OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Freddy Fermin homered twice and Bobby Witt Jr. hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.

Fermin also singled for his first three-hit game of the season.

“He’s swinging the bat really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s part of the reason we were trying to get him some at-bats and DH him. He works extremely hard, he’s always prepared, puts together really good at-bats, so I’m really happy for him.”

Witt homered off Oakland reliever Vinny Nittoli (0-1) to break a 2-all tie in the eighth, his 12th homer of the year.

“Just trying to make something happen,” Witt said. “It’s frustrating losing, so I knew we needed to do something to get a win.”

Zack Gelof homered for the third straight game, but Oakland failed to sweep Kansas City for the first time since 2016.

The Royals (42-34) haven’t been swept this year.

“We’re trying to be relentless,” Witt said. “We just try to go out there and take things day by day and not worry about what happened in the past, not worry about what’s still to come in the future and just worry about where we’re at.”

Fermin took A’s rookie Mitch Spence deep to left in the second inning and victimized Spence again in the fourth for his second career multi-homer game. He doubled his home run total this season.

Spence had a solid outing otherwise. He struck out a career-high seven, allowing two runs and six hits with a walk in six innings.

“It was a great series for us, especially coming off a road trip where we didn’t win a game,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Coming back home, winning a series and having an opportunity to sweep a team that’s in (contention), that’s a good sign.”

Gelof tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer to center off Royals starter Seth Lugo. Following a two-out walk by Kyle McCann, Abraham Toro doubled down the right-field line against reliever James McArthur (4-3), but McCann was thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.

Lugo permitted two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking two.

“I thought it went pretty well, for the most part,” he said. “Giving up the two-run homer for them to tie it, that hurt, but glad we got the win. We needed a win, so it was big time.”

The A’s put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth. Chris Stratton came in and got two flyouts to secure his fourth save.

McCann was ejected by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn in the bottom of the ninth for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout following a called third strike to Gelof.

Royals: RHP Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique Wednesday night. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.

Athletics: Toro (shoulder soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third straight game, but entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and finished the game at third base.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.39 ERA) seeks his first win since May 19 as Kansas City opens a three-game series at Texas on Friday night. The Rangers counter with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.15)

Athletics: RHP Joey Estes (2-2, 5.97) opens a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night opposite RHP Chris Paddack (5-3, 5.25).

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Freddy Fermin homered twice and Bobby Witt Jr. hit the go-ahead homer in the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 on Thursday to avoid a three-game sweep.Fermin also singled for his first three-hit game of the season.“He’s swinging the bat really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s part of the reason we were trying to get him some at-bats and DH him. He works extremely hard, he’s always prepared, puts together really good at-bats, so I’m really happy for him.”Witt homered off Oakland reliever Vinny Nittoli (0-1) to break a 2-all tie in the eighth, his 12th homer of the year.“Just trying to make something happen,” Witt said. “It’s frustrating losing, so I knew we needed to do something to get a win.”Zack Gelof homered for the third straight game, but Oakland failed to sweep Kansas City for the first time since 2016.The Royals (42-34) haven’t been swept this year.“We’re trying to be relentless,” Witt said. “We just try to go out there and take things day by day and not worry about what happened in the past, not worry about what’s still to come in the future and just worry about where we’re at.”Fermin took A’s rookie Mitch Spence deep to left in the second inning and victimized Spence again in the fourth for his second career multi-homer game. He doubled his home run total this season.Spence had a solid outing otherwise. He struck out a career-high seven, allowing two runs and six hits with a walk in six innings.“It was a great series for us, especially coming off a road trip where we didn’t win a game,” A's manager Mark Kotsay said. “Coming back home, winning a series and having an opportunity to sweep a team that’s in (contention), that’s a good sign.”Gelof tied the game in the seventh with a two-run homer to center off Royals starter Seth Lugo. Following a two-out walk by Kyle McCann, Abraham Toro doubled down the right-field line against reliever James McArthur (4-3), but McCann was thrown out at the plate to keep the game tied.Lugo permitted two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and walking two.“I thought it went pretty well, for the most part,” he said. “Giving up the two-run homer for them to tie it, that hurt, but glad we got the win. We needed a win, so it was big time.”The A’s put runners on first and second with one out in the ninth. Chris Stratton came in and got two flyouts to secure his fourth save.McCann was ejected by home plate umpire D.J. Reyburn in the bottom of the ninth for arguing balls and strikes from the dugout following a called third strike to Gelof.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Dan Altavilla was placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right oblique Wednesday night. RHP Steven Cruz was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.Athletics: Toro (shoulder soreness) was held out of the starting lineup for the third straight game, but entered as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and finished the game at third base.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Brady Singer (4-4, 3.39 ERA) seeks his first win since May 19 as Kansas City opens a three-game series at Texas on Friday night. The Rangers counter with RHP Nathan Eovaldi (3-3, 3.15)Athletics: RHP Joey Estes (2-2, 5.97) opens a three-game home series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night opposite RHP Chris Paddack (5-3, 5.25).

Fermin homers twice, Witt hits go-ahead blast in 8th to send Royals past A's 3-2

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

The NCAA has presented a plan to Division I conference commissioners that would expand the lucrative men's and women's basketball tournaments by four or eight teams alongside an option to leave each field at 68 teams, according to a person familiar with the details.

The proposals were outlined to the commissioners this week by NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt and NCAA Vice President for Women's Basketball Lynn Holzman, the person told The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because no official announcements have been made. The news was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.

Under the proposal, expansion of the 68-team field included both four- and eight-team models. The NCAA would keep its 64-team bracket but would add play-in games involving the 10 through 12 seeds.

If the men's tournament were to expand it is expected the women's tourney would as well.

There are many in college basketball who have said they believe the 68-team fields and three weekends of play are ideal but pressure has grown to add teams and games to one of the most popular sports events on the U.S. calendar. Last year, the NCAA Division I board of directors approved recommendations that included allowing one quarter of teams in larger sports to compete in championship events; in that scenario, March Madness tourneys could expand to nearly 90 teams.

The NCAA is currently in the midst of an eight-year extension of its TV deal for the men's tournament worth $8.8 billion that runs through 2032. That would not be expected to change if a handful of teams are added.

More games would provide a small boost through ticket sales and merchandise, but the pool of money the NCAA uses to pay out conferences and member schools would essentially stay the same. What could change, however, is how that money would be divided up if the tournament broadens.

Expansion would also mean the men's tournament would have to find an additional site besides Dayton for its First Four games. The Ohio city already has games on Tuesday and Wednesday and wouldn't be able to host additional play-in games ahead of the tourney's traditional first-round opening on Thursday. Women's play-in games are at the same campus sites as the first two rounds of the tournament.

Expansion is largely backed by larger conferences and smaller leagues do not want to lose the automatic bids that come with a conference tournament championship or face the prospect of always being slotted for the play-in games.

The earliest the NCAA Tournament could expand would be the 2025-26 season, the person told AP. The NCAA basketball oversight committee meets next week and the tournament selection committee has a meeting next month.

The men's tournament last expanded in 2011 when it went from 64 to 68 teams. The women's tournament matched that in 2022.

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball WriterThe NCAA has presented a plan to Division I conference commissioners that would expand the lucrative men's and women's basketball tournaments by four or eight teams alongside an option to leave each field at 68 teams, according to a person familiar with the details.The proposals were outlined to the commissioners this week by NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt and NCAA Vice President for Women's Basketball Lynn Holzman, the person told The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because no official announcements have been made. The news was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.Under the proposal, expansion of the 68-team field included both four- and eight-team models. The NCAA would keep its 64-team bracket but would add play-in games involving the 10 through 12 seeds.If the men's tournament were to expand it is expected the women's tourney would as well.There are many in college basketball who have said they believe the 68-team fields and three weekends of play are ideal but pressure has grown to add teams and games to one of the most popular sports events on the U.S. calendar. Last year, the NCAA Division I board of directors approved recommendations that included allowing one quarter of teams in larger sports to compete in championship events; in that scenario, March Madness tourneys could expand to nearly 90 teams.The NCAA is currently in the midst of an eight-year extension of its TV deal for the men's tournament worth $8.8 billion that runs through 2032. That would not be expected to change if a handful of teams are added.More games would provide a small boost through ticket sales and merchandise, but the pool of money the NCAA uses to pay out conferences and member schools would essentially stay the same. What could change, however, is how that money would be divided up if the tournament broadens.Expansion would also mean the men's tournament would have to find an additional site besides Dayton for its First Four games. The Ohio city already has games on Tuesday and Wednesday and wouldn't be able to host additional play-in games ahead of the tourney's traditional first-round opening on Thursday. Women's play-in games are at the same campus sites as the first two rounds of the tournament.Expansion is largely backed by larger conferences and smaller leagues do not want to lose the automatic bids that come with a conference tournament championship or face the prospect of always being slotted for the play-in games.The earliest the NCAA Tournament could expand would be the 2025-26 season, the person told AP. The NCAA basketball oversight committee meets next week and the tournament selection committee has a meeting next month.The men's tournament last expanded in 2011 when it went from 64 to 68 teams. The women's tournament matched that in 2022.

NCAA presents options to expand March Madness tournament

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A plan in Kansas for luring the Kansas City's two major league sports franchises from Missouri has prompted their hometown's mayor to declare that the move ends a 5-year-old agreement by the states not to poach each other's jobs.

The Kansas Legislature has approved a measure to allow the state to issue bonds to help the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs and Major League Baseball's Royals pay for new stadiums in Kansas. It goes next to Gov. Laura Kelly.

Here are a few things to know about the two states' contest for the teams.

While Kelly has not formally pledged to sign the stadium-financing bill, she issued a positive statement when it passed Tuesday, saying it could make Kansas “a professional sports powerhouse.” If she signs it, as many lawmakers expect, it would take effect July 1.

The state’s secretary of commerce, Lt. Gov. David Toland, would negotiate with one or both teams on a plan for a new stadium. Kelly and eight top legislative leaders would have to approve each deal with a vote in a public meeting.

A deal would draw the boundaries of a district around a stadium and possibly another around a separate practice facility, and new state sales and alcohol tax revenues generated by shops, restaurants, bars and hotels within that district would pay off the bonds over 30 years.

The city and county could pledge tax revenues as well but are not required to do so, and the state also could use revenues from sports betting and state lottery ticket sales to back bonds as well.

The bonds could cover up to 70% of the costs of the new stadiums, though supporters of the plan don't expect that, anticipating that two stadiums together could cost $4 billion.

There is talk of a renewed economic ‘border war’

The Kansas-Missouri border splits the 2.3 million-resident Kansas City area, and there's both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Much of the border is the median of State Line Road, and about 60% of the area's residents live on the Missouri side.

A feud between the two states has existed for generations and most recently saw each state burning through tens of millions of dollars in subsides to pull existing businesses across the border. Officials on both sides came to see the contest as expensive and wasteful, and in 2019, Kelly, a Democrat, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, signed a truce.

Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas told reporters that Kansas’ bid for the Chiefs and Royals restarted that economic “border war.”

“I do believe long-term that we’re one place and it’s better when we work together," he said during a news conference.

But Kelly doesn't agree that the states' truce has been violated, telling reporters this week that before the agreement, "We never discussed the teams.”

Kansas lawmakers tapped fears about the future

Kansas lawmakers acted after voters on the Missouri side refused in April to extend a local sales tax for keeping up the complex with the teams' side-by-side stadiums. Many Kansas lawmakers worried that if they didn't act, the teams might move out of the area altogether — mentioning Salt Lake City, San Antonio and Nashville.

Several economists who've studied professional sports were dubious that moving would make financial sense for either team — especially the Chiefs, who have a rabid fan base that could be hard to build quickly elsewhere. In addition, after pro football's Rams moved nearly a decade ago from St. Louis to Los Angeles, the team's owner and the National Football League paid $790 million to settle a lawsuit filed by St. Louis interests.

But Kansas lawmakers noted that the Royals' major-league predecessor, the Athletics, moved to Oakland, California, in 1968 and now plan to relocate to Las Vegas. Kansas City lost major-league professional teams to other cities in the 1970s and 1980s, and the Chiefs came to Kansas City in 1963 after starting as the Dallas Texans four years earlier.

“The state of Missouri is known for losing professional teams,” Kansas state Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Kansas City-area Republican, who helped lead the push for the stadium bill.

Kansas officials expect Missouri to respond

Missouri officials have pledged to do what it takes to keep the Chiefs and Royals in their state but have not outlined specific proposals. Lucas saw the April vote as a sign that area residents wanted officials to discuss options other than extending the sales tax.

Like their counterparts in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers have finished their annual regular session, but they are set to meet again Sept. 11 to consider vetoes by Parson.

Supporters of Kansas’ bid for the teams said it could spur an aggressive response from Missouri — and added that if the teams get offers they like and opt to stay there, at least they’re still in the Kansas City area.

Lucas said the teams now have “exceptional leverage.”

Kansas and Missouri describe the timeline differently

The lease on the complex with the Chiefs' and Royals' existing stadiums runs through January 2031, but the teams have said they must plan renovations or new stadiums years in advance for them to be ready on time. Both suggested that even seven years out, time for a decision is short.

Backers of the Kansas bid said such comments justified acting Tuesday, during a one-day special session that Kelly called to consider tax cuts after lawmakers adjourned their regular annual session May 1. Some critics argued that legislators should have waited until their regular 2025 session starts in January so a plan could be properly vetted.

But Parson and Lucas have said the contest for the teams is only in its “first quarter,” using a football metaphor.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A plan in Kansas for luring the Kansas City's two major league sports franchises from Missouri has prompted their hometown's mayor to declare that the move ends a 5-year-old agreement by the states not to poach each other's jobs.The Kansas Legislature has approved a measure to allow the state to issue bonds to help the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs and Major League Baseball's Royals pay for new stadiums in Kansas. It goes next to Gov. Laura Kelly.Here are a few things to know about the two states' contest for the teams.Kansas is poised to make offersWhile Kelly has not formally pledged to sign the stadium-financing bill, she issued a positive statement when it passed Tuesday, saying it could make Kansas “a professional sports powerhouse.” If she signs it, as many lawmakers expect, it would take effect July 1.The state’s secretary of commerce, Lt. Gov. David Toland, would negotiate with one or both teams on a plan for a new stadium. Kelly and eight top legislative leaders would have to approve each deal with a vote in a public meeting.A deal would draw the boundaries of a district around a stadium and possibly another around a separate practice facility, and new state sales and alcohol tax revenues generated by shops, restaurants, bars and hotels within that district would pay off the bonds over 30 years.The city and county could pledge tax revenues as well but are not required to do so, and the state also could use revenues from sports betting and state lottery ticket sales to back bonds as well.The bonds could cover up to 70% of the costs of the new stadiums, though supporters of the plan don't expect that, anticipating that two stadiums together could cost $4 billion.There is talk of a renewed economic ‘border war’The Kansas-Missouri border splits the 2.3 million-resident Kansas City area, and there's both Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. Much of the border is the median of State Line Road, and about 60% of the area's residents live on the Missouri side.A feud between the two states has existed for generations and most recently saw each state burning through tens of millions of dollars in subsides to pull existing businesses across the border. Officials on both sides came to see the contest as expensive and wasteful, and in 2019, Kelly, a Democrat, and Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, signed a truce.Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas told reporters that Kansas’ bid for the Chiefs and Royals restarted that economic “border war.”“I do believe long-term that we’re one place and it’s better when we work together," he said during a news conference.But Kelly doesn't agree that the states' truce has been violated, telling reporters this week that before the agreement, "We never discussed the teams.”Kansas lawmakers tapped fears about the futureKansas lawmakers acted after voters on the Missouri side refused in April to extend a local sales tax for keeping up the complex with the teams' side-by-side stadiums. Many Kansas lawmakers worried that if they didn't act, the teams might move out of the area altogether — mentioning Salt Lake City, San Antonio and Nashville.Several economists who've studied professional sports were dubious that moving would make financial sense for either team — especially the Chiefs, who have a rabid fan base that could be hard to build quickly elsewhere. In addition, after pro football's Rams moved nearly a decade ago from St. Louis to Los Angeles, the team's owner and the National Football League paid $790 million to settle a lawsuit filed by St. Louis interests.But Kansas lawmakers noted that the Royals' major-league predecessor, the Athletics, moved to Oakland, California, in 1968 and now plan to relocate to Las Vegas. Kansas City lost major-league professional teams to other cities in the 1970s and 1980s, and the Chiefs came to Kansas City in 1963 after starting as the Dallas Texans four years earlier.“The state of Missouri is known for losing professional teams,” Kansas state Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Kansas City-area Republican, who helped lead the push for the stadium bill.Kansas officials expect Missouri to respondMissouri officials have pledged to do what it takes to keep the Chiefs and Royals in their state but have not outlined specific proposals. Lucas saw the April vote as a sign that area residents wanted officials to discuss options other than extending the sales tax.Like their counterparts in Kansas, Missouri lawmakers have finished their annual regular session, but they are set to meet again Sept. 11 to consider vetoes by Parson.Supporters of Kansas’ bid for the teams said it could spur an aggressive response from Missouri — and added that if the teams get offers they like and opt to stay there, at least they’re still in the Kansas City area.Lucas said the teams now have “exceptional leverage.”Kansas and Missouri describe the timeline differentlyThe lease on the complex with the Chiefs' and Royals' existing stadiums runs through January 2031, but the teams have said they must plan renovations or new stadiums years in advance for them to be ready on time. Both suggested that even seven years out, time for a decision is short.Backers of the Kansas bid said such comments justified acting Tuesday, during a one-day special session that Kelly called to consider tax cuts after lawmakers adjourned their regular annual session May 1. Some critics argued that legislators should have waited until their regular 2025 session starts in January so a plan could be properly vetted.But Parson and Lucas have said the contest for the teams is only in its “first quarter,” using a football metaphor.

Kansas City mayor says a fight over jobs is back on.

By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports Info

Barton Community College sophomore outfielder Robby Bolin capped off a tremendous 2024 season on Wednesday earning a spot on the NJCAA Division I ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove team.

The Gold Glove award caps an impressive list of postseason awards for the sophomore from Topeka, Kansas. Bolin was also named second team NJCAA All-American as well as the Jayhawk West Most Valuable Player, first-team All-KJCCC West and Region VI selection, a Region VI Gold Glove recipient and most recently selected onto the USA NJCAA All-Star team.

Bolin is the first Cougar in program history to garner a national Gold Glove in the awards 17-year existence.

A mainstay in centerfield for all 62 games, Bolin fielded a perfect 1.000% with 125 putouts and four outfield assists.

Over his two-year career in the outfield, the sophomore finished with an impressive .987 defensive percentage in 120 games, committing just three errors with 221 putouts and five defensive assists.

Bolin was one of two Jayhawk Conference recipients with Gehrig Goldbeck of Kansas City Kansas also earning a selection at shortstop.

The University of Nebraska signee also had a solid offensive season for the Cougars.

Bolin's .464 batting average throughout the season was the fourth best in the NJCAA and sixth best single-season average in Barton baseball history.

Batting out of the leadoff spot, the sophomore scattered the program's single season most and country's fourth best 104 hits while holding the NJCAA's fifth highest .566 on-base percentage.

The sophomore accumulated 20 doubles, six triples, four home runs and 49 RBIs. Bolin sat atop the NJCAA and produced the program's second most 95 runs, walking 36 times, drawing 18 hit-by-pitches, with a team best 43 stolen bases in 47 attempts this season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718910714354.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRANDON SMITH Barton Sports InfoBarton Community College sophomore outfielder Robby Bolin capped off a tremendous 2024 season on Wednesday earning a spot on the NJCAA Division I ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove team.The Gold Glove award caps an impressive list of postseason awards for the sophomore from Topeka, Kansas. Bolin was also named second team NJCAA All-American as well as the Jayhawk West Most Valuable Player, first-team All-KJCCC West and Region VI selection, a Region VI Gold Glove recipient and most recently selected onto the USA NJCAA All-Star team.Bolin is the first Cougar in program history to garner a national Gold Glove in the awards 17-year existence.A mainstay in centerfield for all 62 games, Bolin fielded a perfect 1.000% with 125 putouts and four outfield assists.Over his two-year career in the outfield, the sophomore finished with an impressive .987 defensive percentage in 120 games, committing just three errors with 221 putouts and five defensive assists.Bolin was one of two Jayhawk Conference recipients with Gehrig Goldbeck of Kansas City Kansas also earning a selection at shortstop.The University of Nebraska signee also had a solid offensive season for the Cougars.Bolin's .464 batting average throughout the season was the fourth best in the NJCAA and sixth best single-season average in Barton baseball history.Batting out of the leadoff spot, the sophomore scattered the program's single season most and country's fourth best 104 hits while holding the NJCAA's fifth highest .566 on-base percentage.The sophomore accumulated 20 doubles, six triples, four home runs and 49 RBIs. Bolin sat atop the NJCAA and produced the program's second most 95 runs, walking 36 times, drawing 18 hit-by-pitches, with a team best 43 stolen bases in 47 attempts this season.

Bolin named to prestigious ABCA/NJCAA Rawlings Gold Glove

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Medina (1-2) had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but was sharp against the struggling Royals. He allowed one run on an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr. and six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win in front of an announced crowd of 4,557 fans.

“All the time when I go out there, I'm just trying to do a good job and help my teammates,” Medina said. “Every game we try to make an adjustment and try to be better every day. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to put my team in a good situation.”

Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles, Miguel Andujar had three hits and an RBI and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense for Oakland. Medina and the bullpen did the rest, giving the A’s their first back-to-back wins since a six-game winning streak that ended May 4.

A's relievers threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings, ending a streak of 13 games that the bullpen allowed at least one run.

The Royals have lost eight of their last 10 games, including back-to-back games against an A's team that has the second worst record in the American League .

Ragans pitched well, allowing only four hits in six innings but ran into trouble in the third inning when he walked Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday to open the frame. Andujar and Rooker followed with singles to make to give Oakland a 2-0 lead.

“His stuff was good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Those walks came back to haunt him there in the third inning. They capitalized on those and that’s all he gave up. His stuff was really good. He gave us six solid innings, two runs, and gave us a chance to win.”

Andujar has 10 multi-hit games since coming off the injured list May 24, providing a big boost after starting the year on the injured list recovering from knee surgery.

“He's just a hitter,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “You don't see these types of hitters that often in the current game that just have bat to ball skills, along with the ability to hit it with some force and exit velo. We talked about the impact he could have once we got him back. Ten multi-hit games is an impact to the offense and a real positive to the middle of the order.”

After Witt's double got Kansas City on the board in the fifth, the A's got some insurance in the seventh inning with RBI singles to Rooker and Tyler Nevin against John Schreiber to make it 4-1.

Gelof added his seventh homer of the season in the eighth inning.

Royals: RHP Dan Altavilla left in the eighth inning after hurting his back after throwing ball four to Schuemann. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.

Athletics: INF Abraham Toro is dealing with shoulder soreness from a swing on Sunday and was held out of the lineup. Kotsay said he's hopeful Toro can avoid a stint on the IL.

RHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.40 ERA) looks for his Major League-leading 11th win when he starts the series finale for Kansas City against RHP Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.95).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718879432134.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Medina works against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Oakland Athletics pitcher Luis Medina works against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, June 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid, beating the Royals 5-1 on Wednesday night.Medina (1-2) had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but was sharp against the struggling Royals. He allowed one run on an RBI double by Bobby Witt Jr. and six hits in 5 2/3 innings for the win in front of an announced crowd of 4,557 fans.“All the time when I go out there, I'm just trying to do a good job and help my teammates,” Medina said. “Every game we try to make an adjustment and try to be better every day. Every time I go out there, I'm trying to put my team in a good situation.”Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles, Miguel Andujar had three hits and an RBI and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense for Oakland. Medina and the bullpen did the rest, giving the A’s their first back-to-back wins since a six-game winning streak that ended May 4.A's relievers threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings, ending a streak of 13 games that the bullpen allowed at least one run.The Royals have lost eight of their last 10 games, including back-to-back games against an A's team that has the second worst record in the American League .Ragans pitched well, allowing only four hits in six innings but ran into trouble in the third inning when he walked Max Schuemann and JJ Bleday to open the frame. Andujar and Rooker followed with singles to make to give Oakland a 2-0 lead.“His stuff was good,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “Those walks came back to haunt him there in the third inning. They capitalized on those and that’s all he gave up. His stuff was really good. He gave us six solid innings, two runs, and gave us a chance to win.”Andujar has 10 multi-hit games since coming off the injured list May 24, providing a big boost after starting the year on the injured list recovering from knee surgery.“He's just a hitter,” manager Mark Kotsay said. “You don't see these types of hitters that often in the current game that just have bat to ball skills, along with the ability to hit it with some force and exit velo. We talked about the impact he could have once we got him back. Ten multi-hit games is an impact to the offense and a real positive to the middle of the order.”After Witt's double got Kansas City on the board in the fifth, the A's got some insurance in the seventh inning with RBI singles to Rooker and Tyler Nevin against John Schreiber to make it 4-1.Gelof added his seventh homer of the season in the eighth inning.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Dan Altavilla left in the eighth inning after hurting his back after throwing ball four to Schuemann. There was no immediate word on the severity of the injury.Athletics: INF Abraham Toro is dealing with shoulder soreness from a swing on Sunday and was held out of the lineup. Kotsay said he's hopeful Toro can avoid a stint on the IL.UP NEXTRHP Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.40 ERA) looks for his Major League-leading 11th win when he starts the series finale for Kansas City against RHP Mitch Spence (4-3, 3.95).

Athletics beat the Royals 5-1

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid by beating the Royals 5-1. Medina had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but allowed only one run in 5 2/3 innings against the struggling Royals. Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles for Oakland and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense. Kansas City has lost eight of 10 games.

MIAMI (AP) — Otto Lopez hit a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth to drive in Tim Anderson and the Miami Marlins defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3. Lopez’s liner off Ryan Fernandez was bobbled by right fielder Alec Burleson, but is doubtful he would have had a play. Tanner Scott got the win after pitching a scoreless top of the ninth. The NL-worst Marlins took two of three from the Cardinals, who fell back below .500 at 36-37.

NEW YORK (AP) — Cedric Mullins hit a tiebreaking single in the 10th inning and scored on a throwing error to help the Baltimore Orioles hold off the New York Yankees 7-6 in a wild finish. New York ace Gerrit Cole was charged with two runs over four-plus innings in an up-and-down season debut after returning from an elbow injury. He was on the hook for his first loss since Aug. 19 last year until Giancarlo Stanton rallied the Yankees late with a three-run homer that pulled New York to 5-4 in the seventh, then laced a tying single off closer Craig Kimbrel in the ninth.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A mural honoring baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays has been unveiled in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Mays died Tuesday at the age of 93. The mural depicts a smiling “Say Hey Kid” and his bevy of athletic accomplishments. It was created by artist Chuck Styles ahead of Thursday's game between Mays' longtime team, the San Francisco Giants, and the St. Louis Cardinals at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham. The game is intended to honor the Negro Leagues, where Mays began his career in 1948. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol says the game becomes even more meaningful after Mays' death. Tributes to Mays poured in from around the country on Wednesday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Justin Lamkin gave Texas A&amp;M a second straight sensational start, Caden Sorrell homered to break open the game and the Aggies beat Florida 6-0 to reach their first College World Series finals. The Aggies will play No. 1 national seed Tennessee in the best-of-three championship series starting Saturday. It will be an all-SEC final for the second straight year and third time in four. Hours after Florida had 14 hits and scored its third-most runs this season in a 15-4 win over Kentucky, the Gators managed just four hits and were shut out for the first time in 145 games.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Tennessee will play in the College World Series finals for the first time in the modern era after it knocked out Florida State with a 7-2 victory to win its bracket. Zander Sechrist held the Seminoles scoreless for six innings and the Volunteers struck for four early runs to become the first No. 1 national seed since 2009 to advance to the best-of-three finals. Tennessee’s win assured an all-SEC finals for the second straight year and third time in four. The Volunteers will play Texas A&amp;M for the championship beginning Saturday.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, says an economic ‘border war’ between his state and Kansas has restarted. Mayor Quinton Lucas blames a plan approved by the Kansas Legislature that's aimed at luring his city's two major-league sports franchises from Missouri. It would allow Kansas to issue bonds to help pay for new stadiums for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Major League Baseball's Royals. In the past, the two states used subsidies to pull businesses across the border that runs through the Kansas City metropolitan area but their governors signed a truce in 2019. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said it doesn't apply to professional sports.

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan says the difficulty in finalizing a deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf isn’t a reason for concern. Monahan says it is still a great opportunity for the tour. It’s been more than a year since the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia announced a deal aimed at bringing peace to a sport torn apart by the departures of dozens of players for LIV Golf. The original deadline passed with no agreement. Monahan gave few specifics but said recent meetings have been very productive.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Coming back from long layoffs, American swimming stars Caeleb Dressel and Simone Manuel had to settle for relay spots at the Olympics on Wednesday night. Dressel, the winner of five gold medals at the Tokyo Games, won’t get a chance to defend his 100-meter freestyle title in Paris after a third-place finish at the U.S. trials behind Chris Guiliano and Jack Alexy. Manuel finished fourth in the women’s 100 freestyle, with potential breakout star Kate Douglass claiming the victory and Torri Huske the second spot. In perhaps the surest bet of the trials, Katie Ledecky claimed her third victory at Lucas Oil Stadium with another dominating performance in the 1,500 freestyle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718617262520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Luis Medina held down Kansas City to get his first victory in more than 11 months and the Oakland Athletics won their second straight game following a nine-game skid by beating the Royals 5-1. Medina had lost five straight decisions since beating Boston on July 18 last season but allowed only one run in 5 2/3 innings against the struggling Royals. Brett Rooker hit a pair of RBI singles for Oakland and Zack Gelof hit a solo homer to provide the offense. Kansas City has lost eight of 10 games.MIAMI (AP) — Otto Lopez hit a two-out single in the bottom of the ninth to drive in Tim Anderson and the Miami Marlins defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3. Lopez’s liner off Ryan Fernandez was bobbled by right fielder Alec Burleson, but is doubtful he would have had a play. Tanner Scott got the win after pitching a scoreless top of the ninth. The NL-worst Marlins took two of three from the Cardinals, who fell back below .500 at 36-37.NEW YORK (AP) — Cedric Mullins hit a tiebreaking single in the 10th inning and scored on a throwing error to help the Baltimore Orioles hold off the New York Yankees 7-6 in a wild finish. New York ace Gerrit Cole was charged with two runs over four-plus innings in an up-and-down season debut after returning from an elbow injury. He was on the hook for his first loss since Aug. 19 last year until Giancarlo Stanton rallied the Yankees late with a three-run homer that pulled New York to 5-4 in the seventh, then laced a tying single off closer Craig Kimbrel in the ninth.BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A mural honoring baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays has been unveiled in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Mays died Tuesday at the age of 93. The mural depicts a smiling “Say Hey Kid” and his bevy of athletic accomplishments. It was created by artist Chuck Styles ahead of Thursday's game between Mays' longtime team, the San Francisco Giants, and the St. Louis Cardinals at historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham. The game is intended to honor the Negro Leagues, where Mays began his career in 1948. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol says the game becomes even more meaningful after Mays' death. Tributes to Mays poured in from around the country on Wednesday.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Justin Lamkin gave Texas A&amp;M a second straight sensational start, Caden Sorrell homered to break open the game and the Aggies beat Florida 6-0 to reach their first College World Series finals. The Aggies will play No. 1 national seed Tennessee in the best-of-three championship series starting Saturday. It will be an all-SEC final for the second straight year and third time in four. Hours after Florida had 14 hits and scored its third-most runs this season in a 15-4 win over Kentucky, the Gators managed just four hits and were shut out for the first time in 145 games.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Tennessee will play in the College World Series finals for the first time in the modern era after it knocked out Florida State with a 7-2 victory to win its bracket. Zander Sechrist held the Seminoles scoreless for six innings and the Volunteers struck for four early runs to become the first No. 1 national seed since 2009 to advance to the best-of-three finals. Tennessee’s win assured an all-SEC finals for the second straight year and third time in four. The Volunteers will play Texas A&amp;M for the championship beginning Saturday.TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, says an economic ‘border war’ between his state and Kansas has restarted. Mayor Quinton Lucas blames a plan approved by the Kansas Legislature that's aimed at luring his city's two major-league sports franchises from Missouri. It would allow Kansas to issue bonds to help pay for new stadiums for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and Major League Baseball's Royals. In the past, the two states used subsidies to pull businesses across the border that runs through the Kansas City metropolitan area but their governors signed a truce in 2019. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said it doesn't apply to professional sports.CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan says the difficulty in finalizing a deal with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf isn’t a reason for concern. Monahan says it is still a great opportunity for the tour. It’s been more than a year since the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia announced a deal aimed at bringing peace to a sport torn apart by the departures of dozens of players for LIV Golf. The original deadline passed with no agreement. Monahan gave few specifics but said recent meetings have been very productive.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Coming back from long layoffs, American swimming stars Caeleb Dressel and Simone Manuel had to settle for relay spots at the Olympics on Wednesday night. Dressel, the winner of five gold medals at the Tokyo Games, won’t get a chance to defend his 100-meter freestyle title in Paris after a third-place finish at the U.S. trials behind Chris Guiliano and Jack Alexy. Manuel finished fourth in the women’s 100 freestyle, with potential breakout star Kate Douglass claiming the victory and Torri Huske the second spot. In perhaps the surest bet of the trials, Katie Ledecky claimed her third victory at Lucas Oil Stadium with another dominating performance in the 1,500 freestyle.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Atlanta	7	Detroit	0	Final	Texas	5	N.Y. Mets	3	Final	Milwaukee	2	L.A. Angels	0	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Cleveland	8	Seattle	0	Final	Boston	7	Toronto	3	Final	Houston	4	Chicago White Sox	1	Final	Baltimore	7	N.Y. Yankees	6	Final	Tampa Bay	3	Minnesota	2	Final	Oakland	5	Kansas City	1	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	Pittsburgh	1	Cincinnati	0	Final	Miami	4	St. Louis	3	Final	San Diego	5	Philadelphia	2	Final	Chicago Cubs	6	San Francisco	5	Final	Washington	3	Arizona	1	Final	Colorado	7	L.A. Dodgers	6

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

Due to the
possibility of bad weather, the Great Bend Bat Cats postponed their
game with Derby Tuesday night that was scheduled at Al Burns Field in
Great Bend. No make up date has yet been announced.

Due to the
possibility of bad weather, the Great Bend Bat Cats postponed their
game with Derby Tuesday night that was scheduled at Al Burns Field in
Great Bend. No make up date has yet been announced.

Bat Cats Tuesday game with Derby Postponed

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Zack Gelof hit his first home run in nearly three weeks and the Oakland Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday night to end a nine-game losing streak.

JJ Bleday had a career-high three doubles and drove in two runs, and Miguel Andujar added two hits to help Oakland to its first win since June 7.

“Getting a win in this league is tough, as we’ve seen the past few weeks,” Gelof said. “To get a win at home in front of the home crowd is awesome. I’ve been working with the coaches and teammates, and it looked like I was having quality at-bats today.”

The last-place A’s (27-48) have the fourth-worst record in the majors.

A moment of silence was held before the game to honor Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder who died earlier in the day. Mays got the final hit of his illustrious career at the Oakland Coliseum in the 1973 World Series.

“I just wish I was half the player that he was,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay, who played center field for much of his career. “The catches that he made and just the smile that he had, the impact he had on the game of baseball. His loss is felt today and will be felt for a long time.”

Nick Loftin hit his first career home run and had three RBIs for the Royals, who have lost three of four.

Gelof, who entered in a 5-for-30 funk, singled and scored in the first inning and then hit a three-run homer off starter Alec Marsh (5-4) in the fourth.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit but it makes it all worth it to come through when it matters,” Gelof said. “Felt great and hopefully some more to come.”

Hogan Harris (1-0) pitched five uneven innings to get the win, his first since the end of 2023 when he also beat the Royals. Harris, who left with the lead but got no decision in each of his three previous starts, allowed three runs (one earned) and four hits.

Kansas City, which left the bases loaded in the fourth, scored twice off Lucas Erceg in the eighth and got the potential tying run to the plate before Scott Alexander got Adam Frazier to fly out. Mason Miller retired three batters in the ninth for his 13th save, fourth-most by a rookie in franchise history.

Coming off an 0-7 road trip, the A’s got going early in their return home.

Leadoff hitter Max Schuemann walked in the first and scored on Bleday’s double off the wall. After Bleday advanced to third on a flyout, Brent Rooker hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.

“We definitely were in need of a good baseball game and a win,” Kotsay said. “We swung the bats better on the road and continued to swing the bats good tonight. All in all, a good feeling to come from where we were and to bounce back tonight.”

Kansas City tied it with a pair of unearned runs in the second. Freddy Fermin reached on Schuemann’s fielding error at shortstop and came around when Loftin snapped an 0-for-14 slide with a homer on the next pitch.

Marsh, coming off a superb outing against the New York Yankees, was tagged for a career-high seven runs and seven hits in three innings.

Royals: RHP Carlos Hernández was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. OF Drew Waters was optioned down.

Athletics: INF J.D. Davis, who missed time this season with a right adductor strain, was designated for assignment. OF Seth Brown was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas. OF Lawrence Butler and 3B Tyler Nevin were called up from Las Vegas.

Royals LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.14 ERA), who pitched seven scoreless innings against Oakland on May 17, starts the middle game of the series Wednesday. RHP Luis Medina (0-2, 5.87), who has lost five consecutive decisions dating to last July, goes for the A’s.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718790511056.jpeg" alt="Oakland Athletics' Zack Gelof hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Oakland Athletics' Zack Gelof hits a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, June 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Zack Gelof hit his first home run in nearly three weeks and the Oakland Athletics beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Tuesday night to end a nine-game losing streak.JJ Bleday had a career-high three doubles and drove in two runs, and Miguel Andujar added two hits to help Oakland to its first win since June 7.“Getting a win in this league is tough, as we’ve seen the past few weeks,” Gelof said. “To get a win at home in front of the home crowd is awesome. I’ve been working with the coaches and teammates, and it looked like I was having quality at-bats today.”The last-place A’s (27-48) have the fourth-worst record in the majors.A moment of silence was held before the game to honor Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame center fielder who died earlier in the day. Mays got the final hit of his illustrious career at the Oakland Coliseum in the 1973 World Series.“I just wish I was half the player that he was,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay, who played center field for much of his career. “The catches that he made and just the smile that he had, the impact he had on the game of baseball. His loss is felt today and will be felt for a long time.”Nick Loftin hit his first career home run and had three RBIs for the Royals, who have lost three of four.Gelof, who entered in a 5-for-30 funk, singled and scored in the first inning and then hit a three-run homer off starter Alec Marsh (5-4) in the fourth.“I’ve been struggling a little bit but it makes it all worth it to come through when it matters,” Gelof said. “Felt great and hopefully some more to come.”Hogan Harris (1-0) pitched five uneven innings to get the win, his first since the end of 2023 when he also beat the Royals. Harris, who left with the lead but got no decision in each of his three previous starts, allowed three runs (one earned) and four hits.Kansas City, which left the bases loaded in the fourth, scored twice off Lucas Erceg in the eighth and got the potential tying run to the plate before Scott Alexander got Adam Frazier to fly out. Mason Miller retired three batters in the ninth for his 13th save, fourth-most by a rookie in franchise history.Coming off an 0-7 road trip, the A’s got going early in their return home.Leadoff hitter Max Schuemann walked in the first and scored on Bleday’s double off the wall. After Bleday advanced to third on a flyout, Brent Rooker hit a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0.“We definitely were in need of a good baseball game and a win,” Kotsay said. “We swung the bats better on the road and continued to swing the bats good tonight. All in all, a good feeling to come from where we were and to bounce back tonight.”Kansas City tied it with a pair of unearned runs in the second. Freddy Fermin reached on Schuemann’s fielding error at shortstop and came around when Loftin snapped an 0-for-14 slide with a homer on the next pitch.Marsh, coming off a superb outing against the New York Yankees, was tagged for a career-high seven runs and seven hits in three innings.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Carlos Hernández was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. OF Drew Waters was optioned down.Athletics: INF J.D. Davis, who missed time this season with a right adductor strain, was designated for assignment. OF Seth Brown was sent outright to Triple-A Las Vegas. OF Lawrence Butler and 3B Tyler Nevin were called up from Las Vegas.UP NEXTRoyals LHP Cole Ragans (4-4, 3.14 ERA), who pitched seven scoreless innings against Oakland on May 17, starts the middle game of the series Wednesday. RHP Luis Medina (0-2, 5.87), who has lost five consecutive decisions dating to last July, goes for the A’s.

A's beat Royals 7-5 to end 9-game slide

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 16th Annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic, held on June 13-15, was, once again, a huge success in raising money for families fighting cancer. This year’s event is projected to raise more than $400,000 for seven families, tagged as the Magnificent Seven, fighting pediatric cancer with more than 30 Kansas luminaries participating in the festivities.

The June 13 basketball game kicked off the three-day Rock Chalk Roundball Classic weekend that included a Gala Dinner on June 14 and a Rock Chalk Round-Bowl Classic June 15. Organized by ‘Voice of the Jayhawks’ Brian Hanni, this year’s Magnificent Seven included 4-year-old Azel Bryant (Wichita, Kansas), 6-year-old Rowdy Campbell (Wichita, Kansas), 2-year-old Lucas Kromminga (Olathe, Kansas), 6-year-old Owen Ragsdale (Harrisonville, Missouri), 7-year-old Isaac Raynolds (Topeka, Kansas), 4-year-old Calvin Smith (Shawnee, Kansas) and 11-year-old Keira Whiting (Topeka, Kansas).

The 2024 edition of the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic tipped off on June 13 with the Crimson Team defeating the Blue Team 116-101 at Free State High School gymnasium in Lawrence. The basketball evening included former Kansas men’s basketball, women’s basketball and football players along with other local celebrities. All tickets sales, raffles and other fundraising activities went toward the cause. Besides the basketball and honoring the Magnificent Seven, former KU standout Calvin Thompson, a member of KU’s 1986 Final Four team, proposed to former KU women’s basketball player Barbara Adkins-Henry. Adkins-Henry said yes to the proposal.

KU celebrities who participated in the basketball contest for the Blue Team included Jeff Hawkins, Devonte’ Graham, Chris Teahan, Tyrel Reed, Silvio De Sousa, Parker Braun, Travis Releford, Michael Lee and Ochai Agbaji. The Blue Team was coached by Gradey Dick, Thompson, Patrick Richey, Darrell Stuckey, David McCormack, Adkins-Henry, Billy Thomas and Matt Kleinmann. The winning Crimson Team consisted of Sherron Collins, Jalen Wilson, KU soccer head coach Nate Lie, Malik Newman, Elijah Johnson, Christian Braun, Brandon Rush, Julian Wright, Kylee Kopatich, Brandon McAnderson, Jeff Graves and Mitch Lightfoot, with coaches Greg Ostertag, Tyshawn Taylor, Wayne Simien, Udoka Azubuike, Alonzo Jamison and Lester Earl.

To learn more about the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic or to donate to the cause, one could go to <a href="http://rockchalkroundballclassic.com.">rockchalkroundballclassic.com.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718741866501.jpeg" alt="KU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>KU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – The 16th Annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic, held on June 13-15, was, once again, a huge success in raising money for families fighting cancer. This year’s event is projected to raise more than $400,000 for seven families, tagged as the Magnificent Seven, fighting pediatric cancer with more than 30 Kansas luminaries participating in the festivities.The June 13 basketball game kicked off the three-day Rock Chalk Roundball Classic weekend that included a Gala Dinner on June 14 and a Rock Chalk Round-Bowl Classic June 15. Organized by ‘Voice of the Jayhawks’ Brian Hanni, this year’s Magnificent Seven included 4-year-old Azel Bryant (Wichita, Kansas), 6-year-old Rowdy Campbell (Wichita, Kansas), 2-year-old Lucas Kromminga (Olathe, Kansas), 6-year-old Owen Ragsdale (Harrisonville, Missouri), 7-year-old Isaac Raynolds (Topeka, Kansas), 4-year-old Calvin Smith (Shawnee, Kansas) and 11-year-old Keira Whiting (Topeka, Kansas).The 2024 edition of the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic tipped off on June 13 with the Crimson Team defeating the Blue Team 116-101 at Free State High School gymnasium in Lawrence. The basketball evening included former Kansas men’s basketball, women’s basketball and football players along with other local celebrities. All tickets sales, raffles and other fundraising activities went toward the cause. Besides the basketball and honoring the Magnificent Seven, former KU standout Calvin Thompson, a member of KU’s 1986 Final Four team, proposed to former KU women’s basketball player Barbara Adkins-Henry. Adkins-Henry said yes to the proposal.KU celebrities who participated in the basketball contest for the Blue Team included Jeff Hawkins, Devonte’ Graham, Chris Teahan, Tyrel Reed, Silvio De Sousa, Parker Braun, Travis Releford, Michael Lee and Ochai Agbaji. The Blue Team was coached by Gradey Dick, Thompson, Patrick Richey, Darrell Stuckey, David McCormack, Adkins-Henry, Billy Thomas and Matt Kleinmann. The winning Crimson Team consisted of Sherron Collins, Jalen Wilson, KU soccer head coach Nate Lie, Malik Newman, Elijah Johnson, Christian Braun, Brandon Rush, Julian Wright, Kylee Kopatich, Brandon McAnderson, Jeff Graves and Mitch Lightfoot, with coaches Greg Ostertag, Tyshawn Taylor, Wayne Simien, Udoka Azubuike, Alonzo Jamison and Lester Earl.To learn more about the Rock Chalk Roundball Classic or to donate to the cause, one could go to <a href="http://rockchalkroundballclassic.com.">rockchalkroundballclassic.com.</a>

Magnificent Seven Featured at 16th Annual Rock Chalk Roundball Classic

NEW YORK (AP) — When Team USA walks with the world’s athletes at the Paris Olympics'opening ceremony, they’ll be doing so in snappy tailored navy blazers from Ralph Lauren — and blue jeans.

Ralph Lauren, which unveiled Tuesday its ninth turn creating Olympic parade looks for the Americans, is billing the pairing as “unexpected” yet classic.

David Lauren, the company's chief branding and innovation officer and its founder's son, was unbothered by the casualness of blue denim.

“We work very closely with Team USA to make the athletes feel at once dressed up, feel like a team, but at the same time comfortable and very distinctively American,” he told The Associated Press on Monday during a media preview at the company's posh New York headquarters.

“Nothing says America like blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris,” Lauren added. “And it gives the athletes a chance to feel a sense of a culture but also feel like themselves and what is natural.”

The single-breasted wool blazers come with red-and-white tipping worn with a blue-and-white striped Oxford shirt and cream suede buck lace-up shoes. The jeans, at least, are tapered. Oh, and there are neck ties, in blue.

For the closing ceremony, the team will wear sharp white, moto-style denim jeans with matching jackets designed in, yes, patriotic red, white and blue.

The company gathered a few Paris-bound athletes to show off the parade uniforms for the Summer Games that begin next month in one of the world's fashion capitals.

Daniela Moroz, 23, is competing in sailing at her first Olympics. She loved the racing details of the closing look she modeled, down to the shoes. The zip jackets have “USA” splashed across the front in huge letters, with “Team USA” in blue high on the outside seam of one pant leg. Team caps are duck bill: The visor is in white, with red and blue details.

“I'm a racer on the water so that really speaks to me,” said Moroz, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, of the moto touches. “It's super comfortable.”

Lauren called the closing ceremony looks “more graphic, more fun, a little more exciting.”

The company also designed Team USA gear available for sale starting Tuesday at RalphLauren.com, TeamUSAShop.com and company stores in the U.S. and France. Among the wares on offer are polo shirts made of 100% recycled cotton. It's the first time Ralph Lauren has achieved that level of sustainability in Olympic gear, David Lauren said.

The customizable polo shirt “feels almost like a performance material that has better wicking, better breathability, better stretch,” he said. “And it’s a test for us to see how we can evolve in the future. The Olympics has always been an amazing place to test newness, to try innovation, and to explore with our athletes what the future could look like.”

Some proceeds of retail sales go to help support U.S. athletes training for their Olympic moments. Lauren wouldn't be more specific on how much money the company sends their way.

The opening and closing ceremony uniforms, the same for the Olympics and subsequent Paralympics, were made in the U.S. The gear on sale to the public was made in both the U.S. and other countries.

Jamal Hill, a Paralympic swimmer who earned a bronze medal in Tokyo, is returning to compete in Paris at age 29. He thinks the uniforms will resonate with millennials and Gen Z.

“They have a really, really nice unique modern flair,” said Hill, who grew up in Los Angeles.

Fencer Daryl Homer, 33, will be Paris as an alternate after he tore his Achilles tendon a month before qualification. It's his fourth trip to the Olympics. He earned a silver medal in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

Of the blue denim moment, Homer said: “It's very modern, it's approachable. We're going to be walking in Paris in the heat. It's a lighter look with a bit more room to move around.”

Kamren Larsen, a 24-year-old BMX racer from Bakersfield, California, is headed to his first Olympics. He thinks the crisp blazers with Oxford shirts balance out the more laid-back nature of the jeans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718742168673.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Team USA Paris Olympics opening ceremony attire is displayed at Ralph Lauren headquarters on Monday, June 17, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Team USA Paris Olympics opening ceremony attire is displayed at Ralph Lauren headquarters on Monday, June 17, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — When Team USA walks with the world’s athletes at the Paris Olympics'opening ceremony, they’ll be doing so in snappy tailored navy blazers from Ralph Lauren — and blue jeans.Just regular, everyday denim blue jeans.Ralph Lauren, which unveiled Tuesday its ninth turn creating Olympic parade looks for the Americans, is billing the pairing as “unexpected” yet classic.David Lauren, the company's chief branding and innovation officer and its founder's son, was unbothered by the casualness of blue denim.“We work very closely with Team USA to make the athletes feel at once dressed up, feel like a team, but at the same time comfortable and very distinctively American,” he told The Associated Press on Monday during a media preview at the company's posh New York headquarters.“Nothing says America like blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris,” Lauren added. “And it gives the athletes a chance to feel a sense of a culture but also feel like themselves and what is natural.”The single-breasted wool blazers come with red-and-white tipping worn with a blue-and-white striped Oxford shirt and cream suede buck lace-up shoes. The jeans, at least, are tapered. Oh, and there are neck ties, in blue.For the closing ceremony, the team will wear sharp white, moto-style denim jeans with matching jackets designed in, yes, patriotic red, white and blue.The company gathered a few Paris-bound athletes to show off the parade uniforms for the Summer Games that begin next month in one of the world's fashion capitals.Daniela Moroz, 23, is competing in sailing at her first Olympics. She loved the racing details of the closing look she modeled, down to the shoes. The zip jackets have “USA” splashed across the front in huge letters, with “Team USA” in blue high on the outside seam of one pant leg. Team caps are duck bill: The visor is in white, with red and blue details.“I'm a racer on the water so that really speaks to me,” said Moroz, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, of the moto touches. “It's super comfortable.”Lauren called the closing ceremony looks “more graphic, more fun, a little more exciting.”The company also designed Team USA gear available for sale starting Tuesday at RalphLauren.com, TeamUSAShop.com and company stores in the U.S. and France. Among the wares on offer are polo shirts made of 100% recycled cotton. It's the first time Ralph Lauren has achieved that level of sustainability in Olympic gear, David Lauren said.The customizable polo shirt “feels almost like a performance material that has better wicking, better breathability, better stretch,” he said. “And it’s a test for us to see how we can evolve in the future. The Olympics has always been an amazing place to test newness, to try innovation, and to explore with our athletes what the future could look like.”Some proceeds of retail sales go to help support U.S. athletes training for their Olympic moments. Lauren wouldn't be more specific on how much money the company sends their way.The opening and closing ceremony uniforms, the same for the Olympics and subsequent Paralympics, were made in the U.S. The gear on sale to the public was made in both the U.S. and other countries.Jamal Hill, a Paralympic swimmer who earned a bronze medal in Tokyo, is returning to compete in Paris at age 29. He thinks the uniforms will resonate with millennials and Gen Z.“They have a really, really nice unique modern flair,” said Hill, who grew up in Los Angeles.Fencer Daryl Homer, 33, will be Paris as an alternate after he tore his Achilles tendon a month before qualification. It's his fourth trip to the Olympics. He earned a silver medal in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.Of the blue denim moment, Homer said: “It's very modern, it's approachable. We're going to be walking in Paris in the heat. It's a lighter look with a bit more room to move around.”Kamren Larsen, a 24-year-old BMX racer from Bakersfield, California, is headed to his first Olympics. He thinks the crisp blazers with Oxford shirts balance out the more laid-back nature of the jeans.

Ralph Lauren goes with basic blue jeans for Team USA

By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post

Salina South’s football fortunes haven’t been so fortunate in the past eight years.&nbsp;

But the gridiron fortunes may be beginning to shift on Salina’s south side.&nbsp;

The Cougars’ culture is changing…..for the better.

“We’re trying to get ‘we’re gonna lose every game’ out of our mind and believe we can beat any team,” incoming junior wide receiver/KO and punt return man Jaxon Myers said. “Right now, we’re slowly working towards that and getting better everyday.”

The Cougars enter the 2024 season having lost 24 consecutive football games dating back to a 34-16 victory over Haysville-Campus on Sept. 17, 2021. They have lost 27 of their past 28 and 32 of their last 35.

Their last .500 or better season came in 2015 at 5-5.

“Believe in the coaches, working in the weight room, getting better every day,” Myers said on what it takes to change the culture of back-to-back winless campaigns.

“It’s been frustrating, some people just not wanting to work and get better. Last year people coming in thinking we’re not gonna win, we suck and all that but I can see the change coming,” Myers noted.

“We know what has to change. That starts by winning practice reps, weight reps and attendance,” junior Jalen Cheeks said. “We’re trying to put respect back into the program which will hopefully bring wins and more.”

“We might not be able to win every home game, but we want to win more than we lose and be better than people think,” junior tight end Bryce Doonan said. “We will be and come out on top with lots of touchdowns and wins.”

First-year coach Christien Ozores, who came from Russell, sees improvement in the making.

“The kids are starting to understand why the little things are so important in creating our own identity,” Ozores said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but you can see/feel the excitement from the kids with them gaining confidence.”

South’s opponents scored 50 points in six of their nine 2023 games in which they were outscored 473-129 on the season.

“I’m trying to establish a committed system that the underclassmen can look up to,” incoming senior quarterback Landon Putman said. “I also want to establish a work ethic that the program hasn’t seen for a long time. I want people to be held accountable all across the board. Even other sports at South. I want other sports to look at the football team and say ‘if they turned it around, we can too.’ “

It’s started with a commitment to greatness in the weight room.

“Conditioning has had a major increase in attendance,” Putman said. “The culture is starting to change. Everyone is not entirely bought in, but there has for sure been an increase in that as well.”

“It gets pretty difficult at times when learning new concepts, but starting to bond with the coaches has been easy,” Putman said.

Work ethics have been a focal point as well.

“Something where you’re not there to just check a box and say I went,” Putman said. “Something you do whether that’s practice, weights, or film, you are there to make yourself and others better. Not just show up on Friday nights and expect everything to go your way. You need to show up in June as well.”

“We have seen a lot of improvement especially with the fundamentals not just with football but in the weight room as well,” Ozores said. “Our change of direction and explosiveness has improved since February.”

“The atmosphere of the weight room is outworking the guy next to you,” Putman noted. “Seniors are doing a good job on showing the freshmen how to do proper lifts. The atmosphere of the locker room is professional. We are there to get our stuff and get out. No funny business.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718721253237.jpeg" alt="Salina South quarterback Landon Putman returns for his senior season. (Photo by Kacey Putman)" />
 <figcaption>Salina South quarterback Landon Putman returns for his senior season. (Photo by Kacey Putman)</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post Salina South’s football fortunes haven’t been so fortunate in the past eight years.&nbsp;But the gridiron fortunes may be beginning to shift on Salina’s south side.&nbsp;The Cougars’ culture is changing…..for the better.“We’re trying to get ‘we’re gonna lose every game’ out of our mind and believe we can beat any team,” incoming junior wide receiver/KO and punt return man Jaxon Myers said. “Right now, we’re slowly working towards that and getting better everyday.”The Cougars enter the 2024 season having lost 24 consecutive football games dating back to a 34-16 victory over Haysville-Campus on Sept. 17, 2021. They have lost 27 of their past 28 and 32 of their last 35.Their last .500 or better season came in 2015 at 5-5.“Believe in the coaches, working in the weight room, getting better every day,” Myers said on what it takes to change the culture of back-to-back winless campaigns.“It’s been frustrating, some people just not wanting to work and get better. Last year people coming in thinking we’re not gonna win, we suck and all that but I can see the change coming,” Myers noted.“We know what has to change. That starts by winning practice reps, weight reps and attendance,” junior Jalen Cheeks said. “We’re trying to put respect back into the program which will hopefully bring wins and more.”“We might not be able to win every home game, but we want to win more than we lose and be better than people think,” junior tight end Bryce Doonan said. “We will be and come out on top with lots of touchdowns and wins.”First-year coach Christien Ozores, who came from Russell, sees improvement in the making.“The kids are starting to understand why the little things are so important in creating our own identity,” Ozores said. “We still have a lot of work to do, but you can see/feel the excitement from the kids with them gaining confidence.”South’s opponents scored 50 points in six of their nine 2023 games in which they were outscored 473-129 on the season.“I’m trying to establish a committed system that the underclassmen can look up to,” incoming senior quarterback Landon Putman said. “I also want to establish a work ethic that the program hasn’t seen for a long time. I want people to be held accountable all across the board. Even other sports at South. I want other sports to look at the football team and say ‘if they turned it around, we can too.’ “It’s started with a commitment to greatness in the weight room.“Conditioning has had a major increase in attendance,” Putman said. “The culture is starting to change. Everyone is not entirely bought in, but there has for sure been an increase in that as well.”But it hasn’t been easy.“It gets pretty difficult at times when learning new concepts, but starting to bond with the coaches has been easy,” Putman said.Work ethics have been a focal point as well.“Something where you’re not there to just check a box and say I went,” Putman said. “Something you do whether that’s practice, weights, or film, you are there to make yourself and others better. Not just show up on Friday nights and expect everything to go your way. You need to show up in June as well.”“We have seen a lot of improvement especially with the fundamentals not just with football but in the weight room as well,” Ozores said. “Our change of direction and explosiveness has improved since February.”“The atmosphere of the weight room is outworking the guy next to you,” Putman noted. “Seniors are doing a good job on showing the freshmen how to do proper lifts. The atmosphere of the locker room is professional. We are there to get our stuff and get out. No funny business.”

Former Russell coach trying to revamp Salina South football

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang added yet another talented wing to his 2024-25 roster with the signing of 2024 All-Big Ten selection Coleman Hawkins(Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois) to a Financial Aid Agreement on Tuesday (June 18).

A 6-foot-10, 230-pound wing, Hawkins arrives at K-State after spending the last 4 seasons (2020-24) at Illinois, where he was apart of 96 wins, 4 Big Ten Championships (2 regular season and 2 tournament titles) and 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023-24. He was a key part of the Fighting Illini's first run to the Elite Eight since 2005, leading the team in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) and ranking third in scoring (12.1 ppg.) en route to earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP.

Following his senior season, Hawkins declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, where he was among a group of standout performers out of 120 prospects. He finished with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting in his final scrimmage. He withdrew from the draft before the deadline on May 29.

Hawkins will have one season of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granting student-athletes who played during the 2020-21 athletic season an extra season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's a great day to be a Wildcat, as we're excited to welcome Coleman and his family to K-State," said head coach Jerome Tang. "The most important thing about Coleman is that he is a winner. He has won everywhere he has been whether it's a national championship in high school to winning 4 Big Ten titles and going to 4 NCAA Tournaments, including the Elite Eight this past season, at Illinois. He obviously can score but he impacts winning in a variety of ways. He is a terrific teammate who is very smart and only makes his teammates better. He plays with JOY and passion and has an engaging personality that I know our fans are going to love."

Hawkins has scored nearly 1,000 career points in his college career, which includes 126 games at Illinois (2020-24) with 82 starts. He has totaled 979 career points on 44.2 percent (345-of-781) shooting, including 31.9 percent (118-of-370) from 3-point range, and 69.8 percent (171-of-245) from the free throw line, with 581 rebounds, 256 assists, 115 steals and 102 blocks in 2,964 minutes played. He is the only player in Illinois school history with at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals in a career.

Among Hawkins' 979 career points were 592 in Big Ten play, coming on 44.3 percent (208-of-470) shooting. In addition, he has tallied double figures in 5 of his 8 career NCAA Tournament games, averaging 7.6 points on 41.8 percent (23-of-55) shooting with 4.6 rebounds per game. For his career, he is averaging 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game.

Hawkins has collected 6 20-point games and one 30-point game in his career, along with 6 double-doubles and one triple-double. He scored a career-high 30 points in the Illini's win against Iowa on Feb. 24, 2024, connecting on 9-of-11 field goals, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, in less than 30 minutes of action. He tallied the fifth triple-double in Illinois history on Nov. 29, 2022, with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Syracuse.

The bulk of Hawkins' production has come in the last 2 seasons (2022-24), in which, he has posted 749 points (11.0 ppg.) on 44.7 percent (267-of-598) shooting, including 32.9 percent (96-of-292) from 3-point range, with 419 rebounds (6.2 rpg.), 195 assists (2.9 apg.), 87 steals (1.3 spg.) and 76 blocks (1.1 bpg.) in 2,180 minutes played (32.1 mpg.) while starting 68 of the Fighting Illini's last 71 games. In that span, he scored in double figures 38 times with 6 20-point games, one 30-point game, 6 double-doubles and one triple-double.

Hawkins' scoring ability increased each season at Illinois capped by his 12.1 points per game average as a senior in 2023-24 in which he posted career-bests for field goal percentage (45.1), 3-point field goal percentage (36.9) and free throw percentage (79.2). He scored in double figures in 22 of 35 games played with 4 20-point games highlighted by his 30-point effort against Iowa on Feb. 24. He also had a pair of double-doubles in road games at Michigan (21 points, 10 rebounds; Jan. 18, 2024) and Northwestern (22 points, 13 rebounds; Jan. 24, 2024).

As a senior, Hawkins led the Fighting Illini in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) while he was third in scoring and 3-point field goal percentage (36.9). He was named to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award before earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP, third team honors from the media and honorable mention accolades from the league coaches.

Hawkins jumped to the forefront as a junior in 2022-23, leading the team in rebounding (6.3 rpg.) and assists (3.0 apg.) while placing second in blocks (1.2 bpg.) and third in scoring (9.9 ppg.) in starting all 33 games. He had 16 double-digit scoring games, including a pair of 20-point efforts, to go with 3 double-double and his first career triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Syracuse on Nov. 29, 2022. He opened the season with a 23-point, 12-rebound performance against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 7, 2022.

Hawkins began his ascension as a sophomore in 2021-22, averaging 5.9 points on 44.2 percent (68-of-154) shooting with 4.3 rebounds in playing in all 33 games with 14 starts. He started the first 10 games of the season, which included his first career double-digit scoring game (13 points vs. Jackson State, Nov. 9, 2021) and first double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds vs. Arkansas State, Nov. 12, 2021). He played nearly 25 minutes in the Illini's win over K-State at the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, posting 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. His season-high 18 points came against Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament on March 11, 2022, while had a near double-double (10 points, 8 rebounds) in the Illini's NCAA First Round win over Chattanooga on March 18, 2022.

Hawkins played in 25 games off the bench as a true freshman in 2020-21 for an Illinois squad that won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. He scored in 12 games, including a 5-point, 4-rebound and 2-assist effort in his first career game against North Carolina A&amp;T on Nov. 25, 2020.

A native of Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins played his high school basketball at prep powerhouse Prolific Prep in Northern California, leading his team to a 31-3 overall record and the program's first-ever Grind Session Championship prior to the cancellation of GEICO Nationals due to COVID-19. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team-high 6.5 assists as a senior in 2019-20.

Hawkins comes from a basketball family, as his father, Rodney, played at San Diego State (1987-88) while his 3 older sisters (Ashley, Taylor and Bailey) all played at the collegiate level. His father started his college basketball career at Colby Community College in Colby, Kan., before joining the Aztecs.

Hawkins is the 10th player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the eighth Division I transfer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718741604560.jpeg" alt="K-State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>K-State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang added yet another talented wing to his 2024-25 roster with the signing of 2024 All-Big Ten selection Coleman Hawkins(Sacramento, Calif./Prolific Prep/Illinois) to a Financial Aid Agreement on Tuesday (June 18).A 6-foot-10, 230-pound wing, Hawkins arrives at K-State after spending the last 4 seasons (2020-24) at Illinois, where he was apart of 96 wins, 4 Big Ten Championships (2 regular season and 2 tournament titles) and 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2023-24. He was a key part of the Fighting Illini's first run to the Elite Eight since 2005, leading the team in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) and ranking third in scoring (12.1 ppg.) en route to earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP.Following his senior season, Hawkins declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, where he was among a group of standout performers out of 120 prospects. He finished with 17 points on 6-of-7 shooting in his final scrimmage. He withdrew from the draft before the deadline on May 29.Hawkins will have one season of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granting student-athletes who played during the 2020-21 athletic season an extra season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic."It's a great day to be a Wildcat, as we're excited to welcome Coleman and his family to K-State," said head coach Jerome Tang. "The most important thing about Coleman is that he is a winner. He has won everywhere he has been whether it's a national championship in high school to winning 4 Big Ten titles and going to 4 NCAA Tournaments, including the Elite Eight this past season, at Illinois. He obviously can score but he impacts winning in a variety of ways. He is a terrific teammate who is very smart and only makes his teammates better. He plays with JOY and passion and has an engaging personality that I know our fans are going to love."Hawkins has scored nearly 1,000 career points in his college career, which includes 126 games at Illinois (2020-24) with 82 starts. He has totaled 979 career points on 44.2 percent (345-of-781) shooting, including 31.9 percent (118-of-370) from 3-point range, and 69.8 percent (171-of-245) from the free throw line, with 581 rebounds, 256 assists, 115 steals and 102 blocks in 2,964 minutes played. He is the only player in Illinois school history with at least 900 points, 500 rebounds, 200 assists, 100 blocks and 100 steals in a career.Among Hawkins' 979 career points were 592 in Big Ten play, coming on 44.3 percent (208-of-470) shooting. In addition, he has tallied double figures in 5 of his 8 career NCAA Tournament games, averaging 7.6 points on 41.8 percent (23-of-55) shooting with 4.6 rebounds per game. For his career, he is averaging 7.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 23.5 minutes per game.Hawkins has collected 6 20-point games and one 30-point game in his career, along with 6 double-doubles and one triple-double. He scored a career-high 30 points in the Illini's win against Iowa on Feb. 24, 2024, connecting on 9-of-11 field goals, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, in less than 30 minutes of action. He tallied the fifth triple-double in Illinois history on Nov. 29, 2022, with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Syracuse.The bulk of Hawkins' production has come in the last 2 seasons (2022-24), in which, he has posted 749 points (11.0 ppg.) on 44.7 percent (267-of-598) shooting, including 32.9 percent (96-of-292) from 3-point range, with 419 rebounds (6.2 rpg.), 195 assists (2.9 apg.), 87 steals (1.3 spg.) and 76 blocks (1.1 bpg.) in 2,180 minutes played (32.1 mpg.) while starting 68 of the Fighting Illini's last 71 games. In that span, he scored in double figures 38 times with 6 20-point games, one 30-point game, 6 double-doubles and one triple-double.Hawkins' scoring ability increased each season at Illinois capped by his 12.1 points per game average as a senior in 2023-24 in which he posted career-bests for field goal percentage (45.1), 3-point field goal percentage (36.9) and free throw percentage (79.2). He scored in double figures in 22 of 35 games played with 4 20-point games highlighted by his 30-point effort against Iowa on Feb. 24. He also had a pair of double-doubles in road games at Michigan (21 points, 10 rebounds; Jan. 18, 2024) and Northwestern (22 points, 13 rebounds; Jan. 24, 2024).As a senior, Hawkins led the Fighting Illini in rebounding (6.1 rpg.), steals (1.5 spg.) and blocks (1.1 bpg.) while he was third in scoring and 3-point field goal percentage (36.9). He was named to the watch list for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award before earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the AP, third team honors from the media and honorable mention accolades from the league coaches.Hawkins jumped to the forefront as a junior in 2022-23, leading the team in rebounding (6.3 rpg.) and assists (3.0 apg.) while placing second in blocks (1.2 bpg.) and third in scoring (9.9 ppg.) in starting all 33 games. He had 16 double-digit scoring games, including a pair of 20-point efforts, to go with 3 double-double and his first career triple-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists against Syracuse on Nov. 29, 2022. He opened the season with a 23-point, 12-rebound performance against Eastern Illinois on Nov. 7, 2022.Hawkins began his ascension as a sophomore in 2021-22, averaging 5.9 points on 44.2 percent (68-of-154) shooting with 4.3 rebounds in playing in all 33 games with 14 starts. He started the first 10 games of the season, which included his first career double-digit scoring game (13 points vs. Jackson State, Nov. 9, 2021) and first double-double (17 points, 13 rebounds vs. Arkansas State, Nov. 12, 2021). He played nearly 25 minutes in the Illini's win over K-State at the Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City, posting 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. His season-high 18 points came against Indiana in the Big Ten Tournament on March 11, 2022, while had a near double-double (10 points, 8 rebounds) in the Illini's NCAA First Round win over Chattanooga on March 18, 2022.Hawkins played in 25 games off the bench as a true freshman in 2020-21 for an Illinois squad that won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. He scored in 12 games, including a 5-point, 4-rebound and 2-assist effort in his first career game against North Carolina A&amp;T on Nov. 25, 2020.A native of Sacramento, Calif., Hawkins played his high school basketball at prep powerhouse Prolific Prep in Northern California, leading his team to a 31-3 overall record and the program's first-ever Grind Session Championship prior to the cancellation of GEICO Nationals due to COVID-19. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and a team-high 6.5 assists as a senior in 2019-20.Hawkins comes from a basketball family, as his father, Rodney, played at San Diego State (1987-88) while his 3 older sisters (Ashley, Taylor and Bailey) all played at the collegiate level. His father started his college basketball career at Colby Community College in Colby, Kan., before joining the Aztecs.Hawkins is the 10th player to sign with the Wildcats for the 2024-25 season, including the eighth Division I transfer.The full list includes:Achor Achor (Melbourne, Australia/Greenforest McCalep Academy/Chipola College/Samford)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 nine transfers join top-50 high school prospect David Castillo(Bartlesville, Okla./Sunrise Christian Academy [Kan.]), who signed during the early signing period on Nov. 8.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 head coach Jerome Tang's tenure, including consecutive postseason appearances.