K-State Slate: 3.27.15 - Should we play Wichita State?

After Wichita State's largely predictable victory over Kansas, several column-inches have been devoted to whether the state's premier basketball programs should play each other regularly. Now there may be legislation in the works as well. Apparently, even the governor is in favor of a state tournament pitting Kansas, Kansas State and Wichita State against each other.

Generally speaking, this is an issue on which Wildcats and Jayhawks fans agree. Neither school really wants to play Wichita State because the downside is significantly larger than the upside. But at least one Kansas fan thinks it's time for an ego adjustment (Rick Nichols, Lawrence Journal-World).

The road trips continue for Kansas State. The BatCats are in Stillwater today to take on #12 Oklahoma State in the first of three games this weekend. First pitch is scheduled for 7 PM, with Colton Kalmus taking the mound. Entering the game, Kansas State is on a three-game skid having lost to Texas in the opening series of conference play. The Cowboys are riding a two-game win streak and have won 9 of the last 10 games, including a series win over TCU last weekend.

Kansas State is preparing for the Big 12 Championships. The 10th-ranked Wildcats are a three-seed and will take on two-seed Oklahoma State in the opening matchup today. The teams split the regular season series with the Wildcats winning big in Manhattan and the Cowgirls winning in Stillwater. The winner of this round will face the winner of the Baylor-TCU matchup in the championship event, with the two losing squads facing off for third-place honors.

The rowing team goes west this weekend for the San Diego Crew Classic on Mission Bay. The Wildcats' top three boats (1st Varsity 8, 2nd Varsity 8, and 1st Varsity 4) will participate in the event. This is the first multilane race of the season for the rowers and promises to be a good initial challenge for the season. The 1V8 expects to make the finals as they did last year.

After wrapping up their home season last weekend, the tennis team begins a seven-match road trip today. First up, the Wildcats take on the Wichita State Shockers at 1 PM today, after which the team takes on Division II Newman, also in Wichita. Newman has lost only one match this season so far.

The women's track team begins the outdoor season with a national ranking. Coming in at No. 11, the team is one of six Big 12 teams to be in the Top 25. Texas (No. 3) and Baylor (No. 10) lead the Wildcats. This is the highest-ever ranking for the team, with the previous best being a No. 15 rank in 2012. Outdoor All-Americans Tia Gamble, Sonia Gaskin, Sara Savatovic and Alyx Treasure lead the team, with indoor All-Americans Akela Jones and A'Keyla Mitchell making their outdoor debuts as well.