josiah said. “I also want to be remembered as a good teammate, truthful friend, someone respectable, hardworking, and accomplished, serving and loving others.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719926409520.jpeg" alt="Hoisington High School graduate Josiah Ball prepares to compete in track at Fort Hays State University." />
 <figcaption>Hoisington High School graduate Josiah Ball prepares to compete in track at Fort Hays State University.</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post Life, as recent Hoisington High graduate Josiah Ball says, is about getting better for yourself and God.“I am a person who would do anything to see a teammate or classmate succeed. I’m always there to assist and help others achieve their goals,” Ball said. “Every day, I strive to get at least 1% better as a person, athlete and man of God.”That man of God will continue the sports excellence his older brothers established. He signed a track scholarship with Fort Hays State.“Fort Hays is getting a good athlete and a great student. My approach to athletics is hard work and dedication,” Ball said. “Simple commitments such as showing up to practice, working hard while at practice, and taking care of the body and soul in the interim are some of my crucial elements to my success.”Ball will take his pole vault talents to the next level. HE may possibly compete in the 110 and 60-meter hurdles.“As a student, I am respectful in the classroom. I work hard to understand and comprehend the curriculum, and I am willing to take steps outside of the classroom to ensure my success,” Ball said. “I am also actively involved in my local church. I have gone on several mission trips and camps geared toward serving others and serving God. I understand that life is more than sports, education and entertainment. As such, I want to give back to others and build up my community.”“He’s a really hard worker and is very consistent,” classmate Tony Moore said.The Tigers are getting the latest Ball brother as the family that prays together, wins together.“I am the youngest of five brothers, three of whom were college athletes at Fort Hays (I will be the fourth),” Ball said. “My oldest brother was particularly good at wrestling. He became a three-time All-American in college and broke the FHSU win-to-loss rate. My brothers were also grateful students, all doing very well in high school and college.”Similarly, Josiah is a successful student with a 3.8 GPA and involvement in National Honor society, Scholars Bowl, vocal music, FBLA and the mental health club called Zero Reasons Why.Ball won state in pole vault his junior and senior years and finished sixth his freshman season. He placed third in the 110 meter high hurdles the past two years and fourth his sophomore year. He added a fourth place finish in the 300 meter hurdles the past two seasons after qualifying for state the first two years.His well-rounded contributions as a student carried over to his musical talents where he medaled for a solo at state vocal his senior year and went to state for a solo junior year. Ball took first at state wrestling his senior year, second as a junior and fifth as a freshman.“Winning state this past year has been my lifelong goal,” said Ball, who was 23-1 at 138 pounds after a 30-5 mark as a junior at 132. “I started wrestling when I was three. And have been trying to keep up with my brothers ever since. I watched my brothers win numerous state titles, learning what I needed to do if I wanted to reach my goal of winning one for myself.”That goal that was spurred from watching oldest brother Brandon compete with some of the best wrestlers in the nation.“My brother took fourth at nationals, not quite reaching the big goal of being a national champion,” Josiah said. “I saw him come back from competing to instantly training for his senior year in college to reach his big goal. That year was covid, he was ranked #1 in the nation for D2 and they canceled nationals on him and countless other wrestlers. I learned that day that it’s hard to get a second chance.”Pole vault is his favorite sport and will be the one he’s focused at Hays.“It's an event like no other. I get to fly in the air, experiencing one of the best thrills anyone could ever dream of,” Josiah said. “I also get the opportunity to learn hundreds of life lessons. Some of which include being patient, understanding that you're never going to be perfect but that you can get back up and try again and again. Always knowing in the back of your head that you could get seriously hurt if you don't keep a focused mind. In many ways, I feel like this sport has provided me with a strong outlook on life. This outlook will help me continue my career as an athlete, work hard as a student, and reach others with the gospel.”His gold medal vaults at state have been 14 feet (junior) and 15 feet (senior). His career best leap is 15-7 1/2.“When I won pole vault for my second time jumping 15ft to capture state, it became another blessing God gave me,” Josiah said.Track, Josiah said, is important to him in two different ways.&nbsp;“First, it allows me to continue the goals I set for myself when I was younger. This occurred when I saw my oldest brother, Brandon Ball, win state four times in wrestling and once in pole vault and then continue his career, still being incredibly successful in college,” Josiah said. “Second, it's going to allow me to have an outreach to others so I can share the gospel with them. I believe God has provided this platform for me so I can point others toward Him, so I am very mindful of how I conduct myself in public and private.”“I see how far he has come and how he continues to live up to the expectations put in place by his 4 older brothers,” Cardinal teammate Ethan Grubb said. “I’m just proud to say I know him and his family is some of the nicest people I have ever met.”“I participated in track, cross country and wrestling with Josiah, and through all three of them he was a leader,” teammate Eli Lewis said. “He naturally leads people to become the best they can be in a sport, whether it benefits him personally or not. A big part of his leadership comes from his faith, which he puts second to nothing. Pointing people towards athletic excellence and toward God are the two biggest things that impressed me about Josiah's athletic career that I saw.”Josiah fielded offers in all divisions, including schools from California, Missouri, Iowa, New Mexico and South Dakota.&nbsp;“I wasn't very proactive in my search for colleges because I knew what I was looking for,” he said. “FHSU effectively offered all the things I cared about. I have had three of my four older brothers pursue sports in college and they all chose Fort Hays. I chose Fort Hays&nbsp;because it's close to home, affordable and the environment is awesome.&nbsp;I feel like it will give me great opportunities in the workplace, provide an avenue to get an affordable education, and all for plenty positive interactions with family and friends.”It also continues what his brothers started in their Tiger careers.“To me, it gives me the opportunity to try and keep up with my older brothers' accomplishments and continue the name on the back of our shirts in college,” Josiah said. “Also, this is another platform for me to speak the truth of Christ's life to others.”“Josiah is a born leader and has a work ethic that is unmatched by anyone I’ve met,” Wichita State vaulter Shellamae Farmer said. “He’s done an outstanding job leading this team and being a role model for the younger athletes on our team. Josiah has been my training partner since the beginning and has been one of my biggest supporters and inspirations.”How does he want to be remembered at Hoisington?“The last of the Ball’s, also some of Coach Schmidt's work. As well as the accomplishments we had as a family and individually,” Josiah said. “I also want to be remembered as a good teammate, truthful friend, someone respectable, hardworking, and accomplished, serving and loving others.”

Hoisington's Ball looks to soar high for FHSU

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold, quarterback Jalon Daniels, running back Devin Neal, cornerback Mello Dotson and defensive end Jereme Robinson will preview the 2024 football season at Big 12 Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 10.

Big 12 Media Days is a two-day event, beginning on Tuesday, July 9 with portions streaming live on ESPN+ and televised on ESPNU. Kansas will participate in Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, July 10, along with Arizona, Baylor, BYU, Colorado, Houston, UCF and West Virginia.

Arizona State, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech and Utah will take the state on July 9.

Leipold, Daniels, Neal, Dotson and Robinson will meet with the media in various capacities throughout the day on Wednesday, including appearances on ESPNU at 1:05 p.m. CT while Leipold will hold his press conference at 1:20 p.m. Leipold's press conference will stream live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

Kansas enters the 2024 season following back-to-back bowl appearances for the second time in program history and the first time since 2007-08. The Jayhawks finished the season at 9-4, the most wins by a Kansas team since 2007, and return a star-studded roster entering the 2024 season.

The Jayhawks will play all six home games in the Kansas City Metro area as work continues on the University of Kansas Gateway District. Fans can purchase the 2024 Kansas Football 4-game season ticket package that includes all home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The season ticket package features prices starting as low as $230 for general stadium seating.

Other ticket options include the popular Family Zone as well as available Premium Seating opportunities. Purchasing a 4-game season ticket package also continues to enhance your priority to pick seats in the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the 2025 season. 6-game season ticket packages which include the first two games at Children's Mercy Park are sold out.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719913325505.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas football head coach Lance Leipold, quarterback Jalon Daniels, running back Devin Neal, cornerback Mello Dotson and defensive end Jereme Robinson will preview the 2024 football season at Big 12 Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 10.Big 12 Media Days is a two-day event, beginning on Tuesday, July 9 with portions streaming live on ESPN+ and televised on ESPNU. Kansas will participate in Big 12 Media Days on Wednesday, July 10, along with Arizona, Baylor, BYU, Colorado, Houston, UCF and West Virginia.Arizona State, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech and Utah will take the state on July 9.Leipold, Daniels, Neal, Dotson and Robinson will meet with the media in various capacities throughout the day on Wednesday, including appearances on ESPNU at 1:05 p.m. CT while Leipold will hold his press conference at 1:20 p.m. Leipold's press conference will stream live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.Kansas enters the 2024 season following back-to-back bowl appearances for the second time in program history and the first time since 2007-08. The Jayhawks finished the season at 9-4, the most wins by a Kansas team since 2007, and return a star-studded roster entering the 2024 season.The Jayhawks will play all six home games in the Kansas City Metro area as work continues on the University of Kansas Gateway District. Fans can purchase the 2024 Kansas Football 4-game season ticket package that includes all home games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The season ticket package features prices starting as low as $230 for general stadium seating.Other ticket options include the popular Family Zone as well as available Premium Seating opportunities. Purchasing a 4-game season ticket package also continues to enhance your priority to pick seats in the reimagined David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium for the 2025 season. 6-game season ticket packages which include the first two games at Children's Mercy Park are sold out.

Kansas Football Set to Represent at Big 12 Media Days in Las Vegas

The Kansas City
Royals host the Tampa Bay Rays to open a three-game series.

Tampa Bay Rays
(42-42, fourth in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (47-39, third
in the AL Central)

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

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Rays: Zack Littell (2-5, 4.17 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 82
strikeouts); Royals: Brady Singer (4-4, 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 85
strikeouts)

BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Royals -124, Rays +104; over/under is 9 1/2 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals begin a three-game series at home against the
Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.

Kansas City is 47-39
overall and 30-16 at home. The Royals have a 31-15 record in games
when they record eight or more hits.

Tampa Bay is 42-42
overall and 19-17 in road games. The Rays are 27-6 in games when they
have more hits than their opponents.

Tuesday's game is
the fourth time these teams match up this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Salvador Perez leads Kansas City with 14 home runs while slugging
.474. Vinnie Pasquantino is 12-for-38 with three home runs and nine
RBI over the last 10 games.

Isaac Paredes leads
the Rays with 30 extra base hits (16 doubles, a triple and 13 home
runs). Yandy Diaz is 15-for-45 with three doubles, three home runs
and nine RBI over the last 10 games.

Royals: 5-5,
.218 batting average, 3.21 ERA, outscored by one run

Rays: 7-3,
.264 batting average, 3.30 ERA, outscored opponents by 15 runs

Royals: Adam
Frazier: 10-Day IL (thumb), Dan Altavilla: 10-Day IL (oblique), Josh
Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle
Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

By The Associated
PressThe Kansas City
Royals host the Tampa Bay Rays to open a three-game series.Tampa Bay Rays
(42-42, fourth in the AL East) vs. Kansas City Royals (47-39, third
in the AL Central)Kansas City,
Missouri; Tuesday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Rays: Zack Littell (2-5, 4.17 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 82
strikeouts); Royals: Brady Singer (4-4, 3.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 85
strikeouts)BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Royals -124, Rays +104; over/under is 9 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals begin a three-game series at home against the
Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday.Kansas City is 47-39
overall and 30-16 at home. The Royals have a 31-15 record in games
when they record eight or more hits.Tampa Bay is 42-42
overall and 19-17 in road games. The Rays are 27-6 in games when they
have more hits than their opponents.Tuesday's game is
the fourth time these teams match up this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Salvador Perez leads Kansas City with 14 home runs while slugging
.474. Vinnie Pasquantino is 12-for-38 with three home runs and nine
RBI over the last 10 games.Isaac Paredes leads
the Rays with 30 extra base hits (16 doubles, a triple and 13 home
runs). Yandy Diaz is 15-for-45 with three doubles, three home runs
and nine RBI over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 5-5,
.218 batting average, 3.21 ERA, outscored by one runRays: 7-3,
.264 batting average, 3.30 ERA, outscored opponents by 15 runsINJURIES: 
Royals: Adam
Frazier: 10-Day IL (thumb), Dan Altavilla: 10-Day IL (oblique), Josh
Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Kris Bubic: 60-Day IL (elbow), Kyle
Wright: 60-Day IL (shoulder)

Royals host the Rays to begin 3-game series

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was one marked by physical play and questionable calls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A few things usually have to happen to make the U.S. track and field team for the Olympic games. Athletes must hit a standard to qualify for the U.S. team trials, which were held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field through Sunday. Athletes must finish in the top three of their event to make the U.S. Olympic team. To actually compete in Paris later this summer, athletes must also meet an Olympic standard. The latter will cost Sterling's Tyus Wilson the opportunity to compete in Paris. According to <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/usa-olympic-track-and-field-team-2024-roster-paris/a282be8d34b1ff9d3210b39e">Sporting News</a>, the U.S. will take just two high jumpers to France, including JuVaughn Harrison, the fourth-place finisher at the trials.

Wilson, a three-time state champion while at Sterling High School, surpassed the U.S. trials "A" Standard of 2.23m at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 26. He again cleared 7 feet, 5 inches (2.26m) at the Shocker Open in Wichita on May 3. He went even higher to 7-6 (2.29m) to win the Big 10 championship in Michigan on May 12. Wilson cleared 2.23m to finish second at the NCAA National Championships in Oregon on June 7. Entering the trials in Oregon, however, he was still just shy of the Olympic "A" standard of 2.33m (7-7.75).

Just two American high jumpers had met the Olympic standard heading into Thursday's first round in Oregon. With a miss at 7-2.25 (2.19m), Wilson still made the finals alongside fellow Kansas-native Devin Loudermilk, a former West Elk standout now competing at the University of Kansas.

During Sunday's Olympic trial finals, Wilson was perfect on three attempts through 2.24m. He missed three tries at 2.27m (7-5.25). Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Caleb Snowden set a personal best by clearing 2.27m on his final attempt to move past Wilson into second. Shelby McEwen, already with the Olympic standard, was perfect through 7-6.5, passed at 7-7.5, and missed three attempts at 7-8.75. Harrison, the only other jumper with the Olympic standard, missed his first attempt at 2.24m to finish fourth behind Wilson.

Because only one of the top three finishers Sunday had the Olympic standard, the conversation turned to world rankings. There were 33 high jumpers in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Wilson is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.&nbsp;

The move to include Harrison on the U.S. Olympic team is a slight departure from what track fans saw with an earlier race. On June 21, reigning Olympic champion Athing Mu posted a 2.01.73 in the women's 800m race to qualify for the trial semifinals. She ran a 1:58.84 to win her semifinal heat on Sunday. She tripped in Monday's finale to place ninth in 2:19.69. Despite an appeal, she was excluded from this year's U.S. Olympic team. She is ranked No. 8 in the world.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1719842803044.jpeg" alt="Sterling's Tyus Wilson finished third at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Sunday but was not named to the U.S. Olympic team." />
 <figcaption>Sterling's Tyus Wilson finished third at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. Sunday but was not named to the U.S. Olympic team.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA few things usually have to happen to make the U.S. track and field team for the Olympic games. Athletes must hit a standard to qualify for the U.S. team trials, which were held at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field through Sunday. Athletes must finish in the top three of their event to make the U.S. Olympic team. To actually compete in Paris later this summer, athletes must also meet an Olympic standard. The latter will cost Sterling's Tyus Wilson the opportunity to compete in Paris. According to <a href="https://www.sportingnews.com/us/olympics/news/usa-olympic-track-and-field-team-2024-roster-paris/a282be8d34b1ff9d3210b39e">Sporting News</a>, the U.S. will take just two high jumpers to France, including JuVaughn Harrison, the fourth-place finisher at the trials.Wilson, a three-time state champion while at Sterling High School, surpassed the U.S. trials "A" Standard of 2.23m at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 26. He again cleared 7 feet, 5 inches (2.26m) at the Shocker Open in Wichita on May 3. He went even higher to 7-6 (2.29m) to win the Big 10 championship in Michigan on May 12. Wilson cleared 2.23m to finish second at the NCAA National Championships in Oregon on June 7. Entering the trials in Oregon, however, he was still just shy of the Olympic "A" standard of 2.33m (7-7.75).Just two American high jumpers had met the Olympic standard heading into Thursday's first round in Oregon. With a miss at 7-2.25 (2.19m), Wilson still made the finals alongside fellow Kansas-native Devin Loudermilk, a former West Elk standout now competing at the University of Kansas.During Sunday's Olympic trial finals, Wilson was perfect on three attempts through 2.24m. He missed three tries at 2.27m (7-5.25). Arkansas-Pine Bluff's Caleb Snowden set a personal best by clearing 2.27m on his final attempt to move past Wilson into second. Shelby McEwen, already with the Olympic standard, was perfect through 7-6.5, passed at 7-7.5, and missed three attempts at 7-8.75. Harrison, the only other jumper with the Olympic standard, missed his first attempt at 2.24m to finish fourth behind Wilson.Because only one of the top three finishers Sunday had the Olympic standard, the conversation turned to world rankings. There were 33 high jumpers in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Wilson is currently ranked No. 49 in the world.&nbsp;The move to include Harrison on the U.S. Olympic team is a slight departure from what track fans saw with an earlier race. On June 21, reigning Olympic champion Athing Mu posted a 2.01.73 in the women's 800m race to qualify for the trial semifinals. She ran a 1:58.84 to win her semifinal heat on Sunday. She tripped in Monday's finale to place ninth in 2:19.69. Despite an appeal, she was excluded from this year's U.S. Olympic team. She is ranked No. 8 in the world.

Sterling's Wilson not headed to Olympics in high jump

WICHITA, Kan. – The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX Sports – will return for the Wichita Regional in 2024. AfterShocks, a Wichita State alumni team, will be competing in TBT for the fifth time. Regional games will be played at Charles Koch Arena from July 20-24.

AfterShocks, the top seed in the Wichita Regional, are organized and coached by former Shockers' guards Zach Bush, JR Simon, and Garrett Stutz. Bush will serve as the team's head coach. AfterShocks current roster includes:

More players will be added to the AfterShocks roster in the following weeks announced via TBT and team social media platforms.

The rest of the Wichita region includes:

#4 seed Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni)

AfterShocks will play Wichita-based minor league team Midtown Prestige on Saturday, July 20, at 12 pm CT on FS1. If AfterShocks advances to the second round, they will face the winner of Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni) and Team Colorado (Colorado alumni) on Monday, July 22 at 8 p.m. CT on FS1.

The Wichita Regional championship game is Wednesday, July 24 at 8 p.m. CT on FS1.

The winner of the Wichita Regional will play the winner of the Houston Regional in the quarterfinals on July 29 or 30 (official game date, time, and location to be determined). The semifinals and $1 million winner-take-all championship game will be Aug. 2 and Aug. 4 in Philadelphia, Pa. at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719772975321.jpeg" alt="WSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>WSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. – The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – the $1 million, winner-take-all summer basketball event broadcast live on FOX Sports – will return for the Wichita Regional in 2024. AfterShocks, a Wichita State alumni team, will be competing in TBT for the fifth time. Regional games will be played at Charles Koch Arena from July 20-24.AfterShocks, the top seed in the Wichita Regional, are organized and coached by former Shockers' guards Zach Bush, JR Simon, and Garrett Stutz. Bush will serve as the team's head coach. AfterShocks current roster includes:● Alterique Gilbert (2020-21)● Trey Wade (2019-21)● Markis McDuffie (2015-19)● Conner Frankamp (2015-18)● Darral Willis (2016-18)● Rashard Kelly (2014-18)● Jordan Parks (NC Central)● Caleb Walker (Nebraska)More players will be added to the AfterShocks roster in the following weeks announced via TBT and team social media platforms.The rest of the Wichita region includes:#2 seed Mass Street (Kansas alumni)#3 seed Florida TNT#4 seed Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni)#5 seed Team Colorado (Colorado alumni)#6 seed LA Cheaters#7 seed Ram Up (Colorado State alumni)#8 seed Midtown PrestigeAfterShocks will play Wichita-based minor league team Midtown Prestige on Saturday, July 20, at 12 pm CT on FS1. If AfterShocks advances to the second round, they will face the winner of Purple Reign (Kansas State alumni) and Team Colorado (Colorado alumni) on Monday, July 22 at 8 p.m. CT on FS1.The Wichita Regional championship game is Wednesday, July 24 at 8 p.m. CT on FS1.The winner of the Wichita Regional will play the winner of the Houston Regional in the quarterfinals on July 29 or 30 (official game date, time, and location to be determined). The semifinals and $1 million winner-take-all championship game will be Aug. 2 and Aug. 4 in Philadelphia, Pa. at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.About The Basketball TournamentThe home of the Elam Ending®, The Basketball Tournament has grown from a unique idea among friends to one of the most exciting and engaging events on the summer sports calendar, with national exposure, social media buzz and regional championships across the country - culminating in a winner-take-all $1 million game. Every year it attracts some of the best players in the world. For more information on TBT's eleventh season, visit <a href="http://www.thetournament.com">www.thetournament.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719773281981.jpeg" alt="Wichita Regional" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Regional</figcaption>
 </figure>