The NCAA will permit spring sport athletes who had their seasons shortened by the coronavirus outbreak to have an additional year of eligibility.

The NCAA Division I Council voted Monday to give college athletes who compete in spring sports such as baseball, softball and lacrosse a way to get back the season they lost, but did not guarantee financial aid.

Winter sports were not included in the decision. Council members declined to extend eligibility for student-athletes in sports where all or much of their regular seasons were completed.

How much scholarship money will be made available to each athlete will be determined by the athlete's school. The amount could range from nothing to as much the athlete received the year before.

Roster limits will be adjusted to fit returning athletes along with incoming freshmen.

By the Associated PressThe NCAA will permit spring sport athletes who had their seasons shortened by the coronavirus outbreak to have an additional year of eligibility.The NCAA Division I Council voted Monday to give college athletes who compete in spring sports such as baseball, softball and lacrosse a way to get back the season they lost, but did not guarantee financial aid.Winter sports were not included in the decision. Council members declined to extend eligibility for student-athletes in sports where all or much of their regular seasons were completed.How much scholarship money will be made available to each athlete will be determined by the athlete's school. The amount could range from nothing to as much the athlete received the year before.Roster limits will be adjusted to fit returning athletes along with incoming freshmen.

NCAA approves extra year of eligibility for Division I spring athletes

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A force inside on both ends of the floor, Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike has been named the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Defensive Player of the Year, as the NABC announced its top Division I award winners Monday.

“I would like to thank God almighty,” Azubuike said. “My teammates and coaches have played a huge role in all the awards I receive. It is a humbling experience. The fans, everybody has played a huge role in me being where I am today. I want to thank the coaches for selecting me for this honor. There are a lot of great defensive players in basketball and to win this award is humbling.”

Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game.

A unanimous 2020 All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named 2020 Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

A Consensus All-America Second Team selection, Azubuike came on strong toward the end of the season recording 12 of his 15 double-doubles in the final 17 games. He also averaged 5.8 blocked shots in his final 17 contests of 2019-20.

Kansas finished the season 28-3 and won its 19th Big 12 and NCAA record 62nd conference regular-season title winning an all-time high 17 league games going 17-1. The Jayhawks finished 2019-20 ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls.

Historically, NABC Defensive Player of the Year started in 1986-87 and Azubuike becomes the second Jayhawk to win the honor joining 2013 recipient Jeff Withey, who was a co-winner along with Victor Oladipo of Indiana.

Dayton’s Anthony Grant was the 2019-20 NABC Coach of the Year and Dayton’s Obi Topping the NABC Player of the Year. NABC Freshman of the Year went to Vernon Carey Jr. of Duke, and NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Luka Garza of Iowa.

Kansas Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/azubuike-nabc-dpoy/">kuathletics.com</a>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A force inside on both ends of the floor, Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike has been named the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Defensive Player of the Year, as the NABC announced its top Division I award winners Monday.“I would like to thank God almighty,” Azubuike said. “My teammates and coaches have played a huge role in all the awards I receive. It is a humbling experience. The fans, everybody has played a huge role in me being where I am today. I want to thank the coaches for selecting me for this honor. There are a lot of great defensive players in basketball and to win this award is humbling.”Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game.A unanimous 2020 All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named 2020 Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).A Consensus All-America Second Team selection, Azubuike came on strong toward the end of the season recording 12 of his 15 double-doubles in the final 17 games. He also averaged 5.8 blocked shots in his final 17 contests of 2019-20.Kansas finished the season 28-3 and won its 19th Big 12 and NCAA record 62nd conference regular-season title winning an all-time high 17 league games going 17-1. The Jayhawks finished 2019-20 ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls.Historically, NABC Defensive Player of the Year started in 1986-87 and Azubuike becomes the second Jayhawk to win the honor joining 2013 recipient Jeff Withey, who was a co-winner along with Victor Oladipo of Indiana.Dayton’s Anthony Grant was the 2019-20 NABC Coach of the Year and Dayton’s Obi Topping the NABC Player of the Year. NABC Freshman of the Year went to Vernon Carey Jr. of Duke, and NABC Pete Newell Big Man of the Year Luka Garza of Iowa.Kansas Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://kuathletics.com/azubuike-nabc-dpoy/">kuathletics.com</a>

Azubuike named 2019-20 NABC Defensive Player of the Year

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will renew one of its oldest rivalries in the coming years, as the Wildcats have inked a three-game men’s basketball series with former conference foe Nebraska, starting Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, the schools announced Sunday (March 29).

The three-game agreement calls for a road game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, December 18, 2021 and a home game at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday December 17, 2022.

“This is a nice three-game series for us and a real win-win for both schools,” said head coach Bruce Weber. “(Director of Operations) Drew (Speraw) was looking for a neutral site game at the same time as Nebraska and it just worked out for both parties. We started with the game in Kansas City then added the home-and-home series later. With the shared conference history, the closeness of both campuses and our relationship with Coach (Fred) Hoiberg and his staff, a series like this just makes too much sense.”

The two schools, which played 219 games through five conferences (Missouri Valley, Big Six, Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12, will reignite a rivalry that started more than 100 years ago with a 50-14 victory by Nebraska on February 19, 1906 and was last played at the Devaney Sports Center on February 23, 2011, a 61-57 Wildcat win.

K-State leads the all-time series, 126-93, including a 19-3 mark in games played in Kansas City. The 219 meetings represent the fourth-longest series in school history, following Kansas (293, Missouri (237) and Iowa State (231).

K-State will host Nebraska in the 11th Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center in December, which will be the 23rd meeting between the schools in Kansas City and the first since a 62-58 win by K-State in the first round of the 2001 Big 12 Championship on March 8 at Kemper Arena (now Hy-Vee Arena). The Wildcats are 8-2 all-time in Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center, including wins in 5 of the last 6 games.

This will be the first non-conference games between the schools since the 2001 Big 12 Championship. The teams played 7 times between the first meeting in 1906 and before Nebraska joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1915. They also played 15 times in the Big Eight Holiday Tournament (1944-77) and 7 times in Big Eight/12 Championship (1979-2001, all in Kansas City.

The Wildcats have won 10 consecutive games against the Huskers in Kansas City, including a 7-0 mark in Big Eight/12 Championship play. The Sprint Center will be the third different Kansas City venue to host the matchup, following Municipal Auditorium (1944-73) and Kemper Arena (1974-2001).

Nebraska is led by a familiar face in former Iowa State player and head coach Fred Hoiberg, who is entering his second season in Lincoln. A two-time All-Big Eight selection for the Cyclones from 1991-95, he led Iowa State to 115 wins, four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big 12 Championships (2014, 2015) from 2010-15 before leaving to become the Chicago Bulls head coach (2015-18).

The Huskers are coming off a transition year in 2019-20, in which, they posted a 7-25 overall record, including a 2-18 mark in Big Ten play with zero returning starters and 14 newcomers.

The Nebraska series is yet another exciting piece to the 2020-21 non-conference slate, which already includes home games with UNLV and in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. K-State has also committed to play in the Cayman Islands Classic, November 23-25, in a field that includes La Salle, Miami (Fla., Nevada, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Western Kentucky.

Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will renew one of its oldest rivalries in the coming years, as the Wildcats have inked a three-game men’s basketball series with former conference foe Nebraska, starting Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, the schools announced Sunday (March 29).The three-game agreement calls for a road game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, December 18, 2021 and a home game at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday December 17, 2022.“This is a nice three-game series for us and a real win-win for both schools,” said head coach Bruce Weber. “(Director of Operations) Drew (Speraw) was looking for a neutral site game at the same time as Nebraska and it just worked out for both parties. We started with the game in Kansas City then added the home-and-home series later. With the shared conference history, the closeness of both campuses and our relationship with Coach (Fred) Hoiberg and his staff, a series like this just makes too much sense.”The two schools, which played 219 games through five conferences (Missouri Valley, Big Six, Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12, will reignite a rivalry that started more than 100 years ago with a 50-14 victory by Nebraska on February 19, 1906 and was last played at the Devaney Sports Center on February 23, 2011, a 61-57 Wildcat win.K-State leads the all-time series, 126-93, including a 19-3 mark in games played in Kansas City. The 219 meetings represent the fourth-longest series in school history, following Kansas (293, Missouri (237) and Iowa State (231).K-State will host Nebraska in the 11th Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center in December, which will be the 23rd meeting between the schools in Kansas City and the first since a 62-58 win by K-State in the first round of the 2001 Big 12 Championship on March 8 at Kemper Arena (now Hy-Vee Arena). The Wildcats are 8-2 all-time in Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center, including wins in 5 of the last 6 games.This will be the first non-conference games between the schools since the 2001 Big 12 Championship. The teams played 7 times between the first meeting in 1906 and before Nebraska joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1915. They also played 15 times in the Big Eight Holiday Tournament (1944-77) and 7 times in Big Eight/12 Championship (1979-2001, all in Kansas City.The Wildcats have won 10 consecutive games against the Huskers in Kansas City, including a 7-0 mark in Big Eight/12 Championship play. The Sprint Center will be the third different Kansas City venue to host the matchup, following Municipal Auditorium (1944-73) and Kemper Arena (1974-2001).Nebraska is led by a familiar face in former Iowa State player and head coach Fred Hoiberg, who is entering his second season in Lincoln. A two-time All-Big Eight selection for the Cyclones from 1991-95, he led Iowa State to 115 wins, four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big 12 Championships (2014, 2015) from 2010-15 before leaving to become the Chicago Bulls head coach (2015-18).The Huskers are coming off a transition year in 2019-20, in which, they posted a 7-25 overall record, including a 2-18 mark in Big Ten play with zero returning starters and 14 newcomers.The Nebraska series is yet another exciting piece to the 2020-21 non-conference slate, which already includes home games with UNLV and in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. K-State has also committed to play in the Cayman Islands Classic, November 23-25, in a field that includes La Salle, Miami (Fla., Nevada, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Western Kentucky.– www.k-statesports.com --TOM GILBERTDirector for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

K-State, Nebraska ink 3-game series, starting in Kansas City in December

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to a one-year deal, a source confirmed to the Kansas City Star. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported that the contract is worth $2,297,500 fully guaranteed, though only about $1 million will count against the Chiefs’ salary cap.

According to the source, Robinson drew interest on the open market. General manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs, however, remained focused on bringing him back and kept the lines of communications open before eventually agreeing to terms.

Robinson appeared in all 16 regular-season games with 10 starts in 2019, recording 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns on 55 targets. His biggest game came in Week 2, when he totaled six catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a healthy 28.6 yards per catch.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to a one-year deal, a source confirmed to the Kansas City Star. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported that the contract is worth $2,297,500 fully guaranteed, though only about $1 million will count against the Chiefs’ salary cap.According to the source, Robinson drew interest on the open market. General manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs, however, remained focused on bringing him back and kept the lines of communications open before eventually agreeing to terms.Robinson appeared in all 16 regular-season games with 10 starts in 2019, recording 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns on 55 targets. His biggest game came in Week 2, when he totaled six catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a healthy 28.6 yards per catch.

Chiefs re-sign WR Demarcus Robinson

UNDATED (AP) — The final pitch of the 2020 baseball season could be thrown closer to Christmas than Halloween. Major League Baseball owners ratified a 17-page agreement with the union Friday with players willing to extend the season as long as needed to cover as close to a full schedule as possible.

If the season had started on schedule Thursday, Game 7 of the World Series would be Oct. 28. But with opening day postponed until mid-May at the earliest, the sides have discussed a regular season extending into October and a postseason in November.

UNDATED (AP) — The final pitch of the 2020 baseball season could be thrown closer to Christmas than Halloween. Major League Baseball owners ratified a 17-page agreement with the union Friday with players willing to extend the season as long as needed to cover as close to a full schedule as possible.If the season had started on schedule Thursday, Game 7 of the World Series would be Oct. 28. But with opening day postponed until mid-May at the earliest, the sides have discussed a regular season extending into October and a postseason in November.

MLB could extend baseball season into early winter

Commissioner Roger Goodell has told NFL teams that the draft will go on as originally scheduled next month. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Goodell said the draft will still take place April 23-25, but will be scaled down and “televised in a way that reflects current conditions.”

It was originally planned as a big outdoor production in Las Vegas, but those plans were scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams were told to plan “to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters.”

By the Associated PressCommissioner Roger Goodell has told NFL teams that the draft will go on as originally scheduled next month. In a memo obtained by The Associated Press, Goodell said the draft will still take place April 23-25, but will be scaled down and “televised in a way that reflects current conditions.”It was originally planned as a big outdoor production in Las Vegas, but those plans were scrapped because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams were told to plan “to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters.”

NFL draft will occur in modified form in April

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA will distribute $225 million to its Division I members in June. That is $375 million less than had been budgeted this year because the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of the men's basketball tournament.

The NCAA says $50 million will come from its reserve fund. A $270 million event cancellation insurance policy will help pay the rest.

March Madness is among the biggest revenue producers for the NCAA and its schools. It was canceled March 19, a week before the first round was scheduled to begin.

The NCAA pulled in more than $1 billion in revenue last year, including $867.5 million from the television and marketing rights for the Division I men's basketball tournament.

The NCAA had been scheduled to distribute $600 million to more than 300 Division I schools from April to June.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA will distribute $225 million to its Division I members in June. That is $375 million less than had been budgeted this year because the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of the men's basketball tournament.The NCAA says $50 million will come from its reserve fund. A $270 million event cancellation insurance policy will help pay the rest.March Madness is among the biggest revenue producers for the NCAA and its schools. It was canceled March 19, a week before the first round was scheduled to begin.The NCAA pulled in more than $1 billion in revenue last year, including $867.5 million from the television and marketing rights for the Division I men's basketball tournament.The NCAA had been scheduled to distribute $600 million to more than 300 Division I schools from April to June.

NCAA slashes distribution by $375 million

UNDATED (AP) — The Brickyard will be silent Memorial Day weekend.

The Indianapolis 500 scheduled for May 24 has been postponed until August because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It will be the first time since 1946 that the race won’t be run on Memorial Day weekend.

IndyCar initially said it would resume racing May 9 on the road course at Indianapolis. That race will now be run on July 4, a day before NASCAR races at The Brickyard. The Indy 500 will be moved to Aug. 23.

UNDATED (AP) — The Brickyard will be silent Memorial Day weekend.The Indianapolis 500 scheduled for May 24 has been postponed until August because of the coronavirus pandemic.It will be the first time since 1946 that the race won’t be run on Memorial Day weekend.IndyCar initially said it would resume racing May 9 on the road course at Indianapolis. That race will now be run on July 4, a day before NASCAR races at The Brickyard. The Indy 500 will be moved to Aug. 23.

Indy 500 moved to August

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.

The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.

“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”

Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."

Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.

Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.

Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHarlemGlobetrotters%2Fposts%2F10157522339583717&width=500" width="500" height="467" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

Harlem Globetrotters great Curly Neal dies at 77

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost Blake Bell to free agency as the Dallas Cowboys have signed the former Chiefs tight end to a one-year deal.

The Wichita, Kansas native spent just one season in KC as he signed as a free agent last year. Bell did start seven games last season and had eight receptions on 15 targets for 67 yards. He caught his first touchdown pass with the Chiefs during their divisional playoff win over Houston and added one catch in Super Bowl LIV against San Francisco.

For his career, Bell has 38 receptions for 424 yards as he played for the Chiefs, Jaguars, Vikings and 49ers. He was drafted in the fourth round by San Francisco in 2015 out of Oklahoma.

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost Blake Bell to free agency as the Dallas Cowboys have signed the former Chiefs tight end to a one-year deal.The Wichita, Kansas native spent just one season in KC as he signed as a free agent last year. Bell did start seven games last season and had eight receptions on 15 targets for 67 yards. He caught his first touchdown pass with the Chiefs during their divisional playoff win over Houston and added one catch in Super Bowl LIV against San Francisco.For his career, Bell has 38 receptions for 424 yards as he played for the Chiefs, Jaguars, Vikings and 49ers. He was drafted in the fourth round by San Francisco in 2015 out of Oklahoma.

Former Chiefs TE Blake Bell signs with Cowboys

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State senior wrestler&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;wrapped up his career with the best winning percentage in program history, coming away victorious in 85.5 percent of his bouts.

The Great Bend, Kan. native wrapped up his illustrious career with an overall record of 130-22, including an incredible 44-3 record over the last two seasons. He was a four-time national qualifier, placing as high as fourth as a junior while earning a pair of All-America honors.

Ball was a three-time MIAA champion at 141 pounds, winning the conference tournament as a sophomore before earning the dual meet title each of the last two years. He also won a pair of regional titles, placing first in the West Super Regional as a redshirt-freshman before winning the Super Region 4 title as a junior.

He also excelled in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic All-America honors as a junior while being named a finalist for the MIAA's Ken B. Jones Award, an award annually given to the conference's student-athlete of the year. Ball received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award four times alongside three NWCA All-Academic Team recognitions.



HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State senior wrestler&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5381">Brandon Ball</a>&nbsp;wrapped up his career with the best winning percentage in program history, coming away victorious in 85.5 percent of his bouts.The Great Bend, Kan. native wrapped up his illustrious career with an overall record of 130-22, including an incredible 44-3 record over the last two seasons. He was a four-time national qualifier, placing as high as fourth as a junior while earning a pair of All-America honors.Ball was a three-time MIAA champion at 141 pounds, winning the conference tournament as a sophomore before earning the dual meet title each of the last two years. He also won a pair of regional titles, placing first in the West Super Regional as a redshirt-freshman before winning the Super Region 4 title as a junior.He also excelled in the classroom, earning CoSIDA Academic All-America honors as a junior while being named a finalist for the MIAA's Ken B. Jones Award, an award annually given to the conference's student-athlete of the year. Ball received the MIAA Scholar-Athlete Award four times alongside three NWCA All-Academic Team recognitions.

FHSU Sports Information

Ball wraps up career with best win percentage in Tiger wrestling history

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State guard Cariter Diarra is leaving the basketball program with the intention of turning professional. Diarra is leaving open the option of transferring to another school for his senior season. 

Wildcats coach Bruce Weber said in a statement Thursday that his leading primary ball-handler and second-leading scorer will graduate this spring. That would allow Diarra to play elsewhere next season without having to redshirt.

“Cartier has informed me of his desire to test his pro basketball opportunities with the option to transfer to another school for his final season of eligibility.&nbsp;I’m supportive of Cartier’s decision and appreciate the time he has given this program the last four years. He has been a part of many great moments here. We look forward to him graduating this spring and pursuing his dream of playing pro basketball."

Diarra was often seen at odds with Weber during a difficult season in Manhattan though both brushed off their verbal spats as simply heat-of-the-moment situations.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State guard Cariter Diarra is leaving the basketball program with the intention of turning professional. Diarra is leaving open the option of transferring to another school for his senior season. Wildcats coach Bruce Weber said in a statement Thursday that his leading primary ball-handler and second-leading scorer will graduate this spring. That would allow Diarra to play elsewhere next season without having to redshirt.“Cartier has informed me of his desire to test his pro basketball opportunities with the option to transfer to another school for his final season of eligibility.&nbsp;I’m supportive of Cartier’s decision and appreciate the time he has given this program the last four years. He has been a part of many great moments here. We look forward to him graduating this spring and pursuing his dream of playing pro basketball."Diarra was often seen at odds with Weber during a difficult season in Manhattan though both brushed off their verbal spats as simply heat-of-the-moment situations.

Cartier Diarra is leaving the K-State basketball program

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Athletics Inc. contends in a newly unsealed court filing that it has evidence former football coach David Beaty “allowed and encouraged NCAA violations” while at the University of Kansas.

The memo was filed by the university's lawyers in January and unsealed this past week. It says those alleged violations has “resulted in several hundred thousand" dollars in legal fees for Kansas Athletics. The Lawrence Journal-World reports the filing includes transcripts of interviews with players and members of the football staff that that the university says suggest that NCAA rule violations occurred under Beaty.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Athletics Inc. contends in a newly unsealed court filing that it has evidence former football coach David Beaty “allowed and encouraged NCAA violations” while at the University of Kansas.The memo was filed by the university's lawyers in January and unsealed this past week. It says those alleged violations has “resulted in several hundred thousand" dollars in legal fees for Kansas Athletics. The Lawrence Journal-World reports the filing includes transcripts of interviews with players and members of the football staff that that the university says suggest that NCAA rule violations occurred under Beaty.

KU claims former football coach allowed and encouraged NCAA violation



MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– With recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State Athletics, in concert with the K-State Alumni Association and University officials, announced Wednesday that the 2020 Catbacker Tour has been canceled.

"Traveling the state to all of the Catbacker clubs is one of the most unique grassroots tours in all of college athletics," Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff.aspx?staff=1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;said. "It has been a very frantic and fluid month across the world, and we will continue to do our part to keep people safe and do what is best for all of our communities. We will miss touring the state and visiting our fans in their own backyards but are excited to begin planning soon for the 2021 Catbacker Tour."

"K-Staters love being together to share their pride, learn about what is happening on campus and to&nbsp;award&nbsp;scholarships to future K-State students," added K-State Alumni Association President and CEO Amy Button Renz. "As scholarship dollars are more important than ever before, the Alumni Association&nbsp;is committed to ensuring that all of our Alumni Clubs and Catbacker groups have the opportunity to still award their local scholarships throughout this year. K-Staters are resilient and we look forward to gathering with our passionate alumni as soon as we can safely do so."



MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– With recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, K-State Athletics, in concert with the K-State Alumni Association and University officials, announced Wednesday that the 2020 Catbacker Tour has been canceled."Traveling the state to all of the Catbacker clubs is one of the most unique grassroots tours in all of college athletics," Athletics Director&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/staff.aspx?staff=1">Gene Taylor</a>&nbsp;said. "It has been a very frantic and fluid month across the world, and we will continue to do our part to keep people safe and do what is best for all of our communities. We will miss touring the state and visiting our fans in their own backyards but are excited to begin planning soon for the 2021 Catbacker Tour.""K-Staters love being together to share their pride, learn about what is happening on campus and to&nbsp;award&nbsp;scholarships to future K-State students," added K-State Alumni Association President and CEO Amy Button Renz. "As scholarship dollars are more important than ever before, the Alumni Association&nbsp;is committed to ensuring that all of our Alumni Clubs and Catbacker groups have the opportunity to still award their local scholarships throughout this year. K-Staters are resilient and we look forward to gathering with our passionate alumni as soon as we can safely do so."

Kansas State Athletics

K-State cancels summer Catbacker Tour

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive tackle Mike&nbsp;Pennel to a one-year contract, his agent announced Tuesday night.

Pennel&nbsp;signed with the Chiefs about halfway through the 2019 season and appeared in eight regular season games. He recorded 24 tackles and one sack during the regular season and then started two of the team's three playoffs games.

Pennel&nbsp;was undrafted in 2014 and signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent out of Division II Colorado State-Pueblo. He spent three seasons with the team, appearing in 37 total games before being claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.&nbsp;Pennel spent the next two seasons with New York, appearing in all 32 games and making 10 starts.

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive tackle Mike&nbsp;Pennel to a one-year contract, his agent announced Tuesday night.Pennel&nbsp;signed with the Chiefs about halfway through the 2019 season and appeared in eight regular season games. He recorded 24 tackles and one sack during the regular season and then started two of the team's three playoffs games.Pennel&nbsp;was undrafted in 2014 and signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent out of Division II Colorado State-Pueblo. He spent three seasons with the team, appearing in 37 total games before being claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.&nbsp;Pennel spent the next two seasons with New York, appearing in all 32 games and making 10 starts.

Chiefs re-sign DL Mike Pennel to one-year contract

INDIANAPOLIS&nbsp;– Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named Consensus All-America Second Team, the NCAA announced Tuesday.

Consensus All-America Teams are determined by aggregating the results of the four major All-America teams by the NCAA, those being the Associated Press (AP, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and&nbsp;The Sporting News.

Azubuike and Dotson’s consensus honors give Kansas five-straight years with a Jayhawk on the Consensus All-America teams joining Perry Ellis in 2016 (second team, Frank Mason III in 2017 (first team, Devonte’ Graham in 2018 (first team) and Dedric Lawson in 2019 (third team).

Historically, there have been 15 Jayhawks named Consensus All-America in the Bill Self era, which began in 2003-04. The 2019-20 season also marks the third time in the Self era two Jayhawks have been named Consensus All-America in the same season joining Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich in 2010 and Ben McLemore and Jeff Withey in 2013.

Historically, Consensus All-America began being named in 1904-05. Kansas’ 30 first-team selections are first in NCAA Division I, while North Carolina is next at 27 followed by Kentucky and Purdue with 26 each.

Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.

First Team (*unanimous selection) *Luka Garza, Junior, Iowa *Markus Howard, Senior, Marquette *Obi Toppin, Sophomore, Dayton Myles Powell, Senior, Seton Hall Payton Pritchard, Senior, Oregon

Second Team UDOKA AZUBUIKE, SENIOR, KANSAS DEVON DOTSON, SOPHOMORE, KANSAS Vernon Carey, Jr., Freshman, Duke Malachi Flynn, Junior, San Diego St. Cassius Winston, Senior, Michigan St.

INDIANAPOLIS&nbsp;– Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named Consensus All-America Second Team, the NCAA announced Tuesday.Consensus All-America Teams are determined by aggregating the results of the four major All-America teams by the NCAA, those being the Associated Press (AP, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA, the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and&nbsp;The Sporting News.Azubuike and Dotson’s consensus honors give Kansas five-straight years with a Jayhawk on the Consensus All-America teams joining Perry Ellis in 2016 (second team, Frank Mason III in 2017 (first team, Devonte’ Graham in 2018 (first team) and Dedric Lawson in 2019 (third team).Historically, there have been 15 Jayhawks named Consensus All-America in the Bill Self era, which began in 2003-04. The 2019-20 season also marks the third time in the Self era two Jayhawks have been named Consensus All-America in the same season joining Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich in 2010 and Ben McLemore and Jeff Withey in 2013.Historically, Consensus All-America began being named in 1904-05. Kansas’ 30 first-team selections are first in NCAA Division I, while North Carolina is next at 27 followed by Kentucky and Purdue with 26 each.Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.2020 Consensus All-AmericaFirst Team (*unanimous selection) *Luka Garza, Junior, Iowa *Markus Howard, Senior, Marquette *Obi Toppin, Sophomore, Dayton Myles Powell, Senior, Seton Hall Payton Pritchard, Senior, OregonSecond Team UDOKA AZUBUIKE, SENIOR, KANSAS DEVON DOTSON, SOPHOMORE, KANSAS Vernon Carey, Jr., Freshman, Duke Malachi Flynn, Junior, San Diego St. Cassius Winston, Senior, Michigan St.Kansas Athletics

KU's Azubuike and Dotson named consensus All-America Second Team

INDIANAPOLIS - A pair of Fort Hays State wrestlers were highly ranked in the final tally of wins via pin and technical fall, released Tuesday by the NCAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;finished the season with the second-most pins in Division II, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;wrapped up the season tied for sixth in tech falls.

Cooper pinned 14 DII opponents on the year, more than all but one other Division II competitor. The junior finished the year 36-11, leading the team in victories. He added four tech falls and two major decisions. Cooper captured first place at this year's Swede Open and&nbsp;RWC-Jet Invite while placing fourth at the Super Region 4 Championships at 285 pounds. The Cimarron Kan. native earned All-MIAA status after being named runner-up in the dual meet championship

Jones racked up six technical fall victories against DII opponents this season, tied for the sixth-most in the country and second-most amongst MIAA competition. The Junction City, Kan. native also led the Tigers with eight major decisions, finishing the year 28-9 overall. The sophomore was a national qualifier after placing third at the Super Region 4 Championships and was the champion of the Swede Open, the Bob Smith Open and the RWC-Jet Invite at 174 pounds.

Only bouts against other Division II opponents count towards these totals. Overall, 16 of Cooper's 36 wins came via a pin, while Jones tallied seven total tech falls on the year.

INDIANAPOLIS - A pair of Fort Hays State wrestlers were highly ranked in the final tally of wins via pin and technical fall, released Tuesday by the NCAA.&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5387">A.J. Cooper</a>&nbsp;finished the season with the second-most pins in Division II, while&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5391">Aryus Jones</a>&nbsp;wrapped up the season tied for sixth in tech falls.Cooper pinned 14 DII opponents on the year, more than all but one other Division II competitor. The junior finished the year 36-11, leading the team in victories. He added four tech falls and two major decisions. Cooper captured first place at this year's Swede Open and&nbsp;RWC-Jet Invite while placing fourth at the Super Region 4 Championships at 285 pounds. The Cimarron Kan. native earned All-MIAA status after being named runner-up in the dual meet championshipJones racked up six technical fall victories against DII opponents this season, tied for the sixth-most in the country and second-most amongst MIAA competition. The Junction City, Kan. native also led the Tigers with eight major decisions, finishing the year 28-9 overall. The sophomore was a national qualifier after placing third at the Super Region 4 Championships and was the champion of the Swede Open, the Bob Smith Open and the RWC-Jet Invite at 174 pounds.Only bouts against other Division II opponents count towards these totals. Overall, 16 of Cooper's 36 wins came via a pin, while Jones tallied seven total tech falls on the year.FHSU Sports Information

FHSU's Cooper, Jones listed amongst top dominant wrestlers in Division II

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been officially postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers have decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The games were scheduled to begin July 24.

<a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee">Click here to read the joint statement</a> from IOC and Tokyo organizing committee.

The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

TOKYO&nbsp;(AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.

Abe said after his telephone talks with Bach that he requested a postponement of about one year “taking into consideration the current circumstances” and to secure an environment in which athletes can perform in their best conditions and the sense of safety and security for the audience.

Abe held telephone talks with Bach after the IOC said it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks.

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been officially postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers have decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The games were scheduled to begin July 24.<a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee">Click here to read the joint statement</a> from IOC and Tokyo organizing committee.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After his telephone talks with IOC President Bach, PM Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, and the games will be held by the summer of 2021. <a href="https://t.co/ihe8To2g3R">pic.twitter.com/ihe8To2g3R</a>&mdash; PM&#39;s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPN_PMO/status/1242428276464812033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To safeguard the health of the athletes and everyone involved in the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will now take place no later than summer 2021.&mdash; #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020/status/1242440149310435328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>--------TOKYO&nbsp;(AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.Abe said after his telephone talks with Bach that he requested a postponement of about one year “taking into consideration the current circumstances” and to secure an environment in which athletes can perform in their best conditions and the sense of safety and security for the audience.Abe held telephone talks with Bach after the IOC said it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks.---------

2020 Summer Olympics postponed amid coronavirus pandemic

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Southeast Missouri has hired Kansas State assistant Brad Korn as its new basketball coach. 

Korn had spent the past five seasons with the Wildcats, the past four as an assistant coach. He helped the school make three NCAA Tournament appearances and win a share of the Big 12 regular-season two years ago. 

 Korn takes over for Rick Ray. He was fired after going 51-104 over five seasons, including a 7-24 mark this past season.&nbsp;

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Southeast Missouri has hired Kansas State assistant Brad Korn as its new basketball coach. Korn had spent the past five seasons with the Wildcats, the past four as an assistant coach. He helped the school make three NCAA Tournament appearances and win a share of the Big 12 regular-season two years ago. Korn takes over for Rick Ray. He was fired after going 51-104 over five seasons, including a 7-24 mark this past season.&nbsp;

K-State assistant named head basketball coach at SEMO

INDIANAPOLIS – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named to the 2020 U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) All-America Team, the USBWA announced Monday. Azubuike was a first-team honoree, while Dotson received second-team recognition.

Azubuike and Dotson give Kansas a USBWA All-America selection each of the last four seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. In 2017, Frank Mason III was a first-team honoree and the Oscar Robertson Trophy recipient as the USBWA’s national player of the year. In KU head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 14 Jayhawks named to USBWA All-America teams (see below).

INDIANAPOLIS – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named to the 2020 U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) All-America Team, the USBWA announced Monday. Azubuike was a first-team honoree, while Dotson received second-team recognition.Azubuike and Dotson give Kansas a USBWA All-America selection each of the last four seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. In 2017, Frank Mason III was a first-team honoree and the Oscar Robertson Trophy recipient as the USBWA’s national player of the year. In KU head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 14 Jayhawks named to USBWA All-America teams (see below).Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.Kansas Athletics

Jayhawks' Azubuike & Dotson named USBWA All-America

Despite the uncertainty of whether or not they will even be able
to play this summer because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Hays Larks are proceeding forward with their 2020 baseball
season. 

“You almost have to press forward,” said Larks manger Frank
Leo. “I know we're in a tough situation right now with the virus and that’s the main
concern. We just can’t put everything on hold then all of sudden here in about
five weeks we get a go that everything’s going to be good then have to scamper.”

Leo says they’ve continued to do all the things they would normally
do at this point of the off-season, things such as fundraising, scheduling and finalizing their roster. 

“The roster part has been interesting,” Leo said. “Now we’re
getting a lot of coaches calling to see if we have any openings because they’ve
got kids they weren’t going to send out but now with the limited innings and
playing time they’re wanting to send more kids out.”

The COVID-19 virus has cost the team one player on their
roster. Jarrod Belbin, who batted .320 last season and went 5-for-9 with four extra
base hits in the Larks three games at last summer’s NBC World Series, returned
to his native Australia after his sophomore season at Western Arizona Community
College was canceled. Belbin will not be allowed to return United States for
the time being due to travel restrictions. 

Following the breakup of the Jayhawk League, the Larks
played in the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball last season but are now set to
begin their first year in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. A move made in
part due the unwillingness of KCLB teams in the Wichita area to travel to Hays
to play games. 

In the RMBL, the Larks will play the other league members
four times, twice in Hays and twice in Colorado. The league is scheduled to participate
in an All-Star Game against the Mile High Collegiate Baseball league at the end
of June. The two leagues are also negotiating a post-season tournament that
would feature the teams that finish in second through fifth place in each
league.

The RMBL champion will receive a spot in the first week of the
NBC World Series.

The NBC World Series, which is in its 86th year, will have a different look in 2020 but it has nothing to do with COVID-19. 

The new Riverfront Stadium, which was built on the site of Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium and is the home of Wichita’s new Triple-A affiliate Wind Surge, will
only be available for one-week. As of now, that is scheduled for August 5-11. 

The National Baseball Congress will hand out 16 bids to league champions who will meet in a double-elimination tournament in
Hutchinson July 28th - August 3rd. 

The top-four finishers advance to Championship Week in Wichita
where they will be joined by last year’s champ and runner-up (Seattle and Cheney)
and two at-large teams. 

Despite the uncertainty of whether or not they will even be able
to play this summer because of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Hays Larks are proceeding forward with their 2020 baseball
season. “You almost have to press forward,” said Larks manger Frank
Leo. “I know we're in a tough situation right now with the virus and that’s the main
concern. We just can’t put everything on hold then all of sudden here in about
five weeks we get a go that everything’s going to be good then have to scamper.”Leo says they’ve continued to do all the things they would normally
do at this point of the off-season, things such as fundraising, scheduling and finalizing their roster. “The roster part has been interesting,” Leo said. “Now we’re
getting a lot of coaches calling to see if we have any openings because they’ve
got kids they weren’t going to send out but now with the limited innings and
playing time they’re wanting to send more kids out.”The COVID-19 virus has cost the team one player on their
roster. Jarrod Belbin, who batted .320 last season and went 5-for-9 with four extra
base hits in the Larks three games at last summer’s NBC World Series, returned
to his native Australia after his sophomore season at Western Arizona Community
College was canceled. Belbin will not be allowed to return United States for
the time being due to travel restrictions. <h2>New season, new league</h2>Following the breakup of the Jayhawk League, the Larks
played in the Kansas Collegiate League Baseball last season but are now set to
begin their first year in the Rocky Mountain Baseball League. A move made in
part due the unwillingness of KCLB teams in the Wichita area to travel to Hays
to play games. In the RMBL, the Larks will play the other league members
four times, twice in Hays and twice in Colorado. The league is scheduled to participate
in an All-Star Game against the Mile High Collegiate Baseball league at the end
of June. The two leagues are also negotiating a post-season tournament that
would feature the teams that finish in second through fifth place in each
league.The RMBL champion will receive a spot in the first week of the
NBC World Series.<h2>NBC World Series changes</h2>The NBC World Series, which is in its 86th year, will have a different look in 2020 but it has nothing to do with COVID-19. The new Riverfront Stadium, which was built on the site of Lawrence-Dumont
Stadium and is the home of Wichita’s new Triple-A affiliate Wind Surge, will
only be available for one-week. As of now, that is scheduled for August 5-11. The National Baseball Congress will hand out 16 bids to league champions who will meet in a double-elimination tournament in
Hutchinson July 28th - August 3rd. The top-four finishers advance to Championship Week in Wichita
where they will be joined by last year’s champ and runner-up (Seattle and Cheney)
and two at-large teams.

Larks preparing for upcoming season

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to a two-year contract with free agent tight end Nick Vannett. 

The fifth-year pro from Ohio State played for Seattle and Pittsburgh last season. Vannett's deal with Denver is worth nearly $6 million. 

Vannett will serve as the No. 2 tight end in Denver behind 2019 first-round draft pick Noah Fant. His addition could spell the end of tight end Jeff Heuerman's time with the Broncos.

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) — A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos have agreed to a two-year contract with free agent tight end Nick Vannett. The fifth-year pro from Ohio State played for Seattle and Pittsburgh last season. Vannett's deal with Denver is worth nearly $6 million. Vannett will serve as the No. 2 tight end in Denver behind 2019 first-round draft pick Noah Fant. His addition could spell the end of tight end Jeff Heuerman's time with the Broncos.

Broncos sign tight end

The Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta'amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed XFL quarterback Jordan Ta'amu to a contract on Monday according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman.

Ta'amu played for the St. Louis BattleHawks and he led the XFL in completion percentage and touchdowns. Ta'amu was the third-rated QB in the league as he completed 72% of his passes for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games.

Ta'amu played two years at Ole Miss and threw for 5,600 yards and 30 touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2019 and spent training camp with the Houston Texans before being cut prior to the start of the regular season.

Ta'amu will compete with Chad Henne for the back-up job to Patrick Mahomes. Henne re-signed with the Chiefs last week after missing all of last season with a broken leg.

The Chiefs have agreed to a one-year contract with Jordan Ta'amu, the highest-rated quarterback during the abbreviated XFL season. He will compete with veteran Chad Henne for a backup job next season.The Kansas City Chiefs have signed XFL quarterback Jordan Ta'amu to a contract on Monday according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman.Ta'amu played for the St. Louis BattleHawks and he led the XFL in completion percentage and touchdowns. Ta'amu was the third-rated QB in the league as he completed 72% of his passes for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games.Ta'amu played two years at Ole Miss and threw for 5,600 yards and 30 touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2019 and spent training camp with the Houston Texans before being cut prior to the start of the regular season.Ta'amu will compete with Chad Henne for the back-up job to Patrick Mahomes. Henne re-signed with the Chiefs last week after missing all of last season with a broken leg.

Chiefs sign QB Jordan Ta'amu of XFL's St. Louis BattleHawks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Chiefs saw something they liked in the Giants.

Right tackle Mike Remmers signed a one-year contract Saturday with the Chiefs, following special teams gunner Antonio Hamilton’s lead of going from the Giants to the Chiefs, according to agent Brett Tessler.

The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Remmers started 14 games last season as a one-year stopgap. The two ex-Giants are the only players signed by the Chiefs in the first week of free agency.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Chiefs saw something they liked in the Giants.Right tackle Mike Remmers signed a one-year contract Saturday with the Chiefs, following special teams gunner Antonio Hamilton’s lead of going from the Giants to the Chiefs, according to agent Brett Tessler.The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.Remmers started 14 games last season as a one-year stopgap. The two ex-Giants are the only players signed by the Chiefs in the first week of free agency.

Chiefs get help for offensive line

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) — The Denver Broncos have agreed to a two-year deal with former Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon. 

The Broncos are getting a running back who has rushed for 36 touchdowns over the last four seasons and scored 11 more on receptions. That's an ideal fit for new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. 

He wants to push the ball down the field more in the passing game and a stronger ground game will help him do that.&nbsp;

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) — The Denver Broncos have agreed to a two-year deal with former Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon. The Broncos are getting a running back who has rushed for 36 touchdowns over the last four seasons and scored 11 more on receptions. That's an ideal fit for new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur. He wants to push the ball down the field more in the passing game and a stronger ground game will help him do that.&nbsp;