MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is reviewing its options after a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd prompted outrage from several students, including two football players who threatened to leave, the school’s president said Friday.

On Thursday, one month since Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”

University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”

“We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms,” Myers said. “We are launching an immediate review of the university’s options. Black Lives Matter at Kansas State University and we will continue to fight for social justice.”

McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil. Students released a video last week under the #BlackAtKState hashtag and asked for America First Students to be removed from campus. And a petition has circulated on Twitter asking that the group be banned from campus because it spreads “hateful rhetoric,” The Manhattan Mercury reported.

McNeil did not respond to a message to America First Students seeking comment Friday. He has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”

Kansas State spokesman Jeff Morris said America First Students is currently not registered on the campus. He said independent student organizations need to have at least five members and renew registration every year, The Kansas City Star reported.

Wide receiver Joshua Youngblood and defensive back Walter Neil Jr. both tweeted that they would not play for the school unless McNeil is removed from campus, though Youngblood has since removed his tweet. Several other players posted tweets criticizing McNeil.

Athletics director Gene Taylor and football coach Chris Klieman both criticized McNeil’s tweet and said they would not tolerate racial hate on campus.

“Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice,” Klieman wrote in a tweet. “I love our players and they know I have their backs.”

College athletes around the country have marched and used their influence to push for social justice since Floyd’s death.

On June 3, University of Missouri athletes and coaches joined with police and other administrators in walking to the Boone County Courthouse and knelt in honor of Floyd, before 62 football players registered to vote. That came on a campus that was roiled by controversy and demonstrations five years ago over the treatment of minorities on campus. Several members of the football team threatened to boycott until the then-president of the school resigned.

McNeil received several tweets of support Friday, including from conservative syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is reviewing its options after a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd prompted outrage from several students, including two football players who threatened to leave, the school’s president said Friday.On Thursday, one month since Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”“We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms,” Myers said. “We are launching an immediate review of the university’s options. Black Lives Matter at Kansas State University and we will continue to fight for social justice.”McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil. Students released a video last week under the #BlackAtKState hashtag and asked for America First Students to be removed from campus. And a petition has circulated on Twitter asking that the group be banned from campus because it spreads “hateful rhetoric,” The Manhattan Mercury reported.McNeil did not respond to a message to America First Students seeking comment Friday. He has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”Kansas State spokesman Jeff Morris said America First Students is currently not registered on the campus. He said independent student organizations need to have at least five members and renew registration every year, The Kansas City Star reported.Wide receiver Joshua Youngblood and defensive back Walter Neil Jr. both tweeted that they would not play for the school unless McNeil is removed from campus, though Youngblood has since removed his tweet. Several other players posted tweets criticizing McNeil.Athletics director Gene Taylor and football coach Chris Klieman both criticized McNeil’s tweet and said they would not tolerate racial hate on campus.“Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice,” Klieman wrote in a tweet. “I love our players and they know I have their backs.”College athletes around the country have marched and used their influence to push for social justice since Floyd’s death.On June 3, University of Missouri athletes and coaches joined with police and other administrators in walking to the Boone County Courthouse and knelt in honor of Floyd, before 62 football players registered to vote. That came on a campus that was roiled by controversy and demonstrations five years ago over the treatment of minorities on campus. Several members of the football team threatened to boycott until the then-president of the school resigned.McNeil received several tweets of support Friday, including from conservative syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin.

Kansas State athletes, officials decry student's Floyd tweet

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:

Morehouse College canceled its football and cross country seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic.

President David A. Thomas said scholarships would be honored. The Historically Black College in Atlanta competes at the NCAA Division II in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

“Like all of the decisions we’ve made related to COVID-19, this was a difficult one but was made with the health and well-being of our students and community in mind,” Thomas wrote on school website.

Thomas also wrote about the difficulty in safely travelling and hosting games and events while maintaining social distancing. ___

UNLV has temporarily stopped all voluntary on-campus workouts after four athletes tested positive for COVID-19.

The positive tests were detected as part of the screening process for returning to campus.

The athletes were placed in isolation and several others who came in contact with them were placed in quarantine as a precaution.

The workouts have been halted until at least July 5.

Cleveland Indians president Chris Antonetti said a “couple” of staff members have chosen not to take part in the resumption of training camp due to COVID-19 concerns.

Speaking on a Zoom call Friday, Antonetti did not identify the staffers who have opted out or specify their roles in the organization. He added that he’s unaware of any players declining to participate because of health reasons. Antonetti said the club has spoken to “every high-risk individual” about the risks of returning.

The Indians are scheduled to re-open camp on July 1 in Cleveland.

“We would be fully supportive if anyone felt this wasn’t the right environment for them to participate,” he said.

Antonetti added that the club has “had a few isolated cases” of players testing positive for the coronavirus. He said there were cases in the Dominican Republic as well as at the team’s training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. He said all of the infected individuals have recovered or are only showing mild symptoms.

The baseball Hall of Fame museum has reopened after being shut for more than three months.

Closed on March 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Hall welcomed visitors on Friday in Cooperstown, New York. Face masks are required from all staff and guests.

The shrine is selling tickets that permit visitors to reserve a specific date and time to enter, reducing congestion in the front lobby and throughout the museum. Some of the Hall’s bigger gathering spots will remain closed. The popular plaque gallery is open.

The Hall announced earlier that this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies had been canceled because of the virus outbreak. Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker will be enshrined next year, on July 25, 2021.

Two more players on the PGA Tour have withdrawn from the Travelers Championship because of COVID-19.

Denny McCarthy told Golfchannel.com that he withdrew after feeling sick Thursday night and testing positive for the coronavirus on Friday. Bud Cauley, who played with McCarthy on Thursday, also withdrew before Friday’s second round.

McCarthy became the third PGA Tour player to test positive for the virus since its restart and the second this week, joining Cameron Champ who withdrew on Tuesday. Nick Watney withdrew just before the second round of last week’s RBC Heritage Championship.

Webb Simpson, Graeme McDowell, Brooks Koepka and his brother Chase also withdrew from the Travelers after coming into contact with people who had the virus. The caddies for McDowell and Brooks Koepka both tested positive. Simpson cited the positive test of a family member.

Tennessee’s athletic budget for 2020-21 assumes the Volunteers will have fans in the stands for football season but still includes a $10.1 million cut in overall revenues.

University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd says reducing the number of fans further because of the coronavirus pandemic would have a “significant impact” on the budget. But Boyd said Friday that Tennessee is financially prepared to handle any problems.

Tennessee projects a drop of 19.4% with $29.8 million in revenue from athletic ticket sales. That would be down $7.1 million from the $37 million taken in over 2019-20. John Compton, chairman of the UT Board of Trustees, says that estimate is appropriate for now. He also says Tennessee will be able to handle if ticket revenue winds up even 50% lower.

The Volunteers won their final six games last season under coach Jeremy Pruitt. They are scheduled to host Florida and Alabama, which are traditionally big draws for fans.

Athletic director Phillip Fulmer has said Tennessee is expecting to fill Neyland Stadium this season and will adjust as needed.

World Triathlon has resurrected a second race in its world series, in Montreal in October.

The pandemic shelved the seven-race series, and the finals in Edmonton in August were canceled.

But the Hamburg stop in July was postponed to September, and the Montreal leg in June will race on Oct. 4.

A new date for the World Cup leg in Arzachena, Italy that was postponed in May was also found -- Oct. 10.

Virginia says its football players can begin returning to campus on July 5 if they participate in a voluntary workout period under protocols set by the school’s health system.

The school says all student-athletes and staff will receive COVID-19 specific education through a variety of print and video media, utilizing CDC and NCAA resources. The UVA Health System will administer and coordinate testing of student-athletes and staff.

The voluntary workouts will go from July 5-14, followed by required activity for up to eight hours a week including weight training, conditioning and film study from July 15-25. The program will then transition into a two-week period of required activities for 20 hours a week including walk-through sessions before fall training camp opens on Aug. 9.

The UVA Health System also will be required to report positive tests or cases to the local health district and to the athletics program’s team physicians.

The Cavaliers are scheduled to open the season against Georgia on Sept. 7 in Atlanta.

Brewers general manager David Stearns says no Milwaukee players have opted out of playing this season for personal reasons. He says “a small number of individuals in our organization” have tested positive for COVID-19 but were asymptomatic. He didn’t specify the number or say whether these individuals were players, other team employees or both.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season.

Those 16 players were part of a pool of 302 tested on Tuesday. Tests are continuing for all 22 teams that will be participating in the restart at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida, next month. The player names were not disclosed; some, such as Malcolm Brogdon of Indiana and Sacramento teammates Jabari Parker and Alex Len have publicly acknowledged they have recently positive.

That was a 5.3% rate of positive tests leaguewide. The league did not announce results of testing on staffers and other members of team travel parties, all of whom are also part of the mandatory testing program.

The league and the union say that “any player who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until he satisfies public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and has been cleared by a physician.”

The Carolina Hurricanes will begin “voluntary small-group training” at PNC Arena on Tuesday.

The team said Friday those sessions will be closed to the public and media. Sixteen players, divided into two groups, are expected to participate.

Players and staff permitted inside the arena will be tested for COVID-19. Team personnel will follow safety guidelines outlined in the second phase of the NHL’s return plan, as well as those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services.

The team says the arena has received “extensive cleaning” during the suspended NHL season and there will be “enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts” going forward.

The Davis Cup men’s tennis competition has been canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and will pick up again in 2021.

Matches were scheduled for this September and the Davis Cup finals were set for November in Madrid.

Now the World Group I and World Group II preliminary matches will be played in various sites in either March or September 2021. The finals will be in Madrid during the week of Nov. 22, 2021.

The International Tennis Federation says the 18 nations that already qualified for the 2020 finals will get a spot in 2021.

The ITF has also scrapped the women’s Fed Cup finals for this year and says they will be played April 13-18 in Budapest, Hungary.

The Fed Cup originally was supposed to be played this April but was initially postponed because of the pandemic.

Diamond League track meets in France and the United States have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Organizers say the Sept. 6 event in Paris and the Prefontaine meet on Oct. 4 in Eugene, Oregon, cannot be held because of the current restrictions on mass gatherings and international travel.

A meet in Gateshead, England, has been postponed from Aug. 16 to a possible date in mid-September.

The next possible Diamond League meet is scheduled for Aug. 14 in Monaco.

This year’s Fed Cup finals have been rescheduled for 2021 because of “challenges” related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The International Tennis Federation says the women’s team competition will take place April 13-18 in Budapest, Hungary.

The 2020 event was originally scheduled for April but was postponed because of the pandemic. Officials had hoped to squeeze the competition in this year.

The ITF says there are “significant logistical and regulatory challenges” to holding “an indoor mass gathering” at the Laszlo Arena. The tennis body says “guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved will not be feasible.”

The Fed Cup finals feature 12 national teams competing in a new format.

Tennis great Goran Ivanisevic says he has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The former Wimbledon champion coaches top-ranked Novak Djokovic and was at the recent Adria Tour exhibition series in Serbia and Croatia.

Djokovic and three other players have also tested positive for the virus after playing in the events. Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki are the others.

Ivanisevic won the Wimbledon title in 2001. He says he twice tested negative for the virus over the past 10 days but has now tested positive.

Ivanisevic says “I would like to inform everyone who has been in contact with me that I tested positive and ask them to take extra good care of themselves and their loved ones.”

The Croat says he has no symptoms but will self-isolate.

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Morehouse College canceled its football and cross country seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic.President David A. Thomas said scholarships would be honored. The Historically Black College in Atlanta competes at the NCAA Division II in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.“Like all of the decisions we’ve made related to COVID-19, this was a difficult one but was made with the health and well-being of our students and community in mind,” Thomas wrote on school website.Thomas also wrote about the difficulty in safely travelling and hosting games and events while maintaining social distancing. ___UNLV has temporarily stopped all voluntary on-campus workouts after four athletes tested positive for COVID-19.The positive tests were detected as part of the screening process for returning to campus.The athletes were placed in isolation and several others who came in contact with them were placed in quarantine as a precaution.The workouts have been halted until at least July 5.___Cleveland Indians president Chris Antonetti said a “couple” of staff members have chosen not to take part in the resumption of training camp due to COVID-19 concerns.Speaking on a Zoom call Friday, Antonetti did not identify the staffers who have opted out or specify their roles in the organization. He added that he’s unaware of any players declining to participate because of health reasons. Antonetti said the club has spoken to “every high-risk individual” about the risks of returning.The Indians are scheduled to re-open camp on July 1 in Cleveland.“We would be fully supportive if anyone felt this wasn’t the right environment for them to participate,” he said.Antonetti added that the club has “had a few isolated cases” of players testing positive for the coronavirus. He said there were cases in the Dominican Republic as well as at the team’s training facility in Goodyear, Arizona. He said all of the infected individuals have recovered or are only showing mild symptoms.___The baseball Hall of Fame museum has reopened after being shut for more than three months.Closed on March 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Hall welcomed visitors on Friday in Cooperstown, New York. Face masks are required from all staff and guests.The shrine is selling tickets that permit visitors to reserve a specific date and time to enter, reducing congestion in the front lobby and throughout the museum. Some of the Hall’s bigger gathering spots will remain closed. The popular plaque gallery is open.The Hall announced earlier that this year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremonies had been canceled because of the virus outbreak. Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker will be enshrined next year, on July 25, 2021.___Two more players on the PGA Tour have withdrawn from the Travelers Championship because of COVID-19.Denny McCarthy told Golfchannel.com that he withdrew after feeling sick Thursday night and testing positive for the coronavirus on Friday. Bud Cauley, who played with McCarthy on Thursday, also withdrew before Friday’s second round.McCarthy became the third PGA Tour player to test positive for the virus since its restart and the second this week, joining Cameron Champ who withdrew on Tuesday. Nick Watney withdrew just before the second round of last week’s RBC Heritage Championship.Webb Simpson, Graeme McDowell, Brooks Koepka and his brother Chase also withdrew from the Travelers after coming into contact with people who had the virus. The caddies for McDowell and Brooks Koepka both tested positive. Simpson cited the positive test of a family member.___Tennessee’s athletic budget for 2020-21 assumes the Volunteers will have fans in the stands for football season but still includes a $10.1 million cut in overall revenues.University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd says reducing the number of fans further because of the coronavirus pandemic would have a “significant impact” on the budget. But Boyd said Friday that Tennessee is financially prepared to handle any problems.Tennessee projects a drop of 19.4% with $29.8 million in revenue from athletic ticket sales. That would be down $7.1 million from the $37 million taken in over 2019-20. John Compton, chairman of the UT Board of Trustees, says that estimate is appropriate for now. He also says Tennessee will be able to handle if ticket revenue winds up even 50% lower.The Volunteers won their final six games last season under coach Jeremy Pruitt. They are scheduled to host Florida and Alabama, which are traditionally big draws for fans.Athletic director Phillip Fulmer has said Tennessee is expecting to fill Neyland Stadium this season and will adjust as needed.___World Triathlon has resurrected a second race in its world series, in Montreal in October.The pandemic shelved the seven-race series, and the finals in Edmonton in August were canceled.But the Hamburg stop in July was postponed to September, and the Montreal leg in June will race on Oct. 4.A new date for the World Cup leg in Arzachena, Italy that was postponed in May was also found -- Oct. 10.___Virginia says its football players can begin returning to campus on July 5 if they participate in a voluntary workout period under protocols set by the school’s health system.The school says all student-athletes and staff will receive COVID-19 specific education through a variety of print and video media, utilizing CDC and NCAA resources. The UVA Health System will administer and coordinate testing of student-athletes and staff.The voluntary workouts will go from July 5-14, followed by required activity for up to eight hours a week including weight training, conditioning and film study from July 15-25. The program will then transition into a two-week period of required activities for 20 hours a week including walk-through sessions before fall training camp opens on Aug. 9.The UVA Health System also will be required to report positive tests or cases to the local health district and to the athletics program’s team physicians.The Cavaliers are scheduled to open the season against Georgia on Sept. 7 in Atlanta.___Brewers general manager David Stearns says no Milwaukee players have opted out of playing this season for personal reasons. He says “a small number of individuals in our organization” have tested positive for COVID-19 but were asymptomatic. He didn’t specify the number or say whether these individuals were players, other team employees or both.___The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association say 16 players tested positive for coronavirus in the first wave of mandatory tests done in preparation for the restart of the season.Those 16 players were part of a pool of 302 tested on Tuesday. Tests are continuing for all 22 teams that will be participating in the restart at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida, next month. The player names were not disclosed; some, such as Malcolm Brogdon of Indiana and Sacramento teammates Jabari Parker and Alex Len have publicly acknowledged they have recently positive.That was a 5.3% rate of positive tests leaguewide. The league did not announce results of testing on staffers and other members of team travel parties, all of whom are also part of the mandatory testing program.The league and the union say that “any player who tested positive will remain in self-isolation until he satisfies public health protocols for discontinuing isolation and has been cleared by a physician.”___The Carolina Hurricanes will begin “voluntary small-group training” at PNC Arena on Tuesday.The team said Friday those sessions will be closed to the public and media. Sixteen players, divided into two groups, are expected to participate.Players and staff permitted inside the arena will be tested for COVID-19. Team personnel will follow safety guidelines outlined in the second phase of the NHL’s return plan, as well as those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services.The team says the arena has received “extensive cleaning” during the suspended NHL season and there will be “enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts” going forward.___The Davis Cup men’s tennis competition has been canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and will pick up again in 2021.Matches were scheduled for this September and the Davis Cup finals were set for November in Madrid.Now the World Group I and World Group II preliminary matches will be played in various sites in either March or September 2021. The finals will be in Madrid during the week of Nov. 22, 2021.The International Tennis Federation says the 18 nations that already qualified for the 2020 finals will get a spot in 2021.The ITF has also scrapped the women’s Fed Cup finals for this year and says they will be played April 13-18 in Budapest, Hungary.The Fed Cup originally was supposed to be played this April but was initially postponed because of the pandemic.___Diamond League track meets in France and the United States have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.Organizers say the Sept. 6 event in Paris and the Prefontaine meet on Oct. 4 in Eugene, Oregon, cannot be held because of the current restrictions on mass gatherings and international travel.A meet in Gateshead, England, has been postponed from Aug. 16 to a possible date in mid-September.The next possible Diamond League meet is scheduled for Aug. 14 in Monaco.___This year’s Fed Cup finals have been rescheduled for 2021 because of “challenges” related to the coronavirus pandemic.The International Tennis Federation says the women’s team competition will take place April 13-18 in Budapest, Hungary.The 2020 event was originally scheduled for April but was postponed because of the pandemic. Officials had hoped to squeeze the competition in this year.The ITF says there are “significant logistical and regulatory challenges” to holding “an indoor mass gathering” at the Laszlo Arena. The tennis body says “guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved will not be feasible.”The Fed Cup finals feature 12 national teams competing in a new format.___Tennis great Goran Ivanisevic says he has tested positive for the coronavirus.The former Wimbledon champion coaches top-ranked Novak Djokovic and was at the recent Adria Tour exhibition series in Serbia and Croatia.Djokovic and three other players have also tested positive for the virus after playing in the events. Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki are the others.Ivanisevic won the Wimbledon title in 2001. He says he twice tested negative for the virus over the past 10 days but has now tested positive.Ivanisevic says “I would like to inform everyone who has been in contact with me that I tested positive and ask them to take extra good care of themselves and their loved ones.”The Croat says he has no symptoms but will self-isolate.

The Latest: Morehouse cancels football, cross country

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University President Richard Myers says the school is considering its options after a student posted a tweet mocking the death of George Floyd. The tweet posted Thursday by sophomore Jaden McNeil drew the ire of several football players, including two who said they wouldn't play for Kansas State unless McNeil is removed from the university. McNeil is the founder of the conservative group America First Students and has been criticized for his past comments on Black Lives Matter. Myers said Friday that McNeil's divisive comments do not represent Kansas State's values.

Major league teams are planning to jump right into their preparation for the season when they start working out again next week. The first few days of camp will see much more strenuous work compared to the beginning of spring training. The reason is time. When full-squad workouts begin again, there will only be about three weeks before opening day. It’s a tricky balance for players trying to get their teams ready while also worrying about potential health issues that could pop up with more frequency during a truncated training period.

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) —Fifty-year-old Phil Mickelson was able to find fairways and make birdies and has the lead at the Travelers Championship. He fired a 63 to move to 13-under. A stroke back is Will Gordon, who shot an 8-under 62. Gordon is a 23-year-old Vanderbilt graduate playing his eighth PGA Tour event on a sponsor’s exemption. Also tied for second is Canadian Mackenzie Hughes. The Travelers field continued to shrink after Denny McCarthy tested positive for the coronavirus. McCarthy withdrew along with Bud Cauley, who tested negative for the virus, but had played with McCarthy on Thursday. There have been seven withdrawals from the tournament because of COVID-19.

UNDATED (AP) — Oregon and Oregon State have mutually agreed to drop the name “Civil War” for their rivalry games. The move was made after discussions between officials at both schools and current and former student-athletes. The change comes amid ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd while in police custody. Oregon athletic director Rob Mullins says former Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon raised the issue of the name.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University President Richard Myers says the school is considering its options after a student posted a tweet mocking the death of George Floyd. The tweet posted Thursday by sophomore Jaden McNeil drew the ire of several football players, including two who said they wouldn't play for Kansas State unless McNeil is removed from the university. McNeil is the founder of the conservative group America First Students and has been criticized for his past comments on Black Lives Matter. Myers said Friday that McNeil's divisive comments do not represent Kansas State's values.Major league teams are planning to jump right into their preparation for the season when they start working out again next week. The first few days of camp will see much more strenuous work compared to the beginning of spring training. The reason is time. When full-squad workouts begin again, there will only be about three weeks before opening day. It’s a tricky balance for players trying to get their teams ready while also worrying about potential health issues that could pop up with more frequency during a truncated training period.CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) —Fifty-year-old Phil Mickelson was able to find fairways and make birdies and has the lead at the Travelers Championship. He fired a 63 to move to 13-under. A stroke back is Will Gordon, who shot an 8-under 62. Gordon is a 23-year-old Vanderbilt graduate playing his eighth PGA Tour event on a sponsor’s exemption. Also tied for second is Canadian Mackenzie Hughes. The Travelers field continued to shrink after Denny McCarthy tested positive for the coronavirus. McCarthy withdrew along with Bud Cauley, who tested negative for the virus, but had played with McCarthy on Thursday. There have been seven withdrawals from the tournament because of COVID-19.UNDATED (AP) — Oregon and Oregon State have mutually agreed to drop the name “Civil War” for their rivalry games. The move was made after discussions between officials at both schools and current and former student-athletes. The change comes amid ongoing protests following the death of George Floyd while in police custody. Oregon athletic director Rob Mullins says former Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon raised the issue of the name.

Weekend Sports Headlines

Former Kansas national player of the year Frank Mason III was named the NBA G League 2019-20 Most Valuable Player, the league announced Thursday. Mason won the honor in a vote by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers.

Mason averaged 26.4 points, shooting 42.5 percent from 3-point range, 5.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 23 games played per game for the Wisconsin Herd. The Herd was 18-5 in games Mason played this past season and coached by former KU guard Chase Buford who was a three-year letterwinner at Kansas (2008-10) and a member of the 2008 NCAA National Championship team.

Mason signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in July 2019 and played in six games with the NBA team this past season averaging 8.8 minutes and 2.3 points per contest. He is listed on the Bucks’ roster for the upcoming 2020 playoffs. The Bucks are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after posting a 53-12 record prior to the global pandemic.

From Petersburg, Va., while at Kansas Mason was the unanimous 2017 National Player of the Year, given the award by 10 different entities: Wooden, Naismith, NABC, Associated Press, USBWA Oscar Robertson, Sporting News, CBS Sports, USA TODAY, Bleacher Report and NBC Sports. He was the first Jayhawk to be named Associated Press Player of the Year, a recipient of the Oscar Robertson Trophy presented by the USBWA, and win the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award. Mason concluded his career ranked sixth on the Kansas scoring list (1,885 points), sixth in assists (576), eighth in 3-point field goals (185), 13th in steals (165) and tied for third in consecutive starts (110). Other than Mason, no Jayhawk in KU history ranked sixth or higher in both points and assists.

Former Kansas national player of the year Frank Mason III was named the NBA G League 2019-20 Most Valuable Player, the league announced Thursday. Mason won the honor in a vote by the league’s 28 head coaches and general managers.Mason averaged 26.4 points, shooting 42.5 percent from 3-point range, 5.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 23 games played per game for the Wisconsin Herd. The Herd was 18-5 in games Mason played this past season and coached by former KU guard Chase Buford who was a three-year letterwinner at Kansas (2008-10) and a member of the 2008 NCAA National Championship team.Mason signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in July 2019 and played in six games with the NBA team this past season averaging 8.8 minutes and 2.3 points per contest. He is listed on the Bucks’ roster for the upcoming 2020 playoffs. The Bucks are the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference after posting a 53-12 record prior to the global pandemic.From Petersburg, Va., while at Kansas Mason was the unanimous 2017 National Player of the Year, given the award by 10 different entities: Wooden, Naismith, NABC, Associated Press, USBWA Oscar Robertson, Sporting News, CBS Sports, USA TODAY, Bleacher Report and NBC Sports. He was the first Jayhawk to be named Associated Press Player of the Year, a recipient of the Oscar Robertson Trophy presented by the USBWA, and win the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award. Mason concluded his career ranked sixth on the Kansas scoring list (1,885 points), sixth in assists (576), eighth in 3-point field goals (185), 13th in steals (165) and tied for third in consecutive starts (110). Other than Mason, no Jayhawk in KU history ranked sixth or higher in both points and assists.

Mason Named NBA G League MVP

HAYS, Kan. - The 11th&nbsp;annual Tiger Auction and Dinner, hosted by Fort Hays State Athletics, will take place&nbsp;ONLINE&nbsp;in 2020 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;FHSU Athletics will host a live event on Zoom, Saturday, August 22, 2020 to go along with the online auction. With the online format planned for this year, participants can place bids on items leading up to the live Zoom event, and for a few days after.&nbsp;Bidding for the online auction will start on Monday, August 17 at 9 AM and last until Friday, August 28 at 9 PM. How do I participate?

What to know about this year's format…

Look for further updates on the event at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tigerauction.org/">www.tigerauction.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593191285577.jpeg" alt="fhsuathletics.com" />
 <figcaption>fhsuathletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>

HAYS, Kan. - The 11th&nbsp;annual Tiger Auction and Dinner, hosted by Fort Hays State Athletics, will take place&nbsp;ONLINE&nbsp;in 2020 due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;FHSU Athletics will host a live event on Zoom, Saturday, August 22, 2020 to go along with the online auction. With the online format planned for this year, participants can place bids on items leading up to the live Zoom event, and for a few days after.&nbsp;Bidding for the online auction will start on Monday, August 17 at 9 AM and last until Friday, August 28 at 9 PM. How do I participate?<ul>
 <li>Sign up for the live Zoom event by filling out the registration form mailed to your address, or our quick&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/sb_output.aspx?form=25">ONLINE FORM</a>. You can also sign up by calling&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=251">Tobi Neuburger</a>&nbsp;at 785-628-4050.</li><li>Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tigerauction.org/">www.tigerauction.org</a>&nbsp;to see auction items and to place bids. Information on the site will update throughout the months of July and August leading up to the online auction and live Zoom event.</li><li>Deadline to donate items for the 2020 Auction is July 31. If you have an item you would like to donate, contact&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=134">Matt Cook</a>&nbsp;at 785-324-0994 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mjcook8@fhsu.edu">mjcook8@fhsu.edu</a>.</li>
 </ul> What to know about this year's format…<ul>
 <li>The live Zoom event will feature updates from Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=5">Curtis Hammeke</a>, head coaches, and special guests.</li><li>We will provide information in the near future on the process of pickup and delivery of items purchased.</li><li>FHSU Online Auction participants are encouraged to enjoy a nice meal and beverages from the comfort of their home during the live Zoom event.</li><li>Be on the lookout for the mailing, which will include a letter from Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=5">Curtis Hammeke</a>, a registration form for the Zoom event, and information about donating to Item #40.</li>
 </ul> Look for further updates on the event at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tigerauction.org/">www.tigerauction.org</a>.

11th Annual Tiger Auction Moved to Online Format in 2020

The Great Bend Bat
Cats pounded out 20 hits and scored 23 runs Thursday night in a 23-8
bombing of the Sunflower Seeds in Cheney.  The Bat Cats second
straight win came against the Sunflower Collegiate League's
developmental team in the first of a four game series that continues
in Great Bend on Friday night.

Great Bend scored
two runs in the first and then five more in the third to take a 7-1
lead. After the Seeds made it 7-3 with two in the bottom of the third
inning, the Bat Cats exploded for four runs in the fifth, seven in
the sixth and five more in the seventh to end the game early due to
the run rule.

Jake Baker and Ben
Brown each hit home runs for Great Bend as eleven different players
knocked in at least one run. Six players had multiple hits led by
Collin Meinert and Tyler Henry with three each.

Great Bend got back
to the .500 mark on the season at 6-6 while improving their SCL
record to 5-4.  Sunflower dropped to 1-8 on the season.

The Bat Cats have a
big opportunity this weekend with three more games against the Seeds
starting Friday night at 7 pm at Al Burns Field. The two teams play
again at Cheney on Saturday at 5 pm before returning to Great Bend to
wrap up the series with a 3 pm game on Sunday afternoon.

The Great Bend Bat
Cats pounded out 20 hits and scored 23 runs Thursday night in a 23-8
bombing of the Sunflower Seeds in Cheney. The Bat Cats second
straight win came against the Sunflower Collegiate League's
developmental team in the first of a four game series that continues
in Great Bend on Friday night.Great Bend scored
two runs in the first and then five more in the third to take a 7-1
lead. After the Seeds made it 7-3 with two in the bottom of the third
inning, the Bat Cats exploded for four runs in the fifth, seven in
the sixth and five more in the seventh to end the game early due to
the run rule.Jake Baker and Ben
Brown each hit home runs for Great Bend as eleven different players
knocked in at least one run. Six players had multiple hits led by
Collin Meinert and Tyler Henry with three each.Great Bend got back
to the .500 mark on the season at 6-6 while improving their SCL
record to 5-4. Sunflower dropped to 1-8 on the season.The Bat Cats have a
big opportunity this weekend with three more games against the Seeds
starting Friday night at 7 pm at Al Burns Field. The two teams play
again at Cheney on Saturday at 5 pm before returning to Great Bend to
wrap up the series with a 3 pm game on Sunday afternoon.

Bat Cats blow out Seeds 23-8

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have had “a few” players in their organization test positive for COVID-19 recently. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Thursday that each player was “doing well” in self-isolation at home. Falvey declined to specify the exact number or whether the players were major leaguers or minor leaguers. Major league camps are set to reopen next week, mostly at home stadiums.

NEW YORK (AP) — It has back-up plans, but the NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July. The announcement came on the same day the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason. The Aug. 6 exhibition game in Canton, Ohio, between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers will be played on Aug. 5, 2021, with the same teams. Enshrinements for 20 men scheduled for this year now will occur on Aug. 7, 2021, with the 2021 inductees going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the next day.

CHARLOTTE (AP) — Panthers coach Matt Rhule says he's considering kneeling alongside his players during the national anthem this season in support of the movement against racial injustice. The first-year coach from Baylor has told players he will support them if they express their views. Rhule says he will confer with his players before making any decision on whether to kneel during the anthem. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien has said he plans to kneel with his players.

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — After waiting for 30 years for Liverpool to be the champion of England, soccer fans couldn’t help but put aside some pandemic precautions. They showed up in the thousands to watch fireworks that started to explode at twilight. Liverpool’s squad realized they had won it all while watching television. It happened when second-place Manchester City lost 2-1 at Chelsea and left Liverpool 23 points in front. With seven games to go, Liverpool cannot be caught.

CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Mackenzie Hughes shot a career-low 60 and led by three shots after the first round of the Travelers Championship. The 29-year-old Canadian flirted with 59 on Thursday as the PGA Tour tried to switch its focus back to golf amid growing concerns about the coronavirus. TPC River Highlands, near Hartford, Connecticut, is no stranger to low scores. Hughes was bogey-free and made a 30-foot putt on his second-to-last hole to get to 10 under. But he left a 40-foot birdie try short to settle for 60. It was good enough for a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele (ZAN’-dur SHAWF’-lee) and Viktor Hovland.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have had “a few” players in their organization test positive for COVID-19 recently. President of baseball operations Derek Falvey said Thursday that each player was “doing well” in self-isolation at home. Falvey declined to specify the exact number or whether the players were major leaguers or minor leaguers. Major league camps are set to reopen next week, mostly at home stadiums.NEW YORK (AP) — It has back-up plans, but the NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July. The announcement came on the same day the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason. The Aug. 6 exhibition game in Canton, Ohio, between the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers will be played on Aug. 5, 2021, with the same teams. Enshrinements for 20 men scheduled for this year now will occur on Aug. 7, 2021, with the 2021 inductees going into the Pro Football Hall of Fame the next day.CHARLOTTE (AP) — Panthers coach Matt Rhule says he's considering kneeling alongside his players during the national anthem this season in support of the movement against racial injustice. The first-year coach from Baylor has told players he will support them if they express their views. Rhule says he will confer with his players before making any decision on whether to kneel during the anthem. Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien has said he plans to kneel with his players.LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — After waiting for 30 years for Liverpool to be the champion of England, soccer fans couldn’t help but put aside some pandemic precautions. They showed up in the thousands to watch fireworks that started to explode at twilight. Liverpool’s squad realized they had won it all while watching television. It happened when second-place Manchester City lost 2-1 at Chelsea and left Liverpool 23 points in front. With seven games to go, Liverpool cannot be caught.CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) — Mackenzie Hughes shot a career-low 60 and led by three shots after the first round of the Travelers Championship. The 29-year-old Canadian flirted with 59 on Thursday as the PGA Tour tried to switch its focus back to golf amid growing concerns about the coronavirus. TPC River Highlands, near Hartford, Connecticut, is no stranger to low scores. Hughes was bogey-free and made a 30-foot putt on his second-to-last hole to get to 10 under. But he left a 40-foot birdie try short to settle for 60. It was good enough for a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele (ZAN’-dur SHAWF’-lee) and Viktor Hovland.

Friday Sports Headlines

Benjamin Franklin once noted that “out of adversity comes opportunity.” Given the events of the past four months, our country should be in line for many opportunities in the coming months and years.

And in the world of education-based high school sports and performing arts, perhaps there is an opportunity to reassess what has been the best model in the world and determine if there are ways to reach even more individuals in different ways and alongside other groups and programs.

The U. S. model of sports and other activity programs within the school setting has provided a successful blend of education and activities for millions of high school students for almost 100 years.

Multiple studies in&nbsp;The Case for High School Activities&nbsp;produced by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have revealed that playing sports keeps kids in school, thereby improving their chances of earning better grades and eventually graduating. These vital programs within the school setting inspire young people to succeed, and they learn many life lessons that are not taught in the classroom.

Before the 2018-19 school year, participation in high school sports had increased for 30 consecutive years. Currently, there are more than 12 million participants in high school sports and performing arts programs.

These are hardly numbers that decry a need for repair. However, there are many others – from middle school to high school – who have not received those opportunities for various reasons. And even before the pandemic hit earlier this year, the NFHS’ annual sports participation survey indicated that some of the longtime core sports had become stagnant or had registered slight declines in participation.

In the past few weeks, working from the NFHS’&nbsp;Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities&nbsp;document, state high school athletics/activities associations – and individual school districts – have started to establish plans for restarting athletics and activities. In order to return to play as safely as possible, one state administrator noted “we have to think outside the box” and another noted that “every option is on the table.” To that end, some states are looking at starting competition this fall only in sports that allow for adequate social distancing as opposed to the sports traditionally conducted at this time of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In addition to this open-minded thinking to short-term solutions for safely returning students to the classroom and to the playing fields and courts, there is no better time – from a longer-term perspective – to consider ways to involve others not currently involved in school sports or activities. If our education-based model of sports within the school setting is going to be successful for the next 100 years, our motto needs to be&nbsp;“Something for All.”

In addition to providing safe re-entry into sports and other activities, which may involve participation in only low-risk sports at first, schools must be inclusive and provide participation opportunities for everyone. Beyond the varsity sports teams, opportunities such as freshman or sophomore teams, Unified programs, Paralympic sports and intramurals might be considered.

In whatever way possible, a pathway to success for all students – not just those with the highest skill levels – should be developed. The gap between the end of the school day and return to home must be covered by engaging sports and activities programs. In whatever form and by whatever name, these afterschool programs must be cocurricular.

And if we are to meet the needs of everyone –&nbsp;“Something for All”&nbsp;– school-based programs must forge collaborative relationships within their communities. As an example, working with out-of-school club programs rather than against them may serve to promote participation with all groups.

By connecting with coaches of youth sports teams in their communities, high school coaches can spur excitement on the part of youth players and their parents and improve chances of kids continuing to play sports in high school. Without a doubt, high school coaches can be the focal point to success of programs in communities across the nation.

In that spirit of collaboration, the NFHS is supporting the Aspen Institute’s Project Play as it launches its&nbsp;Reimagining School Sports in America&nbsp;initiative. The project will recognize eight schools – large and small; urban, suburban and rural; public, private and charter – that are innovative and have engaged the broadest percentage of students in sports and physical activity. More information on the program is available here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/reimagining-school-sports">https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/reimagining-school-sports</a>&nbsp;

The NFHS is excited to work alongside the Aspen Institute in this endeavor. We encourage high schools to examine their sports and activities offerings and take this opportunity to reach as many students as possible in new ways. A reimagined school sports model that keeps high school education-based sports activities at its core is a proven roadmap for success.

In the short-term, which may evolve into much of the 2020-21 school year, as well as the years that follow, all groups must work together to ensure that school sports and other activities involve&nbsp;“Something for All.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589980518766.png" alt="By Dr. Karissa Niehoff,&nbsp;executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana." />
 <figcaption>By Dr. Karissa Niehoff,&nbsp;executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis, Indiana.</figcaption>
 </figure>Benjamin Franklin once noted that “out of adversity comes opportunity.” Given the events of the past four months, our country should be in line for many opportunities in the coming months and years.And in the world of education-based high school sports and performing arts, perhaps there is an opportunity to reassess what has been the best model in the world and determine if there are ways to reach even more individuals in different ways and alongside other groups and programs.The U. S. model of sports and other activity programs within the school setting has provided a successful blend of education and activities for millions of high school students for almost 100 years.Multiple studies in&nbsp;The Case for High School Activities&nbsp;produced by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have revealed that playing sports keeps kids in school, thereby improving their chances of earning better grades and eventually graduating. These vital programs within the school setting inspire young people to succeed, and they learn many life lessons that are not taught in the classroom.Before the 2018-19 school year, participation in high school sports had increased for 30 consecutive years. Currently, there are more than 12 million participants in high school sports and performing arts programs.These are hardly numbers that decry a need for repair. However, there are many others – from middle school to high school – who have not received those opportunities for various reasons. And even before the pandemic hit earlier this year, the NFHS’ annual sports participation survey indicated that some of the longtime core sports had become stagnant or had registered slight declines in participation.In the past few weeks, working from the NFHS’&nbsp;Guidance for Opening Up High School Athletics and Activities&nbsp;document, state high school athletics/activities associations – and individual school districts – have started to establish plans for restarting athletics and activities. In order to return to play as safely as possible, one state administrator noted “we have to think outside the box” and another noted that “every option is on the table.” To that end, some states are looking at starting competition this fall only in sports that allow for adequate social distancing as opposed to the sports traditionally conducted at this time of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to this open-minded thinking to short-term solutions for safely returning students to the classroom and to the playing fields and courts, there is no better time – from a longer-term perspective – to consider ways to involve others not currently involved in school sports or activities. If our education-based model of sports within the school setting is going to be successful for the next 100 years, our motto needs to be&nbsp;“Something for All.”In addition to providing safe re-entry into sports and other activities, which may involve participation in only low-risk sports at first, schools must be inclusive and provide participation opportunities for everyone. Beyond the varsity sports teams, opportunities such as freshman or sophomore teams, Unified programs, Paralympic sports and intramurals might be considered.In whatever way possible, a pathway to success for all students – not just those with the highest skill levels – should be developed. The gap between the end of the school day and return to home must be covered by engaging sports and activities programs. In whatever form and by whatever name, these afterschool programs must be cocurricular.And if we are to meet the needs of everyone –&nbsp;“Something for All”&nbsp;– school-based programs must forge collaborative relationships within their communities. As an example, working with out-of-school club programs rather than against them may serve to promote participation with all groups.By connecting with coaches of youth sports teams in their communities, high school coaches can spur excitement on the part of youth players and their parents and improve chances of kids continuing to play sports in high school. Without a doubt, high school coaches can be the focal point to success of programs in communities across the nation.In that spirit of collaboration, the NFHS is supporting the Aspen Institute’s Project Play as it launches its&nbsp;Reimagining School Sports in America&nbsp;initiative. The project will recognize eight schools – large and small; urban, suburban and rural; public, private and charter – that are innovative and have engaged the broadest percentage of students in sports and physical activity. More information on the program is available here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/reimagining-school-sports">https://www.aspenprojectplay.org/reimagining-school-sports</a>&nbsp;The NFHS is excited to work alongside the Aspen Institute in this endeavor. We encourage high schools to examine their sports and activities offerings and take this opportunity to reach as many students as possible in new ways. A reimagined school sports model that keeps high school education-based sports activities at its core is a proven roadmap for success.In the short-term, which may evolve into much of the 2020-21 school year, as well as the years that follow, all groups must work together to ensure that school sports and other activities involve&nbsp;“Something for All.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘Something for All’ – Reaching More Students for High School Sports, Performing Arts

St. Joseph—After much discussion over the past several months, the Kansas City Chiefs officially notified Missouri State University (MWSU) this week that they will be unable to hold their 2020 Training Camp at Missouri Western due to the NFL’s evolving policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a statement from Josh Looney, vice president of intercollegiate athletics, Missouri Western State University.

Both MWSU and the Chiefs were very excited about the potential of our 11th training camp in St. Joseph this summer, but with health and safety a top priority surrounding the many facets of hosting an NFL Training Camp, the university understands and appreciate the need for caution.

Fans in St. Joseph look forward to rooting on the defending Super Bowl champs throughout this coming season and welcoming them back to the MWSU campus in July 2021 and beyond.

St. Joseph—After much discussion over the past several months, the Kansas City Chiefs officially notified Missouri State University (MWSU) this week that they will be unable to hold their 2020 Training Camp at Missouri Western due to the NFL’s evolving policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a statement from Josh Looney, vice president of intercollegiate athletics, Missouri Western State University.Both MWSU and the Chiefs were very excited about the potential of our 11th training camp in St. Joseph this summer, but with health and safety a top priority surrounding the many facets of hosting an NFL Training Camp, the university understands and appreciate the need for caution.Fans in St. Joseph look forward to rooting on the defending Super Bowl champs throughout this coming season and welcoming them back to the MWSU campus in July 2021 and beyond.

Chiefs won't hold training camp at Missouri Western this summer

The Great Bend Bat
Cats picked up a much needed win Wednesday night, edging Mulvane 4-3
in a Sunflower Collegiate League game played in Mulvane.

Trent Touchet
launched a solo home run in the top of 8th inning to break
a 3-3 tie and the Bat Cats held on for the victory that was just
their second win in the last six games.

The win went to
Travis Gilbert who pitched 3 2/3 innings of relief after Jayden
Saylor had gone the first five innings.  Gilbert allowed 3 hits while
striking out two and walking three.  Grant Thompson got the save
after recording the final out of the game in the ninth.

Great Bend (5-6 4-4)
will continue their Wichita area road trip Thursday night as they
will play in Cheney at 7 pm against the Sunflower Seeds, a
developmental league team that is just 1-7 on the season.

The Bat Cats finally
return home Friday night to face the seeds in a 7pm game at Al Burns
field.

The Great Bend Bat
Cats picked up a much needed win Wednesday night, edging Mulvane 4-3
in a Sunflower Collegiate League game played in Mulvane.Trent Touchet
launched a solo home run in the top of 8th inning to break
a 3-3 tie and the Bat Cats held on for the victory that was just
their second win in the last six games.The win went to
Travis Gilbert who pitched 3 2/3 innings of relief after Jayden
Saylor had gone the first five innings. Gilbert allowed 3 hits while
striking out two and walking three. Grant Thompson got the save
after recording the final out of the game in the ninth.Great Bend (5-6 4-4)
will continue their Wichita area road trip Thursday night as they
will play in Cheney at 7 pm against the Sunflower Seeds, a
developmental league team that is just 1-7 on the season.The Bat Cats finally
return home Friday night to face the seeds in a 7pm game at Al Burns
field.

Bat Cats slip past Mulvane 4-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have signed all six of their draft picks, including first-rounder Asa Lacy, along with seven undrafted free agents that together give the rebuilding franchise one of the best incoming crops of first-year players in the majors. The club announced the 13 signings on Tuesday with Lacy being the headliner. The big, rangy left-hander out of Texas A&amp;M was widely considered the top college arm in the draft, yet he slid to the Royals at the fourth overall pick.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have signed first-round draft pick Jordan Walker for $2.9 million, which comes just under the slot value for the 21st overall pick. Walker is a power-hitting third baseman picked out of high school. The Cardinals continued Tuesday to bring their selections from the first-year player draft under contract. The Cardinals already signed their second-round pick, East Carolina outfielder Alec Burleson; third-round pick Levi Prater, a left-hander from Oklahoma; and fifth-round pick L.J. Jones, an outfielder from Long Beach State.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Kansas State guard Brian Patrick is headed to DePaul as a graduate transfer. Patrick will be eligible to play immediately after spending two years at Kansas State and last season at Purdue Fort Wayne. He played in 49 games as a backup at Kansas State before transferring, and averaged 11.1 points for Purdue Fort Wayne after sitting out a year. DePaul went 16-16 overall and finished last in the Big East at 3-15.

UNDATED (AP) — College baseball players who had their seasons end abruptly in March are finding it challenging to stay sharp. That's largely because the coronavirus pandemic has forced most summer leagues to shut down. That leaves the players to their own devices to get in workouts and do baseball drills. Even if they do play summer ball, the season will be short. Clemson coach Monte Lee says he's worried about players being overzealous when they return to campus for fall practices. Lee said he plans to have his players ramp up slowly because their routines have been disrupted. 

UNDATED (AP) — Suspended West Virginia defensive coordinator Vic Koenning has apologized after a player alleged he made a series of insensitive remarks. Koenning was placed on administrative leave Tuesday after safety Kerry Martin posted the allegations on his Twitter account. On Wednesday, Koenning said he never intended his words or actions to be insensitive. Martin said the latest incident happened Monday, when Koenning shared a conversation he had with his son about protests over racial injustice. Martin, who is Black, also said Koenning has talked about politics, including that President Donald Trump should build a border wall to keep Hispanics out of the country.

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma State athletics has added a diversity council. The move comes soon after football coach Mike Gundy’s decision to wear a T-shirt promoting a right-wing news network upset All-America running back Chuba Hubbard and several teammates. Hubbard, who is Black, chose to remain after Gundy apologized. 

TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian government says Major League Baseball has submitted a plan to play in Toronto and health authorities are examining it. A spokeswoman for the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed it is examining the restart plan. Anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must quarantine for 14 days, and the U.S.-Canada border remains closed to nonessential travel until at least July 21. On Tuesday, the Canadian government said it was open to MLB playing in Toronto this summer, but the league had not submitted the required plan to health authorities.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The return of Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon has been delayed after he tested positive for the coronavirus. And Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker says he has been dealing with the virus as well. The NBA is set to start again in Central Florida next month. All 22 NBA teams that will be part of the resumed season began mandated testing Tuesday.

UNDATED (AP) — Brooks Koepka chose to withdraw from the Travelers Championship because his caddie tested positive for the coronavirus. The four-time major champion feels even worse for his younger brother. Chase Koepka is trying to make it on the Challenge Tour in Europe, just like his brother once did. He made it through a Monday qualifier for a PGA Tour event. Both withdrew out of caution from being in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. Brooks Koepka says he feels responsible for putting his brother in that position. His brother had no place to stay Monday night after qualifying so Koepka had him stay in his house.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Redskins are removing former owner George Preston Marshall from their Ring of Fame and striking all references to him on their website. Marshall’s name has already been removed from the history wall at the team’s training facility. Marshall refused to integrate by signing Black players until “forced to do so” in 1962. There have been renewed calls for owner Dan Snyder to change the team’s name.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have signed all six of their draft picks, including first-rounder Asa Lacy, along with seven undrafted free agents that together give the rebuilding franchise one of the best incoming crops of first-year players in the majors. The club announced the 13 signings on Tuesday with Lacy being the headliner. The big, rangy left-hander out of Texas A&amp;M was widely considered the top college arm in the draft, yet he slid to the Royals at the fourth overall pick.ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have signed first-round draft pick Jordan Walker for $2.9 million, which comes just under the slot value for the 21st overall pick. Walker is a power-hitting third baseman picked out of high school. The Cardinals continued Tuesday to bring their selections from the first-year player draft under contract. The Cardinals already signed their second-round pick, East Carolina outfielder Alec Burleson; third-round pick Levi Prater, a left-hander from Oklahoma; and fifth-round pick L.J. Jones, an outfielder from Long Beach State.CHICAGO (AP) — Former Kansas State guard Brian Patrick is headed to DePaul as a graduate transfer. Patrick will be eligible to play immediately after spending two years at Kansas State and last season at Purdue Fort Wayne. He played in 49 games as a backup at Kansas State before transferring, and averaged 11.1 points for Purdue Fort Wayne after sitting out a year. DePaul went 16-16 overall and finished last in the Big East at 3-15.UNDATED (AP) — College baseball players who had their seasons end abruptly in March are finding it challenging to stay sharp. That's largely because the coronavirus pandemic has forced most summer leagues to shut down. That leaves the players to their own devices to get in workouts and do baseball drills. Even if they do play summer ball, the season will be short. Clemson coach Monte Lee says he's worried about players being overzealous when they return to campus for fall practices. Lee said he plans to have his players ramp up slowly because their routines have been disrupted. UNDATED (AP) — Suspended West Virginia defensive coordinator Vic Koenning has apologized after a player alleged he made a series of insensitive remarks. Koenning was placed on administrative leave Tuesday after safety Kerry Martin posted the allegations on his Twitter account. On Wednesday, Koenning said he never intended his words or actions to be insensitive. Martin said the latest incident happened Monday, when Koenning shared a conversation he had with his son about protests over racial injustice. Martin, who is Black, also said Koenning has talked about politics, including that President Donald Trump should build a border wall to keep Hispanics out of the country.STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma State athletics has added a diversity council. The move comes soon after football coach Mike Gundy’s decision to wear a T-shirt promoting a right-wing news network upset All-America running back Chuba Hubbard and several teammates. Hubbard, who is Black, chose to remain after Gundy apologized. TORONTO (AP) — The Canadian government says Major League Baseball has submitted a plan to play in Toronto and health authorities are examining it. A spokeswoman for the Public Health Agency of Canada confirmed it is examining the restart plan. Anyone entering Canada for nonessential reasons must quarantine for 14 days, and the U.S.-Canada border remains closed to nonessential travel until at least July 21. On Tuesday, the Canadian government said it was open to MLB playing in Toronto this summer, but the league had not submitted the required plan to health authorities.INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The return of Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon has been delayed after he tested positive for the coronavirus. And Sacramento Kings forward Jabari Parker says he has been dealing with the virus as well. The NBA is set to start again in Central Florida next month. All 22 NBA teams that will be part of the resumed season began mandated testing Tuesday.UNDATED (AP) — Brooks Koepka chose to withdraw from the Travelers Championship because his caddie tested positive for the coronavirus. The four-time major champion feels even worse for his younger brother. Chase Koepka is trying to make it on the Challenge Tour in Europe, just like his brother once did. He made it through a Monday qualifier for a PGA Tour event. Both withdrew out of caution from being in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus. Brooks Koepka says he feels responsible for putting his brother in that position. His brother had no place to stay Monday night after qualifying so Koepka had him stay in his house.WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Redskins are removing former owner George Preston Marshall from their Ring of Fame and striking all references to him on their website. Marshall’s name has already been removed from the history wall at the team’s training facility. Marshall refused to integrate by signing Black players until “forced to do so” in 1962. There have been renewed calls for owner Dan Snyder to change the team’s name.

Thursday Sports Headlines

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Kansas State guard Brian Patrick is headed to DePaul as a graduate transfer. Patrick will be eligible to play immediately after spending two years at Kansas State and last season at Purdue Fort Wayne. He played in 49 games as a backup at Kansas State before transferring, and averaged 11.1 points for Purdue Fort Wayne after sitting out a year. DePaul went 16-16 overall and finished last in the Big East at 3-15.

Former Kansas State guard Patrick transfers to DePaul

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have signed all six of their draft picks, including first-rounder Asa Lacy, along with seven undrafted free agents that together give the rebuilding franchise one of the best incoming crops of first-year players in the majors. The club announced the 13 signings on Tuesday with Lacy being the headliner. The big, rangy left-hander out of Texas A&amp;M was widely considered the top college arm in the draft, yet he slid to the Royals at the fourth overall pick.

Royals sign 6-man draft class, add 7 undrafted free agents

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has issued a 60-game schedule that will start  July 23 or 24 in empty ballparks as the sport tries to push ahead amid the coronavirus following months of acrimony. This will be MLB's shortest season since 1878. Each team will play 10 games against each of its four division rivals and four games against each of the five clubs in the corresponding division in the other league, according to details obtained by The Associated Press. The sides expanded the designated hitter to games involving National League teams and will start extra innings with a runner on second base.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574367513192.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has issued a 60-game schedule that will start July 23 or 24 in empty ballparks as the sport tries to push ahead amid the coronavirus following months of acrimony. This will be MLB's shortest season since 1878. Each team will play 10 games against each of its four division rivals and four games against each of the five clubs in the corresponding division in the other league, according to details obtained by The Associated Press. The sides expanded the designated hitter to games involving National League teams and will start extra innings with a runner on second base.

Baseball's back: MLB sets 60-game schedule, opens July 23 or 24

Wild West Fest baseball tournament Hays looking for teams


The Great Bend Bat Cats split their Monday double header at Rose
Hill, winning game one by the score of 5-1 while dropping the
nightcap 10-2.


In the first game, Hunter Murray pitched five strong innings while
Collin Meinert went 3-4 with 2 rbi's to help Great Bend to the
victory. Alex Rogers went 2-3 with 2 double's and scored three times.


In game two, Great Bend trailed 3-2 heading to the bottom of the
fifth but the Sluggers scored two runs in the fifth, one in the
seventh, then broke the game open by scoring four runs in the eighth.
 



The two teams wrap up their four game series Tuesday at 5 pm at Eck
Stadium in Wichita in the first of two Sunflower Collegiate League
showcase games.


Great Bend is now 4-5 overall and 3-3 in league play. Rose Hill is
4-2 with all the Sluggers games coming in league contests.

The Great Bend Bat Cats split their Monday double header at Rose
Hill, winning game one by the score of 5-1 while dropping the
nightcap 10-2.
In the first game, Hunter Murray pitched five strong innings while
Collin Meinert went 3-4 with 2 rbi's to help Great Bend to the
victory. Alex Rogers went 2-3 with 2 double's and scored three times.
In game two, Great Bend trailed 3-2 heading to the bottom of the
fifth but the Sluggers scored two runs in the fifth, one in the
seventh, then broke the game open by scoring four runs in the eighth.
 

The two teams wrap up their four game series Tuesday at 5 pm at Eck
Stadium in Wichita in the first of two Sunflower Collegiate League
showcase games.
Great Bend is now 4-5 overall and 3-3 in league play. Rose Hill is
4-2 with all the Sluggers games coming in league contests.

Bat Cats split twinbill with Rose Hill

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa has paused ticket sales for the 2020 football season until there’s clarity about how many people will be allowed to attend games in 69,250-seat Kinnick Stadium. Only individuals who have renewed season tickets and completed per-seat contributions by June 30 will be included in potential stadium seating plans. Spokesman Steve Roe said about 35,000 season tickets and 5,000 student tickets have been sold. New sales of the “Fight for Iowa” digital season pass, mini-plans, group, Hawkeye Village and single-games ticket sales are paused until social distancing requirements are determined.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The new committee formed by the National Association of Basketball Coaches to address racism and diversity recommends that high schools and colleges establish required courses on Black history for graduation. The proposal is the first to come from the Committee on Racial Reconciliation since it was established in response to the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd and other race-related incidents in America.

UNDATED (AP) — Cade Cunningham, one of the nation’s top basketball recruits, has chosen to remain at Oklahoma State despite the program being banned from the 2021 postseason. Cunningham won the Naismith High School Trophy given to the nation’s best player. The 6-foot-7 point guard was a key piece of Oklahoma State’s highly ranked recruiting class. Many wondered what the one-and-done prospect would do. Cunningham announced in a video he posted to social media that he would stay.

WACO, Texas (AP) — The Baylor Lady Bears have signed a graduate transfer guard from another major conference for the third year in a row. Former All-Pac 12 guard DiJonai Carrington played 108 games the past four seasons at Stanford. She was limited to five games last season because of a knee injury and got a medical hardship waiver to play another season. Baylor had grad transfer Chloe Jackson from LSU two seasons ago and T'ea Cooper from South Carolina last season. Guard Jaden Woods also signed with Baylor this year after her freshman season at UCLA.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length, putting the sport on track for a combative and possibly unhappy return to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic. Six days after baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and union head Tony Clark negotiated to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16, widen use of the designated hitter to National League games and introduce an experiment to start extra innings with a runner on second base, the deal was rejected by the union.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have signed first-round draft pick Ed Howard to a minor league contract that includes a $3,745,500 bonus. The 18-year-old shortstop was a prep star at Mount Carmel High School on Chicago’s South Side. He also started for the 2014 Jackie Robinson West Little League team that advanced to the finals of the Little League World Series. Howard had committed to the University of Oklahoma. He received a signing bonus equal to his assigned slot value.

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons introduced Troy Weaver as their new general manager. The former Oklahoma City Thunder executive joins a Detroit team that was interested in him previously — and he takes over a GM spot that was vacant for a couple years. Pistons owner Tom Gores said the team tried to talk to Weaver a couple years ago, but the Thunder weren’t ready to let him go. Detroit has not had an official GM since shaking up its front office in 2018. Ed Stefanski, a senior advisor to Gores, has been running the front office. Gores says Weaver will work with Stefanski and coach Dwane Casey.

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks will be without veteran guard Courtney Lee when organized workouts resume. The Mavericks say Lee injured his left calf during the NBA hiatus and won’t be available when workouts are scheduled to start up again July 1. Lee had become a part-time starter after Jalen Brunson injured his right shoulder. After playing in only 10 of the first 50 games for the Mavericks this season, Lee appeared in 14 of their last 17. That included March 11 against Denver in the final NBA game completed before the season was put on hold because of the coronavirus.

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s charity tennis exhibition series combined with an overall softening of coronavirus restrictions in Serbia and Croatia has been followed by an increase in the number of positive cases among professional athletes. Two tennis players ranked among the top 40 in the world and five players at Serbia’s biggest soccer club have tested positive for the virus after being involved in sporting events where fans packed into the stands and social distancing was not enforced. Djokovic will now be tested as well. His media team says he has no symptoms but “he needs to do the test and then we will see what’s going on.”

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa has paused ticket sales for the 2020 football season until there’s clarity about how many people will be allowed to attend games in 69,250-seat Kinnick Stadium. Only individuals who have renewed season tickets and completed per-seat contributions by June 30 will be included in potential stadium seating plans. Spokesman Steve Roe said about 35,000 season tickets and 5,000 student tickets have been sold. New sales of the “Fight for Iowa” digital season pass, mini-plans, group, Hawkeye Village and single-games ticket sales are paused until social distancing requirements are determined.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The new committee formed by the National Association of Basketball Coaches to address racism and diversity recommends that high schools and colleges establish required courses on Black history for graduation. The proposal is the first to come from the Committee on Racial Reconciliation since it was established in response to the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd and other race-related incidents in America.UNDATED (AP) — Cade Cunningham, one of the nation’s top basketball recruits, has chosen to remain at Oklahoma State despite the program being banned from the 2021 postseason. Cunningham won the Naismith High School Trophy given to the nation’s best player. The 6-foot-7 point guard was a key piece of Oklahoma State’s highly ranked recruiting class. Many wondered what the one-and-done prospect would do. Cunningham announced in a video he posted to social media that he would stay.WACO, Texas (AP) — The Baylor Lady Bears have signed a graduate transfer guard from another major conference for the third year in a row. Former All-Pac 12 guard DiJonai Carrington played 108 games the past four seasons at Stanford. She was limited to five games last season because of a knee injury and got a medical hardship waiver to play another season. Baylor had grad transfer Chloe Jackson from LSU two seasons ago and T'ea Cooper from South Carolina last season. Guard Jaden Woods also signed with Baylor this year after her freshman season at UCLA.NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length, putting the sport on track for a combative and possibly unhappy return to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic. Six days after baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and union head Tony Clark negotiated to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16, widen use of the designated hitter to National League games and introduce an experiment to start extra innings with a runner on second base, the deal was rejected by the union.CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have signed first-round draft pick Ed Howard to a minor league contract that includes a $3,745,500 bonus. The 18-year-old shortstop was a prep star at Mount Carmel High School on Chicago’s South Side. He also started for the 2014 Jackie Robinson West Little League team that advanced to the finals of the Little League World Series. Howard had committed to the University of Oklahoma. He received a signing bonus equal to his assigned slot value.DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons introduced Troy Weaver as their new general manager. The former Oklahoma City Thunder executive joins a Detroit team that was interested in him previously — and he takes over a GM spot that was vacant for a couple years. Pistons owner Tom Gores said the team tried to talk to Weaver a couple years ago, but the Thunder weren’t ready to let him go. Detroit has not had an official GM since shaking up its front office in 2018. Ed Stefanski, a senior advisor to Gores, has been running the front office. Gores says Weaver will work with Stefanski and coach Dwane Casey.DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks will be without veteran guard Courtney Lee when organized workouts resume. The Mavericks say Lee injured his left calf during the NBA hiatus and won’t be available when workouts are scheduled to start up again July 1. Lee had become a part-time starter after Jalen Brunson injured his right shoulder. After playing in only 10 of the first 50 games for the Mavericks this season, Lee appeared in 14 of their last 17. That included March 11 against Denver in the final NBA game completed before the season was put on hold because of the coronavirus.BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Novak Djokovic’s charity tennis exhibition series combined with an overall softening of coronavirus restrictions in Serbia and Croatia has been followed by an increase in the number of positive cases among professional athletes. Two tennis players ranked among the top 40 in the world and five players at Serbia’s biggest soccer club have tested positive for the virus after being involved in sporting events where fans packed into the stands and social distancing was not enforced. Djokovic will now be tested as well. His media team says he has no symptoms but “he needs to do the test and then we will see what’s going on.”

Tuesday Sports Headlines


After having their previous due games postponed due to weather, the
Great Bend Bat Cats got back on the field Sunday afternoon and
dropped a 2-0 contest at Rose Hill.


In their first game since last Wednesday, the Bat Cats managed just
one hit against five Rose Hill pitchers. Great Bend's only hit was a
single by Tyler Henry in the second inning.


Rose Hill scored the games only two runs in the first inning off
Jarrett Seaton who started and took the loss, allowing 7 hits and 2
runs in 4 1/3 innings of work.


The Bat Cats are now 3-4 overall and 2-2 in Sunflower Collegiate
League play while Rose Hill improved to 3-1 in the SCL.

After having their previous due games postponed due to weather, the
Great Bend Bat Cats got back on the field Sunday afternoon and
dropped a 2-0 contest at Rose Hill.
In their first game since last Wednesday, the Bat Cats managed just
one hit against five Rose Hill pitchers. Great Bend's only hit was a
single by Tyler Henry in the second inning.
Rose Hill scored the games only two runs in the first inning off
Jarrett Seaton who started and took the loss, allowing 7 hits and 2
runs in 4 1/3 innings of work.
The Bat Cats are now 3-4 overall and 2-2 in Sunflower Collegiate
League play while Rose Hill improved to 3-1 in the SCL.

Bat Cats blanked by Rose Hill 2-0

GREAT BEND CHIEFS (5-5)@ Larned W 11-10 (1-0)@ Larned L 8-3 (1-1)@ Hays L 8-3 (1-2)@ Hays L 10-0 (1-3)Larned W 8-3 (2-3)Larned W 4-2 (3-3)McPherson Tournament (6/20-6/21)Wichita Aeros W 7-5 (4-3)Hutch Colts W 4-3 (5-3)Hays Eagles L 6-3 (5-4)K.C. Aces L 4-1 (5-5) 3rd Place game6/23 PRATT 4PM/TMP 8PM6/25 Salina Tournamentvs Capital Mudcatsvs Lawrence Next Level6/26 Salina Tournamentvs Topeka Scrappers6/27-6/28 Salina Tournament6/29 @ Pratt DH7/1 @ Salina Falcons DH7-11 SMITH CENTER DH 11AM7/15 SALINA FALCONS7/18 @ Smith Center

Great Bend Chiefs schedule and results

UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox would have had one of their rare regular-season series this week. They have met in four different World Series. They would have played a three-game series at Fenway Park this week if not for the coronavirus pandemic. There also would have been a College World Series title won in Omaha, Nebraska. It would have been the best-of-three championship series for the NCAA baseball title. The NBA and NHL drafts also had been scheduled this week. 

UNDATED (AP) — American universities have begun the process of playing sports through a pandemic. SMU is having its athletes put a signature on a waiver, acknowledging the risks for COVID-19. Ohio State and Missouri have pledges they are requiring athletes or their parents to sign before the players can take part in voluntary workouts. Legal experts say athletes may be signing away some of their rights. 

LOS ANGELES (AP) — This was a different version of The ESPYS. No red carpet, no nattily dressed athletes, no house band or monologue poking fun at the past year’s top athletes and moments. The focus was on honors, the pandemic and racial justice. Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for sparking a national conversation about mental health. Nelson Cruz of the Minnesota Twins was honored as the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian of the Year for helping his hometown in the Dominican Republic acquire public service needs. Sunday night's show was hosted remotely by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird of the WNBA.

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — The NASCAR Cup Series races today at Talladega Superspeedway after thunderstorms washed out the race on Sunday. The race is now scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT today. It's the first amid the coronavirus pandemic in which NASCAR opened the gates for up to 5,000 fans.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Players will consider their next move today in the drawn-out talks to start the pandemic-delayed baseball season. The executive committee of the players’ association was set to vote and reject Major League Baseball’s latest offer for a 60-game season on Sunday. Players want 70 games and $275 million more than teams are offering.

UNDATED (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox would have had one of their rare regular-season series this week. They have met in four different World Series. They would have played a three-game series at Fenway Park this week if not for the coronavirus pandemic. There also would have been a College World Series title won in Omaha, Nebraska. It would have been the best-of-three championship series for the NCAA baseball title. The NBA and NHL drafts also had been scheduled this week. UNDATED (AP) — American universities have begun the process of playing sports through a pandemic. SMU is having its athletes put a signature on a waiver, acknowledging the risks for COVID-19. Ohio State and Missouri have pledges they are requiring athletes or their parents to sign before the players can take part in voluntary workouts. Legal experts say athletes may be signing away some of their rights. LOS ANGELES (AP) — This was a different version of The ESPYS. No red carpet, no nattily dressed athletes, no house band or monologue poking fun at the past year’s top athletes and moments. The focus was on honors, the pandemic and racial justice. Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for sparking a national conversation about mental health. Nelson Cruz of the Minnesota Twins was honored as the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian of the Year for helping his hometown in the Dominican Republic acquire public service needs. Sunday night's show was hosted remotely by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, soccer star Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird of the WNBA.TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — The NASCAR Cup Series races today at Talladega Superspeedway after thunderstorms washed out the race on Sunday. The race is now scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT today. It's the first amid the coronavirus pandemic in which NASCAR opened the gates for up to 5,000 fans.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Players will consider their next move today in the drawn-out talks to start the pandemic-delayed baseball season. The executive committee of the players’ association was set to vote and reject Major League Baseball’s latest offer for a 60-game season on Sunday. Players want 70 games and $275 million more than teams are offering.

Monday Sports Headlines

By Brent Maycock - Topeka Capital-Journal

Kansas’ rich sports history is filled with small-school athletes who went on to big-time accomplishments.

Centralia’s John Riggins, Ransom’s Nolan Cromwell and Chase’s Paul Coffman starred in the NFL. Claflin’s Jackie Stiles broke the NCAA women’s basketball career scoring record. Little River’s Sandra Myers became an Olympian.

Whether Central Plains’ Emily Ryan and Hoisington’s Wyatt Pedigo will eventually achieve the same level of greatness beyond their prep years remains to be determined. But their accomplishments as high school athletes were second to none over the past four years, earning each the top honors for 2020 Best of Kansas Preps.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592778535873.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Brent Maycock - Topeka Capital-JournalKansas’ rich sports history is filled with small-school athletes who went on to big-time accomplishments.Centralia’s John Riggins, Ransom’s Nolan Cromwell and Chase’s Paul Coffman starred in the NFL. Claflin’s Jackie Stiles broke the NCAA women’s basketball career scoring record. Little River’s Sandra Myers became an Olympian.Whether Central Plains’ Emily Ryan and Hoisington’s Wyatt Pedigo will eventually achieve the same level of greatness beyond their prep years remains to be determined. But their accomplishments as high school athletes were second to none over the past four years, earning each the top honors for 2020 Best of Kansas Preps.Ryan, who starred in basketball, tennis, golf and track during her career, was named the Overall Female Athlete of the Year. Pedigo, who starred in football, wrestling and track in his career, was named the Overall Male Athlete of the year.The winners were announced during Thursday night’s Best of Kansas Preps Virtual Show along with individual sport winners and the Most Inspirational Award winner. After holding an in-person event the past two years, featuring celebrity guests Paul Pierce and Jordy Nelson, this year’s event shifted to an online show because of COVID-19.The Best of Kansas Preps show was sponsored by Envista Credit Union and The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis campus and presented by The Topeka Capital-Journal and Gannett Media Kansas.“I am very grateful to be named athlete of the year,” Ryan said. “It is incredibly humbling to be placed in the same conversation as the previous winners. ... I am honored that I was able to play for Central Plains and be a part of such an incredible community and tradition.”Growing up in the same town that produced Kansas legend Stiles, Ryan was still able to emerge from that shadow and leave her own legacy as one of the top female athletes in state history. Following in the footsteps of Stiles, Ryan made her name on the basketball court, becoming just the third player in state history to score more than 3,000 points in her career.She finished with 3,005 career points to finish behind only Stiles (3,603) and Moundridge’s Laurie Koehn (3,160). Ryan was more than just a prolific scorer, however. She also finished her career at the state’s all-time leader in career steals with 599 and surpassed 700 career assists, finishing with 709. She added three other state records to her resume, setting marks for field goal percentage in a season (79.6%) and career (73.8%), as well as career free throw percentage (90.6%).Ryan’s individual accomplishments, which included four-time unanimous All-Central Prairie League honors as well as three-time All-State Top 5 honors from The Topeka Capital-Journal, helped Central Plains to a historic run of success. During Ryan’s career, she never lost a high school game, going 104-0. The Oilers won three straight championships in her first three seasons and were vying for a fourth when the state tournament was canceled after the semifinals. She leaves with the Oilers riding a state-record 136-game winning streak, which ranks third nationally all-time.In addition to her stellar basketball career, Ryan was a four-time state placer in singles at the Class 3-2-1A state tournament, including runner-up showings each of the past three seasons. She finished 32-1 as a senior and was 132-13 in her career. Ryan also competed in track and field and played for the boys golf team during her prep career.“Although basketball has always been a priority to me, it was nice to be able to focus directly on tennis for a couple months out of the year and see where I could take it,” Ryan said. “Despite never fully achieving my goal of winning a state title in tennis, I learned countless lessons that otherwise wouldn’t have. I attribute a large part of our teams’ success on the basketball court to the experiences we gained playing other sports.”Pedigo emerged as one of the state’s top multi-sport athletes as a sophomore and spent his final two seasons at Hoisington solidifying that claim. The argument could be made that he is the best male athlete in school history.A four-year starter in football, Pedigo became one of the top small-school two-way players in the state as a sophomore before exploding as a junior and senior. Taking over as the Cardinals’ feature back as a junior, Pedigo ran for 2,101 yards and 29 touchdowns, while also making 104 tackles. He topped those marks as a senior, rushing for 2,352 yards and 37 touchdowns and also racking up 115 tackles, 74 of them solo. In both seasons he led Hoisington to the state semifinals, a best for the program.He finished his career with 5,171 yards rushing, topping 200 in eight games with a career-best 323-yard game as a junior, and ranks in the top 20 all-time in state history for career rushing yards. His 74 career rushing touchdowns rank in the top 15 all time. Pedigo was a Top 11 All-State selection by The Capital-Journal as a senior, a three-time first-team All-Central Kansas League selection and has signed with North Dakota for his college career.As accomplished as he was on the gridiron, Pedigo may have been an even bigger force on the wrestling mat. He was a three-time state champion, capturing his first title as a sophomore when he won the Class 3-2-1A championship at 182 pounds with a 38-3 record. Pedigo followed with a state title at 195 as a junior, going 39-1 and pinning each of his state-tournament foes. As a senior, he captured a second straight 195-pound title, this time going 37-0.He finished his career with a 147-13 record and set a school record for quickest pin with three five-second falls as a senior. Pedigo also wrestled for Team Kansas at the 2019 Colorado Nationals and was named the tournament’s outstanding wrestler after taking the 195-pound title.“It’s an honor to be chosen as the male athlete of the year,” Pedigo said. “It feels good to see all of that offseason work and training has paid off. Without my coaches and family believing in me, all of my accomplishments would still have been a dream.”Athletes of the year for the 15 sports seasons held in 2019-20 were also selected. The winners for each sport were:FALL‒ Girls Golf: Rylie Cook, Stanton County‒ Boys Cross Country: Daniel Harkin, Manhattan‒ Girls Cross Country: Taylor Briggs, Chapman‒ Girls Volleyball: Caroline Crawford, Lansing‒ Girls Tennis: Alisa Prinyarux, Blue Valley Northwest‒ Girls Gymnastics: Brooke Illum, Olathe Northwest‒ Boys Soccer: Jony Munoz, Olathe West‒ Boys Football: Ky Thomas, Topeka HighWINTER‒ Boys Swimming: John Amrein, St. James Academy‒ Boys Bowling: Blake Albers, Carroll‒ Girls Bowling: Savannah Adams, Junction City‒ Boys Wrestling: Keegan Slyter, Olathe North‒ Girls Wrestling: Morgan Mayginnes, Onaga‒ Boys Basketball: Tamar Bates, KC Piper‒ Girls Basketball: Emily Ryan, Central PlainsNo selections were made for spring sports with the seasons for boys golf, boys tennis, girls soccer, girls swimming, girls softball, boys baseball, girls track and field and boys track and field canceled because of COVID-19. Recognition was given during Thursday night’s Best of Kansas Preps virtual show to those athletes.In addition, Norton’s Dairus Shields was named the winner of the Most Inspirational Award. Shields captured the Class 3-2-1A 106-pound title as a freshman less than a year after his mother, Lori Shields, was killed and his father was arrested in connection with her death.This year’s virtual show replaced the in-person event from the past two years after COVID-19 restrictions made that format impossible. The show featured celebrity presenters in each sport, including Gary Woodland, Michael Phelps, Venus Williams, Drew Brees, Steph Curry and Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes presented the overall male and female athlete awards, while Woodland — who had committed to being this year’s Best of Kansas Preps celebrity guest following previous guests Paul Pierce and Jordy Nelson — made opening remarks.Woodland also donated a $500 scholarship to each of the Best of Kansas Preps individual sport winners.The awards show can be viewed at cjonline.com/preps for the next month.