Dee Kennedy and Bear Madliak of Kansas State were recognized on the All-Big 12 team, highlighting a season that has put the Wildcats in the national conversation.
Kennedy's Historic Milestone
Kennedy became only the fifth player in Big 12 history to amass 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a single season, a feat that underscores his dual-threat capabilities. He is currently batting .359 and has compiled 16 doubles, two triples, and a school-record 20 homers while also stealing 20 bases.
The senior’s performance earned him a spot on the First Team and a place among the Golden Spikes Award semifinalists, an honor that celebrates the nation’s top amateur player.
Madliak’s Consistent Impact
Madliak, who earned an honorable mention, contributed nine home runs, ranking second on the team behind Kennedy. He is batting .311 with a .559 slugging percentage and a .413 on-base rate, having started 40 of the 46 games he appeared in.
Their combined production has helped the Wildcats secure a favorable seed heading into the Big 12 Tournament, where they will open against Utah on Tuesday night in Surprise, Arizona.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming matchup in Surprise will test the Wildcats against a Utah squad that has been building momentum late in the season. Fans in Manhattan and beyond will be watching closely as the team looks to translate its regular-season success into conference tournament glory.