By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays Post

Normally at this time of the year, the Fort Hays State
basketball programs would have begun their off-season workouts and coaches out
on the recruiting trail. Like so many things, they have both taken on a
different look due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

Shortly after canceling the spring sports season and all
sports activity, the NCAA banned in-person recruiting until mid-April. That ban
has since been extended until the end of May.

Fort Hays State men’s basketball coach Mark Johnson had
already signed several high school seniors but was looking to fill several more
spots on next season’s roster.

“I think our biggest selling point at Fort Hays State is our
facilities and not being able to get these prospects on campus, into our arena
and see Gross Coliseum makes this a challenge." Johnson said.

And while recruiting this spring has been unlike any other
of his previous 19 years as a head coach, he did admit some good has come of
it. “I think one of the strengths of this is that maybe you’re developing
better relationships with potential recruits just because the only thing you can
do is have constant communication with them via phone, email and things like
that.”

Johnson says the inability for recruits to make on-campus
visits has put them in a tough position.

“A lot of these kids are starting to understand that they’re
going to have to make tough decisions without taking visits.” Johnson said. “I
think the thing that alarms us is with our population we have to go farther
away at times. You’re concerned that with the unknown, the easier decision is
to stay close to home. That’s something we’re trying to battle and show these
players what we have.”

The Fort Hays State women’s team was in Warrensburg,
Missouri awaiting the start of their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance
when the tournament and all activities were canceled. Head coach Tony Hobson and
his staff had already signed five high school seniors for next season and had a
sixth commit earlier this month. And while his roster for the 2020-21 season is
pretty well set, it’s the next season’s class that has him concerned.

“The players that will be seniors, we usually bring in this
time of year for a spring visit and then we watch them through the summer and
try to get our kids in line to sign early in the fall.” Hobson said. “It’s just
going to be riskier. You’re libel to miss on a kid but then, maybe, your libel
to pick up a kid you were not going to get otherwise because they’re not going
to be able visit someplace else.”

“There’s a higher risk when you can’t bring a player in and meet
their whole family and maybe even see them play against your kids.” Hobson added.
“It’s just more of a risk. You’re more likely to make a recruiting mistake.” 

One area Hobson feels Fort Hays State has the advantage is virtual
learning. When college campuses were shut down across the country, it meant all
school work went online for the remainder of the semester. Hobson said FHSU was
positioned well for that change.

“We are so proficient with the virtual college and the
online classes that I think we made that transition easier than some places.”
Hobson said. “The main thing right now is to stay healthy and stay out of harm’s
way as much as possible and then get the classwork done that you need to do.”

Johnson said most of his players have taken some form of
online classes, so the transition to all course going virtual was not a
problem. On the other hand, the ability to find a suitable place to work out
has. 

“This is a big deal. A lot of our guys, whether it be Hadley
Gillum, Brady Werth, Jared Vitztum as of late, have really benefited from these
postseason workouts.” Johnson said. “Most of our guys have no way to get into a
gym and try to work on their game. They can’t get into a weight room. I think
that’s been a big frustration of our players.”

Hobson says it’s been challenge for his team as well.

“You’ve got a driveway that’s slanting away from the house.
It’s kind of hard to do anything.” Hobson said. “The main thing is to not let
your conditioning to get so far out of hand that it’s going to take you a month
to get back in shape. You want to keep your conditioning to a point that once
this clears up – which it eventual will - you can get right back in with a
running start with the basketball stuff.”

By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostNormally at this time of the year, the Fort Hays State
basketball programs would have begun their off-season workouts and coaches out
on the recruiting trail. Like so many things, they have both taken on a
different look due to the COVID-19 shutdown.Shortly after canceling the spring sports season and all
sports activity, the NCAA banned in-person recruiting until mid-April. That ban
has since been extended until the end of May.Fort Hays State men’s basketball coach Mark Johnson had
already signed several high school seniors but was looking to fill several more
spots on next season’s roster.“I think our biggest selling point at Fort Hays State is our
facilities and not being able to get these prospects on campus, into our arena
and see Gross Coliseum makes this a challenge." Johnson said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587478629733.jpeg" alt="FHSU head coach Mark Johnson (Courtesy FHSU Athletics/ Allie Schweizer photo)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU head coach Mark Johnson (Courtesy FHSU Athletics/ Allie Schweizer photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>And while recruiting this spring has been unlike any other
of his previous 19 years as a head coach, he did admit some good has come of
it. “I think one of the strengths of this is that maybe you’re developing
better relationships with potential recruits just because the only thing you can
do is have constant communication with them via phone, email and things like
that.”Johnson says the inability for recruits to make on-campus
visits has put them in a tough position.“A lot of these kids are starting to understand that they’re
going to have to make tough decisions without taking visits.” Johnson said. “I
think the thing that alarms us is with our population we have to go farther
away at times. You’re concerned that with the unknown, the easier decision is
to stay close to home. That’s something we’re trying to battle and show these
players what we have.”The Fort Hays State women’s team was in Warrensburg,
Missouri awaiting the start of their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance
when the tournament and all activities were canceled. Head coach Tony Hobson and
his staff had already signed five high school seniors for next season and had a
sixth commit earlier this month. And while his roster for the 2020-21 season is
pretty well set, it’s the next season’s class that has him concerned.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587478742229.jpeg" alt="FHSU women's basketball coach Tony Hobson (Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Allie Schweizer photo)" />
 <figcaption>FHSU women's basketball coach Tony Hobson (Courtesy FHSU Athletics/Allie Schweizer photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>“The players that will be seniors, we usually bring in this
time of year for a spring visit and then we watch them through the summer and
try to get our kids in line to sign early in the fall.” Hobson said. “It’s just
going to be riskier. You’re libel to miss on a kid but then, maybe, your libel
to pick up a kid you were not going to get otherwise because they’re not going
to be able visit someplace else.”“There’s a higher risk when you can’t bring a player in and meet
their whole family and maybe even see them play against your kids.” Hobson added.
“It’s just more of a risk. You’re more likely to make a recruiting mistake.” One area Hobson feels Fort Hays State has the advantage is virtual
learning. When college campuses were shut down across the country, it meant all
school work went online for the remainder of the semester. Hobson said FHSU was
positioned well for that change.“We are so proficient with the virtual college and the
online classes that I think we made that transition easier than some places.”
Hobson said. “The main thing right now is to stay healthy and stay out of harm’s
way as much as possible and then get the classwork done that you need to do.”Johnson said most of his players have taken some form of
online classes, so the transition to all course going virtual was not a
problem. On the other hand, the ability to find a suitable place to work out
has. “This is a big deal. A lot of our guys, whether it be Hadley
Gillum, Brady Werth, Jared Vitztum as of late, have really benefited from these
postseason workouts.” Johnson said. “Most of our guys have no way to get into a
gym and try to work on their game. They can’t get into a weight room. I think
that’s been a big frustration of our players.”Hobson says it’s been challenge for his team as well.“You’ve got a driveway that’s slanting away from the house.
It’s kind of hard to do anything.” Hobson said. “The main thing is to not let
your conditioning to get so far out of hand that it’s going to take you a month
to get back in shape. You want to keep your conditioning to a point that once
this clears up – which it eventual will - you can get right back in with a
running start with the basketball stuff.”

FHSU basketball dealing with shutdown

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber added to his highly-touted 2020 recruiting class with the signing of junior college forward Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) to a National Letter of Intent on Monday.

A 6-foot-11, 200-pound power forward, Linguard will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing just one season at Temple College in Temple, Texas, where he ranked among the best shot blockers and rebounders in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) in 2019-20. He will be the seventh member of the 2020 recruiting class, which is listed among the Top 25 in the country by a variety of recruiting services.

"Carlton is a player we have been following for quite some time," said Weber. "He is a versatile big guy who kind of came out of nowhere, playing for a smaller high school and didn't have the exposure of AAU. He had very few offers coming out of high school, so he opted to play at the community college level at Temple (College) where he developed over the last year playing for a really, good coach in Kirby Johnson, who recently retired after winning a lot of games at the level."

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Linguard was part of the one of the most prolific community college teams this past season at Temple College, which ranked in the NJCAA's Top 10 in 12 categories, including in each major category (scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks). The Leopards were second in nationally in scoring at better than 102 points per game (102.7 ppg., while averaging 47 rebounds (sixth, 20.5 assists (10th, 12.3 steals (eighth) and 6.2 blocks (fourth) per game head coach Kirby Johnson, who has won more than 700 games in his career.

Linguard was instrumental in several of those rankings, placing in the NJCAA's Top 5 in blocked shots (3.6 bpg./4th) and offensive rebounds (4.3 rpg./5th, while averaging a near double-double at 13.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game for the season. He also ranked 23rd nationally in rebounding (9.5 rpg.) and 27th in total rebounds (285). He connected on 51.4 percent (164-of-319) from the field and 70.1 percent (61-of-87) from the free throw line.

As a freshman, Linguard was named to both the All-NJCAA Region 5 as well as the All-Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference teams. He was one of just five true freshmen on the 12-man Region 5 team.

"He is a very skilled big guy with great length and has good perimeter range and passing ability," said Weber. "He needs weight and strength, but he will get those once he gets in our program with (strength coach) Ben (O'Donnell). I think I was one of the first high-level coaches to visit him in the Fall and Coach (Kirby) Johnson told me, 'Take him right now, redshirt him and three years he has a chance to be a pro.' We will see how that develops once he gets here, but he definitely has high potential."

Linguard scored in double figures in 25 of 30 games played, including a pair of 20-point performances, while he collected 12 double-doubles. He also posted 15 games of at least 4 blocked shots, including a season-best 11 in an 87-68 loss at Ranger on Feb. 19. One of his more impressive efforts came in a 118-106 win at Grayson on Jan. 8, in which, he poured in a season-high 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting to go with a season-tying 17 rebounds.

Temple College posted a 24-7 overall record in 2019-20 in one of the most difficult regions (Region 5) in the community college ranks, which produced two Top 10 teams (Clarendon and Ranger) and sent three squads (Clarendon, Ranger and South Plains) to the NJCAA National Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The classic 'late bloomer', Linguard was a three-year lettermen and two-year starter at Stevens High School in his hometown of San Antonio. After posting a total of 12 points and 27 rebounds as a sophomore in 2016-17, he averaged 13 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in playing a combined 58 games as a junior and senior.

As a senior in 2018-19, Linguard averaged 15.3 points on 49 percent shooting (188-of-387) to go with 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for a Stevens' team that posted a 19-13 overall record and advanced to the Region 4 quarterfinals of the Class 6A UIL State Tournament under head coach Michael Raynes. He was a unanimous First Team All-District 28-6A selection and earned Second Team All-Academic honors. He led the Falcons in rebounding and blocked shots, while he was second in scoring. He scored in double figures in 24 of 31 games played, including eight 20-point games, while he posted 10 double-doubles.

Linguard is the third player to ink with the Wildcats in the spring signing period, joining fellow junior college signee Rueadale "Rudi" Williams (Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail Academy/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College) and prep standout Seryee Lewis (Chicago, Ill./AZ Compass Prep [Chandler, Ariz.], who signed on April 15.

The trio of signees join an already-heralded four-man Fall recruiting class that includes the aforementioned high school standouts Davion Bradford (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville, Luke Kasubke (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade, Selton Miguel (Luanda, Angola/West Oaks Academy [Fla.]) and Nijel Pack (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).

The current class is rated among the Top 25 by several recruiting services, including No. 18 by Rivals.com, No. 23 by 247Sports.com and No. 24 by ESPN. Historically speaking, it is the highest-rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Four of the five prep players are rated among the Top 200 players nationally, including four members of the Rivals150, while Williams ranks No. 54 on the list of the top junior college players in the country by JucoRecruiting.com.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber added to his highly-touted 2020 recruiting class with the signing of junior college forward Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) to a National Letter of Intent on Monday.A 6-foot-11, 200-pound power forward, Linguard will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing just one season at Temple College in Temple, Texas, where he ranked among the best shot blockers and rebounders in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) in 2019-20. He will be the seventh member of the 2020 recruiting class, which is listed among the Top 25 in the country by a variety of recruiting services."Carlton is a player we have been following for quite some time," said Weber. "He is a versatile big guy who kind of came out of nowhere, playing for a smaller high school and didn't have the exposure of AAU. He had very few offers coming out of high school, so he opted to play at the community college level at Temple (College) where he developed over the last year playing for a really, good coach in Kirby Johnson, who recently retired after winning a lot of games at the level."A native of San Antonio, Texas, Linguard was part of the one of the most prolific community college teams this past season at Temple College, which ranked in the NJCAA's Top 10 in 12 categories, including in each major category (scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks). The Leopards were second in nationally in scoring at better than 102 points per game (102.7 ppg., while averaging 47 rebounds (sixth, 20.5 assists (10th, 12.3 steals (eighth) and 6.2 blocks (fourth) per game head coach Kirby Johnson, who has won more than 700 games in his career.Linguard was instrumental in several of those rankings, placing in the NJCAA's Top 5 in blocked shots (3.6 bpg./4th) and offensive rebounds (4.3 rpg./5th, while averaging a near double-double at 13.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game for the season. He also ranked 23rd nationally in rebounding (9.5 rpg.) and 27th in total rebounds (285). He connected on 51.4 percent (164-of-319) from the field and 70.1 percent (61-of-87) from the free throw line.As a freshman, Linguard was named to both the All-NJCAA Region 5 as well as the All-Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference teams. He was one of just five true freshmen on the 12-man Region 5 team."He is a very skilled big guy with great length and has good perimeter range and passing ability," said Weber. "He needs weight and strength, but he will get those once he gets in our program with (strength coach) Ben (O'Donnell). I think I was one of the first high-level coaches to visit him in the Fall and Coach (Kirby) Johnson told me, 'Take him right now, redshirt him and three years he has a chance to be a pro.' We will see how that develops once he gets here, but he definitely has high potential."Linguard scored in double figures in 25 of 30 games played, including a pair of 20-point performances, while he collected 12 double-doubles. He also posted 15 games of at least 4 blocked shots, including a season-best 11 in an 87-68 loss at Ranger on Feb. 19. One of his more impressive efforts came in a 118-106 win at Grayson on Jan. 8, in which, he poured in a season-high 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting to go with a season-tying 17 rebounds.Temple College posted a 24-7 overall record in 2019-20 in one of the most difficult regions (Region 5) in the community college ranks, which produced two Top 10 teams (Clarendon and Ranger) and sent three squads (Clarendon, Ranger and South Plains) to the NJCAA National Championship in Hutchinson, Kansas.The classic 'late bloomer', Linguard was a three-year lettermen and two-year starter at Stevens High School in his hometown of San Antonio. After posting a total of 12 points and 27 rebounds as a sophomore in 2016-17, he averaged 13 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in playing a combined 58 games as a junior and senior.As a senior in 2018-19, Linguard averaged 15.3 points on 49 percent shooting (188-of-387) to go with 7.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game for a Stevens' team that posted a 19-13 overall record and advanced to the Region 4 quarterfinals of the Class 6A UIL State Tournament under head coach Michael Raynes. He was a unanimous First Team All-District 28-6A selection and earned Second Team All-Academic honors. He led the Falcons in rebounding and blocked shots, while he was second in scoring. He scored in double figures in 24 of 31 games played, including eight 20-point games, while he posted 10 double-doubles.Linguard is the third player to ink with the Wildcats in the spring signing period, joining fellow junior college signee Rueadale "Rudi" Williams (Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail Academy/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College) and prep standout Seryee Lewis (Chicago, Ill./AZ Compass Prep [Chandler, Ariz.], who signed on April 15.The trio of signees join an already-heralded four-man Fall recruiting class that includes the aforementioned high school standouts Davion Bradford (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville, Luke Kasubke (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade, Selton Miguel (Luanda, Angola/West Oaks Academy [Fla.]) and Nijel Pack (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).The current class is rated among the Top 25 by several recruiting services, including No. 18 by Rivals.com, No. 23 by 247Sports.com and No. 24 by ESPN. Historically speaking, it is the highest-rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Four of the five prep players are rated among the Top 200 players nationally, including four members of the Rivals150, while Williams ranks No. 54 on the list of the top junior college players in the country by JucoRecruiting.com.Kansas State Athletics

K-State basketball signs junior college power forward

WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita
State men's basketball coach Gregg Marshall received some good news Monday. After testing the NCAA transfer portal, Morris Udeze is returning to Wichita State.

Morris Udeze, a 6-8 sophomore center out of Houston announced via Twitter he will be returning to the Shockers
next season. Udeze played in 28 games and made five
starts this past season. He averaged 4.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

Marshall has signed signed seven new players for next season. Three are junior
college transfers, one is a Division I transfer and three are high school
seniors.

Wichita State's 2020 Men's Basketball Signees: Ricky Council IV (6-5, Wing, Durham, N.C./ Southern Durham HS) -- Freshman Alterique Gilbert (6-0, PG, Atlanta, Ga./ UConn) -- Redshirt Senior Clarence Jackson (6-7, F, Dexter, Ga./ Polk College) -- Sophomore Chaunce Jenkins (6-4, F, Newport News, Va./ Menchville HS) -- Freshman Craig Porter Jr. (6-2, G, Terre Haute, Ind./ Vincennes University) -- Junior Jaden Seymour (6-9, F, Charlotte, N.C./ Northside Christian Academy) -- Freshman Trevin Wade (5-10, G, Marietta, Ga./ Georgia Highlands College) -- Junior

WICHITA, Kan. - Wichita
State men's basketball coach Gregg Marshall received some good news Monday. After testing the NCAA transfer portal, Morris Udeze is returning to Wichita State.Morris Udeze, a 6-8 sophomore center out of Houston announced via Twitter he will be returning to the Shockers
next season. Udeze played in 28 games and made five
starts this past season. He averaged 4.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.Marshall has signed signed seven new players for next season. Three are junior
college transfers, one is a Division I transfer and three are high school
seniors.

Wichita State's 2020 Men's Basketball Signees: Ricky Council IV (6-5, Wing, Durham, N.C./ Southern Durham HS) -- Freshman Alterique Gilbert (6-0, PG, Atlanta, Ga./ UConn) -- Redshirt Senior Clarence Jackson (6-7, F, Dexter, Ga./ Polk College) -- Sophomore Chaunce Jenkins (6-4, F, Newport News, Va./ Menchville HS) -- Freshman Craig Porter Jr. (6-2, G, Terre Haute, Ind./ Vincennes University) -- Junior Jaden Seymour (6-9, F, Charlotte, N.C./ Northside Christian Academy) -- Freshman Trevin Wade (5-10, G, Marietta, Ga./ Georgia Highlands College) -- Junior

Udeze returning to Shockers

College sports programs are already being cut and more are likely on the chopping block.

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered fears of an economic meltdown on campuses around the country. The cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament cost schools $375 million and more losses are expected, especially if football season is disrupted in the fall.

In tough times, athletic administrators often drop sports programs to save money. In the past few weeks, Old Dominion said it will drop wrestling and Cincinnati will no longer have men’s soccer. Warnings of tough times ahead have come from all over college athletics, even some of the wealthiest Power Five schools.

“To say it’s not going to have any economic impact - that, I would say, would be grossly naïve,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione, who oversees a program that had $148 million in operating revenue in 2017-18 and boasts of 20 straight years of balanced budgets.

“We’re just hoping to minimize it,” he said.

Paving the way for more cuts to come, the commissioners of five Bowl Subdivision conferences have asked the NCAA to waive over the next four years a slew of requirements for Division I membership, including the minimum number (16) of sports a school must sponsor.

Some observers see the coming crisis as a chance for schools to consider radical changes to how athletic departments are run or for new development paths to emerge for young athletes.

“Budgets reflect our values,” said Arne Duncan, a former U.S. education secretary and now co-chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. “I think we’ll see now whether in a time of cutbacks, what gets prioritized. Is it the interest of adults and unbelievably high salaries? Or is it the interest of student-athletes and preserving their chance to compete and to put academics first?”

A.J. Maestas, founder of the sports analytics consulting firm Navigate Research, said “a couple hundred” sports programs were cut during the last economic downturn after the 2008 financial crisis. Most programs don’t break even and he expects more cuts this time, too.

“If donors are unable to step up and endow the program or at least keep it above water there will be a number of programs that will be cut, especially if it’s a sustained economic downturn, which seems pretty realistic,” he said.

Nancy Zimpher, former chancellor of the State University of New York and a member of the Knight Commission, said cutting sports programs is short-sighted at a time when colleges could be facing a decrease in overall enrollment.

Having a large variety of sports programs “provides a great recruitment opportunity for the whole university,” she said.

David Ridpath, a former NCAA compliance director and professor of sports business at Ohio University, said he fears schools will use the economic crisis as an excuse to make program cuts they had already been pondering. He also wonders if fewer opportunities for athletes in non-revenue college sports provides a catalyst to sever some of the ties between amateur athletics and higher education in the United States.

In his book, “Alternative Models of Sports Development in America,” Ridpath makes the case that the U.S. should move toward a European-style academy system. Elite young athletes develop their games and receive an education, but the two are not tethered the way they are in American colleges.

“My argument has always been schools should not be a primary source of elite development,” Ridpath said. “We need to have other models for those elite athletes to be taken care of. So for me, it’s not throwing college athletics and high school athletics out the window. It’s reframing it and also making education-based sports more participatory.”

Former Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe has an even more radical idea:&nbsp;Colleges athletics should be broken into spectator sports (ones that make money) and participation sports (ones that don’t). Schools would provide athletic scholarships in spectator sports, but not in participation sports.

Participation sports then would not be subject to NCAA scholarship limits, would not require highly paid, full-time coaches and would play regional opponents, keeping costs down.

The scholarship piece of Beebe’s plan might seem extreme, but other parts are very much in line with what Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson and others are already thinking.

“Maybe an institution has sports sponsored in five different conferences, if that makes sense because of geography and other things,” Thompson said. “What we’re trying to do is throw everything at the wall and it might not be a one-size fits all for even the 12 institutions in the Mountain West.”

Beebe, who now consults schools on crisis management, said he hears from athletic directors running programs with successful football and basketball teams who wonder if funding so many other sports that often lose money makes sense.

“And the question they have is: There’s so much pressure for me to put so much resources into these sports to continue to sustain this level that it really makes me question why I’m spending half a million dollars or maybe a million dollars on a golf program or a tennis program,” Beebe said. “And that was before this crisis.”

College sports programs are already being cut and more are likely on the chopping block.The coronavirus pandemic has triggered fears of an economic meltdown on campuses around the country. The cancellation of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament cost schools $375 million and more losses are expected, especially if football season is disrupted in the fall.In tough times, athletic administrators often drop sports programs to save money. In the past few weeks, Old Dominion said it will drop wrestling and Cincinnati will no longer have men’s soccer. Warnings of tough times ahead have come from all over college athletics, even some of the wealthiest Power Five schools.“To say it’s not going to have any economic impact - that, I would say, would be grossly naïve,” said Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione, who oversees a program that had $148 million in operating revenue in 2017-18 and boasts of 20 straight years of balanced budgets.“We’re just hoping to minimize it,” he said.Paving the way for more cuts to come, the commissioners of five Bowl Subdivision conferences have asked the NCAA to waive over the next four years a slew of requirements for Division I membership, including the minimum number (16) of sports a school must sponsor.Some observers see the coming crisis as a chance for schools to consider radical changes to how athletic departments are run or for new development paths to emerge for young athletes.“Budgets reflect our values,” said Arne Duncan, a former U.S. education secretary and now co-chair of the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. “I think we’ll see now whether in a time of cutbacks, what gets prioritized. Is it the interest of adults and unbelievably high salaries? Or is it the interest of student-athletes and preserving their chance to compete and to put academics first?”A.J. Maestas, founder of the sports analytics consulting firm Navigate Research, said “a couple hundred” sports programs were cut during the last economic downturn after the 2008 financial crisis. Most programs don’t break even and he expects more cuts this time, too.“If donors are unable to step up and endow the program or at least keep it above water there will be a number of programs that will be cut, especially if it’s a sustained economic downturn, which seems pretty realistic,” he said.Nancy Zimpher, former chancellor of the State University of New York and a member of the Knight Commission, said cutting sports programs is short-sighted at a time when colleges could be facing a decrease in overall enrollment.Having a large variety of sports programs “provides a great recruitment opportunity for the whole university,” she said.David Ridpath, a former NCAA compliance director and professor of sports business at Ohio University, said he fears schools will use the economic crisis as an excuse to make program cuts they had already been pondering. He also wonders if fewer opportunities for athletes in non-revenue college sports provides a catalyst to sever some of the ties between amateur athletics and higher education in the United States.In his book, “Alternative Models of Sports Development in America,” Ridpath makes the case that the U.S. should move toward a European-style academy system. Elite young athletes develop their games and receive an education, but the two are not tethered the way they are in American colleges.“My argument has always been schools should not be a primary source of elite development,” Ridpath said. “We need to have other models for those elite athletes to be taken care of. So for me, it’s not throwing college athletics and high school athletics out the window. It’s reframing it and also making education-based sports more participatory.”Former Big 12 Commissioner Dan Beebe has an even more radical idea:&nbsp;Colleges athletics should be broken into spectator sports (ones that make money) and participation sports (ones that don’t). Schools would provide athletic scholarships in spectator sports, but not in participation sports.Participation sports then would not be subject to NCAA scholarship limits, would not require highly paid, full-time coaches and would play regional opponents, keeping costs down.The scholarship piece of Beebe’s plan might seem extreme, but other parts are very much in line with what Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson and others are already thinking.“Maybe an institution has sports sponsored in five different conferences, if that makes sense because of geography and other things,” Thompson said. “What we’re trying to do is throw everything at the wall and it might not be a one-size fits all for even the 12 institutions in the Mountain West.”Beebe, who now consults schools on crisis management, said he hears from athletic directors running programs with successful football and basketball teams who wonder if funding so many other sports that often lose money makes sense.“And the question they have is: There’s so much pressure for me to put so much resources into these sports to continue to sustain this level that it really makes me question why I’m spending half a million dollars or maybe a million dollars on a golf program or a tennis program,” Beebe said. “And that was before this crisis.”The Associated Press

If colleges cut sports programs, could new models emerge?

UNDATED (AP)— There were no major snafus as the NFL held a practice draft Monday to test technology and communications for the real thing beginning Thursday night.

Several people involved in the test said there were some technical glitches, including when the Bengals were making the first selection and at various other spots. A few of them spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month warned team executives not to be critical of the process, nor of the league's decision to go ahead with the draft as scheduled April 23-25. Broncos general manager John Elway and 49ers GM John Lynch said they were satisfied with the proceedings.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst remains confident the unusual nature of this year’s event will still allow for plenty of trade talk.

UNDATED (AP)— There were no major snafus as the NFL held a practice draft Monday to test technology and communications for the real thing beginning Thursday night.Several people involved in the test said there were some technical glitches, including when the Bengals were making the first selection and at various other spots. A few of them spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly.Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this month warned team executives not to be critical of the process, nor of the league's decision to go ahead with the draft as scheduled April 23-25. Broncos general manager John Elway and 49ers GM John Lynch said they were satisfied with the proceedings.Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst remains confident the unusual nature of this year’s event will still allow for plenty of trade talk.

NFL holds walk-thru draft

With no games being played, recent sports headlines have centered around hopes and dreams — namely, the uncharted path leagues and teams must navigate to return to competition in the wake of the pandemic.

Virtually all leagues talk publicly about their desire to return before summer. But behind closed doors, they are hatching different potential plans: all 30 baseball teams playing in Arizona; home run contests to decide tie games; the Stanley Cup being hoisted in an empty arena that neither team calls home; end-of-season soccer standings decided by vote; college football games in spring.

Over the past week, The Associated Press spoke to more than two dozen policymakers, coaches and players across the globe to get their candid assessments of plans to return from the stoppages caused by the new coronavirus. The conclusion: While it’s critical to put optimistic restart scenarios in place, there is no certainty any of these plans will work without buy-in from politicians and an OK from players and medical experts. Underpinning it all would have to be a drastic ramp-up in testing, a vaccine or treatment breakthrough, or some other solution.

In short, the return of any sports, no matter how innovative the plan, will be risky and uncertain for the rest of this year and into 2021.

“It’s not about 22 players walking onto a pitch and throwing a ball out,” said FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani, who concerns about restarting soccer mirror&nbsp;those of all sports worldwide.

The organizers of the Olympics were among the last to postpone their event, then among the first to set a new date– exactly 52 weeks after the original July 24 cauldron lighting had been scheduled. The decision to reschedule for a date 15 months down the road came just before an unexpected spike in virus cases hit Japan. The worry that followed underscored&nbsp;the many open questions about the arc of the outbreak.

“I think everyone’s probably working on multiple options. It’s ’If this, then what?’” said Tim Hinchey, the CEO of USA Swimming, the sport’s governing body in the United States.

Virtually all the big-time team sports are coming up with scenarios to play games with no fans in the stands.

The Washington Post reported that while the NFL is publicly committed to its usual kickoff date in September, it is looking into contingencies that include shortening the season or playing in front of half-full or empty stadiums.

College athletic directors have come up with a half-dozen or more scenarios for football season, including, according to Oklahoma’s Joe Castiglione, a scenario in which part of the season would be played in spring. One theme gaining wide acceptance: If it’s not safe enough for students to return to school or attend games, then athletes shouldn’t be asked to return either. Without the millions of dollars from football, all college sports are in peril.

NASCAR, which has been holding virtual races,&nbsp;has given teams a tentative schedule under which the season would resume May 24 without fans.

The NHL has drawn up plans that include resuming the season this summer, going directly to the playoffs and/or playing games in empty arenas in neutral-site cities.

The PGA Tour announced a mid-June restart&nbsp;and meshed its schedule with the already reworked majors calendar. In a nod to the precariousness of it all, Andy Pazder, the tour’s chief officer of tournaments and competition, said if events cannot be held in compliance with health regulations, then “we will not do anything.”

That’s also where the NBA appears to be for now.&nbsp;The league that got in front of the coronavirus pandemic first, calling off games on March 11, is in a holding pattern. Most of the league’s conversations center on how to resume the season, not whether to cancel it.

In Australia, ambitious plans to resume play&nbsp;in the National Rugby League by the end of May got shot down by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

England’s Premier League also says it wants to finish its season but would do so only “with the full support of the government” and when “medical guidance allows.” Meanwhile, in Scotland, a wild round of voting&nbsp;has already taken place to decide whether to lock in standings for leagues there and get ready for next season.

Major League Baseball in the U.S. is talking about bringing all 30 teams to Maricopa County, Arizona, for a regular season at spring training sites.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who has been calling for restraint in resuming any normal activities, offered a glimmer of hope when he suggested sports could conceivably return. He suggested no fans in arenas and constant testing for the players, who would likely need to be quarantined in hotels for weeks or months.

“I’m going to go four or five months without seeing my kid when it’s born? I can tell you right now that’s not going to happen,” Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c2c5a22288f07c75c1724bfb6eb68675">diary for AP</a>. Zimmerman’s third child is due in June.

Whether Zimmerman shows or not, baseball could be a vastly different game if it returns in 2020. Some other ideas floated include wrapping up the season in December, scheduling a multitude of doubleheaders with seven-inning games and quickly deciding ties with home run derbies.

Yet for all those scenarios, nobody’s quite sure what will happen if, despite all the precautions, an outbreak hits a team. Could one positive test eviscerate an entire season?

Before setting anything in motion, all the leagues are waiting for a consensus to emerge from government and health experts, to say nothing of players and owners.

Right now, Montagliani said, “the paramount skill set required from us is risk management and nothing else.”

With no games being played, recent sports headlines have centered around hopes and dreams — namely, the uncharted path leagues and teams must navigate to return to competition in the wake of the pandemic.Virtually all leagues talk publicly about their desire to return before summer. But behind closed doors, they are hatching different potential plans: all 30 baseball teams playing in Arizona; home run contests to decide tie games; the Stanley Cup being hoisted in an empty arena that neither team calls home; end-of-season soccer standings decided by vote; college football games in spring.Over the past week, The Associated Press spoke to more than two dozen policymakers, coaches and players across the globe to get their candid assessments of plans to return from the stoppages caused by the new coronavirus. The conclusion: While it’s critical to put optimistic restart scenarios in place, there is no certainty any of these plans will work without buy-in from politicians and an OK from players and medical experts. Underpinning it all would have to be a drastic ramp-up in testing, a vaccine or treatment breakthrough, or some other solution.In short, the return of any sports, no matter how innovative the plan, will be risky and uncertain for the rest of this year and into 2021.“It’s not about 22 players walking onto a pitch and throwing a ball out,” said FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani, who concerns about restarting soccer mirror&nbsp;those of all sports worldwide.The organizers of the Olympics were among the last to postpone their event, then among the first to set a new date– exactly 52 weeks after the original July 24 cauldron lighting had been scheduled. The decision to reschedule for a date 15 months down the road came just before an unexpected spike in virus cases hit Japan. The worry that followed underscored&nbsp;the many open questions about the arc of the outbreak.“I think everyone’s probably working on multiple options. It’s ’If this, then what?’” said Tim Hinchey, the CEO of USA Swimming, the sport’s governing body in the United States.Virtually all the big-time team sports are coming up with scenarios to play games with no fans in the stands.The Washington Post reported that while the NFL is publicly committed to its usual kickoff date in September, it is looking into contingencies that include shortening the season or playing in front of half-full or empty stadiums.College athletic directors have come up with a half-dozen or more scenarios for football season, including, according to Oklahoma’s Joe Castiglione, a scenario in which part of the season would be played in spring. One theme gaining wide acceptance: If it’s not safe enough for students to return to school or attend games, then athletes shouldn’t be asked to return either. Without the millions of dollars from football, all college sports are in peril.NASCAR, which has been holding virtual races,&nbsp;has given teams a tentative schedule under which the season would resume May 24 without fans.The NHL has drawn up plans that include resuming the season this summer, going directly to the playoffs and/or playing games in empty arenas in neutral-site cities.The PGA Tour announced a mid-June restart&nbsp;and meshed its schedule with the already reworked majors calendar. In a nod to the precariousness of it all, Andy Pazder, the tour’s chief officer of tournaments and competition, said if events cannot be held in compliance with health regulations, then “we will not do anything.”That’s also where the NBA appears to be for now.&nbsp;The league that got in front of the coronavirus pandemic first, calling off games on March 11, is in a holding pattern. Most of the league’s conversations center on how to resume the season, not whether to cancel it.In Australia, ambitious plans to resume play&nbsp;in the National Rugby League by the end of May got shot down by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.England’s Premier League also says it wants to finish its season but would do so only “with the full support of the government” and when “medical guidance allows.” Meanwhile, in Scotland, a wild round of voting&nbsp;has already taken place to decide whether to lock in standings for leagues there and get ready for next season.Major League Baseball in the U.S. is talking about bringing all 30 teams to Maricopa County, Arizona, for a regular season at spring training sites.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who has been calling for restraint in resuming any normal activities, offered a glimmer of hope when he suggested sports could conceivably return. He suggested no fans in arenas and constant testing for the players, who would likely need to be quarantined in hotels for weeks or months.Not all the players are on board.“I’m going to go four or five months without seeing my kid when it’s born? I can tell you right now that’s not going to happen,” Ryan Zimmerman of the Nationals wrote in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c2c5a22288f07c75c1724bfb6eb68675">diary for AP</a>. Zimmerman’s third child is due in June.Whether Zimmerman shows or not, baseball could be a vastly different game if it returns in 2020. Some other ideas floated include wrapping up the season in December, scheduling a multitude of doubleheaders with seven-inning games and quickly deciding ties with home run derbies.Yet for all those scenarios, nobody’s quite sure what will happen if, despite all the precautions, an outbreak hits a team. Could one positive test eviscerate an entire season?Before setting anything in motion, all the leagues are waiting for a consensus to emerge from government and health experts, to say nothing of players and owners.Right now, Montagliani said, “the paramount skill set required from us is risk management and nothing else.”The Associated Press

Sports leagues seek return to play but with no guarantees

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have brought back the majority of their free agents that helped deliver them their first Super Bowl title in 50 years. 

That means they have few holes to fill heading into the three-day NFL draft, giving them the luxury of doing just about anything they want. 

They could trade away the No. 32 overall selection and accumulate more picks, or they could use it on a position such as defensive back or running back where they are comparatively thin. 

Regardless, the Chiefs need to find cost-controlled depth from their rookie class with a big contract coming soon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have brought back the majority of their free agents that helped deliver them their first Super Bowl title in 50 years. That means they have few holes to fill heading into the three-day NFL draft, giving them the luxury of doing just about anything they want. They could trade away the No. 32 overall selection and accumulate more picks, or they could use it on a position such as defensive back or running back where they are comparatively thin. Regardless, the Chiefs need to find cost-controlled depth from their rookie class with a big contract coming soon for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.&nbsp;

Chiefs are bringing back the majority of their free agents

While Kansas high school baseball players have lost their spring season, there remains hope that summer baseball will be played.

"We are optimistically getting ready to play baseball," said Steve Queen, Kansas American Legion State Baseball chairman. "As long as we get started in early June ... we will play the regular season."

While the national American Legion has already cancelled regional and national tournaments for the upcoming summer, it remains the decision of state organization whether pitches are thrown in 2020, said Paul Harris, media relations director for the national organization.

"It will be up to the Kansas committee," Harris said.

A number of states have already called off the 2020 season. But, in Kansas, that committee remains hopeful there will be plenty of baseball this summer.

"We control the destiny of what's going on in the state of Kansas," Queen told Hays Post on Saturday. "We want to be patient and not overreact."

Queen urged each team —&nbsp;locally controlled by a Legion branch or local board — to register and secure insurance for the coming season. 

Should the worst-case scenario arise, "all funds will be returned," he said.

In Hays, both the Eagles and the Monarchs are planning on playing baseball this summer.

"We understand that things are not like they normally are in April. Our intention is to offer these young men the opportunity to play baseball in the summer as we have in the past," said Skip Cox of the Hays Eagles board. "Although, if something happens and we are told they cannot play, we will refund the player fees to all players."

Trey Wentling of the Monarchs echoed those sentiments.

"The TMP Monarchs Legion team are planning on playing as scheduled for the summer. We are registered with American Legion and our players are completing their paper work for submitting our roster," he told Hays Post. "TMP currently has 12 doubleheaders scheduled and, as long as teams are still willing to play and the state of Kansas allows, we will be ready for our home opener on June 3 versus Dodge City."

If summer baseball returns by early June, Queen said, the organization is optimistic that Legion players will be able to play a full regular season along with zone and state tournaments — although the winner of that tournament will be unlikely to continue its season.\

Queen added, however, that trophies aren't the reason for Legion leagues.

"We not here to get winners. We're here to get players — to give the opportunity," he said. "And the opportunity will be there — unless we are restricted from offering it."

Queen added that teams that do play this summer will be under reduced roster and other restrictions, noting those details will be decided later.

"We are planning on playing and that is our position," he said, "until somebody drops a bomb on us."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339111105.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Hays PostWhile Kansas high school baseball players have lost their spring season, there remains hope that summer baseball will be played."We are optimistically getting ready to play baseball," said Steve Queen, Kansas American Legion State Baseball chairman. "As long as we get started in early June ... we will play the regular season."While the national American Legion has already cancelled regional and national tournaments for the upcoming summer, it remains the decision of state organization whether pitches are thrown in 2020, said Paul Harris, media relations director for the national organization."It will be up to the Kansas committee," Harris said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339176913.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>A number of states have already called off the 2020 season. But, in Kansas, that committee remains hopeful there will be plenty of baseball this summer."We control the destiny of what's going on in the state of Kansas," Queen told Hays Post on Saturday. "We want to be patient and not overreact."Queen urged each team —&nbsp;locally controlled by a Legion branch or local board — to register and secure insurance for the coming season. Should the worst-case scenario arise, "all funds will be returned," he said.In Hays, both the Eagles and the Monarchs are planning on playing baseball this summer."We understand that things are not like they normally are in April. Our intention is to offer these young men the opportunity to play baseball in the summer as we have in the past," said Skip Cox of the Hays Eagles board. "Although, if something happens and we are told they cannot play, we will refund the player fees to all players."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339212134.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Trey Wentling of the Monarchs echoed those sentiments."The TMP Monarchs Legion team are planning on playing as scheduled for the summer. We are registered with American Legion and our players are completing their paper work for submitting our roster," he told Hays Post. "TMP currently has 12 doubleheaders scheduled and, as long as teams are still willing to play and the state of Kansas allows, we will be ready for our home opener on June 3 versus Dodge City."If summer baseball returns by early June, Queen said, the organization is optimistic that Legion players will be able to play a full regular season along with zone and state tournaments — although the winner of that tournament will be unlikely to continue its season.\<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339240009.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Queen added, however, that trophies aren't the reason for Legion leagues."We not here to get winners. We're here to get players — to give the opportunity," he said. "And the opportunity will be there — unless we are restricted from offering it."Queen added that teams that do play this summer will be under reduced roster and other restrictions, noting those details will be decided later."We are planning on playing and that is our position," he said, "until somebody drops a bomb on us."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587339272071.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Legion baseball in Kansas still on for June start ... for now

The Fort Hays State football team was scheduled to close out
spring practice Saturday with its annual Spring Scrimmage at Lewis
Field. The annual event, open to fans, was to be the last of the 15 practices
the NCAA allows during the spring semester.

The Tigers were able to complete two practices before all
spring sports and athletic activities were shut down by the NCAA, forcing head
coach Chris Brown and his staff to adjust.

“We’ve just been doing video conferences with our players.”
Brown said. “We’re doing position meetings each day and watching film with our
kids.”

Brown, who just completed his 10th season as the Tigers head
coach in the fall, said strength and conditioning coach Doug Boucher has played a
key role in trying to keep his team in shape while getting them ready for next
season.

“Coach Boucher did a good job of sending our kids workouts
they can do since there are no gyms open or weight rooms available for our
players — things they can do on their own,” he said.

While most of the roster was set for the 2020 season, Brown
said there were still a few spots they were hoping to fill with junior college
transfers. That process has been altered significantly or put on hold
altogether.

“We were trying to get those kids here in June because we’re
expecting them to play for us this upcoming fall,” Brown said. “We can’t have
visits until May 30th now.” 

Brown said this is also a time they start looking at their
next high school recruiting class.

“It’s been a process because those coaches are out of school
as well now and a lot of them don’t have their information,” Brown said. “It is
a lot different because in the spring we go out and meet the coaches and they
give us a good idea on who we need to recruit.

“Our coaches are doing a good job right now of reaching out
to the high school coaches and making sure we’re getting their film. The junior
college kids, that’s going to be the tough one because you really want to see
them in person,” he added.

Brown urged everyone to follow the social distancing
guidelines set by the state and federal government, if for no other reason than
to bring football back this fall.

“Hopefully this thing will come to an end pretty soon
because I really do want to play football this fall. We need it. The world
needs it. It’s a great sport that brings everybody together,” he said. “If
things continue the way they’re going, we’re not going to have it, so just do
what you’re supposed to do and do it the right way.”

By GERARD WELLBROCKHays PostThe Fort Hays State football team was scheduled to close out
spring practice Saturday with its annual Spring Scrimmage at Lewis
Field. The annual event, open to fans, was to be the last of the 15 practices
the NCAA allows during the spring semester.The Tigers were able to complete two practices before all
spring sports and athletic activities were shut down by the NCAA, forcing head
coach Chris Brown and his staff to adjust.“We’ve just been doing video conferences with our players.”
Brown said. “We’re doing position meetings each day and watching film with our
kids.”Brown, who just completed his 10th season as the Tigers head
coach in the fall, said strength and conditioning coach Doug Boucher has played a
key role in trying to keep his team in shape while getting them ready for next
season.“Coach Boucher did a good job of sending our kids workouts
they can do since there are no gyms open or weight rooms available for our
players — things they can do on their own,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587047144738.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics (Allie Schweizer)" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy FHSU Athletics (Allie Schweizer)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Recruiting challenges</h2>While most of the roster was set for the 2020 season, Brown
said there were still a few spots they were hoping to fill with junior college
transfers. That process has been altered significantly or put on hold
altogether.“We were trying to get those kids here in June because we’re
expecting them to play for us this upcoming fall,” Brown said. “We can’t have
visits until May 30th now.” Brown said this is also a time they start looking at their
next high school recruiting class.“It’s been a process because those coaches are out of school
as well now and a lot of them don’t have their information,” Brown said. “It is
a lot different because in the spring we go out and meet the coaches and they
give us a good idea on who we need to recruit.“Our coaches are doing a good job right now of reaching out
to the high school coaches and making sure we’re getting their film. The junior
college kids, that’s going to be the tough one because you really want to see
them in person,” he added.<h2>Social distance for football</h2>Brown urged everyone to follow the social distancing
guidelines set by the state and federal government, if for no other reason than
to bring football back this fall.“Hopefully this thing will come to an end pretty soon
because I really do want to play football this fall. We need it. The world
needs it. It’s a great sport that brings everybody together,” he said. “If
things continue the way they’re going, we’re not going to have it, so just do
what you’re supposed to do and do it the right way.”

FHSU coach Chris Brown hoping for football this fall

UNDATED (AP) — One of the NFL’s top players is being treated for the coronavirus.

Von Miller's agent says the Denver Broncos linebacker has tested positive for the coronavirus and wanted to come forward with his diagnosis to show doubters how serious the disease is. Joby Branion tells The Associated Press that Miller is in good spirits while resting at his home in Denver and that Miller plans to speak publicly about his diagnosis on Friday.

Miller told KUSA-TV in Denver that he developed a cough a couple of days ago. When his nebulizer for his asthma didn't clear things up, he decided to get tested for the coronavirus.

Miller said last week he trained in San Francisco before returning home to Colorado when the stay-at-home measures went into effect to contain the virus.

Miller was recently a unanimous pick to the NFL's All-Decade team of the 2010s.

UNDATED (AP) — One of the NFL’s top players is being treated for the coronavirus.Von Miller's agent says the Denver Broncos linebacker has tested positive for the coronavirus and wanted to come forward with his diagnosis to show doubters how serious the disease is. Joby Branion tells The Associated Press that Miller is in good spirits while resting at his home in Denver and that Miller plans to speak publicly about his diagnosis on Friday.Miller told KUSA-TV in Denver that he developed a cough a couple of days ago. When his nebulizer for his asthma didn't clear things up, he decided to get tested for the coronavirus.Miller said last week he trained in San Francisco before returning home to Colorado when the stay-at-home measures went into effect to contain the virus.Miller was recently a unanimous pick to the NFL's All-Decade team of the 2010s.

Broncos’ Miller has coronavirus

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have adopted the mantra of “run it back” in recent weeks, which means re-signing just about every important player from their first Super Bowl championship team in five decades in the hopes of winning it all again.

They brought back cornerback Bashaud Breeland, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and defensive tackle Mike Pennel, along with quarterback Chad Henne, fullback Anthony Sherman and offensive lineman Andrew Wylie. They used options to keep running back Damien Williams and linebacker Damien Wilson, and they franchised defensive tackle Chris Jones.

Defensive end Frank Clark and wide receiver Sammy Watkins even restructured their deals to make the numbers work.

All of which puts the Chiefs in the most enviable of situations: They already have a proven, championship-caliber roster with no significant holes, allowing them the flexibility to do just about anything they want in the NFL draft.

They could trade the No. 32 overall pick to a team that wants the fifth-year option afforded a first-round pick, potentially adding selections later in the draft.

They could add depth in the defensive backfield, which remains thin, or begin to address positions that could become problems next year: linebacker, running back and defensive tackle.

That also means general manager Brett Veach has to cast a wider net when it comes to scouting players, and that has been made exceedingly difficult by the fact that the coronavirus has effectively shut down travel and in-person evaluations.

“He's working like crazy, using all the virtual equipment he can and watching tape," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Tape isn't near as clear as it is in the office, but you power through it and you do what you have to do to make sure you get it done."

The Chiefs have not had a first-round pick since 2017, when they traded up to take quarterback Patrick Mahomes at No. 10 overall. Veach took over as GM shortly after the draft, so this could be his first chance to make a selection on Day 1.

If that happens, look for the Chiefs to target the defensive backfield. They brought back Breeland and signed free agent Antonio Hamilton, but they also lost Kendall Fuller and Morris Claiborne and could use some depth. Noah Igbinoghene from Auburn and Jeff Gladney of TCU are two options that could be available at the end of the first round.

The Chiefs also could benefit from the fact that few other teams need a running back, meaning elite talents such as Georgia's D'Andre Swift and Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor could be there for the taking on that Thursday night.

Regardless whether the Chiefs pick in the first round, their four remaining selections will be crucial. They are about to give Mahomes a potentially record-setting contract, and they have a lot of money invested in Clark, Watkins and safety Tyrann Mathieu. They must add starting-caliber players on rookie contracts to keep their salary cap in check.

If the Chiefs did not pick a defensive back in Round 1, the second and third rounds could be the time to grab a player such as Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall. The Chiefs could also target depth at wide receiver and on the offensive line.

The Chiefs value surrounding Mahomes with talent, which is why they are constantly seeking playmakers at the skill positions. But their defense, which was vastly improved under first-year Chiefs coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, will have to replace tackle Xavier Williams, linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.

They also lost safety Jordan Lucas, but they hope Juan Thornhill will be recovered from a torn ACL to replace him.

The Chiefs found a role player in cornerback Rashad Fenton in the sixth round a year ago, but otherwise, picks after the third round the past three seasons have been underwhelming. With only five selections during the three-day draft, Veach and his scouting department are under pressure to deliver in the fourth and fifth rounds.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have adopted the mantra of “run it back” in recent weeks, which means re-signing just about every important player from their first Super Bowl championship team in five decades in the hopes of winning it all again.They brought back cornerback Bashaud Breeland, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and defensive tackle Mike Pennel, along with quarterback Chad Henne, fullback Anthony Sherman and offensive lineman Andrew Wylie. They used options to keep running back Damien Williams and linebacker Damien Wilson, and they franchised defensive tackle Chris Jones.Defensive end Frank Clark and wide receiver Sammy Watkins even restructured their deals to make the numbers work.All of which puts the Chiefs in the most enviable of situations: They already have a proven, championship-caliber roster with no significant holes, allowing them the flexibility to do just about anything they want in the NFL draft.They could trade the No. 32 overall pick to a team that wants the fifth-year option afforded a first-round pick, potentially adding selections later in the draft.They could add depth in the defensive backfield, which remains thin, or begin to address positions that could become problems next year: linebacker, running back and defensive tackle.That also means general manager Brett Veach has to cast a wider net when it comes to scouting players, and that has been made exceedingly difficult by the fact that the coronavirus has effectively shut down travel and in-person evaluations.“He's working like crazy, using all the virtual equipment he can and watching tape," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “Tape isn't near as clear as it is in the office, but you power through it and you do what you have to do to make sure you get it done."<h2>First-round fixes</h2>The Chiefs have not had a first-round pick since 2017, when they traded up to take quarterback Patrick Mahomes at No. 10 overall. Veach took over as GM shortly after the draft, so this could be his first chance to make a selection on Day 1.If that happens, look for the Chiefs to target the defensive backfield. They brought back Breeland and signed free agent Antonio Hamilton, but they also lost Kendall Fuller and Morris Claiborne and could use some depth. Noah Igbinoghene from Auburn and Jeff Gladney of TCU are two options that could be available at the end of the first round.The Chiefs also could benefit from the fact that few other teams need a running back, meaning elite talents such as Georgia's D'Andre Swift and Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor could be there for the taking on that Thursday night.<h2>Cost-controlled help</h2>Regardless whether the Chiefs pick in the first round, their four remaining selections will be crucial. They are about to give Mahomes a potentially record-setting contract, and they have a lot of money invested in Clark, Watkins and safety Tyrann Mathieu. They must add starting-caliber players on rookie contracts to keep their salary cap in check.If the Chiefs did not pick a defensive back in Round 1, the second and third rounds could be the time to grab a player such as Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall. The Chiefs could also target depth at wide receiver and on the offensive line.<h2>What about D</h2>The Chiefs value surrounding Mahomes with talent, which is why they are constantly seeking playmakers at the skill positions. But their defense, which was vastly improved under first-year Chiefs coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, will have to replace tackle Xavier Williams, linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.They also lost safety Jordan Lucas, but they hope Juan Thornhill will be recovered from a torn ACL to replace him.<h2>Late-round love</h2>The Chiefs found a role player in cornerback Rashad Fenton in the sixth round a year ago, but otherwise, picks after the third round the past three seasons have been underwhelming. With only five selections during the three-day draft, Veach and his scouting department are under pressure to deliver in the fourth and fifth rounds.

Chiefs getting set for 2020 NFL Draft next week

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Like most regulars on top men’s basketball teams in the country, at the end of a season underclassmen will look to NBA teams for advice about their future.

“Me and my family have looked into my NBA draft prospects the past few weeks to get some input from the NBA teams on what areas of my game I need to improve on,” Kansas forward David McCormack said. “It was a great opportunity to hear from them and I’m looking forward to putting those on display this next season at Allen Fieldhouse. We have a great coaching staff who can help me and my teammates reach that next level.”

A 2020 Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection, McCormack started 18 games for Kansas and finished second on the team with a 52.9 field goal percentage. The Norfolk, Va., sophomore averaged 6.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 14.6 minutes per game and was efficient while on the floor. For example, McCormack posted a career-high 28 points, on 11-of-14 shooting, in just 16 minutes against Kansas City. He also recorded his first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 16 minutes against Monmouth. In all, McCormack had seven games with 10 or more points and six with seven or more rebounds in 2019-20.

“David had a really good year this past season,” KU head coach Bill Self said. “The reason he didn’t play as many minutes was he had a first-team All-American (Udoka Azubuike) who had a really good year. I anticipate David being a guy we can play through and I believe he could be a double-double guy, similar to what Dok was, or real near to those numbers. He’ll get them in ways Dok did not, which could also make our team more versatile.”

Kansas returns 11 letterwinners from last season’s 28-3 team which won the Big 12 regular season at 17-1 and finished No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls in the shortened season due to the pandemic. KU will be anchored by seniors-to-be Marcus Garrett and Mitch Lightfoot, who was a 2019-20 redshirt. Other returning regulars include juniors-to-be McCormack, starter Ochai Agbaji and Silvio De Sousa. Sophomores-to-be Christian Braun and Tristan Enaruna also played significant roles in 2019-20.

“We’ve known all along that going into this past season we were probably going to lose Devon (Dotson) and we were definitely going to lose Udoka (Azubuike) and Isaiah (Moss,” Self said. “To have the remaining team returning and a good recruiting class, it puts us in a position not to take a step backward at all in our program. I look forward to Marcus (Garrett, Ochai (Agbaji, David (McCormack, Mitch (Lightfoot) and Silvio (De Sousa, our upperclassmen, taking ownership of everything that goes with this team and see where they can take it.”

Kansas’ signed four players last November who will be joined by redshirt freshman guard Dejuan Harris as first-year players for the Jayhawks. Incoming newbies are headlined by McDonald’s All-America guard Bryce Thompson from Tulsa via Booker T. Washington High School. Guard Tyon Grant-Foster, from Kansas City, Kan., was Junior College All-America Honorable Mention selection last season for Indian Hills Community College. Forward Getro Muscadin, 6-10 from Haiti via Aspire Academy in Kentucky, and guard Latrell Jossell, from Keller Central High School in Texas, round out KU’s incoming newcomers.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Like most regulars on top men’s basketball teams in the country, at the end of a season underclassmen will look to NBA teams for advice about their future.“Me and my family have looked into my NBA draft prospects the past few weeks to get some input from the NBA teams on what areas of my game I need to improve on,” Kansas forward David McCormack said. “It was a great opportunity to hear from them and I’m looking forward to putting those on display this next season at Allen Fieldhouse. We have a great coaching staff who can help me and my teammates reach that next level.”A 2020 Academic All-Big 12 First Team selection, McCormack started 18 games for Kansas and finished second on the team with a 52.9 field goal percentage. The Norfolk, Va., sophomore averaged 6.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 14.6 minutes per game and was efficient while on the floor. For example, McCormack posted a career-high 28 points, on 11-of-14 shooting, in just 16 minutes against Kansas City. He also recorded his first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 16 minutes against Monmouth. In all, McCormack had seven games with 10 or more points and six with seven or more rebounds in 2019-20.“David had a really good year this past season,” KU head coach Bill Self said. “The reason he didn’t play as many minutes was he had a first-team All-American (Udoka Azubuike) who had a really good year. I anticipate David being a guy we can play through and I believe he could be a double-double guy, similar to what Dok was, or real near to those numbers. He’ll get them in ways Dok did not, which could also make our team more versatile.”Kansas returns 11 letterwinners from last season’s 28-3 team which won the Big 12 regular season at 17-1 and finished No. 1 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls in the shortened season due to the pandemic. KU will be anchored by seniors-to-be Marcus Garrett and Mitch Lightfoot, who was a 2019-20 redshirt. Other returning regulars include juniors-to-be McCormack, starter Ochai Agbaji and Silvio De Sousa. Sophomores-to-be Christian Braun and Tristan Enaruna also played significant roles in 2019-20.“We’ve known all along that going into this past season we were probably going to lose Devon (Dotson) and we were definitely going to lose Udoka (Azubuike) and Isaiah (Moss,” Self said. “To have the remaining team returning and a good recruiting class, it puts us in a position not to take a step backward at all in our program. I look forward to Marcus (Garrett, Ochai (Agbaji, David (McCormack, Mitch (Lightfoot) and Silvio (De Sousa, our upperclassmen, taking ownership of everything that goes with this team and see where they can take it.”Kansas’ signed four players last November who will be joined by redshirt freshman guard Dejuan Harris as first-year players for the Jayhawks. Incoming newbies are headlined by McDonald’s All-America guard Bryce Thompson from Tulsa via Booker T. Washington High School. Guard Tyon Grant-Foster, from Kansas City, Kan., was Junior College All-America Honorable Mention selection last season for Indian Hills Community College. Forward Getro Muscadin, 6-10 from Haiti via Aspire Academy in Kentucky, and guard Latrell Jossell, from Keller Central High School in Texas, round out KU’s incoming newcomers.KU Athletics

Jayhawks' David McCormack to return for junior season

Hays High senior Tasiah Nunnery has signed a
letter of intent to play volleyball at Barton Community College. 

And while Nunnery wasn't able to have a signing at Hays High School with her family, teammates, and
friends, she was able to do a signing with her Velocity Volleyball club team.

Nunnery finished her Hays High career as the all-time leader in kills with 1,475. She's the only Indian in school history to be named first team All-Western Athletic Conference in each of her four years and was the WAC Player of the Year following her junior season in 2018. 

Hays High senior Tasiah Nunnery has signed a
letter of intent to play volleyball at Barton Community College. And while Nunnery wasn't able to have a signing at Hays High School with her family, teammates, and
friends, she was able to do a signing with her Velocity Volleyball club team.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587046205977.jpeg" alt="HHS senior Tasiah Nunnery signs a volleyball letter of intent with Barton CC (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>HHS senior Tasiah Nunnery signs a volleyball letter of intent with Barton CC (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Nunnery finished her Hays High career as the all-time leader in kills with 1,475. She's the only Indian in school history to be named first team All-Western Athletic Conference in each of her four years and was the WAC Player of the Year following her junior season in 2018.

Nunnery signs to play volleyball at Barton CC 

Jim Mall was encouraged by his kids to join SouthWind
CrossFit six or seven years ago. When he did, he never thought he would be one
of the top competitors in the world at his age group — but that’s exactly what
happened.

The 62-year-old Mall recently finished 80th in the men’s 60
and older division of the CrossFit Games.

“Every day, we wanted to be around our children and grandchildren,
so we just went to the gym because that’s where they were at.” Mall said.

CrossFit has been a family affair for Mall and his wife, Sue. His kids, Tucker and Jill, were already coaches and later his youngest daughter
Maddy joined them.

CrossFit is a form of high-intensity interval training with strength
and conditioning workouts made up of functional movements performed at a high-intensity
level.

Once a year, CrossFit puts on a competition for its members
throughout the world, who range from ages 14 through 60-plus.

The games are broken down into three steps. The first is The
Open — a five-week competition that starts in October and has members completing
workouts sent out by the CrossFit corporation. Those who finish in the top 200
advance to the Online Qualifying round where competitors have five days to
complete six workouts. The top 10 of each age group then advance out of that to
the CrossFit Games which are scheduled for August in Madison, Wis. 

Mall was close to advancing out of the first round when he
first started competing in the 55-59 age group.

“I started competing in the open when I think (I was) 57 or 58. I
finished 224th and I’m thinking, 'I was so close, it can’t be that hard to move
up 24 spots,' ” Mall said.

After devoting more time and effort into his training for
the next year’s competition, he only moved up 12 spots. He joked that all
changed when he moved to the 60-and-older age group.

“Fortunately for me, there are not very many people in my
competition, I’m only competing against three or four thousand people, so it’s
easier to qualify for these things because there’s not that many people our age
that do CrossFit,” Mall said.

This is the third straight year Mall has advanced to the
second round in the older age division. He finished 86th in 2018 and 142nd in 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586964761259.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By GERARD WELLBROCK Hays PostJim Mall was encouraged by his kids to join SouthWind
CrossFit six or seven years ago. When he did, he never thought he would be one
of the top competitors in the world at his age group — but that’s exactly what
happened.The 62-year-old Mall recently finished 80th in the men’s 60
and older division of the CrossFit Games.“Every day, we wanted to be around our children and grandchildren,
so we just went to the gym because that’s where they were at.” Mall said.CrossFit has been a family affair for Mall and his wife, Sue. His kids, Tucker and Jill, were already coaches and later his youngest daughter
Maddy joined them.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586964786212.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CrossFit is a form of high-intensity interval training with strength
and conditioning workouts made up of functional movements performed at a high-intensity
level.Once a year, CrossFit puts on a competition for its members
throughout the world, who range from ages 14 through 60-plus.The games are broken down into three steps. The first is The
Open — a five-week competition that starts in October and has members completing
workouts sent out by the CrossFit corporation. Those who finish in the top 200
advance to the Online Qualifying round where competitors have five days to
complete six workouts. The top 10 of each age group then advance out of that to
the CrossFit Games which are scheduled for August in Madison, Wis. Mall was close to advancing out of the first round when he
first started competing in the 55-59 age group.“I started competing in the open when I think (I was) 57 or 58. I
finished 224th and I’m thinking, 'I was so close, it can’t be that hard to move
up 24 spots,' ” Mall said.After devoting more time and effort into his training for
the next year’s competition, he only moved up 12 spots. He joked that all
changed when he moved to the 60-and-older age group.“Fortunately for me, there are not very many people in my
competition, I’m only competing against three or four thousand people, so it’s
easier to qualify for these things because there’s not that many people our age
that do CrossFit,” Mall said.This is the third straight year Mall has advanced to the
second round in the older age division. He finished 86th in 2018 and 142nd in 2019.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586964833553.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586966012789.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586966038845.jpeg" alt="Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays man finishes 80th in world CrossFit competition

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State University is seeking to tear down its 74-year-old Cessna Stadium and replace it with a new smaller, multi-purpose stadium.

The university has asked the Kansas Board of Regents to allow it to raze the 30,000-seat stadium. Cessna is currently home to the Wichita State track and field team and is also home the nation’s largest high school track and field meet.

University officials say the condition of the amenities in the stadium have deteriorated drastically since the school’s football program was discontinued in 1986.

The proposal leaves in limbo what would happen to the Kansas high school state track and field meet, which has hosted around 3,500 athletes for all six championship meets for boys and girls for the last four decades.

The proposed smaller stadium would host not only Wichita State’s track and field events, but could also attract high school and club events for soccer, lacrosse and track and field, university officials said.

WSU estimates it will cost $1.4 million to tear down the building. That money would be raised from private funds and restricted fee funds, officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586973619933.png" alt="Cessna Stadium has been home to&nbsp;Kansas high school state track and field meet for the last four decades-&nbsp; image courtesy KSHSAA" />
 <figcaption>Cessna Stadium has been home to&nbsp;Kansas high school state track and field meet for the last four decades-&nbsp; image courtesy KSHSAA</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Wichita State University is seeking to tear down its 74-year-old Cessna Stadium and replace it with a new smaller, multi-purpose stadium.The university has asked the Kansas Board of Regents to allow it to raze the 30,000-seat stadium. Cessna is currently home to the Wichita State track and field team and is also home the nation’s largest high school track and field meet.University officials say the condition of the amenities in the stadium have deteriorated drastically since the school’s football program was discontinued in 1986.The proposal leaves in limbo what would happen to the Kansas high school state track and field meet, which has hosted around 3,500 athletes for all six championship meets for boys and girls for the last four decades.The proposed smaller stadium would host not only Wichita State’s track and field events, but could also attract high school and club events for soccer, lacrosse and track and field, university officials said.WSU estimates it will cost $1.4 million to tear down the building. That money would be raised from private funds and restricted fee funds, officials said.

WSU seeks to raze Cessna Stadium, build smaller version

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;enhanced his already highly-regarded 2020 recruiting class with the signings of junior college All-American guard&nbsp;Rueadale “Rudi” Williams&nbsp;(Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail Academy/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College)&nbsp;and prep standout&nbsp;Seryee Lewis&nbsp;(Chicago, Ill./AZ Compass Prep [Chandler, Ariz.])&nbsp;to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday (April 15).

A 6-foot-3, 180-pound point guard, Williams joins the Wildcats after a two-year stint at NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College in Miami, Oklahoma, where he led the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) in assists in 2019-20 for the Golden Norse, while the 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward Lewis arrives from AZ Compass Prep School in Chandler, Arizona where the Chicago native averaged a double-double this past season.

“We were excited about the initial group of signees in the Fall,” said Weber. “We were going to have a strong need to replace perimeter guys and that was our main concern with this signing class. If you look at the players we signed in the Fall (Davion Bradford,&nbsp;Luke Kasubke,&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack, we were able to fill every position with some versatility. I think the big key was the fact that we were able to get a true big man (Bradford). A 7-footer who already has a pretty good body, both strength and weight-wise.

“Our main focus with the second part of our signing class was to get an experienced point guard (Williams) to go along with our young players (DaJuan Gordon, Pack, Kasubke and Miguel) and then we wanted to bring in another athletic big guy (Lewis) to complement Davion (Bradford) and the guys we have returning (Levi Stockard III,&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu,&nbsp;Antonio Gordon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Montavious Murphy).”

The pair of signees join an already-heralded four-man Fall recruiting class that includes the aforementioned high school standouts&nbsp;Davion Bradford&nbsp;(St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville),&nbsp;Luke Kasubke&nbsp;(St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade),&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;(Luanda, Angola/West Oaks Academy [Fla.])&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;(Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).

The current class is still rated among the Top 25 by several recruiting services, including No. 18 by&nbsp;Rivals.com, No. 23 by&nbsp;247Sports.com&nbsp;and No. 24 by ESPN. Historically speaking, it is the highest-rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Four of the five prep players are rated among the Top 200 players nationally, including four members of the&nbsp;Rivals150, while Williams ranks No. 54 on the list of the top junior college players in the country by&nbsp;JucoRecruiting.com.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;enhanced his already highly-regarded 2020 recruiting class with the signings of junior college All-American guard&nbsp;Rueadale “Rudi” Williams&nbsp;(Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail Academy/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College)&nbsp;and prep standout&nbsp;Seryee Lewis&nbsp;(Chicago, Ill./AZ Compass Prep [Chandler, Ariz.])&nbsp;to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday (April 15).A 6-foot-3, 180-pound point guard, Williams joins the Wildcats after a two-year stint at NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College in Miami, Oklahoma, where he led the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) in assists in 2019-20 for the Golden Norse, while the 6-foot-9, 205-pound forward Lewis arrives from AZ Compass Prep School in Chandler, Arizona where the Chicago native averaged a double-double this past season.“We were excited about the initial group of signees in the Fall,” said Weber. “We were going to have a strong need to replace perimeter guys and that was our main concern with this signing class. If you look at the players we signed in the Fall (Davion Bradford,&nbsp;Luke Kasubke,&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack, we were able to fill every position with some versatility. I think the big key was the fact that we were able to get a true big man (Bradford). A 7-footer who already has a pretty good body, both strength and weight-wise.“Our main focus with the second part of our signing class was to get an experienced point guard (Williams) to go along with our young players (DaJuan Gordon, Pack, Kasubke and Miguel) and then we wanted to bring in another athletic big guy (Lewis) to complement Davion (Bradford) and the guys we have returning (Levi Stockard III,&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu,&nbsp;Antonio Gordon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Montavious Murphy).”The pair of signees join an already-heralded four-man Fall recruiting class that includes the aforementioned high school standouts&nbsp;Davion Bradford&nbsp;(St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville),&nbsp;Luke Kasubke&nbsp;(St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade),&nbsp;Selton Miguel&nbsp;(Luanda, Angola/West Oaks Academy [Fla.])&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nijel Pack&nbsp;(Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).The current class is still rated among the Top 25 by several recruiting services, including No. 18 by&nbsp;Rivals.com, No. 23 by&nbsp;247Sports.com&nbsp;and No. 24 by ESPN. Historically speaking, it is the highest-rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Four of the five prep players are rated among the Top 200 players nationally, including four members of the&nbsp;Rivals150, while Williams ranks No. 54 on the list of the top junior college players in the country by&nbsp;JucoRecruiting.com.The six-man class is the largest class in the Weber era and now includes players from two countries (Angola and Canada) and three states (Florida, Indiana and Missouri) at all five positions.Much like the Fall Signing Class, which posted a collective 94-22 (.810) record in their final prep seasons in 2019-20, Lewis and Williams will also arrive at K-State with a winning mentality after having helped their teams to a combined 49-13 (.790) record this past season. Williams helped NE Oklahoma A&amp;M post its best two-year period (52-14; .788) in nearly 30 seasons, including a trip to the NJCAA National Tournament in 2018-19 and near repeat this past season after falling in the Region II Championship game. Lewis’ AZ Compass Prep team tallied a 24-6 mark in 2019-20 and advanced to the semifinals of The Grind Session World Championship, a postseason showcase for independent teams that play outside traditional state associations. A fellow semifinalist at the World Championship was West Oaks Academy in Orlando, Florida led by fellow signee&nbsp;Selton Miguel.“I think it’s always important to bring in players from winning programs,” said Weber. “Anytime you can get a player who has come up through a program that’s won, I think they understand the importance of teamwork and what the main goal of basketball is which is to win.“In Rudi’s case, when I asked him what do you want me to say about you as a player and his response was that ‘I win’ and ‘I want to win’. He led his team to Hutch (NJCAA National Tournament) as a freshman, won their conference in back-to-back years and lost in the finals (Region II) to return to Hutch this year. Nijel’s (Pack) team (Lawrence Central) was one of the best teams in Indiana, Davion’s team (Mehlville) lost to Luke’s team (Chaminade) to go to the Final Four and Selton’s team (West Oaks) was one of better teams in the country, winning at Oak Hill (Academy, which hadn’t lost in years at home, then beating Prolific (Prep, which was considered one of the top prep schools in the country, and they also won their conference title.“We feel that we got kids that are about winning and care about winning and we hope that will be key for us moving forward.”The first member of the Spring signing class to commit (March 19, Lewis was a key piece for head coach&nbsp;Ed Gipson’s&nbsp;AZ Compass Prep squad that could include as many as seven Division I signees in 2020. He averaged a double-double of 13.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game this past season. He scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting in the 81-70 quarterfinal win over Minnesota Prep at The Grind Session World Championship on March 11. He also had a near double-double (12 points and 8 rebounds) in a win over St. Louis Christian in the first round on March 10.A native of Chicago, Lewis played for the acclaimed Mac Irvin Fire AAU program, where he led the squad to a 10-3 record in the 2019 Nike EYBL. He averaged 9.9 points on 64.1 percent shooting (50-of-78) with 5.4 rebounds in 18.2 minutes per game. He scored a season-high 22 points on 9-of-12 shooting against UPLAY Canada on May 11, 2019. He also played at Kenwood Academy and has a longtime friendship with rising sophomore&nbsp;DaJuan Gordon.An outstanding student, Lewis also earned offers from Brown, Columbia and Yale in the Ivy League.A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Williams developed into one of the top junior college point guards in the country at NE Oklahoma A&amp;M, where he set school records for both single season (267) and career (492) assists. He earned Second Team All-America honors from the NJCAA as a sophomore, while he was the NJCAA Region II Player of the Year as well as a first team all-conference and all-region selection.The owner of six triple-doubles, including four in 2019-20, Williams averaged 21.0 points on 50.9 percent shooting (226-of-444, including 36.4 percent (39-of-107) from 3-point range, as a sophomore in 2019-20 with 8.9 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals in 32.8 minutes per game. He ranked in the NJCAA Top 20 in seven categories, including first in total assists, second in assists per game, 15th&nbsp;in steals and 20th&nbsp;in total points (629).Before leading the NJCAA ranks in assists (267/8.9 apg.) as a sophomore in 2019-20, Williams placed in the Top 5 in the category as a freshman, dishing out 225 assists in 27 games in 2018-19. He averaged 8.6 assists per game in 57 career games at NE Oklahoma A&amp;M to go along with a 3.7 assist-to-turnover ratio.Kansas State Athletics