Good afternoon Wildcat Nation,

Thank you for your continued support of K-State athletics and our 440 student-athletes and our 16 teams.

A few moments ago, we wrapped up a news conference in the Legends Room at Bramlage Coliseum to address the status of our men's basketball program.  As you are aware, Coach Martin has resigned his position as head coach.

Coach Martin's contract called for a renegotiation period to begin on April 1, but almost two months ago we offered Coach Martin the opportunity to begin discussions on a significant enhancement and extension of his contract.  His decision, which we respected, was to wait until the end of the season to begin those conversations and in our frequent subsequent discussions he maintained that position.  On Friday, I received a call from South Carolina AD Eric Hyman informing me of their interest in Coach Martin.  Later that evening I received a request from Coach Martin indicating that his representatives had been in touch with South Carolina and he wished to speak with South Carolina and intended to take the position if offered.  Yesterday afternoon Coach Martin informed me that he had accepted the position at South Carolina and was resigning his position at K-State.

We wish him the best and offer our appreciation for all he and his staff have accomplished for our basketball program, athletics department and university during his time as head coach.

Dear Wildcat Nation,

Greetings from the Little Apple! After several days of needed rain showers, it appears we are in store for a beautiful spring weekend as we host events in baseball and tennis.
 
It certainly has been a great year so far for our athletics program: in fact, did you know that K-State is one of only five schools in the country this year that went to a bowl game and picked up wins in the NCAA volleyball and both basketball championships? And, we still have the remainder of the spring season to add to those accolades as baseball, tennis, golf, track and field, rowing and equestrian continue their schedules.

Good evening K-State Fans!

After the flight home Tuesday from Connecticut with our women's basketball team I have been back in the office going through the usual accumulation that results from a week on the road!  Before I dig into the next stack, I do want to take a moment to offer my congratulations to both our basketball teams on another terrific season for each.  Not only did both programs reach the 20-win mark again, but K-State was one of only 10 schools in the nation this year to have both its men's and women's teams win games in the NCAA tournament.  I am very proud of the hard work of our student-athletes and coaches as we enjoy continued success both on the court and in the classroom.

As many of you are aware, we experienced a very unfortunate off-court issue last weekend involving our basketball student-athlete Jamar Samuels, and I want to take a minute to help our fans understand NCAA rules and processes related to situations like this.

Greetings from Kansas City!

In just a few hours, we will head over to historic Municipal Auditorium for our women's Big 12 semifinal basketball matchup with No. 1 Baylor. If you are in the Kansas City area, come cheer on Coach Patterson's squad following our big win over Iowa State yesterday. If you cannot make it to the game, tune in to Fox Sports Net at noon for a live telecast or listen along the K-State Sports Network.

Thanks to all the fans that made it to either one or both Thursday matchups in Kansas City - we are pleased with not only the performance of both of our teams this season but also the continued fan support that makes Bramlage Coliseum and both venues in Kansas City such a tremendous home court advantage.

I'm proud of the leadership of both our coaches and the perseverance of our teams. In a conference as tough as the Big 12 there are going to be inevitable ups and downs - but did you know that K-State is the only school in the league to have both men's and women's teams finish in the top five for two consecutive years? Coach Patterson is now one win away from her ninth 20th-win season and Coach Martin has had five straight 20-win seasons. In fact, in men's basketball over that time frame KU and K-State rank first and second in total Big 12 wins!

• Mother's love sparks Samuels, K-State on senior day (Salina Journal)