KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State has 98 freshmen and transfers representing 15 different sports listed on the 2019-2020 MIAA Newcomer Academic Honor Roll, released Monday (June 15)&nbsp;by the league office. Ten of those student-athletes earned special awards, including eight MIAA Academic Excellence Awards and two Scholar-Athlete Award recipients. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5480">Colin Chandler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5354">Lexi Kagan</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5544">Paige Baird</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5547">Emily Ellis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5562">Tessa Irvine</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5567">Emily Reitz</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5537">Mariah Stauffer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5538">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;all maintained a perfect 4.00 GPA to earn the MIAA Academic Excellence Award, given to those student-athletes with a grade point average of&nbsp;4.00 or better through at least two terms of attendance. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5542">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5529">Brooke Navarro</a>&nbsp;were two of just 19 newcomers&nbsp;across the conference to earn the Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. If competing in a championship sport of the MIAA, the student-athlete must earn All-MIAA honors.&nbsp;Navarro earned All-MIAA status after her&nbsp;12th-place finish at the cross country Championships last fall, while&nbsp;Lang placed third in the 600y run at the indoor track and field Championships to earn All-MIAA honors. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. More than 1,000 student-athletes across the conference earned this honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fort Hays State has 98 freshmen and transfers representing 15 different sports listed on the 2019-2020 MIAA Newcomer Academic Honor Roll, released Monday (June 15)&nbsp;by the league office. Ten of those student-athletes earned special awards, including eight MIAA Academic Excellence Awards and two Scholar-Athlete Award recipients. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5480">Colin Chandler</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5354">Lexi Kagan</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5544">Paige Baird</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5547">Emily Ellis</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5562">Tessa Irvine</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5567">Emily Reitz</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5537">Mariah Stauffer</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5538">Hannah Wiebe</a>&nbsp;all maintained a perfect 4.00 GPA to earn the MIAA Academic Excellence Award, given to those student-athletes with a grade point average of&nbsp;4.00 or better through at least two terms of attendance. <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5542">Ethan Lang</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5529">Brooke Navarro</a>&nbsp;were two of just 19 newcomers&nbsp;across the conference to earn the Scholar-Athlete Award&nbsp;. To qualify as a Scholar-Athlete an individual must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.50 at the certifying member institution. If competing in a championship sport of the MIAA, the student-athlete must earn All-MIAA honors.&nbsp;Navarro earned All-MIAA status after her&nbsp;12th-place finish at the cross country Championships last fall, while&nbsp;Lang placed third in the 600y run at the indoor track and field Championships to earn All-MIAA honors. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. More than 1,000 student-athletes across the conference earned this honor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nearly 100 FHSU newcomers earn MIAA academic honors

Listen to this rebroadcast as Fort Hays State tries to win a second straight NAIA basketball national championship, taking on Wayland Baptist in Kansas City's Kemper Arena.

Listen to this rebroadcast as Fort Hays State tries to win a second straight NAIA basketball national championship, taking on Wayland Baptist in Kansas City's Kemper Arena.<div><iframe title="1985 NAIA national championship vs. Wayland Baptist (March 19, 1985)" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/uzhex-dfe0ef?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: 1985 NAIA national title game

The Hays Larks were roughly 36 hours away from the start of their
season when they found out Opening Night was going to be delayed, or possibly
canceled altogether.

On his way home from their Sunday workout at Larks Park,
manager Frank Leo was notified one of his players had tested positive for
COVID-19, forcing the postponement of Monday’s season opener against the
Colorado Springs Outlaws.

Under current guidelines the player, as well as all who have
had close contact with him, will go into a 14-day quarantine.

Leo says the player has had limited contact with the rest of the team but was at the team meeting and at picture day late last week.

Leo has contacted Ellis County Health Administrator Jason
Kennedy who plans to contact state health officials Monday morning for further guidance
as to whether or not the season can continue.

This was going to be the Larks first season in the Rocky
Mountain Baseball League, which already had a couple of members decide to not
field teams this summer due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Hays Larks were roughly 36 hours away from the start of their
season when they found out Opening Night was going to be delayed, or possibly
canceled altogether.On his way home from their Sunday workout at Larks Park,
manager Frank Leo was notified one of his players had tested positive for
COVID-19, forcing the postponement of Monday’s season opener against the
Colorado Springs Outlaws.Under current guidelines the player, as well as all who have
had close contact with him, will go into a 14-day quarantine.Leo says the player has had limited contact with the rest of the team but was at the team meeting and at picture day late last week.Leo has contacted Ellis County Health Administrator Jason
Kennedy who plans to contact state health officials Monday morning for further guidance
as to whether or not the season can continue.This was going to be the Larks first season in the Rocky
Mountain Baseball League, which already had a couple of members decide to not
field teams this summer due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Larks season opener postponed after player tests positive for COVID

UNDATED (AP) - Over the past two weeks, as college athletes have returned to campuses to work out and prepare for sports later this year, a handful of them have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Arkansas State. Houston. Boise State. Iowa State. Oklahoma State. More than a dozen schools in all.

Just how many positive tests isn’t known, however, because college officials are debating exactly what to tell the public. Nearly half the 66 Football Bowl Subdivision members that responded to an Associated Press inquiry last week said they were still deciding whether to disclose the number of athletes with positive tests — and just over half aren’t going to release numbers at all.

“That’s a real challenge,” Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch said. “A lot of us in the profession are trying to work through that. That’s why I think you’ve seen quite a bit of inconsistency across the country in terms of what’s been announced and what hasn’t.”

The inconsistency has been apparent since football players began returning to campus this month for voluntary workouts. Auburn confirmed three players had tested positive; a few days later, rival Alabama declined to confirm reports that as many as eight were positive, citing privacy laws. Boise State said only that a number of athletes had tested positive without providing details.

Arkansas State announced June 4 that seven athletes from three different sports had tested positive for COVID-19 and were self-isolating for 14 days.

“We would have made the same kind of announcement if it had not involved student athletes,” Arkansas State chancellor Kelly Damphousse said in a statement. “Our announcement reinforced the message that our governor had recently shared: Young people are not immune to COVID-19 and you may be infected without realizing it. ... To be transparent, we felt comfortable in acknowledging these positive tests came from our returning student-athletes, as they were the only students who were being tested that week.”

Other schools weren’t as transparent. They’re disclosing the number of positive tests only to public health officials. Syracuse is one of the schools in that group.

“We’re going to do everything we can to respect and protect the privacy rights of our student-athletes while at the same time understanding your colleagues, this is a news item for you, and we’re trying to arrive at the right space and the right way to do both,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said.

Athletic programs sometimes avoid making formal injury announcements, citing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both are designed to protect the privacy of an individual’s health records. The U.S. Education Department issued guidelines in March that said a school shouldn’t disclose personal identifiable information from student education records to the media even if it determines a health or safety emergency exists.

But is merely revealing a number going to enable anyone to identify which athletes tested positive? That’s up for debate.

Amelia Vance is the director of youth and education privacy at the Future Privacy Forum, a think tank dedicated to data privacy issues. Vance believes releasing the number of positive tests effectively informs the public without sacrificing privacy.

Vance said disclosing the number of positive tests for a certain team would help notify members of the general public who may have come into contact with the athletes and could serve as a guide to those schools that haven’t welcomed students back to campus yet.

“If you’re saying six students tested positive or a student was exposed and therefore we’re having the whole team tested or things like that, that wouldn’t probably be traced back to an individual student,” Vance said. “Therefore, neither (FERPA or HIPAA) is going to apply, so any claim that privacy laws wouldn’t allow that disclosure would be disingenuous.

“The key there is to balance the public interest with the privacy of the students,” she said. “Most of the time, the information colleges and universities need to disclose don’t require the identification of a particular student to the press or general public.”

Florida State has announced at least one athlete had tested positive for coronavirus, but athletic department spokesman Rob Wilson said the school didn’t release an exact number out of concern that might make it “fairly easy to identify who.” Texas Tech said it had positive cases within its men’s basketball program but didn’t reveal the number due to privacy concerns.

Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school won’t release any numbers until everyone’s back on campus, and it will then note the entire number of students who tested positive without saying how many were athletes. Appalachian State also plans to announce the total number of positive tests without differentiating athletes from the general student population.

As for Memphis, Veatch said none its football players had tested positive yet, giving officials time to decide how to proceed.

“In the future we’re going to have to work through that and really try to balance student-athlete rights with public health and safety,” Veatch said. “We’ll find a way to do that, but we haven’t determined exactly what that’s going to look like yet.”

AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

UNDATED (AP) - Over the past two weeks, as college athletes have returned to campuses to work out and prepare for sports later this year, a handful of them have tested positive for the coronavirus.Arkansas State. Houston. Boise State. Iowa State. Oklahoma State. More than a dozen schools in all.Just how many positive tests isn’t known, however, because college officials are debating exactly what to tell the public. Nearly half the 66 Football Bowl Subdivision members that responded to an Associated Press inquiry last week said they were still deciding whether to disclose the number of athletes with positive tests — and just over half aren’t going to release numbers at all.“That’s a real challenge,” Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch said. “A lot of us in the profession are trying to work through that. That’s why I think you’ve seen quite a bit of inconsistency across the country in terms of what’s been announced and what hasn’t.”The inconsistency has been apparent since football players began returning to campus this month for voluntary workouts. Auburn confirmed three players had tested positive; a few days later, rival Alabama declined to confirm reports that as many as eight were positive, citing privacy laws. Boise State said only that a number of athletes had tested positive without providing details.Arkansas State announced June 4 that seven athletes from three different sports had tested positive for COVID-19 and were self-isolating for 14 days.“We would have made the same kind of announcement if it had not involved student athletes,” Arkansas State chancellor Kelly Damphousse said in a statement. “Our announcement reinforced the message that our governor had recently shared: Young people are not immune to COVID-19 and you may be infected without realizing it. ... To be transparent, we felt comfortable in acknowledging these positive tests came from our returning student-athletes, as they were the only students who were being tested that week.”Other schools weren’t as transparent. They’re disclosing the number of positive tests only to public health officials. Syracuse is one of the schools in that group.“We’re going to do everything we can to respect and protect the privacy rights of our student-athletes while at the same time understanding your colleagues, this is a news item for you, and we’re trying to arrive at the right space and the right way to do both,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said.Athletic programs sometimes avoid making formal injury announcements, citing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both are designed to protect the privacy of an individual’s health records. The U.S. Education Department issued guidelines in March that said a school shouldn’t disclose personal identifiable information from student education records to the media even if it determines a health or safety emergency exists.But is merely revealing a number going to enable anyone to identify which athletes tested positive? That’s up for debate.Amelia Vance is the director of youth and education privacy at the Future Privacy Forum, a think tank dedicated to data privacy issues. Vance believes releasing the number of positive tests effectively informs the public without sacrificing privacy.Vance said disclosing the number of positive tests for a certain team would help notify members of the general public who may have come into contact with the athletes and could serve as a guide to those schools that haven’t welcomed students back to campus yet.“If you’re saying six students tested positive or a student was exposed and therefore we’re having the whole team tested or things like that, that wouldn’t probably be traced back to an individual student,” Vance said. “Therefore, neither (FERPA or HIPAA) is going to apply, so any claim that privacy laws wouldn’t allow that disclosure would be disingenuous.“The key there is to balance the public interest with the privacy of the students,” she said. “Most of the time, the information colleges and universities need to disclose don’t require the identification of a particular student to the press or general public.”Florida State has announced at least one athlete had tested positive for coronavirus, but athletic department spokesman Rob Wilson said the school didn’t release an exact number out of concern that might make it “fairly easy to identify who.” Texas Tech said it had positive cases within its men’s basketball program but didn’t reveal the number due to privacy concerns.Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school won’t release any numbers until everyone’s back on campus, and it will then note the entire number of students who tested positive without saying how many were athletes. Appalachian State also plans to announce the total number of positive tests without differentiating athletes from the general student population.As for Memphis, Veatch said none its football players had tested positive yet, giving officials time to decide how to proceed.“In the future we’re going to have to work through that and really try to balance student-athlete rights with public health and safety,” Veatch said. “We’ll find a way to do that, but we haven’t determined exactly what that’s going to look like yet.”AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

Schools debate whether to detail positive tests for athletes

The Kansas City Royals have been busy since the Major League Baseball Draft wrapped up last Thursday as they have signed six undrafted free agents. That is tied for the second most players signed as of Sunday night.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the MLB Draft was reduced from 40 rounds to just five, so there are many more opportunities this season to sign undrafted players.

Here is a list of players of the Royals have signed so far:

Saul Garza, C/DH, LSU Kale Emshoff, C, Arkansas Little Rock John McMillon, RHP, Texas Tech A.J. Block, LHP, Washington State Tucker Bradley, OF, Georgia Chase Wallace, RHP, Tennessee

The Kansas City Royals have been busy since the Major League Baseball Draft wrapped up last Thursday as they have signed six undrafted free agents. That is tied for the second most players signed as of Sunday night.Because of the COVID-19 pandemic the MLB Draft was reduced from 40 rounds to just five, so there are many more opportunities this season to sign undrafted players.Here is a list of players of the Royals have signed so far:Saul Garza, C/DH, LSU Kale Emshoff, C, Arkansas Little Rock John McMillon, RHP, Texas Tech A.J. Block, LHP, Washington State Tucker Bradley, OF, Georgia Chase Wallace, RHP, Tennessee

Royals continue to add undrafted free agents

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball appears headed to its shortest season since the 1870s.

Continuing a contentious back-and-forth in a bitter dispute over pay, baseball players told the commissioner’s office on Saturday night that additional talks to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic are pointless and said owners should order a return to work.

The union’s action might lead to a season of about 50 games rather than the 82 initially proposed by MLB. The Major League Baseball Players Association could respond by filing a grievance that would be heard by arbitrator Mark Irvings, arguing players are owed hundreds of millions of dollars in damages due to a shorter season.

Overall, this all could spark lengthy litigation over money and a renewal of the sport’s labor wars. It could even prompt some star players to sit out.

“It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “It’s time to get back to work. Tell us when and where.”

MLB responded with a statement accusing the union of not negotiating in good faith and cited the March agreement that called for prorated salaries but did not obligate teams to play in empty ballparks. Clubs could file a grievance claiming the union did not meet its “good faith” obligation.

“The MLBPA’s position that players are entitled to virtually all the revenue from a 2020 season played without fans is not fair to the thousands of other baseball employees that clubs and our office are supporting financially during this very difficult 2020 season,” the commissioner’s office said in a statement. “We will evaluate the union’s refusal to adhere to the terms of the March agreement, and after consulting with ownership, determine the best course to bring baseball back to our fans.”

While the NBA, NHL and MLS have figured out deals to return in this summer of the coronavirus, baseball has descended into the fractious labor strife that led to eight work stoppages from 1972-95. The union has seethed followed a collective bargaining agreement in late 2016 that led to relatively flat salaries for five straight years, an unsuccessful grievance accusing the Chicago Cubs of manipulating third baseman Kris Bryant’s service time to delay his eligibility for free agency and a grievance accusing teams of improperly using revenue sharing proceeds, a process the union calls “tanking.”

These raw negotiations heighten the chance of a spring training lockout after the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2021.

“Given your continued insistence on hundreds of millions of dollars of additional pay reductions, we assume these negotiations are at an end,” union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer wrote in a letter to Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem on Saturday that was obtained by The Associated Press. “If it is your intention to unilaterally impose a season, we again request that you inform us and our members of how many games you intend to play and when and where players should report. It is unfair to leave players and the fans hanging at this point, and further delay risks compromising health and safety. We demand that you inform us of your plans by close of business on Monday.”

Players and MLB agreed to a deal on March 26 calling for prorated salaries, $170 million in salary advances and a guarantee of service time for 2020 even if no games are played.

That deal agreement gave baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred the right to start the season provided there were no travel restrictions and games could be played before fans in regular-season ballparks. It called for “good faith” negotiations to play in empty ballparks or neutral sites.

Players insist they should not have to accept additional cuts. A unilateral decision to start play could mean the playoffs would remain at 10 teams and not expand to 16, as both sides have proposed. High-risk players can opt out and still receive salary and service, but others who sit out would lose both.

“The solidarity of the players has never been more concentrated in years,” said Scott Boras, baseball’s most high-profile agent, who has three clients on the union’s eight-man executive subcommittee.

MLB made three economic offers, the last Friday, and the union proposed two. The executive subcommittee held a call Saturday followed by a larger group of about 100 players, including the full executive committee and others.

The sides remain far apart on how much players should get of the $4 billion in salaries they originally were set to earn: MLB has offered to guarantee $1.27 billion and increase the total to $1.45 billion if the postseason is completed. Players want $2.25 billion and an 89-game season.

“Players want to play. It’s who we are and what we do,” Clark said. “Since March, the association has made it clear that our No. 1 focus is playing the fullest season possible, as soon as possible, as safely as possible. Players agreed to billions in monetary concessions as a means to that end, and in the face of repeated media leaks and misdirection we made additional proposals to inject new revenues into the industry — proposals that would benefit the owners, players, broadcast partners, and fans alike. It’s now become apparent that these efforts have fallen upon deaf ears.”

Manfred said last week there is a “100%” chance of a season, adding “unequivocally we are going to play Major League Baseball this year.” Yet, it will be the shortest season in more than a century. And Meyer’s letter to Halem cited remaining open issues in the health protocols needed before players report for a resumption of training.

Owners must now decide whether to go ahead with a shortened schedule, of perhaps 48 or 50 games. A 50-game regular season at prorated salaries would total $1.23 billion, leaving the union to claim about $1 billion plus interest in damages should the case continue to a decision and players prevail.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball appears headed to its shortest season since the 1870s.Continuing a contentious back-and-forth in a bitter dispute over pay, baseball players told the commissioner’s office on Saturday night that additional talks to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic are pointless and said owners should order a return to work.The union’s action might lead to a season of about 50 games rather than the 82 initially proposed by MLB. The Major League Baseball Players Association could respond by filing a grievance that would be heard by arbitrator Mark Irvings, arguing players are owed hundreds of millions of dollars in damages due to a shorter season.Overall, this all could spark lengthy litigation over money and a renewal of the sport’s labor wars. It could even prompt some star players to sit out.“It unfortunately appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “It’s time to get back to work. Tell us when and where.”MLB responded with a statement accusing the union of not negotiating in good faith and cited the March agreement that called for prorated salaries but did not obligate teams to play in empty ballparks. Clubs could file a grievance claiming the union did not meet its “good faith” obligation.“The MLBPA’s position that players are entitled to virtually all the revenue from a 2020 season played without fans is not fair to the thousands of other baseball employees that clubs and our office are supporting financially during this very difficult 2020 season,” the commissioner’s office said in a statement. “We will evaluate the union’s refusal to adhere to the terms of the March agreement, and after consulting with ownership, determine the best course to bring baseball back to our fans.”While the NBA, NHL and MLS have figured out deals to return in this summer of the coronavirus, baseball has descended into the fractious labor strife that led to eight work stoppages from 1972-95. The union has seethed followed a collective bargaining agreement in late 2016 that led to relatively flat salaries for five straight years, an unsuccessful grievance accusing the Chicago Cubs of manipulating third baseman Kris Bryant’s service time to delay his eligibility for free agency and a grievance accusing teams of improperly using revenue sharing proceeds, a process the union calls “tanking.”These raw negotiations heighten the chance of a spring training lockout after the current collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2021.“Given your continued insistence on hundreds of millions of dollars of additional pay reductions, we assume these negotiations are at an end,” union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer wrote in a letter to Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem on Saturday that was obtained by The Associated Press. “If it is your intention to unilaterally impose a season, we again request that you inform us and our members of how many games you intend to play and when and where players should report. It is unfair to leave players and the fans hanging at this point, and further delay risks compromising health and safety. We demand that you inform us of your plans by close of business on Monday.”Players and MLB agreed to a deal on March 26 calling for prorated salaries, $170 million in salary advances and a guarantee of service time for 2020 even if no games are played.That deal agreement gave baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred the right to start the season provided there were no travel restrictions and games could be played before fans in regular-season ballparks. It called for “good faith” negotiations to play in empty ballparks or neutral sites.Players insist they should not have to accept additional cuts. A unilateral decision to start play could mean the playoffs would remain at 10 teams and not expand to 16, as both sides have proposed. High-risk players can opt out and still receive salary and service, but others who sit out would lose both.“The solidarity of the players has never been more concentrated in years,” said Scott Boras, baseball’s most high-profile agent, who has three clients on the union’s eight-man executive subcommittee.MLB made three economic offers, the last Friday, and the union proposed two. The executive subcommittee held a call Saturday followed by a larger group of about 100 players, including the full executive committee and others.The sides remain far apart on how much players should get of the $4 billion in salaries they originally were set to earn: MLB has offered to guarantee $1.27 billion and increase the total to $1.45 billion if the postseason is completed. Players want $2.25 billion and an 89-game season.“Players want to play. It’s who we are and what we do,” Clark said. “Since March, the association has made it clear that our No. 1 focus is playing the fullest season possible, as soon as possible, as safely as possible. Players agreed to billions in monetary concessions as a means to that end, and in the face of repeated media leaks and misdirection we made additional proposals to inject new revenues into the industry — proposals that would benefit the owners, players, broadcast partners, and fans alike. It’s now become apparent that these efforts have fallen upon deaf ears.”Manfred said last week there is a “100%” chance of a season, adding “unequivocally we are going to play Major League Baseball this year.” Yet, it will be the shortest season in more than a century. And Meyer’s letter to Halem cited remaining open issues in the health protocols needed before players report for a resumption of training.Owners must now decide whether to go ahead with a shortened schedule, of perhaps 48 or 50 games. A 50-game regular season at prorated salaries would total $1.23 billion, leaving the union to claim about $1 billion plus interest in damages should the case continue to a decision and players prevail.

Baseball players say talks futile, tell MLB to order return

HAYS – The Hays Eagles 19U baseball team used a couple of
strong pitching performances from two former TMP-Marian Monarchs to sweep the Great Bend Chiefs in their season opening doubleheader Friday evening at the Hays High Field.

Colby Dreiling pitched a complete-game five-hitter in the
Eagles (2-0) 8-2 win in the opener. Dreiling struck out four and walked three.

Carson Jacobs followed that up with a perfect game in a
10-0, five inning run-rule victory in the second game. Jacobs struck out seven
including the final two batters to end the game. Jacobs retired three by line
outs, two on pop outs on the infield and two on fly outs to right field.

Remington Cox led the Eagles 13-hit attack in game two going
3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Brady Kreutzer, Dominic Bainter and
Jack Fields all drove in two runs.

Brock Lummus went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs to
lead the Eagles 10-hit attack in the opener. Kreutzer had two hits and scored
two runs. Jacobs drove in three.

The Eagles return to action next Wednesday in a doubleheader
at Buhler.

HAYS – The Hays Eagles 19U baseball team used a couple of
strong pitching performances from two former TMP-Marian Monarchs to sweep the Great Bend Chiefs in their season opening doubleheader Friday evening at the Hays High Field.Colby Dreiling pitched a complete-game five-hitter in the
Eagles (2-0) 8-2 win in the opener. Dreiling struck out four and walked three.Carson Jacobs followed that up with a perfect game in a
10-0, five inning run-rule victory in the second game. Jacobs struck out seven
including the final two batters to end the game. Jacobs retired three by line
outs, two on pop outs on the infield and two on fly outs to right field.Remington Cox led the Eagles 13-hit attack in game two going
3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Brady Kreutzer, Dominic Bainter and
Jack Fields all drove in two runs.Brock Lummus went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs to
lead the Eagles 10-hit attack in the opener. Kreutzer had two hits and scored
two runs. Jacobs drove in three.The Eagles return to action next Wednesday in a doubleheader
at Buhler.

Jacobs perfect-game lifts Hays Eagles to sweep of Great Bend

SALINA – The TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U baseball team scored 10
runs in each of their two games Friday night and swept the Salina Eagles 16U at
Dean Evans Stadium. The Monarchs (5-1) won 10-3 in game one then 10-2 in five
innings in the second contest.

The Monarchs scored three in the fourth and four in the fifth
to break open a one-run game in the opener. Mark Rack led the seven-hit attack
with two doubles, a triple and three runs driven in. Tyson Dinkel added two
hits and three RBIs.

Mason Robbins allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits over
six innings of relief. Robbins struck out nine and walked one.

In game two, TMP scored three in the second then five in the
third. Jace Wentling, Nick Helget, Zeke Haag and Tyson Dinkel all drove in runs
in the third. Mason Robbins had three of the Monarchs 13 hits.

Mark Rack pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits
with seven strikeouts and no walks for the win.

The Monarchs are back in action Tuesday with a doubleheader
at Hill City. 

SALINA – The TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U baseball team scored 10
runs in each of their two games Friday night and swept the Salina Eagles 16U at
Dean Evans Stadium. The Monarchs (5-1) won 10-3 in game one then 10-2 in five
innings in the second contest.The Monarchs scored three in the fourth and four in the fifth
to break open a one-run game in the opener. Mark Rack led the seven-hit attack
with two doubles, a triple and three runs driven in. Tyson Dinkel added two
hits and three RBIs.Mason Robbins allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits over
six innings of relief. Robbins struck out nine and walked one.In game two, TMP scored three in the second then five in the
third. Jace Wentling, Nick Helget, Zeke Haag and Tyson Dinkel all drove in runs
in the third. Mason Robbins had three of the Monarchs 13 hits.Mark Rack pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits
with seven strikeouts and no walks for the win.The Monarchs are back in action Tuesday with a doubleheader
at Hill City.

Monarchs 18U sweeps the Salina Eagles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals made four selections on the second and final day of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft:&nbsp;Ben Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from De La Salle Institute (Ill.) in the second round (No. 41 overall);&nbsp;Tyler Gentry, an outfielder from the University of Alabama in the third round (No. 76 overall);&nbsp;Christian Chamberlain, a left-handed pitcher from Oregon State University in the fourth round (No. 105 overall); and&nbsp;Will Klein, a right-handed pitcher from Eastern Illinois University in the fifth round (No. 135 overall).

They join yesterday’s first-round picks&nbsp;Asa Lacy, a left-handed pitcher from Texas A&amp;M University, who was selected fourth overall, and&nbsp;Nick Loftin, a shortstop from Baylor University, who was selected 32nd&nbsp;overall, to represent the Royals’ 2020 Draft class.

Hernandez, 18, went 4-2 with a 1.81 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 45.0 innings as a junior last season, but has not pitched in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Hernandez, according to MLB.com, was the “best pitcher” in the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League, in which he recorded 6.0 hitless innings over three outings. He also excelled in his appearance at the&nbsp;Under Armour&nbsp;All-America Game, striking out the side in the ninth inning. Hernandez is committed to the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Gentry, 21, hit .429 (24-for-56) in 17 games during the shortened 2020 season for Alabama, and ranked second in the SEC with a .554 on-base percentage and fifth in the conference with a .750 slugging percentage. As a sophomore in 2019, he led the Crimson Tide in batting average (.310, hits (65, home runs (13, RBI (42, slugging percentage (.552) and total bases (116, and ended his two-year career in Tuscaloosa with 17 home runs in just 266 at-bats. Gentry went undrafted out of Arlington High School (Tenn.) in 2017 and attended Walters State Community College in 2018, where he led the Senators to the finals of the Junior College Baseball World Series.

Chamberlain, 20, went 2-1 with a 0.82 ERA (2 ER in 22.0 IP) and 34 strikeouts (13.9 K/9) in four starts this season at Oregon State, including a career-high 12 strikeouts in 5.1 innings on Feb. 21 vs. Mississippi State. He worked mostly as a reliever in his first two years in college, making 37 of his 46 appearances out of the bullpen, and has recorded 140 strikeouts in 105.0 collegiate innings (12.0 K/9). As a freshman in 2018, he matched a College World Series record with 11 strikeouts in one relief outing, eight of which came on his curveball. Chamberlain went undrafted out of Reno High School (Nev.) in 2017.

Klein, 20, went 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA (9 ER in 24.1 IP) and a team-high 33 strikeouts (12.2 K/9) in four starts this season at Eastern Illinois. He was named the best pitcher in the Northwoods League by&nbsp;Baseball America&nbsp;in 2019, after going 2-2 with a 0.86 ERA (2 ER in 21.0 IP, 38 strikeouts (16.3 K/9) and seven saves for Lakeshore, earning league All-Star honors. Klein went undrafted in 2017 out of Bloomington North High School (Ind.).

Yesterday in the first round, Lacy became the fourth player chosen fourth overall in Royals history, joining&nbsp;Christian Colón&nbsp;(2010,&nbsp;Mike Stodolka&nbsp;(2000)&nbsp;and Jeff Austin&nbsp;(1998). He went 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA (2 ER in 24.0 IP, 46 strikeouts (17.3 K/9, just eight walks (3.0 BB/9) and a .111 opponents’ average in four starts as a junior, prior to the season being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Loftin became the first college shortstop to be drafted by the Royals in the first round since&nbsp;Hunter Dozier&nbsp;was selected eighth overall in the 2013 Draft. Loftin was named preseason Big 12 Player of the Year by&nbsp;Baseball America&nbsp;and hit .298 in 14 games, before the 2020 season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Of the Royals’ six selections in the 2020 Draft, four were pitchers (including two left handers). They also selected one shortstop and one outfielder. Five of the six picks were college players (83.3%). Last season, 35 of the Royals’ 41 draft picks were from the college ranks (85.4%).

Beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, June 14, any player who was eligible for the 2020 First-Year Player Draft but was not selected, will be free to sign with any team.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals made four selections on the second and final day of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft:&nbsp;Ben Hernandez, a right-handed pitcher from De La Salle Institute (Ill.) in the second round (No. 41 overall);&nbsp;Tyler Gentry, an outfielder from the University of Alabama in the third round (No. 76 overall);&nbsp;Christian Chamberlain, a left-handed pitcher from Oregon State University in the fourth round (No. 105 overall); and&nbsp;Will Klein, a right-handed pitcher from Eastern Illinois University in the fifth round (No. 135 overall).They join yesterday’s first-round picks&nbsp;Asa Lacy, a left-handed pitcher from Texas A&amp;M University, who was selected fourth overall, and&nbsp;Nick Loftin, a shortstop from Baylor University, who was selected 32nd&nbsp;overall, to represent the Royals’ 2020 Draft class.Hernandez, 18, went 4-2 with a 1.81 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 45.0 innings as a junior last season, but has not pitched in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. Hernandez, according to MLB.com, was the “best pitcher” in the inaugural Prospect Development Pipeline League, in which he recorded 6.0 hitless innings over three outings. He also excelled in his appearance at the&nbsp;Under Armour&nbsp;All-America Game, striking out the side in the ninth inning. Hernandez is committed to the University of Illinois at Chicago.Gentry, 21, hit .429 (24-for-56) in 17 games during the shortened 2020 season for Alabama, and ranked second in the SEC with a .554 on-base percentage and fifth in the conference with a .750 slugging percentage. As a sophomore in 2019, he led the Crimson Tide in batting average (.310, hits (65, home runs (13, RBI (42, slugging percentage (.552) and total bases (116, and ended his two-year career in Tuscaloosa with 17 home runs in just 266 at-bats. Gentry went undrafted out of Arlington High School (Tenn.) in 2017 and attended Walters State Community College in 2018, where he led the Senators to the finals of the Junior College Baseball World Series.Chamberlain, 20, went 2-1 with a 0.82 ERA (2 ER in 22.0 IP) and 34 strikeouts (13.9 K/9) in four starts this season at Oregon State, including a career-high 12 strikeouts in 5.1 innings on Feb. 21 vs. Mississippi State. He worked mostly as a reliever in his first two years in college, making 37 of his 46 appearances out of the bullpen, and has recorded 140 strikeouts in 105.0 collegiate innings (12.0 K/9). As a freshman in 2018, he matched a College World Series record with 11 strikeouts in one relief outing, eight of which came on his curveball. Chamberlain went undrafted out of Reno High School (Nev.) in 2017.Klein, 20, went 1-2 with a 3.33 ERA (9 ER in 24.1 IP) and a team-high 33 strikeouts (12.2 K/9) in four starts this season at Eastern Illinois. He was named the best pitcher in the Northwoods League by&nbsp;Baseball America&nbsp;in 2019, after going 2-2 with a 0.86 ERA (2 ER in 21.0 IP, 38 strikeouts (16.3 K/9) and seven saves for Lakeshore, earning league All-Star honors. Klein went undrafted in 2017 out of Bloomington North High School (Ind.).Yesterday in the first round, Lacy became the fourth player chosen fourth overall in Royals history, joining&nbsp;Christian Colón&nbsp;(2010,&nbsp;Mike Stodolka&nbsp;(2000)&nbsp;and Jeff Austin&nbsp;(1998). He went 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA (2 ER in 24.0 IP, 46 strikeouts (17.3 K/9, just eight walks (3.0 BB/9) and a .111 opponents’ average in four starts as a junior, prior to the season being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.Loftin became the first college shortstop to be drafted by the Royals in the first round since&nbsp;Hunter Dozier&nbsp;was selected eighth overall in the 2013 Draft. Loftin was named preseason Big 12 Player of the Year by&nbsp;Baseball America&nbsp;and hit .298 in 14 games, before the 2020 season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.Of the Royals’ six selections in the 2020 Draft, four were pitchers (including two left handers). They also selected one shortstop and one outfielder. Five of the six picks were college players (83.3%). Last season, 35 of the Royals’ 41 draft picks were from the college ranks (85.4%).Beginning at 8:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, June 14, any player who was eligible for the 2020 First-Year Player Draft but was not selected, will be free to sign with any team.Kansas City Royals

Royals select four players on final day of MLB draft

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that no student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 90 student-athletes this week. In addition, one student-athlete did test positive for COVID-19 with antibody testing but is not considered acute. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. Should a student-athlete test positive, each will be medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that no student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 90 student-athletes this week. In addition, one student-athlete did test positive for COVID-19 with antibody testing but is not considered acute. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. Should a student-athlete test positive, each will be medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive.Kansas State Athletics

K-State confirms no student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head women's soccer coach Blake Reynolds&nbsp;has announced an incoming class of 14 student-athletes, including five transfers and nine true freshman. "This is a very dynamic class full of tremendous student-athletes," said Reynolds. "We placed a major emphasis on high-character individuals that will impact us positively both on and off the field. Within this class we addressed the significant losses we had due to the graduation&nbsp;of seven seniors and looked to really improve the depth of the roster. "We are always looking to improve our program. This 2020 class in particular is so deep, it immediately addresses some of the holes in our roster, while also preparing us for the future as well. I want to send a big thank you to my assistant coaches, Tyler Smaha and Mark Nowak, for all of the tireless work they did on the recruiting trail. This class is truly a reflection of their hard work. Additionally, a big thanks goes out to the current team members for showing each and every recruit that visited what kind of family atmosphere we have within our program. We wouldn't be able to secure commitments from these 14 incredible women without the current roster showing why FHSU is the place they call home. "In this class, we are bringing in four Division I transfers, along with an international from Japan that we think can all make a major impact right away. Additionally, we have a strong freshman class that has individuals that will vie for both significant playing time and potentially starting spots as well. In fact, every year I've been a head coach, I've had at least one freshman starter. It's exciting to think that could continue, and to wonder who that person, or persons, might be. When you add this group into our returning core - we think we've got something special." Transfers: <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5571">Amanda Rapaduski</a>&nbsp;| Junior | Forward | 5-7 Algonquin, Ill. | University of Nebraska-Omaha/Butler University The forward has appeared in 35 games at two D1 institutions (Butler University &amp; University of Nebraska-Omaha, starting in nine of those contests and tallying two goals and one assist. She has started in games against the likes of Kansas State, Iowa State and Oklahoma State this past year and against Kansas in her freshman year at Butler. Coach Reynolds on Rapaduski: "Amanda joined us for the spring semester, which was nice to get her into the culture, albeit for an abbreviated season. Her experience the past two years at the Division I level will be an immediate boost to our attack next fall. She has played against some of the biggest programs in college soccer. She is a high-volume shooter and she's so incredibly strong on the ball as a true center forward. We had the top defense in the conference last year statistically, but we also took the fewest shots of any team in the league. Amanda will help us move up that statistical category immediately - she is a huge get for us." Skylar Forrest | Redshirt Freshman | Midfielder | 5-6 Tecumseh, Ontario | University of Illinois-Chicago Skylar is an exciting pickup from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She medically redshirted her freshman year at UIC, but is back healthy and ready to compete in the fall. Though she is from Canada, she played her prep soccer with the prestigious Michigan Hawks ECNL club, just a short drive across the border. Coach Reynolds on Forrest: "Unfortunately for Skylar, when schools make coaching changes and you are no longer playing for the coach who recruited you, you don't always fit into the new coach's plans. At FHSU she will be able to showcase her abilities as a connecting midfielder. I was very impressed with her vision, her technical speed and her game intelligence. We were missing a little bit of that technical element ion last year's team, and struggled at times to keep the ball the way we had in previous years. Skylar reminds me a lot of former player, Kylie Thomas, and that's a big compliment, because everyone loved Kylie! Honestly, I'm incredibly excited to see how Skylar develops over the next several years. I think she can be a very important piece of our present and future." Sydney Johnson | Redshirt Sophomore | Forward | 5-8 St. Michael, Minn. | North Dakota State University Our next transfer comes to Hays after spending two seasons at North Dakota State University. As a freshman, Johnson appeared in 16 games, starting eight contests and recording three assists. Her sophomore campaign was cut short after three appearances due to injury. Before NDSU, Sydney played her club ball for the Minnesota Thunder Academy ECNL. Coach Reynolds on Johnson: "Syd is such a great compliment to Amanda and returning All-MIAA forward&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5564">Cailey Perkins</a>. Each one of these forwards has a different type of game, and all three are super versatile, having the ability to play anywhere up top. Sydney specifically has power, speed and athleticism. She is a threat to get in behind the defense and will be a big weapon for us. We haven't had a player like her since I got here. Thinking about the potential of these three lining up together gets me really excited for the season. She still has work to do to get back to 100% health, but she should get there in time for the season." Carly Walker | Redshirt Freshman | Midfielder | 5-6 Wyoming, Minn. | University of Nebraska Like Sydney, Carly Walker is from Minnesota and played for the Minnesota Thunder Academy ECNL program. After spending her freshman year as a redshirt at the University of Nebraska, Walker will join the Tigers as an attacking midfielder. Coach Reynolds on Walker: "Really love Carly's skillset and especially her competitive mentality. Having spent a year in that type of environment at a Power Five school like Nebraska, she can make a huge impact for us next fall. She has that ability to break defenders down on the dribble and create matchup nightmares for defenses. We haven't had that type of player in my three years here so far, although Jasmine Beaulieu had some of those qualities for sure. Obviously the level at Nebraska is really high, and she didn't get a chance her freshman year to play, so I think she is looking forward to showcasing her abilities this fall. I'm excited to see how she fits into the puzzle." Satsuki Hirose | Transfer Freshman | Midfielder/Forward | 5-2 Kanagawa, Japan | Kokushikan University The second international player in the class comes to Hays from Japan. Hirose is technically a transfer student after spending her first three years in school at Kokushikan University and playing for their collegiate team. She primarily plays on the wing or inside as an attacking midfielder. Coach Reynolds on Hirose: "Satsuki is exactly like what you see from the players on the Japanese Women's National Team, which is one of my favorite national teams to watch. She is super technical, super quick and has a great feel for the game. Our men's coach,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=242">Gerry Cleary</a>, has connections all over the world and he helped us with Satsuki. We owe a big thank you to Gerry on this one. Her immediate success here will depend on how translates to the collegiate game, as it's so physical over here. Skill-wise, there's no doubt she's ready. She could have a major impact right away, or she could take a little time to adjust. But either way she will be a very important player for us." Freshmen: Jersey Garoutte | Freshman | Utility| 5-7 Pueblo, Colo. | Pueblo West HS | Pride Predators One of four signees from the state of Colorado, Jersey Garoutte lot of success from both high school and club. At Pueblo West, she earned multiple All-State honors, including first team All-State as a junior. With her club team, Pride Predators, she was able to win a state title in 2018. She also has experience last summer playing with the semi-pro team, Pride-to-Pro, of the United Women's Soccer League located in Colorado Springs. Additionally, Garoutte served as Senior Class President.&nbsp; She plans to major in communication and science disorders. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"It feels like a home away from home, all of the girls seem so close like a second family, and I can't wait to be a part of that!" Coach Reynolds on Garoutte: "Jersey kind of came out of nowhere for us last summer. She registered for our residential camp and on the first day she caught my eye. Getting to spend those three days with her really left a big impression on me, and we offered her a scholarship just a couple of weeks later. She is very versatile, and I'm honestly not sure yet where she is going to fit the best. But I know her versatility will be very important for her, and will help her get on the field quickly. She's a great kid, and she's going to fit in here perfectly." Taylor Harr | Freshman | Forward | 5-9 Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS | Colorado Rapids Taylor Harr is the first of three club teammates from the Colorado Rapids joining our freshman class. She is also high school teammates with Shelby Talley at powerhouse Grandview. Harr helped Grandview to a state championship during her junior season.&nbsp;The outside forward is a natural left-footed player as well.&nbsp;Taylor will study ­­­­­­­­­­political science. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of the family aspect. The whole team is so close and the campus felt like home! It was a place that fit me well both athletically and academically." Coach Reynolds on Harr: "Taylor was one of several girls at our Winter ID camp that we loved and ended up offering. She's obviously got great size for an attacker, and she's a true lefty, but I really noticed her soccer IQ. She's going to have a shot to contribute to a revamped attack next fall. It'll be a lot of fun to see how she develop over the next four years. She could be really good for us." Emily Hutchings | Freshman | Midfielder | 5-6 Olathe, Kan. | Olathe West HS | Blue Valley Showcase The Sunflower League Midfielder of the Year in 2019 as a junior, Emily Hutchings capped off an impressive career at Olathe West as a part of the inaugural program in its first 2 years. She was a first team All-State selection as a junior and earned second team honors as a sophomore. She played club ball for Sporting Blue Valley Showcase. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"Not only for the fantastic academic programs, but because I wanted to play for a program and a coach that values me personally and my academic success, along with allowing my love for soccer to grow." Coach Reynolds on Hutchings: "Emily played high school soccer for Matt Trumpp at Olathe West, and Matt was my teammate at Baker University. Very early on after he started the program there, he said 'I've got a girl you have to see.' He was right, too. From the first time I saw her play as a sophomore, I knew I wanted her at FHSU. She's a winner. She does so many things well, but the best way I can describe her is she is a leader and a winner. Emily will impact this program in a big way." Sullivan Kelly | Freshman | Defender | 5-7 Davenport, Iowa | Assumption HS | Iowa Rush Sullivan Kelly is a three-time state champion at Assumption High School in Davenport Iowa. She also won the 2019 Iowa State Cup Champion with her club team, Iowa Rush. She's garnered multiple awards at the high school level including both first and second team All-State honors. Kelly will be a nursing major at FHSU. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of its academic fit, welcoming family-like atmosphere on campus, and the competitive soccer program." Coach Reynolds on Kelly: "A native Iowan himself,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=837">Tyler Smaha</a>&nbsp;found Sully and was able to get her to sign up for our winter ID camp so we could see her in person. Pretty quickly we saw exactly what we were hoping for and knew we wanted her to be a part of the program. We project her as an outside back, but she's very versatile and could play other places too. I think she's going to be a terrific player for us." Ryan McCabe | Freshman | Midfielder | 5-8 Highlands Ranch, Colo. | Mountain Vista HS | Colorado Rapids The second of the Colorado Rapids coalition, Ryan McCabe is a defensive midfielder who is calm on the ball and distributes it well. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I loved the college town and the school. The big reason why I chose FHSU as my school is the soccer team and the girls were so welcoming, it just felt like a second home." Coach Reynolds on McCabe: "We needed to get bigger in the midfield, and Ryan brings not only that size, but she also has a good feel with the ball at her feet. Her transition to the physicality of the college game will determine how quickly she gets on the field. But I like her foundation and I look forward to seeing how she grows in our program. She comes from a good club and high school, so she won't be intimidated coming here." Jadyn Newell | Freshman | Defender | 5-8 Broken Arrow, Okla. | Broken Arrow HS | Tulsa Soccer Club ECNL An exciting pickup out of the state of Oklahoma, Jadyn Newell is a talented defender that will help fill the void of three graduating senior starters from last year's backline. As a junior at Broken Arrow High School, she was All-District and Academic All-Conference. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of the amazing nursing program, the soccer coaches care and kindness towards me and my parents, and the team's competitive and encouraging family-like environment!" Coach Reynolds on Newell: "We were super pumped to land Jadyn! She had a lot of interest from the best programs in her home state, but nursing was such a key element to this. We are blessed to have a nursing program that works with us to make sure our student-athletes can do both. On the field, Jadyn is a beast. She is a big, strong, but also skilled defender who likes to get forward on the outside. She plays for a great club and high school, and that level of competition will help her to impact us early on." Isabel Robben | Freshman | Goalkeeper | 5-8 Hays, Kan. | Hays HS Local product Isabel Robben joins the program as our second goalkeeper from Hays, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5570">Deonna Wellbrock</a>&nbsp;between the pipes. Isabel is a three-time all-conference performer, including first team honors as a junior. She was also a team captain. During the club season, Robben played for Mid-Kansas United and Hays Soccer Club as a youth. Isabel will major in accounting. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"It's in my hometown and because I like how welcomed it felt when the coaches contacted me." Coach Reynolds on Robben: "We were late to recruiting Isabel, which is ironic since she's in our backyard. We actually thought she didn't want to play in college so had kind of moved on. Then all of a sudden she was back in the picture and we were thrilled she wanted to stay home and attend FHSU. She's got a ton of potential! Super athletic, great instincts, fearless - I'm excited to get her into the program and get her started working with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=838">Mark Nowak</a>&nbsp;(keeper coach) on a daily basis. I think she's going to take off under his supervision." Shelby Talley | Freshman | Defender | 5-10 Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS | Colorado Rapids Shelby Talley is the final member of the Colorado Rapids trio. A physically imposing center back, Shelby has worked her way back from hip surgery junior year, which forced her to miss the state championship season for Grandview. Talley lists one of her biggest accomplishments as being back to 100% following her injury and having the opportunity to play college soccer. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because it wasn't too far away from home. But also it was a good fit for me academically and athletically." Coach Reynolds on Talley: "Shelby is the final of the three Colorado Rapids girls, and as a center-back she is the biggest of the three, which is never a bad thing as a center back! I don't think I've even seen close to the best Shelby has to offer because she was still coming back from her injury when we offered her. Obviously her high school program is a powerhouse, so she's played at a good level. She's going to get to learn from some great center backs we have on the roster currently, but she's going to be a good one I think." Paige Whitney | Freshman | Defender/Forward | 5-7 Raymore, Mo. | Raymore-Peculiar HS | KC Athletics A versatile athlete on the field, Paige Whitney comes to FHSU from Raymore, Mo. and the KC Athletics soccer club. She projects to play at either of the outside positions (forward/outside back, but has a utility aspect to her, which may see her used at other spots as well. She's known for her blue collar, hardworking mentality on the field. Paige will major in business at FHSU. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of the atmosphere and the people. It definitely felt like home here." Coach Reynolds on Whitney: "Paige is crazy! I mean that in the most endearing way, though. She's such an impressive young woman, we really liked her immediately when we met her at our winter ID camp. She is a raw athlete, but she's got a ton of potential. One of the unique things about her is she's a pilot, and wants to work/save up to buy her own personal plane to fly to school. That's definitely a recruiting first for me! She's going to be a great addition to the family and I'm excited to see her learn and grow in our environment."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head women's soccer coach Blake Reynolds&nbsp;has announced an incoming class of 14 student-athletes, including five transfers and nine true freshman. "This is a very dynamic class full of tremendous student-athletes," said Reynolds. "We placed a major emphasis on high-character individuals that will impact us positively both on and off the field. Within this class we addressed the significant losses we had due to the graduation&nbsp;of seven seniors and looked to really improve the depth of the roster. "We are always looking to improve our program. This 2020 class in particular is so deep, it immediately addresses some of the holes in our roster, while also preparing us for the future as well. I want to send a big thank you to my assistant coaches, Tyler Smaha and Mark Nowak, for all of the tireless work they did on the recruiting trail. This class is truly a reflection of their hard work. Additionally, a big thanks goes out to the current team members for showing each and every recruit that visited what kind of family atmosphere we have within our program. We wouldn't be able to secure commitments from these 14 incredible women without the current roster showing why FHSU is the place they call home. "In this class, we are bringing in four Division I transfers, along with an international from Japan that we think can all make a major impact right away. Additionally, we have a strong freshman class that has individuals that will vie for both significant playing time and potentially starting spots as well. In fact, every year I've been a head coach, I've had at least one freshman starter. It's exciting to think that could continue, and to wonder who that person, or persons, might be. When you add this group into our returning core - we think we've got something special." Transfers: <a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5571">Amanda Rapaduski</a>&nbsp;| Junior | Forward | 5-7 Algonquin, Ill. | University of Nebraska-Omaha/Butler University The forward has appeared in 35 games at two D1 institutions (Butler University &amp; University of Nebraska-Omaha, starting in nine of those contests and tallying two goals and one assist. She has started in games against the likes of Kansas State, Iowa State and Oklahoma State this past year and against Kansas in her freshman year at Butler. Coach Reynolds on Rapaduski: "Amanda joined us for the spring semester, which was nice to get her into the culture, albeit for an abbreviated season. Her experience the past two years at the Division I level will be an immediate boost to our attack next fall. She has played against some of the biggest programs in college soccer. She is a high-volume shooter and she's so incredibly strong on the ball as a true center forward. We had the top defense in the conference last year statistically, but we also took the fewest shots of any team in the league. Amanda will help us move up that statistical category immediately - she is a huge get for us." Skylar Forrest | Redshirt Freshman | Midfielder | 5-6 Tecumseh, Ontario | University of Illinois-Chicago Skylar is an exciting pickup from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She medically redshirted her freshman year at UIC, but is back healthy and ready to compete in the fall. Though she is from Canada, she played her prep soccer with the prestigious Michigan Hawks ECNL club, just a short drive across the border. Coach Reynolds on Forrest: "Unfortunately for Skylar, when schools make coaching changes and you are no longer playing for the coach who recruited you, you don't always fit into the new coach's plans. At FHSU she will be able to showcase her abilities as a connecting midfielder. I was very impressed with her vision, her technical speed and her game intelligence. We were missing a little bit of that technical element ion last year's team, and struggled at times to keep the ball the way we had in previous years. Skylar reminds me a lot of former player, Kylie Thomas, and that's a big compliment, because everyone loved Kylie! Honestly, I'm incredibly excited to see how Skylar develops over the next several years. I think she can be a very important piece of our present and future." Sydney Johnson | Redshirt Sophomore | Forward | 5-8 St. Michael, Minn. | North Dakota State University Our next transfer comes to Hays after spending two seasons at North Dakota State University. As a freshman, Johnson appeared in 16 games, starting eight contests and recording three assists. Her sophomore campaign was cut short after three appearances due to injury. Before NDSU, Sydney played her club ball for the Minnesota Thunder Academy ECNL. Coach Reynolds on Johnson: "Syd is such a great compliment to Amanda and returning All-MIAA forward&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5564">Cailey Perkins</a>. Each one of these forwards has a different type of game, and all three are super versatile, having the ability to play anywhere up top. Sydney specifically has power, speed and athleticism. She is a threat to get in behind the defense and will be a big weapon for us. We haven't had a player like her since I got here. Thinking about the potential of these three lining up together gets me really excited for the season. She still has work to do to get back to 100% health, but she should get there in time for the season." Carly Walker | Redshirt Freshman | Midfielder | 5-6 Wyoming, Minn. | University of Nebraska Like Sydney, Carly Walker is from Minnesota and played for the Minnesota Thunder Academy ECNL program. After spending her freshman year as a redshirt at the University of Nebraska, Walker will join the Tigers as an attacking midfielder. Coach Reynolds on Walker: "Really love Carly's skillset and especially her competitive mentality. Having spent a year in that type of environment at a Power Five school like Nebraska, she can make a huge impact for us next fall. She has that ability to break defenders down on the dribble and create matchup nightmares for defenses. We haven't had that type of player in my three years here so far, although Jasmine Beaulieu had some of those qualities for sure. Obviously the level at Nebraska is really high, and she didn't get a chance her freshman year to play, so I think she is looking forward to showcasing her abilities this fall. I'm excited to see how she fits into the puzzle." Satsuki Hirose | Transfer Freshman | Midfielder/Forward | 5-2 Kanagawa, Japan | Kokushikan University The second international player in the class comes to Hays from Japan. Hirose is technically a transfer student after spending her first three years in school at Kokushikan University and playing for their collegiate team. She primarily plays on the wing or inside as an attacking midfielder. Coach Reynolds on Hirose: "Satsuki is exactly like what you see from the players on the Japanese Women's National Team, which is one of my favorite national teams to watch. She is super technical, super quick and has a great feel for the game. Our men's coach,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/staff.aspx?staff=242">Gerry Cleary</a>, has connections all over the world and he helped us with Satsuki. We owe a big thank you to Gerry on this one. Her immediate success here will depend on how translates to the collegiate game, as it's so physical over here. Skill-wise, there's no doubt she's ready. She could have a major impact right away, or she could take a little time to adjust. But either way she will be a very important player for us." Freshmen: Jersey Garoutte | Freshman | Utility| 5-7 Pueblo, Colo. | Pueblo West HS | Pride Predators One of four signees from the state of Colorado, Jersey Garoutte lot of success from both high school and club. At Pueblo West, she earned multiple All-State honors, including first team All-State as a junior. With her club team, Pride Predators, she was able to win a state title in 2018. She also has experience last summer playing with the semi-pro team, Pride-to-Pro, of the United Women's Soccer League located in Colorado Springs. Additionally, Garoutte served as Senior Class President.&nbsp; She plans to major in communication and science disorders. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"It feels like a home away from home, all of the girls seem so close like a second family, and I can't wait to be a part of that!" Coach Reynolds on Garoutte: "Jersey kind of came out of nowhere for us last summer. She registered for our residential camp and on the first day she caught my eye. Getting to spend those three days with her really left a big impression on me, and we offered her a scholarship just a couple of weeks later. She is very versatile, and I'm honestly not sure yet where she is going to fit the best. But I know her versatility will be very important for her, and will help her get on the field quickly. She's a great kid, and she's going to fit in here perfectly." Taylor Harr | Freshman | Forward | 5-9 Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS | Colorado Rapids Taylor Harr is the first of three club teammates from the Colorado Rapids joining our freshman class. She is also high school teammates with Shelby Talley at powerhouse Grandview. Harr helped Grandview to a state championship during her junior season.&nbsp;The outside forward is a natural left-footed player as well.&nbsp;Taylor will study ­­­­­­­­­­political science. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of the family aspect. The whole team is so close and the campus felt like home! It was a place that fit me well both athletically and academically." Coach Reynolds on Harr: "Taylor was one of several girls at our Winter ID camp that we loved and ended up offering. She's obviously got great size for an attacker, and she's a true lefty, but I really noticed her soccer IQ. She's going to have a shot to contribute to a revamped attack next fall. It'll be a lot of fun to see how she develop over the next four years. She could be really good for us." Emily Hutchings | Freshman | Midfielder | 5-6 Olathe, Kan. | Olathe West HS | Blue Valley Showcase The Sunflower League Midfielder of the Year in 2019 as a junior, Emily Hutchings capped off an impressive career at Olathe West as a part of the inaugural program in its first 2 years. She was a first team All-State selection as a junior and earned second team honors as a sophomore. She played club ball for Sporting Blue Valley Showcase. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"Not only for the fantastic academic programs, but because I wanted to play for a program and a coach that values me personally and my academic success, along with allowing my love for soccer to grow." Coach Reynolds on Hutchings: "Emily played high school soccer for Matt Trumpp at Olathe West, and Matt was my teammate at Baker University. Very early on after he started the program there, he said 'I've got a girl you have to see.' He was right, too. From the first time I saw her play as a sophomore, I knew I wanted her at FHSU. She's a winner. She does so many things well, but the best way I can describe her is she is a leader and a winner. Emily will impact this program in a big way." Sullivan Kelly | Freshman | Defender | 5-7 Davenport, Iowa | Assumption HS | Iowa Rush Sullivan Kelly is a three-time state champion at Assumption High School in Davenport Iowa. She also won the 2019 Iowa State Cup Champion with her club team, Iowa Rush. She's garnered multiple awards at the high school level including both first and second team All-State honors. Kelly will be a nursing major at FHSU. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of its academic fit, welcoming family-like atmosphere on campus, and the competitive soccer program." Coach Reynolds on Kelly: "A native Iowan himself,&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=837">Tyler Smaha</a>&nbsp;found Sully and was able to get her to sign up for our winter ID camp so we could see her in person. Pretty quickly we saw exactly what we were hoping for and knew we wanted her to be a part of the program. We project her as an outside back, but she's very versatile and could play other places too. I think she's going to be a terrific player for us." Ryan McCabe | Freshman | Midfielder | 5-8 Highlands Ranch, Colo. | Mountain Vista HS | Colorado Rapids The second of the Colorado Rapids coalition, Ryan McCabe is a defensive midfielder who is calm on the ball and distributes it well. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I loved the college town and the school. The big reason why I chose FHSU as my school is the soccer team and the girls were so welcoming, it just felt like a second home." Coach Reynolds on McCabe: "We needed to get bigger in the midfield, and Ryan brings not only that size, but she also has a good feel with the ball at her feet. Her transition to the physicality of the college game will determine how quickly she gets on the field. But I like her foundation and I look forward to seeing how she grows in our program. She comes from a good club and high school, so she won't be intimidated coming here." Jadyn Newell | Freshman | Defender | 5-8 Broken Arrow, Okla. | Broken Arrow HS | Tulsa Soccer Club ECNL An exciting pickup out of the state of Oklahoma, Jadyn Newell is a talented defender that will help fill the void of three graduating senior starters from last year's backline. As a junior at Broken Arrow High School, she was All-District and Academic All-Conference. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of the amazing nursing program, the soccer coaches care and kindness towards me and my parents, and the team's competitive and encouraging family-like environment!" Coach Reynolds on Newell: "We were super pumped to land Jadyn! She had a lot of interest from the best programs in her home state, but nursing was such a key element to this. We are blessed to have a nursing program that works with us to make sure our student-athletes can do both. On the field, Jadyn is a beast. She is a big, strong, but also skilled defender who likes to get forward on the outside. She plays for a great club and high school, and that level of competition will help her to impact us early on." Isabel Robben | Freshman | Goalkeeper | 5-8 Hays, Kan. | Hays HS Local product Isabel Robben joins the program as our second goalkeeper from Hays, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5570">Deonna Wellbrock</a>&nbsp;between the pipes. Isabel is a three-time all-conference performer, including first team honors as a junior. She was also a team captain. During the club season, Robben played for Mid-Kansas United and Hays Soccer Club as a youth. Isabel will major in accounting. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"It's in my hometown and because I like how welcomed it felt when the coaches contacted me." Coach Reynolds on Robben: "We were late to recruiting Isabel, which is ironic since she's in our backyard. We actually thought she didn't want to play in college so had kind of moved on. Then all of a sudden she was back in the picture and we were thrilled she wanted to stay home and attend FHSU. She's got a ton of potential! Super athletic, great instincts, fearless - I'm excited to get her into the program and get her started working with&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=838">Mark Nowak</a>&nbsp;(keeper coach) on a daily basis. I think she's going to take off under his supervision." Shelby Talley | Freshman | Defender | 5-10 Aurora, Colo. | Grandview HS | Colorado Rapids Shelby Talley is the final member of the Colorado Rapids trio. A physically imposing center back, Shelby has worked her way back from hip surgery junior year, which forced her to miss the state championship season for Grandview. Talley lists one of her biggest accomplishments as being back to 100% following her injury and having the opportunity to play college soccer. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because it wasn't too far away from home. But also it was a good fit for me academically and athletically." Coach Reynolds on Talley: "Shelby is the final of the three Colorado Rapids girls, and as a center-back she is the biggest of the three, which is never a bad thing as a center back! I don't think I've even seen close to the best Shelby has to offer because she was still coming back from her injury when we offered her. Obviously her high school program is a powerhouse, so she's played at a good level. She's going to get to learn from some great center backs we have on the roster currently, but she's going to be a good one I think." Paige Whitney | Freshman | Defender/Forward | 5-7 Raymore, Mo. | Raymore-Peculiar HS | KC Athletics A versatile athlete on the field, Paige Whitney comes to FHSU from Raymore, Mo. and the KC Athletics soccer club. She projects to play at either of the outside positions (forward/outside back, but has a utility aspect to her, which may see her used at other spots as well. She's known for her blue collar, hardworking mentality on the field. Paige will major in business at FHSU. Why she chose FHSU:&nbsp;"I chose FHSU because of the atmosphere and the people. It definitely felt like home here." Coach Reynolds on Whitney: "Paige is crazy! I mean that in the most endearing way, though. She's such an impressive young woman, we really liked her immediately when we met her at our winter ID camp. She is a raw athlete, but she's got a ton of potential. One of the unique things about her is she's a pilot, and wants to work/save up to buy her own personal plane to fly to school. That's definitely a recruiting first for me! She's going to be a great addition to the family and I'm excited to see her learn and grow in our environment."&nbsp;&nbsp;

FHSU women's soccer adds 14 in 2020 signing class

Fort Hays State looks to advance to the NAIA national title game for the second year in a row as they take on Central Washington in the national semifinals.

Fort Hays State looks to advance to the NAIA national title game for the second year in a row as they take on Central Washington in the national semifinals.<div><iframe title="1985 NAIA national semifinals vs. Central Washington (March 18, 1985)" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/6z5h8-df7da7?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: 1985 NAIA national semifinals

HAYS - The TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U baseball team scored in every inning as they sweep Otis-Bison Wednesday evening to move to 3-1.&nbsp;

The games were makeups after being rained out Tuesday.

The Monarchs return to action Friday with a doubleheader at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina against the Salina Eagles.

Game 1: Monarchs 19, Otis-Bison 11 (5 innings) After scoring three runs in each of the first four innings,
the Monarchs blew the game open with seven in the fifth.

Noah Gibson had three of the Monarchs 13 hits. He and Tyson
Dinkel both drove in three. Ethan Atherton and Mark Rack both had two RBIs.

Game 2: Monarchs 11, Otis-Bison 1 (4 innings) The Monarchs scored four in the first then added three runs
in the second and third before adding a run in the fourth for the run-rule
victory.

Tyson Dinkel and Mason Robbins both had two of the Monarchs
eight hits. Mark Rack finished with three RBIs while Noah Gibson drove in two.

Mark Rack, Tyson Dinkel each pitched two innings and
combined to hold Otis-Bison to one hit.

HAYS - The TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U baseball team scored in every inning as they sweep Otis-Bison Wednesday evening to move to 3-1.&nbsp;The games were makeups after being rained out Tuesday.The Monarchs return to action Friday with a doubleheader at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina against the Salina Eagles.Game 1: Monarchs 19, Otis-Bison 11 (5 innings) After scoring three runs in each of the first four innings,
the Monarchs blew the game open with seven in the fifth.Noah Gibson had three of the Monarchs 13 hits. He and Tyson
Dinkel both drove in three. Ethan Atherton and Mark Rack both had two RBIs.Game 2: Monarchs 11, Otis-Bison 1 (4 innings) The Monarchs scored four in the first then added three runs
in the second and third before adding a run in the fourth for the run-rule
victory.Tyson Dinkel and Mason Robbins both had two of the Monarchs
eight hits. Mark Rack finished with three RBIs while Noah Gibson drove in two.Mark Rack, Tyson Dinkel each pitched two innings and
combined to hold Otis-Bison to one hit.

TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U sweeps Otis-Bison

HAYS – The Hays Eagles 17U baseball team was swept by the
Salina Outlaws in their season-opening doubleheader Wednesday evening at Larks
Park. Salina rallied with two runs in the top of the seventh inning and won game
one 3-2 then scored 10 in the fifth to take the second game 15-5 in five
innings.

The Junior Eagles are off until June 16 th when they host
Salina at Hays High School.

Game 1: Salina 3, Hays 2 
The Eagles scored two in the first and led 2-1 before giving up two runs in the
top of the seventh.

Hays got a couple or runners on in the bottom of the seventh,
but a strikeout and ground out to short ended the threat.

Carson Spray had two of the Eagles three hits and drove in
both runs with a first inning single.

Blake Schmidt&nbsp; was the
tough-luck loser on the mound. He allowed seven hits but no earned runs in the complete
game outing with six strikeouts and two walks.

The Eagles committed five errors in the game including two
in the seventh.

Game 2: Salina 15, Hays 0 (5 innings) 
Salina scored 10 runs in the fifth to blow open a 5-0 lead for the run-rule
victory.

The Eagles were held without a hit and committed five
errors.

All eight of Hays’ baserunners reached on walks.

HAYS – The Hays Eagles 17U baseball team was swept by the
Salina Outlaws in their season-opening doubleheader Wednesday evening at Larks
Park. Salina rallied with two runs in the top of the seventh inning and won game
one 3-2 then scored 10 in the fifth to take the second game 15-5 in five
innings.The Junior Eagles are off until June 16 th when they host
Salina at Hays High School.Game 1: Salina 3, Hays 2 
The Eagles scored two in the first and led 2-1 before giving up two runs in the
top of the seventh.Hays got a couple or runners on in the bottom of the seventh,
but a strikeout and ground out to short ended the threat.Carson Spray had two of the Eagles three hits and drove in
both runs with a first inning single.Blake Schmidt&nbsp; was the
tough-luck loser on the mound. He allowed seven hits but no earned runs in the complete
game outing with six strikeouts and two walks.The Eagles committed five errors in the game including two
in the seventh.Game 2: Salina 15, Hays 0 (5 innings) 
Salina scored 10 runs in the fifth to blow open a 5-0 lead for the run-rule
victory.The Eagles were held without a hit and committed five
errors.All eight of Hays’ baserunners reached on walks.

Junior Eagles swept in season opener

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp; –&nbsp;The Kansas City Royals made two selections on the first day of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, including the fourth overall pick, Asa Lacy, a left-handed pitcher from Texas A&amp;M University. Lacy is the fourth player chosen fourth overall in Royals history, joining Christian&nbsp;Colón&nbsp;(2010,&nbsp;Mike Stodolka&nbsp;(2000)&nbsp;and Jeff Austin&nbsp;(1998). In the Competitive Balance Round A (32nd&nbsp;overall, the Royals selected&nbsp;Nick Loftin, a shortstop from Baylor University.

Lacy, 21, is the highest-selected baseball player in Aggies history, surpassing&nbsp;Jeff Granger, who the Royals selected fifth overall in 1993. Lacy went 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA (2 ER in 24.0 IP, 46 strikeouts (17.3 K/9, just eight walks (3.0 BB/9) and a .111 opponents’ average in four starts as a junior, prior to the season being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. In his second start of the season on Feb. 21 vs. Army, Lacy recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts in just 5.0 innings.

Loftin, 21, was named preseason Big 12 Player of the Year by&nbsp;Baseball America&nbsp;and hit .298 in 14 games, before the 2020 season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a sophomore in 2019, Loftin made hit .323 with a .502 slugging percentage in 53 starts – all at shortstop – for the Bears. He was named First-Team All-Big 12, and started games at five positions (shortstop, second base, third base, left field and right field) for the U.S. collegiate national team last summer.

The 2020 First-Year Player Draft will resume tomorrow with rounds two through five, beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT. The royals have four selections tomorrow: Nos. 41, 76, 105 and 135.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.&nbsp; –&nbsp;The Kansas City Royals made two selections on the first day of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, including the fourth overall pick, Asa Lacy, a left-handed pitcher from Texas A&amp;M University. Lacy is the fourth player chosen fourth overall in Royals history, joining Christian&nbsp;Colón&nbsp;(2010,&nbsp;Mike Stodolka&nbsp;(2000)&nbsp;and Jeff Austin&nbsp;(1998). In the Competitive Balance Round A (32nd&nbsp;overall, the Royals selected&nbsp;Nick Loftin, a shortstop from Baylor University.Lacy, 21, is the highest-selected baseball player in Aggies history, surpassing&nbsp;Jeff Granger, who the Royals selected fifth overall in 1993. Lacy went 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA (2 ER in 24.0 IP, 46 strikeouts (17.3 K/9, just eight walks (3.0 BB/9) and a .111 opponents’ average in four starts as a junior, prior to the season being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. In his second start of the season on Feb. 21 vs. Army, Lacy recorded a career-high 14 strikeouts in just 5.0 innings.Loftin, 21, was named preseason Big 12 Player of the Year by&nbsp;Baseball America&nbsp;and hit .298 in 14 games, before the 2020 season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a sophomore in 2019, Loftin made hit .323 with a .502 slugging percentage in 53 starts – all at shortstop – for the Bears. He was named First-Team All-Big 12, and started games at five positions (shortstop, second base, third base, left field and right field) for the U.S. collegiate national team last summer.The 2020 First-Year Player Draft will resume tomorrow with rounds two through five, beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT. The royals have four selections tomorrow: Nos. 41, 76, 105 and 135.Kansas City Royals

Royals select two players on first day of MLB draft

NEW YORK (AP) - Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says there is a “100%” chance of big league ball this year. 

Major League Baseball will make another proposal to start the pandemic-delayed season in empty ballparks, but Manfred vowed to unilaterally order opening day if an agreement is not reached.

“I can tell you unequivocally we are going to play Major League Baseball this year,” he said.

Manfred insisted the chance of playing this year was “100%.”

The players’ association made its second proposal Tuesday, asking for an 89-game regular season and 100% of prorated salaries. MLB’s plan a day earlier was for a 76-game season, would guarantee 50% of prorated salaries and hinge 25% in additional money on the postseason’s completion.

NEW YORK (AP) - Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says there is a “100%” chance of big league ball this year. Major League Baseball will make another proposal to start the pandemic-delayed season in empty ballparks, but Manfred vowed to unilaterally order opening day if an agreement is not reached.“I can tell you unequivocally we are going to play Major League Baseball this year,” he said.Manfred insisted the chance of playing this year was “100%.”The players’ association made its second proposal Tuesday, asking for an 89-game regular season and 100% of prorated salaries. MLB’s plan a day earlier was for a 76-game season, would guarantee 50% of prorated salaries and hinge 25% in additional money on the postseason’s completion.

Manfred says ’100%′ chance of MLB season, new proposal soon

The last two seasons of Tavian Creamer's track career for Hays High hardly went the way he was expecting. However on Wednesday the recently graduated Indian inked his National Letter of Intent to run for Fort Hays State University.

Creamer started getting looks from colleges early in his career. One of those was FHSU. A personal best :50.00 run in the 400 meters at the state meet his sophomore season left him just sort of the podium in 4A but set the stage for what should have been a big next couple of years.&nbsp;

As we all have learned over the past several months, life doesn't always go as planned. Creamer suffered through a leg injury during his junior season. Then COVID-19 took his final chance to impress college scouts. With an opportunity to run close to family at Fort Hays State Creamer took the offer to compete.

Creamer was also a starter on the Hays High football team. As a cornerback he tallied 103 tackles in his career, two for loss, grabbed four interceptions and recovered two fumbles.

The last two seasons of Tavian Creamer's track career for Hays High hardly went the way he was expecting. However on Wednesday the recently graduated Indian inked his National Letter of Intent to run for Fort Hays State University.<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/837784906&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/tavian-creamer" title="Tavian Creamer" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Tavian Creamer</a></div></div>Creamer started getting looks from colleges early in his career. One of those was FHSU. A personal best :50.00 run in the 400 meters at the state meet his sophomore season left him just sort of the podium in 4A but set the stage for what should have been a big next couple of years.&nbsp;As we all have learned over the past several months, life doesn't always go as planned. Creamer suffered through a leg injury during his junior season. Then COVID-19 took his final chance to impress college scouts. With an opportunity to run close to family at Fort Hays State Creamer took the offer to compete.Creamer was also a starter on the Hays High football team. As a cornerback he tallied 103 tackles in his career, two for loss, grabbed four interceptions and recovered two fumbles.

Tavian Creamer signs with FHSU 

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players have moved toward teams but remained far apart economically in their latest proposal for starting the pandemic-delayed season, adamant they receive full prorated salaries while offering to cut the regular season to 89.

The proposal by the players’ association, given to Major League Baseball Tuesday evening without a negotiating session, was detailed to The Associated Press by a pair of people familiar with the negotiations. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcements were authorized.

MLB did not appear to view the proposal as productive but made no comment. MLB has said that absent an agreement it could go ahead with a shorter schedule of perhaps 50 games.

Players made their move one day after management cut its proposed schedule from 82 games to 76.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players have moved toward teams but remained far apart economically in their latest proposal for starting the pandemic-delayed season, adamant they receive full prorated salaries while offering to cut the regular season to 89.The proposal by the players’ association, given to Major League Baseball Tuesday evening without a negotiating session, was detailed to The Associated Press by a pair of people familiar with the negotiations. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcements were authorized.MLB did not appear to view the proposal as productive but made no comment. MLB has said that absent an agreement it could go ahead with a shorter schedule of perhaps 50 games.Players made their move one day after management cut its proposed schedule from 82 games to 76.

MLB players cut to 89 games, want prorated money

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA is considering a six-week plan for football teams to prepare for the start of their seasons that includes two weeks when teams can hold walk-throughs before full practices start.

A copy of the Football Oversight Committee’s plan, which still needs to be approved by the Division I Council, was obtained by The Associated Press. Sports Illustrated first reported on the one-page document.

The oversight committee has been working on a six-week model to lead into the season for weeks. It calls for two weeks preceding the start of a typical preseason practice schedule during which time teams can do up 20 hours per week or weight training, conditioning, film study, meetings and walk-throughs with coaches. Players would not be permitted to wear helmets and pads during walk-throughs, but a ball could be used for instruction.

NCAA rules state teams can begin preseason practice 29 days before the date of their first game. The walk-through period would begin 14 days before preseason practice, according to the proposal.

The plan has not been finalized but could be approved within two weeks.

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA is considering a six-week plan for football teams to prepare for the start of their seasons that includes two weeks when teams can hold walk-throughs before full practices start.A copy of the Football Oversight Committee’s plan, which still needs to be approved by the Division I Council, was obtained by The Associated Press. Sports Illustrated first reported on the one-page document.The oversight committee has been working on a six-week model to lead into the season for weeks. It calls for two weeks preceding the start of a typical preseason practice schedule during which time teams can do up 20 hours per week or weight training, conditioning, film study, meetings and walk-throughs with coaches. Players would not be permitted to wear helmets and pads during walk-throughs, but a ball could be used for instruction.NCAA rules state teams can begin preseason practice 29 days before the date of their first game. The walk-through period would begin 14 days before preseason practice, according to the proposal.The plan has not been finalized but could be approved within two weeks.

NCAA considering 6-week plan for football prep

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is making another try to start the coronavirus-delayed season in early July.

The proposal calls for a 76-game regular season, expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to as many as 16 and allowing players to earn about 75% of their prorated salaries.

Players have refused cuts beyond what they agreed to in March shortly after the pandemic began, part of baseball’s again acrimonious labor relations. The arduous negotiations have jeopardized plans to hold opening day around the Fourth of July in ballparks without fans and provide entertainment to a public still emerging from months of quarantine.

MLB says it can't afford to play in ballparks without fans, and in May the owners proposed an 82-game schedule. The union countered with a 114-game schedule at prorated pay that would extend the regular season by a month through October.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball is making another try to start the coronavirus-delayed season in early July.The proposal calls for a 76-game regular season, expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to as many as 16 and allowing players to earn about 75% of their prorated salaries.Players have refused cuts beyond what they agreed to in March shortly after the pandemic began, part of baseball’s again acrimonious labor relations. The arduous negotiations have jeopardized plans to hold opening day around the Fourth of July in ballparks without fans and provide entertainment to a public still emerging from months of quarantine.MLB says it can't afford to play in ballparks without fans, and in May the owners proposed an 82-game schedule. The union countered with a 114-game schedule at prorated pay that would extend the regular season by a month through October.

New MLB plan calls for 76-game season

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL and the players’ union have sent a planner to the 32 teams outlining procedures for the full reopening of their practice facilities.

A memo written by Commissioner Roger Goodell and approved by the NFL Players Association describes protocols focusing on screening, testing, and infection prevention and treatment for COVID-19, including response for new infections.

Also included are instructions on proper facility access, cleaning and disinfecting; physical distancing; hygiene, health education and medical services. There are instructions on food preparation; supplies; and team travel.

No timetable has been set for the return of most players to team complexes. Only players rehabilitating injuries have been allowed to enter the buildings.

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL and the players’ union have sent a planner to the 32 teams outlining procedures for the full reopening of their practice facilities.A memo written by Commissioner Roger Goodell and approved by the NFL Players Association describes protocols focusing on screening, testing, and infection prevention and treatment for COVID-19, including response for new infections.Also included are instructions on proper facility access, cleaning and disinfecting; physical distancing; hygiene, health education and medical services. There are instructions on food preparation; supplies; and team travel.No timetable has been set for the return of most players to team complexes. Only players rehabilitating injuries have been allowed to enter the buildings.

NFL sends plan to teams for return to facilities

ATLANTA (AP) — John Zook, who teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end, has died. He was 72.

His brother, Dean Zook,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ajc.com/blog/further-review/goodbye-john-zook-classic-falcon/9X9bDd5uUq3kBZY8jFJ4AO/" target="_blank">confirmed the death</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former player died Saturday in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.

Initially a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams out of Kansas, Zook wound up in Atlanta after a pair of trades, first to Philadelphia, then to the Falcons.

Zook was with Atlanta from 1969-75, lining up on the right while Humphrey held down the left side. The team has scant success, with only two winning seasons and no playoff appearances during that time, but the duo was recognized as one of the team’s few strong suits.

Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.

“The most fun I had the whole time I played football was the time John and I had that season when we were both selected to the Pro Bowl,” Humphrey told the Atlanta newspaper. ”We figured out we were better together than we were individually.”

Zook was dealt to St. Louis in 1976, spending his last four seasons with the Cardinals.

Zook had four career interceptions and notably recorded the first safety in Falcons history in 1971.

He grew up in Larned, Kansas. Attended Kansas University.

ATLANTA (AP) — John Zook, who teamed with Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey to give the Atlanta Falcons a dynamic combination at defensive end, has died. He was 72.His brother, Dean Zook,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ajc.com/blog/further-review/goodbye-john-zook-classic-falcon/9X9bDd5uUq3kBZY8jFJ4AO/" target="_blank">confirmed the death</a>&nbsp;to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former player died Saturday in his native Kansas after a long battle with cancer.Initially a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams out of Kansas, Zook wound up in Atlanta after a pair of trades, first to Philadelphia, then to the Falcons.Zook was with Atlanta from 1969-75, lining up on the right while Humphrey held down the left side. The team has scant success, with only two winning seasons and no playoff appearances during that time, but the duo was recognized as one of the team’s few strong suits.Zook never missed a game during his tenure with the Falcons, starting 97 of 98 contests. He made his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1973, joining Humphrey in the all-star game.“The most fun I had the whole time I played football was the time John and I had that season when we were both selected to the Pro Bowl,” Humphrey told the Atlanta newspaper. ”We figured out we were better together than we were individually.”Zook was dealt to St. Louis in 1976, spending his last four seasons with the Cardinals.He played 144 games, with 134 starts.Zook had four career interceptions and notably recorded the first safety in Falcons history in 1971.He grew up in Larned, Kansas. Attended Kansas University.

Longtime Atlanta Falcons DE John Zook dies at age 72

The TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U baseball team split a
doubleheader with Russell Friday at the TMP-Field in the season opener for
both. Russell rallied to tie game one then scored five in the eighth for 14-10
extra inning win game one. The Monarchs grabbed the early lead and took game
two 6-2 in five innings.

Game 1: Russell 14,
Monarchs 10 (8 innings) 
TMP-Marian led 6-4 after five innings but Russell rallied with four runs in the
sixth and five in the top of the eighth to take the lead for good.

After falling behind in the top of the sixth, the Monarchs
scored twice in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 8-8.

Each team scored in the seventh before Russell broke it open
in the eighth on Andrew Roth’s RBI double.

Mason Robbins allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits
in 2 2/3 innings of relief and takes the loss.

Noah Gibson had three of the Monarchs seven hits and drove
in two runs. Jace Wentling also had two RBIs.

Game 2: Monarchs 6,
Russell 2 (5 innings) 
The Monarchs scored three in the first and two in the second to take game
two and gain a split. Nick Helget’s two-out double to right scored two in the bottom
of the first and gave TMP-Marian the lead for good. Nick Herman followed with
an RBI single which scored Helget.

Tyson Dinkel and Ethan Atherton both drove in runs in the second.

Herman allowed two runs on four hits with four strikeouts
and two walks and picked up the complete game victory.

Zeke Haag had two hits. Atherton and Helget both drove in
two runs.

The TMP-Marian Monarchs 18U baseball team split a
doubleheader with Russell Friday at the TMP-Field in the season opener for
both. Russell rallied to tie game one then scored five in the eighth for 14-10
extra inning win game one. The Monarchs grabbed the early lead and took game
two 6-2 in five innings.Game 1: Russell 14,
Monarchs 10 (8 innings) 
TMP-Marian led 6-4 after five innings but Russell rallied with four runs in the
sixth and five in the top of the eighth to take the lead for good.After falling behind in the top of the sixth, the Monarchs
scored twice in the bottom of the inning to tie the game 8-8.Each team scored in the seventh before Russell broke it open
in the eighth on Andrew Roth’s RBI double.Mason Robbins allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits
in 2 2/3 innings of relief and takes the loss.Noah Gibson had three of the Monarchs seven hits and drove
in two runs. Jace Wentling also had two RBIs.Game 2: Monarchs 6,
Russell 2 (5 innings) 
The Monarchs scored three in the first and two in the second to take game
two and gain a split. Nick Helget’s two-out double to right scored two in the bottom
of the first and gave TMP-Marian the lead for good. Nick Herman followed with
an RBI single which scored Helget.Tyson Dinkel and Ethan Atherton both drove in runs in the second.Herman allowed two runs on four hits with four strikeouts
and two walks and picked up the complete game victory.Zeke Haag had two hits. Atherton and Helget both drove in
two runs.

Monarchs 18U split season opener with Russell

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced late Friday it had reached a settlement with former football coach David Beaty, who had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract.

The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.

The two sides had been in a legal battle since shortly after Kansas fired Beaty near the end of the 2018 season. His contract called for a $3 million buyout, but the school refused to pay it after discovering potential NCAA infractions during routine end-of-season interviews with Beaty's coaching staff.

The school reported the discoveries to the NCAA and was given a Level II violation.

Beaty, who won just six games in four seasons, filed his lawsuit in March 2019 in an attempt to get the full sum of his contract. The settlement will be paid from the money placed in escrow the year after he was fired.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced late Friday it had reached a settlement with former football coach David Beaty, who had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract.The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.The two sides had been in a legal battle since shortly after Kansas fired Beaty near the end of the 2018 season. His contract called for a $3 million buyout, but the school refused to pay it after discovering potential NCAA infractions during routine end-of-season interviews with Beaty's coaching staff.The school reported the discoveries to the NCAA and was given a Level II violation.Beaty, who won just six games in four seasons, filed his lawsuit in March 2019 in an attempt to get the full sum of his contract. The settlement will be paid from the money placed in escrow the year after he was fired.

Kansas agrees to $2.55M settlement with ex-football coach Beaty

Hummer Sports Complex selected as the new site of the 47th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl

After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus on May 5th, due to health and safety concerns from&nbsp;COVID-19, the fate of the 47th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown. Today, the Kansas Shrine Bowl is excited to&nbsp;announce they will stay in Topeka and play their game at Hummer Sports Complex. “While health and safety concerns&nbsp;are still a factor, we are excited to have a new venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July&nbsp;18th,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “Hummer Sports Complex is an amazing facility and&nbsp;their staff and support will be a tremendous asset.”

The new venue is a positive step, but the Kansas Shrine Bowl recognizes the challenges and changes that could affect the&nbsp;event. “All activities are being coordinated with assistance from the Shawnee County COVID-19 Task Force,” added&nbsp;Harris. “The health of our players, participants and fans is the top priority and we look forward to working with local&nbsp;officials to execute a safe event.”

The announcement of Hummer Sports Complex as the sight of the 2020 game is a great step forward, but the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be anything but business as usual. The biggest change will the cancellation of the Kansas&nbsp;Masonic All-State Marching Band. “After discussions with multiple high school and collegiate band directors it became&nbsp;evident that a successful band camp would not be possible with the expected limitations,” said Harris. “We are&nbsp;disappointed for our band kids, but we’re hopeful we can keep them engaged with our event and execute an alternative&nbsp;that could keep the band present at this year’s game.”

Dr. William Woodsworth, Director of Athletic Bands at Emporia State University and A.J. Pence, Band Director at Valley&nbsp;Falls High School, will be working to put together the 37th Annual Kansas Masonic All-State “Virtual” Band. “It is&nbsp;important to allow these fine students to share their talents and their passion, especially given these trying times,” said&nbsp;Dr. Woodsworth. “Ultimately, although it will never be able to replace an in-person performance, our purpose will still&nbsp;hold true. This summer’s performance of the 2020 Kansas Masonic All-State “Virtual” Band will still be ‘For the Kids’!”

<h2>Hummer Sports Complex selected as the new site of the 47th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl</h2>After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus on May 5th, due to health and safety concerns from&nbsp;COVID-19, the fate of the 47th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown. Today, the Kansas Shrine Bowl is excited to&nbsp;announce they will stay in Topeka and play their game at Hummer Sports Complex. “While health and safety concerns&nbsp;are still a factor, we are excited to have a new venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July&nbsp;18th,” said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl. “Hummer Sports Complex is an amazing facility and&nbsp;their staff and support will be a tremendous asset.”The new venue is a positive step, but the Kansas Shrine Bowl recognizes the challenges and changes that could affect the&nbsp;event. “All activities are being coordinated with assistance from the Shawnee County COVID-19 Task Force,” added&nbsp;Harris. “The health of our players, participants and fans is the top priority and we look forward to working with local&nbsp;officials to execute a safe event.”The announcement of Hummer Sports Complex as the sight of the 2020 game is a great step forward, but the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be anything but business as usual. The biggest change will the cancellation of the Kansas&nbsp;Masonic All-State Marching Band. “After discussions with multiple high school and collegiate band directors it became&nbsp;evident that a successful band camp would not be possible with the expected limitations,” said Harris. “We are&nbsp;disappointed for our band kids, but we’re hopeful we can keep them engaged with our event and execute an alternative&nbsp;that could keep the band present at this year’s game.”Dr. William Woodsworth, Director of Athletic Bands at Emporia State University and A.J. Pence, Band Director at Valley&nbsp;Falls High School, will be working to put together the 37th Annual Kansas Masonic All-State “Virtual” Band. “It is&nbsp;important to allow these fine students to share their talents and their passion, especially given these trying times,” said&nbsp;Dr. Woodsworth. “Ultimately, although it will never be able to replace an in-person performance, our purpose will still&nbsp;hold true. This summer’s performance of the 2020 Kansas Masonic All-State “Virtual” Band will still be ‘For the Kids’!”Other changes to the 47th Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be the cancellation of the Participant Appreciation Banquet,&nbsp;Strong Legs Run 5K and hospital screening clinic. The Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp has been shortened to a two-day, commuter camp and will take place at a Topeka school district facility. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade, high school football combine, and Jr. All-Star Challenge are still being considered but could be altered or cancelled. The four-man golf scramble is still scheduled at the Topeka Country Club and hosted by the Arab Shrine Golfers on Friday, July 17th.Individuals who have purchased banquet tickets or banquet sponsorships will be contacted for refund arrangements.Kansas Masonic Lodges will be contacted regarding their band sponsorships and how to proceed over the next few weeks.East and West training camps are still set to be held in Ottawa and Salina; further details will be provided to parents and&nbsp;players in the coming days.“We remain fully aware that additional changes and disruptions could occur as we continue to plan for our event, and&nbsp;we encourage our fans and supporters to remain engaged and flexible,” said Harris. “Our fundraiser will only move forward with the support and guidance of local authorities; we trust their leadership and hope to execute a quality event on July 18th.”Kansas Shrine Bowl Release