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Senior defensive end Jared Clendenin tackels Kentucky running back Derrick Locke in the second quarter of last season's game against Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington. 

Football notes: WKU ‘ready to hit some blue’

Brad Stephens
August 29, 2011
WKU senior Lindsay Williams reaches for a block Saturday against Belmount Bruins sophomore Jen Myer in the third set of the teams' match at the Curb Event Center in Nashville. The Lady Toppers ran their record to 3-0 on the season with a pair of wins, the other against Murray State.

WKU wins twice Saturday, sweeps Belmont Invitational

Brad Stephens
August 27, 2011
Arnika Brown celebrates after a second half three point shot is hit during the Sunbelt Championships in Hot Springs, Ark., in March. Brown singed a contract with Kotka Peli-Karhut in Finland and will continue her basketball career overseas.

Former WKU star Brown ready for colder weather in Finland

Brad Stephens
August 27, 2011
Women's Basketball notes: Cowles talks schedule, Pat Summit's illness

Women’s Basketball notes: Cowles talks schedule, Pat Summit’s illness

Brad Stephens
August 27, 2011
Offensive lineman Seth White (75) blocks during an extra point drill at practice at Smith Stadium on Aug. 25, 2011.

WKU’s Taggart impressed by offense in team’s final scrimmage

Brad Stephens
August 26, 2011
Head Coach Willie Taggart will be finalizing his depth chart soon with WKU's season-opener against Kentucky just a little more than a week away. He said Wedneday's scrimmage would play a big role in solidifying it.

Taggart hopes to ‘solidify’ WKU depth chart with scrimmage

Brad Stephens
August 24, 2011
Lady Toppers announce 2011-2012 schedule

Lady Toppers announce 2011-2012 schedule

Brad Stephens
August 24, 2011

WKU athletics survey concludes no basketball blackouts

Brad Stephens
August 24, 2011
Tackles and tight ends coach Stu Holt runs a drill during practice at Smith Stadium on Aug. 23, 2011. Holt is one of the newest hires on the coaching staff going into the 2011 season.

Football notes: Holt glad to be back on WKU coaching staff

Brad Stephens
August 23, 2011
Junior tight end Jack Doyle speaks briefly Sunday evening at Smith Stadium to M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan participants. Doyle, who was recently named a football team captain, joined fellow captains senior defensive lineman Jared Clendenin and sophomore punter Hendrix Brakefield to address the incoming class. Jabin E. Botsford/Herald

Notebook: Doyle, Clendenin, Brakefield discuss captains’ roles

Brad Stephens
August 22, 2011
Head Coach Willie Taggart on Friday talked about WKU's new Russell Athletic jerseys the Toppers will wear this fall at the Topper Club in Smith Stadium. WKU also announced a four-year, $1.735 million extension with Russell.

WKU unveils new football uniforms, announces extension with Russell

Brad Stephens
August 19, 2011
WKU football notes: What is Azzanni's role?

WKU football notes: What is Azzanni’s role?

Brad Stephens
August 18, 2011
Wide receiver Marcus Vasquez, here diving for a catch last season against North Texas, is the only actice receiver returning to the team to have caught double double digit passes last season.

Young WKU receiving corps growing in fall camp

Brad Stephens
August 18, 2011

Taggart says WKU kickers in ‘open competition’

Brad Stephens
August 18, 2011
Junior defensive lineman Quanterus Smith goes through workouts at Wednesday's football practice. Smith is looking to be one of the leaders on the defensive line this season.

Veteran linemen looking to lead WKU football team’s defense

Brad Stephens
August 17, 2011
Senior running back Bobby Rainey, WKU's top returning rusher, wears a yellow jersey during the Toppers' fall camp signifying he's not to be tackled. Rainey has been named to a number of awards lists entering the 2011 season.

Notebook: WKU looking to relieve Rainey with handful of backs

Brad Stephens
August 12, 2011
Head coach Willie Taggart talks at WKU's media day on Thursday, sporting a blue-collared shirt that's become a mindset for the Toppers during fall camp.

WKU ‘ready to work’ at blue-collar football media day

Brad Stephens
August 12, 2011

Former Coastal Carolina assistant Dougherty joins WKU baseball staff

Brad Stephens
August 4, 2011

WKU picked to finish seventh in Sun Belt Conference, Rainey and Jeffries to All-SBC team

Brad Stephens
July 19, 2011

Notebook: Taggart says Jakes will be “more of a weapon”

Brad Stephens
July 19, 2011

Rainey, Doyle named to preseason award watch lists

Brad Stephens
July 5, 2011

Eickhoff signs pro contract, says Finwood’s decision didn’t factor

Brad Stephens
June 27, 2011

Bullard, Hutchison go on MLB Draft’s third day

Brad Stephens
June 9, 2011

Four Toppers selected in first 10 rounds of MLB Draft

Brad Stephens
June 7, 2011

Carter selected No. 56 overall by Tampa Bay Rays, becomes highest pick in WKU history

Brad Stephens
June 7, 2011

Riley and Whitaker join Lady Tops’ coaching staff

Brad Stephens
June 1, 2011

WKU eliminated from Sun Belt tournament with 4-2 loss to Troy

Brad Stephens
May 28, 2011

Walk-off grand slam gives MTSU 5-1 win over WKU

Brad Stephens
May 21, 2011

WKU eliminates MTSU from Sun Belt tourney contention with 4-0 win

Brad Stephens
May 20, 2011

Online fan survey gauges perception of WKU’s athletic department

Brad Stephens
May 19, 2011

WKU falls for fourth consecutive Friday, loses 6-3 to South Alabama

Brad Stephens
May 14, 2011

Notes: Big day for WKU, Cessna

Brad Stephens
May 8, 2011

WKU beats FAU, clinches second straight league series

Brad Stephens
May 8, 2011

Hageman’s complete game pushes WKU past FAU, 6-2

Brad Stephens
May 7, 2011

Stranded runners cost WKU in 4-2 loss to FAU

Brad Stephens
May 7, 2011
Taylor Haydel, left, and Ross Hammonds lean on the outfield bullpen fence during WKU's series against Bowling Green State earlier in the season. Despite several veterans, the bullpen has struggled to find consistency lately.

WKU bullpen looks to improve performance

Brad Stephens
May 6, 2011

Toppers lose 5-4 to EKU in 11 innings

Brad Stephens
May 5, 2011
Senior pitcher Brian Edelen has been WKU's Sunday starter for most of the season but was used out of the bullpen last weekend. Edelen earned his first save of the season Saturday night and picked up a win Sunday in a relief appearance.

Edelen comes out strong in new role

Brad Stephens
May 3, 2011

Edelen, offense clinch series with 7-5 win over ULM

Brad Stephens
May 1, 2011

WKU loses 5-4 to ULM on walk-off home run

Brad Stephens
April 30, 2011
The Toppers are in a three-way tie for third place in the Sun Belt Conference. WKU will try to advance in the standings when it plays a three-game series at last-place Louisiana-Monroe this weekend. The Toppers have lost their last four Sun Belt games, including being swept at Troy this past weekend.

Turning the Tide: WKU looks to get Sun Belt season back on track against ULM

Brad Stephens
April 29, 2011
Junior center outfielder Kes Carter has drawn attention from professional scouts since he arrived at WKU. Carter has hit .358 during his career and has committed just five errors as a Topper. He's generally referred to as a "five-tool prospect" — meaning he can hit for average, hit for power and field his position, as well as display speed and throwing ability.

The Handyman: Carter uses ‘five tools’ to build pro career

Brad Stephens
April 26, 2011
The Toppers break from a postgame huddle after defeating Kentucky 11-8 last Tuesday at the Bowling Green Ballpark. WKU was swept at Troy over the weekend but returns home to host No. 2 Vanderbilt tonight at 6 p.m. at Nick Denes Field.

Toppers host No. 2 Vanderbilt tonight

Brad Stephens
April 26, 2011

Hageman gets roughed up as WKU falls 11-3 to Troy

Brad Stephens
April 24, 2011

WKU can’t overcome Carter error, falls 6-3 to Troy

Brad Stephens
April 23, 2011
Senior catcher Matt Rice congratulates teammates after WKU’s 11-8 victory over Kentucky Tuesday evening at Bowling Green Ballpark. Rice broke WKU’s all-time hit record with his 282nd career hit Tuesday night. Rice had four hits in the game, giving him 285 in his career.

The New Hit King: Rice breaks record in win over Kentucky

Brad Stephens
April 22, 2011
WKU second baseman Ivan Hartle slides into home plate during the game against UK at Bowling Green Ballpark. The Toppers won 11-8 in front of 5,142 fans.

WKU rides eight-run seventh to 11-8 comeback win over Kentucky

Brad Stephens
April 20, 2011
Sophomore pitcher Andrew Zimmerman pitches during WKU's second game against Arkansas State on Saturday. The Toppers defeated ASU 13-2.

Rice hopes to break records against Kentucky tonight

Brad Stephens
April 19, 2011

WKU falls to Arkansas Sate in 10th inning for another Sunday loss

Brad Stephens
April 18, 2011

Toppers take two from Arkansas State to win series

Brad Stephens
April 17, 2011

WKU-Arkansas State game suspended in the 13th inning

Brad Stephens
April 16, 2011
WKU senior catcher Matt Rice celebrates with teammates after the Toppers' game against Murray State at Nick Denes Field on Wednesday evening. WKU won 3-2.

Toppers grab two midweek wins before ASU series

Brad Stephens
April 15, 2011
President Gary Ransdell, right, provides color commentary with Randy Lee on the radio in the press box at Bowling Green Ballpark, where WKU beat Louisville 15-5 on April 5. Ransdell and several other guests make appearances as analysts for WKU baseball games.

Visiting Voices: WKU baseball relies on several guest announcers

Brad Stephens
April 15, 2011
Seniors Sergio Kerusch, left, and Arnika Brown, right, laugh at their highlights video Thursday evening at the Men's and Women's Basketball Dinner and Awards Banquet held in the Topper Club in Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

Kerusch, Pettigrew, McNear receive MVP awards at basketball banquet

Brad Stephens
April 15, 2011
WKU's Rye Davis pitches during the Toppers' game against Murray State at Nick Denes Field on Wednesday evening. WKU won 3-2.

WKU edges by Murray State for second straight midweek win

Brad Stephens
April 14, 2011

WKU recovers from rough first inning, beats Austin Peay 17-6

Brad Stephens
April 13, 2011
WKU senior catcher Matt Rice slides safely into home during the Toppers’ game against Louisiana-Lafayette at Nick Denes Field on Sunday afternoon. WKU lost 8-6.

WKU takes series, second place in Sun Belt from ULL

Brad Stephens
April 12, 2011
WKU junior infielder Ivan Hartle tags Chris Sinclair out during the Toppers' game against Louisiana-Lafayette at Nick Denes Field on Sunday afternoon. WKU lost 8-6, but won the series.

Rough bullpen outing leads to 8-6 WKU loss

Brad Stephens
April 11, 2011

Clutch single from Rice pushes WKU to 2-1 win over ULL

Brad Stephens
April 10, 2011
Junior relief pitcher Ross Hammonds makes his wind-up in WKU's game against Louisville Tuesday at the Hot Rods' Bowling Green Ballpark. WKU beat UofL 15-5.

WKU blasts its way past Louisville at Bowling Green Ballpark

Brad Stephens
April 8, 2011
Senior designated hitter Chris Bullard makes contact with a ball late in WKU’s game against Louisville at Bowling Green Ballpark on Tuesday night. Bullard’s first at-bat scored two runs for the Toppers, and he also had a home run in the third inning. WKU won 15-5.

Power Player: Former linebacker Bullard finding success in baseball

Brad Stephens
April 8, 2011
Senior catcher Matt Rice rounds third base to score a run at Bowling Green Ballpark on Tuesday. WKU beat UofL 15-5.

WKU clobbers No. 25 Louisville 15-5 at Bowling Green Ballpark

Brad Stephens
April 6, 2011

Toppers host Louisville Tuesday at Bowling Green Ballpark

Brad Stephens
April 5, 2011

WKU loses 11-6 to UALR, has now dropped five of last six

Brad Stephens
April 3, 2011

Bullpen troubles, stranded runners haunt WKU in 8-2 loss to UALR

Brad Stephens
April 3, 2011

Early runs and Perkins’ dominance lead to 14-3 WKU win over UALR

Brad Stephens
April 2, 2011
WKU junior pitcher Rye Davis throws a pitch during the Toppers' game against Belmont at Nick Denes Field on Wednesday evening. WKU lost 9-8 in 10 innings.

Toppers try to figure out bullpen situation

Brad Stephens
April 1, 2011
WKU junior infielder Ivan Hartle attempts a double play during the Toppers' game against Belmont at Nick Denes Field on Wednesday evening. WKU lost 9-8 in extra innings.

Walks and errors lead to a 9-8 WKU loss against Belmont

Brad Stephens
March 31, 2011

WKU tallies just three hit in 3-1 loss at No. 23 Louisville

Brad Stephens
March 30, 2011

Tops hoping to deliver payback to Cards tonight

Brad Stephens
March 29, 2011

FIU beats WKU 9-8 in extras to issue Toppers first Sun Belt loss

Brad Stephens
March 27, 2011

WKU beats FIU 6-4, improves Sun Belt record to 5-0

Brad Stephens
March 27, 2011

Defense, pitching duo lead WKU to road win over FIU

Brad Stephens
March 26, 2011
WKU's Justin Hageman delivers a pitch during Saturday's game against Middle Tennessee. Hageman is 3-2 this season as a freshman starting pitcher.

Hageman off to fast start for Toppers

Brad Stephens
March 25, 2011
WKU infielder Ivan Hartle, junior, tags second base before the runner from Austin Peay could get there in Tuesday's game at Nick Denes Field. WKU won the game 5-2.

Dykes leads WKU in 5-2 win over Austin Peay

Brad Stephens
March 23, 2011
Ivan Hartle slides into first base during a pick-off play during Sunday's game against Middle Tennessee. The Toppers beat MTSU 5-4, sweeping the weekend series.

WKU begins Sun Belt play with sweep of MTSU

Brad Stephens
March 22, 2011
Ivan Hartle slides into first base during a pick-off play during Sunday's game against Middle Tennessee. The Toppers beat MTSU 5-4, sweeping the weekend series.

WKU uses five-run sixth to clinch sweep of MTSU, 5-4

Brad Stephens
March 21, 2011
WKU's Ivan Hartle celebrates with his teammate Chris Bullard after scoring a run in Saturday's game against Middle Tennessee. The Toppers host Austin Peay at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

WKU finally flashes home power in 10-4 win over MTSU

Brad Stephens
March 20, 2011
Sophomore pitcher Tanner Perkins warms up during Friday's game against Middle Tennessee. WKU won 5-2.

Perkins has another dominating performance; WKU beats MTSU, 5-2

Brad Stephens
March 19, 2011
Junior outfielder Jared Andreoli scores in the ninth inning after a wild pitch by Belmont freshman pitcher Blake Harvey at Shelby Park in Nashville last Tuesday. WKU won 11-6.

Tops begin conference play with rival MTSU

Brad Stephens
March 18, 2011
Sophomore pitcher Tanner Perkins has stepped into the role of WKU's No. 1 pitcher this season. Perkins, who first bonded with WKU pitching coach Matt Myers while fishing on a recruiting visit, is 3-1 this year as the Toppers' Friday night starter.

Fishing outing lands WKU its No. 1 pitcher

Brad Stephens
March 18, 2011
Junior outfielder Jared Andreoli scores in the ninth inning after a wild pitch by Belmont freshman pitcher Blake Harvey at Shelby Park in Nashville on Tuesday. WKU won 11-6.

WKU beats Belmont 11-6 in last game before conference play begins

Brad Stephens
March 16, 2011
Sophomore pitcher Tanner Perkins pitches against Illinois during Friday’s home game. Perkins pitched a complete game in WKU’s 3-1 win, and the Toppers went on to take two of the series' three games.

Tops enjoy series victory at the Nick after long road trip

Brad Stephens
March 15, 2011

WKU’s bats come alive in 13-5 win over Illinois

Brad Stephens
March 14, 2011

WKU takes first home defeat of the year with 9-5 loss to Illinois

Brad Stephens
March 13, 2011
Sophomore pitcher Tanner Perkins pitches against the Illinois during Friday's home game. Perkins pitched a complete game in WKU's 3-1 win.

WKU nabs 3-1 win over Illinois behind Perkins’ complete game

Brad Stephens
March 12, 2011

WKU ends road trip with 7-3 victory over Ole Miss

Brad Stephens
March 10, 2011

Notes: Toppers ready to battle Ole Miss

Brad Stephens
March 8, 2011

WKU scores 25 runs, but still splits Saturday doubleheader

Brad Stephens
March 6, 2011
WKU's dugout watches Vanderbilt celebrate at home plate after the Toppers' loss in Nashville on Tuesday evening. WKU lost 6-5.

Controversial ending gives Vanderbilt a 6-5 win over WKU

Brad Stephens
March 2, 2011

WKU set to take on No. 2 Vanderbilt

Brad Stephens
March 1, 2011
Juniors Ryan Hutchison, left, and Ivan Hartle are Topper baseball newcomers but have been playing baseball together for three years now. The two players transferred to WKU from Iowa Western Community College this year.

Topper transfers tearing through opposition

Brad Stephens
February 25, 2011

WKU uses manufactured runs and bullpen to beat Lipscomb, 6-3

Brad Stephens
February 24, 2011

Baseball notes: Toppers take to the road for first time in 2011

Brad Stephens
February 23, 2011
Junior Logan Robbins hits a line drive toward third base, almost hitting junior Kes Carter during Sunday's game against Bowling Green State. The Toppers won 12-3, sweeping BGSU in three games during their opening weekend.

Deep Topper lineup provides plenty of offense in weekend sweep

Brad Stephens
February 22, 2011
Junior outfielder Kes Carter embraces a fan after the Toppers' win over Bowling Green State on Saturday at Denes Field. Carter went 3-for-5 with an RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 12-3 win, helping WKU finish a three-game sweep of BGSU.

WKU gets blowout win to clinch sweep in opening series

Brad Stephens
February 21, 2011
Senior outfielder Matt Bracken narrowly gets to first base before BGSU pitcher Cody Apthorpe throws to Clay Duncan during the fifth inning of WKU's game against the Falcons Saturday at Nick Denes Field. WKU won, 8-7.

Toppers claim 8-7 win on Rice’s walk-off hit

Brad Stephens
February 20, 2011

Notes: Hutchison enjoys solid Topper debut

Brad Stephens
February 19, 2011

Toppers blow out Bowling Green State, 12-1, on Opening Day

Brad Stephens
February 19, 2011
WKU will opt for young pitching rotation on opening weekend

WKU will opt for young pitching rotation on opening weekend

Brad Stephens
February 18, 2011
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