LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Guard Elijah Elliott will transfer from the Kansas men’s basketball team, KU head coach Bill Self announced Monday. Elliott put his name into the transfer portal in late June and has decided to leave KU.

“We want to thank Elijah for all of his contributions to our program in his two years here,” Self said. “He has been a great teammate and is a hard worker who wants the opportunity to contribute more on the court. We wish Elijah and his family nothing but the best.”

Elliott (6-3, 185) came to KU in the summer of 2018 and was a redshirt for the 2018-19 season. The Southlake, Texas, native was part of the 2020 Big 12 regular-season championship team which went 28-3 and 17-1 in conference play prior to the pandemic cutting the season short. KU finished No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches’ polls at season’s end.

“First I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Elliott said. “The past two years at Kansas have been a dream come true for me. I want to thank my family, the coaches, my teammates, the entire support staff and most importantly the Jayhawk Nation. I will always be grateful for how everyone treated me like their own. With that being said, me and my family have decided to transfer from Kansas. KU will always hold a special place in my heart. Rock Chalk.”

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Guard Elijah Elliott will transfer from the Kansas men’s basketball team, KU head coach Bill Self announced Monday. Elliott put his name into the transfer portal in late June and has decided to leave KU.“We want to thank Elijah for all of his contributions to our program in his two years here,” Self said. “He has been a great teammate and is a hard worker who wants the opportunity to contribute more on the court. We wish Elijah and his family nothing but the best.”Elliott (6-3, 185) came to KU in the summer of 2018 and was a redshirt for the 2018-19 season. The Southlake, Texas, native was part of the 2020 Big 12 regular-season championship team which went 28-3 and 17-1 in conference play prior to the pandemic cutting the season short. KU finished No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches’ polls at season’s end.“First I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Elliott said. “The past two years at Kansas have been a dream come true for me. I want to thank my family, the coaches, my teammates, the entire support staff and most importantly the Jayhawk Nation. I will always be grateful for how everyone treated me like their own. With that being said, me and my family have decided to transfer from Kansas. KU will always hold a special place in my heart. Rock Chalk.”Kansas Athletics

Elijah Elliott to Transfer from Kansas

DETROIT (AP) — Maikel Franco hit two of Kansas City’s six home runs, and the Royals pounded the Tigers 14-6, spoiling Detroit’s fan-free home opener. 

Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, finishing a triple shy of the cycle on a night when the Royals rallied from an early 5-1 deficit. 

Foster Griffin won in relief, but he also had to leave his major league debut with a left forearm strain. 

Detroit's Michael Fulmer allowed three homers in his first start back from Tommy John surgery.

DETROIT (AP) — Maikel Franco hit two of Kansas City’s six home runs, and the Royals pounded the Tigers 14-6, spoiling Detroit’s fan-free home opener. Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, finishing a triple shy of the cycle on a night when the Royals rallied from an early 5-1 deficit. Foster Griffin won in relief, but he also had to leave his major league debut with a left forearm strain. Detroit's Michael Fulmer allowed three homers in his first start back from Tommy John surgery.

Royals slug 6 HRs in win over Tigers

INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Lakes Valley Conference’s (GLVC) Council of Presidents has voted to postpone the majority of the 2020 fall intercollegiate athletics season until the second semester, due to ongoing concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The decision was made based on guidance from the league’s athletics directors and an extensive review of the recommended testing and safety measures developed by the NCAA Sport Science Institute.

The fall sports of football, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball will have regular-season competition and GLVC Championships conducted in the second semester, while the sports of men’s and women’s cross country will still be permitted to compete this fall with the 2020 GLVC Cross Country Championships slated for Oct. 24. Men’s and women’s golf and tennis will also be allowed to compete in their non-championship segments in the fall and continue their season into the spring when their respective championship seasons begin.

In addition, several winter sports are scheduled to begin their 2020-21 seasons as early as September. The sports of women’s bowling, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s indoor track and field will be permitted to compete as scheduled, while the Conference has established Oct. 1 as the deadline to determine the competition start date for the sports of men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling.

Furthermore, the spring sports of baseball and softball will be permitted to have only intrasquad competition on campus in the fall, while men’s and women’s lacrosse will be restricted from all competition until second semester.

The distinction between the sports stems from the sport classification put forth by the NCAA Sport Science Institute, based on a consensus by the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) COVID-19 Working Group. Bowling, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field were classified as low contact risk sports, while baseball, cross country, and softball were deemed medium contact risk. The NCAA believes low and medium contact risk sports can successfully implement physical distancing and universal masking practices during all sport activities; however, the level of risk in cross country and track and field are dependent upon the student-athlete’s proximity to other unmasked individuals. The sports in which those safety practices are deemed highly unlikely by the NCAA, including basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and wrestling, have been classified as high contact risk sports.

“Regrettably, we find ourselves having to make these difficult decisions in July similar to those made in mid-March, regarding the postponement of GLVC competition for football, soccer, and volleyball for the fall semester,” said GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich. “We remain optimistic that we can provide our student-athletes impacted by today’s news with meaningful opportunities to engage with their teammates and coaches throughout the fall semester to prepare for the planned return to competition in the spring. The GLVC and all 15 of our member institutions remain committed to prioritizing the health and welfare for all students, faculty, and staff, as well as, for the citizens that reside in the community that supports each school.”

Dr. Robert Manuel, University of Indianapolis President and Chair of the GLVC Council of Presidents, echoed those sentiments:

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the GLVC Council of Presidents and league athletics directors for the leadership they have shown during the vetting and decision-making process during these challenging times,” said Manuel. “The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, and those in our campus communities has been, and will continue to be, paramount throughout these unprecedented times.”

The GLVC becomes the 11th of the 23 NCAA Division II conferences to postpone fall competition. The NCAA has yet to determine the final status of its fall national championships.

The GLVC’s scheduling committee will soon begin to determine second-semester, regular-season schedule models for all affected sports with health and safety, as well as, institutional facility, personnel, and cost-containment measures in mind. In addition, dates and locations for all GLVC Championships will be announced at a later date.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Lakes Valley Conference’s (GLVC) Council of Presidents has voted to postpone the majority of the 2020 fall intercollegiate athletics season until the second semester, due to ongoing concerns of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The decision was made based on guidance from the league’s athletics directors and an extensive review of the recommended testing and safety measures developed by the NCAA Sport Science Institute.The fall sports of football, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball will have regular-season competition and GLVC Championships conducted in the second semester, while the sports of men’s and women’s cross country will still be permitted to compete this fall with the 2020 GLVC Cross Country Championships slated for Oct. 24. Men’s and women’s golf and tennis will also be allowed to compete in their non-championship segments in the fall and continue their season into the spring when their respective championship seasons begin.In addition, several winter sports are scheduled to begin their 2020-21 seasons as early as September. The sports of women’s bowling, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and men’s and women’s indoor track and field will be permitted to compete as scheduled, while the Conference has established Oct. 1 as the deadline to determine the competition start date for the sports of men’s and women’s basketball and wrestling.Furthermore, the spring sports of baseball and softball will be permitted to have only intrasquad competition on campus in the fall, while men’s and women’s lacrosse will be restricted from all competition until second semester.The distinction between the sports stems from the sport classification put forth by the NCAA Sport Science Institute, based on a consensus by the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) COVID-19 Working Group. Bowling, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field were classified as low contact risk sports, while baseball, cross country, and softball were deemed medium contact risk. The NCAA believes low and medium contact risk sports can successfully implement physical distancing and universal masking practices during all sport activities; however, the level of risk in cross country and track and field are dependent upon the student-athlete’s proximity to other unmasked individuals. The sports in which those safety practices are deemed highly unlikely by the NCAA, including basketball, football, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and wrestling, have been classified as high contact risk sports.“Regrettably, we find ourselves having to make these difficult decisions in July similar to those made in mid-March, regarding the postponement of GLVC competition for football, soccer, and volleyball for the fall semester,” said GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich. “We remain optimistic that we can provide our student-athletes impacted by today’s news with meaningful opportunities to engage with their teammates and coaches throughout the fall semester to prepare for the planned return to competition in the spring. The GLVC and all 15 of our member institutions remain committed to prioritizing the health and welfare for all students, faculty, and staff, as well as, for the citizens that reside in the community that supports each school.”Dr. Robert Manuel, University of Indianapolis President and Chair of the GLVC Council of Presidents, echoed those sentiments:“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the GLVC Council of Presidents and league athletics directors for the leadership they have shown during the vetting and decision-making process during these challenging times,” said Manuel. “The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, and those in our campus communities has been, and will continue to be, paramount throughout these unprecedented times.”The GLVC becomes the 11th of the 23 NCAA Division II conferences to postpone fall competition. The NCAA has yet to determine the final status of its fall national championships.The GLVC’s scheduling committee will soon begin to determine second-semester, regular-season schedule models for all affected sports with health and safety, as well as, institutional facility, personnel, and cost-containment measures in mind. In addition, dates and locations for all GLVC Championships will be announced at a later date.GLVC Release

DII GLVC votes to move football and other fall sports to second semester

The National Federation of State High School Associations hosted a webinar on Monday afternoon to address their current thoughts to sports returning in the 2020-2021 school year.

Executive Director Dr. Karissa Niehoff was the speaker for the over one-hour event. Niehoff stated that the NFHS believes that students need to return but as safetly as possible. Citing a study recently done by Wisconsin, she pointed an increase of depression of high school students likely linked to the lack of activities and interaction related to school. (study link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Health/Covid/SchoolClosureImpact_McGuine.pdf">https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Health/Covid/SchoolClosureImpact_McGuine.pdf</a>)

The NFHS is also currently into a second month of an Aerosol Study. The study will last six months and is taking a look at performance arts such as band and singing. Initial findings show that masking is needed as much as possible and cites multiple recommendations to resume such activities. The study will further evaluate speaking, theatre, and aerobic exercise. (study link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/</a>)

Dr. Niehoff said the NFHS is monitoring the decision-making of state associations for fall sports. As of July 27th, twenty-seven states have made no changes. Twenty-four states have made some form of modification. Six of those states will not have any fall football. Those states include New Mexico, California, Nevada, Washington, Virginia and the District of Columbia. State across the country are wanting students back. A growing trend is starting sports in January and going through June. (NFHS updated site:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/fall-sports-status-update/">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/fall-sports-status-update/</a>)

The NFHS recognizes the financial impact of the COVID-19 adjustments. State associations reported anywhere from $150,000 to over $2,000,000 in lost revenue due to the loss of winter and spring championships. Concerns are starting to grow that without fall championships states may need find reserves to dip into.&nbsp;

Dr. Niehoff and NFHS believe that if sports and activities are able to return and do so safely that a plan for fans needs to in place. The NFHS would like to see fans in attendance but also sees where this could be difficult, especially in high population density areas. That is why the NFHS in embarking on a $200 million initiative to help school with reduced fan attendance number put up to cameras to stream games. "Through its High School Support Program, the NFHS Network is offering up to two free Pixellot automated-production units for schools that lack production capabilities to stream events on the NFHS Network." (Full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/nfhs-network-offers-schools-two-free-production-units-to-stream-events-through-high-school-support-program/">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/nfhs-network-offers-schools-two-free-production-units-to-stream-events-through-high-school-support-program/</a>)

Also among the concerns in the availability of officials into the sports seasons. Several of the sports average official age is 50. Combining age along with the number of officials that live in areas of rising positive cases results in worries that officials may opt to not be as active this coming year.

Dr. Niehoff also mentioned that many eyes are on the state of Iowa. They are entering championship week of high school baseball and softball season. The state association allowed school to move forward with a season in late May with games starting June 15th. There have been a few games postponed due to positive tests. However Dr. Niehoff said that in positive news there didn't seem to be any spread due to the competitions in Iowa.&nbsp;

The webinar wrapped up with a few key points from the NFHS. First they ask to respect and follow CDC guidelines. The NFHS hasn't gone as far as to recommend testing for schools such as nasal swabs. They however do suggest on-site screening like temperature and symptom checks. It is also their position that answers are not one size fits all. Some sports may play while others don't and may play in some areas and not others.&nbsp;

One of the final points produced by Dr. Niehoff was that as school may come upon financial hardships that recouping those dollars doesn't happen at the expense of sports and activities. The budget allocated by schools is small already and making cuts will also hurt the culture of the schools.&nbsp;

The National Federation of State High School Associations hosted a webinar on Monday afternoon to address their current thoughts to sports returning in the 2020-2021 school year.Executive Director Dr. Karissa Niehoff was the speaker for the over one-hour event. Niehoff stated that the NFHS believes that students need to return but as safetly as possible. Citing a study recently done by Wisconsin, she pointed an increase of depression of high school students likely linked to the lack of activities and interaction related to school. (study link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Health/Covid/SchoolClosureImpact_McGuine.pdf">https://www.wiaawi.org/Portals/0/PDF/Health/Covid/SchoolClosureImpact_McGuine.pdf</a>)The NFHS is also currently into a second month of an Aerosol Study. The study will last six months and is taking a look at performance arts such as band and singing. Initial findings show that masking is needed as much as possible and cites multiple recommendations to resume such activities. The study will further evaluate speaking, theatre, and aerobic exercise. (study link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/unprecedented-international-coalition-led-by-performing-arts-organizations-to-commission-covid-19-study/</a>)Dr. Niehoff said the NFHS is monitoring the decision-making of state associations for fall sports. As of July 27th, twenty-seven states have made no changes. Twenty-four states have made some form of modification. Six of those states will not have any fall football. Those states include New Mexico, California, Nevada, Washington, Virginia and the District of Columbia. State across the country are wanting students back. A growing trend is starting sports in January and going through June. (NFHS updated site:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/fall-sports-status-update/">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/fall-sports-status-update/</a>)The NFHS recognizes the financial impact of the COVID-19 adjustments. State associations reported anywhere from $150,000 to over $2,000,000 in lost revenue due to the loss of winter and spring championships. Concerns are starting to grow that without fall championships states may need find reserves to dip into.&nbsp;Dr. Niehoff and NFHS believe that if sports and activities are able to return and do so safely that a plan for fans needs to in place. The NFHS would like to see fans in attendance but also sees where this could be difficult, especially in high population density areas. That is why the NFHS in embarking on a $200 million initiative to help school with reduced fan attendance number put up to cameras to stream games. "Through its High School Support Program, the NFHS Network is offering up to two free Pixellot automated-production units for schools that lack production capabilities to stream events on the NFHS Network." (Full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nfhs.org/articles/nfhs-network-offers-schools-two-free-production-units-to-stream-events-through-high-school-support-program/">https://www.nfhs.org/articles/nfhs-network-offers-schools-two-free-production-units-to-stream-events-through-high-school-support-program/</a>)Also among the concerns in the availability of officials into the sports seasons. Several of the sports average official age is 50. Combining age along with the number of officials that live in areas of rising positive cases results in worries that officials may opt to not be as active this coming year.Dr. Niehoff also mentioned that many eyes are on the state of Iowa. They are entering championship week of high school baseball and softball season. The state association allowed school to move forward with a season in late May with games starting June 15th. There have been a few games postponed due to positive tests. However Dr. Niehoff said that in positive news there didn't seem to be any spread due to the competitions in Iowa.&nbsp;The webinar wrapped up with a few key points from the NFHS. First they ask to respect and follow CDC guidelines. The NFHS hasn't gone as far as to recommend testing for schools such as nasal swabs. They however do suggest on-site screening like temperature and symptom checks. It is also their position that answers are not one size fits all. Some sports may play while others don't and may play in some areas and not others.&nbsp;One of the final points produced by Dr. Niehoff was that as school may come upon financial hardships that recouping those dollars doesn't happen at the expense of sports and activities. The budget allocated by schools is small already and making cuts will also hurt the culture of the schools.&nbsp;

NFHS provides insight into next sports season

Three days after receiving an offer, Hays High senior-to-be Gaven Haselhorst has verbally committed to play football at Kansas State.

Haselhorst tweeted his commitment Monday morning.

The Wildcats were the first FBS and Power 5 program to offer a scholarship to Haselhorst following his showing at the Sharp Performance Showcase in Salina a couple of weeks ago where he bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times and ran a 4.56 40-yard dash.

Haselhorst was named 5A honorable mention All-State following his junior season at Hays High.

Three days after receiving an offer, Hays High senior-to-be Gaven Haselhorst has verbally committed to play football at Kansas State.Haselhorst tweeted his commitment Monday morning.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/CoachKli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachKli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/spedbraet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@spedbraet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/coachstanard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@coachstanard</a> 💜🤍 <a href="https://t.co/IUyQ85Ue48">pic.twitter.com/IUyQ85Ue48</a>&mdash; 𝐆𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 (@gavenhasel) <a href="https://twitter.com/gavenhasel/status/1287773889674846208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>The Wildcats were the first FBS and Power 5 program to offer a scholarship to Haselhorst following his showing at the Sharp Performance Showcase in Salina a couple of weeks ago where he bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times and ran a 4.56 40-yard dash.Haselhorst was named 5A honorable mention All-State following his junior season at Hays High.

Hays High's Haselhorst commits to Kansas State

&nbsp; RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced a delay to the start of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31, and the start of competition until the week of September 28. This parallels the MIAA announcement from earlier last week. Men's Soccer is the only FHSU sport affected by this announcement, as it is now under the guidance of the Great American Conference after the GAC and MIAA partnered to make an eight-team conference in men's soccer prior to the 2019 season. FHSU is a member of the MIAA in all other sports. With the latest announcement, all FHSU fall sports are slated to begin the week starting September 28. For men's soccer, the first game of the season will now be on October 3 at Newman University. The first four games of the season are eliminated from the schedule. The men's soccer season now stands at 10 regular season games. "Our leadership has worked hard to find a path forward and join other NCAA Division II conferences that intend to compete this fall," Prewitt said. "I'm cautiously optimistic about the return of GAC competition, but work remains to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes, their families, coaches, and administrators." The Council has the ability to adjust its recommendation as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in GAC athletics. Conference administrators and the Council of Presidents will both meet weekly to address developments as they arise. "The GAC Council of Presidents share a united voice in the decision we made today as we continue to search for ways to allow our student athletes to compete safely during this most challenging year," said Harding President and GAC Council of Presidents Chairman Dr. Bruce McLarty. "This decision keeps hope alive that we will be able to compete this year. The safety of our students, our campuses, and the communities in which we live remains our top priority."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced a delay to the start of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31, and the start of competition until the week of September 28. This parallels the MIAA announcement from earlier last week. Men's Soccer is the only FHSU sport affected by this announcement, as it is now under the guidance of the Great American Conference after the GAC and MIAA partnered to make an eight-team conference in men's soccer prior to the 2019 season. FHSU is a member of the MIAA in all other sports. With the latest announcement, all FHSU fall sports are slated to begin the week starting September 28. For men's soccer, the first game of the season will now be on October 3 at Newman University. The first four games of the season are eliminated from the schedule. The men's soccer season now stands at 10 regular season games. "Our leadership has worked hard to find a path forward and join other NCAA Division II conferences that intend to compete this fall," Prewitt said. "I'm cautiously optimistic about the return of GAC competition, but work remains to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes, their families, coaches, and administrators." The Council has the ability to adjust its recommendation as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in GAC athletics. Conference administrators and the Council of Presidents will both meet weekly to address developments as they arise. "The GAC Council of Presidents share a united voice in the decision we made today as we continue to search for ways to allow our student athletes to compete safely during this most challenging year," said Harding President and GAC Council of Presidents Chairman Dr. Bruce McLarty. "This decision keeps hope alive that we will be able to compete this year. The safety of our students, our campuses, and the communities in which we live remains our top priority."&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU men’s soccer start date pushed back

HAYS – Skyler Tebo shot a 65 on Saturday at Smoky Hill
Country Club then fired a 68 Sunday at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course to capture
the 46th annual Hays City Merchants Golf Tournament. Tebo won the two-day
tournament by six strokes over Markus Hilger who shot a tournament-low 66 in
the closing round Sunday

Mike Yoke closed with a 69 Sunday and edged Kurt Kitson by
one stroke to win the Seniors Division.

HAYS – Skyler Tebo shot a 65 on Saturday at Smoky Hill
Country Club then fired a 68 Sunday at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course to capture
the 46th annual Hays City Merchants Golf Tournament. Tebo won the two-day
tournament by six strokes over Markus Hilger who shot a tournament-low 66 in
the closing round Sunday<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858654453.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Mike Yoke closed with a 69 Sunday and edged Kurt Kitson by
one stroke to win the Seniors Division.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595858716436.jpeg" alt="" />
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Tebo wins Hays City Merchants Golf Tournament

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco started again. His inspiring comeback from cancer is complete.

More than a year since being stricken with leukemia, Carrasco struck out 10 in six-plus innings and José Ramírez homered twice as the Cleveland Indians clobbered the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Sunday to win two of three in the delayed season-opening series.

Ramírez hit a three-run homer left-handed in the fourth and added a solo shot from the right side in the sixth for the Indians, who finally put some solid swings together against Kansas City’s bullpen.

With his rotation currently thin due to pitchers testing positive for COVID-19, Royals manager Mike Matheny started reliever Ronald Bolaños (0-1), who gave up two runs in the first and took the loss.

Carrasco couldn’t have imagined his journey when he took the mound on May 30, 2019, against the Chicago White Sox. Only days later, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood disorder that threatened his life.

But he’s back in Cleveland’s rotation, and the sight of him starting warmed everyone who has followed his feel-good return.

Carrasco was in command of the Royals from the outset. He allowed two runs and five hits before he was lifted after allowing a leadoff double in the seventh.

It’s been a remarkable road back for the 33-year-old Carrasco, whose personal battle with the disease bonded his teammates and rallied Indians fans around the pitcher known as “Cookie.”

Carrasco’s memorable on-field appearance at last year’s All-Star Game led to an outpouring of support. “I Stand For Cookie” T-shirts became a fashion trend around town, and his return as a reliever late last season was the pinnacle of 2019 when the Indians failed to make the playoffs.

Before Sunday’s game, Indians manager Terry Francona appreciated the significance of Carrasco (1-0) starting again.

“The fact that he’s come so far and it’s not just that he’s conquered this and he’s pitching, which is really awesome,” Francona said. “He’s trying to win a game for us, and that’s even more awesome.”

Carrasco retired the first 10 Royals before giving up a one-out double to Adalberto Mondesi in the fourth. But by then, the Indians had scored four times — helped by two Kansas City errors — before Ramírez connected for Cleveland’s first homer of the season to make it 7-1.

Unable to get any two-out hits in the first two games, the Indians finally connected in the first with Franmil Reyes and Domingo Santana delivering RBI singles. Cleveland came in 0 for 18 with two outs in the series.

The inning was helped by a throwing error by third baseman Erick Mejia and Bolanos’ wild pitch.

All-Star Francisco Lindor, who started the season 1 for 10, had an RBI double and Ramírez scored four times for Cleveland.

Baseball’s new automatic-runner rule triggered some playful social media sparring by former Indians teammates Mike Clevinger and Trevor Bauer.

Clevinger slammed the rule following the Indians’ 3-2 loss on Saturday, saying, “This isn’t travel ball. I’m not happy about it.” The always outspoken Bauer, who was traded to Cincinnati by Cleveland last year, shot back at his friend on Twitter.

“But don’t both sides get a chance with a runner at second base?” Bauer asked his buddy.

Francona understands MLB’s reasoning behind the rule, and said it’s up to teams to adapt.

“You’re handed whatever rules or whatever challenges you’re dealt and you do the best you can,” he said.

Royals: LHP MIke Montgomery starts the opener of a four-game series in Detroit.

Indians: Stay at home for three more games against the Chicago White Sox, with Aaron Civale starting for the Indians.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco started again. His inspiring comeback from cancer is complete.More than a year since being stricken with leukemia, Carrasco struck out 10 in six-plus innings and José Ramírez homered twice as the Cleveland Indians clobbered the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Sunday to win two of three in the delayed season-opening series.Ramírez hit a three-run homer left-handed in the fourth and added a solo shot from the right side in the sixth for the Indians, who finally put some solid swings together against Kansas City’s bullpen.With his rotation currently thin due to pitchers testing positive for COVID-19, Royals manager Mike Matheny started reliever Ronald Bolaños (0-1), who gave up two runs in the first and took the loss.Carrasco couldn’t have imagined his journey when he took the mound on May 30, 2019, against the Chicago White Sox. Only days later, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood disorder that threatened his life.But he’s back in Cleveland’s rotation, and the sight of him starting warmed everyone who has followed his feel-good return.Carrasco was in command of the Royals from the outset. He allowed two runs and five hits before he was lifted after allowing a leadoff double in the seventh.It’s been a remarkable road back for the 33-year-old Carrasco, whose personal battle with the disease bonded his teammates and rallied Indians fans around the pitcher known as “Cookie.”Carrasco’s memorable on-field appearance at last year’s All-Star Game led to an outpouring of support. “I Stand For Cookie” T-shirts became a fashion trend around town, and his return as a reliever late last season was the pinnacle of 2019 when the Indians failed to make the playoffs.Before Sunday’s game, Indians manager Terry Francona appreciated the significance of Carrasco (1-0) starting again.“The fact that he’s come so far and it’s not just that he’s conquered this and he’s pitching, which is really awesome,” Francona said. “He’s trying to win a game for us, and that’s even more awesome.”Carrasco retired the first 10 Royals before giving up a one-out double to Adalberto Mondesi in the fourth. But by then, the Indians had scored four times — helped by two Kansas City errors — before Ramírez connected for Cleveland’s first homer of the season to make it 7-1.Unable to get any two-out hits in the first two games, the Indians finally connected in the first with Franmil Reyes and Domingo Santana delivering RBI singles. Cleveland came in 0 for 18 with two outs in the series.The inning was helped by a throwing error by third baseman Erick Mejia and Bolanos’ wild pitch.All-Star Francisco Lindor, who started the season 1 for 10, had an RBI double and Ramírez scored four times for Cleveland.FEUDING FRIENDSBaseball’s new automatic-runner rule triggered some playful social media sparring by former Indians teammates Mike Clevinger and Trevor Bauer.Clevinger slammed the rule following the Indians’ 3-2 loss on Saturday, saying, “This isn’t travel ball. I’m not happy about it.” The always outspoken Bauer, who was traded to Cincinnati by Cleveland last year, shot back at his friend on Twitter.“But don’t both sides get a chance with a runner at second base?” Bauer asked his buddy.Francona understands MLB’s reasoning behind the rule, and said it’s up to teams to adapt.“You’re handed whatever rules or whatever challenges you’re dealt and you do the best you can,” he said.UP NEXTRoyals: LHP MIke Montgomery starts the opener of a four-game series in Detroit.Indians: Stay at home for three more games against the Chicago White Sox, with Aaron Civale starting for the Indians.

Carrasco shuts down Royals, wins first start since leukemia diagnosis

HAYS – The Hays Larks late inning rally came up short and
their seven-game win streak came to an end with a 3-2 loss to the Denver
Cougars Saturday night at Larks Park.

Cameron Pehrson hit a two-out, two-run homer to right field to
pull the Larks (19-7, 19-7 RMBL) within a run in the bottom of the eighth.

Jake Wyeth led off the ninth with a single. Courtesy runner
Jace Armstrong advanced to second on Sean Cooper’s bunt then moved to third
when Leo Jiminian was thrown out at first when his line drive ricocheted off
the pitchers foot. Matt Cavanagh followed with a chopper to short and appeared
to be the throw but was called out at first to end the game.

The Cougars (19-14, 17-10 RMBL) scored two in the first off
Larks starter Ryan Ruder. They added what proved to be the game-winning run in
the eighth when reliever Wyatt Divis knicked the jersey of Braden Boisvert with
the bases loaded.

Ruder went a season-high 5 1/3 innings but took the loss
after allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with three strikeouts and no
walks.

Brady Rose struck out five and walked two and gave up a run
in relief. Divis closed with 2/3 scoreless.

Denver starter Dylan Munroe held the Larks hitless through
the first four innings. He got out of a jam in the fifth when center fielder
Mack McKisson threw out Palmer Hutchison at the plate to end the inning and
keep the game scoreless.

The Larks only other scoring threat came in the seventh when
Corbin Truslow reached on a leadoff walk but was stranded at third.

The Larks and Cougars close out the three-game series with a
non-league game Sunday at 6 p.m. Pregame at 5:45 p.m. on KAYS (94.3-FM,
1400-AM).

HAYS – The Hays Larks late inning rally came up short and
their seven-game win streak came to an end with a 3-2 loss to the Denver
Cougars Saturday night at Larks Park.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/864668743&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-25-20-larks-interview" title="Frank Leo Postgame Interview 072520" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame Interview 072520</a></div></div>Cameron Pehrson hit a two-out, two-run homer to right field to
pull the Larks (19-7, 19-7 RMBL) within a run in the bottom of the eighth.Jake Wyeth led off the ninth with a single. Courtesy runner
Jace Armstrong advanced to second on Sean Cooper’s bunt then moved to third
when Leo Jiminian was thrown out at first when his line drive ricocheted off
the pitchers foot. Matt Cavanagh followed with a chopper to short and appeared
to be the throw but was called out at first to end the game.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/864668782&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-25-20-larks-highlights" title="Hays Larks vs. Denver Cougars highlights 072520" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks vs. Denver Cougars highlights 072520</a></div></div>The Cougars (19-14, 17-10 RMBL) scored two in the first off
Larks starter Ryan Ruder. They added what proved to be the game-winning run in
the eighth when reliever Wyatt Divis knicked the jersey of Braden Boisvert with
the bases loaded.Ruder went a season-high 5 1/3 innings but took the loss
after allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits with three strikeouts and no
walks.Brady Rose struck out five and walked two and gave up a run
in relief. Divis closed with 2/3 scoreless.Denver starter Dylan Munroe held the Larks hitless through
the first four innings. He got out of a jam in the fifth when center fielder
Mack McKisson threw out Palmer Hutchison at the plate to end the inning and
keep the game scoreless.The Larks only other scoring threat came in the seventh when
Corbin Truslow reached on a leadoff walk but was stranded at third.The Larks and Cougars close out the three-game series with a
non-league game Sunday at 6 p.m. Pregame at 5:45 p.m. on KAYS (94.3-FM,
1400-AM).

Larks win streak snapped by Cougars

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland’s order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians on Saturday in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule.

With Greg Allen on second, Holland fanned César Hernández and José Ramírez before getting All-Star Francisco Lindor to chase strike three in the dirt for the final out and the most unique save of his career.

“It’s kind of strange,” Holland said of Major League Baseball’s new rule designed to keep games from dragging in this condensed, 60-game season.

The Royals could be heard whooping it up as they poured out of the dugout, with Mike Matheny posting his first win as Kansas City’s manager — a win he knows some will say deserves an asterisk.

“I love it. I hope we do it tomorrow,” he said, referring to the automatic-runner rule, which has been used in the minors. “Though actually that’s not true. I hope we have a bigger lead. I know I have been a proponent for it, and I know baseball traditionalists are rolling over right now.”

Despite being 1 for 9 to open the season and not delivering in the clutch, Lindor likes the rule.

“It’s cool,” he said. “It’s kind of Little League-ish, but I like it.”

Indians starter Mike Clevinger is on the other side of the debate.

“This isn’t travel ball,” he said. “You know how hard it is to get a runner on second base off the back end of any bullpen, how incredibly hard that is? I’m not happy about it. I’m sure when other teams face the situation and this happens to them, you’re going to get similar reactions.”

Holland’s performance provided a fitting ending for the Royals, who got an excellent start from Brady Singer in his big league debut. Reliever Scott Barlow struck out two in the ninth to get the win.

The Indians got just one hit after the third inning and finished with just four.

“We have a good team,” Lindor said. “We’re going to hit. Their pitching staff was doing a good job. Hats off to them.”

Jorge Soler and Salvador Pérez hit back-to-back homers in the first for Kansas City.

Kansas City’s 10th began with pinch-runner Brett Phillips on second and he moved to third on pinch-hitter Erick Mejia’s perfectly placed sacrifice off James Karinchak (0-1). Franco then delivered a fly to deep center, easily scoring Phillips.

Cleveland, which left the bases loaded in the ninth, went with a different strategy in the 10th as manager Terry Francona let leadoff hitter Bradley Zimmer swing away and he got hit. But Hernández couldn’t get down a bunt before Holland got him.

The Indians still looked to be OK with Ramirez and Lindor coming up, but Holland didn’t let them make contact.

Clevinger came in 9-0 in 13 career starts against the Royals, but two bad pitches — and a check-swing — in the first prevented him from getting his 10th win.

With two outs, Soler checked his swing on a 2-2 pitch, and with the count full he pulled Clevinger’s slider into the left-field stands. Two pitches later, Pérez followed with a towering, 434-foot shot into the empty bleachers.

The 23-year-old Singer held the Indians to two runs and three hits with seven strikeouts in five innings. The first-round draft pick in 2018 looked composed and comfortable in his first outing.

“Exactly what the doctor ordered for our club,” Matheny said. “He didn’t get rattled in that third inning. A little bit unlucky, some balls found some holes and a couple calls didn’t go his way, but a lot of composure for 23 years old.”

The Royals weren’t expecting to bring up Singer this quickly, but with starters Brad Keller and Jakob Junis both sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus, the club decided it was time to see him.

The Indians wore their red alternate home jerseys for Game 2. On Friday, the team donned its blue road jerseys with “Cleveland” on the chest for the opener in a show of support for minorities and the team considering changing its name.

Indians: OF Tyler Naquin was placed on the injured list with a hairline fracture in his right big toe. Naquin fouled a ball off his foot last week and needs more time to recover.

Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco makes his first since May 30 last season, shortly before he was diagnosed with leukemia. Carrasco returned to pitch in relief late in the season, but he’s back in Cleveland’s rotation. Matheny hasn’t announced his starter for Sunday’s series finale.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland’s order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians on Saturday in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule.With Greg Allen on second, Holland fanned César Hernández and José Ramírez before getting All-Star Francisco Lindor to chase strike three in the dirt for the final out and the most unique save of his career.“It’s kind of strange,” Holland said of Major League Baseball’s new rule designed to keep games from dragging in this condensed, 60-game season.The Royals could be heard whooping it up as they poured out of the dugout, with Mike Matheny posting his first win as Kansas City’s manager — a win he knows some will say deserves an asterisk.“I love it. I hope we do it tomorrow,” he said, referring to the automatic-runner rule, which has been used in the minors. “Though actually that’s not true. I hope we have a bigger lead. I know I have been a proponent for it, and I know baseball traditionalists are rolling over right now.”Despite being 1 for 9 to open the season and not delivering in the clutch, Lindor likes the rule.“It’s cool,” he said. “It’s kind of Little League-ish, but I like it.”Indians starter Mike Clevinger is on the other side of the debate.“This isn’t travel ball,” he said. “You know how hard it is to get a runner on second base off the back end of any bullpen, how incredibly hard that is? I’m not happy about it. I’m sure when other teams face the situation and this happens to them, you’re going to get similar reactions.”Holland’s performance provided a fitting ending for the Royals, who got an excellent start from Brady Singer in his big league debut. Reliever Scott Barlow struck out two in the ninth to get the win.The Indians got just one hit after the third inning and finished with just four.“We have a good team,” Lindor said. “We’re going to hit. Their pitching staff was doing a good job. Hats off to them.”Jorge Soler and Salvador Pérez hit back-to-back homers in the first for Kansas City.Kansas City’s 10th began with pinch-runner Brett Phillips on second and he moved to third on pinch-hitter Erick Mejia’s perfectly placed sacrifice off James Karinchak (0-1). Franco then delivered a fly to deep center, easily scoring Phillips.Cleveland, which left the bases loaded in the ninth, went with a different strategy in the 10th as manager Terry Francona let leadoff hitter Bradley Zimmer swing away and he got hit. But Hernández couldn’t get down a bunt before Holland got him.The Indians still looked to be OK with Ramirez and Lindor coming up, but Holland didn’t let them make contact.Clevinger came in 9-0 in 13 career starts against the Royals, but two bad pitches — and a check-swing — in the first prevented him from getting his 10th win.With two outs, Soler checked his swing on a 2-2 pitch, and with the count full he pulled Clevinger’s slider into the left-field stands. Two pitches later, Pérez followed with a towering, 434-foot shot into the empty bleachers.The 23-year-old Singer held the Indians to two runs and three hits with seven strikeouts in five innings. The first-round draft pick in 2018 looked composed and comfortable in his first outing.“Exactly what the doctor ordered for our club,” Matheny said. “He didn’t get rattled in that third inning. A little bit unlucky, some balls found some holes and a couple calls didn’t go his way, but a lot of composure for 23 years old.”The Royals weren’t expecting to bring up Singer this quickly, but with starters Brad Keller and Jakob Junis both sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus, the club decided it was time to see him.NEW JERSEYSThe Indians wore their red alternate home jerseys for Game 2. On Friday, the team donned its blue road jerseys with “Cleveland” on the chest for the opener in a show of support for minorities and the team considering changing its name.TRAINING ROOMIndians: OF Tyler Naquin was placed on the injured list with a hairline fracture in his right big toe. Naquin fouled a ball off his foot last week and needs more time to recover.UP NEXTIndians right-hander Carlos Carrasco makes his first since May 30 last season, shortly before he was diagnosed with leukemia. Carrasco returned to pitch in relief late in the season, but he’s back in Cleveland’s rotation. Matheny hasn’t announced his starter for Sunday’s series finale.

Holland fans side in new-rule 10th, Royals trim Indians

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on every call involving the NFL Players Association and took a significant role in putting in place the return-to-play protocols for training camp.

So while he acknowledges “some risk” in returning to the team facility on Saturday, when Mahomes joined rookies and select veterans for the start of his camp, he also felt comfortable in knowing the environment would be as safe as possible.

“I think the NFLPA did a good job getting all the players on the call and being prepared to be in the building and everything that entailed,” said Mahomes, who like the rest of NFL players did the entire offseason remotely. “They’re really taking this thing seriously. They’re taking social distancing and wearing a mask seriously, so we’re not hurting each other or hurting the people out in the community with us being here.”

The Chiefs and Texans, who meet in NFL’s regular-season opener, were given the go-ahead to allow rookies to report to training camp last Monday. But the week mostly involved COVID-19 testing for the rookies, and the veterans will likewise go through a similar period of testing before they begin more typical meetings and workouts.

That slow ramp-up is the first part of an acclimation period unique to this season. The players’ board of representatives voted 29-3 on Friday to adopt several changes to the collective bargaining agreement that provided for new training camp and roster rules, economics and the protocols for operating amid the coronavirus pandemic. The acclimation period takes the place of four preseason games and prohibits padded practices until the middle of August.

“I thought the executive committee did a great job of getting protection for the guys that are high risk, protection for the guys that voluntarily opted out and protection for the guys on the field,” said Mahomes, who recently signed a record 10-year extension with the Chiefs after leading them to their first Super Bowl in 50 years last season.

The Super Bowl MVP took over the player representative role on the Chiefs from longtime punter Dustin Colquitt, who was let go in the offseason. But Mahomes said that Colquitt has still been providing him guidance during negotiations.

“I thought the calls went well. There were a ton of questions. They were long but they were worth it,” Mahomes said. “I thought they really pushed and got the things that made us comfortable to approve the proposal that was laid out.”

One of those was stipends for players that choose not to play this season. Those at high risk who opt out will receive $300,000 stipends in lieu of their contract salary while those who voluntarily opt out will receive $150,000.

Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first player to voluntarily opt out Friday night. Duvernay-Tardif has been practicing medicine in the fight against COVID-19 during the offseason and chose to remain in Canada and continue in that role rather than returning to Kansas City and helping the Chiefs defend their Super Bowl title.

″“Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.”

Mahomes said he respected Duvernay-Tardif’s decision, even if it means the Chiefs need to break in a new right guard.

“I think it surprises anyone,” Mahomes said, “but at the same time you respect his decision. He’s a guy who’s been on the front lines and working with people suffering from COVID day to day. He understands it and his decision was to stay there and he wanted to keep helping in that capacity. You have to respect the decision.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose mother was a doctor, also wasn’t surprised by the decision.

“I understand the dedication it takes to be a doctor,” he said. “We’re all blessed to have doctors in our lives. They’re givers; they’re not takers. They’re healers. They want the best for you. So Larry has that quality, and you’re seeing it to the utmost here. I just think it’s tremendous dedication to his profession, what his future is going to be, and mainly to the people he gets to help. So my heart goes out to him.”

Reid was integral in training camps opening next week. The NFL and the players’ union asked him to be a neutral voice in the discussion, offering his insights from decades in the business. And after plenty of push and pull by each side, Reid said he’s comfortable with the return-to-play plan and looking forward to training camp.

“We think we’re going to put the players in a position where they’re safe,” he said. “It’s a responsibility at the same time. It’s a responsibility for the coaches, for the players and anybody dealing with the players, to take the format to fight this virus and still have an opportunity to play football.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on every call involving the NFL Players Association and took a significant role in putting in place the return-to-play protocols for training camp.So while he acknowledges “some risk” in returning to the team facility on Saturday, when Mahomes joined rookies and select veterans for the start of his camp, he also felt comfortable in knowing the environment would be as safe as possible.“I think the NFLPA did a good job getting all the players on the call and being prepared to be in the building and everything that entailed,” said Mahomes, who like the rest of NFL players did the entire offseason remotely. “They’re really taking this thing seriously. They’re taking social distancing and wearing a mask seriously, so we’re not hurting each other or hurting the people out in the community with us being here.”The Chiefs and Texans, who meet in NFL’s regular-season opener, were given the go-ahead to allow rookies to report to training camp last Monday. But the week mostly involved COVID-19 testing for the rookies, and the veterans will likewise go through a similar period of testing before they begin more typical meetings and workouts.That slow ramp-up is the first part of an acclimation period unique to this season. The players’ board of representatives voted 29-3 on Friday to adopt several changes to the collective bargaining agreement that provided for new training camp and roster rules, economics and the protocols for operating amid the coronavirus pandemic. The acclimation period takes the place of four preseason games and prohibits padded practices until the middle of August.“I thought the executive committee did a great job of getting protection for the guys that are high risk, protection for the guys that voluntarily opted out and protection for the guys on the field,” said Mahomes, who recently signed a record 10-year extension with the Chiefs after leading them to their first Super Bowl in 50 years last season.The Super Bowl MVP took over the player representative role on the Chiefs from longtime punter Dustin Colquitt, who was let go in the offseason. But Mahomes said that Colquitt has still been providing him guidance during negotiations.“I thought the calls went well. There were a ton of questions. They were long but they were worth it,” Mahomes said. “I thought they really pushed and got the things that made us comfortable to approve the proposal that was laid out.”One of those was stipends for players that choose not to play this season. Those at high risk who opt out will receive $300,000 stipends in lieu of their contract salary while those who voluntarily opt out will receive $150,000.Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first player to voluntarily opt out Friday night. Duvernay-Tardif has been practicing medicine in the fight against COVID-19 during the offseason and chose to remain in Canada and continue in that role rather than returning to Kansas City and helping the Chiefs defend their Super Bowl title.″“Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.”Mahomes said he respected Duvernay-Tardif’s decision, even if it means the Chiefs need to break in a new right guard.“I think it surprises anyone,” Mahomes said, “but at the same time you respect his decision. He’s a guy who’s been on the front lines and working with people suffering from COVID day to day. He understands it and his decision was to stay there and he wanted to keep helping in that capacity. You have to respect the decision.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose mother was a doctor, also wasn’t surprised by the decision.“I understand the dedication it takes to be a doctor,” he said. “We’re all blessed to have doctors in our lives. They’re givers; they’re not takers. They’re healers. They want the best for you. So Larry has that quality, and you’re seeing it to the utmost here. I just think it’s tremendous dedication to his profession, what his future is going to be, and mainly to the people he gets to help. So my heart goes out to him.”Reid was integral in training camps opening next week. The NFL and the players’ union asked him to be a neutral voice in the discussion, offering his insights from decades in the business. And after plenty of push and pull by each side, Reid said he’s comfortable with the return-to-play plan and looking forward to training camp.“We think we’re going to put the players in a position where they’re safe,” he said. “It’s a responsibility at the same time. It’s a responsibility for the coaches, for the players and anybody dealing with the players, to take the format to fight this virus and still have an opportunity to play football.”

Mahomes knows risk, feels safe in return to Chiefs’ facility

HAYS - The Hays Larks scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to rally from a two-run deficit and beat the Denver Cougars 4-3 to clinch the Rocky Mountain Baseball League title Friday night at Larks Park.

Sean Cooper's squeeze bunt with the bases loaded scored Palmer Hutchison with the game-winning run and ran the Larks (19-6, 19-6 RMBL) wining streak to seven games.

Camerson Pehrson opened the ninth with walk, Corbin Truslow followed with a single then a walk to Hutchison loaded the bases.

Grant Lung drew a walk which scored Pehrson to pull the Larks within a run. Max McGuire's sacrifice fly tied the game and set up Cooper who successfully laid down a bunt to score Hutchison on a squeeze play.

Jacob Ensz pitched four scoreless innings in relief and picked up the win. Ensz (2-0) allowed one hit with two strikeouts and a walk.

Starter Drew Buhr gave up three runs in the second, only one of them were earned, on two hits with three strikeouts and four walks over five innings.

The Larks continue the three-game series with Denver Saturday night at 7 p.m. You can hear the game following Kansas City Royals baseball on KAYS (94.3-FM, 1400-AM).

HAYS - The Hays Larks scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to rally from a two-run deficit and beat the Denver Cougars 4-3 to clinch the Rocky Mountain Baseball League title Friday night at Larks Park.Sean Cooper's squeeze bunt with the bases loaded scored Palmer Hutchison with the game-winning run and ran the Larks (19-6, 19-6 RMBL) wining streak to seven games.Camerson Pehrson opened the ninth with walk, Corbin Truslow followed with a single then a walk to Hutchison loaded the bases.Grant Lung drew a walk which scored Pehrson to pull the Larks within a run. Max McGuire's sacrifice fly tied the game and set up Cooper who successfully laid down a bunt to score Hutchison on a squeeze play.Jacob Ensz pitched four scoreless innings in relief and picked up the win. Ensz (2-0) allowed one hit with two strikeouts and a walk.Starter Drew Buhr gave up three runs in the second, only one of them were earned, on two hits with three strikeouts and four walks over five innings.The Larks continue the three-game series with Denver Saturday night at 7 p.m. You can hear the game following Kansas City Royals baseball on KAYS (94.3-FM, 1400-AM).

Larks clinch RMBL title with comeback win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to opt out of the upcoming NFL season on Friday, choosing to put his medical degree to use on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic rather than helping the Kansas City Chiefs defend their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.

Duvernay-Tardif has been working to fulfill his requirements to become a doctor in the offseason, and has spent this summer working at a clinic in his native Canada. He said that experience helped him decide that if he was going to take any risks with his health, it would be to help patients dealing with the virus.

"This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally,” Duvernay-Tardif said in his announcement on Twitter. “That is why I have decided to take the opt-out option.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The NFL and its players association agreed earlier Friday to an opt-out clause for the upcoming season. Those who choose to voluntarily will receive a $150,000 stipend&nbsp;and those with medical opt outs will receive $350,00 rather than their contractual salary, two people with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the stipend amount was not made public.

The deadline to opt out is Aug. 3, but Duvernay-Tardif made the decision before Chiefs veterans were due in camp.

“Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love.”

The Chiefs welcomed rookies to training camp earlier this week, though most of their time was spent undergoing tests for COVID-19 and routine physicals. Veterans such as Duvernay-Tardif were expected to arrive in the coming days.

The 29-year-old Duvernay-Tardif was a relative unknown when the Chiefs selected him in the sixth round of the 2014 draft out of McGill University, which plays at a level in Canada roughly equal to Division III in the U.S. But his intelligence allowed him to quickly pick up coach Andy Reid’s playbook, and a year spent learning the ropes — and building strength and more experience — pushed him into the starting lineup by the following season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif became the first player to opt out of the upcoming NFL season on Friday, choosing to put his medical degree to use on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic rather than helping the Kansas City Chiefs defend their first Super Bowl title in 50 years.Duvernay-Tardif has been working to fulfill his requirements to become a doctor in the offseason, and has spent this summer working at a clinic in his native Canada. He said that experience helped him decide that if he was going to take any risks with his health, it would be to help patients dealing with the virus."This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally,” Duvernay-Tardif said in his announcement on Twitter. “That is why I have decided to take the opt-out option.”&nbsp;&nbsp;<div>https://twitter.com/LaurentDTardif/status/1286839610727976965?s=20</div>The NFL and its players association agreed earlier Friday to an opt-out clause for the upcoming season. Those who choose to voluntarily will receive a $150,000 stipend&nbsp;and those with medical opt outs will receive $350,00 rather than their contractual salary, two people with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press. The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the stipend amount was not made public.The deadline to opt out is Aug. 3, but Duvernay-Tardif made the decision before Chiefs veterans were due in camp.“Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love.”The Chiefs welcomed rookies to training camp earlier this week, though most of their time was spent undergoing tests for COVID-19 and routine physicals. Veterans such as Duvernay-Tardif were expected to arrive in the coming days.The 29-year-old Duvernay-Tardif was a relative unknown when the Chiefs selected him in the sixth round of the 2014 draft out of McGill University, which plays at a level in Canada roughly equal to Division III in the U.S. But his intelligence allowed him to quickly pick up coach Andy Reid’s playbook, and a year spent learning the ropes — and building strength and more experience — pushed him into the starting lineup by the following season.

Chiefs’ Duvernay-Tardif first to opt out of 2020 NFL season

Heeding pleas for patience from college sports leaders, the NCAA Board of Governors held off on making any decisions about whether to hold championship events in fall sports during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Today the Board of Governors and I agreed that we must continue to thoughtfully and aggressively monitor health conditions around the country and the implementation of the COVID-19 guidelines we issued last week,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said Friday.

More than two dozen Division I conferences urged the NCAA’s highest governing body to delay a decision on fall championships until a majority of leagues determine whether to hold regular-season competition.

A letter from College Commissioners Association President and Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche, dated July 22, was sent to the board ahead of its Friday meeting. A copy of the letter was obtained by The Associated Press.

The CCA is comprised of commissioners from all 32 Division I conferences. The letter was supported by 27 conferences, including each Power Five conference and several that do not sponsor football. Five conferences abstained.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/335e6d5e7ee94eeb9e1ddba14e8cb8ce">The NCAA’s Division I football oversight committee made a similar plea for patience</a>&nbsp;to the board in its own letter sent earlier this week.

NCAA heeds Division I’s pleas for patience on fall sports

By DOUG FEINBERG and RALPH D. RUSSOJuly 24, 2020

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2018, file photo, the championship logo is seen on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Georgia and Alabama in Atlanta. There are more bowl games scheduled for the coming season than ever before in major college football: 42, not including the College Football Playoff championship. College football leaders are in the process of piecing together plans to attempt to play a regular season during the COVID-19 pandemic. If it is even possible, everyone anticipates there will be disruptions, added expenses and loads of stress just to get through it.(AP Photo/David Goldman)

In its letter, the CCA said it was “concerned to learn the board is contemplating taking action soon to cancel all fall season NCAA championships” because of concerns related to COVID-19.

“We discussed other complexities in addition to the health and safety impacts, to include team availability, travel limitations and various local and state restrictions,” Emmert said.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4.

The CCA’s letter recommended delaying any decision on fall championships to allow more conferences to make their own decisions regarding regular-season play. The NCAA controls national championship events such as tournaments, playoffs and meets, but has no authority over what would be considered the regular season in any sport.

In major college football, the NCAA has no say: The conferences control the College Football Playoff and the bowls. The NCAA does sponsor playoffs in the second-tier of Division I football (FCS) and in Divisions II and III.

Still, calling off fall championships would send a message the NCAA doesn’t believe the events can be conducted with the best interest of athletes in mind and could call into question why conferences are moving move forward with plans to play football or other sports in the first semester.

“To make championships decisions before conferences determine their regular-season plans would result in preempting the conferences’ decision-making process,” the letter said. “Accordingly, the CCA would recommend that when the majority of the sport sponsoring conferences drop or postpone their fall competitions, then it would be appropriate for the NCAA to begin a process to evaluate their own championships schedules.”

Among the conferences that have already decided to postpone fall sports, with the hope of making them up in the second semester: the Ivy League, the Patriot League, the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Colonial Athletic Conference.

The 10 FBS conferences that make up Division I football’s top tier are in the process of adjusting schedules and hoping to play a regular season that has billions of dollars in media rights deals attached to it.

The Big Ten and Pac-12 have already announced they intend to play only conference games to better manage potential COVID-19 disruptions.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/deb466acad5b96a2fbc713d49bc31623">The Atlantic Coast Conference is considering a re-worked schedule</a>&nbsp;that would include Notre Dame playing football as a member of a conference for the first time in program history.

Late Friday, Michigan State became the first school to publicly announce its entire football team has been placed in 14-day quarantine due to positive COVID-19 tests for some players and staff members.

Still, college conferences are seeking to buy time and the board help them. The hope among college sports leaders if that the pandemic can be better controlled across the country before they must make a final call on fall sports seasons that are about a month away from scheduled starts.

They are also considering repercussions beyond fall sports. Championship tournaments for men’s and women’s soccer, for example, take place in November and December, which is the first full month of the basketball season.

The CCA’s letter encouraged the board to have a plan in place to address the college basketball season when a decision on fall championships is made and to avoid diverting any funds toward moving fall events to spring until it is known if NCAA basketball tournaments can be held.

“If fall championships are canceled, the question as to whether we will start the basketball regular season as scheduled will need to be immediately addressed by either i) announcing a delay to the start of the basketball season or ii) explaining why it is appropriate to conduct basketball games but not fall championships,” the letter said. “By delaying any decisions regarding the status of fall championships as long as the planning process allows, we will avoid the basketball season becoming a casualty of an early decision, while also benefiting from the most current health and safety information available.”

Heeding pleas for patience from college sports leaders, the NCAA Board of Governors held off on making any decisions about whether to hold championship events in fall sports during the coronavirus pandemic.“Today the Board of Governors and I agreed that we must continue to thoughtfully and aggressively monitor health conditions around the country and the implementation of the COVID-19 guidelines we issued last week,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said Friday.More than two dozen Division I conferences urged the NCAA’s highest governing body to delay a decision on fall championships until a majority of leagues determine whether to hold regular-season competition.A letter from College Commissioners Association President and Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche, dated July 22, was sent to the board ahead of its Friday meeting. A copy of the letter was obtained by The Associated Press.The CCA is comprised of commissioners from all 32 Division I conferences. The letter was supported by 27 conferences, including each Power Five conference and several that do not sponsor football. Five conferences abstained.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/335e6d5e7ee94eeb9e1ddba14e8cb8ce">The NCAA’s Division I football oversight committee made a similar plea for patience</a>&nbsp;to the board in its own letter sent earlier this week.<ul>
 <li><a href="https://apnews.com/apf-Health"> Health</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/Football">Football</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/apf-sports">Sports</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/apf-Basketball">Basketball</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/Collegesports">College sports</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/apf-CollegeSports">College Sports</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/MarkEmmert">Mark Emmert</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak">Virus Outbreak</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/apf-Sports-General">Sports - General</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/Menscollegebasketball">Men's college basketball</a></li><li><a href="https://apnews.com/apf-football">Football</a></li>
 </ul><h2>NCAA heeds Division I’s pleas for patience on fall sports</h2>By DOUG FEINBERG and RALPH D. RUSSOJuly 24, 2020<figure>
 <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/afs-prod/media/18bebb7551f34a14a20bca54f0efcb3a/800.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2018, file photo, the championship logo is seen on the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the NCAA college football playoff championship game between Georgia and Alabama in Atlanta. There are more bowl games scheduled for the coming season than ever before in major college football: 42, not including the College Football Playoff championship. College football leaders are in the process of piecing together plans to attempt to play a regular season during the COVID-19 pandemic. If it is even possible, everyone anticipates there will be disruptions, added expenses and loads of stress just to get through it.(AP Photo/David Goldman)Heeding pleas for patience from college sports leaders, the NCAA Board of Governors held off on making any decisions about whether to hold championship events in fall sports during the coronavirus pandemic.“Today the Board of Governors and I agreed that we must continue to thoughtfully and aggressively monitor health conditions around the country and the implementation of the COVID-19 guidelines we issued last week,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said Friday.More than two dozen Division I conferences urged the NCAA’s highest governing body to delay a decision on fall championships until a majority of leagues determine whether to hold regular-season competition.A letter from College Commissioners Association President and Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner Beth DeBauche, dated July 22, was sent to the board ahead of its Friday meeting. A copy of the letter was obtained by The Associated Press.The CCA is comprised of commissioners from all 32 Division I conferences. The letter was supported by 27 conferences, including each Power Five conference and several that do not sponsor football. Five conferences abstained.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/335e6d5e7ee94eeb9e1ddba14e8cb8ce">The NCAA’s Division I football oversight committee made a similar plea for patience</a>&nbsp;to the board in its own letter sent earlier this week.ADVERTISEMENTIn its letter, the CCA said it was “concerned to learn the board is contemplating taking action soon to cancel all fall season NCAA championships” because of concerns related to COVID-19.“We discussed other complexities in addition to the health and safety impacts, to include team availability, travel limitations and various local and state restrictions,” Emmert said.The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 4.The CCA’s letter recommended delaying any decision on fall championships to allow more conferences to make their own decisions regarding regular-season play. The NCAA controls national championship events such as tournaments, playoffs and meets, but has no authority over what would be considered the regular season in any sport.In major college football, the NCAA has no say: The conferences control the College Football Playoff and the bowls. The NCAA does sponsor playoffs in the second-tier of Division I football (FCS) and in Divisions II and III.Still, calling off fall championships would send a message the NCAA doesn’t believe the events can be conducted with the best interest of athletes in mind and could call into question why conferences are moving move forward with plans to play football or other sports in the first semester.“To make championships decisions before conferences determine their regular-season plans would result in preempting the conferences’ decision-making process,” the letter said. “Accordingly, the CCA would recommend that when the majority of the sport sponsoring conferences drop or postpone their fall competitions, then it would be appropriate for the NCAA to begin a process to evaluate their own championships schedules.”Among the conferences that have already decided to postpone fall sports, with the hope of making them up in the second semester: the Ivy League, the Patriot League, the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the Colonial Athletic Conference.The 10 FBS conferences that make up Division I football’s top tier are in the process of adjusting schedules and hoping to play a regular season that has billions of dollars in media rights deals attached to it.The Big Ten and Pac-12 have already announced they intend to play only conference games to better manage potential COVID-19 disruptions.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/deb466acad5b96a2fbc713d49bc31623">The Atlantic Coast Conference is considering a re-worked schedule</a>&nbsp;that would include Notre Dame playing football as a member of a conference for the first time in program history.Late Friday, Michigan State became the first school to publicly announce its entire football team has been placed in 14-day quarantine due to positive COVID-19 tests for some players and staff members.Still, college conferences are seeking to buy time and the board help them. The hope among college sports leaders if that the pandemic can be better controlled across the country before they must make a final call on fall sports seasons that are about a month away from scheduled starts.They are also considering repercussions beyond fall sports. Championship tournaments for men’s and women’s soccer, for example, take place in November and December, which is the first full month of the basketball season.The CCA’s letter encouraged the board to have a plan in place to address the college basketball season when a decision on fall championships is made and to avoid diverting any funds toward moving fall events to spring until it is known if NCAA basketball tournaments can be held.“If fall championships are canceled, the question as to whether we will start the basketball regular season as scheduled will need to be immediately addressed by either i) announcing a delay to the start of the basketball season or ii) explaining why it is appropriate to conduct basketball games but not fall championships,” the letter said. “By delaying any decisions regarding the status of fall championships as long as the planning process allows, we will avoid the basketball season becoming a casualty of an early decision, while also benefiting from the most current health and safety information available.”

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Friday morning to Jim Ryun, a former Kansas congressmen who was the first high school runner to clock a mile in under 4 minutes.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npwSbOYZpU">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the ceremony&nbsp;

Trump honored the three-time Olympian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.&nbsp;

 The Wichita native entered the record books in 1964 at age 17 by becoming the first high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59 seconds. 

He competed in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in 1968. He was the last American runner to hold the world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1, set in 1967.

He graduated from KU in 1970 and later served as a 4-term congressman from Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595605618937.png" alt="President Trump presents the Presidential medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun during a White House Ceremony Friday morning -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump presents the Presidential medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun during a White House Ceremony Friday morning -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Friday morning to Jim Ryun, a former Kansas congressmen who was the first high school runner to clock a mile in under 4 minutes.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npwSbOYZpU">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the ceremony&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595003758174.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump honored the three-time Olympian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.&nbsp; The Wichita native entered the record books in 1964 at age 17 by becoming the first high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59 seconds. He competed in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in 1968. He was the last American runner to hold the world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1, set in 1967.He graduated from KU in 1970 and later served as a 4-term congressman from Kansas.

🎥  Kansas legend Jim Ryun awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom 

HAYS
– The had another night of solid pitching and just enough hitting to run their
win streak to six games with a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rough Riders Thursday
night at Larks Park.

Starter
Rustin Hays allowed a run on four hits with seven strikeouts and no walks for
the win. Paddy Walsh followed with two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Zach Firmature worked around a couple hits in the ninth inning for the save as
the three combine to strikeout 12 without issuing a walk.

The
Rough Riders (13-14, 13-13 RMBL) had runners at the corners with no outs in the
ninth but Josh Smith was caught stealing then Firmature struck out Tim
Compomizzi to turn the inning around.

The
Larks (18-6, 18-6 RMBL) had their consecutive scoreless inning streak end at 32
when Colorado scored in the fifth.

Cameron
Pehrson drove in the Larks first run with a first inning sacrifice fly which
scored Palmer Hutchison.

Matt
Cavanaugh drove in Jake Wyeth and Dylan Dreiling with a second inning single.

Hutchison
closed out the scoring with a fifth inning sacrifice fly.

The
Larks continue their final homestand of the season Friday night with the first
of three games with the Denver Cougars.

The
Larks have a 2 1/2 game lead over the Cougars in the Rocky Mountain Baseball
League standings.

HAYS
– The had another night of solid pitching and just enough hitting to run their
win streak to six games with a 4-1 win over the Colorado Rough Riders Thursday
night at Larks Park.Starter
Rustin Hays allowed a run on four hits with seven strikeouts and no walks for
the win. Paddy Walsh followed with two scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Zach Firmature worked around a couple hits in the ninth inning for the save as
the three combine to strikeout 12 without issuing a walk.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/863516935&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/larks-coach-frank-leo-postgame-interview-7-23-2020" title="Frank Leo Postgame Interview 072320" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Frank Leo Postgame Interview 072320</a></div></div>The
Rough Riders (13-14, 13-13 RMBL) had runners at the corners with no outs in the
ninth but Josh Smith was caught stealing then Firmature struck out Tim
Compomizzi to turn the inning around.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/863516767&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/7-23-2020-larks-vs-co-rough-riders-highlights" title="Hays Larks vs. Colo. Rough Riders Highlights 072320" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Hays Larks vs. Colo. Rough Riders Highlights 072320</a></div></div>The
Larks (18-6, 18-6 RMBL) had their consecutive scoreless inning streak end at 32
when Colorado scored in the fifth.Cameron
Pehrson drove in the Larks first run with a first inning sacrifice fly which
scored Palmer Hutchison.Matt
Cavanaugh drove in Jake Wyeth and Dylan Dreiling with a second inning single.Hutchison
closed out the scoring with a fifth inning sacrifice fly.The
Larks continue their final homestand of the season Friday night with the first
of three games with the Denver Cougars.The
Larks have a 2 1/2 game lead over the Cougars in the Rocky Mountain Baseball
League standings.

Larks sweep Rough Riders, win sixth straight

Former FHSU softball standout Maddie Holub visits about her career and recent induction into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame.

Former FHSU softball standout Maddie Holub visits about her career and recent induction into the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame.<div><iframe title="Maddie Holub" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/25eyx-e43b22?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=0&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=7&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Maddie Holub

TOPEKA — With the results of the Kansas State School Board of Education vote Wednesday, the&nbsp;KSHSAA Executive Board met Wednesday afternoon. During the meeting, the Executive Board approved a&nbsp;Remote Learning Policy that districts may choose to implement for the fall semester. This new policy is&nbsp;available via “<a href="http://kshsaa.org/public/pdf/remotelearningpolicy.pdf">Remote Learning Policy</a>.”

Additionally, the Executive Board provided a final review of considerations for the resumption of fall&nbsp;activities. These considerations are available via “<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/kshsaareturntoact-general.pdf">KSHSAA Return To Act - General</a>” and are intended to&nbsp;support your efforts in planning for the resumption of school activities with the upcoming fall season.

Additionally, activity specific considerations are available via “<a href="http://kshsaa.org/public/pdf/actspecificconsiderations.pdf">Activity Specific Considerations.</a>”

Finally, in regards to the fall season start date scheduled for Aug. 17, the Executive Board asked staff to conduct a survey of superintendents regarding the anticipated first day of school for respective districts.&nbsp;Pending results of the survey, the Executive Board would decide if it was necessary to convene the Board&nbsp;of Directors for a consideration of a possible modification to the start of the fall activity season. It is&nbsp;anticipated this survey, review, and determination by the Executive Board would be completed early next&nbsp;week.

KSHSAATOPEKA — With the results of the Kansas State School Board of Education vote Wednesday, the&nbsp;KSHSAA Executive Board met Wednesday afternoon. During the meeting, the Executive Board approved a&nbsp;Remote Learning Policy that districts may choose to implement for the fall semester. This new policy is&nbsp;available via “<a href="http://kshsaa.org/public/pdf/remotelearningpolicy.pdf">Remote Learning Policy</a>.”Additionally, the Executive Board provided a final review of considerations for the resumption of fall&nbsp;activities. These considerations are available via “<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/public/pdf/kshsaareturntoact-general.pdf">KSHSAA Return To Act - General</a>” and are intended to&nbsp;support your efforts in planning for the resumption of school activities with the upcoming fall season.Additionally, activity specific considerations are available via “<a href="http://kshsaa.org/public/pdf/actspecificconsiderations.pdf">Activity Specific Considerations.</a>”Finally, in regards to the fall season start date scheduled for Aug. 17, the Executive Board asked staff to conduct a survey of superintendents regarding the anticipated first day of school for respective districts.&nbsp;Pending results of the survey, the Executive Board would decide if it was necessary to convene the Board&nbsp;of Directors for a consideration of a possible modification to the start of the fall activity season. It is&nbsp;anticipated this survey, review, and determination by the Executive Board would be completed early next&nbsp;week.

KSHSAA provides update on fall activities

Jacob Wyeth’s walk-off sacrifice fly lifted the Hays Larks
to their fifth straight win, a 1-0 shutout of the Colorado Roughriders.

Jacob Wyeth’s walk-off sacrifice fly lifted the Hays Larks
to their fifth straight win, a 1-0 shutout of the Colorado Roughriders.Frank Leo postgame<div><iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/862842190&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/07-22-20-larks-post-interview" title="07 - 22 - 20 Larks Post Interview" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">07 - 22 - 20 Larks Post Interview</a></div></div>Wednesday night’s meeting between the Larks and Roughriders
featured two really good pitching performances.Larks’ starter Landon Shirer turned in his best performance
of the season. He allowed just two runs while walking four and striking out
four in six shoutout innings.His counterpart, Colorado’s Matt Erickson allowed six hits
and struck out seven while allowing three walks in eight shutout innings.But unfortunately for both neither one of them factored into
the decision.It would take the Roughriders until the seventh inning to
get a runner to third but Larks’ reliever Drew Buhr was able to induce a double
play to end the inning.The two teams combined to turn five double plays in the
game.The Larks didn’t get a runner to third until the eighth
inning but left two on in the inning.In the ninth inning Hays’ Palmer Hutchison led off the
inning with a bloop single to left then after a Grant Lung sacrifice bunt and a
Max McGuire single the Larks brought pitch hitter Jacob Wyeth to the plate as a
pinch hitter.Wyeth jumped ahead in the count 2-0 and then lifted a pitch
to deep right field that allowed Hutchison to score easily, give Hays the
walk-off win.Game highlights<div><iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/862842238&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/07-22-20-hays-larks-highlights" title="07 - 22 - 20 Hays Larks Highlights" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">07 - 22 - 20 Hays Larks Highlights</a></div></div>Jacob Ensz worked two innings of relief for Hays and got the
win. He allowed just one hit and struck out three in two innings of relief.Brady Strickert got the loss for Colorado. He allowed one
run on two hits in two-thirds innings of relief.Matt Cavanaugh and Wyatt Divis each collected a pair of hits
for the Larks.Hays improved to 17-6 on the season and will go for the
three-game sweep of the Roughriders Thursday at Larks Park.