Skip to Main Content
Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Wichita State's independent, student-run news source

The Sunflower

Freshmen Kalyn Willingham and Emily See run in a pack with sophomore Isabelle Hartnett during Friday's season-opening cross country meet. WSU head coach Kirk Hunter said he wanted Hartnett, one of the lone experienced Shocker runners in the meet, to pull the younger runners with her to a better finish.

Cross country season preview: Unpredictable Shockers look to make strides, avoid injuries

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor September 4, 2024

Wichita State cross country head coach Kirk Hunter said his “mind is jumbled” thinking about the upcoming season. With many new runners and returners that could step up, it’s hard to guess who will...

Junior Jordan Whitehurst takes a shot at an opponent. Wichita State's paintball club competes against other schools in various tournaments.

Wichita State brings paint into the sports scene

Grayson Weathers, Reporter September 4, 2024

Last semester, a new club appeared on campus. It all started at Edge Paintball Adventures in north Wichita, where a few players realized they were all students at Wichita State University.  With...

(Illustration)

OPINION: The NFL might not be rigged, but it’s also not fair

Nabaa Alamood, Audio Reporter September 3, 2024

The business of entertaining doesn't mean legitimate, nor does it necessarily mean fair. Entertainment means showmanship, and in the sports world, this is everything. For ages, NFL fans have engaged...

Jaden Gustafson hits for the Hutchinson Monarchs over the summer. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Carpenter / Digital Fox Photography)

Friendly banter, improvements and new connections: Wichita State players describe summer baseball experience

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor September 3, 2024

On a July night in Augusta, Kansas, Wichita State hitter Jaden Gustafson stepped up to the plate to face off against Wichita State pitcher Drew Iverson, with Wichita State coaches sitting behind home plate....

Fifth-year middle blocker Sarah Barham attempts a kill against Kansas State on Aug. 24. Barham finished with one kill on 10 attempts.

Volleyball’s Sarah Barham speaks on transfer to Wichita State, being away from home

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor September 3, 2024

Wofford College’s second all-time leader in blocks and hitting percentage for volleyball has recently transferred to Wichita State for her fifth year and last dance on the court. Sarah Barham —...

Baseball club president Collin Dugan takes front toss batting practice towards the end of the club's meeting on Aug. 26.

Meet Wichita State’s baseball club

Ainsley Smyth, News Editor September 3, 2024

If you happen to pass by Eck Stadium in the evening, you might notice a group of men pulling into the parking lot and trickling into the indoor practice field. They’re a group that has met there...

Joey Wise throws a disc at Disc Golf Club tryouts on Aug. 31 at L.W. Clapp Park. The club had a large turnout for tryouts.

Wichita State disc golf club off to a flying start

Sophia Best, Reporter September 2, 2024

The grass is wet, the air is humid and Cessna West Park is full of athletes trying out for the Wichita State University Disc Golf Club. This year was the largest turnout for disc golf tryouts since...

(Illustration)

OPINION: Ways to stay active don’t have to include sports or going to the gym

Maleah Evans, Reporter September 2, 2024

Being active is something that is important in life, for both physical and mental health.  Despite the importance of staying physically active, I am not a sporty individual. I find it very hard to...

(Illustration)

AAU basketball is often necessary to play at the collegiate level. Experts also say it puts athletes at risk of injuries.

Evan Tong, Reporter September 1, 2024

The basketball athletes of today are training with more structure than in the past. Instead of playing at a public park for a pick-up game, they can be found at facilities like Wichita Sports Forum or...

Junior libero Katie Galligan pumps her fists in celebration during WSU's exhibition game against Kansas State on Aug. 24.

WSU volleyball tested in opening tournament, wins two of three games

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor August 31, 2024

After an exhibition game against Kansas State last week where the Wichita State volleyball team folded after falling behind, head coach Chris Lamb challenged the Shockers to respond to stress. They...

(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

‘A full-fledged Shocker’: Basketball player adjusts to life, game across the pond

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor August 30, 2024

Matej Bošnjak, the final addition to men’s basketball’s 2024-25 roster, has arrived in Wichita, and, for the past two weeks, has been adjusting to life in the United States both on and off the...

The Wichita State Shockers celebrate their win in the NIVC semi-finals match against Montana State. Following the win, the Shockers beat UTEP for the NIVC championship.

Volleyball preview: Despite departures, Wichita State looks to build on NIVC-winning season

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor August 23, 2024

Last year, Wichita State volleyball won the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). The team that takes the court Saturday to open the 2024 season will look a little different than that squad. At...

Load More Stories