LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas head coach Bill Self announced today that Jerrance Howard is leaving the Jayhawks to take an assistant coaching position under Chris Beard at the University of Texas.

“I want to thank Jerrance for all of his hard work and dedication to Kansas men’s basketball over the past eight years,” said Self. “I was fortunate to coach him at Illinois and loved the opportunity we had to coach together here at KU. He has been a member of our great staff and instrumental in the development of many players over his eight seasons. I would like to express my appreciation to Jerrance, his wife Jessica, as well as JJ and Jaya. We certainly wish them all the best.”

“Working for Coach Self and being a part of Kansas basketball has been a true privilege that I will always be grateful for,” said Howard. ” As I look forward to my next career opportunity, I thank God for the amazing players, staff, and community I have been blessed to know during my eight seasons at KU.”

Howard spent eight seasons at Kansas, and has been a part of six Big 12 regular-season championships, two Big 12 Tournament titles, six in-season tourney titles and seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Elite Eight runs and one Final Four in 2018. Howard has seen 13 Jayhawks move on to the NBA. He was listed on ESPN’s 40 under 40 following the 2020 season.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas head coach Bill Self announced today that Jerrance Howard is leaving the Jayhawks to take an assistant coaching position under Chris Beard at the University of Texas.“I want to thank Jerrance for all of his hard work and dedication to Kansas men’s basketball over the past eight years,” said Self. “I was fortunate to coach him at Illinois and loved the opportunity we had to coach together here at KU. He has been a member of our great staff and instrumental in the development of many players over his eight seasons. I would like to express my appreciation to Jerrance, his wife Jessica, as well as JJ and Jaya. We certainly wish them all the best.”“Working for Coach Self and being a part of Kansas basketball has been a true privilege that I will always be grateful for,” said Howard. ” As I look forward to my next career opportunity, I thank God for the amazing players, staff, and community I have been blessed to know during my eight seasons at KU.”Howard spent eight seasons at Kansas, and has been a part of six Big 12 regular-season championships, two Big 12 Tournament titles, six in-season tourney titles and seven NCAA Tournament appearances, including three Elite Eight runs and one Final Four in 2018. Howard has seen 13 Jayhawks move on to the NBA. He was listed on ESPN’s 40 under 40 following the 2020 season.

Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Jerrance Howard Leaving KU


Liberal 6 Great Bend 0 (called at half due to weather)

Baseball @ Great
Bend
Great Bend 10 Hutchinson 3
Game 2 SuspendedSoftball @
Liberal
Great Bend 8 Liberal 5Girls Soccer
Liberal 6 Great Bend 0 (called at half due to weather)

Panther Sports Scoreboard

Baseball -Game 1- Hesston 6 Larned 4 -Game 2- Suspended

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The Barton Community College men's swimming team continued the march toward the postseason this past weekend earning a 2-1 record in the 3rd live/virtual Cougar Duals. On the day, the Cougars achieved 13 season best performances, three personal bests and four program record book adjustments going along with five individual crowns.

The Cougars secured their pair of victories over South Georgia State College 143-43 and 114-86 against Southwestern Oregon Community College. The hopes of a weekend sweep fell narrowly dropping a 110-94 battle to Iowa Central Community College.

Nikolas Ioannides highlighted two of the five individual crowns for Barton securing both distance events besting the 11-particpant field in the 500 freestyle (4:55:25) while outlasting the eight entry field in the 1650 freestyle (16:55.92).

In the 200 freestyle Isaiah Auid clocked the fifth fastest time in program history (1:46.01) while teammate Justus Hampton touched the wall two spots back setting a new season best mark (1:52.05).

Fresh off a gold in the 200 breaststroke a weekend ago, Kacper Mayerberg made it back-to-back weeks with a season best time (2:02.79) edging out counterpart Jordan Weve's runner-up finish (2:08.69).

Josias Solarte clocked a new personal best time in the 100 freestyle (48.80) outlasting the field of 13 while producing the 10th fastest time in school history.

Others etching their names into the Barton record books were Johan Cue Carrillo in the 200 breaststroke (2:15.97) seventh fastest and Mykael White in the 1650 freestyle (19:01.43) ninth fastest.

Barton will return to the pool this next weekend competing virtually in the Midwest Cup hosted by Iowa Central Community College serving as the final tune-up before the NJCAA Swimming &amp; Diving Championships schedule for April 28-May 1 in Erie, NY. 

Approaching the final two weekends of the regular season the Barton Community College women's swimming program rode a new school record, two individual titles and three personal bests earning a 1-2 dual record at the 3rd live/virtual Cougar Duals.

The outnumbered Cougars edged out South Georgia State College 26-24 earning their first dual victory of the season while falling 120-26 to Iowa Central Community College and 132-31 to Southwestern Oregon Community College.

Sophomore Fanny Courbot paced the waves individually for the Cougars unleashing a new school record (2:20.83) in the 200 IM producing the first of her two gold finishes. Courbot notched her second individual crown in the 100 freestyle clocking the stopwatches (58.64).

Freshman Sophia Ortiz displayed a pair of personal bests with a runner-up finish in the 100 freestyle (1:01.94) and bronze display in the 50 freestyle (27.89).

Barton will return to the pool this next weekend competing virtually in the Midwest Cup hosted by Iowa Central Community College serving as the final tune-up before the NJCAA Swimming &amp; Diving Championships schedule for April 28-May 1 in Erie, NY.  

Barton MenThe Barton Community College men's swimming team continued the march toward the postseason this past weekend earning a 2-1 record in the 3rd live/virtual Cougar Duals. On the day, the Cougars achieved 13 season best performances, three personal bests and four program record book adjustments going along with five individual crowns.The Cougars secured their pair of victories over South Georgia State College 143-43 and 114-86 against Southwestern Oregon Community College. The hopes of a weekend sweep fell narrowly dropping a 110-94 battle to Iowa Central Community College.Nikolas Ioannides highlighted two of the five individual crowns for Barton securing both distance events besting the 11-particpant field in the 500 freestyle (4:55:25) while outlasting the eight entry field in the 1650 freestyle (16:55.92).In the 200 freestyle Isaiah Auid clocked the fifth fastest time in program history (1:46.01) while teammate Justus Hampton touched the wall two spots back setting a new season best mark (1:52.05).Fresh off a gold in the 200 breaststroke a weekend ago, Kacper Mayerberg made it back-to-back weeks with a season best time (2:02.79) edging out counterpart Jordan Weve's runner-up finish (2:08.69).Josias Solarte clocked a new personal best time in the 100 freestyle (48.80) outlasting the field of 13 while producing the 10th fastest time in school history.Others etching their names into the Barton record books were Johan Cue Carrillo in the 200 breaststroke (2:15.97) seventh fastest and Mykael White in the 1650 freestyle (19:01.43) ninth fastest.Barton will return to the pool this next weekend competing virtually in the Midwest Cup hosted by Iowa Central Community College serving as the final tune-up before the NJCAA Swimming &amp; Diving Championships schedule for April 28-May 1 in Erie, NY. Barton WomenApproaching the final two weekends of the regular season the Barton Community College women's swimming program rode a new school record, two individual titles and three personal bests earning a 1-2 dual record at the 3rd live/virtual Cougar Duals.The outnumbered Cougars edged out South Georgia State College 26-24 earning their first dual victory of the season while falling 120-26 to Iowa Central Community College and 132-31 to Southwestern Oregon Community College.Sophomore Fanny Courbot paced the waves individually for the Cougars unleashing a new school record (2:20.83) in the 200 IM producing the first of her two gold finishes. Courbot notched her second individual crown in the 100 freestyle clocking the stopwatches (58.64).Freshman Sophia Ortiz displayed a pair of personal bests with a runner-up finish in the 100 freestyle (1:01.94) and bronze display in the 50 freestyle (27.89).Barton will return to the pool this next weekend competing virtually in the Midwest Cup hosted by Iowa Central Community College serving as the final tune-up before the NJCAA Swimming &amp; Diving Championships schedule for April 28-May 1 in Erie, NY.

Barton swim results

Baseball -Game 1- Great Bend 10 Hutchinson 3 -Game 2- Suspended

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(8) Independence (12-9) def (8-12)(9) Seward County 63-62 



5) Dodge City (13-8) def (6-16)(12) Allen 93-73


(4) Coffeyville (20-2) def (6-9)(13) Colby 91-68


(3) Barton (14-8) def (6-16)(14) Cloud County 89-80  



(11) Garden City (8-12) def (16-6) (6) Butler 79-69


(10) Neosho County (8-13) def (9-11) (7) Pratt 89-85

Wednesday
Quarterfinals at Higher Remaining Seed


7:30PM - Independence (13-9) at (16-5) Hutchinson


7:30PM - Dodge City (14-8) at (21-2) Coffeyville


7:30PM - Garden City (9-12) at (15-8) Barton


7PM - Neosho County (9-13) at (18-4) Cowley


(8) Cowley (14-8) def (8-13) (9) Pratt 79-65


(5) Seward County (16-5) def (4-17) (12) Neosho County 124-50


(4) Independence (16-6) def (6-16) (13) Dodge City 65-40


(3) Barton (17-5) def (1-21) (14) Allen 88-50


(6) Coffeyville (14-6) def (6-14) (11) Northwest KS Tech 79-60


(7) Garden City (12-10) def (10-11) 10) Cloud County 63-43


5:30PM - Cowley (15-8) at (18-4) Hutchinson


6PM - Seward County (17-5) at (17-6) Independence


5:30PM - Coffeyville (15-6) at (18-5) Barton


5:30PM - Garden City (13-10) at (19-2) Butler

Region 6 Playoffs
– MenMonday Scores
(8) Independence (12-9) def (8-12)(9) Seward County 63-62 

5) Dodge City (13-8) def (6-16)(12) Allen 93-73
(4) Coffeyville (20-2) def (6-9)(13) Colby 91-68
(3) Barton (14-8) def (6-16)(14) Cloud County 89-80 

(11) Garden City (8-12) def (16-6) (6) Butler 79-69
(10) Neosho County (8-13) def (9-11) (7) Pratt 89-85
(2) Cowley (18-4) vs BYEWednesday
Quarterfinals at Higher Remaining Seed
7:30PM - Independence (13-9) at (16-5) Hutchinson
7:30PM - Dodge City (14-8) at (21-2) Coffeyville
7:30PM - Garden City (9-12) at (15-8) Barton
7PM - Neosho County (9-13) at (18-4) CowleyRegion 6 Playoffs
– WomenMonday Scores
(1) Hutchinson (18-4) vs BYE
(8) Cowley (14-8) def (8-13) (9) Pratt 79-65
(5) Seward County (16-5) def (4-17) (12) Neosho County 124-50
(4) Independence (16-6) def (6-16) (13) Dodge City 65-40
(3) Barton (17-5) def (1-21) (14) Allen 88-50
(6) Coffeyville (14-6) def (6-14) (11) Northwest KS Tech 79-60
(7) Garden City (12-10) def (10-11) 10) Cloud County 63-43
(2) Butler (19-2) vs BYEWednesday
Quarterfinals at Higher Remaining Seed
5:30PM - Cowley (15-8) at (18-4) Hutchinson
6PM - Seward County (17-5) at (17-6) Independence
5:30PM - Coffeyville (15-6) at (18-5) Barton
5:30PM - Garden City (13-10) at (19-2) Butler

Region 6 Tournament Scores and Schedule

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There was another team out there that was marching through the season undefeated, that looked unstoppable at times, that had all arrows pointing toward a national title.

COVID-19 put a halt to the undefeated dream. Nothing could stop Baylor from cutting down the nets.

The fresh-as-can-be Bears obliterated wobbly-legged Gonzaga’s march to its own undefeated season Monday night. It was an 86-70 runaway that brought this once-downtrodden program’s first national title back home to Waco, Texas.

Jared Butler scored 22 points and MaCio Teague had 19 for the Bears (28-2), who were ranked second or third in the AP poll all year long. But never first. That was because of one team and maybe, just maybe, because of a three-week break that put a halt to a 17-0 start and sapped some of Baylor’s burgeoning momentum.

“Prior to COVID, us and Gonzaga were on the track to being undefeated,” coach Scott Drew reminded everyone in the socially distanced arena, during a TV interview, while brushing off confetti.

So maybe this blowout in one of the most-anticipated finals in memory — a meeting between teams whose own regular-season matchup in December was scrapped because of a coronavirus outbreak — shouldn’t come as such a shock.

The two losses that came after Baylor’s COVID-19 break in February felt like a far-off memory come March. Then came April, and the feeling grew even stronger.

Baylor outscored all six of its opponents in the tournament by an average of 15 points. It beat Houston by 19 in the semifinal. Less than 5 minutes into the final, the Bears were ahead of Gonzaga by double digits.

Pounding the offensive glass — Baylor won that battle 16-5 — and winning the lion’s share of the 50-50 balls, the Bears weren’t about to let this one come down to a Jalen Suggs miracle. The Gonzaga freshman’s buzzer-beater from near the half-court logo got the Zags to the final in a game that stood as their first true test of the season.

They passed against UCLA. Against Baylor? Not even close.

“When you come against a team that’s just firing on all cylinders for 40 minutes, it’s kind of hard to compete with,” Zags forward Corey Kispert said.

After running to a 19-point lead early, the Bears never let Gonzaga get any closer than nine. Butler made four 3-pointers and added seven assists, and was named the Final Four’s most outstanding player.

“I knew at some point, we were up big,” said Butler, who insisted his team wasn’t focused on the scoreboard. “We were scoring, they weren’t scoring. It was just electrifying.”

Guard Davion Mitchell — nicknamed “Off Night” because so many opponents encounter one when they go against him — finished with 15 points and did the best he could on Suggs. The freshman finished with 22 points, most of them after this game was out of hand, and likely will be heading to the NBA draft next.

Gonzaga’s first loss in 32 games this season — 36 dating to 2019-20 — leaves Indiana’s 1975-76 team as the last to go undefeated.

Baylor was up 9-0 after 2 1/2 minutes, and the Bulldogs faced only their fourth double-digit deficit of the season at 11-1. They faced their biggest deficit of the season — 15 points — with 7:10 gone. By then, Suggs had two fouls and was watching from the bench.

After the game, he was crying — burying his head on the shoulder of one teammate, then another.

“He’s a winner and he lost for the first time in college basketball,” Zags coach Mark Few said. “He’s highly competitive and doesn’t like losing. In his mind, he saw us cutting down nets.”

But more than anything he did in the title game, it was Suggs’ memorable basket two nights earlier that laid the groundwork for Gonzaga in this one. His bank shot at the buzzer vs. UCLA capped one of the most riveting college basketball games ever. Back on the floor about 46 hours after that emotional roller coaster, it was clear the Zags were gassed.

The sequence that best illustrated the energy gap came about six minutes into the contest when Baylor’s Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua slapped the ball out of Drew Timme’s hands and the Bears worked the ball ahead to Mitchell. He missed a layup, but Tchamwa Tchatchoua got the offensive rebound and fed Adam Flagler for a 3.

Gonzaga was practically just standing there for it all.

Few, now 0-2 in title games, gave full credit to Baylor, and didn’t blame his own team’s fatigue.

“Obviously, it’s a tough turnaround, but it was more just the aggressiveness and athleticism of Baylor,” Few said. “They deserved it. Quite frankly, they were terrific.”

Gonzaga briefly pulled within nine early in the second half, and saw a glimmer of hope when Tchamwa Tchatchoua joined another Baylor big man, Flo Thamba, on the bench with four fouls.

But Baylor answered with a 9-2 run punctuated by Mark Vital’s rejection of Kispert, then a fast break that led to an easy 3 from Flagler.

After that, it was over. Yes, Gonzaga might have been the year’s most watchable team with its dramatic run at perfection, to say nothing of the shot of the tournament.

But it was Baylor, not Suggs, jumping on top of the scorer’s table and cheering for the fans at the end. And those were the Bears cutting down the nets.

“When the fans are happy, that’s what makes our players happy and proud,” Drew said. “They stuck with us, they’ve been with us through the lean years. They deserve this.”

In 2003, Drew took over a roster with only seven scholarship players and a team staring at years of NCAA probation in the wake of the murder of player Patrick Dennehy by a teammate.

Drew’s introductory news conference was trending after the title game. That day, formal in his coat and tie, he stood behind the lectern and proclaimed: “I did not come to go to the NCAA Tournament. We came to win games at the NCAA Tournament. We came with the chance to win a national championship at Baylor University.”

Eighteen years later, Drew found himself behind a different mic.

He was sitting at a table, answering questions on Zoom in front of a background with a Final Four logo.

He was smiling wide, drenched in sweat, with a cut-down net hanging around his neck.

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There was another team out there that was marching through the season undefeated, that looked unstoppable at times, that had all arrows pointing toward a national title.COVID-19 put a halt to the undefeated dream. Nothing could stop Baylor from cutting down the nets.Not even Gonzaga.The fresh-as-can-be Bears obliterated wobbly-legged Gonzaga’s march to its own undefeated season Monday night. It was an 86-70 runaway that brought this once-downtrodden program’s first national title back home to Waco, Texas.Jared Butler scored 22 points and MaCio Teague had 19 for the Bears (28-2), who were ranked second or third in the AP poll all year long. But never first. That was because of one team and maybe, just maybe, because of a three-week break that put a halt to a 17-0 start and sapped some of Baylor’s burgeoning momentum.“Prior to COVID, us and Gonzaga were on the track to being undefeated,” coach Scott Drew reminded everyone in the socially distanced arena, during a TV interview, while brushing off confetti.So maybe this blowout in one of the most-anticipated finals in memory — a meeting between teams whose own regular-season matchup in December was scrapped because of a coronavirus outbreak — shouldn’t come as such a shock.The two losses that came after Baylor’s COVID-19 break in February felt like a far-off memory come March. Then came April, and the feeling grew even stronger.Baylor outscored all six of its opponents in the tournament by an average of 15 points. It beat Houston by 19 in the semifinal. Less than 5 minutes into the final, the Bears were ahead of Gonzaga by double digits.Pounding the offensive glass — Baylor won that battle 16-5 — and winning the lion’s share of the 50-50 balls, the Bears weren’t about to let this one come down to a Jalen Suggs miracle. The Gonzaga freshman’s buzzer-beater from near the half-court logo got the Zags to the final in a game that stood as their first true test of the season.They passed against UCLA. Against Baylor? Not even close.“When you come against a team that’s just firing on all cylinders for 40 minutes, it’s kind of hard to compete with,” Zags forward Corey Kispert said.After running to a 19-point lead early, the Bears never let Gonzaga get any closer than nine. Butler made four 3-pointers and added seven assists, and was named the Final Four’s most outstanding player.“I knew at some point, we were up big,” said Butler, who insisted his team wasn’t focused on the scoreboard. “We were scoring, they weren’t scoring. It was just electrifying.”Guard Davion Mitchell — nicknamed “Off Night” because so many opponents encounter one when they go against him — finished with 15 points and did the best he could on Suggs. The freshman finished with 22 points, most of them after this game was out of hand, and likely will be heading to the NBA draft next.Gonzaga’s first loss in 32 games this season — 36 dating to 2019-20 — leaves Indiana’s 1975-76 team as the last to go undefeated.Baylor was up 9-0 after 2 1/2 minutes, and the Bulldogs faced only their fourth double-digit deficit of the season at 11-1. They faced their biggest deficit of the season — 15 points — with 7:10 gone. By then, Suggs had two fouls and was watching from the bench.After the game, he was crying — burying his head on the shoulder of one teammate, then another.“He’s a winner and he lost for the first time in college basketball,” Zags coach Mark Few said. “He’s highly competitive and doesn’t like losing. In his mind, he saw us cutting down nets.”But more than anything he did in the title game, it was Suggs’ memorable basket two nights earlier that laid the groundwork for Gonzaga in this one. His bank shot at the buzzer vs. UCLA capped one of the most riveting college basketball games ever. Back on the floor about 46 hours after that emotional roller coaster, it was clear the Zags were gassed.The sequence that best illustrated the energy gap came about six minutes into the contest when Baylor’s Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua slapped the ball out of Drew Timme’s hands and the Bears worked the ball ahead to Mitchell. He missed a layup, but Tchamwa Tchatchoua got the offensive rebound and fed Adam Flagler for a 3.Gonzaga was practically just standing there for it all.Few, now 0-2 in title games, gave full credit to Baylor, and didn’t blame his own team’s fatigue.“Obviously, it’s a tough turnaround, but it was more just the aggressiveness and athleticism of Baylor,” Few said. “They deserved it. Quite frankly, they were terrific.”Gonzaga briefly pulled within nine early in the second half, and saw a glimmer of hope when Tchamwa Tchatchoua joined another Baylor big man, Flo Thamba, on the bench with four fouls.But Baylor answered with a 9-2 run punctuated by Mark Vital’s rejection of Kispert, then a fast break that led to an easy 3 from Flagler.After that, it was over. Yes, Gonzaga might have been the year’s most watchable team with its dramatic run at perfection, to say nothing of the shot of the tournament.But it was Baylor, not Suggs, jumping on top of the scorer’s table and cheering for the fans at the end. And those were the Bears cutting down the nets.“When the fans are happy, that’s what makes our players happy and proud,” Drew said. “They stuck with us, they’ve been with us through the lean years. They deserve this.”In 2003, Drew took over a roster with only seven scholarship players and a team staring at years of NCAA probation in the wake of the murder of player Patrick Dennehy by a teammate.Drew’s introductory news conference was trending after the title game. That day, formal in his coat and tie, he stood behind the lectern and proclaimed: “I did not come to go to the NCAA Tournament. We came to win games at the NCAA Tournament. We came with the chance to win a national championship at Baylor University.”Eighteen years later, Drew found himself behind a different mic.He was sitting at a table, answering questions on Zoom in front of a background with a Final Four logo.He was smiling wide, drenched in sweat, with a cut-down net hanging around his neck.

Baylor beatdown: Bears win title, hang 86-70 loss on Gonzaga

In less than two minutes the 17th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team put up four goals in Monday's home opener, rolling to a 7-0 victory over York College.

Barton improves to 2-0 on the season with its next contest also coming at Cougar Field in a 4:00 p.m. kick hosting Southeast Community College.

The Barton Community College women's soccer team and the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons battled to a 1-1 draw Monday afternoon in the home opener at Cougar Field.

Barton slips to 1-0-1 on the year with Hutchinson's record improving to 0-1-1.

The Cougars next action is Thursday hosting Southeast Community College in a 2:00 p.m. kick-off at Cougar Field.

Barton Men 7 York College 0In less than two minutes the 17th ranked Barton Community College men's soccer team put up four goals in Monday's home opener, rolling to a 7-0 victory over York College.Barton improves to 2-0 on the season with its next contest also coming at Cougar Field in a 4:00 p.m. kick hosting Southeast Community College.Barton Women 1 Hutchinson 1The Barton Community College women's soccer team and the Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragons battled to a 1-1 draw Monday afternoon in the home opener at Cougar Field.Barton slips to 1-0-1 on the year with Hutchinson's record improving to 0-1-1.The Cougars next action is Thursday hosting Southeast Community College in a 2:00 p.m. kick-off at Cougar Field.

Barton Men pick up victory; Women tie Hutch

Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff, a Sunflower State native who graduated from the school, to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program.

The school announced the hiring Monday night, shortly after reaching a deal with Goff to return to Lawrence. He will be introduced Wednesday during an on-campus event at the Lied Center.

“With a long history of success, unwavering partnership with campus leaders and the unparalleled passion of the Jayhawk fanbase, this is one of the most humbling responsibilities and opportunities in college athletics,” said Goff, who grew up in the southwestern Kansas town of Dodge City. “I’m thrilled to return to Lawrence with my family and to continue to make this department a point of pride for our entire university.”

Goff has has been at Northwestern since 2012, most recently as deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a key role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern and oversaw the baseball, volleyball and football programs — experience that will come in handy at Kansas.

“We are fortunate to have Travis return to Lawrence to lead our department and after speaking with him, it is clear he is exactly what we need,” basketball coach Bill Self said. “He will be a tremendous partner to all of our head coaches and sports programs and will ensure that our student-athletes have a world-class experience.”

Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago.

Long was responsible for hiring Les Miles, with whom the school parted ways amid sexual misconduct allegations dating to the football coach’s time at LSU. Long initially said he would lead the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism about the due diligence he did in hiring his longtime friend forced him to reconsider and ultimately resign.

Goff’s first big task will be to set the course for a moribund football program already going through spring practice under wide receivers coach Emmett Jones, picked to serve as the interim coach last month.

The downtrodden Jayhawks lost all nine of their games last season. They have not had a winning season since Mark Mangino was on the sideline in 2008, cycling through Turner Gill, Charlie Weis, interim coach Clint Bowen, David Beaty and Miles without finding a way to return to prominence.

Goff is expected to lead the search for the next football coach, though the timeline for that hiring remains unclear.

Along with deep-seated fan apathy, the Jayhawks have some of the worst facilities in the Big 12 — despite a new indoor practice facility — and have struggled for years to generate money and support to upgrade Memorial Stadium.

Goff also must deal with potential NCAA sanctions facing the Jayhawks’ storied basketball program.

The program was hit with five Level I charges tied to recruiting, one directed at Self, as part of the fallout of an FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Kansas has staunchly defended itself against the allegations, and the case is going through the NCAA’s new independent appeals process, with a decision expected later this year.

“Travis understands the challenges we face and the changing landscape of collegiate athletics,” Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod said. “At the same time, he is well-positioned to help us build on our recent successes in student-athlete health care, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic achievement. The fact that he is a Jayhawk is an added bonus.”

Goff returns to Lawrence having worked under former Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who left the school in the Chicago suburb of Evanston earlier this year to become Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner.

Goff graduated from KU in 2002 with degrees in journalism and sociology, then earned an MBA from Tulane, where he worked as associate athletic director for external affairs.

He is the sixth athletic director for the Jayhawks since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.

“When you grow up in Dodge City like Travis and I did, you get to know everyone,” Texas A&amp;M athletic director Ross Bjork said. “I have been fortunate to know Travis and his first-class family for more than 30 years, and it is so exciting to see him become the athletics director at Kansas. As both of us have evolved in college athletics, we have become great friends. I’ve always known this day would come for Travis at the right time and the right place.”

Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff, a Sunflower State native who graduated from the school, to be its next athletic director during a crucial moment for its football program and high-profile men’s basketball program.The school announced the hiring Monday night, shortly after reaching a deal with Goff to return to Lawrence. He will be introduced Wednesday during an on-campus event at the Lied Center.“With a long history of success, unwavering partnership with campus leaders and the unparalleled passion of the Jayhawk fanbase, this is one of the most humbling responsibilities and opportunities in college athletics,” said Goff, who grew up in the southwestern Kansas town of Dodge City. “I’m thrilled to return to Lawrence with my family and to continue to make this department a point of pride for our entire university.”Goff has has been at Northwestern since 2012, most recently as deputy athletic director and assistant vice president for development. He played a key role in fundraising that led to massive facilities upgrades at Northwestern and oversaw the baseball, volleyball and football programs — experience that will come in handy at Kansas.“We are fortunate to have Travis return to Lawrence to lead our department and after speaking with him, it is clear he is exactly what we need,” basketball coach Bill Self said. “He will be a tremendous partner to all of our head coaches and sports programs and will ensure that our student-athletes have a world-class experience.”Kansas has been searching for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago.Long was responsible for hiring Les Miles, with whom the school parted ways amid sexual misconduct allegations dating to the football coach’s time at LSU. Long initially said he would lead the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism about the due diligence he did in hiring his longtime friend forced him to reconsider and ultimately resign.Goff’s first big task will be to set the course for a moribund football program already going through spring practice under wide receivers coach Emmett Jones, picked to serve as the interim coach last month.The downtrodden Jayhawks lost all nine of their games last season. They have not had a winning season since Mark Mangino was on the sideline in 2008, cycling through Turner Gill, Charlie Weis, interim coach Clint Bowen, David Beaty and Miles without finding a way to return to prominence.Goff is expected to lead the search for the next football coach, though the timeline for that hiring remains unclear.Along with deep-seated fan apathy, the Jayhawks have some of the worst facilities in the Big 12 — despite a new indoor practice facility — and have struggled for years to generate money and support to upgrade Memorial Stadium.Goff also must deal with potential NCAA sanctions facing the Jayhawks’ storied basketball program.The program was hit with five Level I charges tied to recruiting, one directed at Self, as part of the fallout of an FBI investigation into college basketball corruption. Kansas has staunchly defended itself against the allegations, and the case is going through the NCAA’s new independent appeals process, with a decision expected later this year.“Travis understands the challenges we face and the changing landscape of collegiate athletics,” Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod said. “At the same time, he is well-positioned to help us build on our recent successes in student-athlete health care, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic achievement. The fact that he is a Jayhawk is an added bonus.”Goff returns to Lawrence having worked under former Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who left the school in the Chicago suburb of Evanston earlier this year to become Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner.Goff graduated from KU in 2002 with degrees in journalism and sociology, then earned an MBA from Tulane, where he worked as associate athletic director for external affairs.He is the sixth athletic director for the Jayhawks since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.“When you grow up in Dodge City like Travis and I did, you get to know everyone,” Texas A&amp;M athletic director Ross Bjork said. “I have been fortunate to know Travis and his first-class family for more than 30 years, and it is so exciting to see him become the athletics director at Kansas. As both of us have evolved in college athletics, we have become great friends. I’ve always known this day would come for Travis at the right time and the right place.”

Kansas hires Northwestern administrator Goff as next AD

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy’s days of being bullied by the Indians are over. He’s hitting back.

Duffy, who went more than two years without a win over Cleveland, pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Indians 3-0 on Monday.

Duffy (1-0) came in with 12 career losses against the Indians — his most against any team. But the left-hander was in control from the outset and gave the Royals their best start of the young season.

“There’s a whole new Danny Duffy out there,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s just looks like he’s on a mission.”

The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance of 8,914 —- 30% of ballpark capacity was permitted — was a nice change from last season, when fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety protocols.

“Having people in the seats gives you that extra boost of adrenaline,” said Merrifield, who connected for a two-run homer in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. “Even the boos were missed last year.”

Merrifield is the first Royals player to homer three times in the first four games, and his nine RBIs in the first four are a club record.

Scott Barlow pitched two perfect innings and Jesse Hahn put two on in the ninth before Royals first baseman Carlos Santana, who signed with the club as a free agent this winter after 10 seasons in Cleveland, made a diving stop on Eddie Rosario’s smash to start a double play.

“I’m trying to go through in my head how many first basemen in the league make that play, or maybe even attempt to make that play,” Matheny said. “That was amazing, how one play can take the air out of the opposition. We’re in a bad spot right there if that ball gets by. That’s a game-changing defensive play.”

Hahn then retired Franmil Reyes on a hard comebacker that caromed off the right-hander to complete Kansas City’s three-hit shutout and get the save.

Duffy has won three of his last four starts against the Indians since losing eight straight, and he’s pitched 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in his past two outings versus Cleveland.

“Every year is a new year,” Duffy said. “I had a stretch there where they had my number, especially in this place. I had to figure out a lot of things, it just took me a while.”

Merrifield connected for his third homer in the second inning off Indians starter Logan Allen (0-1), who grooved a 3-0 pitch that Kansas City’s second baseman pounced upon.

A three-run deficit was too much for the Indians, who have scored two runs or less in three of their first four games.

“We’re not stringing them together,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “We did hit some balls hard. And I don’t ever want to talk down our offense, because that’s not what we’re here for. But we’re going to have to string some together.”

The last time Cleveland played in front of fans at Progressive Field was on Sept. 22, 2019, a 10-1 win over Philadelphia.

“It’s nice to have people in the stands, there’s no getting around it,” Francona said. “I’ll enjoy it more when we’re ahead on the scoreboard. The closer we get to normalcy, the happier everybody is. Not just in baseball, but everywhere.”

More than a dozen protesters gathered outside the ballpark to voice their displeasure at the Indians’ delay in changing their name. Cleveland owner Paul Dolan announced in December the ballclub will be dropping Indians, its name since 1915, in the future.

That’s not soon enough for Native American groups of have decried the name as being racist.

“It’s absolutely disappointing, disheartening, but not surprising,” said Jeff Pierce, president of People Not Mascots. “They’ve been saying they’re going to do this for the last 30 plus years, never been done. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

With longtime drummer and ballpark fixture John Adams recovering from health issues, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney filled in and pounded a steady beat when the Indians batted.

Carney, who first attended Cleveland games as a little boy, said it was his first “live” gig since Black Keys’ last show in January 2020.

It didn’t take long for Santana to make a strong impression on the Royals, who signed him to a three-year, $17.5 million deal.

“Just because a kid changes uniforms, that doesn’t mean it’s going to change the way he behaves himself or acts,” Francona said. “I certainly can’t root for him to beat us, but we’re not any less fond of him because he’s in a Royals uniform.”

Following an off day, Cy Young winner Shane Bieber will make his second start of 2021 against the Royals, who have not yet announced a starter. Bieber struck out 12 in his season debut last week at Detroit.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Duffy’s days of being bullied by the Indians are over. He’s hitting back.Duffy, who went more than two years without a win over Cleveland, pitched six innings of two-hit ball to beat a longtime nemesis and Whit Merrifield drove in all of Kansas City’s runs with a homer and sacrifice fly, leading the Royals over the Indians 3-0 on Monday.Duffy (1-0) came in with 12 career losses against the Indians — his most against any team. But the left-hander was in control from the outset and gave the Royals their best start of the young season.“There’s a whole new Danny Duffy out there,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “It’s just looks like he’s on a mission.”The Indians played their home opener in front of fans for the first time since 2019. The announced attendance of 8,914 —- 30% of ballpark capacity was permitted — was a nice change from last season, when fans couldn’t attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health and safety protocols.“Having people in the seats gives you that extra boost of adrenaline,” said Merrifield, who connected for a two-run homer in the second and added a sacrifice fly in the seventh. “Even the boos were missed last year.”Merrifield is the first Royals player to homer three times in the first four games, and his nine RBIs in the first four are a club record.Scott Barlow pitched two perfect innings and Jesse Hahn put two on in the ninth before Royals first baseman Carlos Santana, who signed with the club as a free agent this winter after 10 seasons in Cleveland, made a diving stop on Eddie Rosario’s smash to start a double play.“I’m trying to go through in my head how many first basemen in the league make that play, or maybe even attempt to make that play,” Matheny said. “That was amazing, how one play can take the air out of the opposition. We’re in a bad spot right there if that ball gets by. That’s a game-changing defensive play.”Hahn then retired Franmil Reyes on a hard comebacker that caromed off the right-hander to complete Kansas City’s three-hit shutout and get the save.Duffy has won three of his last four starts against the Indians since losing eight straight, and he’s pitched 11 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in his past two outings versus Cleveland.“Every year is a new year,” Duffy said. “I had a stretch there where they had my number, especially in this place. I had to figure out a lot of things, it just took me a while.”Merrifield connected for his third homer in the second inning off Indians starter Logan Allen (0-1), who grooved a 3-0 pitch that Kansas City’s second baseman pounced upon.A three-run deficit was too much for the Indians, who have scored two runs or less in three of their first four games.“We’re not stringing them together,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “We did hit some balls hard. And I don’t ever want to talk down our offense, because that’s not what we’re here for. But we’re going to have to string some together.”The last time Cleveland played in front of fans at Progressive Field was on Sept. 22, 2019, a 10-1 win over Philadelphia.“It’s nice to have people in the stands, there’s no getting around it,” Francona said. “I’ll enjoy it more when we’re ahead on the scoreboard. The closer we get to normalcy, the happier everybody is. Not just in baseball, but everywhere.”NAME PROTESTMore than a dozen protesters gathered outside the ballpark to voice their displeasure at the Indians’ delay in changing their name. Cleveland owner Paul Dolan announced in December the ballclub will be dropping Indians, its name since 1915, in the future.That’s not soon enough for Native American groups of have decried the name as being racist.“It’s absolutely disappointing, disheartening, but not surprising,” said Jeff Pierce, president of People Not Mascots. “They’ve been saying they’re going to do this for the last 30 plus years, never been done. I’ll believe it when I see it.”THE BEAT GOES ONWith longtime drummer and ballpark fixture John Adams recovering from health issues, Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney filled in and pounded a steady beat when the Indians batted.Carney, who first attended Cleveland games as a little boy, said it was his first “live” gig since Black Keys’ last show in January 2020.ON THE OTHER SIDEIt didn’t take long for Santana to make a strong impression on the Royals, who signed him to a three-year, $17.5 million deal.“Just because a kid changes uniforms, that doesn’t mean it’s going to change the way he behaves himself or acts,” Francona said. “I certainly can’t root for him to beat us, but we’re not any less fond of him because he’s in a Royals uniform.”UP NEXTFollowing an off day, Cy Young winner Shane Bieber will make his second start of 2021 against the Royals, who have not yet announced a starter. Bieber struck out 12 in his season debut last week at Detroit.

Duffy dazzles, Merrifield’s 3 RBIs lift Royals past Indians

Barton Men 89 Cloud County 80; Barton Women 88 Allen County 50

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612867320038.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton Men 89 Cloud County 80; Barton Women 88 Allen County 50<div><iframe width="100%" height="265" src="https://clyp.it/ucwdgny4/widget" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>

From sprinters to throwers and everything in between, the nation's 2nd ranked Barton Community College men's track and field team again produced big results as the Cougars competed in the Jo Meaker Classic and Multi in Canyon, Texas.

Seventeen top ten placers dotted the two-days of events including a pair of program record book adjustments and five individual winners.

Beginning on Friday in the hammer throw, Fabio Hessling continued his assault on his own program second best mark, surpassing his best by nearly eight feet in marking a 68.37m (224-03) throw.

Joining an elite and "who's who list" of the storied sprinters to wear a Cougar uniform, Caleb Boger led a strong showing from the squad by not only winning the 200m dash but etching his name in the sixth slot by clocking a 20.36 time.

Denzel Feagin, who placed fourth in the 200m at 20.84, took the bragging rights in half the distance for the second straight week, taking the 100m title on the day with a 10.17 as Boger grabbed the runner-up placing with a 10.28.

Also in the 200m Jevon O'Bryant's 21.50 and Almighty Williamson's 21.57 gave Barton two more spots in the top ten of the thirty-five entrant field by placing 8th and 10th respectively. Williamson also challenged in the 110m hurdles, crossing in a third place 14.21 time.

In the 800m Tyrese Reid's first outdoor attempt at the event beat out the 32-man field with a time of 1:52.29 while Telron Bradford Jr. was .22 seconds from 400m top spot in clocking a 46.78.

Reigning USTFCCCA NJCAA National Athlete of the Week Shakwon Coke again produced a big land in the sand, last week it was the long jump and this weekend it was the triple jump by soaring to a 15.60m (51-02.25) distance to beat the field by near a foot and a half.

In addition to his hammer throw performance on Friday, Hessling also placed 4th in the discus throw at 46.32m (151-11).

Fred Moudani won the shot put by a foot with a 17.10m (56-01.25) with Giovanni Gutierrez placing 7th at 15.18m (49-09.75) to go along with a 9th place showing in the discus with a 43.94m (144-2)

Barton returns to western Texas for its next meet, competing in the two-day Masked Rider Open beginning Friday hosted by Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

100m: 1st Denzel Feagin (10.17), 2nd Caleb Boger (10.28)

200m: 1st Caleb Boger (20.36), 4th Denzel Feagin (20.84), 8th Jevon O'Bryant (21.50), 10th Almighty Williamson (21.57)

110m Hurdles: 3rd Almighty Williamson (14.21)

Long Jump: 6th Glenith Calvin III (7.14m)

Shot Put: 1st Fred Moudani (17.10m), 7th Giovanni Gutierrez (15.18m)

Discus Throw: 4th Fabio Hessling (46.32m), 9th Giovanni Gutierrez (43.94)

Hammer Throw: 3rd Fabio Hessling (68.37m), 10th Tyler Nelson (47.09m)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617622171718.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>From sprinters to throwers and everything in between, the nation's 2nd ranked Barton Community College men's track and field team again produced big results as the Cougars competed in the Jo Meaker Classic and Multi in Canyon, Texas.Seventeen top ten placers dotted the two-days of events including a pair of program record book adjustments and five individual winners.Beginning on Friday in the hammer throw, Fabio Hessling continued his assault on his own program second best mark, surpassing his best by nearly eight feet in marking a 68.37m (224-03) throw.Joining an elite and "who's who list" of the storied sprinters to wear a Cougar uniform, Caleb Boger led a strong showing from the squad by not only winning the 200m dash but etching his name in the sixth slot by clocking a 20.36 time.Denzel Feagin, who placed fourth in the 200m at 20.84, took the bragging rights in half the distance for the second straight week, taking the 100m title on the day with a 10.17 as Boger grabbed the runner-up placing with a 10.28.Also in the 200m Jevon O'Bryant's 21.50 and Almighty Williamson's 21.57 gave Barton two more spots in the top ten of the thirty-five entrant field by placing 8th and 10th respectively. Williamson also challenged in the 110m hurdles, crossing in a third place 14.21 time.In the 800m Tyrese Reid's first outdoor attempt at the event beat out the 32-man field with a time of 1:52.29 while Telron Bradford Jr. was .22 seconds from 400m top spot in clocking a 46.78.Reigning USTFCCCA NJCAA National Athlete of the Week Shakwon Coke again produced a big land in the sand, last week it was the long jump and this weekend it was the triple jump by soaring to a 15.60m (51-02.25) distance to beat the field by near a foot and a half.In addition to his hammer throw performance on Friday, Hessling also placed 4th in the discus throw at 46.32m (151-11).Fred Moudani won the shot put by a foot with a 17.10m (56-01.25) with Giovanni Gutierrez placing 7th at 15.18m (49-09.75) to go along with a 9th place showing in the discus with a 43.94m (144-2)Barton returns to western Texas for its next meet, competing in the two-day Masked Rider Open beginning Friday hosted by Texas Tech University in Lubbock.Top-10 Placers100m: 1st Denzel Feagin (10.17), 2nd Caleb Boger (10.28)200m: 1st Caleb Boger (20.36), 4th Denzel Feagin (20.84), 8th Jevon O'Bryant (21.50), 10th Almighty Williamson (21.57)400m: 2nd Telron Bradford Jr. (46.78)800m: 1st Tyrese Reid (1:52.29)110m Hurdles: 3rd Almighty Williamson (14.21)Long Jump: 6th Glenith Calvin III (7.14m)Triple Jump: 1st Shakwon Coke (15.60m)Shot Put: 1st Fred Moudani (17.10m), 7th Giovanni Gutierrez (15.18m)Discus Throw: 4th Fabio Hessling (46.32m), 9th Giovanni Gutierrez (43.94)Hammer Throw: 3rd Fabio Hessling (68.37m), 10th Tyler Nelson (47.09m)

Sprinters shine as Barton track and field squad goes big in Texas

Not one but two records went by the wayside this weekend in Texas as the Barton Community College women's track and field competed in the Jo Meaker Classic and Multi in Canyon, Texas.

A three week progression from outside the 400m hurdle list to last week jumping into the seventh all-time slot of Barton history, Lashanna Graham bounded over the remaining six on the chart Saturday in clocking a 58.39 time. The nation's 7th best ever effort and new record surpassed the previous best by .41 seconds from Meka Rembert's 58.80 time set in the 1994 season and the 58.91 more recent time of Andrea Sutherland at the 2009 NJCAA Championships.

Also continuing her progression in the outdoor season, Ana da Silva spent the last two meets in the second slot of the hammer throw until Friday by unleashing a new program top ten best by over a foot on a 58.61m (192-03) mark. The nation's 6th best effort throw flew past the 58.22m (191-00) throw by Marcela Solano set in 2011.

In addition to the two records and first places on the weekend, the Cougars placed fourteen other performances in the meet's top ten in either bettering or meeting one of their 24 national qualifying performances.

Barton returns back to western Texas for its next meet, competing in the two-day Masked Rider Open beginning Friday hosted by Texas Tech University in Lubbock.

100m: 5th Shemia Odaine (11.74), 8th Jayda Dillon (11.92)

100m Hurdles: 4th Ayesha Nelson (14.06), 5th Ashanti Harvey (14.32)

400m Hurdles: 1st Lashanna Graham (58.39 *School Record)

Long Jump: 4th Nia Robinson (6.01m), 6th Shemia Odaine (5.92m), 10th Annia Ashley (5.64)

Triple Jump: 5th Annia Ashley (12.42m), 7th Nia Robinson (12.31m)

Shot Put: 4th Ana da Silva (14.82m), 6th Jada Sewell (13.47m)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617622086752.jpeg" alt="Barton Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Barton Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Not one but two records went by the wayside this weekend in Texas as the Barton Community College women's track and field competed in the Jo Meaker Classic and Multi in Canyon, Texas.A three week progression from outside the 400m hurdle list to last week jumping into the seventh all-time slot of Barton history, Lashanna Graham bounded over the remaining six on the chart Saturday in clocking a 58.39 time. The nation's 7th best ever effort and new record surpassed the previous best by .41 seconds from Meka Rembert's 58.80 time set in the 1994 season and the 58.91 more recent time of Andrea Sutherland at the 2009 NJCAA Championships.Also continuing her progression in the outdoor season, Ana da Silva spent the last two meets in the second slot of the hammer throw until Friday by unleashing a new program top ten best by over a foot on a 58.61m (192-03) mark. The nation's 6th best effort throw flew past the 58.22m (191-00) throw by Marcela Solano set in 2011.In addition to the two records and first places on the weekend, the Cougars placed fourteen other performances in the meet's top ten in either bettering or meeting one of their 24 national qualifying performances.Barton returns back to western Texas for its next meet, competing in the two-day Masked Rider Open beginning Friday hosted by Texas Tech University in Lubbock.Top-10 Placers100m: 5th Shemia Odaine (11.74), 8th Jayda Dillon (11.92)200m: 7th Shemia Odaine (24.46)800m: 3rd Kayan Green (2:12.38)100m Hurdles: 4th Ayesha Nelson (14.06), 5th Ashanti Harvey (14.32)400m Hurdles: 1st Lashanna Graham (58.39 *School Record)Long Jump: 4th Nia Robinson (6.01m), 6th Shemia Odaine (5.92m), 10th Annia Ashley (5.64)Triple Jump: 5th Annia Ashley (12.42m), 7th Nia Robinson (12.31m)Shot Put: 4th Ana da Silva (14.82m), 6th Jada Sewell (13.47m)Discus: 4th Ana da Silva (42.50m)Hammer Throw: 1st Ana da Silva (58.61m)

Records fall in Texas for Barton women's track

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit a towering, three-run homer and the Texas Rangers figured how to hold onto a big lead, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 Sunday for their first win of the season.

Texas blew a five-run edge on opening day and a four-run lead Saturday. Boosted by Lowe, the Rangers avoided a sweep.

Lowe connected in the third for a 3-0 lead. He has nine RBIs in the first three games of the season, a Texas record.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa also drove in three runs. He had a two-run single in the fourth as Texas took a 6-0 lead and a homer in the ninth off Wade Davis.

Jordan Lyles (1-0) gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings, struck out eight and allowed five hits. His eight strikeouts are the most he’s posted in a game since September 19, 2019.

“We didn’t pitch to our liking the first two games so I set the tone and it felt really good,” Lyles said. “I’m excited where my stuff is and we executed really well today.”

Texas pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts.

“We executed the game plan really well and that was the best I’ve seen Jordan pitch in a Texas uniform,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said. “He went right after these guys and you could see the conviction he had in his pitches.”

Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer in the Royals sixth.

Michael A. Taylor, who homered and drove in three runs in each of Kansas City’s first two games, went 1 for 4. He scored a run in the ninth on a single by Hanser Alberto off former Royals pitcher Ian Kennedy.

Brady Singer (0-1) gave up five earned run on five hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings. He threw 77 pitches, the fewest in any of his outings in a two-year career.

“We need our starters to go deeper and we can’t expect our offense do that every night,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “So we need them to give us a chance going forward.”

Kyle Zimmer came in for relief and gave up one hits in three innings

Rangers: Kiner-Falefa was hit in the left hand by Singer in the third inning. He finished the game.

Royals: 3B Hunter Dozier didn’t play for the second straight game because his right hand is swollen. He left Thursday’s opener after apparently hurting himself on a swing. Matheny doesn’t expect Dozier to miss much time.

Rangers: Mike Foltynewicz starts the home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.

Royals: Play at Cleveland on Monday as Danny Duffy starts after going 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA last season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nate Lowe hit a towering, three-run homer and the Texas Rangers figured how to hold onto a big lead, beating the Kansas City Royals 7-3 Sunday for their first win of the season.Texas blew a five-run edge on opening day and a four-run lead Saturday. Boosted by Lowe, the Rangers avoided a sweep.Lowe connected in the third for a 3-0 lead. He has nine RBIs in the first three games of the season, a Texas record.Isiah Kiner-Falefa also drove in three runs. He had a two-run single in the fourth as Texas took a 6-0 lead and a homer in the ninth off Wade Davis.Jordan Lyles (1-0) gave up two runs in 5 2/3 innings, struck out eight and allowed five hits. His eight strikeouts are the most he’s posted in a game since September 19, 2019.“We didn’t pitch to our liking the first two games so I set the tone and it felt really good,” Lyles said. “I’m excited where my stuff is and we executed really well today.”Texas pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts.“We executed the game plan really well and that was the best I’ve seen Jordan pitch in a Texas uniform,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said. “He went right after these guys and you could see the conviction he had in his pitches.”Salvador Pérez hit a two-run homer in the Royals sixth.Michael A. Taylor, who homered and drove in three runs in each of Kansas City’s first two games, went 1 for 4. He scored a run in the ninth on a single by Hanser Alberto off former Royals pitcher Ian Kennedy.Brady Singer (0-1) gave up five earned run on five hits and three walks in 3 1/3 innings. He threw 77 pitches, the fewest in any of his outings in a two-year career.“We need our starters to go deeper and we can’t expect our offense do that every night,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “So we need them to give us a chance going forward.”Kyle Zimmer came in for relief and gave up one hits in three inningsTRAINER’S ROOMRangers: Kiner-Falefa was hit in the left hand by Singer in the third inning. He finished the game.Royals: 3B Hunter Dozier didn’t play for the second straight game because his right hand is swollen. He left Thursday’s opener after apparently hurting himself on a swing. Matheny doesn’t expect Dozier to miss much time.UP NEXTRangers: Mike Foltynewicz starts the home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.Royals: Play at Cleveland on Monday as Danny Duffy starts after going 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA last season.

Lowe hits towering HR, Texas tops Royals to avoid sweep

College athletes will someday soon be permitted to be paid sponsors, social media influencers and product endorsers.

Change is imminent, but not everyone in college sports believes it is for the better as athletes get closer to earning money from third parties for use of their name, image or likeness (NIL).

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-college-basketball-basketball-mens-sports-coronavirus-pandemic-womens-sports-197d9b296da8e060dfbaf0bfeac69bfa">In an Associated Press survey of Division I athletic directors</a>, nearly 73% said allowing athletes to be compensated for NIL use will decrease the number of schools that have a chance to be competitive in college sports. Nearly 28% said many fewer schools would be competitive.

“NIL will be a game changer for all,” one respondent said. “Many will get out of college athletics as this is not what they signed up for. Schools should resist NIL and go Ivy (League) non-scholarship model. I do not see why NIL is good for all.”

Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen was among the 15% of ADs who said they believe NIL payments will have no impact on competitive balance.

“The kids that are going to Alabama are still going to go to Alabama. The kids that are going to Southern Cal are still going to go to Southern Cal. The kids that are going to Tulane are still going to go to Tulane,” said Dannen, whose school competes at the top tier of Division I football (FBS) in the American Athletic Conference.

Most of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-sports-a28745d3f3a56446937ee7da73217c08">the survey respondents</a>&nbsp;came from schools outside the Power Five conferences, the wealthiest and most powerful in college sports (Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and Southeastern).

College athletes will someday soon be permitted to be paid sponsors, social media influencers and product endorsers.Change is imminent, but not everyone in college sports believes it is for the better as athletes get closer to earning money from third parties for use of their name, image or likeness (NIL).<a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-college-basketball-basketball-mens-sports-coronavirus-pandemic-womens-sports-197d9b296da8e060dfbaf0bfeac69bfa">In an Associated Press survey of Division I athletic directors</a>, nearly 73% said allowing athletes to be compensated for NIL use will decrease the number of schools that have a chance to be competitive in college sports. Nearly 28% said many fewer schools would be competitive.“NIL will be a game changer for all,” one respondent said. “Many will get out of college athletics as this is not what they signed up for. Schools should resist NIL and go Ivy (League) non-scholarship model. I do not see why NIL is good for all.”Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen was among the 15% of ADs who said they believe NIL payments will have no impact on competitive balance.“The kids that are going to Alabama are still going to go to Alabama. The kids that are going to Southern Cal are still going to go to Southern Cal. The kids that are going to Tulane are still going to go to Tulane,” said Dannen, whose school competes at the top tier of Division I football (FBS) in the American Athletic Conference.Most of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-sports-a28745d3f3a56446937ee7da73217c08">the survey respondents</a>&nbsp;came from schools outside the Power Five conferences, the wealthiest and most powerful in college sports (Atlantic Coast, Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12 and Southeastern).Nearly 69% of respondents came from the 22 conference that do not play FBS football. Only 10% of respondents came from the Power Five.Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich, whose school competes in the ACC and has had one of the most successful football programs in the country in recent years, said he doesn’t believe NIL compensation will damage competitive balance. But he was sympathetic to schools with smaller budgets that have those concerns.“But Furman’s cross-country team has ... consistently been superior to Clemson because they have concentrated on it,” he said. “They’re going to concentrate on the sports that they think will give them the best opportunity to be successful. With NIL, without NIL, I don’t think that they’re going to be on the same level with us in certain sports.”Loyola Maryland athletic director Donna Woodruff said her position on NIL compensation has “evolved a little bit” and she is less concerned about its impact on competitive balance.She said at Loyola, where the women’s and men’s lacrosse teams routinely are ranked among the best in the country, athletes in those sports could become more popular than they might at schools where the football or basketball programs draw most of the attention.“So there may be a disproportionate opportunity or an imbalance, but I don’t think it’s as great as some may fear,” Woodruff said.There is also a growing belief in college sports that athletes best positioned to cash in their fame might not necessarily be those whose teams get the most TV time but rather those with the most social media followers.NIL opportunities could end up being a boon to female athletes.“Everybody says the quarterback and the star power forward in men’s basketball will get the lion’s share of things,” New Mexico State AD Mario Moccia said. “I’m not so sure the men are going to dominate the earnings, just because I don’t think the way NIL is going to be monetized is completely defined yet.”As Radakovich put it: “NIL is a job. If you’re going to be successful you have to work at it.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-football-us-supreme-court-mark-emmert-college-sports-ba1c2e5409ec6d8e970075e4f9ddf53b">The NCAA is trying to change its rules regarding NIL and compensation for athletes&nbsp;</a>but the process has bogged down under scrutiny from the Justice Department.The clock is ticking on the NCAA. Dozens of states are forcing the issue with bills that will grant college athletes NIL rights as early as July. Efforts to put a federal law in place and avoid that situation seem on the slow track in Congress.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-football-football-us-supreme-court-basketball-courts-ccc438bff5951b77f1f4711e8ad466cf">The NCAA was also in front of the Supreme Court last week</a>&nbsp;arguing an antitrust case that could impact other ways athletes can be compensated.To many NCAA critics, questions and concerns about NIL’s impact on competitive balance and possible corruption are moot. They say colleges have been denying a basic economic right to athletes.Attorney Tim Nevius, a former NCAA investigator turned advocate for college athletes, said the right of publicity is protected by federal and state law.“Everybody enjoys this right except college athletes who are the center of a multibillion-dollar entertainment industry,” Nevius said. “Many of whom could use the additional money to help them and their families make ends meet.”