UNDATED (AP) — The NFL is considering adding a “booth umpire” and a senior technology adviser to the referee to assist the officiating crew.

The league also is looking at other rule changes, including an alternative to the onside kick.

NFL clubs received a list of potential rules changes on Thursday. Owners will vote on the proposals at the upcoming league meeting to be held by video conference on May 28. If owners don’t approve adding a booth umpire and/or a senior technology adviser, the league could test a version of both rules in the preseason for possible future implementation.

The proposal that would give teams another option instead of an onside kick permits a team to maintain possession of the ball after a score by substituting one offensive play. The kicking team would attempt a fourth-and-15 from its 25-yard line. This could be done a maximum of two times per game. Onside kicks have become infrequent and rarely successful since the NFL changed rules on alignments for kickoffs.

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL is considering adding a “booth umpire” and a senior technology adviser to the referee to assist the officiating crew.The league also is looking at other rule changes, including an alternative to the onside kick.NFL clubs received a list of potential rules changes on Thursday. Owners will vote on the proposals at the upcoming league meeting to be held by video conference on May 28. If owners don’t approve adding a booth umpire and/or a senior technology adviser, the league could test a version of both rules in the preseason for possible future implementation.The proposal that would give teams another option instead of an onside kick permits a team to maintain possession of the ball after a score by substituting one offensive play. The kicking team would attempt a fourth-and-15 from its 25-yard line. This could be done a maximum of two times per game. Onside kicks have become infrequent and rarely successful since the NFL changed rules on alignments for kickoffs.

NFL looks at adding "booth umpire" and tech adviser for refs

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head wrestling coach&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/29612e3d-5d19-452d-97bb-04670dfec530?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Chas Thompson</a>&nbsp;announced he is resigning from his head wrestling coach position at Fort Hays State University. Thompson led the program for 12 years from 2008-2020.

"I want to thank Fort Hays State University and the Athletic Department for all of the opportunities given to me in my tenure in Hays," said Thompson. "I have many fond memories here. I will truly miss my FHSU Wrestling family, and I look forward to seeing them reach their goals. While this has been a very hard decision for me, with all this uncertainty due to COVID-19, I am looking into opportunities to get back closer to family."

"We'd like to thank Chas for his efforts as our head wrestling coach over the years," said FHSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/36ebf514-3963-455d-a433-d178dddb367e?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Curtis Hammeke</a>. "We wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors."

Most recently in 2019-20, Thompson coached the Tigers to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Super Region 4 Championships. Five of his wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Championships, which unfortunately were canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It matched the most national qualifiers for FHSU since 2014, while two of the five received All-America honors based on voting by the NWCA.

In his 12 years leading the program, Thompson guided the Tigers to a dual mark of 91-77-1. He is the career dual wins leader among coaches in FHSU history, and the longest-tenured coach in the program's history.

Thompson coached 12 individuals to 17 All-America finishes. During the most recent season of 2019-20,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/63494561-e2b1-4296-96d3-b69b5300a73c?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;became the most decorated individual under Thompson's guidance, earning the third All-America honor of his career. Three other individuals under Thompson's guidance earned All-America honors twice. Ball also finished as the all-time leader in win percentage for the program's history with a record of 130-22 (.855).&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0366e094-81c1-40cc-b117-72e468e651e1?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Jon Inman</a>&nbsp;(2017 - 197 pounds, who previously owned the program's highest individual win percentage, and Tommy Edgmon (2009 - 125 pounds) claimed the highest national finishes among Thompson's wrestlers, both finishing second.

Fort Hays State was in the NWCA national team rankings multiple times during Thompson's tenure. A 12th-place finish at the NCAA Championships was the highest for the program under Thompson, accomplished twice (2010 and 2017).

Thompson's 2009-10 team posted a 12-5 record, the most dual wins in a season for the program in 45 years. The 12 wins were the second most for a season in school history. Then as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in wrestling, FHSU finished 8-1 in conference duals, placing second. It was the highest conference finish the program had under Thompson. The Tigers also set a school record for most consecutive dual wins that season with 10.

Prior to his 12-year head coaching stint at FHSU, Thompson was head coach for two years at Pratt (Kan.) Community College. Outside of his time at Pratt, Thompson has been part of the Tiger wrestling program for nearly two decades, wrestling from 1999-2002 before serving as an assistant coach from 2002-2005. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Fort Hays State. He came to FHSU after wrestling at Labette Community College for his father Jody Thompson, a member of multiple wrestling halls of fame.

A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.



HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State head wrestling coach&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/29612e3d-5d19-452d-97bb-04670dfec530?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Chas Thompson</a>&nbsp;announced he is resigning from his head wrestling coach position at Fort Hays State University. Thompson led the program for 12 years from 2008-2020."I want to thank Fort Hays State University and the Athletic Department for all of the opportunities given to me in my tenure in Hays," said Thompson. "I have many fond memories here. I will truly miss my FHSU Wrestling family, and I look forward to seeing them reach their goals. While this has been a very hard decision for me, with all this uncertainty due to COVID-19, I am looking into opportunities to get back closer to family.""We'd like to thank Chas for his efforts as our head wrestling coach over the years," said FHSU Athletic Director&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/36ebf514-3963-455d-a433-d178dddb367e?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Curtis Hammeke</a>. "We wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors."Most recently in 2019-20, Thompson coached the Tigers to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Super Region 4 Championships. Five of his wrestlers qualified for the NCAA Championships, which unfortunately were canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It matched the most national qualifiers for FHSU since 2014, while two of the five received All-America honors based on voting by the NWCA.In his 12 years leading the program, Thompson guided the Tigers to a dual mark of 91-77-1. He is the career dual wins leader among coaches in FHSU history, and the longest-tenured coach in the program's history.Thompson coached 12 individuals to 17 All-America finishes. During the most recent season of 2019-20,&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/63494561-e2b1-4296-96d3-b69b5300a73c?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;became the most decorated individual under Thompson's guidance, earning the third All-America honor of his career. Three other individuals under Thompson's guidance earned All-America honors twice. Ball also finished as the all-time leader in win percentage for the program's history with a record of 130-22 (.855).&nbsp;<a href="http://fhsuathletics.com/services/go.ashx/0366e094-81c1-40cc-b117-72e468e651e1?elinkdata=150110" target="_blank">Jon Inman</a>&nbsp;(2017 - 197 pounds, who previously owned the program's highest individual win percentage, and Tommy Edgmon (2009 - 125 pounds) claimed the highest national finishes among Thompson's wrestlers, both finishing second.Fort Hays State was in the NWCA national team rankings multiple times during Thompson's tenure. A 12th-place finish at the NCAA Championships was the highest for the program under Thompson, accomplished twice (2010 and 2017).Thompson's 2009-10 team posted a 12-5 record, the most dual wins in a season for the program in 45 years. The 12 wins were the second most for a season in school history. Then as members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in wrestling, FHSU finished 8-1 in conference duals, placing second. It was the highest conference finish the program had under Thompson. The Tigers also set a school record for most consecutive dual wins that season with 10.Prior to his 12-year head coaching stint at FHSU, Thompson was head coach for two years at Pratt (Kan.) Community College. Outside of his time at Pratt, Thompson has been part of the Tiger wrestling program for nearly two decades, wrestling from 1999-2002 before serving as an assistant coach from 2002-2005. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Fort Hays State. He came to FHSU after wrestling at Labette Community College for his father Jody Thompson, a member of multiple wrestling halls of fame.A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Thompson resigns from FHSU head wrestling coach position

Mike Racy joins the Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about how the MIAA will handle fewer games in the upcoming 2020-21 school year.

Mike Racy joins the Defend the Fort Podcast to talk about how the MIAA will handle fewer games in the upcoming 2020-21 school year.<div><iframe title="MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/sqatb-dd3fa8?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=2&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎧 MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy talks scheduling

A day after announcing a new head girls' basketball coach, Hays High has announced the hiring of Shannon Funk as its new volleyball coach. She is a longtime staple in the western Kansas volleyball community. As an employee of Hays Recreation Commission, she revitalized the volleyball summer league for middle and high school teams. The league played in Hays saw more than 50 teams playing at its peak.&nbsp;

In 2007 Funk established Western Kansas Elite. She ran the club volleyball team through 2017 increasing the teams from one her first year to thirteen her final season at the helm. Those thirteen squads totaled more than 100 girls.&nbsp;

Funk has also coached in the schools of Hays. Following graduation in 1999 she became the girls "B" team basketball coach at Felten Middle School from 1999 through 2004 and was the assistant volleyball coach from 2000 through 2005. In her first return to Hays High she was an assistant on the volleyball team for 2006 and 2007 and an assistant on the girls basketball team from 2005 through 2007.&nbsp;

Funk also spent one season at Fort Hays State University as a volunteer assistant coach in 2008.&nbsp;

Funk was the first volleyball coach at TMP-Marian Middle School and held the position for two years before joining her sister on the TMP-Marian High School staff. She assisted Natasha Dreher from 2014 through 2017. Her final season as an assistant was the same year that TMP won the 3A state title.&nbsp;

Funk will also teach Social Studies and Physical Education at Hays High School. She was approved as the head volleyball coach in January and as a result has had the opportunity to meet with her team on a few occasions before the COVID-19 pandemic halted on-campus classes.&nbsp;

She replaces Christin Nunnery who stepped down at the end of the 2019 season.

A day after announcing a new head girls' basketball coach, Hays High has announced the hiring of Shannon Funk as its new volleyball coach. She is a longtime staple in the western Kansas volleyball community. As an employee of Hays Recreation Commission, she revitalized the volleyball summer league for middle and high school teams. The league played in Hays saw more than 50 teams playing at its peak.&nbsp;In 2007 Funk established Western Kansas Elite. She ran the club volleyball team through 2017 increasing the teams from one her first year to thirteen her final season at the helm. Those thirteen squads totaled more than 100 girls.&nbsp;Funk has also coached in the schools of Hays. Following graduation in 1999 she became the girls "B" team basketball coach at Felten Middle School from 1999 through 2004 and was the assistant volleyball coach from 2000 through 2005. In her first return to Hays High she was an assistant on the volleyball team for 2006 and 2007 and an assistant on the girls basketball team from 2005 through 2007.&nbsp;Funk also spent one season at Fort Hays State University as a volunteer assistant coach in 2008.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/825192418&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=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/shannon-funk-hhs-volleyball" title="Shannon Funk - HHS Volleyball" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Shannon Funk - HHS Volleyball</a></div></div>Funk was the first volleyball coach at TMP-Marian Middle School and held the position for two years before joining her sister on the TMP-Marian High School staff. She assisted Natasha Dreher from 2014 through 2017. Her final season as an assistant was the same year that TMP won the 3A state title.&nbsp;Funk will also teach Social Studies and Physical Education at Hays High School. She was approved as the head volleyball coach in January and as a result has had the opportunity to meet with her team on a few occasions before the COVID-19 pandemic halted on-campus classes.&nbsp;She replaces Christin Nunnery who stepped down at the end of the 2019 season.

UPDATE: Hays High announces Funk as volleyball coach

LEAWOOD, Kan. (AP) — It’s a good thing an NFL kicking operation requires no more than three players.

There’s the long snapper, tasked with delivering the ball. The kicker, who is expected to send it through the uprights. And the punter, who for many teams doubles as the holder on field goal and extra-point attempts.

The reason this is important, at least for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, is that for the first time in 15 years they are trying to decide on a new punter. Dustin Colquitt held down the job with Pro Bowl efficiency for as long as some of the current Chiefs have been playing football. But his increasing age and the franchise’s dwindling coffers forced the club to make the difficult business decision to let him go this offseason.

With teams barred from holding in-person workouts because of COVID-19, the Chiefs have been unable to bring in an endless number of potential replacements. Instead, they signed Tyler Newsome and undrafted rookie Tommy Townsend, and those two have been working out privately with kicker Harrison Butker and long snapper James Winchester.

Well below the gathering limits of 10 people that have been in place in Kansas and Missouri.

“We’re kind of fortunate,” Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said, “because those guys can get together and kick and work on the operation. They can do that on our own. We can work on our skill set, whereas to play football you need 22 guys out there. You can’t sit down face to face, but they video everything they do and send it to me and we talk.”

Nobody knows when teams will be allowed back at their facilities for good. Just this week, players rehabbing from injuries and certain staff were finally allowed back, but no coaches or healthy players. So that means what would typically be low-stress, good-natured workouts on a high school practice field for Newsome and Townsend have taken on extra importance.

What they show off on video could determine who has the leg up — pun intended — when training camp finally begins.

“There is nobody out in front right now. I like them both,” Toub said. “They’ve both got really strong legs, really powerful legs. They consistently hit over 5.0 (seconds) hang times, which is impressive. Tommy is a little more clean in his technique as far as consistency, whereas Tyler is a little more erratic. But the results are the same. They both bomb the ball.”

That’s a good thing for the Chiefs as they attempt to replace a franchise icon.

Colquitt appeared in a record 238 games for Kansas City, easily besting the previous mark by Nick Lowery. He also set franchise records for punts, punt yardage and career-long kick with an 81-yard boot. When he was released, he was among the top 10 active players in appearances and had the eighth-most punt yardage in NFL history.

Even more impressive, he was the only man among the top 20 in total punts to have played with just one team.

“They’ve been with Dustin for a really long time. He’s a guy that has done everything the right way,” Townsend said. “The biggest thing for me is just trying to make a name for myself and become my own person.”

Townsend’s familiarity with Colquitt goes back to college; he began his career at Tennessee, where Colquitt holds a number of records, before transferring to Florida. As a Gator, he followed in the footsteps of his brother, Johnny, who was drafted by the Raiders a couple of years ago and has spent time in camp with the Giants.

Toub said the younger Townsend was the Chiefs’ highest-rated punter in this year’s draft class, even though two others — Texas A&amp;M’s Braden Mann and Syracuse’s Sterling Hofrichter — where chosen in the later rounds.

Newsome punted at Notre Dame before spending last offseason with the Chargers.

“We just finished the virtual rookie minicamp and we went over schemes and stuff like that, so I got a little taste for what we’re doing in Kansas City,” Townsend said, “and I’ve gotten a chance to watch all the film from the past few seasons. That’s the stuff I’ve been working for, get the feeling for the schemes we are using here in Kansas City.”

That way, he’ll be ready when the competition for the starting job finally returns to the Chiefs’ own practice facility.

“Harrison and James have taken the leadership role. They know how important that part of it is,” Toub said. “They’ve been up here on their own, doing their own thing, and videoing it. And we feel good about both guys we have, Tommy and Tyler.”

LEAWOOD, Kan. (AP) — It’s a good thing an NFL kicking operation requires no more than three players.There’s the long snapper, tasked with delivering the ball. The kicker, who is expected to send it through the uprights. And the punter, who for many teams doubles as the holder on field goal and extra-point attempts.The reason this is important, at least for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, is that for the first time in 15 years they are trying to decide on a new punter. Dustin Colquitt held down the job with Pro Bowl efficiency for as long as some of the current Chiefs have been playing football. But his increasing age and the franchise’s dwindling coffers forced the club to make the difficult business decision to let him go this offseason.With teams barred from holding in-person workouts because of COVID-19, the Chiefs have been unable to bring in an endless number of potential replacements. Instead, they signed Tyler Newsome and undrafted rookie Tommy Townsend, and those two have been working out privately with kicker Harrison Butker and long snapper James Winchester.Well below the gathering limits of 10 people that have been in place in Kansas and Missouri.“We’re kind of fortunate,” Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said, “because those guys can get together and kick and work on the operation. They can do that on our own. We can work on our skill set, whereas to play football you need 22 guys out there. You can’t sit down face to face, but they video everything they do and send it to me and we talk.”Nobody knows when teams will be allowed back at their facilities for good. Just this week, players rehabbing from injuries and certain staff were finally allowed back, but no coaches or healthy players. So that means what would typically be low-stress, good-natured workouts on a high school practice field for Newsome and Townsend have taken on extra importance.What they show off on video could determine who has the leg up — pun intended — when training camp finally begins.“There is nobody out in front right now. I like them both,” Toub said. “They’ve both got really strong legs, really powerful legs. They consistently hit over 5.0 (seconds) hang times, which is impressive. Tommy is a little more clean in his technique as far as consistency, whereas Tyler is a little more erratic. But the results are the same. They both bomb the ball.”That’s a good thing for the Chiefs as they attempt to replace a franchise icon.Colquitt appeared in a record 238 games for Kansas City, easily besting the previous mark by Nick Lowery. He also set franchise records for punts, punt yardage and career-long kick with an 81-yard boot. When he was released, he was among the top 10 active players in appearances and had the eighth-most punt yardage in NFL history.Even more impressive, he was the only man among the top 20 in total punts to have played with just one team.“They’ve been with Dustin for a really long time. He’s a guy that has done everything the right way,” Townsend said. “The biggest thing for me is just trying to make a name for myself and become my own person.”Townsend’s familiarity with Colquitt goes back to college; he began his career at Tennessee, where Colquitt holds a number of records, before transferring to Florida. As a Gator, he followed in the footsteps of his brother, Johnny, who was drafted by the Raiders a couple of years ago and has spent time in camp with the Giants.Toub said the younger Townsend was the Chiefs’ highest-rated punter in this year’s draft class, even though two others — Texas A&amp;M’s Braden Mann and Syracuse’s Sterling Hofrichter — where chosen in the later rounds.Newsome punted at Notre Dame before spending last offseason with the Chargers.“We just finished the virtual rookie minicamp and we went over schemes and stuff like that, so I got a little taste for what we’re doing in Kansas City,” Townsend said, “and I’ve gotten a chance to watch all the film from the past few seasons. That’s the stuff I’ve been working for, get the feeling for the schemes we are using here in Kansas City.”That way, he’ll be ready when the competition for the starting job finally returns to the Chiefs’ own practice facility.“Harrison and James have taken the leadership role. They know how important that part of it is,” Toub said. “They’ve been up here on their own, doing their own thing, and videoing it. And we feel good about both guys we have, Tommy and Tyler.”

Chiefs holding unique virtual competition for punting job

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) - The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts by football and basketball players effective June 1 as a growing number of college leaders expressed confidence that fall sports will be possible in some form despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.

This decision clears the way for individual workouts by athletes, mostly on their own, subject to safety and health protocols decided by their schools or local health officials..

NCAA officials noted that the workouts could go on as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed. The status of voluntary workouts for other sports will be determined later.

“We encourage each school to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate resocialization framework,” Penn athletic director and council chair M. Grace Calhoun said in a statement. “Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts.”

From Notre Dame to LSU and more, a number of schools have announced plans to reopen campuses for the fall semester and conferences have begun setting up plans for how to play football amid the pandemic. The latest came this week with the Florida State system announcing plans for its 12 schools and more than 420,000 students.

Many questions remain, including specific safety protocols and whether fans would be allowed if games proceed.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in conference call Wednesday that he believes the Buckeyes could safely play home games with 20,000 to 30,000 fans in its 105,000-seat stadium.

“I think we can get there,” Smith said.

Smith said he hadn’t figured out yet how those 20,000 to 30,000 spectators would be chosen. He said masks and other precautions would be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Smith added that Ohio State is ready to open the 15,000-square-foot Woody Hayes Athletic Center to athletes starting June 8 if the NCAA allows it. About 10 players at a time would be allowed to work out on staggered scheduled with social-distancing and other hygiene precautions in place. Some coaches returned to the complex on a limited basis this week.

Other schools also are looking into ways they can hold workouts as safely as possible.

Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school plans to take the temperature of players daily and make sure they are wearing masks. Massaro has even discussed moving some equipment from the weight room to the Red Floyd Stadium concourse to make sure workouts allow social distancing.

“We’re a little bit kind of almost like guinea pigs,” Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said. “We’re the ones that are coming back first, football’s coming back first all across the country. So we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our part so there’s not a setback, and it’s going to take all of us buying in and doing whatever we can to keep everybody else healthy and safe.”

The presidents of Miami and Notre Dame said in separate interviews they expect the football season to be played.

Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins told MSNBC he expects to have clarity on how — or if — the football season can happen in the next few weeks.

“The team itself, I feel we can manage that one,” Jenkins said. “Then the question is people in the stands. We have an 85,000-person stadium. Can we get 85,000 people in there? That will be a big challenge to do that. But could we get a smaller number -- 10,000, 15,000, 20,000? I don’t know.”

Miami President Julio Frenk told CNN he hopes the Hurricanes can play this fall and that safety would be the top priority.

“They will probably play in empty stadiums, like so many other sports,” Frenk said.

Scott Woodward, the athletic director at defending national champion LSU, said his school was preparing to welcome back its athletes after the Southeastern Conference’s closure of athletic facilities to students is slated to end May 31.

LSU will offer summer classes online and doesn’t have plans to reopen its campus to the general student population at least until the fall semester.

Most athletic departments need the revenue generated from football to fund their other sports. Hundreds of schools are reeling financially from the effects of the pandemic. Athletic departments, particularly at smaller schools and in Division II, have already cut a number of sports.

The NCAA this week lowered the minimum and maximum number of games Division II schools are required to play in all sports next year. The move includes a 33% reduction in the minimum number of games needed for sponsorship and championship qualification in most sports.

Under the plan, D-II schools must play at least five football games to maintain NCAA sponsorship and at least seven games to be eligible for playoff consideration. The maximum number of allowable games is 10.

The requirements would return to normal in 2021-22.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) - The NCAA Division I Council voted Wednesday to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts by football and basketball players effective June 1 as a growing number of college leaders expressed confidence that fall sports will be possible in some form despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.This decision clears the way for individual workouts by athletes, mostly on their own, subject to safety and health protocols decided by their schools or local health officials..NCAA officials noted that the workouts could go on as long as all local, state and federal regulations are followed. The status of voluntary workouts for other sports will be determined later.“We encourage each school to use its discretion to make the best decisions possible for football and basketball student-athletes within the appropriate resocialization framework,” Penn athletic director and council chair M. Grace Calhoun said in a statement. “Allowing for voluntary athletics activity acknowledges that reopening our campuses will be an individual decision but should be based on advice from medical experts.”From Notre Dame to LSU and more, a number of schools have announced plans to reopen campuses for the fall semester and conferences have begun setting up plans for how to play football amid the pandemic. The latest came this week with the Florida State system announcing plans for its 12 schools and more than 420,000 students.Many questions remain, including specific safety protocols and whether fans would be allowed if games proceed.Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in conference call Wednesday that he believes the Buckeyes could safely play home games with 20,000 to 30,000 fans in its 105,000-seat stadium.“I think we can get there,” Smith said.Smith said he hadn’t figured out yet how those 20,000 to 30,000 spectators would be chosen. He said masks and other precautions would be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.Smith added that Ohio State is ready to open the 15,000-square-foot Woody Hayes Athletic Center to athletes starting June 8 if the NCAA allows it. About 10 players at a time would be allowed to work out on staggered scheduled with social-distancing and other hygiene precautions in place. Some coaches returned to the complex on a limited basis this week.Other schools also are looking into ways they can hold workouts as safely as possible.Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school plans to take the temperature of players daily and make sure they are wearing masks. Massaro has even discussed moving some equipment from the weight room to the Red Floyd Stadium concourse to make sure workouts allow social distancing.“We’re a little bit kind of almost like guinea pigs,” Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill said. “We’re the ones that are coming back first, football’s coming back first all across the country. So we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our part so there’s not a setback, and it’s going to take all of us buying in and doing whatever we can to keep everybody else healthy and safe.”The presidents of Miami and Notre Dame said in separate interviews they expect the football season to be played.Notre Dame President Fr. John Jenkins told MSNBC he expects to have clarity on how — or if — the football season can happen in the next few weeks.“The team itself, I feel we can manage that one,” Jenkins said. “Then the question is people in the stands. We have an 85,000-person stadium. Can we get 85,000 people in there? That will be a big challenge to do that. But could we get a smaller number -- 10,000, 15,000, 20,000? I don’t know.”Miami President Julio Frenk told CNN he hopes the Hurricanes can play this fall and that safety would be the top priority.“They will probably play in empty stadiums, like so many other sports,” Frenk said.Scott Woodward, the athletic director at defending national champion LSU, said his school was preparing to welcome back its athletes after the Southeastern Conference’s closure of athletic facilities to students is slated to end May 31.LSU will offer summer classes online and doesn’t have plans to reopen its campus to the general student population at least until the fall semester.Most athletic departments need the revenue generated from football to fund their other sports. Hundreds of schools are reeling financially from the effects of the pandemic. Athletic departments, particularly at smaller schools and in Division II, have already cut a number of sports.The NCAA this week lowered the minimum and maximum number of games Division II schools are required to play in all sports next year. The move includes a 33% reduction in the minimum number of games needed for sponsorship and championship qualification in most sports.Under the plan, D-II schools must play at least five football games to maintain NCAA sponsorship and at least seven games to be eligible for playoff consideration. The maximum number of allowable games is 10.The requirements would return to normal in 2021-22.

NCAA Division I football, basketball players permitted to workout starting June 1

The
Hays Board of Education approved the hiring of Len Melvin as the new Hays High
girls’ basketball coach at their meeting Monday night. 

Melvin previously coached girls basketball at Hays Middle School from 2016-2018. During the time the team collected a 82-12 record. He also was the middle school boys coach (Felten Middle School) which had just an 8th grade team which was divided into three teams. The "A" team went 81-15 during those years. The 2003-2004 squads went a combined 45-0.&nbsp;

Melvin also spent time as a high school assistant for boys basketball, football, softball and golf for a total of 16 seasons.&nbsp;

Melvin replaces Kyle Porter who resigned after one season
to take the head coaching job at Silver Lake.

Melvin becomes Hays High's fourth head girls' coach in four years.

The
Hays Board of Education approved the hiring of Len Melvin as the new Hays High
girls’ basketball coach at their meeting Monday night. Melvin previously coached girls basketball at Hays Middle School from 2016-2018. During the time the team collected a 82-12 record. He also was the middle school boys coach (Felten Middle School) which had just an 8th grade team which was divided into three teams. The "A" team went 81-15 during those years. The 2003-2004 squads went a combined 45-0.&nbsp;<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/824203018&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe></div>Melvin also spent time as a high school assistant for boys basketball, football, softball and golf for a total of 16 seasons.&nbsp;Melvin replaces Kyle Porter who resigned after one season
to take the head coaching job at Silver Lake.Melvin becomes Hays High's fourth head girls' coach in four years.

Melvin hopes to bring stability to HHS girls' basketball



KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The NCAA Division II President’s Council announced today that it has adjusted Division II's maximum number of permissible contests (in all sports) for the 2020-21 academic year.&nbsp; This action by the NCAA is a response to help Division II institutions manage the economic fallout from the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.&nbsp; The Council has also approved changes to the division's minimum number of contests (in all sports) that must be completed for postseason selection for the 2020-21 academic year. 

The new maximum dates or games for sports fielded by Fort Hays State and other Division II schools: baseball, 40; basketball, 22; cross country, 6; football, 10; golf, 16 (dates combined fall and spring); soccer, 14; softball, 44; track and field, 14 (combined dates for indoor and outdoor seasons); and volleyball, 20. See full list&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/resources/d2/D2CH_SponsorshipMaximumandMinimumContestRequirements.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;

With these changes set for Division II, the MIAA’s scheduling subcommittee will review MIAA schedules for the 2020-21 academic year, and make modifications where necessary to comply with the new NCAA requirements.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee is comprised of an administrator from each MIAA member institution.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee will make its recommendations in the next few weeks, and the Association is hopeful that MIAA schedule adjustments will be approved by the MIAA CEO Council when that group meets by videoconference on June 15.

"I applaud the NCAA for this quick action to help schools address the disruption and budget shortfalls occurring in higher education", stated&nbsp;<a href="http://themiaa.com/staff.aspx?staff=10">MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy</a>.&nbsp; "As state tax revenues continue to decline, and state expenses continue to increase, and higher education appropriations in each state continue to shrink, these NCAA reductions in every Division II sport will assist MIAA athletics departments as they make adjustments to their 2020-21 budgets."

As noted by the NCAA, the emergency one-year recommendations from the President’s Council are focused on institutional cost savings, reducing athletics operating costs as a result of COVID-19 compliance, and preserving fair and equitable standards for Division II championships' selection and competition.

The Presidents Council said: "NCAA Division II conferences and institutions have acknowledged through survey feedback on contests reductions that COVID-19 has presented us with financial challenges that we are proactively addressing together. In that spirit, and as a result of the governance structure’s decision to reduce contest maximums, thus affecting current schedules, we strongly encourage all member institutions and conferences to work cooperatively and collegially when adjusting schedules. Please keep in mind the purpose behind these actions is to assist all institutions with short-term financial concerns so that we may emerge stronger as a membership and division."&nbsp;

The one-year scheduling changes considered by the President's Council were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-management-council-recommends-lowering-contest-maximums-minimums-2020-21">recommended by the NCAA Management Council</a>&nbsp;after the Council reviewed feedback from several leadership groups including Division II governance committees, the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC, and two surveys of the Division II membership.

“As a student-athlete, it is not easy to accept that I will be playing a shorter season. However, I know that the NCAA and MIAA put student-athletes first and I understand that cutting the maximums will help more institutions to stay open and athletic programs to compete equitably,” stated Mackenzie O’Neill, Missouri Western women’s soccer student-athlete and the MIAA’s NCAA Division II National SAAC Representative. “These are unprecedented and challenging times, and this season is going to look different. I trust the MIAA will adjust to this adversity, as we have from the beginning, and continue to uphold a high level of competition throughout the conference.“

<a href="http://themiaa.com/news/2020/5/19/general-ncaa-division-ii-presidents-council-approves-schedule-reductions-for-2020-2021.aspx">MIAA Release</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The NCAA Division II President’s Council announced today that it has adjusted Division II's maximum number of permissible contests (in all sports) for the 2020-21 academic year.&nbsp; This action by the NCAA is a response to help Division II institutions manage the economic fallout from the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.&nbsp; The Council has also approved changes to the division's minimum number of contests (in all sports) that must be completed for postseason selection for the 2020-21 academic year. The new maximum dates or games for sports fielded by Fort Hays State and other Division II schools: baseball, 40; basketball, 22; cross country, 6; football, 10; golf, 16 (dates combined fall and spring); soccer, 14; softball, 44; track and field, 14 (combined dates for indoor and outdoor seasons); and volleyball, 20. See full list&nbsp;<a href="https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/resources/d2/D2CH_SponsorshipMaximumandMinimumContestRequirements.pdf">here</a>.&nbsp;With these changes set for Division II, the MIAA’s scheduling subcommittee will review MIAA schedules for the 2020-21 academic year, and make modifications where necessary to comply with the new NCAA requirements.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee is comprised of an administrator from each MIAA member institution.&nbsp; The scheduling subcommittee will make its recommendations in the next few weeks, and the Association is hopeful that MIAA schedule adjustments will be approved by the MIAA CEO Council when that group meets by videoconference on June 15."I applaud the NCAA for this quick action to help schools address the disruption and budget shortfalls occurring in higher education", stated&nbsp;<a href="http://themiaa.com/staff.aspx?staff=10">MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy</a>.&nbsp; "As state tax revenues continue to decline, and state expenses continue to increase, and higher education appropriations in each state continue to shrink, these NCAA reductions in every Division II sport will assist MIAA athletics departments as they make adjustments to their 2020-21 budgets."As noted by the NCAA, the emergency one-year recommendations from the President’s Council are focused on institutional cost savings, reducing athletics operating costs as a result of COVID-19 compliance, and preserving fair and equitable standards for Division II championships' selection and competition.The Presidents Council said: "NCAA Division II conferences and institutions have acknowledged through survey feedback on contests reductions that COVID-19 has presented us with financial challenges that we are proactively addressing together. In that spirit, and as a result of the governance structure’s decision to reduce contest maximums, thus affecting current schedules, we strongly encourage all member institutions and conferences to work cooperatively and collegially when adjusting schedules. Please keep in mind the purpose behind these actions is to assist all institutions with short-term financial concerns so that we may emerge stronger as a membership and division."&nbsp;The one-year scheduling changes considered by the President's Council were&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-management-council-recommends-lowering-contest-maximums-minimums-2020-21">recommended by the NCAA Management Council</a>&nbsp;after the Council reviewed feedback from several leadership groups including Division II governance committees, the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC, and two surveys of the Division II membership.“As a student-athlete, it is not easy to accept that I will be playing a shorter season. However, I know that the NCAA and MIAA put student-athletes first and I understand that cutting the maximums will help more institutions to stay open and athletic programs to compete equitably,” stated Mackenzie O’Neill, Missouri Western women’s soccer student-athlete and the MIAA’s NCAA Division II National SAAC Representative. “These are unprecedented and challenging times, and this season is going to look different. I trust the MIAA will adjust to this adversity, as we have from the beginning, and continue to uphold a high level of competition throughout the conference.“<a href="http://themiaa.com/news/2020/5/19/general-ncaa-division-ii-presidents-council-approves-schedule-reductions-for-2020-2021.aspx">MIAA Release</a>

NCAA Division II Presidents Council approves schedule reductions for 2020-2021

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The steady stream of nurses filing out of St. Luke’s Hospital for close to an hour was finally slowing down, which was altogether fortunate, because the young man with thighs like tree trunks was running out of food to give them.

It may have been the most impressive thing Tyreek Hill had done since running 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver, who caught a 44-yard pass at the end of that route the first week of February to spur a Super Bowl comeback for the Kansas City Chiefs, had been talking to his mother about how much the world had changed. Hill had not run another route since that night in Miami, or caught another pass from Patrick Mahomes, after the outbreak of the coronavirus changed the daily life of pro football players and nurses, and everyone in between.

“My mom, she’s actually a nurse,” Hill explained, “and she always comes home and talks about how some people don’t care about them risking their lives every day. So I was like, ‘Mom, maybe there’s something I can do here in Kansas City for the health care workers, you know?’ It can be small. It can be big.”

So, they came up with the idea of delivering food to St. Luke’s last week. The little boxes of sandwiches were a welcome improvement from their usual fare, but it was the delivery guy behind the white mask that made the moment so special.

Just over a year ago, the record setter was a league-wide pariah. He had been suspended by the Chiefs and the NFL after audio surfaced on the night of the draft in which his then-fiancee accused him of hurting his 3-year-old son. The district attorney launched an investigation, the Kansas Department for Children and Families became involved, and the odds appeared no better than 50-50 that Hill would ever step foot on an NFL field again.

“It was hard,” Hill said the week before the Super Bowl. “I’m not going to lie.”

The churlish nightmare eventually turned into a positive outcome.

First, the district attorney declined to press charges after he was unable to determine who caused injuries to the child. Then the league lifted its suspension and the team followed suit — not only welcoming Hill back for training camp but tying up the details of a $54 million, three-year contract extension.

Hill proceeded to break his collarbone in Week 1 against Jacksonville, but that was merely a four-game sidetrack on what turned out to be another sublime season. He caught 58 passes for 860 yards and seven scores. He helped lead dramatic comebacks each round of the playoffs. And ultimately, he caught a pass at the end of the now-famous 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp to help the long-suffering Chiefs win their first Super Bowl championship in five decades.

“I mean, I just feel like I’m blessed with being able to play the game of football,” Hill said. “My job is just to win. I want to win. I’ve always been part of a winning culture. I’ve always been taught team is first. There is no ‘I’ in team.”

That’s another reason he was so keen to deliver food to front-line workers: For one day, Hill wanted to join their team.

“Me and my mom talk a lot about giving back,” he said. “That’s the way I was raised.”

With the world gripped by the worst pandemic in generations, it is exceedingly ironic that Hill seems at such peace.

He’s spent more time than he thought possible with his four kids: baby twins, a 1-year-old and his 5-year-old son. He’s getting a room added onto his house, the hammering providing the staccato-like soundtrack to a Zoom call last week. He’s financially secure — his whole family is, for that matter — and he’s a Super Bowl champion.

“It’s been great. I’ve had a chance to have all four of my kids, which is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Hill said. “It is fun. It’s challenging. But it’s also like, a process of me bettering myself, so I’m enjoying it. Every step of it.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The steady stream of nurses filing out of St. Luke’s Hospital for close to an hour was finally slowing down, which was altogether fortunate, because the young man with thighs like tree trunks was running out of food to give them.It may have been the most impressive thing Tyreek Hill had done since running 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp.The Pro Bowl wide receiver, who caught a 44-yard pass at the end of that route the first week of February to spur a Super Bowl comeback for the Kansas City Chiefs, had been talking to his mother about how much the world had changed. Hill had not run another route since that night in Miami, or caught another pass from Patrick Mahomes, after the outbreak of the coronavirus changed the daily life of pro football players and nurses, and everyone in between.“My mom, she’s actually a nurse,” Hill explained, “and she always comes home and talks about how some people don’t care about them risking their lives every day. So I was like, ‘Mom, maybe there’s something I can do here in Kansas City for the health care workers, you know?’ It can be small. It can be big.”So, they came up with the idea of delivering food to St. Luke’s last week. The little boxes of sandwiches were a welcome improvement from their usual fare, but it was the delivery guy behind the white mask that made the moment so special.It was special for Hill, too.Just over a year ago, the record setter was a league-wide pariah. He had been suspended by the Chiefs and the NFL after audio surfaced on the night of the draft in which his then-fiancee accused him of hurting his 3-year-old son. The district attorney launched an investigation, the Kansas Department for Children and Families became involved, and the odds appeared no better than 50-50 that Hill would ever step foot on an NFL field again.“It was hard,” Hill said the week before the Super Bowl. “I’m not going to lie.”The churlish nightmare eventually turned into a positive outcome.First, the district attorney declined to press charges after he was unable to determine who caused injuries to the child. Then the league lifted its suspension and the team followed suit — not only welcoming Hill back for training camp but tying up the details of a $54 million, three-year contract extension.Hill proceeded to break his collarbone in Week 1 against Jacksonville, but that was merely a four-game sidetrack on what turned out to be another sublime season. He caught 58 passes for 860 yards and seven scores. He helped lead dramatic comebacks each round of the playoffs. And ultimately, he caught a pass at the end of the now-famous 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp to help the long-suffering Chiefs win their first Super Bowl championship in five decades.“I mean, I just feel like I’m blessed with being able to play the game of football,” Hill said. “My job is just to win. I want to win. I’ve always been part of a winning culture. I’ve always been taught team is first. There is no ‘I’ in team.”That’s another reason he was so keen to deliver food to front-line workers: For one day, Hill wanted to join their team.“Me and my mom talk a lot about giving back,” he said. “That’s the way I was raised.”With the world gripped by the worst pandemic in generations, it is exceedingly ironic that Hill seems at such peace.He’s spent more time than he thought possible with his four kids: baby twins, a 1-year-old and his 5-year-old son. He’s getting a room added onto his house, the hammering providing the staccato-like soundtrack to a Zoom call last week. He’s financially secure — his whole family is, for that matter — and he’s a Super Bowl champion.“It’s been great. I’ve had a chance to have all four of my kids, which is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Hill said. “It is fun. It’s challenging. But it’s also like, a process of me bettering myself, so I’m enjoying it. Every step of it.”

Chiefs' Hill completes year-long reclamation of himself

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has signed guard Isaac McBride as a transfer from Kansas. Coach Jerry Stackhouse announced Monday that McBride will join the roster for the 2020-21 season. 

The 6-foot-1 guard from Little Rock was the 2019 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year out of Baptist Preparatory School and rated a four-star player by Rivals.com for the 2019 class. 

McBride signed with Kansas but left school last September. He reportedly committed to Vanderbilt last December. 

Stackhouse just finished his first season with Vanderbilt going 11-21.&nbsp;

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has signed guard Isaac McBride as a transfer from Kansas. Coach Jerry Stackhouse announced Monday that McBride will join the roster for the 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-1 guard from Little Rock was the 2019 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year out of Baptist Preparatory School and rated a four-star player by Rivals.com for the 2019 class. McBride signed with Kansas but left school last September. He reportedly committed to Vanderbilt last December. Stackhouse just finished his first season with Vanderbilt going 11-21.&nbsp;

Former KU guard signs with Vanderbilt

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball owners have made their pitch as they try to convince players to accept less pay due to the coronavirus pandemic.

MLB has told players their prorated salaries would contribute to an average loss of $640,000 for each game over an 82-game season in empty ballparks. That’s according to a presentation from the commissioner’s office to the union that was obtained by The Associated Press.

The 12-page document was dated May 12 and paints a grim picture of a $10 billion industry shuttered by the pandemic. It was an initial step in negotiations aimed at starting the delayed season around the Fourth of July.

Some players have publicly balked at the notion of less pay, and the union has called for more transparency in baseball’s financial records.

Teams say the proposed method of salvaging a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic would still cause a $4 billion loss and would give major league players 89% of revenue. The Yankees would have the highest loss at $312 million.

Teams contend they lose more money with each additional game played. The players' union, however, believes clubs would lose less money with more games. In addition, many teams and/or their owners have stakes in their regional sports network that would benefit from additional games.

Owners voted Monday to propose salaries be based on a 50-50 split of revenue, a framework players say is tantamount to the kind of salary cap they’ll never accept. Teams gave the players' association their virus-testing plan Friday and have waited to make their economic proposal.

Meanwhile, MLB has created a 67-page draft of its proposed 2020 Operations Manual, which has been obtained by The Associated Press and was first reported by The Athletic.

Among the routine changes include players possibly arriving in uniform and being discouraged to take showers at ballparks. Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips, and mascots like the Phillie Phanatic and Mr. Met would be prohibited from the ballparks. The traditional exchange of lineup cards would be eliminated, along with high-fives, fist bumps, bat boys and bat girls.

Spitting is prohibited along with water jugs and the use of saunas, steam rooms, pools and cryotherapy chambers. Hitting in indoor cages is discouraged, batting gloves encouraged.

Batting practice pitchers are to wear masks, dugout telephones disinfected after each use. Players may not touch their face to give signs, and they’re not allowed to lick their fingers. Teams are encouraged to hold meetings outdoors, players spread apart.

Teams will be allowed to have 50 players each under the plan, with the number active for each game still be negotiated.

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball owners have made their pitch as they try to convince players to accept less pay due to the coronavirus pandemic.MLB has told players their prorated salaries would contribute to an average loss of $640,000 for each game over an 82-game season in empty ballparks. That’s according to a presentation from the commissioner’s office to the union that was obtained by The Associated Press.The 12-page document was dated May 12 and paints a grim picture of a $10 billion industry shuttered by the pandemic. It was an initial step in negotiations aimed at starting the delayed season around the Fourth of July.Some players have publicly balked at the notion of less pay, and the union has called for more transparency in baseball’s financial records.Teams say the proposed method of salvaging a season delayed by the coronavirus pandemic would still cause a $4 billion loss and would give major league players 89% of revenue. The Yankees would have the highest loss at $312 million.Teams contend they lose more money with each additional game played. The players' union, however, believes clubs would lose less money with more games. In addition, many teams and/or their owners have stakes in their regional sports network that would benefit from additional games.Owners voted Monday to propose salaries be based on a 50-50 split of revenue, a framework players say is tantamount to the kind of salary cap they’ll never accept. Teams gave the players' association their virus-testing plan Friday and have waited to make their economic proposal.Meanwhile, MLB has created a 67-page draft of its proposed 2020 Operations Manual, which has been obtained by The Associated Press and was first reported by The Athletic.Among the routine changes include players possibly arriving in uniform and being discouraged to take showers at ballparks. Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips, and mascots like the Phillie Phanatic and Mr. Met would be prohibited from the ballparks. The traditional exchange of lineup cards would be eliminated, along with high-fives, fist bumps, bat boys and bat girls.Spitting is prohibited along with water jugs and the use of saunas, steam rooms, pools and cryotherapy chambers. Hitting in indoor cages is discouraged, batting gloves encouraged.Batting practice pitchers are to wear masks, dugout telephones disinfected after each use. Players may not touch their face to give signs, and they’re not allowed to lick their fingers. Teams are encouraged to hold meetings outdoors, players spread apart.Teams will be allowed to have 50 players each under the plan, with the number active for each game still be negotiated.

MLB projects $640K per game loss with no fans

Presidents Council to consider varied reductions to maximums, 33% reductions to minimums

The NCAA Division II Management Council on Friday voted to recommend the Division II Presidents Council reduce the maximum number of permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each sport’s reduction to its maximum in the recommendation varies. The Presidents Council, which meets by videoconference Tuesday, will consider the recommendation and make the final decision.&nbsp;

The Management Council also voted to recommend the Presidents Council take action to reduce both the minimum number of contests for Division II championships selection and for sports sponsorship by 33% for the upcoming academic year.

All three of the Management Council’s recommendations from its videoconference meeting came after considering feedback from several leadership groups, Division II governance committees and two surveys of the division’s leadership.

In April, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association conducted a survey in which nearly 95% of the division’s athletics directors participated. From the survey, the Division II CCA put forward the initial proposal to reduce minimums and maximums. The proposal was brought to the Division II Championships Committee, Membership Committee, Legislation Committee and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for their discussion and recommendations.

The Management Council also considered the results of a Division II membership survey, specific to reducing maximums, that 435 division leaders responded to earlier this week. The survey was taken by 258 athletics directors, 154 presidents and chancellors, and 23 conference commissioners. Roughly 85% of the survey respondents said they supported some form of reduction to the maximum permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year.

“These decisions are extremely difficult to make, but the feedback from across Division II and our committees was vital in guiding the Management Council,” said Chris Graham, commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and chair of the Management Council. “As many schools face financial struggles, and some have started to cut sports entirely due to COVID-19, it was imperative to provide scheduling flexibility in Division II while maintaining competitive equity and continuing to give student-athletes the opportunities they deserve to compete in NCAA championships.” &nbsp;

The Management Council voted to recommend to the Presidents Council that men’s and women’s basketball teams may not exempt two contests played as part of a conference challenge event or games played in the Tip-Off Classic for the 2020-21 academic year. Typically, schools can exempt these contests.

Additionally, the Management Council voted to recommend discretionary exemptions, such as scrimmages and exhibitions, against non-Division II four-year schools remain exempt against maximum contest totals. The council also recommended that no reductions be implemented for maximums for National Collegiate Championship sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey for the 2020-21 academic year.

Sport by sport recommended maximums for the 2020-21 academic year only:

Women’s rowing is the lone exception to the recommended 33% reduction to minimums for championships selection, which would set their minimums at three contests. Rowing’s minimum requirement instead was decreased from five to four contests. The rationale behind rowing’s exception was that a team could conceivably compete three times in one weekend, as one race equals one contest. The increase ensures teams must compete on at least two weekends to be selected for the Division II championship.

The recommendation for a 33% reduction to the minimums for sports sponsorship include all Division II sports, including National Collegiate Championships sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey.

<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-management-council-recommends-lowering-contest-maximums-minimums-2020-21">NCAA.org</a>&nbsp;release

<h2>Presidents Council to consider varied reductions to maximums, 33% reductions to minimums</h2>By Corbin McGuire | NCAAThe NCAA Division II Management Council on Friday voted to recommend the Division II Presidents Council reduce the maximum number of permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Each sport’s reduction to its maximum in the recommendation varies. The Presidents Council, which meets by videoconference Tuesday, will consider the recommendation and make the final decision.&nbsp;The Management Council also voted to recommend the Presidents Council take action to reduce both the minimum number of contests for Division II championships selection and for sports sponsorship by 33% for the upcoming academic year.All three of the Management Council’s recommendations from its videoconference meeting came after considering feedback from several leadership groups, Division II governance committees and two surveys of the division’s leadership.In April, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association conducted a survey in which nearly 95% of the division’s athletics directors participated. From the survey, the Division II CCA put forward the initial proposal to reduce minimums and maximums. The proposal was brought to the Division II Championships Committee, Membership Committee, Legislation Committee and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for their discussion and recommendations.The Management Council also considered the results of a Division II membership survey, specific to reducing maximums, that 435 division leaders responded to earlier this week. The survey was taken by 258 athletics directors, 154 presidents and chancellors, and 23 conference commissioners. Roughly 85% of the survey respondents said they supported some form of reduction to the maximum permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year.“These decisions are extremely difficult to make, but the feedback from across Division II and our committees was vital in guiding the Management Council,” said Chris Graham, commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and chair of the Management Council. “As many schools face financial struggles, and some have started to cut sports entirely due to COVID-19, it was imperative to provide scheduling flexibility in Division II while maintaining competitive equity and continuing to give student-athletes the opportunities they deserve to compete in NCAA championships.” &nbsp;<h2>Maximums Notes</h2>The Management Council voted to recommend to the Presidents Council that men’s and women’s basketball teams may not exempt two contests played as part of a conference challenge event or games played in the Tip-Off Classic for the 2020-21 academic year. Typically, schools can exempt these contests.Additionally, the Management Council voted to recommend discretionary exemptions, such as scrimmages and exhibitions, against non-Division II four-year schools remain exempt against maximum contest totals. The council also recommended that no reductions be implemented for maximums for National Collegiate Championship sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey for the 2020-21 academic year.Sport by sport recommended maximums for the 2020-21 academic year only:<ol>
 <li>Baseball: 40</li><li>Women’s basketball: 22</li><li>Men’s basketball: 22</li><li>Cross country: 6</li><li>Field hockey: 14</li><li>Football: 10</li><li>Men’s golf: 16</li><li>Women’s golf: 16</li><li>Men’s lacrosse: 13</li><li>Women’s lacrosse: 13</li><li>Women’s rowing: 14</li><li>Men’s soccer: 14</li><li>Women’s soccer: 14</li><li>Softball: 44</li><li>Swimming and diving: 12</li><li>Men’s tennis: 17</li><li>Women’s tennis: 17</li><li>Indoor track and field: 14</li><li>Outdoor track and field: 14</li><li>Women’s volleyball: 20</li><li>Men’s wrestling: 12</li>
 </ol><h2>Minimums Notes</h2>Women’s rowing is the lone exception to the recommended 33% reduction to minimums for championships selection, which would set their minimums at three contests. Rowing’s minimum requirement instead was decreased from five to four contests. The rationale behind rowing’s exception was that a team could conceivably compete three times in one weekend, as one race equals one contest. The increase ensures teams must compete on at least two weekends to be selected for the Division II championship.The recommendation for a 33% reduction to the minimums for sports sponsorship include all Division II sports, including National Collegiate Championships sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey.<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-management-council-recommends-lowering-contest-maximums-minimums-2020-21">NCAA.org</a>&nbsp;release

NCAA DII Management Council recommends lowering contest maximums, minimums for 2020-21

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 2020 preseason schedule Friday as they announced the dates and times for their four games.

The Chiefs will open the preseason at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. They will then travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m. 

The third game of the preseason will be at the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m., and Kansas City's preseason finale will be inside Arrowhead Stadium against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 2020 preseason schedule Friday as they announced the dates and times for their four games.The Chiefs will open the preseason at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. They will then travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m. The third game of the preseason will be at the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m., and Kansas City's preseason finale will be inside Arrowhead Stadium against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Chiefs finalize 2020 preseason schedule

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Pepper Rodgers, who was the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks from 1967-70 passed away on Thursday, May 14, in Reston, Va. He was 88.

Rodgers joined the Jayhawks in 1967, where he led Kansas to a 5-5 record including a 5-2 record in the Big Eight, to tie for second in the conference. In his second year at the helm in 1968, he led KU to a 9-2 overall record and a share of the Big Eight Conference title. In the same season, he led KU to its second Orange Bowl appearance, where they fell to the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, 14-15, finishing the season with a No. 6 national ranking.

In his four seasons as the head coach at Kansas, Rodgers led the Jayhawks to a 20-22 overall record, while being named Big Eight Coach of the Year twice.

From Atlanta, Georgia, Rodgers played college football at Georgia Tech under head coach Bobby Dodd, where he was a member of the Yellow Jackets’ 1952 National Championship team. As a quarterback and place-kicker, Rodgers threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal and three extra points in Georgia Tech’s 24-7 win over Ole Miss in the 1953 Sugar Bowl, and passed for 195 yards and three touchdowns and added a field goal and two extra points, being named the MVP of the 1954 Sugar Bowl.

In 2018, Rodgers was inducted as a member of the inaugural AllState Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.

Prior to Kansas, Rodgers served as an assistant coach at Air Force (1958-59, Florida (1960-64) and UCLA (1965-66).

Following his four seasons in Lawrence, Rodgers returned to UCLA from 1971-73, before returning to his Alma Mater, Georgia Tech, from 1974-79. In his 13 years of college coaching experience, he coached his teams to a 73-65-3 overall record, while making appearances in the 1968 Orange Bowl (Kansas) and 1978 Peach Bowl (Georgia Tech).

Rodgers went on to coach the Memphis Steamboats of the United States Football League from 1984-85 and the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League in 1995. Rodgers later served as the vice president of football operations for the NFL’s Washington Redskins from 2001-04.

Rodgers was drafted in the 12th round of the 1954 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, but instead entered the Air Force where he spent five years as a pilot.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet Lake Livingston.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Pepper Rodgers, who was the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks from 1967-70 passed away on Thursday, May 14, in Reston, Va. He was 88.Rodgers joined the Jayhawks in 1967, where he led Kansas to a 5-5 record including a 5-2 record in the Big Eight, to tie for second in the conference. In his second year at the helm in 1968, he led KU to a 9-2 overall record and a share of the Big Eight Conference title. In the same season, he led KU to its second Orange Bowl appearance, where they fell to the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, 14-15, finishing the season with a No. 6 national ranking.In his four seasons as the head coach at Kansas, Rodgers led the Jayhawks to a 20-22 overall record, while being named Big Eight Coach of the Year twice.From Atlanta, Georgia, Rodgers played college football at Georgia Tech under head coach Bobby Dodd, where he was a member of the Yellow Jackets’ 1952 National Championship team. As a quarterback and place-kicker, Rodgers threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal and three extra points in Georgia Tech’s 24-7 win over Ole Miss in the 1953 Sugar Bowl, and passed for 195 yards and three touchdowns and added a field goal and two extra points, being named the MVP of the 1954 Sugar Bowl.In 2018, Rodgers was inducted as a member of the inaugural AllState Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.Prior to Kansas, Rodgers served as an assistant coach at Air Force (1958-59, Florida (1960-64) and UCLA (1965-66).Following his four seasons in Lawrence, Rodgers returned to UCLA from 1971-73, before returning to his Alma Mater, Georgia Tech, from 1974-79. In his 13 years of college coaching experience, he coached his teams to a 73-65-3 overall record, while making appearances in the 1968 Orange Bowl (Kansas) and 1978 Peach Bowl (Georgia Tech).Rodgers went on to coach the Memphis Steamboats of the United States Football League from 1984-85 and the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League in 1995. Rodgers later served as the vice president of football operations for the NFL’s Washington Redskins from 2001-04.Rodgers was drafted in the 12th round of the 1954 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, but instead entered the Air Force where he spent five years as a pilot.He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet Lake Livingston.Kansas Athletics

Former Kansas football head coach Pepper Rodgers passes away at 88

Barring any further setbacks, the Hays Larks are planning to
move forward with a shortened baseball season this summer. Following a meeting
by the Larks board Thursday night, the organization is planning a June 15th
start.

“It's not a definite, we're hoping." said longtime Larks
manager Frank Leo. “This whole thing is just hard to predict in what direction it's trying to go but we're going to prepare to try to open on June 15th.” Leo said.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced a revised plan to open
the state Thursday. Currently, Kansas is in Phase One with a new Phase 1.5 going
into effect Monday. It calls for no more than 10 people in public gatherings. Phase
Two, which can start no earlier than June 1st, allows for no more than 30 in
public gatherings. The Larks would operate under Phase Three, which can begin no
earlier than June 15th. It calls for gatherings of no more than 90 individuals.


Leo has been in contact with Ellis County Health
Administrator Jason Kennedy. Both feel fans can be dispersed throughout Larks
Park to adhere to the governor’s plan.

“We feel that with June 15th and that mass gathering rule,
we can still survive.” Leo said. “If a 2.5 phase comes out and we get made any
smaller, it’s going to be hard for us to operate. We’re going to give it a
shot. We think the people of Hays are looking forward to some baseball and we’re
going to try and provide that.”

This is also the Larks first season in the Rocky Mountain
Collegiate Baseball League, which is down to eight members after two decided to
not field teams this summer.

“The Colorado teams are actually going to start a little bit
before the 15th.” Leo said. “They don’t draw as many people as we do so their mass
gathering doesn’t come into play as much as we do here which is one reason why
we had to push (our start) back to the 15th.”

The Larks will now play a 36 game schedule over 41 days. 28 of
their games are at home including the first 12, all in the month of June. After
heading to Colorado for six straight, they close the season with 12 of their
final 16 games at home.

Players will report to Hays on June 10th.

Leo says as of now, the National Baseball Congress is
planning to move forward with their annual World Series at the end of July,
however it’s no guarantee. 

Time will tell, but Leo is hopeful we all hear the umpire
say “Play Ball” this summer.

Barring any further setbacks, the Hays Larks are planning to
move forward with a shortened baseball season this summer. Following a meeting
by the Larks board Thursday night, the organization is planning a June 15th
start.“It's not a definite, we're hoping." said longtime Larks
manager Frank Leo. “This whole thing is just hard to predict in what direction it's trying to go but we're going to prepare to try to open on June 15th.” Leo said.Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced a revised plan to open
the state Thursday. Currently, Kansas is in Phase One with a new Phase 1.5 going
into effect Monday. It calls for no more than 10 people in public gatherings. Phase
Two, which can start no earlier than June 1st, allows for no more than 30 in
public gatherings. The Larks would operate under Phase Three, which can begin no
earlier than June 15th. It calls for gatherings of no more than 90 individuals.
Leo has been in contact with Ellis County Health
Administrator Jason Kennedy. Both feel fans can be dispersed throughout Larks
Park to adhere to the governor’s plan.“We feel that with June 15th and that mass gathering rule,
we can still survive.” Leo said. “If a 2.5 phase comes out and we get made any
smaller, it’s going to be hard for us to operate. We’re going to give it a
shot. We think the people of Hays are looking forward to some baseball and we’re
going to try and provide that.”This is also the Larks first season in the Rocky Mountain
Collegiate Baseball League, which is down to eight members after two decided to
not field teams this summer.“The Colorado teams are actually going to start a little bit
before the 15th.” Leo said. “They don’t draw as many people as we do so their mass
gathering doesn’t come into play as much as we do here which is one reason why
we had to push (our start) back to the 15th.”The Larks will now play a 36 game schedule over 41 days. 28 of
their games are at home including the first 12, all in the month of June. After
heading to Colorado for six straight, they close the season with 12 of their
final 16 games at home.Players will report to Hays on June 10th.Leo says as of now, the National Baseball Congress is
planning to move forward with their annual World Series at the end of July,
however it’s no guarantee. Time will tell, but Leo is hopeful we all hear the umpire
say “Play Ball” this summer.

Larks still planning to play baseball this summer

Fort Hays State men's basketball coach discusses the three high school seniors signed for the 2020-21 season.

The Tiger Sports Network Podcast is brought to you by Diamond R Jewelry, located on the Bricks in downtown Hays.

Fort Hays State men's basketball coach discusses the three high school seniors signed for the 2020-21 season.The Tiger Sports Network Podcast is brought to you by Diamond R Jewelry, located on the Bricks in downtown Hays.<div><iframe title="FHSU men's basketball coach Mark Johnson" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/jjcqp-dc6f39?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=7&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎧 Tiger Sports Network Podcast: Mark Johnson

The impact Bill Snyder has had on the game of football and the student-athletes who participate in it has been considerable and commendable. And, in recognition of those contributions, the Kansas state chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) has been renamed the Coach Bill Snyder Family/ Sunflower Chapter.

“Throughout his life, Coach Snyder has developed winners on and off the field,” long-time Chapter President Gerry McGuire said. “The chapter board of directors strongly believes naming the chapter in his honor is a collective ‘thank you’ on behalf of all those associated with the game; and it provides a platform to communicate his important message to our youth.”

Snyder has been integrally involved in chapter activities from its ince​ption, McGuire said. That includes serving as a banquet speaker, providing guidance to the chapter, and helping to garner resources to support chapter activities.

“It is truly a fitting tribute to Bill Snyder’s Hall of Fame legacy to have his name on the NFF Chapter in Kansas,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “A dedicated and tireless worker, Coach Snyder made a huge impact at all levels of the game, and he cared and built one of the college football’s premier programs from scratch and the bottom up. It’s great that his name and accomplishments are now forever connected to the chapter, which will inspire future coaches and players to follow in his footsteps of excellence for years to come.”

Snyder, who spent a portion of his childhood in Salina, turned around a struggling Kansas State football program, leading it to 19 bowl games during his tenure from 1989-2005; 2009-18. He had a 215-117-1 career record with conferen​ce titles in 2003 and 2012. The football stadium at Kansas State is named in his honor (Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium) and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

“I am honored to have my family’s name associated with the Kansas chapter of the National Football Foundation,” Snyder said. “The game of football provides a wonderful vehicle to develop life skills for our youth. I look forward to helping to serve the NFF’s mission to the benefit of others. The state of Kansas and its people have a special place in my heart.”

Each year, a limited number of Kansas high school seniors are selected as NFF Scholars and recognized at a banquet. One of the recipients is honored with a scholarship, while additional awards are presented to high school coaches, officials and special contributors. More than 300 high school football players from the state of Kansas have been honored by the chapter since its inception in 1991. ​ The Chapter Board of Directors decided that​ this year’s banquet, which was to be the 27th since the chapter was formed, will not be conducted due to social distancing guidelines presented by the State of Kansas. McGuire said the honorees would be announced in the upcoming weeks. About the National Football Foundation Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.

About the NFF Chapter Network The NFF Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America’s young football players. The first meeting to discuss the formation of chapters was held by the Cincinnati Club in 1954, and today more than 12,000 passionate members carry on the legacy of the early pioneers, which is simply to ​Build Leaders Through Football ​ . Collectively, they host more than 300 events each year, reaching more than 500,000 football players at 5,000 high schools.

About the NFF Chapter Network The state of Kansas signed its NFF chapter charter in 1991 as the Jayhawk Chapter. It later transitioned to the Sunflower Chapter. It’s mission is to recognize outstanding high school seniors who excel on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in their schools and communities. Dillon’s Food Stores, which maintains a large presence in the state of Kansas, sponsors the chapter awards program and banquet.

Leader. Educator. Coach.The impact Bill Snyder has had on the game of football and the student-athletes who participate in it has been considerable and commendable. And, in recognition of those contributions, the Kansas state chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) has been renamed the Coach Bill Snyder Family/ Sunflower Chapter.“Throughout his life, Coach Snyder has developed winners on and off the field,” long-time Chapter President Gerry McGuire said. “The chapter board of directors strongly believes naming the chapter in his honor is a collective ‘thank you’ on behalf of all those associated with the game; and it provides a platform to communicate his important message to our youth.”Snyder has been integrally involved in chapter activities from its ince​ption, McGuire said. That includes serving as a banquet speaker, providing guidance to the chapter, and helping to garner resources to support chapter activities.“It is truly a fitting tribute to Bill Snyder’s Hall of Fame legacy to have his name on the NFF Chapter in Kansas,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “A dedicated and tireless worker, Coach Snyder made a huge impact at all levels of the game, and he cared and built one of the college football’s premier programs from scratch and the bottom up. It’s great that his name and accomplishments are now forever connected to the chapter, which will inspire future coaches and players to follow in his footsteps of excellence for years to come.”Snyder, who spent a portion of his childhood in Salina, turned around a struggling Kansas State football program, leading it to 19 bowl games during his tenure from 1989-2005; 2009-18. He had a 215-117-1 career record with conferen​ce titles in 2003 and 2012. The football stadium at Kansas State is named in his honor (Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium) and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.“I am honored to have my family’s name associated with the Kansas chapter of the National Football Foundation,” Snyder said. “The game of football provides a wonderful vehicle to develop life skills for our youth. I look forward to helping to serve the NFF’s mission to the benefit of others. The state of Kansas and its people have a special place in my heart.”Each year, a limited number of Kansas high school seniors are selected as NFF Scholars and recognized at a banquet. One of the recipients is honored with a scholarship, while additional awards are presented to high school coaches, officials and special contributors. More than 300 high school football players from the state of Kansas have been honored by the chapter since its inception in 1991. ​ The Chapter Board of Directors decided that​ this year’s banquet, which was to be the 27th since the chapter was formed, will not be conducted due to social distancing guidelines presented by the State of Kansas. McGuire said the honorees would be announced in the upcoming weeks. About the National Football Foundation Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.About the NFF Chapter Network The NFF Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America’s young football players. The first meeting to discuss the formation of chapters was held by the Cincinnati Club in 1954, and today more than 12,000 passionate members carry on the legacy of the early pioneers, which is simply to ​Build Leaders Through Football ​ . Collectively, they host more than 300 events each year, reaching more than 500,000 football players at 5,000 high schools.About the NFF Chapter Network The state of Kansas signed its NFF chapter charter in 1991 as the Jayhawk Chapter. It later transitioned to the Sunflower Chapter. It’s mission is to recognize outstanding high school seniors who excel on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in their schools and communities. Dillon’s Food Stores, which maintains a large presence in the state of Kansas, sponsors the chapter awards program and banquet.NFF Release

Sunflower Chapter of National Football Foundation renamed in honor of Bill Snyder

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball has always produced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation and the 2020-21 slate is no different. The Jayhawks’ 18-game schedule renews an old rival with Missouri, a battle against preseason top-10 foe Creighton, clashes with Pac-12 foe USC and Ivy League power Harvard.

Adding the Big 12 Conference contests, Kansas will potentially face 10 teams, 12 games, currently ranked in the NCAA March Madness Power 36 for 2020-21, with No. 2 Baylor and No. 4 Creighton each ranked ahead of No. 7 Kansas. Kentucky at No. 8, Virginia (10, Texas Tech (17, West Virginia (18, UCLA (19, Texas (22) and Oklahoma (26) are also potential upcoming KU foes ranked in the NCAA March Madness preseason poll. Virginia and UCLA, along with Georgetown, are part of the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Nov. 26-27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Additionally, these figures do not include KU’s Jan. 30 opponent for the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

“Once again we will have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We have a minimum of four games against teams that will be ranked in the preseason top 10 with Kentucky, Creighton and Baylor. And that does not even mention the other teams that will be ranked like USC, Colorado, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Texas and the SEC opponent just to mention a few. I’m already excited for the season and know our fans will be as well.”

Kansas Athletics recently announced that for the 2020-21 season, Allen Fieldhouse will expand from three to eight pricing tiers, including four tiers that are lower than any season ticket price from last season. This new structure will lower the cost of season tickets for almost 45 percent of Allen Fieldhouse season ticket holders from last year.

Additionally, the Dec. 12 Border Showdown vs. Missouri at the Sprint Center is only available by purchasing season tickets through KU. Once KU season ticket sales are completed, all remaining inventory for the Dec. 12 game will be made available to Missouri. If they do not sell that allotment, those limited tickets will be made available to the general public.

To order season tickets, fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which starts at $100 annually. Men’s basketball season tickets are allocated according to Williams Education Fund policies and subject to availability. More information is available through the Williams Education Fund by calling 785.864.3946 or&nbsp;wef@ku.edu&nbsp;.

The season starts off with the two winningest programs in NCAA Division I history with Kansas facing Kentucky in the Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10. KU will then open home play for three games against Southern Utah (Nov. 13, Eastern Illinois (Nov. 16) and Stony Brook (Nov. 20) before heading to the Wooden Legacy Tournament.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball has always produced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation and the 2020-21 slate is no different. The Jayhawks’ 18-game schedule renews an old rival with Missouri, a battle against preseason top-10 foe Creighton, clashes with Pac-12 foe USC and Ivy League power Harvard.Adding the Big 12 Conference contests, Kansas will potentially face 10 teams, 12 games, currently ranked in the NCAA March Madness Power 36 for 2020-21, with No. 2 Baylor and No. 4 Creighton each ranked ahead of No. 7 Kansas. Kentucky at No. 8, Virginia (10, Texas Tech (17, West Virginia (18, UCLA (19, Texas (22) and Oklahoma (26) are also potential upcoming KU foes ranked in the NCAA March Madness preseason poll. Virginia and UCLA, along with Georgetown, are part of the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Nov. 26-27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Additionally, these figures do not include KU’s Jan. 30 opponent for the Big 12/SEC Challenge.“Once again we will have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We have a minimum of four games against teams that will be ranked in the preseason top 10 with Kentucky, Creighton and Baylor. And that does not even mention the other teams that will be ranked like USC, Colorado, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Texas and the SEC opponent just to mention a few. I’m already excited for the season and know our fans will be as well.”Kansas Athletics recently announced that for the 2020-21 season, Allen Fieldhouse will expand from three to eight pricing tiers, including four tiers that are lower than any season ticket price from last season. This new structure will lower the cost of season tickets for almost 45 percent of Allen Fieldhouse season ticket holders from last year.Additionally, the Dec. 12 Border Showdown vs. Missouri at the Sprint Center is only available by purchasing season tickets through KU. Once KU season ticket sales are completed, all remaining inventory for the Dec. 12 game will be made available to Missouri. If they do not sell that allotment, those limited tickets will be made available to the general public.To order season tickets, fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which starts at $100 annually. Men’s basketball season tickets are allocated according to Williams Education Fund policies and subject to availability. More information is available through the Williams Education Fund by calling 785.864.3946 or&nbsp;wef@ku.edu&nbsp;.The season starts off with the two winningest programs in NCAA Division I history with Kansas facing Kentucky in the Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10. KU will then open home play for three games against Southern Utah (Nov. 13, Eastern Illinois (Nov. 16) and Stony Brook (Nov. 20) before heading to the Wooden Legacy Tournament.Creighton finished No. 7 in the final Associated Press poll in March and will make its first trip to Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 3. KU will then host Omaha Dec. 8 before playing host to Missouri Dec. 12 in the first of six Border Showdown Series matchups. USC will then play at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 19 and KU will close out the pre-holiday slate at former conference foe Colorado on Dec. 22. KU will host Harvard on Dec. 29 before opening Big 12 play Jan. 2.Kansas is coming off a 28-3 record in 2019-20 where the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title with a conference record 17 wins in going 17-1 and winning its final 16 games of the season. KU ended 2019-20 No. 1 in the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls before the pandemic shortened season.KU ended No. 2 in the 2019-20 NET rankings. The Jayhawks’ strength of schedule was No. 1. Kansas was the only school with 12 Quadrant 1 wins. KU’s 20 Q1 and Q2 combined wins are also more than any other school.Over the last 17 seasons, the Big 12 has proven to be one of the toughest league’s in the NCAA, making the Jayhawks’ run of 15 league titles since 2004 even more impressive. Beginning in the 2003-04 season, the Big 12 has ranked as the nation’s No. 1 conference in the RPI/NET rankings six times and in the top-three on 11 occasions. In 2019-20, the conference trended in the same direction as it ended as the second highest-rated league in the NET rankings.The Big 12 Conference schedule will be released later in the summer. Below is brief series information on the 2020-21 KU nonconference schedule.Nov. 10 (Tues.) – Kentucky (Champions Classic, United Center, Chicago)* The two winningest programs in college basketball square off in the Champions Classic. Kentucky at 2,318 wins and Kansas at 2,302 victories are the only two schools to amass 2,300 all-time wins.* Kentucky is coming off a 25-6 season where it won the SEC by three games going 15-3 in 2019-20.* Kentucky leads the overall series with Kansas, 22-9, but the Jayhawks have won three of the last four meetings.* In the Champions Classic, Kentucky holds a 2-1 series advantage. While at Kansas, Jayhawks’ head coach Bill Self is 6-4 against Kentucky.* Kentucky is coached by former Kansas assistant John Calipari who is 330-77 in 11 seasons at UK and 733-215 in 28 seasons overall.Nov. 13 (Fri.) – SOUTHERN UTAH* Kansas and Southern Utah will be meeting for the first time in men’s basketball.* Southern Utah went 17-15 last season and finished seventh in the Big Sky Conference with a 9-11 league mark.* The Thunderbirds are coached by Todd Simon who is 53-78 in four seasons at Southern Utah.Nov. 16 (Mon.) – EASTERN ILLINOIS* Eastern Illinois will be the second-straight team Kansas will be facing for the first time in men’s basketball.* The Panthers finished 17-15 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the 12-team Ohio Valley Conference with a 9-9 league record.* Eastern Illinois is coached by Jay Spoonhour who is 110-139 in eight seasons at EIU.Nov. 20 (Fri.) – STONY BROOK* Kansas and Stony Brook will also be meeting for the first time.* Stony Brook finished second in the American East Conference last season, posting a 20-13 overall and 10-6 league record.* The Seawolves are coached by Geno Ford who is 20-14 after his first season at Stony Brook. Ford is 185-169 overall with stints at Kent State and Bradley prior to Stony Brook.Nov. 26-27 – TBD (Wooden Legacy Tournament, Anaheim Arena, Anaheim, Calif. – Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia) Georgetown* In a series which started in the 1987 NCAA Tournament, Kansas is 3-1 all-time against Georgetown and the Jayhawks have won the last three meetings. The two teams last met in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014, a KU 75-70 road win.* Last year Georgetown posted a 15-17 record and finished tied for ninth in the Big East with a 5-13 league record.* The Hoyas are coached by legendary alum Patrick Ewing, who is 49-46 in three seasons at Georgetown.UCLA* UCLA leads the series with Kansas, 10-8, but the Jayhawks have won the last four and five of the last six meetings with the Bruins. The last two battles were in the Maui Invitational, a KU 92-73 win in 2015 and a KU 72-56 victory in 2011.* Last year, UCLA went 19-12 and finished second in the Pac-12 Conference with a 12-6 league record, one game behind league champion Oregon.* The Bruins are coached by Mick Cronin, who will be entering his second season at UCLA and is 384-182 overall with stints at Murray State and Cincinnati before taking over UCLA in 2019.Virginia* Kansas is 2-1 all-time against Virginia with all three meetings in 1995 and 1996. UVA won the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Sweet 16, 67-58, on March 24, 1995, in Kansas City, Mo., while KU won 72-66 in the Great Eight on Nov. 29, 1995, in Auburn Hills, Mich., and 80-63, on Nov. 27, 1996, in the title game of the Maui Invitational.* With the abrupt ending to the 2019-20 season, Virginia will still be defending its 2019 NCAA National Championship next year.* The Cavaliers went 23-7 in 2019-20 and finished tied for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 15-5, one game behind league champion Florida State.* UVA is coached by Tony Bennett who is 277-96 in 11 seasons at Virginia and 346-129 overall with three seasons at Washington State before taking over at Virginia in 2009-10.Dec. 3 (Thurs.) – CREIGHTON* Creighton will make its first-ever trip to Allen Fieldhouse as its last visit to Lawrence was in 1950. Kansas leads the series 9-6 but the teams’ previous meeting was in the 1974 NCAA Midwest Regional opening round, at KU 55-54 win in Tulsa. Kansas would later advance the 1974 Final Four in Greensboro, N.C.* Last season, Creighton finished No. 7 in the Associated Press poll posting a 24-7 overall record. The Blue Jays tied Villanova and Seton Hall for the Big East regular-season title with a 13-5 league record.* Creighton is coached by Greg McDermott who is 231-116 in 10 seasons at Creighton and is 511-311 overall.Dec. 8 (Tues.) – OMAHA* Kansas won the only series meeting with Omaha, 109-64, on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse.* Last year the Mavericks finished 16-16 overall and tied for fourth in the Summit League with a 9-7 conference record.* The Mavericks are coached by Derrin Hansen who is 241-214 in 15 seasons at Omaha.Dec. 12 (Sat.) – MISSOURI (Border Showdown Series, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.)* On October 21, 2019, the Border Showdown between Kansas and Missouri was renewed starting with the Dec. 9 contest at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The two teams will meet six times over the next six seasons through 2025-26 with two meetings at Sprint Center (2020, 2025, two in Lawrence (2021, 2023) and two in Columbia (2022, 2024).* The Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River until 2012 when Missouri departed the Big 12 for the SEC.* This series dates back to 1907 and Kansas holds a 174-95 advantage. The two teams did meet in and exhibition game at Sprint Center, a KU 93-87 win on Oct. 22, 2017, in a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.* Last year, MU went 15-16 overall and tied for 10th in the SEC with a 7-11 league record.* The Tigers are coached by Cuonzo Martin who is 50-46 in three seasons at MU and 236-166 overall with stops at Missouri State, Tennessee and California prior to Missouri.Dec. 19 (Sat.) – USC* This series dates back to 1935 with Kansas leading 11-5. The Jayhawks have won the last seven matchups with the Trojans with the last meeting a 63-47 KU win in Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 2011.* Last season, USC finished 22-9 and tied for third in the Pac-12 Conference at 11-7, two games behind league winner Oregon.* The Trojans are coached by Andy Enfield who is 132-102 in seven seasons at USC and 173-130 overall, which includes two years at Florida Gulf Coast before taking over at USC in 2013.Dec. 22 (Tues.) – at Colorado* This series between Kansas and Colorado dates back to 1931 and KU leads 124-40 after its 72-58 win on Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. Colorado’s 75-72 win on Dec. 7, 2013, in Boulder, ended a Kansas 19-straight series win streak against CU. Kansas has won 46 of the last 48 meetings with CU dating back to 1991. As conference members - Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12 - Kansas was 116-35 against Colorado, which included 21 meetings in the Big Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament and postseason conference play. As members of the Big 12, Kansas was 31-1 against Colorado – 29-1 in regular-season play and 2-0 in the league tournament.* Colorado finished 21-11 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the Pac-12 Conference at 10-8.* The Buffs are coached by former Kansas guard Tad Boyle who is 210-134 in 10 seasons at CU and 266-200 in 14 seasons overall. Boyle coached four seasons at Northern Colorado before taking over at Colorado in 2010-11.Dec. 29 (Tues.) – HARVARD* Kansas won its only meeting with Harvard, 75-69, on Dec. 5, 2015, in Allen Fieldhouse.* Last season Harvard finished 21-8 and second in the Ivy League at 10-4, one game behind Ivy champ Yale at 11-3.* The Crimson are coached by Tommy Amaker who is 251-139 in 13 seasons at Harvard and 426-277 overall. Amaker, who has guided the Crimson to seven Ivy League titles in the last 10 seasons, was head coach at Seton Hall from 1997-98 until 2000-01, Michigan from 2001-02 until 2006-07 before taking over at Harvard.Jan. 30 (Sat.) – at TBD (Big 12/SEC Challenge)* After its 74-68 win against Tennessee on Jan. 25, 2020, in Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 5-2 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, having split with Florida in 2013-14 and 2014-15, as both teams claimed home victories. KU then swept a home-and-home series with Kentucky, claiming a 90-84 overtime in Allen Fieldhouse in 2016 and a 79-73 win in Lexington, Kentucky in 2017. In 2018, Kansas defeated Texas A&amp;M, 79-68, in Allen Fieldhouse and lost at Kentucky, 71-63, in 2019.* With the Big East/Big 12 Battle starting up in 2019-20, dating back to 2007, Kansas is 8-4 in conference challenges (1-1 vs. Arizona, 2-0 vs. UCLA, 1-1 vs. Florida, 2-1 vs. Kentucky, 1-0 vs. Tennessee, 1-0 vs. Texas A&amp;M and 0-1 vs. Villanova).Kansas Athletics