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
Owen Prothro

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor

Owen Prothro is the assistant sports editor for The Sunflower. Prothro is pursuing a degree in journalism and media production and hopes to pursue a career in sports writing. Prothro uses he/him pronouns.

All content by Owen Prothro
Senior guard Xavier Bell drives into the lane on Dec. 4. Bell scored six points in the win against Alcorn State.

Men’s basketball gives up second-half lead, 17 3-pointers in loss at DePaul

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
December 14, 2024
Sophomore guard Salese Blow drives into the paint against Western Kentucky. Blow led the Shockers with 13 points in the Dec. 8 win.

Women’s basketball spoils Western Kentucky’s undefeated start with win in the Roundhouse

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
December 8, 2024
Graduate student guard Taylor Jameson passes to junior forward Bre'Yon White on Dec. 2. Jameson ended the game with a team-leading four assists.

Women’s basketball goes wire-to-wire in Lawrence but ultimately faces loss at Kansas

Owen Prothro, Assistant 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
Senior center Quincy Ballard throws down a two-handed slam in the first half. The Shockers beat Alcorn State, 78-54, on Dec. 4

Ballard sets blocks milestone in men’s basketball blowout win against Alcorn State

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
December 4, 2024
Wichita State's volleyball team cheers after winning the AAC Tournament semifinal game against South Florida on Nov. 23. The win took Wichita State to play in the finals against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 24.

How WSU’s volleyball team turned the season around by burning their frustrations — literally

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
December 4, 2024
The Wichita State volleyball team celebrates their win in the AAC tournament on Nov. 24. The Shockers swept Florida Atlantic in the championship game.

Wichita State volleyball NCAA Tournament bound after sweeping AAC Championship

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 24, 2024
Junior outside hitter Emerson Wilford and senior middle blocker Morgan Stout block a South Florida kill attempt during the AAC Tournament semifinals on Nov. 23. Wichita State won the game and will play in the finals against Florida Atlantic on Nov. 24.

Volleyball sweeps top-seeded USF, heads to AAC Championship

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 23, 2024
Members of the Wichita State Women's Volleyball team embrace after winning their second consecutive set in their Friday, Nov. 22. The Shockers beat the University of Tulsa in a 3-0 sweep.

Volleyball handles Tulsa in three sets, advances to AAC Tournament semifinals

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 22, 2024
Junior forward Corey Washington shoots a go-ahead 3-pointer against Monmouth in the second half. Washington's shot would prove to be the game-winner on Nov. 18.

Corey Washington’s late scores send men’s basketball past Monmouth

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 18, 2024
Graduate student guard Taylor Jameson inbounds the ball against the University of St. Thomas – Minnesota on Nov. 16. WSU won against St. Thomas, 69-64.

Women’s basketball avoids three-game losing streak with win against St. Thomas

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 16, 2024
Gabi Maas claps while holding her clipboard during a volleyball game. (Photo by Skylar Kade, courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

After an injury, Gabi Maas thought her volleyball career was over. Instead, she might come back even better.

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 13, 2024
Redshirt senior guard Harlond Beverly throws down a alley-oop at the end of the first half. The Shockers were up 46-31 at the half.

Men’s basketball routs Montana State in home opener

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 9, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

How men’s basketball’s director of recruiting turned an obsession into a profession

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 6, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s basketball tested in road season-opening win

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 4, 2024
Sophomore Salese Blow steals the ball back from the Northeastern State RedHawks on Oct. 30. Blow was a three-time AAC Freshman of the Week during the 2023-24 season.

Women’s basketball’s Salese Blow wants to ‘level up’ in sophomore year

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 3, 2024
Wichita State women’s basketball finishes a team huddle during a timeout. The final score of the exhibition game against Northeastern State was 81-46 Wichita State.

Season preview: Women’s basketball has something to prove in head coach Nooner’s second season

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
November 3, 2024
Fifth-year setter Izzi Strand serves during Wichita State’s game against South Florida on Oct. 11. South Florida's strong performance led the Bulls to a 3-1 victory.

Volleyball completes sweep at Charlotte

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
October 18, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Two-party systems hurt national and local democracy

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
October 18, 2024
Paul Mills speaks to media after Wichita State's win against Rice University on March 13.

Men’s basketball picked fourth, women’s picked 12th in AAC preseason poll

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
October 11, 2024
Former WSU basketball player Ron Baker wears a Nike jersey in 2016. After seven years with Under Armour, WSU is returning to the swoosh in 2025.

Nike, BSN SPORTS to become partners of Wichita State Athletics

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
October 7, 2024
Maddie Wilson jumps to hit the ball over the net in the second set. Wilson had nine kills and seven blocks during the game against Rice.

Volleyball drops ‘sweet and sour’ game to Rice, snaps winning streak

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports editor
October 6, 2024
Freshman Xin Tong Wang on the court to play against Tulsa at the Coleman Tennis Complex. Wang won her 10th singles match on April 8.

Three Wichita State tennis players make history at national tournament

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
October 4, 2024
Rick Dvorak and Alan Young place a flower garland to honor the people who lost their lives in the plane crash on Oct. 2, 1970. Families and WSU athletes attended the 54th memorial ceremony on Wednesday morning.

‘This is part of being a Shocker’: Nearly 100 WSU student-athletes show support at plane crash memorial

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
October 2, 2024
Shockers vote coalition hosted the national voter registration day in the north patio of Rhatigan Student Center on Sept. 17. Food and games were provided to encourage students to register.

Here’s where and how to vote for upcoming elections

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 29, 2024
Senior setter Izzi Strand celebrates after a point in the third set against UNC. The Shockers won the third set, but ultimately fell to Northern Colorado 3-1.

Volleyball opens AAC play with a win at Memphis

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 25, 2024
Junior outside hitter Emerson Wilford attempts a kill on Saturday afternoon against Omaha. The Shockers won a tight matchup, 3-2, as Wilford had 11 kills.

Volleyball ends Shocker Classic with ‘dog fight’ win against Omaha

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 21, 2024
Emerson Wilford digs the ball in a rally against Northern Colorado. Following the Sept. 20 game, Wilford has 82 digs for the season.

Volleyball loses in tight contest against Northern Colorado

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 20, 2024
Redshirt freshman Alyssa Gonzales and fifth-year Izzi Strand talk between points, while fifth-year Sarah Barham and junior Emerson Wilford prepare for a serve against Cal Poly. Wichita State won on Thursday night in comeback fashion, 3-2.

Volleyball comes from behind to beat Cal Poly in first game of Shocker Classic

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 19, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: How student life stands on the sidelines at Wichita State

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 19, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s and women’s golf swing into new season during Dolenc, Powercat Invitationals

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 10, 2024
Junior Cesar Ramirez runs toward the finish line during the JK Gold Classic at Clapp Park. Ramirez finished 11th in the race, and scored nine points toward the Wichita State total.

Bertry and Kidane finish top 10 in debut races at JK Gold Classic

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 7, 2024
Senior middle blocker Morgan Stout holds the ball during the exhibition game against Kansas State on Aug. 24.

Wichita State volleyball’s offense struggles in loss at No. 13 Kansas

Owen Prothro, Assistant sports editor
September 4, 2024
Arenui Luethi warms up during practice on Sept. 4, 2024. Luethi started his college career at Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. “I couldn’t see myself at Queens one more year,” Luethi said upon his decision to join WSU's tennis team.

For the second year in a row, tennis’ Arenui Luethi is playing in a new city. This time, he’s a Shocker

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
September 4, 2024
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
(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
Head men's basketball coach Paul Mills yells to his players during the first half of the March 14 game against Memphis.

Men’s basketball reveals non-conference schedule for 2024-25 season

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
August 27, 2024
Senior middle blocker Morgan Stout and fifth-year setter Izzi Strand attempt to block a Kansas State spike on Aug. 24. The Wildcats swept the exhibition game in three sets.

Volleyball swept by Kansas State in exhibition game

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
August 24, 2024
Austin Menge is a senior mechanical engineering major who added Wichita State to the new "College Football 25" video game. “If this sees a way where Wichita (State) can bring an athletic football program back,” Menge said. “I guess my whole life is achieved right there.”

A student revived Wichita State’s football team, virtually. He wants a real revival, too.

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
August 17, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s tennis player reflects on time spent at ITA National Summer Championships

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
August 16, 2024
Darral Willis Jr. blocks Andre Roberson's opportunity to score a bucket. Team Colorado beat the AfterShocks, 65-61.

‘I want to spend more time with them’: AfterShocks lose a nail-biter against Team Colorado in TBT Wichita Regional semifinals

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
July 22, 2024
Members of the AfterShocks team high-five during Saturday's game. The AfterShocks advanced to the TBT regional semifinal after beating Midtown Prestige, 86-71.

AfterShocks advance to TBT regional semifinal after win against Midtown Prestige

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
July 21, 2024
Members of the 2022 TBT AfterShocks team. (File photo)

AfterShocks answer Q&A ahead of TBT 2024

Owen Prothro, Assistant Sports Editor
July 16, 2024
Wichita State's Alec Bohm celebrates scoring against Central Arkansas on April 17, 2018. (File photo)

Former WSU third baseman Alec Bohm voted 2024 MLB All-Star starter

Owen Prothro, Reporter
July 7, 2024
Conner Frankamp gives fans high-fives after TBT Wichita Regional Final. The AfterShocks won 70-69 against Bleed Green on July 25, 2022. (File photo)

2024 TBT Wichita Regional schedule, AfterShocks roster announced

Owen Prothro, Reporter
June 30, 2024
(Courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Croatian center Matej Bošnjak completes men’s basketball’s 2024-25 roster

Owen Prothro, Reporter
June 24, 2024
Lucy Ndungu, one of Wichita State's top runners, pronounces her name to the audience during the JK Gold Classic meet at Clapp Park held in September. Ndungu finished in first place with a time of 17:42.5 in the 5k.

Three Shockers earn All-America nominations during NCAA Outdoor Championships

Owen Prothro, Reporter
June 9, 2024
Lucy Ndungu, a newcomer and one of Wichita State's top runners, comes across the finish line at the JK Classic. Ndungu finished in first place with a time of 17:42.5 in the 5k.

Three track and field athletes advance to NCAA Outdoor Championship

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 26, 2024
Wichita State softball team talks in between innings against Memphis. WSU beat Memphis three days in a row for a sweep.

Heartbreak on home turf: Wichita State softball loses against Charlotte in AAC Championship title game

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 12, 2024
Tyrell Burns is a Wichita State graduate who has set his sights on a wrestling career. (Image courtesy of Tyrell Burns)

Computer engineering major sets sights on career in the octagon

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 11, 2024
Addison Barnard slides into second after hitting a double against Florida Atlantic on March 9.

Softball advances to AAC Championship final after run-ruling Florida Atlantic

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 11, 2024
Senior Addison Barnard runs to cheering teammates after a home run on April 20. The Shockers beat UAB, 9-1 at Wilkins Stadium.

Softball completes four-run comeback to advance to AAC Championship semifinals

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 10, 2024
Senior Seth Stroh rounds third base after hitting a home run on April 3 against KU. Stroh had two hits and one run.

Baseball outruns Roadrunners in series win at UTSA, snaps road losing streak

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 6, 2024
Freshman Camden Johnson slides into third base on April 3 against KU. Johnson had three hits in the game.

Road struggles continue for Wichita State baseball in 10th consecutive away loss against Kansas

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 2, 2024
Freshman Drew Iverson pitches against Kansas State on March 19. Iverson injured his arm and was taken out before finishing his first at-bat on the mound.

Baseball pitches worst game in over 20 years in 15-run loss at No. 14 Oklahoma State

Owen Prothro, Reporter
May 1, 2024
Freshman Kam Durnin gets ready to bat on March 28th against Rice. Durnin had one hit and one run in the game.

Baseball loses action-packed home series against Tulane

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 29, 2024
Tyler Dobbs engages in his pitching motion during the bottom of the fifth inning on March 26 against OSU.

Freshman pitcher Tyler Dobbs finds his rhythm on the mound

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 28, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s golf nabs podium finish at AAC Championships

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 22, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Women’s golf places ninth at AAC Championship

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 21, 2024
Sophmore Caleb Anderson pitches the first two innings on April 17 against ORU. Anderson let up seven hits and six runs.

Disastrous second inning results in home loss for Wichita State baseball

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 17, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s golf closes out the regular season with a 13th-place finish

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 17, 2024
Photo courtesy of Lionsgate Films

REVIEW: Happy belated to Rob Zombie’s ‘House of 1000 Corpses’

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 17, 2024
Natsumi Kurahashi lunges for a ball during her singles match against Louisiana Tech, which she won in two sets, 6-4 and 6-3. Kurahashi played her last home game at Wichita State as a redshirt senior on April 13.

Women’s tennis digs deep for win on senior day

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 15, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Women’s golf places top-10 in final event before conference championships

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 11, 2024
Senior Addison Barnard hits the ball against UTSA. Barnard had two hits and two runs in the game.

Softball loses series on the road at Charlotte

Owen Prothro, Reporter
April 1, 2024
Caleb Anderson throws the first pitch in the top of the seventh inning on March 26th against Oklahoma State. Anderson had two strikeouts and zero errors.

Oklahoma State shuts out Wichita State baseball

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 27, 2024
Senior Seth Stroh finishes his swing against Kansas State on March 19. Stroh had one hit in the game.

Baseball wins first conference series on the road against UAB

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 25, 2024
(Photo courtesy of Wichita State Athletics)

Men’s golf takes home silver in Twin Oaks Intercollegiate

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 22, 2024
Wichita State women's golf practice on Oct. 11, 2018.

Women’s golf places 14th at Red Rocks Invitational

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 18, 2024
(Illustration)

Women’s golf avoids last-place finish on the final day of the Tulane Classic

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 18, 2024
Redshirt junior Jordan Rogers hits the ball during the match against Nebraska on March 12 in Eck Stadium.

Baseball splits series at home against Nebraska

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 14, 2024
Natsumi Kurahashi swings for the ball during a set against Omaha at Genesis Rock Road in 2023.

Senior women’s tennis player Natsumi Kurahashi talks about plans for the future

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 13, 2024
Theodora Chantava prepares to hit the ball during a match in March 2023.

Women’s tennis shuts out Abilene Christian University in 7-0 win

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 11, 2024
Taylor Sedlacek slides into second base safely in the game against McLennan on Sep. 18.

Softball falls to No. 4 Oklahoma State in extra innings

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 9, 2024
Jordan Rodgers slides into second base on March 1 against Utah Tech.

Baseball falls to Oklahoma on road despite home runs in sixth, ninth innings

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 7, 2024
Infielder Jack Little slides to third base during a game on March 26, 2023.

Freshman Tyler Dobbs wins first game on the mound against Oral Roberts

Owen Prothro, Reporter
March 1, 2024
(Illustration)

Women’s golf starts spring season with a top-10 finish in Rio Verde Invitational

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 29, 2024
Sophomore infielder Sami Hood throws the ball to first base to get an out during the Oct. 8 game against South Dakota State.

Softball goes 4-1 in Razorback Invitational, beats another ranked opponent

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 27, 2024
The Shockers stand together as they watch teammate Colby Rogers shoot two shots at the free throw line.

Men’s basketball’s road woes continue in loss at Charlotte

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 20, 2024
Sophomore infielder Siera Hoekstra gets a ground ball during warm-up before an exhibition game against South Dakota State on Oct. 8.

Softball beats ranked team, goes 1-2 in Puerto Vallarta Challenge

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 20, 2024
Joy Ighovodja runs past the UTSA defense during the second half of their game on Feb. 7.

Double-digit halftime deficit results in loss at East Carolina for men’s basketball

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 20, 2024
Photo courtesy of Nick Flynn / Wichita State Athletics

Meet Caden Favors, the senior leader for Wichita State baseball

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 19, 2024
Freshman guard Salese Blow drives to the basket during the first half of the game against East Carolina on Feb. 5.

Women’s basketball ends losing streak, wins first road game at FAU

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 12, 2024
(Illustration)

OPINION: Are NFL games scripted?

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 8, 2024
Sophomore Alejandro Jacome and freshman Vanja Hodzic get together during their doubles match against Omaha on Jan. 26.

Men’s tennis continues rocky road record in loss against Oklahoma

Owen Prothro, Reporter
February 4, 2024
Quincy Ballard swerves the ball away from an SMU player during the game on Jan. 28. Ballard finished the game with four points and six rebounds.

Men’s basketball wins first conference game, snaps losing streak

Owen Prothro, Reporter
January 30, 2024
Wichita State men's tennis team huddles during break. With "Go Shocks!" the team is off to their singles.

Men’s tennis loses 10th straight meeting against Texas Tech

Owen Prothro, Reporter
January 21, 2024
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