Kansas.com: Sports

Shocker bowlers hold off Jets

MATT BROWNING — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:37 CDT

With so much inexperience, Wichita State men's bowling coach Gordon Vadakin made it clear that winning the Mid-States Championships wasn't first priority for any of his teams. Instead, he wanted to discover in which areas his players needed improvement.

Judging by the Shockers' performance, there might not be as much work needed as once thought.

WSU's Healey team won the Mid-States Sunday at Northrock Lanes. Its score of 13,756 was more than 100 pins better than Newman's Red team.

"What we saw today was nice on a regional basis," Vadakin said. "But on a national basis, we will have to me more skillful to be more competitive around the country. That's just how it works."

After the morning session, WSU Healey and Newman Red were separated by 57 pins.

Hornets on the upswing

TONY ADAME — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

By all outward appearances, the No. 11 Emporia State volleyball team looks and functions like any other nationally ranked squad.

That is, pretty darn good.

They've got all the right components; a 6-foot-1 dynamo who dominates play at the net and a 5-8 sparkplug who is a returning All-American.

Just like everybody else.

But maybe it's not so simple.

Kansas retains its focus

J. BRADY MCCOLLOUGH — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 03:55 CDT

Jake Laptad smiled. The mistake had already been made, a somewhat sophomoric gaffe by Kansas' sophomore sack specialist. Asked about the Oklahoma Sooners, KU's opponent next week, Laptad did the unthinkable: He answered.

"We'll be ready for them," Laptad said before realizing what he had done. Then came that goofy grin from the defensive end. "We're not supposed to talk about them, actually."

No, no, no. After their 30-14 victory over Colorado, the 16th-ranked Jayhawks had strict orders from KU coach Mark Mangino not to talk about the Sooners.

They were supposed to talk about how well the defense played in sending CU quarterback Cody Hawkins, the coach's son, to the bench for the fourth quarter. They were supposed to talk about how Laptad's sack of Hawkins in the second quarter, which resulted in a safety, was the play of the game. They were supposed to talk about KU running back Jake Sharp carrying the ball 31 times for 118 yards and three touchdowns.

Anything, really, other than OU. Heck, even the Jayhawks' woeful special teams units were a hotter topic than the just-beaten Sooners, who will undoubtedly be a very angry bunch when KU opens the second half of its season next weekend in Norman, Okla.

Wildcats regroup, get win on the road

JEFFREY MARTIN — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:43 CDT

It was mere minutes after Kansas State's 44-30 victory Saturday against Texas A&M at storied Kyle Field, where the Wildcats hadn't won since 1996, and junior quarterback Josh Freeman was reflecting.

A lot had happened in the past seven days.

"I think the guys came out and responded extremely well from all of the negativity from last week," he said. "We just kind of locked ourselves into the complex and drew closer as a unit, coaching staff and players alike."

Asked for specifics, Freeman shrugged his shoulders.

"We don't pay attention to anything going on," he said."... Just people on campus, some of the questions.... We knew we had to win. All that matters are the people inside that locker room.

Bishop Carroll's Bell floors Kapaun

JONATHAN LONG — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:54 CDT

Blake Bell hadn't taken any meaningful snaps in the fourth quarter since the first week of the season.

But he didn't show any fatigue or nervousness leading his team on a 13-play, 62-yard drive that gave Bishop Carroll a 36-28 victory over Kapaun Mount Carmel, the Eagles' 10th straight over their rival.

Leading by eight, the Eagles consumed more than five minutes before Nick Seiler scored from 3 yards. Bell completed passes on fourth-and-3 at the Kapaun 24 and third-and-6 from the 14 to keep the drive alive.

"It was ugly, but we got it done," Bell said. "We hadn't had a lot of close games, but we knew we needed a sustained drive. The hitch route was working for us and we stayed with it."

Bell completed 30 of 51 passes for 350 yards and two touchdowns. He was also Carroll's top rusher with 12 carries for 40 yards and two touchdowns.

Kansas gets top recruit

J. BRADY MCCOLLOUGH — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:43 CDT

For a 17-year-old kid, Thomas Robinson has shown an early knack for understanding the big picture.

This last summer, he decided to leave his home in Washington, D.C., to attend Brewster Academy, a boarding school in Wolfeboro, N.H.

"So I could improve myself for college," Robinson explained, "so that I could be a step ahead of the seniors that are coming out of high school. I will already be used to college life a little bit."

Turns out, Robinson's year at Brewster will be preparing him to play basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks. Robinson, a 6-foot-8, five-star power forward, gave an oral commitment to KU coach Bill Self on Thursday night, choosing the Jayhawks over Memphis.

It's no surprise that the chance to work on his game every day with KU assistant coach Danny Manning was a big factor.

K-State's Snipes overcame extreme poverty to succeed

JEFFREY MARTIN — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:07 CDT

Attrail Snipes isn't sure who knows.

A couple of his Kansas State teammates are aware of what he's been through, but he's uncertain whether or not his coaches have any idea of his background beyond two seasons at Bakersfield (Calif.) College.

He's no longer embarrassed of his upbringing.

Then again, he's not the type to open up without an invitation.

Where to start? Is there a right place to explain to a new team -- a new family, really -- why you moved 40 times during your childhood?

KU freshman making quick work of transition

J. BRADY MCCOLLOUGH — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:08 CDT

Jeremiah Hatch says that he doesn't care which position he plays on the offensive line at Kansas, but his eyes got pretty big when reminded that left tackles get paid the most money in the NFL.

"I got a LONG way, LONG, LONG, LONG, LONG way to the NFL," said Hatch, a redshirt freshman now starting at left tackle. "Trust me, I'm not even thinking about the NFL."

Hatch is living in the moment, just as he did as a freshman at Carter High School in Dallas when his basketball coach told him that he had to play football to play basketball. Hatch had never played football before, and he's pretty sure the request from the basketball coach was no coincidence.

"I think it was more of the football coach telling the basketball coach," Hatch said.

Carter coach Allen Wilson must have known what he was doing. Hatch was starting on the varsity by the end of his sophomore season, playing center for one of the Metroplex's most notable high school football programs.

Rivera learns to deal with pain

J. BRADY MCCOLLOUGH — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:39 CDT

Mike Rivera Sr. wants to make sure you know what his son has been doing for the last four years at Kansas, so he e-mails you a resume.

Mike Rivera Jr., a KU linebacker, finished his bachelor's degree in communications studies in four years and is working on a master's degree in sports management. He serves on the executive board of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, which helps student-athletes get in touch with the local community, and has been involved in five charity projects.

On the field, Rivera has been chosen All-Big 12 honorable mention the past two seasons. He is a two-time team captain, picked by his teammates as a sophomore in 2006 and again this season.

But, thus far, 2008 has not followed the blueprint. According to his father, Rivera has been playing with a serious injury. He went down the second week of fall camp and has struggled to regain his form. Rivera was benched for the Sam Houston State game on Sept. 20, and KU coach Mark Mangino said his decision was based on a lack of effort.

"At KU," Mangino said after the game, "you have to play every play like it's your last. When you don't do that, then you don't play. It's a privilege to play here. It's not a right."

Prince focuses on Wildcats' defense

JEFFREY MARTIN — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:33 CDT

There are no minor concerns on defense. Ron Prince wishes he were so fortunate.

As the Kansas State coach admitted Monday, everything about the Wildcats' defense has his attention right now.

Prince has been vocal about craving more production on the defensive front, and his insertion of John Houlik into the starting lineup for Saturday's game at Texas A&M following the junior's off-season DUI arrest and three-game suspension illustrates the coach's desire to shore up his linebacking corps.

And now, his focus shifts to the secondary, which has been somewhat overlooked in this dreadful defensive start to the season.

Everyone saw Louisville and Louisiana-Lafayette gash the Wildcats for more than 300 rushing yards, but the passing yards haven't been much better. K-State is allowing 229.2 yards, which is 86th in the country. In pass efficiency defense, the Wildcats are 78th.

Outfielder says he'll pick WSU

PAUL SUELLENTROP — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:42 CDT

Left fielder Micah Green of Aurora, Colo., has orally committed to Wichita State's baseball program.

Green (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) was one of three Coloradoans to be invited to the Area Code Games showcase in August.

"He's just loaded with talent," said Allan Dyer, coach at Cherokee Trail High. "Extremely fast, and he's got a ton of power."

Green, a right-hander, earned Class 4A tournament MVP honors as a sophomore. He went 3 for 4 with a home run and double in the championship game victory. He hit .621 and was an All-Class 4A pick as a junior. Dyer said Green has 18 home runs in two seasons at Cherokee Trail after moving from Texas.

Green visited WSU the same weekend as Enid (Okla.) pitcher Tobin Mateychick, in September. He chose WSU over New Mexico, and also considered San Diego State. Dyer said he turned down a chance to visit LSU.

Obscene fan chant gives KU pause

J. BRADY MCCOLLOUGH — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:32 CDT

Curtis Vineyard is caught in the middle of a crossfire. He is a freshman at Kansas, and he likes going to the football games, which means he has a decision to make every Saturday, each time the Jayhawks kick the ball off: Should I do the chant or not?

Thus far, Vineyard has decided yes, joining in with the thousands of students who yell "Rip his (expletive) head off!" at the top of their lungs.

"I do, kind of just because everyone else does," said Vineyard, a native of Marysville. "But it's probably not one of those things we should do."

Hey, that's college. Every student has to battle peer pressure.

Ever since the chant began years ago -- based off a line from the 1998 Adam Sandler comedy, "The Waterboy" -- students join in. But, this week, Vineyard and the rest of the KU students are going to hear a different message about the chant as the Jayhawks' home game against Colorado on ESPN2 approaches.

Thunder newcomers get first test on ice

KOLLEN LONG — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:42 CDT

New Thunder coach Brent Bilodeau already owns a reputation as a tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy; and on one point, he has left no doubts.

"Everybody has to earn a spot on this team -- coach has done a good job making that very clear," rookie Mike Carmody said after the first day of training camp Monday afternoon.

Given the youthful roster (18 rookies) and lack of returning players from last season (five), this year's camp shapes up as perhaps the most competitive, wide open and unpredictable in team history.

Even Bilodeau, a rookie coach, was somewhat uncertain what to expect when two-a-days began Monday. Prior to that, he hadn't seen any of his players actually play.

That makes tonight's exhibition game vital. The Thunder plays host to Tulsa at 7 at Wichita Ice Center.

Gonzalez breaks record in Chiefs' shutout loss

ADAM TEICHER — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:51 CDT

This is exactly what Tony Gonzalez feared. His latest record-breaking catch was going to come in a stadium full of uncaring fans, in a game the Chiefs would lose and in a most unfulfilling manner.

Except his record for receiving yardage by a tight end was even less satisfying than Gonzalez ever imagined. Fitting for the day, Gonzalez set the mark in the first quarter while catching a 6-yard pass on third down and 16.

It came on a sunny Carolina afternoon when the Chiefs set a season low for offensive futility. They gained only 127 yards and never came close to scoring in a 34-0 loss to Carolina.

Instead of toasting his new record at home with family and friends after a victory, Gonzalez faced only a long and lonely trip back to Kansas City on Sunday night.

"That was the worst I have been involved with in my career," Gonzalez said after most of his teammates had cleared from a gloomy locker room.

Thunder opens training camp

KOLLEN LONG — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Time and time again since taking over the Wichita Thunder, rookie coach Brent Bilodeau has promised to build a young and hungry team.

He is clearly halfway there, given that 18 rookies are listed on the team's 25-man training camp roster. Bilodeau will find out the degree of their motivation when the team takes the ice for the first time today.

"It will be a very competitive camp, with some tough decisions to be made," Bilodeau said. "Some guys we have in camp have been around; some guys have put up good numbers before; some guys come out of nowhere.

"There's surprises and disappointments in every camp. You just hope there's more surprises than disappointments."

The Thunder, coming off the worst season in the 16-year history of the franchise, will have a decidedly different look.

Kansas rallies for win

J. BRADY MCCOLLOUGH — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:19 CDT

Mark Mangino didn't tell Jake Sharp last week about his change of heart. For all Sharp knew, he was destined for another frustrating Saturday.

Certainly nothing from the first half against Iowa State would have given Sharp any hope. Through one half of abysmal football, Sharp had one carry -- and the 16th-ranked Jayhawks had no points.

"Me and Jake talk a lot," KU wide receiver Kerry Meier said. "He just kept telling me he wanted a shot. Just one little shot."

Sharp, a junior from Salina Central, was supposed to be a key part of the offense this season. But, through four games, he had carried 26 times for 86 yards and found himself relegated to mop-up duty against Football Championship Subdivision opponent Sam Houston State.

Still, Mangino's instincts had been telling him that Sharp was the guy. But for some reason, he couldn't pull the trigger. Had he waited any longer on Saturday at Trice Stadium, the Jayhawks might have lost a must-win game.

Big 12 letdown for Kansas State

JEFFREY MARTIN — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:17 CDT

The members of the band led the cheer.

"Block that kick," they repeated, almost in unison.

It didn't matter that Kansas State was mere minutes away from a 58-28 home spanking by No. 7 Texas Tech going final. Nor did it matter that it was the first punt of the afternoon for the Red Raiders, who racked up a mind-boggling 626 yards and scored on all eight trips inside the Wildcats' 20. And the band members didn't care at all that their voices, more so than roughly half of the announced 43,614 remaining in attendance Saturday at Snyder Family Stadium, were louder, and in some cases, more off-key than everyone else.

They wanted to see something positive.

And in that regard, Ron Prince can relate.

WSU leaves no doubt

PAUL SUELLENTROP — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:43 CDT

Wichita State volleyball coach Chris Lamb is not a screamer. He is a coach his players hate to disappoint, and he doesn't need to go ballistic to express his feelings.

Friday, No. 14 Wichita State won and didn't look sharp. Lamb let the Shockers know. Saturday, WSU dominated Indiana State 3-0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-12) at Koch Arena and everybody felt better.

"He almost talked to us (Friday) like we lost that game," middle blocker Sarah McGee said. "Because the performance was so bad. He knows we can be that much better."

Indiana State knows it too. The Shockers (16-0, 5-0 Missouri Valley Conference) trailed twice in the three sets (2-0 in the first and 1-0 in the third) and allowed Lamb to play his reserves liberally. Unlike Friday's 3-0 win over Illinois State, Lamb felt his team played like a national power.

"We want to call ourselves a top-15 program, then we've got to start beating some teams like we are," he said. "I'm glad tonight went that way. This is a team we've got to handle."

Chiefs"other' receivers wait for passes

KENT BABB — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 01:43 CDT

Devard Darling has begun following the Chiefs' quarterback off the field, whomever that happens to be on a given week, and dropping hints.

Sometimes, they're more than hints.

"Hey," Darling recalled saying, "I'm open. Trust me on this. Then again, every receiver thinks they're open on every play."

Darling is one of three Chiefs wide receivers who want to see more variety in the team's passing game. Through four games, that branch of Kansas City's offense has been predictable. Second-year receiver Dwayne Bowe has 22 catches this season. Tight end Tony Gonzalez has 18.

Darling, signed during the offseason out of Baltimore, is tied with Jeff Webb for the next-most catches among the Chiefs' other wide receivers -- with three receptions . Kansas City's second-tier receivers -- Darling, Webb and rookie Will Franklin -- are trying to tell anyone who will listen that they're out there, too, and a combined seven catches among them means more than drops and failure to get open. It means they're being ignored.

Shockers exact revenge

TREVOR MURPHY — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Last season's early exit from the Missouri Valley Conference tournament at the hands of Illinois State left a bitter taste in the mouths of Shocker volleyball players, so Friday night was a vengeful outing for Wichita State.

The No. 14-ranked Shockers clawed their way to their 15th consecutive victory and stayed unbeaten with a 25-20, 29-27, 25-16 victory over the Redbirds in front of 2,843 at Koch Arena.

"Since they were the last MVC team to beat us, tonight was about going out and getting revenge," Shocker outside hitter Emily Stockman said.

Stockman, who led WSU with 11 kills, was the go-to Shocker when they needed it the most.

After going back and forth for much of game two, Stockman left a lasting impression on the Redbirds and coach Melissa Myers. Stockman drilled back-to-back kills midway through the game to give the Shockers a 19-17 lead. Perhaps even more important was a solo block by Stockman to give WSU a 27-26 lead.