District Baseball Class 1 District 15 championship in Pattonsburg - Gilman City 8 St. Joseph Christian 3.

Class 2 District 15 championship in Plattsburg - Plattsburg 4 North Platte 3. The Tigers have won back-to-back district titles. Class 4 District 15 championship in Excelsior Springs - Excelsior Springs 3 Benton 2. The Cardinals achieved 19 wins this year - the most since 2008.

Class 4 District 16 semifinal in Lathrop - Savannah 13 Lafayette 1. The Savages will face Maryville for the district title tonight at 7 p.m.

Girls’ district soccer Class 2 District 8 semifinal in Cameron - Maryville 5 Benton 1. Meanwhile, the Class 1 District 8 championship comes up tonight in Faucett, as Mid-Buchanan faces Bishop LeBlond. The match will start at 6 p.m. This is the third straight season with these teams meeting on the pitch for a district championship.

Kansas, Class 2-1A regional softball&nbsp; in Wathena Troy beat Riverside in semifinals, 11-2. The Trojans then played undefeated McClouth for the regional championship Wednesday night. McClouth won that game, 2-1.

By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostDistrict Baseball Class 1 District 15 championship in Pattonsburg - Gilman City 8 St. Joseph Christian 3.Class 2 District 15 championship in Plattsburg - Plattsburg 4 North Platte 3. The Tigers have won back-to-back district titles. Class 4 District 15 championship in Excelsior Springs - Excelsior Springs 3 Benton 2. The Cardinals achieved 19 wins this year - the most since 2008.Class 4 District 16 semifinal in Lathrop - Savannah 13 Lafayette 1. The Savages will face Maryville for the district title tonight at 7 p.m.Girls’ district soccer Class 2 District 8 semifinal in Cameron - Maryville 5 Benton 1. Meanwhile, the Class 1 District 8 championship comes up tonight in Faucett, as Mid-Buchanan faces Bishop LeBlond. The match will start at 6 p.m. This is the third straight season with these teams meeting on the pitch for a district championship.Kansas, Class 2-1A regional softball&nbsp; in Wathena Troy beat Riverside in semifinals, 11-2. The Trojans then played undefeated McClouth for the regional championship Wednesday night. McClouth won that game, 2-1.

KFEQ/St. Joseph Post area high school scoreboard - May 17, 2023

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Yu Darvish and the Kansas City Royals beat the struggling San Diego Padres 4-3 to take two of three in the series. 

Pasquantino’s homer to right field, his eighth, and Maikel Garcia’s RBI double gave the Royals a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning. Many in the crowd of 32,416 booed the Padres after Scott Barlow retired the side in the ninth for his sixth save. 

San Diego’s star-studded lineup went 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 overall as the Padres lost for the ninth time in 11 games.

The Royals next take on the White Sox Friday evening with first pitch at 7:10. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Yu Darvish and the Kansas City Royals beat the struggling San Diego Padres 4-3 to take two of three in the series. Pasquantino’s homer to right field, his eighth, and Maikel Garcia’s RBI double gave the Royals a 4-1 lead in the sixth inning. Many in the crowd of 32,416 booed the Padres after Scott Barlow retired the side in the ninth for his sixth save. San Diego’s star-studded lineup went 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position and stranded 12 overall as the Padres lost for the ninth time in 11 games.The Royals next take on the White Sox Friday evening with first pitch at 7:10. Coverage begins at 6:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Pasquantino hits 2-run homer, Royals beat struggling Padres 4-3

The St. Joseph Sports Commission officially unveiled the 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday.

The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, families, teams, entities or significant feats/accomplishments that have made a significant impact on sports history in Buchanan County.

To be eligible for selection, the individual or team must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County currently.

The 2023 Hall of Fame Class includes College Football and NFL tight ends Dwayne Blakley and Martin Rucker,&nbsp;Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell, tennis legend Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner,&nbsp;Olympic Weightlifter Pete Kelley,&nbsp;World Class Amateur Golfer Brad Nurski,&nbsp;High School Coaching Legend Paul “Pop” Springer, NFL assistant coach Chris Tabor, Major League Baseball Pitcher and Coach Jim Wright, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Championship team and Special Olympics Area Athlete of the Year Jane Wood.

An anonymous three-person committee selects this Hall of Fame Class. The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame has been in existence since November 2020.

The committee selected these 10 inductees in a field of 54 nominations.

The 2023 class will be enshrined on Sunday, August 27 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center at 5 p.m. with a social hour starting at 4 p.m.

The Second Annual Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award will be presented again this year at the ceremony by former Kansas State football coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder.

The award is named in Coach Snyder’s honor as a tribute to the impact his mother made on his life and also the impact of women in sports in celebration of Title IX.

A limited amount of tickets for the enshrinement event will go on sale in late June for $25 per person. They can be purchased at stjomosports.com.

The enshrinement ceremony is happening a month earlier than normal, because the inaugural St. Joseph marathon comes up Sunday, September 23.&nbsp;

2023 ST. JOSEPH AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS BIOS

Dwayne Blakley – College Football and NFL Tight End

Blakley was a three-year letterwinner at Central High School, competing in football, basketball and track. He was selected Second Team All-State his senior year in basketball and he signed to play football at Missouri.&nbsp; Blakley played at Mizzou for four seasons, recording 79 receptions for 868 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was named honorable mention all-Big 12 following the 1999 season.&nbsp; After spending two seasons in NFL Europe, Blakely spent four seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, appearing in 59 games including nine starts recording 21 receptions including one touchdown.&nbsp; Blakley was inducted as a member of the inaugural Central High School Hall of Fame in 2012.

Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell – Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Chappell started her legacy as a three-time All-State cross country runner at Central High School. She won the 4A State title her senior season.&nbsp; On the track, she garnered six more all-state selections and was a record holder in both the 1600 and 3200 runs.&nbsp; She continued her career at Mizzou, and was a four-time Big 12 Conference Champion, earning Academic All-American five times, a NCAA National Championship (2001 indoor medley relay team) and was a four-time All-America performer. Brooks was inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008 and the inaugural Central High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.

Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner – Area and National Tennis Legend

Winegardner is in rare company locally as one of few area athletes that have ever won four state championships in any sport. Her elite run began in 1978, as she teamed with her sister Mary Ann and won three consecutive doubles titles.&nbsp; She capped off her senior season with a singles title in 1981.&nbsp; She played three seasons for the University of Minnesota, earning All-Big Ten honors in both singles and doubles in 1983. She still holds the record for most doubles victories in a season (36 in 1982-83) and is sixth all-time in singles victories with 33. She played her senior season at the University of Colorado where she competed for a National Championship after winning the Big 8 Championship at #1 singles.&nbsp; Following college, she continued to compete at an elite level, winning the Colorado State Open 11 times and the Denver City Open 6 times.&nbsp; Winegardner is a member of the LeBlond High School Hall of Fame, Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame and the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.

Pete Kelley – Olympic Weightlifter

&nbsp;Kelley carried the Olympic torch through St. Joseph as it made its way to the 1996 games in Atlanta. Kelley began lifting at the Wesley Center in 1988. Four years later, due to his performance on the Junior World Team, he accepted an invitation to be a resident and train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.&nbsp; At the training center, Kelley quickly established himself as not only one of the best lifters in the country, but in the world.&nbsp; He was a three-time member of the Junior World Team including being a United States Junior Champion.&nbsp; In qualifying for the U.S. Pan American games, he won a Gold Medal in the snatch lift and placed third for total Kilos.&nbsp; At age 22, Kelley became the youngest member of the Olympics team at the Atlanta games and broke two American records during the meet - one in the Clean &amp; Jerk and a total weight record, which led to a 14th&nbsp;place finish overall.&nbsp; Following the Olympics, Kelley continued to compete nationally for the next nine years. He was ranked No. 1 in the United States in his weight class in 2004.&nbsp; Pete was inducted into the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2018.

Brad Nurski – World Class Amateur Golfer

Nurski began his elite career at Benton High School, where he was a four-time MEC Conference Champion.&nbsp; He took his talents to Missouri Western, where he was an All-MIAA selection three times, All-Region twice and became the first MWSU player to qualify for NCAA Regionals as an individual.&nbsp; Nurski was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. Nurski has owned amateur golf in St. Joseph and beyond for the past two decades.&nbsp; He is a 14-time Fairview Club Champion, 7seven-time St. Joseph Country Club Champion, six-time St. Joseph City Champion and winner of 13 local club invitationals.&nbsp; On the state level, Brad has won 10 Missouri Golf Association Championships, including the prestigious Missouri Amateur three times (2010, 2017, 2018), which led him to twice being named the Missouri Player of the Year.&nbsp; Nurski has competed numerous times nationally and internationally as well including a runner-up finish in the USGA Mid-Amateur in 2014.&nbsp; This past year, Nurski competed for Team USA in the prestigious Concession Cup at The Real Club Valderama in Spain and helped the Americans win in come from behind fashion.

Martin Rucker – College Football and National Football League Tight End &nbsp;A three-sport start at Benton High School who garnered numerous accolades, Rucker took his talents to Missouri where he started all but one game of his four-year career at the tight end position. He totaled 203 career receptions which ranks second on the all-time career list at Mizzou, which totaled 2,175 yards and 18 touchdowns.&nbsp; His recognitions were many including second-team Freshman All-American, Consensus first-team All-American along with first-team AFCA and AP All-American his senior season.&nbsp; Rucker was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns in which his career spanned five seasons competing on five different teams.

Paul “Pop” Springer – Legendary Three Sport High School Coach A legend on the south side for more than three decades, Pop was a coach for all seasons, recording a high level of success on the gridiron, the hardwood and the track.&nbsp; He came to St. Joseph from Nebraska in 1925 and quickly became a trailblazing icon in the coaching profession.&nbsp; In his career, he coached 889 contests combined in football and basketball amassing 566 wins (150 football, 416 basketball) and in all three sports. He enjoyed the pinnacle achievement of coaching his teams to compete for a championship which included: Class B Track &amp; Field State Champions in 1928, Track &amp; Field State Runner Up in 1929, Boys Basketball State Champions in 1931 &amp; 1941 and a Football Peanut Bowl Appearance in 1946.&nbsp; As a tribute to his memory and legacy, the gym at Benton High School bears his name.

Chris Tabor – National Football League Coach A graduate of Benton High School, Tabor was a three-year starter at quarterback for Benedictine, where he graduated from in 1993.&nbsp; &nbsp;He instantly went to work at his high school alma mater as an assistant on the football team.&nbsp; The next season, he joined the junior college ranks as a running backs coach at Hutchinson Community College, then immediately became an offensive coordinator at Central Methodist for two seasons.&nbsp; Tabor then made a big jump to the staff at Mizzou, where he spent three seasons. He was then the head coach at Culver Stockton in 2001 before jumping to the FBS ranks at Utah State for three seasons and then two more at Western Michigan in 2006 &amp; 07.&nbsp; Following the '07 season, Tabor was given a shot in the NFL for the first time, working as Assistant Special Teams Coach for the Chicago Bears Dave Toub, who's now an associate head coach for the Chiefs. Tabor has spent 15 seasons in the NFL working as a Special Teams Coordinator.&nbsp; He's currently in his second season with the Carolina Panthers.&nbsp; Tabor was inducted into the Benedictine Athletes Hall of Fame in 2021.

Jim Wright – Major League Baseball Pitcher &amp; Coach Wright began his career as a two-sport athlete at Benton High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner on the baseball field and a three year letterwinner on the basketball court. Almost immediately upon graduation, he was selected in the fifth&nbsp;round of the 1973 Major League Baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.&nbsp; He spent seven seasons in the Phillies farm system, amassing a 65-33 career record, a resume that included throwing two no hitters, winning pitcher of the year at all three levels of the minor leagues and was the Triple-A Cy Young Award Winner.&nbsp; Wright’s chance in the Major Leagues came with the hometown Kansas City Royals, as they selected him the 1980 Rule 5 Draft away from the Phillies.&nbsp; He made 24 appearances for the Royals over the next two seasons, appearing in 23 games recording a 2-3 overall record with a 4.04 ERA and 36 strikeouts.&nbsp; Following his playing days, Wright joined the coaching ranks, spending 32 seasons as a pitching coach at the Triple A and Major League Levels with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He officially retired in 2014 following 41 seasons in pro baseball.

1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Champions Coming off a runner-up finish in Class 3A a season earlier, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball Team reached the pinnacle achievement the following season, winning a state championship. The Irish finished the season 28-3 and defeated Joplin Memorial High School 87-82.&nbsp; The team was led by Head Coach Mel Clark and Assistant Coach Steve Neff, who used the team’s success the previous season in coming up just one game short as a motivator.&nbsp; The starting five included Jimmy Tillman, Hubert Beattie, Allen Stillman, John Embray and Charlie Brown.&nbsp; Other members of the team included Bob Cobb, Keenan Brockett, Chris Silcott, JC Stanley, Randy Rush, Steve Bundy, Bo Tillman, Greg Lie and managers Steve Shores and Scooter Tillman.&nbsp; Tillman and Beattie were both named first team All-State. Clark was named Coach of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Special Olympics Area Athlete Of The Year presented by the Hook Family – Jane Wood Jane’s mother started the Special Olympics program in St. Joseph 45 years ago. Shortly after, she began her journey to SOMO fame.&nbsp; Wood has been a four-sport athlete, competing in softball for more than 25 years. She also competed in swimming and track &amp; field.&nbsp; However it was bowling where Jane established her fame.&nbsp; She attended numerous area and state bowling competitions, bringing home several gold medals over the years.&nbsp; She was key in getting the Special Olympics Unified Partner program up and running. She was also one of the first athletes selected to be a partner with a non-Special Olympics athletes to bowl in competition.&nbsp; Jane has always loved being a part of a team and as she put it “my teammates depend on me to be there and help.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684355858825.jpeg" alt="The 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class." />
 <figcaption>The 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe St. Joseph Sports Commission officially unveiled the 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports of Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday.The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, families, teams, entities or significant feats/accomplishments that have made a significant impact on sports history in Buchanan County.To be eligible for selection, the individual or team must have been born in Buchanan County, must have made their sports career or accomplished their feat in Buchanan County, or must be contributing to sports in Buchanan County currently.The 2023 Hall of Fame Class includes College Football and NFL tight ends Dwayne Blakley and Martin Rucker,&nbsp;Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell, tennis legend Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner,&nbsp;Olympic Weightlifter Pete Kelley,&nbsp;World Class Amateur Golfer Brad Nurski,&nbsp;High School Coaching Legend Paul “Pop” Springer, NFL assistant coach Chris Tabor, Major League Baseball Pitcher and Coach Jim Wright, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Championship team and Special Olympics Area Athlete of the Year Jane Wood.An anonymous three-person committee selects this Hall of Fame Class. The St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame has been in existence since November 2020.The committee selected these 10 inductees in a field of 54 nominations.The 2023 class will be enshrined on Sunday, August 27 at Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center at 5 p.m. with a social hour starting at 4 p.m.The Second Annual Bill Snyder Woman of Impact Award will be presented again this year at the ceremony by former Kansas State football coach and St. Joseph native Bill Snyder.The award is named in Coach Snyder’s honor as a tribute to the impact his mother made on his life and also the impact of women in sports in celebration of Title IX.A limited amount of tickets for the enshrinement event will go on sale in late June for $25 per person. They can be purchased at stjomosports.com.The enshrinement ceremony is happening a month earlier than normal, because the inaugural St. Joseph marathon comes up Sunday, September 23.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684356035916.jpeg" alt="Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission Brett Esely introduces the 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission Brett Esely introduces the 2023 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday at the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>2023 ST. JOSEPH AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS BIOSDwayne Blakley – College Football and NFL Tight EndBlakley was a three-year letterwinner at Central High School, competing in football, basketball and track. He was selected Second Team All-State his senior year in basketball and he signed to play football at Missouri.&nbsp; Blakley played at Mizzou for four seasons, recording 79 receptions for 868 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was named honorable mention all-Big 12 following the 1999 season.&nbsp; After spending two seasons in NFL Europe, Blakely spent four seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, appearing in 59 games including nine starts recording 21 receptions including one touchdown.&nbsp; Blakley was inducted as a member of the inaugural Central High School Hall of Fame in 2012.Ann Marie (Brooks) Chappell – Elite Track &amp; Field/Cross Country Runner Chappell started her legacy as a three-time All-State cross country runner at Central High School. She won the 4A State title her senior season.&nbsp; On the track, she garnered six more all-state selections and was a record holder in both the 1600 and 3200 runs.&nbsp; She continued her career at Mizzou, and was a four-time Big 12 Conference Champion, earning Academic All-American five times, a NCAA National Championship (2001 indoor medley relay team) and was a four-time All-America performer. Brooks was inducted into the Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008 and the inaugural Central High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.Kathleen (Heckman) Winegardner – Area and National Tennis LegendWinegardner is in rare company locally as one of few area athletes that have ever won four state championships in any sport. Her elite run began in 1978, as she teamed with her sister Mary Ann and won three consecutive doubles titles.&nbsp; She capped off her senior season with a singles title in 1981.&nbsp; She played three seasons for the University of Minnesota, earning All-Big Ten honors in both singles and doubles in 1983. She still holds the record for most doubles victories in a season (36 in 1982-83) and is sixth all-time in singles victories with 33. She played her senior season at the University of Colorado where she competed for a National Championship after winning the Big 8 Championship at #1 singles.&nbsp; Following college, she continued to compete at an elite level, winning the Colorado State Open 11 times and the Denver City Open 6 times.&nbsp; Winegardner is a member of the LeBlond High School Hall of Fame, Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame and the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.Pete Kelley – Olympic Weightlifter&nbsp;Kelley carried the Olympic torch through St. Joseph as it made its way to the 1996 games in Atlanta. Kelley began lifting at the Wesley Center in 1988. Four years later, due to his performance on the Junior World Team, he accepted an invitation to be a resident and train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.&nbsp; At the training center, Kelley quickly established himself as not only one of the best lifters in the country, but in the world.&nbsp; He was a three-time member of the Junior World Team including being a United States Junior Champion.&nbsp; In qualifying for the U.S. Pan American games, he won a Gold Medal in the snatch lift and placed third for total Kilos.&nbsp; At age 22, Kelley became the youngest member of the Olympics team at the Atlanta games and broke two American records during the meet - one in the Clean &amp; Jerk and a total weight record, which led to a 14th&nbsp;place finish overall.&nbsp; Following the Olympics, Kelley continued to compete nationally for the next nine years. He was ranked No. 1 in the United States in his weight class in 2004.&nbsp; Pete was inducted into the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame in 2018.Brad Nurski – World Class Amateur GolferNurski began his elite career at Benton High School, where he was a four-time MEC Conference Champion.&nbsp; He took his talents to Missouri Western, where he was an All-MIAA selection three times, All-Region twice and became the first MWSU player to qualify for NCAA Regionals as an individual.&nbsp; Nurski was inducted into the Missouri Western Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013. Nurski has owned amateur golf in St. Joseph and beyond for the past two decades.&nbsp; He is a 14-time Fairview Club Champion, 7seven-time St. Joseph Country Club Champion, six-time St. Joseph City Champion and winner of 13 local club invitationals.&nbsp; On the state level, Brad has won 10 Missouri Golf Association Championships, including the prestigious Missouri Amateur three times (2010, 2017, 2018), which led him to twice being named the Missouri Player of the Year.&nbsp; Nurski has competed numerous times nationally and internationally as well including a runner-up finish in the USGA Mid-Amateur in 2014.&nbsp; This past year, Nurski competed for Team USA in the prestigious Concession Cup at The Real Club Valderama in Spain and helped the Americans win in come from behind fashion.Martin Rucker – College Football and National Football League Tight End &nbsp;A three-sport start at Benton High School who garnered numerous accolades, Rucker took his talents to Missouri where he started all but one game of his four-year career at the tight end position. He totaled 203 career receptions which ranks second on the all-time career list at Mizzou, which totaled 2,175 yards and 18 touchdowns.&nbsp; His recognitions were many including second-team Freshman All-American, Consensus first-team All-American along with first-team AFCA and AP All-American his senior season.&nbsp; Rucker was selected in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns in which his career spanned five seasons competing on five different teams.Paul “Pop” Springer – Legendary Three Sport High School Coach A legend on the south side for more than three decades, Pop was a coach for all seasons, recording a high level of success on the gridiron, the hardwood and the track.&nbsp; He came to St. Joseph from Nebraska in 1925 and quickly became a trailblazing icon in the coaching profession.&nbsp; In his career, he coached 889 contests combined in football and basketball amassing 566 wins (150 football, 416 basketball) and in all three sports. He enjoyed the pinnacle achievement of coaching his teams to compete for a championship which included: Class B Track &amp; Field State Champions in 1928, Track &amp; Field State Runner Up in 1929, Boys Basketball State Champions in 1931 &amp; 1941 and a Football Peanut Bowl Appearance in 1946.&nbsp; As a tribute to his memory and legacy, the gym at Benton High School bears his name.Chris Tabor – National Football League Coach A graduate of Benton High School, Tabor was a three-year starter at quarterback for Benedictine, where he graduated from in 1993.&nbsp; &nbsp;He instantly went to work at his high school alma mater as an assistant on the football team.&nbsp; The next season, he joined the junior college ranks as a running backs coach at Hutchinson Community College, then immediately became an offensive coordinator at Central Methodist for two seasons.&nbsp; Tabor then made a big jump to the staff at Mizzou, where he spent three seasons. He was then the head coach at Culver Stockton in 2001 before jumping to the FBS ranks at Utah State for three seasons and then two more at Western Michigan in 2006 &amp; 07.&nbsp; Following the '07 season, Tabor was given a shot in the NFL for the first time, working as Assistant Special Teams Coach for the Chicago Bears Dave Toub, who's now an associate head coach for the Chiefs. Tabor has spent 15 seasons in the NFL working as a Special Teams Coordinator.&nbsp; He's currently in his second season with the Carolina Panthers.&nbsp; Tabor was inducted into the Benedictine Athletes Hall of Fame in 2021.Jim Wright – Major League Baseball Pitcher &amp; Coach Wright began his career as a two-sport athlete at Benton High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner on the baseball field and a three year letterwinner on the basketball court. Almost immediately upon graduation, he was selected in the fifth&nbsp;round of the 1973 Major League Baseball amateur draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.&nbsp; He spent seven seasons in the Phillies farm system, amassing a 65-33 career record, a resume that included throwing two no hitters, winning pitcher of the year at all three levels of the minor leagues and was the Triple-A Cy Young Award Winner.&nbsp; Wright’s chance in the Major Leagues came with the hometown Kansas City Royals, as they selected him the 1980 Rule 5 Draft away from the Phillies.&nbsp; He made 24 appearances for the Royals over the next two seasons, appearing in 23 games recording a 2-3 overall record with a 4.04 ERA and 36 strikeouts.&nbsp; Following his playing days, Wright joined the coaching ranks, spending 32 seasons as a pitching coach at the Triple A and Major League Levels with the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He officially retired in 2014 following 41 seasons in pro baseball.1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball State Champions Coming off a runner-up finish in Class 3A a season earlier, the 1976 Lafayette High School Boys Basketball Team reached the pinnacle achievement the following season, winning a state championship. The Irish finished the season 28-3 and defeated Joplin Memorial High School 87-82.&nbsp; The team was led by Head Coach Mel Clark and Assistant Coach Steve Neff, who used the team’s success the previous season in coming up just one game short as a motivator.&nbsp; The starting five included Jimmy Tillman, Hubert Beattie, Allen Stillman, John Embray and Charlie Brown.&nbsp; Other members of the team included Bob Cobb, Keenan Brockett, Chris Silcott, JC Stanley, Randy Rush, Steve Bundy, Bo Tillman, Greg Lie and managers Steve Shores and Scooter Tillman.&nbsp; Tillman and Beattie were both named first team All-State. Clark was named Coach of the Year.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Special Olympics Area Athlete Of The Year presented by the Hook Family – Jane Wood Jane’s mother started the Special Olympics program in St. Joseph 45 years ago. Shortly after, she began her journey to SOMO fame.&nbsp; Wood has been a four-sport athlete, competing in softball for more than 25 years. She also competed in swimming and track &amp; field.&nbsp; However it was bowling where Jane established her fame.&nbsp; She attended numerous area and state bowling competitions, bringing home several gold medals over the years.&nbsp; She was key in getting the Special Olympics Unified Partner program up and running. She was also one of the first athletes selected to be a partner with a non-Special Olympics athletes to bowl in competition.&nbsp; Jane has always loved being a part of a team and as she put it “my teammates depend on me to be there and help.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684356060407.jpeg" alt="" />
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2023 St. Joseph Area Sports Hall of Fame Class unveiled Wednesday

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run double in Kansas City’s five-run second, Brady Singer pitched six solid innings and the Royals beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak. 

The Royals jumped on starter Seth Lugo (3-3) in the second, with Bobby Witt Jr., Nate Eaton and Matt Duffy also driving in runs. Lugo gave up five runs on four hits in his two innings. The Padres have lost eight of 10. Singer (3-4) lasted six innings, giving up seven hits and four runs, two of which were earned. Scott Barlow got his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. 

San Diego had a defensive highlight in the seventh when Fernando Tatis Jr. threw-out Vinnie Pasquantino trying to go from first to third on a single.

The Royals take on the Padres again Wednesday afternoon with first pitch at 3:10. Coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Salvador Perez hit a two-run double in Kansas City’s five-run second, Brady Singer pitched six solid innings and the Royals beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 on Tuesday night to snap a four-game losing streak. The Royals jumped on starter Seth Lugo (3-3) in the second, with Bobby Witt Jr., Nate Eaton and Matt Duffy also driving in runs. Lugo gave up five runs on four hits in his two innings. The Padres have lost eight of 10. Singer (3-4) lasted six innings, giving up seven hits and four runs, two of which were earned. Scott Barlow got his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. San Diego had a defensive highlight in the seventh when Fernando Tatis Jr. threw-out Vinnie Pasquantino trying to go from first to third on a single.The Royals take on the Padres again Wednesday afternoon with first pitch at 3:10. Coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Perez has 2-run double in Kansas City's 5-run second, Royals beat Padres 5-4

NEW BLOOMFIELD - The Bishop LeBlond boys' golf team has done it yet again.

After getting to state as a team for an eighth consecutive season this spring, the Golden Eagles add another title to their aresenal.

LeBlond won the Class 3 boys' state golf championship at Meadow Lake Acres Golf Club in New Bloomfield, finishing with a two-day score of 622 - 10 shots ahead of second place Logan-Rogersville.

That's now four state titles in the last five years for LeBlond boys' golf and their fifth overall since 2016.

"We knew we were capable of it," LeBlond head coach Mitch Girres said. "Once you get down here, you still have to perform. There's a lot of things that factor in. The course, the weather."

"We struggled at times today. It did get kind of close on the team (standings) side of things for awhile. The kids kind of just barreled through it. We figured out a way to play well enough to win."

Junior Tim Johnston won the individual state championship with a two-day score of 145. He shot a one-over par 73 on Monday and even par 72 Tuesday.

He becomes the third LeBlond boys' golfer in history to win an individual state title, joining Sam Schoeberl (2022) and Brooks Jungbluth (2018).

"It means a lot," Johnston said humbly. "This is what we've been working for and it feels good to finish the job. It feels good to win state. It's always been a goal."

After battling through off-and-on rain showers Monday, LeBlond waded through a soppy course Tuesday, but there was little additional rainfall, as conditions remained cloudy and cool.

The Eagles teed off on Tuesday morning with a nine-shot lead after the first round.

"Having that lead coming into today, it was nice to have a cushion," Girres said. "With Tim playing the way he played, that really helped out. All of the kids really fought and played well and at times just grinded it out when they had to."

Tim Johnston birdied on holes 5, 7 and 15 in the second round and parred his last three holes Tuesday to protect his lead and win the tournament by two strokes.

Tim carried himself in that lead pack like he carries himself in any other situation - calm, collected and not letting his emotions show.

"I try to stay focused during the round," he said softly. "I don't really talk too much. I just like to stay focused and kind of do my own thing."

"He's like an old man," Girres said of Tim's demeanor. "He really is. He kind of just bee-bops around out there, slow, at his own pace and does his thing. But, he's really good and really talented."

Schoeberl, who will golf at Missouri Western with LeBlond alum Jeffrey Johnston starting this fall, medaled seventh in his final state tournament, shooting a 153.

Pat Johnston, Tim's twin brother, shot a 155 to place ninth. Tim and Pat are now three-time state medalists in their respective varsity careers.

While the Golden Eagles say goodbye to Schoeberl, both Johnston twins, state qualifier Davis Jungbluth and several more will be back in 2024, poised to keep LeBlond at the top of the state leaderboard again next spring.

"I'm excited," Tim said. "It'll be another good team and hopefully we can do the same."

"I think every year we come down here, I tell them all, 'Any one of you guys can win it,'" Girres added. "You have that ability and we've been lucky these last two years to have kids who can pull it off."

Other local results from Class 3 in Bloomfield Kamden Morlock (Benton) - 165 (t-24th) - A freshman, Morlock shot a 78 Tuesday after an 87 Monday.

Zachary Merritt (Savannah) - 168 (t-30th)

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684274938431.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostNEW BLOOMFIELD - The Bishop LeBlond boys' golf team has done it yet again.After getting to state as a team for an eighth consecutive season this spring, the Golden Eagles add another title to their aresenal.LeBlond won the Class 3 boys' state golf championship at Meadow Lake Acres Golf Club in New Bloomfield, finishing with a two-day score of 622 - 10 shots ahead of second place Logan-Rogersville.That's now four state titles in the last five years for LeBlond boys' golf and their fifth overall since 2016."We knew we were capable of it," LeBlond head coach Mitch Girres said. "Once you get down here, you still have to perform. There's a lot of things that factor in. The course, the weather.""We struggled at times today. It did get kind of close on the team (standings) side of things for awhile. The kids kind of just barreled through it. We figured out a way to play well enough to win."Junior Tim Johnston won the individual state championship with a two-day score of 145. He shot a one-over par 73 on Monday and even par 72 Tuesday.He becomes the third LeBlond boys' golfer in history to win an individual state title, joining Sam Schoeberl (2022) and Brooks Jungbluth (2018)."It means a lot," Johnston said humbly. "This is what we've been working for and it feels good to finish the job. It feels good to win state. It's always been a goal."After battling through off-and-on rain showers Monday, LeBlond waded through a soppy course Tuesday, but there was little additional rainfall, as conditions remained cloudy and cool.The Eagles teed off on Tuesday morning with a nine-shot lead after the first round."Having that lead coming into today, it was nice to have a cushion," Girres said. "With Tim playing the way he played, that really helped out. All of the kids really fought and played well and at times just grinded it out when they had to."Tim Johnston birdied on holes 5, 7 and 15 in the second round and parred his last three holes Tuesday to protect his lead and win the tournament by two strokes.Tim carried himself in that lead pack like he carries himself in any other situation - calm, collected and not letting his emotions show."I try to stay focused during the round," he said softly. "I don't really talk too much. I just like to stay focused and kind of do my own thing.""He's like an old man," Girres said of Tim's demeanor. "He really is. He kind of just bee-bops around out there, slow, at his own pace and does his thing. But, he's really good and really talented."Schoeberl, who will golf at Missouri Western with LeBlond alum Jeffrey Johnston starting this fall, medaled seventh in his final state tournament, shooting a 153.Pat Johnston, Tim's twin brother, shot a 155 to place ninth. Tim and Pat are now three-time state medalists in their respective varsity careers.While the Golden Eagles say goodbye to Schoeberl, both Johnston twins, state qualifier Davis Jungbluth and several more will be back in 2024, poised to keep LeBlond at the top of the state leaderboard again next spring."I'm excited," Tim said. "It'll be another good team and hopefully we can do the same.""I think every year we come down here, I tell them all, 'Any one of you guys can win it,'" Girres added. "You have that ability and we've been lucky these last two years to have kids who can pull it off."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684276662098.jpeg" alt="Tim Johnston walks off the green after his final putt Tuesday." />
 <figcaption>Tim Johnston walks off the green after his final putt Tuesday.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684276593600.jpeg" alt="Pat Johnston chips onto the green." />
 <figcaption>Pat Johnston chips onto the green.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684276625315.jpeg" alt="Sam Schoeberl." />
 <figcaption>Sam Schoeberl.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684278237588.jpeg" alt="Tim Johnston on the green." />
 <figcaption>Tim Johnston on the green.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684278383508.jpeg" alt="Tim Johnston on the second hole." />
 <figcaption>Tim Johnston on the second hole.</figcaption>
 </figure>Other local results from Class 3 in Bloomfield Kamden Morlock (Benton) - 165 (t-24th) - A freshman, Morlock shot a 78 Tuesday after an 87 Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684278276991.jpeg" alt="Kamden Morlock." />
 <figcaption>Kamden Morlock.</figcaption>
 </figure>Zachary Merritt (Savannah) - 168 (t-30th)Davis Jungbluth (LeBlond) - 169 (t-34th)<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684278344581.jpeg" alt="Davis Jungbluth." />
 <figcaption>Davis Jungbluth.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Bishop LeBlond boys' golf wins state title, Tim Johnston takes first overall

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Michael Wacha of the San Diego Padres took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before allowing Michael Massey’s leadoff single and struck out a career-high 11 in a 4-0 victory against the Kansas City Royals that snapped a five-game losing streak.

 Massey’s hit to right field came on Wacha’s 103rd pitch and manager Bob Melvin immediately came out to pull the right-hander, who left to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 43,828. 

Nick Martinez came on and retired the side. Wacha walked one. He had a perfect game going before hitting Edward Olivares with a pitch with one out in the fifth.

The Royals take on the Padres again Tuesday night with first pitch at 8:40. Coverage begins at 8:00 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Michael Wacha of the San Diego Padres took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before allowing Michael Massey’s leadoff single and struck out a career-high 11 in a 4-0 victory against the Kansas City Royals that snapped a five-game losing streak. Massey’s hit to right field came on Wacha’s 103rd pitch and manager Bob Melvin immediately came out to pull the right-hander, who left to a standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 43,828. Nick Martinez came on and retired the side. Wacha walked one. He had a perfect game going before hitting Edward Olivares with a pitch with one out in the fifth.The Royals take on the Padres again Tuesday night with first pitch at 8:40. Coverage begins at 8:00 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Wacha takes no-hitter into 8th, fans 11 in Padres' 4-0 win over Royals

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich continued to heat up at the plate and created even more fireworks on the basepaths as he helped the Milwaukee Brewers complete a sweep of the Kansas City Royals.

After homering twice on Saturday, Yelich went deep again Sunday in the Brewers' 9-6 victory. He also hit an RBI single and scored on a bizarre play as part of Milwaukee’s seven-run outburst in the third inning.

Yelich is batting .348 (16 of 46) with four homers and 12 RBIs in May. The 2018 NL MVP hit just .228 with three homers and 11 RBIs in April.

“I'm just making adjustments and just trying to find ways to contribute,” Yelich said. “You're constantly tinkering with things and trying to be the best version of yourself, whatever that is, each day. For me, each day's a new day."

Brice Turang added a three-run shot and Mike Brosseau also homered for the NL Central-leading Brewers.

Kansas City’s Salvador Perez homered for the second straight day, Bobby Witt Jr. had a homer and a two-run double and Hunter Dozier also went deep.

The Royals led 4-1 before it all fell apart for them in the bottom of the third. Yelich was at the center of that rally.

After his RBI single put runners on the corners with nobody out in the third, Yelich attempted to steal second. That’s when things got weird.

Royals shortstop Maikel Garcia missed the throw from Perez, and Joey Wiemer raced home from third as the ball went into the outfield. After sliding into second, Yelich got up and took off for third.

The throw from center fielder Nate Eaton took a couple of bounces, went through Dozier's legs and appeared to bounce off the body of Brewers third-base coach Jason Lane. As the ball started to roll back toward home in foul territory, Yelich headed toward the plate.

Dozier chased down the ball, dove and pushed the ball toward Perez, but his toss couldn’t get there before Yelich slid home safely with the tying run. Garcia and Eaton were charged with errors on the play.

“I don't really think (Eaton's throw) was off line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think it just got hidden behind the runner going second to third, so Dozier couldn't find it. He said as it came out from underneath the runner, he tried to block it and it just got through him, and then obviously it got kicked by the third base coach and it was just a comedy of errors at that point.”

Owen Miller delivered an RBI double later in the inning. Brice Turang capped the rally by sending a 2-2 changeup from Jose Cuas over the center-field wall for a 408-foot blast.

Royals starter Jordan Lyles (0-7) allowed seven runs – all earned – in 2 1/3 innings. Lyles owns a 7.14 ERA in his first season with the Royals, who signed him to a two-year, $17 million contract last December.

Milwaukee's Eric Lauer (4-4) struck out six and allowed two runs, two walks and two hits over 5 1/3 innings in his first relief appearance since 2021. Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell had said Saturday the Brewers would skip Lauer’s next scheduled start.

Lauer, who had lost his last three starts, entered in the fourth and didn't allow a hit until Dozier and Witt homered off him in the ninth.

“Overall it was a good job of kind of what I wanted to go out there and feel as far as just getting on the mound, competing and just kind of letting it loose and not worrying about how long I'm going to be in there and how many pitches I'm going to have to throw,” Lauer said. “It's that bullpen kind of mentality that I have to have. It was a good flip-switch for me.”

Brewers starter Colin Rea allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Royals: Start a three-game series at San Diego. Scheduled starters for Monday's game are RHP Brad Keller (3-3, 4.31 ERA) for the Royals and RHP Michael Wacha (3-1, 4.81) for the Padres.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684111037903.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run scoring double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 14, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a two-run scoring double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, May 14, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)</figcaption>
 </figure>MILWAUKEE (AP) — Christian Yelich continued to heat up at the plate and created even more fireworks on the basepaths as he helped the Milwaukee Brewers complete a sweep of the Kansas City Royals.After homering twice on Saturday, Yelich went deep again Sunday in the Brewers' 9-6 victory. He also hit an RBI single and scored on a bizarre play as part of Milwaukee’s seven-run outburst in the third inning.Yelich is batting .348 (16 of 46) with four homers and 12 RBIs in May. The 2018 NL MVP hit just .228 with three homers and 11 RBIs in April.“I'm just making adjustments and just trying to find ways to contribute,” Yelich said. “You're constantly tinkering with things and trying to be the best version of yourself, whatever that is, each day. For me, each day's a new day."Brice Turang added a three-run shot and Mike Brosseau also homered for the NL Central-leading Brewers.Kansas City’s Salvador Perez homered for the second straight day, Bobby Witt Jr. had a homer and a two-run double and Hunter Dozier also went deep.The Royals led 4-1 before it all fell apart for them in the bottom of the third. Yelich was at the center of that rally.After his RBI single put runners on the corners with nobody out in the third, Yelich attempted to steal second. That’s when things got weird.Royals shortstop Maikel Garcia missed the throw from Perez, and Joey Wiemer raced home from third as the ball went into the outfield. After sliding into second, Yelich got up and took off for third.The throw from center fielder Nate Eaton took a couple of bounces, went through Dozier's legs and appeared to bounce off the body of Brewers third-base coach Jason Lane. As the ball started to roll back toward home in foul territory, Yelich headed toward the plate.Dozier chased down the ball, dove and pushed the ball toward Perez, but his toss couldn’t get there before Yelich slid home safely with the tying run. Garcia and Eaton were charged with errors on the play.“I don't really think (Eaton's throw) was off line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think it just got hidden behind the runner going second to third, so Dozier couldn't find it. He said as it came out from underneath the runner, he tried to block it and it just got through him, and then obviously it got kicked by the third base coach and it was just a comedy of errors at that point.”Owen Miller delivered an RBI double later in the inning. Brice Turang capped the rally by sending a 2-2 changeup from Jose Cuas over the center-field wall for a 408-foot blast.Royals starter Jordan Lyles (0-7) allowed seven runs – all earned – in 2 1/3 innings. Lyles owns a 7.14 ERA in his first season with the Royals, who signed him to a two-year, $17 million contract last December.Milwaukee's Eric Lauer (4-4) struck out six and allowed two runs, two walks and two hits over 5 1/3 innings in his first relief appearance since 2021. Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell had said Saturday the Brewers would skip Lauer’s next scheduled start.Lauer, who had lost his last three starts, entered in the fourth and didn't allow a hit until Dozier and Witt homered off him in the ninth.“Overall it was a good job of kind of what I wanted to go out there and feel as far as just getting on the mound, competing and just kind of letting it loose and not worrying about how long I'm going to be in there and how many pitches I'm going to have to throw,” Lauer said. “It's that bullpen kind of mentality that I have to have. It was a good flip-switch for me.”Brewers starter Colin Rea allowed four runs in 3 2/3 innings.UP NEXTRoyals: Start a three-game series at San Diego. Scheduled starters for Monday's game are RHP Brad Keller (3-3, 4.31 ERA) for the Royals and RHP Michael Wacha (3-1, 4.81) for the Padres.

Royals fall 9-6 to Brewers as Yelich stays hot to help complete sweep

PLATTSBURG - Numerous area track and field athletes in Classes 1-2 have punched their ticket to the state track and field meet next Friday and Saturday in Jefferson City.

Plattsburg High School hosted the Class 1-2 State Sectional 4 meet on Saturday with multiple area schools and athletes competing. The top four finishers in each event advance to the Class 1 and 2 state track meet May 19-20 at Jefferson City High School.

The East Buchanan boys qualified seven different athletes in seven different events for the state meet.

The defending Class 2 champion North Platte girls could be a favorite to repeat. They're sending 11 total athletes in nine different events to state this coming week.

Boys' discus North Andrew's Jacob Chittum took first with a throw of 131 feet-3 inches.

Boys' high jump Stewartsville-Osborn's Braxton Gibson is state bound after winning this event Saturday, clearing a height of 6 feet-1.5 inches.

Boys' long jump Stewartsville-Osborn's Tristan Auxier placed second with a leap of 21 feet-5.25 inches.

Boys' pole vault Stanberry's Nathaniel Griffin took first, clearing 3.53 meters (11 feet-7 inches).

Boys' shot put North Andrew's Jacob Chittum placed second with a throw of 45 feet-9.25 inches.

Boys' 100 meter dash King City's Ty Mooney is state bound. He finished second Saturday with a time of 11.15 seconds. Mooney placed 6th at state in this event last year.

Boys' 110 meter hurdles North Andrew's Tanner Russo placed second with a time of 16.33 seconds to secure a spot at state. Mound City's August Meadows (16.45) and Chauncey Brown (16.70) placed third and fourth to reach state as well.

Boys' 200 meter dash King City's Ty Mooney took first with a time of 1:00.01.

Boys' 300 meter hurdles Mound City's August Meadows took first with a time of 41.41 seconds. Tanner Russo of North Andrew placed 4th at 43.53 seconds.

Boys' 800 meter run Mound City's Keaton Zembles took second with a time of 2:04.76. Zembles placed 5th in this event at state last year.

Boys' 1600 meter run ∫Mound City's Keaton Zembles took second with a time of 4:46.02.&nbsp;

Boys' 4x100 meter relay King City's Brodhi Ramirez, Ty Mooney, Cooper Mooney and Ron Pulliam took first with a time of 44.53 seconds. King City took first at state in the 4x100 last year. Ty Mooney and Ron Pulliam were both on that relay team.

Boys' 4x200 meter relay King City's&nbsp;Brodhi Ramirez, Ty Mooney, Cooper Mooney and Ron Pulliam took first with a time of 1:33.07. Ty Mooney and Pulliam were also part of a state championship winning 4x200 relay team at state last year.

Boys' 4x800 meter relay Mound City's&nbsp;Jadon Griffin, Quinton Livengood, Nicholas Ivey and Keaton Zembles took second with a time of 9:00.07.

Girls' discus South Holt's Zoey Prussman qualified for state, finishing fourth with a throw of 92 feet.

Girls' long jump Mound City's Sydney Meadows placed fourth with a jump of 15 feet-7.75 inches.

Girls' pole vault Mound City's Ava Barnes took first, clearing 10 feet-9 inches. Stanberry's Katlyn James placed third at 8 feet-2.75 inches. James placed 3rd at state in pole vault last year.

Girls' triple jump DeKalb's Lainie Vogan placed third with a leap of 32 feet-6.25 inches. Mound City's Sydney Meadows placed tied for third with the same distance.

Girls' 100 meter dash King City's Clare Staley finished third with a time of 13.05 seconds.

Girls' 100 meter hurdles DeKalb's Lainie Vogan placed fourth with a time of 17.08 seconds.

Girls'400 meter dash DeKalb's Gracie Henshaw placed second with a time of 1:00.87. Henshaw placed 5th in the 400 at state last year. St. Joseph Christian's Charlee Stanley placed third in this race Saturday with a time of 1:01.02.

Girls' 800 meter run North Andrew's Jaclyn Reidinger placed second with a time of 2:28.34.&nbsp;St. Joseph Christian's Claire Phillips placed fourth with a time of 2:33.60.

Girls' 1600 meter run North Andrew's Jaclyn Reidinger placed third with a time of 5:46.76. Reidinger placed third at state in this event in 2021.

Girls' 4x100 meter relay King City's&nbsp;Kaylee Roberts, Clare Staley, Anna Boone and Hailey Wright placed with a time of 52 seconds even. Staley, Roberts and Wright were part of a 4x100 relay team that finished 4th at state last year.

Girls' 4x200 meter relay King City's Kaylee Roberts, Clare Staley, Anna Boone and Hailey Wright placed 3rd at 1:51.85. Staley, Roberts and Wright were part of a 4x200 relay team that finished 6th at state last year.

Girls' 4x400 meter relay DeKalb's Kalyn Hartman, Lainie Vogan, Harlie Hall and Gracie Hanshaw placed second with a time of 4:16.50. Hanshaw, Hartman and Vogan placed fourth at state last year in the 4x400.

St. Joseph Christian's Jaci Jorgensen, Claire Phillips, Charlee Stanley and Joy Wallick placed third in the 4x400 Saturday with a time of 4:18.78.

**CLASS 2 RESULTS** Boys' triple jump East Buchanan's Trevor Klein is headed back to state. He took first Saturday with a distance of 42 feet-5.5 inches. Klein finished ninth in triple jump at state last year.

Boys' javelin East Buchanan's Trey Johnson took first with a throw of 168 feet-9 inches. Mid-Buchanan's Jackson Wahlgren, a Missouri Southern signee, finished second with a throw of 165 feet-5 inches. Wahlgren placed 8th at state in javelin last year.

Boys' long jump Maysville's Kayden Gabbard took first with a jump of 20 feet-10.75 inches. East Buchanan's Trey Johnson placed fourth at 20 feet-3.5 inches.

Boys' 100 meter dash Plattsburg's Donte Bingham is state bound, finishing third at 11.23 seconds.

Boys' 110 meter hurdles East Buchanan's Seth Spencer placed second with a time of 15.78 seconds.

Boys' 200 meter dash North Platte's Corbin Britting placed fourth with a time of 22.73 seconds.

Boys' 400 meter dash Plattsburg's Carson Stockdale placed 3rd with a time of 51.11 seconds.

Boys' 800 meter run Bishop LeBlond's Tyson Lile placed second with a time of 2:02.65.

Boys' 1600 meter run East Buchanan's Aidan Hensley placed second with a time of 4:39.25. LeBlond's Jonathan Eckstein placed fourth at 4:40.28.&nbsp;

Boys' 3200 meter run East Buchanan's Aidan Hensley placed third with a time of 10:23.12. Hensley placed 5th at state in this race last year.

Boys' 4x100 meter relay Plattsburg's&nbsp;Carson Stockdale, Gavin Boyle, James Braddy and Donte Bingham placed second with a time of 44.24.

Boys' 4x800 meter relay East Buchanan's Carson White, Kyler Paxton, Parker Conroy and Aidan Hensley took first with a time of 8:23.72.

Girls' high jump Plattsburg's Letecia Howard placed fourth, clearing 4 feet-10.5 inches.

Girls' javelin East Buchanan's Laney Wilmes placed 3rd with a throw of 114 feet-6 inches.

Girls' long jump Maysville's Mirabella Redman took second with a leap of 17 feet-0.75 inches.

Girls' pole vault Maysville's Mirabella Redman placed fourth, clearing 10 feet-4.25 inches. Redman placed 4th at state in pole vault last year.

Girls' shot put East Buchanan's Brooklyn Johnson is headed to state in her first attempt as a freshman, winning this event Saturday with a throw of 39 feet-1.25 inches.

Girls' triple jump East Buchanan's Rilyn Sherwood took first with a distance of 35 feet-1 inch.

Girls' 100 meter dash North Platte's Olivia Rogers, a Missouri State signee, took first with a time of 11.95 seconds. Rogers won state in this event last year.

Girls' 200 meter dash North Platte's Olivia Rogers took first here as well with a time of 24.54 seconds. Rogers won the state title in this event last year also.

Girls' 110 meter hurdles Maysville's Mirabella Redman is state bound, finishing third with a time of 15.63 seconds.

Girls' 300 meter hurdles Maysville's Mirabella Redman took first with a time of 45.39 seconds. Redman won this event at state last year. She'll compete in four total events at state this year.

Girls' 400 meter dash North Platte's Lindsay Ramsey is state bound. She won the event Saturday with a time of 58.51 seconds. Ramsey placed second at state in the 400 last year.

Plattsburg's Letecia Howard placed second in the 400 Saturday at 1:00.57.

Girls' 800 meter run North Platte's Shelby Lingle placed second at 2:27.05.

Girls' 1600 meter run North Platte's Brianna DeBord (5:32.56) and Chloe Heckman (5:34.21) took the first two spots in this race.&nbsp;

Girls' 3200 meter run North Platte's Chloe Heckman (12:07.02) and Brianna DeBord (12:14.07) took the first two spots in this race.&nbsp; DeBord finished seventh at state in this race last year.

Girls' 4x100 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp;Lonee French, Olivia Rogers, Bella Kitmitto and&nbsp;Kalli Schuster took first with a time of 49.54 seconds. This exact same relay team is a favorite to repeat as state champions.

Girls' 4x200 meter relay North Platte's Kalli Schuster, Bella Kitmitto, Lonee French and Lindsay Ramsey placed second at 1:46.26. Schuster and Ramsay won state in the 4x200 last year.

Girls'4x400 meter relay North Platte's Lindsay Ramsey, Graci Williams, Kalli Schuster and Olivia Rogers took first with a time of 4:06.49. Schuster and Ramsey finished second at state in the 4x400 last year.

Plattsburg's&nbsp;Sophie Schmitten, Isabella Parra,&nbsp;Alice Nelson and Letecia Howard placed second at 4:11.16.

Girls' 4x800 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp;Shelby Lingle, Chloe Heckman, Jessa Cassity and Brianna DeBord won the event with a time of 10:10.68.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684018132317.jpeg" alt="Jackson Wahlgren throws javelin in Saturday's state sectional meet in Plattsburg. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jackson Wahlgren throws javelin in Saturday's state sectional meet in Plattsburg. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostPLATTSBURG - Numerous area track and field athletes in Classes 1-2 have punched their ticket to the state track and field meet next Friday and Saturday in Jefferson City.Plattsburg High School hosted the Class 1-2 State Sectional 4 meet on Saturday with multiple area schools and athletes competing. The top four finishers in each event advance to the Class 1 and 2 state track meet May 19-20 at Jefferson City High School.The East Buchanan boys qualified seven different athletes in seven different events for the state meet.The defending Class 2 champion North Platte girls could be a favorite to repeat. They're sending 11 total athletes in nine different events to state this coming week.**CLASS 1 RESULTS**Boys' discus North Andrew's Jacob Chittum took first with a throw of 131 feet-3 inches.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016865838.jpeg" alt="Jacob Chittum. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Jacob Chittum. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys' high jump Stewartsville-Osborn's Braxton Gibson is state bound after winning this event Saturday, clearing a height of 6 feet-1.5 inches.Boys' long jump Stewartsville-Osborn's Tristan Auxier placed second with a leap of 21 feet-5.25 inches.Boys' pole vault Stanberry's Nathaniel Griffin took first, clearing 3.53 meters (11 feet-7 inches).Boys' shot put North Andrew's Jacob Chittum placed second with a throw of 45 feet-9.25 inches.Boys' 100 meter dash King City's Ty Mooney is state bound. He finished second Saturday with a time of 11.15 seconds. Mooney placed 6th at state in this event last year.Boys' 110 meter hurdles North Andrew's Tanner Russo placed second with a time of 16.33 seconds to secure a spot at state. Mound City's August Meadows (16.45) and Chauncey Brown (16.70) placed third and fourth to reach state as well.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016942014.jpeg" alt="Tanner Russo. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Tanner Russo. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys' 200 meter dash King City's Ty Mooney took first with a time of 1:00.01.Boys' 300 meter hurdles Mound City's August Meadows took first with a time of 41.41 seconds. Tanner Russo of North Andrew placed 4th at 43.53 seconds.Boys' 800 meter run Mound City's Keaton Zembles took second with a time of 2:04.76. Zembles placed 5th in this event at state last year.Boys' 1600 meter run ∫Mound City's Keaton Zembles took second with a time of 4:46.02.&nbsp;Boys' 4x100 meter relay King City's Brodhi Ramirez, Ty Mooney, Cooper Mooney and Ron Pulliam took first with a time of 44.53 seconds. King City took first at state in the 4x100 last year. Ty Mooney and Ron Pulliam were both on that relay team.Boys' 4x200 meter relay King City's&nbsp;Brodhi Ramirez, Ty Mooney, Cooper Mooney and Ron Pulliam took first with a time of 1:33.07. Ty Mooney and Pulliam were also part of a state championship winning 4x200 relay team at state last year.Boys' 4x800 meter relay Mound City's&nbsp;Jadon Griffin, Quinton Livengood, Nicholas Ivey and Keaton Zembles took second with a time of 9:00.07.Girls' discus South Holt's Zoey Prussman qualified for state, finishing fourth with a throw of 92 feet.Girls' long jump Mound City's Sydney Meadows placed fourth with a jump of 15 feet-7.75 inches.Girls' pole vault Mound City's Ava Barnes took first, clearing 10 feet-9 inches. Stanberry's Katlyn James placed third at 8 feet-2.75 inches. James placed 3rd at state in pole vault last year.Girls' triple jump DeKalb's Lainie Vogan placed third with a leap of 32 feet-6.25 inches. Mound City's Sydney Meadows placed tied for third with the same distance.Girls' 100 meter dash King City's Clare Staley finished third with a time of 13.05 seconds.Girls' 100 meter hurdles DeKalb's Lainie Vogan placed fourth with a time of 17.08 seconds.Girls'400 meter dash DeKalb's Gracie Henshaw placed second with a time of 1:00.87. Henshaw placed 5th in the 400 at state last year. St. Joseph Christian's Charlee Stanley placed third in this race Saturday with a time of 1:01.02.Girls' 800 meter run North Andrew's Jaclyn Reidinger placed second with a time of 2:28.34.&nbsp;St. Joseph Christian's Claire Phillips placed fourth with a time of 2:33.60.Girls' 1600 meter run North Andrew's Jaclyn Reidinger placed third with a time of 5:46.76. Reidinger placed third at state in this event in 2021.Girls' 4x100 meter relay King City's&nbsp;Kaylee Roberts, Clare Staley, Anna Boone and Hailey Wright placed with a time of 52 seconds even. Staley, Roberts and Wright were part of a 4x100 relay team that finished 4th at state last year.Girls' 4x200 meter relay King City's Kaylee Roberts, Clare Staley, Anna Boone and Hailey Wright placed 3rd at 1:51.85. Staley, Roberts and Wright were part of a 4x200 relay team that finished 6th at state last year.Girls' 4x400 meter relay DeKalb's Kalyn Hartman, Lainie Vogan, Harlie Hall and Gracie Hanshaw placed second with a time of 4:16.50. Hanshaw, Hartman and Vogan placed fourth at state last year in the 4x400.St. Joseph Christian's Jaci Jorgensen, Claire Phillips, Charlee Stanley and Joy Wallick placed third in the 4x400 Saturday with a time of 4:18.78.**CLASS 2 RESULTS** Boys' triple jump East Buchanan's Trevor Klein is headed back to state. He took first Saturday with a distance of 42 feet-5.5 inches. Klein finished ninth in triple jump at state last year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016262525.jpeg" alt="Trevor Klein. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Trevor Klein. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys' javelin East Buchanan's Trey Johnson took first with a throw of 168 feet-9 inches. Mid-Buchanan's Jackson Wahlgren, a Missouri Southern signee, finished second with a throw of 165 feet-5 inches. Wahlgren placed 8th at state in javelin last year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684017076354.jpeg" alt="Trey Johnson. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Trey Johnson. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys' long jump Maysville's Kayden Gabbard took first with a jump of 20 feet-10.75 inches. East Buchanan's Trey Johnson placed fourth at 20 feet-3.5 inches.Boys' 100 meter dash Plattsburg's Donte Bingham is state bound, finishing third at 11.23 seconds.Boys' 110 meter hurdles East Buchanan's Seth Spencer placed second with a time of 15.78 seconds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016367983.jpeg" alt="Seth Spencer. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Seth Spencer. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys' 200 meter dash North Platte's Corbin Britting placed fourth with a time of 22.73 seconds.Boys' 400 meter dash Plattsburg's Carson Stockdale placed 3rd with a time of 51.11 seconds.Boys' 800 meter run Bishop LeBlond's Tyson Lile placed second with a time of 2:02.65.Boys' 1600 meter run East Buchanan's Aidan Hensley placed second with a time of 4:39.25. LeBlond's Jonathan Eckstein placed fourth at 4:40.28.&nbsp;Boys' 3200 meter run East Buchanan's Aidan Hensley placed third with a time of 10:23.12. Hensley placed 5th at state in this race last year.Boys' 4x100 meter relay Plattsburg's&nbsp;Carson Stockdale, Gavin Boyle, James Braddy and Donte Bingham placed second with a time of 44.24.Boys' 4x800 meter relay East Buchanan's Carson White, Kyler Paxton, Parker Conroy and Aidan Hensley took first with a time of 8:23.72.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016551651.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016587970.jpeg" alt="Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls' high jump Plattsburg's Letecia Howard placed fourth, clearing 4 feet-10.5 inches.Girls' javelin East Buchanan's Laney Wilmes placed 3rd with a throw of 114 feet-6 inches.Girls' long jump Maysville's Mirabella Redman took second with a leap of 17 feet-0.75 inches.Girls' pole vault Maysville's Mirabella Redman placed fourth, clearing 10 feet-4.25 inches. Redman placed 4th at state in pole vault last year.Girls' shot put East Buchanan's Brooklyn Johnson is headed to state in her first attempt as a freshman, winning this event Saturday with a throw of 39 feet-1.25 inches.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016674390.jpeg" alt="Brooklyn Johnson. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Brooklyn Johnson. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls' triple jump East Buchanan's Rilyn Sherwood took first with a distance of 35 feet-1 inch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684014795388.jpeg" alt="Rilyn Sherwood. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Rilyn Sherwood. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls' 100 meter dash North Platte's Olivia Rogers, a Missouri State signee, took first with a time of 11.95 seconds. Rogers won state in this event last year.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684016751006.jpeg" alt="Olivia Rogers (left) Kalli Schuster (middle). Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Olivia Rogers (left) Kalli Schuster (middle). Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>Girls' 200 meter dash North Platte's Olivia Rogers took first here as well with a time of 24.54 seconds. Rogers won the state title in this event last year also. Girls' 110 meter hurdles Maysville's Mirabella Redman is state bound, finishing third with a time of 15.63 seconds.Girls' 300 meter hurdles Maysville's Mirabella Redman took first with a time of 45.39 seconds. Redman won this event at state last year. She'll compete in four total events at state this year.Girls' 400 meter dash North Platte's Lindsay Ramsey is state bound. She won the event Saturday with a time of 58.51 seconds. Ramsey placed second at state in the 400 last year.Plattsburg's Letecia Howard placed second in the 400 Saturday at 1:00.57.Girls' 800 meter run North Platte's Shelby Lingle placed second at 2:27.05.Girls' 1600 meter run North Platte's Brianna DeBord (5:32.56) and Chloe Heckman (5:34.21) took the first two spots in this race.&nbsp;Girls' 3200 meter run North Platte's Chloe Heckman (12:07.02) and Brianna DeBord (12:14.07) took the first two spots in this race.&nbsp; DeBord finished seventh at state in this race last year.Girls' 4x100 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp;Lonee French, Olivia Rogers, Bella Kitmitto and&nbsp;Kalli Schuster took first with a time of 49.54 seconds. This exact same relay team is a favorite to repeat as state champions.Girls' 4x200 meter relay North Platte's Kalli Schuster, Bella Kitmitto, Lonee French and Lindsay Ramsey placed second at 1:46.26. Schuster and Ramsay won state in the 4x200 last year.Girls'4x400 meter relay North Platte's Lindsay Ramsey, Graci Williams, Kalli Schuster and Olivia Rogers took first with a time of 4:06.49. Schuster and Ramsey finished second at state in the 4x400 last year.Plattsburg's&nbsp;Sophie Schmitten, Isabella Parra,&nbsp;Alice Nelson and Letecia Howard placed second at 4:11.16.Girls' 4x800 meter relay North Platte's&nbsp;Shelby Lingle, Chloe Heckman, Jessa Cassity and Brianna DeBord won the event with a time of 10:10.68.**ADDITIONAL PHOTOS*<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684017187525.jpeg" alt="Danika Wattenbarger." />
 <figcaption>Danika Wattenbarger.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684017278378.jpeg" alt="Jaci Jorgensen." />
 <figcaption>Jaci Jorgensen.</figcaption>
 </figure>You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Area track athletes qualify for state at sectionals in Plattsburg

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Corbin Burnes pitched six shutout innings and Owen Miller went 3 of 4 with a homer and a double to help the Milwaukee Brewers defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Friday. 

Burnes struck out seven, walked four and allowed only two hits while throwing a season-high 104 pitches. Miller homered in the third inning, doubled in the fourth and singled in the seventh. 

Kansas City’s only run came on Freddy Fermin’s two-out homer in the seventh. The Royals were seeking their first three-game winning streak of the season.

The Royals take on the Brewers again Saturday evening with first pitch at 6:10. Coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Corbin Burnes pitched six shutout innings and Owen Miller went 3 of 4 with a homer and a double to help the Milwaukee Brewers defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Friday. Burnes struck out seven, walked four and allowed only two hits while throwing a season-high 104 pitches. Miller homered in the third inning, doubled in the fourth and singled in the seventh. Kansas City’s only run came on Freddy Fermin’s two-out homer in the seventh. The Royals were seeking their first three-game winning streak of the season.The Royals take on the Brewers again Saturday evening with first pitch at 6:10. Coverage begins at 5:30 on KFEQ (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.

Corbin Burnes' arm, Owen Miller's bat lead Brewers to 5-1 victory over Royals

By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

A Republican lawmaker running for governor next year held up all action in the Missouri Senate Thursday night, arguing one of his top legislative priorities was being held hostage in negotiations over legalizing sports wagering.&nbsp;

Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, spent much of the evening reading aloud from a biography of Ronald Reagan and from the Missouri GOP’s platform, blocking any action on legislation.&nbsp;

Shortly before 7 p.m., the Senate recessed until morning. The legislature is required to adjourn by 6 p.m. Friday.

Eigel says his top legislative priority, a bill cutting personal property taxes, has become embroiled in disagreement over legalized sports betting, inspiring his one-man filibuster. The bill is only one vote away from being sent to the governor, he noted.&nbsp;

“The reason we aren’t going to that motion,” he said, “is because some powerful special interests in this building are also hoping to try to add sports betting to the personal property tax bill, or maneuver another bill that may include a sports betting provision prior to moving a personal property tax cut.”

As Eigel continued his filibuster, a litany of bills hung in the balance, running from changes to the initiative petition process to a ban on foreign ownership of farm land to tax credits to improve access to child care.&nbsp;

Prior to Eigel seizing control of the Senate floor, the chamber had returned to normal functions&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/gridlock-plagues-missouri-senate-once-again-with-just-days-to-go-before-adjournment/">after three days of gridlock</a>, as GOP lawmakers blocked or slowed progress.&nbsp;

It started Monday, when Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, blocked all action in retribution for the Senate approving a postpartum Medicaid bill days earlier while he was absent dealing with a family illness.&nbsp;

He returned Tuesday and once again slowed down proceedings. He was assisted on Wednesday by other senators who made up the now-defunct conservative caucus, each of whom had a list of bills they wanted approved in order to allow the chamber to function normally.

When the Senate returned Thursday morning, it began passing bills and sending them to the governor, including one banning texting while driving and another requiring fingerprint background checks for cannabis industry employees.&nbsp;

After several hours, Eigel began his filibuster, claiming that no other legislation should pass if the Senate wasn’t going to focus on bills “that are actually important to this state.”

He said there is no deal on sports wagering, and holding up other bills like his property tax cut in the hopes of finding a compromise is pointless.&nbsp;

“There is no deal on sports betting,” he said. “It’s not going to happen no matter what we do on personal property tax in the next 24 hours.”

If no sports wagering bill is passed this year, it would be the fifth year lawmakers have failed to act since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down federal laws banning sports betting nationally. Sports wagering has since been legalized in every state adjoining Missouri except Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Casino companies and professional sports teams are eager for the revenue from sports wagering, and last year agreed on a proposal that slices up the market to their liking. It set the tax rate at 10%, allowed a deduction from gross revenue for promotional costs and allowed players to bet from any location on a smart device.

But that bill – any other bill authorizing sports wagering – has faced stiff opposition in the Senate.&nbsp;

The main obstacle is Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican who has insisted on also legalizing a new form of lottery game for people to play in bars, truck stops and fraternal halls.&nbsp;

The machines in question operate similarly to what you’d find in a casino. Players insert money, select a game and decide how much they wish to wager. Winners get paid by the store cashier.

The Missouri Gaming Commission has deemed the machines gambling devices, which are prohibited outside of licensed casinos, and the state highway patrol considers them illegal.

The companies that own the machines disagree, saying they reveal the outcome of the wager before the player moves forward. Thus, the company argues, they are not a game of chance and therefore not illegal.

Hoskins has argued that revenue is far greater from legalizing video lottery machines, potentially, than the taxes from sports wagering and therefore the two should be done together. He also believes legalizing them will result in more regulation and consumer protections.&nbsp;

Sports wagering legislation has been attached to several of Hoskins’ bills over the last week, though he’s shown few signs of relenting from his opposition.&nbsp;

“What would you choose: personal property tax cuts or sportsbook?” Hoskins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DLHoskins/status/1656794840472879107">tweeted as Eigel spoke in the Senate</a>. “I choose tax cuts.”

The Independent’s Annelise Hanshaw contributed to this story.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://missouriindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/051123_Eigel1-1024x640.jpg" alt="Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, holds the Missouri Senate floor alone Thursday evening, just over 24 hours from the legislative deadline (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, holds the Missouri Senate floor alone Thursday evening, just over 24 hours from the legislative deadline (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>A Republican lawmaker running for governor next year held up all action in the Missouri Senate Thursday night, arguing one of his top legislative priorities was being held hostage in negotiations over legalizing sports wagering.&nbsp;Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, spent much of the evening reading aloud from a biography of Ronald Reagan and from the Missouri GOP’s platform, blocking any action on legislation.&nbsp;Shortly before 7 p.m., the Senate recessed until morning. The legislature is required to adjourn by 6 p.m. Friday.Eigel says his top legislative priority, a bill cutting personal property taxes, has become embroiled in disagreement over legalized sports betting, inspiring his one-man filibuster. The bill is only one vote away from being sent to the governor, he noted.&nbsp;“The reason we aren’t going to that motion,” he said, “is because some powerful special interests in this building are also hoping to try to add sports betting to the personal property tax bill, or maneuver another bill that may include a sports betting provision prior to moving a personal property tax cut.”As Eigel continued his filibuster, a litany of bills hung in the balance, running from changes to the initiative petition process to a ban on foreign ownership of farm land to tax credits to improve access to child care.&nbsp;Prior to Eigel seizing control of the Senate floor, the chamber had returned to normal functions&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/10/gridlock-plagues-missouri-senate-once-again-with-just-days-to-go-before-adjournment/">after three days of gridlock</a>, as GOP lawmakers blocked or slowed progress.&nbsp;It started Monday, when Sen. Mike Moon, R-Ash Grove, blocked all action in retribution for the Senate approving a postpartum Medicaid bill days earlier while he was absent dealing with a family illness.&nbsp;He returned Tuesday and once again slowed down proceedings. He was assisted on Wednesday by other senators who made up the now-defunct conservative caucus, each of whom had a list of bills they wanted approved in order to allow the chamber to function normally.When the Senate returned Thursday morning, it began passing bills and sending them to the governor, including one banning texting while driving and another requiring fingerprint background checks for cannabis industry employees.&nbsp;After several hours, Eigel began his filibuster, claiming that no other legislation should pass if the Senate wasn’t going to focus on bills “that are actually important to this state.”He said there is no deal on sports wagering, and holding up other bills like his property tax cut in the hopes of finding a compromise is pointless.&nbsp;“There is no deal on sports betting,” he said. “It’s not going to happen no matter what we do on personal property tax in the next 24 hours.”If no sports wagering bill is passed this year, it would be the fifth year lawmakers have failed to act since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down federal laws banning sports betting nationally. Sports wagering has since been legalized in every state adjoining Missouri except Oklahoma.&nbsp;Casino companies and professional sports teams are eager for the revenue from sports wagering, and last year agreed on a proposal that slices up the market to their liking. It set the tax rate at 10%, allowed a deduction from gross revenue for promotional costs and allowed players to bet from any location on a smart device.But that bill – any other bill authorizing sports wagering – has faced stiff opposition in the Senate.&nbsp;The main obstacle is Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Warrensburg Republican who has insisted on also legalizing a new form of lottery game for people to play in bars, truck stops and fraternal halls.&nbsp;The machines in question operate similarly to what you’d find in a casino. Players insert money, select a game and decide how much they wish to wager. Winners get paid by the store cashier.The Missouri Gaming Commission has deemed the machines gambling devices, which are prohibited outside of licensed casinos, and the state highway patrol considers them illegal.The companies that own the machines disagree, saying they reveal the outcome of the wager before the player moves forward. Thus, the company argues, they are not a game of chance and therefore not illegal.Hoskins has argued that revenue is far greater from legalizing video lottery machines, potentially, than the taxes from sports wagering and therefore the two should be done together. He also believes legalizing them will result in more regulation and consumer protections.&nbsp;Sports wagering legislation has been attached to several of Hoskins’ bills over the last week, though he’s shown few signs of relenting from his opposition.&nbsp;“What would you choose: personal property tax cuts or sportsbook?” Hoskins&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/DLHoskins/status/1656794840472879107">tweeted as Eigel spoke in the Senate</a>. “I choose tax cuts.”The Independent’s Annelise Hanshaw contributed to this story.&nbsp;

Sports wagering impasse upends the Missouri Senate

The NFL announced the regular season schedule for the 2023 season Thursday. The Kansas City Chiefs are currently slated to play in six primetime contests, including three nationally televised games at Arrowhead Stadium.

The reigning Super Bowl Champion Chiefs will kick off the 2023 season on the NFL’s opening night against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665459858268.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Associated Press." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Associated Press.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostThe NFL announced the regular season schedule for the 2023 season Thursday. The Kansas City Chiefs are currently slated to play in six primetime contests, including three nationally televised games at Arrowhead Stadium.The reigning Super Bowl Champion Chiefs will kick off the 2023 season on the NFL’s opening night against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 7.Kansas City will also be featured on the international stage once again this season, facing the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany, on Nov. 5 at Frankfurt Stadium.This year’s regular season schedule features eight games vs. seven playoff teams from 2022. The combined 2022 record of Kansas City’s 2023 home and away opponents is 147-140.The Chiefs will face Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Sunday Night Football on Oct. 1 on the road, followed by an Oct. 8 meeting with the Minnesota Vikings. Patrick Mahomes has recorded at least one win against every NFL team except for the Vikings.In Week 6, the Chiefs have a Thursday Night Football game at home against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 12. Kansas City has won 15-consecutive matchups against. After the club’s contest in Germany, the Chiefs will enjoy a bye week.Week 11 is a Super Bowl LVII rematch at Arrowhead as the Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football Nov. 20. Kansas City will make a second Sunday Night Football appearance at the Green Bay Packers on Dec. 3. On Dec. 10, the Chiefs face the Buffalo Bills at home in a high profile AFC contest.This will mark the fifth time in four seasons that Buffalo has visited Kansas City, including the 2020 AFC Championship Game and a 2021 AFC Divisional Game.The Chiefs will face the Patriots on Monday Night Football on Dec. 18 in New England before back-to-back home games. The Chiefs face the Raiders on Christmas Day and then prepare for a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game, as the Bengals return to KC on Dec. 31.The Chiefs close out the regular season on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.The NFL also released the Chiefs preseason opponents. KC will be on the road for Weeks 1 and 2, the first against the New Orleans Saints and then the Arizona Cardinals. The final preseason game will be against the Cleveland Browns in Kansas City. Dates and times for preseason games will be announced at a later date.Chiefs single-game tickets will go on sale beginning at 8 a.m. Friday for Jackson County taxpayers, 10 a.m. for Chiefs Season Ticket Members and 11 a.m. for the public.2023 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PRESEASON SCHEDULEDate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Opponent&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Time&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NetworkWeek 1&nbsp; &nbsp; at New Orleans Saints&nbsp; &nbsp; TBD&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; KSHBWeek 2&nbsp; &nbsp; at Arizona Cardinals&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; TBD&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; KSHBWeek 3&nbsp; &nbsp; Cleveland Browns&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; TBD&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;KSHB2023 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULEDate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Opponent&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Time&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;NetworkSept. 7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Detroit Lions&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7:20 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;NBC (Thursday)Sept. 17&nbsp; &nbsp;at Jacksonville&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 12:00 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;CBSSept. 24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chicago Bears&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; FOXOct. 1&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at New York Jets&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7:20 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NBCOct. 8&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at Minnesota&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;CBSOct. 12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Denver Broncos&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 7:15 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PRIME (Thursday)Oct. 22&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;L.A. Chargers &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;CBSOct. 29&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; at Denver Broncos&nbsp; &nbsp; 3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CBSNov. 5&nbsp; &nbsp; Dolphins (Germany)&nbsp; 8:30 a.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; NFL NetworkNov. 12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BYE WEEK&nbsp;&nbsp;Nov. 20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Philadelphia&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7:15 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; ESPN (Monday)Nov. 26&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; at Las Vegas&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;CBSDec. 3 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at Green Bay&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;7:20 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;NBCDec. 10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buffalo Bills&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; CBSDec. 18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; at New England&nbsp; &nbsp;7:15 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;ESPN (Monday)Dec. 25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Las Vegas&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;12:00 p.m.&nbsp; CBSDec. 31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cincinnati&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;3:25 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp; CBSJan. 6/7&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;at L.A. Chargers&nbsp; &nbsp;TBD&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;TBD