After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus on May 5th, due to health and safety concerns from COVID-19, the fate of the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown. 

Friday, the Kansas Shrine Bowl announced that they will stay in Topeka and play their game at Hummer Sports Complex.“While health and safety concerns are still a factor, we are excited to have anew venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July 18th,”&nbsp;said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.“Hummer Sports Complex&nbsp;is an amazing facility and their staff and support will bea tremendous asset.”

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

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

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

Other changes to the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be the cancellation of the Participant Appreciation Banquet,Strong Legs Run 5K and hospital screening clinic. The Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp has been shortened to a two-day, commuter camp and will take place at a Topeka school district facility. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade, highs chool football combine, and Jr. All-Star Challenge are still being considered but could be altered or cancelled.

.East and West training camps are still set to be held in Ottawa and Salina. Further details will be provided to parents and players in the coming days.

After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus on May 5th, due to health and safety concerns from COVID-19, the fate of the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown. Friday, the Kansas Shrine Bowl announced that they will stay in Topeka and play their game at Hummer Sports Complex.“While health and safety concerns are still a factor, we are excited to have anew venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July 18th,”&nbsp;said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.“Hummer Sports Complex&nbsp;is an amazing facility and their staff and support will bea tremendous asset.”The new venue is a positive step, but the Kansas Shrine Bowl recognizes the challenges and changes that could affect the event.“All activities are being coordinated with assistance from the Shawnee County COVID-19 Task Force,” added Harris.“The health of our players, participants and fans is the top priority and we look forward to working with local officials to execute a safe event.”The announcement of Hummer Sports Complex as the sight of the 2020 game is a great step forward, but the 47th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be anything but business as usual. The biggest change will be the cancellation of the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band.“After discussions with multiple high school and collegiate band directors it became evident that a successful band camp would not be possible with the expected limitations,” said Harris. “We are disappointed for our band kids, but we’re hopeful we can keep them engaged with our event and execute an alternative that could keep the band present at this year’s&nbsp;game.”Dr. William Woodsworth, Director of Athletic Bands at Emporia State University and A.J. Pence, Band Director at Valley Falls High School, will be working to put together the 37th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Masonic All-State“Virtual”Band.“It is important to allow these fine students to share their talents and their passion, especially given these trying times,”said Dr. Woodsworth.“Ultimately, although it will never be able to replace an in-person performance, our purpose will still hold true. This summer’s performance of the 2020 KansasMasonic All-State “Virtual”&nbsp;Band will still be‘For the Kids’!”Other changes to the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be the cancellation of the Participant Appreciation Banquet,Strong Legs Run 5K and hospital screening clinic. The Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp has been shortened to a two-day, commuter camp and will take place at a Topeka school district facility. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade, highs chool football combine, and Jr. All-Star Challenge are still being considered but could be altered or cancelled.<figure>
 <img src="https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/yybqh65ts7x6ehq/images/1-5309577ca1.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>.East and West training camps are still set to be held in Ottawa and Salina. Further details will be provided to parents and players in the coming days.

Shrine Bowl officials find new venue for 2020 football game

NFL coaches will be allowed to return beginning Friday to team facilities closed because of the coronavirus pandemic as the league continues preparation for training camps and its season. 

Commissioner Roger Goodell told the 32 clubs that coaching staffs may work from team complexes starting Friday. Previously, only up to 75 people per day could be at the facilities, with coaches and players not seeking treatment for injuries barred. All coaches will count toward the maximum number of club employees in the facility, but that number will be increased to 100. That's also subject to governmental regulations and implementation of health protocols developed by the NFL’s medical staff.

NFL coaches will be allowed to return beginning Friday to team facilities closed because of the coronavirus pandemic as the league continues preparation for training camps and its season. Commissioner Roger Goodell told the 32 clubs that coaching staffs may work from team complexes starting Friday. Previously, only up to 75 people per day could be at the facilities, with coaches and players not seeking treatment for injuries barred. All coaches will count toward the maximum number of club employees in the facility, but that number will be increased to 100. That's also subject to governmental regulations and implementation of health protocols developed by the NFL’s medical staff.

NFL coaches can work at their team facilities

Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>

Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.

That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.

Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.

‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’

Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”

But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.

It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.

“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.

Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.

Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.

“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”

Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.

“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.

Their partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.

When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.

“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.

Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.

Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.

“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”

By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.

After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.

“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”

Kansas City’s signature franchise

From
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.

But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.

One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.

“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.

One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289256619.png" alt="J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic</h2>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289387032.png" alt="Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. " />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. </figcaption>
 </figure>It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.A war, a pandemic and a scandalTheir partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289439235.png" alt="The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”Kansas City’s signature franchiseFrom
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

How 1918 pandemic sparked founding of Negro Leagues in Kansas City

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has forced sports teams and their leagues to evaluate how they will welcome back fans. Social distancing is very likely whenever it happens. 

In Taiwan, a limited number of fans have been allowed into baseball games and told to sit three seats apart. U.S. colleges and pro leagues are assessing how to handle fans for fall sports, including football. Already Iowa State and Notre Dame are among schools planning for stadiums far less than full. 

Teams are also trying to figure out ways to prevent crowds entering or leaving, and limiting people on concourses.&nbsp;

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has forced sports teams and their leagues to evaluate how they will welcome back fans. Social distancing is very likely whenever it happens. In Taiwan, a limited number of fans have been allowed into baseball games and told to sit three seats apart. U.S. colleges and pro leagues are assessing how to handle fans for fall sports, including football. Already Iowa State and Notre Dame are among schools planning for stadiums far less than full. Teams are also trying to figure out ways to prevent crowds entering or leaving, and limiting people on concourses.&nbsp;

Empty seats could be prevalent at stadiums when sports returns

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Former Kansas State player and graduate student manager&nbsp;Mason Schoen&nbsp;has been promoted to video coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Monday (June 1).

A former walk-on for the Wildcats from 2014-18, Schoen spent the past season (2019-20) as a graduate student manager at K-State after a one-year stint (2018-19) in a similar position at Clemson.

“We’re excited about Mason and his new opportunity,” said Weber. “As I said when we hired Shane (Southwell) in March, it’s always a proud moment when one of your former players wants to go into the coaching profession. Aside from being a former player who was part of some really, good teams, Mason is a sharp individual with two Master’s degrees. He has put the work and effort into earning this next step in the coaching profession.”

Schoen returned to his alma mater in June 2019 after spending the 2018-19 season as a graduate assistant at Clemson under head coach&nbsp;Brad Brownell. He was part of a staff that helped the Tigers post a 20-14 overall record, including a 9-9 mark in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and advance to the second round of the Postseason NIT.

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Schoen played a significant leadership role as a four-year walk-on, guiding the Wildcats to consecutive 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances as a junior and senior, including serving as a captain during the run to the Elite Eight in 2017-18. An eight-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, he was twice named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team (2017, 2018) while was a two-time Honors Court recipient from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He also participated in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in June 2016 as an undergraduate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591034283244.jpeg" alt="Mason Schoen" />
 <figcaption>Mason Schoen</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Former Kansas State player and graduate student manager&nbsp;Mason Schoen&nbsp;has been promoted to video coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Monday (June 1).A former walk-on for the Wildcats from 2014-18, Schoen spent the past season (2019-20) as a graduate student manager at K-State after a one-year stint (2018-19) in a similar position at Clemson.“We’re excited about Mason and his new opportunity,” said Weber. “As I said when we hired Shane (Southwell) in March, it’s always a proud moment when one of your former players wants to go into the coaching profession. Aside from being a former player who was part of some really, good teams, Mason is a sharp individual with two Master’s degrees. He has put the work and effort into earning this next step in the coaching profession.”Schoen returned to his alma mater in June 2019 after spending the 2018-19 season as a graduate assistant at Clemson under head coach&nbsp;Brad Brownell. He was part of a staff that helped the Tigers post a 20-14 overall record, including a 9-9 mark in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and advance to the second round of the Postseason NIT.A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Schoen played a significant leadership role as a four-year walk-on, guiding the Wildcats to consecutive 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances as a junior and senior, including serving as a captain during the run to the Elite Eight in 2017-18. An eight-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, he was twice named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team (2017, 2018) while was a two-time Honors Court recipient from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He also participated in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in June 2016 as an undergraduate.

Schoen elevated to video coordinator for K-State men's basketball

K-State has announced that for the fifth straight season the entirety of the Big 12 Conference and 10 members of the SEC will play in women's basketball for the 2020 SEC / Big 12 Challenge.&nbsp; K-State will host Kentucky in this year's edition. The game date and television designation will be announced at a later date.

Kansas State has hosted auburn in 2016 and Vanderbilt in 2018 in the SEC / Big 12 Challenge, winning both matchups in Manhattan.

K-State has announced that for the fifth straight season the entirety of the Big 12 Conference and 10 members of the SEC will play in women's basketball for the 2020 SEC / Big 12 Challenge.&nbsp; K-State will host Kentucky in this year's edition. The game date and television designation will be announced at a later date.Kansas State has hosted auburn in 2016 and Vanderbilt in 2018 in the SEC / Big 12 Challenge, winning both matchups in Manhattan.

K-State to host Kentucky in women's basketball

Big 12 schools still got a strong payout from the conference during the pandemic. The revenue distribution to the league's 10 schools for the 2019-20 school year averages $37.7 million each. 

That figure announced at the end of the league's virtual spring meetings was down only about $1.1 million a school from last year. That ends a 13-year streak of increasing revenues. The decrease came after the cancellation of the basketball tournaments, and then spring sports. There is still plenty of uncertainty moving forward as campuses get ready to welcome athletes back for voluntary workouts.&nbsp;

Big 12 schools still got a strong payout from the conference during the pandemic. The revenue distribution to the league's 10 schools for the 2019-20 school year averages $37.7 million each. That figure announced at the end of the league's virtual spring meetings was down only about $1.1 million a school from last year. That ends a 13-year streak of increasing revenues. The decrease came after the cancellation of the basketball tournaments, and then spring sports. There is still plenty of uncertainty moving forward as campuses get ready to welcome athletes back for voluntary workouts.&nbsp;

Big 12 revenue distribution down only slightly during pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally. The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. 

The switch was mentioned in court papers in a suit by minor leaguers against Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation, on Nov 19. That corporation became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally. The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. The switch was mentioned in court papers in a suit by minor leaguers against Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation, on Nov 19. That corporation became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Kansas City Royals change their legal home

Geary County Girls Softball Association President Jeff Childs is advising parents of softball players if you registered your daughter to play this summer you can obtain a refund of your fees this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the 4-H Field.

The season was cancelled when the Dickinson County Girls Softball League, in which the Geary County Girls Softball Association participates,&nbsp; decided not to play this summer.&nbsp;

Geary County Girls Softball Association President Jeff Childs is advising parents of softball players if you registered your daughter to play this summer you can obtain a refund of your fees this Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the 4-H Field.The season was cancelled when the Dickinson County Girls Softball League, in which the Geary County Girls Softball Association participates,&nbsp; decided not to play this summer.&nbsp;

Geary County Girls Softball Association refund process is set for Saturday

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State sophomore forward&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu&nbsp;(Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP)&nbsp;has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Wednesday (May 27).

A 6-foot-10, 245-pound transfer from UTEP, Ezeagu enrolled at K-State on January 17 for the Spring 2020 semester and was able to practice with the team. He sat out the remainder of the 2019-20 season and was expected to do so for the Fall 2020 semester before earning the waiver. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

“We are excited for Kaosi that he was able to gain this waiver and become immediately eligible,” said Weber. “When we signed him, I thought he filled a big need, giving us an older, experienced big guy that has played Division I basketball. He made big strides on the court and in the weight room this past semester and helped raise the physicality and competitive spirit in practice. He really helped push (departing senior) Mak (Mawien) down the stretch. We are appreciative to Coach (Rodney) Terry, his staff and UTEP for supporting this waiver.”

Prior to enrolling at K-State, the native of Brampton, Ontario played one season at UTEP for head coach&nbsp;Rodney Terry&nbsp;in 2018-19. He played in all 29 games for the Miners as a true freshman, averaging 3.2 points on a team-best 56.9 field goal percentage (37-of-65) with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game. He led the team with 24 blocked shots and registered at least 2 blocks in eight contests with a season-high 3 against Rice on February 23, 2019. Twice he scored in double figures, including 10 in his first game against UTPB on November 16, 2018 and a season-best 12 against Middle Tennessee State on March 6, 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590668738277.jpeg" alt="ksu e.jpg" />
 <figcaption>ksu e.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State sophomore forward&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu&nbsp;(Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP)&nbsp;has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Wednesday (May 27).A 6-foot-10, 245-pound transfer from UTEP, Ezeagu enrolled at K-State on January 17 for the Spring 2020 semester and was able to practice with the team. He sat out the remainder of the 2019-20 season and was expected to do so for the Fall 2020 semester before earning the waiver. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.“We are excited for Kaosi that he was able to gain this waiver and become immediately eligible,” said Weber. “When we signed him, I thought he filled a big need, giving us an older, experienced big guy that has played Division I basketball. He made big strides on the court and in the weight room this past semester and helped raise the physicality and competitive spirit in practice. He really helped push (departing senior) Mak (Mawien) down the stretch. We are appreciative to Coach (Rodney) Terry, his staff and UTEP for supporting this waiver.”Prior to enrolling at K-State, the native of Brampton, Ontario played one season at UTEP for head coach&nbsp;Rodney Terry&nbsp;in 2018-19. He played in all 29 games for the Miners as a true freshman, averaging 3.2 points on a team-best 56.9 field goal percentage (37-of-65) with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game. He led the team with 24 blocked shots and registered at least 2 blocks in eight contests with a season-high 3 against Rice on February 23, 2019. Twice he scored in double figures, including 10 in his first game against UTPB on November 16, 2018 and a season-best 12 against Middle Tennessee State on March 6, 2019.

K-State forward can play immediately in the upcoming school year

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas athletic department has imposed pay cuts and furloughs for all employees in response to financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Kansas City Star reports that Athletic Director Jeff Long announced the moves in an email to donors Wednesday. Long, men’s basketball coach Bill Self and football coach Les Miles already said last month that they would take 10% pay cuts for six months. The department's top-paid employees now face pay cuts of 10% and its lowest-paid employees will be furloughed for three weeks. Some employees will have a choice between a furlough and a pay cut.&nbsp;

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas athletic department has imposed pay cuts and furloughs for all employees in response to financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Kansas City Star reports that Athletic Director Jeff Long announced the moves in an email to donors Wednesday. Long, men’s basketball coach Bill Self and football coach Les Miles already said last month that they would take 10% pay cuts for six months. The department's top-paid employees now face pay cuts of 10% and its lowest-paid employees will be furloughed for three weeks. Some employees will have a choice between a furlough and a pay cut.&nbsp;

KU Athletics imposing new pay cuts, furloughs to cut costs

NEW YORK (AP) — College football conferences and television networks have agreed to hold off on announcing start times for early-season games. CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and their affiliated networks typically announce early game times for the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences on June 1. 

The two sides decided to wait a few weeks for the 2020 season as sports like the NHL and NBA work toward returning after shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The college football season is scheduled to begin with a handful of games on Aug. 29 and a full slate of games the following week.

NEW YORK (AP) — College football conferences and television networks have agreed to hold off on announcing start times for early-season games. CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and their affiliated networks typically announce early game times for the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences on June 1. The two sides decided to wait a few weeks for the 2020 season as sports like the NHL and NBA work toward returning after shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The college football season is scheduled to begin with a handful of games on Aug. 29 and a full slate of games the following week.

There will be a delay on announcing early season college football game starting times

There will be baseball at Rathert Field in Junction City this summer. Practice was scheduled to begin Tuesday evening.

The Kansas American Legion Baseball Committee recommended the 2020 season be cancelled and cancelled their regular season, zone and state tournaments. They did not prohibit teams from playing independently, however.

The Baseball Chairman for the American Legion in Junction City, Brian Field said a mitigation plan has been developed by local baseball officials, and approved by the Health Department for a team of youth from the same age group to play this summer. "Without zone and state this year we are going to go ahead and play as the Junction City Blues. We will play other Legion teams. We are allowed to play independently, and that's what we are going to do. We will play teams of our own age group. So it will be the same group of boys, same coaches."

Junction City was scheduled to host an American Legion State Tournament this July, but that has been cancelled. Local baseball officials have been assured that Junction City will be allowed to host the State Tournament in late July of 2021.

A mitigation plan will include some adjustments ranging from extending the dugout to avoid having the entire team in there are one time, discouraging high fives by players and replacing those with air fives or head nodding. Family units will be able to sit together, but social distancing will need to be maintained. Early in the summer season Field noted it may be necessary to allow only parents to attend, but perhaps that could be expanded over time.

There will not be much shared equipment, and players will have to have their own helmets. If there is shared catcher's gear proper sanitation measures will have to be put in place. High contact areas during games will have to be monitored, such as door handles and railings. 

"We're to a point where we've got to get these kids back to some of their activities for their mental state. We've seen some of the secondary things from COVID-19 that we've had to deal with. As this stretches out we see more collateral situations, damage, that we want to try and minimize and this is one of those things, is trying to get our kids back to an activity. We feel like baseball is important to be one of those."

The Blues have a roster of approximately 15 players. They plan to play between 20 and 30 games.

Field did also acknowledg that the situation is fluid, because if the COVID-19 situation should become worse they could have to scale back. Hopefully that will not be the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590540157214.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostThere will be baseball at Rathert Field in Junction City this summer. Practice was scheduled to begin Tuesday evening.The Kansas American Legion Baseball Committee recommended the 2020 season be cancelled and cancelled their regular season, zone and state tournaments. They did not prohibit teams from playing independently, however.The Baseball Chairman for the American Legion in Junction City, Brian Field said a mitigation plan has been developed by local baseball officials, and approved by the Health Department for a team of youth from the same age group to play this summer. "Without zone and state this year we are going to go ahead and play as the Junction City Blues. We will play other Legion teams. We are allowed to play independently, and that's what we are going to do. We will play teams of our own age group. So it will be the same group of boys, same coaches."Junction City was scheduled to host an American Legion State Tournament this July, but that has been cancelled. Local baseball officials have been assured that Junction City will be allowed to host the State Tournament in late July of 2021.A mitigation plan will include some adjustments ranging from extending the dugout to avoid having the entire team in there are one time, discouraging high fives by players and replacing those with air fives or head nodding. Family units will be able to sit together, but social distancing will need to be maintained. Early in the summer season Field noted it may be necessary to allow only parents to attend, but perhaps that could be expanded over time.There will not be much shared equipment, and players will have to have their own helmets. If there is shared catcher's gear proper sanitation measures will have to be put in place. High contact areas during games will have to be monitored, such as door handles and railings. "We're to a point where we've got to get these kids back to some of their activities for their mental state. We've seen some of the secondary things from COVID-19 that we've had to deal with. As this stretches out we see more collateral situations, damage, that we want to try and minimize and this is one of those things, is trying to get our kids back to an activity. We feel like baseball is important to be one of those."The Blues have a roster of approximately 15 players. They plan to play between 20 and 30 games.Field did also acknowledg that the situation is fluid, because if the COVID-19 situation should become worse they could have to scale back. Hopefully that will not be the case.

Baseball is coming to Rathert Field

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA could become a Mickey Mouse operation, although the idea isn’t Goofy.

The league is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July. It's the clearest sign yet that the NBA believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney.

Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “exploratory,” and that the site would be used for practices and housing as well.

ESPN is primarily owned by Disney, one of the NBA’s broadcast partners.

Space won’t be an issue, even if Major League Soccer — which is also in talks to resume its season at Disney — is there at the same time as the NBA. The entire Disney complex is roughly 40 square miles, with nearly 24,000 hotel rooms owned or operated by Disney.

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA could become a Mickey Mouse operation, although the idea isn’t Goofy.The league is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July. It's the clearest sign yet that the NBA believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney.Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “exploratory,” and that the site would be used for practices and housing as well.ESPN is primarily owned by Disney, one of the NBA’s broadcast partners.Space won’t be an issue, even if Major League Soccer — which is also in talks to resume its season at Disney — is there at the same time as the NBA. The entire Disney complex is roughly 40 square miles, with nearly 24,000 hotel rooms owned or operated by Disney.

NBA talking about a single location for possibly resuming play

Elisa Robinson of the Class of 2020 at Junction City High School recently was announced as the State of Kansas winner of the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for her wrestling ability and accomplishments, and her excellence as a student athlete.

This past week the Geary County Commission signed a resolution noting that Robinson is a State Champion, has been throughout her high school career, and was selected for the award based on her sportsmanship, scholastic achievements and demonstration of commitment to her community.&nbsp;

The Commission recognized Robinson for her excellence as a student athlete, her character and her demonstration of citizenship to Junction City High School, Junction City and Geary County.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590354880473.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) JCHS wrestling coach Tyler Gonzalez and Elisa Robinson after Elisa won a state wrestling title in the first ever season that girls wrestling was sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Earlier in her high school career she won three other ( unofficial ) state wrestling tournaments." />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) JCHS wrestling coach Tyler Gonzalez and Elisa Robinson after Elisa won a state wrestling title in the first ever season that girls wrestling was sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. Earlier in her high school career she won three other ( unofficial ) state wrestling tournaments.</figcaption>
 </figure>Elisa Robinson of the Class of 2020 at Junction City High School recently was announced as the State of Kansas winner of the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for her wrestling ability and accomplishments, and her excellence as a student athlete.This past week the Geary County Commission signed a resolution noting that Robinson is a State Champion, has been throughout her high school career, and was selected for the award based on her sportsmanship, scholastic achievements and demonstration of commitment to her community.&nbsp;The Commission recognized Robinson for her excellence as a student athlete, her character and her demonstration of citizenship to Junction City High School, Junction City and Geary County.&nbsp;

Geary County Commission recognizes Elisa Robinson for her accomplishments

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group of Power Five coaches led by Michigan’s Erik Bakich is proposing a later start to the college baseball season. They say it would trim expenses in the post-coronavirus era, make the game more fan friendly and reduce the risk of injury to players. Under the 35-page proposal, there would be nine weeks of preseason practice instead of five, the regular season would run from the third week of March to the third week of June and the College World Series would wrap up the last week of July. Bakich said the move would increase revenue.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group of Power Five coaches led by Michigan’s Erik Bakich is proposing a later start to the college baseball season. They say it would trim expenses in the post-coronavirus era, make the game more fan friendly and reduce the risk of injury to players. Under the 35-page proposal, there would be nine weeks of preseason practice instead of five, the regular season would run from the third week of March to the third week of June and the College World Series would wrap up the last week of July. Bakich said the move would increase revenue.&nbsp;

There is a proposal for allowing college baseball from March into June

Southeastern Conference schools will be able to bring athletes in all sports back to campus for voluntary activities starting June 8 at the discretion of each university. The Big 12 plans to welcome football players back to campus a week later. 

These are the latest signs that a college football season will be launched in some form this fall. The move comes two days after the NCAA Division I Council voted to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts on campus by football and basketball players, effective June 1. The NCAA now says voluntary activities will be allowed in all sports starting June 1.

Southeastern Conference schools will be able to bring athletes in all sports back to campus for voluntary activities starting June 8 at the discretion of each university. The Big 12 plans to welcome football players back to campus a week later. These are the latest signs that a college football season will be launched in some form this fall. The move comes two days after the NCAA Division I Council voted to lift a moratorium on voluntary workouts on campus by football and basketball players, effective June 1. The NCAA now says voluntary activities will be allowed in all sports starting June 1.

Big 12 and Sec to allow football workouts on campus in June

There will not be any summer collegiate baseball at Rathert Field in Junction City this summer. The general manager for the Brigade baseball team, Cecil Aska, informed JC Post on Wednesday that the team will not play this season.&nbsp;

Aska noted that team officials reviewed the Governor's COVID-19 reopening plans and guidelines provided by the Geary County Health Department. "Vetting all of our options and just trying to divest this whole situation we've decided that's in the best interest of our fans, the players, our host families, our employees, the vendors and our sponsors and everybody we work with, it's probably best that we cancel the 2020 season."Aska said the team will work hard and adjust to whatever the new norm is in order to be stronger and better for the 2021 season. The team will return for the 2021 campaign.

Aska indicated the biggest problem for this season is the unpredictability of the situation. "They had announced that ( Phase )&nbsp; 1.5, and then yesterday ( Tuesday ) the Governor came out with an adjustment and a new plan. " Governor Kelly is implementing a modified Phase 2 step this Friday, which is currently scheduled to run until June 8.&nbsp; Aska asked, "So what happens next week? Is there going to be some other adjustment?&nbsp;

Aska observed that health officials are looking at the COVID-19 numbers and posed the question if they raise would there be a return to Phase 1. "Those are the kind of things that we're looking at. What happens if we did get a player on the team that has those symptoms, or is confirmed to have it? Does that mean the whole team has to go into quarantine and how are we going to do that?"

The Brigade were scheduled to host approximately 20 home games, the Mid Plains League All Star Game, and possibly some playoff games. Aska confirmed the All Star Game cannot happen at Rathert Field this summer, and the League has been informed.&nbsp;

The Brigade were the defending Mid Plains League Cowdin Cup champions going into the 2020 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589989672005.jpeg" alt="Cowdin Cup that went to the Mid Plains League champion Junction City Brigade in 2019" />
 <figcaption>Cowdin Cup that went to the Mid Plains League champion Junction City Brigade in 2019</figcaption>
 </figure>By Dewey TerrillJC PostThere will not be any summer collegiate baseball at Rathert Field in Junction City this summer. The general manager for the Brigade baseball team, Cecil Aska, informed JC Post on Wednesday that the team will not play this season.&nbsp;Aska noted that team officials reviewed the Governor's COVID-19 reopening plans and guidelines provided by the Geary County Health Department. "Vetting all of our options and just trying to divest this whole situation we've decided that's in the best interest of our fans, the players, our host families, our employees, the vendors and our sponsors and everybody we work with, it's probably best that we cancel the 2020 season."Aska said the team will work hard and adjust to whatever the new norm is in order to be stronger and better for the 2021 season. The team will return for the 2021 campaign.Aska indicated the biggest problem for this season is the unpredictability of the situation. "They had announced that ( Phase )&nbsp; 1.5, and then yesterday ( Tuesday ) the Governor came out with an adjustment and a new plan. " Governor Kelly is implementing a modified Phase 2 step this Friday, which is currently scheduled to run until June 8.&nbsp; Aska asked, "So what happens next week? Is there going to be some other adjustment?&nbsp;Aska observed that health officials are looking at the COVID-19 numbers and posed the question if they raise would there be a return to Phase 1. "Those are the kind of things that we're looking at. What happens if we did get a player on the team that has those symptoms, or is confirmed to have it? Does that mean the whole team has to go into quarantine and how are we going to do that?"The Brigade were scheduled to host approximately 20 home games, the Mid Plains League All Star Game, and possibly some playoff games. Aska confirmed the All Star Game cannot happen at Rathert Field this summer, and the League has been informed.&nbsp;The Brigade were the defending Mid Plains League Cowdin Cup champions going into the 2020 season.

Junction City Brigade are canceling their 2020 season

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will look somewhat like high school ball this year under protocols to deal with the new coronavirus, with showers at ballparks discouraged and players possibly arriving in uniform, like they did when they were teenagers. 

Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips. Even the Phillie Phantic and Mr. Met will be missing, banned from the field along with all other team mascots. 

A 67-page draft of Major League Baseball’s proposed guidelines to resume during the coronavirus pandemic was sent to teams and obtained by The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will look somewhat like high school ball this year under protocols to deal with the new coronavirus, with showers at ballparks discouraged and players possibly arriving in uniform, like they did when they were teenagers. Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips. Even the Phillie Phantic and Mr. Met will be missing, banned from the field along with all other team mascots. A 67-page draft of Major League Baseball’s proposed guidelines to resume during the coronavirus pandemic was sent to teams and obtained by The Associated Press

New MLB rules to deal with COVID-19

Junction City High School senior Elisa Robinson has been announced as the State of Kansas winner for the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award.&nbsp; JCHS Wrestling Coach Tyler Gonzales said the award will be on display at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.&nbsp;

Saunders is a four-time world champion and women's wrestling pioneer. She was the first woman to be inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006 and was inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011.&nbsp;

The award recognizes and celebrates the nation's most outstanding high school senior female wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship and community service.

Winners are evaluated and selected on the basis of three criteria including success and standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling, review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions, and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.

Robinson captured a Class 6A state championship at 191 pounds this past February in Salina during the first ever season girls wrestling was sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. In three previous years in tournaments hosted in McPherson she captured what were considered state titles even though KSHSAA sanctioning had not yet occurred.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589668321181.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) JCHS coach Tyler Gonzalez and Elisa Robinson" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) JCHS coach Tyler Gonzalez and Elisa Robinson</figcaption>
 </figure>Junction City High School senior Elisa Robinson has been announced as the State of Kansas winner for the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award.&nbsp; JCHS Wrestling Coach Tyler Gonzales said the award will be on display at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.&nbsp;Saunders is a four-time world champion and women's wrestling pioneer. She was the first woman to be inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006 and was inducted into the United World Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2011.&nbsp;The award recognizes and celebrates the nation's most outstanding high school senior female wrestlers for their excellence in wrestling, scholastic achievement, citizenship and community service.Winners are evaluated and selected on the basis of three criteria including success and standout performances and sportsmanship in wrestling, review of GPA and class rank, academic honors and distinctions, and participation in activities that demonstrate commitment to character and community.Robinson captured a Class 6A state championship at 191 pounds this past February in Salina during the first ever season girls wrestling was sanctioned by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. In three previous years in tournaments hosted in McPherson she captured what were considered state titles even though KSHSAA sanctioning had not yet occurred.

Elisa Robinson receives prestigous wrestling honor

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State celebrated another outstanding athletics year – albeit virtually – throughout the week as K-State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the 11th&nbsp;annual Mark A. Chapman Powercat Choice Awards on social media.

Award winners were announced daily on K-State’s official social media accounts and celebrated the triumphs of Wildcat student-athletes from the past year both on the field and in the classroom. All the performance-related awards were voted on by members of SAAC.

Top team honor on the men’s side went to the football, which also won the Show-Stopping Moment of the Year with its upset over No. 5 Oklahoma in addition to&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;winning coach of the year. Freshman wide receiver/kick returner&nbsp;Joshua Youngblood&nbsp;was named the Male Newcomer of the Year, and&nbsp;Adam Holtorf&nbsp;was named the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Klieman broke the school record for wins by a first-year head coach as the Wildcats went 8-5 under his guidance – including a 5-4 mark in Big 12 play to tie for third – and played in the Liberty Bowl. Youngblood earned four All-America honors as a kick returner in addition to being named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, the first true freshman in league history to earn the conference’s top honor on either offense, defense or special teams. Holtorf was a First Team Academic All-American and National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar-Athlete as a finalist for the prestigious Campbell Trophy.

The women’s track and field squad earned the top team honor on the women’s side after finishing third at the Big 12 Indoor Championships for a second-straight season. The squad pulled together 91 points at the conference meet and had multiple athletes qualify for the NCAA Championship.

Baseball and soccer garnered the Wildcat Cup their excellence in the five core areas of student-athlete well-being: academics, athletics, career, personal and service.

Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;from the men’s track and field team was named the Male Athlete of the Year as he clinched his second Big 12 Indoor High Jump Championship with a mark of 2.23m/7-3.75 and qualified for the NCAA Championships. He also broke the school record in the men’s pentathlon at the Carol Robinson/Attila Zsiovczky Winter Pentathlon with 4,137 points.

Dual-sport athlete&nbsp;Peyton Williams&nbsp;(women’s basketball/volleyball) was named the Female Athlete of the Year as she was a First Team All-Big 12 performer on the hardwood in addition to being named to the watch lists for the Wade Trophy, Women's Citizen Naismith Trophy, John R. Wooden Award and Katrina McClain Award. In volleyball, Williams was a Second Team All-Big 12 performer, and she earned MVP honors at the K-State Invitational and all-tournament team accolades as the MSU Fall Invitational.

Williams was also named the Female Scholar Athlete of the Year after being named the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year, a Second Team Academic All-American as a basketball player and a First Team Academic All-Big 12 performer in both basketball and volleyball.

Williams’ basketball teammate,&nbsp;Ayoke Lee, was named the Female Newcomer of the Year as she was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-Big 12 performer.

The recipient of the Inspiration Award was&nbsp;Jasauen Beard&nbsp;of the women’s basketball team, while rowing’s&nbsp;Rachel Haskell&nbsp;earned the Purple Pride Award, which is given to the student-athlete who demonstrates the most school spirit.

Chloe Weir&nbsp;(women’s golf) and&nbsp;Reggie Walker&nbsp;(football) were this year's recipients of the Bob and Lila Snell Award of Excellence and Effort, recognizing the outstanding male and female student-athletes who improved their academic standing through sustained effort and commitment to learning.

Andrew Hicks&nbsp;(football) was honored with the Gina Sylvester Memorial Award, which is presented to an arts and sciences student who has progressed toward graduation and used the advising system to overcome challenges.

DJ Render&nbsp;(football) was the recipient of the Veryl and Fern Switzer Campus Leadership Award.&nbsp; The award recognizes a student-athlete who is involved in student organizations and multicultural affairs, demonstrates leadership on a team and on campus, and is active in community service.&nbsp;Luke Hauswirth&nbsp;(baseball) and&nbsp;Mikaela Bennett&nbsp;(rowing) were also honored with the Outstanding Service to the Community awards.

Three student-athletes were awarded the Scholastic Achievement Award, which recognizes a senior letterwinner with the highest cumulative grade-point average in undergraduate work, as&nbsp;Aubrey Gilchrist&nbsp;(rowing),&nbsp;Mckenzie Weber&nbsp;(volleyball) and&nbsp;Ethan Powell&nbsp;(men’s track and field) were honored.

Department staffers to be recognized by SAAC included K-State Athletics Staff Member of the Year&nbsp;Dr. Anne Weese&nbsp;(Director of Mental Wellness/Sport Psychology) and Coaching Staff of the Year members&nbsp;Danny Cavender&nbsp;(nominated by volleyball),&nbsp;Vincent Johnson&nbsp;(track and field),&nbsp;Jermaine Henderson&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;Corey Meredith&nbsp;(football),&nbsp;Kat Benton&nbsp;(soccer),&nbsp;Christa Ryan&nbsp;(rowing),&nbsp;AJ Kloss&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;Josh Cyr&nbsp;(women’s golf),&nbsp;Robert Murray&nbsp;(men’s golf),&nbsp;Logan Burgess Hayes&nbsp;(tennis) and&nbsp;Buck Taylor&nbsp;(baseball).

2019-20 MARK A. CHAPMAN POWERCAT CHOICE AWARDS

Male Newcomer of the Year – Joshua Youngblood, football

Female Newcomer of the Year – Ayoke Lee, women’s basketball

Unsung Hero – Cameron Thompson, baseball

Male Athlete of the Year – TJ Shankar, men’s track and field

Female Athlete of the Year – Peyton Williams, women’s basketball/volleyball

Inspiration Award – Jasauen Beard, women’s basketball

Purple Pride Award – Rachel Haskell, rowing

Show-Stopping Moment of the Year – Upset Of No. 5 Oklahoma, football

Outstanding Service to the Community – Luke Hauswirth, baseball

Outstanding Service to the Community – Mikaela Bennett, rowing

K-State Athletics Staff Member of the Year – Dr. Anne Weese

Women’s Team of the Year – Track and Field

Coach of the Year – Chris Klieman, football

Coaching Staff of the Year Recognition – Danny Cavender (nominated by volleyball), Vincent Johnson (track and field), Jermaine Henderson (men’s basketball), Corey Meredith (football), Kat Benton (soccer), Christa Ryan (rowing), AJ Kloss (women’s basketball), Josh Cyr (women’s golf), Robert Murray (men’s golf), Logan Burgess Hayes (tennis), Buck Taylor (baseball)

Scholastic Achievement Award – Aubrey Gilchrist, rowing

Scholastic Achievement Award – Mckenzie Weber, volleyball

Scholastic Achievement Award – Ethan Powell, men’s track and field

Bob and Lila Snell Academic Award for Excellence and Effort – Chloe Weir, women’s golf

Bob and Lila Snell Academic Award for Excellence and Effort – Reggie Walker, football

Gina Sylvester Memorial Award – Andrew Hicks, football

Veryl and Fern Switzer Campus Leadership Award – DJ Render, football

Male Scholar Athlete of the Year – Adam Holtorf

Female Scholar Athlete of the Year – Peyton Williams, women’s basketball/volleyball

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State celebrated another outstanding athletics year – albeit virtually – throughout the week as K-State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the 11th&nbsp;annual Mark A. Chapman Powercat Choice Awards on social media.Award winners were announced daily on K-State’s official social media accounts and celebrated the triumphs of Wildcat student-athletes from the past year both on the field and in the classroom. All the performance-related awards were voted on by members of SAAC.Top team honor on the men’s side went to the football, which also won the Show-Stopping Moment of the Year with its upset over No. 5 Oklahoma in addition to&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;winning coach of the year. Freshman wide receiver/kick returner&nbsp;Joshua Youngblood&nbsp;was named the Male Newcomer of the Year, and&nbsp;Adam Holtorf&nbsp;was named the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.Klieman broke the school record for wins by a first-year head coach as the Wildcats went 8-5 under his guidance – including a 5-4 mark in Big 12 play to tie for third – and played in the Liberty Bowl. Youngblood earned four All-America honors as a kick returner in addition to being named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, the first true freshman in league history to earn the conference’s top honor on either offense, defense or special teams. Holtorf was a First Team Academic All-American and National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar-Athlete as a finalist for the prestigious Campbell Trophy.The women’s track and field squad earned the top team honor on the women’s side after finishing third at the Big 12 Indoor Championships for a second-straight season. The squad pulled together 91 points at the conference meet and had multiple athletes qualify for the NCAA Championship.Baseball and soccer garnered the Wildcat Cup their excellence in the five core areas of student-athlete well-being: academics, athletics, career, personal and service.Tejaswin Shankar&nbsp;from the men’s track and field team was named the Male Athlete of the Year as he clinched his second Big 12 Indoor High Jump Championship with a mark of 2.23m/7-3.75 and qualified for the NCAA Championships. He also broke the school record in the men’s pentathlon at the Carol Robinson/Attila Zsiovczky Winter Pentathlon with 4,137 points.Dual-sport athlete&nbsp;Peyton Williams&nbsp;(women’s basketball/volleyball) was named the Female Athlete of the Year as she was a First Team All-Big 12 performer on the hardwood in addition to being named to the watch lists for the Wade Trophy, Women's Citizen Naismith Trophy, John R. Wooden Award and Katrina McClain Award. In volleyball, Williams was a Second Team All-Big 12 performer, and she earned MVP honors at the K-State Invitational and all-tournament team accolades as the MSU Fall Invitational.Williams was also named the Female Scholar Athlete of the Year after being named the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Scholar Athlete of the Year, a Second Team Academic All-American as a basketball player and a First Team Academic All-Big 12 performer in both basketball and volleyball.Williams’ basketball teammate,&nbsp;Ayoke Lee, was named the Female Newcomer of the Year as she was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-Big 12 performer.The recipient of the Inspiration Award was&nbsp;Jasauen Beard&nbsp;of the women’s basketball team, while rowing’s&nbsp;Rachel Haskell&nbsp;earned the Purple Pride Award, which is given to the student-athlete who demonstrates the most school spirit.Chloe Weir&nbsp;(women’s golf) and&nbsp;Reggie Walker&nbsp;(football) were this year's recipients of the Bob and Lila Snell Award of Excellence and Effort, recognizing the outstanding male and female student-athletes who improved their academic standing through sustained effort and commitment to learning.Andrew Hicks&nbsp;(football) was honored with the Gina Sylvester Memorial Award, which is presented to an arts and sciences student who has progressed toward graduation and used the advising system to overcome challenges.DJ Render&nbsp;(football) was the recipient of the Veryl and Fern Switzer Campus Leadership Award.&nbsp; The award recognizes a student-athlete who is involved in student organizations and multicultural affairs, demonstrates leadership on a team and on campus, and is active in community service.&nbsp;Luke Hauswirth&nbsp;(baseball) and&nbsp;Mikaela Bennett&nbsp;(rowing) were also honored with the Outstanding Service to the Community awards.Three student-athletes were awarded the Scholastic Achievement Award, which recognizes a senior letterwinner with the highest cumulative grade-point average in undergraduate work, as&nbsp;Aubrey Gilchrist&nbsp;(rowing),&nbsp;Mckenzie Weber&nbsp;(volleyball) and&nbsp;Ethan Powell&nbsp;(men’s track and field) were honored.Department staffers to be recognized by SAAC included K-State Athletics Staff Member of the Year&nbsp;Dr. Anne Weese&nbsp;(Director of Mental Wellness/Sport Psychology) and Coaching Staff of the Year members&nbsp;Danny Cavender&nbsp;(nominated by volleyball),&nbsp;Vincent Johnson&nbsp;(track and field),&nbsp;Jermaine Henderson&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;Corey Meredith&nbsp;(football),&nbsp;Kat Benton&nbsp;(soccer),&nbsp;Christa Ryan&nbsp;(rowing),&nbsp;AJ Kloss&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;Josh Cyr&nbsp;(women’s golf),&nbsp;Robert Murray&nbsp;(men’s golf),&nbsp;Logan Burgess Hayes&nbsp;(tennis) and&nbsp;Buck Taylor&nbsp;(baseball).2019-20 MARK A. CHAPMAN POWERCAT CHOICE AWARDSAthletic Award WinnersMale Newcomer of the Year – Joshua Youngblood, footballFemale Newcomer of the Year – Ayoke Lee, women’s basketballUnsung Hero – Cameron Thompson, baseballMale Athlete of the Year – TJ Shankar, men’s track and fieldFemale Athlete of the Year – Peyton Williams, women’s basketball/volleyballInspiration Award – Jasauen Beard, women’s basketballPurple Pride Award – Rachel Haskell, rowingShow-Stopping Moment of the Year – Upset Of No. 5 Oklahoma, footballOutstanding Service to the Community – Luke Hauswirth, baseballOutstanding Service to the Community – Mikaela Bennett, rowingK-State Athletics Staff Member of the Year – Dr. Anne WeeseWomen’s Team of the Year – Track and FieldMen’s Team of the Year – FootballCoach of the Year – Chris Klieman, footballCoaching Staff of the Year Recognition – Danny Cavender (nominated by volleyball), Vincent Johnson (track and field), Jermaine Henderson (men’s basketball), Corey Meredith (football), Kat Benton (soccer), Christa Ryan (rowing), AJ Kloss (women’s basketball), Josh Cyr (women’s golf), Robert Murray (men’s golf), Logan Burgess Hayes (tennis), Buck Taylor (baseball)Academic Award WinnersScholastic Achievement Award – Aubrey Gilchrist, rowingScholastic Achievement Award – Mckenzie Weber, volleyballScholastic Achievement Award – Ethan Powell, men’s track and fieldBob and Lila Snell Academic Award for Excellence and Effort – Chloe Weir, women’s golfBob and Lila Snell Academic Award for Excellence and Effort – Reggie Walker, footballGina Sylvester Memorial Award – Andrew Hicks, footballVeryl and Fern Switzer Campus Leadership Award – DJ Render, footballMale Scholar Athlete of the Year – Adam HoltorfFemale Scholar Athlete of the Year – Peyton Williams, women’s basketball/volleyballWildcat Cup WinnersBaseball and Soccer– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's SAAC hosts Virtual Powercast Choice Awards

Geary County Girls Softball Association President Jeff Childs confirmed Friday that their summer games are being canceled. "The Board of Directors of the Dickinson County Girls Softball League, which is who we play with, has decided to cancel the season based on the latest Governor's extension. They just decided it was in the best interest to cancel the season."

The State of Kansas moves to Phase 1.5 of COVID-19 recovery on Monday, but that prohibits softball teams from even practicing before June 1.&nbsp;

Childs did indicate that the Geary County Girls Softball Association would try to schedule some camps and clinics this summer. He noted that 80 girls had registered last weekend to play softball this year and another registration day was scheduled this Saturday. That will now be canceled.

Geary County Girls Softball Association President Jeff Childs confirmed Friday that their summer games are being canceled. "The Board of Directors of the Dickinson County Girls Softball League, which is who we play with, has decided to cancel the season based on the latest Governor's extension. They just decided it was in the best interest to cancel the season."The State of Kansas moves to Phase 1.5 of COVID-19 recovery on Monday, but that prohibits softball teams from even practicing before June 1.&nbsp;Childs did indicate that the Geary County Girls Softball Association would try to schedule some camps and clinics this summer. He noted that 80 girls had registered last weekend to play softball this year and another registration day was scheduled this Saturday. That will now be canceled.

Geary County Girls Softball Association cancels their summer games

Chapman USD 473 has hired Steve Simpson to serve as the head track at Chapman High School and the head football coach at Chapman Middle School. He will teach physical education at the middle school.

According to Athletic Director Clint Merritt, Simpson brings a lot of experience to the Chapman programs. He has had previous stops at Baileyville B &amp; B, Perry-LeCompton, Stafford, Sublette and most recently Abilene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589406388723.jpeg" alt="( L-R ) Clint Merritt and Steve Simpson" />
 <figcaption>( L-R ) Clint Merritt and Steve Simpson</figcaption>
 </figure>Chapman USD 473 has hired Steve Simpson to serve as the head track at Chapman High School and the head football coach at Chapman Middle School. He will teach physical education at the middle school.According to Athletic Director Clint Merritt, Simpson brings a lot of experience to the Chapman programs. He has had previous stops at Baileyville B &amp; B, Perry-LeCompton, Stafford, Sublette and most recently Abilene.

Chapman hires a new coach and physical education teacher

NEW YORK (AP) — As Major League Baseball made an opening presentation to the players' union Tuesday on terms to start the coronavirus-delayed season.

A person familiar with the discussion told The Associated Press that MLB did not make an economic proposal during its opening presentation. The meeting lasted between three and four hours. An agreement with the players’ association is needed to play ball.

Baseball owners gave their go-ahead to their proposal on Monday, a plan that could lead to the coronavirus-delayed season starting around the Fourth of July weekend in ballparks without fans.

Players agreed March 26 to a deal in which they would be paid a prorated share of salaries based on the portion of the 162-game schedule that is played. As part of the deal, if no games are played they would receive service time for 2020 matching what they earned last year. Players are more interested in medical protocols and testing designed to protect them from and detect the new coronavirus.

NEW YORK (AP) — As Major League Baseball made an opening presentation to the players' union Tuesday on terms to start the coronavirus-delayed season.A person familiar with the discussion told The Associated Press that MLB did not make an economic proposal during its opening presentation. The meeting lasted between three and four hours. An agreement with the players’ association is needed to play ball.Baseball owners gave their go-ahead to their proposal on Monday, a plan that could lead to the coronavirus-delayed season starting around the Fourth of July weekend in ballparks without fans.Players agreed March 26 to a deal in which they would be paid a prorated share of salaries based on the portion of the 162-game schedule that is played. As part of the deal, if no games are played they would receive service time for 2020 matching what they earned last year. Players are more interested in medical protocols and testing designed to protect them from and detect the new coronavirus.

MLB makes proposal to the players union for a baseball season

MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;In an effort to increase convenience and provide fans with more options, K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund announced today that it is shifting to digital season tickets, including mobile and print-at-home, beginning with the 2020-21 athletic season.

Moving away from the traditional printed ticket allows for K-State to extend the season-ticket payment deadline to closer to the start of each season during these uncertain times resulting from COVID-19, as well as eliminating shipping delays. 

The football season ticket deadline has been extended to June 1 from the original April 17 deadline. Fans will have the opportunity to choose either print-at-home or mobile during the online seat upgrade process in June. Fans who do not participate will receive print-at-home tickets which can easily be converted to mobile so that they are always easily accessible in a smart phone wallet. 

Mobile tickets are also easily transferable to friends and family if fans cannot attend all games.“Making this ticketing transition provides several advantages to our fans, and is something we have talked about doing for some time,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Combined with obvious safety improvements by reducing touching concerns and an industry-wide shift from traditional tickets, we felt this was the most appropriate time to move this direction.”New digital ticketing options for Wildcat fans began to be implemented several years ago, including mobile single-game tickets, mobile tickets for students and last year basketball ticket purchasers were offered mobile single game parking passes. 

The new digital season tickets will also be implemented for K-State’s five additional ticketed sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball.Fans who purchased football season tickets in the general seating bowl and view level will have the option to select print-at-home or mobile tickets which would be sent to their primary e-mail address, while those with loge, club, or suite tickets will have the option to select mobile tickets - sent to their primary e-mail address.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1589301010090.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kansas -&nbsp;In an effort to increase convenience and provide fans with more options, K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund announced today that it is shifting to digital season tickets, including mobile and print-at-home, beginning with the 2020-21 athletic season.Moving away from the traditional printed ticket allows for K-State to extend the season-ticket payment deadline to closer to the start of each season during these uncertain times resulting from COVID-19, as well as eliminating shipping delays. The football season ticket deadline has been extended to June 1 from the original April 17 deadline. Fans will have the opportunity to choose either print-at-home or mobile during the online seat upgrade process in June. Fans who do not participate will receive print-at-home tickets which can easily be converted to mobile so that they are always easily accessible in a smart phone wallet. Mobile tickets are also easily transferable to friends and family if fans cannot attend all games.“Making this ticketing transition provides several advantages to our fans, and is something we have talked about doing for some time,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Combined with obvious safety improvements by reducing touching concerns and an industry-wide shift from traditional tickets, we felt this was the most appropriate time to move this direction.”New digital ticketing options for Wildcat fans began to be implemented several years ago, including mobile single-game tickets, mobile tickets for students and last year basketball ticket purchasers were offered mobile single game parking passes. The new digital season tickets will also be implemented for K-State’s five additional ticketed sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball.Fans who purchased football season tickets in the general seating bowl and view level will have the option to select print-at-home or mobile tickets which would be sent to their primary e-mail address, while those with loge, club, or suite tickets will have the option to select mobile tickets - sent to their primary e-mail address.Parking passes will continue to receive printed passes, and those will be mailed to fans’ primary mailing address.Current season ticket holders are encouraged to verify their current email addresses by logging into their online account at&nbsp;kstatesports.com/buytickets, reaching out to the K-State Athletics ticket office at 1 (800) 221-CATS 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:tickets@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">tickets@kstatesports.com</a>. All season ticket holders will receive detailed information on the changes via email.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics