K-State Slate: 5.2.15 - Of drafts and contracts

Unless you are completely unplugged from all forms of media coverage, you know that Tyler Lockett was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the NFL draft. Jon Morse has all the details, and SB Nation's Seahawks blog, Field Gulls provides their point of view.

Lockett's selection was the leading headline in most of the local/area press, with Kellis Robinett (Kansas City Star) and Mark Cooper (Tulsa World) both weighing in.

I'm amused that Seattle now has two wide receivers with nearly the same name, with Ricardo Lockette on the team as well. To "e" or not to "e," that is the question (with apologies to Shakespeare and to whichever Seahawks' fan(s) undoubtedly thought of this terrible pun before I did).

We'll continue to watch the draft and provide updates when other Kansas State players are selected. B.J. Finney should be the next best Wildcat available.

The big news out of Kansas State today is the restructuring of athletic director John Currie's contract (Tate Steinlage, K-State Collegian). The most critical aspects are that Currie's base salary has increased (K-State SID), his contract has been extended through 2020, and most significantly, his buyout has increased to $1.55 million from $950,000 (Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star). What this means in the long term is hard to know exactly, but if Currie jumps ship, it will cost his new employer substantially more, but not so much more as to be a true disincentive.

Kansas State took a 5-3 lead through six innings against non-conference opponent Arkansas State last night but inexplicably gave up eight runs late in the game to lose 11-6. Pitching in relief, Corey Fischer gave up two home runs in the seventh inning and four runs in the ninth inning. Coach Brad Hill suggested his team needs more plate discipline and could have used several more walks in the game.

Up next, the BatCats take on A-State again today at 2 PM. Nate Griep will make his tenth start of the season.

Kansas State rowing will take on Kansas in the 18th annual Sunflower Showdown race today at Wyandotte County Lake in Kansas City. The teams will compete in six dual races (three varsity 8s and three varsity 4s) in what could be a tightly contested meet. The Wildcats have dominated the series, winning nine of the last ten meetings, including the last four.

Speaking of the Sunflower Showdown, the Kansas State track athletes will be in Lawrence today for the Rock Chalk Classic. Action begins at 11 AM, and you can follow along at the meet central page.