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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
Evan Pflugradt

Evan Pflugradt, Former sports editor

Evan Pflugradt is the former sports editor of The Sunflower. Pflugradt past served as the publication’s Editor in Chief, Opinion Editor and a reporter. He joined The Sunflower in 2015 and worked with the publication through his graduation in May 2019.

 

All content by Evan Pflugradt
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[Photo] Quincy Ballard commits to Wichita State

April 16, 2022
Wichita State's Head Coach Keitha Adams watches as her team moves the ball down the court at their game against Sam Houston State on November 14.

Wichita State extends Adams’ contract through 2024

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
May 8, 2019
Wichita State University's Ablah Library.

UPD responds to aggravated arson at Ablah Library

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
May 7, 2019
Wichita State freshman Sydney Mckinney runs to first base during the game against USF at Wilkins Stadium on May 4, 2019.

Softball locks No. 4 seed in AAC Conference Championship

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
May 5, 2019
Josh Cable runs unattached in the Shocker Open on May 3, 2018 at Cessna Stadium.

Through fire, flames and perseverance, Josh Cable is still running

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
May 3, 2019
Evan Pflugradt walks off the plane in New York on the way to the NIT. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Pflugradt: Take it from me, living life on a whim isn’t all bad

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
May 2, 2019
Joseph Barringhaus takes a photo for The Sunflower during warm ups before a Wichita State mens basketball game.

[Photo] Barringhaus: Snap back to Texas

Joseph Barringhaus
May 2, 2019
Actual ticket scan numbers show Wichita State is filling just 5 % of Eck Stadium in home games this season.

Baseball’s reported attendance is a far cry from actual attendance numbers

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 29, 2019
Wichita State senior Taryn Torgerson golfs in the MVC Preview in Oct. 16, 2017.

Former Shocker golfer lands Newman head coaching position

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 27, 2019
Oklahoma senior Sydney Romero celebrates a home run. No. 1 Oklahoma shut out Wichita State in five innings. The game ended by run rule.

[Photo] No. 1 Oklahoma shuts out Wichita State softball

Marshall Sunner, Reporter
April 24, 2019
Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham signals the outfield. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Madison Perrigan plays catcher. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Neleigh Herring awaits a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Neleigh Herring awaits a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Sydney McKinney fails to tag out an Oklahoma base runner. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma players field a ground ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

A Wichita State hitter foul tips a ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma's Sydney Romero celebrates a home run with her teammates. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma's Sydney Romero rounds second base after clubbing a home run to left-center field. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma's Jocelyn Alo returns to third base after a tag out at first base. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Sydney McKinney fails to tag out an Oklahoma base runner. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

A Wichita State hitter tips a ball foul. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Wylie Glover celebrates after grounding a single past the first baseman. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Laurie Derrico fields a ground ball to third base. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Madison Perrigan records a hit. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Madison Perrigan follows the ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Sydney McKinney foul tips a ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma senior Sydney Romero hits a home run over the left-field wall. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

A Wichita State hitter foul tips a ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma's Sydney Romero celebrates a home run with her teammates. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma's Sydney Romero rounds second base after clubbing a home run to left-center field. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma's Jocelyn Alo returns to third base after a tag out at first base. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Sydney McKinney fails to tag out an Oklahoma base runner. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma pitcher Mariah Lopez delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

A Wichita State hitter tips a ball foul. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Wylie Glover celebrates after grounding a single past the first baseman. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Laurie Derrico fields a ground ball to third base. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Madison Perrigan records a hit. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Madison Perrigan follows the ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Sydney McKinney foul tips a ball. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma sophomore Jocelyn Alo celebrates a home run, her first of the game. Alo hit two home runs in the game. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's Caitlyn Bingham delivers a pitch. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Oklahoma senior Sydney Romero hits a home run over the left-field wall. No. 1 Oklahoma defeated Wichita State 8-0 in five innings on April 24 at Wilkins Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

Wichita State's student section raises their hands during the basketball game on Oct. 30, 2018 in Koch Arena.

Prized 4-star recruit Grant Sherfield picks Wichita State

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 16, 2019
Coach Gregg Marshall received his 300 win basketball on March 5, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Wichita State lands junior college transfer Trey Wade

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 16, 2019
'Self Made,' a team of University of Kansas alumni, will play in The Basketball Tournament this summer in Charles Koch Arena. The single-elimination tournament holds a $2 million purse.

‘Self Made’ Jayhawks join loaded field to compete in Koch Arena this summer

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 15, 2019
Houston's Lael Lockhart, Jr. runs to first base during the game held on April 13, 2019 at Eck Stadium. (Photo by Evan Pflugradt/The Sunflower).

PHOTOS: Wichita State baseball drops series to Houston Cougars

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 13, 2019
Rod Brown loads up on the bus on the way to the game on March 14, 2019. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Rod Brown will enter NCAA transfer pool

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 11, 2019
Wichita State guard Ricky Torres stretches before their game against Jacksonville State on Dec. 12, 2018 at Charles Koch Arena. (Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower)

Report: Ricky Torres will leave Wichita State

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 10, 2019
Gregg Marshall loads up on the bus on the way to the game on March 14, 2019. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Gregg Marshall holds player meetings to discuss future season

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 10, 2019
Wichita State senior Markis McDuffie lays on the ground after being fouled during the first half of the game against Lipscomb on April 2, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

‘I wanted to make sure that I’d be loyal to this school and this community’: Markis McDuffie reflects on 4-year career

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 2, 2019
Wichita State guard Samajae Haynes-Jones is fouled on his way up for a shot during the second half of the game against Lipscomb on April 2, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Lipscomb’s late rally ends Wichita State’s season in NIT semifinals

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 2, 2019
Wichita State's Jaime Echenique answers questions during an interview with The Sunflower at the Marriott Marquis in New York on April 1, 2019.

Wichita State is having its best practices at the right time

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
April 1, 2019
Samajae Haynes-Jones hit a late 3-pointer to advance Wichita State to the NIT quarterfinals. The Shockers beat Clemson 63-55.

Haynes-Jones hits late 3-pointer, advances Wichita State to NIT quarterfinals

Evan Pflugradt and Marshall Sunner
March 24, 2019
Wichita State's Winny broke the Wichita State 3000m school record, March 22, 2019 at Cessna Stadium.

Koskei shatters 31-year-old track record

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 23, 2019
Coach Gregg Marshall and the Shocker bench wait for a shot to drop during the second half of the game against Temple on March 15, 2019 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Gregg Marshall collects win 500; Shockers advance in NIT

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 20, 2019
Wichita State senior Markis McDuffie hugs and celebrates with senior Samajae Haynes-Jones. McDuffie told Haynes-Jones to "sit down" on the couch that sits courtside after scoring the buzzer beater against UConn. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Wichita State seniors are shooting more 3-pointers than ever before

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 20, 2019
Wichita State senior Samajae Haynes-Jones takes a shot during the first half of the game against Cincinnati on March 16, 2019 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Wichita State to play Furman on Wednesday in the National Invitation Tournament

Evan Pflugradt and Marshall Sunner
March 17, 2019
Wichita State seniors Markis McDuffie and Samajae Haynes-Jones walk back from the press conference. McDuffie and Haynes-Jones took a moment to take photos with fans before walking across the court in Memphis for the last time. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

McDuffie, Haynes-Jones lead Wichita State to final push; Shockers fall one possession shy of AAC Championship

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 16, 2019
Wichita State senior Markis McDuffie shoots a three-pointer during the game against Temple on March 15, 2019 at the FedExForum. It was the first made three-point shot of the game for the Shockers. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

‘We’re a whole different team’: How Wichita State went from 1-6 in conference to the semifinals of the AAC tournament

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 16, 2019
Wichita State guard Dexter Dennis dunks in the final seconds of the second half of the game against Temple on March 15, 2019 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

‘We’re not really freshmen anymore’: Gregg Marshall is counting on freshmen experience for AAC tournament push

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 16, 2019
Wichita State's Markis McDuffie drives on Temple's Quinton Rose during the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference tournament. McDuffie scored a career-high in the game.

Wichita State advances to semifinals thanks to McDuffie’s career-best 34 points

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 15, 2019
'That's been a bitter taste in our mouths for some months': Players seek to avenge devastating loss against Temple

‘That’s been a bitter taste in our mouths for some months’: Players seek to avenge devastating loss against Temple

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 15, 2019
Wichita State freshman Erik Stevenson celebrates a basket from the bench during the second half of the game against East Carolina on March 14, 2019 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

‘He’s poised’: Erik Stevenson’s 3-pointers lead Wichita State up to a first round win

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 14, 2019
Markis McDuffie walks through the lobby of the team hotel on the way to the game on March 14, 2019. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Shockers enter AAC tournament looking for a fresh start

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 14, 2019
Wichita State guard Erik Stevenson makes a move during the second half of the game against ECU on March 5, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Shockers to play short-staffed East Carolina in AAC tournament first round

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 14, 2019
Wichita State President John Bardo speaks during a press conference announcing Wichita State’s acceptance into the American Athletic Conference. (April 7, 2017)

President Bardo left this one sports project on the table

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 13, 2019
John Bardo, WSU president, laughs during the Council of Presidents during a Kansas Board of Regents meeting in the Rhatigan Student Center

Ron Matson remembers President Bardo as an agent of change

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 12, 2019
Wichita State guard Dexter Dennis takes a shot during the first half of the game against ECU on March 5, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Dennis beats buzzer with miracle 3-pointer

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 9, 2019
Wichita State senior Cesaria Ambrosio looks to drive during their game against UConn on Feb. 26, 2019 at Koch Arena. (Photo by Khánh Nguyễn/ The Sunflower.)

Tulsa ends Wichita State’s season in AAC first round

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 8, 2019
Wichita State guard Jamarius Burton goes up for a dunk in the second half of the game against UConn on Feb. 28, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

Shockers in position to draw the six seed in the AAC tournament

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 7, 2019
Wichita State guard Landry Shamet hits a three point basket against the Arkansas State Red Wolves during the first half in Koch arena

Shamet shatters Clippers’ franchise rookie record for 3s

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 3, 2019
Wichita State guard Jacob Herrs celebrates from the bench in the second half of the game against UConn on Feb. 28, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower.)

If the season ended today, who would Wichita State play in the AAC tournament?

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 3, 2019
Wichita State guard Dexter Dennis goes up for a basket during the game against SMU on Jan. 30, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Shockers move into sole possession of sixth place behind strong play from Dennis, McDuffie

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
March 3, 2019
UConn guard Katie Lou Samuelson reaches out for a layup during the game against Wichita State at Charles Koch Arena on Feb. 26, 2019. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

No. 2 UConn obliterates Wichita State in first-ever Koch Arena visit

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 26, 2019
Wichita State freshman Morris Udeze dunks the ball during their game on Dec. 15, 2018 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

Udeze to have season-ending shoulder surgery

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 26, 2019
A college basketball referee.

Debate: Zion Williamson wants to play college basketball. With potential for injury, should he rethink his plans?

Evan Pflugradt and Marshall Sunner
February 25, 2019
Wichita State freshman Dexter Dennis on defense during their game against Memphis on Feb. 23 at Koch Arena.

‘It’s on me’: Gregg Marshall defends players after Wichita State surrenders 16-point lead

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 23, 2019
Wichita State guard Jamarius Burton yells towards guard Dexter Dennis after a point is scored during the game against Tulsa on Feb. 2, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Dennis, Shockers steamroll Golden Hurricane with near-perfect offense

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 20, 2019
Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall reminds the ref three free throws should be given after a call is reversed during the game on Jan. 30, 2019 against SMU. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Gregg Marshall’s keys to victory? ‘Scoring more points than the other team’

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 20, 2019
Wichita State senior Markis McDuffie takes a shot during the game against Cincinnati on Jan. 19, 2019 at Charles Koch Arena. (Photo by Joseph Barringhaus/The Sunflower).

Shockers misfire on 26 three-pointers in loss to Cincinnati

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 17, 2019
Wichita State's Laurie Derrico throws to first base during their game on March 27, 2018 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Shocker softball wins 5 games — 3 by run rule — in invitational

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 17, 2019
A student enjoys a beer in the Rhatigan Student Center on Feb. 13, 2019. Beer and other adult beverages are available for purchase at Charles Koch Arena, Wilkins Stadium, and Eck Stadium but outside beverages will not be allowed.

Bring your own beer to Eck Stadium? Not anymore, Wichita State says

Evan Pflugradt, Sports Editor
February 13, 2019
Fred VanVleet defends John Wall. VanVleet had a steal and five defensive rebounds against the Washington Wizards. (Oct. 22, 2016)

VanVleet to miss 3 weeks with thumb injury

Evan Pflugradt and Marshall Sunner
February 11, 2019
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