Greetings Wildcat Nation!

Let's start by congratulating Deb Patterson and the K-State women's basketball team for their win over Marist in New York last night which improves the Wildcats' record to 9-3 on the year. Coach Patterson's charges return home to open Big 12 play against defending NCAA champion Texas A&M next Wednesday, January 4, at a special start time of 5:30 p.m. A Wildcat Weekday 4-Pack, which includes four tickets, four concession vouchers for chips, drinks and a hot dog, is available for as little as $30 - come out and support the Cats!

On the Road at Christmastime
I hope that K-Staters everywhere have had a happy and safe holiday season. The Currie family had the good fortune to roll out to Colorado for a few days over Christmas. We drove back on Tuesday, December 27, which happened to be a beautiful sunny day. Anytime I make that drive, passing through great Kansas towns like Goodland, Colby, Hays, Russell, etc, I love seeing the crop fields, elevators, oil rigs, corrals and now windmills that cover the landscape - all representing the hard work and productivity of the people of our state. I also think about the many, many hours K-State's great fans spend on the road coming to Manhattan to support the Cats throughout the year!

Today's Top News Stories from local and national media:

• Spradling's father prepared son early (GoPowercat.com)

Today's Top News Stories from Local and National Media:

• K-State announces annual football awards (GoPowercat.com)
• Cotton Bowl excited for tilt (Manhattan Mercury)

Top News Stories on K-State from local and national media:

• Martin: I don't worry about Rodney (GoPowercat.com)
• Wildcats' Kabalis returns home for NCAA volleyball tournament (Manhattan Mecury)

Wildcat Nation,

Greetings from 36,000 feet as I type from seat 24D on my way from New York to Chicago to catch a flight to Wichita and tonight's Wildcat Classic at INTRUST Bank Arena.

We are excited to have a capacity crowd for the matchup with future Big 12 foe West Virginia on ESPN2 at 8 p.m.  Thanks are in order to Mayor Carl Brewer and the greater Wichita community for the warm way they have welcomed both teams.  This afternoon our legendary Alumni Association CEO Amy Button Renz was present for Mayor Brewer's naming of "Wildcat Way" outside the INTRUST Bank Arena.

Good Evening K-State Fans!

It has been a great weekend to be a Wildcat with big wins by our women's volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball and football teams - including Coach Fritz's squad's upset of No. 2 Nebraska (to advance to the NCAA volleyball Sweet 16), and Coach Snyder's football charges capturing their 10th win of the season over Iowa State on senior day. Thanks to all the fans that braved the weather conditions on Saturday - you made a big difference, as you have all season, in yet another courageous win by our student-athletes!

Good morning Wildcats,

Last week, the Big 12 Conference family suffered a terrible loss when Oklahoma State head women's basketball coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna died in a plane accident while returning from a recruiting trip. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with their families as well as the entire Oklahoma State community during these tough circumstances. Memorial services were held yesterday in Stillwater with Coach Deb Patterson and Associate Athletics Director Chad Weiberg making the trip down to represent Kansas State University and pay their respects.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holidays, it has been a very busy yet exciting month around the department.

Top K-State news stories from local and national media:

• Klein's will powers K-State win (GoPowercat.com)

Good Morning K-State Nation!

Now that we're well into November and it seems that there is a K-State athletic event almost every day, I am reminded each day how lucky I am to be your Athletics Director. Remember that this month is also critical for our student-athletes as they complete term assignments and get ready for December's final exams.

From the Mailbag...
This morning I want to share with you a few emails I received earlier this week. The first is going to make you proud.

K-State top news stories from local and national media:

• Malone honors friend by wearing No. 24 (GoPowercat.com)
• As college football teams switch up uniforms, K-State sticks to classic look (KC Star)
• White aims to become better scorer for Cats (Manhattan Mercury)
• Lockett stays locked in during freshman season (Wichita Eagle)