Washburn University basketball coach Brett Ballard seriously injured in Kansas car crash

On Tuesday night, Brett Ballard, 46, head coach of the Washburn University men’s basketball team, was seriously injured after his Ford F‑150 left I‑470 on the Kansas turnpike near Topeka, struck a delineator post, the embankment and a bridge pillar. He was wearing a seatbelt; no other vehicles were involved.

Washburn President JuliAnn Mazachek released a statement expressing sorrow and asking the community to keep Ballard and his family in their thoughts while respecting their privacy. Football coach Zach Watkins also offered prayers and support. Ballard, a former Kansas Jayhawks player who was part of the 2002 Final Four team, has led Washburn for nine seasons with a record of roughly 198‑81 (.710) and multiple NCAA Division II tournament appearances.