General | 11/2/2026 12:02:00 PM

November 2, 2026-This is a big week for Emporia State Athletics with the final home volleyball and football games of the season along, soccer and cross country at the MIAA Championships and the public debut of Hornet and Lady Hornet basketball.
 
The week begins with Hornet Talk on Monday at 627 Event Space as Emporia State football coach along with quarterback Jamison Sarver and Recruiting/Operations GA Josh Praml preview this weekend's Turnpike Tussle.
 
Fans will get a chance to look at this year's edition of the Lady Hornet and Hornet basketball teams during Late Night at White on Wednesday, November 4.  Both teams will be introduced to the public, there will be conversations with selected players, three-point contests, dunk contests, a ten minute scrimmage by both teams, performances by the ESU Cheer and Stingers Dance Teams, a chance to win a custom basketball jersey from Corky's Threads, and several contests for ESU students throughout the night.
 
The Hornet soccer team will take on Washburn at 3:00 p.m. on Friday in the MIAA Tournament Semifinals at Stryker Soccer Complex in Wichita, Kan. ESU has advanced to the semifinals for the second straight year and seventh time in the last eight seasons.
 
The #12 Emporia State volleyball team will begin the final weekend of the regular season on Friday night against Northwest Missouri.  First serve from White Auditorium is set for 6:00 p.m.
 
Saturday will start out the Hornet cross country teams running in the MIAA Championships.  The men will run first at 10:00 a.m. with the women set to follow at 11:00 a.m. on the MWSU Cross Country Course in St. Joseph, Mo.
 
Double header home action begins on Saturday when the #15 Emporia State football team entertains Washburn in the 122^nd edition of the Turnpike Tussle. It is the final regular season home game for the Hornets and will also be ESU's Salute To Service game. Kick off for the second most played rivalry game in NCAA Division II is at 1:00 p.m. on Blackcreek Diesel Field at Welch Stadium. 
 
Fans with a ticket to the Turnpike Tussle will gain free admission that night to the #12 Hornet volleyball teams final home match when they play host to #10 Missouri Western in a key MIAA and Central Region match up. First serve from White Auditorium is set for 7:00 p.m.
 
Fans can follow all of the Emporia State Athletic action at esuhornets.com, on the ESU Hornets app, or by following on the Hornets social media channels. Tickets for home events are available at esuhornets.com under the ticket tab.