A total of 65 Red Raven athletes, and five athletic programs, have been recognized by the NJCAA for their work in the classroom this past year.

Leading the way are 33 student-athletes who earned First Team Academic Honors by achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA during the academic term. This prestigious list includes standout performers from football, baseball, soccer, basketball, track, cross country, and softball.

Notable honorees include:

• Kamsi Arinze, Brady Braun, and Jack Lanning from football

• Haylee Hoffman, Bernita Baafi, and Asheesh Nanua from women's soccer

• Relja Nagulic and Konstantin Popovic from men's basketball

• Lucy Staines, recognized for her dual participation in women's soccer and track

Another 22 athletes earned Second Team recognition, with GPAs ranging from 3.80 to 3.99. This group includes standout performers such as:

• Christopher Arviso, Liam Cassidy, and Kyle Watson from football

• Kaylee Henderson, Emma Nelson, and Allison Schubert from softball

• Rosa Forero Calabuig from women's soccer

• Jamarcus Sessions from track

Rounding out the list are 11 student-athletes who earned Third Team Honors for maintaining GPAs between 3.60 and 3.79. This group includes:

• Vito Bajazet, Abdul Kuta, and Daniel Ntambwe from men's basketball

• Ava Baker from women's basketball

• Kayton O'Brien, who competes in both volleyball and softball

• Sosten Singoei, a dual-sport athlete in track and cross country

Five teams also earned honors, with the men's soccer, softball, women's soccer, baseball, and men's basketball programs earning a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. A full list of the recognized athletes and teams can be found HERE.

As football season gets closer and closer former Nado football players are getting ready to play at the next level. Nado Head Coach Deonta Wade says there are several former Nado that will be playing on Saturdays this year.

Former Nado Running Back Aaron Tunstall and Wide Receiver KeShawn Hayes will be playing most of their Saturdays in Coffeyville, Cornerback Amanie Luten will face his former teammates when CCC travels to Garden City and Defensive Lineman Kainen White jumps from JUCO to Division One at South Dakota. Wade says this is a great opportunity for White.

The Nado football season starts on Friday September 5^th at home against Circle High School. That game can be heard on Sonshine 98.9. The Red Ravens start their season the next day taking on Cisco Community College on US 98.

The Kansas City Royals will be without an All-Star starting pitcher for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Left-hander Kris Bubic has been shut down for the rest of the season, due to a left rotator cuff strain in his pitching shoulder. He walked the first four batters he faced on Saturday, before exiting in the third inning.

The injury is just the latest to impact the KC rotation, with Cole Ragans still on the injured list with the same injury, as well as both Michael Lorenzen and Daniel Lynch on the injured list.

Kansas City is in the thick of a playoff chase, currently sitting 4.5 games back in the Wild Card standings with 55 games left in the season.

Bubic finishes his season with a 2.55 ERA, which ranks fifth-best in the American League.

The Red Raven defense reports to campus this weekend, and the linebacker room is expected to be among the best in all of junior college football.

Coffeyville historically features a top-tier defense each fall, with linebackers K.J. Johnson, Marquis Lane-Owens, and Vernon Dasher all going on to Division 1 in recent years, among others.

Head Coach Nick Dobler says this year's room has all the talent in the world.

Two CCC linebackers are named as Top 20 in JUCO by Noicey Sports, in outside linebacker Tavarres Elston Jr, and inside linebacker Eric Butler Jr. Dobler says he feels that a number of guys at the position will contribute this season.

Other Raven linebackers to watch for include Kansas transfer Wes Edison, Charlotte transfer Seven Miller, and Hutchinson CC transfer Dayontay Standifer, among others.

Right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo will be staying in Kansas City for the long term, signing a two-year extension with the organization.

The deal pays Lugo $20 million a season plus a $3 million signing bonus and includes a vesting option for a third season.

Lugo finished second in AL Cy Young voting last season and has been sharp again in 2025, with a 2.95 ERA in 113 innings. He was expected to enter free agency after the season, but expressed a desire to stay with the Royals organization.

The 35-year old will be tasked with leading a rotation that has been decimated with injuries, with left-handers Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic out long-term, and Michael Lorenzen and Daniel Lynch also on the injured list.

Lugo has one of the most versatile pitch mixes in the sport, throwing two types of fastballs, three sliders, two curveballs, a changeup, splitter, and cutter. He will start for Kansas City tonight when they face the Atlanta Braves.

Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self was released from the hospital over the weekend, following a health scare that resulting in two stents inserted.

Self was admitted to LMH Health on Thursday after feeling unwell and experiencing "concerning symptoms." The Hall of Fame Coach underwent a procedure later Thursday and the university expects him to make a full recovery.

In 2023, Self missed both the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament after being hospitalized with chest tightness and balance concerns. He also underwent a procedure then that had two stents placed to treat blocked arteries.

Self is 62 years old and has been the Jayhawks coach since 2003, winning two national championships and appearing in four Final Fours. KU won an NCAA-record 14 straight Big 12 regular season titles from 2004 to 2018, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

The coach recently signed a five-year deal in 2023 that was set up to be effectively a lifetime contract.

A former Kansas City Chiefs safety has called it a career, following 12 seasons in the NFL.

Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement last week at the age of 33, following the first day of New Orleans Saints training camp.

Mathieu earned the nickname "Honey Badger" while playing at LSU, and was known as one of the best ball-hawking safeties in the 21st century. He finishes his career with 36 interceptions, 11 sacks, eight fumble recoveries, and seven forced fumbles.

He spent three seasons with the Chiefs from 2019 to 2021, and was a part of the Super Bowl LIV winning team. He was a three-time first-team All-Pro and went to three Pro Bowls.

In his time in Kansas City, Mathieu finished with 213 tackles, three sacks, 13 interceptions, and two return touchdowns.

The Kansas City Royals have made their second notable addition in advance of Thursday's trade deadline, acquiring an outfielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Randal Grichuk was traded to Kansas City over the weekend, and made his Royals debut in a 4-1 win yesterday. Relief pitcher Andrew Hoffmann was the return for Arizona, who made his MLB debut earlier this season, but has spent the majority of the year in Triple A.

General Manager J.J. Picollo says the team was looking for ways to improve the overall depth of both the team and the bench.

Grichuk is hitting .243 in 69 games this season, and historically hits left-handed pitching very well, to the tune of an .827 OPS against southpaws. He says he's excited to help the team chase a playoff spot.

Kansas City continues their home stand against the Atlanta Braves, before traveling to Toronto to battle the Blue Jays this weekend.

Multiple KJCCC linebackers are highlighted as players to watch for the upcoming season, including a pair of Red Ravens.

Four outside linebackers from the conference were recognized, with Dodge City's Anthony Mattison, Garden City's Jer'Quise Clayton, and Butler's Jaylen Lawrence among them. Additionally, Iowa Central transfer and new Red Raven Tavares Elston Jr was named to the list, after having 37 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss for the Tritons last season.

Four inside linebackers also make the list from the league, with Hutchinson's Tyler Lassiter, who had 61 tackles last season at Garden City, headlining the group. Additionally, Dodge City's Loden West and Garden City's Karson Butts are among the conference's top middle linebackers entering the season.

CCC also has an inside linebacker recognized, in redshirt sophomore Eric Butler. Butler spent a season at Hutchinson before being a key piece on special teams last season, and is expected to be a part of the linebacker rotation this fall.

Bartlesville High School football is just around the corner, like the rest of area schools, and the Bruins will have a few new faces on the sidelines this fall.

Bartlesville will have numerous new coaches on the staff, after having rare stabliity at assistant coach the past several seasons. Head Coach Harry Wright says two new coaches will be on the offensive side of the ball.

Joice has spent 17 seasons coaching high school football, and is a Skiatook native. Winfrey was most recently at the college ranks, coaching at St. Francis in Illinois.

Wright says although it's good to have consistency, there is a positive to having new faces in the locker room.

The Bruins had their annual Night of Champions at Custer Stadium this past Friday, and open the season on the road against Newcastle on August 29th.

The Chiefs are wrapping up the first week of training camp, and getting into a groove in preparation of the 2025 NFL season.

The team began activities on Tuesday at Missouri Western State University, and have practiced each morning since. Head Coach Andy Reid says it's been a strong start to camp.

The offensive line is looking for a bounceback, after struggling in the Super Bowl, and adding new faces to the tackle position in the offseason. Center Creed Humphrey says the group has been united in their mindset thus far.

There are 91 players in camp this year, with the roster eventually having to be trimmed down to 53 players. Senior team reporter Matt McMullen says the organization has shown in the past the longshots sometimes can surprise you.

Kansas City has their first practice in pads on Sunday, and open the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals on August 9th.

A pair of Kansas boys from Wichita and Hutchinson have been selected to join the U.S. youth futsal international team, which will compete in Argentina next month.

Nine-year old Eli Mbawuike of Wichita, as well as 10-year old Scott David Conklin of Hutchinson, will travel to Argentina and competing against some of the world's best futsal clubs and federations.

Futsal is a modified form of soccer played with five players per side on a smaller, and typically indoor field.

Eli plays for the Sporting Wichita Academy and Scott David plays for Hutchinson Soccer Club Azzurri.

A GoFundMe to help Eli cover essential costs of the trip including uniforms, flights, hotel, food, and tournament fees, can be found HERE.

The Kansas City Royals look to carry momentum from an impressive series win over the Chicago Cubs, hosting the Cleveland Guardians for a weekend set at Kauffman Stadium.

Kansas City is 50-53 on the season, sitting in third place in the AL Central division, and 4.5 games out of a playoff spot. Cleveland enters the weekend in second place in the division, and three games out of a playoff spot.

Despite using former All-Star Seth Lugo in the series finale with Chicago, KC still has three strong pitchers scheduled to start this weekend in Michael Wacha, Kris Bubic, and Noah Cameron.

Cleveland is 4-2 in two previous matchups with the Royals this season, including 2-1 at Kuaffman Stadium. Coverage of the series opener begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT, with first pitch at 7:10 on the Mighty 690, KGGF.

The Jayhawk conference has strong representation on the JCGridiron Players to Watch List, with nine different defensive tackles a part of the rankings.

Defending national champion Hutchinson has three players on the list in TaVeon Robinson, Jeffrey Manns, and K.J. Henson. The trio all received playing time last year, and combined for 69 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.

Garden City features a D1 bounceback in Keon Webb, as well as a D1 bounceback from Penn State in T.A. Cunningham. Dodge City also has a pair of players on the list, in redshirt freshman A.J. Vaughns and returner Jowhar Franklin.

The Red Ravens have one player on the list in freshman Jamaris Johnson, a West Alabama transfer with impressive quickness and agility. Other Raven defensive tackles to watch out for are returner Daniel Vann, Bowie State transfer Tyrek Matthews, and Oklahoma State bounceback Jaedon Foreman-Felix.

The annual Coffeyville Community College Golf Classic will be held this weekend at the Coffeyville Country Club.

Teams of four will compete for different prizes and spend the day with Raven players, coaches, and athletic department staff beginning with check-in at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

CCC Athletic Director Bryce Saia says this is an opportunity for athletics and community to team up.

Red Raven athletics was one of the most successful departments in the state last year, winning a conference championship in football, having deep postseason runs in basketball and baseball, and taking major strides forward in volleyball and softball. Saia says this event gives the program resources to keep building.

Participants at the golf classic can win a variety of prizes, with a hole-in-one grand prize of a new vehicle sponsored by John Lay Truck and Auto, and other prizes for longest drive, closest to pin, and longest putt.

One of the most accomplished Kansas State women's basketball players in school history is now suiting up for Team USA.

Serena Sundell is one of six players who are in Punta Arenas, Chile, until July 27th, playing at the International Basketball Federation 3x3 Youth Nations League Americas tournament.

The week-long event features daily pool play and eventual championship rounds, with the standings resetting at the beginning of each day.

Sundell was a 2025 WNBA Draft pick by the Seattle Storm, but was waived earlier this summer. She finished her Wildcat career as the program's all-time leader in assists, starts, and games played. She ranks sixth in school history in scoring, and is the only KSU player ever to record 500 points and 200 assists in a single season.

Red Raven football players report to campus in less than two weeks for fall camp, and CCC will be relying on plenty of new faces to help continue the tradition of strong offensive line play.

The line lost key contributors Khalil Walker, Eric Lane, and Casey Jean-Baptiste from last season's roster, all of who were all-conference caliber players. The Red Ravens will have one familiar face returning to the starting lineup, in center Devon Waller.

Head Coach Nick Dobler says Waller will be asked to lead the entire position group.

Talent will not be an issue, with Dante Devine and Adrian Osorio Salazar Jr expected to earn consistent playing time, as well as transfers Sebastian Espinoza, Anthony Crawford, and Daniel Ogundipe. Dobler says the depth, however, is very inexperienced entering the season.

The Ravens begin fall camp on August 2nd, and open the season against the Cisco Wranglers on September 6th.

Bartlesville High School has another Division 1 commit, this one coming from the girls' basketball program.

Sami Sheaffer has committed to the Unviersity of Central Arkansas to continue her basketball career, announcing her decision over the weekend.

Sheaffer was the leading scorer on the Lady Bruins last season, her first season with the program after spending time at Oklahoma Union and a homeschool team. She averaged 13 points per game for Bartlesville, in a season where they went 13-12 before losing to Westmoore in 6A Regionals.

Bruins' head coach Justyn Shaw says Sheaffer is improving as a player and leader heading into her senior season.

Sheaffer, Emma Zimmerman, and Kenzie Denny are the three main returners for the Lady Bruins this season. Central Arkansas plays in the Atlantic Sun conference, and finished 23-10 last season.

Training camp is officially underway for the Kansas City Chiefs, with the team preparing for the 2025 season.

Kansas City begins their quest for redemption from February's Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, with practices running through August 13th in St. Joseph at Missouri Western State University.

Head Coach Andy Reid says there is no easing into preparing for the new season.

Kansas City had struggles both defensively and on the offensive line in the loss to the Eagles. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes says the organization can now officially turn the page.

Practices begin at 9:15 a.m. each morning and are open to the public, with the team opening preseason play on August 9th against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Independence Pirates softball program is adding a former player to their coaching staff.

Emma Jones has been hired as an assistant coach for ICC, serving on the staff under head coach Samantha Allen.

Jones played catcher and first base for the Pirates from 2021-23, and was a member of the Regional Champion and National Tournament qualifier team in 2023. She is from Sherman, Texas, and transfered to MidAmerica Nazarena for two years following her time in JUCO.

She appeared in 87 games over two years, hitting above .300 in both seasons and having 11 career home runs. She was Honorable Mention All-KJCCC in her sophomore season.

The new assistant coach will aim to help re-ignite a program that went 5-33 last season.

Kansas State men's basketball got good news over the weekend, with a player opting to withdraw from the transfer portal and return for his senior season.

Guard CJ Jones elected to return to Manhattan for his second season with the program, and his senior season of college basketball. The guard transfered to KSU from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and appeared in 33 games last season.

WIBW Topeka's Jason Kinander says Jones' return is huge for a young roster.

The Wildcats will now rely on their guard play in the 2025-26 season, with Jones and sophomore David Castillo returning, as well as landing All-American PJ Haggerty, as well as Abdi Bashir Jr in the transfer portal.

KSU went 16-17 a season ago, losing to Baylor in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 Tournament.

The 2025 college football season kicks off in just over a month, and a number of Jayhawk conference defensive ends are listed as players to watch this season.

Hutchinson has three players on the list, with Demarcus Johnson, J'Lynn Allen, and Darius Wiley all selected. Johnson had 29 tackles and four sacks in his freshman season, while Allen and Wiley redshirted, but stand 6-foot-7 each.

Butler's Mark Debiak makes the list after 27 tackles and four sacks in his freshman campaign.

Highland and Independence each had a player named as well, with Ajahvea Robinson the Pirates' representative after seven sacks in his freshman season, while Highland features Justin Smith, who had eight tackles in limited time.

For the Red Ravens, Kameron Cyprien is expected to lead the edge rusher room, after 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble in his freshman season. Additionally, Oklahoma State transfer Jalen Atkins is anticipated to be an immediate impact player at defensive end as well.

Time is running out for the Kansas City Royals, needing a surge before the trade deadline to stay in playoff contention.

The team dropped two of three games this weekend in Miami against the Marlins, but were able to salvage the series finale with a 7-4 win yesterday. Salvador Perez hit his 15th home run of the season, and Jonathan India drove in two runs.

Another player who made a big impact was rookie Jac Caglianone, who had a double in the third inning. Manager Matt Quatraro says Caglianone has been seeing the ball better lately.

Kansas City sits 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, with the Cubs and Guardians on the schedule this week. Quatraro says the team has to have a short memory and gain momentum.

Coverage of the series opener with the Cubs begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. CT on the Mighty 690, KGGF.

The Kansas City Chiefs have locked up another key piece long-term, agreeing to a four-year extension with defensive end George Karlaftis.

The deal is worth $93 million total, with $62 million guaranteed, and keeps Karlaftis in Kansas City through the 2030 season.

Head Coach Andy Reid says the signing was great news to start training camp.

Karlaftis is one of the league's best young edge rushers, with 24.5 sacks in his first three seasons, including eight sacks and 28 total quarterback hits last season. Reid says Karlaftis is one of the leaders of the KC defense.

The contract makes the defensive end the 10th-highest paid edge rusher in the NFL, making $23.25 million per season.

Red Raven football is looking to continue the tradition of strong running backs, and an Oklahoma State transfer is a key piece in making that a reality in 2025.

Running back CJ Williams Jr transfers to Coffeyville after two seasons in Stillwater, where he made the team as a walk-on in 2023. Williams says there's some similarities between OSU and CCC.

Williams never saw the field in game action, but was a two-time Cowboy practice player of the week. He says he brings major work ethic to the Red Ravens.

The running back was with the team earlier this summer, and will be a part of the Raven running game, which features returners Steven Robinson and Charles Morgan, fellow D1 transfer Jordan Louie, and a talented freshman class. Williams says he's working on improving his explosiveness this summer.

CJ and the Ravens open the season against the Cisco Wranglers on September 6th at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

FULL INTERVIEW w/CJ Williams Jr

One of the longest tenured football coaches in Southeast Kansas is calling it a career after 25 seasons.

West Elk Patriots head coach Chris Haag has announced his retirement from coaching, with Ian Denton taking over as the next Patriots head coach.

Haag began his head coaching career in 2001. He says he knew he wanted to go into coaching from an early age.

West Elk built a program standard of not only winning games on the field, but also building quality people off the field. Haag says the off-field work was the part he takes most pride in.

Haag was able to coach his son, Trent, for the past four seasons, with West Elk going 34-6 in that span. He says that was the final milestone he needed to check off.

Coach Haag finishes his career with a 131-99 record across 25 seasons in Howard.

FULL INTERVIEW w/Chris Haag

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days of jail time, as well as five years of probation, following a multicar crash last year.

According to a release from the Dallas County District Attorney's office, Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges; collision involving serious bodily injury, and racing on a highway causing bodily injury. A Dallas district court judge ruled that Rice can serve the jail time at any point during the five-year probation period.

Rice also paid over $115,000 in restitution to the victims of the March 2024 crash for their medical expenses. ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter says the NFL will now begin the process of determining a proper punishment for Rice.

Early reports indicate the suspension is likely to be between four and eight games. Rice suffered a torn ACL in his right knee last season, but is expected to be ready for training camp next week.

More details are now known regarding the new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Plans for the new arena were revealed earlier this week, with the official opening window set for late summer of 2028.

The new arena will be over 750,000 square feet, which will include an outside garden area to compliment the Myriad Gardens. The current arena is the NBA's smallest in terms of square footage.

Seating capacity has not yet been determined, but is estimated to be close to 17,000. The venue will also include a retractable scoreboard, luxury green rooms, crew rooms, and other standardized production facilities to deliver world-class events efficiently.

MANICA Architecture was chosen to be the official designers of the new arena last year.

The committees for men's and women's Division 1 basketball met last week, regarding possible expansion of the March Madness tournaments.

NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball Dan Gavitt released a statement, saying "the still viable outcomes include the tournaments remaining at 68 teams or expanding the fields to either 72 or 76 teams in advance of the 2026 or 2027 championships."

ESPN's Michael Wilbon says this is trying to fix something that isn't broken.

While there is no concrete plan on how potential expansion would work, it is speculated that more major conference at-large teams would benefit, at the expense of lower-level D1 conference champions. Wilbon says the NCAA continues to get in their own way.

Any recommendation for expansion would have to be approved by the NCAA's Division 1 board, which will next meet in August.

The Kansas City Royals have made an addition in preparation for the second half, acquiring a familiar face from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kansas City acquired utility player Adam Frazier, in exchange for minor league infielder Cam Devanney.

Frazier spent the 2024 season with the Royals, hitting .202 in 294 plate appearances, while also playing second base, third base, left field, and right field. His numbers are better this season in Pittsburgh, slashing .255 with a .318 on-base percentage in 262 plate appearances.

KC prioritized adding a veteran presence to the bench that can contribute in a variety of ways. General Manager JJ Picollo says the team will continue to monitor where they can make additions.

Frazier will be with the team when they open the second half against the Miami Marlins tomorrow night.

The Kansas City Chiefs will have one of their top offensive lineman for the long term, agreeing to a four-year extension with guard Trey Smith.

The deal is worth $94 million total, with $70 million guaranteed, the most ever awarded to an NFL guard. The contract makes Smith the highest-paid interior lineman in league history.

Smith is 26 years old, and was the final player in the NFL still on the franchise tag, which would have been a one-year deal worth $23.4 million if the two sides had not agreed on an extension before Tuesday's deadline. This season will be the first in a decade that the NFL has no players playing on the franchise tag.

Smith reached his first Pro Bowl last season, and will be tasked with leading a new-look offensive line in Kansas City, following the trade of Joe Thuney, and departure of left tackle Donovan Smith.

Looking to repeat as conference champions in 2025, Red Raven football has made an emphasis on acquiring talent in the transfer portal, including in the cornerback room.

The Red Ravens are seeking reinforcements to what has historically been one of the best secondaries in all of college football, after losing many key players. Head Coach Nick Dobler says the corner room was left pretty empty.

The team has added transfers from Butler, Navarro, NEO A&M, and Mississippi Delta CC, as well as four-year transfers from Colorado and Missouri Southern.

One of those transfers is Butler's Jalen Jones, who was a starter and impact player in his freshman season, earning Honorable Mention All-KJCCC. Dobler says he's excited to see what Jones can do in Raven red.

Coffeyville reports to campus for fall camp on August 1st, and open the season against Cisco on September 6th.

With approximately five weeks until the start of the football regular season in Oklahoma, the Nowata Ironmen are continuing to make strides this summer.

The major storyline in Ironmen camp this summer is experience, with the program looking to fill spots left by a large senior class after their first playoff appearance in five years.

Head Coach Chance Juby says they have changed the coaching approach a bit with a younger roster.

Nowata opens the season against Pawhuska for the second consecutive season, with the opponents identical to a year ago. Juby says his guys are eager to kick the ball off.

The Ironmen will have a scrimmage on August 22nd at Ketchum, before opening with Pawhuska on August 29th.

A quartet of former Kansas State men's basketball stars are aiming to make an NBA roster by playing in the NBA Summer League.

Former Wildcats Keyontae Johnson, Markquis Nowell, Nae'Qwan Tomlin, and Coleman Hawkins are competing in the Las Vegas at the summer showcase, which runs through July 20th.

Johnson is playing for the Denver Nuggets, after averaging 17.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in the G-League last season. Nowell suits up for the Milwaukee Bucks, after averaging 17.3 points and 8.1 assists in the G-League.

Hawkins signed a contract with the Golden State Warriors following his senior season, while Tomlin is playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, after splitting time between the NBA and the G-League last season.

Summer league wraps up pool play tomorrow, with the playoffs beginning on Friday.

An additional pair of Kansas City Royals will be on the roster for tonight's All-Star Game, being named replacements for the American League team.

Infielder Maikel Garcia and relief pitcher Carlos Estevez were both named to the all-star team, replacing players who opted out due to rest or fatigue.

Garcia is hitting .297 this season in 95 games, with 40 runs batted in, and a team best .354 on-base percentage. Estevez was an offseason free agent signing, who has posted a 2.36 earned run average in 42 innings with 25 saves, serving as the team's primary closer.

Kansas City now has four players on the roster for tonight's game, with the replacements joining shortstop Bobby Witt Jr and starting pitcher Kris Bubic on the AL team.

Red Raven football is bringing in plenty of exciting talent in the transfer portal for the 2025 season, including a Division 1 bounce back at inside linebacker.

Seven Miller transfers to Coffeyville after spending a season at the University of Charlotte. A recent rule from the NCAA allows athletes to not use eligibility during their time in JUCO. Miller says that definitely played a factor in his decision.

Miller is a New Jersey product that enrolled early at Charlotte, before taking a redshirt last season. He says he is taking plenty of knowledge away from his time at the D1 level.

CCC has a lengthy tradition of linebackers going on to earn all-conference awards, as well as moving on to the D1 ranks. Miller says he is bringing physicality and intensity to the Red Raven defense.

The Red Ravens open the season on September 6th when they host the Cisco Wranglers at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Kansas City Royals added two young hitters with exciting potential in the first day of the 2025 MLB Draft.

KC used their two first round picks to select high school second baseman/outfielder Sean Gamble with the No. 23 overall pick, and high school shortstop Josh Hammond with the No. 28 overall pick.

Gamble is from Des Moines, Iowa, and played IMG Academy in Florida. He has a smooth left-handed swing, and is developing power as he matures, with a high contact rate.

Hammond played at Wesleyan Christian in North Carolina, and has some of the best power potential of any hitter in the class. He stands 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, and was consistently among the leaders in exit velocity among all high school hitters.

Additional Day 1 draft picks for Kansas City include right-handed pitcher Michael Lombardi from Tulane, left-handed pitcher Justin Lamkin from Texas A&M, and right-handed pitcher Cameron Millar from Alhambra High School in California.

A pair of Red Raven men's basketball stars put on a show at one of the nation's top showcases for junior college basketball players.

Sophomore forwards Abdul Rashid Kuta and Daniel Ntambwe competed in the JA48 showcase, a two-day event in Richmond, Virginia that features 48 of the best junior college basketball players in the nation.

Both Kuta and Ntambwe made large impacts in their freshman season, with both emerging as starters for Jay Herkelman's team that finished with a 24-8 record and second place in the Jayhawk conference. Both players earned 2nd-Team All-KJCCC as true freshmen as well.

Kuta is from Greater Accra Ghana, and averaged 11 points and seven rebounds on 60% shooting in his freshman season, appearing in 32 games. Ntambwe is from the DR of Congo, and played at Huntington Prep. He averaged 8.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in 32 games, and 25 starts.

Both Kuta and Ntambwe are returning to Coffeyville for their sophomore seasons, where they are expected to be among the best players in the KJCCC.

The Royals ended the first-half of the season in style, winning in walk-off fashion to beat the New York Mets 3-2 in the final game before the All-Star break.

Kansas City took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning on a double from outfielder John Rave. The Mets would respond, however, scoring twice in the top of the ninth to tie the game.

In the bottom of the ninth, it was Nick Loftin who emerged as the hero for the Royals.

Kansas City enters the break with a 47-50 record, and currently sit 12 games back in the division standings, and 4.5 games back in the Wild Card race. The team returns to the field Friday night, when they travel to Miami to battle the Marlins.

The 2025 Field Kindley football team is going to look a lot different than what some fans might be used to the last two years.  The Nado have graduated over 20 starters from the last two teams.

Head Coach Deonta Wade says this reminds him a lot of the 2021 team, which was his second season as the head coach. Coach Wade says despite all the turnover there are some returners that have made impacts for the team before.

Coach Wade says they had a huge increase to their roster with over 70 students, which is the biggest in his time as the head coach. The Nado's Jamboree with Independence and Caney is at the end of August with the season kicking off at home the first Friday of September.

The Kansas Jayhawks are looking to ascend back to conference title contention in 2025, after an underwhelming 5-7 season a year ago.

Senior quarterback Jalon Daniels returns to lead the offense that is replacing three senior wide receivers, and all-conference running back Devin Neal. Head Coach Lance Leipold says Daniels is back to his old form.

The Jayhawks got off to a 2-6 start, losing one score-games to illinois, UNLV, West Virginia, Arizona State, and Kansas State. Leipold says despite the tough stretch, the locker room did a great job of staying together.

KU will also have a new face leading the offense this season, with Jim Zebrowski taking over as offensive coordinator following Jeff Grimes departing for Wisconsin. Leipold says he has plenty of experience and trust in Zebrowski.

The Jayhawks open the 2025 season with back-to-back home games, opening with Fresno State on August 23rd, before hosting Wagner on August 29th.

The Oklahoma City Thunder continue to make moves to maintain their championship roster, agreeing to a contract extension with a key starter.

Forward Chet Holmgren has signed a five-year maximum rookie contract extension with the organization, worth a guaranteed $239 million, and could be worth us much as $250 million.

ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania says the two sides made this a priority early.

Holmgren is just 23 years old, and was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game, and broke a record for most blocked shots in an NBA Finals Game 7.

Charania says the Thunder can expect Holmgren to get even better.

OKC also inked MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to a four-year extension last week, and will now shift focus to extending the third star of the core, two-time All-Star Jalen Williams.

Area high school football teams continue to prepare for the 2025 season, and the Cherryvale Chargers look to contend under a new head coach.

Cherryvale opens the season on September 5th, traveling to conference rival Neodesha. The Charger home opener will be the following Friday night against Humboldt.

A trip to Eureka in Week 3, followed by a home game with Riverton in Week 4 is how the first half wraps up. The Chargers open the second half of the season hosting Caney for Homecoming night on October 3rd.

Two of the final three regular season games are on the road for Cherryvale, traveling to Galena in Week 6, and Fredonia on the last night of the regular season on October 24th. Senior night will be against Bluestem on October 17th.

Harry Hester takes over the reigns as head coach, where he served previously from 2008-19. Under Hester's leadership, Cherryvale won nine games in 2008, ten games in 2009, and eight games in 2013 and 2015. The Chargers went 3-6 last season.

After winning nine or more games three consecutive years, the Kansas State Wildcats are determined to be the top team in the Big 12 in 2025.

KSU finished 9-4 in the 2024 season, but dropped out of conference championship contention with three late-season losses to Houston, Arizona State, and Iowa State.

The Wildcats open the season in Ireland against Iowa State on August 23rd. Head Coach Chris Klieman says it's a chance to grow the brand of the team and the conference.

KSU is once again projected to be a top contender in the conference, ranked as the No. 1 team in the Big 12 on multiple publications. Klieman says, however, the key is for the guys in the locker room to not pay attention to the expectations.

Avery Johnson returns to start at quarterback, now entering his junior season and second season as a starter. Klieman says Johnson has been working hard to get even better this season.

Following the Ireland game, the Wildcats return to Manhattan to battle North Dakota on August 30th, and Army on September 6th.

A pair of KJCCC tight ends have been named players to watch in the preseason watch list released by JCGridiron.

Noah Bruce of Butler only posted 63 yards in his redshirt freshman season on six catches, but brings impressive size at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. He is a trusted run blocker to help running back Markellus Bass, and will be one of the top weapons for the Grizzlies this season under interim coach Kyle Woodall.

Enese Tonga of Garden City also makes the list, standing 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds. Tonga is from Kahuku, Hawaii, and is one of the team's top blockers, as well as having premier speed and strength for the position.

For the Red Ravens, Highland transfer Ryley Zalusky is the early top contender to start in a young tight end room. Other players to watch are Caige Bratcher of Pensacola Catholic High School, and Kansas native Kaleb Moore of Gardner-Edgerton.

A former Red Raven Track and Field athlete is continuing to make a name for himself, setting an official Guinness World Record.

Darius Clark, a 2019 graduate of CCC, was a long jumper for the Red Ravens who was an All-American and National Champion during his time in Coffeyville.

Clark recently broke his own record in the max vertical leap, jumping an unbelievable 51", and beating his previous record of 50".

Clark continued his track and field at Florida State University and Texas A&M University, where he finished fifth all-time in Aggie history in the long jump, with a leap of 25 feet, 9.25 inches in 2021. He was also an All-ACC jumper in his time with the Seminoles.

Fall sports will be ramping up in just a few weeks in Northeast Oklahoma, but even winter sports are getting work in during the summer months in preparation for the season.

Bartlesville High School girls' basketball has been building chemistry and reps during the past several weeks, and are looking to fill production left by two graduating starters. Fifth-year Head Coach Justyn Shaw says the Lady Bruins have been getting better consistently.

Leading scorer Sami Shaeffer returns, as do starters Emma Zimmerman and Kenzie Denny. The team recently went to team camps around the area, playing in nearly 20 competitive games. Shaw says the girls did a great job in the camps.

Shaeffer is receiving Division 1 and 2 looks heading into her senior season. The Lady Bruins are coming off a 13-12 season with a loss to Broken Arrow in the 6A Regionals.

The Kansas City Royals are adding depth to the organization's starting pitching, in the form of a former American League Cy Young Award winner.

Left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel has agreed to a minor league contract with KC, and will report to Triple-A Omaha. He will earn a prorated $2 million salary if he is called up to the major leagues.

Keuchel has not appeared in the majors since July 18, 2024 when he was designated for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers, and elected free agency. In four starts in Milwaukee, Keuchel had a 5.40 earned run average in 16 innings.

The lefty is known for his time with the Houston Astros, where he spent seven seasons, winning the 2017 World Series and the 2015 Cy Young Award. He is a two-time All-Star and five-time gold glove award winner.

The future of Kansas City Chiefs football in the state of Kansas will remain a possibility at least for another year.

Kansas lawmakers, led by Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, have reached a decision to extend the deadline of the stadium proposal to bring the Chiefs to Kansas, until June 30, 2026.

The decision comes following a letter last month from Chiefs President Mark Donovan, in which he requested an extension to the original deadline date of June 30, 2025. The offer allows the franchise to move from the Missouri side of Kansas City to the Kansas side, receiving a new stadium.

Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt has been consistent in his desire to have a domed stadium, bringing the possiblity to host Super Bowls and other major events. The current lease with Truman Sports Complex runs through January of 2031, giving the organization plenty of time to weigh their options.

Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Casiglione will begin the process of entering retirement, ending the longest-tenured run for a current AD in major college sports.

Castiglione will remain as athletic director emeritus, upon the hiring of his successor. The timing of the decision allows Oklahoma officials the ability to hire a replacement during the upcoming school year, and transition with Castiglione still on campus.

He is entering his 28th year at Oklahoma, and has seen 26 national titles, 117 league titles, and was an integral part of the Sooners' move from the Big 12 conference to the SEC. He won Athletic Director of the Year from the Sports Business Journal in 2009, and shared the award in 2018. He was also named the nation's top AD by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics in both 2000 and 2018.

The longtime leader of the Sooners' athletic department also leaves a legacy of giving back, serving on the College Football Playoff committee, the men's basketball selection committee, and baseball selection committee, the only AD to ever serve on all three. Additionally, 32 of Castiglione's employees have gone on to become athletic directors or commissioners.

The college football calendar officially flips over to the 2025 season today, with the first day of Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, Texas.

Eight schools take the podium today to discuss the upcoming season, with the remaining eight programs speaking tomorrow. Each school will be represented by the head coach, as well as selected player representatives that made the trip to Texas.

Defending conference champion Arizona State headlines the first day, as well as Baylor, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Texas Tech.

The Kansas Jayhawks will take the stage tomorrow, along with Arizona, Colorado, Houston, Oklahoma State, TCU, Utah, and West Virginia.

Coverage of Big 12 Media Days can be found on ESPN+ and ESPNU, with KGGF providing coverage from the event in the coming days as well.

A pair of Kansas City Royals will be heading to Atlanta next week to participate in the MLB All-Star Game.

Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, and starting pitcher Kris Bubic, were selected as the team's representatives when the full rosters were revealed over the weekend.

Witt Jr has continued to establish himself as one of the top overall talents in the league, hitting .292 with 12 home runs, 49 runs batted in, and leading the MLB with 30 doubles. He says it's an exciting feeling to be recognized as one of the best.

Bubic is heading to his first All-Star game after overcoming Tommy John surgery and re-entering the Royals rotation this season. He has a 2.36 earned run average across 17 starts, with 107 strikeouts in 103 innings pitched. He says he has plenty of people to thank along the way.

The Royals wrap up the first half of the season with the Pirates and Mets at home this week, before the All-Star festivities get underway next week.

The Fredonia Yellow Jackets are hoping to emerge as the premier football program in Wilson County this fall, and now know their path to the playoffs in 2025.

Fredonia opens the season on the road against Cherokee on September 5th, before the home opener in Week 2 against Eureka. A trip to Bluestem in Week 3, followed by a home game with Galena in Week 4 wraps up the first half of the season.

The Yellow Jackets head to rival Neodesha on October 3rd to kick off the second half, before hosting Caney the following week. The team wraps up the regular season traveling to Riverton on October 17th, and hosting Cherryvale on October 24th on Senior Night.

Fredonia looks to take the next step and finish over .500 in 2025, after four consecutive 4-5 seasons.

There may be a lot of new faces on the field this year for Field Kindley High School football, but it will be a familiar set of opponents on the schedule.

Head Coach Deonta Wade says it's the same schedule as last year, except road opponents are at home and vice versa. Coach Wade says he doesn't have any games circled coming into the season because each game has its own level of importance.

The Nado get ready for the season on August 29^th with the Jamboree in Independence. All Nado games can be heard on Sonshine 98.9 KQQF.  The full schedule for the 2025 Nado Football season can be seen below.

September 5^th – vs. Circle High School

September 12^th – @ Chanute High School

September 19^th – vs. Emporia High School

September 26^th – vs. Independence High School

October 4^th – @ Christ Prep Academy, kick off at 1:00pm

October 10^th – vs. Labette County High School

October 17^th – @ Mulvane High School

October 24^th – @ Fort Scott High School

A former Kansas Jayhawk basketball star, who played nine seasons in the NBA, will soon be sentenced after being found guilty of rape.

Ben McLemore was found guilty by an Oregon jury on one charge of first-degree rape, one charge of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration, and one count of second-deegree sexual abuse. The jury found him not guilty on an additional count of second-degree sexual abuse.

The incident occurred in October of 2021 at Lake Oswego in Oregon, after reports of a sexual assault during the time McLemore was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Following police investigation, McLemore was identified as a suspect, and was arrested in 2024 following additional evidence.

McLemore was the seventh pick in the 2013 draft out of Kansas, and played for five teams in nine seasons in the NBA. After his time in Portland, he has played overseas in China, Greece, and Spain. 

Sentencing is scheduled for Wednesday, and the former Top 10 pick faces a mandatory minimum of eight years and four months in prison.

The Kansas City Royals are looking at potential additions to help make a push for the postseason, including a two-time All-Star from the PIttsburgh Pirates.

MLB writer and analyst Ken Rosenthal reports the Royals have shown interest in Pirates' outfielder Bryan Reynolds, who has been with the Pittsburgh organization since 2019, including qualifying for two All-Star teams.

Locked on Royals host Jack Johnson says Reynolds is an intruiging offensive piece on the table.

Trade talks have been very minimal between the two organizations to this point. Johnson says a big reason for this is the potential money on the table.

Reynolds is a switch-hitter who in his career is hitting .273 with 173 doubles, 132 home runs, 456 runs batted in, and has been worth nearly 19 total wins in seven seasons.

The Fourth of July brings fireworks, family, friends, and fun each summer, but it also showcases one of the nation's biggest competitions.

The Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest has been an annual staple of Independence Day, taking place on Coney Island each year since 1972. The contest draws over 40,000 fans each year and is broadcast on ESPN to nearly two million viewers.

16-time champion Joey Chestnut is once again the favorite this year, holding the record for most hot dogs eaten with 76 consumed in 2021.

Winners of the contest since the first recorded event in 1972 have eaten a total of 1,509 Nathan's Famous beef franks, which is approximately 330 pounds of meat.

This year's women's competition will begin around 10 a.m. CT, with the men's contest around 11:30 a.m. CT. The coverage can be found on ESPN.

The KJCCC continues to showcase impressive talent at nearly every position group, with eight receivers from the conference on the JCGridiron Players to watch list.

Three receivers from Hutchinson make the list, with the team returning Derrick Salley, La'Terrius Robinson, and Cordell Gouldsby. Robinson and Salley combined for nearly 800 yards and five touchdowns, while Gouldsby was more of a return specialist that will take on a larger role in 2025.

Nolan Chambers of Butler also makes the list, after posting 191 yards and four touchdowns in his freshman season. Chambers is one of the league's best deep threats, standing 6-foot-2 with elite speed and leaping ability.

A pair of Division 1 transfers at Dodge City also find themselves on the list, with Santana Fleming a bounceback from Western Carolina, and Makhi Whitney from Washington State.

Cenard Bennett of Garden City is another D1 transfer, from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, and is one of the fastest players in all of JUCO.

Butler transfer and new Red Raven DeAndre Beasley is the final player from the KJCCC on the list, after having 150 total yards and a touchdown in his freshman season. Beasley is an elite deep threat and will be an immediate impact for Nick Dobler.

Additional receivers to look out for in the wide receiver room at Coffeyville are returners Jalile Bost (Honorable Mention All-KJCCC), Brandon Heyward, and Jaden Jones, as well as Iowa Central transfer Kayden Hardeman.

An additional Southeast Kansas high school football program with playoff hopes and expectations now knows the path they'll take in 2025.

West Elk is looking to continue an extended window of success, having won at least eight games each of the past four seasons.

The Patriots open the season on the road against Argonia/Attica, before hosting Oxford on September 12th in Week 2. Road trips to Udall in Week 3, Cedarvale/Dexter in Week 5, and Central Burden in Week 8 mark the games away from Howard.

Home games include Oswego on September 26th, Homecoming against Sedan on October 10th, and Senior Night with Northeast Arma on October 17th.

West Elk will be under new leadership in 2025, with Ian Denton taking over as head coach following the retirement of Chris Haag.

Although this week is a mandated dead period from the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, the Nowata football team has been working hard to get ready for the 2025 season.

The Ironmen have been conducting full team activities the past several weeks leading up to the pause, and look to build off a postseason appearance with a young roster in 2025.

Head Coach Chance Juby says his inexperienced receiver room has gotten reps in the summer passing league.

Nowata went 3-7 last season, and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in five years. Juby says he's liked how returners have embraced leadership roles on the team.

Nowata opens the season against Pawhuska on August 29th.

One of the longest tenured members of the Kansas City Chiefs has called it a career, announcing his retirement.

Dan Meers, better known as KC Wolf, has retired following 35 years as the team's mascot and "Director of Shenanigans."

Meers is a native of St. Charles, Missouri, and spent four years as Truman the Tiger while attending the University of Missouri. He became KC Wolf in 1989, and has performed in 375 total games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead, as well as six international games.

He says he can't begin to thank the fans of the Chiefs organization enough.

KC Wolf became the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, and Meers remains the only mascot ever inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He will continue to be involved with the organization as a consultant and reserve KC Wolf, with the team looking for the next full-time face of the franchise.

College football season is just around the corner, and the Big 12 conference is holding the annual Media Days next week in Frisco, Texas.

Head coaches from all 16 teams in the conference will speak during the event, as well as selected player captains representing each respective program.

Along with Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks will be sending senior quarterback Jalon Daniels, senior center Bryce Foster, senior defensive tackle D.J. Withers, and senior defensive end Dean Miller.

Representing the Kansas State Wildcats will be Head Coach Chris Klieman, as well as junior quarterback Avery Johnson, senior safety VJ Payne, senior offensive lineman Taylor Poitier, senior linebacker Desmond Purnell, and senior defensive end Cody Stufflebean.

Big 12 Media Days take place on July 8th and 9th at the Dallas Cowboys' global headquarters, with full broadcast on ESPN+, and select portions on ESPN2.

The Kansas City Chiefs received great news this week regarding a pair of key players progressing well from serious injuries.

Offensive tackle Josh Simmons will be ready for full participation when training camp begins in two weeks. Simmons was a first-round pick out of Ohio State University, and was a limited participant in minicamp earlier this year after suffering a torn patellar tendon last season.

Additionally, wide receiver Rashee Rice, who missed most of the season with a torn ACL in his knee, will also be available for training camp, after participating in offseason workouts. Rice had 288 yards and two touchdowns in three games last season, after 938 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie in 2023.

Chiefs training camp is under two weeks away, with the first team practice on July 22nd.

Now less than two months away from the start of volleyball season, the Red Ravens will be counting on some local talent to help take a step forward in 2025.

CCC has five local products from Southeast Kansas and Northeast Oklahoma on the roster, including former Neodesha star Prayer Roebuck. Head Coach Kandi Midgett says Roebuck is the type of player that can contribute from day one.

Another local talent is former Cherryvale Charger LiliAnn Whittley, who the Ravens intend to use as a setter. Midgett says Whittley has already gotten to work on her game.

Other local players on the 2025 roster are Caney Valley's Serenity Burk, Riverton's Josie Harper, and Oklahoma Union's Ava Smith. Midgett says she's always looking for local talent that can make an impact.

Lady Raven volleyball opens with scrimmages on August 14th and 20th, before competing in the Ranger Tournament on August 22nd.

One of the top Southeast Kansas softball talents in the Class of 2025 will be continuing her career at Coffeyville Community College.

Heather Mowdy of PIttsburg High School put pen to paper last week, committing to Head Coach Ashton Friend and the Red Ravens.

Mowdy says the direction the Ravens are heading was exciting to her.

Mowdy finished her senior season batting .439 for the Purple Dragons, with nine doubles, seven triples, and 24 stolen bases, with a 96% stolen base success rate. She is also an elite defender, with a .985 fielding percentage at second base.

Heather will play middle infield for the Red Ravens, with the versatility to move around the diamond.

High school football season continues to creep closer in Southeast Kansas, and another area team's path to the playoffs is known, with the schedule release of the Neodesha Blue Streaks.

The Blue Streaks open with a pair of home games, welcoming Cherryvale to town on September 5th, and hosting Bluestem the following week on September 12th.

Road games to Caney Valley and Columbus follow to wrap the season's first half. Week Five features a high-profile matchup with rival Fredonia on October 3rd.

Neodesha ends the season with two road games against Parsons and Baxter Springs, before ending the regular season on October 24th with senior night against Frontenac. The Blue Streaks went 3-6 last season in their first year in 3A, and are led by third-year head coach Nathan West.