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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

Senior Jose Miguel Ramirez putts for birdie on the first hole at Sand Creek Station on Oct. 6, 2024, in Newton, Kansas. Ramirez won the 2023 NJCAA Division I Men's Golf National Championship while at Indian Hills Community College in both the individual and team tournaments. (File photo)

Men’s golfer Jose Miguel Ramirez has been a ‘game changer’

Evan Long, Reporter October 3, 2025

With carefully manicured greens and fairways, nicely dressed players and the emphasis on proper etiquette, the golf course wouldn’t seem like the ideal place for a “dawg,” someone who’s gritty...

Family and friends stand in silence at the Memorial '70 service on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas. The service honored the Wichita State football team that crashed near Silver Plume, Colorado in 1970 on the way to a game.

Friends, family and colleagues honor lost lives at Memorial ‘70 service

Evan Tong, Multimedia Reporter October 3, 2025

Friends, family and colleagues gathered for the annual remembrance at the Memorial ‘70 service Thursday morning. Held every year, the service honors the victims of the Oct. 2, 1970, plane crash....

(Photo illustration by Emma Wilks and Kristy Mace)

DI athletes are now entitled to compensation from their schools. Here’s how Wichita State is handling it.

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor September 29, 2025

Four years ago, the NCAA implemented a policy allowing student athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness (NIL) for the first time in collegiate athletics.  Now, after a settlement between...

Wichita State volleyball assistant coach Katie Zimmerman talks with juniors Maddie Wilson (14) and Jordan Heatherly (16) before the second set against Arkansas on Sunday, Aug. 31, at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The Shockers won in five sets, 3-2.

Wichita State volleyball topples Tigers in Jordan Heatherly’s return to Memphis

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor September 28, 2025

Wichita State volleyball’s first weekend road trip in the American Conference ended with a homecoming for Jordan Heatherly, so to speak. The junior setter returned to Memphis, Tennessee, where her...

Senior Brooklyn Leggett serves the ball on Sept. 16. Three different Wichita State players made service aces in the loss to No. 17 Kansas.

Wichita State volleyball stays cool in conference opener at UAB

Evan Tong, Multimedia Reporter September 27, 2025

The American Conference slate began for Wichita State with a road win at UAB Friday night.  The Shockers (9-4, 1-0 American) won in four sets against UAB (7-6, 0-1 American), 3-1. Wichita State...

Head coach Paul Mills directs traffic during an open practice on Sept. 18. The 2025-26 season will be Mills' third year on staff.

Wichita State men’s, women’s basketball conference schedules released

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor September 25, 2025

The American Conference announced the 18-game conference schedules for Wichita State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams Thursday. The teams will have nine home and nine away games, with six...

Sophomore Ty Adkins lines up a putt with the help of assistant coach Cole Elmore. After the first round of play at the Grier Jones Invitation, Adkins finished two over par across 18 holes, with a total of 74 strokes.

Shocker golf teams ‘Git-R-Done’ in Nebraska, Missouri

Anthony Gonzalez-Medina, Reporter September 24, 2025

Both Wichita State golf teams had strong performances during their respective tournaments on Monday and Tuesday, taking top-five at both events. The women’s team placed third at the Johnie Imes Invitational...

Wichita State's women's cross country team huddles at the JK Gold Classic on Sept. 6. The Shockers placed third in the women's 5-kilometer race.

Shocker cross country finds gold, silver in Nebraska

Anthony Gonzalez-Medina, Reporter September 21, 2025

Still early into its 2025 season, both Wichita State cross country teams placed top five at the 35th annual Greeno/Dirksen Invitational on Saturday in Lincoln, Nebraska.  The women’s team finished...

Juniors Elinor Engel and Hannah Hawkins team up for an attack against No. 17 Kansas. Engel made four kills in the 3-0 loss on Sept. 16.

Shocker volleyball ends non-conference slate at South Dakota Classic

Mack Smith, Reporter September 20, 2025

Wichita State’s volleyball team concluded its non-conference schedule by winning two out of three matches in the South Dakota Classic from Thursday to Saturday.  The Shockers (8-4, 0-0 American)...

Forward Emmanuel Okorafor dunks the ball during a shoot around on Sept. 18. Okorafor, a senior, attended Louisville and Seton Hall before making his way to Wichita State.

Shifting into high gear

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor September 19, 2025

With 46 days until tipoff against UNC Asheville, Wichita State is shifting into a higher gear. Starting Tuesday, 20-hour practice weeks begin, with two-a-days and weekend gym sessions, to fast-track...

(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Kate Tilma’s family fuels her legacy in Wichita

Owen Prothro, Sports Editor September 18, 2025

Fairways and greens have been a part of Kate Tilma’s story long before her senior season in college — even before she could hold a club. The game is in her bloodline. Her grandfather, Johnny Stevens,...

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