Issue 3

 

Wichita Sports News & Updates

 

 

In Case You Missed It

On March 22nd Newton, KS native Wyatt Hendrickson won the NCAA Division 1 Wrestling National Championship in the 285-pound weight class. Hendrickson did so by defeating Olympic Gold Medalist Gable Stevenson who was on a 70 match winstreak.

Read More

 

 

WSU Women’s Bowling Heading to Final Four

The WSU Women’s Bowling teams historic first season as a NCAA program continues. They punched their ticket to the Final Four by defeating the Felician Falcons and Vanderbilt Commodores in the Lansing Regional. WSU will take on #1 Seed and the reigning NCAA Champion Jacksonville State Gamecocks for the chance to advance to the National Championship.

Read More

 

 

Did You Know?

Wichita is home to the Wichita Selection who are part of Major Arena Soccer League 3. The Selection are a family owned non-profit and provide high school, college, and local athletes the chance to play soccer at a higher level. The Selection just wrapped up their 2024-25 regular season with a 3-7 record. Their games are played at the Let’s Play Soccer, Wichita facility at 9020 W Harry St. #1901, Wichita, KS 67209.

The MASL3 features a full field of 27 teams from all across the country that compete over a 5 month season. Their 2025-26 season will kickoff in the Winter of 2025.

 

Wichita Sports Commission News

 

 

Greater Wichita Sports Banquet Award Nominations Now Open

If you an athlete that deserves recognition for their athletic acheivements, please reach out to your local athletic directors to speak with them about nominating an athlete.

Nominations are now open for the following awards:

  • Barry Sanders High School Male Athlete of the Year
  • Lynette Woodard High School Female Athlete of the Year
  • Junior College Male Athlete of the Year
  • Junior College Female Athlete of the Year
  • College Male Athlete of the Year
  • College Female Athlete of the Year
  • Wichita Professional Athlete of the Year

More Information

 

 

Buster Posey Award Watch

Starting this week and leading up to the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 26th we will be featuring three catchers that have been nominated for the 2025 Buster Posey Award. Be on the lookout next week on Wednesday, April 16th as we will be releasing the Buster Posey Award Midseason Watchlist on our website and all of our social media platforms!

 

Caden Bodine, Coastal Carolina

This season Bodine has helped lead the Chanticleer’s to a 24-9 overall record and sit tied a top the Sun Belt Conference with Troy with 8-4 records in conference play.

Offensive Stats

AVG OBP SLG% Hits HR RBI Walks
.308 .426 .436 36 3 20 20

Defensive Stats

Fielding % Assists Errors CSB % Passed Balls
.997 22 1 32.3% 1

 

Will Vierling, Murray State

This season Vierling has helped lead the racers to a 19-8 overall record and sit in 4th in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 5-4 record in conference play.

Offensive Stats

AVG OBP SLG% Hits HR RBI Walks
.340 .470 .651 36 7 27 20

Defensive Stats

Fielding % Assists Errors CSB % Passed Balls
1.000 16 0 27.3% 2

 

Rylan Galvan, Texas

This season Galvan has helped lead the Longhorns to a 26-4 overall record and sit tied a top the SEC with Arkansas with 11-1 records in conference play.

Offensive Stats

AVG OBP SLG% Hits HR RBI Walks
.325 .491 .775 26 10 26 25

Defensive Stats

Fielding % Assists Errors CSB % Passed Balls
.988 15 3 50.0% 3

 

 

2025 Prairie Fire Spring Race

 

Volunteers Needed!

This years Spring Prairie Fire Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 4th. If you’d like to compete or get involved with the Prairie Fire Race Series click the links below to register to run in the event or volunteers!

Our most needed volunteer position is course monitors, course monitors must be 18 years or older. To volunteer click the link below.

Register to Run

Signup to Volunteer, for more information about volunteering email Marshall Whitworth at marshall@wichitasports.com

 

 

Local Teams & College’s Upcoming Events

 

Wichita Thunder

4/9 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters
4/11 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters
4/12 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters

 

Wichita Wind Surge

4/9 – Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds
4/10 – Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds
4/11 – Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds
4/12 – Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds
4/13 – Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds
4/15 – Wind Surge @ Tulsa Drillers

 

Wichita State

4/9 – M Tennis @ Oklahoma State
4/10-4/11 – Track & Field @ Bryan Clay Multis
4/11-4/12 – Track & Field @ KT Woodman Classic
4/11-4/12 – W Bowling @ NCAA Final Four vs Jacksonville State
4/11-4/13 – Baseball vs UTSA
4/11-4-13 – Softball vs East Carolina
4/12 – Volleyball @ Kansas City Tournament
4/12-4/13 – M Golf @ Hawkeye Intercollegiate
4/13 – M Tennis @ Middle Tennessee State
4/14-4/16 – W Golf @ AAC Championship
4/15 – Baseball @ Kansas
4/15 – Softball @ Oklahoma State

 

Newman University

4/11 – W Tennis vs Missouri Western
4/11 – Softball vs Fort Hays State
4/11-4/13 – Baseball @ Northwest Missouri State
4/12 – M&W’s Tennis vs Northwest Missouri State
4/12 – Softball vs Nebraska Kearney
4/13-4/15 – W Golf @ MIAA Championship
4/13 – M&W’s Tennis vs Weatherford College
4/15 – Softball @ Northwestern Oklahoma State

 

Friends University

4/9 – Dance @ NCA College Nationals
4/9 – Cheer @ NCA College Nationals
4/10 – M&W’s Tennis @ Bethany College
4/10 – Softball vs Tabor College
4/11-4/12 – M&W’s Track & Field @ KT Woodman Classic
4/11-4/12 – Baseball vs University of Saint Mary
4/12 – M&W’s Tennis vs Kansas Wesleyan
4/12 – Softball @ Sterling College
4/14 – JV Softball @ Kansas Wesleyan
4/15 – Baseball @ Ottawa University

 

Butler Community College

4/9 – Softball vs Seward County
4/10 – Baseball vs Hutchinson CC
4/11-4/12 – M&W’s Track & Field @ KT Woodman Classic
4/12 – Softball @ Colby CC
4/12 – Baseball @ Hutchinson CC
4/13 – Softball @ Fort Hays Tech NW
4/15 – Baseball vs Coffeyville CC

 

Cowley College

4/10 – Baseball vs Allen County CC
4/10 – Softball @ Coffeyville CC
4/10 – M&W’s Tennis @ Pratt CC
4/11-4/12 – M&W’s Track @ KT Woodman Classic
4/12 – M&W’s Tennis vs Weatherford College
4/12 – M Soccer vs Newman University
4/12 – Baseball @ Allen County CC
4/12 – Softball vs Highland CC
4/12 – M Soccer vs Southwestern College
4/15 – W Soccer vs Life Prep Academy
4/15 – Baseball @ Barton CC

 

Hutchinson Community College

4/10 – Baseball @ Butler CC
4/11-4/12 – M&W’s Track & Field @ KT Woodman Classic
4/12 – Baseball vs Butler CC
4/12 – W Soccer @ Bethel College
4/13 – Softball @ Seward County
4/14-4/15 – M Golf @ Jayhawk Conference Championship
4/15 – Baseball @ Southeast CC

 

Issue 2

2025 Prairie Fire Spring Race

 

Volunteers Needed!

This years Spring Prairie Fire Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 4th. If you’d like to compete or get involved with the Prairie Fire Race Series click the links below to register to run in the event or volunteer!

Our most needed volunteer position is Course Monitors, course monitors must be 18 years or older. To volunteer click the link below.

Register to Run

Signup to Volunteer, for more information about volunteering email Marshall Whitworth at marshall@wichitasports.com

 

Local Sports News

 

Wind Surge Season Opener & Home Opener

This week the Wichita Wind Surge’s season gets under way with a three game series in Springfield against the Springfield Cardinals. They then return home for their Home Opening Series against the Midland RockHounds for six games. This will also include the first time the public lays eyes on the ballpark since it’s renaming to Equity Bank Park!

Home Opening Series Promotions:

4/8 – Silver Sluggers
4/9 – Pups at the Ballpark
4/10 – Thirsty Thursday
4/11 – Fireworks Spectacular
4/12 – Wind Surge Mittens
4/13 – Family Fun Days

Ticket Information

 

Final Push to Kelly Cup playoffs

The Thunder currently sit 3rd in the Mountain Division with 67 points close behind the Tahoe Knight Monsters with 85 points with 5 games a piece remaining. Including a chance to make up some big points on the Knight Monsters in a three game series to finish off the regular season. Behind them though are the Tulsa Oilers at 80 points with 5 games remaining and the Idaho Steelheads with 77 points with 6 games remaining still in striking distance.

Currently the Thunder’s would be the #3 Seed in the Mountain Division and would face the Knight Monsters in the 1st Round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Thunder Remaining Schedule:

4/4 – Thunder @ Tulsa Oilers
4/6 – Thunder vs Allen Americans
4/9 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters
4/11 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters
4/12 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters

Ticket Information

 

March Madness in Wichita

This year the Wichita State Men’s team finished with a 19-15 record with an 8-10 record against conference opponents. The season featured some big wins against opponents like K-State, old Missouri Valley Conference rival Northern Iowa, and an overtime win against #14 Memphis. WSU entered the American Athletic Conference Tournament as the #8 Seed and won their first game in the 2nd Round of the AAC Tournament against South Florida. They advanced to face #1 Seed Memphis and lost in a close battle with the Tigers. WSU earned a NIT bid and faced Oklahoma State University where they lost 79-89.

Heading into next year Head Coach Paul Mills will have the tough challenge of replacing a graduating class of eight Seniors.

 

WSU Women’s Bowling 1st Round Matchup

After winning their first conference title in school history, Wichita State Women’s Bowling is heading to Lansing Michigan as the #1 Seed in the Lansing Regional. There first match is against #4 Seed Felician University.

Read More

 

Wichita Sports Commission News

 

Letter from the WSC President, Kevin Jenks

Congratulations Wichita for being such gracious hosts and supporters of the Men’s NCAA Tournament! It truly was a community effort, led by our friends at the City of Wichita, Wichita State University, Visit Wichita and INTRUST Bank Arena. We were just one win away (Sorry, Texas Tech) from seeing two of the teams that played in Wichita make the Final Four! Good luck to the Houston Cougars!

Like most, the first quarter of 2025 has been extremely busy for the Sports Commission. In early February we moved to much larger and more inviting office space at the Garvey Center (250 W. Douglas). Huge thanks to WSC Board Director Nick Bonavia for helping make it happen. Please help us welcome new team members; VP/Director of Community Partnerships, Jeff Deitchler and a newly created position, Prairie Fire Race Series Director, Angela Stateler. We are fortunate to have Jeff and Angela join our team. They’re passion and energy has already made a huge impact on the organization.

This time of year, we are preparing and planning for all our events. The first one on the calendar is Sunday, May 4. The Prairie Fire Spring Half Marathon, 5K & Mayor’s Friendly 5K presented by Davis-Moore Automotive Group. There are numerous ways to be involved with the event. You can register and participate (see information below), be a spectator along the course and help cheer runners to the finish line, or be a volunteer. For our events to be successful, we will need almost 1000 volunteers this year. If you’re interested and want more information, please contact Marshall Whitworth, marshall@wichitasports.com

We hope you enjoy the newsletter and if you have recommendations, drop us a line at info@wichitasports.com

If you’re ever in the area, drop by the new digs and say hello!

Kevin Jenks

President/CEO

Wichita Sports Commission

 

Local Teams & College’s Upcoming Events

 

Wichita Thunder

4/4 – Thunder @ Tulsa Oilers
4/6 – Thunder vs Allen Americans
4/9 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters
4/11 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters
4/12 – Thunder @ Tahoe Knight Monsters

 

Wichita Wind Surge
4/4 – Season Opener @ Springfield Cardinals
4/5 – Wind Surge @ Springfield Cardinals
4/6 – Wind Surge @ Springfield Cardinals
4/8 – Home Opener Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds

 

Wichita State

4/2 – Baseball vs Kansas State
4/3-4/5 – Track & Field @ Friends Spring Open
4/4 – W Bowling vs Felician University (Lansing Regional)
4/4 – W Tennis vs North Texas
4/4 – M Tennis vs Creighton
4/4 – W Tennis vs Creighton
4/4-4/6 – Baseball @ Charlotte
4/4-4/6 – Softball @ UAB
4/5 – W Bowling @ Lansing Regional
4/5 – Volleyball vs Kansas
4/6 – W Tennis @ SMU
4/6 – M Tennis @ Tulsa
4/6 – M Tennis @ Oral Roberts
4/7-4/8 – W Golf @ The “Mo” Morial Invitational
4/8 – W Tennis @ Rice
4/8 – Baseball vs Newman

 

Newman University

4/4-4/6 – Baseball vs Pittsburg State
4/5 – W Tennis @ Central Oklahoma
4/5 – Softball @ Washburn
4/6 – W Tennis vs Southeastern Oklahoma State
4/7-4/8 – W Golf @ 2025 Spring Regional Preview
4/7-4/8 – M Golf @ Firekeeper Open
4/8 – Baseball @ Wichita State

 

Friends University

4/2 – Softball @ Saint Mary
4/3-4/5 – M&W’s Track & Field vs Friends University Spring Open
4/3-4/6 – M&W’s @ Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals
4/3 – M&W’s Tennis @ Sterling College
4/3 – JV Baseball @ Ottawa University
4/4-4/5 – Baseball vs York University
4/5 – M&W’s Tennis vs Tabor College
4/5 – Softball vs Tabor College
4/6 – Cheer @ Wichita State Showcase
4/6 – Dance @ NCA Showcase Wichita State University
4/6 – JV Baseball @ Bethany College
4/7 – JV Baseball @ KCAC Tournament
4/7-4/8 – M Golf @ Midwest Spring National Invite
4/7-4/8 – M&W’s Tennis @ Avila University
4/8 – Softball @ Oklahoma Wesleyan University
4/8 – M&W’s Tennis vs Ottawa University
4/8 – Baseball vs Ottawa University

 

Butler Community College

4/3 – Baseball @ Seward County
4/4-4/5 – M&W’s Track & Field @ Friends University Spring Open
4/4 – Softball vs Hutchinson CC
4/5 – Baseball vs Seward County
4/8 – Baseball vs Neosho County

 

Cowley College

4/2 – M Track & Field @ Friends University
4/3 – W Track & Field @ Friends University
4/3 – Baseball @ Fort Scott CC
4/3 – Softball @ Johnson County CC
4/5 – M&W’s Track & Field @ Gorilla Classic Pitt State
4/5 – W Soccer vs Southwestern University
4/5 – Baseball vs Fort Scott CC
4/5 – Softball @ Independence CC
4/6 – Baseball @ Seminole State

 

Hutchinson Community College

4/2 – Softball vs Fort Hays Tech Northwest
4/3 – Baseball vs Cloud County CC
4/4 – M&W’s Track & Field @ Emporia State Midstate Classic
4/4 – Softball @ Butler CC
4/5 – Baseball @ Cloud County CC
4/7-4/8 – M Golf @ Firekeeper Open
4/8 – Softball @ Labette CC

Posted on March 31, 2025

Issue 1

Hutch Hosts the NJCAA Tournament

This week the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) kicked off their Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, KS. The tournament runs from March 22nd to March 29th. Local school Cowley College is in the tournament as a #2 Seed after winning the NJCAA Region 6 Tournament Title.

More Information

 

Women’s Bowling Punch Their Ticket to the NCAA Tournament

In Wichita State’s first year as a NCAA bowling program the Women’s Team won their first Conference USA Tournament Championship Title! This clinches their spot in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Read More

 

March Madness in Wichita

This past week Wichita welcomed 8 teams to the 1st and 2nd Rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Teams included 1 Seed Houston, 3 Seed Texas Tech, 6 Seed Missouri, 8 Seed Gonzaga, 9 Seed Georgia, 11 Drake, 14 Seed UNC Wilmington, and 16 Seed SIU Edwardsville. Both Houston and Texas Tech have advanced on to the Sweet 16.

 

Wichita Sports Commission News

 

WSC Brings on Two New Hirings!

In February & March the Wichita Sports Commission welcomed two new additions to the team. Angela Stateler who is the New Prairie Fire Race Series Director & Jeff Deitchler the new Vice President and Director of Community Partnerships.

Hear from Angela Stateler:

The Prairie Fire Series is a cornerstone of Wichita’s running community, and as a proud Wichitan and runner, I am thrilled to join the Wichita Sports Commission as the Prairie Fire Series Race Director. Having been both a participant and volunteer, I bring a unique perspective to the race and its continued growth. I am excited to collaborate with runners, volunteers, and sponsors to ensure the series remains a vibrant and welcoming event for all.

Hear from Jeff Deitchler:

I’m very happy to be able to combine two things that I am passionate about: helping make a difference in the Wichita community and sporting events.

Having been a long-time volunteer for the Sports commission, I am thrilled to be a full-time part of the staff that is passionate about making an impact in Wichita through planning, promoting, and hosting sporting events that foster community engagement.

 

2025 Prairie Fire Spring Race

This years Spring Prairie Fire Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 4th. If you’d like to compete or get involved with the Prairie Fire Race Series click the links below to register to run in the event or volunteer! We have multiple different positions to volunteer for those that are interested in volunteering.

Register to Run

Signup to Volunteer, for more information about volunteering email Marshall Whitworth at marshall@wichitasports.com

 

Greater Wichita Sports Banquet & Buster Posey Award

Greater Wichita Sports Banquet

The 2025 Greater Wichita Sports Banquet will be on June 26th at INTRUST Bank Arena. This year we are again honoring local high school, junior college, Division 1, and professional athletes along with the Buster Posey Award winner to cap off the night.

Buster Posey Award

The 2025 Greater Wichita Sports Banquet will be on June 26th at INTRUST Bank Arena. This year we are again honoring local high school, junior college, Division 1, and professional athletes along with the Buster Posey Award winner to cap off the night.

Tickets for the Banquet & Buster Posey Award Ceremony will be available soon!

 

2025 Wichita Corporate Challenge

Wichita Corporate Challenge is right around the corner! This year we’re excited to announce that we have some new events and referral program for companies to enjoy!

New Events:

  • Kickball (Replacing Flag Football)
  • Team Scavenger Hunt
  • Speed Puzzling
  • 4x400M Relay (Replacing 100M Dash)

Referral Program:

By referring new companies teams enter themselves into drawing for the chance to win multiple different prizes including tickets to Nate Bargatze, Wichita Wind Surge game in a suite, Local Flavors basket with gift vouchers to local attractions, tickets to Kansas vs Kansas State football game, and a $250 travel voucher.

Register Your Company

More Referral Program Info

 

Local Teams & college’s Upcoming Events

 

Wichita Thunder

3/26 – Thunder @ Kansas City Mavericks
3/28 – Annual Police vs Fire Game
3/28 – Thunder vs Kansas City Mavericks
3/29 – Thunder @ Kansas City Mavericks
3/30 – Thunder @ Iowa Heartlanders

 

Wichita Wind Surge

4/4 – Season Opener @ Springfield Cardinals
4/5 – Wind Surge @ Springfield Cardinals
4/6 – Wind Surge @ Springfield Cardinals
4/8 – Home Opener Wind Surge vs Midland RockHounds

 

Wichita State University

3/26 – Men’s Tennis vs UT Arlington
3/26 – Softball vs #1 Oklahoma
3/27 – Track & Field @ Raleigh Relays
3/27-3/29 – Track & Field @ ESU Relays
3/28 – Volleyball @ Central Oklahoma
3/28-3/30 – Softball vs USF
3/28-3/30 – Baseball vs UAB
3/30-4/1 – Men’s Golf vs Wyoming Cowboy Classic

 

Newman University

3/27 – Women’s Tennis @ Washburn
3/27 – Men’s Tennis @ Washburn
3/28 – Softball @ Missouri Western
3/28-3/30 – Baseball @ Central OK
3/29 – Softball @ Northwest Missouri State
3/29 – Men’s Tennis @ Emporia State
3/31-4/1 – Men’s Golf @ Tiger Classic
4/1 – Softball @ East Central
4/1 – Baseball vs Missouri Southern State

 

Friends University

3/27-3/29 – Track & Field @ ESU Relays
3/27 – W Tennis vs McPherson College
3/28-3/29 – Dance @ NAIA Nationals
3/28-3/29 – Baseball @ Sterling College
3/29 – M&W Tennis @ Southwestern College
3/29 – Softball @ York University
3/31-4/1 – W Golf @ Tabor Invitational
4/4 – Baseball @ Ottawa University
4/4 – M&W Tennis vs Ottawa University

Butler Community College

3/26 – Softball vs Pratt
3/27-3/29 – M&W Track & Field @ Texas Relays
3/27 – Baseball vs Barton
3/29 – Softball vs Fort Hays Tech Northwest
3/29 – Baseball @ Barton
3/31 – Softball @ Cowley College
4/1 – Baseball vs Kansas City Kansas Community College

 

Cowley College

3/26 – Men’s Basketball vs (NJCAA Tournament Quarterfinals)
3/27 – Baseball vs Coffeyville
3/27 – Softball vs Fort Scott Community College
3/29 – M&W Track & Field at Mark A. Phillips
3/29 – Baseball @ Coffeyville
3/29 – Softball @ Labette Community College
3/30 – Men’s Soccer @ Missouri State
3/31 – Softball vs Butler Community College
4/1 – Baseball vs Barton Community College

 

Hutchinson Community College

3/26 – Softball vs Barton Community College
3/26 – W Basketball vs South Georgia Technical College (NJCAA 1st Round)
3/27 – Baseball vs Allen County Community College
3/29 – M&W’s Track & Field @ Mark A. Phillips Invitational
3/29 – Softball @ Pratt Community College
3/29 – Baseball @ Allen County Community College