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Morales named Silver Slugger Award winner for best DH

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Kansas City Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Louisville Slugger® and MLB Network announced Thursday evening that Kendrys Morales has been named the 2015 Silver Slugger Award winner at Designated Hitter in the American League.  Morales becomes the eighth-different Royals player to win a Silver Slugger award (11th time overall), and first since designated hitter Billy Butler in 2012.

The Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Award winners are decided by a vote of Major League Baseball managers and coaches who select the players they determine to be the best offensive producers at each position in the American and National Leagues. Selections are based on a combination of offensive statistics, including batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, as well as the managers’ and coaches’ general impressions of a player’s overall offensive value. Managers and coaches are not allowed to vote for players on their own teams. Tabulation of the balloting is verified by the accounting firm of Mountjoy Chilton Medley LLP.

Morales, 32, signed a free agent contract with the Royals last December 16 and enjoyed a bounce-back year, hitting .290 with 41 doubles, two triples, 22 homers, while becoming the first KC player to drive in 100 or more runs (106) since Butler in 2012.  His 41 doubles tied for fourth in the American League, while his RBI total ranked him sixth.  The switch-hitter led the A.L. and ranked second in the Majors, driving in 53 runs with two outs, which also set a Royals record for a single-season.  He hit .337 (68-for-202) with two down, which was good for fifth in the Junior Circuit.  He also blasted four home runs and collected 10 RBI in 13 postseason starts this year.  Morales hit a pair of solo shots in Game #1 of the ALDS vs. Houston, marking the fifth multi-homer game by a Royals player in the postseason.

Below is a list of the eight Royals’ Louisville Silver Slugger winners:

Royals Silver Slugger Award winners (award was instituted in 1980):

George Brett – 1980, 1985 and 1988 (1980 and 1985 at third base, 1988 at first base)

Willie Wilson – 1980 and 1982 (outfield)

Hal McRae – 1982 (designated hitter)

Frank White – 1986 (second base)

Gary Gaetti – 1995 (third base)

Dean Palmer – 1998 (third base)

Billy Butler – 2012 (designated hitter)

Kendrys Morales – 2015 (designated hitter)

Lightfoot signs with Kansas men’s basketball

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Kansas Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Power forward Mitch Lightfoot has signed a National Letter of Intent to play men’s basketball at the University of Kansas, Bill Self announced Thursday. The Tucson, Arizona native is the first KU men’s basketball signee during November’s early signing period. 

Rated as the No. 1 player to come out of the state of Arizona for the 2016 class, Lightfoot is a four-star recruit who is ranked No. 99 by ESPN100 and No. 117 by Rivals. He was named Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) Division II All-State First Team selection last season at Gilbert Christian High School, as well as an all-section first team honoree. 

Lightfoot, listed at 6-foot-8 and 210 pounds, averaged 17.9 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shot in leading Gilbert Christian to the AIA Division II state championship in 2014-15. He was named the player of the game in the state title contest where he scored 15 points. 

“Mitch is one of those guys at 6-foot-8 that can play the power forward position and maybe even a little small forward in time,” Self said. “He gives us great versatility and is a guy that knows how to play with other good players. He will develop himself into one of the premier players in our program.” 

As a sophomore in 2013-14, Lightfoot averaged 15.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 4.0 blocked shots per contest and was the Southern Arizona Player of the Year and all-section first team honoree. As a freshman, he averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots per outing and was the only frosh named to the All-Southern Arizona team earning third team honors. 

No stranger to KU, Lightfoot was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and still has many family members who live in the Kansas City area. The Lightfoot family moved to Tucson when he was six-years-old. 

“He grew up loving the Jayhawks before moving out to Arizona,” Self said. “Norm (Roberts) was the point man in Mitch’s recruitment and did a great job with his family. After we got to know his immediate family and his extended family, it became very apparent he was a great fit. Everyone knew after visiting with him and his family that he was a top priority. We’re all excited to be able to work with him on a daily basis.” 

Self indicated there are still some more signees ahead for the Jayhawks. 

“We would really like to sign four,” Self said. “We got off to a great start when we signed Mitchell Lightfoot. We have to sign some size. Losing Hunter (Michelson), Jamari (Traylor) and Perry (Ellis) and then with a great chance of someone else will probably leave early, we’re probably looking at replacing four of our top big guys up front. Even though our backcourt are underclassmen, we anticipate that at least one of those guys will have the opportunity to maybe move on to the next level after the completion of this season.”

Hays High’s Madison Prough inks with FHSU

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Madison Prough

By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

Madison Prough wanted to play collegiate volleyball and when the opportunity to do so where her family could watch her do so, the chance was too good to pass up.  Prough signed her National Letter of Intent to play volleyball for Fort Hays State University on Wednesday.

Madison Prough

Coach Christin Nunnery

Prough played on the varsity level at the setter spot all four years of her high school career.  She not only saw her own success increase over time, but the programs as well.  As a freshman Prough was part of a team that won only 11 matches.  As a senior the Indians won 29 matches and finished the regular season ranked in the top ten of 4A-DI.  Prough finished her career with 1,271 career assists which puts her second all-time at Hays High. The senior tallied 450 assists in 2015 which set the single season record. She also ranks 5th and 8th in single season aces with 38 this year and 34 her junior year.

FHSU football holds weekly football press conference

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Fort Hays State Weekly Football Press Conference
November 11, 2015

Fort Hays State head football coach Chris Brown along with select players met with members of the media on Wednesday. The Tigers 7-3 after beating Missouri Southern 42-31 in Joplin. They try to match the school record for wins, and lock up a spot in the Mineral Water Bowl, when they close out the regular season at home against No. 20 Central Missouri this Saturday. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. with the Auto World Pregame Show at 1:30 p.m. on KJLS.

Head coach Chris Brown

FHSU-FB-Players Presser

OL Matt Erbert

WR Evan Jennings

LB Brock Long

 

Kansas still awaiting NCAA clearance on recruit Diallo

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LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) – Kansas is still awaiting the NCAA’s ruling on five-star prospect Cheick Diallo, who has been cleared to practice with the fourth-ranked Jayhawks but cannot participate in games.

Diallo’s guardian, Tidian Drame, hired representation earlier this week in the event a legal battle ensues with the NCAA, according to multiple reports. The NCAA has been looking into Drame’s relationship with Diallo, a native of Mali who attended high school in New York.

When asked about the potential for a lawsuit, Jayhawks coach Bill Self told reporters after Tuesday night’s exhibition finale that “this is going a big step further.”

The NCAA has not indicated whether a ruling will be handed down by Friday, when Kansas opens its regular season against Northern Colorado.

Delzeit and Berens named to WAC First Team

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By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

The Hays High Indians placed two on the Western Athletic Conference First Team. Senior Brayden Delzeit was named first team offensive line. Junior Shane Berens was named first team defensive line.

Delzeit a three year starter at center was the only returning starter along the offensive line for the Hays High Indians. He helped the Indians rush for 1585 yards in 2015. Delzeit received honorable mention from the WAC his junior season.

Berens earned first team defensive line honors for a second consecutive year. He finished in the top 20 in the WAC for tackles on the season and top 5 for each sacks, tackles for loss and fumbles caused.

Seniors Isaiah Blackmon and Maddux Winter along with sophomores Hunter Brown and Logan Clark each earned honorable mention status.

After winning the Western Athletic Conference with a 4-0 mark, Dodge City head coach Dave Foster was name WAC Coach of the Year and Red Demon Senior Eric Reid was name Player of the Year.

WAC FOOTBALL ALL CONF (2015)

Hays High’s Connor Rule signs with Kansas State

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By DUSTIN ARMBRUSTER
Hays Post

Most kids are relieved to have their college choice made sometime during their senior year sports season. Connor Rule knew before his junior season in the spring of 2015. Early in 2015 Rule attended a baseball camp at Kansas State University and the rest as they, say is history. Rule performed well enough to earn a scholarship offer from the Wildcats, an offeer he accepted. After verbally committing in the spring of 2015, Rule made it official by signing his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.

Connor Rule

Frank Leo

Rule is a multi-year starter for the Indian baseball program and saw his first varsity action as a freshman appearing in ten games. He struck out only twice in 74 plate appearances as a sophomore. The career .383 hitter, batted .474 his junior season for his best season yet. He also had on on base percentage of .595 in 2015, which is the 4th best in a single season at Hays High.

No. 4 Kansas pulls away for win over Tigers in exhibition play

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FHSU Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Fort Hays State had its final tune-up before regular season play as it took on the University of Kansas in exhibition play Tuesday night. Kansas pulled away late in the first half and cruised to a 95-59 win over FHSU.

Mark Johnson Postgame Interview


Jake Stoppel Postgame Interview


Game Highlights


Kansas opened the game on a 10-0 run before Craig Nicholson provided the first basket for FHSU with a three-pointer at 16:23. The Tigers slashed into the Jayhawk lead by going on a 9-0 run to make it 16-14 in favor of Kansas at the 12:45 mark. That was as close as FHSU would get in the first half as Kansas steadily built a lead of 16 by halftime, 45-29.

Nicholson led the Tigers in scoring in the first half with seven points. Rob Davis and Dom Samac each had five before the break. FHSU was held to 31.3 percent shooting in the first half.

Kansas steadily pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Tigers by 20 after the half. KU eventually led by 39 before the final score settled on a 36-point margin.

Samac finished with a team-high 12 points for the Tigers. He was 4-of-9 from the field and 3-of-4 at the charity stripe. Nicholson added nine. Kyler Kinnamon had a team-high three assists and Hadley Gillum pulled down a team-high six rebounds.

Perry Ellis led Kansas with 16 points, while Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk hit five 3-point field goals for 15 points. Frank Mason had 14, and Wayne Selden, Jr., and Devonte’ Graham each had 11.

The Tigers open the regular season on Saturday (Nov. 14) against Southwest Minnesota State in Hays. Game time is set for 7 pm at Gross Memorial Coliseum.

Three Royals snag Gold Gloves

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NEW YORK (AP) – Catcher and World Series MVP Salvador Perez, first baseman Eric Hosmer and shortstop Alcides Escobar top the American League’s gold glove winners. Other AL Gold Glove winners are Houston pitcher Dallas Keuchel, Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, Baltimore third baseman Manny Macado, Detroit outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (who was traded in late July to the NL Mets), Tampa Bay outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and the L.A. Angels’ Kole Calhoun.

Two members of the St. Louis Cardinals, catcher Yadier Molina and outfielder Jason Heyward, lead the NL all-defensive team. It’s Molina’s eighth Gold Glove.

Other NL Gold Glovers are Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke, Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Miami second baseman Dee Gordon, Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford, Pittsburgh outfielder Starling Marte and Arizona center fielder A.J. Pollock.

Tigers land eight on All-MIAA soccer team; Castorino named Player of the Year

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FHSU Athletics

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State had eight players named to the 2015 All-MIAA Men’s Soccer Team, released on Tuesday (Nov. 10). The Tigers had four first team selections, headed by MIAA Player of the Year Mauricio Castorino.

Joining Castorino on the first team are Maurizio Costa, David Lucio and Killian Gorman. Second team selections go to Michael Yantz, Luan Silva and Anthony Hernandez. Kyle Markovits received an honorable mention selection.

Castorino, a sophomore forward from Asuncion, Paraguay, led the MIAA in points during the regular season with 26, accumulating nine goals and eight assists. He had a .231 shot percentage for the season, including a .538 shots on goal percentage. He had two game-winning goals as well. Castorino adds Player of the Year honors in the conference after earning MIAA Freshman of the Year honors last year.

Costa, a sophomore forward from Asuncion, Paraguay, tied Castorino for the team lead in goals with nine. He added one assist to finish the regular season with 19 points. He was a perfect 4-of-4 on penalty kicks and had three game-winning goals. He matched Castorino in shot percentage (.231) and had a .436 shots on goal percentage.

Lucio, a senior from Wichita, Kan., grabs the second All-MIAA honor of his career as a first-teamer this year in the midfield. Lucio finished the regular season with three goals and two assists for eight points. His 1,384 minutes ranks fourth on the team and he has two game-winning goals to his credit this year. He was a second-team selection last year.

Gorman, a sophomore from Manhattan, Kan., earned first-team honors at defender. Gorman went the distance throughout the season for the Tigers. He joins Yantz as the only two on the team to play every minute of the season. Gorman helped the Tigers allow 1.23 goals per match this season and post five shutouts this season.

Yantz, a sophomore from Warsaw, Ind., earned second team honors at goalkeeper. He played all 1,683 minutes this year and finished the regular season with a record of 12-5-1. He allowed 1.23 goals per match with 58 saves and a save percentage of .716. He had five shutouts for the season.

Silva, a sophomore from Highlands Ranch, Colo., earned second team honors at defender. Silva is a bit more of an offensive minded defender who finished with two goals and two assists in the regular season. He delivered one game-winning goal.

Hernandez, a junior from Oklahoma City, earned second team honors in the midfield. He ranked third on the team in goals with five and added two assists to rank third in points (12) as well. He posted a .552 shots on goal percentage.

Markovits, a senior from Austin, Texas, received an honorable mention nod in the midfield. He finished the year with one goal and one assist, while logging 1,122 minutes.

FHSU’s Ness named MIAA Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week

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MIAA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State’s Brian Ness has been named the MIAA Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week. Ness provided the game-winning goal for the Tigers in a 1-0 win over Lindenwood, helping the FHSU complete the regular season at 12-5-1 overall. Ness took a through pass from Killian Gorman and beat a defender and then the keeper one-on-one to score the matchs lone goal in the 32nd minute. He was the only Tiger with a goal for the week as the Tigers went 1-1 in a pair of 1-0 matches.

The 5-10 sophomore forward is a native of Olathe, Kan.

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