Wichita Sports Commission Newsletter, Issue 1

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

Written By Marshall Whitworth