Everything from school picture day for online students to the possibility of a COVID-19 case are things the teachers and staff are preparing for in the Savannah R3 School District.

Savannah students were given the option of attending in-person classes or online. School District Communications Coordinator Jess Gillett says about 15% of students enrolled in the virtual option. There are about 2,300 students in the district.

Gillett says feedback from parents and teachers has covered a lot of subjects.

“Lots of concerns that there’s no normal anymore, so everyone is concerned about everything, even down to how are our kids going to eat lunch at school? There’s a possibility that’s going to be different,” Gillett says. “Really our community has been very supportive, just asking a lot of questions.”

Gillett says the biggest question on everyone’s mind is what’s going to happen when the district has its first COVID-19 case.

“There’s a good possibility it’s going to happen, and the biggest thing that we can tell our parents is that we are going to react calmly and that we do have a plan in place and that we’re partnering with the Andrew County Health Department," Gillett says. "They will guide us through that and just because we have one positive case, doesn’t mean we’ll have to shut down the whole district.”

Gillett says they put plans into practice in the past few months when an athlete tested positive and someone who attended graduation ceremonies later tested positive.

“With each scenario we learned some things that either we were doing ok with and definitely some things that we can do better,” Gillett says. “Really, that, in some ways has made us feel more prepared for the fall because we’ve gone through it a little bit and it makes us that much more confident in the procedures that we have in place.”

As the first day of school gets closer, the district will be hosting a back to school night virtually this year.

“We should have bus routes ready, some of that normal back-to-school stuff, otherwise, a lot of it’s just information,” Gillett says. “Our teachers are all working really hard on virtual tours of their classrooms and we’ve had several teachers… they’ve made like a little virtual classroom that looks just like their real classroom so the kids can kind of explore that. So it’s very interactive, it’s not just, ‘Here’s a PDF with a bunch of information on it.’ I think it’ll be something that families enjoy and that kind of helps get the kids excited about going back.” 

Virtual Back to School night is August 17th and the first day of school for the <a href="https://www.savannahr3.com/">Savannah R-III School District</a> is August 24th.&nbsp;

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostEverything from school picture day for online students to the possibility of a COVID-19 case are things the teachers and staff are preparing for in the Savannah R3 School District.Savannah students were given the option of attending in-person classes or online. School District Communications Coordinator Jess Gillett says about 15% of students enrolled in the virtual option. There are about 2,300 students in the district.Gillett says feedback from parents and teachers has covered a lot of subjects.“Lots of concerns that there’s no normal anymore, so everyone is concerned about everything, even down to how are our kids going to eat lunch at school? There’s a possibility that’s going to be different,” Gillett says. “Really our community has been very supportive, just asking a lot of questions.”Gillett says the biggest question on everyone’s mind is what’s going to happen when the district has its first COVID-19 case.“There’s a good possibility it’s going to happen, and the biggest thing that we can tell our parents is that we are going to react calmly and that we do have a plan in place and that we’re partnering with the Andrew County Health Department," Gillett says. "They will guide us through that and just because we have one positive case, doesn’t mean we’ll have to shut down the whole district.”Gillett says they put plans into practice in the past few months when an athlete tested positive and someone who attended graduation ceremonies later tested positive.“With each scenario we learned some things that either we were doing ok with and definitely some things that we can do better,” Gillett says. “Really, that, in some ways has made us feel more prepared for the fall because we’ve gone through it a little bit and it makes us that much more confident in the procedures that we have in place.”As the first day of school gets closer, the district will be hosting a back to school night virtually this year.“We should have bus routes ready, some of that normal back-to-school stuff, otherwise, a lot of it’s just information,” Gillett says. “Our teachers are all working really hard on virtual tours of their classrooms and we’ve had several teachers… they’ve made like a little virtual classroom that looks just like their real classroom so the kids can kind of explore that. So it’s very interactive, it’s not just, ‘Here’s a PDF with a bunch of information on it.’ I think it’ll be something that families enjoy and that kind of helps get the kids excited about going back.” Virtual Back to School night is August 17th and the first day of school for the <a href="https://www.savannahr3.com/">Savannah R-III School District</a> is August 24th.&nbsp;

As Savannah R3 prepares for classes, many things are going virtual

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: Primary Election

Here are links to some of the interviews mentioned: <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5eab986ceb7f17053603e684">Griffon defensive end Arnold Crayton</a>, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5e9fbaf4eb7f17053603261e">Missouri Western lacrosse coach Rachel Benzing</a>

<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fstjoepost%2Fvideos%2F2640027329647800%2F&show_text=1&width=560" width="560" height="487" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Here are links to some of the interviews mentioned: <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5eab986ceb7f17053603e684">Griffon defensive end Arnold Crayton</a>, <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/5e9fbaf4eb7f17053603261e">Missouri Western lacrosse coach Rachel Benzing</a>

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: Sports update with Dave Riggert

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: Second Harvest Community Food Bank

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: Remington Nature Center

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph Animal Shelter

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph Library reopens

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph Chamber survey

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: Run/Walk for the Paws 5K

🎥Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph Strong Virtual 5k

🎥 Tuesdays Around Town: St. Joseph YWCA

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris Razor 4-wheel UTV driven by Dakota S. Richardson, 25, Bethany, was eastbound on private property at 23470 Livingston 363 one and one half miles south of Avalon. The vehicle overturned. 

Chillicothe EMS transported Richardson to Hedrick Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just after 8:30p.m. Wednesday in Livingston County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Polaris Razor 4-wheel UTV driven by Dakota S. Richardson, 25, Bethany, was eastbound on private property at 23470 Livingston 363 one and one half miles south of Avalon. The vehicle overturned. Chillicothe EMS transported Richardson to Hedrick Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP.

Man from Bethany hospitalized after UTV overturned

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="http://stjoeobits@eagleradio.net">stjoeobits@eagleradio.net</a>.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://stjosephpost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.St. Joseph Post is honored to publish full obituaries and photos at no cost to families. Funeral homes can send notices to&nbsp;<a href="http://stjoeobits@eagleradio.net">stjoeobits@eagleradio.net</a>.<figure>
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Recent obituaries

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday announced the filing of a Second-Degree Murder charge in connection with a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9af4af70-ef4c-4afd-b000-4f1662385733">fatal crash Monday afternoon</a>.

According to the Prosecuting Attorney's office, 19-year-old Jason E. Clements has been charged in connection with the fatal crash near 24th and Jules Street Monday afternoon that resulted in the death of a 38-year-old male.

The State alleges the defendant was operating a stolen motor vehicle in a reckless manner at the intersection which caused the death of the victim.

Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday announced the filing of a Second-Degree Murder charge in connection with a <a href="https://stjosephpost.com/posts/9af4af70-ef4c-4afd-b000-4f1662385733">fatal crash Monday afternoon</a>.According to the Prosecuting Attorney's office, 19-year-old Jason E. Clements has been charged in connection with the fatal crash near 24th and Jules Street Monday afternoon that resulted in the death of a 38-year-old male.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597175071852.jpeg" alt="Jason E. Clements booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Jason E. Clements booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The State alleges the defendant was operating a stolen motor vehicle in a reckless manner at the intersection which caused the death of the victim.

Driver charged with second-degree murder in connection with fatal crash

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Trenton man was injured in a crash just after 6 a.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Jeremy E. Reed, 31, Trenton, was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 69&nbsp; one mile west of Altamont.

The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road and returned to the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle traveled off the left side of the road and struck an embankment.

A private vehicle transported Reed to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

DAVIESS COUNTY—A Trenton man was injured in a crash just after 6 a.m. Tuesday in Daviess County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Ford passenger vehicle driven by Jeremy E. Reed, 31, Trenton, was&nbsp; westbound on U.S. 69&nbsp; one mile west of Altamont.The vehicle traveled off the right side of the road and returned to the road. The driver overcorrected and the vehicle traveled off the left side of the road and struck an embankment.A private vehicle transported Reed to Wright Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Trenton man hospitalized after vehicle strikes embankment

Live music will be on the Parkway in St. Joseph this summer as Parties on the Parkway returns for a shortened season.

Kristi Bailey with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says three different bands will be featured on three different parts of the Parkway on August 13th, August 27th and September 10th.&nbsp;

“Bands are excited to be able to play,” Bailey tells St. Joseph Post. “A lot of them, of course, have had gigs cancel, they haven’t been making their normal income… so all three were definitely eager to take part.”

Parties on the Parkway is typically held once a month, May through September, but with the pandemic, Bailey says organizers put Parties on pause until they were sure they could put on events and what safety measures would need to be in place.

“There have been a couple other outdoor events that have been happening… and they seem to have been able to operate well," Bailey says. "Some people that are nervous about those things are just staying home, while others that feel like that can spread out or listen to music safely have been coming out.”

Bailey says things will be a little different at Parties on the Parkway this year.

“We’re going to have hand sanitizing stations and extra hand washing stations. Guests are going to be asked to social distance, that’s why we say bring your chairs and your blankets and try to spread out from each other,” Bailey says. “Our staff will be going around and disinfecting commonly used items like the drink stations and things like that. So we’re going to be doing a little extra work to try to keep everybody safe.”

Parties on the Parkway will kick off at 5 p.m. this Thursday at Corby Grove by Corby Pond with the band Oxymoron performing. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/parties-on-the-parkway-2020/">saintjoseph.com</a>.

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostLive music will be on the Parkway in St. Joseph this summer as Parties on the Parkway returns for a shortened season.Kristi Bailey with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce says three different bands will be featured on three different parts of the Parkway on August 13th, August 27th and September 10th.&nbsp;“Bands are excited to be able to play,” Bailey tells St. Joseph Post. “A lot of them, of course, have had gigs cancel, they haven’t been making their normal income… so all three were definitely eager to take part.”Parties on the Parkway is typically held once a month, May through September, but with the pandemic, Bailey says organizers put Parties on pause until they were sure they could put on events and what safety measures would need to be in place.“There have been a couple other outdoor events that have been happening… and they seem to have been able to operate well," Bailey says. "Some people that are nervous about those things are just staying home, while others that feel like that can spread out or listen to music safely have been coming out.”Bailey says things will be a little different at Parties on the Parkway this year.“We’re going to have hand sanitizing stations and extra hand washing stations. Guests are going to be asked to social distance, that’s why we say bring your chairs and your blankets and try to spread out from each other,” Bailey says. “Our staff will be going around and disinfecting commonly used items like the drink stations and things like that. So we’re going to be doing a little extra work to try to keep everybody safe.”Parties on the Parkway will kick off at 5 p.m. this Thursday at Corby Grove by Corby Pond with the band Oxymoron performing. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website at <a href="https://saintjoseph.com/parties-on-the-parkway-2020/">saintjoseph.com</a>.

Parties on the Parkway returns this week for shortened season

One person was killed when a truck driver ran a stop sign in St. Joseph Monday afternoon.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, a red pickup ran a stop sign at 24th and Jules and hit a passenger vehicle, killing the driver. The name of the victim hasn’t been released yet.

Police say the driver of the truck is in custody. 

by Sarah ThomackSt. Joseph PostOne person was killed when a truck driver ran a stop sign in St. Joseph Monday afternoon.According to the St. Joseph Police Department, a red pickup ran a stop sign at 24th and Jules and hit a passenger vehicle, killing the driver. The name of the victim hasn’t been released yet.Police say the driver of the truck is in custody.

One person killed in crash after driver runs stop sign 

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at a residence in the 300 block Parallel Street in Atchison and are looking for a suspect.

In the early morning hours on August 6, a 45-year-old victim was at home and sustained injuries from the intruder, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The victim was familiar with who the suspect was. Police are not certain what vehicle the suspect was in on August 6, but in the past he was known to drive an older model black Toyota 4 Runner with Pennsylvania tags.

The victim sustained injuries from being struck with an object that was in the suspect's hand. The victim was treated and released from hospital care.

Police have identified and are searching for a 30-year-old male suspect. A case file has been presented to the County Attorney’s Office for prosecution, according to Wilson.

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an aggravated burglary that occurred at a residence in the 300 block Parallel Street in Atchison and are looking for a suspect.In the early morning hours on August 6, a 45-year-old victim was at home and sustained injuries from the intruder, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The victim was familiar with who the suspect was. Police are not certain what vehicle the suspect was in on August 6, but in the past he was known to drive an older model black Toyota 4 Runner with Pennsylvania tags.The victim sustained injuries from being struck with an object that was in the suspect's hand. The victim was treated and released from hospital care.Police have identified and are searching for a 30-year-old male suspect. A case file has been presented to the County Attorney’s Office for prosecution, according to Wilson.

Police: Homeowner injured during burglary in Atchison

Buchanan County now reports a total of 1,128 COVID-19 cases since counting began. Health officials report 27 new cases over the weekend.

Buchanan County says 987 cases have been confirmed by tests with 141 listed as probable.

Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,100 area residents with 936 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Monday, it is treating 10 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 39 tests.

Missouri health officials report a total of 59,954 cases, resulting in 1,307 deaths.

Kansas health officials report a total of 31,730 cases; 387 deaths.

Buchanan County now reports a total of 1,128 COVID-19 cases since counting began. Health officials report 27 new cases over the weekend.Buchanan County says 987 cases have been confirmed by tests with 141 listed as probable.Mosaic Life Care has tested 20,100 area residents with 936 testing positive. Mosaic reports, as of Monday, it is treating 10 COVID-19 patients at its St. Joseph hospital. Mosaic is awaiting results from 39 tests.Missouri health officials report a total of 59,954 cases, resulting in 1,307 deaths.Kansas health officials report a total of 31,730 cases; 387 deaths.

Buchanan County reports over 1,120 COVID-19 cases

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Supreme Court justice K. J. Wall

<div><iframe title="Forward Ever: K. J. Wall" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ptu86-e66b74?from=pb6admin&amp;download=1&amp;version=1&amp;vjs=1&amp;auto=1&amp;share=1&amp;download=1&amp;rtl=0&amp;fonts=Helvetica&amp;skin=3&amp;pfauth="></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with Kansas Supreme Court justice K. J. Wall

🎤Forward Ever: Kan. Supreme Court Justice K. J. Wall

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Saturn driven by Zayla M. Carlson, 17, Burlington Junction, was southbound on U.S. 71 five miles south of Burlington Junction.

The driver swerved to miss another vehicle making a left turn. The vehicle traveled off the road and overturned onto its top.

Nodaway County ambulance transported Carlson to Mosaic Life Care in Maryville. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

NODAWAY COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Sunday in Nodaway County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Saturn driven by Zayla M. Carlson, 17, Burlington Junction, was southbound on U.S. 71 five miles south of Burlington Junction.The driver swerved to miss another vehicle making a left turn. The vehicle traveled off the road and overturned onto its top.Nodaway County ambulance transported Carlson to Mosaic Life Care in Maryville. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen hospitalized after car overturns

CINCINNATI -- Bases loaded, one out, another close game on the verge of slipping away. The strain showed on Mike Matheny's face in the ninth inning -- not that anyone could tell.

Salvador Perez had three more hits, and Kansas City's bullpen barely held on for a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday that had everyone's blood pressure up at the end.

"It got a little elevated, I'll admit," Matheny said. "The masks -- that's one of the benefits of these things. They hide how you're feeling at this time."

The Royals were squirming when Trevor Rosenthal walked the bases loaded with one out in the ninth. Christian Colon -- whose single in the 12th inning sent the Royals over the Mets in the 2015 World Series -- grounded into a double play to end it.

The Royals have won five out of six, walking that tightrope much of the time. Kansas City has already played eight one-run games, going 3-5. Twelve of their 19 games have been decided by two runs or less.

"That inning is such a microcosm of how our last couple weeks have been going," said Rosenthal, who got his fourth save in as many chances. "We've just been fighting so hard."

The Reds wasted a chance to get back to .500 and had their only left-handed starter leave in the second inning again.

Wade Miley (0-2) signed a two-year, $15 million deal in the offseason. He retired only five batters during his Reds debut, giving up six runs in a loss to the Cubs on July 27, and went on the injured list with a strained groin afterward.

Miley appeared to hurt himself when he stepped awkwardly while covering first base in the second inning Wednesday. After talking to a trainer, Miley stayed in the game, walked the next batter and was removed after only 43 pitches.

Miley said he left because of how he was struggling with his control.

"I guess they thought I landed on the bag funny, but I was completely fine there," Miley said.

The Royals' offense has led the way during the surge. It scored one run at a time to keep it going, led by Perez's homer, double and single.

Brad Keller (2-0) allowed two singles in six shutout innings. He was acquired from Cincinnati in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft.

Jesse Winker, Freddy Galvis and Josh VanMeter homered in the seventh, cutting it to 5-4. Josh Staumont escaped a two-on threat in the eighth with a pair of called third strikes, and Rosenthal provided the final drama.

Perez connected for his fourth homer off Tyler Mahle, extending his hitting streak to 10 games -- his longest since 2017. He's batting .429 (18 for 42) during the streak.

The Royals are 17-10 all-time vs. the Reds, including 12-4 since the start of 2009. They're 8-4 at Great American Ball Park, the best mark by a team with at least 10 games.

Matheny's next win will be his 600th as a manager. He'll join Dusty Baker, Terry Francona, Joe Maddon, Bob Melvin, Ron Gardenhire, Joe Girardi, Bud Black and Don Mattingly as active managers with 600.

The game was delayed 17 minutes in the bottom of the first inning when plate umpire Chris Conroy took a foul off his right hand, breaking the ring finger. Crew chief Jeff Nelson moved behind the plate for the next two innings, and Conroy returned and worked third base with his finger bandaged.

Royals: Adalberto Mondesi was hit in the right arm by a pitch in the fourth but stayed in the game.

Reds: Miley was reinstated from the 10-day injured list pregame and right-hander Joel Kuhnel was optioned.

Royals: After a day off, KC opens a series in Minneapolis. Jakob Junis (0-0) faces the Twins for the second time in a week. He allowed two solo homers in 4 2/3 innings last Friday. Junis is trying for his first win in five starts.

Reds: Anthony DeSclafani (1-0) opens a four-game series against the Pirates. He's 0-4 in his last six starts against Pittsburgh, with the Reds losing all six games.

Associated PressCINCINNATI -- Bases loaded, one out, another close game on the verge of slipping away. The strain showed on Mike Matheny's face in the ninth inning -- not that anyone could tell.Salvador Perez had three more hits, and Kansas City's bullpen barely held on for a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday that had everyone's blood pressure up at the end."It got a little elevated, I'll admit," Matheny said. "The masks -- that's one of the benefits of these things. They hide how you're feeling at this time."The Royals were squirming when Trevor Rosenthal walked the bases loaded with one out in the ninth. Christian Colon -- whose single in the 12th inning sent the Royals over the Mets in the 2015 World Series -- grounded into a double play to end it.The Royals have won five out of six, walking that tightrope much of the time. Kansas City has already played eight one-run games, going 3-5. Twelve of their 19 games have been decided by two runs or less."That inning is such a microcosm of how our last couple weeks have been going," said Rosenthal, who got his fourth save in as many chances. "We've just been fighting so hard."The Reds wasted a chance to get back to .500 and had their only left-handed starter leave in the second inning again.Wade Miley (0-2) signed a two-year, $15 million deal in the offseason. He retired only five batters during his Reds debut, giving up six runs in a loss to the Cubs on July 27, and went on the injured list with a strained groin afterward.Miley appeared to hurt himself when he stepped awkwardly while covering first base in the second inning Wednesday. After talking to a trainer, Miley stayed in the game, walked the next batter and was removed after only 43 pitches.Miley said he left because of how he was struggling with his control."I guess they thought I landed on the bag funny, but I was completely fine there," Miley said.The Royals' offense has led the way during the surge. It scored one run at a time to keep it going, led by Perez's homer, double and single.Brad Keller (2-0) allowed two singles in six shutout innings. He was acquired from Cincinnati in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft.The bullpen had two narrow escapes.Jesse Winker, Freddy Galvis and Josh VanMeter homered in the seventh, cutting it to 5-4. Josh Staumont escaped a two-on threat in the eighth with a pair of called third strikes, and Rosenthal provided the final drama."That was kind of fun, huh?" Perez said.Perez connected for his fourth homer off Tyler Mahle, extending his hitting streak to 10 games -- his longest since 2017. He's batting .429 (18 for 42) during the streak.LOVE THE PLACEThe Royals are 17-10 all-time vs. the Reds, including 12-4 since the start of 2009. They're 8-4 at Great American Ball Park, the best mark by a team with at least 10 games.ONE MOREMatheny's next win will be his 600th as a manager. He'll join Dusty Baker, Terry Francona, Joe Maddon, Bob Melvin, Ron Gardenhire, Joe Girardi, Bud Black and Don Mattingly as active managers with 600.UMP HURTThe game was delayed 17 minutes in the bottom of the first inning when plate umpire Chris Conroy took a foul off his right hand, breaking the ring finger. Crew chief Jeff Nelson moved behind the plate for the next two innings, and Conroy returned and worked third base with his finger bandaged.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Adalberto Mondesi was hit in the right arm by a pitch in the fourth but stayed in the game.Reds: Miley was reinstated from the 10-day injured list pregame and right-hander Joel Kuhnel was optioned.UP NEXTRoyals: After a day off, KC opens a series in Minneapolis. Jakob Junis (0-0) faces the Twins for the second time in a week. He allowed two solo homers in 4 2/3 innings last Friday. Junis is trying for his first win in five starts.Reds: Anthony DeSclafani (1-0) opens a four-game series against the Pirates. He's 0-4 in his last six starts against Pittsburgh, with the Reds losing all six games.

Royals hold off Reds 5-4 to split series

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference today unveiled the Wildcats’ new 10-game football schedule for the 2020 season, which includes a newly scheduled non-conference matchup and all nine conference games.

K-State will now open the season on September 12 by hosting Arkansas State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats are 2-0 all-time against the Red Wolves, while it will be the first meeting between the two schools in 40 years. K-State earned a 31-7 victory in Manhattan in 1980 and also defeated A-State, 37-6, in Manhattan in 1948.

The September 12 start date is the latest in the year that K-State will begin a season since 1992 (September 19 vs. Montana), while it is the first time in school history that K-State will play less than two non-conference games.

Following its first bye week of the season, Kansas State opens Big 12 play on September 26 when the Cats travel to Oklahoma. It will be the second-straight year the Wildcats open Big 12 play in the state of Oklahoma (at Oklahoma State in 2019), while it will be the first in Norman since a 24-19 victory over the sixth-ranked Sooners on September 22, 2012.

The Wildcats Big 12 home opener is slated for October 3 against Texas Tech before traveling to TCU on October 10. The second bye week of the season is on October 17 before K-State hosts Kansas on October 24 and travels to West Virginia – its original conference opener – on October 31.

The month of November opens with a visit from Oklahoma State on November 7 prior to the third bye of the schedule on November 14. From there, the Wildcats travel to Iowa State (November 21) and Baylor (November 28) before closing out the season on December 5 with a home contest against Texas. It will be the first home December game since defeating West Virginia, 24-23, in 2015.

The 2020 Big 12 Championship game will be held at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 12.

Although the number of fans able to attend games this fall remains unknown, the department continues to work with local county, city and University officials. Season ticket holders will be contacted via email as soon as capacity and ticket details are finalized.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference today unveiled the Wildcats’ new 10-game football schedule for the 2020 season, which includes a newly scheduled non-conference matchup and all nine conference games.K-State will now open the season on September 12 by hosting Arkansas State at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The Wildcats are 2-0 all-time against the Red Wolves, while it will be the first meeting between the two schools in 40 years. K-State earned a 31-7 victory in Manhattan in 1980 and also defeated A-State, 37-6, in Manhattan in 1948.The September 12 start date is the latest in the year that K-State will begin a season since 1992 (September 19 vs. Montana), while it is the first time in school history that K-State will play less than two non-conference games.Following its first bye week of the season, Kansas State opens Big 12 play on September 26 when the Cats travel to Oklahoma. It will be the second-straight year the Wildcats open Big 12 play in the state of Oklahoma (at Oklahoma State in 2019), while it will be the first in Norman since a 24-19 victory over the sixth-ranked Sooners on September 22, 2012.The Wildcats Big 12 home opener is slated for October 3 against Texas Tech before traveling to TCU on October 10. The second bye week of the season is on October 17 before K-State hosts Kansas on October 24 and travels to West Virginia – its original conference opener – on October 31.The month of November opens with a visit from Oklahoma State on November 7 prior to the third bye of the schedule on November 14. From there, the Wildcats travel to Iowa State (November 21) and Baylor (November 28) before closing out the season on December 5 with a home contest against Texas. It will be the first home December game since defeating West Virginia, 24-23, in 2015.The 2020 Big 12 Championship game will be held at AT&amp;T Stadium in Arlington, Texas and is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 12.Although the number of fans able to attend games this fall remains unknown, the department continues to work with local county, city and University officials. Season ticket holders will be contacted via email as soon as capacity and ticket details are finalized.September 12 Arkansas StateSeptember 26 at OklahomaOctober 3 Texas TechOctober 10 at TCUOctober 24 KansasOctober 31 at West VirginiaNovember 7 Oklahoma StateNovember 21 at Iowa StateNovember 28 at BaylorDecember 5 Texas--- K-State Athletics ---

K-State, Big 12 announced updated 2020 football schedule

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas football’s revised Big 12 Conference schedule, which features four home games and five road trips, was released by the conference office on Wednesday. The Jayhawks will kick-off the 2020 conference schedule by travelling to Waco to face the Baylor Bears on Sept. 26.

“We are excited to be able to move forward with the updated schedule and compete this fall,” head coach Les Miles said. “We will continue to prepare for our season cautiously, while also relying on the direction and oversight of Kansas Team Health medical professionals to provide our players with a game plan that promotes their health and safety.”

Under the adopted schedule, the Jayhawks will still host Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Texas and TCU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, while making trips to Baylor, West Virginia, K-State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.

Sept. 26 at Baylor Oct. 3 Oklahoma State Oct. 17 at West Virginia Oct. 24 at K-State Oct. 31 Iowa State Nov. 7 at Oklahoma Nov. 21 Texas Nov. 28 TCU Dec. 5 at Texas Tech

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Kansas football’s revised Big 12 Conference schedule, which features four home games and five road trips, was released by the conference office on Wednesday. The Jayhawks will kick-off the 2020 conference schedule by travelling to Waco to face the Baylor Bears on Sept. 26.“We are excited to be able to move forward with the updated schedule and compete this fall,” head coach Les Miles said. “We will continue to prepare for our season cautiously, while also relying on the direction and oversight of Kansas Team Health medical professionals to provide our players with a game plan that promotes their health and safety.”Under the adopted schedule, the Jayhawks will still host Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Texas and TCU at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, while making trips to Baylor, West Virginia, K-State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.Sept. 26 at Baylor Oct. 3 Oklahoma State Oct. 17 at West Virginia Oct. 24 at K-State Oct. 31 Iowa State Nov. 7 at Oklahoma Nov. 21 Texas Nov. 28 TCU Dec. 5 at Texas Tech--- KU Athletics ---

Kansas releases revised 2020 football schedule

CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning Tuesday night, and the Cincinnati Reds blew another late lead before rallying for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

The Royals tied it 5-5 in the eighth on Ryan McBroom's pinch-hit, two-run homer off Amir Garrett, but they couldn't keep their four-game winning streak going.

Votto saved the Reds from another rough ending.

"Joey came through as he has so many times in his career," manager David Bell said. "That was a great at-bat for us as a team."

With a designated runner on second base in the 10th, Josh Staumont (0-1) walked Nick Castellanos and Votto doubled off the wall in center, just over the glove of Brett Phillips.

"I imagine if you ask Brett he'll say that's a ball he'll catch nine times out of 10," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "The ball was hit pretty good though."

Lucas Sims (1-0) gave up a walk in the 10th with a designated runner on second base but escaped the threat.

Matt Davidson and Jesse Winker hit consecutive homers off left-hander Kris Bubic in his first road start as Cincinnati pulled ahead 5-3, but Cincinnati's leaky bullpen let another lead slip away.

Luis Castillo limited the Royals' resurgent offense to three runs -- one earned -- in six innings. The Royals loaded the bases three times in all but managed only one run out of all those chances.

Bubic failed again to get a win in his third big league start. The 40th overall pick in the 2018 draft jumped from Single-A to the majors.

Kyle Farmer hit a two-run double in the second. Davidson had a two-run shot in the third, and Winker followed with a solo shot, the Reds' first back-to-back homers of the season. Bubic gave up five runs and seven hits in five innings.

"Honestly I thought I pitched better than what the linescore would look like," Bubic said.

The Royals repeatedly wasted bases-loaded chances and failed to take full advantage of three Reds errors.

"It's just a game that should have been ours," Matheny said.

Kansas City left the bases loaded in the second when Alex Gordon lined out. The Royals managed only one run out of a bases-loaded chance in the third, on Ryan O'Hearn's single.

The Royals loaded the bases again with one out in the seventh, but Farmer -- playing shortstop -- made a diving stop on O'Hearn's grounder up the middle and turned a double play to protect the 5-3 lead that slipped away two innings later.

Salvador Perez extended his hitting streak to nine games. Nicky Lopez and Maikel Franco extended theirs to seven games each.

The Reds fanned 11, giving them 196 through the first 17 games, a major league record. The 2018 Astros held the previous mark of 191.

The Royals are 11-4 against the Reds since 2009, including 7-4 all-time at Great American Ball Park.

Right-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez and lefty Asa Lacy were added to the 60-man roster. Hernandez pitched at three levels of the minors last year. Lacy, 21, was the fourth overall selection in this year's first-year player draft from Texas A&amp;M.

Royals: Outfielder Franchy Cordero had surgery to repair a broken bone in his right wrist. He went on the injured list Sunday. Cordero was acquired from the Padres on July 16 and played in 11 games.

Reds: Reliever Pedro Strop went on the 10-day injured list with a groin injury. Infielder Josh VanMeter was recalled.

Royals: Brad Keller (1-0) makes his first road start of the season and first career start against the Reds.

Reds: Left-hander Wade Miley is expected to come off the injured list and make his second start. He suffered a groin injury in his Reds debut against the Cubs on July 27.

Associated PressCINCINNATI -- Joey Votto doubled home the winning run in the 10th inning Tuesday night, and the Cincinnati Reds blew another late lead before rallying for a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals.The Royals tied it 5-5 in the eighth on Ryan McBroom's pinch-hit, two-run homer off Amir Garrett, but they couldn't keep their four-game winning streak going.Votto saved the Reds from another rough ending."Joey came through as he has so many times in his career," manager David Bell said. "That was a great at-bat for us as a team."With a designated runner on second base in the 10th, Josh Staumont (0-1) walked Nick Castellanos and Votto doubled off the wall in center, just over the glove of Brett Phillips."I imagine if you ask Brett he'll say that's a ball he'll catch nine times out of 10," Royals manager Mike Matheny said. "The ball was hit pretty good though."Lucas Sims (1-0) gave up a walk in the 10th with a designated runner on second base but escaped the threat.Matt Davidson and Jesse Winker hit consecutive homers off left-hander Kris Bubic in his first road start as Cincinnati pulled ahead 5-3, but Cincinnati's leaky bullpen let another lead slip away.Luis Castillo limited the Royals' resurgent offense to three runs -- one earned -- in six innings. The Royals loaded the bases three times in all but managed only one run out of all those chances.Bubic failed again to get a win in his third big league start. The 40th overall pick in the 2018 draft jumped from Single-A to the majors.Kyle Farmer hit a two-run double in the second. Davidson had a two-run shot in the third, and Winker followed with a solo shot, the Reds' first back-to-back homers of the season. Bubic gave up five runs and seven hits in five innings."Honestly I thought I pitched better than what the linescore would look like," Bubic said.The Royals repeatedly wasted bases-loaded chances and failed to take full advantage of three Reds errors."It's just a game that should have been ours," Matheny said.Kansas City left the bases loaded in the second when Alex Gordon lined out. The Royals managed only one run out of a bases-loaded chance in the third, on Ryan O'Hearn's single.The Royals loaded the bases again with one out in the seventh, but Farmer -- playing shortstop -- made a diving stop on O'Hearn's grounder up the middle and turned a double play to protect the 5-3 lead that slipped away two innings later.STREAKINGSalvador Perez extended his hitting streak to nine games. Nicky Lopez and Maikel Franco extended theirs to seven games each.LOT OF KsThe Reds fanned 11, giving them 196 through the first 17 games, a major league record. The 2018 Astros held the previous mark of 191.LOPSIDED HISTORYThe Royals are 11-4 against the Reds since 2009, including 7-4 all-time at Great American Ball Park.NEW ROYALSRight-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez and lefty Asa Lacy were added to the 60-man roster. Hernandez pitched at three levels of the minors last year. Lacy, 21, was the fourth overall selection in this year's first-year player draft from Texas A&amp;M.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: Outfielder Franchy Cordero had surgery to repair a broken bone in his right wrist. He went on the injured list Sunday. Cordero was acquired from the Padres on July 16 and played in 11 games.Reds: Reliever Pedro Strop went on the 10-day injured list with a groin injury. Infielder Josh VanMeter was recalled.UP NEXTRoyals: Brad Keller (1-0) makes his first road start of the season and first career start against the Reds.Reds: Left-hander Wade Miley is expected to come off the injured list and make his second start. He suffered a groin injury in his Reds debut against the Cubs on July 27.

Royals fall to Cincinnati 6-5 in 10 innings

The Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference were still moving forward Tuesday with plans for a fall college football season even as two other Power Five leagues, the Big Ten and the Pac-12, called things off.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said he wanted to learn more about the factors that led the Big Ten and Pac-12 decisions. Sankey said he remained comfortable with the 14-member conference’s approach.

“We will continue to further refine our policies and protocols for a safe return to sports as we monitor developments around COVID-19 in a continued effort to support, educate and care for our student-athletes every day,” Sankey said in a statement.

The ACC said it would continue to make decisions based on advice from its medical advisers and state and local health officials.

“We will continue to follow our process that has been in place for months and has served us well. We understand the need to stay flexible and be prepared to adjust as medical information and the landscape evolves,” the league said in a statement.

The Big 12 Board of Directors met Tuesday evening and will continue moving forward with the intent of playing fall football.

The Big Ten’s announcement that it was postponing all fall sports and hoping to make them up in the second semester came first. An hour later, the Pac-12 said all sports in its conference would be paused until Jan. 1, including basketball.

And then there were three.The Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Southeastern Conference were still moving forward Tuesday with plans for a fall college football season even as two other Power Five leagues, the Big Ten and the Pac-12, called things off.SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said he wanted to learn more about the factors that led the Big Ten and Pac-12 decisions. Sankey said he remained comfortable with the 14-member conference’s approach.“We will continue to further refine our policies and protocols for a safe return to sports as we monitor developments around COVID-19 in a continued effort to support, educate and care for our student-athletes every day,” Sankey said in a statement.The ACC said it would continue to make decisions based on advice from its medical advisers and state and local health officials.“We will continue to follow our process that has been in place for months and has served us well. We understand the need to stay flexible and be prepared to adjust as medical information and the landscape evolves,” the league said in a statement.The Big 12 Board of Directors met Tuesday evening and will continue moving forward with the intent of playing fall football.The Big Ten’s announcement that it was postponing all fall sports and hoping to make them up in the second semester came first. An hour later, the Pac-12 said all sports in its conference would be paused until Jan. 1, including basketball.--- Associated Press ---

SEC, Big 12, ACC still hope to play football this fall

INDIANAPOLIS (August 11, 2020) -&nbsp;The MIAA led NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball for the 12th straight season in total attendance with 185,458 fans attending games and an average attendance of 1,085 fans per game during the 2019-2020 season. It is also the ninth consecutive season the Association surpassed 185,000 fans for a season. The MIAA also landed seven members in the top 11 of total attendance led by Fort Hays State, which ranked second nationally with an average of 2,465 fans. Washburn finished sixth and Central Missouri came in seventh. The Ichabods had an attendance average of 1,558 fans and the Jennies had a figure of 1,551.&nbsp; Emporia State and Missouri Southern ranked eighth and ninth respectively. The Lady Hornets recorded an average of 1,512&nbsp; fans as the Lions drew an average of 1,392 fans. In 10th was Missouri Western with an average of 1,282 fans. Pittsburg State finished just outside of the top 10 with an average of 1,231 fans. The 2020 MIAA Women’s Basketball Championship game between Central Missouri and Emporia State was the highest attended single-game in NCAA Division II for the season with a crowd of 6,455. To see the complete attendance number for all three NCAA Divisions and how MIAA members compare,&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/62a83d83-61f1-4951-92d5-0bc464bbd701?elinkdata=149164" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;

INDIANAPOLIS (August 11, 2020) -&nbsp;The MIAA led NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball for the 12th straight season in total attendance with 185,458 fans attending games and an average attendance of 1,085 fans per game during the 2019-2020 season. It is also the ninth consecutive season the Association surpassed 185,000 fans for a season. The MIAA also landed seven members in the top 11 of total attendance led by Fort Hays State, which ranked second nationally with an average of 2,465 fans. Washburn finished sixth and Central Missouri came in seventh. The Ichabods had an attendance average of 1,558 fans and the Jennies had a figure of 1,551.&nbsp; Emporia State and Missouri Southern ranked eighth and ninth respectively. The Lady Hornets recorded an average of 1,512&nbsp; fans as the Lions drew an average of 1,392 fans. In 10th was Missouri Western with an average of 1,282 fans. Pittsburg State finished just outside of the top 10 with an average of 1,231 fans. The 2020 MIAA Women’s Basketball Championship game between Central Missouri and Emporia State was the highest attended single-game in NCAA Division II for the season with a crowd of 6,455. To see the complete attendance number for all three NCAA Divisions and how MIAA members compare,&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/62a83d83-61f1-4951-92d5-0bc464bbd701?elinkdata=149164" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;--- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA women's basketball leads Division II in attendance

A crumbling college football season took a massive hit Tuesday when the Big Ten and Pac-12, two historic and powerful conferences, succumbed to the pandemic and canceled their fall football seasons.

Five months almost to the day after the first spikes in coronavirus cases in the U.S. led to the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournaments, the still raging pandemic is tearing down another American sports institution: fall Saturdays filled with college football.

“This was an extremely difficult and painful decision that we know will have important impacts on our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our fans,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “We know nothing will ease that.”

Despite pleas from players, coaches and President Donald Trump in recent days to play on, 40% of major college football teams have now decided to punt on a fall season, a decision that will cost schools tens of millions of dollars and upends traditions dating back a century.

Both conferences cited the risk of trying to keep players from contracting and spreading the coronavirus when the programs are not operating in a bubble like the NBA and NHL are doing. They also cited the broader state of the pandemic in the United States, which has had more than 5 million cases of COVID-19.

“Every life is critical,” first-year Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren told the AP. “We wanted to make sure we continually, not only in our words but in our actions, do put the health and safety and wellness of our student-athletes first.”

Two smaller conferences, the Mid-American and Mountain West, had already announced the uncertain move to spring football. The decisions by the deep-pocketed Big Ten and Pac-12, with hundred million-dollar television contracts and historic programs, shook the foundation of college sports.

The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference released statements expressing cautious optimism. The Big 12 was quiet, but a person familiar with the conference’s discussions told The Associated Press the league was continuing to work toward playing in the fall. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the conference was not planning to make its internal discussions public. The Big 12 has still not released its revised schedule.

Outside the Power Five conferences, the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA and Sun Belt made no immediate moves.

“Everyone is going to make their independent decisions and I certainly respect our colleagues,” Scott said. “We try to be very collaborative, communicative with our peers across the country. But at the end of the day, our presidents and chancellors looked at what was in best interest of Pac-12 student-athletes based on the advice and frankly what’s going on in our communities.”

The Big Ten said it was postponing all fall sports and hoping to make them up in the second semester. An hour later, the Pac-12, the Big Ten’s Rose Bowl partner, said all sports would be paused until Jan. 1, including basketball.

Players around the country were stunned. Many had recently taken to social media with the hashtag #WeWanttoPlay. Ohio State star quarterback Justin Fields was among those trying to present a unified front and save their season.

After the announcement, Fields simply posted to Twitter: “smh,” short for shaking my head.

“Our lives are changing forever right before our eyes,” Arizona offensive lineman Donovan Laie tweeted.

Less than a week ago, the Big Ten — which includes perennial powers such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska and Penn State — had released a revised conference-only football schedule it hoped would help it navigate a fall season filled with potential COVID-19 disruptions.

Even after the Big Ten made its call, there were diverging thoughts about how it should have proceeded.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said he would have liked to have pushed back the season from Sept. 5 to maybe early October.

“Wish we could have had a little bit more time to evaluate, but we certainly understand this was the time we had to pull the plug,” Smith told the Big Ten network.

A statement from Nebraska’s president, athletic director and coach was more stern: “We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season, as we have been and continue to be ready to play.”

Nebraska coach Scott Frost and Ohio State coach Ryan Day had both suggested Monday that if the Big Ten did not play their schools might look elsewhere for games.

“We have 14 schools in the Big Ten right now and I expect to have 14 schools in the Big Ten,” Warren said.

In the Pac-12, where Southern California, Oregon, Washington and Stanford have won championships in recent years, there seemed to more consensus.

“We feel good about our decision,” Oregon President Michael Schill said. “We would have made this decision independent of the Big Ten. We respect the institutions in the Big Ten. Many of them have the same values we have. We’re pleased they are joining us.”

The cost of losing football will be devastating to athletic departments. The Big Ten distributed more than $50 million to most of its members in 2018, but most of that came from media rights deals and a conference TV network powered by football. Maybe some can be recouped in the spring, but there are bills to pay now.

Wisconsin of the Big Ten has estimated $100 million in losses with no football at all. Michigan said it could be in the red more than that.

“We do have a reserve that will take us so far, but we’re going to have to have some layoffs,” Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said. “There will be some of our units that won’t be working. Those are things we have a plan for. Those are very difficult decisions to make.”

Over the last month, conferences had been reworking schedules in the hopes of being able to buy time and play a season. The Big Ten was the first to settle on conference-only play, in early July, and all the Power Five conferences eventually switched to either all or mostly conference play.

The idea behind it was to create flexibility to deal with the possibility of having to cancel or reschedule games because of COVID-19 outbreaks, like the ones that have hit Major League Baseball.

It also created an every-conference-for-itself atmosphere that could now lead to two college football seasons — one in the fall and one in the spring. Or maybe none at all.

A crumbling college football season took a massive hit Tuesday when the Big Ten and Pac-12, two historic and powerful conferences, succumbed to the pandemic and canceled their fall football seasons.Five months almost to the day after the first spikes in coronavirus cases in the U.S. led to the cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournaments, the still raging pandemic is tearing down another American sports institution: fall Saturdays filled with college football.“This was an extremely difficult and painful decision that we know will have important impacts on our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and our fans,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “We know nothing will ease that.”Despite pleas from players, coaches and President Donald Trump in recent days to play on, 40% of major college football teams have now decided to punt on a fall season, a decision that will cost schools tens of millions of dollars and upends traditions dating back a century.Both conferences cited the risk of trying to keep players from contracting and spreading the coronavirus when the programs are not operating in a bubble like the NBA and NHL are doing. They also cited the broader state of the pandemic in the United States, which has had more than 5 million cases of COVID-19.“Every life is critical,” first-year Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren told the AP. “We wanted to make sure we continually, not only in our words but in our actions, do put the health and safety and wellness of our student-athletes first.”Two smaller conferences, the Mid-American and Mountain West, had already announced the uncertain move to spring football. The decisions by the deep-pocketed Big Ten and Pac-12, with hundred million-dollar television contracts and historic programs, shook the foundation of college sports.What’s next?The Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference released statements expressing cautious optimism. The Big 12 was quiet, but a person familiar with the conference’s discussions told The Associated Press the league was continuing to work toward playing in the fall. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the conference was not planning to make its internal discussions public. The Big 12 has still not released its revised schedule.Outside the Power Five conferences, the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA and Sun Belt made no immediate moves.“Everyone is going to make their independent decisions and I certainly respect our colleagues,” Scott said. “We try to be very collaborative, communicative with our peers across the country. But at the end of the day, our presidents and chancellors looked at what was in best interest of Pac-12 student-athletes based on the advice and frankly what’s going on in our communities.”The Big Ten said it was postponing all fall sports and hoping to make them up in the second semester. An hour later, the Pac-12, the Big Ten’s Rose Bowl partner, said all sports would be paused until Jan. 1, including basketball.Players around the country were stunned. Many had recently taken to social media with the hashtag #WeWanttoPlay. Ohio State star quarterback Justin Fields was among those trying to present a unified front and save their season.After the announcement, Fields simply posted to Twitter: “smh,” short for shaking my head.“Our lives are changing forever right before our eyes,” Arizona offensive lineman Donovan Laie tweeted.Less than a week ago, the Big Ten — which includes perennial powers such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska and Penn State — had released a revised conference-only football schedule it hoped would help it navigate a fall season filled with potential COVID-19 disruptions.Even after the Big Ten made its call, there were diverging thoughts about how it should have proceeded.Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said he would have liked to have pushed back the season from Sept. 5 to maybe early October.“Wish we could have had a little bit more time to evaluate, but we certainly understand this was the time we had to pull the plug,” Smith told the Big Ten network.A statement from Nebraska’s president, athletic director and coach was more stern: “We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season, as we have been and continue to be ready to play.”Nebraska coach Scott Frost and Ohio State coach Ryan Day had both suggested Monday that if the Big Ten did not play their schools might look elsewhere for games.“We have 14 schools in the Big Ten right now and I expect to have 14 schools in the Big Ten,” Warren said.In the Pac-12, where Southern California, Oregon, Washington and Stanford have won championships in recent years, there seemed to more consensus.“We feel good about our decision,” Oregon President Michael Schill said. “We would have made this decision independent of the Big Ten. We respect the institutions in the Big Ten. Many of them have the same values we have. We’re pleased they are joining us.”The cost of losing football will be devastating to athletic departments. The Big Ten distributed more than $50 million to most of its members in 2018, but most of that came from media rights deals and a conference TV network powered by football. Maybe some can be recouped in the spring, but there are bills to pay now.Wisconsin of the Big Ten has estimated $100 million in losses with no football at all. Michigan said it could be in the red more than that.“We do have a reserve that will take us so far, but we’re going to have to have some layoffs,” Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said. “There will be some of our units that won’t be working. Those are things we have a plan for. Those are very difficult decisions to make.”Over the last month, conferences had been reworking schedules in the hopes of being able to buy time and play a season. The Big Ten was the first to settle on conference-only play, in early July, and all the Power Five conferences eventually switched to either all or mostly conference play.The idea behind it was to create flexibility to deal with the possibility of having to cancel or reschedule games because of COVID-19 outbreaks, like the ones that have hit Major League Baseball.It also created an every-conference-for-itself atmosphere that could now lead to two college football seasons — one in the fall and one in the spring. Or maybe none at all.--- Associated Press ---

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