A 10 year long agreement with Children's Mercy has come to an end and Sporting Kansas City will have to once again rename it's stadium.

Children’s Mercy confirmed in a news release on Friday that it would no longer be the team’s health care and sports medicine partner.

“As our 10-year naming partnership comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Sporting Kansas City organization, its players and staff, and the fans who have embraced Children’s Mercy as part of the team’s story. From player visits that brought joy to our patients, to collaborative efforts that elevated awareness for children’s health, this partnership has been a meaningful part of our journey,” the release read.

Reports show that Children’s Mercy Park will be renamed ahead of the KC2026 World Cup. The Sporting KC Training Facility will serve as a team base camp for at least one club during the World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Additionally, Sporting KC’s kits will now feature their new partner, Saint Luke’s Health System. The team showed off those kits were&nbsp; at a news conference today.

“Our two organizations have deep roots in Kansas City, and we are excited to join together to make a difference in local communities across the area through this partnership,” said Jake Reid, President and CEO of Sporting Kansas City during the news conference. “Saint Luke’s is an industry leader in many facets including patient experience, which aligns perfectly with our core values and focus on the experience for all our fans. We look forward to teaming up on impactful initiatives that will support Saint Luke’s patients and staff as well as Sporting Kansas City players and fans as we approach an incredibly exciting year for our sport and our region in 2026.”

Sporting Kansas City will kick off the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign on February 21st during MLS Is Back Weekend with the team’s first of 34 regular season games. Led by Designated Players Dejan Joveljic and Manu Garcia, Sporting Kansas City will also compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2026 after reaching the tournament final in 2024 and previously winning U.S. Soccer’s club championship four times.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

By MATT PIKEA 10 year long agreement with Children's Mercy has come to an end and Sporting Kansas City will have to once again rename it's stadium.Children’s Mercy confirmed in a news release on Friday that it would no longer be the team’s health care and sports medicine partner.“As our 10-year naming partnership comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the Sporting Kansas City organization, its players and staff, and the fans who have embraced Children’s Mercy as part of the team’s story. From player visits that brought joy to our patients, to collaborative efforts that elevated awareness for children’s health, this partnership has been a meaningful part of our journey,” the release read.Reports show that Children’s Mercy Park will be renamed ahead of the KC2026 World Cup. The Sporting KC Training Facility will serve as a team base camp for at least one club during the World Cup.&nbsp;&nbsp;Additionally, Sporting KC’s kits will now feature their new partner, Saint Luke’s Health System. The team showed off those kits were&nbsp; at a news conference today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765582305320.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Sporting Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Sporting Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>“Our two organizations have deep roots in Kansas City, and we are excited to join together to make a difference in local communities across the area through this partnership,” said Jake Reid, President and CEO of Sporting Kansas City during the news conference. “Saint Luke’s is an industry leader in many facets including patient experience, which aligns perfectly with our core values and focus on the experience for all our fans. We look forward to teaming up on impactful initiatives that will support Saint Luke’s patients and staff as well as Sporting Kansas City players and fans as we approach an incredibly exciting year for our sport and our region in 2026.”Sporting Kansas City will kick off the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign on February 21st during MLS Is Back Weekend with the team’s first of 34 regular season games. Led by Designated Players Dejan Joveljic and Manu Garcia, Sporting Kansas City will also compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2026 after reaching the tournament final in 2024 and previously winning U.S. Soccer’s club championship four times.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Sporting KC to rename stadium as agreement with Children's Mercy ends

The Benedictine Ravens are in the NAIA Conference semifinals for a second consecutive season, looking for a trip to the championship.   

The Ravens are once again in the semifinal match, after a heartbreaking loss last season. 

"We took a crushing loss last year in the semifinals down in Florida to Keiser, had the lead and gave it up and had a play at the end of the game to win and didn’t get it done,” Head Coach Joel Osborn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. 

Osborn says after that defeat, the team had a mission, and with only one loss this season, now have a chance to finish that mission.  That loss, though, is against their opponent.  

Benedictine will face Grand View in Des Moines tomorrow, a team they lost against in week two 27-24. 

"So, we get another opportunity to go up there, and this time it’s for a chance to play in a National Championship,” Osborn says.  “So, there’s nothing more you could ask for at this point in time in the season and we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game.” 

The Ravens opened the season against two top five opponents in Morningside and Grand View, winning one and losing the other.   

 Osborn says playing those tough matchups early in the season helps prepare you for the playoffs, because you feel like you've been there before 

"So, it’s not the first time you’re doing it, so you’re not having to change how you prepare, you’re not having to change how you practice, and do those things,” Osborn explains.  “And then in those games we were in those tight crunch situations and that really helped us I feel like.” 

With a win, the Ravens would head to their first championship game since 2018.  Osborn says it's a goal for this team to win a national championship, so winning this game would help them get one step closer. 

Osborn though says they are completely focused right now on winning this game against the Vikings 

"And more so than anything, not just winning but putting our best foot forward, the big keys for us are going to be the most physical team, being the disciplined team and winning the turnover battle, and if we do those things we can live with the results regardless of what they are,” Osborn says.  “But if we’re able to win this game and we have a lot of confidence in our abilities, then we love, love our chances next week in the National Championship.” 

Osborn says they aren't looking past Grand View though.  The game will kick off at noon in Des Moines tomorrow.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765568422778.jpeg" alt="The Benedictine Ravens made a second half comeback, but fell short to Grandview in week two of the regular season 27-24.&nbsp; Now the Ravens matchup with the Vikings again in the NAIA semifinals for a trip to the National Championship/ Photo courtesy of Raven Athletics" />
 <figcaption>The Benedictine Ravens made a second half comeback, but fell short to Grandview in week two of the regular season 27-24.&nbsp; Now the Ravens matchup with the Vikings again in the NAIA semifinals for a trip to the National Championship/ Photo courtesy of Raven Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe Benedictine Ravens are in the NAIA Conference semifinals for a second consecutive season, looking for a trip to the championship. The Ravens are once again in the semifinal match, after a heartbreaking loss last season. "We took a crushing loss last year in the semifinals down in Florida to Keiser, had the lead and gave it up and had a play at the end of the game to win and didn’t get it done,” Head Coach Joel Osborn tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. Osborn says after that defeat, the team had a mission, and with only one loss this season, now have a chance to finish that mission. That loss, though, is against their opponent. Benedictine will face Grand View in Des Moines tomorrow, a team they lost against in week two 27-24. "So, we get another opportunity to go up there, and this time it’s for a chance to play in a National Championship,” Osborn says. “So, there’s nothing more you could ask for at this point in time in the season and we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s game.” The Ravens opened the season against two top five opponents in Morningside and Grand View, winning one and losing the other. Osborn says playing those tough matchups early in the season helps prepare you for the playoffs, because you feel like you've been there before "So, it’s not the first time you’re doing it, so you’re not having to change how you prepare, you’re not having to change how you practice, and do those things,” Osborn explains. “And then in those games we were in those tight crunch situations and that really helped us I feel like.” With a win, the Ravens would head to their first championship game since 2018. Osborn says it's a goal for this team to win a national championship, so winning this game would help them get one step closer. Osborn though says they are completely focused right now on winning this game against the Vikings "And more so than anything, not just winning but putting our best foot forward, the big keys for us are going to be the most physical team, being the disciplined team and winning the turnover battle, and if we do those things we can live with the results regardless of what they are,” Osborn says. “But if we’re able to win this game and we have a lot of confidence in our abilities, then we love, love our chances next week in the National Championship.” Osborn says they aren't looking past Grand View though. The game will kick off at noon in Des Moines tomorrow.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Benedictine ready for rematch with Grand View for a trip to NAIA championship

Coming off an All Star campaign in one of the best season's of his career at third base, the Kansas City Royals have signed Maikel Garcia to a five year contract extension according to reports.&nbsp;

The five year extension secures the Royals future with Garcia through 2030 with a club option in 2031, according to&nbsp;a source telling MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the 2031 club option is picked up, Garcia's extension bought out two years of his free agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;The club has not confirmed.

The 25 year old&nbsp;Garcia earned his first career All-Star berth and Gold Glove Award, playing alongside shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who signed a 14-year extension in Spring Training of 2024.&nbsp; Garcia produced career highs in home runs with (16), RBIs (74) and OPS (.800) and played sterling defense at the hot corner, committing just seven errors for a .980 fielding percentage across 1,144 2/3 innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750338876368.jpeg" alt="Maikel Garcia/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>Maikel Garcia/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEComing off an All Star campaign in one of the best season's of his career at third base, the Kansas City Royals have signed Maikel Garcia to a five year contract extension according to reports.&nbsp;The five year extension secures the Royals future with Garcia through 2030 with a club option in 2031, according to&nbsp;a source telling MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the 2031 club option is picked up, Garcia's extension bought out two years of his free agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;The club has not confirmed.The 25 year old&nbsp;Garcia earned his first career All-Star berth and Gold Glove Award, playing alongside shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who signed a 14-year extension in Spring Training of 2024.&nbsp; Garcia produced career highs in home runs with (16), RBIs (74) and OPS (.800) and played sterling defense at the hot corner, committing just seven errors for a .980 fielding percentage across 1,144 2/3 innings.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Royals secure future with Maikel Garcia signed to five year extension

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/40eHsKYJno2Z0BoMPxa1V1?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning Sports

The first year of having all seven Missouri high school football championships in St. Joseph was a successful event.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he judges the success of the event on the experience of participants and the feedback received.  And Esely says the feedback has been positive. 

Esely says one thing that was validated in the first year was that Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western State University was the perfect size for these games 

"You know if you came to the Class 5 championship game in which Platte County won on Friday night or the Class 6 championship game where Lees Summit won on Saturday night, you saw a stadium that was absolutely electric, it was almost full,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “And again, that’s the environment a state championship should be played in, and in all due respect to Faurot Field in Columbia, you’re really going to struggle to get that just because of the stadium size.” 

Esely says there are not a lot of stadiums in this state that are set up and built to host three football games in one day any better than Spratt Stadium is as well which made for a memorable three days. 

Esely says he's received several positive comments about the championships, the most positive being teams saying that it felt like they were wanted here 

"I think that’s absolutely evident to people that saw the championship behind the scenes, the administrators, the media, is we definitely wanted them there,” Esely explains. 

And Esely says no matter if it's a team as close as Platte County, or as far as Live for Life Academy from St. Louis 

"I think you walked into an environment that was championship ready, I think the red carpet was rolled out for those folks, and I think it definitely left a good impression, not only for this year, but the next three guaranteed years we have,” Esely says. 

Esely says while the event was successful, they are always evaluating how to improve the event, all the way from concessions to security.  

Esely says first and foremost though, it's about the experience given to the 14 teams, and that it felt like a championship environment. 

"I think based on the feedback that we received is we delivered there,” Esely says.  “And we also want to make sure that our partner is happy as well, and that’s our friends at the Missouri High School Activities Association, they trusted us to bring their championship here and they certainly have a level of expectation as well, and I think their staff left here happy late Saturday night as well.” 

Esely says the hope is a good impression was left and the success of the event leads to even more success in the next three years, and hopefully even longer term. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe first year of having all seven Missouri high school football championships in St. Joseph was a successful event. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says he judges the success of the event on the experience of participants and the feedback received. And Esely says the feedback has been positive. Esely says one thing that was validated in the first year was that Spratt Stadium at Missouri Western State University was the perfect size for these games "You know if you came to the Class 5 championship game in which Platte County won on Friday night or the Class 6 championship game where Lees Summit won on Saturday night, you saw a stadium that was absolutely electric, it was almost full,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “And again, that’s the environment a state championship should be played in, and in all due respect to Faurot Field in Columbia, you’re really going to struggle to get that just because of the stadium size.” Esely says there are not a lot of stadiums in this state that are set up and built to host three football games in one day any better than Spratt Stadium is as well which made for a memorable three days. Esely says he's received several positive comments about the championships, the most positive being teams saying that it felt like they were wanted here "I think that’s absolutely evident to people that saw the championship behind the scenes, the administrators, the media, is we definitely wanted them there,” Esely explains. And Esely says no matter if it's a team as close as Platte County, or as far as Live for Life Academy from St. Louis "I think you walked into an environment that was championship ready, I think the red carpet was rolled out for those folks, and I think it definitely left a good impression, not only for this year, but the next three guaranteed years we have,” Esely says. Esely says while the event was successful, they are always evaluating how to improve the event, all the way from concessions to security. Esely says first and foremost though, it's about the experience given to the 14 teams, and that it felt like a championship environment. "I think based on the feedback that we received is we delivered there,” Esely says. “And we also want to make sure that our partner is happy as well, and that’s our friends at the Missouri High School Activities Association, they trusted us to bring their championship here and they certainly have a level of expectation as well, and I think their staff left here happy late Saturday night as well.” Esely says the hope is a good impression was left and the success of the event leads to even more success in the next three years, and hopefully even longer term. JOURNAL<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0Ean8JWhLxy9gJPmoHloZM?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

First year of MSHSAA football championships in St. Joseph a success

After leaving Orlando at the conclusion of the MLB Winter Meetings, the Kansas City Royals have taken a step in addressing their need to add outfield depth this offseason.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Royals have agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with veteran outfielder Lane Thomas, sources told MLB.com on Thursday night.&nbsp; The club has not confirmed the contract, which is pending a physical and includes $1 million in incentives. 

The Royals are at 38 players on their 40-man roster, so a corresponding move is not needed.&nbsp; Thomas spent the last year and a half with the Guardians and went through several ups and downs. 

After joining Cleveland in a Trade Deadline deal with the Nationals in 2024, the Royals expressed interest in adding him then too, the outfielder batted .148 in his first 29 games for Cleveland. But he turned it on in September, with a .560 slugging percentage, and Thomas’ grand slam in Game 5 of the ALDS against Detroit and Tarik Skubal helped send the Guardians to the ALCS. 

There, Thomas’ double preceded a game-tying home run by Jhonkensy Noel in the bottom of the ninth in Game 3 against the Yankees, which the Guardians won in 10 innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that uneven 2024, Thomas was limited to 39 games and 125 at-bats for the Guardians in 2025, mostly due to a lingering case of plantar fasciitis in his right foot, which required surgery in September. And before that, Thomas missed a month with a right wrist bone bruise after he was hit by a pitch on the right wrist in Cleveland’s home opener. When healthy enough to play, Thomas batted just .160 with a .518 OPS and six extra-base hits.

The 30-year-old Thomas is a buy-low bounceback candidate and a right-handed hitter who can play center field, all items the Royals were searching for when looking at the free-agent market for outfielders who can provide some length to the bottom of their lineup. They missed out on re-signing Mike Yastrzemski, who inked a two-year, $23 million contract with the Braves on Wednesday, but had a list of free agents to continue to go after when they left the Winter Meetings.

Defensively, Thomas has seen time at all three outfield positions, including 276 starts in right field and 170 in center. In his last full season in 2024, he showed limited range but an elite arm. The Royals could use him as a right-handed option in center field when lefty Kyle Isbel sits, or in right field if lefty Jac Caglianone is not playing. There’s lots of opportunity in left field right now, too; the Royals plan to have Michael Massey split time between second base and left field in 2026.

The biggest question is if Thomas can recapture the form he showed in 2023, when he hit 28 homers and stole 20 bases for Washington, to go with a .783 OPS and 3.3 WAR. Even if not, he can still provide value against left-handed pitchers, against whom he has a career .292/.359/.500 slash line.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765501145656.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Royals addressed their need in the outfield, signing former St. Louis Cardinal and Cleveland Guardian Lane Thomas to a one year deal on Thursday night/ Photo courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors on X" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Royals addressed their need in the outfield, signing former St. Louis Cardinal and Cleveland Guardian Lane Thomas to a one year deal on Thursday night/ Photo courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors on X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEAfter leaving Orlando at the conclusion of the MLB Winter Meetings, the Kansas City Royals have taken a step in addressing their need to add outfield depth this offseason.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals have agreed to a one-year, $5.25 million deal with veteran outfielder Lane Thomas, sources told MLB.com on Thursday night.&nbsp; The club has not confirmed the contract, which is pending a physical and includes $1 million in incentives. The Royals are at 38 players on their 40-man roster, so a corresponding move is not needed.&nbsp; Thomas spent the last year and a half with the Guardians and went through several ups and downs. After joining Cleveland in a Trade Deadline deal with the Nationals in 2024, the Royals expressed interest in adding him then too, the outfielder batted .148 in his first 29 games for Cleveland. But he turned it on in September, with a .560 slugging percentage, and Thomas’ grand slam in Game 5 of the ALDS against Detroit and Tarik Skubal helped send the Guardians to the ALCS. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">You might remember Lane Thomas for his grand slam off Skubal in the 2024 ALDS. Only played in 39 games last year, but slashed .237/.309/.400 with an OPS+ of 100 in 130 games in 2024. Good defender who can play all three OF spots. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Royals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Royals</a> <a href="https://t.co/tdfQLS6tC2">pic.twitter.com/tdfQLS6tC2</a>&mdash; Jack Johnson (@JohnyJ_15) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnyJ_15/status/1999264831845859434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>There, Thomas’ double preceded a game-tying home run by Jhonkensy Noel in the bottom of the ninth in Game 3 against the Yankees, which the Guardians won in 10 innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that uneven 2024, Thomas was limited to 39 games and 125 at-bats for the Guardians in 2025, mostly due to a lingering case of plantar fasciitis in his right foot, which required surgery in September. And before that, Thomas missed a month with a right wrist bone bruise after he was hit by a pitch on the right wrist in Cleveland’s home opener. When healthy enough to play, Thomas batted just .160 with a .518 OPS and six extra-base hits.The 30-year-old Thomas is a buy-low bounceback candidate and a right-handed hitter who can play center field, all items the Royals were searching for when looking at the free-agent market for outfielders who can provide some length to the bottom of their lineup. They missed out on re-signing Mike Yastrzemski, who inked a two-year, $23 million contract with the Braves on Wednesday, but had a list of free agents to continue to go after when they left the Winter Meetings.Defensively, Thomas has seen time at all three outfield positions, including 276 starts in right field and 170 in center. In his last full season in 2024, he showed limited range but an elite arm. The Royals could use him as a right-handed option in center field when lefty Kyle Isbel sits, or in right field if lefty Jac Caglianone is not playing. There’s lots of opportunity in left field right now, too; the Royals plan to have Michael Massey split time between second base and left field in 2026.The biggest question is if Thomas can recapture the form he showed in 2023, when he hit 28 homers and stole 20 bases for Washington, to go with a .783 OPS and 3.3 WAR. Even if not, he can still provide value against left-handed pitchers, against whom he has a career .292/.359/.500 slash line.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Royals add to outfield signing former Cardinal Lane Thomas

Missouri Western State University will once again host elementary and middle school students as the Field Trip with the Griffs returns, this year going a little bigger.  

In the inaugural year of the event, MoWest invited students from within the St. Joseph School District.  It was so well received; the district wanted to do it again. 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the district is planning to bring even more students to the event in the second year 

"So that led us to looking into a second game and basically saying well what does this look like for a men’s and a women’s game this year and the second date basically inviting all the surrounding counties,” Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “Because there’s almost 30 schools around St. Joseph in a 30-mile radius in eight or nine surrounding counties and we figured why not extend the invitation, because the only negative last year, we were limited on space.” 

And this year, with two games, along with the St. Joseph School District, MoWest will invite students from around the Midland Empire, all the way from Mound City to Troy, Kansas. 

Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says it's important for Missouri Western to showcase the university and get people on campus who may have never stepped foot on it. 

"I think this is a really good opportunity to build relationships with some of these schools and really some of these communities that this becomes an event,” Menley explains. 

In addition, Menley says every student who attends will receive a rally towel that acts as a season ticket, in hopes that those students will return to campus for more games.  

Menley says the hope is that following the event, students will continue to come back to campus, growing the next generation of Griffons and Griffon fans. 

"I think that’s really the focus here, yes it’s a great moment, it’s a great memory, it’s a great event, but we are trying to build something for the long term, and I think that’s the secondary goal of these two education games,” Menley says.  “And especially with the Midland Empire game, where getting the Maysville’s the Stewartsville’s, the Cameron’s, the Plattsburg’s to step foot on our campus and remember that this is your hometown university.” 

All of the St. Joseph School District will be in attendance on Monday to see the Griffon women face Livin the Dream, while several schools from the surrounding area will watch the men on Tuesday take on Avila.  

Both games will be at 11am, making it a true field trip for students.  An estimated 5,000 students from 37 area elementary schools will be in attendance over the two games. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765470899374.jpeg" alt="Students packed the Missouri Western fieldhouse during the inaugural Education Game last year.&nbsp; This year, MoWest will host two Education games on Monday and Tuesday for students from the St. Joseph School District and the Midland Empire/ Photo courtesy of MoWest Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Students packed the Missouri Western fieldhouse during the inaugural Education Game last year.&nbsp; This year, MoWest will host two Education games on Monday and Tuesday for students from the St. Joseph School District and the Midland Empire/ Photo courtesy of MoWest Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostMissouri Western State University will once again host elementary and middle school students as the Field Trip with the Griffs returns, this year going a little bigger. In the inaugural year of the event, MoWest invited students from within the St. Joseph School District. It was so well received; the district wanted to do it again. Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says the district is planning to bring even more students to the event in the second year "So that led us to looking into a second game and basically saying well what does this look like for a men’s and a women’s game this year and the second date basically inviting all the surrounding counties,” Menley tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “Because there’s almost 30 schools around St. Joseph in a 30-mile radius in eight or nine surrounding counties and we figured why not extend the invitation, because the only negative last year, we were limited on space.” And this year, with two games, along with the St. Joseph School District, MoWest will invite students from around the Midland Empire, all the way from Mound City to Troy, Kansas. Senior Associate Athletic Director Ryan Menley says it's important for Missouri Western to showcase the university and get people on campus who may have never stepped foot on it. "I think this is a really good opportunity to build relationships with some of these schools and really some of these communities that this becomes an event,” Menley explains. In addition, Menley says every student who attends will receive a rally towel that acts as a season ticket, in hopes that those students will return to campus for more games. Menley says the hope is that following the event, students will continue to come back to campus, growing the next generation of Griffons and Griffon fans. "I think that’s really the focus here, yes it’s a great moment, it’s a great memory, it’s a great event, but we are trying to build something for the long term, and I think that’s the secondary goal of these two education games,” Menley says. “And especially with the Midland Empire game, where getting the Maysville’s the Stewartsville’s, the Cameron’s, the Plattsburg’s to step foot on our campus and remember that this is your hometown university.” All of the St. Joseph School District will be in attendance on Monday to see the Griffon women face Livin the Dream, while several schools from the surrounding area will watch the men on Tuesday take on Avila. Both games will be at 11am, making it a true field trip for students. An estimated 5,000 students from 37 area elementary schools will be in attendance over the two games. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

MoWest to host several area students during second 'Field Trip with the Griffs'

After their first season in St. Joseph ended disappointingly missing out on the playoffs, the St. Joseph Goats will be back at Civic Arena this spring looking for redemption, and a trip back to the playoffs .

The Arena League officially announced the full schedule for the 2026 season, with the Goats set to open on the road on May 29th against the Arkansas Diamonds.&nbsp; The first home game for St. Joseph at Civic Arena will be on June 6th against the Ozark Lunkers.&nbsp;

Of the nine weeks, the Goats will host four games and be on the road for the other five.&nbsp; The other three home games will he on June 20th against Grand Island, a new team to The Arena League out of Nebraska, yet to be named.&nbsp; On June 27th St. Joseph will host the Eau Claire Axemen.

The final home game of the season will wrap up three consecutive home matchups for the Goats, as on July 11th they will host the Iowa Woo, the team that beat them to keep them out of the championship game in their inaugural season in The Arena League in 2024.&nbsp;

All home matchups are currently scheduled to be played at 7:05pm.&nbsp; The game times, dates, and details are subject to change throughout the season.&nbsp; The Goats have announced several fan favorites are returning next year, as is head coach Dorsey Golston.&nbsp; Season tickets and single game tickets are available for purchase currently on the <a href="https://stjgoatsfootball.com/">St. Joseph Goats website</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765481003265.jpeg" alt="The St. Joseph Goats will be back at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph in 2026 and have released their schedule for the upcoming season/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Goats Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>The St. Joseph Goats will be back at Civic Arena in downtown St. Joseph in 2026 and have released their schedule for the upcoming season/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Goats Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostAfter their first season in St. Joseph ended disappointingly missing out on the playoffs, the St. Joseph Goats will be back at Civic Arena this spring looking for redemption, and a trip back to the playoffs .The Arena League officially announced the full schedule for the 2026 season, with the Goats set to open on the road on May 29th against the Arkansas Diamonds.&nbsp; The first home game for St. Joseph at Civic Arena will be on June 6th against the Ozark Lunkers.&nbsp;Of the nine weeks, the Goats will host four games and be on the road for the other five.&nbsp; The other three home games will he on June 20th against Grand Island, a new team to The Arena League out of Nebraska, yet to be named.&nbsp; On June 27th St. Joseph will host the Eau Claire Axemen.The final home game of the season will wrap up three consecutive home matchups for the Goats, as on July 11th they will host the Iowa Woo, the team that beat them to keep them out of the championship game in their inaugural season in The Arena League in 2024.&nbsp;All home matchups are currently scheduled to be played at 7:05pm.&nbsp; The game times, dates, and details are subject to change throughout the season.&nbsp; The Goats have announced several fan favorites are returning next year, as is head coach Dorsey Golston.&nbsp; Season tickets and single game tickets are available for purchase currently on the <a href="https://stjgoatsfootball.com/">St. Joseph Goats website</a>.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

St. Joseph Goats release schedule for upcoming season at Civic Arena

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1Imcv6lVTLZC5ZkGNBjZSa?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

A Missouri Western State University Hall of Fame football coach and the winningest coach in MoWest football history is a head coach once again.

Jerry Partridge has been named the new head football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Partridge spent the last three seasons as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at University of Tennessee at Martin. He was a defensive coordinator for Delta State and Northern Arizona between 2017 and 2022.

The longtime Griffons head coach was at MoWest from 1997 until 2016. He compiled a 149-83 record at MoWest and led the team to two conference titles, six bowl games, and four NCAA playoff appearances.

A Missouri Western State University Hall of Fame football coach and the winningest coach in MoWest football history is a head coach once again.Jerry Partridge has been named the new head football coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Partridge spent the last three seasons as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at University of Tennessee at Martin. He was a defensive coordinator for Delta State and Northern Arizona between 2017 and 2022.The longtime Griffons head coach was at MoWest from 1997 until 2016. He compiled a 149-83 record at MoWest and led the team to two conference titles, six bowl games, and four NCAA playoff appearances.

Longtime MoWest coach Partridge new leader at Northwestern Oklahoma State

The Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals both got reprieve from the rumors swirling around both teams during the MLB Winter Meetings, learning where they will be picking next summer in the 2026 MLB Draft during All Star Weekend.&nbsp;

For the first time, the Royals were big winners in the MLB's lottery system, as they were awarded the number six pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City entered the day with 13th best odds at landing top pick in the draft, a 0.8% chance. If the Royals hadn’t gotten a lottery pick, they would have picked 16th.

Non-lottery picks are determined by inverse order of the teams’ regular-season records, and there were three teams, the Angels, Rockies and Nationals, that weren’t eligible for the lottery this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals have selected sixth two other times in their history, including Zack Greinke in 2002 and Caglianone in 2024.

With the Draft Lottery completed, the Draft order is set. In addition to No. 6, the Royals will also have a Competitive Balance A pick next year at No. 30. The 2026 Draft will be held July 12 in Philadelphia as part of All-Star festivities, and the White Sox will be making the number one overall pick.

The Cardinals&nbsp;drew the #13 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis went into Tuesday with MLB’s eighth-best odds for the top pick, 2.35%, but they dropped below the Rockies and Nationals. It is the second time in three seasons the Cards fell below their slot in the odds. In 2023, they fell from the fifth-best odds to number seven where they landed infielder JJ Wetherholt.

The Draft Lottery was a reprieve from the numerous trade talks the Cards front office have had with other teams interested in dealing for their established veterans. Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras are the biggest names possibly on the move, but standout utility fielder Brendan Donovan has drawn interest from 18 MLB teams, per a source. 

The Mariners, Royals, Astros and Rays have been the most aggressive suitors, per that same source, but the Cardinals want to be diligent in dealing to make sure they extract the maximum prospect capital in return for their lone All-Star in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not far behind Donovan, in terms of interest from other clubs, is lefty reliever JoJo Romero, who is drawing interest from the Yankees, Rays, Astros, Tigers and D-backs, per a source.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765387555016.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals learned their slot in the 2026 MLB Draft during Tuesday's MLB Draft Lottery during the MLB Winter Meetings/ Photo courtesy of X" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals learned their slot in the 2026 MLB Draft during Tuesday's MLB Draft Lottery during the MLB Winter Meetings/ Photo courtesy of X</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEThe Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals both got reprieve from the rumors swirling around both teams during the MLB Winter Meetings, learning where they will be picking next summer in the 2026 MLB Draft during All Star Weekend.&nbsp;For the first time, the Royals were big winners in the MLB's lottery system, as they were awarded the number six pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kansas City entered the day with 13th best odds at landing top pick in the draft, a 0.8% chance. If the Royals hadn’t gotten a lottery pick, they would have picked 16th.Non-lottery picks are determined by inverse order of the teams’ regular-season records, and there were three teams, the Angels, Rockies and Nationals, that weren’t eligible for the lottery this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Royals have selected sixth two other times in their history, including Zack Greinke in 2002 and Caglianone in 2024.With the Draft Lottery completed, the Draft order is set. In addition to No. 6, the Royals will also have a Competitive Balance A pick next year at No. 30. The 2026 Draft will be held July 12 in Philadelphia as part of All-Star festivities, and the White Sox will be making the number one overall pick.The Cardinals&nbsp;drew the #13 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft.&nbsp;&nbsp;St. Louis went into Tuesday with MLB’s eighth-best odds for the top pick, 2.35%, but they dropped below the Rockies and Nationals. It is the second time in three seasons the Cards fell below their slot in the odds. In 2023, they fell from the fifth-best odds to number seven where they landed infielder JJ Wetherholt.The Draft Lottery was a reprieve from the numerous trade talks the Cards front office have had with other teams interested in dealing for their established veterans. Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras are the biggest names possibly on the move, but standout utility fielder Brendan Donovan has drawn interest from 18 MLB teams, per a source. The Mariners, Royals, Astros and Rays have been the most aggressive suitors, per that same source, but the Cardinals want to be diligent in dealing to make sure they extract the maximum prospect capital in return for their lone All-Star in 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not far behind Donovan, in terms of interest from other clubs, is lefty reliever JoJo Romero, who is drawing interest from the Yankees, Rays, Astros, Tigers and D-backs, per a source.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Royals and Cardinals learn their slot in the 2026 MLB Draft

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2RvMFjpOattuME22fNjHvH?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

KFEQ Morning News

The third annual Bill Snyder Classic brought a thrilling matchup to Civic Arena, ending in an upset win for the Kansas State women over the Ole Miss Rebels.  

St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says while the crowd wasn't quite what he had hoped for, still about 1,600 people showed up despite the game being played on a Sunday, rather than the usual Saturday.   

Esely says the game next year though, which is already scheduled, will return to Saturday, stating that Sunday events in St. Joe are hard to plan for 

"In my experience in event management now 20 plus years, Sunday afternoons have always been a tough draw sporting event wise here,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.  “I think this time of year, certainly we didn’t go opposite the Chiefs timewise, but we were sensitive to that, we weren’t going to schedule during a Chiefs game, that’s probably not a good plan of attack here.” 

Esely says knowing Kansas State has options of where to play these non-conference matchups, the commission always treats this event like it’s the first one 

"We do make sure the hospitality is at a very high level for any event we host, let alone we host, because these are division one travel parties that have a high level of expectation,” Esely explains.  “And anywhere they go I feel like they are showered with some level of hospitality that we want to make sure the hospitality level is as good here as they get anywhere else, they go play at any other time across the country.” 

Even with three years in the books now of the event, Esely still feels like improvements can be made.  Esely says specifically there can be improvements in how they market the matchup coming to St. Joseph 

"Making sure that the publicity for this game is as it should be, we’re also sensitive to ticket prices as well,” Esely says.  “I think our tickets were priced as they should have been for an event like this, given we had a premium option, but we also had a $10 option to get in the door as well, but we certainly don’t want that to be a deterrent for anybody that wants to attend the game.” 

Esely says Kansas State will return to Civic Arena for a fourth Bill Snyder Classic but is not quite ready to announce the opponent.   

The announcement of the Wildcats opponent will hopefully be out around next spring. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765311477646.jpeg" alt="While the crowd wasn't what was hoped for, St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely still considers the third annual Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena a successful event/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission" />
 <figcaption>While the crowd wasn't what was hoped for, St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely still considers the third annual Bill Snyder Classic at Civic Arena a successful event/ Photo courtesy of the St. Joseph Sports Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostThe third annual Bill Snyder Classic brought a thrilling matchup to Civic Arena, ending in an upset win for the Kansas State women over the Ole Miss Rebels. St. Joseph Sports Commission Director Brett Esely says while the crowd wasn't quite what he had hoped for, still about 1,600 people showed up despite the game being played on a Sunday, rather than the usual Saturday. Esely says the game next year though, which is already scheduled, will return to Saturday, stating that Sunday events in St. Joe are hard to plan for "In my experience in event management now 20 plus years, Sunday afternoons have always been a tough draw sporting event wise here,” Esely tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “I think this time of year, certainly we didn’t go opposite the Chiefs timewise, but we were sensitive to that, we weren’t going to schedule during a Chiefs game, that’s probably not a good plan of attack here.” Esely says knowing Kansas State has options of where to play these non-conference matchups, the commission always treats this event like it’s the first one "We do make sure the hospitality is at a very high level for any event we host, let alone we host, because these are division one travel parties that have a high level of expectation,” Esely explains. “And anywhere they go I feel like they are showered with some level of hospitality that we want to make sure the hospitality level is as good here as they get anywhere else, they go play at any other time across the country.” Even with three years in the books now of the event, Esely still feels like improvements can be made. Esely says specifically there can be improvements in how they market the matchup coming to St. Joseph "Making sure that the publicity for this game is as it should be, we’re also sensitive to ticket prices as well,” Esely says. “I think our tickets were priced as they should have been for an event like this, given we had a premium option, but we also had a $10 option to get in the door as well, but we certainly don’t want that to be a deterrent for anybody that wants to attend the game.” Esely says Kansas State will return to Civic Arena for a fourth Bill Snyder Classic but is not quite ready to announce the opponent. The announcement of the Wildcats opponent will hopefully be out around next spring. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Bill Snyder Classic a success, but improvements can still be made

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5gbgp1tXT37iUQjX0XBxFR?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

While there is still a chance, the lights are beginning to dim on the Kansas City Chiefs making an 11th consecutive trip to the playoffs after a series of miscues led to a 20-10 loss the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.

&nbsp;Some odds have the Chiefs chances as low as 12% to make the playoffs, others are around 16%, but most are below the 20% chance mark.&nbsp; Despite the low odds, defensive tackle Chris Jones says they still have an opportunity, even if it is a slim opportunity

"Still got an opportunity, and we've got to finish strong, no matter what we've got to finish strong to put ourself in a position to be able to get in the playoffs if that opportunity presents itself," Jones says during his postgame press conference.&nbsp; "So, for us the door is still open, it might be a 10% chance, it might be a 5% chance, but as long as we've got an opportunity and a chance, then we still can control that and finish strong and let the cards fall where they fall."

Head Coach Andy Reid says the message to the team after the loss is that it's never over

"You keep battling, I've been doing this a long time, seen some things, so you keep going," Reid says.

The loss did end Kansas City's streak of nine consecutive AFC West titles, the second longest streak in NFL history.&nbsp; &nbsp;With a run of success close to ending, linebacker Nick Bolton says the team needs to respond to this loss by controlling the controllable.&nbsp;

"We've got four weeks left, one week at a time, we need some help from other people but my mindset is put our best foot forward and take care of what we can control," Bolton says in the locker room.

Leo Chenal echoes that sentiment, saying now it's all up to them.

"Message is go out and play top level football as best you can, with the best effort you can, at the highest level you can regardless," Chenal explains.&nbsp; "Whatever happens, we better be out there playing our hardest, especially now, it's not in our hands but we better be playing our hardest."

The Chiefs fell behind 10-0 at the halftime break thanks to a 35 yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn and a nine yard touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Woody Marks.&nbsp; On the first play of the game, an already thin offensive line for Kansas City got thinner, as Wanya Morris exited the game with a knee injury.&nbsp; Also in the first quarter, cornerback Trent McDuffie suffered a knee injury that put him out of the game.&nbsp;

Despite the injuries, and some miscues in the first half including an interception and a missed field goal, the Chiefs came back to tie the game in the third quarter.&nbsp; Kareem Hunt rushed in from two yards out on a 4th and 1 play to cut the lead to three early in the quarter, and then near the end of the frame Harrison Butker hit a 36 yard field goal to tie the game heading into the final quarter.&nbsp;

But after a quarter of execution to tie the game, things fell apart in the fourth for Kansas City.&nbsp; Patrick Mahomes threw his second interception of the game early in the quarter, which did turn into a punt from Houston, but then a turnover on downs from the Chiefs gave the Texans the chance to score the go ahead touchdown on a five yard run by Dare Ogunbowale.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trailing by a touchdown, Kansas City turned the ball over on downs again, and Houston would end up punting the ball back, but again Mahomes threw an interception, the ball bouncing off the hands of Travis Kelce and into linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.&nbsp; Fairbairn knocked through a 28 yard field goal to put the Texans up by two scores with 30 seconds remaining, and after three plays with no timeouts from the Chiefs, the game came to an end.&nbsp;

Mahomes was 14-of-33 through the air for 160 yards with three interceptions, adding seven rushes for 59 yards.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 12 times for 30 yards and the score.&nbsp; Xavier Worthy had three catches for 59 yards, while Rashee Rice was the leading receiver with four catches for 34 yards.&nbsp;

The Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in an AFC West battle with a lot on the line.  A loss in that matchup, and their run to the AFC playoffs could come to an end.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon with an 11am pregame on Q Country (92.7FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765164441878.png" alt="The Kansas City Chiefs defense stepped up in the second half, but the offense failed to execute and saw their playoff hopes dwindle more with a 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football/ File photo" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Chiefs defense stepped up in the second half, but the offense failed to execute and saw their playoff hopes dwindle more with a 20-10 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football/ File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKEWhile there is still a chance, the lights are beginning to dim on the Kansas City Chiefs making an 11th consecutive trip to the playoffs after a series of miscues led to a 20-10 loss the Houston Texans on Sunday Night Football.&nbsp;Some odds have the Chiefs chances as low as 12% to make the playoffs, others are around 16%, but most are below the 20% chance mark.&nbsp; Despite the low odds, defensive tackle Chris Jones says they still have an opportunity, even if it is a slim opportunity"Still got an opportunity, and we've got to finish strong, no matter what we've got to finish strong to put ourself in a position to be able to get in the playoffs if that opportunity presents itself," Jones says during his postgame press conference.&nbsp; "So, for us the door is still open, it might be a 10% chance, it might be a 5% chance, but as long as we've got an opportunity and a chance, then we still can control that and finish strong and let the cards fall where they fall."Head Coach Andy Reid says the message to the team after the loss is that it's never over"You keep battling, I've been doing this a long time, seen some things, so you keep going," Reid says.The loss did end Kansas City's streak of nine consecutive AFC West titles, the second longest streak in NFL history.&nbsp; &nbsp;With a run of success close to ending, linebacker Nick Bolton says the team needs to respond to this loss by controlling the controllable.&nbsp;"We've got four weeks left, one week at a time, we need some help from other people but my mindset is put our best foot forward and take care of what we can control," Bolton says in the locker room.Leo Chenal echoes that sentiment, saying now it's all up to them."Message is go out and play top level football as best you can, with the best effort you can, at the highest level you can regardless," Chenal explains.&nbsp; "Whatever happens, we better be out there playing our hardest, especially now, it's not in our hands but we better be playing our hardest."The Chiefs fell behind 10-0 at the halftime break thanks to a 35 yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn and a nine yard touchdown pass from CJ Stroud to Woody Marks.&nbsp; On the first play of the game, an already thin offensive line for Kansas City got thinner, as Wanya Morris exited the game with a knee injury.&nbsp; Also in the first quarter, cornerback Trent McDuffie suffered a knee injury that put him out of the game.&nbsp;Despite the injuries, and some miscues in the first half including an interception and a missed field goal, the Chiefs came back to tie the game in the third quarter.&nbsp; Kareem Hunt rushed in from two yards out on a 4th and 1 play to cut the lead to three early in the quarter, and then near the end of the frame Harrison Butker hit a 36 yard field goal to tie the game heading into the final quarter.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KAREEM MUSCLES IT IN 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/Kareemhunt7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kareemhunt7</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProBowlVote?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProBowlVote</a> <a href="https://t.co/t5eFX8Kees">pic.twitter.com/t5eFX8Kees</a>&mdash; Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1997866525181809078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But after a quarter of execution to tie the game, things fell apart in the fourth for Kansas City.&nbsp; Patrick Mahomes threw his second interception of the game early in the quarter, which did turn into a punt from Houston, but then a turnover on downs from the Chiefs gave the Texans the chance to score the go ahead touchdown on a five yard run by Dare Ogunbowale.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trailing by a touchdown, Kansas City turned the ball over on downs again, and Houston would end up punting the ball back, but again Mahomes threw an interception, the ball bouncing off the hands of Travis Kelce and into linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.&nbsp; Fairbairn knocked through a 28 yard field goal to put the Texans up by two scores with 30 seconds remaining, and after three plays with no timeouts from the Chiefs, the game came to an end.&nbsp;Mahomes was 14-of-33 through the air for 160 yards with three interceptions, adding seven rushes for 59 yards.&nbsp; Hunt rushed 12 times for 30 yards and the score.&nbsp; Xavier Worthy had three catches for 59 yards, while Rashee Rice was the leading receiver with four catches for 34 yards.&nbsp;The Chiefs will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday in an AFC West battle with a lot on the line. A loss in that matchup, and their run to the AFC playoffs could come to an end.&nbsp; Kickoff will be at noon with an 11am pregame on Q Country (92.7FM).You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

Chiefs fail to execute and fall to Texans 20-10 making playoff hopes dwindle more

 The Benedictine Ravens football team advanced to its second straight NAIA Football Championship Series Semifinal with a 24-18 win over Friends University on the road in Wichita, Kansas.

Trey Williams deflected a pitch in the backfield and recovered the ball with three seconds remaining on the game on a fourth-down play by Friends to seal the win for Benedictine. 

Benedictine jumped out to a 10-0 lead over Friends by the end of the first quarter. The Ravens scored on their opening drive of 74 yards in six plays as Xavier Ugorgi scored on a 39-yard rush. After Christian Klobe converted his first PAT, he added a 22-yard field goals with 22 seconds in the quarter to extend the Ravens lead.

Each team scored in the second quarter, first with K'Vonte Baker throwing a 35 yard touchdown pass to Austin Pratt, then the Ravens scoring less than a minute off the Falcons touchdown. Jackson Dooley connected on a 49-yard pass to Titan Osborn that capped off a two play, 56 yard drive to give Benedictine a 17-7 lead with 10:31 left in the half, a lead they would end up holding into the halftime break.

In the second half, Dooley connected on his second passing touchdown of the game, this time to Isaiah Hasten, on a 13-yard pass with 4:02 left in the third quarter to extend the lead. Friends answered with 15 seconds left in the third, a five yard run from Baker, and after a successful two point conversion, again with a run by Baker, trailed Benedictine 24-15 headed into the fourth quarter.

The Falcons scored the only points of the fourth quarter on a 37-yard field goal, and that's where the game ended offensively.&nbsp; Friends entered the game on Saturday against the Ravens with the top rushing offense in the NAIA at 473.0 yards per game and the best scoring average in the NAIA at 57.7 points per game. The Ravens limited them to their lowest scoring total since Second Round loss to Grand View on Nov. 30, 2024. The Falcons finished with 338 yards rushing on 64 carries, also their lowest since the season-ending loss last year to Grand View.

Ugorgji finished with 153 of Benedictine's 203 rushing yards on 18 carries to earn the Offensive Player of the Game honors. Dooley went 12 of 21 for 149 yards with two touchdowns while Osburn finished with 56 yards on three receptions with a score.&nbsp; Tanner Zimmerman had three catches for 36 yards

The Ravens advance to the NAIA Football Championship Semifinals on Dec. 13, where they will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to take top-seeded Grand View University for a chance to play in the NAIA National Championship Game in Fort Worth, Texas on Dec. 20. Kickoff time for the Ravens and Vikings Semifinal has not been set. 

Benedictine traveled to Grand View during week one this season with the Vikings holding on for a 27-24 win.

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765083930041.jpeg" alt="The Benedictine Ravens defense takes downs Friends University quarterback K'Vonte Baker during the Ravens 24-18 win on Saturday.&nbsp; Benedictine advances to their second consecutive NAIA Semifinals appearance next week against Grandview/ Photo courtesy of Todd Nugent-Benedictine Athletics" />
 <figcaption>The Benedictine Ravens defense takes downs Friends University quarterback K'Vonte Baker during the Ravens 24-18 win on Saturday.&nbsp; Benedictine advances to their second consecutive NAIA Semifinals appearance next week against Grandview/ Photo courtesy of Todd Nugent-Benedictine Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post The Benedictine Ravens football team advanced to its second straight NAIA Football Championship Series Semifinal with a 24-18 win over Friends University on the road in Wichita, Kansas.Trey Williams deflected a pitch in the backfield and recovered the ball with three seconds remaining on the game on a fourth-down play by Friends to seal the win for Benedictine. Benedictine jumped out to a 10-0 lead over Friends by the end of the first quarter. The Ravens scored on their opening drive of 74 yards in six plays as Xavier Ugorgi scored on a 39-yard rush. After Christian Klobe converted his first PAT, he added a 22-yard field goals with 22 seconds in the quarter to extend the Ravens lead.Each team scored in the second quarter, first with K'Vonte Baker throwing a 35 yard touchdown pass to Austin Pratt, then the Ravens scoring less than a minute off the Falcons touchdown. Jackson Dooley connected on a 49-yard pass to Titan Osborn that capped off a two play, 56 yard drive to give Benedictine a 17-7 lead with 10:31 left in the half, a lead they would end up holding into the halftime break.In the second half, Dooley connected on his second passing touchdown of the game, this time to Isaiah Hasten, on a 13-yard pass with 4:02 left in the third quarter to extend the lead. Friends answered with 15 seconds left in the third, a five yard run from Baker, and after a successful two point conversion, again with a run by Baker, trailed Benedictine 24-15 headed into the fourth quarter.The Falcons scored the only points of the fourth quarter on a 37-yard field goal, and that's where the game ended offensively.&nbsp; Friends entered the game on Saturday against the Ravens with the top rushing offense in the NAIA at 473.0 yards per game and the best scoring average in the NAIA at 57.7 points per game. The Ravens limited them to their lowest scoring total since Second Round loss to Grand View on Nov. 30, 2024. The Falcons finished with 338 yards rushing on 64 carries, also their lowest since the season-ending loss last year to Grand View.Ugorgji finished with 153 of Benedictine's 203 rushing yards on 18 carries to earn the Offensive Player of the Game honors. Dooley went 12 of 21 for 149 yards with two touchdowns while Osburn finished with 56 yards on three receptions with a score.&nbsp; Tanner Zimmerman had three catches for 36 yardsThe Ravens advance to the NAIA Football Championship Semifinals on Dec. 13, where they will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to take top-seeded Grand View University for a chance to play in the NAIA National Championship Game in Fort Worth, Texas on Dec. 20. Kickoff time for the Ravens and Vikings Semifinal has not been set. Benedictine traveled to Grand View during week one this season with the Vikings holding on for a 27-24 win.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PhASX6JcolU?si=hPa791hB7b3heR4L" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Benedictine returns to NAIA semifinals with 24-18 win over Friends

As promised, 14 of the best football teams from around the state of Missouri came to St. Joseph and put on seven great football games at Spratt Memorial Stadium at Missouri Western Stadium over the last three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The MSHSAA Show Me Bowl wrapped up on Saturday, with action from Classes 2, 4, and 6.&nbsp; The seven games over the three days of the event drew in several football fans from around the St. Joseph area, as well as several fans that followed their teams from all across the state, as far as the southwest part.&nbsp;

The action started on Thursday with the 8-man championship game between two teams from northwest Missouri, the Worth County Tigers and the Rock Port Blue Jays.&nbsp; A rematch of week one in the regular season, in which Rock Port won, Worth County came out on top 56-46, earning their first state title since 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, the odd classes battled.&nbsp; Class 3 took the field first with the Seneca Indians and Lift for Life Academy Hawks.&nbsp; The Indians held the lead throughout a tough battle, earning a 33-26 win, and their first state title since 1995 in their third consecutive trip to the championship game.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri featured again in the second game of Friday, with the Putnam County Midgets taking on the Tipton Cardinals.&nbsp; The Cardinals held the Midgets scoreless in the second half on way to a 39-14 win, for their first state championship in their first ever trip to the state title game.

Friday wrapped up with what may have been the best game of the weekend, again featuring northwest Missouri as the Platte County Pirates faced the Carthage Tigers.&nbsp; The two teams battled, the Pirates leading 21-7 at one point, before going to halftime tied at 21, ending up needing overtime for a 34-28 win for Platte County.&nbsp; It was the Pirates second consecutive state title.&nbsp; Also in the game, senior and Northwest Missouri State commit Adam Gisler ran for a 98 yard touchdown, which is the longest in MSHSAA Show Me Bowl history.

Saturday opened with the Class 4 championship game between the Kearney Bulldogs and the Hannibal Pirates.&nbsp; The Bulldogs retook the lead midway through the fourth quarter, winning 21-14 to take home another championship, after last winning one in 2023.&nbsp; The Class 2 championship between the Blair Oaks Falcons and St. Pius X Lancers of Festus was controlled by the Falcons from the opening quarter, scoring 31 in the second quarter, on way to a 59-0 win for their second consecutive championship.&nbsp;

Closing out the championships was another classic, between the Lee's Summit Tigers and the Nixa Eagles.&nbsp; Nixa led 28-21 at the halftime break, and both teams battled back and forth through the second half before the Tigers came away with a 41-37 win, earning their first state title in the programs history.&nbsp; In the game, standout running back Preston Hatfield had 457 rushing yards with four touchdowns, far surpassing the record held by Kyren Williams set in 2018 of 298 yards.

By MATT PIKEAs promised, 14 of the best football teams from around the state of Missouri came to St. Joseph and put on seven great football games at Spratt Memorial Stadium at Missouri Western Stadium over the last three days.&nbsp;&nbsp;The MSHSAA Show Me Bowl wrapped up on Saturday, with action from Classes 2, 4, and 6.&nbsp; The seven games over the three days of the event drew in several football fans from around the St. Joseph area, as well as several fans that followed their teams from all across the state, as far as the southwest part.&nbsp;The action started on Thursday with the 8-man championship game between two teams from northwest Missouri, the Worth County Tigers and the Rock Port Blue Jays.&nbsp; A rematch of week one in the regular season, in which Rock Port won, Worth County came out on top 56-46, earning their first state title since 2017.&nbsp;&nbsp;On Friday, the odd classes battled.&nbsp; Class 3 took the field first with the Seneca Indians and Lift for Life Academy Hawks.&nbsp; The Indians held the lead throughout a tough battle, earning a 33-26 win, and their first state title since 1995 in their third consecutive trip to the championship game.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri featured again in the second game of Friday, with the Putnam County Midgets taking on the Tipton Cardinals.&nbsp; The Cardinals held the Midgets scoreless in the second half on way to a 39-14 win, for their first state championship in their first ever trip to the state title game.Friday wrapped up with what may have been the best game of the weekend, again featuring northwest Missouri as the Platte County Pirates faced the Carthage Tigers.&nbsp; The two teams battled, the Pirates leading 21-7 at one point, before going to halftime tied at 21, ending up needing overtime for a 34-28 win for Platte County.&nbsp; It was the Pirates second consecutive state title.&nbsp; Also in the game, senior and Northwest Missouri State commit Adam Gisler ran for a 98 yard touchdown, which is the longest in MSHSAA Show Me Bowl history.Saturday opened with the Class 4 championship game between the Kearney Bulldogs and the Hannibal Pirates.&nbsp; The Bulldogs retook the lead midway through the fourth quarter, winning 21-14 to take home another championship, after last winning one in 2023.&nbsp; The Class 2 championship between the Blair Oaks Falcons and St. Pius X Lancers of Festus was controlled by the Falcons from the opening quarter, scoring 31 in the second quarter, on way to a 59-0 win for their second consecutive championship.&nbsp;Closing out the championships was another classic, between the Lee's Summit Tigers and the Nixa Eagles.&nbsp; Nixa led 28-21 at the halftime break, and both teams battled back and forth through the second half before the Tigers came away with a 41-37 win, earning their first state title in the programs history.&nbsp; In the game, standout running back Preston Hatfield had 457 rushing yards with four touchdowns, far surpassing the record held by Kyren Williams set in 2018 of 298 yards.You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.

MSHSAA High School football championships wrap up in St. Joseph

Collin Klein called it a "Dream Come True" as he was introduced to a cheering crowd as the new head football coach at Kansas State University on Friday.

Klein spoke in front of an audience at the Morgan Family Arena on the K-State campus. He praised the Kansas State football competitive spirit, touched on the physicality of the game., the need for resilience to adversity and steps necessary to excel. He was presented with a&nbsp; jersey bearing the number 7.

Klein pledged that K-State will be aggressive in moving the program forward, will play hard and with a schematic advantage.&nbsp; "I love challenges" and noted that&nbsp; he wants to take the program where it hasn't been before."

Collin Klein recruited many of the Wildcat players during an earlier stint as the offensive coordinator at Kansas State. He succeeds Chris Kleiman, who is retiring after seven years as the head coach.&nbsp;

Klein is the 36th head football coach in KSU history. He returns to Kansas State after two years as the offensive coordinator for Texas A&amp;M, and will continue to also serve in that capacity for the Aggies during the upcoming college football playoffs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764990688574.png" alt="Photo K-State Athletic" />
 <figcaption>Photo K-State Athletic</figcaption>
 </figure>Collin Klein called it a "Dream Come True" as he was introduced to a cheering crowd as the new head football coach at Kansas State University on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Introducing the 36th head coach in program history, <a href="https://twitter.com/CK_KleinCollin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CK_KleinCollin</a> <a href="https://t.co/na02g1Oi6T">pic.twitter.com/na02g1Oi6T</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1997099888291545307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Klein spoke in front of an audience at the Morgan Family Arena on the K-State campus. He praised the Kansas State football competitive spirit, touched on the physicality of the game., the need for resilience to adversity and steps necessary to excel. He was presented with a&nbsp; jersey bearing the number 7.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Family first <a href="https://t.co/nqPrmp7bob">pic.twitter.com/nqPrmp7bob</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1997042597248839970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Klein pledged that K-State will be aggressive in moving the program forward, will play hard and with a schematic advantage.&nbsp; "I love challenges" and noted that&nbsp; he wants to take the program where it hasn't been before."Collin Klein recruited many of the Wildcat players during an earlier stint as the offensive coordinator at Kansas State. He succeeds Chris Kleiman, who is retiring after seven years as the head coach.&nbsp;Klein is the 36th head football coach in KSU history. He returns to Kansas State after two years as the offensive coordinator for Texas A&amp;M, and will continue to also serve in that capacity for the Aggies during the upcoming college football playoffs.

🏈 Collin Klein introduced as the new K-State head football coach

For a third year, the St. Joseph Sports Commission will bring Division One women's basketball to the Civic Arena.  

Director Brett Esely says once again the Kansas State women will come to St. Joseph to play basketball on Sunday 

"I always hate to weigh matchups and say one was better than the other, but arguably of the three years we’ve hosted this game their opponent this year is by far the best of the three as we welcome the #13 ranked team in the country, the Ole Miss Rebels to St. Joe,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. 

The game will round out a weekend of sports after the Missouri high school football championships end on Saturday night. 

Esely says this year Kansas State comes in during a year of transition, so fans that come to the game will see some new faces 

"I think a lot of K State faithful and a lot of people who just enjoy good basketball have taken advantage of this opportunity,” Esely explains.  “It’s another wonderful opportunity for them this year.” 

On the other hand, Esely says the Rebels come into the matchup as one of the hottest teams in the nation currently 

"They’re undefeated, they’re #13 in the country, they had the number one transfer signing class in the country this year, and I know a couple of WNBA scouts will be on hand to watch some of their players, in addition to some of Kansas State’s players, that ask has already come,” Esely says. 

Esely says that alone should show the caliber of this matchup. The Rebels defeated number 18 Notre Dame 69 to 62 last night. 

Esely says often when it comes to Kansas State coming for this matchup, even in the third year, he's asked if this is an exhibition 

"No, this is a real game, uniforms and everything,” Esely says.  “I know this is a good basketball community, I know we have people that love to see great basketball, you have this right in your own backyard and I hope people have an opportunity to come down Sunday afternoon at 2’o clock and see a high level matchup.” 

Tickets are still available for the matchup.  The game will tipoff at 2pm on Sunday at the Civic Arena. 

You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702496764040.jpeg" alt="The Civic Arena will once again host the Bill Snyder Classic for a third year in a row, welcoming the Kansas State women back to St. Joseph in a high level matchup with #13 Ole Miss/ File photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>The Civic Arena will once again host the Bill Snyder Classic for a third year in a row, welcoming the Kansas State women back to St. Joseph in a high level matchup with #13 Ole Miss/ File photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostFor a third year, the St. Joseph Sports Commission will bring Division One women's basketball to the Civic Arena. Director Brett Esely says once again the Kansas State women will come to St. Joseph to play basketball on Sunday "I always hate to weigh matchups and say one was better than the other, but arguably of the three years we’ve hosted this game their opponent this year is by far the best of the three as we welcome the #13 ranked team in the country, the Ole Miss Rebels to St. Joe,” Esely says on the KFEQmunnity show. The game will round out a weekend of sports after the Missouri high school football championships end on Saturday night. Esely says this year Kansas State comes in during a year of transition, so fans that come to the game will see some new faces "I think a lot of K State faithful and a lot of people who just enjoy good basketball have taken advantage of this opportunity,” Esely explains. “It’s another wonderful opportunity for them this year.” On the other hand, Esely says the Rebels come into the matchup as one of the hottest teams in the nation currently "They’re undefeated, they’re #13 in the country, they had the number one transfer signing class in the country this year, and I know a couple of WNBA scouts will be on hand to watch some of their players, in addition to some of Kansas State’s players, that ask has already come,” Esely says. Esely says that alone should show the caliber of this matchup. The Rebels defeated number 18 Notre Dame 69 to 62 last night. Esely says often when it comes to Kansas State coming for this matchup, even in the third year, he's asked if this is an exhibition "No, this is a real game, uniforms and everything,” Esely says. “I know this is a good basketball community, I know we have people that love to see great basketball, you have this right in your own backyard and I hope people have an opportunity to come down Sunday afternoon at 2’o clock and see a high level matchup.” Tickets are still available for the matchup. The game will tipoff at 2pm on Sunday at the Civic Arena. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

High level women's college basketball comes to Civic Arena on Sunday

By MATT PIKESt. Joseph Post<div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4cA1eC0SlGXNbgDjQHgen8?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– One of the greatest players in school history will return to lead the Wildcats on the sidelines, as Collin Klein has been named the next head football coach at Kansas State, athletics director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday.

A 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and member of K-State Football's Ring of Honor, Klein is now in his 12th year in coaching, nine of which have come at K-State.

Klein will be introduced to the public Friday in a welcome event at Morgan Family Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. It will also be streamed live on ESPN+."We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," Taylor said.

"Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved.

As we know, college football has changed, and I am confident that Collin is ready to embrace this new model while maintaining the culture that we know as K-State Football.

Welcome home, Collin, Shalin, Beric, Rhett, Trek and Briar."

Klein, the 36th head football coach in school history, has agreed to a five-year contract with an average base salary of $4.3 million to lead his alma mater.

He served as K-State's offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M, a role that he will continue in during the Aggies' postseason run."My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home," Klein said.

"Thank you to President Linton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. The position of Head Coach at Kansas State has a long legacy of service, hard work, determination, and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward.

This is Family business, and we cannot wait to get to work!

"The first K-State alum to serve as head football coach since Ellis Rainsberger from 1975-77,&nbsp; Klein helped the Wildcats to 51 wins and five bowl appearances during his tenure as a full-time assistant coach.

He helped guide Kansas State to a 19-8 mark and a Big 12 Championship during his two-year run as offensive coordinator.His first full season as K-State offensive coordinator in 2022 was a success as he led an offense that ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including ranking second in offensive yards (5,863) and plays (958), fourth in rushing yards (2,916) and fifth in yards per game (418.8).

The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with 421.6 total yards per game – their most since 2014 – while their 32.3 points per game were the most by the squad since 2017. K-State improved its production in Klein's second season at the offensive controls, as its 37.1 points per game ranked 10th nationally and sixth in school history, while it was the highest average by a K-State team since Klein's senior season of 2012 (38.9 points per game).

Kansas State produced 445.2 total yards per game in 2023 to rank second in school history.In Klein's offense, running back Deuce Vaughn became the second player in school history to twice earn Consensus All-America honors, while Cooper Beebe became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn Consensus All-America honors.

Prior to serving as K-State's offensive coordinator, Klein was the Wildcats' quarterbacks coach in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while he was a co-offensive coordinator in 2018.

He earned his first full-time coaching position tutoring the quarterbacks at Northern Iowa in 2016, which was just a year hiatus from Manhattan as he worked as an assistant director of recruiting and defensive quality control coach for the Wildcats in 2014 and an offensive graduate assistant in 2015.

The 2012 Johnny Unitas Award winner, Klein finished his K-State career ranking in the school's top 10 in 34 different game, season and career record categories. He was the first quarterback from a Power 5 school since 1998 to rush for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for 10 scores in consecutive seasons by doing so in 2011 and 2012.

Klein led the Wildcats to a combined 21-5 record as the starting quarterback in 2011 and 2012, which culminated with a No. 1 national ranking, Big 12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl berth in 2012.

Serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M the last two seasons, Klein has helped the Aggies to an 11-1 record this season and a possible berth into the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday.

This season, Texas A&amp;M holds an 11-1 record as the Aggies rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense (16th; 36.3 points per game), total offense (20th; 454.4 yards per game), rushing offense (26th; 192.7 yards per game), passing offense (32nd; 261.8 yards per game), tackles for loss allowed (1st; 2.83 per game), fourth down percentage (2nd; 75.0%), sacks allowed (11th; 1.00 per game), passing yards per completion (11th; 14.09), time of possession (15th; 32:24) and first downs (29th; 272).

Texas A&amp;M has hit the 400-yard mark in total offense 10 times in 12 games thus far in 2025.A 2025 Broyles Award Semifinalist, Klein has guided Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed to top-15 individual marks this season in passing yards per completion (7th; 14.03), points responsible for (13th; 186) and passing touchdowns (14th; 25).

In his first season at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Klein helped guide the Aggies to a 5-0 start in SEC play, marking the program's best start in SEC action and its best conference start since 1998. Texas A&amp;M boasted the No. 2 rushing offense in the SEC, ranking 26th nationally (195.5 yards per game), and the offensive line ranked 10th in the country by allowing just 51.0 tackles for loss on the year.

Klein obtained his undergraduate degree from K-State in December 2011 in business financial services and controllership, while he received his master's degree in academic advising in December 2019. He is married to the former Shalin Spani, a former Wildcat women's basketball player. The couple has three sons, Beric, Rhett and Trek, and one daughter, Briar.

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Believe it, Coach <a href="https://t.co/MpF2E7zSOc">pic.twitter.com/MpF2E7zSOc</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1997000680867836339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Back like he never left <a href="https://t.co/cB2e91xezJ">pic.twitter.com/cB2e91xezJ</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1996990122017825082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A message from <a href="https://twitter.com/CK_KleinCollin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CK_KleinCollin</a> <a href="https://t.co/ef3FwC2pES">pic.twitter.com/ef3FwC2pES</a>&mdash; K-State Football (@KStateFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/KStateFB/status/1996779764246630534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– One of the greatest players in school history will return to lead the Wildcats on the sidelines, as Collin Klein has been named the next head football coach at Kansas State, athletics director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;announced Thursday.A 2012 Heisman Trophy finalist and member of K-State Football's Ring of Honor, Klein is now in his 12th year in coaching, nine of which have come at K-State.Klein will be introduced to the public Friday in a welcome event at Morgan Family Arena. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. It will also be streamed live on ESPN+."We are excited to welcome one of our all-time greats back home to Manhattan," Taylor said."Collin is a tremendous leader who cares deeply about his players. The grit, toughness and aggression he displayed as a player still fuels him today as a coach, and he is determined to carry on the tremendous success this program has achieved.As we know, college football has changed, and I am confident that Collin is ready to embrace this new model while maintaining the culture that we know as K-State Football.Welcome home, Collin, Shalin, Beric, Rhett, Trek and Briar."Klein, the 36th head football coach in school history, has agreed to a five-year contract with an average base salary of $4.3 million to lead his alma mater.He served as K-State's offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023 and currently serves as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M, a role that he will continue in during the Aggies' postseason run."My family and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to come home," Klein said."Thank you to President Linton and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff-directory/gene-taylor/1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;for believing in us to lead the Cats into a new era. The position of Head Coach at Kansas State has a long legacy of service, hard work, determination, and competitive greatness that I am honored to carry forward.This is Family business, and we cannot wait to get to work!"The first K-State alum to serve as head football coach since Ellis Rainsberger from 1975-77,&nbsp; Klein helped the Wildcats to 51 wins and five bowl appearances during his tenure as a full-time assistant coach.He helped guide Kansas State to a 19-8 mark and a Big 12 Championship during his two-year run as offensive coordinator.His first full season as K-State offensive coordinator in 2022 was a success as he led an offense that ranked in the top 10 in school history in 11 categories, including ranking second in offensive yards (5,863) and plays (958), fourth in rushing yards (2,916) and fifth in yards per game (418.8).The Wildcats finished the 2022 season with 421.6 total yards per game – their most since 2014 – while their 32.3 points per game were the most by the squad since 2017. K-State improved its production in Klein's second season at the offensive controls, as its 37.1 points per game ranked 10th nationally and sixth in school history, while it was the highest average by a K-State team since Klein's senior season of 2012 (38.9 points per game).Kansas State produced 445.2 total yards per game in 2023 to rank second in school history.In Klein's offense, running back Deuce Vaughn became the second player in school history to twice earn Consensus All-America honors, while Cooper Beebe became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn Consensus All-America honors.Prior to serving as K-State's offensive coordinator, Klein was the Wildcats' quarterbacks coach in 2017, 2019 and 2021, while he was a co-offensive coordinator in 2018.He earned his first full-time coaching position tutoring the quarterbacks at Northern Iowa in 2016, which was just a year hiatus from Manhattan as he worked as an assistant director of recruiting and defensive quality control coach for the Wildcats in 2014 and an offensive graduate assistant in 2015.The 2012 Johnny Unitas Award winner, Klein finished his K-State career ranking in the school's top 10 in 34 different game, season and career record categories. He was the first quarterback from a Power 5 school since 1998 to rush for at least 20 touchdowns and pass for 10 scores in consecutive seasons by doing so in 2011 and 2012.Klein led the Wildcats to a combined 21-5 record as the starting quarterback in 2011 and 2012, which culminated with a No. 1 national ranking, Big 12 Championship and Fiesta Bowl berth in 2012.Serving as the offensive coordinator at Texas A&amp;M the last two seasons, Klein has helped the Aggies to an 11-1 record this season and a possible berth into the College Football Playoff, which will be announced on Sunday.This season, Texas A&amp;M holds an 11-1 record as the Aggies rank in the top 30 nationally in scoring offense (16th; 36.3 points per game), total offense (20th; 454.4 yards per game), rushing offense (26th; 192.7 yards per game), passing offense (32nd; 261.8 yards per game), tackles for loss allowed (1st; 2.83 per game), fourth down percentage (2nd; 75.0%), sacks allowed (11th; 1.00 per game), passing yards per completion (11th; 14.09), time of possession (15th; 32:24) and first downs (29th; 272).Texas A&amp;M has hit the 400-yard mark in total offense 10 times in 12 games thus far in 2025.A 2025 Broyles Award Semifinalist, Klein has guided Aggie quarterback Marcel Reed to top-15 individual marks this season in passing yards per completion (7th; 14.03), points responsible for (13th; 186) and passing touchdowns (14th; 25).In his first season at Texas A&amp;M in 2024, Klein helped guide the Aggies to a 5-0 start in SEC play, marking the program's best start in SEC action and its best conference start since 1998. Texas A&amp;M boasted the No. 2 rushing offense in the SEC, ranking 26th nationally (195.5 yards per game), and the offensive line ranked 10th in the country by allowing just 51.0 tackles for loss on the year.Klein obtained his undergraduate degree from K-State in December 2011 in business financial services and controllership, while he received his master's degree in academic advising in December 2019. He is married to the former Shalin Spani, a former Wildcat women's basketball player. The couple has three sons, Beric, Rhett and Trek, and one daughter, Briar.

Back like he never left: Colin Klein and family arrive in Manhattan 

A record setter at Bishop LeBlond, Rilyn Conard will continue her volleyball career just over an hour and a half away with the Ottawa Braves.  

Conard says she's excited to be joining the Ottawa program 

"Coach Ashan (Jordan) is great, I love his program, seems like a little rebuilding process right now,” Conard tells reporters. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1764923891371.jpeg" alt="Bishop LeBlond volleyball standout Rilyn Conard, who set multiple records in her time with the Golden Eagles, signs her letter of intent to play volleyball at Ottawa University/ Photo by Matt Pike" />
 <figcaption>Bishop LeBlond volleyball standout Rilyn Conard, who set multiple records in her time with the Golden Eagles, signs her letter of intent to play volleyball at Ottawa University/ Photo by Matt Pike</figcaption>
 </figure>By MATT PIKESt. Joseph PostA record setter at Bishop LeBlond, Rilyn Conard will continue her volleyball career just over an hour and a half away with the Ottawa Braves. Conard says she's excited to be joining the Ottawa program "Coach Ashan (Jordan) is great, I love his program, seems like a little rebuilding process right now,” Conard tells reporters. Conard says she's ready to go in and contribute to the program however she can "Help them hopefully go get a conference championship, so I’m super excited,” Conard says. Conard says what she will take away most from her time at LeBlond is all the memories "The teammates and Coach Huss, they all mean so much to me, and I really wouldn’t be here without them,” Conard explains. “They just make me fall more in love with the game every day, and they’ve been a huge part of all of this success, and I’m proud to have gone to LeBlond.” Now onto the next level, Conard says it means so much because it is a dream come true "This has been a dream of mine for a while and a goal, and it feels great to finally accomplish that goal and go ahead and play at the next level, it’s huge,” Conard says. Conard finished her career with 1,361 kills. She was part of two state runs for the Golden Eagles that ended with a third-place finish and a second-place finish. Head Coach Kim Huss says Conard's contributions on the volleyball court are a testament to the program, and her volleyball skills being an outside hitter "Rilyn’s a hard worker, she’s a competitor, she watches a lot of film to get ready for competitors, and she’s been a good leader for our program,” Huss says. Huss says what the Braves are getting for their team out of Conard is a fiery competitor "You’re getting a fiery competitor who's going to work hard, who's going to challenge everyone around her to be better and better,” Huss says. “And I think that she has some goals and she’s looking forward to showing what she can on a different stage.” Conard was also named an All-State player and All-Conference player three times in her high school career. You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;