Here's D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra on the aforementioned topic. In it, we get the fun fact that Scott Drew is now 0 - 3 vs. K-State's own Jerome Tang. The team's current theme is forging, and they're 3-1 in Big 12 action (after that 1-point loss to Texas Tech).

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL 68, BAYLOR 64
January 16, 2024

What a dramatic nailbiter of a win! There were 13 lead changes. Coach Tang says his coaches have recently been focusing on defense a lot. The Cats were down 64-59 with 1:12 left in OT, but they put together a 9-0 run for the W! They're now 13-4, 3-1 Big 12, and spanning Coach Tang's two K-State seasons, are 10-0 in OT games. The 10 total overtime wins are the third-most by a head coach in school history. Up next for the MBB Cats at home is Oklahoma State on Saturday, 1/20 at 6:00 P (after WBB's 1:00 P encounter with the ever-annoying KU).

Don't miss the official Baylor game recap!

D. SCOTT FRITCHEN'S FAVORITE STORIES OF 2023
December 31, 2023

K-State's own D. Scott Fritchen is the finest sports journalist I've ever known of. His topic choices for K-State Sports Extra stories are excellent, and they fairly span all of our K-State sports. They include all sorts of facts which support the stories' themes, and they do a fine job of detailing the human interest aspects of our athletes and coaches, that add to our appreciation of them. Today, D. Scott posted a must-read compilation, My 10 Favorite Stories of 2023. I highly recommend this, and if you've not been familiar with his countless K-State Sports stories, the link's underlined above.

LET THE SUNSHINE IN ON COLLEGE ATHLETE PAY
December 28, 2023

Ned Seaton, publisher of the Manhattan Mercury, has a very interesting editorial, making the case that as taxpayers, donors, ticket-buyers and viewers, we should have access to the actual facts on what college players are getting. As you can see below (posted December 21), Gene Taylor has expressed concerns about the "free-for-all" that the U.S. Supreme Court has created, via their NIL ruling. (I'm not sure. You may have to be a subscriber to read this online.)

Personally, I fear that this could reach a stage where high-profile players have made so much money, that they start dictating playing time - and all manner of decisions - to their coaches and athletics administrators, because they've already made more money than many fans will make in a lifetime.

FOOTBALL IS COVERED HERE, TOO
December 28, 2023

Partly because of the extensive coverage of a bowl game, I have a separate page for most K-State Football coverage, and you're invited!

HARD WORK PAYING OFF FOR THE GYM RAT: DAVID N'GUESSAN
December 22, 2023

David N'Guessan is the subject of today's K-State Sports Extra. He recorded 13 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks vs. Wichita State in KCMO on Saturday. He shot 62% on FG, and had his best game of the season. David appreciates Coach Tang's support as he's worked to improve, as he recorded a modest 4 points and 6 rebounds vs. Nebraska. Coach Tang commented,

"You know, the whole staff, we've been letting David know that all of his hard work is going to pay off. I told you all, before the last game, he was in the gym and made 300 free throws."

GENE TAYLOR LAMENTS FREE-FOR-ALL NIL MONEY IN COLLEGE ATHLETICS
December 21, 2023

Tim Everson of the Manhattan Mercury submitted this story today. It quotes Gene's very reasonable opinion that the management of NIL is "a mess," and "we have to do something differently." The story reports that,

On June 30, 2021, the NCAA Board of Directors voted to allow all student athletes to profit off of their name, image or likeness for the first time in history. All that's required for players to earn is that they provide some kind of service, which can be anything from social media posts promoting a business to meet-and-greets or TV commercials.

Gene also correctly opined that,

"It's getting to the point where the pool of money we have has to grow significantly so we can stay competitive. Call it what it is: it's just pay for play. That's what's happening. It's free agency without a salary cap right now in college athletics."

CHRIS KLIEMAN SAYS HE'S NOT WORRIED ABOUT OUTGOING TRANSFERS
December 16, 2023

Here's the story link from KSNT-TV. We've lost 19 players. I'm a bit worried.

ARTHUR KALUMA: NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
December 16, 2023

K-State Basketball's Arthur Kaluma has had quite a week! He's Big 12 Player of the Week, USBWA/Oscar Robertson Trophy National Player of the Week.

JEROME TANG PRESS CONFERENCE
December 15, 2023

It's been quite a week for Coach Jerome Tang, with the departure of Nae'Qwan Tomlin, along with a one-point win vs. Villanova and a 15-point win at LSU. Coach says with the court rulings, NIL and transfer changes, "it's about to be the Wild West." Here's video of a 23-minute press conference, that includes comments on recent challenges, coaching and recruiting philosophies, and the upcoming Nebraska game on Dec. 17. Coach says, "We're going to get the best ones that fit what we're about." Finally, he explains the "FORGING" purple t-shirt he's wearing. He describes all the steps you have to go through to turn a chunk of steel into a Samurai sword. You have to heat it and pound it and grind it. He says "we're not there yet," we have to heating and forging and shaping us. At the end, we're going to be the weapon we want to be."

EDITORIAL: THE TOMLIN INFORMATION VACUUM
December 8, 2023

Manhattan Mercury publisher Ned Seaton has a fairly lengthy editorial on the Nae'Qwan Tomlin situation. For some reason, it is not available on the web site at this time. Anyway, Ned summarizes the time of various entity's responses, from civilians to President Linton, lawyers and athletics staff. The vacuum results - in part - because of the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Among other things, it prohibits release of information on student conduct situations to the general public. In addition, either by law or local policy, the RCPD doesn't release the names of victims of domestic assault, etc. The point of the editorial, in my opnion, is good advice: Don't jump to conclusions. At the same time, Ned opines that more information is better than less. I'll post a link, if one becomes available. Of course, you can always go buy the paper at Dara's.

Oh... Publisher Seaton has also posted an opinion, "Richard Linton Is not an Idiot." My web browser often doesn't fully deliver Manhattan Mercury stories... whereas I can see them with my iPhone. (As usual, I can read it fine with my phone.) Ned's hope is that we, as a society, don't automatically distrust people in authority.

NAE'QWAN TOMLIN NO LONGER ASSOCIATED WITH KSU MEN'S BASKETBALL
December 6, 2023

Here's a link to a report in the Dec. 6 Manhattan Mercury, which is the front page story of the Dec. 8 print edition. It includes a picture of him high-fiving student protestors from the passenger seat of a car.

OPINION: K-STATE FAILS TOMLIN, TEAMMATES AND COACHES WITH DISMISSAL
December 7, 2023

Tim Everson of the Manhattan Mercury has a more than half-page opinion and timeline column on the Tomlin situation. (You'll likely do better reading it on your phone. (I'm a subscriber.)

Mr. Everson opines that the local Municipal Court "deemed his actions minor enough to qualify for a diversion." He points out that K-State officials had to have known... back in September... the actual details of what happened. Also, Tim firmly believes that President Linton must have known the details from the start. As shown by the title of this post, the author takes exception to the university officials' handling of this.

(I am not not taking a strong position on this incident, one way or another, because I don't feel there's sufficient information on exactly what happened, or what Tomlin's response, and demonstration of remorse - have been.)

JEROME TANG HAS A SOLO "HANG WITH TANG" RE: NAE'QWAN TOMLIN
December 7, 2023

This brief video was posted to KSU MBB's Facebook account this Dec. 7 evening. Coach Tang states that he loves Nae'Qwan and the university. He calls on us to move forward with unity and love. He asks us to make this situation all about KSU.

NAE'QWAN TOMLIN REPORTEDLY DISMISSED FROM KSU MBB
December 6, 2023

I'm not taking sides on this outcome, but I'm sure that extensive fact-finding was done. I was involved with K-State student conduct processes for a few decades. There is thoroughness, and very detailed federal privacy laws (and university policies) are carefully followed at K-State. News media are not subject to those privacy laws. The point is, the university cannot legally reveal all the facts and justifications for decisions (involving students) that are made. One of the considerations (the last I knew) is that incidents that happen close to the university (e.g., in Aggieville, across the street from KSU) sometimes fall under university jurisdiction. I doubt that KSU Police were originally called, however. RCPD probably responded. Anyway... Kellis Robinett is a very good sports writer. This evening, he has posted a well-done article to the Kansas City Star. Also, if you'd like to learn more about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), click here.

STUDENTS PROTEST OVER NAE'QWAN TOMLIN SUSPENSION
December 6, 2023

Here are several pictures of individuals protesting. lengthy Collegian report by Luke Lazarczyk

Here are Gene Taylor's comments about the release of Tae'Qwan Tomlin from K-State Men's Basketball, as reported by the Collegian.

NORTH ALABAMA: COACH TANG'S POSTGAME PRESS COMMENTS
December 3, 2023

Our MBB Cats got a close win vs. North Alabama today. This video offers a lot of interesting insight into Jerome Tang's values and goals. I highly recommend it. Coach is about more than just collecting Ws. He's concerned about each player's personal development. / Also, here's the official game recap, along with links to the box score, etc. While we're at it, here's the postgame recap from the Collegian.

ARTHUR KALUMA: CONTINUING TO ASCEND
November 27, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra features Arthur Kaluma, who has transferred to K-State MBB from Creighton. He's Preseason All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, and has already started for K-State several times. David N'Guessan reports that, "He can get buckets in a lot of different ways." He scores, defends, rebounds and passes well. In the Central Arkansas game, he recorded 20 points and 8 rebounds.

THE GOVERNOR'S CUP IS SAFELY BACK IN THE VANIER COMPLEX
November 19, 2023

K-State's Football Wildcats handled the Poultry on Saturday afternoon, thereby extending K-State's winning streak to 15 years. It wasn't as large a margin as we've enjoyed in the past, but a W should be expected from the reigning Big 12 champions.

BOBBY KNIGHT AND JACK HARTMAN: SO DIFFERENTLY THE SAME
November 4, 2023

Jack Hartman was/is a hero of mine. I was at all but a handful of men's basketball games he coached in Ahearn Field House, from 1970 to 1986. His record was 295-169 (.635). Basketball was king when Jack was our coach. He coached K-State legends, including Mike Evans, Lon Kruger, Rolando Blackman and Chuckie Williams. I had a nice visit with him in his office, back in the day. Attached here is a link to a story by former Manhattan Mercury sports editor Mark Janssen on Dec. 21, 1983. It compares and contrasts the coaching style of Jack and Bobby, and their friendship. I highly recommend it.

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: JUST THE BEGINNING
November 2, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra today - a day after the 102-68 outcome vs. Emporia State, is Just the Beginning. We're very excited. Oh... Jerome Tang is, too. That's the first sentence in this story.

JEROME TANG AND HIS CULTURE OF POSITIVITY AND SMILES
October 27, 2023

Luke Lazarczyk, Collegian Sports Editor, has posted a real nice feature on the positive attitude and influence of Coach Jerome Tang. I highly recommend it! (link)

TANG AND PLAYERS: EXCITEMENT FOR NEW OFFENSIVE SYSTEM
October 8, 2023

K-State's MBB Cats and Coach Tang took questions at the Big 12 MBB Media Day. Luke Lazarczyk, Sports Editor of the Collegian, reports that Coach Tang wants to use multiple point guards on the floor. Collegian link)

K-STATE FOOTBALL 41, TCU 3
October 21, 2023

Wahoo! This is just a note that my links to coverage of K-State Football (including today's glorious victory) are in my separate site for K-State Football articles and videos.

K-STATE ENTERS JEROME TANG'S SECOND YEAR WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS
October 18, 2023

This K-State Sports Extra coincides with Big 12 Basketball Media Day. It's an update on Coach Tang and his program, as reported by D. Scott Fritchen.

HOW COACH TANG'S MOTORIZED COUCH CAME TO BE
October 13, 2023

Don't miss this video! It's the back story on Coach Tang's motorized purple couch, now ready for episodes of Hang with Tang! (video) Actually, the couch was either built from scratch - or modified - to be motorized. This awesome vehicle was put together by students in K-State's College of Engineering, for Open House last spring. I was told that Coach Tang can drive it by way of a video game controller. By the way, I'm on record with this tweet on Oct. 16, encouraging Coach Tang to ride this couch on Harley Day at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. He can bring up the rear, after the Harleys. Fans will go nuts!

DON'T MISS AVERY JOHNSON'S POST-TEXAS TECH INTERVIEW
October 14, 2023

Thanks to Go Powercat for this must-see interview. Watch on YouTube.

KSU OFFICIALS TIGHT-LIPPED ON AHEARN'S FUTURE USE
September 25, 2023

Richard Linton has proclaimed that "this president ain't takin' down Ahearn." I'm holding him to that! I want it to be retained as a sports venue... not stuffed with office space. It's my favorite place on earth! I don't want any excuses. Just preserve it and use it. I have spoken! (Manhattan Mercury story)

JEROME TANG'S $23 MILLION DEAL
September 25, 2023

Wahoo! We're keeping Jerome for at least 7 years, it seems, and he's pocketing a bunch of dough. The deal has numerous rewards and incentives, including the number of season wins, team rankings. He'll likely get $3,300,000 each year. (Manhattan Mercury story)

SEPT. 12: 13th ANNIVERSARY OF MARTIN GRAMATICA'S 65-YARD FIELD GOAL
September 8, 2023

The date was 9/12/98. Our hero, Martin Gramatica, set an NCAA record for the longest field goal (65 feet) made without a tee. (YouTube) I was there, and it was awesome.

MEN'S BASKETBALL RELEASES THE 2023-24 SCHEDULE
September 8, 2023

Here's a story on GoPowercat.com. We're starting with Emporia State! Here are different presentations of schedule info: kstatesports.com |  amazonaws.com

TOP TEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2023 FOOTBALL SEASON
August 31, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen has posted an exceptional, must-read K-State Sports Extra... a preview of K-State Football's new season. He is the best sports writer I've ever known of.

MBB LOSES TO MEXICO, 83-81
August 17, 2023

Here's a recap by Arne Green of the Topeka Capital-Journal.

THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM K-STATE MBB's GAME AGAINST ISRAEL
August 15, 2023

Kellis Robinett has posted an encouraging recap of the first game in Tel Aviv yesterday. Arthur Kaluma is going to make an impact. Cam Carter will likely have a bigger role. The game was tied in the 3rd quarter, but the Cats toughened up, and ultimately got the W, 94-87. (Wichita Eagle story)

WILL HOWARD: STILL MORE TO BE WRITTEN
August 2, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen has a must-read K-State Sports Extra. It's a look at Will's career, his successes last year, and a preview of 2023.

WILL HOWARD IS ON THE MAXWELL AWARD WATCH LIST
July 28, 2023

Will's one of 85 players on the watch list. It's not a quarterback award. The Maxwell Award goes to the most outstanding player.

At present, Will, a 6' 5" senior, is #8 in career passing. He's 10th in passing efficiency, and career touchdowns. Here's his roster bio.

JEROME TANG TALKS HIS FAITH AND KSU MBB ON THE 700 CLUB
July 25 , 2023

We may have more on this later. Coach Tang and Careylyn discussed their faith on the well-known religious channel this week. (Manhattan Mercury link)

AMY BUTTON RENZ HAS K-STATE IN HER BLOOD
June 26, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen has posted a wonderful tribute (and well-deserved) to Amy Button Renz, in her final days as the President and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association. She has tremendous accomplishments over her 46 years with the Alumni Association. I highly recommend reading this K-State Sports Extra!

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: AN IMPORTANT SUMMER FOR GROWTH
June 23, 2023

Be sure to have a look at D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra It's full of details and updates on K-State Men's Basketball.

KEYONTAE JOHNSON: A DREAM FULFILLED
June 23, 2023

Keyontae Johnson has moved on to the OKC Thunder. He was the No. 50 pick in the NBA Draft, after his one season at K-State resulted in Third Team All-American, and the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Keyontae averaged 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. The Cats, as is well-documented, had a trip to the Elite Eight. Here's D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra.

K-STATE ATHLETICS 2022-23 RECAP VIDEO
June 16, 2023

Cat fans, you don't want to miss this. It's a compilation of the many accomplishments of our various K-State sports in the past year. (Twitter video)

ANTHONY WINCHESTER: THE ONLY THING I KNOW IS HARD WORK
June 16, 2023

Here's the latest K-State Sports Extra by D. Scott Fritchen. We're introduced to Anthony Winchester, Special Assistant to Head Coach Jerome Tang.

Anthony was the director of video operations for the program in the first season of the Tang Administration, and now he's Coach's assistant. He's from Indiana, where basketball is kind of a big deal, and is a member of the Western Kentucky University Athletics Hall of Fame. He has played professional basketball. I highly recommend this Sports Extra. (well... all of them, actually)

BAILEY BACHAMP: EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT, EVERY DAY IS FUN
June 12, 2023

I've worked with Bailey Bachamp, Men's Basketball's Director of Operations, on summer camps for several years. She couldn't be nice to work with, and she great at bringing details together. D. Scott Fritchen has honored Bailey with today's K-State Sports Extra. Thanks to Bailey for her part in the teams 2022-23 success!

STERLING LOCKETT: CONTINUING TO GROW HIS GAME
May 26, 2023

It's both great – and no surprise – to see another Lockett headed toward a successful K-State career. I know we're all looking forward to lots of exciting action involving Mr. Sterling Lockett! (K-State Sports Extra)

AVERY JOHNSON: LOVING BEING A WILDCAT
May 24, 2023

Here's the latest K-State Sports Extra from D. Scott Fritchen... a profile and update on Avery Johnson. He chose K-State over 23 other schools. The Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year threw and ran for 3,585 total yards and 44 touchdowns his senior season! Chris Klieman says,

"He sees the field really well, and can throw it from the hash to the sideline, and throws the vertical ball exceptionally well. Then there's the athleticism and ability to make plays with his feet."

CHRIS KLIEMAN SIGNED TO AN 8-YEAR CONTRACT
May 15, 2023

The base salary's not too bad: $5,500,000 per year. (announcement link)

FIFTY-SEVEN K-STATE ATHLETES RECEIVE DEGREES THIS WEEK
May 13, 2023

Here's the list, divided by sport, including several with master's degrees.

ULRIC MALIGI: ONE OF THE MOST IMPACTFUL ASSISTANTS IN DIVISION I
May 9, 2023

This story was posted by KSNT-TV today. (link) Ulric has also coached at Texas Tech and Texas.

K-STATE MBB / MICHIGAN STATE
May 5, 2023

How about some Sweet Sixteen memories? Here, from College Basketball Report @CBKReport, we have the final 3:02 of the glorious victory over Michigan State. It's full of heroics from Marquis Nowell to Cam Carter (who I think took 12 baby steps without a single dribble at 12;25, enroute to nice layup). What are we going to do without Markquis Nowell? (video link)

DEUCE VAUGHN: THE GREATEST PHONE CALL EVER
May 1, 2023

Here, with video links, is D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra, with the story of our hero, Deuce Vaughn, being informed by his father, Chris Vaughn, that he'd been drafted to play for the Dallas Cowboys. The announcement was short and simple.

Chris: "Hey buddy."

Chris "Deuce": "How's it going?"

Chris: "Hey, it's going good. This is dad. My phone wasn't working, but look here, man. You want to come to work with me next week?"

Chris "Deuce": "I wouldn't mind that at all."

Then dad put Jerry Jones on the phone. Here's a link to the big event on Twitter.

BRENDAN JONES' TRIPLE DOWNS #14 TEXAS TECH, TO WIN THE SERIES
Apr. 30, 2023

"That was one of the best games that I've been a part of in my career," head coach Pete Hughes said on his team's comeback victory. "The back-and-forth, the fight, the resiliency, getting big hits and making big pitches. That was college baseball at its best."

ERNIE BARRETT: MORE THAN EVER, WE THANK YOU
Apr. 28, 2023

The title above is from D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra, which is a review of the celebration of his life that took place in Bramlage Coliseum on Thursday, April 27. Ernie's K-State story spans decades, and he will always be a part of the history of K-State Athletics.

At Men's Basketball games, I have sat in Section 4, Row 5 since the first season in Bramlage Coliseum, 1988-89. At least for a number of years, Ernie and Bonnie have sat on the top row of Section 5, near the aisle. While on the stairs at the final home game on March 1, I remember looking over to their seats and not seeing them. I didn't make too much of it, as they were often in the Shamrock Zone - or the original Legends Room - at times during games. Anyway, I recommend D. Scott's well-done remembrance of Ernie.

ERNIE BARRETT WILL FOREVER STAND TALL IN KANSAS STATE SPORTS HISTORY
Apr. 22, 2023

GoPowercat's Tim Fitzgerald has a very nice eulogy for Ernie Barrett, who we lost on April 21. Ernie was 93. It should be noted that Ernie spent the better part of his life either directly connected with K-State Athletics, or on the scene at games, etc. He was responsible to such developments as the Vanier Football Complex, for example. It's no accident that a life-size statue of Ernie sets on the east side of Bramlage Coliseum. (YouTube link)

K-STATE'S SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM GENERATES $65,000,000 OF MEDIA VALUE IN ONE WEEK
Apr. 9, 2023

Thanks to MBB's appearances in the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8 (along with pictures, graphics and videos from the media team), the resulting 2.2 billion social media impressions are considered to have been worth $65,000,000!

K-STATE CLASSY CATS: BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Apr. 9, 2023

The Classy Cats have done it again! They're the national champs in the Pom category, as reported in their Facebook post, and also by the Collegian earlier today. Congrats to the Cats, and to their director, Sara Heptig.

ROBERTO PENA'S LEAP OF FAITH IS PAYING OFF
Apr. 6, 2023

Here's a must-read K-State Sports Extra about Roberto, our new player. He's had huge challenges in his life in Venezuela, but he's here now, and is doing great. / Roberto is featured in a real nice profile in the Collegian. Don't miss it!

JEROME TANG: JUST GETTING STARTED
Apr. 5, 2023

Our Kansas State Wildcats were four points and one possession from playing in the Final Four. They were 18 points short of sole possession of the Big 12 championship, and about 9 points from a shared conference title. After the Cats near miss of the Final Four, a few hundred Cat fans had an impromptu gathering at MHK Regional Airport, to welcome Men's Basketball home from the Elite Eight. D. Scott Fritchen has a K-State Sports Extra that's an enjoyable review of a tremendous season, with Coach Tang's plans and dreams for the near future.

DEUCE VAUGHN SHOWS OUT IN NFL PRO DAYS
Apr. 3, 2023

Thanks to D. Scott Fritchen for this K-State Sports Extra. Vaughn Shows Out in Next Step to NFL

JEROME TANG: NAISMITH MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH OF THE YEAR
Apr. 2, 2023

• Jerome Tang - National Coach of the Year (Bleacher Report)
  
• Jerome Tang - Official Announcement (naismithtrophy.com)
  
• Jerome Tang's First Year at K-State - Video, 4 Minutes (@KStateMBB)
  
• Jerome Tang's First Year at K-State - Video, 4 minutes (K-State Sports.com)
  
• Jerome Tang Wins Naismith National Coach of the Year (fox4kc.com)
  
• Nowell and Tang named Point Guard and Coach of the Year (Collegian)
  

JEROME TANG: 2nd PLACE IN THE AP COACH OF THE YEAR VOTE
Apr. 1, 2023

This outcome was reported by WIBW-TV. Coach Tang lost to Shaka Smart. This is a real disappointment, but K-State fans greatly appreciate all Coach Tang did for us, and know he's only beginning a legend.

MARKQUIS NOWELL IS THE BOB COUSY AWARD WINNER
Apr. 1, 2023

K-State Athletics has posted the wonderful news that Markquis Nowell is this year's top point guard in Division I, as proclaimed today by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Here's the announcement on Twitter. The first link posted here obviously has the complete background information.

Markquis is now officially the best point guard in Division I. I highly recommend a look at the detailed announcement from K-State Sports. Mr. Nowell's 54 assists in the NCAA Tournament are the third-most in the tournament's history!

He was named a Third Team All-American by The Associated Press, The Sporting News, NABC and USBWA. In addition, Markquis was selected as All-Big 12 First Team by the league coaches and the AP, and to the Big 12 All-Defensive Team by the coaches. He was named three times as the Big 12 Player of the Week, and the consensus National Player of the Week on Jan. 9. Nowell finished second nationally in assists/game (8.3 apg.), total assists (297) and total steals (92). His 968 points in his 2-year career are the second-most by a Division I transfer in school history. He helped the Wildcats to a 26-win season.

The Cats fell four points short of playing in the Final Four, and they were 18 points short of sole possession of the Big 12 championship.

Here's D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra recognizing Mr. New York, entitled The Best in the Nation.

Next... from April 3... here's Marquis Nowell in a 16.5-minute visit (audio only) on the The Rich Eisen Show. They discuss his amazing work in the NCAA Tournament, the NBA draft, the lob to Keyontae Johnson, and what brought him to Manhappiness. (YouTube link)

KANSAS STATE WILL TAKE CARE OF JEROME TANG
Apr. 1, 2023

In Tim Fitzgerald's latest Daily Delivery, he assures us that Jerome Tang isn't going anywhere, and Gene Taylor will give him an updated contract that will ensure that he stays here. (YouTube link)

THANK YOU CARD FROM MARKQUIS NOWELL
Mar. 29, 2023

Here's a tremendous thank you card from All-American Markquis to Cat fans. I know we all wish him the best of success, and he'll sure put everything he has into it. What a privilege it's been to watch him play! Click the pic for a Facebook post - then View Full Size, if you'd like the hi res version.

CONGRATS TO GENE TAYLOR: NACDA NATIONAL A.D. OF THE YEAR
Mar. 27, 2023

Gene will be officially honored in June. He's been K-State's A.D. since April 2017. He has overseen several ambitious construction projects, and K-State teams have done very well in recent years. Gene hired Chris Kliemam, Jerome Tang and Jason Mansfield. Here's the announcement from K-State Athletics.

ELITE EIGHT: FLORIDA ATLANTIC
Mar. 25, 2023

• box score & stats (K-State Sports)
  
• David N'Guessan encourages others to go to KSU (K-StateOnline)
  
• Desi Sills on What Went Wrong (K-StateOnline)
  
• extended highlights (March Madness)
  
• Fans gather at MHK to welcome the Cats (@KStateMBB)
  
• FAU, K-State draw rave reviews from media (247Sports)
  
• game recap (K-State Sports)
  
• Grateful in Defeat (K-State Sports Extra)
  
• Jerome, Markquisl, Nae'Qwan: postgame (K-StateOnline)
  
• Jerome Tang: 'The Toughest Team Is Going to Win' (K-State Sports Extra)
  
• Jerome Tang's opening statement (KCTV 5)
  
• Jerome Tang's postgame interview (GoPowercat)
  
• Jerome Tang's postgame with FAU team (KSNT TV)
  
• K-State Basketball ends a historic run (Collegian)
  
• Markquis Nowell and Jerome Tang: the best story (Robert Griffin III)
  
• Markquis Nowell Coming Up Big for K-State (Rich Eisen)
  
• Markquis Nowell explains the final play (KSNT TV)
  
• Markquis Nowell's postgame interview (GoPowercat)
  
• postgame press conference (K-State Sports)
  
• postgame quotes (K-State Sports)
  
• Postgame Walk & Talk (Ryan Gilbert, GoPowercat)
  
• Prideful Fanbase Welcomes K-State Home (K-State Sports Extra)
  
• Wildcat Insider (post-Elite 8, 3-27-23) (1350 KMAN)
  
• LIVE BRACKET (NCAA) *****
  
• (K-State Sports Extra)
  
• Florida Atlantic preview (K-State Sports)
  
• Jerome Tang: Florida Atlantic Pregame (GoPowercat)
  
• Jerome, Keyontae & Ish preview FAU (K-StateOnline)
  
• Keyontae: Can't Help But Smile (K-State Sports Extra)
  
• (K-StateOnline)
  
• pregame press conference (K-State Sports)
  
• Pregame Walk & Talk: Florida Atlantic (Ryan Gilbert, GoPowercat)
  

SWEET SIXTEEN: MICHIGAN STATE
Mar. 23, 2023

• box score & stats (K-State Sports)
  
• Deuce Vaughn & Co. imitate Markquis's heroics (K-State Football)
  
• extended highlights - 15 min.
  
• game recap: Michigan State
  
• photo gallery
  
• postgame quotes
  
• Ish, Markquis, Keyontae, Jerome postgame (March Madness)
  
• Ish Massoud - postgame interview
  
• Jerome Tang (of Markquis): This is a bad boy right here!
  
• Jerome Tang - postgame interview (GoPowercat)
  
• Keyontae Johnson on facing Michigan St. (K-StateOnline)
  
• Markquis Nowell - postgame interview
  
• Markquis Nowell - record 19 assists (video) (March Madness)
  
• Markquis Nowell - record 19 assists (Salina Post)
  
• Markquis Nowell speaks on HISTORIC NIGHT (CBS Sports)
  
• Marquis to Isiah Thomas: "Watch this." (NCAA March Madness)
  
• Postgame Walk & Talk (GoPowercat)
  
• Replay: Final Minute + Overtime (March Madness)
  
• Mike Rutherford liked the fake Tang/Nowell argument (@CardChronicle)
  
• Mike Rutherford liked the fake Tang/Nowell argument (Facebook)
  
• Somehow, some way, K-State claws its way... (Fitz's Daily Delivery)
  
• The Lob - Markquis to Keyontae for 94-92
  
• (Collegian)
  
• @KStateMBB for lots of coverage!
  
• Desi Sills crams New York tourist activities (cjonline.com)
  
• Jerome, Markquis and Keyontae Before Sweet Sixteen (K-StateOnline)
  
• Jerome Tang Speaks to the Media Before Sweet Sixteen (GoPowercat)
  
• Markquis Nowell: Back Home (K-State Sports Extra)
  
• Nowell Heralded by Media (247 Sports)
  
• Students React to Tang & Co. in March Madness (KSNT)
  
• Talking Kansas State in the Sweet 16 (GoPowercat)
  
• viral video reflects the togetherness of KSU MBB (1350kman.com)
  

JEROME TANG: A FINALIST FOR NAISMITH COACH OF THE YEAR
Mar. 20, 2023

Here's the release from K-State. This award involves fan input. Vote here!

K-STATE MBB DEFEAT KENTUCKY / EARN A TRIP TO THE SWEET 16
Mar. 20, 2023

Here's a collection of links for K-State > Kentucky (and K-State to the Sweet 16):

• NCAA LIVE BRACKET *****
  
• Another Chance to Go 1-0 *****
  
• box score *****
  
• cinematic highlights *****
  
• Dancing on to NYC *****
  
• highlights *****
  
• photo gallery *****
  
• quotes *****
  
• Jerome Tang and Markquis Nowell (YouTube)
  
• K-State to the Sweet 16 (Collegian)
  
• Kentucky Victory (Ryan Gilbert / GoPowercat)
  
• Keyontae, Ish & Markquis after the win (GoPowercat)
  
• Mahomes-Inspired Play (Fox 4 K.C.)
  
• Markquis, Keyontae, Coach Tang (Bosco and One)
  
• Mr. New York City plays large (Fitz / GoPowercat)
  

ACE REPORTER ISH "SWISH" MASSOUD INTERVIEWS K-STATE MBB CATS
Mar. 16, 2023

In this fun session, Ish interviews teammates. It's fun. Twitter video link

JEROME TANG LOVES BEING AT KANSAS STATE
Mar. 14, 2023

Tim Fitzgerald, GoPowercat boss, posted this story / interview with Coach. He is, without question, K-State's most effective spokesperson at this time. (link)

JEROME TANG: NABC AND USBWA DISTRICT COACH OF THE YEAR
Mar. 14, 2023

announcement tweet another announcement tweet

KEYONTAE JOHNSON, MARKQUIS NOWELL: THIRD-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS
Mar. 14, 2023

Here's the exciting announcement from K-State Men's Basketball. Both gents have had a tremendous impact on this season's success so far. K-State's Tom Gilbert, I assume, wrote,

"Johnson and Nowell become just the eighth and ninth players in school history to earn recognition to the First, Second or Third All-America teams by the AP, and the first since Jacob Pullen was named to the Third Team in 2011. They join a group that includes Bob Boozer (1958, 1959), Dick Knostman (1952, 1953), Mike Evans (1978), Rolando Blackman (1980), Mitch Richmond (1988), Michael Beasley (2008) and Pullen."

Here are the announcement tweets for Markquis and Keyontae. Here's another announcement from @MarchMadnessMBB

'CRAZY FAITH' LEADS CATS BACK TO BIG DANCE
Mar. 13, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra for today expands on a phrase spoken by Coach Tang in a press conference this week. D. Scott said, "K-State is a 3-seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and will face 14th-seed Montana State at 8:40 p.m., CT on Friday in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is the second-highest seed by a Wildcat team since seeding began in 1979, and the highest since the 2010 squad was a No. 2 seed."

JEROME TANG VISITS WITH CBS SPORTS
Mar. 12, 2023 As you might expect, Coach Tang has a very upbeat visit with Brent Stover, K-State alum, and Chris Walker about the NCAA tournament. Q. Is there any better spokesperson for K-State these days? A. Nope! video link)

JEROME TANG MAKES A HOSPITAL VISIT
Mar. 10, 2023

A young lady with a chronic health problem was in Children's Mercy Hospital when the MBB Cats came to KCMO to play. She's a big fan of K-State MBB. Coach Tang... no surprise... went to visit her. Here's the story from KCTV 5. I'm proud that Jerome is our coach.

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: SO CLOSE TO THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP
Mar. 8, 2023

I just did some arithmetic. K-State came within 3 games / 18 points of sole possession of the Big 12 championship (and 9 points short of sharing the Big 12 championship).

• L at ISU, 76-80, so 5 points
• L to UT in MHK, 66-69, so 4 points
• L at WVU, 81-89, so 9 points

KEYONTAE JOHNSON: JOHN WOODEN AWARD FINALIST
Mar. 4, 2023

Keyontae Johnson is on the national ballot for the Wooden Award. He's one of 15. Finalists will be announced on March 29.

K-State Sports Information wrote:

A 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward from Norfolk, Va., Johnson is currently averaging a team-best 17.6 points on 52.2 percent (193-of-370) from the field, including 42.2 percent (38-of-90) from 3-point range, and 72.5 percent (103-of-142) from the free throw line, to go with a team-best 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 34 minutes per game. He is one of only two players (Kansas' Jalen Wilson) to rank in the top-5 in the Big 12 in scoring and rebounding, both in overall and league-only games. (announcement)

JEROME TANG: BIG 12 COACH OF THE YEAR
Mar. 5, 2023

From the Big 12 office:

Picked last in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, Tang guided Kansas State to a tie for third - with an 11-7 conference mark and current 23-8 overall record - in his first season as a collegiate head coach. The 23-8 start is the best by any first-year head coach in NCAA Division I, and the second-best in K-State history. The Wildcats are 7-4 against top 25 opponents this season, including 3-2 vs. top 10 foes. Tang inherited a squad of just two returning key players, and brought in 13 newcomers. (announcement)

KEYONTAE JOHNSON: BIG 12 NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Mar. 5, 2023

From the Big 12 office:

Johnson made his triumphant return to the basketball court on Nov. 7, in K-State's season opener against UTRGV following a two-year absence, after suffering a medical emergency against Florida State on Dec. 12, 2020. He was named March Madness National Player of the Week, and Big 12 Newcomer of the Week - after the Wildcats' first two games. The senior forward has totaled five Conference newcomer accolades this season, as he is second in the league in scoring (17.8), tied for fourth in rebounding (7.0), second in field goal percentage (.519) and fourth in double-doubles (6). He is a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award.

JEROME TANG: COLLEGE HOOPS NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR
Mar. 3, 2023

College Hoops Today wrote,

Tang had never been a head coach in college prior to this season, but he's already ensured that his first year was a memorable one. Kansas State (23-7) was picked to finish last in the Big 12 Preseason Poll, and is now in prime position to be one of the top eight seeds in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. That's a credit to Tang, who was Scott Drew's top lieutenant for nearly 20 years at Baylor before taking his current post. The first-year head coach is an impressive 4-2 this season in games against Kansas, Baylor, and Texas. (announcement)

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: LATE-SEASON NOTE
Mar. 3, 2023

When I tweeted a couple of days ago about my reliable attendance at home Men's Basketball games, a fellow fan asked me how I'd rate our current season, as compared to the 52 home seasons I've seen. I had to think about it for a while, and I got out the media guide.

I came to K-State the same time as Jack Hartman, who was our coach for 16 years, and during my first season, '70-'71, of attending, I decided to never miss again. Lonnie Kruger was a freshman, so I got to see him play in junior varsity games, which were just before the varsity games. Anyway, Jack's era was very successful, with a .636 W/L record. OK... so after using the latest media guide to plan my answer, I posted that the Frank Martin era (five seasons) was awesome, and one of my favorites. Frank's career record with KSU was .684. (I got here too late to see the great Tex Winter's awesome 15 seasons as our coach, with a W/L % of .689.)

Guess what! Coach Jerome Tang, who all the students want to hang with, and who's been delivering a bunch of sellout crowds, has the highest career W/L % of any K-State coach... dating back to the beginning of the MBB program, in 1902! This year's Cats (at 23-7 as of today) is .766! What an awesome start!

#11/11 K-STATE MBB > OU
Mar. 1, 2023

Here's the postgame highlights video. Now, here's the players' postgame press Q&A. And... here are Coach Tang's comments. Finally... maybe... here's Tim Fitzgerald's Walk & Talk after the big win. (YouTube link)

While we're at it... D. Scott Fritchen's March 2 K-State Sports Extra, entitled "One Chapter Closes, but Much More to Write," is... no surprise... an awesome documentation of the unforgettable Senior Night / Wildcat victory.

JOHNSON STEAL > NOWELL DOWN COURT > JOHNSON SLAM
Mar. 1, 2023

Thanks to John Kurtz for posting this highlight. This is an amazing play. (Twitter video)

KEYONTAE JOHNSON: THEY GAVE ME A SECOND CHANCE TO PLAY BASKETBALL
Feb. 28, 2023

What are we going to do without Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell? D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra today is a farewell recognition for a transfer player who has made an unforgettable impact on our program. His senior night is tomorrow. Yesterday, Keyontae got his fifth Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.. He's recorded 500 points this season. Our season wouldn't be remotely what it's been without Keyontae and Markquis.

THROUGH US AND DOWNS, MARCUS IS ALWAYS THERE
Feb. 27, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra is a farewell story for Markquis Nowell, who will be recognized on senior night this week. It's about perseverence, and Heart over Height. I highly recommend it, and certainly thank Markquis for his major role in the Wildcats' success this season. It's no surprise that he's being nationally recognized for his work.

JEROME TANG'S FIRST SEASON AT K-STATE
Feb. 22, 2023

In GoPowercat.com guru Tim Fitzgerald's Daily Delivery, he makes the case for recognition and awards (such as Big 12 Coach of the Year) for our new hero, Jerome Tang. I'm all for it!

#14 KSU 75 - #9 BAYLOR 65 / BRAMLAGE FULL OF ENERGY IN WIN OVER BAYLOR
Feb. 22, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra for today is a recap of the unforgettable Bramlage experience in the win vs. Baylor. There was real synergy with the Cats and the sellout crowd, resulting in a very early Sandstorm — illuminated by the fans' cell phone flashlights — with 12:19 still on the scoreboard clock, and a lead of 49-43. (Here's video of Sandstorm during that media time out, also by D. Scott.) It should be remembed that Kansas State also defeated Baylor in their house, on January 7. Here's another lights-out Sandstorm video from @kstatesports.

TIM FITZGERALD'S POSTGAME WALK & TALK: #14 KSU 75 - #9 Baylor 65
Feb. 21, 2023

This was tremendous! Keyontae Johnson was tremendous! #14 K-State MBB is now 21-7. Here's Fitz's Postgame Walk & Talk.

Here's what I saw in the game. The Cats have moved away from trying Sports Center plays. Their turnovers were 7, to Baylor's 13. Baylor was solid on 3FGs, with 11 of 28, but they weren't especially reliable in the paint. (They made 11 shots that weren't three-pointers.) Along with that, the Cats' rebounding was good (24 offensive), so when Baylor missed in the paint, the Cats came away with some misses. Marquis Nowell led with 10 assists. He didn't hit any 3 FGs tonight. The Cats only hit 4 of 21 3 FGs, but hit 24 of 37 two-point FGs. Cam Carter (8) and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (8) made about half of the team's rebounds. I think one of the biggest factors in the W was the Cats' minimizing turnovers (7). Baylor made 5 points from turnovers, and K-State made 19. To conclude, K-State had 42 points in the paint, and Baylor was held to 16. I'm real proud of the Cats!

Here are links: game recap, box score, , the ,

BRAMLAGE IS HERE TO STAY, SO KANSAS STATE NEEDS TO REIMAGINE IT
Feb. 21, 2023

In GoPowercat.com guru Tim Fitzgerald's Daily Delivery, he suggests some remodeling, including making it possible to enter at ground level (so you don't have to go down about 35 steps to the lowest seats. I don't necessarily agree with that. People who are truly inconvenienced by going down into the bowl can ask for an elevator pass. Or... they can sit up high. At every game, ushers with wheelchairs are watching for people in need, so they can get them to their seats smoothly. The reason I'm opposed to yet another remodeling of the OcTangon of Doom is I fear it's highly likely that it will somehow reduce seating even more.

The Coliseum was originally to seat 17,000. Then it was dropped to 16,000. Then the construction bids came in way high, and it was built to seat 13,500, which is what it opened with. Since its opening in October 1988, Bramlage has had several modifications (loge seating, the new media area, etc. etc., and its capacity is now 11,000 (which is a bit lower than the 11,220 that Ahearn Field House seated for its final season). I say, leave the Coliseum alone!

RETURNING TO PLAY IOWA STATE DID WONDERS FOR K-STATE
Feb. 20, 2023

GoPowercat.com inventor Tim Fitzgerald discusses similarities between KSU and ISU, along with what the Cats can draw from their recent victory. Fitz says the schools may be on a "collision course" to play each other in the Big 12 Tournament (Farmageddon Part III). (YouTube link) Unlike a few Big 12 schools, I've never disliked Iowa State (although I'm glad I don't have to wear red and yellow), but I'm all for winning every game.

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: STAYING IN THE FIGHT
Feb. 20, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra is a look at a stretch when the Cats actually lost a few, and how they focused on the fact that there is still a chance to make the NCAA Tournament.

AHEARN FIELD HOUSE: HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS VIDEO
Feb. 20, 2023

K-State Athletics has walked away from use of Ahearn Field House... my favorite place on earth, where I graduated from K-State, saw 18 seasons of Men's Basketball, attended Landon Lectures with U. S. presidents and others, saw about 25 seasons of K-State Volleyball, and camped outside for front row seats, across the court from Jack Hartman. I will have more to say about this as time goes on, and many, many others will, too. (video link)

K-STATE 61, IOWA STATE 55: JEROME TANG'S POSTGAME CONFERENCE
Feb. 18, 2023

I appreciate Coach Tang so much! Get a sense of how he approaches the game, and how much he appreciates being at K-State, in the Iowa State postgame conference. Also, here are the cinematic highlights of the glorious victory.

JEROME TANG NAMED TO THE WERNER LADDER NAISMITH COACH OF THE YEAR WATCH LIST
Feb. 17, 2023

Here's the announcement from K-State Sports, and here's the full release from naismithtrophy.com.

SMITH CENTER NATIVE MITCH HOLTHUS RELISHES ROLE AS VOICE OF THE CHIEFS
Feb. 11, 2023

Here's a nice profile by Wichita's KWCH-TV on the great Mitchell Gene Holthus, a K-State Athletics Hall of Fame honoree.

I know Mitch from years of weekly Cat Chat coaches' radio shows, for Football and Men's Basketball, when he was the Voice of the Cats for 12 years. There is no better broadcaster anywhere, and certainly K-State has had more than its of share of great ones.

This story was posted on the eve of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVII, as Mitch wraps about 29 years as Voice of the Chiefs. (Please excuse KWCH for showing Glendale, Kan. instead of Glendale, AZ in the byline.) he he

JEROME TANG'S TEXAS TECH POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
Feb. 11, 2023

Coach said Tech scored 28 points on 23 turnovers in the ball game. (YouTube link) (box score) Here's Tim Fitzgerald's Postgame Walk & Talk Fitz used the same phrase that I've been saying to the team from the stands: "Settle down."

K-State Men's BB Blows the Roof off the Octagon: #12 Cats 82, #17 Froggies 61
Feb. 7, 2023

Here's an early version of the game recap of this glorious victory. It's currently marked "more to come." We saw a 17-2 run in the second half!!

• Box Score
  
• Highlights Video!
  
• Jerome Tang's Postgame
  
• Markquis with a Near-Center-Court 3 FG (video)
  
• Photo Gallery
  
• 
  
• Postgame Walk & Talk - Tim Fitzgerald
  
• Sports Extra: 'Heightened Sense of Urgency' Leads to Big Home Win'

MARKQUIS NOWELL IS A TOP 10 CANDIDATE FOR THE BOB COUSY AWARD
Feb. 6, 2023

K-State Athletics announced today that Markquis is on the short list for this award, which goes to the top point guard in Division I. (Award History)

HOW TO GET JACOB PULLEN'S JERSEY IN THE RAFTERS
Feb. 6, 2023

GoPowercat boss Tim Fitzgerald talks about Jacob Pullen in his Daily Delivery. Probably everyone agrees that our all-time scoring leader should be honored. But... he's still playing in Europe, and Jake wants Frank Martin there. Fitz's plan is to play UMass. What a homecoming that would be!!

TEXAS 69, K-STATE MBB 66
Feb. 4, 2023

Coach Tang was very irritated with his team's performance vs. UT today. (YouTube link) The team was struggling, but still attempted "Sports Center" plays, as he called them. He said we "tried to hit home runs, instead of just hittin' singles. We'd get a steal, and try to throw it for a layup, and we'd give it right back to 'em. Instead of making a simple play, we'd try to throw a cute pass." Coach said, "We have to value the ball, and every possession, get up a shot. If we do that, we'll have a chance to win every night." "They continued to dribble themselves into bad situations." He worried that "they're dribbling too far into the defense."

Here are postgame comments from Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson. (YouTube link)

Here's Tim Fitzgerald's Postgame Walk & Talk for GoPowercat.com. (YouTube link) "K-State is its own worst enemy right now." The Cats have lost three in a row in Big 12 play.

Here are the official recap and the box score. Look how close it was: (UT vs. KSU)

• FG 23 - 22
  
• FT 19 - 16
  
• REB 30 - 31
  
• FOULS 21 - 19
  
• ASSISTS 16 - 11
  
• TURNOVERS 17 - 19
  
• STEALS 8 - 8
  

AVERY JOHNSON: FEEDING HIS BODY AND MIND IN FIRST SEMESTER
Feb. 3, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's latest K-State Sports Extra is a get-acquainted update with our awesome QB recruit, Avery Johnson. He left Maize HS a semester early, to prepare himself for his K-State career. Avery is considered the consensus #1 recruit in Kansas for the coming season. I'm very impressed with him. He's going to make a big impact here.

JEROME TANG'S POST-KU PRESS CONFERENCE
Jan. 31, 2023

It was disappointing to lose to the Poultry, but it's no easy task to win over there. (YouTube link)

MARQUIS NOWELL AND KEYONTAE JOHNSON TO THE WOODEN AWARD WATCH LIST
Jan. 31, 2023

Tim Fitzgerald's Daily Delivery has the fun details behind the addition of our awesome players to the watch list for this prestigious award. YouTube link)

K-STATE'S CULTURE AND SUCCESS DERIVE FROM ITS PEOPLE
Jan. 31, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra for today is a mini-biography of Athletics Director Gene Taylor. Obviously he's accomplished many impressive things in his relatively short time here, Men's Basketball and Football are doing great, and it's interesting to learn about Gene's path to the Little Apple.

A SPECIAL DAY FOR KEYONTAE JOHNSON
Jan. 30, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen is dealing with COVID this week, but he still cranked out an awesome K-State Sports Extra on Keyontae, who was reunited with the University of Florida trainer, Duke Werner, who was first to respond to him at courtside when his pulse dropped to zero during a game. It was Dec. 20, 2020. Back to January 28, 2023... Keyontae scored his third straight double-double before his reunion with Duke.

FITZ'S WALK & TALK: FLORIDA
Jan. 28, 2023

Lavender was the color of the day, as the Cats took on Florida in the (probably) final SEC Challenge, 64-50, in a sold-out Octangon of Doom. The team didn't play their best game, but led almost all of it. The Cats didn't play their best game of the season, but they handled 12-9 Florida, leading for 39 minutes! Marquis Nowell almost got a triple-double! One more rebound, and two more assists would have done it. (YouTube link) By the way... here's Coach Tang's postgame press conference. He's very forthcoming with his evaluations and opinions. With every time you hear him, you appreciate and respect him even more! (YouTube video link)

ROLANDO'S HERE FOR LEGENDS WEEKEND!
Jan. 28, 2023

Here's Twitter video of Hall of Famer #25 Rolando Blackman speaking to K-State MBB. I wish everyone reading this could have seen him play!

JEROME TANG: A FRONTRUNNER FOR NATIONAL MBB COACH OF THE YEAR
Jan. 27, 2023

I'm not quite sure about the source of this linked story. It has Iowa State markings all over it (including a "Cyclone Alert" title bar), but the domain is 247sports.com. Anyway, if you scroll down a little bit, this site says, "Tang is the National Coach of the Year frontrunner right now." (link)

CAM CARTER: JUST GETTING STARTED
Jan. 27, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen sure has been busy, with all the good news about K-State MBB! His latest K-State Sports Extra is about Cam Carter. He hit 5-of-5 on field goals, and 4-of-4 free throws. Cam transferred from Mississippi State, where he played the most games of any freshman. D. Scott will give you the rest of the good news about Cam.

SANDSTORM!   K-S-U!   K-S-U!   K-S-U!
Jan. 26, 2023

Here's video by D. Scott Fritchen from a timeout on January 21 at KSU / TTU, in the OcTangon of Doom. Sandstorm happened! (Twitter link)

DESI SILLS: A WINNER FROM AN EARLY AGE
Jan. 26, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra for today is proflie on Desi Sills. In high school in Arkansas, his team reached the final four three times, and they brought home two state championships. In one championship season, his team went 32-0.

KEYONTAE JOHNSON REPORTED TURNED DOWN $5,000,000 TO PLAY FOR K-STATE!
Jan. 26, 2023

I just discovered this story, posted by KSNT-TV. It's reported that because of Keyontae's serious medical issue while with Florida, he became eligible for a little-known medical insurance payout, arranged by the NCAA. But... to get $5 million, he had to agree to never play basketball again. Who knew. Thanks a million, Keyontae!

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: FOCUSING ON WHAT'S NEXT
Jan. 24, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra for today is a look at MBB's state of affairs on the day after reaching #5/#5 in the weekly polls. The latest, huge game is vs. ISU tonight, in Hilton Coliseum. Go Cats!

KANSAS STATE, TENNESSEE LEAD MAJOR SHAKEUP OF THE POWER 36 MBB RANKINGS
Jan. 23, 2023

Andy Katz has video and text commentary on ncaa.com. His Power 36 has 17-2 Kansas State at #4 today. By the way, he has our Cats as, currently, a #2 seed in the NCAA tournament.

KANSAS STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: #5 IN BOTH POLLS
Jan. 23, 2023

I'm sure many sources will be reporting this fun news. Both the AP and ISHMAEL MASSOUD SHINING AT THE RIGHT TIME
Jan. 23, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra for today is Big 12 Ish' Shining at Right Time. It's a profile on Ishmael, who has become known for showing great effort at critical times, locking in some Ws, along with game-winning 3s. Ish has bought in to the things Coach Tang has said he needs from him.

TIM FITZGERALD'S DAILY DELIVERY ON THE "SHOCKING RISE" OF K-STATE BASKETBALL
Jan. 23, 2023

Fitz has yet another Daily Delivery on the status and future of K-State Men's Basketball. All the pieces are coming together. Fitz says Tang "ain't goin' away." He says Tang's really changing the mindset of K-State fans, and the program is in "really good hands."

COACH TANG'S POST-TEXAS TECH PRESS CONFERENCE
Jan. 21, 2023

Under the guidance of Jerome Tang and staff, our MBB Cats are now alone at #1 in the Big 12 standings, after a win vs. Texas Tech. We have ourselves an exceptional leader as our coach. I highly recommend a look today's press conference. (video link)

In other news, here's Tim Fitzgerald's Postgame Walk & Talk video.

In other news, Part II, Tim Fitzgerald's Daily Delivery video (posted on January 22) is an extremely upbeat report from the inventor and boss of GoPowercat.com on getting Sandstorm back in the Octangon of Doom. The students were up, dancing and hollering   K   S   U  !

NEW ORLEANS, A STAGE TO REMEMBER
Jan. 19, 2023

Here's a real nice online story in the Kansas State Collegian, by a member of The Pride of Wildcat Land, Zoe Schumacher. She described her experiences as a tourist in the multicultural environment of New Orleans, as well as performing in a major bowl game. I highly recommend it!

#13 K-STATE MBB 83, #2 KU 82 (OT)
Jan. 17, 2023

Here's a collection of links related to the big win over #2 KU.
First, here's a hi res photo of Keyontae Johnson sealing the victory.  

• Andy Katz: A Wild Tuesday Night Made the Big 12 a Lot More Interesting
• Bill Self Press Conference (video)
• Box Score
• CBS Sports CBB: "This is a statement win for Jerome Tang." (video)
• Coach Tang Addresses the Court Storm Crowd (Kris Budden video)
• Court Storm after Victory (video, KWCH
• Highlights Video
• Jerome Tang Discusses Climbing onto the Scorer's Table
• Jerome Tang's Postgame Press Conference (video)
• Jerome Tang's Post-Victory Speech from the Scorer's Table (CBS Sports video)
• Jerome Tang's Post-Victory Speech from the Scorer's Table (Collegian video)
• Johnson, Nowell, Sills Press Conference (video)
• K-State Narrowly Beats No. 2 Kansas 83-82 in OT (KU's recap)
• K-State Sports Extra: Tang Leading Quick Resurgence
• K-State Takes Down the Jayhawks in Statement Win (Collegian recap)
• K-State Wins Instant Game Classic in OT (K-State's recap)
• Marquis Nowell to Keyontae Johnson Lob (video)
• The Perfect Play | Nowell to Johnson Alley Oop (March Madness video)
• The Perfect Play | Nowell to Johnson Alley Oop (@KStateAllDay video)
• Two Big 12 Championships – Why not? (Collegian opinion)
• Wildcat Insider on KMAN, 1-23-23

KU MBB: THE NEXT GAME ON THE SCHEDULE
Jan. 17, 2023

The Squawks are coming to MHK today... assuming they don't get lost on I-70. D. Scott Fritchen has focused the latest K-State Sports Extra on the Showdown. It has both background information, and Coach Tang's comments. (link)

JEROME TANG: PRESS CONFERENCE BEFORE FACING THE SQUAWKS
Jan. 16, 2023

We're playing the poultry from KU tomorrow night. Earlier today, Coach Tang took questions from area media. Coach got into an interesting discourse on the rivalry. He said our players are here because they love Kansas State... the staff here, etc. He wants the K-State crowd to yell for the Cats because they love K-State... not because they hate KU. This press meeting runs 18+ minutes. Don't miss it! (link)

NATE AWBREY: NEVER THINK SOMETHING IS TOO BIG
Jan. 16, 2023

D. Scott Fritchen's latest K-State Sports Extra gets us acquainted with Nate Awbrey. A fifth-year walk-on, he's a graduate of Manhattan Christian College, who was brought up by Jayhawks... thus the timing of this profile on him, as the Cats will face the Squawks in a matter of hours. It's real interesting. I recommend clicking the link!

COACH TANG HAS A STEADY AND CONFIDENT DEMEANOR IN THE TCU POSTGAME
Jan. 14, 2023

It was disappointing to lost in Fort Worth today, but the Cats are 15-2, and all is not lost. His theme will be improvement. Hey! How about if we let him speak for himself?! (YouTube link).

COACH TANG WABASHING AFTER THE OSU VICTORY
Jan. 10, 2023

Credit goes to Misty @kstatevangirl for this. (Twitter link)

K-STATE GOES FROM RV IN THE AP POLL TO #11, THEN BEATS OSU
Jan. 10, 2023

In front of one of the best crowds in the Octangon of Doom in recent years, Men's Basketball prevailed over a good OSU team 65-57, improving to 15-1, 4-0. Here's K-State MBB's official recap of a tough win vs. Okie State tonight. Wyatt Thompson commented in pregame that they're a solid defensive team, and their losses have been close. (They're 9-7, and their losses have been by an average of 5.4 points. It should be noted that OSU lost at KU by 2 points.) A bit of trivia is that K-State first played Okie State 101 years ago (1921-22). Watch this fun and exciting highlights video. Finally... here's a very interesting press conference with Coach Tang.

There's more. On January 11, D. Scott Fritchen posted this epic K-State Sports Extra, K-State Sports Extra, Thunderous Dunk Rocks Bramlage, Lifts Cats to Win.

MARKQUIS NOWELL SWEEPS NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Jan. 10, 2023

K-State Sports announced today that #1 Markquis Nowell - after two awesome games - is the USBWA National Player of the week. Add to that his similar recognition by NCAA March Madness, ESPN and the Naismith Award. Here's the release by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.

The achievements that led to these multiple honors include:

• two 30-point games - averaging 34 - on 54.8% shooting, and 58.8% (10-of-17) on 3s
• 11.5 assists per game
• 24 of 25 on free throws
• a career-best 36 points in the 116-103 win vs. Texas (6 of 10 on 3s, and 12 of 12 on FTs)
• K-State's first 30-point/10-assist game vs. Baylor (32 points and 14 assists)
• 14 assists was the most by a K-State player in 40 years!

MARKQUIS NOWELL: STAYING IN THE MOMENT
Jan. 10, 2023

ESPN named Markquis Nowell as their national Player of the Week yesterday. Today's K-State Sports Extra is an update on the fine season he has underway, and his response to this considerable honor. D. Scott Fritchen reported, "Against No. 24 West Virginia (an 82-76 overtime win) and No. 6 Texas (a 116-103 victory), Nowell combined for 59 points, 19 assists, 10 steals and shot 52% from the floor. Steph Curry of Davidson was the only Division I player to match or surpass that in the last 25 seasons." Don't miss all the amazing info in today's Extra!

WYATT THOMPSON: KANSAS SPORTSCASTER OF THE YEAR
Jan. 10, 2023

K-State Sports has just posted the awesome news that K-State's own Wyatt Thompson is - for the 7th time - the Kansas Sportscaster of the year. This is a nice additional honor for Wyatt, who was inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, in October. (K-State Sports video link)

#7 MICHAEL BISHOP ELECTED TO THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
Jan. 9, 2023

Here's the exciting news from K-State Football. Michael joins K-State greats Gary Spani, Mark Simoneau and Darren Sproles, as well as coaches Lynn "Pappy" Waldorf, Charles Bachman and The Legend, Bill Snyder.

MARKQUIS NOWELL AND KEYONTAE JOHNSON: BIG 12 HONORS
Jan. 9, 2023

The Big 12 Conference announced today that Markquis Nowell is Big 12 Player of the Week (2nd time), and Keyontae Johnson is Newcomer of the Week (3rd time). Here's K-State MBB's announcement.

(MEN'S BASKETBALL) WILDCATS ELEVATE – NO, EXPLODE – ONTO NATIONAL SCENE
Jan. 9, 2023

K-State's exceptional sports writer, D. Scott Fritchen, has just posted a must-read status report on Men's Basketball (14-1, 3-0), as we fans are on the edges of our seats, waiting on the AP Division I poll to be posted. Here's your link to an epic K-State Sports Extra!

D. Scott wrote,

Things can happen fast. In a span of eight days, K-State pulled out a 82-76 overtime victory over No. 24 West Virginia, then scored the most points in its history in a 116-103 win at No. 6 Texas, and then outlasted No. 19 Baylor in a 97-95 overtime win in Jerome Tang's return to Waco, Texas.

OU AND TEXAS MIGHT BE STUCK UNTIL 2025
Jan. 8, 2023

John Kurtz has posted an hour-plus on some uncertainty on when The University of Norman and the University of Austin will finally flee to the SEC... whatever that is. Also, John says he's "as fired-up about K-State Basketball as I've been in a long time." (YouTube link)

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL: COVERAGE ON THE VICTORY: K-STATE 97, BAYLOR 95
Jan. 7, 2023

Here's K-State's official game recap. While we're at it, how about this Twitter video of Jerome Tang being presented his 2022 national championship ring by Scott Drew, prior to the game. Here's video of Jerome Tang's postgame press conference. (YouTube) Finally, here are cinematic highlights and the game highlights.

KEYONTAE JOHNSON AND MARKQUIS NOWELL POSTGAME: K-STATE 97, BAYLOR 95
Jan. 7, 2023

Here you'll see interesting comments from Keyontae and Markquis. (YouTube)

FITZ'S DAILY DELIVERY | K-STATE 97, BAYLOR 95
Jan. 7, 2023

The title of Fitz's comments is "Jerome Tang Wins the First Battle of Brothers with Scott Drew." (YouTube) He's impressed with three wins over ranked opponents. Fitz says Jerome Tang "makes players better." He notifes us that "this battle between brothers" will go on for years.

JEROME TANG'S PRESS CONFERENCE: K-STATE 97, BAYLOR 95
Jan. 7, 2023

Here's Jerome Tang's postgame press conference, after a very significant win for K-State, 14-1, 3-0 Big 12. He's very forthcoming with what he thinks. Other coaches will be trying to copy him, as his success continues. After 19 years at Baylor, he's not taking a lot of joy in beating them, because of his relationship with Scott Drew, but he sure did everything possible to give K-State the W. (YouTube)

CHRIS KLIEMAN: ON ESPN COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Jan. 6, 2023

Coach Klieman visited with the ESPN crew today about the season, playing TCU and the Big 12 championship, Deuce Vaughn's departure, and the future. Here's the Twitter link.

MOODY BLUES
Jan. 4, 2023

Our heroes, K-State Men's Basketball, laid the first-ever loss (in the brand new Moody Center) on #6/6 Texas on January 3: 116-103! Here's the official game recap. Oh, good! As I've been writing this, Tom Gilbert and friends have posted the version of the box score that I like. I can't wait to read the K-State Sports Extra that D. Scott Fritchen is certain to write on this glorious victory!

Fun Facts:

• After a 3-3 tie at 19:04, K-State led the remainder of the game!! K-State's largest lead was 20 points. The Cats led for 39:12.
• K-State's 116 points = the most ever scored by Men's Basketball, with the next-highest being 115 vs. Delaware State in 1991, and 115 vs. Fresno State in 1994. (I was at that game... the one when Askia Jones scored the record 62 points.)
• K-State scored 58 points in both halves!
• Marquis Nowell recorded a personal-record 36 points.
• Keyontae Johnson had 28 points.
• Cam Carter had 17 points.
• Nae'Qwan Tomlin had 11 points.
• All the starters scored double figures.
• K-State's winning streak is at 7 games.
• This was the Cats' first road win over a Top 10 opponent since 2017.
• ESPN: The Cats' 116 was/were the most points scored vs. an AP Top 10 team since 1948-49.

Fun Links:

• Game Preview: K-State Begins Road Trip at 6/6 Texas
• Tim Fitzgerald's Postgame Walk & Talk
• Jerome Tang's Postgame Press Conference
• Keyontae Johnson + Marquis Nowell - Postgame Press Conference
• Rewind: KSU 116, UT 103 by Michael Goens, GoPowercat.com
• Collegian: K-State Drops Over 100 Points in Wild Upset vs. Texas
• Sports Extra: Nowell, Johnson Lead Cats to Historic Performance
• Game Recap from Texas

K-STATE MARCHING BAND: ADOPT A FAMILY PROGRAM
Jan. 4, 2023

The members of The Pride of Wildcat Land, working as groups in their sections, shopped for, purchased and wrapped Christmas presents for families needing assistance. In total, more than $3,000 was raised. Good for them! (link)

TOP K-STATE MOMENTS FROM 2022
Jan. 3, 2023

We wonder if D. Scott Fritchen ever takes a day off! Here's his summary of the 2022 calendar year highlights - for numerous sports - in today's K-State Sports Extra. Something not included, although technically not a sport, is the Classy Cats' national championship. And... the K-State Crops Judging Team won another national championship!

DEUCE VAUGHN: THREE SPECIAL SEASONS
Jan. 3, 2023

I didn't think Deuce Vaughn would leave K-State early. I wish he would have stayed longer, but wish him well. Here's a farewell K-State Sports Extra.

TY ZENTNER'S COLLEGE FOOTBALL STORY COMING FULL CIRCLE
Dec. 28, 2022

Ty Zentner, after winning the Big 12 Championship for Wildcat Football, hardly needs any introduction, after his championship-winning field goal vs. TCU. But... here's a must-read, Pulitzer Prize-worthy profile on Ty, posted today by K-State's own D. Scott Fritchen. (K-State Sports Extra)

None of us will ever forget Ty, smiling ear-to-ear because he knew he was going to nail the field goal, stepping off the number of steps to be taken before the kick, then letting her rip — and he did! He worked very hard, for a long time, to be capable of what he did for us, and it's great to see him winding down his K-State career with this landmark performance!

K-STATE SUPERFAN ROBERT LIPSON'S 10 FAVORITE GAMES OF HIS LEGENDARY STREAK
Dec. 27, 2022

The Manhattan Mercury has posted a profile on Robert's decades-long tour of duty as the #1 Cats fan, which includes a streak of 200+ consecutive road Football games. (You'll probably have to be an online subscriber to read this. I'm a paid subscriber, and my aging web browser won't open it.)

BOWL WEEK STATS AND NOTES
Dec. 27, 2022

Here's a tremendous resource with a short title, from D. Scott Fritchen: Bowl Week Stats and Notes

JASON MANSFIELD HIRED AS VOLLEYBALL COACH
Dec. 27, 2022

Gene Taylor has announced today that Jason Mansfield, an assistant at Washington, is headed to MHK. He's been part of some impressive success there. Here's the announcement.

VISIT MY FOOTBALL ARTICLES + VIDEOS PAGE!
Dec. 24, 2022

The link's in yellow, in the left-side navigation column on this page (ON THIS SITE section), or you can click right here!

#9 K-STATE BATTLES #5 ALABAMA IN THE SUGAR BOWL
Dec. 24, 2022

Here's a link to the usual advance story before a K-State Football game. It has the usual links for watching and listening to the game. Also, here's a link to the Sugar Bowl Media Guide. Please note that the media guide PDF is so large, you have to download it, rather than previewing it in a web browser.

"THE ATHLETIC" GRADED ALL 65 POWER 5 FOOTBALL TEAMS. LOOK WHAT KANSAS STATE GOT!
Dec. 24, 2022

I don't know how I missed this report when it came out on December 6. (link) SPOILER ALERT: K-State got an A+. Scroll about halfway through the story to get to the Big 12 schools.

NAE'QWAN TOMLIN PROVING TO BE A HIGHLIGHT MACHINE
Dec. 23, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen wrote, "There are moments in a season that you just remember. Everyone remembers a buzzer-beating 3-pointer and everyone remembers a grind-it-out victory. Then there's the case of Kansas State's Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who might be the biggest sleeper in the Big 12 Conference, and who, with a mightily devastating dunk, might leave some opposing coaches restless around the league." Be sure to catch the latest K-State Sports Extra.

GET ACQUAINTED WITH COACH TANG
Dec. 21, 2022

Here's a YouTube video link to Men's Basketball Coach Jerome Tang's postgame press conference. (K-State 73, Radford 65) The conference runs 15 minutes, and it's a very good opportunity to get acquainted with Coach, and see how he approaches the game, and various decisions. We've got a real good one!

KEYONTAE JOHNSON: TURNING A DARK DAY INTO A CELEBRATION
Dec. 19, 2022

In today's K-State Sports Extra, D. Scott Fritchen points out that Monday of last week, Dec. 12, was Keyontae Johnson's "second birthday," as it was the anniversary of his returning to life after heart failure during a University of Florida basketball game. Now our new basketball star has two birthdays every year. His resuscitation birthday was celebrated with teammates and coaches, and Dick Vitale sent a special message. Keyontae is especially thankful that a doctor (or angel) came down from the stands, and instructed medical staff to shock his heart with a defibrillator.

Here's a link to the Nov. 8 K-State Sports Extra, which has all the details on Keyontae's medical emergency, and his path to K-State Men's BB. Don't miss these stories!

K-STATE SUPERFAN ROBERT J. LIPSON GOT TODAY'S "SPORTS EXTRA"
Dec. 14, 2022

Today, D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra is a profile on my friend, Robert Lipson, who recently returned from his 200th consecutive K-State Football road game. The title is Five Decades of Fandom. I've been around Robert since he arrived at K-State in the early 70s, and I've sat by him at many K-State Baseball and Women's Basketball games. I call sitting by him at games the Ultimate K-State Experience! Robert loves to holler wacky things to players and officials. At Baseball, a lot of what he yells is taken from football terms.

Robert makes sure to arrive at away games before the Cats, and welcomes them as they step off the bus or airplane. Coach Snyder used to let Robert speak to his teams now and then... especially before big games vs. Nebraska.

The staff at GoPowercat.com invite Robert to come on the air before K-State Football games for a game preview, known as Robert's Words. They have often posted a preseason interview with Robert. He does his homework. He knows about our teams and opponents, and I have always found his comments interesting.

If you sit by Robert, he's going to instruct you to attend an upcoming away game. He expects K-State fans to perform. Anyway, we have things in common. We both arrived at K-State in fall, 1970, and I'm 16 days older than Robert. Be sure to read about him! If you get the privilege of meeting him, in parting, I'll guarantee that he'll ask you to "enjoy the rest of your decade."

MARKQUIS NOWELL: GRADUATING ONE DAY, SCHOOLING OPPONENTS THE NEXT
Dec. 12, 2022

The latest K-State Sports Extra is a nice profile on Markquis, from Harlem to MHK. Don't miss it!

THE BIG 12's VALUE TO TV NETWORKS
Dec. 6, 2022

Tim Fitzgerald posted a chart today that shows the Big 12's draw for conference championship viewers this month. The SEC drew about 11 million, the Big 10 drew about 11 million, and the Big 12 drew about 9.5 million. The Big 12 was easily in 3rd place among the 10 conferences listed.

STAND UP FOR THE CHAMPIONS
Dec. 3, 2022

As written just below, the majority of the coverage of the 2022 Big 12 Championship can be found in my K-State Football page, but why not have the Stand Up for the Champions Video linked here?!

HAVE YOU VISITED MY K-STATE FOOTBALL PAGE?  
Dec. 3, 2022

I'm happy as can be about K-State Football's Big 12 Championship! You're not seeing much about it here, because a subdivision of this site has my K-State Football links. As of this moment, I believe I have exactly 1,000 links. The oldest one goes back to the 1989 Sports Illustrated story, Futility U. Here's your link to my K-State Football Articles & Videos.

AHEARN FIELD HOUSE STAYS: WITH A NEW LOOK
DEC. 2, 2022

Gwyneth Davidson with the Collegian has an interesting article related to President Linton's announcement that Ahearn (my favorite place on earth) is not coming down, although the Men's Gym and Natatorium will be demolished in the near future.

FIGHTING FOR THE NAME ON THE FRONT
NOV. 24, 2022

This is a K-State Sports Extra that's focused on the Cats' championship at the Cayman Islands Classic.

JOHNSON'S JUMPER LIFTS K-STATE TO CAYMAN ISLANDS INVITATIONAL TITLE
Nov. 23, 2022

K-State MBB 61, LSU 59. I was at K-State Volleyball's match vs. Texas Tech, and listening to the MBB game on my radio... passing on updates to fans around me. Athletics put the final moments on the Bramlage Coliseum scoreboard video board, soon after the win. (game recap) This brought to mind K-State Football's 42-20 rout of LSU in the Texas Bowl, on 1/04/22.

MARKQUIS NOWELL LEADS CATS WITH HISTORIC PERFORMANCE
Nov. 23, 2022

Markquis Nowell is having quite an impressive start to the new basketball season. For example, he recorded 29 points and 11 assists in the win vs. Nevada. His behind-the-back passes have been highlight reel material. D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra has his story.

JEROME TANG'S POSTGAME: K-STATE 96, NEVADA 87
Nov. 22, 2022

Compliments of GoPowercat.com, here's YouTube video of Coach's postgame. What an exciting game! It's going to be lots of fun seeing what our Cats and new coaching staff deliver this season!

NAE'QWAN TOMLIN: MAKING A SPLASH EARLY IN THE SEASON
Nov. 22, 2022

What an evening for #35 Nae'Qwan! He's 6' 10" and 210 pounds, and what an impression he made in the Caribbean tonight, in K-State's 96 - 87 outcome vs. Nevada! Coming into tonight, he had an average of 12.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocks. | Right now, the box score for the game hasn't been posted, but D. Scott Fritchen has a real nice introduction to our new Cat in this K-State Sports Extra.

TANG DISCUSSES KANSAS CITY GAME AT MEDIA AVAILABILITY
Nov. 16, 2022

There is fascinating information in this transcript of Coach Tang's latest media session. It's like a course in the current state of basketball. I highly recommend it! (K-State Sports link)

DON'T MISS THIS PASS FROM MARKQUIS NOWELL TO NAE'QWAN TOMLIN
Nov. 11, 2022

The occasion was Kansas State's visit to Cal Berkeley, for an impressive 63-54 victory. (recap) #1 Markquis Nowell had a steal in the lane at 3:48 in the first half, and handed off to #35 Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who started down the court. Tomin passed back to Nowell around half court. Nowell handed the ball to Markquis in the lane, and down the court they came. Two or three seconds later, Nowell did a super-smooth behind-the-back pass to Tomlin, who finished with a slam. (Twitter video)

COACH TANG AND LUKE SAUBER PRESENT THE COACH SNYDER AWARD
Nov. 10, 2022

Keyontae Johnson received the award. (Twitter link)

WELCOME BACK, KEYONTAE JOHNSON
Nov. 8, 2022

Yesterday, NCAA March Madness tweeted to welcome Keyontae Johnson back to basketball. Two years ago, while a Florida Gator, he was voted the SEC Preseason Player of the Year. Tim Fitzgerald of GoPowercat.com (who needs no introduction) focused today's Daily Delivery on Keyontae.

The story is that two years ago, during a game vs. Florida State, out of nowhere, Keyontae collapsed on the court. It was a heart thing, with no prior symptoms. A quick-thinking trainer got someone to do CPR. Florida didn't clear him to play, so two years later (now), Coach Tang made him a Wildcat. He seems to be doing fine! Finally, here are Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson meeting the press after the UTRGV game. (video) Finally, Part 2, here's D. Scott Fritchen's Nov. 8 K-State Sports Extra, A Grand Return to the Court.

JEROME TANG'S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE – K-State 93, UTRGV 59
Nov. 7, 2022

Jerome Tang's first game that counts in the record, vs. UTRGV, ended with the 1 in the right place... 1 - 0. Coach Tang was upbeat in many ways, but he stated that he felt the right level of intensity lasted about 17 minutes. He'd like to see 40 minutes of intensity. But... he likes that there's lots of time for growth to happen. (YouTube link) He discussed redshirting with three players who didn't get on the court today. They agreed to it. Here's the game recap.

Here's an upbeat Postgame Walk & Talk with Tim Fitzgerald, who stated that "The Doom Is Back in the Room." He predicts that we will lose some games, but the MBB Cats will outplay any way they need to.

ASK THE A.D., WITH GENE TAYLOR
Nov. 3, 2022

Earlier today, the latest episode was posted to YouTube. It has a bunch of interesting and relevant questions from Brian and Cat fans, and as you can imagine, this edition is very upbeat. I highly recommend it. By the way, if you scroll up, near the top of this page, you'll see a collection of links to Ask the A.D. episodes, dating back to 2017.

A GREAT START, BUT A LONG WAY TO GO
Nov. 2, 2022

This is the story of the beginning of the Jerome Tang era, in the Octangon of Doom, told by the great D. Scott Fritchen. It has quite a bit of focus on the Cats' interaction with fans, and Coach Tang's appreciation for the students. Coach said, "Man, for an exhibition game and to have two sections of the stands filled with students, I mean, that was incredible. I'm so thankful for the students and the fans who were there. You just felt the energy in the building. This is a good start, and we're going to build it from here. The goal is to have this place called the Octagon of Doom again."

COACH JEROME TANG'S FIRST POSTGAME CONFERENCE (WASHBURN)
Nov. 1, 2022

It was just an exhibition game, but this is a nice introduction to how Coach Tang looks at things, and what he's like. Coach gave a nice shout out to K-State fans, and said, "Fans impact winning." He said that, "To get where they want to get to individually - and where we want to get to collectively as a team - you've got to be every day guys and every play guys." (YouTube video)

$2,300,000,000 FOR BIG 12 MEDIA RIGHTS
Oct. 30, 2022

According to this tweet from Brett McMurphy, over a span of six years, Fox + ESPN will pay the Big 12 $2.3 billion, which will be $380 million per year. That will come to $50,000,000 per school, per year. K-State Athletics will have so many new buildings, there won't be any parking left at all.

KANSAS STATE FOOTBALL 48, OKLAHOMA STATE 0
Oct. 29, 2022

We'll be talking about this one for years to come! #22 K-State handled #9 Okie State 48 - 0. It wasn't all that many minutes into the game that it seemed that the Cats were destined to win. By halftime, the lead was KSU 35, OSU 0. The great D. Scott Fritchen wrote, "Oklahoma State became the first top-10 team to suffer a 40-plus point shutout loss since No. 11 California beat No. 10 Syracuse 43-0 in 1968." (I'm waiting to link to D. Scott's K-State Sports Extra until Athletics posts the permanent link.)

I'm collecting links to memorable stories on this epic victory. Go to my K-State Football Articles and Videos page to see them.

Be sure to see Tim Fitzgerald's . Fitz called this "the most significant defeat of a top 10 team by a lesser-ranked program in the history of college football." Also, an awesome highlights video has been released.

WYATT THOMPSON TO THE KANSAS BROADCASTERS HALL OF FAME TODAY
Oct. 23, 2022

K-State fans, you should march yourselves over to Twitter for five minutes! / Wyatt Thompson, @CatvoiceWyatt, Voice of the Cats, was added to the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame today. Wyatt is an exceptional broadcaster, a friend to all and a great representative of Kansas State University. (But you knew that.) Watch this tribute video, narrated by another great broadcaster, Brian Smoller. (K-State Sports video link)

K-STATE FOOTBALL'S MOST MEMORABLE PLAY IN EACH SEASON, 1989-2022
October 18, 2022

Presented by @TheKStateFan on YouTube, here you'll see jaw-dropping football performances, from Bill Snyder's first season to the present. (YouTube link) This is 16+ minutes of amazing football. Thanks much to Clint for putting this together!

BAYBE FIGHTS FOR EVERYTHING HE HAS
Oct. 17, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen has done it again, with this amazing K-State Sports Extra profile of new Men's Basketball player Abayomi Iyiola, from Nigeria. You'll learn how to pronounce his name, and how it's misprounced. (link)

FRANK MARTIN DOESN'T COACH HIS KIDS
Oct. 12, 2022

In this Twitter video, we have Frank Martin - who needs no introduction - passing on his opinion on parents coaching from the sidelines. This video has 5.6 million views! I first saw this video in January 2020.

CATS EAT TORNADOES
Oct. 8, 2022

A number of experts predicted a close game between the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Tornadoes. Stan Weber said tonight to expect more of this across the Big 12. D. Scott Fritchen K-State Sports Extra.

DYNAMIC DUO GETTING REVVED UP
October 3, 2022

While I have a separate page for Football stories, D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra, Dynamic Duo Getting Revved Up, is a must-read compilation of the teamwork we're seeing between Deuce Vaughn and Adrian Martinez this fall, and I wanted to promote it wherever I can.

WILDCAT LEGENDS COME TOGETHER FOR A CAUSE
September 12, 2022

This K-State Sports Extra is the story of the second Jordy Nelson Legends Classic Softball Game. It was so good to have legendary players return. Players were from Football, Women's Basketball and Baseball, primarily. It was a very nice day, compared to a long lightning delay fans endured the day before. Matt Walters did an awesome job as kind of a combination of umpire, master of ceremonies, interviewer an stand-up comedian.

AHEARN FUND: POWERING EXCELLENCE
September 10, 2022

Mitch Holthus did the voice-over for this new Powering Excellence promotion video for the Ahearn Fund. (Twitter video)

Here's the web page for the new campaign. Please note that you have to scroll down to take in everything.

THE TROUBLES WITH STUDENTS' NAUGHTY WABASH LYRICS MAY HAVE ENDED!
September 11, 2022

I was honestly astounded when I heard (from across the field) the student section at Wildcat Football yesterday, with a new, G-rated, "KSU" chant for Wabash Cannonball. I wonder if Coach Tang found some way to address the rascals as a group. Here's a link to a tweet by Grant Flanders of K-State Online yesterday morning.

ON THE PURPLE COUCH WITH COACH TANG
September 8, 2022

Coach Jerome Tang has been delivering a purple couch to the Boscoe Plaza, I think, and visiting with students. Coach can really engage students, which is an encouraging thing in terms of recruiting. (Twitter video)

DEUCE VAUGHN'S PREPARATION FOR A GAME
September 7, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen tweeted this coverage of Deuce's awe-inspiring video study before the South Dakota game. He knew exactly what to expect from his defender!

IMMERSING THEMSELVES IN K-STATE TRADITIONS
September 6, 2022

Here's a K-State Sports Extra that's focused on K-State Men's Basketball and Coach Jerome Tang. It has a lot of updates about the program, and we get to know more about Coach Tang. Click the link above!

AVERY JOHNSON'S COMMITMENT TO K-STATE
September 5, 2022

The big day was in July, but this video from GoPowercat.com was just released to non-subscribers today. Avery is from Maize, where he announced. (YouTube video)

A SPECIAL EVENING FOR K-STATE LEGENDS
September 5, 2022

Be sure to read D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra, A Special Evening for K-State Legends. I should explain that the Ring of Honor Induction event on September 2 is the topic. Each of the six honorees was asked to offer his comments. Tyler Lockett was the last one to the podium, as I recall, and he was upbeat and nonstop funny. I'm going to watch for video of the event.

FOOTBALL RING OF HONOR CEREMONY 2022
September 3, 2022

This YouTube video runs 1:45. The ceremony took place the night before the first football game of fall 2022, when the honorees were presented.

K-STATE ATHLETICS | 2022 STRATEGIC PLAN
August 30, 2022

This isn't a written plan. It's about a three-minute YouTube video, and it has voices of K-State Athletes, talking about their growth during their time in MHK, K-State's emphasis on family and belonging, and it ends with a famous quote by Keith Jackson.

AMY MORTIMER GARMAN: INSPIRING OTHER WOMEN LIKE THOSE WHO INSPIRED HER
August 30, 2022

Amy is legendary among K-State athletes. I always enjoyed reading about her latest successes. She was an awesome role model for girls everywhere. D. Scott Fritchen has done it again, with a wonderful update on Amy, who I didn't realize is a K-State professor. (K-State Sports Extra)

WYATT THOMPSON TO THE KANSAS ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS HALL OF FAME
August 23, 2022

Dave Lewis dropped by Wyatt's office, today or recently, to inform Wyatt that he'll be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame in October. Cat fans everywhere will agree that Wyatt has done an exceptional job of covering the Cats (Football, Basketball and Baseball) this past two decades. He is always very well-prepared for his play-by-play coverage. Also, I have complimented him numerous times on his skill with interviewing coaches and players. Wyatt has been named the Kansas Sportscaster of theYear six times. We're very fortunate to have him on our side. He's entering his 21st year as Voice of the Cats.

Here's the announcement from K-State Sports, and Twitter video of Dave Lewis delivering the news to the future Hall of Famer. (K-State Sports Network link)

LON KRUGER TO THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
June 29, 2022

Here's a brief announcement.

TITLE IX CHANGED THINGS FOR WOMEN EVERYWHERE, INCLUDING K-STATE
June 23, 2022

Here's a real nice K-State Sports Extra on women's athletics, before and after Title IX, by D. Scott Fritchen, of course.

VERYL SWITZER'S LEGACY CELEBRATED BY ALL
June 20, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen has posted an amazing and extensive K-State Sports Extra that honors the life of Veryl Switzer, a lifelong K-Stater, who died a few days ago at the age of 89. (link) Veryl served in a number of roles for K-State. For a time, I was on a committee with him. He has a well-deserved spot in K-State Football's Ring of Honor, and for a time, was Associate Athletic Director. Be sure to have a look at his mini-biography.

COACH JEROME TANG SAMPLER
SPRING 2022

Here are bits and pieces about - and from - Coach Tang in his early days at Kansas State.

A Longstanding Relationship Brought Maligi to K-State - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
An Open Letter to Jerome Tang - editorial by Ned Seaton, Manhattan Mercury
Anthony Winchester Has His Hands in Everything - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Anthony Winchester Selected as Director of Video Ops - K-State Sports
Ask the A.D., with Gene Taylor and Brian Smoller - YouTube
Austin Carpenter: New Director of Player Development - Manhattan Mercury
Breaking Podcast - GoPowercat.com (44 min.) *****
Coach Tang getting the offer from Gene / the exact moment - photo by Kenny Lannou
- GoPowercat.com audio
- Twitter video
Five Things to Know about Jerome Tang - K-State Alumni Association
Gene Taylor: Jerome Tang and the new Big 12 - College Basketball 365 / (YouTube, 17 min.)
Gene Taylor masterfully led a search for a new coach - Tim Fitzgerald, GoPowercat.com
Gene Taylor Talks Jerome Tang Hiring Process - John Kurtz, KC Sports Network
- Kellis Robinett, The Wichita Eagle
How K-State's Search Began and Ended with Jerome Tang - Kellis Robinett, Wichita Eagle
- D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Ismael Massoud interview, after the introduction - GoPowercat.com / (YouTube, 2 min.)
- Collegian
Jareem Dowling Brings Vibrant Personality to K-State" - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Jareem Dowling 'excited' to serve as MBB assistant - Manhattan Mercury
Jareem Dowling Hired as Assistant Coach - GoPowercat.com
Jareem Dowling Hired as Assistant Coach - kstatesports.com
Jerome Tang after the interview - GoPowercat.com / (YouTube, 8 min.)
Jerome Tang after the press conference - GoPowercat.com video
Jerome Tang Already Has Kansas State Players Dreaming Big - Kellis Robinett, Wichita Eagle
Jerome Tang and Scott Drew: A Bond Built by Hard Work - Tim Everson, Manhattan Mercury
Jerome Tang explains why K-State is being so patient in the portal - 3MAW Podcast / Twitter
Jerome Tang interview - 365 Sports / (YouTube, starting at ~ 2 hrs., 40 min.)
Jerome Tang Is the Ultimate Self-Made Man in College Basketball - Kellis Robinett, Wichita Eagle
Jerome Tang sounds off on his vision for Kansas State basketball - GoPowercat.com
Jerome Tang sounds off on why he almost passed on the Kansas State job - GoPowercat.com
Jerome Tang Starts to Build, Lands First Commitment - George Michalowski, theportalreport.com
Jerome Tang visits with Wyatt Thompson - K-State MBB video (8 min.) *****
Jerome Tang: win against the Big 12... not just KU - GoPowercat.com / (YouTube, 3 min.)
K-State Announces Jerome Tang as Men's Basketball Coach - kstatesports.com *****
K-State Confirms Baylor's Tang as New MBB Coach - Manhattan Mercury
Kevin Sutton: A New Role, but the Goal Is Still the Same - K-State Sports Extra *****
Kevin Sutton: Director Basketball Strategies - @KStateMBB
Kevin Sutton: Director Basketball Strategies - Manhattan Mercury
Lamar Hurd Witnessed Tang's Journey 'out the mud' - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Life Is Good as the Cats Hit the Court - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Loyal and Dedicated, Marco Borne Excited to Serve - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Marco Borne Selected as MBB Chief of Staff - kstatesports.com
New York Native Duo Poised to Lead New Era - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Nijel Pack enters transfer portal - Manhattan Mercury
Pack, Nowell and Massoud impressed by Tang hire - Manhattan Mercury
Phil Baier announced as K-State MBB's strength coach - Manhattan Mercury
Phil Baier Excited for Opportunities On and Off the Court - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Press Conference (introduction) - YouTube video (30 min.) *****
RJ Jones Is Jerome Tang's Second Commitment from the 2023 Class - Sports Illustrated
Scott Drew, after Jerome's hiring - CBS Sports on Twitter
Scott Drew speaks on Jerome Tang - GoPowercat.com / (YouTube, 20 min.)
- D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra *****
Tang Addresses a Rash of Transfers from K-State MBB - Manhattan Mercury
Tang Ready to 'Elevate' K-State Basketball - Manhattan Mercury
Tang Still Blown Away by K-State Community - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra *****
Tang Thankful and Ready to Work - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra *****
The Optimism Cup Overflows - Fitz & Co., Powercat Podcast
Ulric Maligi: Impacting Others through Basketball - D. Scott Fritchen, K-State Sports Extra
Ulric Maligi Named Associate Head Coach - GoPowercat.com / (YouTube, 23 min.)
Underwood Is Out; Tang Is the Target - Tim Fitzgerald, GoPowercat.com / (YouTube, 3 min.)
Wabash in the Student Section - Grant Flanders on Twitter
What to Expect from Tang - Jimmy Goheen / Boscoe's Boys podcast

THE LOVE FOR K-STATE KEEPS WYATT THOMPSON GOING
June 13, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen has a must-read profile on the Voice of the Cats, Wyatt Thompson, who certainly needs no introduction. (link) Through the miracle of editing, I can inform you here that on about August 23, 2022, Wyatt will be informed that he will be inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame! This is a well-deserved addition to his Kansas Sportscaster of the Year awards, as well as others.

A WELL-DESERVED MOMENT FOR SKYLAR THOMPSON, OUR FAVORITE DOLPHIN
May 3, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen has posted this K-State Sports Extra, with the details of a call from Chris Grier, general manager of the Miami Dophins. It was his NFL draft offer. I know all Cat fans are delighted. He has been through so much adversity in his life. His determination has brought him to this tremendous milestone. Have fun, Skylar!

POWERCAT AUCTION 2022
April 29, 2022

The annual Powercat Auction is a fun event. I've been a few times. It's held on the Bramlage Coliseum floor. Ahearn donors pay $150 for the dinner and evening. I'm not sure how long the auction lasted, but three hours wouldn't be far off.

I'd say that more than anything else, it's K-State Athletics-related experiences, for example: a Mexican vacation at Dr. McAtee's place for $44,000, traveling with the MBB team to the Cayman Islands for $44,000, a Packers trip with Jordy for $57,500 and a pool party with the Football staff for $56,000. Have a look at the auction outcomes right here. Oh... I forgot. The life-size bobblehead of Darren Sproles sold for $40,000!

K-STATE ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES ACADEMIC INCENTIVE AWARD PROGRAM
April 20, 2022

There's now an annual academic performance award of $5,980, for scholarship athletes only. Donors have already contributed $600 K for the first year's cost of $1,400,000. Some of the award will come along the way, with the final amount earned upon graduation. (link)

NEW NIL COLLECTIVE FOUNDED TO HELP KSU ATHLETICS
April 17, 2022

Tim Everson of the Manhattan Mercury has an interesting introduction to a Name, Image and Likeness opportunity for our athletes. It will begin operation on April 20. The founders have familiar names: Aaron Lockett and Curry Sexton. Aaron's a sports agent, and Curry is a lawyer. The service will be known as The Wildcats' Den. It appears that our athletes will be compensating for such things as promotions on social media, meet and greets and commercials. (link)

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? STAN WEBER
April 16, 2022

Stan Weber is a great K-Stater, if ever there was one. Cooper Deters of the Collegian has posted a real nice profile on one of my heroes, Stan Weber, who has been a major figure in K-State sports for almost 40 years. This is starting as a player and quarterback for Wildcat Football in the early 1980s. Soon after that, he began color commentary for K-State Football, with another hero, Mitch Holthus. He then continued through Greg Sharpe's time, and currently broadcasts games with Wyatt Thompson. Stan added Men's Basketball color commentary to his agenda later on. A noteworthy part of Stan's career is having seen every snap of the Bill Snyder era (27 seasons), in his 35 years on the air. Three of Stan and Nancy's kids, Kenzi, Landry and Stanton, excelled in K-State sports. Don't miss this awesome profile!

WHY CHRIS KLIEMAN ISN'T OPENING A SINGLE PRACTICE TO FANS THIS SPRING
April 13, 2022

This report in the Star and the Eagle is from Kellis Robinett. The stated reason for this is injuries. I'm not sure what to think, but I wonder why so many are getting injured in spring practice season. I thought that there's more kind of touch football in practices. (link)

BASEBALL CATS DIG THE LONG BALL
April 8, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra today is a look at K-State Baseball's excellent production of home runs this season, which at the moment is third in the Big 12. Leading the way is Dylan Phillips, the program's career home runs leader. For the rest of his career, he'll obviously be in a position to set a new record. I hope our opponents don't give up, and take to walking him with each time at bat.

JILL SHIELDS' WINDING BASKETBALL ROAD COMES FULL CIRCLE
April 5, 2022

Here's an interesting K-State Sports Extra on Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Jill Shields. It has all kinds of details on her background and experiences, and a major focus on her role on the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee.

BRAD UNDERWOOD ON THE KANSAS STATE COACH SEARCH
April 2, 2022

In this interview, apparently with WHB, Brad repeatedly mentioned his love for K-State. On the other hand, he went into great detail on the exceptional situation he has at Illinois, including $170 million spent on their arena, and a new $40 million practice facility. (link)

The GoPowercat.com staff state that, if approved, Brad will have a $4.1 million salary, and a $500,000 retention bonus. That places him in the top 10 of coaches nationwide. He would have had to pay $9.5 million if he left illinois for K-State.

JEROME TANG INTRODUCED AS HEAD COACH OF THE CATS  
Mar. 24, 2022

Here's a YouTube link to video of the historic and joyous hiring of Jerome Tang as coach of the Cats. Under a heading SPRING 2022 in this section, I have about 50 links to various topics related the hiring of Jerome and his staff. But... I came back here in March 2023 to look at the video - knowing he accepted the job on March 24, and couldn't find it. So... look in the June 2022 topics for the 50 links, but here's Coach's formal introduction in the Shamrock Zone, and his unforgettable, "It's a great day to be a Wildcat!"

AN OPEN LETTER TO JEROME TANG
March 22, 2022

If you're subscribed to the Manhattan Mercury, put down what you're doing and read Ned Seaton's editorial that introduces Manhattan to Jerome Tang. While Ned went to school at Harvard, he's spent a lot more time in MHK, and he does a tremendous job of characterizing Manhattan to our new coach. (link)

247 SPORTS: JEROME TANG WILL BRING A LOT TO KANSAS STATE
March 20, 2022

I'd not heard of the author of this feature from 247 Sports, Eric Bossi, or its subject, Jerome Tang, until this week, but it's both interesting and encouraging. Reportedly, Jerome has been an assistant at Baylor for the past 19 years. A recent NCAA championship is a nice thing to have on your resume. Coach Tang is known for player development and recruiting.

It will be interesting to see how he is received. Bruce Weber - unfairly, in my opinion - wasn't given much chance when he arrived here. I think that regardless of our opinions, we must support the program with excellent attendance. Programs can get into a real downward spiral in terms of recruiting and success, when fans have lost interest or confidence, and stay home.

GENE TAYLOR COMMENTS ON THE K-STATE MBB COACHING SEARCH
March 10, 2022

Gene acknowledged that Bruce didn't meet his own expectations for this season. He's complimentary - while sometimes contradictory - in his comments. Gene says K-State should "be in a position to compete for Big 12 championships on a regular basis, and be able to qualify for the NCAA tournament on a pretty consistent basis." Here's the 10-minute YouTube video.

BRUCE WEBER ANNOUNCES HIS RESIGNATION
March 10, 2022

I'm sad that Bruce's ten-season tenure is over. We couldn't ask for a finer man as our coach, and I think the great majority of his players have great appreciation for him. Bruce guided the Cats to two Big 12 championships. He leaves with a winning record of 184-147. Only Tex Winter and Jack Hartman had more NCAA Tournament wins. The Big 12 is hardly an easy conference. I wish him the best, wherever he goes from here. This 26-minute YouTube video has Bruce's final comments to the media.

MBB ALL-BIG 12 HONORS ANNOUNCED / NIJEL PACK: FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG 12
March 6, 2022

The Big 12 wrote,

"Sophomore guard Pack leads the Wildcats in nearly every offensive category, including scoring (17.4 ppg), 30-point games (3), 20-point games (7) double-digit scoring games (27) and 3-point field goals made (92). He currently ranks 14th nationally and first in the Big 12 in 3-point field goals per game (3.29), while he is seventh in the nation and first in the league in 3-point field goal percentage (.436/92-211)."

THE NIGHT WE BEAT THE RUSSIANS
March 5, 2022

Today's Manhattan Mercury has several pages that retell the story of Kansas State Men's Basketball beating the Russian national team, 57-54, in January 1978. I was there. The crowd was excited about the opportunity, and was loud and involved.

The game was in the era known as the Cold War... roughly March 12, 1947 to December 3, 1989, when Ronald Reagan befriended Mikhail Gorbachev. The period was probably at its most dangerous during the brief Cuban missle crisis, when President Kennedy confronted Russia for starting to set up Cuba as a missile base. Our history with Russia set the stage for a game with a built-in rivalry. Be sure to check out the work of former player Larry Weigel. (Part 1, by Larry Weigel) (Part 2, by Ned Seaton)

COMMENTS FROM BRUCE WEBER, MARK SMITH AND MIKE McGUIRL AFTER THE OU GAME
March 5, 2022

Here's video from Bruce Weber, then Mark Smith and Mike McGuirl.

MIKE McGUIRL: 'I'LL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL'
March 4, 2022

Here's a K-State Sports Extra that's put together in Mike's own words. It's tremendous, and I highly recommend it, as it covers his childhood, recruitment and his years as a Cat. (link)

CONFIDENT NIJEL PACK KEEPS RAISING THE BAR
February 28, 2022

Nijel Pack had 32 points vs. Iowa State on February 26, and earlier in the month, laid 35 on KU. He's the topic of D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra today. D. Scott reports, "Nijel has 87 made 3-pointers, fifth most in single-season history, and the most 3-pointers in a season since Jacob Pullen (110) and Denis Clemente (88) in 2009-10. He has hit a 3-pointer in 31 consecutive games dating back to last season — a streak that trumps the original school record by Steve Henson (25) in 1989."

FOR NOWELL, IT'S ALWAYS BEEN HEART OVER HEIGHT
February 22, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra gets us better acquainted with Marquis Nowell. He's 5' 8", and certainly has made an impact this season for K-State MBB.

IOWA STATE WIN: ROAD DAWGS NEVER STOPPED FIGHTING
February 14, 2022

K-State Men's Basketball, down 15 points in the second half, took the game to overtime and won 75-69 in Hilton Coliseum. D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra is a look at this significant win, with comments from players. The big win's also reviewed in D. Scott's February 15 Sports Extra, Coming Together for the Stretch Run.

K-STATE ATHLETICS LOST $10,800,000 IN 2021, BUT GENE SAYS THE BUDGET WILL RECOVER
February 10, 2022

Here's an update from Kellis Robinett, posted to the Star and the Eagle. Down $10 million? How about not building two football fields in the middle of our parking lot, and a volleyball building that no one wants? (link)

NIJEL PACK: "THEY BELIEVED IN ME BEFORE ALL THE HYPE CAME AROUND."
February 11, 2022

Kellis Robinett of the Star and the Eagle has an awesome background story on the recruitment of our hero, Nijel Pack. (link) We're so happy and fortunate to have him on our side!

NIJEL PACK: BIG 12 PLAYER OF THE WEEK
February 7, 2022

Alright! Here's the Big 12's tweet with the awesome news, and their web page announcement. This is his second recognition in three weeks. The Big 12 said,

"Pack posted consecutive 20-point games in helping K-State to wins over Oklahoma State at home and TCU on the road. He averaged 21 points on 59.3 percent shooting (16-of-27), including 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from 3-point range, along with 3.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.5 steals in 37.0 minutes per game. The sophomore guard capped a game-high 22-point night against OSU with the game-winning 3-pointer with 2.2 seconds left. He also added three rebounds, three steals and two assists in 36 minutes. Pack scored a game-high 20 points in the win at TCU, hitting on 7-of-10 field goals, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, to go with a game-high four steals, four rebounds and three assists in 38 minutes."

VERSATILE SMITH ON PACE FOR BEST SEASON YET
February 4, 2022

K-State MBB's Mark Smith has become a household name across the Wildcat Nation this season. D. Scott Fritchen wrote, "I watch Mark Smith. He's captivating. He drains 3-pointers. He grabs rebounds over the bigger guys. He drives 50 feet and powers past two defenders on the way to the hoop. He hits turnaround jumpshots. He steals the ball. He draws the offensive charge. At times, watching the basketball and Smith is one in the same. Follow the ball. Odds are, you'll find Smith." He has real determination, and a will to contribute. Read more in the latest K-State Sports Extra.

PRIDE OF WILDCAT LAND MARCHED ITS WAY THROUGH KANSAS, TEXAS IN JAM-PACKED SEASON
February 1, 2022

I couldn't be more proud of our band, or more thankful for them. Dr. Frank Tracz and Dr. Alex Wimmer have set a standard of hard work and excellent performance that consistently impresses everyone. Here's a look back at the season, and especially the bowl game trip. (link)

DESPITE A LOSS, NIJEL PACK HAS A SPECIAL DAY
January 25, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen visited with the great Nijel Pack after the 75 - 78 KU loss, for this K-State Sports Extra. Our sophomore star ended with 35 points, and he had 22 points in the first half. Then KU greatly increased their defense on him in the second half.

Yesterday, Nijel was named Big 12 Player of the Week, along with Agbaji from KU. We are so fortunate to have Mr. Pack on our side!

K-STATE MEN'S BB SEEKS TO KEEP BUILDING OFF BIG WIN
January 17, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen looks back to the transition from a 57-60 loss to TCU (after a late 5-point lead) to victory over #19 TTU, 62-51, in this K-State Sports Extra. The win over Tech was significant not only because they were ranked, but they had just beaten #6 KU, #1 Baylor, and most recently, OU by 21 points. Was TTU tired? Probably. Was K-State tired of losing? Very much so!

KRUGER SHARES FAVORITE K-STATE MEMORIES
January 14, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen has another must-read K-State Sports Extra... this one a visit with K-State Hall-of-Famer Lon Kruger.

CATS CONTINUE FIGHTING THROUGH DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES
January 10, 2022

D. Scott Fritchen tells the story of Jermaine Henderson becoming the sole coach when K-State faced WVU on January 8. There were no other coaches, Mike McGuirl didn't travel, Wyatt and Stan couldn't go, etc., because of the ever-annoying virus. Read the latest K-State Sports Extra.

HENINGTON, TEAMMATES AND K-STATE NATION LEND A HELPING HAND
December 21, 2021

This is the wrap-up to the wonderful story of the GoFundMe started by Ryan Henington of K-State Football in the second week of December, hoping to take around 10 youngsters Christmas shopping, at $100 each. The K-State Family responded, with over $15,000 contributed in a short time. (K-State Sports Extra)

A PLACE TO CALL HOME
December 25, 2021

The Christmas edition of the K-State Sports Extra has the title shown above. It tells the story of the need for a unified place for the Pride of Wildcat Land... a place that would include offices, rehearsal rooms and storage space for the instruments carried by around 300 students. This is going to become a reality over the next two years, and thanks to a contribution by Ward and Brenda Morgan, it will be known as the Tracz Family Band Hall. Learn all about it at the link above, which has D. Scott Fritchen visiting with Dr. Frank Tracz.

DR. FRANK TRACZ POSTS A EULOGY FOR THE LATE JOAN FRIEDERICH
December 23, 2021

On behalf of the Pride of Wildcat Land and the university community, Dr. Tracz has posted on Facebook this wonderful tribute to Joan Friederich, the secretary to K-State Football coaches for about 42 years. Summer camp business and weekly radio shows took me into the Vanier Complex often, and I was always delighted to visit with Joan.

I believe it's important for university faculty and staff to help students feel connected to the institution and valued, and Joan was well-known for doing that over the decades. I might add that Dr. Tracz has been doing the same thing for decades.

RIP, Joan.

MARKQUIS DOING A BIT OF EVERYTHING FOR THE CATS
December 13, 2021

Here's a great K-State Sports Extra. The subject is a strong start for our transfer guard from Little Rock.

THE TRACZ FAMILY BAND HALL
December 15, 2021

I'm delighted to report that the renovation of KSU's Memorial Stadium for The Pride of Wildcat Land will be known as the Tracz Family Band Hall, thanks to a major donation by Ward and Brenda Morgan.

Dr. Tracz is truly a K-State legend. His leadership and quest for excellence resulted in the highest honor for a college band, the Sudler Trophy, in 2015. I like to go to band rehearsals, to watch him lead and teach. Since the KSUMB practices on the Memorial Stadium field, and the location will provide ample and efficient storage space, this will be a great help. Finally, DT is the funniest person on earth.

FITZ'S DAILY DELIVERY AFTER 1-POINT MARQUETTE LOSS
December 8, 2021

This postgame recap video has both positive and negative comments. I felt the Cats worked hard, - especially early on - maybe to the point where they were a bit tired, later in the game. I felt they really went after rebounds. Ultimately, Marquette got one more rebound. The Cats shot 39% on FG, and Marquette shot 41%. Have a look at the box score. It looks pretty even. Maybe one difference is Marquette made five more 3FGs (although the Cats' % was better).

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL-OF-FAMERS BILL SNYDER AND DARREN SPROLES
December 7, 2021

Here we see my heroes, College Football Hall of Fame Coach Bill Snyder and Hall of Fame Inductee, #43 Darren Sproles, at Darren's induction on December 7, 2021. I have the highest respect and appreciation for both of these gentlemen. What a privilege it was to watch them work their magic at Kansas State! Here is tweet 1 from K-State Sports, and tweet 2, showing Darren with his certificate.

SPORTS EXTRA: THE "WINSTON RULE" ROOTED IN K-STATE / MARQUETTE HISTORY
December 7, 2021

I've been thinking about our game vs. Marquette in March 1977, in Oklahoma City. I was there. Our Wildcats were playing Marquette in the NCAA Midwest Regional... one victory from the Final Four. D. Scott Fritchen's K-State Sports Extra tells the story of the 67-66 loss to the eventual National Champion.

I recall the Cats having a nice lead earlier in the game, but Al McGuire started working the refs like crazy in the second half, and Marquette drew closer.

The great Darryl Winston layed up a shot missed by the great Mike Evans, and was fouled. With a two-point basket and a made free throw, the Cats would have won, but a referee disallowed the layup as a tip in. Darryl had taken that shot instead of dunking it, because it was well known that Jack Hartman didn't like dunks. So, instead of tying the game, Winston made two free throws, and that was that. It was a long ride home.

CATS TAKE ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN WSU WIN
December 7, 2021

D. Scott Fritchen's latest K-State Sports Extra is a recap of the 65-59 victory over WSU, and also an update on the great Nijel Pack, who's in a concussion protocol. I know we all wish him the best. I'm still reeling over the fact that it had been 18 years since we last played the Wheaties. As avoidance of them became a pattern, everyone knew it was because it was likely that we would lose, and that wasn't good for our program in any way. Meanwhile, a few times, MBB went down to Wichita to play a non-conference game against another team.

FITZ'S POSTGAME WALK & TALK | K-STATE MBB VS. WSU
December 5, 2021

I'm real happy for Tim Fitzgerald, who announced last week that he's in remission. He's upbeat in this video recap of the Cats' 65-59 win over the WSU Wheaties®. (video) I had completely lost track of the fact that K-State hadn't played WSU in 18 years!

MBB CATS SEE POTENTIAL AFTER HALL OF FAME CLASSIC
November 25, 2021

Today's K-State Sports Extra combines introductions to our new players, reviews of the 72-64 losses to #13 Arkansas and #14 Illinois and Bruce Weber's comments.

ERIK KYNARD AWARDED AN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL... AFTER 9 YEARS
November 17, 2021

Erik came in second in high jump at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Later, it was determined that a Russian contestant was involved in doping, and last week, the IOC reassigned the results. Here's a complete report from The Manhattan Mercury.

SPORTS EXTRA: Q&A WITH TERENCE NEWMAN
November 3, 2021

D. Scott Fritch posted a great K-State Sports Extra today on Ring of Honor member Terence Newman. I wasn't aware that Terence was heavily recruited by The University of Lawrence, who obviously thought they had him. This is a tremendous reminder of the process Terence went through in becoming a K-State superstar. I had the privilege of seeing every home game he played in, and have tremendous appreciation for his accomplishments.

K-STATE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME | K-STATE SPORTS EXTRA
October 3, 2021

D. Scott Fritchen has just posted a must-read K-State Sports Extra, documenting the awesome event. No one writes better than D. Scott. Along with this, you can watch video of the event and acceptance speeches. Finally, here's video of the halftime recognition at the OU Football game, the next day.

Hey! I just ran across video of the halftime recognition of Darren Sproles for the College Football Hall of Fame!

Q&A WITH K-STATE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE JORDY NELSON
September 30, 2021

Here's D. Scott Fritchen's visit with Jordy.

LAURIE KOEHN TO THE K-STATE SPORTS HALL OF FAME
September 28, 2021

Laurie's an excellent choice. She went in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. For several years, she held the NCAA WBB record for career three-point FGs. Her total of 392 has been the Big 12 WBB record for 15 years! (link) She will be inducted into the K-State Hall of Fame on October 1. K-State says,

Laurie Koehn was one of the greatest sharpshooters in women's NCAA history while at K-State from 2002-05. She is the all-time leader in 3-point field goals made in Big 12 history with 392 (also a NCAA record until 2020), and in attempts at 942, while also holding the Big 12 record for career free-throw percentage at 87.7. Named the ESPN.com Rookie of the Year as a freshman, Koehn helped the Wildcats explode onto the national spotlight with a 26-8 season and a Sweet 16 appearance in 2002. The Cats followed up that season with a school-record 29-5 campaign in 2003 before claiming the program's first-ever Big 12 Championship in 2004. Koehn was named All-Big 12 three times during her career, and was a two-time Academic All-American. Koehn ranks fifth in school history in career points with 1,733, and remains littered in the record book for 3-pointers. Koehn signed a free agent contract with the Washington Mystics for the 2005 season. and went on to enjoy an eight-year professional basketball career both in the WNBA and overseas. Among Koehn's career international playing highlights was a gold medal as a member of Team USA's U18 team in July of 2000 at the FIBA Americas Championship, and a silver medal as a member of Team USA again in 2003 at the Pan American Games. Koehn was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

Laurie is the subject of today's K-State Sports Extra by D. Scott Fritchen.

Q&A WITH K-STATE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE DAVID ALLEN
September 27, 2021

Catch up with K-State Football Ring of Honor member David Allen, in today's K-State Sports Extra.

K-STATE ATHLETICS TO INDUCT THE 2021 HALL OF FAME CLASS
September 27, 2021

The official induction will be on October 1. There's an extremely impressive group to be honored this week: David Allen, Laurie Koehn, AJ Morris, Jordy Nelson, Darren Sproles, the Vanier family, Liz Wegner Busch, Mike Wroblewski and Attila Zsiovczky. (link)

DEUCE VAUGHN – EXPECTING THIS MOMENT, AND MORE TO COME...
September 20, 2021

Deuce Vaughn achieved 1,000 career rushing yards on Saturday vs. Nevada. It took Vaughn just 13 games to do what Sproles did in 14, and what Alex Barnes did in 20. Don't miss the latest example of D. Scott Fritchen's exceptional writing, in today's K-State Sports Extra. (link)

AN ENCOURAGING BIG 12 EXPANSION UPDATE FROM GOPOWERCAT.COM
September 8, 2021

Big 12 member institutions were expected to remain silent at this stage, but somebody spilled the beans, and Jamie Pollard commented on what was reported. At this point - and not unexpectedly - the teams that may come our way are: BYU, Cincinnati, Houston and UCF. (GoPowercat.com link)

JOHN KURTZ: BIG 12's FOUR FAVORITE EXPANSION CANDIDATES
September 3, 2021

Here, on YouTube, you'll see John's list, based on a meeting of Big 12 commissioners this week.

LOGAN LANDERS BRINGS VERSATILITY TO MBB
September 2, 2021

Here's another well-done K-State Sports Extra by Austin Siegel.

JOHN KURTZ HAS 1:04 ON A STATEMENT FROM THE BIG 12 + WEEKEND FOOTBALL
September 1, 2021

(YouTube)

ROBERT'S WORDS: MAD COW AND THE COVERED WAGON
August 29, 2021

My friend, superfan Robert Lipson, has penned his annual look back at last year, with comments on the 2021-22 seasons. He has an amazing mind for facts and analysis, as you'll see in his essay for GoPowercat.com. (link) While this is a subscription site, I wasn't logged in when I read it.

TO AVOID A FUNERAL, BIG 12 MUST ADD BEST OF THE REST
August 26, 2021

Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has what I think is sound advice for the Big 12. It's just common sense that quickly signing on impressive teams will help avoid further defections. There are good teams out there, with good fan bases, and we don't have to wait to add them, in my opinion. (link)

NED SEATON: WHY THE SENATE OUGHT TO INVESTIGATE ESPN
August 24, 2021

Manhattan Mercury publisher Ned Seaton began by noting that both Kansas senators have called for an investigation of ESPN, claiming the sports cartel attempted to break up the Big 12 for the company's gain. Seaton believes that if the realignment doesn't end well, it could mean a huge economic blow for the area. (link)

APPEALING OPTIONS EXIST FOR A BIG 12, PAC 12 ALLIANCE
August 5, 2021

While a merger of the two powerhouse conferences doesn't seem likely, Kellis Robinett of The Wichita Eagle suggests that while there is concern about them being left behind the Big 10 and the SEC, they might start a practice of playing teams in the other conference instead of the cupcakes and marshmallows (as Robert Lipson calls weaker opponents) in the non-conference portion of the schedule. (Wichita Eagle link)

MITCH HOLTHUS SAYS TO OU AND UT: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
August 5, 2021

Mitch says the defectors are going to get more than they expect when they land in the SEC. He has examples of other schools that have gotten in over their heads. Nebraska is an excellent example. (YouTube link)

ROGER MARSHALL CALLS FOR DOJ INVESTIGATION OF ESPN
August 4, 2021

Senator Roger Marshall wants the Department of Justice to look into allegations of ESPN attempting to break up the Big 12, reports the Manhattan Mercury.

FOOTBALL CATS AT BOARD AND BRUSH
July 30, 2021

Deuce Vaughn was the life of the party when the FB Cats went to a local crafts place for some fine art and bonding. Will we see any of their masterpieces at Hobby Lobby® or the Beach Gallery? (Facebook video link)

BOB BOWLSBY LASHES OUT IN DEFENSE OF THE BIG 12
July 29, 2021

Commissioner Bowlsby reports that he has found evidence that ESPN was attempting to destroy the Big 12 for its benefit. It's been suggested that ESPN is possibly coordinating with the AAC (whoever that is) to invite Big 12 members to join. Don't miss this blockbuster story by Tim Fitzgerald. (GoPowercat.com)

ASK THE A.D., WITH GENE TAYLOR
July 29, 2021

Wyatt Thompson has a seven-minute visit with Gene Taylor about the mess OU and UT have made. Nothing was known of this until the two schools went public. Gene's messages are 1) don't believe all the associated Internet rumors, 2) we're a Power 5 conference, and will continue to be, 3) our leaders and Bob Bowlsby are communicating a great deal about strategy and 4) don't panic, and stick together. / Along with the interview, there are some awesome game videos. (YouTube link)

BIG 12 ACCUSES ESPN OF ORCHESTRATING REALIGNMENT
July 28, 2021

Ryan Black, in the Manhattan Mercury, has posted an article regarding the Big 12's response to ESPN in relation to the recent announcement by OU and UT that they want to defect to the SEC. (link)

OPINION: BIG 12 NEEDS CENTRAL FLORIDA
July 27, 2021

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel has posted this interesting (and a bit biased) piece on the merits of adding Central Florida. (link)

AARON LOCKETT AND JOHN KURTZ: WHAT REALIGNMENT MEANS FOR K-STATE
July 27, 2021

KMAN's John Kurtz is joined by K-State FB legend Aaron Lockett for a half-hour discussion on the ramifications of UT and OU running off. Two main themes are a reduced chance for signature wins, and the disadvantage to recruiting. (YouTube link)

SKYLAR THOMPSON: "IT'S ABOUT US."
July 26, 2021

In the latest K-State Sports Extra, Skylar talks about being a 6th-year player, and has comments from Coach Klieman.

NED SEATON: BUCK UP, K-STATERS
July 26, 2021

Ned Seaton, publisher of The Manhattan Mercury, has posted a positive and thoughtful editorial, with the position that K-State and the Big 12 are strong enough to come out of this mess OK. (link)

JON WEFALD CRITICIZES BOB BOWLSBY FOR HANDLING OF OU/UT MESS
July 26, 2021

As reported by Riley Gates for GoPowercat.com, Jon Wefald sees their leaving as bad for the Big 12, but also bad for the two schools leaving. (link) The SEC has had a national champion in Division I Football 6 of the last 10 years.

CHRIS KLIEMAN TALKS "RESET" UNDERWAY
July 21, 2021

Austin Siegel's K-State Sports Extra is a visit with Chris Klieman at Big 12 Media Days.

JORDAN WICKS DRAFTED IN THE MLB FIRST ROUND
July 12, 2021

The Chicago Cubs have themselves a good one. Jordan certainly earned this. (Facebook video)

GoPOWERCAT: GENE TAYLOR ON THE FINANCIAL STATE OF K-STATE ATHLETICS
July 11, 2021

As difficult as he worried it would be, Gene reports that playing the Football season - and other sports - helped considerably.

OPTIMISM IS HIGH AS JORDAN WICKS AWAITS THE MLB DRAFT ON JULY 11
July 9, 2021

Austin Siegel has a must-read K-State Sports Extra, "Five Things to Know Before the MLB Draft for Jordan Wicks."

He states that Jordan "will almost certainly become the highest-drafted player in K-State Baseball history on Sunday night." We certainly wish him well!

LIFE OF FITZ PODCAST, WITH LARRY WEIGEL
June 27, 2021

Gopowercat.com publisher Tim Fitzgerald has a 65-minute podcast with Larry Weigel, who played for the Cats when Tex Winter was coach, and later was an assistant to Tex, Cotton Fitzsimmons and Jack Hartman. Then he was executive director of the K-State Alumni Association.

In recent years, Larry has been publishing his Triangulate News. The name is drawn from his days playing for Tex Winter, who developed the triangle offense. If you'd like to be on the mailing list for his newsletter, send an e-mail to [email protected].

MITCH FORTNER: THE NEW PA VOICE OF WILDCAT FOOTBALL
June 21, 2021

KMAN's Mitch "The Fort" Fortner is officially lined up for PA duty at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. He's done a fine job with basketball, and is well qualified for this responsibility! (Manhattan Mercury)

TYLER LOCKETT BOBBLEHEAD TO BE RELEASED
June 16, 2021

Why on earth would the company limit production to 144? The Manhattan Mercury article doesn't seem to tell you how to get one. The company is FOCO... whatever that is. I am positive that there will be much more demand than 144!

WILDCAT CHAT: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE MARCHING BAND WITH DR. TRACZ
June 16, 2021

I just finished watching a tremendous Wildcat Chat, with two exceptional leaders, Amy Button Renz, president of the K-State Alumni Assn., and her guest, Dr. Frank Tracz, who gave updates on The Pride of Wildcat Land. It's 42 fun and inspiring minutes. (YouTube)

12 MOMENTS TO REMEMBER FROM THE YEAR IN K-STATE SPORTS
June 14, 2021

Austin Siegel has a fun K-State Sports Extra, reflecting on a 77-66 WBB win over KU, Volleyball's big win over #24 Creighton (with big help by Aliyah Carter), Mike McGuirl's big Senior Night, Baseball beating #5 TCU, and yes, #1 is Football's win over #3 OU.

GENE TAYLOR'S OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE
May 22, 2021

Kellis Robinett has posted this article, that has Gene's evalution of our sports 2020-21 seasons, and prospects for the future. I'm most concerned about Football, that only had four wins, but I'll be there every game to support them. I think Volleyball will have a solid season, and Women's Basketball will have its best season in years.

WHAT A DAY FOR K-STATE BASEBALL!
May 22, 2021

The Baseball Cats went into the bottom of the 9th inning trailing 4 - 8. They weren't perfect, but players started getting on base, and near the end, the two purple teams were tied at 8. Senior Chris Ceballos three-run walk-off home run, and the game was over. They had just won the series against #5-ranked TCU, who were leading the Big 12. Click here for the official recap, box score and highlights.

THE INAUGURAL JORDY NELSON LEGENDS CLASSIC SOFTBALL GAME - SEPT. 12
May 18, 2021

This is so exciting! It's going to be huuuge. Legends who have signed on for this include Kevin Lockett, David Allen, Michael Bishop, Jon McGraw, Jaime Mendez, Martin Gramatica and Kendra Wecker. There will be a presale for KSUFB season ticket holders on June 7, and they'll range in cost from $8 to $75. (K-State Sports Release)

BILL SNYDER: MY FOOTBALL LIFE AND THE REST OF THE STORY
May 18, 2021

Barnes & Noble is calling this an autobiography, so I guess my hero, Coach Snyder, was guided in telling his story by my favorite sports writer, D. Scott Fritchen. Here's a Barnes and Noble link for various ordering options. Here's the Amazon link. The publication date is listed as November 9.

MEET THE DIII TRANSFER BEHIND AN UNFORGETTABLE K-STATE BASEBALL MOMENT
May 6, 2021

Austin Siegel's latest K-State Sports Extra is a must-read story of Chad Shade's awesome three-run home run last weekend. As a transfer, it was his first K-State hit and home run.

K-STATE MEN'S BB GAINS EXPERIENCE WITH IMPACT TRANSFERS
May 4, 2021

Here's an interesting K-State Sports Extra, focused on the transfer portal, and incoming players Mark Smith (Missouri), Markquis Nowell (Little Rock) and Ismael Massoud (Wake Forest).

GENE TAYLOR INTERVIEW
May 3, 2021

John Kurtz, gatekeeper of KMAN's The Game, had a pretty comprehensive update with Gene Taylor, on Football ticket sales and masks, Baseball and new dudes at KU. (YouTube)

SHADE'S HOMER, WICKS' GEM & HOW BASEBALL JUST KEEPS WINNING
May 3, 2021

Many good things happened in Baseball's series win vs. Texas Southern over the weekend. Graduate transfer Chad Shade got a big home run for the Cats... his first hit of the season. Jordan Wicks and Chris Ceballos were very consistent. After the 16-4, 15-6, 16-1 series, the Cats are 27-16 (6-9). Don't miss Austin Siegel's Sports Extra. Also, here's a priceless enhanced look back at Chad Shade's homer, by the video staff, inspired by a very famous 1987 movie, and Brian Smoller's call.

WITH WALK-OFF MAGIC, K-STATE BASEBALL KEEPS ROLLING
April 19, 2021

Baseball had a nice series win over Oklahoma, which resulted in this K-State Sports Extra. It was the first OU series win since 2013. It was the 9th inning, on Sunday. The game was tied. OU's catcher missed a pitch, and ran toward the backstop to retrieve it. Three seconds later, we were Big 12 Champions. (YouTube)

SPORTS EXTRA: K-STATE FOOTBALL'S SPRING OPEN PRACTICE
April 7, 2021

Austil Siegel has a fine recap of the open practice on April 4. Chris Klieman said, "I think our offensive line has just come leaps and bounds from where we were last year at this time, when we had all the new guys, and didn't have spring ball." Also receiving shout outs were Noah Johnson, Cooper Beebe, Christian Duffie and Julius Brents, along with quarterbacks Will Howard, Jaren Lewis and Jake Rubley.

HOW ABOUT BASEBALL'S TEXAS TECH SERIES?!
April 5, 2021

Spoiler: Game 1: Tech 17, Cats 1 / Game 2: Cats 7, Tech 2 / Game 3: Cats 10, Tech 4

Austin Siegel produced a preview Sports Extra: Cats Looking to Redefine Season Against No. 3 Texas Tech on April 1. Pete Hughes said after losing three to OSU, "The last thing you want to do as a baseball player or a baseball coach is to panic. We just have to redefine what we're doing." That seemed like sound advice.

Then, today, Austin was able to post an epic Sports Extra, How K-State Baseball Took Down the No. 3 Team in the Country. The outcome was K-State Baseball's first-ever series win over a top five team. Earlier today, Texas Tech dropped from #3 in Division I to #8, but they're still very good. Here's the final out of the series, as called by Brian Smoller.

LON KRUGER'S FAMILY APPROACH TO SUCCESS
March 31, 2021

Larry Weigel, former MBB assistant coach, former executive director of the K-State Alumni Association and a historian of the K-State Men's Basketball program, has posted a very interesting look back at Lon Kruger's time as a player. I think it would be reasonable to consider Larry the ultimate authority on the program over recent decades, because of his many years in Manhattan, and his acquaintances with so many prominent players. His story, Lon Kruger's Family Approach to Success, was printed in the Manhattan Mercury. I highly recommend it!

MIKE McGUIRL ON COMING BACK, AND WHAT'S NEXT FOR MBB
March 31, 2021

Austin Siegel has posted an excellent K-State Sports Extra that's focused on Mr. McGuirl. It's a look back at his accomplishments, and the late-season improvement of the Cats. I believe Mike has been, and will continue as, a very valuable leader.

GENE TAYLOR: A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR BARGAIN
March 27, 2021

Ned Seaton of The Manhattan Mercury has posted an editorial (of the above-listed title), that contains a lot of interesting and thoughtful context on Gene's five-year contract extension and pay raise. I've been at K-State for 50 years, and see Gene as one of the least-controversial ADs we've had. While he doesn't communicate goings-on as much as John Currie did, I think the great majority of his decisions have been reasonable, and with good outcomes. He is humble, his athletics programs are all in good standing with the NCAA and the Big 12, and his budgets have been balanced. In fact, he arranged to step away from K-State student fee support a couple of years back. The only thing I disagree with to much extent is the plan to dump a football practice field in the East Stadium parking lot. I think it will be a nuisance. Regardless, we're fortunate to have Gene! (link)

GENE TAYLOR'S CONTRACT EXTENSION: WHAT'S NEW, AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE
March 26, 2021

Gene Taylor, who will have been at K-State for four years on April 17, has been awarded a very significant raise, a five-year extension, and multiple incentive and sports performance bonus opportunities. Ryan Black of the Manhattan Mercury has the details.

LON KRUGER: "NCAA IS GOING TO A GUNFIGHT WITH A KNIFE"
March 26, 2021

I wish Lon the very best in his retirement, and salute his accomplishments as a coach. In his retirement press conference at OU, when asked about the state of college basketball, he replied, "As great as it is, and I'll get on a soap box here, the NCAA has to revamp, period. We can't continue as we are. Young coaches see violations of the rules and nothing happens, and that's ridiculous. I'm concerned that young coaches are taking that as a lead." (Heartland College Sports)

LON KRUGER ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT TODAY
March 25, 2021

Lonnie, a K-State Athletics Hall of Famer, and coach of the Cats from 1986 to 2000, retired from Oklahoma today, after 10 seasons there. I have had the highest admiration of and appreciation for him, and wish him nothing but the best. Lon's been included in the montage of K-State greats at the top of this web page since I started it, 20+ years ago. I had the privilege of seeing every varsity game he played in in Ahearn Field House. He was Big 8 Player of the Year in 1973 and 1974.

As a player and coach, Lon did things the right way, as you can imagine, given consecutive Player of the Year recognitions. He was cited by the Kansas Legislative for the example he set as a student athlete. As a head coach of the Cats, he was very approachable to fans, well-prepared and humble. I wish him the very best, as he moves the Las Vegas, where his son, Kevin, will coach UNLV. ()

KANSAS STATE EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH GENE TAYLOR THROUGH 2026-27
March 24, 2021

Gene Taylor has now been at the helm of K-State Athletics for just under four years! President Myers has extended his contract five years, and he's been awarded significant increases, benefits and performance bonus opportunities. Read more in this initial story in the Manhattan Mercury. (link)

MIKE McGUIRL IS STAYING ANOTHER YEAR
March 23, 2021

Mike's a good man, and he's determined to contribute to the team. Kellis Robinett posted the good news to the Wichita Eagle today. Mike said, "This was an easy decision for me,錕?McGuirl said in a statement. 錕絋he coaches and the Kansas State community have been so great to me, and I wanted another year with my brothers on the team." Kellis reported, "An honorable mention All-Big 12 performer, McGuirl averaged a career high 11.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists for the Wildcats, while playing a whopping 34.4 minutes as a senior."

COMPILATION VIDEO: ALL 60 OF NIJEL PACK'S FRESHMAN 3FGs
March 17, 2021

K-State MBB posted this five-minute video to Twitter today. I guarantee you'll enjoy it. (Twitter link)

KU SHOULD BE MORE LIKE K-STATE
March 13, 2021

There's an even-handed editorial in the Lawrence Journal-World regarding finances in the two Big 12 neighbors. A key point is that in FY 2020, KSU Athletics spent $79.7 million, and KU spent $102.6 million. The point is that with both schools in the same NCAA Division and conference not to mention the same state, K-State spent 77% of what KU spent. Salaries constitute a significant difference. The local paper is calling on the chancellor to have a look at the situation.

K-STATE MBB CHALLENGED #2 BAYLOR
March 11, 2021

Our Cats came close to being the lead story on Sports Center tonight, but ultimately lost by six points to #2 Baylor, 68-74. Baylor is now 22-1, and the Cats finished 2020-21 9-20. Here's the recap. The teams very close in several stats categories, and there were six lead changes. The bright side of this is the Cats finishing their season knowing they had the #2 team in Division I on red alert for the entire game. It's a whole lot easier to draw motivation to improve from a close loss to a highly-talented team, as opposed to being stomped to end their season. The 21-point win over TCU yesterday should leave the Cats with good optimism, as well. Congrats to Nijel Pack and Davion Bradford for team-leading scoring of 18 points! It will be fun to see what next season brings.

See the recap page link for links to highlights, postgame comments, and photos.

HOPE HAS COME OUT – CATS BURY TCU IN THE BIG 12 TOURNAMENT
March 11, 2021

K-State 71, TCU 50 was the outcome in the first game of the Big 12 tournament. ESPN announced their odds of winning as 27%, even though the teams had split the season. Here's the latest K-State Sports Extra, by Austin Siegel.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM K-STATE VS. IOWA STATE
March 10, 2021

Austin Siegel has an excellent update on MBB in his latest K-State Sports Extra. This was the Cats' third victory in the last four games. Their defensive stats have improved considerably of late. Austin previewed the encounter with TCU tonight. A key to victory will be Davion Bradford getting rebounds. Finally, Bruce is hoping that some shots will be made.

FRAN FRASCHILLA SEES A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR K-STATE MBB
February 26, 2021

I like Fran Fraschilla, and believe when he gives an interview, he's honest and insightful, with tremendous basketball experience to draw from. Kellis Robinett posted this interview for The Kansas City Star today. I definitely agree with one of his points of emphasis: improve three-point shooting.

K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL 62, OU 57
February 24, 2021

What a tremendous night, as our Cats played OU close most of the game, and had an awesome finish! How about a collection of links?

•  - Collegian
•  Mike McGuirl's big night lifts Kansas State over No. 7 Oklahoma, 62-57 - Salina Journal
•  McGuirl leads MBB to upset win over #7 Oklahoma on senior night - Collegian
•  Kansas State upends #7 Oklahoma - Manhattan Mercury
•  How Mike McGuirl Delivered an Unforgettable Senior Night - K-State Sports Extra

MIKE McGUIRL'S POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER BEATING #7 OU
February 23, 2021

Mike had 19 points, and hit five 3-pointers in his Senior Night game. I have very much appreciated his leadership and determination, and hope he comes back. (press conference link) (Senior Night ceremony video)

McGUIRL STEPS UP AS 'CATS SNAP STREAK
February 22, 2021

Here's a must-read K-State Sports Extra, a shout out to Mike McGuirl for his part in leading MBB to a much-needed win vs. TCU on February 20.

BRUCE WEBER SEES OPPORTUNITY IN CLASH WITH JAYHAWKS
February 17, 2021

Austin Siegel's latest K-State Sports Extra looks at Coach's points of emphasis and progress reports on individual players, as we await tonight's encounter with the poultry.

A PAIR OF HISTORIC K-STATE BASKETBALL PERFORMANCES
February 1, 2021

The latest K-State Sports Extra is a look at exceptional scoring by Nijel Pack and Ayoka Lee. Nijel made 8 3s vs. TAMU on Saturday, and Yokie finished with 37 points vs. Oklahoma on Sunday.

DARREN SPROLES: BLAZE OF GLORY
January 31, 2021

On January 11, Bill Snyder informed Darren Sproles that he was going to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, which is detailed just below this entry. I was reminded today of an exceptional profile that D. Scott Fritchen, then of GoPowercat.com, wrote about Darren. I'm not certain when this was written, but do not miss it.

WYATT THOMPSON DOES IT AGAIN!
January 12, 2021

This is Wyatt's fourth straight year as Kansas Sportscaster of the Year, and he's been recognized six times. We all know he's excellent at play-by-play and interviews, and anyone who's been around him knows he's very approachable, humble and a friend to all. (link)

DARREN SPROLES TO THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
January 11, 2021

Can anyone imagine a more worthy inductee? Hall-of-Famer Bill Snyder got the privilege of informing Mr. Sproles (now retired from the NFL) of his selection, via a Zoom conference that included Gene Taylor and Chris Klieman. Here's a tweet of the Zoom session.

Have a look at Darren's K-State stats:

• 2001: 210 yards, 1 TDs
• 2002: 1,465 yards, 17 TDs
• 2003: 1,986 yards, 16 TDs
• 2004: 1,318 yards, 11 TDs
• KSU career: 4,979 yards, 45 TDs, ave. 6.1 yards per carry
• 3^rd in Big 12 in rushing yards (4,979)
• 5^th in Heisman Trophy voting in 2003
• 21 KSU records
• 2003 1^st Team All-American

Much of today's Wildcat Insider (the Monday version of KMAN's The Game) was devoted to Darren. The first hour had John Kurtz and Wyatt Thompson reflecting on his accomplishments (link), and the second hour had a lengthy call with Coach Snyder's memories of Darren (link). Also, the January 11 Manhattan Mercury has a nice feature on Darren's selection to the Hall of Fame.

Re-entry: Don't miss this K-State Sports Extra on Darren learning of his selection to the Hall of Fame, and his memories of being a Wildcat.

NIJEL PACK CONTINUES TO SHOW PROGRESS WITH CAREER NIGHT IN LUBBOCK
January 6, 2021

Today's K-State Sports Extra is focused on freshman guard Nijel Pack, who contributed 17 points at Texas Tech, played 38.5 minutes, and shot 63.6%. Coach Weber said, "Nijel can score off the ball and he can score on the run. He probably has to get a little better with the dribble, taking the contact and dealing with ball screens. Hopefully that will come with time, experience, going through habits and repetitions."

THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM THE TCU GAME
January 4, 2021

Austin Siegel has a very interesting K-State Sports Extra on the seven-point loss to TCU. He has quotes from Davion Bradford, Nijel Pack and Coach Weber.

TOUR THE NEW HOME OF GOPOWERCAT.COM
January 1, 2021

Don't miss this video tour of the latest home of GoPowercat.com. It's the tactical control of GoPowercat, a podcast studio, a hangout for Tim and Becky's doggies, a man cave, and I'm guessing that somewhere in there is a mini refrigerator.

GoPowercat had been on Moro St., in the old Varsity Theater for many years. They moved downtown recently. I remember going to an open house there, but it was a rental, and they got booted because big business wanted to build a new bank on that site on 4th St.

GOPOWERCAT.COM PODCAST: FINDING HOPE AS A NEW YEAR ARRIVES
December 31, 2020

GoPowercat publisher Tim Fitzgerald has posted a tremendous 54-minute podcast, focused mostly on K-State MBB. It comes up without being logged in, so I guess it's OK to link to it. Fitz points out much to be optimistic about. He's speaking about great potential... not saying that everything is going to come together this week. .

K-STATE GOES SMALL, PLAYS BIG IN WIN OVER JACKSONVILLE
December 22, 2020

Here's another must-read K-State Sports Extra from Austin Siegel on points of emphasis that led to the Jacksonville win, along with player quotes.

TIM FITZGERALD'S PREDICTION FOR K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL 2021
December 21, 2020

I transcribed an interesting quote from yesterday's The Drive on WIBW TV. Here you go...

"K-State fans, I get it. You're gonna be really restless this basketball season. You're gonna be upset that the Wildcats are losing so many games, and there will be more games, probably, like what happened with Baylor. But again, there will probably be some times when this team pulls together and looks really good, and wins a game, like they did at Iowa State. I'm gonna make a bold prediction right now. This group of freshmen will have a larger impact on K-State Basketball than the Brown, Stokes and Wade group. How's that for a prediction? And that's it for this week's edition of The Drive."

MEN'S HOOPS DOES THE LITTLE THINGS IN PERFECT START TO BIG 12 PLAY
December 17, 2020

Austin Siegel has a look at the pieces that came together, resulting in a win over Iowa State last weekend, in this K-State Sports Extra.

GO POWERCAT'S 2020 SIGNING DAY SHOW
December 16, 2020

The GoPowercat crew have put together a set of interviews with K-State Football signees. Every fan should watch this. The festivities begin with Ryan Wallace interviewing future QB Jake Rubley. (YouTube)

PLUMBING THE DEPTHS OF KSU MISERY
December 10, 2020

Manhattan Mercury publisher Ned Seaton wrote this editorial and look back at low points in KSU athletics. It was inspired by recent dumpster fire games, and it recalls that were equally bad, back in the day. (link)

DEUCE VAUGHN ADDS ONE MORE HISTORIC PERFORMANCE IN 2020
December 7, 2020

In today's K-State Sports Extra, Austin Siegel itemizes the accomplishments of Texan Deuce Vaughn in the Texas game on Saturday. He had 221 total yards, scored two touchdowns, caught four passes and served as a kick returner. One of the most fun things is that now that he's become a household name, including beyond Manhattan, Deuce has proven to be a very effective decoy.

AHEAD OF FINAL GAME, DAVE LEWIS LOOKS BACK ON 14 YEARS OF FIRST DOWNS
December 4, 2020

This was unexpected. It's hard to imagine games without our PA announcer, Dave Lewis. I remember when he started, he had to learn a couple of beloved traditions that he'd inherited from Ivan Wilkerson, then he was good to go. Austin Siegel's K-State Sports Extra has Dave's reflections on memorable moments, spanning his 14 years. K-Staters wish him well, thank him and will associate him with so many pleasant memories. I have an idea that Mitch Fortner will follow in his footsteps.

WELCOME TO COLLEGE BASKETBALL
November 26, 2020

Today's K-State Sports Extra is a look at our MBB program, which has only four returning players with scholarships. It's also a quick review of yesterdays opener with Drake, who have much more experience, and had 20 wins the past two seasons.

HOW K-STATE CREATED THE LITTLE APPLE CLASSIC
November 24, 2020

When Men's Basketball's Thanksgiving destination, the Cayman Islands Classic, was canceled, the program needed a place to play. There's no place like home... especially if home is MHK, so director of operations Drew Speraw started looking at options. This K-State Sports Extra is a step-by-step review of how Drew put it together. I've worked with him on housing details for team camps involving almost 1,000 players. I can tell you, he's very good at this kind of thing, and so is Bailey Bachamp, who works closely with him.

LOOKING BACK AT THE TOP TEN K-STATE SPORTS MOMENTS OF THE FALL
November 23, 2020

Austin Siegel has an enjoyable look back at various programs' successes in the fall, in today's K-State Sports Extra. Soccer, Tennis and Women's Golf are in there, Volleyball got three of them, and Football's 55-14 win over KU, and the awesome win over #3 Oklahoma took first place.

THE NCAA TRANSFER PORTAL
November 19, 2020

I thought it was time for me to understand more about the NCAA Transfer Portal, so I went straight to the NCAA. From the NCAA's point of view, it was created for efficiency in the transfer option, which already existed, and to accommodate hardship situations. What's still a mystery to me is why so many K-State Football players are using it.

SIX THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE K-STATE BASKETBALL TIPS OFF
November 19, 2020

This K-State Sports Extra is a look at both BB programs. The bottom line is... they're ready to play some games!

K-STATE MEN'S BB HAS A SCHEDULE. / HERE'S WHAT COMES NEXT.
November 10, 2020

The latest K-State Sports Extra is a nice overview of this season's players. The theme is "Find your niche. Find a way to score."

THE SUPERPOWER OF DEUCE VAUGHN
October 28, 2020

The Athletic has a great profile on Deuce Vaughn. It's a hit with Cats fans. This is a pay site.

K-STATE FOOTBALL DEFEATS KU ONCE AGAIN.
October 24, 2020

Today's 55-14 outcome marks 12 straight Ws vs. KU, which is a series record. Click right here for your highlights on YouTube. Phillip Brooks had a big day, with four punt returns, and 189 total yards. (photo gallery) (complete replay on YouTube)

MEN'S BASKETBALL HAS FIRST PRACTICE
October 15, 2020

This K-State Sports Extra includes comments on the obvious challenges faced in recent months, new players, injuries and the Little Apple Classic on November 25 and 27.

SPORTS EXTRA: TCU WEEK
October 7, 2020

Austin Siegel's K-State Sports Extra has a number of quotes, including Briley Moore, Noah Johnson and Chris Klieman, to preview the TCU game.

HOW K-STATE RAN DOWN TEXAS TECH AND A 2-0 START IN THE BIG 12
October 5, 2020

Austin Siegel's latest K-State Sports Extra has the latest on Deuce Vaughn's heroics, including a 70-yard touchdown play.

DEUCE VAUGHN: TEXAS TECH VICTORY PRESS CONFERENCE
October 3, 2020

If you'd like to feel great about the future of K-State Football, watch Deuce for a few minutes. (video link)

K-STATE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK - TEXAS TECH WEEK
September 30, 2020

Austin Siegel's latest K-State Sports Extra is a look back at the big OU victory, Skylar Thompson developing as a competitor as a kid and his next opponent, Texas Tech.

K-STATE FOOTBALL DEFEATS #3 OKLAHOMA 38-35
September 26, 2020

K-State has had some historic wins over Oklahoma over the years. How about the Big 12 championship win, 35-7, at Arrowhead in 2003, or last year's home win over #5 OU, 48-41? Here are some fun links, for future reference:

• 3 Thoughts on K-State's Stunning 38-35 Win at Oklahoma (Manhattan Mercury)
• AP Poll (Cats RV in Week 4)
• Bronson Massie 4th-quarter, 3rd-down sack of Spencer Rattler (score tied) (Twitter video)
• Big 12 Standings from CBS Sports
• Chris Klieman describes the welcome home celebration at the Vanier Complex
• Chris Klieman named Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week
• Collegian: K-State Prepares for Big 12 Opener Against OU
• Collegian: Justin Hughes Provides Defensive Boost Against OU
• Collegian: Sooners Reload at Quarterback Position
• Collegian: K-State Opens Big 12 Play as Underdogs at OU
• Collegian Deuce Vaughn Steps Up in Upset
• Collegian: K-State Stuns No. 3 OU in Comeback Win
• Collegian: K-State Wakes Up in Fourth Quarter, Upsets OU
• Deuce Vaughn: 247Sports' True Freshman of the Week
• Deuce Vaughn: Big 12 Newcomer of the Week (Big 12 release on Twitter)
• Deuce Vaughn touchdowns compilation on Twitter
• GoEmaw.com: compilation of OU fans' message board posts
• GoPowercat rewind
• Jahron McPherson: Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week
• Jahron McPherson: Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week
• Jahron McPherson: Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week
• Kansas City Star / Klieman halftime speech
• Kansas City Star recap
• K-State Football: another look at the OU win
• K-State Football box score
• K-State Football postgame quotes
• K-State Football recap
• K-State Sports Extra: How K-State Football Made History in 30 Minutes
• K-State Sports Extra: Huge Second Half Earns 38-35 Win Over No. 3 OU
• Kirk Herbstreit's Top Performing Coaches of the Week (tweet)
• Kirk Herbstreit's Top Performing Teams of the Week (tweet)
• Manhattan Mercury recap
• OU Daily game predictions
• OU Daily recap
• Player and Coach Press Conferences
• Powercat Gameday OU recap (video, with John Kurtz, Cole Manbeck and Corey Dean)
• Skylar Thompson: What a story to tell
• Skylar Thompson Honored Nationally Following OU Game
• The Drive audio replay: How K-State beat No. 3 OU
• Topeka Capital-Journal recap
• Wildcats Pick Up Three Big 12 Player of the Week Accolades (KSU release)

MEET THE FOOTBALL FAMILY BEHIND DEUCE VAUGHN'S K-STATE DEBUT
September 24, 2020

#22 was a big topic during the Arkansas State game. Here's a must-read K-State Sports Extra from Austin Siegel. It covers Deuce's family background, recruiting process and what led him to play for the Cats. (bio page)

THIS CAMPUS IS SPECIAL
September 22, 2020

Chuck Lillie has tweeted this recruiting / unity video, which was seen on the Bramlage video boards before every basketball game last season. I don't recall if it was in the Football pregame or not. I think it's tremendous, and could never tire of seeing it. You can right-click right here to download it.

GETTING TO KNOW NIJEL PACK OF K-STATE MEN'S HOOPS
September 15, 2020

Here's another good K-State Sports Extra from Austin Siegel.

HARRY TROTTER'S WRITING THE FINAL CHAPTER AT K-STATE
September 10, 2020

Here's a good K-State Sports Extra.

SPORTS EXTRA: Q&A WITH CHRIS KLIEMAN
September 7, 2020

Austin Siegel has an informative update with Coach Klieman.

CARLTON LINGUARD BRINGS EXPLOSIVE POTENTIAL, JUCO EXPERIENCE
August 26, 2020

Get acquainted with 6' 11" Carlton Linguard, with Austin Siegel's latest K-State Sports Extra. Bruce Weber was competing for him along with USC, New Mexico, Colorado and TCU.

SPORTS EXTRA: TAYLOR BRAET
August 21, 2020

It's never a dull moment when Taylor Braet is in the house! He is unequaled, if you need passion and energy in your recruiting operation. Austin Siegel's K-State Sports Extra is a must-read. Taylor is truly an important asset!

GETTING TO KNOW LUKE KASUBKE OF K-STATE MEN'S HOOPS
August 12, 2020

Austin Siegel has a great K-State Sports Extra featuring Luke Kasubke. It's a look at his recruiting process, his BB heroes and early experiences as a new Cat.

CHRIS KLIEMAN: MY FAVORITE GAME I'VE COACHED AT K-STATE
August 1, 2020

Greg Woods of The Manhattan Mercury continues with his series with head coaches. Chris Klieman's choice was a good one: the Cats over #5 OU on October 26, 2019. There was quite a crowd on the field after that one! (link)

BRUCE WEBER: MY FAVORITE GAME I'VE COACHED AT K-STATE
July 31, 2020

Greg Woods of The Manhattan Mercury continues with his series with head coaches. Today he's posted a visit with Bruce Weber about the glorious victory over the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament in March of 2018. Barry Brown, Jr. had a very big part in it, with 13 points and a fancy late layup. Xavier Sneed contributed 22 points. A fun fact is that our Cats played the final 74 seconds with all guards. (link)

RIP PAT HARTMAN
July 22, 2020

Manhattan lost a nice one, as Pat Hartman passed away today, at the age of 94. She came to K-State with Jack, and stayed for 50 years. I hadn't seen her much this past year, but over the decades, she was a regular at K-State Basketball and Volleyball. She will certainly be missed. (K-State Mourns the Passing of Pat Hartman)

LIFE OF FITZ PODCAST: WYATT THOMPSON
July 14, 2020

Don't miss this LIfe of Fitz Podcast with the 18-year Voice of the Cats, Wyatt Thompson! I have great appreciation for Wyatt's outstanding preparation, play-by-play and enthusiasm. He's a friend to all, and has received a number of awards for excellence in sports broadcasting. GoPowercat.com boss Tim Fitzgerald gives us another great interview. (link)

HOW BRUCE WEBER SIGNED GAME-CHANGING RECRUITS IN A PANDEMIC
July 10, 2020

I recommend this K-State Sports Extra by Austin Siegel. Catch up on K-State's recruiting activities this summer, and modified approaches required by the current state of affairs.

DARREN SPROLES, TERENCE NEWMAN, STEVE FRITZ AND JORDY NELSON TO THE KANSAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME
June 3, 2020

These gents need no introduction! On Sunday, October 4, 2020, they'll be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Here's the KSHOF release, and the release from K-State, which has much more detail on the Cats.

LON KRUGER AND THE WEEK MICHAEL JORDAN CAME TO MANHATTAN
May 18, 2020

Austin Siegel has posted an interesting K-State Sports Extra. It's an interview with Lon Kruger, who needs no introduction in these parts. Jack Hartman, Lon and Bob Chipman coached Team USA for the Pan American Games, and about a week's practices took place in my favorite place on earth, Mike Ahearn Field House. (link)

WYATT AND STAN HAVE A WILDCAT PODCAST ON K-STATE FOOTBALL!
April 14, 2020

What a nice surprise! Here's a download link. The audio podcast runs about 16 minutes, and as you'd expect, Stan Weber has all kinds of fun facts. This first podcast focuses on quarterbacks.

Update: The link above is for the first podcast. In the left-side navigation column of this page, look for KSTATESPORTS.COM / Wildcat Podcasts 2020, where I have a current set of links to this year's podcasts. I'm downloading an MP3 of each week's podcast.

BJ AND MEGAN FARR KISSEL FEEDING KC's HEALTH CARE WORKERS
April 3, 2020

Chiefs Reporter BJ Kissel played Baseball for K-State, and you'll remember Megan Farr Kissel as a middle blocker for K-State Volleyball, who was All-Big 12. They're the subjects of today's K-State Sports Extra. After an act of kindness to their daughter, McKenna, BJ got the idea to provide meals from Jack Stack Barbecue for Kansas City health care workers during this challenging time for them, by way of a GoFundMe for Feed It Forward.

One good act leads to more with these things. The Feed It Forward account has raised over $41,000, as of this moment. Jack Stack Barbecue is able to feed about 125 people for every $1,000, and has pledged to donate 200 additional meals for every 1,000 people fed. This brings the number of health-care workers fed through the campaign to well over 5,000.

JACOB PULLEN RECALLS K-STATE MBB VS. XAVIER, MARCH 18, 2010
March 27, 2020

Here's a free-content interview by D. Scott Fritchen, visiting with Jacob Pullen two days ago. Many Cats fans call this one of the best games K-State MBB ever placed. So many players sunk field goals and free throws. They played smart. They never got intimidated. As posted below, here's one YouTube video of the double OT, 101-96 victory! D. Scott went on to call this one of the greatest NCAA tournament games in history!

K-STATE MBB BOOKS A SERIES OF THREE GAMES VS. NEBRASKA
March 27, 2020

We'll play one at the Sprint Center in 2020 (if the world still exists), then in Lincoln and in the Octagon. This is fun news! (link)

KANSAS STATE MBB VS. XAVIER (NO, NOT SNEED), MARCH 18, 2010
March 27, 2020

What a game. K-State (spoiler) beat Xavier 101-96 in double overtime, enroute to the Elite Eight. Here it is, on YouTube. It's not HDTV, but it's still great basketball. Pullen, Clemente, Kelly, Samuels, Merriewether and others really stepped up. Frank Martin and Brad Underwood live tweeted during a replay of this game tonight.

TWO YEARS AGO TODAY: K-STATE MEN'S BASKETBALL BEATS KENTUCKY
March 22, 2020

Our Cats have tangled with the Kentucky Wildcats 10 times, but this was the first K-State win. Having led for 34 minutes, the Cats won, 61-58, after a Kentucky player missed a 3 FG. We advanced to the Elite Eight. Here's a link to the box score and highlights video. Don't miss it!

MAKOL MAWIEN: A SPECIAL STORY
March 6, 2020

The Big XII's Around the Rim focuses on Makol Mawien, who's started all 101 games for the Cats. His path to the United States and citizenship is a real nice story. (video link)

X NATION: FAMILY FOR LIFE
March 6, 2020

Here's a must-see profile on #20 Xavier Sneed's parents, who over four years have attended almost all of his games with KSU MBB.

BRUCE WEBER POWERCHAT, WITH TIM FITZGERALD
February 2, 2020

Here's great stuff, in two parts. Part 1, 32 minutes / Part 2, 34 minutes

SKIP BAYLESS WEIGHS IN ON THE SUNFLOWER SUSPENSIONFEST^®
January 22, 2020

YouTube video

LOCALS HOPE TO HONOR K-STATE ICON ROBERT LIPSON
January 22, 2020

Kaylie Mclaughlin has a nice story in the Collegian about the great Robert J. Lipson, and his nearly 50 years as an exceptionally loyal Cat fan. He goes anywhere in the country to support Wildcat Football and Men's Basketball. He is basically a professional fan! I've sat by him at games many times, and it is the ultimate K-State experience. No matter the sport, Robert likes to tie the situation at hand to football, like yelling, "Kick a field goal" if there are two players on bases, and a batter at the plate. Robert wants three runs. If he wants to cheer for a pitcher, he hollers, "Keep bowling," because bowlers get strikes, and Robert wants a strike added to the batter's count. This story is now 15 months old, and I don't think the plan is in place, but it's sure fun to add it to my page! Yes... I've gotten to hold Robert's "WE OWN THIS STATE" sign.

FRAN FRASCHILLA'S COMMENTS ON THE SUNFLOWER STEEL CAGE MATCH^®
January 22, 2020

KMAN's John Kurtz has posted audio of the interview to YouTube.

K-STATE RESPONDS TO MBB PLAYER SUSPENSIONS
January 22, 2020

As a result of the Sunflower Steel Cage Match^® difficulties last night, the Big 12 has suspended James Love for 8 games beyond his medical unavailability, and Antonio Gordon for the next 3 games. The Squawks' Silvio De Sousa is suspended for 12 games, and David McCormack got 2 games. During this time, the players can be near the bench, can't be introduced in or part of pregame, and can't travel. (link)

BEHIND THE MIC WITH THE VOICE OF THE CHIEFS, MITCH HOLTHUS
January 17, 2020

Here's a must-read profile on Mitch, on the eve of the Chiefs' AFC championship game. I have the highest admiration for him. (link)

K-STATE FOOTBALL: FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM COACH KLIEMAN'S FIRST SEASON
January 6, 2020

Corbin McGuire's K-State Sports Extra lists 2019 successes and situations in place for 2020 that are noteworthy.