KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;- The MIAA and its member institutions announced a plan on Monday to delay the start of the fall sports practices until the week of August 31, and the start of fall competition until the week of September 28. The CEO Council will continue to monitor this plan and adjust it as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in MIAA athletics. "While we are still uncertain on what is going to be realistic for the fall in this ever-changing environment, the action taken by the MIAA and its member institutions represents a commitment to exploring every possible avenue for our student-athletes, coaches, and community," said FHSU Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=5">Curtis Hammeke</a>. "Taking the additional time to evaluate the most recent developments and guidelines with our coaches, administration, and health care professionals, will ensure we've been as thorough as possible in determining how and when we'll be able to begin competition in a manner that is safe for all involved." The CEO Council supported the recommendation to delay the start of MIAA fall practices and competition; however, the group acknowledges that the ability to execute this plan is dependent on our students, employees and fans demonstrating socially responsible behavior during this public health crisis.In addition, it is important that student-athletes continue to practice socially responsible behavior to help protect the health of the team. "This plan allows our student-athletes to get back on campus and get acclimated with the student body before we begin practices and fall competition," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "We remain hopeful that the MIAA student-athletes will be able to practice and compete this fall, but we need to be patient and make sure that we are doing that in a healthy and safe environment for our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators." The plan will allow member universities to continue to monitor the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic, and to make decisions about athletics and other campus activities based on conditions in that community and with guidance from local and state health officials. The health and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and communities in the MIAA continues to be the Association's top priority. The MIAA is taking these unprecedented actions to help our campuses and communities continue to address this public health crisis. With this latest announcement, the first week of fall competition is now set for the week beginning Monday, September 28, if there are no further adjustments to the fall. The MIAA will not remake fall schedules. The first competition date listed on or following September 28 will be the first of the season for FHSU fall sports governed by the MIAA. There are no schedule adjustments yet for men's soccer, as the Great American Conference governs the sport.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp;- The MIAA and its member institutions announced a plan on Monday to delay the start of the fall sports practices until the week of August 31, and the start of fall competition until the week of September 28. The CEO Council will continue to monitor this plan and adjust it as necessary to protect the health and safety of all involved in MIAA athletics. "While we are still uncertain on what is going to be realistic for the fall in this ever-changing environment, the action taken by the MIAA and its member institutions represents a commitment to exploring every possible avenue for our student-athletes, coaches, and community," said FHSU Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=5">Curtis Hammeke</a>. "Taking the additional time to evaluate the most recent developments and guidelines with our coaches, administration, and health care professionals, will ensure we've been as thorough as possible in determining how and when we'll be able to begin competition in a manner that is safe for all involved." The CEO Council supported the recommendation to delay the start of MIAA fall practices and competition; however, the group acknowledges that the ability to execute this plan is dependent on our students, employees and fans demonstrating socially responsible behavior during this public health crisis.In addition, it is important that student-athletes continue to practice socially responsible behavior to help protect the health of the team. "This plan allows our student-athletes to get back on campus and get acclimated with the student body before we begin practices and fall competition," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "We remain hopeful that the MIAA student-athletes will be able to practice and compete this fall, but we need to be patient and make sure that we are doing that in a healthy and safe environment for our student-athletes, coaches, and administrators." The plan will allow member universities to continue to monitor the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic, and to make decisions about athletics and other campus activities based on conditions in that community and with guidance from local and state health officials. The health and well-being of student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and communities in the MIAA continues to be the Association's top priority. The MIAA is taking these unprecedented actions to help our campuses and communities continue to address this public health crisis. With this latest announcement, the first week of fall competition is now set for the week beginning Monday, September 28, if there are no further adjustments to the fall. The MIAA will not remake fall schedules. The first competition date listed on or following September 28 will be the first of the season for FHSU fall sports governed by the MIAA. There are no schedule adjustments yet for men's soccer, as the Great American Conference governs the sport.FHSU Athletics

MIAA to delay the start of all sports practices, competition

OAK GROVE, Mo. - Carson
Jacobs had four hits including a walk-off, two-run single to lead the Hays
Senior Eagles to an 8-7 comeback win over the Raytown (MO) Diamondbacks in the USSSA July
Blast Off Tournament title game Sunday afternoon.

Jacobs
game-winning single to left scored Brady Kreutzer and Colby Dreiling to cap a four-run
rally in the bottom of the seventh as the Eagles overcome deficits of 5-0 and 7-3.

Garrett
Wellbrock drew a leadoff walk then Jack Fields singled to begin the rally in
the Eagles final at-bat. Brady Kreutzer and Colby Dreiling both reached on
back-to-back errors by the Raytown shortstop to close the gap to 7-5. Fields
scored on a passed ball to make it a one-run game. Brock Lummus walked to load
the bases a second time setting up Jacobs' heroics. 

Jacobs struggled in the start on the mound, allowing seven runs (three earned) on six hits but made up for hit at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs.

Brady
Kreutzer pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief for the win.

In the semifinals earlier in the day, Colby Dreiling
threw a complete-game three-hitter in a 1-0 win over Venom (MO) Baseball.

The Eagles scored the only run of that game on a throwing error in the bottom of the first inning.

The
Eagles finished 4-0 at the USSSA Summer Blast Off and are now 23-2 on the season. They play a doubleheader at
Great Bend Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595243310045.jpeg" alt="(Top L-R, Coach Tanner Willhoft, Brock Lummus, Jack Fields, Carson Jacobs, Colby Dreiling, Carson Spray, Keatyn Barnett, coach Landon Leiker) (Front L-R, Dawson VonFeldt, Remington Cox, Brady Kreutzer, Garrett Wellbrock, Dalton Dale, Josh Haynes) / Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>(Top L-R, Coach Tanner Willhoft, Brock Lummus, Jack Fields, Carson Jacobs, Colby Dreiling, Carson Spray, Keatyn Barnett, coach Landon Leiker) (Front L-R, Dawson VonFeldt, Remington Cox, Brady Kreutzer, Garrett Wellbrock, Dalton Dale, Josh Haynes) / Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OAK GROVE, Mo. - Carson
Jacobs had four hits including a walk-off, two-run single to lead the Hays
Senior Eagles to an 8-7 comeback win over the Raytown (MO) Diamondbacks in the USSSA July
Blast Off Tournament title game Sunday afternoon.Jacobs
game-winning single to left scored Brady Kreutzer and Colby Dreiling to cap a four-run
rally in the bottom of the seventh as the Eagles overcome deficits of 5-0 and 7-3.Garrett
Wellbrock drew a leadoff walk then Jack Fields singled to begin the rally in
the Eagles final at-bat. Brady Kreutzer and Colby Dreiling both reached on
back-to-back errors by the Raytown shortstop to close the gap to 7-5. Fields
scored on a passed ball to make it a one-run game. Brock Lummus walked to load
the bases a second time setting up Jacobs' heroics. Jacobs struggled in the start on the mound, allowing seven runs (three earned) on six hits but made up for hit at the plate, going 4-for-4 with three RBIs.Brady
Kreutzer pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief for the win.In the semifinals earlier in the day, Colby Dreiling
threw a complete-game three-hitter in a 1-0 win over Venom (MO) Baseball.The Eagles scored the only run of that game on a throwing error in the bottom of the first inning.The
Eagles finished 4-0 at the USSSA Summer Blast Off and are now 23-2 on the season. They play a doubleheader at
Great Bend Wednesday.

Senior Eagles win USSSA July Blast Off

COLORADO SPRINGS - The Hays Larks went 3-1 on their final road trip of the season, knocking off the Colorado
Springs Outlaws 10-0 Sunday. 

The Larks led 5-0 after three innings then put the game away with a three-run sixth inning.

Ryan Ruder went
five innings, gave up four while striking out three and walking none for the
win.

Corbin Truslow
stayed hot, getting four this and driving in four. Truslow had nine hits and drove in 14 runs in the four games in Colorado.

Wyatt Divis and Cam Pehrson
both had two hits and Max McGuire drove in two runs.

The Larks are
now 15-6 and tied with the Denver Cougars atop the Rocky Mountain Baseball League.

The Larks begin
their final home stand of the season Tuesday with the first of three against
the Colorado Rough Riders.

COLORADO SPRINGS - The Hays Larks went 3-1 on their final road trip of the season, knocking off the Colorado
Springs Outlaws 10-0 Sunday. The Larks led 5-0 after three innings then put the game away with a three-run sixth inning.Ryan Ruder went
five innings, gave up four while striking out three and walking none for the
win.Corbin Truslow
stayed hot, getting four this and driving in four. Truslow had nine hits and drove in 14 runs in the four games in Colorado.Wyatt Divis and Cam Pehrson
both had two hits and Max McGuire drove in two runs.The Larks are
now 15-6 and tied with the Denver Cougars atop the Rocky Mountain Baseball League.The Larks begin
their final home stand of the season Tuesday with the first of three against
the Colorado Rough Riders.

Larks blank Outlaws to close out Colorado road trip

HAYS – The Hays Senior Eagles used a couple of solid pitching
performances Saturday to go 2-0 in pool play and gain the No. 1 seed heading
into bracket play at the USSSA Sports America July Blast in Oak Grove, Mo. The
Eagles knocked off DuraStar out of Missouri 10-0 by run-rule then beat the
Raytown Diamondbacks 5-2.

Dalton Dale didn’t allow a hit in the opener which was
called after four innings by run-rule. He struck out seven and walked two for the quick complete game victory.

The Eagles wasted little time taking control, scoring twice in the
bottom of the first on a Carson Jacobs single. They added seven runs, all with two
outs, in the second. Hays took advantage of three errors and a passed ball in
the decisive frame. Brock Lummus drove in two of the runs with a single.

The second game with Raytown was scoreless until Colby
Dreiling scored on an error in the fourth. The Eagles added another run on a
passed ball in the fourth then after a hit batter and two walks loaded the
bases, they tacked on three more runs in the sixth for a 5-0 lead. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Raytown scored twice in the top of the seventh before Brady
Kreutzer came in relief to get the final out and the save.

Starter Garrett Wellbrock allowed two runs (one earned) on
two hits over 6 2/3 with seven strikeouts and three walks for the win.

The Eagles were held to two hits but took advantage of three
Diamondback errors. Josh Haynes and Dawson VonFeldt had the lone RBIs for Hays,
both in the sixth. Haynes with a single and VonFeldt on a bases-loaded hit by
pitch.

The Eagles begin bracket play at noon Sunday.

The Junior Eagles went 0-2 in pool play at the same tournament, losing 17-8 to the Briarcliff Red Sox and 12-0 to the KC Saltdogs.

They begin bracket play at 8 a.m. Sunday.

HAYS – The Hays Senior Eagles used a couple of solid pitching
performances Saturday to go 2-0 in pool play and gain the No. 1 seed heading
into bracket play at the USSSA Sports America July Blast in Oak Grove, Mo. The
Eagles knocked off DuraStar out of Missouri 10-0 by run-rule then beat the
Raytown Diamondbacks 5-2.Dalton Dale didn’t allow a hit in the opener which was
called after four innings by run-rule. He struck out seven and walked two for the quick complete game victory.The Eagles wasted little time taking control, scoring twice in the
bottom of the first on a Carson Jacobs single. They added seven runs, all with two
outs, in the second. Hays took advantage of three errors and a passed ball in
the decisive frame. Brock Lummus drove in two of the runs with a single.The second game with Raytown was scoreless until Colby
Dreiling scored on an error in the fourth. The Eagles added another run on a
passed ball in the fourth then after a hit batter and two walks loaded the
bases, they tacked on three more runs in the sixth for a 5-0 lead. &nbsp;&nbsp;Raytown scored twice in the top of the seventh before Brady
Kreutzer came in relief to get the final out and the save.Starter Garrett Wellbrock allowed two runs (one earned) on
two hits over 6 2/3 with seven strikeouts and three walks for the win.The Eagles were held to two hits but took advantage of three
Diamondback errors. Josh Haynes and Dawson VonFeldt had the lone RBIs for Hays,
both in the sixth. Haynes with a single and VonFeldt on a bases-loaded hit by
pitch.The Eagles begin bracket play at noon Sunday.The Junior Eagles went 0-2 in pool play at the same tournament, losing 17-8 to the Briarcliff Red Sox and 12-0 to the KC Saltdogs.They begin bracket play at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Senior Eagles go 2-0 in Missouri

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Corbin Truslow hit two home runs
and drove in six runs to lead the Hays Larks in an 18-10 win over the Colorado
Springs Outlaws Saturday.

The Larks (14-6) scored in every inning but the seventh to
win their second straight following a two-game losing streak.

Truslow gave the Larks an early 1-0 lead on a groundout in
the top of the first. With the Larks leading 9-8, his two-run blast to center
pushed the lead to 11-8. Another two-run shot in the sixth put the Larks up
16-9. He added a sacrifice fly in the eighth to make it a 17-10 lead.

Wyatt Divis had three hits while Sean Cooper drove in three
runs. Palmer Hutchison and Jake Wyeth also homered.

Cole Zimmerman pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief and picked up
the win. He allowed four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and four walks.
Starter Rustin Hays allowed five runs on six hits with five walks and two
strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings. Trey Riggs gave up a run on three hits over two
innings out of the pen. Trevor Munsch worked around a couple of walks and closed
out the game with a scoreless ninth.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Corbin Truslow hit two home runs
and drove in six runs to lead the Hays Larks in an 18-10 win over the Colorado
Springs Outlaws Saturday.The Larks (14-6) scored in every inning but the seventh to
win their second straight following a two-game losing streak.Truslow gave the Larks an early 1-0 lead on a groundout in
the top of the first. With the Larks leading 9-8, his two-run blast to center
pushed the lead to 11-8. Another two-run shot in the sixth put the Larks up
16-9. He added a sacrifice fly in the eighth to make it a 17-10 lead.Wyatt Divis had three hits while Sean Cooper drove in three
runs. Palmer Hutchison and Jake Wyeth also homered.Cole Zimmerman pitched 3 1/3 innings of relief and picked up
the win. He allowed four runs on five hits with four strikeouts and four walks.
Starter Rustin Hays allowed five runs on six hits with five walks and two
strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings. Trey Riggs gave up a run on three hits over two
innings out of the pen. Trevor Munsch worked around a couple of walks and closed
out the game with a scoreless ninth.

Truslow's big day leads Larks past Colorado Springs

By RALPH D. RUSSO, Associated Press

The
 NCAA handed down its latest guidelines for playing through a pandemic 
while also sounding an alarm: The prospect of having a fall semester 
with football and other sports is looking grim.

If the games can 
go on, the NCAA says college athletes should be tested for COVID-19 no 
more than 72 hours before they play, players with high-risk exposures to
 the coronavirus should be quarantined for 14 days and everybody on the 
sideline should wear a mask.

The nation’s largest governing body for college sports released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-developing-standards-practice-and-competition" target="_blank">an updated guidance&nbsp;</a>Thursday
 to help member schools navigate competition, but it comes as the 
pandemic rages on. Around the country, the number of COVID-19 cases are 
on the rise and many states have slowed reopenings or reinstated 
social-distancing restrictions on some businesses.

“This document 
lays out the advice of health care professionals as to how to resume 
college sports if we can achieve an environment where COVID-19 rates are
 manageable,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. “Today, 
sadly, the data point in the wrong direction. If there is to be college 
sports in the fall, we need to get a much better handle on the 
pandemic.”

The recommendations were developed by the NCAA COVID-19
 Advisory Panel, Autonomy-5 Medical Advisory Group, representing the 
ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC, and other medical groups.

The
 Autonomy-5 or Power Five conferences also intend to provide their own 
similar guidance to schools. A copy of that document, which has not been
 finalized, was obtained by The Associated Press and first reported on 
by Sports Illustrated. Even before the NCAA’s announcement, the American
 Athletic Conference said it planned to require its schools to meet or 
exceed NCAA guidance.

Among the highlights of the NCAA’s recommendations:

—
 Test results should be obtained within 72 hours of competition for 
athletes competing in so-called high-contact risk sports, such as 
football, basketball, hockey and lacrosse.

— Face shields should be integrated into sports where feasible.

—
 Masks should be worn by everyone on a sideline, including when an 
athlete moves from the playing field to interact with a coach.

— 
CDC guidelines should be used for determining when individuals can 
resume activities after testing positive for COVID-19. Time-based 
strategy means isolation until 72 hours after recovery and at least 10 
days after symptoms first appeared.

— All individuals with high-risk exposure must be quarantined for 14 days.

The
 final point could be crucial for managing a team this season. Simply 
being deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive could 
sideline players for two weeks.

At this point, though, the hopes 
of being able to conduct a college football season in the fall are 
dimming. Plans are already being made to modify it.

The Big Ten 
and Pac-12 announced last week that they would play only conference 
games in football and other sports to help minimize potential 
disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The Big East joined those leagues 
Thursday by going conference-only for the fall season, which for the 
basketball-focused league includes men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and 
women’s cross-country, volleyball and field hockey.

Other FBS 
conferences have not decided yet on scheduling formats for the coming 
football season, instead waiting until late July. The regular season is 
scheduled to begin around Labor Day weekend, with dozens of game slated 
for Sept. 3-7.

“Right now we’d like to buy as much time as possible,” AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco told Sports Talk 790 in Houston.

Meanwhile,
 the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday became the third 
Division I conference to say it will not have a fall sports season. The 
MEAC, comprising 11 historically black colleges and universities, joined
 fellow FCS conferences the Ivy League and Patriot League in punting on 
fall football and other sports, with the hopes of making them up in the 
spring semester if possible.

At most major college football 
schools, athletes started coming back to campus in June to participate 
in voluntary workouts in team facilities. This week football teams were 
allowed to begin mandatory team activities, including unpadded 
walk-through practices.

Through the last month and half schools 
have been testing athletes regularly, and already some flare ups of the 
virus have caused activities to be shut down at schools such as Ohio 
State, Kansas State, Houston and North Carolina.

At many school, 
positive tests among athletes have been minimal. On Thursday, Oklahoma 
reported it had zero positive tests among 98 football players tested the
 day before.

The problem is colleges and their athletic 
departments are not operating in a true bubble the way the NBA is doing 
with its teams in Florida. If states and communities are struggling to 
contain the virus, it makes it more difficult to keep athletes safe — 
especially when the full student body arrives on campus.

It also 
becomes more problematic for athletic departments to potentially 
contribute to the spread of infection by gathering large groups of 
people to engage in contact sports, and then sending them back out on 
campus and into the surrounding communities.

“So nothing that 
occurs to the student athlete is in a silo,” said Dr. Chris Kratochvil, 
executive director of the Global Center for Health Security at 
University of Nebraska Medical Center. “And certainly we want to protect
 them, but we want to protect the broader community as well.”

Kratochvil,
 who heads the Big Ten’s Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, 
said the availability of tests and how quickly results can be delivered,
 the availability of personal protective equipment used by healthcare 
workers and the stress on hospitals will all be considered when 
determining whether college sports can be played.

By RALPH D. RUSSO, Associated PressThe
 NCAA handed down its latest guidelines for playing through a pandemic 
while also sounding an alarm: The prospect of having a fall semester 
with football and other sports is looking grim.If the games can 
go on, the NCAA says college athletes should be tested for COVID-19 no 
more than 72 hours before they play, players with high-risk exposures to
 the coronavirus should be quarantined for 14 days and everybody on the 
sideline should wear a mask.The nation’s largest governing body for college sports released&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-developing-standards-practice-and-competition" target="_blank">an updated guidance&nbsp;</a>Thursday
 to help member schools navigate competition, but it comes as the 
pandemic rages on. Around the country, the number of COVID-19 cases are 
on the rise and many states have slowed reopenings or reinstated 
social-distancing restrictions on some businesses.“This document 
lays out the advice of health care professionals as to how to resume 
college sports if we can achieve an environment where COVID-19 rates are
 manageable,” NCAA President Mark Emmert said in a statement. “Today, 
sadly, the data point in the wrong direction. If there is to be college 
sports in the fall, we need to get a much better handle on the 
pandemic.”The recommendations were developed by the NCAA COVID-19
 Advisory Panel, Autonomy-5 Medical Advisory Group, representing the 
ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12 and SEC, and other medical groups.The
 Autonomy-5 or Power Five conferences also intend to provide their own 
similar guidance to schools. A copy of that document, which has not been
 finalized, was obtained by The Associated Press and first reported on 
by Sports Illustrated. Even before the NCAA’s announcement, the American
 Athletic Conference said it planned to require its schools to meet or 
exceed NCAA guidance.Among the highlights of the NCAA’s recommendations:—
 Test results should be obtained within 72 hours of competition for 
athletes competing in so-called high-contact risk sports, such as 
football, basketball, hockey and lacrosse.— Face shields should be integrated into sports where feasible.—
 Masks should be worn by everyone on a sideline, including when an 
athlete moves from the playing field to interact with a coach.— 
CDC guidelines should be used for determining when individuals can 
resume activities after testing positive for COVID-19. Time-based 
strategy means isolation until 72 hours after recovery and at least 10 
days after symptoms first appeared.— All individuals with high-risk exposure must be quarantined for 14 days.The
 final point could be crucial for managing a team this season. Simply 
being deemed a close contact of someone who tests positive could 
sideline players for two weeks.At this point, though, the hopes 
of being able to conduct a college football season in the fall are 
dimming. Plans are already being made to modify it.The Big Ten 
and Pac-12 announced last week that they would play only conference 
games in football and other sports to help minimize potential 
disruptions caused by COVID-19.The Big East joined those leagues 
Thursday by going conference-only for the fall season, which for the 
basketball-focused league includes men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and 
women’s cross-country, volleyball and field hockey.Other FBS 
conferences have not decided yet on scheduling formats for the coming 
football season, instead waiting until late July. The regular season is 
scheduled to begin around Labor Day weekend, with dozens of game slated 
for Sept. 3-7.“Right now we’d like to buy as much time as possible,” AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco told Sports Talk 790 in Houston.Meanwhile,
 the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Thursday became the third 
Division I conference to say it will not have a fall sports season. The 
MEAC, comprising 11 historically black colleges and universities, joined
 fellow FCS conferences the Ivy League and Patriot League in punting on 
fall football and other sports, with the hopes of making them up in the 
spring semester if possible.At most major college football 
schools, athletes started coming back to campus in June to participate 
in voluntary workouts in team facilities. This week football teams were 
allowed to begin mandatory team activities, including unpadded 
walk-through practices.Through the last month and half schools 
have been testing athletes regularly, and already some flare ups of the 
virus have caused activities to be shut down at schools such as Ohio 
State, Kansas State, Houston and North Carolina.At many school, 
positive tests among athletes have been minimal. On Thursday, Oklahoma 
reported it had zero positive tests among 98 football players tested the
 day before.The problem is colleges and their athletic 
departments are not operating in a true bubble the way the NBA is doing 
with its teams in Florida. If states and communities are struggling to 
contain the virus, it makes it more difficult to keep athletes safe — 
especially when the full student body arrives on campus.It also 
becomes more problematic for athletic departments to potentially 
contribute to the spread of infection by gathering large groups of 
people to engage in contact sports, and then sending them back out on 
campus and into the surrounding communities.“So nothing that 
occurs to the student athlete is in a silo,” said Dr. Chris Kratochvil, 
executive director of the Global Center for Health Security at 
University of Nebraska Medical Center. “And certainly we want to protect
 them, but we want to protect the broader community as well.”Kratochvil,
 who heads the Big Ten’s Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases, 
said the availability of tests and how quickly results can be delivered,
 the availability of personal protective equipment used by healthcare 
workers and the stress on hospitals will all be considered when 
determining whether college sports can be played.“Everything is connected,” he said.

NCAA lays out plan for playing but warns of surging pandemic

PARKER, COLORADO – The Gameday Saints scored four runs in
the bottom of the first inning Thursday against the Hays Larks and held on for
the 6-4 win Thursday in Parker Colorado.

Corbin Truslow gave the Larks a 3-0 first inning lead with a
three-run homerun, his second homerun of the season.

But the lead was short-lived as the Saints answered with a
four-run bottom of the inning taking a 4-3 lead. 

Hays starter Landon Shirer struck out the first two hitters
he faced but allowed a two-out single and three straight walks, the last with
the bases loaded making it 3-1 Hays. In the next at bat the Saints scored three
runs on a Brayden Luft single putting the Saints up 4-3. They never trailed
again.

Shirer allowed five runs and walked four and a third innings
in four while striking out six and suffered the loss.

Truslow was two-for-four with three RBI’s and Cameron
Peherson was two-for-four and scored a run. They combined to collect four of
the Larks seven hits.

Hays has dropped two straight and are 12-6 on the season.
The two teams will wrap up the two-game series tonight in Parker.

PARKER, COLORADO – The Gameday Saints scored four runs in
the bottom of the first inning Thursday against the Hays Larks and held on for
the 6-4 win Thursday in Parker Colorado.Corbin Truslow gave the Larks a 3-0 first inning lead with a
three-run homerun, his second homerun of the season.But the lead was short-lived as the Saints answered with a
four-run bottom of the inning taking a 4-3 lead. Hays starter Landon Shirer struck out the first two hitters
he faced but allowed a two-out single and three straight walks, the last with
the bases loaded making it 3-1 Hays. In the next at bat the Saints scored three
runs on a Brayden Luft single putting the Saints up 4-3. They never trailed
again.Shirer allowed five runs and walked four and a third innings
in four while striking out six and suffered the loss.Truslow was two-for-four with three RBI’s and Cameron
Peherson was two-for-four and scored a run. They combined to collect four of
the Larks seven hits.Hays has dropped two straight and are 12-6 on the season.
The two teams will wrap up the two-game series tonight in Parker.

Big first inning lifts Saints past Hays Larks

Extracurricular activities are an essential piece of the educational experience in Kansas

By JOHN BAETZ <a href="https://www.kansaspregame.com">Kansas Pregame</a>

Kansas
 Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the start of the 
2020-21 school year will be delayed until at least the week following 
Labor Day.

With Wednesday’s announcement, those 
connected to school offered extracurricular activities in Kansas are 
left worried and confused.

It now appears that all activities will
 be delayed accordingly, with not even practice allowed to start until 
school reopens. The Kansas State High School&nbsp;Activities Association has 
yet to announce a plan, and will not do so this week.

First, let me be clear, I’m not part of
 the crowd that believes this is some radical liberal agenda to impact 
an election cycle. COVID-19 is not equivalent to the flu and it’s not a 
hoax.

I trust the recommendations of people 
like KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and infectious disease expert Dr. 
Anthony Fauci and I’m convinced Gov. Kelly is just trying to make 
decisions she believes will protect the citizens of Kansas.

That said, I also remain convinced we should find a way to let the kids participate in the extracurricular activities they love.

All indications are that young people are at a very low risk of hospitalization or death from the virus:(<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html#burden-disease-risk-factors">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html#burden-...(link is external)</a>).&nbsp;

Many experts recommend a return to school:(<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/health/coronavirus-schools-reopening.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/health/coronavirus-schools-reopening....(link is external)</a>).&nbsp;

A recent study connects masking to spread: prevention&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/health/coronavirus-hair-salon-masks.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/health/coronavirus-hair-salon-masks.html(link is external)</a>).&nbsp;

Given these considerations, couldn’t 
mitigation strategies be implemented to massively reduce the spread of 
the virus in most extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular activities drive classroom performance

As a former high school football coach, I
 can’t emphasize enough the importance of activities to the well-being 
of those students who are passionate about them. I’ve seen an athlete's 
motivation to achieve satisfactory progress in the classroom driven, 
time and again, by a desire to earn the opportunity to compete. And I'm 
certain there are students similarly motivated by participation in 
music, debate, forensics and other school-sponsored extracurricular 
activities.

My own motivation to achieve at a 
satisfactory level in the classroom in high school was driven by my 
desire to play football. Certainly I realize now that attitude was 
wrong, but it helped me get to college, where I shifted my focus to 
academics and completed my degree.

I believe there is something encoded in
 our DNA that makes physical activity and competition essential to the 
human condition. That may sound dramatic, but look at how many adults 
seek out competitive recreation opportunities after high school or 
college. Running, biking, golf, basketball, water sports, weightlifting —
 most of us participate in one or more of these activities as part of 
our recreation or fitness routine.

And not just sports, but music, acting,
 debate. Many adults continue their participation in similar activities 
for the remainder of their lives and&nbsp;while many from the sports world 
would not specifically consider extracurricular activities based in the 
arts to be “physical,” there is definitely a physical component. The 
ability to modulate one’s voice, to use the entire body to inspire an 
audience, to expand the lungs to carry a note or deliver impassioned 
dialogue during the rousing final act of a play all requires muscular, 
emotional and intellectual proficiency.

Those “non-sport” extracurricular 
activities are also inherently competitive. No one takes part in a 
musical or debate with the goal of being mediocre. Artists are driven to
 hone their craft in the same way that athletes work to achieve the 
pinnacle of physical performance.

Let’s find a way to let them play

Returning to extracurricular activities
 appears possible with a mix of masking, hygiene, contact limitations 
and reduced fan participation.

Students can participate in some 
activities with masks and others with the appropriate amount of social 
distance. Hand sanitizer can be made available for students, coaches and
 officials. Practices can feature reduced contact. Fan access to 
competitions can be reduced.

Personally, I’m most supportive of a 
return to play that shifts all sports seasons back according to the new 
school schedule with some possible reduction in regular season 
competitions. Flip-flopping spring and fall sports seasons presents too 
much of a challenge this late in the year and staying as close as 
possible to the current calendar appears the best option.

In-person learning or not, let’s continue extracurricular activities

I’m a parent of a soon to be 
eight-year-old girl who I’d love to see return to school for a variety 
of reasons, but, I believe we should have extracurricular activities 
even if our return to school is only virtual.

Holding practice for extracurricular 
activities could serve to provide both students and parents a break in 
the day, provide the student with much needed physical activity and help
 them continue to engage academically in an effort to remain eligible 
for competition.

There are a number of studies that demonstrate the negative health impacts of not returning to school and sports. Here’s one (<a href="https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1110971?fbclid=IwAR250QYGZ7GVj9C43bAFRMZ3O3WfSkpUWvnhGPVm2kSUpCXvPnD2sm3mYrQ">https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1110971?fbclid=IwAR250QYGZ7G...(link is external)</a>).

I get the risk, the need for safety, 
and the absolute necessity of monitoring the spread of the virus on a 
daily basis, but can’t we strike a balance that will allow kids a return
 to the extracurricular activities they love?

John Baetz is the publisher of 
Kansas Pregame and the former publisher of the Lincoln 
Sentinel-Republican and Chapman &amp; Enterprise News-Times. A former 
high school football coach, he served as defensive coordinator for three
 different high schools over a 10 year high school coaching career.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansaspregame@gmail.com">kansaspregame@gmail.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594928818683.jpeg" alt="Collage photos courtesy, clockwise from top left: Everett Royer, Adam Shrimplin, Everett Royer, Huey Counts." />
 <figcaption>Collage photos courtesy, clockwise from top left: Everett Royer, Adam Shrimplin, Everett Royer, Huey Counts.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594928965757.png" alt="John Baetz" />
 <figcaption>John Baetz</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Extracurricular activities are an essential piece of the educational experience in Kansas</h2>By JOHN BAETZ <a href="https://www.kansaspregame.com">Kansas Pregame</a>Kansas
 Gov. Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the start of the 
2020-21 school year will be delayed until at least the week following 
Labor Day.With Wednesday’s announcement, those 
connected to school offered extracurricular activities in Kansas are 
left worried and confused.It now appears that all activities will
 be delayed accordingly, with not even practice allowed to start until 
school reopens. The Kansas State High School&nbsp;Activities Association has 
yet to announce a plan, and will not do so this week.First, let me be clear, I’m not part of
 the crowd that believes this is some radical liberal agenda to impact 
an election cycle. COVID-19 is not equivalent to the flu and it’s not a 
hoax.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575913663048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>I trust the recommendations of people 
like KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman and infectious disease expert Dr. 
Anthony Fauci and I’m convinced Gov. Kelly is just trying to make 
decisions she believes will protect the citizens of Kansas.That said, I also remain convinced we should find a way to let the kids participate in the extracurricular activities they love.All indications are that young people are at a very low risk of hospitalization or death from the virus:(<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html#burden-disease-risk-factors">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/pediatric-hcp.html#burden-...(link is external)</a>).&nbsp;Many experts recommend a return to school:(<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/health/coronavirus-schools-reopening.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/15/health/coronavirus-schools-reopening....(link is external)</a>).&nbsp;A recent study connects masking to spread: prevention&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/health/coronavirus-hair-salon-masks.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/health/coronavirus-hair-salon-masks.html(link is external)</a>).&nbsp;Given these considerations, couldn’t 
mitigation strategies be implemented to massively reduce the spread of 
the virus in most extracurricular activities?Extracurricular activities drive classroom performanceAs a former high school football coach, I
 can’t emphasize enough the importance of activities to the well-being 
of those students who are passionate about them. I’ve seen an athlete's 
motivation to achieve satisfactory progress in the classroom driven, 
time and again, by a desire to earn the opportunity to compete. And I'm 
certain there are students similarly motivated by participation in 
music, debate, forensics and other school-sponsored extracurricular 
activities.My own motivation to achieve at a 
satisfactory level in the classroom in high school was driven by my 
desire to play football. Certainly I realize now that attitude was 
wrong, but it helped me get to college, where I shifted my focus to 
academics and completed my degree.I believe there is something encoded in
 our DNA that makes physical activity and competition essential to the 
human condition. That may sound dramatic, but look at how many adults 
seek out competitive recreation opportunities after high school or 
college. Running, biking, golf, basketball, water sports, weightlifting —
 most of us participate in one or more of these activities as part of 
our recreation or fitness routine.And not just sports, but music, acting,
 debate. Many adults continue their participation in similar activities 
for the remainder of their lives and&nbsp;while many from the sports world 
would not specifically consider extracurricular activities based in the 
arts to be “physical,” there is definitely a physical component. The 
ability to modulate one’s voice, to use the entire body to inspire an 
audience, to expand the lungs to carry a note or deliver impassioned 
dialogue during the rousing final act of a play all requires muscular, 
emotional and intellectual proficiency.Those “non-sport” extracurricular 
activities are also inherently competitive. No one takes part in a 
musical or debate with the goal of being mediocre. Artists are driven to
 hone their craft in the same way that athletes work to achieve the 
pinnacle of physical performance.Let’s find a way to let them playReturning to extracurricular activities
 appears possible with a mix of masking, hygiene, contact limitations 
and reduced fan participation.Students can participate in some 
activities with masks and others with the appropriate amount of social 
distance. Hand sanitizer can be made available for students, coaches and
 officials. Practices can feature reduced contact. Fan access to 
competitions can be reduced.Personally, I’m most supportive of a 
return to play that shifts all sports seasons back according to the new 
school schedule with some possible reduction in regular season 
competitions. Flip-flopping spring and fall sports seasons presents too 
much of a challenge this late in the year and staying as close as 
possible to the current calendar appears the best option.In-person learning or not, let’s continue extracurricular activitiesI’m a parent of a soon to be 
eight-year-old girl who I’d love to see return to school for a variety 
of reasons, but, I believe we should have extracurricular activities 
even if our return to school is only virtual.Holding practice for extracurricular 
activities could serve to provide both students and parents a break in 
the day, provide the student with much needed physical activity and help
 them continue to engage academically in an effort to remain eligible 
for competition.There are a number of studies that demonstrate the negative health impacts of not returning to school and sports. Here’s one (<a href="https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1110971?fbclid=IwAR250QYGZ7GVj9C43bAFRMZ3O3WfSkpUWvnhGPVm2kSUpCXvPnD2sm3mYrQ">https://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/1110971?fbclid=IwAR250QYGZ7G...(link is external)</a>).I get the risk, the need for safety, 
and the absolute necessity of monitoring the spread of the virus on a 
daily basis, but can’t we strike a balance that will allow kids a return
 to the extracurricular activities they love?Let’s find a way to let them play!John Baetz is the publisher of 
Kansas Pregame and the former publisher of the Lincoln 
Sentinel-Republican and Chapman &amp; Enterprise News-Times. A former 
high school football coach, he served as defensive coordinator for three
 different high schools over a 10 year high school coaching career.&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kansaspregame@gmail.com">kansaspregame@gmail.com</a>

BAETZ: Let's find a way to let them play (and debate, and act, and sing)

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released a statement through twitter concerning the upcoming fall sports season.

The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall.

This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall&nbsp;activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement today (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released a statement through twitter concerning the upcoming fall sports season.The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall. This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall&nbsp;activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement today (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.

KSHSAA releases statement concerning fall sports

Wednesday, Fort Hays State named Erik Wince their new head wrestling coach. He joins the Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about his wrestling career and being named the programs 14th head coach.

Wednesday, Fort Hays State named Erik Wince their new head wrestling coach. He joins the Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about his wrestling career and being named the programs 14th head coach.<div><iframe title="Erik Wince" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/9zbmu-e3705c?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=7&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Erik Wince

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke&nbsp;announced the hiring of Erik Wince as head wrestling coach on Wednesday (July 15). Wince comes to FHSU from NCAA Division I affiliate American University in Washington D.C., where he served as assistant coach in 2019-20. Prior to that, he was head coach at Greensboro College, a Division III program in Greensboro, North Carolina, for four years. "I am extremely excited and honored to be the next head coach of the Fort Hays State wrestling program!," said Wince.&nbsp;"I want to thank Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke&nbsp;and the rest of the FHSU athletic administration for believing in me and making Hays feel like the place I needed to be to help usher the wrestling program into its next phase of success. My family and I are excited to make this move and join the rest of the Tiger Athletics Family.&nbsp; The FHSU wrestling program has a strong history of success and I cannot wait to get to campus and continue building FHSU Wrestling into a top tier program, year in and year out." Last year, Wince helped American University produce four national qualifiers for the NCAA Division I championships. Three of the four held national rankings entering the championships, which ultimately was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of the wrestlers earned All-America Honorable Mention status by the NWCA following the season, while three members of the team earned NWCA Scholar All-America honors. The program was strong academically, producing a team GPA of 3.55, which was second-highest among NCAA Division I programs. At American University he assisted head coach Teague Moore, who has built a strong program athletically and academically for nearly a decade. Wince was the first head coach in the history of the Greensboro College wrestling program, which began in 2015-16. In his four years of building Greensboro's program, Wince coached one All-American, three conference champions, and multiple academic all-conference performers and individually ranked wrestlers. Wince has been an assistant coach at two NCAA Division I schools. He served two assistant coaching stints at Davidson College in North Carolina from 2005-2008 and 2012-2015. The pair of three-year stints as an assistant at Davidson bookended a four-year role as head coach of the Forsyth County Day School, a prep school in Lewisville, North Carolina. During his second stint at Davidson, Wince helped the program produce four NCAA national qualifiers. At Forsyth County Day School, he coached two national prep All-Americans, multiple individual state champions, and led the program to three consecutive team state championships. While serving at Forsyth, Wince was named the Piedmont Athletic Conference of Independent Schools (PACIS) Wrestling Coach of the Year. Wince was the USA Wrestling State Chairman for North Carolina for seven years. He also served as the national team head coach for the Junior National Duals (2006), Cadet Nationals (2007), and Junior Nationals (2008-10). Wince served as coach of the North Carolina USA Wrestling National Teams from 2004-2016. Before beginning his coaching career, Wince attended Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education in 2004. He was a four-year member of the Gardner-Webb wrestling team and&nbsp;finished his senior year with a 27-5 record. This&nbsp;earned Wince the University's Male Athlete of the Year and the University's Outstanding Wrestler Award in 2003, while becoming the program's first athlete to qualify for an NCAA Division I Tournament since the institution changed their affiliation to Division I in 2001. "We're excited about Erik's experience, knowledge, integrity and passion," FHSU Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=5">Curtis Hammeke</a>&nbsp;said. "We look forward to watching the growth of our wrestling program and the development of our young men under his guidance." Wince is a native of Lattimore, North Carolina. He and his wife Hannah, who is a native of Wilson, Kansas, have two daughters, Kersee and Sydney. Wince becomes the 14th&nbsp;coach in the history of the Tiger Wrestling program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University Director of Athletics Curtis Hammeke&nbsp;announced the hiring of Erik Wince as head wrestling coach on Wednesday (July 15). Wince comes to FHSU from NCAA Division I affiliate American University in Washington D.C., where he served as assistant coach in 2019-20. Prior to that, he was head coach at Greensboro College, a Division III program in Greensboro, North Carolina, for four years. "I am extremely excited and honored to be the next head coach of the Fort Hays State wrestling program!," said Wince.&nbsp;"I want to thank Athletic Director Curtis Hammeke&nbsp;and the rest of the FHSU athletic administration for believing in me and making Hays feel like the place I needed to be to help usher the wrestling program into its next phase of success. My family and I are excited to make this move and join the rest of the Tiger Athletics Family.&nbsp; The FHSU wrestling program has a strong history of success and I cannot wait to get to campus and continue building FHSU Wrestling into a top tier program, year in and year out." Last year, Wince helped American University produce four national qualifiers for the NCAA Division I championships. Three of the four held national rankings entering the championships, which ultimately was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two of the wrestlers earned All-America Honorable Mention status by the NWCA following the season, while three members of the team earned NWCA Scholar All-America honors. The program was strong academically, producing a team GPA of 3.55, which was second-highest among NCAA Division I programs. At American University he assisted head coach Teague Moore, who has built a strong program athletically and academically for nearly a decade. Wince was the first head coach in the history of the Greensboro College wrestling program, which began in 2015-16. In his four years of building Greensboro's program, Wince coached one All-American, three conference champions, and multiple academic all-conference performers and individually ranked wrestlers. Wince has been an assistant coach at two NCAA Division I schools. He served two assistant coaching stints at Davidson College in North Carolina from 2005-2008 and 2012-2015. The pair of three-year stints as an assistant at Davidson bookended a four-year role as head coach of the Forsyth County Day School, a prep school in Lewisville, North Carolina. During his second stint at Davidson, Wince helped the program produce four NCAA national qualifiers. At Forsyth County Day School, he coached two national prep All-Americans, multiple individual state champions, and led the program to three consecutive team state championships. While serving at Forsyth, Wince was named the Piedmont Athletic Conference of Independent Schools (PACIS) Wrestling Coach of the Year. Wince was the USA Wrestling State Chairman for North Carolina for seven years. He also served as the national team head coach for the Junior National Duals (2006), Cadet Nationals (2007), and Junior Nationals (2008-10). Wince served as coach of the North Carolina USA Wrestling National Teams from 2004-2016. Before beginning his coaching career, Wince attended Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education in 2004. He was a four-year member of the Gardner-Webb wrestling team and&nbsp;finished his senior year with a 27-5 record. This&nbsp;earned Wince the University's Male Athlete of the Year and the University's Outstanding Wrestler Award in 2003, while becoming the program's first athlete to qualify for an NCAA Division I Tournament since the institution changed their affiliation to Division I in 2001. "We're excited about Erik's experience, knowledge, integrity and passion," FHSU Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=5">Curtis Hammeke</a>&nbsp;said. "We look forward to watching the growth of our wrestling program and the development of our young men under his guidance." Wince is a native of Lattimore, North Carolina. He and his wife Hannah, who is a native of Wilson, Kansas, have two daughters, Kersee and Sydney. Wince becomes the 14th&nbsp;coach in the history of the Tiger Wrestling program.&nbsp;&nbsp;FHSU Athletics

Erik Wince named head wrestling coach at FHSU

HAYS - Four
Hays pitchers combined to allow only two hits as the Senior Eagles swept Russell
9-1 and 8-0 Tuesday at Hays High. 

Carson Jacobs
retired the first 10 batters he faced before an error in the first game. Jacobs
didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning. He struck out six and walking none
for the victory. Brady Kreutzer closed out the game and gave up a hit and had a
strikeout.

Josh Haynes had
two hits and Brock Lummus hit a two-run homer in the five inning run-rule win.

Garrett Wellbrock
threw 5 2/3 innings of hitless ball in the second game before he was removed
with two outs in the sixth due to pitch count. Dalton Dale came in and got the
final out on one pitch. 

The Eagles then
scored a run on a balk in the bottom of inning to win by run-rule. 

Wellbrock struck
out five and walked three. All three free passes came in the first three
innings. He retired the final 10 batters he faced, the last five by groundouts.


Brady Kreutzer doubled
and scored two runs while Josh Haynes drove in a run and scored twice to lead
the Eagles at the plate. 

The Eagles have
won seven straight and are now 19-2 heading into a tournament in Lee’s Summit
this weekend.

HAYS - Four
Hays pitchers combined to allow only two hits as the Senior Eagles swept Russell
9-1 and 8-0 Tuesday at Hays High. Carson Jacobs
retired the first 10 batters he faced before an error in the first game. Jacobs
didn’t allow a hit until the fifth inning. He struck out six and walking none
for the victory. Brady Kreutzer closed out the game and gave up a hit and had a
strikeout.Josh Haynes had
two hits and Brock Lummus hit a two-run homer in the five inning run-rule win.Garrett Wellbrock
threw 5 2/3 innings of hitless ball in the second game before he was removed
with two outs in the sixth due to pitch count. Dalton Dale came in and got the
final out on one pitch. The Eagles then
scored a run on a balk in the bottom of inning to win by run-rule. Wellbrock struck
out five and walked three. All three free passes came in the first three
innings. He retired the final 10 batters he faced, the last five by groundouts.
Brady Kreutzer doubled
and scored two runs while Josh Haynes drove in a run and scored twice to lead
the Eagles at the plate. The Eagles have
won seven straight and are now 19-2 heading into a tournament in Lee’s Summit
this weekend.

Solid pitching leads Senior Eagles to sweep of Russell

HAYS
– The TMP-Marian Monarchs scored all 16 of their runs against Hill City over
four consecutive innings and picked up the sweep Tuesday at the TMP Field. The
Monarchs rallied with two in the sixth then six in the seventh for an 8-7 win
in game one. They tallied three in the first and five in the second and won the
second game 8-0 in five innings.

Four of the Monarchs
six runs in the seventh inning in game one came with two outs including Noah
Gibson’s game-winning RBI single.

Nick Herrman
pitched the final 2 2/3 innings in relief and picked up the win. He allowed two
runs on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Starter Jace Wentling
allowed four runs on four hits with three striketouts and eight walks over 4 1/3
innings.

Ethan Atherton
had two hits including a double and drove in three runs.

Mason Robbins
allowed two hits while striking out five and walking one for the win in the second
game.

All five of TMP’s
hits in game two were singles. Robbins, Atherton and Gibson all drove in two
runs.

The Monarchs
have won five of their last six games and are 16-9. They close out their season
with a doubleheader at Otis-Bison Friday.

HAYS
– The TMP-Marian Monarchs scored all 16 of their runs against Hill City over
four consecutive innings and picked up the sweep Tuesday at the TMP Field. The
Monarchs rallied with two in the sixth then six in the seventh for an 8-7 win
in game one. They tallied three in the first and five in the second and won the
second game 8-0 in five innings.Four of the Monarchs
six runs in the seventh inning in game one came with two outs including Noah
Gibson’s game-winning RBI single.Nick Herrman
pitched the final 2 2/3 innings in relief and picked up the win. He allowed two
runs on four hits with four strikeouts and two walks. Starter Jace Wentling
allowed four runs on four hits with three striketouts and eight walks over 4 1/3
innings.Ethan Atherton
had two hits including a double and drove in three runs.Mason Robbins
allowed two hits while striking out five and walking one for the win in the second
game.All five of TMP’s
hits in game two were singles. Robbins, Atherton and Gibson all drove in two
runs.The Monarchs
have won five of their last six games and are 16-9. They close out their season
with a doubleheader at Otis-Bison Friday.

Monarchs sweep Hill City

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/college-football-schedules-unsettled-coronavirus-cases-spike-kansas-and-us">Kansas News Service</a>

BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — College athletics departments
 in Kansas are needing to make a call as the number of coronavirus cases
 climb across the country and in their own ranks: Cancel fall sports, 
delay them until the spring, try in-conference games only or something 
in between.

At the center of it all is football — the 
high-contact sport that brings in money from the top college level to 
the small schools.&nbsp;

Dozens of schools have reported coronavirus 
cases among team members at voluntary workouts. And earlier this summer,
 Kansas State became one of the first major college teams in the country
 to shut the workouts down because of a high number of positive tests. 
The University of Kansas soon followed suit.

Already, three of 
the five major college conferences (Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference 
and Pac-12) have said they’ll only play against teams in their 
conference. The Ivy and Patriot leagues are calling off their fall 
seasons entirely. The National Junior College Athletic Association voted
 to move football to the spring.

The Big 12, which includes KU and K-State, is expected to make its decision at the end of the month.

Without
 the money from big-time sports, universities that are already hurting 
financially after having to shift fully online in the spring will 
suffer. But so will the college towns.

Baker University drives 
the economy in Baldwin City, Kansas, a town of more than 4,700 that’s 
about a half-hour from Lawrence. Of the roughly 800-plus students on 
campus at Baker, 66% play one of the school’s 24 varsity sports.

In
 early June, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 
(NAIA) announced that all of its schools — Baker included — would be 
reduced to nine regular-season games from 11. It’s still uncertain if 
fans will be allowed to attend the home games because the NAIA is 
leaving it up to schools to follow state and local requirements.

“The potential of not having our family at games, it’s something 
that’s going to be very, very different,” Baker athletics director Nate 
Houser said.

Already, Baldwin City’s 63rd annual Maple Leaf 
Festival has been cancelled for the fall. Apryl Strawn, the manager of 
Jo’s Diner in town, said the possibility of football without fans could 
be devastating to their business.&nbsp;

“It’ll be awful,” Strawn said. “It’ll be absolutely awful.”&nbsp;

The athletes’ health vs. financial health&nbsp;

Whether
 football is played in Baldwin City or at KU, the issue is the same: How
 do you avoid transmission of coronavirus in a sport where you’re lined 
up next to each other and hit other players constantly?

It’s a question KU Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been pondering all summer, and hasn’t been able to answer.

"We
 don’t know what the impact of practicing, closed-quarters hitting, 
tackling, all those things will have on a team,” Long said during a 
Kansas City Public Library virtual forum last month.

Players came
 back to campus for voluntary workouts from all over the country, 
including Texas, which has seen a dramatic spike in cases.&nbsp;

But epidemiologist Dr. Chris Hostler, who is a consultant for the NFL
 and the Big 12 (which KU and K-State are a part of), said coronavirus 
can be anywhere.

“We’re going to continue to have athletes and 
staff who are positives, who are coming from different areas of the 
country,” said Hostler, who is based in Durham, North Carolina. “Or even
 just remaining in their communities.”

And there’s another thing 
to consider: If any scholarship athlete, man or woman, chooses to sit 
out this fall as a health precaution, would he or she lose that full 
ride to college? The Pac-12 says no. With the Big 12 leaving it up to 
its members — K-State says it will honor scholarships but is still 
working out the terms of the language, while KU hadn’t provided its 
policy by the time this story went to print.&nbsp;

But more than 
anything, college administrators are aware of the added financial pinch 
if there are no college football games this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When people 
ask, ‘Why is it so important for you to play football, play basketball?”
 It’s to generate the revenue to fund that program,” Long said.

A major college football program like KU or K-State generates an average of $78 million according to a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/04/14/college-football-major-programs-could-see-billions-revenue-go-away/2989466001/">recent study by USA Today</a>.

Within
 the Big 12, the Texas schools (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU) 
figure to already see less money. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently 
mandated that no schools can have more than 50% fan capacity at home 
games.

But Hostler said what’s happening in Texas won’t dictate a uniform set of recommendations.

“What
 happens in West Virginia is going to be very different than what 
happens a couple states away in Iowa or in Oklahoma,” he said.

Greg Echlin is a freelance sports reporter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758329334.png" alt=" Kansas State's football team had several players test positive for COVID-19 this summer. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo" />
 <figcaption> Kansas State's football team had several players test positive for COVID-19 this summer. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/college-football-schedules-unsettled-coronavirus-cases-spike-kansas-and-us">Kansas News Service</a>BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — College athletics departments
 in Kansas are needing to make a call as the number of coronavirus cases
 climb across the country and in their own ranks: Cancel fall sports, 
delay them until the spring, try in-conference games only or something 
in between.At the center of it all is football — the 
high-contact sport that brings in money from the top college level to 
the small schools.&nbsp;Dozens of schools have reported coronavirus 
cases among team members at voluntary workouts. And earlier this summer,
 Kansas State became one of the first major college teams in the country
 to shut the workouts down because of a high number of positive tests. 
The University of Kansas soon followed suit.Already, three of 
the five major college conferences (Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference 
and Pac-12) have said they’ll only play against teams in their 
conference. The Ivy and Patriot leagues are calling off their fall 
seasons entirely. The National Junior College Athletic Association voted
 to move football to the spring.The Big 12, which includes KU and K-State, is expected to make its decision at the end of the month.Without
 the money from big-time sports, universities that are already hurting 
financially after having to shift fully online in the spring will 
suffer. But so will the college towns.Baker University drives 
the economy in Baldwin City, Kansas, a town of more than 4,700 that’s 
about a half-hour from Lawrence. Of the roughly 800-plus students on 
campus at Baker, 66% play one of the school’s 24 varsity sports.In
 early June, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 
(NAIA) announced that all of its schools — Baker included — would be 
reduced to nine regular-season games from 11. It’s still uncertain if 
fans will be allowed to attend the home games because the NAIA is 
leaving it up to schools to follow state and local requirements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758388532.jpeg" alt=" Nate House is Baker University's athletic director. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption> Nate House is Baker University's athletic director. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>“The potential of not having our family at games, it’s something 
that’s going to be very, very different,” Baker athletics director Nate 
Houser said.Already, Baldwin City’s 63rd annual Maple Leaf 
Festival has been cancelled for the fall. Apryl Strawn, the manager of 
Jo’s Diner in town, said the possibility of football without fans could 
be devastating to their business.&nbsp;“It’ll be awful,” Strawn said. “It’ll be absolutely awful.”&nbsp;The athletes’ health vs. financial health&nbsp;Whether
 football is played in Baldwin City or at KU, the issue is the same: How
 do you avoid transmission of coronavirus in a sport where you’re lined 
up next to each other and hit other players constantly?It’s a question KU Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been pondering all summer, and hasn’t been able to answer."We
 don’t know what the impact of practicing, closed-quarters hitting, 
tackling, all those things will have on a team,” Long said during a 
Kansas City Public Library virtual forum last month.Players came
 back to campus for voluntary workouts from all over the country, 
including Texas, which has seen a dramatic spike in cases.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758418685.jpeg" alt=" The field before last year's KU vs. K-State rivarly game. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo" />
 <figcaption> The field before last year's KU vs. K-State rivarly game. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>But epidemiologist Dr. Chris Hostler, who is a consultant for the NFL
 and the Big 12 (which KU and K-State are a part of), said coronavirus 
can be anywhere.“We’re going to continue to have athletes and 
staff who are positives, who are coming from different areas of the 
country,” said Hostler, who is based in Durham, North Carolina. “Or even
 just remaining in their communities.”And there’s another thing 
to consider: If any scholarship athlete, man or woman, chooses to sit 
out this fall as a health precaution, would he or she lose that full 
ride to college? The Pac-12 says no. With the Big 12 leaving it up to 
its members — K-State says it will honor scholarships but is still 
working out the terms of the language, while KU hadn’t provided its 
policy by the time this story went to print.&nbsp;But more than 
anything, college administrators are aware of the added financial pinch 
if there are no college football games this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When people 
ask, ‘Why is it so important for you to play football, play basketball?”
 It’s to generate the revenue to fund that program,” Long said.A major college football program like KU or K-State generates an average of $78 million according to a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/04/14/college-football-major-programs-could-see-billions-revenue-go-away/2989466001/">recent study by USA Today</a>.Within
 the Big 12, the Texas schools (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU) 
figure to already see less money. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently 
mandated that no schools can have more than 50% fan capacity at home 
games.But Hostler said what’s happening in Texas won’t dictate a uniform set of recommendations.“What
 happens in West Virginia is going to be very different than what 
happens a couple states away in Iowa or in Oklahoma,” he said.Greg Echlin is a freelance sports reporter.

College football schedules unsettled as virus cases spike

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Mike Matheny had just watched Salvador Perez and backup Cam Gallagher test positive for COVID-19, sending the only backstops on his 40-man roster into quarantine with just a couple of weeks before the start of the season.

The question posed to Matheny was a natural one: So, what do you think about being a player-manager?

“I think I could catch one out of one inning,” the longtime big league catcher replied, “and then I would need some help.”

The image of the 49-year-old Matheny back behind the plate is pushing the idea of flexibility to an extreme. But the Royals do hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game season but actually contend into the final weeks of September.

This isn’t a team full of veterans who have been through the 162-game grind and have a proscribed routine not only for each month or week but each day at the ballpark. Instead, this is a team of 20-something prospects who are just now getting their first taste of big league ball — under the strangest of circumstances — and who have spent the past couple of years going up and down the minor league ladder as they develop into professional players.

“The one thing we’ve always understood at this particular point in our lives: We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “We don’t know what is going to happen next year. We’re just going to develop our players the best we can right now, and we have to play the hand we’re dealt. And we’re getting a new hand every day, and we have to make the best of it.”

The Royals, who open the season July 24 in Cleveland, anticipated using this as a rebuilding year as Matheny took over for the retired Ned Yost. But now, all bets are off for a season in which one hot streak could land a team in the postseason.

“When we set our 30-man roster, even when we go down to 26, we’re going to be aggressive with the right players assuming they have the ability to help us,” Moore said. “We’re not going to shy away from that. We’re not going to manipulate service time or manage the roster in a way that puts a player in a spot where they get confused. we’re going to put the right players on the team at the right time. And the most talented players are going to play.”

The Royals added third baseman Maikel Franco, who hopes to rediscover the plate approach that made him an everyday player in Philadelphia. If he can do that, it would allow the Royals to keep Hunter Dozier in the outfield and Ryan O’Hearn at first base, strengthening the entire lineup.

Bobby Witt Jr. was having a splendid first spring training when the pandemic brought things to a halt, so the Royals made sure to bring their 20-year-old prized infielder to Kauffman Stadium for spring training 2.0. He almost certainly won’t make the big league roster, but the tools he has flashed against veterans the past couple weeks are undeniable.

“My goal to come out here was just to learn, watch the players and how the big leaguers go about their business and learn more about the game,” Witt said. “I’m just trying to learn and trying to have fun with it all.”

Also undeniable? The Royals have a bunch of talented arms that could be in the majors soon. Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Brady Singer are part of a wave of draft picks from the college ranks who have soared through the minors.

The Royals hope to have Perez and Gallagher back for the start of the season, but each needs to have two negative test in a 24-hour period to return to the team. If that doesn’t happen, what they do at catcher is a bit unclear. Their best prospects at the position are MJ Melendez and Sebastian Rivero, but neither is considered ready for the big leagues.

“I am asymptomatic and will continue to work as hard as I can to stay ready while I quarantine,” said Gallagher, who tested positive the morning after playing in an intrasquad game. “The first couple weeks of workouts have just made me that much more excited about our ball club and I can’t wait to rejoin them and compete as soon as I’m allowed.”

O’Hearn and starter Brad Keller also have tested positive. Like the two catchers, they also were asymptomatic.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Royals manager Mike Matheny had just watched Salvador Perez and backup Cam Gallagher test positive for COVID-19, sending the only backstops on his 40-man roster into quarantine with just a couple of weeks before the start of the season.The question posed to Matheny was a natural one: So, what do you think about being a player-manager?“I think I could catch one out of one inning,” the longtime big league catcher replied, “and then I would need some help.”The image of the 49-year-old Matheny back behind the plate is pushing the idea of flexibility to an extreme. But the Royals do hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game season but actually contend into the final weeks of September.This isn’t a team full of veterans who have been through the 162-game grind and have a proscribed routine not only for each month or week but each day at the ballpark. Instead, this is a team of 20-something prospects who are just now getting their first taste of big league ball — under the strangest of circumstances — and who have spent the past couple of years going up and down the minor league ladder as they develop into professional players.“The one thing we’ve always understood at this particular point in our lives: We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “We don’t know what is going to happen next year. We’re just going to develop our players the best we can right now, and we have to play the hand we’re dealt. And we’re getting a new hand every day, and we have to make the best of it.”The Royals, who open the season July 24 in Cleveland, anticipated using this as a rebuilding year as Matheny took over for the retired Ned Yost. But now, all bets are off for a season in which one hot streak could land a team in the postseason.“When we set our 30-man roster, even when we go down to 26, we’re going to be aggressive with the right players assuming they have the ability to help us,” Moore said. “We’re not going to shy away from that. We’re not going to manipulate service time or manage the roster in a way that puts a player in a spot where they get confused. we’re going to put the right players on the team at the right time. And the most talented players are going to play.”NEW LOOKThe Royals added third baseman Maikel Franco, who hopes to rediscover the plate approach that made him an everyday player in Philadelphia. If he can do that, it would allow the Royals to keep Hunter Dozier in the outfield and Ryan O’Hearn at first base, strengthening the entire lineup.ROOKIES TO WATCHBobby Witt Jr. was having a splendid first spring training when the pandemic brought things to a halt, so the Royals made sure to bring their 20-year-old prized infielder to Kauffman Stadium for spring training 2.0. He almost certainly won’t make the big league roster, but the tools he has flashed against veterans the past couple weeks are undeniable.“My goal to come out here was just to learn, watch the players and how the big leaguers go about their business and learn more about the game,” Witt said. “I’m just trying to learn and trying to have fun with it all.”Also undeniable? The Royals have a bunch of talented arms that could be in the majors soon. Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Brady Singer are part of a wave of draft picks from the college ranks who have soared through the minors.COVID-19 TESTSThe Royals hope to have Perez and Gallagher back for the start of the season, but each needs to have two negative test in a 24-hour period to return to the team. If that doesn’t happen, what they do at catcher is a bit unclear. Their best prospects at the position are MJ Melendez and Sebastian Rivero, but neither is considered ready for the big leagues.“I am asymptomatic and will continue to work as hard as I can to stay ready while I quarantine,” said Gallagher, who tested positive the morning after playing in an intrasquad game. “The first couple weeks of workouts have just made me that much more excited about our ball club and I can’t wait to rejoin them and compete as soon as I’m allowed.”O’Hearn and starter Brad Keller also have tested positive. Like the two catchers, they also were asymptomatic.

Royals hope youthful flexibility a plus during unique season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed
with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract
extension that includes $60 million in guarantees. That word comes from a
person familiar with the deal.

The Chiefs and representatives
for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when
they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the
entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and
helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed
with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract
extension that includes $60 million in guarantees. That word comes from a
person familiar with the deal.The Chiefs and representatives
for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when
they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the
entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and
helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

Chiefs have four-year extension with Jones

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season in Cleveland next week.

Duffy, 31, will make his third start on Opening Day, although this one is far different than the others because of the coronavirus pandemic. The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games that will last through August and September.

Right-hander Brad Keller, who started on Opening Day last season, is sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus. He is one of four players expected to make the Royals' initial 30-man roster who are awaiting two negative tests in a 24-hour span to return to the club. The others are first baseman Ryan O'Hearn and catchers Salvador Perez and Cam Gallagher.

Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season in Cleveland next week.Duffy, 31, will make his third start on Opening Day, although this one is far different than the others because of the coronavirus pandemic. The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games that will last through August and September.Right-hander Brad Keller, who started on Opening Day last season, is sidelined after testing positive for the coronavirus. He is one of four players expected to make the Royals' initial 30-man roster who are awaiting two negative tests in a 24-hour span to return to the club. The others are first baseman Ryan O'Hearn and catchers Salvador Perez and Cam Gallagher.Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

Royals' Danny Duffy to start opening day against Cleveland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals announced Monday that they have scheduled three exhibition games leading up to the season opener on Friday, July 24.

The Royals will host the Houston Astros in Kauffman Stadium on Monday, July 20 (7:05 p.m.) and again on Tuesday, July 21 (1:05 p.m.). The club will then travel across the state to play the St. Louis Cardinals in a 3:05 p.m. affair in Busch Stadium on Wednesday, July 22. This will mark the first exhibition meeting between Kansas City and St. Louis since 2001, when both clubs were members of the Grapefruit League, while the Royals last met Astros in exhibition play in 2015 in Houston.

All three games will be shown on Fox Sports Kansas City.

KC is scheduled to open the 2020 regular season on Friday, July 24 in Cleveland at 6:10 p.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals announced Monday that they have scheduled three exhibition games leading up to the season opener on Friday, July 24.The Royals will host the Houston Astros in Kauffman Stadium on Monday, July 20 (7:05 p.m.) and again on Tuesday, July 21 (1:05 p.m.). The club will then travel across the state to play the St. Louis Cardinals in a 3:05 p.m. affair in Busch Stadium on Wednesday, July 22. This will mark the first exhibition meeting between Kansas City and St. Louis since 2001, when both clubs were members of the Grapefruit League, while the Royals last met Astros in exhibition play in 2015 in Houston.All three games will be shown on Fox Sports Kansas City.KC is scheduled to open the 2020 regular season on Friday, July 24 in Cleveland at 6:10 p.m.Royals Release