MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Led by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;– who was also named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year – and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, a total of 17 Kansas State football players picked up postseason honors, as the Big 12 announced the 2022 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections on Wednesday.

Anudike-Uzomah is the seventh player in school history to be named the conference defensive player of the year and the first since Jordan Willis – who was also the defensive lineman of the year – in 2016. It was the second-straight season that Anudike-Uzomah was named the conference’s top defensive lineman, the first ever two-time winner since the Big 12 began handing out the award in 2006.

Beebe is K-State’s first offensive lineman of the year since Dalton Risner in 2018 and the third since the Big 12 established the award in 2006 (B.J. Finney, 2014).

With the honors by Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe, the Wildcats rank second in Big 12 history with 37 individual awards. Oklahoma is first with 48 and Texas is third with 32.

Joining Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe on the first team were tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;and cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents. K-State’s second-team selections included running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, wide receiver&nbsp;Malik Knowles, punt returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks, safety&nbsp;Kobe Savage&nbsp;and punter&nbsp;Ty Zentner.

The Wildcats had seven players named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in cornerback&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe, offensive linemen&nbsp;Hayden Gillum&nbsp;and&nbsp;KT Leveston, linebackers&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and&nbsp;Austin Moore, nose guard&nbsp;Eli Huggins&nbsp;and quarterback&nbsp;Adrian Martinez. Additionally, Martinez earned votes for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Brooks for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Savage for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Vaughn for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.

The only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous first-team selection, Anudike-Uzomah has a team-leading 7.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss among his 39 tackles this season as 25.6% of his stops have been for lost yardage despite being the recipient of consistent double-team blocking. He has tallied at least a half TFL in eight of 12 games and at least a half sack in six contests. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, Anudike-Uzomah tallied 3.0 sacks against Texas Tech to tie for fourth in a game in school history. He has 19.5 career sacks to rank 10th&nbsp;in school history, while his eight career forced fumbles are tied for fourth and one shy of the school record.

Beebe, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, has started each of the last 30 games, including all 12 contests this season at left guard. He has not surrendered a sack among his 358 pass blocking snaps this year and is currently riding a 27-game streak without allowing a sack dating back to his redshirt freshman campaign of 2020. Beebe earned All-Big 12 First Team honors for a second-straight year, the first Wildcat offensive lineman to do so since Risner was a three-time All-Big 12 First Team performer from 2016 to 2018.

A former walk-on from Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott has emerged as one of the top receiving threats from his tight end/fullback position, hauling in 15 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns over the last five games. He had consecutive 80-yard performances against Baylor and West Virginia, including a career high 89-yard, two-touchdown effort in K-State’s 31-3 win over the Bears. His two touchdowns were the most by a K-State tight end since 1996. He enters this week’s Big 12 Championship ranked 10th&nbsp;in school history in single-season receiving yards by a tight end with 382 yards.

Brents, a product of Indianapolis, Indiana and former transfer from Iowa, has three interceptions this year to tie for fifth in the Big 12 and tops on the team. Showing more physicality this season, Brents has 40 tackles and a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, while his six total passes defended are also a career best. He totaled a career-high nine tackles at Oklahoma and a career-best 1.5 tackles for loss at TCU.

Kansas State, which was ranked 10th&nbsp;in the penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday evening, takes on No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday. The game, which will be the backdrop for ESPN’s&nbsp;College Gameday&nbsp;beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, kicks off at 11 a.m. from AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be shown on ABC with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.

Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams (Kansas State)

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Cooper Beebe.

Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

First Team:&nbsp;Ben Sinnott (FB), Cooper Beebe (OL), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DL), Julius Brents (DB).

Second Team:&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn (RB), Malik Knowles (WR), Phillip Brooks (KR/PR), Kobe Savage (DB), Ty Zentner (P).

Honorable Mention:&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe (DB), Phillip Brooks (Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year), DJ Giddens (Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year), Hayden Gillum (OL), Daniel Green (LB), Eli Huggins (DL), KT Leveston (OL), Adrian Martinez (QB, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year), Austin Moore (LB), Kobe Savage (Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year), Deuce Vaughn (Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year).

Associate Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Led by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;– who was also named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year – and Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year&nbsp;Cooper Beebe, a total of 17 Kansas State football players picked up postseason honors, as the Big 12 announced the 2022 Coaches’ All-Big 12 selections on Wednesday.Anudike-Uzomah is the seventh player in school history to be named the conference defensive player of the year and the first since Jordan Willis – who was also the defensive lineman of the year – in 2016. It was the second-straight season that Anudike-Uzomah was named the conference’s top defensive lineman, the first ever two-time winner since the Big 12 began handing out the award in 2006.Beebe is K-State’s first offensive lineman of the year since Dalton Risner in 2018 and the third since the Big 12 established the award in 2006 (B.J. Finney, 2014).With the honors by Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe, the Wildcats rank second in Big 12 history with 37 individual awards. Oklahoma is first with 48 and Texas is third with 32.Joining Anudike-Uzomah and Beebe on the first team were tight end&nbsp;Ben Sinnott&nbsp;and cornerback&nbsp;Julius Brents. K-State’s second-team selections included running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn, wide receiver&nbsp;Malik Knowles, punt returner&nbsp;Phillip Brooks, safety&nbsp;Kobe Savage&nbsp;and punter&nbsp;Ty Zentner.The Wildcats had seven players named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in cornerback&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe, offensive linemen&nbsp;Hayden Gillum&nbsp;and&nbsp;KT Leveston, linebackers&nbsp;Daniel Green&nbsp;and&nbsp;Austin Moore, nose guard&nbsp;Eli Huggins&nbsp;and quarterback&nbsp;Adrian Martinez. Additionally, Martinez earned votes for Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Brooks for Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Savage for Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year, Vaughn for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and running back&nbsp;DJ Giddens&nbsp;for Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year.The only Big 12 defender to be a unanimous first-team selection, Anudike-Uzomah has a team-leading 7.5 sacks and 10.0 tackles for loss among his 39 tackles this season as 25.6% of his stops have been for lost yardage despite being the recipient of consistent double-team blocking. He has tallied at least a half TFL in eight of 12 games and at least a half sack in six contests. A product of Kansas City, Missouri, Anudike-Uzomah tallied 3.0 sacks against Texas Tech to tie for fourth in a game in school history. He has 19.5 career sacks to rank 10th&nbsp;in school history, while his eight career forced fumbles are tied for fourth and one shy of the school record.Beebe, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, has started each of the last 30 games, including all 12 contests this season at left guard. He has not surrendered a sack among his 358 pass blocking snaps this year and is currently riding a 27-game streak without allowing a sack dating back to his redshirt freshman campaign of 2020. Beebe earned All-Big 12 First Team honors for a second-straight year, the first Wildcat offensive lineman to do so since Risner was a three-time All-Big 12 First Team performer from 2016 to 2018.A former walk-on from Waterloo, Iowa, Sinnott has emerged as one of the top receiving threats from his tight end/fullback position, hauling in 15 catches for 254 yards and three touchdowns over the last five games. He had consecutive 80-yard performances against Baylor and West Virginia, including a career high 89-yard, two-touchdown effort in K-State’s 31-3 win over the Bears. His two touchdowns were the most by a K-State tight end since 1996. He enters this week’s Big 12 Championship ranked 10th&nbsp;in school history in single-season receiving yards by a tight end with 382 yards.Brents, a product of Indianapolis, Indiana and former transfer from Iowa, has three interceptions this year to tie for fifth in the Big 12 and tops on the team. Showing more physicality this season, Brents has 40 tackles and a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, while his six total passes defended are also a career best. He totaled a career-high nine tackles at Oklahoma and a career-best 1.5 tackles for loss at TCU.Kansas State, which was ranked 10th&nbsp;in the penultimate College Football Playoff Top 25 on Tuesday evening, takes on No. 3 TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday. The game, which will be the backdrop for ESPN’s&nbsp;College Gameday&nbsp;beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, kicks off at 11 a.m. from AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be shown on ABC with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe on the call.Coaches’ All-Big 12 Teams (Kansas State)Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Cooper Beebe.Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year:&nbsp;Felix Anudike-Uzomah.First Team:&nbsp;Ben Sinnott (FB), Cooper Beebe (OL), Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DL), Julius Brents (DB).Second Team:&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn (RB), Malik Knowles (WR), Phillip Brooks (KR/PR), Kobe Savage (DB), Ty Zentner (P).Honorable Mention:&nbsp;Ekow Boye-Doe (DB), Phillip Brooks (Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year), DJ Giddens (Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year), Hayden Gillum (OL), Daniel Green (LB), Eli Huggins (DL), KT Leveston (OL), Adrian Martinez (QB, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year), Austin Moore (LB), Kobe Savage (Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year), Deuce Vaughn (Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year).– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

Seventeen Wildcats Garner All-Big 12 Accolades

LAWRENCE, Kan. - John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.

His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).&nbsp;

But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.

Statement from Director of Athletics Travis Goff

“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas Football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward.”

Statement from Head Football Coach Lance Leipold

“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones.”

An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.

Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th&nbsp;overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.

After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.

In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;

A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).

Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/watch-live-unveiling-of-john-hadl-and-gale-sayers-statues/">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669837038597.png" alt="Kansas Athletics photo" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas AthleticsLAWRENCE, Kan. - John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).&nbsp;But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.Statement from Director of Athletics Travis Goff“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas Football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward.”Statement from Head Football Coach Lance Leipold“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones.”An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th&nbsp;overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/watch-live-unveiling-of-john-hadl-and-gale-sayers-statues/">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

🏈 Hometown legend John Hadl passes away at 82

LAWRENCE -&nbsp;John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).

“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward,” said KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff.

“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones,” said KU&nbsp;Head Football Coach Lance Leipold.

Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.

Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6251a7c0c7&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669833873846.jpeg" alt="Image courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy <a href="http://kuathletics.com">kuathletics.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KU AthleticsLAWRENCE -&nbsp;John Hadl, a homegrown football legend at the University of Kansas who went on to become a professional football star, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 82 years old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hadl made a name for himself at Lawrence High School as an all-state halfback for the football team and as a centerfielder for the baseball team. To the delight of Lawrence residents, Hadl chose to play for KU.His ability as an all-around athlete served him well as he transitioned into the college game. As a sophomore in 1959, in his first season of collegiate eligibility, Hadl led the NCAA in punting (45.6 yards per punt) and set KU records for the longest punt (94 yards, which still stands) and the longest interception return (98 yards, which stood until 2007).But it was his junior and senior campaigns that etched his name into the history books. Hadl’s versatility propelled him to excel both as a halfback and quarterback. With Hadl running the offense, the Jayhawks were ranked in the top-20 his junior and senior years and finished the two-season span 14-5-2. He wrapped up his Kansas career leading his team to the program’s first-ever bowl victory, a 33-7 decision over Rice in the 1961 Bluebonnet Bowl.“John Hadl had a generational impact on Kansas football, the University of Kansas and the Lawrence community. He was a once-in-a-lifetime Jayhawk student-athlete, a coach and mentor, a prolific fundraiser who developed profound relationships with countless, and the ultimate ambassador for KU. In short, our University and athletic program has been transformed by John and his legacy will forever be cemented. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Diana and the Hadl family. We will deeply miss John and his contagious smile but will proudly honor him and his unrivaled legacy as we move forward,” said KU Director of Athletics Travis Goff.“Upon my arrival, I heard instantly from people across the state about John’s impact to this department, not just as a student-athlete and coach, but as someone who dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to the University of Kansas. His desire to enhance KU and make it as special as possible truly resonated with me. To be the head coach of this program and see his statue every day outside Anderson Family Football Complex, is a firm reminder of the passion and love that John had for this program. Kelly and I send our condolences to the Hadl family and his loved ones,” said KU&nbsp;Head Football Coach Lance Leipold.An inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame (1994), Hadl was the first Kansas player to be picked twice for All-America honors (1960 and 1961). He was also named the Most Valuable Player of both the East-West Shrine game and the College All-Star game after the 1961 season.Hadl then enjoyed a successful 16-year career as a professional quarterback, most notably with the San Diego Chargers. A six-time Pro Bowler, he played in three American Football League Championship games and was named National Football Conference Player of the Year in 1973.&nbsp; He was named the 1971 National Football League Man of the Year and is a member of the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame. Hadl was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft.After retiring from professional football in 1977, Hadl returned to his hometown and to his true love, the University of Kansas, as an assistant football coach. As assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 1981 he helped lead the Jayhawks to the Hall of Fame Bowl. His players loved him, having come to understand his passion for and knowledge of the game. In the mid-1980’s he coached in the NFL and the USFL.In 1988 Hadl returned to KU to join the Williams Education Fund.&nbsp; For 30 years he was at the forefront of fundraising for the construction and renovation of KU’s athletics facilities. Hadl retired from his position in the Kansas Athletics’ Williams Education Fund in October of 2018.&nbsp;A Jayhawk at heart, John Hadl will forever be honored as a member of the Kansas football Ring of Honor and the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame. His No. 21 is one of three Kansas football numbers to be retired (Gale Sayers No. 48 and Ray Evans No. 42).Hadl’s legacy was celebrated during the 2020 season with a&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3846a6408b9536a51afeabac1&amp;id=6251a7c0c7&amp;e=42e2e56024" target="_blank">statue unveiling</a>&nbsp;outside of Anderson Family Football Complex. He is one of two Jayhawks to be commemorated.

KU's hometown legend John Hadl dies at 82

Congratulations to Jeff Ryser of Salina, the Week 12 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Jeff, who scored 14 of 16 points, wins $100.

Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!

Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;

<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Jeff Ryser of Salina, the Week 12 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Jeff, who scored 14 of 16 points, wins $100.Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

Gridiron Glory: Congratulations Jeff Ryser!

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22041&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-29-2022/4785" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-media-availability-november-29-2022/4784" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as No. 12 Kansas State travels to Arlington, Texas, this Saturday to face third-ranked TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Well, good afternoon, everyone. Excited for the guys last Saturday to come out and play really well and earn the opportunity to represent this program in the Big 12 Championship. A lot of distractions last week, a lot of potential distractions, whether it would be Senior Day, last game at home, to the weather, to playing your rival, all those things. I thought our guys did a really good job of blocking out as much of the outside noise as they could and focus on just playing a really good game against a much improved, really good Kansas team. I thought there was some ups and downs, but for the most part I thought our kids handled everything really well. We found a way to get a pretty good win, in front of a great crowd. That was phenomenal crowd. We’ve had great crowds all year, and that one would be hard to top as loud as they were from the opening kickoff to the very end, seeing our players go and engage with the fans afterwards. I thought it was a great crowd and I can't thank them enough.”

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22041&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-29-2022/4785" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-media-availability-november-29-2022/4784" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as No. 12 Kansas State travels to Arlington, Texas, this Saturday to face third-ranked TCU in the 2022 Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Well, good afternoon, everyone. Excited for the guys last Saturday to come out and play really well and earn the opportunity to represent this program in the Big 12 Championship. A lot of distractions last week, a lot of potential distractions, whether it would be Senior Day, last game at home, to the weather, to playing your rival, all those things. I thought our guys did a really good job of blocking out as much of the outside noise as they could and focus on just playing a really good game against a much improved, really good Kansas team. I thought there was some ups and downs, but for the most part I thought our kids handled everything really well. We found a way to get a pretty good win, in front of a great crowd. That was phenomenal crowd. We’ve had great crowds all year, and that one would be hard to top as loud as they were from the opening kickoff to the very end, seeing our players go and engage with the fans afterwards. I thought it was a great crowd and I can't thank them enough.”RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

K-State Previews Big 12 Championship at Weekly Press Conference

THE TOP 5 1)&nbsp;Kansas State will be making its fourth all-time appearance in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday, as the 13th-ranked Wildcats will square off with third-ranked TCU at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised nationally on ABC beginning at 11 a.m., with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe calling the action.

2)&nbsp;K-State is 9-3 this season with all three losses coming against teams that are currently ranked in No. 3 TCU, No. 18 Tulane and No 21 Texas. The Cats are bowl eligible for the third time under Chris Klieman and will advance to their 24th bowl appearance in school history, including the 11th in the last 13 seasons. Klieman is the first coach in school history to send three of his first four squads to the postseason.

3)&nbsp;Last time out, K-State scored 30 first-half points and used a dominant second-half defensive performance to top Kansas, 47-27. Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and had 82 receiving yards, while Malik Knowles had two rushing touchdowns. Defensively, K-State held Kansas to just six points and 96 yards in the second half while holding the Jayhawks to their second-lowest offensive output of the year.

4)&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn has 1,295 rushing yards this season to record his second-straight season with 1,000 rushing yards – just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,341) and moved into seventh place in school history for a season with his performance last week.

5)&nbsp;The Cats have been solid on defense, allowing just 19.4 points per game and 357.3 total yards per game. This week, they rank second nationally in turnover margin, ninth in interceptions, 10th in fourth down defense, 14th in scoring defense and 17th in pass efficiency defense. The Cats have kept each of their Big 12 opponents this year under their season scoring average entering its game against K-State while also holding three conference opponents without a touchdown.

THE TOP 5 1)&nbsp;Kansas State will be making its fourth all-time appearance in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship on Saturday, as the 13th-ranked Wildcats will square off with third-ranked TCU at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will be televised nationally on ABC beginning at 11 a.m., with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Holly Rowe calling the action.2)&nbsp;K-State is 9-3 this season with all three losses coming against teams that are currently ranked in No. 3 TCU, No. 18 Tulane and No 21 Texas. The Cats are bowl eligible for the third time under Chris Klieman and will advance to their 24th bowl appearance in school history, including the 11th in the last 13 seasons. Klieman is the first coach in school history to send three of his first four squads to the postseason.3)&nbsp;Last time out, K-State scored 30 first-half points and used a dominant second-half defensive performance to top Kansas, 47-27. Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and had 82 receiving yards, while Malik Knowles had two rushing touchdowns. Defensively, K-State held Kansas to just six points and 96 yards in the second half while holding the Jayhawks to their second-lowest offensive output of the year.4)&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn has 1,295 rushing yards this season to record his second-straight season with 1,000 rushing yards – just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,341) and moved into seventh place in school history for a season with his performance last week.5)&nbsp;The Cats have been solid on defense, allowing just 19.4 points per game and 357.3 total yards per game. This week, they rank second nationally in turnover margin, ninth in interceptions, 10th in fourth down defense, 14th in scoring defense and 17th in pass efficiency defense. The Cats have kept each of their Big 12 opponents this year under their season scoring average entering its game against K-State while also holding three conference opponents without a touchdown.

Kansas State prepares for TCU in Big 12 title game

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Suzie Fritz, K-State’s all-time winningest volleyball coach, will not return in 2023 following 22 years leading the Wildcats. Fritz, who took over the program in 2001, has helped the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament 17 times, including 13 as the head coach. “Coach Fritz has poured all of her energy into this program for the last 20-plus years, and we will forever be grateful for her leadership and advancement of K-State Volleyball,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. &nbsp; <a>Fritz&nbsp;boasts a career mark of 393-263&nbsp;(.599) in her 22 seasons and has led the Wildcats to a national ranking in 12&nbsp;different campaigns. She owns a 201-191&nbsp;(.513)&nbsp;record in Big 12 action and helped lead the Wildcats to their first and only Big 12 title in 2003. </a> A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. “With our rich tradition of winning, along with the competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference and the new Morgan Family Arena – which we believe will be one of the nicest volleyball venues in the country when it opens next season – we are confident that great success lies ahead for our volleyball program,” Taylor added.

– k-statesports.com –

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PR

MANHATTAN, Kan. –&nbsp;Suzie Fritz, K-State’s all-time winningest volleyball coach, will not return in 2023 following 22 years leading the Wildcats. Fritz, who took over the program in 2001, has helped the Wildcats reach the NCAA Tournament 17 times, including 13 as the head coach. “Coach Fritz has poured all of her energy into this program for the last 20-plus years, and we will forever be grateful for her leadership and advancement of K-State Volleyball,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. &nbsp; <a>Fritz&nbsp;boasts a career mark of 393-263&nbsp;(.599) in her 22 seasons and has led the Wildcats to a national ranking in 12&nbsp;different campaigns. She owns a 201-191&nbsp;(.513)&nbsp;record in Big 12 action and helped lead the Wildcats to their first and only Big 12 title in 2003. </a> A national search for her replacement will begin immediately. “With our rich tradition of winning, along with the competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference and the new Morgan Family Arena – which we believe will be one of the nicest volleyball venues in the country when it opens next season – we are confident that great success lies ahead for our volleyball program,” Taylor added.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOUExecutive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/PRK-State Athletics

K-State volleyball coach Fritz will not return in 2023

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns, Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and a score, and No. 15 Kansas State pounded Kansas 47-27 on Saturday night to earn a shot at payback against TCU in the Big 12 championship game.

Malik Knowles added a pair of touchdown runs, and Philip Brooks and Sammy Wheeler also reached the end zone, as the Wildcats (9-3, 7-2, No. 12 CFP) beat their biggest rival for the 14th straight time in a game they needed to win.

Kansas State blew a 28-10 lead and lost 38-28 to the Horned Frogs during the regular season. Now, they'll face each other again on Dec. 3 at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a College Football Playoff spot likely on the line for TCU.

It will be the first time the Wildcats play in the Big 12 title game, which went on hiatus from 2010-17, since toppling then-No. 1 Oklahoma in 2003 during Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder's first tenure. The Horned Frogs were beaten by the Sooners in their only previous appearance in the 2017 championship game.

Jalon Daniels threw for 168 yards while running for a touchdown, and Devin Neal also had two TD runs, as the Jayhawks — bowl-bound for the first time since 2008 — finished the regular season by losing six of their final seven games.

Kansas (6-6, 3-6) made enough mistakes in the first quarter alone Saturday night to fill an entire game.

The result was a hole it could never escape.

The trouble began when O.J. Burroughs muffed a punt after a nice stand by the Jayhawks' defense, and Knowles needed one play to scoot in from the 5 for a touchdown. And after Kansas answered with a 75-yard scoring drive, its defense blew the coverage on Wheeler on a 42-yard touchdown pass.

On the ensuing kickoff, Trevor Wilson was mobbed at the 10-yard line, and another penalty on the return buried the Kansas offense. On third down, Bryce Cabeldue was called for holding in the end zone to give Kansas State a safety.

After the free kick, the Wildcats cruised to the end zone again for a 23-7 lead after one quarter.

The game soon turned into a track meet: Kansas marched through a suddenly driving rainstorm for two quick touchdowns around another score by the Wildcats, leaving them with a 30-21 advantage heading into the break.

Another major mistake by Kansas — a fumble by Torry Locklin in the third quarter — gave the Wildcats another short field, and Vaughn carried eight times on a nine-play drive before finding the end zone and putting the game out of reach.

Kansas has earned a reputation under Lance Leipold for playing mistake-free football, yet a multitude of mistakes on both sides of the ball gave the Wildcats more opportunities than they needed to hold onto the Governor's Cup.

Kansas State has struggled defensively the past two weeks, giving up 31 points to West Virginia before coughing up plenty of yards against the Jayhawks. Joe Klanderman's bunch will need to do better against the Horned Frogs.

The Wildcats have a week to prepare for TCU while Kansas awaits its bowl destination.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Will Howard threw for 213 yards and two touchdowns, Deuce Vaughn ran for 147 yards and a score, and No. 15 Kansas State pounded Kansas 47-27 on Saturday night to earn a shot at payback against TCU in the Big 12 championship game.Malik Knowles added a pair of touchdown runs, and Philip Brooks and Sammy Wheeler also reached the end zone, as the Wildcats (9-3, 7-2, No. 12 CFP) beat their biggest rival for the 14th straight time in a game they needed to win.Kansas State blew a 28-10 lead and lost 38-28 to the Horned Frogs during the regular season. Now, they'll face each other again on Dec. 3 at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a College Football Playoff spot likely on the line for TCU.It will be the first time the Wildcats play in the Big 12 title game, which went on hiatus from 2010-17, since toppling then-No. 1 Oklahoma in 2003 during Hall of Fame coach Bill Snyder's first tenure. The Horned Frogs were beaten by the Sooners in their only previous appearance in the 2017 championship game.Jalon Daniels threw for 168 yards while running for a touchdown, and Devin Neal also had two TD runs, as the Jayhawks — bowl-bound for the first time since 2008 — finished the regular season by losing six of their final seven games.Kansas (6-6, 3-6) made enough mistakes in the first quarter alone Saturday night to fill an entire game.The result was a hole it could never escape.The trouble began when O.J. Burroughs muffed a punt after a nice stand by the Jayhawks' defense, and Knowles needed one play to scoot in from the 5 for a touchdown. And after Kansas answered with a 75-yard scoring drive, its defense blew the coverage on Wheeler on a 42-yard touchdown pass.On the ensuing kickoff, Trevor Wilson was mobbed at the 10-yard line, and another penalty on the return buried the Kansas offense. On third down, Bryce Cabeldue was called for holding in the end zone to give Kansas State a safety.After the free kick, the Wildcats cruised to the end zone again for a 23-7 lead after one quarter.The game soon turned into a track meet: Kansas marched through a suddenly driving rainstorm for two quick touchdowns around another score by the Wildcats, leaving them with a 30-21 advantage heading into the break.Another major mistake by Kansas — a fumble by Torry Locklin in the third quarter — gave the Wildcats another short field, and Vaughn carried eight times on a nine-play drive before finding the end zone and putting the game out of reach.THE TAKEAWAYKansas has earned a reputation under Lance Leipold for playing mistake-free football, yet a multitude of mistakes on both sides of the ball gave the Wildcats more opportunities than they needed to hold onto the Governor's Cup.Kansas State has struggled defensively the past two weeks, giving up 31 points to West Virginia before coughing up plenty of yards against the Jayhawks. Joe Klanderman's bunch will need to do better against the Horned Frogs.UP NEXTThe Wildcats have a week to prepare for TCU while Kansas awaits its bowl destination.

K-State rolls by Kansas in Big 12 football

Manhattan 21, Gardner-Edgerton 20, 2OT

PREP FOOTBALL=KSHSAA Football Championship resultsState Championship=Class 6A=Manhattan 21, Gardner-Edgerton 20, 2OTClass 5A=Mill Valley 28, Maize 14, OTClass 4A=Bishop Miege 35, Wamego 14Class 3A=Andale 28, Holton 0Class 2A=Nemaha Central 33, Kingman 17Class 1A=St. Mary’s 44, Inman 41Class 8-Man Div I=Wichita County 54, Little River 36Class 8-Man Div II=Axtell 76, Thunder Ridge 28Class 6-Man=Cunningham 38, Ashland 16

Manhattan wins the Class 6A State football championship

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Santiago Vescovi scored 20 points while No. 22 Tennessee locked down on third-ranked Kansas to beat the reigning national champions 64-50 in the championship game at the Battle 4 Atlantis. Vescovi hit five 3-pointers to drive the offense for the Volunteers and was named the tournament's most valuable player. Tennessee won all three tournament games despite not having leading scorer Josiah-Jordan James due to knee soreness. Jalen Wilson and Joseph Yesefu each scored 14 points for Kansas, which shot 32.1%. The loss ended Kansas' 17-game winning streak dating to last year's run to the NCAA title.

PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas (AP) — Santiago Vescovi scored 20 points while No. 22 Tennessee locked down on third-ranked Kansas to beat the reigning national champions 64-50 in the championship game at the Battle 4 Atlantis. Vescovi hit five 3-pointers to drive the offense for the Volunteers and was named the tournament's most valuable player. Tennessee won all three tournament games despite not having leading scorer Josiah-Jordan James due to knee soreness. Jalen Wilson and Joseph Yesefu each scored 14 points for Kansas, which shot 32.1%. The loss ended Kansas' 17-game winning streak dating to last year's run to the NCAA title.

Jayhawks fall to Tennessee in Battle 4 Atlantis

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Gabby Gregory scored a career-high 35 points, 20 of them in the second half, and No. 25 Kansas State defeated stubborn Northern Arizona 93-80 on Friday night at the Paradise Jam. Gregory, who scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, hit a 3-pointer to cap a 12-5 run that gave the Wildcats a 76-61 lead with 7:13 remaining. Nyah Moran hit a 3-pointer with 3:05 remaining to get NAU within 10 points at 81-71 and Montana Oltrogge hit a 3-pointer to make it 88-78 with :58 seconds left, but the Lumberjacks would get no closer. Jaelyn Glenn scored 23, Brylee Glenn 14 and Serena Sundell 13 for Kansas State.

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Gabby Gregory scored a career-high 35 points, 20 of them in the second half, and No. 25 Kansas State defeated stubborn Northern Arizona 93-80 on Friday night at the Paradise Jam. Gregory, who scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, hit a 3-pointer to cap a 12-5 run that gave the Wildcats a 76-61 lead with 7:13 remaining. Nyah Moran hit a 3-pointer with 3:05 remaining to get NAU within 10 points at 81-71 and Montana Oltrogge hit a 3-pointer to make it 88-78 with :58 seconds left, but the Lumberjacks would get no closer. Jaelyn Glenn scored 23, Brylee Glenn 14 and Serena Sundell 13 for Kansas State.

Gregory leads K-State women's basketball to victory

DENVER (AP) — Whether Pete Carroll meant it as a barb for Russell 
Wilson or a bouquet for Geno Smith, the Seattle Seahawks coach made 
play-calling wristbands a hot topic in the NFL during a topsy-turvy 
season that has rattled the longstanding quarterback order.

Carroll
 was talking about the Seahawks’ surprising success in 2022 after moving
 on from Wilson when he mentioned Smith’s willingness to wear a 
wristband to help facilitate Seattle's play-calling.

“If you 
notice, Geno’s going off the wristband, and that’s a big help,” Carroll 
told Seattle Sports 710 AM earlier this month. “It’s smoothed things 
out, sped things up. And that’s part of it, too. We never did that 
before. There was resistance to that. So, we didn’t do that before.”

Wilson retorted with his own <a href="https://apnews.com/article/jacksonville-jaguars-denver-broncos-seattle-seahawks-nfl-sports-612de661c6102546d755e3cd732c2927">subtle dig</a>,
 reminding that he "won a lot of games there without one on the wrist. 
And I didn’t know winning or losing mattered if you wore the wristband 
or not.”

Coincidentally, Wilson wore a wristband for the first 
time with the Broncos in a win over the Jaguars in London two days 
before Carroll's comments, and he's been using it at games and practices
 ever since as the Broncos try to jump-start a sputtering offense.

He even wore it at the podium on Wednesday.

“Yeah, I guess I'm rocking this wristband here,” Wilson said with a chuckle.

On
 any weekend, roughly two-thirds of NFL quarterbacks are rocking the 
wristbands. Tom Brady has used one his whole career. But some QBs and 
coaches prefer memorization skills for their more complex plays.

The
 bands that hug the quarterback's non-throwing wrist and forearm contain
 dozens of plays with corresponding numbers or codes. They are often as 
much a benefit to the play-caller as to the QB because he can just call 
out a simple number rather than the entire play sequence with all its 
protections, checks and other nuances.

“As a play designer 
sometimes you want to get a little creative and those things can get a 
little bit verbose,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said.

Calling
 out a number and not the entire play sequence saves a few ticks before 
the quarterback's earpiece shuts off with 15 seconds left on the play 
clock. The QB can then relay the play and break the huddle quicker, 
getting up to the line of scrimmage with a few extra seconds to survey 
the defense for any necessary adjustments.

Hackett said the 
wristbands especially come in handy on the road and are particularly 
helpful with the game's ever more complex play calls.

“It's just how offenses have advanced,” Hackett said. “... we're getting more elaborate with our play designs."

Not
 all plays on the coaches' call sheets are listed on the quarterbacks' 
wristbands. They're often limited to those complex calls or to red-zone 
plays that are installed later in the week, which means players have had
 less time to practice them.

Some QBs, such as the Titans' Ryan Tannehill, have tried them but don't wear them all the time like Brady does.

“Last
 year when we went to Seattle I wore one” because of the din at Lumen 
Field, Tannehill said. “Not too many times. I like to be able to hear 
the call and visualize it in my head as it comes in. It just helps me 
build the picture of what’s going on. When I hear it and I have to build
 the picture of the play in my head, it helps me communicate with my 
guys as opposed to reading a line on a wristband.”

Vikings QB Kirk
 Cousins doesn't usually wear a wristband, and that has something to do 
with Rams coach Sean McVay, who was Cousins' offensive coordinator in 
Washington from 2014-16.

Cousins recalled telling McVay, “These plays are long, and I could use a wristband.”

"Sean
 would say, ‘I don’t look down at the call sheet to call the play to see
 what the wristband number is. I just call the game from my head,’” 
Cousins recounted. “So, he said, ‘We can’t do that because I’d have to 
go find the play and then give you the number.’ I learned with Sean that
 I’m just going to have to memorize these plays and I don’t have the 
luxury of a wristband.”

“There’s so many different ways to do it 
and I think there’s positives and negatives to every different way,” 
Cousins said. “There’s times where I like having a fair amount of words 
because you can paint the picture better, but there’s other times where 
you’re calling two to three plays and it can just be a lot. With a 
motion, a shift, an alert and you have the play clock, so there’s a lot 
going on.”

Cousins said he picked up a trick from backup Nick Mullens when he was digesting the Vikings' new offense this summer.

“I
 was really struggling late in August and early September of really 
getting to a place where I could spit the plays out with just total 
ownership,” Cousins said. He recalled Mullens telling him, “I just 
record the tricky plays on my phone and instead of listening to music or
 the radio on the drive to and from work, I'll just listen to the play 
calls.”

“I started doing that and my drives are a little more 
boring," Cousins said, “but I find myself getting home to the garage and
 I feel a little better about the game plan and my command of the game 
plan.”

DENVER (AP) — Whether Pete Carroll meant it as a barb for Russell 
Wilson or a bouquet for Geno Smith, the Seattle Seahawks coach made 
play-calling wristbands a hot topic in the NFL during a topsy-turvy 
season that has rattled the longstanding quarterback order.Carroll
 was talking about the Seahawks’ surprising success in 2022 after moving
 on from Wilson when he mentioned Smith’s willingness to wear a 
wristband to help facilitate Seattle's play-calling.“If you 
notice, Geno’s going off the wristband, and that’s a big help,” Carroll 
told Seattle Sports 710 AM earlier this month. “It’s smoothed things 
out, sped things up. And that’s part of it, too. We never did that 
before. There was resistance to that. So, we didn’t do that before.”Wilson retorted with his own <a href="https://apnews.com/article/jacksonville-jaguars-denver-broncos-seattle-seahawks-nfl-sports-612de661c6102546d755e3cd732c2927">subtle dig</a>,
 reminding that he "won a lot of games there without one on the wrist. 
And I didn’t know winning or losing mattered if you wore the wristband 
or not.”Coincidentally, Wilson wore a wristband for the first 
time with the Broncos in a win over the Jaguars in London two days 
before Carroll's comments, and he's been using it at games and practices
 ever since as the Broncos try to jump-start a sputtering offense.He even wore it at the podium on Wednesday.“Yeah, I guess I'm rocking this wristband here,” Wilson said with a chuckle.On
 any weekend, roughly two-thirds of NFL quarterbacks are rocking the 
wristbands. Tom Brady has used one his whole career. But some QBs and 
coaches prefer memorization skills for their more complex plays.The
 bands that hug the quarterback's non-throwing wrist and forearm contain
 dozens of plays with corresponding numbers or codes. They are often as 
much a benefit to the play-caller as to the QB because he can just call 
out a simple number rather than the entire play sequence with all its 
protections, checks and other nuances.“As a play designer 
sometimes you want to get a little creative and those things can get a 
little bit verbose,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said.Calling
 out a number and not the entire play sequence saves a few ticks before 
the quarterback's earpiece shuts off with 15 seconds left on the play 
clock. The QB can then relay the play and break the huddle quicker, 
getting up to the line of scrimmage with a few extra seconds to survey 
the defense for any necessary adjustments.Hackett said the 
wristbands especially come in handy on the road and are particularly 
helpful with the game's ever more complex play calls.“It's just how offenses have advanced,” Hackett said. “... we're getting more elaborate with our play designs."Not
 all plays on the coaches' call sheets are listed on the quarterbacks' 
wristbands. They're often limited to those complex calls or to red-zone 
plays that are installed later in the week, which means players have had
 less time to practice them.Wristbands aren't for everyone, though.Some QBs, such as the Titans' Ryan Tannehill, have tried them but don't wear them all the time like Brady does.“Last
 year when we went to Seattle I wore one” because of the din at Lumen 
Field, Tannehill said. “Not too many times. I like to be able to hear 
the call and visualize it in my head as it comes in. It just helps me 
build the picture of what’s going on. When I hear it and I have to build
 the picture of the play in my head, it helps me communicate with my 
guys as opposed to reading a line on a wristband.”Vikings QB Kirk
 Cousins doesn't usually wear a wristband, and that has something to do 
with Rams coach Sean McVay, who was Cousins' offensive coordinator in 
Washington from 2014-16.Cousins recalled telling McVay, “These plays are long, and I could use a wristband.”"Sean
 would say, ‘I don’t look down at the call sheet to call the play to see
 what the wristband number is. I just call the game from my head,’” 
Cousins recounted. “So, he said, ‘We can’t do that because I’d have to 
go find the play and then give you the number.’ I learned with Sean that
 I’m just going to have to memorize these plays and I don’t have the 
luxury of a wristband.”“There’s so many different ways to do it 
and I think there’s positives and negatives to every different way,” 
Cousins said. “There’s times where I like having a fair amount of words 
because you can paint the picture better, but there’s other times where 
you’re calling two to three plays and it can just be a lot. With a 
motion, a shift, an alert and you have the play clock, so there’s a lot 
going on.”Cousins said he picked up a trick from backup Nick Mullens when he was digesting the Vikings' new offense this summer.“I
 was really struggling late in August and early September of really 
getting to a place where I could spit the plays out with just total 
ownership,” Cousins said. He recalled Mullens telling him, “I just 
record the tricky plays on my phone and instead of listening to music or
 the radio on the drive to and from work, I'll just listen to the play 
calls.”“I started doing that and my drives are a little more 
boring," Cousins said, “but I find myself getting home to the garage and
 I feel a little better about the game plan and my command of the game 
plan.”

QB wristbands a trending NFL topic after Carroll comments

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Gabby Gregory made six 3-pointers and scored 22 points and No. 25 Kansas State used a 30-4 third quarter to cruise past Clemson 76-38 in the Paradise Jam. Kansas State led by just three points, 32-29, at halftime before taking over in the game-changing third. The Wildcats closed it out with a 14-5 fourth. Jaelyn Glenn scored 16 points and Brylee Glenn added 12 points for Kansas State, which plays Northern Arizona on Friday. Ruby Whitehorn had a team-high eight points for Clemson, which faces Arkansas on Friday. The Tigers were 12-of-46 shooting (26%). The last meeting between the schools came on Nov. 25, 1990, in Manhattan, Kan., a 68-61 Clemson win.

ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands (AP) — Gabby Gregory made six 3-pointers and scored 22 points and No. 25 Kansas State used a 30-4 third quarter to cruise past Clemson 76-38 in the Paradise Jam. Kansas State led by just three points, 32-29, at halftime before taking over in the game-changing third. The Wildcats closed it out with a 14-5 fourth. Jaelyn Glenn scored 16 points and Brylee Glenn added 12 points for Kansas State, which plays Northern Arizona on Friday. Ruby Whitehorn had a team-high eight points for Clemson, which faces Arkansas on Friday. The Tigers were 12-of-46 shooting (26%). The last meeting between the schools came on Nov. 25, 1990, in Manhattan, Kan., a 68-61 Clemson win.

K-State defeats Clemson in women's basketball

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Keyontae Johnson scored 16 points and his jumper with five seconds left allowed Kansas State to remain undefeated and hand LSU its first loss, 61-59 in the championship game of the Cayman Islands Classic. Adam Miller gave LSU the lead, 59-57 with his layup with 1:15 left, but Markquis Nowell answered with a jumper with 49 seconds to go. The Tigers’ KJ Williams turned over the ball 15 seconds later, the Wildcats ran the clock down before Johnson took a feed from Desi Sills and buried the winning shot.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Keyontae Johnson scored 16 points and his jumper with five seconds left allowed Kansas State to remain undefeated and hand LSU its first loss, 61-59 in the championship game of the Cayman Islands Classic. Adam Miller gave LSU the lead, 59-57 with his layup with 1:15 left, but Markquis Nowell answered with a jumper with 49 seconds to go. The Tigers’ KJ Williams turned over the ball 15 seconds later, the Wildcats ran the clock down before Johnson took a feed from Desi Sills and buried the winning shot.

Wildcats win the Cayman title

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>Kansas State junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;</a>has been named a semifinalist for a second award this week, as the Round Rock, Texas native is one of 16 players still in the running for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.

It is the third-straight season that Vaughn is a semifinalist for the award, including last year when he advanced to become one of five finalists. The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award goes to the top college football player in the nation with ties to the state of Texas.

Vaughn, who on Tuesday was named a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/11/22/football-vaughn-named-semifinalist-for-doak-walker-award.aspx" target="_blank">semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award</a>, has 1,148 rushing yards to rank 16th&nbsp;nationally, while he is 14th&nbsp;in the country with 128.5 scrimmage yards (rushing plus receiving) per game. He ranks second nationally among running backs with three receiving touchdowns, while he is fifth in catches (38) and 14th&nbsp;in receiving yards (266).

Vaughn is just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining Darren Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004) and Daniel Thomas (2009, 2010). Earlier this season, Vaughn became the fastest player in Big 12 history – and tied for the fastest player in the country since 1996 – to reach 3,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career, doing so in his 32nd&nbsp;game.

Finalists for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be announced on December 13, and those finalists will attend the award’s banquet and winner announcement on January 11.

Coming in at No. 12 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25, Kansas State takes on Kansas on Saturday in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The game, which kicks off at 7 p.m. inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, will be televised by FOX.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>Kansas State junior running back&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn&nbsp;</a>has been named a semifinalist for a second award this week, as the Round Rock, Texas native is one of 16 players still in the running for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award.It is the third-straight season that Vaughn is a semifinalist for the award, including last year when he advanced to become one of five finalists. The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award goes to the top college football player in the nation with ties to the state of Texas.Vaughn, who on Tuesday was named a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2022/11/22/football-vaughn-named-semifinalist-for-doak-walker-award.aspx" target="_blank">semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award</a>, has 1,148 rushing yards to rank 16th&nbsp;nationally, while he is 14th&nbsp;in the country with 128.5 scrimmage yards (rushing plus receiving) per game. He ranks second nationally among running backs with three receiving touchdowns, while he is fifth in catches (38) and 14th&nbsp;in receiving yards (266).Vaughn is just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons, joining Darren Sproles (2002, 2003, 2004) and Daniel Thomas (2009, 2010). Earlier this season, Vaughn became the fastest player in Big 12 history – and tied for the fastest player in the country since 1996 – to reach 3,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a career, doing so in his 32nd&nbsp;game.Finalists for the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award will be announced on December 13, and those finalists will attend the award’s banquet and winner announcement on January 11.Coming in at No. 12 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25, Kansas State takes on Kansas on Saturday in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown. The game, which kicks off at 7 p.m. inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium, will be televised by FOX.

K-State’s Vaughn Named Semifinalist for Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award

By STEPHEN HAWKINS&nbsp; Associated Press

The Texas Rangers hired Mike Maddux as their new pitching coach 
Wednesday, and added former Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton 
Moore as a senior adviser in their baseball operations department.

Maddux
 is returning to Texas to be on new manager Bruce Bochy's staff. Maddux 
was first the pitching coach for the Rangers from 2009-15, a span in 
which they made their only two World Series appearances. He spent the 
past five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, and has been part of 11 
playoffs teams over his past 15 seasons as a pitching coach.

Moore
 spent the past 16 years with the Royals, where he was named GM in May 
2006 and also served as president of baseball operations before getting 
fired in September. The Royals had three consecutive 100-loss seasons 
before Moore's arrival. They won back-to-back American League pennants 
in 2014 and 2015, beating the New York Mets for the World Series title 
after the second one.

Moore will collaborate with Rangers general 
manager Chris Young, the former pitcher who finished his big league 
playing career with the Royals from 2015-17.

“There is no one more
 respected in our game. He rebuilt the Royals into a world champion,” 
Young said. “Dayton’s experiences as a longtime general manager, as well
 as his extensive background in scouting, will be a tremendous asset to 
me and the other leaders of our baseball group.”

Before joining 
the Royals, Moore spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Braves in scouting 
and player development roles before becoming their director of player 
personnel in 2002.

Maddux was the second-longest tenured pitching 
coach in club history when he left the Rangers after the 2015 season and
 spent the following two years with Washington. Texas had four 
consecutive seasons with team ERAs under 4.00 from 2010-13. Before his 
arrival, they hadn't had a team ERA under 4.00 since 1990, and haven't 
had one since Maddux left.

After 15 seasons pitching in the big leagues, Maddux began his MLB coaching career with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2003-08.

Even
 before three-time World Series champion manager Bochy was hired last 
month, the Rangers had said co-pitching coaches Doug Mathis and Brendan 
Sagara wouldn’t return to their major league staff.

By STEPHEN HAWKINS&nbsp; Associated PressThe Texas Rangers hired Mike Maddux as their new pitching coach 
Wednesday, and added former Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton 
Moore as a senior adviser in their baseball operations department.Maddux
 is returning to Texas to be on new manager Bruce Bochy's staff. Maddux 
was first the pitching coach for the Rangers from 2009-15, a span in 
which they made their only two World Series appearances. He spent the 
past five seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, and has been part of 11 
playoffs teams over his past 15 seasons as a pitching coach.Moore
 spent the past 16 years with the Royals, where he was named GM in May 
2006 and also served as president of baseball operations before getting 
fired in September. The Royals had three consecutive 100-loss seasons 
before Moore's arrival. They won back-to-back American League pennants 
in 2014 and 2015, beating the New York Mets for the World Series title 
after the second one.Moore will collaborate with Rangers general 
manager Chris Young, the former pitcher who finished his big league 
playing career with the Royals from 2015-17.“There is no one more
 respected in our game. He rebuilt the Royals into a world champion,” 
Young said. “Dayton’s experiences as a longtime general manager, as well
 as his extensive background in scouting, will be a tremendous asset to 
me and the other leaders of our baseball group.”Before joining 
the Royals, Moore spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Braves in scouting 
and player development roles before becoming their director of player 
personnel in 2002.Maddux was the second-longest tenured pitching 
coach in club history when he left the Rangers after the 2015 season and
 spent the following two years with Washington. Texas had four 
consecutive seasons with team ERAs under 4.00 from 2010-13. Before his 
arrival, they hadn't had a team ERA under 4.00 since 1990, and haven't 
had one since Maddux left.After 15 seasons pitching in the big leagues, Maddux began his MLB coaching career with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2003-08.Even
 before three-time World Series champion manager Bochy was hired last 
month, the Rangers had said co-pitching coaches Doug Mathis and Brendan 
Sagara wouldn’t return to their major league staff.

⚾ Dayton Moore joins Rangers organization as adviser

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Markquis Nowell scored 29 points and had 11 assists, Keyontae Johnson scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds and Kansas State beat Nevada 96-87 in overtime. The Wildcats outscored Nevada 16-7 in the extra session. Nowell’s layup with 11 seconds left in regulation tied it at 80 and the Wolfpack couldn’t get off a shot. Jarod Lucas scored 20 points, Will Baker 19, Kenan Blackshear 17 with 10 assists and Tre Coleman and Darrion Williams each scored 10 for Nevada.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Markquis Nowell scored 29 points and had 11 assists, Keyontae Johnson scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds and Kansas State beat Nevada 96-87 in overtime. The Wildcats outscored Nevada 16-7 in the extra session. Nowell’s layup with 11 seconds left in regulation tied it at 80 and the Wolfpack couldn’t get off a shot. Jarod Lucas scored 20 points, Will Baker 19, Kenan Blackshear 17 with 10 assists and Tre Coleman and Darrion Williams each scored 10 for Nevada.

K-State men's basketball remains undefeated

Congratulations to Chauncey Baxter of Salina, the Week 11 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!

Chauncey, who scored 13 of 14 points, wins $100.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662062091203.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Congratulations to Chauncey Baxter of Salina, the Week 11 winner in Salina Pain Clinic's Gridiron Glory contest!Chauncey, who scored 13 of 14 points, wins $100.Although the season is underway, you still have time to win!<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Sign up today</a>&nbsp;to make your picks for a chance to win great weekly prizes, including cash,&nbsp;gift cards, concert tickets, and Chiefs tickets.&nbsp;If you pick well, you'll also be in the running for the local season prize of $1,000 and a national season prize of a trip to Hawaii!Don't miss out on the state's best pro football pick'em contest!&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/6457a6fe-ce1b-48df-a651-5d8582b478f7?contestid=3#registration/login">Click here to register for Gridiron Glory</a>

Gridiron Glory: Congratulations Chauncey Baxter!

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22013&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-22-2022/4781" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-media-availability-november-22-2022/4782" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as No. 15 Kansas State hosts Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. Looking back on Saturday, obviously a strange first half how everything went down. Both teams scored on defense. There were some explosive plays. We were able to get the extra turnover on the fourth-and-one stop, which I thought was big to take that one and score. It’s 14-nothing, then 14-13, and then, 28-13 and kind of went back and forth a little bit. A couple things that really stuck out to us is getting two field goals in two-minute drives, in essence, with the first field goal with around two minutes left. They elected to use some timeouts to try to save time, which I thought was smart because they were going to get the ball the second half. Then we got a sack and so we started using our timeouts, and then we were able to get another field goal to score twice before half. Even though they were field goals, I thought it was really important there. Then the missed extra points, I thought, were really important because West Virginia was kind of chasing a lot of points the rest of the day and had to go for two and weren't successful there. In essence, you're losing almost a touchdown with two-point conversions misses and missed PATS, and then the missed field goal. So, special teams, I thought, was really good. I thought Malik Knowles was dynamite on special teams as well as a receiver, and our offense was very aggressive and did some really good things in the first half. A little bit tougher probably to do things in the second half because they took about nine minutes off the clock on the first drive and don't get points, which was, I'm sure, demoralizing to the fact of they needed some quick scores, and we were able to get a stop there. Pleased anytime you can go on the road and get a win, especially in Morgantown. It's a really tough place to play. It's a tough environment and our guys were able to handle business and now we're back this week. We’ve got a really good KU team coming in here. I've got a lot of respect for Coach Leipold, does a great job, and they're playing really well. I know they've been beaten the last couple of weeks, but they're a good football team and it should be a heck of a battle here on Saturday.”

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=22013&amp;type=Archive" target="_blank">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-november-22-2022/4781" target="_blank">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-media-availability-november-22-2022/4782" target="_blank">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Tuesday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex as No. 15 Kansas State hosts Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Good afternoon, everyone. Looking back on Saturday, obviously a strange first half how everything went down. Both teams scored on defense. There were some explosive plays. We were able to get the extra turnover on the fourth-and-one stop, which I thought was big to take that one and score. It’s 14-nothing, then 14-13, and then, 28-13 and kind of went back and forth a little bit. A couple things that really stuck out to us is getting two field goals in two-minute drives, in essence, with the first field goal with around two minutes left. They elected to use some timeouts to try to save time, which I thought was smart because they were going to get the ball the second half. Then we got a sack and so we started using our timeouts, and then we were able to get another field goal to score twice before half. Even though they were field goals, I thought it was really important there. Then the missed extra points, I thought, were really important because West Virginia was kind of chasing a lot of points the rest of the day and had to go for two and weren't successful there. In essence, you're losing almost a touchdown with two-point conversions misses and missed PATS, and then the missed field goal. So, special teams, I thought, was really good. I thought Malik Knowles was dynamite on special teams as well as a receiver, and our offense was very aggressive and did some really good things in the first half. A little bit tougher probably to do things in the second half because they took about nine minutes off the clock on the first drive and don't get points, which was, I'm sure, demoralizing to the fact of they needed some quick scores, and we were able to get a stop there. Pleased anytime you can go on the road and get a win, especially in Morgantown. It's a really tough place to play. It's a tough environment and our guys were able to handle business and now we're back this week. We’ve got a really good KU team coming in here. I've got a lot of respect for Coach Leipold, does a great job, and they're playing really well. I know they've been beaten the last couple of weeks, but they're a good football team and it should be a heck of a battle here on Saturday.”RYAN LACKEYAssociate Athletics Director for Communications

K-State Discusses Dillons Sunflower Showdown at Weekly Press Conference

Ava DeGuzman, Junction City, has been named a first team All Centennial League volleyball player for the 2022 season. JCHS teammate Gracie Erichsen received second team All Centennial League recognition.

Ava DeGuzman, Junction City, has been named a first team All Centennial League volleyball player for the 2022 season. JCHS teammate Gracie Erichsen received second team All Centennial League recognition.

Two Lady Jays receive Centennial League Volleyball honors

Two members of the Junction City Blue Jay soccer program have received second team All Centennial League recognition. They are Zane Khoury and Kai Walsh.

John Noveroske, Jayson Harris and Nate Platt received honorable mention.

Two members of the Junction City Blue Jay soccer program have received second team All Centennial League recognition. They are Zane Khoury and Kai Walsh.John Noveroske, Jayson Harris and Nate Platt received honorable mention.

Blue Jays receive Centennial League soccer recognition

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Naeqwan Tomlin scored 15 points, Keyontae Johnson scored 14 points and Kansas State beat Rhode Island 77-57 in a Cayman Islands Classic contest. The Wildcats built a 14-2 lead and were never threatened. Jalen Carey’s jump shot with 12:44 before halftime reduced the Rams’ deficit to 18-11, but the Jayhawks scored nine straight when Marquis Nowell made a 3-pointer, David N’Guessan made a layup, Tomlin converted a three-point play and then made 1-of-2 free throws. Ishmael Leggett scored 13 points for Rhode Island.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (AP) — Naeqwan Tomlin scored 15 points, Keyontae Johnson scored 14 points and Kansas State beat Rhode Island 77-57 in a Cayman Islands Classic contest. The Wildcats built a 14-2 lead and were never threatened. Jalen Carey’s jump shot with 12:44 before halftime reduced the Rams’ deficit to 18-11, but the Jayhawks scored nine straight when Marquis Nowell made a 3-pointer, David N’Guessan made a layup, Tomlin converted a three-point play and then made 1-of-2 free throws. Ishmael Leggett scored 13 points for Rhode Island.

K-State advances in the Cayman Islands Classic

Associate athletics director for Communications

1)&nbsp;Following a 48-31 road win at West Virginia, Kansas State returns home to close out the 2022 regular season with the annual Dillons Sunflower Showdown against in-state rival KU. The Wildcats can clinch a berth in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship with a win against the Jayhawks. The game will be televised nationally on FOX with a 7 p.m. kickoff from Bill Snyder Family Stadium.

2)&nbsp;K-State is 8-3 this season with all three losses coming against teams that are currently ranked in No. 4 TCU, No. 19 Tulane and No 24 Texas. The Cats are bowl eligible for the third time under Chris Klieman and will advance to their 24th bowl appearance in school history, including the 11th in the last 13 seasons. Klieman is the first coach in school history to send three of his first four squads to the postseason.

3)&nbsp;Last time out, K-State scored 41 points in a dominant first half against West Virginia – the most first-half points by the Wildcats under Klieman. Will Howard had a big day, throwing for 294 yards (19-of-27) and accounting for three touchdowns, while Malik Knowles eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark for the third time this season, finishing with six catches and 111 yards and a touchdown.

4)&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn has 1,148 rushing yards this season to record his second-straight season with 1,000 rushing yards – just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,194) and moved into the top 10 in school history for a season.

5)&nbsp;The Cats have been solid on defense, allowing just 18.7 points per game and 361.8 total yards per game. This week, the Cats rank fourth nationally in turnover margin, 11th in fourth down defense, sixth in interceptions, 15th in scoring defense and 19th in pass efficiency defense. The Cats have kept each of their Big 12 opponents this year under their season scoring average entering its game against K-State while also holding three conference opponents without a touchdown.

By Ryan LackeyAssociate athletics director for CommunicationsTHE TOP 5 1)&nbsp;Following a 48-31 road win at West Virginia, Kansas State returns home to close out the 2022 regular season with the annual Dillons Sunflower Showdown against in-state rival KU. The Wildcats can clinch a berth in the Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship with a win against the Jayhawks. The game will be televised nationally on FOX with a 7 p.m. kickoff from Bill Snyder Family Stadium.2)&nbsp;K-State is 8-3 this season with all three losses coming against teams that are currently ranked in No. 4 TCU, No. 19 Tulane and No 24 Texas. The Cats are bowl eligible for the third time under Chris Klieman and will advance to their 24th bowl appearance in school history, including the 11th in the last 13 seasons. Klieman is the first coach in school history to send three of his first four squads to the postseason.3)&nbsp;Last time out, K-State scored 41 points in a dominant first half against West Virginia – the most first-half points by the Wildcats under Klieman. Will Howard had a big day, throwing for 294 yards (19-of-27) and accounting for three touchdowns, while Malik Knowles eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark for the third time this season, finishing with six catches and 111 yards and a touchdown.4)&nbsp;Deuce Vaughn has 1,148 rushing yards this season to record his second-straight season with 1,000 rushing yards – just the third player in school history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks second in school history in career rushing yards (3,194) and moved into the top 10 in school history for a season.5)&nbsp;The Cats have been solid on defense, allowing just 18.7 points per game and 361.8 total yards per game. This week, the Cats rank fourth nationally in turnover margin, 11th in fourth down defense, sixth in interceptions, 15th in scoring defense and 19th in pass efficiency defense. The Cats have kept each of their Big 12 opponents this year under their season scoring average entering its game against K-State while also holding three conference opponents without a touchdown.

K-State hosts Kansas Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Coming off a banner day in Kansas State’s 48-31 win at West Virginia, junior defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

It is Mott’s first-career Big 12 weekly honor and the 10th&nbsp;by the Wildcats this year, which is the most in school history. It is the second-straight week a Wildcat defender has been honored as safety&nbsp;Drake Cheatum&nbsp;was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week following the Baylor game.

<a>Mott carded a career-high 3.0 sacks, tied for the fourth most in school history and the 12th&nbsp;most in the nation this season. It was the third time this year a Wildcat had 3.0 sacks in a game (Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;and&nbsp;Khalid Duke&nbsp;vs. Texas Tech) as K-State is one of only two teams (San Jose State) to have three players with 3.0-sack games this season.</a>

A product of Iowa City, Iowa, Mott also set career highs in tackles (8) and solo tackles (5) against the Mountaineers, while he pressured the quarterback on an interception by&nbsp;Cincere Mason&nbsp;that was returned 37 yards for a touchdown.

Ranked 15th&nbsp;in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, Kansas State hosts Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game kicks off at 7 p.m., and will be shown on FOX.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Coming off a banner day in Kansas State’s 48-31 win at West Virginia, junior defensive end&nbsp;Brendan Mott&nbsp;has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.It is Mott’s first-career Big 12 weekly honor and the 10th&nbsp;by the Wildcats this year, which is the most in school history. It is the second-straight week a Wildcat defender has been honored as safety&nbsp;Drake Cheatum&nbsp;was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week following the Baylor game.<a>Mott carded a career-high 3.0 sacks, tied for the fourth most in school history and the 12th&nbsp;most in the nation this season. It was the third time this year a Wildcat had 3.0 sacks in a game (Felix Anudike-Uzomah&nbsp;and&nbsp;Khalid Duke&nbsp;vs. Texas Tech) as K-State is one of only two teams (San Jose State) to have three players with 3.0-sack games this season.</a>A product of Iowa City, Iowa, Mott also set career highs in tackles (8) and solo tackles (5) against the Mountaineers, while he pressured the quarterback on an interception by&nbsp;Cincere Mason&nbsp;that was returned 37 yards for a touchdown.Ranked 15th&nbsp;in this week’s Associated Press Top 25, Kansas State hosts Kansas in the Dillons Sunflower Showdown on Saturday inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The game kicks off at 7 p.m., and will be shown on FOX.

K-State’s Mott Earns Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week Honors

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — No. 19 Kansas State beat West Virginia 48-31 to move one win away from clinching a berth in the Big 12 championship game. The Wildcats finish the regular season at home next Saturday against Kansas. They are looking to join TCU in the title game Dec. 3 in Arlington, Texas. Kansas State jumped ahead 14-0 a little more than three minutes into the game, thanks in part to Cincere Mason's 37-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Wildcats led 41-25 at halftime. Those were the most first-half points for Kansas State in 14 years. K-State's Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — No. 19 Kansas State beat West Virginia 48-31 to move one win away from clinching a berth in the Big 12 championship game. The Wildcats finish the regular season at home next Saturday against Kansas. They are looking to join TCU in the title game Dec. 3 in Arlington, Texas. Kansas State jumped ahead 14-0 a little more than three minutes into the game, thanks in part to Cincere Mason's 37-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Wildcats led 41-25 at halftime. Those were the most first-half points for Kansas State in 14 years. K-State's Will Howard threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score.