Join us Friday, June 6th, as we celebrate Eagle Media Night with the Junction City Brigade!

The Brigade host the Derby Twins at Rathert Field in Junction City with the first pitch at 7:00 p.m.

Following the game, there will also be a fireworks show!

Eagle Media in Junction City and Manhattan consists of four radio stations: 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio, Q-Country 103.5, Power Hits 97.5, and Country Rewind 92.7. Eagle Media also has JC Post and Little Apple Post.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749138882780.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Join us Friday, June 6th, as we celebrate Eagle Media Night with the Junction City Brigade!The Brigade host the Derby Twins at Rathert Field in Junction City with the first pitch at 7:00 p.m.Following the game, there will also be a fireworks show!Eagle Media in Junction City and Manhattan consists of four radio stations: 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio, Q-Country 103.5, Power Hits 97.5, and Country Rewind 92.7. Eagle Media also has JC Post and Little Apple Post.&nbsp;

Eagle Media night with the Junction City Brigade is Friday, June 6

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The game between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed by rain.

The Cardinals said the I-70 rivals will finish their season series with a split doubleheader Thursday.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cardinals-score-caglianone-e097941d2205aa261dbce617f18050f2">The Royals won the series opener</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis 10-7 on Tuesday. The Cardinals took two of three in Kansas City last month.

Royals top prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-jac-caglianone-3f76d42e95c4b332e44d716b8211ff74">Jac Caglianone made his major league debut</a>&nbsp;in the series opener, going hitless in five at-bats.

The forecast called for rain to continue well past the scheduled start time Wednesday.

St. Louis right-hander Miles Mikolas had been set to face Royals lefty Noah Cameron before the postponement. The probable starters for the early game Thursday weren't immediately announced.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The game between the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed by rain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/7n0CtMYIBD">pic.twitter.com/7n0CtMYIBD</a>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1930373568010821970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Cardinals said the I-70 rivals will finish their season series with a split doubleheader Thursday.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-cardinals-score-caglianone-e097941d2205aa261dbce617f18050f2">The Royals won the series opener</a>&nbsp;in St. Louis 10-7 on Tuesday. The Cardinals took two of three in Kansas City last month.Royals top prospect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-royals-jac-caglianone-3f76d42e95c4b332e44d716b8211ff74">Jac Caglianone made his major league debut</a>&nbsp;in the series opener, going hitless in five at-bats.The forecast called for rain to continue well past the scheduled start time Wednesday.St. Louis right-hander Miles Mikolas had been set to face Royals lefty Noah Cameron before the postponement. The probable starters for the early game Thursday weren't immediately announced.

⚾️Royals, Cardinals postponed; split doubleheader Thursday

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nick Loftin homered to start a six-run fifth inning, Bobby Witt Jr. also homered and the Kansas City Royals erased a five-run deficit to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-7 on Tuesday night in the major league debut of top Royals' prospect Jac Caglianone.

Caglianone, recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Monday, went hitless in five at bats.

Daniel Lynch IV, Steven Cruz (2-0), Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke combined to pitch 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief before Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless ninth for his 17th save.

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a game-tying two-run double off Cardinals reliever Steven Matz (3-2), and Salvador Perez followed with an RBI single to give Kansas City an 8-7 fifth inning lead.

Loftin hit his first home run since last June 18 to start the rally. After Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India singled, Witt hit a two-run single to right field to cut Kansas City’s deficit to 7-5 ending Cardinals starter Andre Pallante’s night.

Pallante allowed a career high-tying seven runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Alec Burleson hit a two-run home run to center field to cap off a five-run third inning and chase Michael Lorenzen (3-7) from the game after allowing seven runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.

Witt hit his seventh home run of the season to give Kansas City a 2-0 first inning lead.

Caglianone stepped up to the plate for the first time to lead off the top of the second inning. He lined a 2-2 pitch to the warning track in right-center field where Victor Scott II ran 92 feet to rob him of his first career hit.

St. Louis lost for the first time in eight games when scoring at least four runs in Pallante's starts.

Royals LHP Noah Cameron (2-1, 1.05 ERA) will face Cardinals RHP Miles Mikolas (4-2, 3.90) Wednesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1749009929991.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Nick Loftin homered to start a six-run fifth inning, Bobby Witt Jr. also homered and the Kansas City Royals erased a five-run deficit to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-7 on Tuesday night in the major league debut of top Royals' prospect Jac Caglianone.Caglianone, recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Monday, went hitless in five at bats.Daniel Lynch IV, Steven Cruz (2-0), Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber and Taylor Clarke combined to pitch 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief before Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless ninth for his 17th save.Vinnie Pasquantino hit a game-tying two-run double off Cardinals reliever Steven Matz (3-2), and Salvador Perez followed with an RBI single to give Kansas City an 8-7 fifth inning lead.Loftin hit his first home run since last June 18 to start the rally. After Drew Waters, Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India singled, Witt hit a two-run single to right field to cut Kansas City’s deficit to 7-5 ending Cardinals starter Andre Pallante’s night.Pallante allowed a career high-tying seven runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings.Alec Burleson hit a two-run home run to center field to cap off a five-run third inning and chase Michael Lorenzen (3-7) from the game after allowing seven runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.Witt hit his seventh home run of the season to give Kansas City a 2-0 first inning lead.<h2>Key moment</h2>Caglianone stepped up to the plate for the first time to lead off the top of the second inning. He lined a 2-2 pitch to the warning track in right-center field where Victor Scott II ran 92 feet to rob him of his first career hit.<h2>Key stat</h2>St. Louis lost for the first time in eight games when scoring at least four runs in Pallante's starts.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Noah Cameron (2-1, 1.05 ERA) will face Cardinals RHP Miles Mikolas (4-2, 3.90) Wednesday night.

⚾ 5th inning rally helps Royals beat Cardinals in Jac Caglianone's debut

The Junction City Brigade beat the Kingman Islanders 15-4 on Monday night at Rathert Field. It was the Brigade's first win of the season. Their record is 1-2.&nbsp;

Next up is back-to-back road games for Junction City. At Kingman Tuesday, and at Derby on Thursday.

The Junction City Brigade beat the Kingman Islanders 15-4 on Monday night at Rathert Field. It was the Brigade's first win of the season. Their record is 1-2.&nbsp;Next up is back-to-back road games for Junction City. At Kingman Tuesday, and at Derby on Thursday.

Junction City Brigade beat Kingman Islanders for first win of season

The Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education (BOE)&nbsp;approved the hiring of Easton Burgardt as head boys’ basketball coach at Junction City High School.&nbsp;

Burgardt, who is currently an 11th&nbsp;grade ELA teacher, has worked with the boys’ basketball program as an assistant coach the last seven years helping lead the Blue Jays to heights never seen before in program history, including a state tournament appearance in 2022-23 as well as the program’s first Centennial League championship during the 2023-24 season. Burgardt, who has also served as the assistant boys’ golf coach during his tenure, graduated from Kansas State University in 2018 and recently completed his master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University in 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748958774575.jpeg" alt="Easton Burgardt" />
 <figcaption>Easton Burgardt</figcaption>
 </figure>USD 475 Release -&nbsp;The Geary County Schools USD 475 Board of Education (BOE)&nbsp;approved the hiring of Easton Burgardt as head boys’ basketball coach at Junction City High School.&nbsp;Burgardt, who is currently an 11th&nbsp;grade ELA teacher, has worked with the boys’ basketball program as an assistant coach the last seven years helping lead the Blue Jays to heights never seen before in program history, including a state tournament appearance in 2022-23 as well as the program’s first Centennial League championship during the 2023-24 season. Burgardt, who has also served as the assistant boys’ golf coach during his tenure, graduated from Kansas State University in 2018 and recently completed his master’s degree in educational administration from Emporia State University in 2022.

Easton Burgardt announced as new JCHS Boys Basketball Coach

&nbsp;JCHS reported that the girls squad closed out competition at the state track meet in 17th place out of 32 teams, while the boys finished 21st overall at Cessna Stadium in Wichita. Individually, the junior duo of Isaiah Byers and Tylen Smith paced Junction City in the 200 meter final, blazing to a fifth and eighth place showing, respectively. Smith also had a solid outing in the 100 meters, clocking a time of 10.90 to place fifth overall on Saturday. Finally, the 4x100 of Lance Norris, Smith, Aidenn Segura and Byers recorded a time of 43.10 to place No. 7 overall. 

On the girl’s side, freshman Linden Pickler continued her outstanding performance at state on Saturday, closing out her season in style by clocking a time of 5:10.00 to place sixth in the 1600 meter final. The girls’ 4x800 of Pickler, Brittney Dibben, Kourtney Dibben and Anna Fontaine recorded a top-10 showing, placing ninth overall with a time of 10:01.44.&nbsp;

JCHS release&nbsp;JCHS reported that the girls squad closed out competition at the state track meet in 17th place out of 32 teams, while the boys finished 21st overall at Cessna Stadium in Wichita. Individually, the junior duo of Isaiah Byers and Tylen Smith paced Junction City in the 200 meter final, blazing to a fifth and eighth place showing, respectively. Smith also had a solid outing in the 100 meters, clocking a time of 10.90 to place fifth overall on Saturday. Finally, the 4x100 of Lance Norris, Smith, Aidenn Segura and Byers recorded a time of 43.10 to place No. 7 overall. On the girl’s side, freshman Linden Pickler continued her outstanding performance at state on Saturday, closing out her season in style by clocking a time of 5:10.00 to place sixth in the 1600 meter final. The girls’ 4x800 of Pickler, Brittney Dibben, Kourtney Dibben and Anna Fontaine recorded a top-10 showing, placing ninth overall with a time of 10:01.44.&nbsp;

JCHS track teams compete at state

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zach McKinstry hit a leadoff triple in the third inning and scored on Kris Bubic's wild pitch to lift the Detroit Tigers over the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Sunday.

Riley Greene had two of Detroit's five hits as the Tigers bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Kansas City on Saturday that ended their five-game winning streak. They took two of three from their AL Central rivals for their 14th series win this season.

Detroit entered June with the best record in the majors for the first time since 2006.

Tigers starter Keider Montero permitted seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chase Lee (2-0) got four outs for the win, and Will Vest earned his ninth save.

Bubic (5-3) tied a career high with nine strikeouts in seven innings, giving up four hits with two walks. The left-hander has fanned nine batters in three of his last four starts.

Salvador Perez had three of Kansas City's nine hits, but the Royals stranded eight runners. They have scored four or fewer runs in 50 of 60 games this season.

Kansas City infielder Maikel Garcia was scratched from the starting lineup with right thumb soreness.

McKinstry scored when Bubic's sweeper in the dirt deflected off Perez and rolled near the Royals' dugout on the first-base side.

In the last 12 games between the division foes, 10 have been decided by two or fewer runs.

RHP Jack Flaherty (3-6, 3.94 ERA) starts Monday night when the Tigers continue their seven-game trip against the Chicago White Sox.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1748859163449.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws to a Detroit Tigers batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws to a Detroit Tigers batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Zach McKinstry hit a leadoff triple in the third inning and scored on Kris Bubic's wild pitch to lift the Detroit Tigers over the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Sunday.Riley Greene had two of Detroit's five hits as the Tigers bounced back from a 1-0 loss to Kansas City on Saturday that ended their five-game winning streak. They took two of three from their AL Central rivals for their 14th series win this season.Detroit entered June with the best record in the majors for the first time since 2006.Tigers starter Keider Montero permitted seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chase Lee (2-0) got four outs for the win, and Will Vest earned his ninth save.Bubic (5-3) tied a career high with nine strikeouts in seven innings, giving up four hits with two walks. The left-hander has fanned nine batters in three of his last four starts.Salvador Perez had three of Kansas City's nine hits, but the Royals stranded eight runners. They have scored four or fewer runs in 50 of 60 games this season.Kansas City infielder Maikel Garcia was scratched from the starting lineup with right thumb soreness.<h2>Key moment</h2>McKinstry scored when Bubic's sweeper in the dirt deflected off Perez and rolled near the Royals' dugout on the first-base side.<h2>Key stats</h2>In the last 12 games between the division foes, 10 have been decided by two or fewer runs.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Jack Flaherty (3-6, 3.94 ERA) starts Monday night when the Tigers continue their seven-game trip against the Chicago White Sox.

⚾ McKinstry scores on wild pitch as MLB-leading Tigers top Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino's one-out single in the eighth inning drove in Nick Loftin with the game's only run as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Tigers 1-0 on Saturday, snapping Detroit's five-game winning streak.

Pasquantino dropped to seventh, from his usual third spot, in the Royals lineup because of Detroit's starter left-hander Tarik Skubal. He blooped a hit into short left field off Beau Brieske (1-2). Loftin had two of KC's four hits, including a double in the eighth.

John Schreiber (2-2) picked up the win for Kansas City. Carlos Estevez picked up his 16th save in 18 chances.

Both pitchers were nearly flawless from the beginning. Skubal allowed just a pair of singles, while Michael Wacha allowed only a walk in his first six innings.

Wacha finally yielded a hit in the seventh when Colt Keith lined a one-out single up the middle. The 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball was the fourth longest such effort of Wacha's career. Wacha finished the game with seven shutout innings, allowing one hit and one walk, with six strikeouts.

Skubal also completed seven innings, allowing just two hits, with no walks and seven strikeouts.

The key moment for both teams was the eighth inning when both managers turned to their bullpens. It hardly opened the floodgates of offense, but neither team had many scoring chances against the starters.

Zero. Neither starter allowed a single baserunner to reach second base. The closest anyone came in the seven innings for Wacha and Skubal was in the Royals fifth, when Loftin reached with a single but was caught stealing at second.

The Tigers and Royals will conclude a three-game series Sunday afternoon. The Tigers will hand the ball to RHP Keider Montero (2-1, 4.54 ERA), while LHP Kris Bubic (5-2, 1.45) will take the mound for Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748732943747.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino's one-out single in the eighth inning drove in Nick Loftin with the game's only run as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Tigers 1-0 on Saturday, snapping Detroit's five-game winning streak.Pasquantino dropped to seventh, from his usual third spot, in the Royals lineup because of Detroit's starter left-hander Tarik Skubal. He blooped a hit into short left field off Beau Brieske (1-2). Loftin had two of KC's four hits, including a double in the eighth.John Schreiber (2-2) picked up the win for Kansas City. Carlos Estevez picked up his 16th save in 18 chances.Both pitchers were nearly flawless from the beginning. Skubal allowed just a pair of singles, while Michael Wacha allowed only a walk in his first six innings.Wacha finally yielded a hit in the seventh when Colt Keith lined a one-out single up the middle. The 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball was the fourth longest such effort of Wacha's career. Wacha finished the game with seven shutout innings, allowing one hit and one walk, with six strikeouts.Skubal also completed seven innings, allowing just two hits, with no walks and seven strikeouts.<h2>Key moment</h2>The key moment for both teams was the eighth inning when both managers turned to their bullpens. It hardly opened the floodgates of offense, but neither team had many scoring chances against the starters.<h2>Key stat</h2>Zero. Neither starter allowed a single baserunner to reach second base. The closest anyone came in the seven innings for Wacha and Skubal was in the Royals fifth, when Loftin reached with a single but was caught stealing at second.<h2>Up next</h2>The Tigers and Royals will conclude a three-game series Sunday afternoon. The Tigers will hand the ball to RHP Keider Montero (2-1, 4.54 ERA), while LHP Kris Bubic (5-2, 1.45) will take the mound for Kansas City.

⚾ Pasquantino delivers for Royals in victory over Tigers

The Junction City Brigade lost to the Wchita Wildcats 5-1 in the season home opener at Rathet Field.

The Junction City Brigade lost to the Wchita Wildcats 5-1 in the season home opener at Rathet Field.

Brigade fall in home opener

Junction City high School announced that JCHS athletes competed in the State Track Meet on Friday.

Senior Gracie Erichsen was crowned the 2025 Class 6A Girls Shot Put State Champion with a personal best throw of 40 feet, 9.25 inches on her second attempt. She finished ahead of Manhattan’s Jorryn Hall who threw 39 feet, 8 inches. By winning the title, it marked the second-straight year in which the Blue Jays have brought home a state championship at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.

Other notables included freshman Linden Pickler crossing the finish line in sixth place with a time of 11:04.94 in the finals of the girls 3200 meters. On the boy’s side, the junior duo of Tylen Smith and Isaiah Byers advanced to Saturday’s finals in the 200 meters by clocking a time of 22.12 and 22.13, respectively. Finally, the 4x100 of Lance Norris, Smith, Aidenn Segura and Byers recorded a time of 42.57 to finish seventh overall and advance to final round action.&nbsp; &nbsp;

JCHS releaseJunction City high School announced that JCHS athletes competed in the State Track Meet on Friday.Senior Gracie Erichsen was crowned the 2025 Class 6A Girls Shot Put State Champion with a personal best throw of 40 feet, 9.25 inches on her second attempt. She finished ahead of Manhattan’s Jorryn Hall who threw 39 feet, 8 inches. By winning the title, it marked the second-straight year in which the Blue Jays have brought home a state championship at Cessna Stadium in Wichita. Other notables included freshman Linden Pickler crossing the finish line in sixth place with a time of 11:04.94 in the finals of the girls 3200 meters. On the boy’s side, the junior duo of Tylen Smith and Isaiah Byers advanced to Saturday’s finals in the 200 meters by clocking a time of 22.12 and 22.13, respectively. Finally, the 4x100 of Lance Norris, Smith, Aidenn Segura and Byers recorded a time of 42.57 to finish seventh overall and advance to final round action.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Gracie Erichsen wins a state championship in the shot put

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dillon Dingler had three hits, including a home run, and three RBIs, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Friday night for their fifth straight victory.

Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson each homered and drove in two runs for the Tigers, who won for the 20th time in 28 games and improved the best record in the majors to 38-20.

Brant Hurter (2-0) was the winning pitcher. Will Vest earned his eighth save.

Neither starter made it out of the fourth inning. Seth Lugo (3-5) allowed four runs on five hits, including two homers) in 3 1/3 innings. Casey Mize allowed three runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings.

The Tigers jumped on the Royals with two runs in the first on Greene's 13th homer. Bobby Witt Jr. answered with a 442-foot blast in the bottom of the first. Mize escaped further trouble when Kerry Carpenter made a running catch with two runners on to end the inning.

Dingler extended the lead with a two-run homer in the second.

Drew Waters lined a two-run single in the bottom of the third to pull the Royals within 4-3.

Detroit added a run in the fifth on a single by Torkelson, and the Royals got a sacrifice fly by Mark Canha in the seventh.

The Tigers added two runs in the eighth on Torkelson's homer and Dingler's single.

Trailing by one run in the fourth inning, the Royals had second and third with one out and the 3-4-5 hitters due up when the Tigers brought in Hurter. Hurter struck out Vinnie Pasquantino and got Maikel Garcia to fly out to end the inning.

The Tigers' bullpen allowed two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings of relief of Mize.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Dillon Dingler had three hits, including a home run, and three RBIs, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 on Friday night for their fifth straight victory.Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson each homered and drove in two runs for the Tigers, who won for the 20th time in 28 games and improved the best record in the majors to 38-20.Brant Hurter (2-0) was the winning pitcher. Will Vest earned his eighth save.Neither starter made it out of the fourth inning. Seth Lugo (3-5) allowed four runs on five hits, including two homers) in 3 1/3 innings. Casey Mize allowed three runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings.The Tigers jumped on the Royals with two runs in the first on Greene's 13th homer. Bobby Witt Jr. answered with a 442-foot blast in the bottom of the first. Mize escaped further trouble when Kerry Carpenter made a running catch with two runners on to end the inning.Dingler extended the lead with a two-run homer in the second.Drew Waters lined a two-run single in the bottom of the third to pull the Royals within 4-3.Detroit added a run in the fifth on a single by Torkelson, and the Royals got a sacrifice fly by Mark Canha in the seventh.The Tigers added two runs in the eighth on Torkelson's homer and Dingler's single.<h2>Key moment</h2>Trailing by one run in the fourth inning, the Royals had second and third with one out and the 3-4-5 hitters due up when the Tigers brought in Hurter. Hurter struck out Vinnie Pasquantino and got Maikel Garcia to fly out to end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Tigers' bullpen allowed two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings of relief of Mize.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Dingler, Greene and Torkelson homer as Tigers beat the Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A trio of night games awaits Kansas State after its season-opening game in Dublin, Ireland, as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the 2025 season.

As&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/5/13/aer-lingus-college-football-classic-to-be-televised-by-espn">announced two weeks ago</a>, the Wildcats will kick off the 2025 college football season in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic as they face Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 23, in an 11 a.m. (CT) game on ESPN.

K-State returns to Manhattan for its first non-conference game and home opener on Saturday, August 30, against North Dakota in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN+. It is the first all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Fighting Hawks as the two teams were scheduled to play in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic altered the schedule.

Another 6 p.m., contest – this time on ESPN – is slated for Saturday, September 6, when the Wildcats welcome Army to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the second time ever and first since 1987.

The Wildcats close out the non-conference portion of their schedule by traveling to face Arizona on Friday, September 12, in an 8 p.m. (CT) game that will be shown on FOX. This will be the second of a two-game non-conference series that was scheduled prior to Arizona joining the Big 12. K-State won last year’s meeting at home, 31-7, and is playing in Tucson for the first time since 1978.

A limited number of football season tickets are still available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS. Ahearn Fund members will have an exclusive week-long online-only pre-sale for single-game tickets beginning on Tuesday, June 10, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17. Phone and in-person orders for football single-game tickets for both Ahearn Fund members and the general public will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, June 23.

By Ryan Lackey&nbsp;Associate AD for CommunicationsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A trio of night games awaits Kansas State after its season-opening game in Dublin, Ireland, as the Big 12 Conference and its television partners have made selections for the first three weeks of the 2025 season.As&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/5/13/aer-lingus-college-football-classic-to-be-televised-by-espn">announced two weeks ago</a>, the Wildcats will kick off the 2025 college football season in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic as they face Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, August 23, in an 11 a.m. (CT) game on ESPN.K-State returns to Manhattan for its first non-conference game and home opener on Saturday, August 30, against North Dakota in a 6 p.m., contest that will be shown on ESPN+. It is the first all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Fighting Hawks as the two teams were scheduled to play in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic altered the schedule.Another 6 p.m., contest – this time on ESPN – is slated for Saturday, September 6, when the Wildcats welcome Army to Bill Snyder Family Stadium for the second time ever and first since 1987.The Wildcats close out the non-conference portion of their schedule by traveling to face Arizona on Friday, September 12, in an 8 p.m. (CT) game that will be shown on FOX. This will be the second of a two-game non-conference series that was scheduled prior to Arizona joining the Big 12. K-State won last year’s meeting at home, 31-7, and is playing in Tucson for the first time since 1978.A limited number of football season tickets are still available for purchase online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/">www.kstatesports.com</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-CATS. Ahearn Fund members will have an exclusive week-long online-only pre-sale for single-game tickets beginning on Tuesday, June 10, while the general public can begin purchasing tickets online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17. Phone and in-person orders for football single-game tickets for both Ahearn Fund members and the general public will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, June 23.

Times, TV Designations Set for K-State’s Non-Conference Slate   

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the JCHS baseball team held their end of the season team banquet. Team members received a variety of awards. Three seniors were recognized: Abdullah Harris, Cael Smith, and Kahoku Dedrick. Senior Cael Smith was awarded the John Lugo Award. 

Six players were recognized with All Centennial League Honors: 

Junior Jayson Neal, Designated Hitter&nbsp;

Thank you to the student athletes, coaches, managers, families, and fans for an enjoyable season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748544158664.jpeg" alt="(Pictured left to right) -&nbsp;Cael Smith,&nbsp; Muaadh Harris,&nbsp;Jayson Neal,&nbsp;Chris Coy,&nbsp;Abdullah Harris,&nbsp;Jamarcus Tyson &nbsp;(Photo by Rina Neal)" />
 <figcaption>(Pictured left to right) -&nbsp;Cael Smith,&nbsp; Muaadh Harris,&nbsp;Jayson Neal,&nbsp;Chris Coy,&nbsp;Abdullah Harris,&nbsp;Jamarcus Tyson &nbsp;(Photo by Rina Neal)</figcaption>
 </figure>Submitted.--On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the JCHS baseball team held their end of the season team banquet. Team members received a variety of awards. Three seniors were recognized: Abdullah Harris, Cael Smith, and Kahoku Dedrick. Senior Cael Smith was awarded the John Lugo Award. Six players were recognized with All Centennial League Honors: 1st Team:Junior Jamarcus Tyson, Catcher&nbsp;Senior Abdullah Harris, Infield&nbsp;2nd Team:Junior Chris Coy, Outfield&nbsp;Junior Jayson Neal, Designated Hitter&nbsp;Honorable Mention for Infield:Sophomore Muaadh Harris&nbsp;Senior Cael Smith&nbsp;Thank you to the student athletes, coaches, managers, families, and fans for an enjoyable season.

Blue Jay baseball team hosts End of Season Awards Banquet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the seventh, scattering six singles as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 to salvage the final game of the series on Wednesday night.

Cameron (2-1) allowed a run on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

Maikel Garcia singled with one out in the fourth, extending his hitting streak to 13 games, then scored from first on Drew Waters’ deflected single.

In the fifth, John Rave doubled to right, collecting his first major league hit, and scored when Bobby Witt Jr. bounced a two-out double inside the first base bag for a 2-0 lead.

Witt added an insurance run with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly.

Carlos Estévez struck out two for a four-out save, his 15th.

Among his three singles, Spencer Steer delivered two-out RBI hits in the sixth and eighth.

Tyler Stephenson hit three singles while TJ Friedl hit two singles and has multiple hits in six straight games.

Hunter Greene (4-3) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts in five innings.

Austin Hays exited the game in the eighth with a left foot contusion. He was hobbled after fouling a pitch off his foot in a sixth-inning at-bat.

Running on a 2-2 pitch, Garcia scored from first when second baseman Matt McLain deflected Waters’ hit into shallow right field, snapping a scoreless tie.

Stephenson was 7 for 12 in the three-game series, including his first two three-hit games of the season.

Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.77 ERA) opens a weekend series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are undecided on a starting pitcher.

RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) returns from the injured list (third finger sprain) as the Royals begin a weekend series on Friday hosting the Tigers and RHP Casey Mize (6-1, 2.45).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748487231031.jpeg" alt="Noah Cameron struggled slightly with command, throwing 59 strikes on 92 pitches, but earned his first win at Kauffman Stadium in a 3-2 win for the Royals over the Cincinnati Reds/ Photo courtesy of MLB on X" />
 <figcaption>Noah Cameron struggled slightly with command, throwing 59 strikes on 92 pitches, but earned his first win at Kauffman Stadium in a 3-2 win for the Royals over the Cincinnati Reds/ Photo courtesy of MLB on X</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Noah Cameron pitched into the seventh, scattering six singles as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 to salvage the final game of the series on Wednesday night.Cameron (2-1) allowed a run on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.Maikel Garcia singled with one out in the fourth, extending his hitting streak to 13 games, then scored from first on Drew Waters’ deflected single.In the fifth, John Rave doubled to right, collecting his first major league hit, and scored when Bobby Witt Jr. bounced a two-out double inside the first base bag for a 2-0 lead.Witt added an insurance run with a seventh-inning sacrifice fly.Carlos Estévez struck out two for a four-out save, his 15th.Among his three singles, Spencer Steer delivered two-out RBI hits in the sixth and eighth.Tyler Stephenson hit three singles while TJ Friedl hit two singles and has multiple hits in six straight games.Hunter Greene (4-3) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk with three strikeouts in five innings.Austin Hays exited the game in the eighth with a left foot contusion. He was hobbled after fouling a pitch off his foot in a sixth-inning at-bat.<h2>Key moment</h2>Running on a 2-2 pitch, Garcia scored from first when second baseman Matt McLain deflected Waters’ hit into shallow right field, snapping a scoreless tie.<h2>Key stat</h2>Stephenson was 7 for 12 in the three-game series, including his first two three-hit games of the season.<h2>Up next</h2>Cincinnati LHP Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.77 ERA) opens a weekend series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are undecided on a starting pitcher.RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) returns from the injured list (third finger sprain) as the Royals begin a weekend series on Friday hosting the Tigers and RHP Casey Mize (6-1, 2.45).

⚾ Cameron delivers another solid outing as Royals top Reds

The&nbsp;Kansas State High School Activities Association State Track and Field Meet is held at Cessna Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. The State Meet is this Friday and Saturday, May 30-31.&nbsp;

Here is the full list of Junction City High School athletes who qualified for the state meet.&nbsp;


4 X 100 M Relay – Boys -
Lance Norris, Tylen Smith, Aidenn Segura, Isaiah Byers


(Reserves – Trelius Bell,
Trillion Hill, Chase Perkins, Kingston Timms)


4 X 800 M Relay – Girls -
Linden Pickler, Brittney Dibben, Kourtney Dibben, Anna Fontaine

The&nbsp;Kansas State High School Activities Association State Track and Field Meet is held at Cessna Stadium on the campus of Wichita State University. The State Meet is this Friday and Saturday, May 30-31.&nbsp;Here is the full list of Junction City High School athletes who qualified for the state meet.&nbsp;Running
events
Tylen Smith – 100 M
Tylen Smith – 200 M
Isaiah Byers – 200 M
Linden Pickler – 1600 M
Linden Pickler – 3200 M
4 X 100 M Relay – Boys -
Lance Norris, Tylen Smith, Aidenn Segura, Isaiah Byers
(Reserves – Trelius Bell,
Trillion Hill, Chase Perkins, Kingston Timms)
4 X 800 M Relay – Girls -
Linden Pickler, Brittney Dibben, Kourtney Dibben, Anna Fontaine
(Reserve – Kennedy Moreland)Field
events
Gracie Erichsen – Shot Put
Breya Allen - Discus
Trillion Hill – High Jump
Kingston Timms – High Jump
Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz –
High Jump
Isabell Pruitt – Long Jump
Chase Perkins – Long Jump

Several Blue Jay Athletes will compete at KSHSAA State Track and Field Meet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Elly De La Cruz hit two long home runs, Brady Singer pitched seven strong innings against his former team and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Tuesday night.

De La Cruz hit a 436-foot shot to center in the fourth inning that tied the score at 2 against Jonathan Bowlan, then a go-ahead&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Reds/status/1927530977221304392">451-foot drive into the right-center fountain in the sixth</a>&nbsp;off Taylor Clarke (1-1). De La Cruz has 11 home runs this season. He tied Pete Rose's team record for switch-hitters with five multihomer games, including two this year.

Singer (6-3), acquired from the Royals in November, allowed two runs and seven singles.

Tyler Stephenson homered in the second, but Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India had RBI single in the botton half.

TJ Friedl singled to lead off the eighth inning and scored from first on an infield squibber. Pitcher John Schreiber's rushed throw bounced into right field for an error. De La Cruz was walked intentionally before Schreiber walked Stephenson and Spencer Steer.

Singer retired 14 of his last 16 batters and matched his season high for innings.

Reds RHP Hunter Greene (4-2, 2.54 ERA) and Royals LHP Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.93 ERA) start Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748399334004.jpeg" alt="Photo Cincinnati Reds" />
 <figcaption>Photo Cincinnati Reds</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Elly De La Cruz hit two long home runs, Brady Singer pitched seven strong innings against his former team and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Tuesday night.De La Cruz hit a 436-foot shot to center in the fourth inning that tied the score at 2 against Jonathan Bowlan, then a go-ahead&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Reds/status/1927530977221304392">451-foot drive into the right-center fountain in the sixth</a>&nbsp;off Taylor Clarke (1-1). De La Cruz has 11 home runs this season. He tied Pete Rose's team record for switch-hitters with five multihomer games, including two this year.Singer (6-3), acquired from the Royals in November, allowed two runs and seven singles.Tyler Stephenson homered in the second, but Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India had RBI single in the botton half.<h2>Key moment</h2>TJ Friedl singled to lead off the eighth inning and scored from first on an infield squibber. Pitcher John Schreiber's rushed throw bounced into right field for an error. De La Cruz was walked intentionally before Schreiber walked Stephenson and Spencer Steer.<h2>Key stat</h2>Singer retired 14 of his last 16 batters and matched his season high for innings.<h2>Up next</h2>Reds RHP Hunter Greene (4-2, 2.54 ERA) and Royals LHP Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.93 ERA) start Wednesday.

⚾ Brady Singer sharp against former team, Reds top Royals 

Associate Athletics Director for Communication

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics is launching its Summer Ticket On-Sale, giving fans the opportunity to purchase or renew tickets across all six ticketed sports – football, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball and baseball. The on-sale begins exclusively online at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 10.

<a target="_blank" href="https://app.kstatesports.com/K-StateTickets">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to preview the full ticket menu.&nbsp;

Ahearn Fund members will have an exclusive week-long online-only pre-sale for single-game tickets. The general public can begin purchasing tickets online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17.

Phone and in-person orders for football single-game tickets for both Ahearn Fund members and the general public will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, June 23.

Fans are encouraged to act fast and purchase their tickets early. K-State Athletics utilizes dynamic pricing and single-game prices may change based on demand.

K-State Athletics can only verify tickets and assist fans with issues on gameday with tickets that are purchased from the K-State Ticket Office or through SeatGeek.

A limited number of football season tickets are still available for purchase online and over the phone at 1-800-221-CATS.

New season tickets for men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and volleyball will go on sale online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 10. Phone and in-person orders will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 11.

Fans who had season tickets for the 2024-25 seasons have until Thursday, July 31 to renew their tickets.

Fans who renew or order by the July 1 incentive deadline can receive a discount off the processing fee, the opportunity to sign up for monthly payment plans and an exclusive season-long concessions discount card.

New season ticket purchasers for men’s and women’s basketball will be able to select reserved seats in any location currently available. Fans should order by the Thursday, July 31 priority deadline to participate in the seat upgrade process in August.

An Ahearn Fund contribution is required for all premium seating. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ahearnfund.com/premiumseating">www.ahearnfund.com/premiumseating</a>&nbsp;or contact the Ahearn Fund at (888) 232.9074.

Fans have a variety of ticket prices and locations from which to choose from, with a Wildcat 4-Pack starting at less than $15 per game.

General admission season tickets start at $75 each for a Wildcat 4-Pack. Individual GA season tickets are available for $100 or just $75 for football and men’s Basketball season ticket holders.

General admission season tickets start at $40 with a Wildcat 4-Pack – less than $5 per match and a savings of $10 per season ticket. Individual GA season tickets are just $50.

Season ticket holders can take advantage of the Ticket Exchange Program, an opportunity to swap out unused tickets to bring more friends and family to a future match (while supplies last).

GA season tickets start at $75 with a Wildcat 4-Pack – less than $6 per match and a savings of $25 per season ticket. Individual GA season tickets are available for $100.

Season ticket holders can take advantage of the Ticket Exchange Program, an opportunity to swap out unused tickets to bring more friends and family to a future match (while supplies last). Season ticket holders also receive early entry.

Fans can place deposits for 2026 season tickets. Current season ticket holders should not place a 2026 season ticket deposit. Full season ticket details will be announced at a later date.

By Ryan LackeyAssociate Athletics Director for CommunicationMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics is launching its Summer Ticket On-Sale, giving fans the opportunity to purchase or renew tickets across all six ticketed sports – football, men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, volleyball and baseball. The on-sale begins exclusively online at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 10.<a target="_blank" href="https://app.kstatesports.com/K-StateTickets">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;to preview the full ticket menu.&nbsp;FOOTBALL TICKETSAhearn Fund members will have an exclusive week-long online-only pre-sale for single-game tickets. The general public can begin purchasing tickets online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17.Phone and in-person orders for football single-game tickets for both Ahearn Fund members and the general public will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Monday, June 23.Fans are encouraged to act fast and purchase their tickets early. K-State Athletics utilizes dynamic pricing and single-game prices may change based on demand.K-State Athletics can only verify tickets and assist fans with issues on gameday with tickets that are purchased from the K-State Ticket Office or through SeatGeek.A limited number of football season tickets are still available for purchase online and over the phone at 1-800-221-CATS.SEASON TICKETSNew season tickets for men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and volleyball will go on sale online only beginning at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 10. Phone and in-person orders will begin at 8:30 a.m., on Wednesday, June 11.Fans who had season tickets for the 2024-25 seasons have until Thursday, July 31 to renew their tickets.Fans who renew or order by the July 1 incentive deadline can receive a discount off the processing fee, the opportunity to sign up for monthly payment plans and an exclusive season-long concessions discount card.New season ticket purchasers for men’s and women’s basketball will be able to select reserved seats in any location currently available. Fans should order by the Thursday, July 31 priority deadline to participate in the seat upgrade process in August.An Ahearn Fund contribution is required for all premium seating. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ahearnfund.com/premiumseating">www.ahearnfund.com/premiumseating</a>&nbsp;or contact the Ahearn Fund at (888) 232.9074.MEN’S BASKETBALLFans have a variety of ticket prices and locations from which to choose from, with a Wildcat 4-Pack starting at less than $15 per game.WOMEN’S BASKETBALLGeneral admission season tickets start at $75 each for a Wildcat 4-Pack. Individual GA season tickets are available for $100 or just $75 for football and men’s Basketball season ticket holders.SOCCER SEASON TICKETSGeneral admission season tickets start at $40 with a Wildcat 4-Pack – less than $5 per match and a savings of $10 per season ticket. Individual GA season tickets are just $50.Season ticket holders can take advantage of the Ticket Exchange Program, an opportunity to swap out unused tickets to bring more friends and family to a future match (while supplies last).VOLLEYBALL SEASON TICKETSGA season tickets start at $75 with a Wildcat 4-Pack – less than $6 per match and a savings of $25 per season ticket. Individual GA season tickets are available for $100.Season ticket holders can take advantage of the Ticket Exchange Program, an opportunity to swap out unused tickets to bring more friends and family to a future match (while supplies last). Season ticket holders also receive early entry.BASEBALL DEPOSITSFans can place deposits for 2026 season tickets. Current season ticket holders should not place a 2026 season ticket deposit. Full season ticket details will be announced at a later date.

 K-State Athletics Launches Summer Ticket On-Sale Beginning June 10

Scot Pollard was standing in Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and trying not to cry.

The NBA champion and “Survivor” contestant was talking about meeting the family of Casey Angell, whose heart was now beating inside Pollard's chest. Angell's sister brought a stethoscope.

“She touched my chest. She listened and she started crying. She said, ‘Hey, Bubba,’ because that’s what she used to call him,” Pollard said. “And we all lost it. And I’m losing it right now.”

A first-round draft pick who took Kansas to the NCAA Sweet 16 four years in a row and won it all with the 2008 Boston Celtics, Pollard was virtually bedridden by 2024, unable to walk around the block or even conduct an interview without needing a rest because of a virus that had weakened his heart.

Since receiving the life-saving transplant last winter, he has dedicated himself to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heart-transplant-scot-pollard-discharged-3b2b1b8136f1617b9ad07ecfbc3a584b">raising awareness of organ donation</a>, a mission that earned him the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for the Indy 500 Festival Parade on Saturday. Angell's family rode along on the float with him.

“Any time we get to see them and be around them is a great moment,” Pollard said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “But also just to be able to share this experience of being grand marshal with them, and be part of their lives.”

At 6-foot-11 and a playing weight of 260 pounds, Pollard inherited his size from his father along with a genetic heart condition that doctors say was triggered by a virus that left him no other choice but a transplant. The problem would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-transplant-d8b34f86b1a6f027ef8210c3a6ab0268">finding a donor</a>&nbsp;organ big enough to pump blood throughout his NBA center-sized body.

Six hundred miles away, in East Texas, Angell was on life support with pneumonia brought on by a respiratory illness.

“We made the decision that we were letting go, and they came to us within about 30 minutes and asked about donation,” said Megan Tyra, who works as an administrator at the hospital where her brother died. “We saw the heart leave, going out the door, and all we were told was that it was headed to Tennessee.”

To protect everyone’s privacy, organ recipients can only learn about their donors – and vice versa – through a system that requires both sides to agree. Pollard was told that most people don't hear back, but he wrote a note anyway. Angell’s family responded.

(In addition to his heart, Casey Angell’s corneas and his kidneys were donated. The family was told the other recipients were two 17-year-olds and a 48- and a 49-year-old; they have not heard from any of the other recipients.)

“Casey was a nosy dude. He always wanted to be in the know,” Tyra said with a laugh. “And so when we got that first letter from Scot, … we were grateful that Scot wanted to know about Casey. Him and (his wife) Dawn have been so sweet and kind, (saying) ‘You’re part of our family now.’”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-donor-132717c3a1ccab4033cb35480e008935">They set up a meeting</a>&nbsp;in Texas this March. Tyra was there with her husband, Clint; Angell’s wife, Pam; and her son William, who is now 13. Pollard brought his family — and cameras to record the event for a TV documentary.

“To say the least, it was a tad bit overwhelming,” Tyra said in a telephone interview this week from Indianapolis. “We never did this for anything other than who Casey was, a helper, a guy who would help anyone do anything. So it’s a little bit surreal, a little bit overwhelming. But (Scot) and Dawn make it easy.”

Pollard, who turned 50 in February a few days after celebrating his one-year anniversary with the new heart, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-heart-transplant-donor-1de85b7ca3321de6f3a813d41846502b">since receiving the transplant</a>&nbsp;he has suffered from survivor's guilt — the doubt that he was worthy of such a gift: “It’s a challenge, because I’ve got to live right. There’s a face, and I know what he looks like and I know who he was, and the family. And so there's that pressure.”

Angell’s family, he said, helped save him twice.

“There were a lot of days I was crying like, ‘I don’t know if I deserve this,’” Pollard said. “And then when they responded, and I got to know them, and I learned a lot more about Casey, it definitely helped. He has helped a whole lot with the healing. Not just emotionally, obviously.”

Pollard is hoping the documentary and the other media attention he brings as a former pro athlete will persuade people to consider organ donation. Last month, he spoke at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and received a standing ovation from a convention center full of doctors, including his own; that night, he attended a Celtics playoff game and got another big cheer when he received a shoutout on the scoreboard.

Pollard, who spent two of his 11 NBA seasons with the Indiana Pacers and settled near Indianapolis, was booked for a breakfast with the governor as part of the Indy 500 festivities this weekend along with some other meet-and-greets. He will watch the race — known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing — on Sunday in a suite with Angell's family.

“We're excited about the fact that we’re honoring Casey, and who Casey was. So it’s all about Casey, and the sacrifice Casey made,” Tyra said. “We’re grateful that Scot wanted us to meet, and wants us to be a part of this and that he’s doing so much for organ donation. It’s amazing.

“You know, we never thought our little smalltown selves would be here for the Indy 500," she said. “But here we are.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748347868154.jpeg" alt="Former Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard, who underwent a heart transplant in 2024, watches the Celtics play the Orlando Magic during the first half in game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)" />
 <figcaption>Former Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard, who underwent a heart transplant in 2024, watches the Celtics play the Orlando Magic during the first half in game 5 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)</figcaption>
 </figure>JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports WriterScot Pollard was standing in Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and trying not to cry.The NBA champion and “Survivor” contestant was talking about meeting the family of Casey Angell, whose heart was now beating inside Pollard's chest. Angell's sister brought a stethoscope.“She touched my chest. She listened and she started crying. She said, ‘Hey, Bubba,’ because that’s what she used to call him,” Pollard said. “And we all lost it. And I’m losing it right now.”A first-round draft pick who took Kansas to the NCAA Sweet 16 four years in a row and won it all with the 2008 Boston Celtics, Pollard was virtually bedridden by 2024, unable to walk around the block or even conduct an interview without needing a rest because of a virus that had weakened his heart.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748347923641.jpeg" alt="FILE - Kansas center Scot Pollard slam dunks against Santa Clara during the first half of their second round NCAA West Regional game Sunday, March 17, 1996, in Tempe, Ariz. Behind Pollard are Santa Clara's Brendan Graves (42) and Marlon garnett (24). (AP Photo/Jeff Robbins, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Kansas center Scot Pollard slam dunks against Santa Clara during the first half of their second round NCAA West Regional game Sunday, March 17, 1996, in Tempe, Ariz. Behind Pollard are Santa Clara's Brendan Graves (42) and Marlon garnett (24). (AP Photo/Jeff Robbins, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>Since receiving the life-saving transplant last winter, he has dedicated himself to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/heart-transplant-scot-pollard-discharged-3b2b1b8136f1617b9ad07ecfbc3a584b">raising awareness of organ donation</a>, a mission that earned him the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal for the Indy 500 Festival Parade on Saturday. Angell's family rode along on the float with him.“Any time we get to see them and be around them is a great moment,” Pollard said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. “But also just to be able to share this experience of being grand marshal with them, and be part of their lives.”At 6-foot-11 and a playing weight of 260 pounds, Pollard inherited his size from his father along with a genetic heart condition that doctors say was triggered by a virus that left him no other choice but a transplant. The problem would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-transplant-d8b34f86b1a6f027ef8210c3a6ab0268">finding a donor</a>&nbsp;organ big enough to pump blood throughout his NBA center-sized body.Six hundred miles away, in East Texas, Angell was on life support with pneumonia brought on by a respiratory illness.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748347976728.jpeg" alt="FILE - Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard smiles while facing reporters during a news conference held to introduce the newly signed player at the team's headquarters, in Boston, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Boston Celtics center Scot Pollard smiles while facing reporters during a news conference held to introduce the newly signed player at the team's headquarters, in Boston, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>“We made the decision that we were letting go, and they came to us within about 30 minutes and asked about donation,” said Megan Tyra, who works as an administrator at the hospital where her brother died. “We saw the heart leave, going out the door, and all we were told was that it was headed to Tennessee.”To protect everyone’s privacy, organ recipients can only learn about their donors – and vice versa – through a system that requires both sides to agree. Pollard was told that most people don't hear back, but he wrote a note anyway. Angell’s family responded.(In addition to his heart, Casey Angell’s corneas and his kidneys were donated. The family was told the other recipients were two 17-year-olds and a 48- and a 49-year-old; they have not heard from any of the other recipients.)“Casey was a nosy dude. He always wanted to be in the know,” Tyra said with a laugh. “And so when we got that first letter from Scot, … we were grateful that Scot wanted to know about Casey. Him and (his wife) Dawn have been so sweet and kind, (saying) ‘You’re part of our family now.’”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-nba-survivor-heart-donor-132717c3a1ccab4033cb35480e008935">They set up a meeting</a>&nbsp;in Texas this March. Tyra was there with her husband, Clint; Angell’s wife, Pam; and her son William, who is now 13. Pollard brought his family — and cameras to record the event for a TV documentary.“To say the least, it was a tad bit overwhelming,” Tyra said in a telephone interview this week from Indianapolis. “We never did this for anything other than who Casey was, a helper, a guy who would help anyone do anything. So it’s a little bit surreal, a little bit overwhelming. But (Scot) and Dawn make it easy.”Pollard, who turned 50 in February a few days after celebrating his one-year anniversary with the new heart, said that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/scot-pollard-heart-transplant-donor-1de85b7ca3321de6f3a813d41846502b">since receiving the transplant</a>&nbsp;he has suffered from survivor's guilt — the doubt that he was worthy of such a gift: “It’s a challenge, because I’ve got to live right. There’s a face, and I know what he looks like and I know who he was, and the family. And so there's that pressure.”Angell’s family, he said, helped save him twice.“There were a lot of days I was crying like, ‘I don’t know if I deserve this,’” Pollard said. “And then when they responded, and I got to know them, and I learned a lot more about Casey, it definitely helped. He has helped a whole lot with the healing. Not just emotionally, obviously.”Pollard is hoping the documentary and the other media attention he brings as a former pro athlete will persuade people to consider organ donation. Last month, he spoke at the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and received a standing ovation from a convention center full of doctors, including his own; that night, he attended a Celtics playoff game and got another big cheer when he received a shoutout on the scoreboard.Pollard, who spent two of his 11 NBA seasons with the Indiana Pacers and settled near Indianapolis, was booked for a breakfast with the governor as part of the Indy 500 festivities this weekend along with some other meet-and-greets. He will watch the race — known as the Greatest Spectacle in Racing — on Sunday in a suite with Angell's family.“We're excited about the fact that we’re honoring Casey, and who Casey was. So it’s all about Casey, and the sacrifice Casey made,” Tyra said. “We’re grateful that Scot wanted us to meet, and wants us to be a part of this and that he’s doing so much for organ donation. It’s amazing.“You know, we never thought our little smalltown selves would be here for the Indy 500," she said. “But here we are.”

🏀 NBA champ, former KU bigman Scot Pollard shares Indy 500 parade float with heart donor's family

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Martinez worked seven strong innings and Tyler Stephenson homered to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Martinez (3-5) allowed three singles through six shutout innings and finished seven innings allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Stephenson hit a two-run homer to left in the fifth inning, his second of the season, boosting the Reds' lead to 6-0. Stephenson had three of Cincinnati’s 14 hits.

Michael Lorenzen (3-6) allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits with three walks and two strikeouts in five innings as the Royals lost for the third time in four games.

Cincinnati jumped ahead 1-0 in the first on TJ Friedl’s leadoff double and Austin Hays’ sacrifice fly. The Reds lead the majors with 46 first-inning runs and have outscored opponents 46-21 in the first.

Gavin Lux and Stephenson drove in runs with two of the Reds five singles in the third inning before Will Benson added a sacrifice fly for a 4-0 lead.

Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch, two-run homer in the seventh, snapping Martinez’s homerless streak at 42 2/3 innings. Nick Loftin added a sacrifice fly, cutting Kansas City's deficit to 6-3.

Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits and extended his hitting streak to 10 games, including four straight with multiple hits. Maikel Garcia extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

After playing shortstop for all but three innings this season, Elly De La Cruz was the designated hitter, with Garrett Hampson making his first start at short.

Making his major league debut, John Rave bunted for a hit, putting runners at the corners with no outs in the seventh. Cleveland challenged the safe call at first, which was overturned and Martinez retired the next two batters, escaping the inning.

Martinez needed just 67 pitches to shut out the Royals for six innings.

Former Royals RHP Brady Singer (5-3, 4.88) takes the mound for Cincinnati, while Kansas City did not announce a starter for Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748341140429.jpeg" alt="Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Martinez worked seven strong innings and Tyler Stephenson homered to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday.Martinez (3-5) allowed three singles through six shutout innings and finished seven innings allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks.Stephenson hit a two-run homer to left in the fifth inning, his second of the season, boosting the Reds' lead to 6-0. Stephenson had three of Cincinnati’s 14 hits.Michael Lorenzen (3-6) allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits with three walks and two strikeouts in five innings as the Royals lost for the third time in four games.Cincinnati jumped ahead 1-0 in the first on TJ Friedl’s leadoff double and Austin Hays’ sacrifice fly. The Reds lead the majors with 46 first-inning runs and have outscored opponents 46-21 in the first.Gavin Lux and Stephenson drove in runs with two of the Reds five singles in the third inning before Will Benson added a sacrifice fly for a 4-0 lead.Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch, two-run homer in the seventh, snapping Martinez’s homerless streak at 42 2/3 innings. Nick Loftin added a sacrifice fly, cutting Kansas City's deficit to 6-3.Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits and extended his hitting streak to 10 games, including four straight with multiple hits. Maikel Garcia extended his hitting streak to 11 games.After playing shortstop for all but three innings this season, Elly De La Cruz was the designated hitter, with Garrett Hampson making his first start at short.<h2>Key moment</h2>Making his major league debut, John Rave bunted for a hit, putting runners at the corners with no outs in the seventh. Cleveland challenged the safe call at first, which was overturned and Martinez retired the next two batters, escaping the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>Martinez needed just 67 pitches to shut out the Royals for six innings.<h2>Up next</h2>Former Royals RHP Brady Singer (5-3, 4.88) takes the mound for Cincinnati, while Kansas City did not announce a starter for Tuesday.

⚾ Martinez, Stephenson help Reds to  win over the Royals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a series sweep by topping the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday.

Garcia drove a 0-2 pitch from Jhoan Duran (3-1) into left field, scoring automatic runner Nick Loftin. Michael Massey struck out swinging and Freddy Femin bounced to third before Garcia delivered.

Carlos Estévez (2-0) retired each of his four batters — two by strikeouts — to get the win. Taylor Clarke worked the 10th for his first save this season.

Kris Bubic struck out nine in seven sparkling innings for Kansas City. He allowed two hits and walked two, continuing his breakout season.

Ryan Jeffers hit a leadoff double for Minnesota in the first, and Ty France followed with an RBI single.

The 27-year-old Bubic is 3-1 with a 1.22 ERA in his last seven starts. Bubic’s 1.45 ERA in 11 starts this season is second among qualified pitchers behind the Yankees’ Max Fried at 1.29.

Minnesota right-hander Bailey Ober permitted one run and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Fermin drove in Drew Waters with a two-out double in the seventh.

The Twins lost for just the third time in their last 19 games.

Fermin's tying double in the seventh came on a 0-2 pitch from Ober.

The Twins entered Sunday with walk-off wins in three straight and four of their last five home games.

Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-5, 3.77 ERA) starts on Monday against visiting Cincinnati. Right-hander Nick Martinez (2-5, 3.43 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds.

Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (2-4, 3.98 ERA) pitches on Monday at Tampa Bay in the opener of a 10-game trip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748207510147.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a series sweep by topping the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday.Garcia drove a 0-2 pitch from Jhoan Duran (3-1) into left field, scoring automatic runner Nick Loftin. Michael Massey struck out swinging and Freddy Femin bounced to third before Garcia delivered.Carlos Estévez (2-0) retired each of his four batters — two by strikeouts — to get the win. Taylor Clarke worked the 10th for his first save this season.Kris Bubic struck out nine in seven sparkling innings for Kansas City. He allowed two hits and walked two, continuing his breakout season.Ryan Jeffers hit a leadoff double for Minnesota in the first, and Ty France followed with an RBI single.The 27-year-old Bubic is 3-1 with a 1.22 ERA in his last seven starts. Bubic’s 1.45 ERA in 11 starts this season is second among qualified pitchers behind the Yankees’ Max Fried at 1.29.Minnesota right-hander Bailey Ober permitted one run and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.Fermin drove in Drew Waters with a two-out double in the seventh.The Twins lost for just the third time in their last 19 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Fermin's tying double in the seventh came on a 0-2 pitch from Ober.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Twins entered Sunday with walk-off wins in three straight and four of their last five home games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-5, 3.77 ERA) starts on Monday against visiting Cincinnati. Right-hander Nick Martinez (2-5, 3.43 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds.Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (2-4, 3.98 ERA) pitches on Monday at Tampa Bay in the opener of a 10-game trip.