Cats take on Tulsa

Previously on BotC...

We have an abundance of writers named Luke on staff, so we put them to work this week.

First, Luke Sobba checked in with the rest of the Big 12 to see what sort of progress the league has made in hoops so far this season. The news is mostly good, but as always, Kansas managed to muck things up a bit.

Not to be outdone by his eponymous staff member, Luke Thompson returned with another edition of Bring on the PodCats with special guest Ryan Black, the new sports editor at the Manhattan Mercury.

Basketball

Kansas State is in Wichita today to take on Tulsa at the Wichita Wildcat Classic. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM. Jon Morse has all the important details on the game in the How to Watch post.

The Wildcats have the unique opportunity to play in an arena that will be an actual NCAA host site in March. Head coach Bruce Weber noted that the Wichita location has been good to Kansas State, but that he’s not sure when they’ll return. A perfect time for a fifth trip would be to play in the NCAAs, of course.

Some of the success Kansas State is having on the hardwood is due to better chemistry between teammates, especially Barry Brown and Kamau Stokes. They often go up against each other in practice, which has given them a better understanding of each other’s in-game instincts.

Football

The athletic department has been relatively quiet since the surprise departure of Dana Dimel to UTEP.

For Dimel, getting another shot at being a head coach was a longstanding dream, and as Kevin Haskin notes, he may have wanted to take over for Bill Snyder, but that did not come to fruition.

Dimel’s decision appears to have ruffled at least a few feathers. Sean Snyder sent out a cryptic tweet about loyalty last night. Take from that what you will.

In other football news, Kansas State still has a game left on its schedule, the Cactus Bowl against UCLA. The Bruins’ interim head coach Jedd Fisch has the uphill task of coaching UCLA in the bowl game while the program transitions to a new staff and system under Chip Kelly.

Track

Kansas State’s indoor track and field campaign began yesterday with the Carol Robinson Winter Pentathlon yesterday.

It was a strong outing for the women’s team, with Nina Schultz, Ariel Okorie, and Lauren Taubert finishing 2-3-4 in the event. On the men’s side, senior Max Estill finished in fourth place behind a strong showing in the men’s high jump.

The athletes are back in action today at the K-State Winter Invitational. You can follow the action live HERE.