TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has been convicted on two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.

Tuscaloosa County District Judge Joanne Jannik sentenced Buggs on July 19 to a year of hard labor, ordering him to serve 60 days. The rest would be suspended for two years “pending the behavior of the defendant."

Buggs, 27, also is not allowed to have or be around firearms or own dogs or cats.

The Chiefs released the former Alabama player on June 24, eight days after his second recent arrest in Alabama. He was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Former Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has been convicted on two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty charges.Tuscaloosa County District Judge Joanne Jannik sentenced Buggs on July 19 to a year of hard labor, ordering him to serve 60 days. The rest would be suspended for two years “pending the behavior of the defendant."Buggs, 27, also is not allowed to have or be around firearms or own dogs or cats.The Chiefs released the former Alabama player on June 24, eight days after his second recent arrest in Alabama. He was arrested on a charge of domestic violence/burglary and released on a $5,000 bond, according to records from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

Former Chiefs lineman Isaiah Buggs sentenced to hard labor

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas Athletics is excited to announce details for the KU Student Bus Program in an effort to provide a free mode of transportation to and from Kansas City on home football gamedays. In conjunction with KU Parking and Transportation, Student Union Activities, First Student bus company and Event Transport Solutions, Kansas Athletics will provide safe and seamless transportation opportunities for students to and from Children's Mercy Park and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

"With the continued momentum and trajectory for Kansas Football, it is critical that we create the very best homefield advantage this fall in Kansas City," Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Over the past couple of seasons, our students have risen to the occasion and their attendance and passion will make an even greater difference this fall. This well thought out and robust busing program provides a safe and efficient option for students to attend our games in full force. We are challenging our student body to make a strong statement of support while also enjoying a one-of-a-kind chance to cheer on their Jayhawks in two iconic Kansas City venues."

Students will be able to register and reserve their seat on buses on a first-come, first-served basis through the CORQ campus events app or Rock Chalk Central. From there, students will be able to designate the pick-up location and time that works best for them, with the first wave of buses leaving approximately 3 hours before kick. Times of departure could vary based on day of the week and kick time. There will be two pick-up and drop-off locations, one on the west side of campus and one on the east side. Pick up locations may vary based on the game date and other events going on around campus.

Registration on the app will be promoted and live for the first two games at Children's Mercy Park in early August, with future game registration to be announced later. With limited seats available through the transportation program, students are encouraged to follow Kansas Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and X as well as purchase their Student Combo Pass to receive email communication and updates. The goal is to provide transportation for at least 1,000 students per game, but that could fluctuate depending on demand and bus and bus driver availability.

In addition to student transportation opportunities, Kansas Athletics and SUA will provide free food on a first-come first-served basis, and activities in tailgating areas for students at each venue. At Children's Mercy Park, the Fanfest location will be in the Mazuma Plaza and at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, it will be in lot M. Additionally, student giveaways will be present at every home game, also given out on a first-come, first served basis. Children's Mercy Park will feature an in-venue hospitality space for students adjacent to the seating sections that will be part of the ingress path into the student section. The area will feature air conditioning, TV's, restrooms and elevated food and beverage options for purchase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721995741699.jpeg" alt="Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas Athletics is excited to announce details for the KU Student Bus Program in an effort to provide a free mode of transportation to and from Kansas City on home football gamedays. In conjunction with KU Parking and Transportation, Student Union Activities, First Student bus company and Event Transport Solutions, Kansas Athletics will provide safe and seamless transportation opportunities for students to and from Children's Mercy Park and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium."With the continued momentum and trajectory for Kansas Football, it is critical that we create the very best homefield advantage this fall in Kansas City," Director of Athletics Travis Goff said. "Over the past couple of seasons, our students have risen to the occasion and their attendance and passion will make an even greater difference this fall. This well thought out and robust busing program provides a safe and efficient option for students to attend our games in full force. We are challenging our student body to make a strong statement of support while also enjoying a one-of-a-kind chance to cheer on their Jayhawks in two iconic Kansas City venues."Students will be able to register and reserve their seat on buses on a first-come, first-served basis through the CORQ campus events app or Rock Chalk Central. From there, students will be able to designate the pick-up location and time that works best for them, with the first wave of buses leaving approximately 3 hours before kick. Times of departure could vary based on day of the week and kick time. There will be two pick-up and drop-off locations, one on the west side of campus and one on the east side. Pick up locations may vary based on the game date and other events going on around campus.Registration on the app will be promoted and live for the first two games at Children's Mercy Park in early August, with future game registration to be announced later. With limited seats available through the transportation program, students are encouraged to follow Kansas Athletics on Facebook, Instagram and X as well as purchase their Student Combo Pass to receive email communication and updates. The goal is to provide transportation for at least 1,000 students per game, but that could fluctuate depending on demand and bus and bus driver availability.In addition to student transportation opportunities, Kansas Athletics and SUA will provide free food on a first-come first-served basis, and activities in tailgating areas for students at each venue. At Children's Mercy Park, the Fanfest location will be in the Mazuma Plaza and at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, it will be in lot M. Additionally, student giveaways will be present at every home game, also given out on a first-come, first served basis. Children's Mercy Park will feature an in-venue hospitality space for students adjacent to the seating sections that will be part of the ingress path into the student section. The area will feature air conditioning, TV's, restrooms and elevated food and beverage options for purchase.

Kansas Athletics to Provide Student Transportation During 2024 FB Season

Schedule and Scores Thursday, July 25th Hutchinson Monarchs- 5 TPA Texas- 2 Seattle Cheney Studs- 9 Tulsa Sandlot- 0 (8 innings)

Friday, July 26th 12pm: Lonestar Baseball Club vs Kansas Cannons 3 pm: Seattle Blackfins vs Haysville Aviators 6 pm: GPS Legends vs Santa Barbara Foresters 8:30 pm: Air Capital Flyers vs. Hays Larks Saturday, July 27&nbsp;(Baseball ‘Round the Clock) 12 pm: Boulder Collegians vs San Diego Stars 3 pm: Derby Twins vs Liberal Bee Jays 6 pm: Seattle Cheney Studs vs TPA Texas 9 pm: Seattle Blackfins vs Santa Barbara Foresters Midnight: Hutchinson Monarchs vs Tulsa Sandlot Pool Play Records Pool A Hutchinson Monarchs 1-0 Seattle Cheney Studs 1-0 TPA Texas 0-1 Tulsa Sandlot 0-1 Pool B GPS Legends Haysville Aviators Santa Barbara Foresters Seattle Blackfins Pool C Boulder Collegians Derby Twins Liberal Bee Jays San Diego Stars Pool D Air Capital Flyers Hays Larks Kansas Cannons Lonestar Baseball Club TEAMS&nbsp; Hutchinson Monarchs – Jayhawk League – 2023 NBC champions Santa Barbara Foresters – California Collegiate League&nbsp; Seattle Cheney Studs – Pacific International League Seattle Black Fins – Pacific International League Boulder Collegians – Mile High Collegiate Baseball League Haysville Aviators – Jayhawk League Top Prospect Academy Texas -Stan Musial Texas World Series Champion Liberal Bee Jays – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League Hays Larks – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League San Diego Stars- Western Baseball Association Lonestar Baseball Club – North – CenTex Collegiate Baseball League Kansas Cannons – Jayhawk League Tulsa Sandlot – AABC – Stan Musial Oklahoma World Series Champion GPS Legends – CenTex Collegiate Baseball League Derby Twins – Jayhawk League Air Capital Flyers – Hap Dumont Tournament Winner&nbsp;&nbsp;

Schedule and Scores Thursday, July 25th Hutchinson Monarchs- 5 TPA Texas- 2 Seattle Cheney Studs- 9 Tulsa Sandlot- 0 (8 innings)Friday, July 26th 12pm: Lonestar Baseball Club vs Kansas Cannons 3 pm: Seattle Blackfins vs Haysville Aviators 6 pm: GPS Legends vs Santa Barbara Foresters 8:30 pm: Air Capital Flyers vs. Hays Larks Saturday, July 27&nbsp;(Baseball ‘Round the Clock) 12 pm: Boulder Collegians vs San Diego Stars 3 pm: Derby Twins vs Liberal Bee Jays 6 pm: Seattle Cheney Studs vs TPA Texas 9 pm: Seattle Blackfins vs Santa Barbara Foresters Midnight: Hutchinson Monarchs vs Tulsa Sandlot Pool Play Records Pool A Hutchinson Monarchs 1-0 Seattle Cheney Studs 1-0 TPA Texas 0-1 Tulsa Sandlot 0-1 Pool B GPS Legends Haysville Aviators Santa Barbara Foresters Seattle Blackfins Pool C Boulder Collegians Derby Twins Liberal Bee Jays San Diego Stars Pool D Air Capital Flyers Hays Larks Kansas Cannons Lonestar Baseball Club TEAMS&nbsp; Hutchinson Monarchs – Jayhawk League – 2023 NBC champions Santa Barbara Foresters – California Collegiate League&nbsp; Seattle Cheney Studs – Pacific International League Seattle Black Fins – Pacific International League Boulder Collegians – Mile High Collegiate Baseball League Haysville Aviators – Jayhawk League Top Prospect Academy Texas -Stan Musial Texas World Series Champion Liberal Bee Jays – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League Hays Larks – Rocky Mountain Collegiate Baseball League San Diego Stars- Western Baseball Association Lonestar Baseball Club – North – CenTex Collegiate Baseball League Kansas Cannons – Jayhawk League Tulsa Sandlot – AABC – Stan Musial Oklahoma World Series Champion GPS Legends – CenTex Collegiate Baseball League Derby Twins – Jayhawk League Air Capital Flyers – Hap Dumont Tournament Winner&nbsp;&nbsp;

NBC World Series  - Schedule/Scores

AMERICAN LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBBaltimore	61	41	.598	—New
York	60	44	.577	2Boston	54	47	.535	6½Tampa
Bay	52	51	.505	9½Toronto	46	56	.451	15Central DivisionCleveland	61	41	.598	—Minnesota	56	45	.554	4½Kansas
City	56	47	.544	5½Detroit	51	53	.490	11Chicago	27	78	.257	35½West DivisionHouston	53	49	.520	—Seattle	53	51	.510	1Texas	51	52	.495	2½Los
Angeles	45	58	.437	8½Oakland	42	63	.400	12½NATIONAL LEAGUEEast DivisionW	L	Pct	GBPhiladelphia	64	38	.627	—Atlanta	54	47	.535	9½New
York	54	48	.529	10Washington	47	56	.456	17½Miami	37	66	.359	27½Central DivisionMilwaukee	59	43	.578	—St.
Louis	53	49	.520	6Pittsburgh	52	50	.510	7Cincinnati	49	53	.480	10Chicago	49	55	.471	11West DivisionLos
Angeles	62	42	.596	—San
Diego	55	50	.524	7½Arizona	53	50	.515	8½San
Francisco	49	55	.471	13

MLB Standings

Friday, July 26 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Saturday, July 27 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Sunday, July 28 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball - NY Yankees @ Boston Monday, July 29 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox Tuesday, July 30 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox Wednesday, July 31 12:30PM1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox Thursday, August 1 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit Friday, August 2 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit Saturday, August 3 4:30PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit Sunday, August 4 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball - St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs Monday, August 5 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Boston @ Kansas City Tuesday, August 6 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Boston @ Kansas City Wednesday, August 7 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Boston @ Kansas City

Friday, July 26 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Saturday, July 27 5:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City Sunday, July 28 12:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Chicago Cubs @ Kansas City 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball - NY Yankees @ Boston Monday, July 29 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox Tuesday, July 30 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox Wednesday, July 31 12:30PM1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Chicago White Sox Thursday, August 1 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit Friday, August 2 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit Saturday, August 3 4:30PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit Sunday, August 4 12:00PM 1590/95.5FM-Royals Baseball-Kansas City @ Detroit 5:00PM 1590/95.5FM - Major League Baseball - St. Louis @ Chicago Cubs Monday, August 5 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Boston @ Kansas City Tuesday, August 6 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Boston @ Kansas City Wednesday, August 7 6:30PM 1590/95.5FM - Royals Baseball - Boston @ Kansas City

Eagle Radio and Hull Broadcasting PBP Schedule

WASHINGTON (AP) —
Dylan Cease pitched the second no-hitter in San Diego Padres history,
a 3-0 win over the Washington Nationals that completed a three-game
sweep. After falling one out short of a no-hitter two years ago when
he gave up a single to current teammate Luis Arráez, Cease
accomplished the feat when he retired CJ Abrams on a game-ending
flyout to right. Cease struck out nine and walked three in his third
complete game in 145 starts. He threw a career-high 114 pitches. Joe
Musgrove pitched the Padres’ first no-hitter against Texas on April
9, 2021.

LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Clayton Kershaw allowed two runs over four innings in his return from
shoulder surgery, Nick Ahmed and Shohei Ohtani homered on consecutive
pitches in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San
Francisco Giants 6-4. Kershaw made his first big league appearance
since last October’s NL Division Series opener against Arizona, Ge
had surgery on Nov. 3 to repair ligaments in his shoulder capsule.
Against the Giants, the 36-year-old left-hander gave up six hits,
struck out six and walked two.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)
— Oakland Athletics All-Star closer Mason Miller broke the pinky
finger on his non-pitching hand when he pounded a table in
frustration after he was reminded he had to do postgame lifting
following Monday night’s game against Houston. The 25-year-old
right-hander, the hardest-throwing pitcher in the major leagues and
the subject of trade speculation, was put on the 15-day injured list
retroactive to Tuesday. MLB.com reported Miller was injured putting
his hand down awkwardly on the training table while getting ready to
do an exercise, based on what it said was information from his
representative. MLB.com clarified its report after manager Mark
Kotsay said that account was incorrect.

PARIS (AP) — Paris
has long been a city of dreamers: Just look at the Eiffel Tower, for
decades the world’s loftiest structure. But France’s capital is
aiming higher still with its first Olympic Games in a century, which
open Friday. The most audacious Olympic opening ceremony ever — a
gala spectacular on the River Seine that even French President
Emmanuel Macron says initially felt like “a crazy and not very
serious idea” — kicks off 16 days of competition that promise to
be ground-breaking. Expect a heady blend of Olympic sports, iconic
Paris monuments and France’s famous “savoir faire” in its
world-renowned capital of fashion, gastronomy and culture could help
secure the Games’ longer-term future. But Paris’ challenges are
huge, too.

GAINESVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — College football players are finally getting to be
themselves — or play against themselves — in one of the hottest
video games on the planet. EA Sports College Football 25 released on
Friday as schools across the country threw parties, tournaments and
fan events with their teams to celebrate. Florida gave The Associated
Press a behind-the-scenes look this week at teammates squaring off on
a big screen during the team’s annual photo shoot. Freshman
quarterback DJ Lagway grabbed a controller, settled comfortably into
a leather stool and immediately started to adjust Florida’s roster.
There was only one move to make. Lagway benched Graham Mertz and
inserted himself into the lineup.

OXNARD, Calif. (AP)
— The Dallas Cowboys started training camp in Oxnard, Calif., on
Thursday with contractual uncertainty around quarterback Dak
Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons, but
owner and general manager Jerry Jones is more worried about getting
over the hump in the playoffs than resolving those financials
questions. The Cowboys have reached the postseason in three straight
seasons, but lost 48-32 to the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild-card
game at home in January. They have not reached the NFC title game
since winning the Super Bowl after the 1995 season.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP)
— No charges have been filed, and Von Miller says he considers the
case of him allegedly assaulting his pregnant girlfriend as being
closed based on feedback the Buffalo Bills edge rusher got from his
legal representatives. Miller says he can now solely focus on
football. A message left with the Dallas district attorney’s office
seeking an update on the matter was not immediately returned. The
NFL, which was conducting its own investigation, also did not
immediately reply to a request seeking comment. Miller turned himself
in to police in suburban Dallas on Nov. 30 after being accused by
police of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman.

LAKE FOREST, Ill.
(AP) — Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has arranged to take
leave from training camp and is heading to Paris Monday night to
watch his wife Simone Biles compete for the U.S. gymnastics team.
Owens, who signed with Chicago in free agency after a year in Green
Bay, didn't get the chance to see Biles compete at the last Olympics
due to the pandemic. He has the support of Bears coaches, players and
management. The Bears had a player's relative win an Olympic medal in
each of the previous two Summer Games. Owens and Biles married last
year. She won three gold medals at the Rio Games in 2016.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —
Dylan Cease pitched the second no-hitter in San Diego Padres history,
a 3-0 win over the Washington Nationals that completed a three-game
sweep. After falling one out short of a no-hitter two years ago when
he gave up a single to current teammate Luis Arráez, Cease
accomplished the feat when he retired CJ Abrams on a game-ending
flyout to right. Cease struck out nine and walked three in his third
complete game in 145 starts. He threw a career-high 114 pitches. Joe
Musgrove pitched the Padres’ first no-hitter against Texas on April
9, 2021.LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Clayton Kershaw allowed two runs over four innings in his return from
shoulder surgery, Nick Ahmed and Shohei Ohtani homered on consecutive
pitches in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San
Francisco Giants 6-4. Kershaw made his first big league appearance
since last October’s NL Division Series opener against Arizona, Ge
had surgery on Nov. 3 to repair ligaments in his shoulder capsule.
Against the Giants, the 36-year-old left-hander gave up six hits,
struck out six and walked two.ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)
— Oakland Athletics All-Star closer Mason Miller broke the pinky
finger on his non-pitching hand when he pounded a table in
frustration after he was reminded he had to do postgame lifting
following Monday night’s game against Houston. The 25-year-old
right-hander, the hardest-throwing pitcher in the major leagues and
the subject of trade speculation, was put on the 15-day injured list
retroactive to Tuesday. MLB.com reported Miller was injured putting
his hand down awkwardly on the training table while getting ready to
do an exercise, based on what it said was information from his
representative. MLB.com clarified its report after manager Mark
Kotsay said that account was incorrect.PARIS (AP) — Paris
has long been a city of dreamers: Just look at the Eiffel Tower, for
decades the world’s loftiest structure. But France’s capital is
aiming higher still with its first Olympic Games in a century, which
open Friday. The most audacious Olympic opening ceremony ever — a
gala spectacular on the River Seine that even French President
Emmanuel Macron says initially felt like “a crazy and not very
serious idea” — kicks off 16 days of competition that promise to
be ground-breaking. Expect a heady blend of Olympic sports, iconic
Paris monuments and France’s famous “savoir faire” in its
world-renowned capital of fashion, gastronomy and culture could help
secure the Games’ longer-term future. But Paris’ challenges are
huge, too.GAINESVILLE, Fla.
(AP) — College football players are finally getting to be
themselves — or play against themselves — in one of the hottest
video games on the planet. EA Sports College Football 25 released on
Friday as schools across the country threw parties, tournaments and
fan events with their teams to celebrate. Florida gave The Associated
Press a behind-the-scenes look this week at teammates squaring off on
a big screen during the team’s annual photo shoot. Freshman
quarterback DJ Lagway grabbed a controller, settled comfortably into
a leather stool and immediately started to adjust Florida’s roster.
There was only one move to make. Lagway benched Graham Mertz and
inserted himself into the lineup.OXNARD, Calif. (AP)
— The Dallas Cowboys started training camp in Oxnard, Calif., on
Thursday with contractual uncertainty around quarterback Dak
Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons, but
owner and general manager Jerry Jones is more worried about getting
over the hump in the playoffs than resolving those financials
questions. The Cowboys have reached the postseason in three straight
seasons, but lost 48-32 to the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild-card
game at home in January. They have not reached the NFC title game
since winning the Super Bowl after the 1995 season.PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP)
— No charges have been filed, and Von Miller says he considers the
case of him allegedly assaulting his pregnant girlfriend as being
closed based on feedback the Buffalo Bills edge rusher got from his
legal representatives. Miller says he can now solely focus on
football. A message left with the Dallas district attorney’s office
seeking an update on the matter was not immediately returned. The
NFL, which was conducting its own investigation, also did not
immediately reply to a request seeking comment. Miller turned himself
in to police in suburban Dallas on Nov. 30 after being accused by
police of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman.LAKE FOREST, Ill.
(AP) — Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has arranged to take
leave from training camp and is heading to Paris Monday night to
watch his wife Simone Biles compete for the U.S. gymnastics team.
Owens, who signed with Chicago in free agency after a year in Green
Bay, didn't get the chance to see Biles compete at the last Olympics
due to the pandemic. He has the support of Bears coaches, players and
management. The Bears had a player's relative win an Olympic medal in
each of the previous two Summer Games. Owens and Biles married last
year. She won three gold medals at the Rio Games in 2016.THURSDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Baltimore	7	Miami	6	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Detroit	3	Cleveland	0	Final	Texas	2	Chicago
White Sox	1	Final	Tampa
Bay	13	Toronto	0	Final	Oakland	6	L.A.
Angels	5	NATIONAL LEAGUEFinal	San
Diego	3	Washington	0	Final	L.A.
Dodgers	6	San Francisco	4

Friday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

The Kansas City
Royals host the Chicago Cubs to open a three-game series.

Chicago Cubs (49-55,
fifth in the NL Central) vs. Kansas City Royals (56-47, third in the
AL Central)

Kansas City,
Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDT

PITCHING
PROBABLES: Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (2-8, 6.69 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 52
strikeouts); Royals: Brady Singer (6-6, 3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 106
strikeouts)

BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Royals -148, Cubs +124; over/under is 9 runs

BOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals host the Chicago Cubs to begin a three-game
series.

Kansas City has gone
35-20 at home and 56-47 overall. Royals pitchers have a collective
3.76 ERA, which ranks ninth in MLB play.

Chicago has a 49-55
record overall and a 22-30 record in road games. The Cubs are 37-20
in games when they record eight or more hits.

The teams meet
Friday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Salvador Perez leads Kansas City with 18 home runs while slugging
.469. Bobby Witt Jr. is 21-for-39 with three home runs and nine RBI
over the last 10 games.

Christopher Morel
leads Chicago with 18 home runs while slugging .375. Seiya Suzuki is
10-for-38 with two home runs and five RBI over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 6-4, .290 batting average, 3.48 ERA, outscored
opponents by 16 runs

Cubs: 4-6,
.237 batting average, 2.73 ERA, outscored by five runs

INJURIES:
Royals: MJ Melendez: 10-Day IL (ankle), Dan Altavilla: 60-Day
IL (oblique), Josh Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL
(shoulder)

By The Associated
PressThe Kansas City
Royals host the Chicago Cubs to open a three-game series.Chicago Cubs (49-55,
fifth in the NL Central) vs. Kansas City Royals (56-47, third in the
AL Central)Kansas City,
Missouri; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING
PROBABLES: Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (2-8, 6.69 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 52
strikeouts); Royals: Brady Singer (6-6, 3.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 106
strikeouts)BETMGM
SPORTSBOOK: LINE Royals -148, Cubs +124; over/under is 9 runsBOTTOM LINE:
The Kansas City Royals host the Chicago Cubs to begin a three-game
series.Kansas City has gone
35-20 at home and 56-47 overall. Royals pitchers have a collective
3.76 ERA, which ranks ninth in MLB play.Chicago has a 49-55
record overall and a 22-30 record in road games. The Cubs are 37-20
in games when they record eight or more hits.The teams meet
Friday for the first time this season.TOP PERFORMERS:
Salvador Perez leads Kansas City with 18 home runs while slugging
.469. Bobby Witt Jr. is 21-for-39 with three home runs and nine RBI
over the last 10 games.Christopher Morel
leads Chicago with 18 home runs while slugging .375. Seiya Suzuki is
10-for-38 with two home runs and five RBI over the past 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES:
Royals: 6-4, .290 batting average, 3.48 ERA, outscored
opponents by 16 runsCubs: 4-6,
.237 batting average, 2.73 ERA, outscored by five runsINJURIES:
Royals: MJ Melendez: 10-Day IL (ankle), Dan Altavilla: 60-Day
IL (oblique), Josh Taylor: 60-Day IL (biceps), Kyle Wright: 60-Day IL
(shoulder)

Cubs visit the Royals to start 3-game series

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer


All the off-field attention that Travis Kelce generated last season
while dating pop star Taylor Swift may have overshadowed his ability
as a football player.


But Kelce still did more than enough in his day job as Patrick
Mahomes' most trusted pass catcher for the Kansas City Chiefs to be
selected as the top tight end in the NFL by The Associated Press.


A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players
at tight end, basing selections on current status entering the 2024
season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through
fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.


Kelce got six of the eight first-place votes and two seconds to win
the balloting. George Kittle got the other two first-place votes and
six second-place votes as the only other player picked on all eight
ballots to finish in second place. T.J. Hockenson, Mark Andrews and
Sam LaPorta rounded out the top five.


Evan Engram and Trey McBride also got votes.

1. TRAVIS KELCE,
Kansas City Chiefs


Kelce's run of seven straight 1,000-yard seasons ended last season as
he was hampered in the regular season by injuries to his knee and
ankle. Kelce still finished second among all tight ends with 984
yards receiving and 93 catches.


But Kelce returned to form in the postseason, leading the league with
32 catches for 355 yards and three TDs as he helped the Chiefs win
their third Super Bowl title in five seasons.


The 34-year-old Kelce ranks in the top five among all tight ends in
career catches (907), yards (11,328) and touchdowns (74).

2. GEORGE KITTLE,
San Francisco 49ers


Kittle has a strong case to be considered the best all-around tight
end thanks to his strong ability as a blocker in the run and pass
game as well as his threat as a receiver.


The Niners’ use of Kittle as a blocker can limit his production as
a receiver but he still led all tight ends last season with 1,020
yards receiving as he earned his second All-Pro selection. Kittle is
especially dangerous after the catch and his 13.6 yards per reception
rank third best among all tight ends with at least 400 catches.

3. T.J.
HOCKENSON, Minnesota Vikings


Hockenson’s career has taken off since being traded midway through
the 2022 last season from Detroit to Minnesota. Hockenson had 95
catches for 960 yards and five TDs last season before being sidelined
by a season-ending knee injury in Week 16. Hockenson may miss the
start of this season recovering from ACL surgery but should be back
early enough to make a big impact.


Andrews was limited to 10 games last season before being sidelined by
a serious ankle injury. He was productive before getting injured as
Lamar Jackson's most trusted receiving option in Baltimore. Andrews
had 45 catches for 544 yards and six TDs in 10 games last season.


LaPorta had a stellar rookie season after being drafted in the second
round by Detroit. LaPorta's 86 catches were the most ever for a
rookie tight end and he joined Rob Gronkowski and Mike Ditka as the
only rookie tight ends with at least 10 TD catches.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721927665397.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;FILE - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce runs in for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;FILE - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce runs in for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer
All the off-field attention that Travis Kelce generated last season
while dating pop star Taylor Swift may have overshadowed his ability
as a football player.
But Kelce still did more than enough in his day job as Patrick
Mahomes' most trusted pass catcher for the Kansas City Chiefs to be
selected as the top tight end in the NFL by The Associated Press.
A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five players
at tight end, basing selections on current status entering the 2024
season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second through
fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.
Kelce got six of the eight first-place votes and two seconds to win
the balloting. George Kittle got the other two first-place votes and
six second-place votes as the only other player picked on all eight
ballots to finish in second place. T.J. Hockenson, Mark Andrews and
Sam LaPorta rounded out the top five.
Evan Engram and Trey McBride also got votes.1. TRAVIS KELCE,
Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce's run of seven straight 1,000-yard seasons ended last season as
he was hampered in the regular season by injuries to his knee and
ankle. Kelce still finished second among all tight ends with 984
yards receiving and 93 catches.
But Kelce returned to form in the postseason, leading the league with
32 catches for 355 yards and three TDs as he helped the Chiefs win
their third Super Bowl title in five seasons.
The 34-year-old Kelce ranks in the top five among all tight ends in
career catches (907), yards (11,328) and touchdowns (74).2. GEORGE KITTLE,
San Francisco 49ers
Kittle has a strong case to be considered the best all-around tight
end thanks to his strong ability as a blocker in the run and pass
game as well as his threat as a receiver.
The Niners’ use of Kittle as a blocker can limit his production as
a receiver but he still led all tight ends last season with 1,020
yards receiving as he earned his second All-Pro selection. Kittle is
especially dangerous after the catch and his 13.6 yards per reception
rank third best among all tight ends with at least 400 catches.3. T.J.
HOCKENSON, Minnesota Vikings
Hockenson’s career has taken off since being traded midway through
the 2022 last season from Detroit to Minnesota. Hockenson had 95
catches for 960 yards and five TDs last season before being sidelined
by a season-ending knee injury in Week 16. Hockenson may miss the
start of this season recovering from ACL surgery but should be back
early enough to make a big impact.4. MARK ANDREWS,
Baltimore Ravens
Andrews was limited to 10 games last season before being sidelined by
a serious ankle injury. He was productive before getting injured as
Lamar Jackson's most trusted receiving option in Baltimore. Andrews
had 45 catches for 544 yards and six TDs in 10 games last season.5. SAM LAPORTA,
Detroit Lions
LaPorta had a stellar rookie season after being drafted in the second
round by Detroit. LaPorta's 86 catches were the most ever for a
rookie tight end and he joined Rob Gronkowski and Mike Ditka as the
only rookie tight ends with at least 10 TD catches.

Travis Kelce picked as the top tight end in the AP’s NFL Top 5 rankings

The opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics is set for Friday.

Instead of a traditional march into a stadium, about 10,500 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats on the Seine River for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). This will start the ceremony, not mark the end of it, another break from tradition.

What time does the opening ceremony start?

The ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. EDT/7:30 p.m. CEST and is expected to last more than three hours.

Where is the opening ceremony being held?

The parade starts at the Austerlitz Bridge beside the Jardin des Plantes and follows the course of the Seine from east to west. It makes its way around two islands in the center of the city before passing under several bridges and gateways. Athletes aboard the boats will get glimpses of several Olympic venues including La Concorde Urban Park (3X3 basketball, breaking, BMX freestyle cycling, skateboarding), Invalides (archery, athletics — marathon finish, road cycling — time trial start) and the Grand Palais (fencing, taekwondo). The parade ends at the Iena Bridge, which links the Eiffel Tower on the left bank of the Seine to the Trocadéro district on the right bank. The ceremony’s finale is at the Trocadéro. There, among other ceremonial procedures, French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver opening remarks.

How can I watch the opening ceremony?

The ceremony will air on NBC and stream on Peacock and NBC Olympic platforms — NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, NBC app, NBC Olympics app.

A preview will air on NBC at noon EDT, with live coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. and an enhanced prime-time encore at 7:30 p.m.

About 220,000 invited and security-screened spectators are expected to fill the upper tiers of the Seine's banks, and an additional 104,000 paying spectators will watch from the lower riverside and around the Trocadéro plaza.

Those in Paris who could not get tickets will be able to watch the ceremony on 80 giant screens set up throughout the city.

Who is performing at the opening ceremony?

In addition to the athletes who will participate in the parade, 3,000 dancers, artists and other athletes will be featured in the opening and closing ceremonies. Most of the entertainment acts remain under wraps. NBC News reported that Celine Dion and Lady Gaga have arrived in Paris amid speculation that one or both of the pop singers will perform at the opening ceremony.

What happens if it rains at the opening ceremony?

Well, onlookers and athletes will get wet since there is no roof over the Seine.

According to the latest weather forecast, there is a small chance of rain. Meteo-France, the French weather service, is predicting overcast skies from midday onward, with light rain expected in the morning. The weather should improve in the afternoon, but the weather service warned Thursday that showers could hit the Paris region in the evening.

If it rains, the ceremony is expected to go on as planned.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721917634210.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;A bomb squad boat navigates the Seine River as officials prepare for Friday's opening ceremony, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 22, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A bomb squad boat navigates the Seine River as officials prepare for Friday's opening ceremony, ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 22, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)</figcaption>
 </figure>By The Associated PressThe opening ceremony for the Paris Olympics is set for Friday.Instead of a traditional march into a stadium, about 10,500 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats on the Seine River for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). This will start the ceremony, not mark the end of it, another break from tradition.What time does the opening ceremony start?The ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. EDT/7:30 p.m. CEST and is expected to last more than three hours.Where is the opening ceremony being held?The parade starts at the Austerlitz Bridge beside the Jardin des Plantes and follows the course of the Seine from east to west. It makes its way around two islands in the center of the city before passing under several bridges and gateways. Athletes aboard the boats will get glimpses of several Olympic venues including La Concorde Urban Park (3X3 basketball, breaking, BMX freestyle cycling, skateboarding), Invalides (archery, athletics — marathon finish, road cycling — time trial start) and the Grand Palais (fencing, taekwondo). The parade ends at the Iena Bridge, which links the Eiffel Tower on the left bank of the Seine to the Trocadéro district on the right bank. The ceremony’s finale is at the Trocadéro. There, among other ceremonial procedures, French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver opening remarks.How can I watch the opening ceremony?The ceremony will air on NBC and stream on Peacock and NBC Olympic platforms — NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, NBC app, NBC Olympics app.A preview will air on NBC at noon EDT, with live coverage beginning at 1:30 p.m. and an enhanced prime-time encore at 7:30 p.m.About 220,000 invited and security-screened spectators are expected to fill the upper tiers of the Seine's banks, and an additional 104,000 paying spectators will watch from the lower riverside and around the Trocadéro plaza.Those in Paris who could not get tickets will be able to watch the ceremony on 80 giant screens set up throughout the city.Who is performing at the opening ceremony?In addition to the athletes who will participate in the parade, 3,000 dancers, artists and other athletes will be featured in the opening and closing ceremonies. Most of the entertainment acts remain under wraps. NBC News reported that Celine Dion and Lady Gaga have arrived in Paris amid speculation that one or both of the pop singers will perform at the opening ceremony.What happens if it rains at the opening ceremony?Well, onlookers and athletes will get wet since there is no roof over the Seine.According to the latest weather forecast, there is a small chance of rain. Meteo-France, the French weather service, is predicting overcast skies from midday onward, with light rain expected in the morning. The weather should improve in the afternoon, but the weather service warned Thursday that showers could hit the Paris region in the evening.If it rains, the ceremony is expected to go on as planned.

How to watch the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony

HAYS, Kan. - The 15th annual Tiger Auction and Dinner is approaching fast, set for Saturday, August 17, 2024 in the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Doors open at 4 p.m., dinner is served at 5 p.m., and the live auction begins at 6:30 p.m., running until about 10 p.m. Tickets are available online or through the FHSU Athletic Department at 785-628-4050. Visit <a href="http://www.tigerauction.org">www.tigerauction.org</a> for more information on the event.

More than 300 items will be available for purchase between the live auction, silent auction and online auction, with all proceeds directly benefiting the FHSU Athletic Department.

Ticket Price Increases After August 2

Get your tickets today by purchasing online or dropping by the FHSU Athletics office on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Tickets are $100 per person, but the price will increase to $125 per person starting August 3. The event is limited to 800 tickets sold. A ticket is good for admission to the event and a bid number, along with food and unlimited drinks throughout the evening.

Purchase a Table for Your Business

Tables seating 12 are available for businesses to purchase for $1,200. Contact Matt Cook at 785-628-4429 or by e-mail at mjcook8@fhsu.edu if interested.

There is still an online portion of the auction with a limited number of items that precedes the live in-person event. The online portion runs from Monday, August 12 through Wednesday, August 14, which gives supporters an additional chance to support Tiger Athletics from any location.

Supporters can purchase $50 raffle tickets, which are good for a chance to win eight $1,000 cash prizes given out throughout the night (you do not have to be present to win). A $2000 cash prize will be given out before the last live item is sold, but the winner must be present for that drawing.

FHSU Athletic Office Summer Hours (until Aug. 2)

7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Office hours return to standard 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on August 5.

Item #40 this year will be focused on the Lewis Field turf project which will begin following the 2024 Tiger football season. The project will include replacing the "shock pad" and playing surface at Lewis Field which was installed in 2013 and removing the existing track surface and covering it with a new surface.

The shock pad is an elastic layer placed under the turf which increases shock absorption thus providing numerous benefits including safety issues and limiting concussions, field drainage, and increasing the longevity of the turf.

This project was specifically targeted to begin after the 2024 season to make sure all dirt work and early building construction on the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex was complete to make it feasible for both crews to work on their respective projects side by side and to protect a brand new turf from the dirt and debris of the new complex construction. The total project cost is estimated to be around $1 million.

Donors at the $250 level or higher will be recognized in football and basketball programs throughout the year. All donations to Item #40 can be paid throughout the year and are tax deductible.

Truly, every gift matters, so please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Item #40 this year. Donations can be paid in installments throughout the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

About the Tiger Auction and Dinner

This is one of the biggest annual events for the FHSU Athletic Department, which raised $353,360 at the 14th annual event in 2023.

This will be the seventh Tiger Auction and Dinner hosted inside the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility, which has served as the venue for the event since 2017. The move to the large, spacious facility was a necessity due to this very popular event selling out year after year when held at the Memorial Union Ballroom in its early years. The move has allowed many more Tiger supporters to attend.

With the generous support of the FHSU Athletics community, nearly $4 million has been raised through the annual auction over the last 14 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721917362343.jpeg" alt="FHSU Athletics" />
 <figcaption>FHSU Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>HAYS, Kan. - The 15th annual Tiger Auction and Dinner is approaching fast, set for Saturday, August 17, 2024 in the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Doors open at 4 p.m., dinner is served at 5 p.m., and the live auction begins at 6:30 p.m., running until about 10 p.m. Tickets are available online or through the FHSU Athletic Department at 785-628-4050. Visit <a href="http://www.tigerauction.org">www.tigerauction.org</a> for more information on the event.More than 300 items will be available for purchase between the live auction, silent auction and online auction, with all proceeds directly benefiting the FHSU Athletic Department.Ticket Price Increases After August 2Get your tickets today by purchasing online or dropping by the FHSU Athletics office on the campus of Fort Hays State University. Tickets are $100 per person, but the price will increase to $125 per person starting August 3. The event is limited to 800 tickets sold. A ticket is good for admission to the event and a bid number, along with food and unlimited drinks throughout the evening.Purchase a Table for Your BusinessTables seating 12 are available for businesses to purchase for $1,200. Contact Matt Cook at 785-628-4429 or by e-mail at mjcook8@fhsu.edu if interested.Online AuctionThere is still an online portion of the auction with a limited number of items that precedes the live in-person event. The online portion runs from Monday, August 12 through Wednesday, August 14, which gives supporters an additional chance to support Tiger Athletics from any location.Raffle TicketsSupporters can purchase $50 raffle tickets, which are good for a chance to win eight $1,000 cash prizes given out throughout the night (you do not have to be present to win). A $2000 cash prize will be given out before the last live item is sold, but the winner must be present for that drawing.FHSU Athletic Office Summer Hours (until Aug. 2)7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. FridayClosed Saturday and SundayPhone: (785) 628-4050Office hours return to standard 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday on August 5.Tiger Auction Item #40Item #40 this year will be focused on the Lewis Field turf project which will begin following the 2024 Tiger football season. The project will include replacing the "shock pad" and playing surface at Lewis Field which was installed in 2013 and removing the existing track surface and covering it with a new surface.The shock pad is an elastic layer placed under the turf which increases shock absorption thus providing numerous benefits including safety issues and limiting concussions, field drainage, and increasing the longevity of the turf.This project was specifically targeted to begin after the 2024 season to make sure all dirt work and early building construction on the Bickle-Schmidt Athletic Complex was complete to make it feasible for both crews to work on their respective projects side by side and to protect a brand new turf from the dirt and debris of the new complex construction. The total project cost is estimated to be around $1 million.Donors at the $250 level or higher will be recognized in football and basketball programs throughout the year. All donations to Item #40 can be paid throughout the year and are tax deductible.Truly, every gift matters, so please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Item #40 this year. Donations can be paid in installments throughout the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.About the Tiger Auction and DinnerThis is one of the biggest annual events for the FHSU Athletic Department, which raised $353,360 at the 14th annual event in 2023.This will be the seventh Tiger Auction and Dinner hosted inside the Schmidt-Bickle Indoor Training Facility, which has served as the venue for the event since 2017. The move to the large, spacious facility was a necessity due to this very popular event selling out year after year when held at the Memorial Union Ballroom in its early years. The move has allowed many more Tiger supporters to attend.With the generous support of the FHSU Athletics community, nearly $4 million has been raised through the annual auction over the last 14 years.

15th Annual Tiger Auction and Dinner Nearing Soon

By TODD MOORE Barton Sports Info

Eighteen athletic teams within Barton Community College were recognized recently by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in announcing its 2023-24 Academic Teams of the Year achievements.

Compiling a cumulative 3.24 GPA across Barton's twenty-two athletic teams reporting to the NJCAA list, twelve placed among their respective sport's Top-20 leaderboard as 1,194 NJCAA teams achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Within Barton's twelve teams, seven placed within the nation's top ten rankings, women's bowling finishing as national runner-up with the men's indoor track and field squad the next highest with a 3rd overall placing.

Barton's volleyball team again claimed department bragging honors by compiling a 3.66 GPA with the women's golf team close behind at 3.58. Placing 19th out of 150 teams in the division, the Cougars' classroom achievement earned their 4th straight American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honor Roll distinction representing being in the top 20% of the NJCAA. The high level academic achievement is the 7th overall for the program and the 16th time receiving AVCA recognition in the classroom.

Four teams finished with a 3.4 GPA or better, baseball's 40-man roster accumulated a 3.463 GPA to edge out softball's 3.462 for third best in the Department. Women's tennis came in third at 3.454 with women's swimming close behind at 3.423.

Amongst fellow KJCCC (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference) members reporting to the NJCAA's academic requirements, thirteen Barton teams placed inside the top-5 with four coming out on top for KJCCC Academic titles: men's indoor and outdoor track and field squads, women's indoor track and field, and women's tennis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721865340431.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoEighteen athletic teams within Barton Community College were recognized recently by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) in announcing its 2023-24 Academic Teams of the Year achievements.Compiling a cumulative 3.24 GPA across Barton's twenty-two athletic teams reporting to the NJCAA list, twelve placed among their respective sport's Top-20 leaderboard as 1,194 NJCAA teams achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.Within Barton's twelve teams, seven placed within the nation's top ten rankings, women's bowling finishing as national runner-up with the men's indoor track and field squad the next highest with a 3rd overall placing.Barton's volleyball team again claimed department bragging honors by compiling a 3.66 GPA with the women's golf team close behind at 3.58. Placing 19th out of 150 teams in the division, the Cougars' classroom achievement earned their 4th straight American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Honor Roll distinction representing being in the top 20% of the NJCAA. The high level academic achievement is the 7th overall for the program and the 16th time receiving AVCA recognition in the classroom.Four teams finished with a 3.4 GPA or better, baseball's 40-man roster accumulated a 3.463 GPA to edge out softball's 3.462 for third best in the Department. Women's tennis came in third at 3.454 with women's swimming close behind at 3.423.Amongst fellow KJCCC (Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference) members reporting to the NJCAA's academic requirements, thirteen Barton teams placed inside the top-5 with four coming out on top for KJCCC Academic titles: men's indoor and outdoor track and field squads, women's indoor track and field, and women's tennis.

Eighteen Barton Athletic teams garner NJCAA academic honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gabriel Moreno gave Arizona the lead in the ninth inning with a two-run double, Ketel Marte added a three-run homer and the Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Wednesday night.

“We never shut down. It was a character win. I think the guys dug as deep as they could,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It was a tough environment against a good team. We just got one guy on and kept the line moving.”

Eugenio Saurez homered for Arizona in the second and Joc Pederson and Christian Walker hit back-to-back shots in the fourth to make it 3-1. Pederson has 200 career homers.

With Arizona down 4-3 in the ninth against closer James McArthur (4-4), Lourdes Gurriel Jr singled with one out, Geraldo Perdomo walked and Moreno slashed the double that rolled to the wall in the right-center gap

“I was really looking for a pitch that I wouldn’t hit into a double play. I was able to stay within myself and go to my side, which is right center,” Moreno said through a translator.

After Corbin Carroll followed Moreno with a single, Marte blasted the three-run homer to center.

“That was a super frustrating inning,” MacArthur said. “I felt like I was pretty close at times of getting out of it and just didn’t make the pitch I needed to.”

Marte homered in all three games in the series.

“He’s a beast, I don’t know what else to say,” Lovullo said about Marte, Arizona's line All-Star this season. “He doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen him do it over and over again. He wants to be in the middle of everything, that’s his personality, and it was a big knock for him.”

Joe Mantiply (4-2) pitched the eighth for the victory and Paul Sewald closed it out after allowing Vinnie Pasquantino’s two-run single in the ninth.

The Royals took the lead with a three-run fourth. Michael Massey doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia’s fielder’s choice. Kyle Isbel followed with a triple to tie it and scored on Ryne Nelson’s wild pitch.

“We left some guys on early, so to fight back and get the lead was big for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "But you’ve got to give those guys credit for executing and getting balls in play.”

Bobby Witt Jr. went 3 for 4 for Kansas City to raise his average to .344.

Diamondbacks: Arizona returns home to face Pittsburgh on Friday night. The Diamondbacks hadn’t announced a starter.

Royals: RHP Brady Singer (6-6, 3.00 ERA) was set to start Friday night at home against the Chicago Cubs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721900198494.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte celebrates hitting a three-run home during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte celebrates hitting a three-run home during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Gabriel Moreno gave Arizona the lead in the ninth inning with a two-run double, Ketel Marte added a three-run homer and the Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Wednesday night.“We never shut down. It was a character win. I think the guys dug as deep as they could,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “It was a tough environment against a good team. We just got one guy on and kept the line moving.”Eugenio Saurez homered for Arizona in the second and Joc Pederson and Christian Walker hit back-to-back shots in the fourth to make it 3-1. Pederson has 200 career homers.With Arizona down 4-3 in the ninth against closer James McArthur (4-4), Lourdes Gurriel Jr singled with one out, Geraldo Perdomo walked and Moreno slashed the double that rolled to the wall in the right-center gap“I was really looking for a pitch that I wouldn’t hit into a double play. I was able to stay within myself and go to my side, which is right center,” Moreno said through a translator.After Corbin Carroll followed Moreno with a single, Marte blasted the three-run homer to center.“That was a super frustrating inning,” MacArthur said. “I felt like I was pretty close at times of getting out of it and just didn’t make the pitch I needed to.”Marte homered in all three games in the series.“He’s a beast, I don’t know what else to say,” Lovullo said about Marte, Arizona's line All-Star this season. “He doesn’t surprise me. I’ve seen him do it over and over again. He wants to be in the middle of everything, that’s his personality, and it was a big knock for him.”Joe Mantiply (4-2) pitched the eighth for the victory and Paul Sewald closed it out after allowing Vinnie Pasquantino’s two-run single in the ninth.The Royals took the lead with a three-run fourth. Michael Massey doubled and scored on Maikel Garcia’s fielder’s choice. Kyle Isbel followed with a triple to tie it and scored on Ryne Nelson’s wild pitch.“We left some guys on early, so to fight back and get the lead was big for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. "But you’ve got to give those guys credit for executing and getting balls in play.”Bobby Witt Jr. went 3 for 4 for Kansas City to raise his average to .344.UP NEXTDiamondbacks: Arizona returns home to face Pittsburgh on Friday night. The Diamondbacks hadn’t announced a starter.Royals: RHP Brady Singer (6-6, 3.00 ERA) was set to start Friday night at home against the Chicago Cubs.

Moreno hits go-ahead double, Diamondbacks beat the Royals 8-6

KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Gabriel Moreno gave Arizona the lead in the ninth inning
with a two-run double, Ketel Marte added a three-run homer and the
Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Wednesday night.
Eugenio Saurez homered for Arizona in the second and Joc Pederson and
Christian Walker hit back-to-back shots in the fourth to make it 3-1.
Pederson has 200 career homers. With Arizona down 4-3 in the ninth
against closer James McArthur (4-4), Lourdes Gurriel Jr singled with
one out, Geraldo Perdomo walked and Moreno slashed the double that
rolled to the wall in the right-center gap. After Corbin Carroll’s
single, Marte blasted a three-run homer to center. The All-Star
homered in all three games in the series.

PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Martín Pérez pitched six scoreless innings, Rowdy Tellez homered
into the Allegheny River and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat St. Louis
5-0 to take two of three games from the Cardinals. Pérez (2-5)
allowed four hits, three in his final two innings, and walked five
with two strikeouts. Tellez chased Matthew Liberatore (2-3) at the
start of the fourth inning by sending a fastball 447 feet into the
river beyond the wall in right field, extending the Pirates’ lead
to five runs. Liberatore allowed five runs on four hits in three
innings, walking three and striking out three.

SEATTLE (AP) — Los
Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout will not play Wednesday
night for Triple-A Salt Lake and is leaving his minor league rehab
assignment after one game to be re-evaluated in Southern California.
Trout began a rehab stint Tuesday with Salt Lake but exited after
just two innings because of soreness in his surgically repaired left
knee. Before the Angels’ game Wednesday in Seattle, manager Ron
Washington said Trout reported he was feeling better, and Washington
hoped the three-time MVP would be able to serve as the designated
hitter for Salt Lake that night. But later on Wednesday, the Angels
announced that Trout would not be in the lineup and was returning to
Southern California. Trout went on the injured list April 30 with a
torn meniscus.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
A new era of Big Ten football kicked off Wednesday when first-year
UCLA coach DeShaun Foster and Southern California coach Lincoln Riley
took the podium inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Both stepped up to the
microphone as their school fight songs played. They were joined by
new Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith, who also made the jump from
the Pac-12 to Michigan State. And now, the real transition begins.
The coaches from the previous Big Ten members are now figuring out
how to deal with the travel. Some hope to welcome the California
schools for November football games.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — Aaron Rodgers’ offseason excursion to Egypt during
mandatory minicamp made quite a few headlines. The New York Jets
quarterback has another trip in mind. And it would be even bigger
news. Rodgers said Wednesday the goal for the Jets is getting to New
Orleans, referring to the site of this season’s Super Bowl. The
40-year-old Rodgers is putting the torn left Achilles tendon that
abruptly ended his season last year after just four snaps behind him
and focusing on big dreams for a franchise that has the NFL’s
longest active playoff drought at 13 years.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts says he's in a great
place with head coach Nick Sirianni. The duo have had their
relationship scrutinized after a late-season collapse knocked the
Eagles from Super Bowl contender to one-and-done in the playoffs.
Sirianni says his relationship with Hurts is “good.” The
25-year-old Hurts accounted for a combined 38 touchdowns passing and
rushing last season. Hurts enters this season with his third straight
new offensive coordinator.

UNDATED (AP) — The
NBA signed its 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon
Prime Video on Wednesday after saying it was not accepting Warner
Bros. Discovery’s $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its
longtime relationship with the league. The media rights deals were
approved by the league’s Board of Governors last week and will
bring the league about $76 billion over those 11 years. WBD had five
days to match a part of those deals and said it was exercising its
right to do so, but its offer was not considered a true match by the
NBA. It says it will now take appropriate action.

MARSEILLE, France
(AP) — Stunning goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Olise
helped France to a 3-0 victory over the United States in the Olympic
men’s soccer tournament. Loic Bade added the third with a late
header to seal a win that had looked in doubt until former Arsenal
striker Lacazette struck with a long range effort in the 61st minute
in Marseille. Earlier, Morocco secured a wild 2-1 win over Argentina
at the start of the tournament — but not before furious fans
invaded the pitch to protest what appeared to be an equalizer by
Cristian Medina in the 16th-minute of stoppage time. Objects were
thrown onto the field and security had to restrain fans, causing the
game in Saint-Etienne to be suspended for nearly two hours.

SAINT-ETIENNE,
France (AP) — Morocco fans crashed the pitch to protest a late goal
by Argentina at the opening match of the Paris Olympics men’s
soccer tournament. It was an angry and bizarre scene that left the
game suspended for nearly two hours with only minutes remaining.
Moments before play resumed, the goal was disallowed by VAR for
offside, and Morocco held on for a 2-1 victory. But not before a
furious reaction from Morocco fans who thought they’d been denied a
critical win.

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year NiJaree Canady will be
pitching for Texas Tech after two seasons at Stanford. Canady
announced her commitment on social media Wednesday. ESPN, citing
unnamed sources, reported that Canady will receive a name, image and
likeness deal worth seven figures. Canady helped Stanford reach the
Women’s College World Series the past two seasons. She had a
combined record of 41-10 and a 0.67 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 365 2/3
innings her freshman and sophomore seasons. Canady entered the
transfer portal last month and will have two years of eligibility
remaining.

UNDATED (AP) — A
federal judged has denied the first objection to a $2.77 billion
settlement of antitrust lawuits facing the NCAA and five power
conferences, ruling against Houston Christian University’s motion
to intervene. The small private school that has been a member of
NCAA’s Division I since 2013 was the first —- and so far only —
school to object to the settlement agreement that was announced in
May. The full-term sheet of the settlement is expected to be filed
with the U.S. District Court in Northern California by Friday, an
attorney for the plaintiffs’ told AP earlier this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721294994442.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo.
(AP) — Gabriel Moreno gave Arizona the lead in the ninth inning
with a two-run double, Ketel Marte added a three-run homer and the
Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Wednesday night.
Eugenio Saurez homered for Arizona in the second and Joc Pederson and
Christian Walker hit back-to-back shots in the fourth to make it 3-1.
Pederson has 200 career homers. With Arizona down 4-3 in the ninth
against closer James McArthur (4-4), Lourdes Gurriel Jr singled with
one out, Geraldo Perdomo walked and Moreno slashed the double that
rolled to the wall in the right-center gap. After Corbin Carroll’s
single, Marte blasted a three-run homer to center. The All-Star
homered in all three games in the series.PITTSBURGH (AP) —
Martín Pérez pitched six scoreless innings, Rowdy Tellez homered
into the Allegheny River and the Pittsburgh Pirates beat St. Louis
5-0 to take two of three games from the Cardinals. Pérez (2-5)
allowed four hits, three in his final two innings, and walked five
with two strikeouts. Tellez chased Matthew Liberatore (2-3) at the
start of the fourth inning by sending a fastball 447 feet into the
river beyond the wall in right field, extending the Pirates’ lead
to five runs. Liberatore allowed five runs on four hits in three
innings, walking three and striking out three.SEATTLE (AP) — Los
Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout will not play Wednesday
night for Triple-A Salt Lake and is leaving his minor league rehab
assignment after one game to be re-evaluated in Southern California.
Trout began a rehab stint Tuesday with Salt Lake but exited after
just two innings because of soreness in his surgically repaired left
knee. Before the Angels’ game Wednesday in Seattle, manager Ron
Washington said Trout reported he was feeling better, and Washington
hoped the three-time MVP would be able to serve as the designated
hitter for Salt Lake that night. But later on Wednesday, the Angels
announced that Trout would not be in the lineup and was returning to
Southern California. Trout went on the injured list April 30 with a
torn meniscus.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —
A new era of Big Ten football kicked off Wednesday when first-year
UCLA coach DeShaun Foster and Southern California coach Lincoln Riley
took the podium inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Both stepped up to the
microphone as their school fight songs played. They were joined by
new Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith, who also made the jump from
the Pac-12 to Michigan State. And now, the real transition begins.
The coaches from the previous Big Ten members are now figuring out
how to deal with the travel. Some hope to welcome the California
schools for November football games.FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
(AP) — Aaron Rodgers’ offseason excursion to Egypt during
mandatory minicamp made quite a few headlines. The New York Jets
quarterback has another trip in mind. And it would be even bigger
news. Rodgers said Wednesday the goal for the Jets is getting to New
Orleans, referring to the site of this season’s Super Bowl. The
40-year-old Rodgers is putting the torn left Achilles tendon that
abruptly ended his season last year after just four snaps behind him
and focusing on big dreams for a franchise that has the NFL’s
longest active playoff drought at 13 years.PHILADELPHIA (AP) —
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts says he's in a great
place with head coach Nick Sirianni. The duo have had their
relationship scrutinized after a late-season collapse knocked the
Eagles from Super Bowl contender to one-and-done in the playoffs.
Sirianni says his relationship with Hurts is “good.” The
25-year-old Hurts accounted for a combined 38 touchdowns passing and
rushing last season. Hurts enters this season with his third straight
new offensive coordinator.UNDATED (AP) — The
NBA signed its 11-year media rights deal with Disney, NBC and Amazon
Prime Video on Wednesday after saying it was not accepting Warner
Bros. Discovery’s $1.8 billion per year offer to continue its
longtime relationship with the league. The media rights deals were
approved by the league’s Board of Governors last week and will
bring the league about $76 billion over those 11 years. WBD had five
days to match a part of those deals and said it was exercising its
right to do so, but its offer was not considered a true match by the
NBA. It says it will now take appropriate action.MARSEILLE, France
(AP) — Stunning goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Olise
helped France to a 3-0 victory over the United States in the Olympic
men’s soccer tournament. Loic Bade added the third with a late
header to seal a win that had looked in doubt until former Arsenal
striker Lacazette struck with a long range effort in the 61st minute
in Marseille. Earlier, Morocco secured a wild 2-1 win over Argentina
at the start of the tournament — but not before furious fans
invaded the pitch to protest what appeared to be an equalizer by
Cristian Medina in the 16th-minute of stoppage time. Objects were
thrown onto the field and security had to restrain fans, causing the
game in Saint-Etienne to be suspended for nearly two hours.SAINT-ETIENNE,
France (AP) — Morocco fans crashed the pitch to protest a late goal
by Argentina at the opening match of the Paris Olympics men’s
soccer tournament. It was an angry and bizarre scene that left the
game suspended for nearly two hours with only minutes remaining.
Moments before play resumed, the goal was disallowed by VAR for
offside, and Morocco held on for a 2-1 victory. But not before a
furious reaction from Morocco fans who thought they’d been denied a
critical win.PARIS (AP) — Paris
has long been a city of dreamers: Just look at the Eiffel Tower, for
decades the world’s loftiest structure. But France’s capital is
aiming higher still with its first Olympic Games in a century, which
open Friday. The most audacious Olympic opening ceremony ever — a
gala spectacular on the River Seine that even French President
Emmanuel Macron says initially felt like “a crazy and not very
serious idea” — kicks off 16 days of competition that promise to
be ground-breaking. Expect a heady blend of Olympic sports, iconic
Paris monuments and France’s famous “savoir faire” in its
world-renowned capital of fashion, gastronomy and culture could help
secure the Games’ longer-term future. But Paris’ challenges are
huge, too.LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)
— USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year NiJaree Canady will be
pitching for Texas Tech after two seasons at Stanford. Canady
announced her commitment on social media Wednesday. ESPN, citing
unnamed sources, reported that Canady will receive a name, image and
likeness deal worth seven figures. Canady helped Stanford reach the
Women’s College World Series the past two seasons. She had a
combined record of 41-10 and a 0.67 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 365 2/3
innings her freshman and sophomore seasons. Canady entered the
transfer portal last month and will have two years of eligibility
remaining.UNDATED (AP) — A
federal judged has denied the first objection to a $2.77 billion
settlement of antitrust lawuits facing the NCAA and five power
conferences, ruling against Houston Christian University’s motion
to intervene. The small private school that has been a member of
NCAA’s Division I since 2013 was the first —- and so far only —
school to object to the settlement agreement that was announced in
May. The full-term sheet of the settlement is expected to be filed
with the U.S. District Court in Northern California by Friday, an
attorney for the plaintiffs’ told AP earlier this week.WEDNESDAY SCORESMAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALLINTERLEAGUEFinal	Minnesota	5	Philadelphia	4	Final	Colorado	20	Boston	7	Final	Miami	6	Baltimore	3	Final	N.Y.
Mets	12	N.Y. Yankees	3	Final	Arizona	8	Kansas
City	6	AMERICAN LEAGUEFinal	Houston	8	Oakland	1	Final	L.A.
Angels	2	Seattle	1	Final	Cleveland	2	Detroit	1	Final	Toronto	6	Tampa
Bay	3	Final	Texas	10	Chicago
White Sox	2	NATIONAL LEAGUECincinnati	at	Atlanta	1
p.m.	(Postponed)Final	Pittsburgh	5	St.
Louis	0	Final	Cincinnati	9	Atlanta	4	Final	Milwaukee	3	Chicago
Cubs	2	Final	San
Diego	12	Washington	3

Thursday Sports Headlines and Scores presented by Barton Community College

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Bob Marcum, who served as athletic director at Kansas, South Carolina, UMass and Marshall, has died a few days after suffering a stroke. He was 87.

South Carolina, UMass and Marshall's athletic departments all announced Marcum's death Wednesday, a day after he died. Arkansas coach John Calipari, who worked under Marcum at Massachusetts, posted on social media Sunday that Marcum was hospitalized after complications from a stroke.

C alipari posted about Marcum's death Tuesday, saying the two spent time together in the hospital.

“We talked about our time together at UMass, he as AD and me his coach,” Calipari wrote. "We laughed cried and prayed."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721867488149.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Bob Marcum laughs during a press conference, May 21, 2002 in Huntington, W.Va. Marcum, who served as athletic director at Kansas, South Carolina, UMass and Marshall, has died. He was 87. South Carolina, UMass and Marshall all posted about Marcum's death Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Tim Johnson/The Herald-Dispatch via AP)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Bob Marcum laughs during a press conference, May 21, 2002 in Huntington, W.Va. Marcum, who served as athletic director at Kansas, South Carolina, UMass and Marshall, has died. He was 87. South Carolina, UMass and Marshall all posted about Marcum's death Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (Tim Johnson/The Herald-Dispatch via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Bob Marcum, who served as athletic director at Kansas, South Carolina, UMass and Marshall, has died a few days after suffering a stroke. He was 87.South Carolina, UMass and Marshall's athletic departments all announced Marcum's death Wednesday, a day after he died. Arkansas coach John Calipari, who worked under Marcum at Massachusetts, posted on social media Sunday that Marcum was hospitalized after complications from a stroke.C alipari posted about Marcum's death Tuesday, saying the two spent time together in the hospital.“We talked about our time together at UMass, he as AD and me his coach,” Calipari wrote. "We laughed cried and prayed."

Bob Marcum, AD at Kansas, has died at age 87

Nearly half of student-athletes from Barton Community College achieved a 3.50 or better grade point average during the 2023-24 academic year.

Accumulating a Department wide 3.24 GPA, Barton was represented by 130 All-Academic honors announced by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with an additional 33 coming through the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC).

Overall, within Barton's 302 student-athletes, 148 (49%) received either national and/or KJCCC honors including four earning their respective sport's Scholar Athlete of the Year awards. The academic year's achievements caps an academic year that also saw Barton cheer's Hayley Wise chosen as a 2024 Outstanding Barton graduate, sports medicine's Bradley Beck a Student Ambassador of the Year, and swimming's Rachel Sims on the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society All-State Academic team.

With the NJCAA and KJCCC having slightly different criteria, most notable the national's 3.60 standard versus the conference's 3.5 for academic honors, an additional 26 student-athletes gained conference distinction bringing Barton's total to 148 individuals and 163 classroom achievement recognized honors.

On the national level, Barton student-athletes were among 12,245 across the NJCAA earning a spot on one of three All-Academic teams for the academic year for obtaining a 3.60 or better GPA.

Thirty-six Cougars achieved a perfect 4.0 in the classroom, thirty-five of those meeting NJCAA requirements to join 3,424 nation-wide recipients earning 1st team NJCAA All-Academic distinction.

Falling into the 3.80-3.99 GPA category, Barton had thirty-eight in the range with thirty-seven of those meeting national requirements for 2nd team NJCAA honors. An additional forty-seven Cougars accumulated a GPA in the 3.60-3.79 range with forty-six of those receiving 3rd team national accolades.

In addition to the NJCAA honors, four Cougars have been recognized as Academic Scholars of the Year by their respective sport organizations.

Lucas Constante of the men's soccer team was named this past January as the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Junior College National Scholar Player of the Year with teammate Nicolas Galanis earning 2nd team recognition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721865113223.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By TODD MOORE Barton Sports InfoNearly half of student-athletes from Barton Community College achieved a 3.50 or better grade point average during the 2023-24 academic year.Accumulating a Department wide 3.24 GPA, Barton was represented by 130 All-Academic honors announced by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) with an additional 33 coming through the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC).Overall, within Barton's 302 student-athletes, 148 (49%) received either national and/or KJCCC honors including four earning their respective sport's Scholar Athlete of the Year awards. The academic year's achievements caps an academic year that also saw Barton cheer's Hayley Wise chosen as a 2024 Outstanding Barton graduate, sports medicine's Bradley Beck a Student Ambassador of the Year, and swimming's Rachel Sims on the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society All-State Academic team.With the NJCAA and KJCCC having slightly different criteria, most notable the national's 3.60 standard versus the conference's 3.5 for academic honors, an additional 26 student-athletes gained conference distinction bringing Barton's total to 148 individuals and 163 classroom achievement recognized honors.On the national level, Barton student-athletes were among 12,245 across the NJCAA earning a spot on one of three All-Academic teams for the academic year for obtaining a 3.60 or better GPA.Thirty-six Cougars achieved a perfect 4.0 in the classroom, thirty-five of those meeting NJCAA requirements to join 3,424 nation-wide recipients earning 1st team NJCAA All-Academic distinction.Falling into the 3.80-3.99 GPA category, Barton had thirty-eight in the range with thirty-seven of those meeting national requirements for 2nd team NJCAA honors. An additional forty-seven Cougars accumulated a GPA in the 3.60-3.79 range with forty-six of those receiving 3rd team national accolades.In addition to the NJCAA honors, four Cougars have been recognized as Academic Scholars of the Year by their respective sport organizations.Lucas Constante of the men's soccer team was named this past January as the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Junior College National Scholar Player of the Year with teammate Nicolas Galanis earning 2nd team recognition.

Nearly half of Barton student-athletes earn All-Academic Awards

By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend Post

HOISINGTON - He stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds, but Hoisington Cardinal incoming senior Teron Kraft sports a heart bigger than any football field.

“I like to think of myself as a power back,” said Kraft, who rushed for 1,228 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. “I will run hard and run you over. That's what we need in an offense, someone that's okay with running it up the middle for three yards, and sometimes breakout and make big plays.”

“Teron is a leader on the field, a confident young man who will fight and claw to get it done, loves the game and the guys around him,” graduated senior Mason Alderdice, who led the team with 15 total touchdowns, said. “He embodies what a football player is, he works hard, doesn’t complain and has a knack for the end zone.”

Kraft immediately gave credit where credit was due.

“First of all I owe all of my yards to the amazing offensive line that we had,” said Kraft, who runs a 4.77/40. “Secondly, I made a goal at the beginning of last season. That I need to run for 1,000 yards or more and help my team as much as I can.”

He produced five 100-yard games and added 107 receiving yards on nine receptions and one TD. On defense, he mustered 59 tackles, three sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

“I just try to follow my reads, and attack the play before it develops,” Kraft said of his TFL’s.

Kraft helped the Cardinals to a 12-1 season in which they advanced to the Class 2A state championship.

“Last year was the most fun I have had during football,” Kraft said. “We had a lot of characters to make it fun. It was also fun kicking ass and making it to the state championship game.”

Against Phillipsburg, he exploded for 269 yards rushing and four touchdowns on just six carries.

“Just everything was working, I couldn’t be stopped and the offensive line was kicking ass,” Kraft said. “I went out there to prove something, like I do every game.”

“Teron has helped the team tremendously the past few years, but last year he really stepped up with his starting spot at running back,” junior wide receiver Mason Martin said. “He dominated anything and everything. This year he’s gonna have a big load to carry as a senior and as a great leader to our team.”

“Dawg! He runs well and just has the mentality,” senior quarterback Rhen Galla said. “He has the ability to run through tackles and set up play action.”

“Definitely a very hard worker and is tough to bring down,” graduated senior Tony Moore noted. “He’s pretty diverse in what he brings as a running back.”

Kraft said the summer conditioning program has been high demanding.

“We focus on giving our best effort everyday. Because we know teams are working this summer too, but we need to work harder,” Kraft said.

He’s been focused on particular areas of his game this past offseason.

“I have been focusing on my speed and being more agile. I need to be able to burst through the gaps and make bigger plays for my team,” Kraft said.

“I've learned most from playing and watching Teron just how important it Is to run hard with forward lean,” senior running back Kyler Russell said. “If there's four plays and you get two yards each that's eight yards. If you get forward lean and fall&nbsp;&nbsp;forward you get maybe three or four yards. Football is truly a game of inches.”

“Teron is a guy you can rely on if you need some physicality,” senior defensive back Jason Robinson said. “He makes plays happen when others in his position wouldn’t know what to do.”

Galla described a particular play that preserved a Cardinal victory.

“It was third and 15 and we throw a screen pass to him. He got the first down after running through tackles and sealed the game against Southeast of Saline,” Galla noted.

“There is a reason Teron plays middle linebacker. He is the vocal leader on the defense and now is the vocal leader thoughout the whole entire team,” Alderdice said. “He works hard and does things the right way. A great football player and even better young man.”

“I credit my success to my coaches and my dad. They all have pushed me to be the best I can be,” Kraft said. “I grew up around football since I was born. I would watch my Dad coach great players, and the success he would have doing it. Watching that all the time I knew I needed to give my 110% all the time.”

He hopes to get a chance to play football at the next level.

“It would mean the world to me. I have been wanting to play college football since I started playing,” Kraft said. “I would also like to prove everyone wrong that’s said that I'm too small, and would never make it.”

“Not only did he get a lot stronger and bigger to make it easier to run the ball, but he also got a lot smarter on following blocks and making the cuts necessary to get the most yards out of the play,” Robinson said.

“I want to be known as a ‘dude that worked his ass off’. Someone that always fought for his teammates,” Kraft concluded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721831470688.jpeg" alt="Hoisington High School's Teron Kraft (#5)&nbsp; /&nbsp; photo by Reif Photography" />
 <figcaption>Hoisington High School's Teron Kraft (#5)&nbsp; /&nbsp; photo by Reif Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By GARY VAN CLEAVE Special to Great Bend PostHOISINGTON - He stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds, but Hoisington Cardinal incoming senior Teron Kraft sports a heart bigger than any football field.“I like to think of myself as a power back,” said Kraft, who rushed for 1,228 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. “I will run hard and run you over. That's what we need in an offense, someone that's okay with running it up the middle for three yards, and sometimes breakout and make big plays.”“Teron is a leader on the field, a confident young man who will fight and claw to get it done, loves the game and the guys around him,” graduated senior Mason Alderdice, who led the team with 15 total touchdowns, said. “He embodies what a football player is, he works hard, doesn’t complain and has a knack for the end zone.”Kraft immediately gave credit where credit was due.“First of all I owe all of my yards to the amazing offensive line that we had,” said Kraft, who runs a 4.77/40. “Secondly, I made a goal at the beginning of last season. That I need to run for 1,000 yards or more and help my team as much as I can.”He produced five 100-yard games and added 107 receiving yards on nine receptions and one TD. On defense, he mustered 59 tackles, three sacks and 10 tackles for loss.“I just try to follow my reads, and attack the play before it develops,” Kraft said of his TFL’s.Kraft helped the Cardinals to a 12-1 season in which they advanced to the Class 2A state championship.“Last year was the most fun I have had during football,” Kraft said. “We had a lot of characters to make it fun. It was also fun kicking ass and making it to the state championship game.”Against Phillipsburg, he exploded for 269 yards rushing and four touchdowns on just six carries.“Just everything was working, I couldn’t be stopped and the offensive line was kicking ass,” Kraft said. “I went out there to prove something, like I do every game.”“Teron has helped the team tremendously the past few years, but last year he really stepped up with his starting spot at running back,” junior wide receiver Mason Martin said. “He dominated anything and everything. This year he’s gonna have a big load to carry as a senior and as a great leader to our team.”“Dawg! He runs well and just has the mentality,” senior quarterback Rhen Galla said. “He has the ability to run through tackles and set up play action.”“Definitely a very hard worker and is tough to bring down,” graduated senior Tony Moore noted. “He’s pretty diverse in what he brings as a running back.”Kraft said the summer conditioning program has been high demanding.“We focus on giving our best effort everyday. Because we know teams are working this summer too, but we need to work harder,” Kraft said.He’s been focused on particular areas of his game this past offseason.“I have been focusing on my speed and being more agile. I need to be able to burst through the gaps and make bigger plays for my team,” Kraft said.“I've learned most from playing and watching Teron just how important it Is to run hard with forward lean,” senior running back Kyler Russell said. “If there's four plays and you get two yards each that's eight yards. If you get forward lean and fall&nbsp;&nbsp;forward you get maybe three or four yards. Football is truly a game of inches.”“Teron is a guy you can rely on if you need some physicality,” senior defensive back Jason Robinson said. “He makes plays happen when others in his position wouldn’t know what to do.”Galla described a particular play that preserved a Cardinal victory.“It was third and 15 and we throw a screen pass to him. He got the first down after running through tackles and sealed the game against Southeast of Saline,” Galla noted.“There is a reason Teron plays middle linebacker. He is the vocal leader on the defense and now is the vocal leader thoughout the whole entire team,” Alderdice said. “He works hard and does things the right way. A great football player and even better young man.”“I credit my success to my coaches and my dad. They all have pushed me to be the best I can be,” Kraft said. “I grew up around football since I was born. I would watch my Dad coach great players, and the success he would have doing it. Watching that all the time I knew I needed to give my 110% all the time.”He hopes to get a chance to play football at the next level.“It would mean the world to me. I have been wanting to play college football since I started playing,” Kraft said. “I would also like to prove everyone wrong that’s said that I'm too small, and would never make it.”“Not only did he get a lot stronger and bigger to make it easier to run the ball, but he also got a lot smarter on following blocks and making the cuts necessary to get the most yards out of the play,” Robinson said.“I want to be known as a ‘dude that worked his ass off’. Someone that always fought for his teammates,” Kraft concluded.

Hoisington's Kraft likes running over defenders 

PARIS (AP) — What was expected to be a simple coronation of Salt Lake City as the 2034 Winter Olympic host turned into complicated Olympic politics Wednesday, as the IOC pushed Utah officials to end an FBI investigation into a suspected doping coverup.

The IOC formally awarded the 2034 Winter Games to Salt Lake in an 83-6 vote, but only after a contingent of Utah politicians and U.S. Olympic leaders signed an agreement pledging to lobby the federal government to end the investigation and to change the anti-conspiracy law that allows such a case.

The International Olympic Committee is angry about an ongoing U.S. federal investigation of suspected doping by Chinese swimmers who were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Games despite positive drug tests. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted Chinese explanations for the tests, and U.S. officials are now investigating that decision under an anti-conspiracy law passed after the Russian doping scandal at the Sochi Winter Games.

President Thomas Bach wants to make sure WADA is the sole authority on Olympic doping cases, especially with the Summer Olympics headed to Los Angeles in 2028. The IOC added a clause to Salt Lake's host contract, demanding that local organizers - including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox - push to shut down the investigation or risk losing the Olympics.

Cox and others promised to lobby the U.S. president and Congress.

“We agree that if the United States does not support or violates the World Anti-Doping Federation’s rules, that they can withdraw the Games from from us and from the United States, “ Cox said after the announcement. "That was the only way that that we could we could guarantee that we would get the Games.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721831122581.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks about Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, during the 142nd IOC session at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks about Salt Lake City's bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, during the 142nd IOC session at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/David Goldman)</figcaption>
 </figure>PARIS (AP) — What was expected to be a simple coronation of Salt Lake City as the 2034 Winter Olympic host turned into complicated Olympic politics Wednesday, as the IOC pushed Utah officials to end an FBI investigation into a suspected doping coverup.The IOC formally awarded the 2034 Winter Games to Salt Lake in an 83-6 vote, but only after a contingent of Utah politicians and U.S. Olympic leaders signed an agreement pledging to lobby the federal government to end the investigation and to change the anti-conspiracy law that allows such a case.The International Olympic Committee is angry about an ongoing U.S. federal investigation of suspected doping by Chinese swimmers who were allowed to compete at the Tokyo Games despite positive drug tests. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accepted Chinese explanations for the tests, and U.S. officials are now investigating that decision under an anti-conspiracy law passed after the Russian doping scandal at the Sochi Winter Games.President Thomas Bach wants to make sure WADA is the sole authority on Olympic doping cases, especially with the Summer Olympics headed to Los Angeles in 2028. The IOC added a clause to Salt Lake's host contract, demanding that local organizers - including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox - push to shut down the investigation or risk losing the Olympics.Cox and others promised to lobby the U.S. president and Congress.“We agree that if the United States does not support or violates the World Anti-Doping Federation’s rules, that they can withdraw the Games from from us and from the United States, “ Cox said after the announcement. "That was the only way that that we could we could guarantee that we would get the Games.”Even in the world of Olympic diplomacy, it was a stunning power move to force government officials to publicly agree to do the IOC's lobbying.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Chair Gene Sykes said some athletes and officials from other countries are worried that the anti-conspiracy law would allow the U.S. to arrest Olympic visitors.Some officials “have been very anxious about what it would mean to the sports figures who came to the United States, somehow they were subject to uncertainty in terms of their freedom of travel," Sykes said. "And that is always concerning to people who don’t understand the United States.”The capital city of Utah was the only candidate after the IOC gave Salt Lake City exclusive negotiating rights last year in a fast-tracked process.The campaign team presenting the bid on stage to IOC members included Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Alpine ski great Lindsey Vonn. Back home, a 3 a.m. public watch party gathered to see the broadcast from Paris.The clause inserted into the contract requires Utah officials to to work with current and future U.S. presidents and members of Congress “to alleviate your concerns” about the federal investigation into doping.WADA's role is under scrutiny for accepting a Chinese investigation that declared all 23 swimmers were contaminated by traces of a banned heart medication in a hotel kitchen. Three Chinese gold medals in the Tokyo Olympic pool were won by swimmers implicated in the case. Some are also competing in Paris next week.The case an be investigated in the U.S. under federal legislation named for a whistleblower of Russian state doping at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.The IOC and WADA lobbied against the law, known as the Rodchenkov Act, which gives U.S. federal agencies wide jurisdiction of doping enforcement worldwide.“We will work with our members of Congress," Gov. Cox told Bach and IOC voters ahead of the 2034 vote, "we will use all the levers of power open to us to resolve these concerns.”Salt Lake City first hosted the Winter Games in 2002. That bid was hit with a bribery scandal, which led to anti-corruption reforms at the IOC.Future U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney was brought in to clean up the Games, which went off well despite tightened security. The Games were the biggest international sports event hosted by the U.S. following the Sept. 11 attacks five months earlierIt is an Olympic tradition for lawmakers and even heads of state to come to an IOC meeting and plead their case to be anointed as an host city.Russian President Vladimir Putin did it in 2007, speaking in English to secure the 2014 Winter Games for Sochi. British Prime Minister Tony Blair made a key intervention in 2005 to help win the 2012 Olympics for London. U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Copenhagen in 2009 did not help in Chicago's losing cause for the 2016 Summer Games that went to Rio de Janeiro.For its second turn, Salt Lake City will get almost 10 full years to prepare — the longest lead-in for a modern Winter Games — amid longer-term concerns about climate change affecting snow sports and reducing the pool of potential hosts.It will be the fifth Winter Games in the U.S. Before Salt Lake City in 2002, there was Lake Placid in 1980 and 1932, and Squaw Valley — now known as Olympic Valley — in 1960.In a separate decision earlier in Paris, the 2030 Winter Games was awarded to France for a regional project split between ski resorts in the Alps and the French Riviera city Nice.