4.21.23

page 2: News

Graduate students research ways to sustain Ogallala Aquifer

page 8: Arts & Culture

“Flowers and Freedom” gallery on display

page 3: Sports

Tang lands fivestar recruit, David Castillo

page 13: sports

Four K-State dancers went to final cuts for Chiefs Cheerleading

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Students hold ‘Walkout for LGBTQIA+ Acceptance’

Courage Wourtman writes statements on the ground on Bosco Plaza. Students held a walkout in support of LGBTQ+ acceptance on April 20, 2023.

Western Kansas is running out of water, K-State grad students research conservation

said. “In order to have a sustainable aquifer right there, the water use has to be reduced to

ical and nuclear engineering, said. The program is focused on preparing graduate students for

Religion Directory

essarily field scale work. We’re doing lab scale work; we’re doing modeling. We’re trying to create new knowledge that can benefit agriculture in the Ogallala Aquifer area.”

Miller-Klugesherz, doctorate student in sociology, said the economies of western Kansas communities are at risk.

“The grocery store will leave,” Miller-Klugesherz said. “The post office will leave. Your kids will leave because there’s no future; I mean, that’s the biggest thing here. It’s like there’s so few kids growing up to be producers or to work in irrigation. They tell their kids like the water is gonna be gone. This type of farming isn’t sustainable.”

Gutierrez said his research focuses on how to use less water in irrigation and how to conserve water in the soil.

“We start using bacteria,” Gutierrez said. “The one we are trying to use is a very common bacteria that you can find in any soil, but at optimum condition, they can produce biosurfactants that can alter the water dynamics in soil. … With that biosurfactant, what it does is, kind of, reduces the tension, the water tension, and makes the soil more wettable. So, having the soil

more wettable means that the water’s going to stay or attach more to the soil and reduce the evaporation.”

Miller-Klugesherz said there are different power struggles, attitudes and interests at play when trying to implement the technical solutions developed by the program.

“My research question is: what is the relationship between absentee ownership and pumping rent rates?” Miller-Klugesherz said.

Miller-Klugesherz said absentee owners, people who own farmland but live in a different ZIP code, different state or different country are common in Kansas, with 44% of Kansas farmland being rented.

“There’s tons of technical solutions of working with the soil and covering crops and all this stuff,” Miller-Klugesherz said. “I mean, that stuff’s all great but if someone, an owner … doesn’t [experience] the effects, then maybe, what’s the point?”

Gutierrez said the interdisciplinary aspect of the program helped him think more openly about other departments.

“I never saw the scientific impact in society until we started seeing the social part,” Gutierrez

said.

Derby said the National Science Foundation is a federal agency whose mission is to advance science and engineering. NSF provides funding for NRT programs through a competitive grant process.

“So, at K-State, we got a team of faculty from three colleges together, and we applied,” Derby said. “All of the submissions were reviewed by a panel of peers. It’s called the merit review process or panel review process, and this is something that NSF is really known for. So they get other people working in these areas to review the proposals, and we were selected for funding.”

Derby said she believes water conservation is very important in the state of Kansas, and this project helps fulfill the K-State land grant mission.

“It was something that we were passionate about: water conservation and sustainability,” Derby said. “How can we do research to help these communities be more resilient, right? There’s a lot of factors: economic factors, water stress and, kind of, having new knowledge that will help those communities was important.”

The Ogallala Aquifer is running out of water. Graduate students have been researching ways to renew the water source as a part of the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship program.

Assembling an Ensemble: Manhattan’s first community symphony to perform in May

hattan musicians of all ages could get together and explore their love of music.

Manhattan did not have a community symphony until Rachel Dirks, director of orchestra studies, decided she would remedy this issue by creating the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Bell, said.

“[The symphony] started this semester within our advanced conducting group of myself, a few other graduate students and Dr. Dirks,” Bell said. “It started as a class project, and it turned into a reality.”

Dirks said she wanted to create a space where Man-

“We began by developing our vision for the ensemble: a true community orchestra for musicians from K-State and the greater Manhattan communities,” Dirks said.

From there, Dirks said she and a group of graduate students, including Russell Clark, graduate student in music education, began working on recruitment.

“We have created a website, an Instagram and a Facebook page,” Clark said. “We are up to 35 musicians already, which is fantastic.”

The Manhattan Symphony Orchestra accepts anyone regardless of musical ability, Dirks said.

“There is no audition, but we do ask for a recorded performance to gauge musical ability, so we know where to place you within the orchestra,” Dirks said.

Bell said the symphony’s purpose is twofold.

“One, to create a space where people in the community can play and perform in

a low-pressure, fun environment,” Bell said. “And two, to provide music to the community.”

The orchestra will hold its first performance, “A Night at the Movies”, at 7 p.m. on May 21.

“The next step is for us to really solidify a space for performance,” Clark said. “We are thinking about having our performance on the Anderson Hall lawn if we can get that snagged.”

Clark said he believes people in Manhattan are ready to support the musical community.

“I moved here from Lawrence, and the community there really supports local art,” Clark said. “Coming out here, I was curious to see how that would translate, and there’s good support of it here, too.”

Bell said he believes the arts are an important part of any community.

“In a sense, a person puts all their experiences into making something, and another person draws on their experiences in perceiving that,” Bell said. “I think the arts connects people.”

If you are interested in joining the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra, visit its website at www.mhksymphony.org.

SOPHIE

staff writer

Protests arise after controversial student government meeting and the approval of anti-transgender bill in Missouri

MEREDITH MCCALMON staff writer

The sound of voices filled the air outside the K-State Student Union as dozens of students chanted “We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it.” Chalk outlines on the ground represent the bodies of transgender students, covered in written messages like “separate church and state” and “protect trans youth.”

Students held a “Walkout for LGBTQIA+ Acceptance” on Bosco Plaza on Thursday. Ashe Vujevic, one of the walkout organizers, said they decided to hold this event in response to the decisions made at student government’s senate meeting on April 6.

“The reason the walkout took place was because both multicultural students and queer students felt really neglected by the people they were choosing to elect to diversity-based chairs,” Vujevic said. “We mostly came there on the basis of Payton Lynn being assigned as the chair of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. … It’s not that she wasn’t representative of us, it’s that she has neglected her position in the past and was hurting, in particular, people of color and multicultural groups.”

Maura Robison, freshman in English, said she also attended the student government meeting and felt disrespected by members of the student senate.

“I went with SAGA [Sexuality and Gender Alliance], and the energy when we walked into the room was immediately hostile,” Robison said. “It did not feel like a

safe space, or like the people there, who were supposed to be representing the students, were wanting to hear what we said. It felt like they didn’t care what we wanted at all.”

Vujevic said the walkout was also in protest of an anti-transgender law recently passed by the Missouri legislature.

“Missouri just banned all gender-affirming care for adults and children,” Vujevic said. “A lot of people we know are from Kansas City, Missouri, so this is a really big thing. There’s a lot of tension and a lot of fear and struggle in the queer community right now.”

Robison said she attended the walkout in opposition of the anti-trans bill.

“Some states are even forcibly detransitioning kids,” Robison said. “It has been proven through many surveys and stuff that that is actively harming trans youth.

… I think the bills our country has been passing are horrible and child abuse, and I want to do whatever I can to protest that.”

Zeonix Crew, freshman in history and social transformation studies, said everyone should speak up against the anti-trans bill, not just transgender and queer people.

“Do not let your siblings down in our community,” Crew said. “Just because you’re not trans or non-binary or intersex does not mean s—. You are an ally to this community and they will come after you next. … The legislation that affects trans people, that gets rid of hormone therapy, will affect cis women who take estrogen or birth control. Does that mean nothing to you?”

Vujevic said as a registered learning assistant, they have felt discriminated against by students in their hall.

“I’ve had my boards in

the hallways messed with so that they’ve spelled slurs,” Vujevic said. “None of these things are ever approached; they’re just ignored.”

Vujevic said K-State lacks inclusiveness when it comes to providing opportunities for queer students.

“When I first was applying to the school, things like admissions officers had no idea about all of these [LGBTQ+] organizations,” Vujevic said. “I tried to get in contact about the LGBT center, and they didn’t have that information. I had to get connected to these resources

myself. The institution was not at all providing in that aspect. … They kind of stuff all the gender, womens and multicultural studies into the middle corner of campus and don’t really discuss it, and there’s a lot of work going on there that is not appreciated at all.”

Vujevic said they call on K-State to do more to protect and aid trans students.

“We would really love for K-State to be more direct,” Vujevic said. “Especially right now when there’s a trans genocide happening, because your students are go-

ing to start dying. If you are a proper institute, you really should do something about that. Anything, because it’s just pure silence at this point.”

Robison said the issues the queer community at K-State has aren’t issues of politics; they are issues of human rights.

“Queer rights and trans rights are human rights,” Robison said. “It’s so much easier to love and accept everyone.”

On April 20, 2023, Kansas State students participated in a walkout for LGBTQ+ acceptance. Participants wrote statements on the sidewalks with chalk, such as “separate church and state” and “protect trans youth.”

Avery Johnson | Collegian Media Group

ALEX REWERTS staff writer

Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer and spiritual reflection. Based on the lunar calendar, this year’s Ramadan began on March 22, the date of the crescent moon. Muslims use this time

to fast from sunrise to sunset; this fast includes abstaining from sex, food, drink and medicine. Those who observe Ramadan also engage in acts of charity and refrain from all wrongdoing during the month.

At night, following the five necessary daily prayers, Aidan Gibson, junior in marketing, said Muslims pray

and read the Quran in a specialized form of meditation called Taraweeh. Taraweeh consists of eight cycles of prayer called rakats.

Ramadan ended on April 20. As a practicing Muslim, Gibson spoke about the importance of the holiday in his life.

“One big purpose of Ramadan is knowing what

it’s like to live without,” Gibson said. “It’s a time to take a step back and appreciate all the things we take for granted.”

Gibson said Muslims face challenges during this time of religious commemoration.

“It’s hard to continue the process in a society where Ramadan is not heavily ob-

served,” Gibson said. “There are a lot of mundane things that not many people think about like working out, since I can’t drink any water.”

Gibson, remains steadfast in his will to expand his spiritual horizons, regardless of the mental, physical and societal obstacles he faces.

Eid al-Fitr, which begins 30 days after the start of

Ramadan, is a holy holiday that wraps up the month of fasting. Gibson said one can expect services at a mosque throughout the morning, where Muslims sing and pray. Many celebrate by feasting with family and friends in the evening.

JOEL WOOD staff writer

“Passover is easily one of, if not the most, important holiday in the year,” Wilhelm Wiedow, graduate student in architecture, said.

Wilhelm is an Ashkenazi Conservative Jew and is a member of the Manhattan Jewish Congregation. In observance of Jewish law, from the evening of

April 5 to the evening of April 13, Wilhelm honored Passover.

Wilhelm laid out a timeline of the holiday for those who are not familiar.

“Every year for seven days — eight if outside of Israel — we abstain from any leavened grains we call chametz and instead eat matzo to remind us of the quickness we had to leave Egypt,” Wilhelm said.

Wilhelm explained that

due to his location outside of Israel, he celebrates an extra day of Passover. He partakes in two Seder dinners: one in his private home and a second with the synagogue. The Seder dinner is a retelling of the first Passover through stories and food; because of this, the meal has a very strict structure.

“There’s an entire order of the dinner: blessing the wine; first hand wash; Karpas, [a] veg-

etable in salt water to remind us [of] the tears of slavery; breaking of the matzo; the public invitation and learning [about] the Seder; blessing hand wash; blessing of matzo; eating of matzo; eating bitter herbs; the sandwich; the meal; the desert matzo; blessing after meal; inviting Elijah the Prophet and Miriam; singing praise and the final prayer,” Wilhelm said.

Passover Seders are long, but through the process those

who practice Judaism remember their ancestors’ time in Egypt and being saved by the hand of God from the clutches of slavery.

“Passover is a very important holiday for me as it reminds me … [of] the bond we have as a nation and the beauty of the life we are able to live because of God.”

One of the steps in the Seder is the public invitation; those who observe Passover invite the public to partake in the

rest of the holiday.

“I would feel weird if someone who wasn’t Jewish celebrated [Passover],” Wilhelm said. “However, a major part of the Passover Seder is inviting everyone in the community … into the home to feed.”

Wilhelm said he encourages those from non-Jewish communities to participate in the Passover Seder if personally asked or if invited through public invitation.

GRACE NEEDHAM

arts & culture editor

“At that moment I realized the metaphor between the beauty and fragility of flowers and the beauty and fragility of freedom,” Pablo Diaz Carballo said in his opening artist statement for his newest exhibit, “Flowers and Freedom.”

Fragile is quite the opposite of what viewers see walking into “Flowers and Freedom” at the Manhattan Arts Center. Vibrant hues hit viewers like a bus when they enter the humble gallery. The initial visual impact is beautiful yet bold. The collection of work might need a rebrand; because of the artworks’ aggressive color palette, the collection can hardly be considered fragile.

This is not to say the artworks aren’t impressive; Carballo’s use of color in his paintings is skillful, and the arrangement of pieces within the gallery allows each individual work to complement another.

The gallery is navigable, because each piece seemingly flows into the next. As the

viewer stands in front of a canvas and takes in its bright greens, the deep oranges on the canvas to the right draws them further into the gallery. While each piece is different, the floral theme carries through the entire gallery nicely.

“Three Black Flowers” and “Midnight Train” are the stars of the show. The

white tableau and one of the only framed pieces that is hidden away at the back of the gallery. Its dainty flowers sit in a dark umber vase and look like they could topple over at any moment. The fragile depiction is perhaps the only artwork that aligns with Carballo’s intent for the exhibit. It leaves the viewer wondering why it is not the focal point of “Flowers and Freedom.”

The Manhattan Arts Center is tucked away south of campus, but don’t let the location discourage you. The exhibit is only open until Saturday, so if you want to catch Pablo Diaz Carballo’s work you must visit soon. “Flowers and Freedom” is a hidden gem; though the exhibition might need a rebrand, it’s definitely worth a stop.

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“Flowers and Freedom” is a gallery composed of works from Pablo Diaz Carballo. The exhibit is located at the Manhattan Arts Center.

“Three Black Flowers” and “Midnight Train” are two pieces in “Flowers and Freedom.” The use of primary colors and their placement within the gallery make them pop.

Nintendo’s 42-year-old Mario franchise made it to the big screen on April 5 in the latest animated blockbuster, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”

After the announcement of an unusual cast of voice actors, with Chris Pratt as Mario, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong and Jack Black as Bowser, many fans had reasonable concerns that their beloved video game characters would not be adapted to film faithfully.

Those concerns were thankfully unfounded, as the story was clearly made with fans of the Mario games in mind. “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” features many scenes that include elements from Super Mario, Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart and more. These fan-pleasing moments emerge

organically throughout the story. They feel less like a box being ticked off a list of mandated easter eggs and more like meaningful nods to fans that have played the games for years.

In an interview with Extra TV, Pratt explained the mindset he had while making the movie.

“This is the soundtrack to your youth,” Pratt said. “You don’t want someone to come along and cynically kind of destroy it as a cash grab with a movie. I fully understand that, you do not want that to happen, and there are so many hearts and souls and minds dedicated to making sure that didn’t happen.”

While this story and its characters aren’t complicated, they’re executed well.

Princess Peach, voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy, is a capable

leader who cares about her subjects and Mario. He and his brother Luigi, voiced by Charlie Day, are charismatic and fun to watch when they’re on-screen together. Bowser is a hilarious villain determined to force Peach to marry him, and with Black in the role, the character is the source of many unforgettable moments in the film.

After being transported into the Mushroom Kingdom and getting separated from his brother, Mario is forced to journey across the world, making allies and fighting enemies in search of Luigi.

Each protagonist is forced to overcome some form of adversity. An obvious example is Luigi, who evolves from being anxious and reliant on Mario, to fighting alongside him in defeating Bowser.

The 92-minute run-

time leaves little padding but also prevents the story from further developing many of the characters.

As expected, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is visually impressive. The animation is top-notch, and each character, location and power-up looks perfectly adapted from the games. The movie is full of overt and subtle references. Even the differences in how characters move is taken directly from the games, showing a level of attention to detail above most animators.

The soundtrack did a good job of incorporating classic theme songs and sound effects at just the right amount to amplify scenes while not

diverttion away from what’s happening. Surprisingly, many pop songs were also included in the movie but were incorporated into scenes naturally enough.

“The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has already become the highest-grossing video game movie adaptation of all time and is well on its way to making a billion dollars. According to statements made by Nintendo exec-

utive Shigeru Miyamoto, this is just the beginning of the partMario Bros. a fananimated newcom-

utive Shigeru Miyamoto, this is just the beginning of the partnership between Nintendo and the animation company, Illumination. Overall, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a fantastic experience for longtime fans and a decent animated film for newcomers to the franchise.

COLE BERTELSEN

asst. copy chief

Graphic by Grace Needham | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP

KIER BISHOP

staff writer for Kansas State. His versatility adds to his draft value, but NFL teams are likely more interested in his pass-rushing abilities. He may not start right away, but Anudike-Uzomah could become a productive starter with more development.

SCHEME FIT: 3-4 defensive schemes, teams that can develop pass rush linebackers

PREDICTED TEAMS: Packers, Rams, Ravens

PREDICTED ROUND: Early-to-mid 2nd round

PLAYER OVERVIEW:

Anudike-Uzomah has the size to be a successful pass-rusher in the NFL, possessing a high motor. Anudike-Uzomah played on the interior and exterior defensive line as both a pass-rusher and a run-stuffer

PLAYER OVERVIEW: Vaughn is a high-value running back with only his size limiting his draft range. In his three years at K-State, Vaughn produced two All-American

seasons, ranking near the highest among his fellow running back prospects. Vaughn’s size makes his pass-blocking and his every-down usage questionable, lowering his draft stock. Even so, his feel for the game should still get him on an NFL field.

SCHEME FIT: Special teams, third down/passing downs

PREDICTED TEAMS: Chiefs, Panthers, Dolphins

PREDICTED ROUND: Late 4th to early 5th round

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PLAYER OVERVIEW: Brents had a solid career at K-State, but his draft stock rose with his impressive NFL Combine performance. His size and speed shown in the combine is what made him the number one corner for the Wildcats. Brents will need to improve his man coverage skills before he plays significant snaps in the NFL. With time, the right team can

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use his immense physical traits to develop him into a star.

SCHEME FIT: Zone coverage defenses

PREDICTED TEAMS: Colts, Lions, Steelers

PREDICTED ROUND: Early-to-mid 2nd round

PLAYER OVERVIEW: Knowles began to shine in the last half of the Wildcats 2022 season with quarterback Will Howard throwing him the ball, posting a career-high 725 receiving yards. Knowles’ experience as a returner makes him a valuable piece on special teams. Despite having lower production compared to most wide receiver prospects, Knowles can be a physical receiver who can also help in the run game with his blocking.

SCHEME FIT: Special teams returner, gadget wide receiver

PREDICTED TEAMS: Eagles, Packers, Giants PREDICTED ROUND: 7th round

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The Kansas State Classy Cats had a very busy April. Before the team went to nationals to become back-toback 1A Pom champions, four senior dancers spent time in Kansas City Chiefs gear. Kaitlyn Woicke, Caitlyn Rude and Elliegh Peters were finalists for the 2023-24 Kansas City Chiefs cheerleading squad. Their fellow Classy Cat, Josi, made the roster.

“That would be our coach Sarah Heptig,” Josi said about why the Classy Cats are thriving. “She is very experienced in the dance world, and I will never doubt a decision she makes. She is a great people person; she knows what she’s doing with dance. She has transformed this program.”

Heptig has been coaching the Classy Cats since the four dancers’ freshman years. Her guidance helped them to face this new opportunity, no matter the difficulties.

“It [tryouts] was definitely terrifying, but it was really cool,” Peters said. “I am definitely proud of all of us who went through it because you were throwing yourself into it. No matter how much you could prep, you don’t understand what it is like until you are there.”

The process started in February with clinics to help train for tryouts eventually leading to final cuts from March 31-April 2. Before the three days of finals, the cheerleaders went through semifinals which included a zoom interview with the team cheer coach, therapist, head of public relations and Tavia Shackles, wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt.

“It was very nerve-racking,” Rude said. “I think they were testing if we could hold

a conversation since cheerleaders are supposed to be able to talk to anybody about anything.”

A group of questions that came up during tryout interviews revolved around the NFL world, such as “Why don’t the Miami Dolphins have a 1st round pick in the draft?” Questions like this and more throughout all stages of tryouts highlighted the knowledge Chiefs Cheerleaders possess.

“We had one paper test that was on a plethora of knowledge like Chiefs history and football knowledge, pen-

“We’re all different, but we all look the same,” Woicke said. “Even as a dancer of 17 years, you can still get intimidated by the girl next to you. No matter how many times they’ll tell us to not compare yourself to the other person, you probably are.”

Woicke said even though there could be some self-doubt, the atmosphere the Chiefs put together was reassuring.

“The TV show [Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team] is so intense,” Woicke said. “They critique weight and stuff, and this is nothing like this process.”

The three days of dancing, testing, speaking and

more put the dancers to the total test. The experience, cut or not, benefited those who participated.

“I definitely think that it helped with confidence,” Peters said. “If you asked me to publicly speak beforehand I would’ve been like, ‘No way, don’t want to do it.’ I think it showed me that I can do whatever I put my mind to.”

As tryouts ended, the Classy Cats had one day to wait for an official Instagram video announcement of the new Chiefs Cheerleaders on April 3. The anticipation led to the reveal that Josi had made the team.

“You obviously want to see your own face, but I was

looking for all my friends too,” Rude said. “I saw Josi and was so excited, but you have to keep watching.”

As Josi moves on to the Chiefs, all four dancers hope to continue to dance in the future. Their dancing journeys started away from each other as children, but the four Classy Cats grew together from their first experience at K-State to where they are now.

“Freshman year we were so scared during our first game at the Bill [Snyder Family Stadium],” Josi said. “It’s cool to see everyone how much they’ve grown into their bodies and their shells and really be themselves.”

alties … players, what players we [Chiefs] just signed as free agents,” Rude said about tests during final cuts. “Some people might view NFL cheerleading as like, they don’t know very much. I feel like that’s the stereotype, but these girls know everything; they know more than the teammates probably.”

Outside of testing, finals included spending three days with around 60 other candidates dancing and performing alongside each other. When competing for just 10 spots, it is important to maintain self-confidence.

LUKE LAZARCZYK sports editor

Elliegh Peters (farthest left), Caitlyn Rude (third from the left), Josi (center) and Kaitlyn Woicke (right from the center) stand with former Classy Cats who have become Chiefs Cheerleaders. Final cuts for the 2023-24 roster occurred from March 31-April 2 and Josi made the roster.

Five-star David Castillo commits to K-State basketball

Class of 2024 five-star point guard David Castillo announced his commitment to Kansas State at Bartlesville High School. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound prospect committed to K-State over Oklahoma State and Kansas as the No.1 player in Oklahoma.

Castillo is widely regarded as a top 50 recruit, including the ESPN 60 which ranks him as the No. 12 overall recruit and No. 3 point guard in the nation for 2024.

Despite being labeled a point guard on ESPN and On3, Castillo is listed as a combo guard on 247sports, blend-

Tang lands five-star David Castillo over Kansas and Oklahoma State for his commitment to class of 2024.

ing the attributes of a point guard and shooting guard.

“I’d say I’m a three-level scorer,” Castillo told On3’s Joe Tipton. “I think I’m a fast player, too. Up and down, I can push in transition and make plays. I’m really just an all-around point guard.”

Castillo earned two gold medals with the USA Basketball National Team, winning the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the 2022 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup.

Castillo also reached the 1,000-point mark in just two seasons at Bartlesville High School in Oklahoma.

This commitment marks K-State’s first five-star since Wally Judge in the class of 2009.

Castillo becomes K-State’s first commit in the class of 2024, following the class of 2023 that included three four-stars in Dai Dai Ames, RJ Jones and Macaleab Rich.

BREAKING

Women’s basketball lands Louisville transfer Zyanna Walker

LUKE LAZARCZYK sports editor

Louisville freshman guard Zyanna Walker transferred to Kansas State to join Jeff Mittie’s Wildcats.

Walker attended Wichita Heights High School, where she won Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year. In her senior season, she averaged 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 5.1 steals per game. Her season earned her a four-star rating from ESPN, and she committed to Louisville, which made a Final Four run in

2022.

In her one season at Louisville, Walker played in five games, scoring 13 points. Louisville failed to return to the Final Four, losing to Iowa in the Elite Eight, who the Wildcats defeated earlier in the season.

Standing at 5-foot-8, Walker enters a Wildcat backcourt that includes

Gabby Greogry, Serena Sundell, Brylee Glenn and Jaelyn Glenn. With the return of center Ayoka Lee and the addition of Walker, K-State looks to return to March Madness after failing to make the tournament in the 2022-23 season.

TOBY HAMMES staff writer

2022 Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year joins K-State women’s basketball roster.

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1. The Ogallala Aquifer spans _____ states and much of western Kansas.

3. Julius Brents’ draft stock rose due to his NFL _________ performance.

5. First five-star men’s basketball commit since 2009.

7. The title of the Manhattan Symphony’s first performance in May is a Night at the ______.

2. Zyanna Walker was the 2022 Kansas ________ Player of the Year.

4. Jack Black voices ______ in “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”

6. ______ Classy Cats tried out for to be Chiefs cheerleaders.

What do

Earth Day