MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best football players in Kansas State history will be getting his own bobblehead as K-State Athletics announced Monday that the miniature version of Darren Sproles will be made available to fans who are season ticket holders for the 2021 football season.

Sproles, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December as part of the Class of 2021, will return to Manhattan for an on-campus recognition for the contest against Oklahoma on October 2.

All K-State Football season ticket account holders who renew or purchase by May 15 will receive one free Sproles bobblehead, which is designed based off the life-sized version inside the Vanier Family Football Complex. Each season ticket holder will also have the option to purchase up to three more bobbleheads per account for $35 apiece.

A product of Olathe, Kansas, Sproles is the sixth K-State player or coach to be selected to college football’s highest honor and the third in the last 10 years. A 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, Sproles held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 16 seasons after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, which ranks third in Big 12 history and is nearly 2,000 yards more than any other player in K-State history. Sproles, who finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the best football players in Kansas State history will be getting his own bobblehead as K-State Athletics announced Monday that the miniature version of Darren Sproles will be made available to fans who are season ticket holders for the 2021 football season.Sproles, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December as part of the Class of 2021, will return to Manhattan for an on-campus recognition for the contest against Oklahoma on October 2.All K-State Football season ticket account holders who renew or purchase by May 15 will receive one free Sproles bobblehead, which is designed based off the life-sized version inside the Vanier Family Football Complex. Each season ticket holder will also have the option to purchase up to three more bobbleheads per account for $35 apiece.A product of Olathe, Kansas, Sproles is the sixth K-State player or coach to be selected to college football’s highest honor and the third in the last 10 years. A 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, Sproles held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 16 seasons after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, which ranks third in Big 12 history and is nearly 2,000 yards more than any other player in K-State history. Sproles, who finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American.

K-State introduces Darren Sproles Bobblehead giveaway

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael A. Taylor scored when Garrett Crochet misplayed Andrew Benintendi’s bunt in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Taylor opened the 10th on second base and advanced on Nicky Lopez’s sacrifice. After Whit Merrifield was walked intentionally, Benintendi bunted the ball right back to the mound. It looked as if Crochet had time to get Taylor at the plate, but he spiked his throw and catcher Zack Collins couldn’t come up with it. It was Chicago’s second error of the day and ninth overall in the first nine games.

CHICAGO (AP) — Michael A. Taylor scored when Garrett Crochet misplayed Andrew Benintendi’s bunt in the 10th inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Taylor opened the 10th on second base and advanced on Nicky Lopez’s sacrifice. After Whit Merrifield was walked intentionally, Benintendi bunted the ball right back to the mound. It looked as if Crochet had time to get Taylor at the plate, but he spiked his throw and catcher Zack Collins couldn’t come up with it. It was Chicago’s second error of the day and ninth overall in the first nine games.

Royals get an extra inning win

Due to inclement weather conditions today in Chicago, today’s Kansas City Royals-Chicago White Sox has been postponed. The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Friday, May 14th.

Due to inclement weather conditions today in Chicago, today’s Kansas City Royals-Chicago White Sox has been postponed. The game will be made up as part of a split doubleheader Friday, May 14th.

Royals - White Sox game postponed

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Lady Jay softball team went winless in their matchups with Topeka West on Friday. In game one, the Lady Jays fell 13-4, while in game two, play was suspended due to weather in the 5th inning tied 5-5.&nbsp;

In the first game, Junction City was tied 4-4 in the fifth inning before an explosion of offense from Topeka West plated nine runs in the final two innings.&nbsp;

The second game was a back to back affair that was shortened by weather. Tied at five in the fifth inning, play was suspended and it is yet to be determined if the game will be made up or completed in the future.&nbsp;

The Lady Jays are now 3-4 on the season. They will play at Highland Park on Friday, April 16th.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Lady Jay softball team went winless in their matchups with Topeka West on Friday. In game one, the Lady Jays fell 13-4, while in game two, play was suspended due to weather in the 5th inning tied 5-5.&nbsp;In the first game, Junction City was tied 4-4 in the fifth inning before an explosion of offense from Topeka West plated nine runs in the final two innings.&nbsp;The second game was a back to back affair that was shortened by weather. Tied at five in the fifth inning, play was suspended and it is yet to be determined if the game will be made up or completed in the future.&nbsp;The Lady Jays are now 3-4 on the season. They will play at Highland Park on Friday, April 16th.&nbsp;

Weather shortens double-header for Lady Jay softball

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Junction City High School hosts Centennial League-rival Topeka West live from Cleary Park.&nbsp;

The Lady Jay softball team enters with an overall record of 3-3 on the season and 0-2 in Centennial League play.&nbsp;

The double-header will begin with game one at approximately 4p.m., with game two to follow.&nbsp;

The stream can be found on the Eagle Communications YouTube page here.

WEATHER NOTE: There are expected showers in the Junction City area in the late afternoon and early evening. This broadcast is weather permitting. Should rain, thunderstorms, or other forms of inclement weather occur, the broadcast will stop to prevent damage to equipment in an outdoor setting.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. - Junction City High School hosts Centennial League-rival Topeka West live from Cleary Park.&nbsp;The Lady Jay softball team enters with an overall record of 3-3 on the season and 0-2 in Centennial League play.&nbsp;The double-header will begin with game one at approximately 4p.m., with game two to follow.&nbsp;The stream can be found on the Eagle Communications YouTube page here.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AqVFWRSieT4"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WEATHER NOTE: There are expected showers in the Junction City area in the late afternoon and early evening. This broadcast is weather permitting. Should rain, thunderstorms, or other forms of inclement weather occur, the broadcast will stop to prevent damage to equipment in an outdoor setting.&nbsp;

Lady Jay Softball hosts Topeka West

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. 

Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

CHICAGO (AP) — Lance Lynn pitched a five-hitter for the first complete game and shutout in the major leagues this season, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 6-0 on a rainy Thursday. Yermín Mercedes kept up his scorching start with a 485-foot homer. Yoán Moncada went deep, and the White Sox gave manager Tony La Russa the win in his first home game on the South Side in 35 years. Lynn (1-0) struck out 11 and walked none in his second shutout in 238 career starts, his first since a five-hitter against the New York Yankees on May 27, 2014. Kansas City's Brad Keller got tagged for four runs and six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Royals are shut out by the White Sox

CHICAGO (April 8, 2021)&nbsp;— In its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company today announced Taylor Briggs of Chapman High School as its 2020-2021 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Briggs is the first Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Chapman High School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Briggs as Kansas's best high school girls cross country player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade national Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced in April, Briggs joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lukas Verzbicas (2010-11, 2009-10, Carl Sundburg High School, Orland Park, Ill.), Megan Goethals (2009-10, Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jordan Hasay (2008-09, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Chris Derrick (2007-08, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.).&nbsp;

The 5-foot-3-inch senior distant talent broke the tape at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships with a time of 18:19.00, outdistancing her next-closest competitor by almost two minutes. Her state meet speed rating according to Dyestat and TallyRunners.com ranked No. 40 nationally among the Top 100 fastest competitors in the country. Just the sixth Kansas girls in history to win four state titles, Briggs finished 7-0 on the season to go undefeated on some of the state's most challenging racecourses, clocking a 5K personal-best 18:07.10 in the process. The two-time reigning Kansas Best of Preps Female cross Country Athlete of the Year and a nine-time state champion overall including track and field, Briggs raced and trained as the only girl on the Chapman team in both 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;

Briggs is a four-year member of her school's Student Council and served as her class president her freshman year. An American Youth Foundation National Leadership Award-winner in 2020, she has been a member of both Students Against Destructive Driving Decisions and her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Briggs has volunteered locally at a library, a soup kitchen and on behalf of community service initiatives with her church community. Also a member of her church bell choir, she has served as a peer tutor, a community pool swim instructor and has assisted at a youth track and field camp. "In the six years I've known Taylor as a student-athlete, I can confidently say she has it all," said Cindy Zumbrunn, head coach at Chapman High. "By that I mean natural ability, self-motivation, work ethic, desire, determination and grit. On top of that, she's responsible, dependable, conscientious and respectful."&nbsp;

Briggs has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.&nbsp;

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track &amp; field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.&nbsp;

Briggs joins recent Kansas Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Hope Jackson (2019-20, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School), Jaybe Shufelberger (2018-19, Washburn Rural High School), Olivia Sovereign (2017-18, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), and Molly Born (2016-17, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School), among the state's list of former award winners.&nbsp;

Through Gatorade's cause marketing platform "Play it Forward," Briggs has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Briggs is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners' grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.&nbsp;

Since the program's inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.&nbsp;

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit <a href="http://www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com">www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY">www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY</a> or follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gatorade">www.twitter.com/Gatorade</a>.&nbsp;

CHICAGO (April 8, 2021)&nbsp;— In its 36th year of honoring the nation's best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company today announced Taylor Briggs of Chapman High School as its 2020-2021 Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Briggs is the first Gatorade Kansas Girls Cross Country Player of the Year to be chosen from Chapman High School.The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Briggs as Kansas's best high school girls cross country player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade national Girls Cross Country Player of the Year award to be announced in April, Briggs joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Lukas Verzbicas (2010-11, 2009-10, Carl Sundburg High School, Orland Park, Ill.), Megan Goethals (2009-10, Rochester High School, Rochester Hills, Mich.), Jordan Hasay (2008-09, Mission College Preparatory Catholic High School, San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and Chris Derrick (2007-08, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, Ill.).&nbsp;The 5-foot-3-inch senior distant talent broke the tape at the KSHSAA 4A State Championships with a time of 18:19.00, outdistancing her next-closest competitor by almost two minutes. Her state meet speed rating according to Dyestat and TallyRunners.com ranked No. 40 nationally among the Top 100 fastest competitors in the country. Just the sixth Kansas girls in history to win four state titles, Briggs finished 7-0 on the season to go undefeated on some of the state's most challenging racecourses, clocking a 5K personal-best 18:07.10 in the process. The two-time reigning Kansas Best of Preps Female cross Country Athlete of the Year and a nine-time state champion overall including track and field, Briggs raced and trained as the only girl on the Chapman team in both 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;Briggs is a four-year member of her school's Student Council and served as her class president her freshman year. An American Youth Foundation National Leadership Award-winner in 2020, she has been a member of both Students Against Destructive Driving Decisions and her school's Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. Briggs has volunteered locally at a library, a soup kitchen and on behalf of community service initiatives with her church community. Also a member of her church bell choir, she has served as a peer tutor, a community pool swim instructor and has assisted at a youth track and field camp. "In the six years I've known Taylor as a student-athlete, I can confidently say she has it all," said Cindy Zumbrunn, head coach at Chapman High. "By that I mean natural ability, self-motivation, work ethic, desire, determination and grit. On top of that, she's responsible, dependable, conscientious and respectful."&nbsp;Briggs has maintained a 3.93 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run on scholarship at Iowa State University this fall.&nbsp;The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track &amp; field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.&nbsp;Briggs joins recent Kansas Girls Cross Country Players of the Year Hope Jackson (2019-20, Bishop Carroll Catholic High School), Jaybe Shufelberger (2018-19, Washburn Rural High School), Olivia Sovereign (2017-18, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School), and Molly Born (2016-17, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School), among the state's list of former award winners.&nbsp;Through Gatorade's cause marketing platform "Play it Forward," Briggs has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Briggs is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners' grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.&nbsp;Since the program's inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.&nbsp;To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit <a href="http://www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com">www.playeroftheyear.gatorade.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY">www.facebook.com/GatoradePOY</a> or follow us on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Gatorade">www.twitter.com/Gatorade</a>.&nbsp;

Chapman student-athlete named Gatorade Girls Cross Country Player of the Year

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians claimed the series finale of their two-game stint against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon, 4-2.&nbsp;

The Royals claimed an early lead off of a solo home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the 4th inning, and starter Jakob Junis shutout the Indians in five innings of work, allowing just one hit, but Cleveland would strike back in the 6th.&nbsp;

A two-run home run from Cleveland's Jose Ramirez gave the Indians their firs runs of the day; however, the Royals would tie the game at 2 in the top of the 7th, thanks to an RBI single from shortstop Nicky Lopez.&nbsp;

The Royals' bullpen would surrender the lead for the final time in the bottom of the 8th once again to Jose Ramirez. The Indian third baseman crushed his second two-run homer of the afternoon to clinch the victory and salvage a series split.&nbsp;

Kansas City falls to 3-2 on the young season, while Cleveland improved to 2-3.&nbsp;

The Royals will be back in action on Thursday afternoon in yet another matinee contest when they take on the Chicago White Sox at 3:10 PM.&nbsp;

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians claimed the series finale of their two-game stint against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon, 4-2.&nbsp;The Royals claimed an early lead off of a solo home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the 4th inning, and starter Jakob Junis shutout the Indians in five innings of work, allowing just one hit, but Cleveland would strike back in the 6th.&nbsp;A two-run home run from Cleveland's Jose Ramirez gave the Indians their firs runs of the day; however, the Royals would tie the game at 2 in the top of the 7th, thanks to an RBI single from shortstop Nicky Lopez.&nbsp;The Royals' bullpen would surrender the lead for the final time in the bottom of the 8th once again to Jose Ramirez. The Indian third baseman crushed his second two-run homer of the afternoon to clinch the victory and salvage a series split.&nbsp;Kansas City falls to 3-2 on the young season, while Cleveland improved to 2-3.&nbsp;The Royals will be back in action on Thursday afternoon in yet another matinee contest when they take on the Chicago White Sox at 3:10 PM.&nbsp;

Royals fall to Cleveland, 4-2

Junction City fell to Emporia in girls softball at Cleary Field 9-7 and 8-1 Tuesday evening. The Lady Jays are 3-3 on the season.

In game one, the Lady Jays jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning thanks to timely hitting. Sending ten batters to the plate, and tallying five base hits in the frame.&nbsp;

Emporia would hold the Lady Jays scoreless for the next three innings before the Spartans would finally score two in the 5th, but JCHS would get one back in the bottom of the inning, taking a 7-2 lead to the sixth.

In the sixth, Emporia would score three to get within 7-5 of the Lady Jays.&nbsp;

The 7th inning saw a Spartan rally of four runs to take their first lead of the game at 9-7.&nbsp;

Junction City would get two baserunners with two outs in the bottom of the 7th, but would be unable to tie the game.&nbsp;

In game two, Emporia would score three runs in the second and four in the sixth to lead 7-0 heading to the bottom of the inning. Junction City's bats had been silenced for much of the second game, but finally they would scratch across one run in the bottom of the 6th to trail 7-1.

Emporia would tally one final insurance run before shutting down the Jays in the final inning to win 8-1.

Lady Jay Head coach Aaron Craig felt encouraged by his team's effort, despite the losses on Tuesday. "We've got a young team. We have some seniors that have been a part of our program, but we have a lot of young girls as far as out here on the field experience at the high school level," said Craig. "I'm happy with the bats that we're swinging though because we've been in some situations in the past where we don't swing a bat. Once you start swinging, eventually it's going to work for you."

Junction City will host Topeka West on Friday.

Junction City fell to Emporia in girls softball at Cleary Field 9-7 and 8-1 Tuesday evening. The Lady Jays are 3-3 on the season.In game one, the Lady Jays jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the second inning thanks to timely hitting. Sending ten batters to the plate, and tallying five base hits in the frame.&nbsp;Emporia would hold the Lady Jays scoreless for the next three innings before the Spartans would finally score two in the 5th, but JCHS would get one back in the bottom of the inning, taking a 7-2 lead to the sixth.In the sixth, Emporia would score three to get within 7-5 of the Lady Jays.&nbsp;The 7th inning saw a Spartan rally of four runs to take their first lead of the game at 9-7.&nbsp;Junction City would get two baserunners with two outs in the bottom of the 7th, but would be unable to tie the game.&nbsp;In game two, Emporia would score three runs in the second and four in the sixth to lead 7-0 heading to the bottom of the inning. Junction City's bats had been silenced for much of the second game, but finally they would scratch across one run in the bottom of the 6th to trail 7-1.Emporia would tally one final insurance run before shutting down the Jays in the final inning to win 8-1.Lady Jay Head coach Aaron Craig felt encouraged by his team's effort, despite the losses on Tuesday. "We've got a young team. We have some seniors that have been a part of our program, but we have a lot of young girls as far as out here on the field experience at the high school level," said Craig. "I'm happy with the bats that we're swinging though because we've been in some situations in the past where we don't swing a bat. Once you start swinging, eventually it's going to work for you."Junction City will host Topeka West on Friday.

Lady Jay softball falls to Emporia

The Junction City Blue Jay baseball team swept the Emporia Spartans in baseball 9-5 in eight innings and 13-4. The wins left Junction City 3-2 on the season.

Junction City used a big top of the eighth inning to put runs on the scoreboard, said Coach Carl Laughlin. "And then went out and shut them down in the bottom of the eighth. " The second game went the entire seven-inning distance.&nbsp;

Laughlin noted that a lot of players got to pitch and there were a lot of at-bats. It was the first doubleheader sweep of the season for Junction City.

The Blue Jays play Highland Park at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka on Friday.

The Junction City Blue Jay baseball team swept the Emporia Spartans in baseball 9-5 in eight innings and 13-4. The wins left Junction City 3-2 on the season.Junction City used a big top of the eighth inning to put runs on the scoreboard, said Coach Carl Laughlin. "And then went out and shut them down in the bottom of the eighth. " The second game went the entire seven-inning distance.&nbsp;Laughlin noted that a lot of players got to pitch and there were a lot of at-bats. It was the first doubleheader sweep of the season for Junction City.The Blue Jays play Highland Park at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka on Friday.

Blue Jays sweep Emporia in baseball

Wichita Home School defeated the Junction City Lady Jay soccer team 3-0 on Tuesday night at Al Simpler Stadium.

The Lady Jays play at Topeka West Thursday evening.

Wichita Home School defeated the Junction City Lady Jay soccer team 3-0 on Tuesday night at Al Simpler Stadium.The Lady Jays play at Topeka West Thursday evening.

Lady Jay soccer falls

&nbsp;The Blue Jay tennis team traveled to Topeka for the Highland Park Quadrangular on Monday.&nbsp; The teams competing in the quadrangular besides Junction City were Topeka West, Highland Park and Desoto.&nbsp;

For the Blue Jays, Hayden Diestelkamp and Thomas Norris combined to go 6-0 in singles play on the day with each winning all three of their matches.&nbsp; In the top doubles spot, Nate Green and Alex Matthews went 1-2 on the day, defeating Topeka West in their first match.&nbsp; Nick Beier and Andre Portillo competed at the #2 doubles spot going 0-3 on the day.&nbsp; 

The Blue Jay tennis team will next compete in the Olathe Northwest Quadrangular this Thursday, April 8.&nbsp; Matches will be held at the College Boulevard Activity Center and begin at 3 pm.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Blue Jay tennis team traveled to Topeka for the Highland Park Quadrangular on Monday.&nbsp; The teams competing in the quadrangular besides Junction City were Topeka West, Highland Park and Desoto.&nbsp;For the Blue Jays, Hayden Diestelkamp and Thomas Norris combined to go 6-0 in singles play on the day with each winning all three of their matches.&nbsp; In the top doubles spot, Nate Green and Alex Matthews went 1-2 on the day, defeating Topeka West in their first match.&nbsp; Nick Beier and Andre Portillo competed at the #2 doubles spot going 0-3 on the day.&nbsp; The Blue Jay tennis team will next compete in the Olathe Northwest Quadrangular this Thursday, April 8.&nbsp; Matches will be held at the College Boulevard Activity Center and begin at 3 pm.&nbsp;

Blue Jay tennis competes in Topeka

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Cleveland Indians 3-0. 

The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance was 8,914. The Indians are allowing 30% of ballpark capacity. Last season, fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health protocols. Merrifield hit a two-run homer off starter Logan Allen in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. The Indians managed just three hits.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Cleveland Indians 3-0. The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance was 8,914. The Indians are allowing 30% of ballpark capacity. Last season, fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health protocols. Merrifield hit a two-run homer off starter Logan Allen in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. The Indians managed just three hits.

Royals shut out the Indians

UNDATED (AP) — The Baylor men’s basketball program was in shambles when Scott Drew took over 18 years ago, ridden with scandal following the murder of a player by a teammate. On Monday, Drew was cutting down the nets after the Bears earned the first NCAA championship in program history.

Baylor opened with an 11-1 run and led 29-10 midway through the first half before celebrating an 86-70 pounding of previously-unbeaten Gonzaga. Jared Butler poured in 22 points and had seven assists for the Bears, who shot 10-for-23 from 3-point range and outrebounded the Bulldogs, 38-22. Mark Vital led Baylor’s board dominance by grabbing 11.

UNDATED (AP) — The Baylor men’s basketball program was in shambles when Scott Drew took over 18 years ago, ridden with scandal following the murder of a player by a teammate. On Monday, Drew was cutting down the nets after the Bears earned the first NCAA championship in program history.Baylor opened with an 11-1 run and led 29-10 midway through the first half before celebrating an 86-70 pounding of previously-unbeaten Gonzaga. Jared Butler poured in 22 points and had seven assists for the Bears, who shot 10-for-23 from 3-point range and outrebounded the Bulldogs, 38-22. Mark Vital led Baylor’s board dominance by grabbing 11.

Baylor wins the men's college basketball national championship

The University of Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program. A Sunflower State native who graduated from KU, Goff has been been at Northwestern since 2012. He most recently was deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern. 

Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago. He was criticized for his hiring of longtime friend and football coach Les Miles, who parted ways with Kansas amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617702455626.jpeg" alt="Travis Goff courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Travis Goff courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The University of Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program. A Sunflower State native who graduated from KU, Goff has been been at Northwestern since 2012. He most recently was deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern. Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago. He was criticized for his hiring of longtime friend and football coach Les Miles, who parted ways with Kansas amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

University of Kansas hires a new athletic director

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit a towering, three-run homer and the Texas Rangers figured how to hold onto a big lead, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for their first win of the season. Texas blew a five-run edge on opening day and a four-run lead Saturday. Boosted by Lowe, the Rangers avoided a sweep. Lowe connected in the third for a 3-0 lead. He has nine RBIs in the first three games of the season, a Texas record. Isiah Kiner-Falefa also drove in three runs for the Rangers.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit a towering, three-run homer and the Texas Rangers figured how to hold onto a big lead, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 for their first win of the season. Texas blew a five-run edge on opening day and a four-run lead Saturday. Boosted by Lowe, the Rangers avoided a sweep. Lowe connected in the third for a 3-0 lead. He has nine RBIs in the first three games of the season, a Texas record. Isiah Kiner-Falefa also drove in three runs for the Rangers.

Rangers hold off the Royals

SARASOTA, Fla.&nbsp;– The Kansas State women’s rowing team earned a bronze medal in the Grand Finals of the Varsity Four race to highlight the final day of competition at the Sunshine State Invitational on Saturday morning (April 3) at Nathan Benderson Park.

In just their second official race of the season, the Wildcats’ bronze medal finish in the Varsity Four race in Saturday’s Grand Finals highlighted a solid two-day performance against a field that included host UCF, Clemson, Jacksonville, Kansas, Miami (Fla.) and Stetson. On Friday, the team collected third-place finishes from the Varsity Four (1v4+) and Varsity Eight (1v8+) boats.

“This weekend was a huge learning opportunity for the coaches and the athletes,” said head coach&nbsp;Patrick Sweeney. “We saw what we need to work on in order to keep moving forward. Looking forward, we plan to make some shifts with lineups. We still have time to make adjustments and make sure we have the strongest combinations possible.”

The Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Logan Frost, sophomore&nbsp;Ellie Hahn, sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Sloan, sophomore&nbsp;Kate Odgers&nbsp;and sophomore coxswain&nbsp;Kaitlyn Henke, finished in third place behind host UCF and Clemson with a time of 8:56.43. K-State was one of only three boats to record times less than 9 minutes in the race, as the Wildcats outdistanced fourth-place Kansas by more than 23 seconds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The conditions while we were competing were not the best today,” said Sweeney. “The 1v4+ built on the heats from the day before in order to medal. They raced hard and stayed focused on what they needed to do to be successful.”

Senior&nbsp;Logan Frost&nbsp;said that the Varsity Four pushed through the difficult conditions and made the most of the today’s opportunity as they continue to prepare for the Big 12 Championships in May.

“Toward the finish I think we all decided that it was just time to go,” said Frost. “That’s where we improved from yesterday. We sat in there and said, ‘Okay it’s time to go. We’re going to go here. We’re going to go together.’ That’s the biggest leap we took from yesterday. Every race we are learning a little bit each time, so that by Big 12s we’re going to be ready.

“We did the best we could with what we had. The fact that we finished stronger and had a harder race proves the mental growth we’ve taken over the whole season. It feels good to come home with something to prove how hard you worked.”

Despite some elements out of their control, the Varsity Eight collected a time of 8:01.36 to finish in fifth place. The boat, which consisted of sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Mummert, junior&nbsp;Marissa Rodriguez, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Maya Morrow, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taylor Hartman, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Madison Jensen, sophomore&nbsp;Megan Michaelis, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Idallis Shaffer&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Lauren Plum, were less than 6 seconds behind fourth-place Miami.

“The 1v8+ didn’t repeat what they did in the heats,” said Sweeney. “They had a rough start this morning but were able to still be in the race up until the halfway point. Around the 1000 they caught a boat-stopping-crab, which took them out of the race completely. The boat didn’t show their true speed today. We know we can go faster and we’re ready to work back into that speed.”

The Second Varsity Eight, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Natasha Johnson, freshman&nbsp;Kaylee Kleinschmit, freshman&nbsp;Patricia Hokanson, redshirt junior&nbsp;Megan Kelly, freshman&nbsp;Ashley Cass, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lauren Walker, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Jessica Schenk, freshman&nbsp;Jayden Wert&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Kelsey Ladlie, placed sixth with a time of 8:31.12.

“The 2v8+ didn’t race to what they are capable of,” said Sweeney. “There is more speed across the board and we’re ready to do what it takes to make sure we get there.”

The Second Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lindsey Devreugd, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Buettner, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Pemberton&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lisa Zuiderveen&nbsp;and junior coxswain&nbsp;Morgan Thompson, earned a fifth place finish with a time of 9:23.01. The Wildcats were less 4 seconds behind fourth-place Kansas.

“The 2v4+ made progress but they still have a lot of room to grow,” said Sweeney. “Today was more competitive, but we can still be more effective in how we attack.”

K-State will continue its race schedule next weekend, as the Wildcats travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Tulsa Triangular on Saturday, April 10. The regatta will include host Tulsa and Central Oklahoma.

SARASOTA, Fla.&nbsp;– The Kansas State women’s rowing team earned a bronze medal in the Grand Finals of the Varsity Four race to highlight the final day of competition at the Sunshine State Invitational on Saturday morning (April 3) at Nathan Benderson Park.In just their second official race of the season, the Wildcats’ bronze medal finish in the Varsity Four race in Saturday’s Grand Finals highlighted a solid two-day performance against a field that included host UCF, Clemson, Jacksonville, Kansas, Miami (Fla.) and Stetson. On Friday, the team collected third-place finishes from the Varsity Four (1v4+) and Varsity Eight (1v8+) boats.“This weekend was a huge learning opportunity for the coaches and the athletes,” said head coach&nbsp;Patrick Sweeney. “We saw what we need to work on in order to keep moving forward. Looking forward, we plan to make some shifts with lineups. We still have time to make adjustments and make sure we have the strongest combinations possible.”The Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Logan Frost, sophomore&nbsp;Ellie Hahn, sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Sloan, sophomore&nbsp;Kate Odgers&nbsp;and sophomore coxswain&nbsp;Kaitlyn Henke, finished in third place behind host UCF and Clemson with a time of 8:56.43. K-State was one of only three boats to record times less than 9 minutes in the race, as the Wildcats outdistanced fourth-place Kansas by more than 23 seconds.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The conditions while we were competing were not the best today,” said Sweeney. “The 1v4+ built on the heats from the day before in order to medal. They raced hard and stayed focused on what they needed to do to be successful.”Senior&nbsp;Logan Frost&nbsp;said that the Varsity Four pushed through the difficult conditions and made the most of the today’s opportunity as they continue to prepare for the Big 12 Championships in May.“Toward the finish I think we all decided that it was just time to go,” said Frost. “That’s where we improved from yesterday. We sat in there and said, ‘Okay it’s time to go. We’re going to go here. We’re going to go together.’ That’s the biggest leap we took from yesterday. Every race we are learning a little bit each time, so that by Big 12s we’re going to be ready.“We did the best we could with what we had. The fact that we finished stronger and had a harder race proves the mental growth we’ve taken over the whole season. It feels good to come home with something to prove how hard you worked.”Despite some elements out of their control, the Varsity Eight collected a time of 8:01.36 to finish in fifth place. The boat, which consisted of sophomore&nbsp;Elizabeth Mummert, junior&nbsp;Marissa Rodriguez, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Maya Morrow, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Taylor Hartman, redshirt sophomore&nbsp;Madison Jensen, sophomore&nbsp;Megan Michaelis, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Idallis Shaffer&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Lauren Plum, were less than 6 seconds behind fourth-place Miami.“The 1v8+ didn’t repeat what they did in the heats,” said Sweeney. “They had a rough start this morning but were able to still be in the race up until the halfway point. Around the 1000 they caught a boat-stopping-crab, which took them out of the race completely. The boat didn’t show their true speed today. We know we can go faster and we’re ready to work back into that speed.”The Second Varsity Eight, consisting of redshirt senior&nbsp;Natasha Johnson, freshman&nbsp;Kaylee Kleinschmit, freshman&nbsp;Patricia Hokanson, redshirt junior&nbsp;Megan Kelly, freshman&nbsp;Ashley Cass, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lauren Walker, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Jessica Schenk, freshman&nbsp;Jayden Wert&nbsp;and redshirt freshman coxswain&nbsp;Kelsey Ladlie, placed sixth with a time of 8:31.12.“The 2v8+ didn’t race to what they are capable of,” said Sweeney. “There is more speed across the board and we’re ready to do what it takes to make sure we get there.”The Second Varsity Four, consisting of redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lindsey Devreugd, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Buettner, redshirt freshman&nbsp;Alyssa Pemberton&nbsp;and redshirt freshman&nbsp;Lisa Zuiderveen&nbsp;and junior coxswain&nbsp;Morgan Thompson, earned a fifth place finish with a time of 9:23.01. The Wildcats were less 4 seconds behind fourth-place Kansas.“The 2v4+ made progress but they still have a lot of room to grow,” said Sweeney. “Today was more competitive, but we can still be more effective in how we attack.”K-State will continue its race schedule next weekend, as the Wildcats travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the Tulsa Triangular on Saturday, April 10. The regatta will include host Tulsa and Central Oklahoma.By Tom Gilbert

K-State Concludes Action at Sunshine State Invitational Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The final spring football practice at Kansas State, scheduled today ( Saturday )&nbsp; will be open to the public,&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Athletics&nbsp;officials have announced.

Gate B on the west side of Bill Snyder Family Stadium will open at 11 a.m. for the free event with parking available in the west lot, and fans can watch practice from seats in the lower bowl on the west side of the stadium. Practice is expected to run until 12 p.m., and there is no autograph session afterwards.

To comply with Riley County and University policies, fans are required to wear masks for the entirety of the practice and asked to practice social distancing guidelines.

Season tickets for the 2021 season are on sale now, and Kansas State anticipates a return to a more normal football season this fall.&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;looks forward to welcoming back its full fanbase in 2021 and reintroducing several gameday traditions and policies, including tailgating beginning five hours prior to kickoff and standard exiting and re-entry to the stadium. Full season ticket options starting at just over $20 per game can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.

K-State&nbsp;begins its 2021 season by taking on Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic on September 4 inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game is one of just eight non-conference games during the opening week that features two Power 5 teams and one of four that will be held at a neutral site. Fans interested in requesting tickets for the game are encouraged to log into their&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/GetApps?linkID=kansuse&amp;linkSource=SR&amp;caller=appList" target="_blank">online ticket account</a>.

The Wildcats’ first game of 2021 inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium is September 11 as they host Southern Illinois.&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;then faces Nevada a week later. The Big 12 home schedule in 2021 includes games against Oklahoma, Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia and Baylor.

Assistant&nbsp;Athletics&nbsp;Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;The final spring football practice at Kansas State, scheduled today ( Saturday )&nbsp; will be open to the public,&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;Athletics&nbsp;officials have announced.Gate B on the west side of Bill Snyder Family Stadium will open at 11 a.m. for the free event with parking available in the west lot, and fans can watch practice from seats in the lower bowl on the west side of the stadium. Practice is expected to run until 12 p.m., and there is no autograph session afterwards.To comply with Riley County and University policies, fans are required to wear masks for the entirety of the practice and asked to practice social distancing guidelines.Season tickets for the 2021 season are on sale now, and Kansas State anticipates a return to a more normal football season this fall.&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;looks forward to welcoming back its full fanbase in 2021 and reintroducing several gameday traditions and policies, including tailgating beginning five hours prior to kickoff and standard exiting and re-entry to the stadium. Full season ticket options starting at just over $20 per game can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets" target="_blank">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>.K-State&nbsp;begins its 2021 season by taking on Stanford in the Allstate Kickoff Classic on September 4 inside AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game is one of just eight non-conference games during the opening week that features two Power 5 teams and one of four that will be held at a neutral site. Fans interested in requesting tickets for the game are encouraged to log into their&nbsp;<a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/GetApps?linkID=kansuse&amp;linkSource=SR&amp;caller=appList" target="_blank">online ticket account</a>.The Wildcats’ first game of 2021 inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium is September 11 as they host Southern Illinois.&nbsp;K-State&nbsp;then faces Nevada a week later. The Big 12 home schedule in 2021 includes games against Oklahoma, Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia and Baylor.RYAN LACKEYAssistant&nbsp;Athletics&nbsp;Director for Communications

Final K-State spring football practice is open to the public

Signup for Geary County Girls Softball is set for the next two Saturdays, April 10th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the softball field at the County 4-H Center.

Jeff Childs, Geary County Girls Softball Association President, said the cost to play will be $50. "Like everything else it's gone up, it was $45 the last time, equipment, the insurance, we increased by $5 this year.

Girls from 6 to 18 are allowed to play as long those who are 18 are still in high school. There are three different leagues including Coach-Pitch for 6-8 year olds, Dickinson County C and D League for 9 - 12 year olds and A nd B League for 13 - 18 year old players.

Games are played in June and July.&nbsp; COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be followed but players on the field will not have to wear a face mask.&nbsp;

Signup for Geary County Girls Softball is set for the next two Saturdays, April 10th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the softball field at the County 4-H Center.Jeff Childs, Geary County Girls Softball Association President, said the cost to play will be $50. "Like everything else it's gone up, it was $45 the last time, equipment, the insurance, we increased by $5 this year.Girls from 6 to 18 are allowed to play as long those who are 18 are still in high school. There are three different leagues including Coach-Pitch for 6-8 year olds, Dickinson County C and D League for 9 - 12 year olds and A nd B League for 13 - 18 year old players.Games are played in June and July.&nbsp; COVID-19 mitigation protocols will be followed but players on the field will not have to wear a face mask.&nbsp;

Sign-up for Geary County Girls Softball is set for Saturday

Junction City defeated Wichita Independent in girls soccer 4-0 Thursday evening at Al Simpler Stadium.&nbsp;

Junction City defeated Wichita Independent in girls soccer 4-0 Thursday evening at Al Simpler Stadium.&nbsp;The Lady Jays are 1-1 on the season.

Lady Jay soccer wins

NEW YORK —Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement Friday regarding the 2021 All-Star Game:

"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft.

"Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.

"We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/8/1566305859676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK —Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manfred, Jr. issued the following statement Friday regarding the 2021 All-Star Game:"Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with Clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views. I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year’s All-Star Game and MLB Draft."Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support."We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season’s All-Star festivities. In addition, MLB’s planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward. We are finalizing a new host city and details about these events will be announced shortly.”

'21 All-Star Game moved from Atlanta due to new election law

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;— The University of Kansas announced Friday that it has agreed to a new contract with Head Coach Bill Self.&nbsp; &nbsp;A copy of the redacted contract is available&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Bill-Self-Employment-Contract-4-1-21-Redacted.pdf">here.</a>

Per the release from KU Athletics, "Bill Self has signed a lifetime contract with the Jayhawks. His current contract, which was set to expire next March, is being replaced with a new five-year rolling agreement that automatically adds one year at the conclusion of each season for the remainder of his career."

Self, who has won 522 games in his 18 seasons in Lawrence, has won 15 Big 12 Conference titles, as well as a National Championship, made a statement on the signing:&nbsp;

“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Chancellor Girod, Kurt Watson, and the rest of the leadership at KU for their belief and faith in me to provide this lifetime contract. Every day, I am reminded just how fortunate I am to lead this storied program and there truly is no place else I would rather be. As we continue to work through the challenges facing our program, we look forward to moving ahead and focusing on our bright future. I would also like to express my gratitude to our alumni and donors, as well as the best fans and students in the nation, that have supported my family and me for the past 18 seasons. I’m excited to remain your basketball coach and compete for many championships in the future.”

Bill Self agrees to lifetime contract with Kansas

CHAPEL HILL—<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>, who led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA championships, is retiring after 33 seasons and 903 wins as a college basketball head coach, according to a media release from the school. The 2007 Naismith Hall of Fame inductee will address the media at a press conference on&nbsp;<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>&nbsp;Court at the Dean E. Smith Center today (Thursday, April 1) at 4 p.m. The press conference is closed to the public. Fans may watch at&nbsp;<a href="http://goheels.com/">GoHeels.com</a>. Williams, a 1972 UNC graduate, just concluded his 18th&nbsp;season as the head coach at his alma mater. In addition to NCAA titles in 2005, 2009 and 2017, he led the Tar Heels to a 485-163 record, two other Final Fours, nine ACC regular-season championships and three ACC Tournament crowns. ROY WILLIAMS' CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • 48 seasons as a basketball coach, including 33 seasons as a college head coach (18 at UNC, 15 at Kansas), 10 as assistant coach at UNC and five as head coach at Owen High School in Black Mountain, N.C. • 2007 inductee to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame • Third all-time in wins by a Division I head coach with 903 • Reached 900 wins in fewer games (1,161) and seasons (33) than any coach in NCAA history • 903 wins in 33 seasons is 100 more than any other coach in NCAA history (803 by Mike Krzyzewski, 802 by Dean Smith) • Second-winningest coach in UNC history and third in Kansas history • Only coach in history with 400 wins at two schools • Sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) in NCAA history • Led UNC to three NCAA championships (2005, 2009, 2017) • Third to take teams to the NCAA Tournament at least 30 times • Consensus National Coach of the Decade (2000-09) • Led UNC and Kansas to nine Final Fours, fourth most all-time • Second in NCAA Tournament wins (79), second in No. 1 seeds (13), second in games (105),&nbsp;third in NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.745)&nbsp;and tied for fourth in NCAA championships • NCAA-record eight wins over Associated Press No. 1-ranked teams • Second in NCAA history in 30-win seasons (12) and tied for fourth in 20-win seasons (29) • Tied for fifth all-time with 18 regular-season conference championships • Third all-time in ACC regular-season wins (212) • Third-most ACC road wins (93) and fourth-highest ACC road winning percentage all-time (.604) • Second-most wins (208) in first 300 ACC regular-season games • 32 NBA first-round draft picks (22 at UNC, 10 at Kansas) • 52 former players in the NBA • Four National Players of the Year, six ACC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, 10 consensus first-team All-Americas, 17 first-team All-Americas and three Bob Cousy Award winners • Only coach to coach two Academic All-Americas of the Year (Jacque Vaughn at Kansas, Tyler Zeller at UNC) THE WILLIAMS RECORD Overall:&nbsp;903-264, 33 seasons (.774) Record at UNC:&nbsp;485-163, 18 seasons (.748) NCAA Championships (3):&nbsp;2005, 2009, 2017 at UNC Final Fours (9):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Tournament:&nbsp;79-27 (.745) NCAA Tournament at UNC:&nbsp;45-13 (.776) NCAA Finals:&nbsp;3-3 NCAA Finals at UNC:&nbsp;3-1 National Championship Games (6):&nbsp;1991, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC National Semifinals:&nbsp;6-3 National Semifinals at UNC:&nbsp;4-1 NCAA Elite 8s (13):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Elite 8:&nbsp;9-4 (5-3 at UNC) NCAA Sweet 16s (19):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 at UNC NCAA Sweet 16:&nbsp;13-6 (8-2 at UNC) NCAA 2nd Round:&nbsp;19-10 (10-5 at UNC) NCAA 1st Round:&nbsp;29-1 (15-1 at UNC) Conference Regular-Season Titles (18):&nbsp;1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 at UNC ACC Regular-Season:&nbsp;212-94 (.693) ACC Home:&nbsp;119-33 (.783) ACC Road:&nbsp;93-61 (.604) ACC Tournament:&nbsp;29-15 (.659) ACC Tournament Titles (3):&nbsp;2007, 2008, 2016 Conference Tournaments Titles (7):&nbsp;1992, 1997, 1998, 1999 at Kansas; 2007, 2008, 2016 at UNC Conference Tournaments (ACC and Big 8/12):&nbsp;52-25 Home:&nbsp;444-57 (.886) Home UNC Record:&nbsp;243-41 (.856) Smith Center UNC Record:&nbsp;241-40 (.858) Away UNC Record:&nbsp;123-77 (.615) Against Ranked Teams (AP poll):&nbsp;164-134 (most recent vs. Florida State, 3/12/21) Against No. 1-Ranked Teams:&nbsp;8-8

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617287188189.png" alt="Coach Roy Williams courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Coach Roy Williams courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAPEL HILL—<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>, who led the University of North Carolina to three NCAA championships, is retiring after 33 seasons and 903 wins as a college basketball head coach, according to a media release from the school. The 2007 Naismith Hall of Fame inductee will address the media at a press conference on&nbsp;<a href="https://goheels.com/coaches.aspx?rc=3643">Roy Williams</a>&nbsp;Court at the Dean E. Smith Center today (Thursday, April 1) at 4 p.m. The press conference is closed to the public. Fans may watch at&nbsp;<a href="http://goheels.com/">GoHeels.com</a>. Williams, a 1972 UNC graduate, just concluded his 18th&nbsp;season as the head coach at his alma mater. In addition to NCAA titles in 2005, 2009 and 2017, he led the Tar Heels to a 485-163 record, two other Final Fours, nine ACC regular-season championships and three ACC Tournament crowns. ROY WILLIAMS' CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • 48 seasons as a basketball coach, including 33 seasons as a college head coach (18 at UNC, 15 at Kansas), 10 as assistant coach at UNC and five as head coach at Owen High School in Black Mountain, N.C. • 2007 inductee to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame • Third all-time in wins by a Division I head coach with 903 • Reached 900 wins in fewer games (1,161) and seasons (33) than any coach in NCAA history • 903 wins in 33 seasons is 100 more than any other coach in NCAA history (803 by Mike Krzyzewski, 802 by Dean Smith) • Second-winningest coach in UNC history and third in Kansas history • Only coach in history with 400 wins at two schools • Sixth-highest winning percentage (.774) in NCAA history • Led UNC to three NCAA championships (2005, 2009, 2017) • Third to take teams to the NCAA Tournament at least 30 times • Consensus National Coach of the Decade (2000-09) • Led UNC and Kansas to nine Final Fours, fourth most all-time • Second in NCAA Tournament wins (79), second in No. 1 seeds (13), second in games (105),&nbsp;third in NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.745)&nbsp;and tied for fourth in NCAA championships • NCAA-record eight wins over Associated Press No. 1-ranked teams • Second in NCAA history in 30-win seasons (12) and tied for fourth in 20-win seasons (29) • Tied for fifth all-time with 18 regular-season conference championships • Third all-time in ACC regular-season wins (212) • Third-most ACC road wins (93) and fourth-highest ACC road winning percentage all-time (.604) • Second-most wins (208) in first 300 ACC regular-season games • 32 NBA first-round draft picks (22 at UNC, 10 at Kansas) • 52 former players in the NBA • Four National Players of the Year, six ACC Scholar-Athletes of the Year, 10 consensus first-team All-Americas, 17 first-team All-Americas and three Bob Cousy Award winners • Only coach to coach two Academic All-Americas of the Year (Jacque Vaughn at Kansas, Tyler Zeller at UNC) THE WILLIAMS RECORD Overall:&nbsp;903-264, 33 seasons (.774) Record at UNC:&nbsp;485-163, 18 seasons (.748) NCAA Championships (3):&nbsp;2005, 2009, 2017 at UNC Final Fours (9):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Tournament:&nbsp;79-27 (.745) NCAA Tournament at UNC:&nbsp;45-13 (.776) NCAA Finals:&nbsp;3-3 NCAA Finals at UNC:&nbsp;3-1 National Championship Games (6):&nbsp;1991, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2009, 2016, 2017 at UNC National Semifinals:&nbsp;6-3 National Semifinals at UNC:&nbsp;4-1 NCAA Elite 8s (13):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1996, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 at UNC NCAA Elite 8:&nbsp;9-4 (5-3 at UNC) NCAA Sweet 16s (19):&nbsp;1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019 at UNC NCAA Sweet 16:&nbsp;13-6 (8-2 at UNC) NCAA 2nd Round:&nbsp;19-10 (10-5 at UNC) NCAA 1st Round:&nbsp;29-1 (15-1 at UNC) Conference Regular-Season Titles (18):&nbsp;1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003 at Kansas; 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 at UNC ACC Regular-Season:&nbsp;212-94 (.693) ACC Home:&nbsp;119-33 (.783) ACC Road:&nbsp;93-61 (.604) ACC Tournament:&nbsp;29-15 (.659) ACC Tournament Titles (3):&nbsp;2007, 2008, 2016 Conference Tournaments Titles (7):&nbsp;1992, 1997, 1998, 1999 at Kansas; 2007, 2008, 2016 at UNC Conference Tournaments (ACC and Big 8/12):&nbsp;52-25 Home:&nbsp;444-57 (.886) Home UNC Record:&nbsp;243-41 (.856) Smith Center UNC Record:&nbsp;241-40 (.858) Away UNC Record:&nbsp;123-77 (.615) Against Ranked Teams (AP poll):&nbsp;164-134 (most recent vs. Florida State, 3/12/21) Against No. 1-Ranked Teams:&nbsp;8-8

🏀 Former KU coach Roy Williams announces retirement

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.&nbsp;— The Junction City Lady Jay softball team swept its home double-header against Wichita North on Wednesday. Taking the first game 11-0 in five innings, and game two 14-4 in six innings.&nbsp;

The offense came in bunches for the Lady Jays, with a home run coming from Ava Deguzman, and an inside-the-park-homerun coming from Abby Ratts.&nbsp;

Megan Hunt pitched a stellar outing in the first game, holding the Redskins scoreless, and with just a handful of hits.&nbsp;

The Lady Jays improved to 3-1 on the season, and will host Emporia on Tuesday, April 6 at Cleary Field in Junction City.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.&nbsp;— The Junction City Lady Jay softball team swept its home double-header against Wichita North on Wednesday. Taking the first game 11-0 in five innings, and game two 14-4 in six innings.&nbsp;The offense came in bunches for the Lady Jays, with a home run coming from Ava Deguzman, and an inside-the-park-homerun coming from Abby Ratts.&nbsp;Megan Hunt pitched a stellar outing in the first game, holding the Redskins scoreless, and with just a handful of hits.&nbsp;The Lady Jays improved to 3-1 on the season, and will host Emporia on Tuesday, April 6 at Cleary Field in Junction City.&nbsp;

Lady Jay Softball sweeps Wichita North

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.— The Junction City Blue Jay baseball team split its double-header on Tuesday at Rathert Field.

In game one, the Blue Jays gritted out a 6-5 win over Great Bend in nine innings, coming from behind to get their first win of the season.&nbsp;A walk-off pass ball brought the game-winning run home after each team went scoreless for four consecutive innings.

"I really didn't want that game to end on a pass ball like it did," said Head Coach Carl Laughlin after the win. "I want to see someone put the ball in play and execute things right, but when you get a win you take the win and it's a good feeling."

In game two, the Blue Jays were unable to come from behind a second time on the day, falling to McPherson 4-2. Great defensive plays kept Junction City in the game, but they were unable to string together many hits in the final inning, falling on a fly ball turned into a double play.&nbsp;

The games were the second and third for the Blue Jays on the new turf at Rathert Field, and the team is still gaining familiarity with the way it plays, which has undoubtedly lead to a few fielding errors, combined with still some early-season kinks to be worked out as the year progresses.

Coach Laughlin discussed the fielding miscues with humor. "I think there's maybe a hole at second base because we haven't made a play at second base all year laugh," he said with a laugh.&nbsp;

"It's just getting there, and getting comfortable in the spot," he continued. "We've been moving people all over so no one knows where they're playing quite yet, so we'll figure it out."&nbsp;

Despite the early 1-2 record, Laughlin was encouraged by his team's start, having opportunities in all three of their first few contests to snatch a late win. They'll continue to develop, looking ahead to their next contest on Tuesday at Emporia to open Centennial League play at one of the more unique ball fields in the state of Kansas.&nbsp;

The Blue Jay baseball team won't return home to Rathert Field until April 16th when they host Highland Park.&nbsp;

JUNCTION CITY, Kan.— The Junction City Blue Jay baseball team split its double-header on Tuesday at Rathert Field.In game one, the Blue Jays gritted out a 6-5 win over Great Bend in nine innings, coming from behind to get their first win of the season.&nbsp;A walk-off pass ball brought the game-winning run home after each team went scoreless for four consecutive innings."I really didn't want that game to end on a pass ball like it did," said Head Coach Carl Laughlin after the win. "I want to see someone put the ball in play and execute things right, but when you get a win you take the win and it's a good feeling."In game two, the Blue Jays were unable to come from behind a second time on the day, falling to McPherson 4-2. Great defensive plays kept Junction City in the game, but they were unable to string together many hits in the final inning, falling on a fly ball turned into a double play.&nbsp;The games were the second and third for the Blue Jays on the new turf at Rathert Field, and the team is still gaining familiarity with the way it plays, which has undoubtedly lead to a few fielding errors, combined with still some early-season kinks to be worked out as the year progresses.Coach Laughlin discussed the fielding miscues with humor. "I think there's maybe a hole at second base because we haven't made a play at second base all year laugh," he said with a laugh.&nbsp;"It's just getting there, and getting comfortable in the spot," he continued. "We've been moving people all over so no one knows where they're playing quite yet, so we'll figure it out."&nbsp;Despite the early 1-2 record, Laughlin was encouraged by his team's start, having opportunities in all three of their first few contests to snatch a late win. They'll continue to develop, looking ahead to their next contest on Tuesday at Emporia to open Centennial League play at one of the more unique ball fields in the state of Kansas.&nbsp;The Blue Jay baseball team won't return home to Rathert Field until April 16th when they host Highland Park.&nbsp;