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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
Jacob Unruh

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor

Jacob Unruh is the sports editor for The Sunflower. He is a senior at Wichita State, majoring in journalism and minoring in political science. Unruh is pursuing journalism after graduation. This is his second year on staff. He goes by he/him pronouns.

All content by Jacob Unruh
The Wichita State cheer team performs a group routine on Oct. 5. The cheer team also won the Shocktober Fest spirit award at Shocker Madness.

Shocker cheer team wins national championship, greeted by supporters in return to Wichita

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
April 14, 2025
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s basketball signs 3-point sniper Kenyon Giles in transfer portal

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
April 12, 2025
Senior Krystin Nelson quickly picks up the ball and throws it to first base in an attempt to get a South Florida player out on March 28.

Softball takes two of three from UAB in weather-affected series

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
April 6, 2025
In April, WSU Director of Athletics Kevin Saal speaks to Student Senate members about the academic success of student athletes and survey results of the student athlete experience. Saal was joined on the Wednesday night meeting by Clayton Stoldt, the associate dean of applied studies.

Amid transfer departures, Wichita State athletic director asks for additional $1 million in NIL funding

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
April 3, 2025
Several Students work together to build the tallest possible tower out of spaghetti, marshmallows, tape, and string at an event for leadership of registered student organizations to network and work on leadership skills in September.

After post-COVID lull, student organizations are back on the rise at Wichita State

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
April 3, 2025
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics / On3 Sports)

Men’s basketball lands first transfer: Defense-first forward Karon Boyd

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
April 2, 2025
Junior Taylor Sedlacek and senior Camryn Compton hug after Sedlacek scores a run. Wichita State softball lost to No. 2 Oklahoma, 19-16, on March 26 at Wilkins Stadium.

Wichita State sets record-breaking attendance, record-breaking scoring in 19-16 loss against Oklahoma

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 26, 2025
Photo courtesy of Bryan Chavez / Wichita State Athletics

How Wichita State women’s bowling pulled off improbable comeback to win conference tournament

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 26, 2025
Senior center Quincy Ballard attempts to block a basket by a Tulsa player. Ballard contributed four points and 13 rebounds during the March 9 game.

Men’s basketball’s Quincy Ballard, Yanis Bamba become first WSU players in transfer portal

Owen Prothro and Jacob Unruh
March 25, 2025
The WSU softball team celebrates a home run by Lauren Lucas, welcoming her to home plate. The Shockers hit a total of three home runs on Sunday, March 16, against North Texas.

Softball scores 32 runs in series win against UTSA

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 23, 2025
Senior Quincy Ballard loses possession of the ball in the second half against Oklahoma State. Ballard scored 19 points during his 32 minutes of play on March 18.

WSU men’s basketball season ends — for real this time — with loss against Oklahoma State in NIT

Jacob Unruh and Owen Prothro
March 18, 2025
Jayla Murray pushes through the Tulane defense on Jan. 15. Murray scored 17 points and three rebounds during the game.

Jayla Murray, WSU women’s basketball’s leading scorer and rebounder, enters transfer portal

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 17, 2025
The WSU men's basketball team huddles up to talk to head coach Paul Mills during a short break in play. The game on March 13 was played at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.

Season’s not over: Men’s basketball to play in NIT

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 16, 2025
Freshman Ryley Nihart pitches against North Texas on March 16. Nihart has pitched in three of Wichita State's last four games.

Freshmen pitchers lead softball to series win against North Texas

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 16, 2025
Freshman outfielder Brookelyn Livanec dances after hitting a leadoff double in the seventh inning on March 2. Livanec later crossed home plate in the inning.

Freshmen step up in Wichita State softball win against Kansas

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 12, 2025
(Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s basketball recruits second-highest-ranked high school player in Kansas

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 11, 2025
(Illustration)

OPINION: Our ethnicities and cultures define us more than the color of our skin

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 11, 2025
Jayla Murray pushes a Tulane defensive player in the first quarter. Murray scored 10 points for the Shockers on March 9.

Women’s basketball season ends with loss in second round of AAC Tournament

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 9, 2025
Graduate student guard Taylor Jameson drives the ball in the first quarter of the March 5 game. Jameson contributed eight points to Tuesday's game against Tulsa.

Women’s basketball loses on senior day, but holds on to first round AAC bye

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 4, 2025
Sophomore Camden Johnson takes a healthy hack at the baseball on March 1. Johnson hit 1-5 from the plate against the Titans.

Walk-off homer lone bright spot of another Shocker baseball series loss

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
March 3, 2025
(Graphic)

Half as many fans in the stands: Athletic attendance dwindles over past decade

Allison Campbell and Jacob Unruh
February 27, 2025
Senior center Quincy Ballard throws down a backwards dunk in the second half against Tulane. Ballard finished the game with 11 points.

The streak is six: Second half explosion leads to men’s basketball win against Tulane

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 23, 2025
The Shockers celebrate after a 3point shot in the second half on Feb. 12. Wichita State beat the UTSA Roadrunners, 69-64, for its third straight win.

What the advanced metrics say about Wichita State basketball

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 20, 2025
Sophomore guard Salese Blow, junior guard Princess Anderson and forward Jayla Murray wait to be introduced as starters against Rice University. The trio combined for 25 points in the win against the Owls.

Women’s basketball falls apart in third quarter, blown out by Temple

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 19, 2025
Junior forward Jayla Murray drives the ball on Feb. 5. Murray contributed 18 points during the game against Florida Atlantic, leading the Shockers.

Women’s basketball falls behind early en route to loss at Charlotte

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 12, 2025
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Kansas native Ellee Eck brings College World Series experience to Wichita State softball

Jacob Unruh, [email protected]
February 12, 2025
Josh Livingston advances to third base in the bottom of the second inning against Oklahoma State during an April 2024 game.

Baseball’s Josh Livingston went through a massive hitting slump last season. He’s glad it happened.

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 10, 2025
Senior guard Xavier Bell defends against UNT's senior guard Jasper Floyd in the second half. Bell contributed 19 points and one assist during Wednesday's game.

Xavier Bell, offensive rebounds lead to men’s basketball road upset win against South Florida

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 9, 2025
Softball players huddle up before the exhibition match against Butler Community College on Oct. 3. The game was played In Wilkins Stadium and was free to all students with ID.

After falling short last year, ‘bitter’ WSU softball team looks to bounce back

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 8, 2025
(Courtesy of Butler Community College)

Former colleagues, students remember the life and impact of Lindsey Fields

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 6, 2025
Senior foward Ornella Niankan defends against a Florida Atlantic shot in the paint on Feb. 5. Niankan contributed two blocks and shot 50% from the free throw line in the WSU win.

Women’s basketball scrapes second conference win against FAU

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
February 5, 2025
A shot by KP Parr is blocked by a Tulane player on Jan. 15. Parr scored two points and three rebounds against Tulane.

Women’s basketball leads majority of game but slows in second half in East Carolina loss

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 29, 2025
Amarrion Reese leaps forward during the Black vs. Yellow Intrasquad event on Dec. 6. Reese competes in sprint and jump events for track and field.

Track and field preview: Shockers aim for AAC crown

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 28, 2025
UAB players surround Wichita State forward Ornella Niankan during their Jan. 25 game. The Shockers dropped their matchup against the Blazers in overtime, 76-73.

Despite furious late-game comeback, women’s basketball falls short in overtime against UAB

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 25, 2025
Junior forward Corey Washington lays after a fall in the second half. Washington scored 19 points and 18 rebounds against the East Carolina Pirates.

Late-game collapse dooms men’s basketball’s upset bid against No. 24 Memphis

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 23, 2025
Fifth-year guard AJ McGinnis and sophomore guard Joy Ighovodja talk after the Dec. 29 game against Friends. McGinnis and Ighovodja combined for 12 points.

Men’s basketball suffers third straight conference loss, drops to AAC basement

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 11, 2025
Head Coach Paul Mills talks to the Wichita State assistant coaches during the second half on Oct. 27. Mills is in his second season with Wichita State.

Men’s basketball switches to two-a-day practices amidst conference slump

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 9, 2025
Graduate student guard Taylor Jameson jumps in order to block a pass by North Texas. Jameson had one steal in the WSU loss.

Women’s basketball outclassed by conference favorites South Florida

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 8, 2025
Junior forward Corey Washington sits on the courtside table after losing the ball on Dec. 29. Washington started the game on the bench for the first time this season.

New year, same struggles: Men’s basketball drops first conference matchup against Temple

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 3, 2025
Wichita State forward Bre'Yon White plays defense against North Texas on Dec. 29. White finished with one steal and three points in the WSU loss.

Women’s basketball falls victim to Memphis 3-point barrage on New Year’s Day

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
January 1, 2025
Head coach Paul Mills and senior guard Bijan Cortes talk after a timeout. The Shockers played the Kansas City Roos on Dec. 17, losing 74-64.

Men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills says Wichita State played ‘entitled basketball’ in Kansas City loss

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
December 20, 2024
Freshman guard KP Parr high-fives a member of the WSU pep band after the Shockers' win on Dec. 2. Parr played 18 minutes in the game.

Women’s basketball blitzes Roadrunners with season-best offensive performance

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
December 18, 2024
Junior outside hitter Brooklyn Leggett attempts a kill against SMU in the NCAA Tournament (Photo courtesy of Brian Barnes/Wichita State Athletics).

Wichita State volleyball ends season with loss at SMU in NCAA Tournament

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
December 5, 2024
Fifth-year senior Justin Hill speaks with head coach Paul Mills during a break in play. Hill is new to the team, having transferred from Georgia over the summer.

Who will join the Shockers next season? Here’s every player Wichita State landed on National Signing Day

Jacob Unruh and Owen Prothro
December 5, 2024
Head coach Paul Mills writes on a white board during a time out in the second half. Wichita State beat Emporia State during the exhibition game, 99-53 on Oct. 27.

Men’s basketball head coach Paul Mills takes accountability for blowout loss against Florida

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
December 3, 2024
Members of the Wichita State volleyball team huddle up to celebrate after defeating Tulsa on Friday, Nov. 22. The Shockers beat Tulsa in a 3-0 sweep.

Volleyball to play SMU in first round of NCAA Tournament

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
December 1, 2024
Junior Jayla Murray yells for someone to get open on offense against Northeastern State. Murray was joined by fellow Tampa Bay Tech alumna Jasmine Peaks on the WSU roster this year.

‘Meant to be together’: How two WSU women’s basketball players coincidentally became teammates three separate times

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 27, 2024
Jasmine Peaks gets surrounded by Oklahoma defenders on Nov. 19. WSU lost the game, 79-49.

Women’s basketball comes up empty against Creighton

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 25, 2024
Redshirt senior guard Harlond Beverly throws down a dunk in the first half against Saint Louis. The Shockers beat the Billikens in Kansas City, 88-63.

WSU men’s basketball rides second half run to blow out Billikens in Kansas City

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 23, 2024
Eck Stadium, Wichita State's baseball stadium. On Nov. 20, the Kansas Board of Regents approved WSU's request to honor former coach Gene Stephenson in the facility's name.

Gene Stephenson honored in WSU baseball complex name

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 20, 2024
Sophomore guard Salese Blow dribbles the ball on offense against Oklahoma on Nov. 19. Wichita State lost the game against the ranked opponent, 79-49.

Women’s basketball shows fight but ultimately gets blown out by #9 Oklahoma

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 19, 2024
Senior middle blocker Morgan Stout hits the ball over the net during the fourth set against UNC on Sept. 20.

Volleyball wins on the stat sheet but not on the court against North Texas

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 15, 2024
Senior guard Xavier Bell jumps for a layup past Northern Iowa defenders on Nov. 14. The Shockers went on to claim victory over the Panthers, 79-73.

Men’s basketball earns scrappy win against old rival Northern Iowa

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 14, 2024
Senior forward Ornella Niankan attempts a contested layup in the second quarter against Missouri State. The Shockers lost, 82-77.

Poor second quarter dooms women’s basketball to loss against Missouri State

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 13, 2024
(Graphic)

AAC men’s basketball power rankings, week one: Who’s hot and who’s not to open the season

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 11, 2024
Setter Izzi Strand passes the ball to a teammate during the first set on Oct. 6. Wichita State lost against Rice, 3-2.

Volleyball narrowly loses second heartbreaker of the season to Rice

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 8, 2024
Sophomore Salese Blow takes a fadeaway shot in the first quarter against Oklahoma Christian University. Blow scored eight points on 25% shooting on Nov. 4.

Women’s basketball opens season with unconvincing win against Oklahoma Christian

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 4, 2024
Junior Jasmine Peaks looks to pass the ball on Oct. 30. Peaks is a transfer from Indian River State College in Florida.

Four women’s basketball junior college transfers bring a ‘chip on their shoulder’ to WSU

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 7, 2024
Senior Morgan Stout and fifth-year Izzi Strand block the ball from the WSU side of the court. Both players had multiple blocks against the Florida Atlantic Owls.

Block party: Volleyball shuts down Tulsa

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
November 1, 2024
Bijan Cortes celebrates a Wichita State 3-pointer in the first half. Cortes made both of his attempted 3-pointers on Oct. 27.

Season preview: Experienced men’s basketball roster looks to March

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 31, 2024
Jeff Blubaugh and Sarah Lopez prepare for a forum at on housing at Friend's University. The candidates discussed subjects such as new home ownership, zoning, taxes, and more.

Meet the Sedgwick County Commission 2nd District candidates: Jeff Blubaugh and Sarah Lopez

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 31, 2024
Morgan Stout attempts a kill against Rice on Oct. 6. The Shockers fell to the Owls 3-2, and faced their first conference loss this season.

Volleyball’s Morgan Stout has a competitive fire — and another side fans don’t see

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 30, 2024
Wichita State bench players celebrate a 3-pointer in the second half against Emporia State. The Shockers shot 40% from the 3-point line on Oct. 27.

Men’s basketball flashes potential in exhibition blowout of Emporia State

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 27, 2024
Wichita State paid more in buyouts to former coaches in 2023 than base salaries of employed head coaches in 2024-25.

Wichita State spent more on fired or former athletics coaches than head coach salaries last year

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 23, 2024
Sophomore Maddie Wilson aims for a powerful kill during the match against South Florida. She recorded two kills in the game and has accumulated 55 kills so far this season.

East Carolina outlasts Wichita State volleyball in five sets

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 20, 2024
Ford Carr and Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, candidates for the Kansas Legislature. (Photo illustration)

Live on or near campus? Meet the candidates who represent you in the Kansas Legislature.

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 17, 2024
WSU volleyball head coach Chris Lamb yells to the players during the fourth set on Oct. 6. Lamb has coached at WSU for 25 years.

25 years of ‘Lambo’: Volleyball coach reflects on Wichita State coaching anniversary — and he isn’t done yet

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 14, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Being an election worker is a thankless job. You should do it anyway.

Jacob Unruh, Sports editor
October 14, 2024
Senior Morgan Stout attempts a kill against South Florida on Oct. 11.

Volleyball’s alumni night ends in historic loss against South Florida

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 11, 2024
(Illustration)

Opinion: To regain legitimacy, SGA must dramatically cut the number of senate seats

Jacob Unruh, Sports editor
October 10, 2024
Sara Duque Jiménez bowls for Wichita State. Duque Jiménez won the 2023 Intercollegiate Singles Championship (Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics).

Season preview: Women’s bowling ready to ‘jump right in’ to NCAA competition

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 9, 2024
Alyssa Gonzales jumps for a left side kill on Sept. 27 against Temple. Gonzales made 17 kills and scored 17 points in the game.

Volleyball torches UAB in road sweep

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
October 4, 2024
Christopher Montford, an aerospace engineering major, watches candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz during the vice presidential debate watch party on Oct. 1.

‘Refreshing’: Wichita State students react to respectful vice presidential debate

Jacob Unruh and Ainsley Smyth
October 2, 2024
The Shockers celebrate after scoring a point in the second set. Sophomore middle blocker Maddie Wilson, pictured yelling, said her energy after big points helps bring energy to the team. Wichita State beat Temple 3-1 on Sept. 27.

Volleyball defeats Temple 3-1, keeps winning streak going

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
September 27, 2024
Wichita State volleyball head coach Chris Lamb runs practice on Sept. 18. Lamb said he gives the volleyball team a more difficult schedule for their development and RPI at the expense of winning less games.

‘Feel-good’ vs. ‘get-good’: Why volleyball’s scheduling philosophy prioritizes learning over winning

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
September 19, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Dre Kindell)

JUCO national champion commits to men’s basketball

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
September 19, 2024
Fifth-year middle blocker Sarah Barham and junior outside hitter Brooklyn Leggett attempt a block against Kansas State on Aug. 24.

Volleyball goes winless against weekend Nebraska Classic gauntlet

Jacob Unruh
September 14, 2024
(Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Mills lands sought-after prospect in first men’s basketball signing of 2025 class

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
September 12, 2024
Caleb Nunn, a Wichita State student, talks to a Harris supporter who disagreed with his vocal support of former President Donald Trump during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. "Trump is destroying (Harris)," Nunn said. "I love him. It's good that people are being engaged. Maybe I am being a little too loud, but I think Trump is right at the end of the day."

Cheering, jeering and ‘nuh-uhs’: WSU students react to Harris-Trump presidential debate

Jacob Unruh and Lily Bann
September 11, 2024
Junior outside hitter Brooklyn Leggett attempts a kill on Aug. 24 against Kansas State University.

Volleyball splits weekend games in Arkansas

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
September 7, 2024
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
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
Adriana Lazalde, Kayla Fleming, Alexis Cherveny and Jose Gonzalez table outside the St. Paul Catholic Student Center, handing out cookies and providing information about the fellowship program.

How Catholic missionaries at campus church are adjusting to Wichita

Jacob Unruh, Grayson Weathers, and Cameryn Davis
September 2, 2024
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
Redshirt freshman Colin Graham rounds a bend at his first uniformed cross country meet on Friday night. Graham came in 18th at 21:09.42, within the pack of WSU men's runners.

Inexperienced cross country runners manage top finishes in season-opening ‘practice meet’

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
August 31, 2024
Senior Morgan Stout, junior Emerson Wilford and fifth-year Izzi Strand celebrate after a point during WSU's exhibition game against Kansas State on Aug. 24. Stout and Strand were named unanimously to the AAC's 2024 preseason all-conference team.

Volleyball runners-up in AAC preseason poll, two players named to all-conference team

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
August 26, 2024
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
Josh Livingston advances to third base in the bottom of the second inning against Oklahoma State during an April 2024 game.

Here’s how WSU baseball players performed in summer play

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
August 19, 2024
Kenzie Kessler and Lane Pywell meet with Joe Mazzara, the new Wichita State esports director. Mazzara has been involved with the esports team since it was founded in 2019.

New WSU esports director focused on mentorship and program growth

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
August 12, 2024
(Illustration)

An AI art display was put up in the RSC’s Cadman Gallery. Some Wichita State artists aren’t happy about it.

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
August 10, 2024
Caden Favors throws the ball to home plate to finish off the top of the ninth inning on March 26 against OSU.

Baseball’s Caden Favors selected in sixth round of MLB draft

Jacob Unruh, Sports Editor
July 15, 2024
(Courtesy of Arizona State University Athletics)

Basketball adds Kansas native Zane Meeks through transfer portal

Jacob Unruh, Assistant Sports Editor
June 10, 2024
The Shockers celebrate on the sidelines following a Wichita State basket during the AAC tournament.

Women’s basketball adds two recruits, completes roster

Jacob Unruh, Assistant Sports Editor
June 8, 2024
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