Month: October 2019

1-1 deadlock tightens KCKCC’s bid for playoff berth

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

When two soccer teams battle through 110 minutes in 30 degree temperatures, it doesn’t seem right that a team must also suffer defeat.

Which is what happened Friday night when Kansas City Kansas Community College and Johnson County Community College fought through 90 minutes of regulation play and two 10-minute extra periods for a 1-1 tie,

The deadlock tightened KCKCC’s drive to clinch a playoff berth and kept the Blue Devils’ hopes alive at overtaking JCCC (4-1-2) for second place in the Jayhawk Conference with two games to go. The Blue Devils (4-3-1) play at Allen County Wednesday and at home Sunday against Coffeyville. Both contests have 4 p.m. kickoffs.

Meanwhile, JCCC (4-1-2) finishes its season against Neosho County (4-3), Coffeyville (0-8) and league-leading Cowley College (6-1-1) while Neosho plays Cowley, JCCC and Allen County (3-5). The top four finishers will advance to the Region VI playoffs against the top four finishers in the West.

KCKCC took a 1-0 lead 28 minutes into the JCCC game on an impressive goal by Alejandro Maillet, who took a pass from Leonardo Bonelli and sent a missile from 15 yards past the goalkeeper. The lead stood until early in the second half when the Cavaliers pulled even. Defensively, the Blue Devils were led by sophomore center back Ignacio Sarasol.

“Both teams had opportunities but looking at the video, I thought we probably had a few more,” KCKCC coach Ruben Rodriguez said. “We just have to figure out a way to finish better in we’re going to move ahead in the playoffs.”

Grand marshal named for Hollywood Casino 400

Jensen Ackles, who currently stars on the CW’s longest-running drama (15 years), “Supernatural,” has been tabbed to say the most famous words in motorsports, “Drivers, start your engines,” on Sunday, Oct. 20, prior to the Hollywood Casino 400 in Kansas City, Kansas.

It will be the second round elimination race for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.

Ackles starred in the 2009 remake of Patrick Lussier’s 1981 slasher film, “My Bloody Valentine” 3-D. Additionally, he starred in David Winkler’s “Devour” and David McKay’s independent romantic comedy, “Ten Inch Hero.” Previous television roles include “Smallville,” “Dark Angel,” and “Dawson’s Creek.” And, Ackles starred in the mini-series, “Blonde” opposite Patrick Dempsey and Poppy Montgomery.

The Texan began his acting career in 1997 on “Days of Our Lives,” where he received three Daytime Emmy nominations and won the Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Male Newcomer in 1998 for his role as Eric Roman Brady.

Ackles, along with his wife, are active in several organizations that help a variety of causes throughout the country. Since 2011, they have been active with the Dallas Down Syndrome Guild, due to a personal family connection.

They are also on the board, and have partnered with, Random Acts, an organization founded by his co-star Misha Collins. The organization aims to the change the world by spreading positivity in communities everywhere. The Ackles have partnered with the organization to create a platform that helps and supports members of the “Supernatural” family – specifically those who are suffering from mental health issues.

The Ackles have also raised donations for Hurricane Harvey victims, with a matching donation by the CW. They are also strong supporters of Thinkery Austin, an evolution of Austin Children’s Museum where families can be side-by-side exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math. The couple also supports The Birthday Party Project, which throws birthday parties for children in homeless shelters. They also self-fund a Donor Advise Fund, which directs funding to other charity organizations based on interest and need.

Kansas Speedway, a premier motorsports facility in the Midwest, holds two NASCAR race weekends a year, in addition to hosting approximately 200 other events throughout the year. Kansas Speedway’s first race weekend of the season is in May with the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series under the lights. In the fall, the NASCAR playoffs return in with the NASCAR XFINITY Series and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. To purchase tickets, call 866-460-RACE (7223) or log onto www.kansaspeedway.com.

General parking is free at Kansas Speedway and fans can bring in one 14x14x14-inch soft-sided cooler with their favorite food and beverages.

Fans can follow Kansas Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kansasspeedway, Twitter (@kansasspeedway), Instagram (kansasspeedway) and Snapchat (kansasspeedway).

  • Information from Kelly Hale, Kansas Speedway

Weekend campaigning

Several candidates and public officials, including State Board of Education member Janet Waugh, participated in the Turner Days parade on Saturday on South 55th in Kansas City, Kansas. The State Board of Education election for the 1st District is in 2022. The general election for local contests is less than a month away, on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Voter registration closes on Tuesday, Oct. 15, and advance voting by mail starts Oct. 16. Advance in-person voting begins Oct. 26. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Several candidates and public officials, including State Sen. Pat Pettey, D-6th Dist., participated in the Turner Days parade on Saturday on South 55th in Kansas City, Kansas. The election for the 6th Senate District is in 2020. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Several candidates and public officials, including Commissioner Angela Markley, participated in the Turner Days parade on Saturday on South 55th in Kansas City, Kansas. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Several candidates and public officials, including Dave Lindstrom, a candidate for U.S. Senate, participated in the Turner Days parade on Saturday on South 55th in Kansas City, Kansas. The Senate election is in 2020. (Photo by Steve Rupert)
Several candidates and public officials, including U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., participated in the Turner Days parade on Saturday on South 55th in Kansas City, Kansas. The 3rd District congressional race is in 2020. (Photo by Steve Rupert)