The Kansas City Chiefs made sure they’ll have Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes around as long as possible.

Mahomes agreed to a 10-year extension worth up to $503 million, according to his agency, Steinberg Sports. The deal is worth $477 million in guarantee mechanisms and includes a no-trade clause and opt-out clauses if guarantee mechanisms aren’t met.

It’s the richest contract in professional sports history, surpassing Mike Trout’s $426.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.

“Since he joined the Chiefs just a few years ago, Patrick has developed into one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement about the quarterback who led them to their first championship in 50 years.

“With his dynamic play and infectious personality, he is one of the most recognized and beloved figures to put on the Chiefs uniform. He’s an extraordinary leader and a credit to the Kansas City community, and I’m delighted that he will be a member of the Chiefs for many years to come.”

The Chiefs had the 2018 NFL MVP under contract for the next two seasons but that wasn’t nearly enough.

“Here to stay,” Mahomes wrote on Twitter.

The contract extension starts in 2022 when the NFL salary cap is projected to be $227.5 million. However, that number could be lower depending on revenue losses due to the cornonavirus pandemic and the possibility any games played this season won’t have fans.

Still, Mahomes will take up a big chunk of Kansas City’s cap space, around 20 percent depending on the annual contract breakdown and final cap numbers. That could potentially make it difficult for the Chiefs to pay several star players big contracts.

The Chiefs already had picked up their fifth-year option in April on Mahomes, who had been due to make $825,000 on the final year of his rookie contract this season, to keep him around at least through 2021. General manager Brett Veach said this deal has been a priority for quite a while and thanked Mahomes’ agents, Chris Cabott and Leigh Steinberg.

“His abilities are so rare, and to couple that with an incredible personality is outstanding,” Veach said of Mahomes. “We’re going to continue to do everything we can to surround him with talent, and this deal provides us more flexibility to do that. He’s obviously an integral part to our success and we’re thrilled he’s going to be the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs for a long time.”

Mahomes threw touchdown passes on consecutive fourth-quarter drives in rallying the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years and the first for coach Andy Reid. That comeback performance earned Mahomes the Super Bowl MVP award and only cemented his status as the face of the Kansas City franchise.

Reid said the best part is that Mahomes is still early in his career. Mahomes won’t turn 25 until Sept. 17.

“He’s a natural leader and always grinding, whether that’s on the field, in the weight room or watching film, he wants to be the best,” Reid said. “He’s a competitor and his teammates feed off his energy. He makes us all better as an organization and we are blessed he’s going to be our quarterback for years to come.”

The Chiefs traded up to select Mahomes 10th overall in the 2017 draft, and he spent one season learning the ropes under Alex Smith before getting the starting job.

Mahomes proceeded to shatter just about every franchise passing record while winning the league MVP award, and he had the Chiefs within overtime of landing in the Super Bowl that season. He also was The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

He dealt with numerous injuries this past season, including a dislocated kneecap on a seemingly innocent quarterback sneak that left him sidelined for a couple of games. He came back to lead the Chiefs to a long winning streak that culminated with a series of come-from-behind wins in the playoffs, including their second-half rally in the Super Bowl.

He is 24-7 as a starter, completing 65.9% of his passes with 76 touchdowns and only 18 interceptions. Mahomes is 724 of 1,099 for 9,412 yards passing, averaging 303.6 yards per game with a 108.9 career quarterback rating. He also has run 110 times for 500 yards with four TDs.

He has led the Chiefs to back-to-back AFC championship games. In the postseason, Mahomes is 115 of 184 for 1,474 yards with 13 TDs and only two interceptions with a 106.6 rating.

The Kansas City Chiefs made sure they’ll have Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes around as long as possible.Mahomes agreed to a 10-year extension worth up to $503 million, according to his agency, Steinberg Sports. The deal is worth $477 million in guarantee mechanisms and includes a no-trade clause and opt-out clauses if guarantee mechanisms aren’t met.It’s the richest contract in professional sports history, surpassing Mike Trout’s $426.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels.“Since he joined the Chiefs just a few years ago, Patrick has developed into one of the most prolific athletes in all of sports,” Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a statement about the quarterback who led them to their first championship in 50 years.“With his dynamic play and infectious personality, he is one of the most recognized and beloved figures to put on the Chiefs uniform. He’s an extraordinary leader and a credit to the Kansas City community, and I’m delighted that he will be a member of the Chiefs for many years to come.”The Chiefs had the 2018 NFL MVP under contract for the next two seasons but that wasn’t nearly enough.“Here to stay,” Mahomes wrote on Twitter.The contract extension starts in 2022 when the NFL salary cap is projected to be $227.5 million. However, that number could be lower depending on revenue losses due to the cornonavirus pandemic and the possibility any games played this season won’t have fans.Still, Mahomes will take up a big chunk of Kansas City’s cap space, around 20 percent depending on the annual contract breakdown and final cap numbers. That could potentially make it difficult for the Chiefs to pay several star players big contracts.The Chiefs already had picked up their fifth-year option in April on Mahomes, who had been due to make $825,000 on the final year of his rookie contract this season, to keep him around at least through 2021. General manager Brett Veach said this deal has been a priority for quite a while and thanked Mahomes’ agents, Chris Cabott and Leigh Steinberg.“His abilities are so rare, and to couple that with an incredible personality is outstanding,” Veach said of Mahomes. “We’re going to continue to do everything we can to surround him with talent, and this deal provides us more flexibility to do that. He’s obviously an integral part to our success and we’re thrilled he’s going to be the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs for a long time.”Mahomes threw touchdown passes on consecutive fourth-quarter drives in rallying the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl title in 50 years and the first for coach Andy Reid. That comeback performance earned Mahomes the Super Bowl MVP award and only cemented his status as the face of the Kansas City franchise.Reid said the best part is that Mahomes is still early in his career. Mahomes won’t turn 25 until Sept. 17.“He’s a natural leader and always grinding, whether that’s on the field, in the weight room or watching film, he wants to be the best,” Reid said. “He’s a competitor and his teammates feed off his energy. He makes us all better as an organization and we are blessed he’s going to be our quarterback for years to come.”The Chiefs traded up to select Mahomes 10th overall in the 2017 draft, and he spent one season learning the ropes under Alex Smith before getting the starting job.Mahomes proceeded to shatter just about every franchise passing record while winning the league MVP award, and he had the Chiefs within overtime of landing in the Super Bowl that season. He also was The Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year.He dealt with numerous injuries this past season, including a dislocated kneecap on a seemingly innocent quarterback sneak that left him sidelined for a couple of games. He came back to lead the Chiefs to a long winning streak that culminated with a series of come-from-behind wins in the playoffs, including their second-half rally in the Super Bowl.He is 24-7 as a starter, completing 65.9% of his passes with 76 touchdowns and only 18 interceptions. Mahomes is 724 of 1,099 for 9,412 yards passing, averaging 303.6 yards per game with a 108.9 career quarterback rating. He also has run 110 times for 500 yards with four TDs.He has led the Chiefs to back-to-back AFC championship games. In the postseason, Mahomes is 115 of 184 for 1,474 yards with 13 TDs and only two interceptions with a 106.6 rating.--- Associated Press ---

Chiefs, Mahomes agree to 10-year, $503 million extension

KANSAS CITY, MO (July 6, 2020) — In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals tonight announced their revised 60-game schedule for the 2020 regular season.

Opening Day is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT on Friday, July 24 at Progressive Field vs. the Cleveland Indians, to mark just the second time in the last six seasons in which Kansas City will open on the road. It will be the sixth time in Royals’ history in which they will open on a Friday, and the first since 2012. This will represent the latest Opening Day in Royals history, after the club played its earliest Opening Day last season on March 28. Their 2020 opener will mark the 300th day since the Royals last took the field in a regular season game on Sept. 29, 2019, when they closed out the season with a 5-4 walk-off win vs. Minnesota.

The Royals’ 2020 home opener is now scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT on Friday, July 31 vs. the Chicago White Sox, which will end a streak of 305 days without a regular season game at Kauffman Stadium. 

Kansas City will play 60 games in 66 days this season, including 30 games at home and 30 on the road. Forty games (66.7%) will be played within the American League Central division, and the remaining 20 games will be played vs. the National League Central division.

The breakdown includes 10 games each vs. Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, Detroit and Minnesota. Kansas City will host three games vs. Cleveland, seven games vs. the Chicago White Sox, four games vs. Detroit and six games vs. Minnesota. The Royals will travel for seven games in Cleveland, three games at the Chicago White Sox, six games in Detroit and four games in Minnesota. 

The Royals’ 20-game Interleague schedule will feature six games vs. their intrastate rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, including a three-game set at Busch Stadium from Aug. 24-26 and a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium from Sept. 21-23. They will host Pittsburgh for the first time since 2015, for a three-game series from Sept. 11-13, and will travel to Milwaukee’s Miller Park for the first time since 2018, for a three-game set from Sept. 18-20. The Royals will round out their Interleague schedule with four games each vs. the Reds and Cubs, including two games in Cincinnati from Aug. 11-12, followed by two games vs. the Reds in Kansas City from Aug. 18-19; and a home-and-home set vs. the Cubs, beginning with two games at Wrigley Field from Aug. 3-4, and concluding with two games at Kauffman Stadium from Aug. 5-6. 

The Royals will play on just one national holiday this season, when they travel to Cleveland on Labor Day (Sept. 7). 

Kansas City’s home games will feature weeknight first pitch times at 7:05 p.m. CT. Saturday home games will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT and Sunday home games will start at 1:05 p.m. The only two exceptions are on Thursday, Aug. 6, when the Royals will host the Chicago Cubs beginning at 6:15 p.m. CT, and on the final day of the regular season, Sunday, Sept. 27, when the Royals will host Detroit beginning at 2:05 p.m. CT. 

The Royals will host two season-high seven-game homestands, from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 vs. Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox, and to close out the regular season from Sept. 21-27 vs. St. Louis and Detroit. Kansas City will open the schedule with a season-long seven-game road trip from July 24-30 at Cleveland and Detroit. The Royals will have two 17-day stretches without an off day, from July 24-Aug. 9 and Aug. 28-Sept. 13. They are scheduled for four off days in August (10th, 13th, 20th and 27th) and two in September (14th and 17th). 

The game dates and times are subject to change. 

KANSAS CITY, MO (July 6, 2020) — In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals tonight announced their revised 60-game schedule for the 2020 regular season.Opening Day is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT on Friday, July 24 at Progressive Field vs. the Cleveland Indians, to mark just the second time in the last six seasons in which Kansas City will open on the road. It will be the sixth time in Royals’ history in which they will open on a Friday, and the first since 2012. This will represent the latest Opening Day in Royals history, after the club played its earliest Opening Day last season on March 28. Their 2020 opener will mark the 300th day since the Royals last took the field in a regular season game on Sept. 29, 2019, when they closed out the season with a 5-4 walk-off win vs. Minnesota.The Royals’ 2020 home opener is now scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT on Friday, July 31 vs. the Chicago White Sox, which will end a streak of 305 days without a regular season game at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City will play 60 games in 66 days this season, including 30 games at home and 30 on the road. Forty games (66.7%) will be played within the American League Central division, and the remaining 20 games will be played vs. the National League Central division.The breakdown includes 10 games each vs. Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, Detroit and Minnesota. Kansas City will host three games vs. Cleveland, seven games vs. the Chicago White Sox, four games vs. Detroit and six games vs. Minnesota. The Royals will travel for seven games in Cleveland, three games at the Chicago White Sox, six games in Detroit and four games in Minnesota. The Royals’ 20-game Interleague schedule will feature six games vs. their intrastate rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, including a three-game set at Busch Stadium from Aug. 24-26 and a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium from Sept. 21-23. They will host Pittsburgh for the first time since 2015, for a three-game series from Sept. 11-13, and will travel to Milwaukee’s Miller Park for the first time since 2018, for a three-game set from Sept. 18-20. The Royals will round out their Interleague schedule with four games each vs. the Reds and Cubs, including two games in Cincinnati from Aug. 11-12, followed by two games vs. the Reds in Kansas City from Aug. 18-19; and a home-and-home set vs. the Cubs, beginning with two games at Wrigley Field from Aug. 3-4, and concluding with two games at Kauffman Stadium from Aug. 5-6. The Royals will play on just one national holiday this season, when they travel to Cleveland on Labor Day (Sept. 7). Kansas City’s home games will feature weeknight first pitch times at 7:05 p.m. CT. Saturday home games will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT and Sunday home games will start at 1:05 p.m. The only two exceptions are on Thursday, Aug. 6, when the Royals will host the Chicago Cubs beginning at 6:15 p.m. CT, and on the final day of the regular season, Sunday, Sept. 27, when the Royals will host Detroit beginning at 2:05 p.m. CT. The Royals will host two season-high seven-game homestands, from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 vs. Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox, and to close out the regular season from Sept. 21-27 vs. St. Louis and Detroit. Kansas City will open the schedule with a season-long seven-game road trip from July 24-30 at Cleveland and Detroit. The Royals will have two 17-day stretches without an off day, from July 24-Aug. 9 and Aug. 28-Sept. 13. They are scheduled for four off days in August (10th, 13th, 20th and 27th) and two in September (14th and 17th). The game dates and times are subject to change. --- Royals Press Release ---

Royals to open 2020 season July 24 at Cleveland

ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 6, 2020 – The St. Louis Cardinals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s league-wide release, announced Monday their 60-game 2020 season schedule.  The regionally-based schedule will feature 40 divisional games amongst National League Central opponents and 20 Interleague games against American League Central teams.

The Cardinals will open up the season at Busch Stadium on Friday, July 24, with a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and finish their 60-game slate at Busch Stadium on Sunday, September 27, versus the Milwaukee Brewers.  The Redbirds will also take part in the only game to be played outside a current Major League city when they take on the host Chicago White Sox in the “MLB at Field of Dreams™ presented by GEICO” game at the site of the beloved 1989 baseball-themed movie in Dyersville, Iowa on Thursday, August 13.

The 60-game schedule will feature 10 home series and 10 road series, with home matchups against Pittsburgh (July 24-26, August 10-12), Detroit (August 5-6), Chicago Cubs (August 7-9), Cincinnati (August 20-23, September 11-13), Kansas City (August 24-26), Cleveland (August 28-30), Minnesota (September 8-9), and Milwaukee (September 24-27).  The club will have multiple road series against Milwaukee (July 31-August 2, September 14-16) and the Chicago Cubs (August 17-19, September 4-7).

Of the Cardinals five home stands at Busch Stadium, the longest consists of 10 games (August 20-30) with the Reds (four games), Royals (three games) and Indians (three games).  The team’s longest road trip will also consist of 10 games (September 14-23) while visiting the Brewers (three games), Pirates (four games) and the Royals (three games).  The 60-game schedule allows the team to play three series against each NL Central opponent, two series versus AL Central opponents Kansas City (six games), Detroit (four games) and Minnesota (four games), and one series against both Cleveland (three games) and the Chicago White Sox (three games).

The Cardinals will make future announcements regarding broadcast schedules and any possible ticket availability for 2020 games at a later date.  The complete 60-game schedule can be viewed at cardinals.com/schedule.

ST. LOUIS, Mo., July 6, 2020 – The St. Louis Cardinals, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s league-wide release, announced Monday their 60-game 2020 season schedule. The regionally-based schedule will feature 40 divisional games amongst National League Central opponents and 20 Interleague games against American League Central teams.The Cardinals will open up the season at Busch Stadium on Friday, July 24, with a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates and finish their 60-game slate at Busch Stadium on Sunday, September 27, versus the Milwaukee Brewers. The Redbirds will also take part in the only game to be played outside a current Major League city when they take on the host Chicago White Sox in the “MLB at Field of Dreams™ presented by GEICO” game at the site of the beloved 1989 baseball-themed movie in Dyersville, Iowa on Thursday, August 13.The 60-game schedule will feature 10 home series and 10 road series, with home matchups against Pittsburgh (July 24-26, August 10-12), Detroit (August 5-6), Chicago Cubs (August 7-9), Cincinnati (August 20-23, September 11-13), Kansas City (August 24-26), Cleveland (August 28-30), Minnesota (September 8-9), and Milwaukee (September 24-27). The club will have multiple road series against Milwaukee (July 31-August 2, September 14-16) and the Chicago Cubs (August 17-19, September 4-7).Of the Cardinals five home stands at Busch Stadium, the longest consists of 10 games (August 20-30) with the Reds (four games), Royals (three games) and Indians (three games). The team’s longest road trip will also consist of 10 games (September 14-23) while visiting the Brewers (three games), Pirates (four games) and the Royals (three games). The 60-game schedule allows the team to play three series against each NL Central opponent, two series versus AL Central opponents Kansas City (six games), Detroit (four games) and Minnesota (four games), and one series against both Cleveland (three games) and the Chicago White Sox (three games).The Cardinals will make future announcements regarding broadcast schedules and any possible ticket availability for 2020 games at a later date. The complete 60-game schedule can be viewed at cardinals.com/schedule.--- Cardinals Press Release ---

Cardinals released 2020 schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Some Kansas State athletes were among about 100 people who protested this weekend over an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd.

Those attending the rally in Manhattan, Kansas, on Saturday said the university administration's promise to launch initiatives to address racial injustice at the school did not go far enough, according to The Wichita Eagle.

"We need to create better policies that punish students that think it's OK to say these kinds of things," soccer player Emily Crain said. "I think what [protest organizers] said today was really important. It doesn't stop here. This needs to continue. The action plan that our university made isn't going to be enough."

In late June -- one month after Floyd died when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on the Black, handcuffed man's neck -- Kansas State student Jaden McNeil tweeted: "Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!"

The tweet led to an uproar among students, with several football players and other athletes threatening to boycott if the university didn't take any action.

The school responded last week by launching a diversity and education fund. Among other initiatives, Kansas State promised that athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions; redouble efforts to recruit applicants from diverse backgrounds for staff and coaching positions; use home games to support the Black Lives Matter movement; highlight Black History Month; and provide transportation to athletes to voting locations on Election Day.

University president Richard Myers wrote in an open letter Wednesday that the commitment amounted to "measurable action with concrete steps," but he underscored that the administration did not have the power to expel the student behind the tweet.

"While these messages are disrespectful and abhorrent, we cannot violate the law," Myers said.

The football team hailed the university's planned action, lifted the boycott threat and vowed to return to training.

Soccer player Maguire Sullivan said Saturday that she is proud Kansas State athletes are playing a role in racial reform at the university.

"I don't think it should take athletes taking a stand for there to be change on this campus," Sullivan said. "It shouldn't have to be addressed by student-athletes. I'm glad they are using their platform, but I think change should occur without players threatening not to play next season."

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Some Kansas State athletes were among about 100 people who protested this weekend over an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd.Those attending the rally in Manhattan, Kansas, on Saturday said the university administration's promise to launch initiatives to address racial injustice at the school did not go far enough, according to The Wichita Eagle."We need to create better policies that punish students that think it's OK to say these kinds of things," soccer player Emily Crain said. "I think what [protest organizers] said today was really important. It doesn't stop here. This needs to continue. The action plan that our university made isn't going to be enough."In late June -- one month after Floyd died when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on the Black, handcuffed man's neck -- Kansas State student Jaden McNeil tweeted: "Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!"The tweet led to an uproar among students, with several football players and other athletes threatening to boycott if the university didn't take any action.The school responded last week by launching a diversity and education fund. Among other initiatives, Kansas State promised that athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions; redouble efforts to recruit applicants from diverse backgrounds for staff and coaching positions; use home games to support the Black Lives Matter movement; highlight Black History Month; and provide transportation to athletes to voting locations on Election Day.University president Richard Myers wrote in an open letter Wednesday that the commitment amounted to "measurable action with concrete steps," but he underscored that the administration did not have the power to expel the student behind the tweet."While these messages are disrespectful and abhorrent, we cannot violate the law," Myers said.The football team hailed the university's planned action, lifted the boycott threat and vowed to return to training.Soccer player Maguire Sullivan said Saturday that she is proud Kansas State athletes are playing a role in racial reform at the university."I don't think it should take athletes taking a stand for there to be change on this campus," Sullivan said. "It shouldn't have to be addressed by student-athletes. I'm glad they are using their platform, but I think change should occur without players threatening not to play next season."--- Associated Press ---

Kansas State athletes join protest over student's George Floyd tweet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Royals catcher Salvador Perez has tested positive for the coronavirus, the team announced on July 4.

Perez is asymptomatic and staying at his Kansas City home. He said his family is safe and he feels good.

“I don’t feel anything. Nobody home right now. Everyone in my family tested negative. Everyone took the test two days ago and yesterday too,” Perez said. “I don’t how I got this.”

It will take consecutive negative tests for him to be allowed to play. He said he can’t wait to get back.

“I can’t wait to be back, I know it’s going to take me at least 12 days, but I’m good I don’t feel anything,” he said. “Hopefully everything passes super fast, and I can be back with the guys on the field.” 

Perez was in Miami for the majority of the time in between the postponement of Spring Training and the start of Summer Camp.  He was out all last season after receiving Tommy John surgery.  He said he is still preparing, using workout equipment at his home.

As the threat of the coronavirus looms over sports, several MLB players have opted out of the 2020 season. One player from the Rockies said he was concerned for his family, since his wife is pregnant. The CDC recently added pregnant women to the virus risk group.

The MLB set 60-game schedule for the season after the pandemic delayed the first games by more than three months. Teams will have their first games on July 23 or 24.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Royals catcher Salvador Perez has tested positive for the coronavirus, the team announced on July 4.Perez is asymptomatic and staying at his Kansas City home. He said his family is safe and he feels good.“I don’t feel anything. Nobody home right now. Everyone in my family tested negative. Everyone took the test two days ago and yesterday too,” Perez said. “I don’t how I got this.”It will take consecutive negative tests for him to be allowed to play. He said he can’t wait to get back.“I can’t wait to be back, I know it’s going to take me at least 12 days, but I’m good I don’t feel anything,” he said. “Hopefully everything passes super fast, and I can be back with the guys on the field.” Perez was in Miami for the majority of the time in between the postponement of Spring Training and the start of Summer Camp. He was out all last season after receiving Tommy John surgery. He said he is still preparing, using workout equipment at his home.As the threat of the coronavirus looms over sports, several MLB players have opted out of the 2020 season. One player from the Rockies said he was concerned for his family, since his wife is pregnant. The CDC recently added pregnant women to the virus risk group.The MLB set 60-game schedule for the season after the pandemic delayed the first games by more than three months. Teams will have their first games on July 23 or 24.--- Associated Press ---

Royals' catcher Salvador Perez tests positive for COVID-19

ST. JOSEPH –&nbsp;Missouri Western head men's basketball coach&nbsp;Will Martin&nbsp;announced his 2020-21 signing class, his first as head coach of the Griffon program. Martin's first signing class includes two incoming freshmen and one transfer. "To be successful in this league, it is imperative to bring in the top talent in the country," Martin said. "We are extremely excited about our 2020 signing class and feel that they live up to the high standard we place on recruiting.&nbsp; Each player adds unique strengths and values to our already dynamic roster. Most importantly, each guy exhibits high levels of character, class and integrity that will make Griffon Nation proud to call their own." Justin Bubak 6-4 | G | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Christian HS Martin: "With over 1,700 career points, Justin Bubak joins the Griffs as the all-time leading scorer at Lincoln Christian. The three-time first team all-state guard is versatile and scores at every level of the game. Justin is highly skilled and explosive, adding to the Griffons talented core group of guards. As a two-time state tournament first team selection, Bubak is a proven winner at a high level. Known for his toughness and tenacity, Justin has a maniacal approach to working on his craft that will spread through the entire program and make everyone around him better." Dalton Marsh 6-8 | F | Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. | Red Boiling Springs HS Martin: "Dalton Marsh lives up to his nickname "Big Country'. The six-foot-eight, 240-pound power forward is the all-time leading scorer at Red Boiling Springs High School with a staggering 2,403 career point total. As a Tennessee Mr. Basketball finalist, Dalton also had over 1,000 rebounds in his high school career, averaging nearly 11 rebounds a game in his senior campaign. Shooting 67% from the field, Dalton is a highly efficient big man who will add immediate depth to our roster at his position. An innate leader, Dalton will empower others to reach his level of commitment and overall work ethic from the first moment he walks on campus." JaQuaylon "Q" Mays 6-2 | G | Fort Smith, Ark. | Johnson County Community College Martin: "Q Mays joins the Missouri Western Basketball Program as a JUCO All-American and Jayhawk Conference Player of the Year. Q has the opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact for our program both on and off the court. Averaging 17 points and shooting 38% from 3 last season for JCCC, Q is a difficult scout stop for defenders. His explosiveness combined with an elite skill set allows our program to take the necessary steps towards competing for conference championships. His passion for the game is contagious and it shows in the intensity and intentionality he plays with every possession."&nbsp;&nbsp;

ST. JOSEPH –&nbsp;Missouri Western head men's basketball coach&nbsp;Will Martin&nbsp;announced his 2020-21 signing class, his first as head coach of the Griffon program. Martin's first signing class includes two incoming freshmen and one transfer. "To be successful in this league, it is imperative to bring in the top talent in the country," Martin said. "We are extremely excited about our 2020 signing class and feel that they live up to the high standard we place on recruiting.&nbsp; Each player adds unique strengths and values to our already dynamic roster. Most importantly, each guy exhibits high levels of character, class and integrity that will make Griffon Nation proud to call their own." Justin Bubak 6-4 | G | Lincoln, Neb. | Lincoln Christian HS Martin: "With over 1,700 career points, Justin Bubak joins the Griffs as the all-time leading scorer at Lincoln Christian. The three-time first team all-state guard is versatile and scores at every level of the game. Justin is highly skilled and explosive, adding to the Griffons talented core group of guards. As a two-time state tournament first team selection, Bubak is a proven winner at a high level. Known for his toughness and tenacity, Justin has a maniacal approach to working on his craft that will spread through the entire program and make everyone around him better." Dalton Marsh 6-8 | F | Red Boiling Springs, Tenn. | Red Boiling Springs HS Martin: "Dalton Marsh lives up to his nickname "Big Country'. The six-foot-eight, 240-pound power forward is the all-time leading scorer at Red Boiling Springs High School with a staggering 2,403 career point total. As a Tennessee Mr. Basketball finalist, Dalton also had over 1,000 rebounds in his high school career, averaging nearly 11 rebounds a game in his senior campaign. Shooting 67% from the field, Dalton is a highly efficient big man who will add immediate depth to our roster at his position. An innate leader, Dalton will empower others to reach his level of commitment and overall work ethic from the first moment he walks on campus." JaQuaylon "Q" Mays 6-2 | G | Fort Smith, Ark. | Johnson County Community College Martin: "Q Mays joins the Missouri Western Basketball Program as a JUCO All-American and Jayhawk Conference Player of the Year. Q has the opportunity to come in and make an immediate impact for our program both on and off the court. Averaging 17 points and shooting 38% from 3 last season for JCCC, Q is a difficult scout stop for defenders. His explosiveness combined with an elite skill set allows our program to take the necessary steps towards competing for conference championships. His passion for the game is contagious and it shows in the intensity and intentionality he plays with every possession."&nbsp;&nbsp;--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western announces men's basketball signing class

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football
voluntary workouts have been suspended at this time due to an increase in
positive COVID-19 tests within the program. Due to the positives within our own program and the
increased cases in our region including our student-athletes' home communities,
we believe all football student-athletes and staff should self-quarantine for
14-days, per KDHE requirements and CDC guidelines.

Those student-athletes who are currently in isolation or
quarantine will continue on their timetable of quarantine or isolation. At the
conclusion of the overall 14-day self-quarantine, all student-athletes and
staff will be retested to determine whether conditioning activities will resume
at that time. 

Student-athletes may self-quarantine at their current
housing location – whether on campus or at home if that’s where they are
currently for the holiday weekend. 

Statement from Director of Athletics Jeff Long

“After the increase in positive COVID-19 tests within our football
program, our medical team at Kansas Team Health has recommended discontinuing
voluntary workouts immediately. Our priority remains to keep our
student-athletes safe and healthy, especially during this pandemic, and will
follow the recommendations of our medical professionals.

We will only resume our preparations after the 14-day quarantine is
complete and our student-athletes and staff have bene tested for the virus
prior to participating in football activities. In the meantime, we continue to
educate our student-athletes, as well as coaches and staff, on the importance
of following the policies and procedures and recommendations from our Kansas
Team Health physicians and the CDC.”

<a>Statement from Head Coach Les Miles</a>

“When we welcomed our young men back to
campus a couple of weeks ago for voluntary workouts, even with the policies and
procedures in place to try and protect them from becoming infected with the
virus, events outside of our control has made the decision to pause these
workouts necessary. Our trainers and doctors will remain in daily contact with
each of the student-athletes that tested positive to support them and what we
hope will involve only minor symptoms if any. We will follow medical
recommendations on returning to activities.”

All other sports with
student-athletes that have returned to campus will continue their voluntary
workouts at this time. Should positive tests increase, we will follow
recommendations from Kansas Team Health and suspend additional sports
activities as needed.

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football
voluntary workouts have been suspended at this time due to an increase in
positive COVID-19 tests within the program. Due to the positives within our own program and the
increased cases in our region including our student-athletes' home communities,
we believe all football student-athletes and staff should self-quarantine for
14-days, per KDHE requirements and CDC guidelines. Those student-athletes who are currently in isolation or
quarantine will continue on their timetable of quarantine or isolation. At the
conclusion of the overall 14-day self-quarantine, all student-athletes and
staff will be retested to determine whether conditioning activities will resume
at that time. Student-athletes may self-quarantine at their current
housing location – whether on campus or at home if that’s where they are
currently for the holiday weekend. Statement from Director of Athletics Jeff Long“After the increase in positive COVID-19 tests within our football
program, our medical team at Kansas Team Health has recommended discontinuing
voluntary workouts immediately. Our priority remains to keep our
student-athletes safe and healthy, especially during this pandemic, and will
follow the recommendations of our medical professionals.We will only resume our preparations after the 14-day quarantine is
complete and our student-athletes and staff have bene tested for the virus
prior to participating in football activities. In the meantime, we continue to
educate our student-athletes, as well as coaches and staff, on the importance
of following the policies and procedures and recommendations from our Kansas
Team Health physicians and the CDC.”<a>Statement from Head Coach Les Miles</a>“When we welcomed our young men back to
campus a couple of weeks ago for voluntary workouts, even with the policies and
procedures in place to try and protect them from becoming infected with the
virus, events outside of our control has made the decision to pause these
workouts necessary. Our trainers and doctors will remain in daily contact with
each of the student-athletes that tested positive to support them and what we
hope will involve only minor symptoms if any. We will follow medical
recommendations on returning to activities.”Testing Results Update: <ul>
 <li>164
 student-athletes tested</li><li>16
 total positives</li><li>12
 football</li><li>4
 other sports</li><li>45
 student-athletes currently in quarantine (all sports)</li>
 </ul>All other sports with
student-athletes that have returned to campus will continue their voluntary
workouts at this time. Should positive tests increase, we will follow
recommendations from Kansas Team Health and suspend additional sports
activities as needed.--- KU Athletics ---

Kansas football suspends voluntary workouts

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western men's basketball coach Will Martin has announced his staff for his first season leading the Griffons. Martin brought in Timothy Peete from North Carolina Greensboro to be an assistant coach and promoted Ty Danielson from graduate assistant to assistant coach. St. Joseph native Weston Smith will serve as the team's graduate assistant after helping the program as a student assistant the previous four years.

Previous Experience: Missouri Western graduate assistant (2018-20)

Alma Mater: Nebraska-Kearney (2018), Missouri Western (2020)

"Ty Danielson has been as big a part of our program's recent turnaround as anyone," Martin said. "With high levels of success both as a player and grad assistant in the MIAA, Ty knows this league and region as well as anyone in the country. He has a natural feel for the game and his competitive approach to everything he does elevates the level of intensity of everyone around him. His ability to connect and build relationships not only benefits the players on our current roster, but has also established him as a great recruiter early in his career. I am excited for our guys to have the opportunity to continue growing under the leadership of Coach Danielson as he steps into his new role as an assistant coach."

Previous Experience: University of North Carolina-Greensboro Director of Player Development (2019-20); graduate assistant (2016-18), Chipola College assistant coach (2018-19), Arlington High School assistant coach

"My time with Tim Peete dates back to our 2013-2014 conference championship run when I was a GA and Tim was playing for Tulsa University under Danny Manning," Martin said. "Tim brings a unique perspective and a variety of skill sets to Missouri Western basketball. Along with coaching and serving in administrative roles, Tim has trained some of the top talent in the world, including NBA Players such as Ian Clark, DJ Stephens, and Shaquille Harrison. While his basketball credentials speak for themselves, it is Tim's character that makes him a home run hire for Missouri Western."

Weston Smith – Graduate Assistant

Previous Experience: Missouri Western student assistant/manager (2016-20)

"Weston Smith is the glue that holds everything together for Missouri Western basketball. Weston is as committed, loyal and diligent in his work as anyone I've ever been associated with," Martin said. "As a student assistant for the past four seasons, his roles and responsibilities have continued to be elevated because of his ability to process and execute any task given to him at an elite level. Weston is truly a rising star in the basketball world and I wouldn't be able to lead this program without him by my side."

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western men's basketball coach Will Martin has announced his staff for his first season leading the Griffons. Martin brought in Timothy Peete from North Carolina Greensboro to be an assistant coach and promoted Ty Danielson from graduate assistant to assistant coach. St. Joseph native Weston Smith will serve as the team's graduate assistant after helping the program as a student assistant the previous four years.Ty Danielson – Assistant CoachPrevious Experience: Missouri Western graduate assistant (2018-20)Alma Mater: Nebraska-Kearney (2018), Missouri Western (2020)"Ty Danielson has been as big a part of our program's recent turnaround as anyone," Martin said. "With high levels of success both as a player and grad assistant in the MIAA, Ty knows this league and region as well as anyone in the country. He has a natural feel for the game and his competitive approach to everything he does elevates the level of intensity of everyone around him. His ability to connect and build relationships not only benefits the players on our current roster, but has also established him as a great recruiter early in his career. I am excited for our guys to have the opportunity to continue growing under the leadership of Coach Danielson as he steps into his new role as an assistant coach."Timothy Peete – Assistant CoachPrevious Experience: University of North Carolina-Greensboro Director of Player Development (2019-20); graduate assistant (2016-18), Chipola College assistant coach (2018-19), Arlington High School assistant coachAlma Mater: Tulsa (2014), UNCG (2018)"My time with Tim Peete dates back to our 2013-2014 conference championship run when I was a GA and Tim was playing for Tulsa University under Danny Manning," Martin said. "Tim brings a unique perspective and a variety of skill sets to Missouri Western basketball. Along with coaching and serving in administrative roles, Tim has trained some of the top talent in the world, including NBA Players such as Ian Clark, DJ Stephens, and Shaquille Harrison. While his basketball credentials speak for themselves, it is Tim's character that makes him a home run hire for Missouri Western."Weston Smith – Graduate AssistantPrevious Experience: Missouri Western student assistant/manager (2016-20)Alma Mater: Missouri Western (2020)"Weston Smith is the glue that holds everything together for Missouri Western basketball. Weston is as committed, loyal and diligent in his work as anyone I've ever been associated with," Martin said. "As a student assistant for the past four seasons, his roles and responsibilities have continued to be elevated because of his ability to process and execute any task given to him at an elite level. Weston is truly a rising star in the basketball world and I wouldn't be able to lead this program without him by my side."--- MWSU Athletics --

Griffon men's basketball finalizes coaching staff

St. Joseph Central High School graduate A.J. Redman signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at William Penn University on Thursday.

Redman was a three-year starter for the Indians and played varsity all four years, and he scored over 1000 points in his Central career.  He was named first-team All-league his last two years at CHS and Redman led the Suburban League Red Division in scoring as a senior at 18.7 points per game.

"I want to thank God for blessing me with this chance to play at the next level and further my education!" Redman said on Twitter Thursday.  "I also want to thank my parents, previous teammates and coaching for pushing me and not only making me a better basketball player but a better person as well.  I've learned so much throughout the years, starting with the Hoyas, J'Hawks and ending with Central.  It's been a ride and I'll never forget it.  Now I will begin my next chapter at William Penn University in Iowa!"

William Penn is an NAIA school in Oskaloosa, Iowa and they're a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Last season, the Statesmen went 30-3 and won the regular season and tournament championships in the Heart.  They qualified for the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City but didn't get to play because of the COVID 19 pandemic.

St. Joseph Central High School graduate A.J. Redman signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at William Penn University on Thursday.Redman was a three-year starter for the Indians and played varsity all four years, and he scored over 1000 points in his Central career. He was named first-team All-league his last two years at CHS and Redman led the Suburban League Red Division in scoring as a senior at 18.7 points per game."I want to thank God for blessing me with this chance to play at the next level and further my education!" Redman said on Twitter Thursday. "I also want to thank my parents, previous teammates and coaching for pushing me and not only making me a better basketball player but a better person as well. I've learned so much throughout the years, starting with the Hoyas, J'Hawks and ending with Central. It's been a ride and I'll never forget it. Now I will begin my next chapter at William Penn University in Iowa!"William Penn is an NAIA school in Oskaloosa, Iowa and they're a member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference.Last season, the Statesmen went 30-3 and won the regular season and tournament championships in the Heart. They qualified for the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City but didn't get to play because of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Central's Redman signs to play basketball at William Penn

The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement Thursday denying a report from the Sports Business Journal that said the Chiefs are close to a naming rights deal with GEHA for the field at Arrowhead Stadium.

"We have enjoyed a great relationship with GEHA, its leadership and its entire team for the past year and are very excited about where this partnership is headed. As we said when we first announced this relationship, there are important shared values between the two organizations and we are aligned on thoughts, goals and a vision of what a joint partnership will mean for the community. We've talked openly about the desire to find the correct field naming rights partner for Arrowhead Stadium for a number of years, and while field naming rights have always been an option to explore with GEHA as part of the strategic growth and expansion of this relationship, there has never been, nor will there be, a field naming rights deal in place for the 2020 season. We feel that this message was clearly communicated, but unfortunately a misleading and factually incorrect headline has been written. Amidst all that is currently happening in our communities, neither the Chiefs nor GEHA are focused on a potential field naming rights deal at this time. Our partnership with GEHA remains very strong, it exceeded our expectations in the first year, and we look forward to an exciting future together."

The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement Thursday denying a report from the Sports Business Journal that said the Chiefs are close to a naming rights deal with GEHA for the field at Arrowhead Stadium.Below is the Chiefs statement:"We have enjoyed a great relationship with GEHA, its leadership and its entire team for the past year and are very excited about where this partnership is headed. As we said when we first announced this relationship, there are important shared values between the two organizations and we are aligned on thoughts, goals and a vision of what a joint partnership will mean for the community. We've talked openly about the desire to find the correct field naming rights partner for Arrowhead Stadium for a number of years, and while field naming rights have always been an option to explore with GEHA as part of the strategic growth and expansion of this relationship, there has never been, nor will there be, a field naming rights deal in place for the 2020 season. We feel that this message was clearly communicated, but unfortunately a misleading and factually incorrect headline has been written. Amidst all that is currently happening in our communities, neither the Chiefs nor GEHA are focused on a potential field naming rights deal at this time. Our partnership with GEHA remains very strong, it exceeded our expectations in the first year, and we look forward to an exciting future together."

Chiefs deny naming rights deal with GEHA

The renewal period
for Northwest Missouri State football season tickets has begun for the 2020
season. 
Renewals can be completed online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bearcatsports.com/tickets">www.bearcatsports.com/tickets</a>. 
Reserved football season tickets are $100 and require a membership in the
Bearcat Booster Club. Premium seating locations require a gift to the Northwest
Foundation in addition to the ticket cost. The upgrade and exchange period will
take place Aug. 3-Aug. 14.&nbsp; 
Single-game tickets will begin to be made available on Aug. 31 for home games
vs. Fort Hays State (Sept. 19) and Pittsburg State (Oct. 3). Single-game
tickets for the Homecoming game vs. Northeastern State (Oct. 10) will go on
sale Sept. 21 for $25 each. The final two home games single-game sales will be
on sale Oct. 12 for Missouri Southern (Oct. 31) and Lincoln (Nov. 14). 
All Northwest students receive a free ticket to each home game. Northwest will
continue utilizing e-tickets for Bearcat students to receive their free
admission to home events.

The renewal period
for Northwest Missouri State football season tickets has begun for the 2020
season. 
Renewals can be completed online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bearcatsports.com/tickets">www.bearcatsports.com/tickets</a>. 
Reserved football season tickets are $100 and require a membership in the
Bearcat Booster Club. Premium seating locations require a gift to the Northwest
Foundation in addition to the ticket cost. The upgrade and exchange period will
take place Aug. 3-Aug. 14.&nbsp; 
Single-game tickets will begin to be made available on Aug. 31 for home games
vs. Fort Hays State (Sept. 19) and Pittsburg State (Oct. 3). Single-game
tickets for the Homecoming game vs. Northeastern State (Oct. 10) will go on
sale Sept. 21 for $25 each. The final two home games single-game sales will be
on sale Oct. 12 for Missouri Southern (Oct. 31) and Lincoln (Nov. 14). 
All Northwest students receive a free ticket to each home game. Northwest will
continue utilizing e-tickets for Bearcat students to receive their free
admission to home events.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Bearcat football season ticket renewal period is underway

&nbsp; ST. JOSEPH –&nbsp;The inaugural season for Missouri Western women's lacrosse will come in February, 2021 and head coach&nbsp;Rachel Benzing&nbsp;has navigated through challenging times on the recruiting path to assemble an impressive roster for her first-year program. As of this release date, Benzing had signed 24 student-athletes to national letters of intent to be a part of the first-ever MWSU women's lacrosse team. Benzing has assembled a diverse mixture of first-year collegiate student-athletes and transfers. The current roster hails from 11 different U.S. states with one from Canada. The Griffons will compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference as an associate member. A schedule for the inaugural season is set to be released in the coming weeks. #1 | Amani Robinson | R-So. | Midfielder | 5-4 | McDonough, Ga. | Shorter University Benzing:&nbsp;"Amani brings speed and raw athleticism to this inaugural group. Her work ethic, dedication, and maturity will elevate those around her and make her an impact player on both ends of the field." #2 | Jazmine Servance | Fr. | Defender/Midfielder | 5-9 | Baltimore, Md. | Vermont Academy Benzing:&nbsp;"Jazmine is fast, strong and determined. One of our hardest hitting defenders, she'll set the tone for a physical and aggressive defensive unit." #4 | Mya Allison | Fr. | Defender/Midfielder | 5-5 | Swansea, Ill. | Belleville East HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Mya brings drive and passion to the defensive end of the field. Her willingness to put in work outside of practice will enhance both her and the team's abilities." #5 | Olivia Futrell | Fr. | Attacker | 5-9 | Alton, Ill. | Alton HS Benzing:&nbsp;"'Future' is strong and wants to score. She's a solid finisher who's ready to put up points in year-one." #6 | Catherine Langmaid | R-So. | Attacker | 5-6 | Salem, N.H. | Central Connecticut Benzing:&nbsp;"CC will help anchor our offense from the very beginning. As a lefty, she is dynamic and strong. Combine that with her east coast lacrosse IQ and DI playing experience, she's a deadly threat with and without the ball." #7 | Ellie Pierce | Fr. | Midfielder | 5-8 | Papillion, Neb. | Mercy HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Ellie is an absolute competitor. You can't teach someone to want the ball, and Ellie wants the ball at all times. She'll be a big part of our midfield unit." #8 | Jorja Schooler | Fr. | Attacker/Midfielder | 5-5 | Duluth, Minn. | Duluth East HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Jorja is a work horse. She wants to put the ball in the back of the net and she'll put her head down to get it done. She'll contribute on the draw circle, as well." #11 | Shannon Buehre | So. | Attacker | 5-1 | Lee's Summit, Mo. | University of Saint Mary Benzing:&nbsp;"Shannon is the only returning student-athlete to MWSU. She'll provide much needed leadership on and off the field, while adding an unselfish style of play to our offense." #13 | Campbell Kennedy | R-So. | Defender | 5-6 | Webster Groves, Mo. | Central Connecticut Benzing:&nbsp;"Campbell is a playmaker. This Division I transfer will provide much needed leadership to our defensive unit. We will rely on her heavily in year-one." #14 | Madison Iandoli | Gr. | Midfielder | 5-7 | Palm City, Fla. | Guilford College Benzing:&nbsp;"Madison is a difference maker. She'll provide us with much needed possessions off the draw and pace our midfield unit as a two-way middle." #15 | Nia Austin | Fr. | Defender | 5-2 | Raytown, Mo. | Notre Dame de Sion HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Nia is eager to learn and ready to be a part of a competitive program. She brings athleticism and drive to our defense." #18 | Maggie McDaniel | Gr. | Attacker | 5-4 | Wentzville, Mo. | Chestnut Hill Univ./Missouri Baptist Benzing:&nbsp;"Maggie is a graduate transfer with experience at both the DII and NAIA levels. She understands competitive lacrosse, the Midwest region, and will be a great leader for our young team." #19 | Kiersten Lang | Fr. | Attacker/Midfielder | 5-5 | Swansea, Ill. | Belleville East HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Kiersten is ready to prove herself after dealing with extensive injuries. She is a utility player who can help us anywhere on the field, but will contribute mostly to our attacking unit." #20 | Abby Lockwood | Fr. | Midfielder | 5-3 | Wentzville, Mo. | Wentzville Holt HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Abby is tired of being underestimated. There's a lot of poise and power packed into this one! She's ready to prove herself and take this team to the next level. Her championship mindset will bring up the entire team." #21 | Mariyah Harper | Gr. | Defender | 5-5 | Alexandria, Va. | Alderson Broaddus Benzing:&nbsp;"Mariyah has a big personality and an even bigger presence on the field. As a graduate transfer, she will be one of the biggest voices on our defensive end." #22 | Madison Brady | R-Fr. | Attacker | 5-3 | Millersville, Md. | Howard CC Benzing:&nbsp;"Maddie is ready to be our point guard. This crease attacker was DI bound for good reason and will use her Maryland upbringing to dominate the Midwest." #23 | Kari Ham | Fr. | Goalie | 5-8 | St. Louis, Mo. | Rosati Kain HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Kari is composed and competitive between the pipes. She is eager to learn and ready to be a leader of our defense." #24 | Jillian DeMaddalena | Fr. | Attacker | 5-7 | Platte City, Mo. | Park Hill HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Jill is a hard worker who hustles non-stop, which will make her a positive contributor to our offense." #26 | Mackenzie Porter | R-So. | Goalie | 5-6 | Buchanan, N.Y. | Rutgers Benzing:&nbsp;"Mack is fired up and ready to be the backbone of this program. The two-time high school All-American spent two years growing and developing in the Big 10. With full eligibility remaining, she's up for the challenge of taking a start-up program to postseason play." #29 | Alex Shaffer | Gr. | Midfielder/Defender | 5-7 | Morgantown, W.V. | Alderson Broaddus Benzing:&nbsp;"Alex is our in-house cheerleader! She will be a dual-athlete here on the lacrosse team and cheer squads. She brings high energy, a love for her teammates and the ability to control our transition game." #35 | Brooke Freeman | R-Fr. | Attacker | 5-10 | Champlin, Minn. | Upper Iowa Benzing:&nbsp;"Brooke is our secret weapon. She is sneaky and slippery in the 8-meter. This lefty cutter will be a silent playmaker." #40 | Makalee Rinehart | So. | Defender | 5-4 | Lee's Summit, Mo. | Truman State Benzing:&nbsp;"Mak is tough. A solid defender, she will add to an already physical defensive unit and bring an uplifting attitude to every play." #44 | Morgan Skyles | R-So. | Midfielder | 5-7 | Eureka, Mo. | University of Missouri-St. Louis Benzing:&nbsp;"Mo is going to explode on the lacrosse field. After leaving a championship softball program to pursue her passion for lacrosse, she's not wasting any time getting back into the game. She brings an unparalleled love, dedication, and work ethic." #87 | Gillian Peterson | Fr. | Midfielder/Defender | 5-8 | Manitoba, Canada | Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard Benzing:&nbsp;"Gillian is a great plug and play athlete. We can trust her anywhere on the field. After playing mostly boys lacrosse, we're ready to see how she blossoms at this next level."&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; ST. JOSEPH –&nbsp;The inaugural season for Missouri Western women's lacrosse will come in February, 2021 and head coach&nbsp;Rachel Benzing&nbsp;has navigated through challenging times on the recruiting path to assemble an impressive roster for her first-year program. As of this release date, Benzing had signed 24 student-athletes to national letters of intent to be a part of the first-ever MWSU women's lacrosse team. Benzing has assembled a diverse mixture of first-year collegiate student-athletes and transfers. The current roster hails from 11 different U.S. states with one from Canada. The Griffons will compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference as an associate member. A schedule for the inaugural season is set to be released in the coming weeks. #1 | Amani Robinson | R-So. | Midfielder | 5-4 | McDonough, Ga. | Shorter University Benzing:&nbsp;"Amani brings speed and raw athleticism to this inaugural group. Her work ethic, dedication, and maturity will elevate those around her and make her an impact player on both ends of the field." #2 | Jazmine Servance | Fr. | Defender/Midfielder | 5-9 | Baltimore, Md. | Vermont Academy Benzing:&nbsp;"Jazmine is fast, strong and determined. One of our hardest hitting defenders, she'll set the tone for a physical and aggressive defensive unit." #4 | Mya Allison | Fr. | Defender/Midfielder | 5-5 | Swansea, Ill. | Belleville East HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Mya brings drive and passion to the defensive end of the field. Her willingness to put in work outside of practice will enhance both her and the team's abilities." #5 | Olivia Futrell | Fr. | Attacker | 5-9 | Alton, Ill. | Alton HS Benzing:&nbsp;"'Future' is strong and wants to score. She's a solid finisher who's ready to put up points in year-one." #6 | Catherine Langmaid | R-So. | Attacker | 5-6 | Salem, N.H. | Central Connecticut Benzing:&nbsp;"CC will help anchor our offense from the very beginning. As a lefty, she is dynamic and strong. Combine that with her east coast lacrosse IQ and DI playing experience, she's a deadly threat with and without the ball." #7 | Ellie Pierce | Fr. | Midfielder | 5-8 | Papillion, Neb. | Mercy HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Ellie is an absolute competitor. You can't teach someone to want the ball, and Ellie wants the ball at all times. She'll be a big part of our midfield unit." #8 | Jorja Schooler | Fr. | Attacker/Midfielder | 5-5 | Duluth, Minn. | Duluth East HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Jorja is a work horse. She wants to put the ball in the back of the net and she'll put her head down to get it done. She'll contribute on the draw circle, as well." #11 | Shannon Buehre | So. | Attacker | 5-1 | Lee's Summit, Mo. | University of Saint Mary Benzing:&nbsp;"Shannon is the only returning student-athlete to MWSU. She'll provide much needed leadership on and off the field, while adding an unselfish style of play to our offense." #13 | Campbell Kennedy | R-So. | Defender | 5-6 | Webster Groves, Mo. | Central Connecticut Benzing:&nbsp;"Campbell is a playmaker. This Division I transfer will provide much needed leadership to our defensive unit. We will rely on her heavily in year-one." #14 | Madison Iandoli | Gr. | Midfielder | 5-7 | Palm City, Fla. | Guilford College Benzing:&nbsp;"Madison is a difference maker. She'll provide us with much needed possessions off the draw and pace our midfield unit as a two-way middle." #15 | Nia Austin | Fr. | Defender | 5-2 | Raytown, Mo. | Notre Dame de Sion HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Nia is eager to learn and ready to be a part of a competitive program. She brings athleticism and drive to our defense." #18 | Maggie McDaniel | Gr. | Attacker | 5-4 | Wentzville, Mo. | Chestnut Hill Univ./Missouri Baptist Benzing:&nbsp;"Maggie is a graduate transfer with experience at both the DII and NAIA levels. She understands competitive lacrosse, the Midwest region, and will be a great leader for our young team." #19 | Kiersten Lang | Fr. | Attacker/Midfielder | 5-5 | Swansea, Ill. | Belleville East HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Kiersten is ready to prove herself after dealing with extensive injuries. She is a utility player who can help us anywhere on the field, but will contribute mostly to our attacking unit." #20 | Abby Lockwood | Fr. | Midfielder | 5-3 | Wentzville, Mo. | Wentzville Holt HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Abby is tired of being underestimated. There's a lot of poise and power packed into this one! She's ready to prove herself and take this team to the next level. Her championship mindset will bring up the entire team." #21 | Mariyah Harper | Gr. | Defender | 5-5 | Alexandria, Va. | Alderson Broaddus Benzing:&nbsp;"Mariyah has a big personality and an even bigger presence on the field. As a graduate transfer, she will be one of the biggest voices on our defensive end." #22 | Madison Brady | R-Fr. | Attacker | 5-3 | Millersville, Md. | Howard CC Benzing:&nbsp;"Maddie is ready to be our point guard. This crease attacker was DI bound for good reason and will use her Maryland upbringing to dominate the Midwest." #23 | Kari Ham | Fr. | Goalie | 5-8 | St. Louis, Mo. | Rosati Kain HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Kari is composed and competitive between the pipes. She is eager to learn and ready to be a leader of our defense." #24 | Jillian DeMaddalena | Fr. | Attacker | 5-7 | Platte City, Mo. | Park Hill HS Benzing:&nbsp;"Jill is a hard worker who hustles non-stop, which will make her a positive contributor to our offense." #26 | Mackenzie Porter | R-So. | Goalie | 5-6 | Buchanan, N.Y. | Rutgers Benzing:&nbsp;"Mack is fired up and ready to be the backbone of this program. The two-time high school All-American spent two years growing and developing in the Big 10. With full eligibility remaining, she's up for the challenge of taking a start-up program to postseason play." #29 | Alex Shaffer | Gr. | Midfielder/Defender | 5-7 | Morgantown, W.V. | Alderson Broaddus Benzing:&nbsp;"Alex is our in-house cheerleader! She will be a dual-athlete here on the lacrosse team and cheer squads. She brings high energy, a love for her teammates and the ability to control our transition game." #35 | Brooke Freeman | R-Fr. | Attacker | 5-10 | Champlin, Minn. | Upper Iowa Benzing:&nbsp;"Brooke is our secret weapon. She is sneaky and slippery in the 8-meter. This lefty cutter will be a silent playmaker." #40 | Makalee Rinehart | So. | Defender | 5-4 | Lee's Summit, Mo. | Truman State Benzing:&nbsp;"Mak is tough. A solid defender, she will add to an already physical defensive unit and bring an uplifting attitude to every play." #44 | Morgan Skyles | R-So. | Midfielder | 5-7 | Eureka, Mo. | University of Missouri-St. Louis Benzing:&nbsp;"Mo is going to explode on the lacrosse field. After leaving a championship softball program to pursue her passion for lacrosse, she's not wasting any time getting back into the game. She brings an unparalleled love, dedication, and work ethic." #87 | Gillian Peterson | Fr. | Midfielder/Defender | 5-8 | Manitoba, Canada | Centre Scolaire Léo-Rémillard Benzing:&nbsp;"Gillian is a great plug and play athlete. We can trust her anywhere on the field. After playing mostly boys lacrosse, we're ready to see how she blossoms at this next level."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Missouri Western lacrosse releases inaugural roster

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 1, 2020) - The MIAA Conference office announced the
promotions of Amber
Feldman and Ryley
Egger. Feldman has been elevated to Senior Associate Commissioner and Egger
has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner. 
As the Senior Associate Commissioner, Feldman will continue her role as Senior
Woman Administrator and working with member institutions on NCAA and MIAA
legislation. She will also continue to oversee the MIAA’s internal operations
and COVID-19 Task Force along with management of MIAA Championships. Feldman is
a native of Bourbon, Indiana, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State
University and a master’s degree from Drexel University. She is in her 10th
year at the MIAA office. 
With the promotion to Assistant Commissioner - Communication, Egger will
continue his role working with Communication Directors in the MIAA membership
and coordinating the Association’s social media. He will also oversee the MIAA
Network along with management MIAA Championships. Egger is a Wood River,
Nebraska native, and received a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan
University and a master’s degree from Missouri Western State University. He is
in his third year at the MIAA office.&nbsp; 
The MIAA is a higher education Association whose nationally acclaimed
universities offer a balanced experience that challenges student-athletes
academically, develops their athletic skills in high-level NCAA Division II
competition, and enriches their personal and social well-being. The Association
has 14 member institutions in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and
Oklahoma.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 1, 2020) - The MIAA Conference office announced the
promotions of Amber
Feldman and Ryley
Egger. Feldman has been elevated to Senior Associate Commissioner and Egger
has been promoted to Assistant Commissioner. 
As the Senior Associate Commissioner, Feldman will continue her role as Senior
Woman Administrator and working with member institutions on NCAA and MIAA
legislation. She will also continue to oversee the MIAA’s internal operations
and COVID-19 Task Force along with management of MIAA Championships. Feldman is
a native of Bourbon, Indiana, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State
University and a master’s degree from Drexel University. She is in her 10th
year at the MIAA office. 
With the promotion to Assistant Commissioner - Communication, Egger will
continue his role working with Communication Directors in the MIAA membership
and coordinating the Association’s social media. He will also oversee the MIAA
Network along with management MIAA Championships. Egger is a Wood River,
Nebraska native, and received a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan
University and a master’s degree from Missouri Western State University. He is
in his third year at the MIAA office.&nbsp; 
The MIAA is a higher education Association whose nationally acclaimed
universities offer a balanced experience that challenges student-athletes
academically, develops their athletic skills in high-level NCAA Division II
competition, and enriches their personal and social well-being. The Association
has 14 member institutions in the states of Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and
Oklahoma.--- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA announces promotions for Feldman, Egger

MANHATTAN, Kansas –
With Diversity and Inclusion as a pillar of its Strategic Plan, K-State
Athletics continues to identify new activation steps as a way to grow its
social justice programming and awareness for all student-athletes, coaches and
staff. 
 
The department is in its fourth year of its Diversity and Inclusion plan, which
was created to foster an environment that embraces and celebrates diversity,
while intentionally promoting and practicing inclusion. 
 
“We will not stand for social injustice,” said Athletics Director Gene Taylor.
“Now is the time for us to build upon the Diversity and Inclusion program that
we launched two years ago and make bigger strides in the areas of racial
injustice and racism. I am so proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff
for working together on these steps and know that our department and University
will continue to evolve and grow tremendously.” 
 
The 2020-21 academic year affords the department a unique opportunity
surrounding the social unrest nationally, and with the input and guidance from
student-athletes, coaches and staff, it has identified the following items as
focal points for continued progress:

“It
has been an honor to work with our student-athletes on this progress,” said
Julian Jones, Assistant A.D. for Student-Athlete Development/Chief Diversity
Officer. “They have all stepped up and utilized their platforms for the
betterment of K-State, and I am proud of them for that. We have made great
strides in our Diversity and Inclusion plan as a department and look forward to
continuing to work with our staff and coaches in providing the best environment
possible for our student-athletes.” 
 
Recently, the department has completed numerous other initiatives that have
contributed to its Diversity and Inclusion programming and role in social
justice, including:

“I am excited to help make
K-State a better place – an environment where people from all different
backgrounds feel welcomed,” said Archibong. “We want to continue to build
knowledge, skills and retention surrounding all of our Diversity and Inclusion
events, and I look forward to continuing to develop collaborative relationships
and taking forward steps with all diverse groups in our athletics community.” 
 
“We must keep working to raise awareness about the racial injustices of the
past and those that are still present today,” Burns said. “I see this as an
opportunity to restore justice to our country from our hateful history,
starting with our University. Indifference about issues of social justice is
not okay, and all people deserve love and respect no matter their color of
skin, their gender, or choices of beliefs and religion.” 
 
“This is just the beginning,” added Taylor. “We are committed to diversity and
inclusion and for improving the overall experience for not only our black
students but all of our student-athletes. K-State is a special place, and it is
only going to get better.” 
 
More information on the department’s <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2018/7/2/mission-values-vision.aspx">Strategic
Plan</a> and mission and also its <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2017/8/23/diversity-inclusion.aspx">Diversity
and Inclusion plan</a> can be found in the links shown.

MANHATTAN, Kansas –
With Diversity and Inclusion as a pillar of its Strategic Plan, K-State
Athletics continues to identify new activation steps as a way to grow its
social justice programming and awareness for all student-athletes, coaches and
staff. 
 
The department is in its fourth year of its Diversity and Inclusion plan, which
was created to foster an environment that embraces and celebrates diversity,
while intentionally promoting and practicing inclusion. 
 
“We will not stand for social injustice,” said Athletics Director Gene Taylor.
“Now is the time for us to build upon the Diversity and Inclusion program that
we launched two years ago and make bigger strides in the areas of racial
injustice and racism. I am so proud of our student-athletes, coaches and staff
for working together on these steps and know that our department and University
will continue to evolve and grow tremendously.” 
 
The 2020-21 academic year affords the department a unique opportunity
surrounding the social unrest nationally, and with the input and guidance from
student-athletes, coaches and staff, it has identified the following items as
focal points for continued progress:<ul>
 <li>Launching
 the <a href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/www/ev_kansuse/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=DIVERSE&amp;siteId=ev_kansuse&amp;locale=en_US&amp;linkID=kansuse">Diversity
 and Inclusion Fund</a> which allows K-Staters to directly support department-wide
 initiatives that&nbsp;actively seek inclusive and diverse community
 through educational programming and support of all student-athletes,
 coaches, and staff.</li><li>Student-athlete
 involvement
 on Ad Hoc Board with SGA and Administration on Student Code of Conduct.</li><li>Mandatory Diversity and
 Inclusion training
 for student-athletes, coaches and staff and holding monthly Diversity and
 Inclusion town hall sessions with student-athletes.</li><li>Continue to be diligent in efforts to recruit a
 broad set of applicants for department staff and coaching positions,
 including using department personnel and national resources to create
 diverse hiring pools.</li><li>Utilize home games in
 all sports to support the Black Lives Matter movement.</li><li>Create more
 opportunities
 for all sports to foster relationships and communication between all
 student-athletes and coaches.</li><li>Find new ways to showcase
 Black History Month and highlight black student-athletes
 through the department’s communication channels.</li><li>Partner with the Black
 Student Union
 for more programming and educational opportunities and with campus
 police and RCPD to build better relationships.</li><li>Have voter
 registration sessions and education for all student-athletes and provide
 transportation to voting polls on election day.</li><li>Men’s basketball, in concert with all
 other Big 12 men’s basketball programs, will use November 3 as an
 official day off in order to participate as a voter.</li>
 </ul>“It
has been an honor to work with our student-athletes on this progress,” said
Julian Jones, Assistant A.D. for Student-Athlete Development/Chief Diversity
Officer. “They have all stepped up and utilized their platforms for the
betterment of K-State, and I am proud of them for that. We have made great
strides in our Diversity and Inclusion plan as a department and look forward to
continuing to work with our staff and coaches in providing the best environment
possible for our student-athletes.” 
 
Recently, the department has completed numerous other initiatives that have
contributed to its Diversity and Inclusion programming and role in social
justice, including:<ul>
 <li>Assistant
 A.D. for Student-Athlete Development Julian Jones has added the
 role of Chief Diversity Officer for the department and been named
 to the Senior Staff.</li><li>Adding
 and naming Abigail Archibong (volleyball) as the SAAC Diversity
 Equity and Inclusion Executive Officer and Tyler Burns
 (football) as the chair of the newly formed Student-Athlete Social
 Justice Action Committee.</li><li>Created
 a department-wide Diversity and Inclusion Staff Action Committee.</li><li>Held
 a Black Lives Matter educational panel with Ahearn Fund donors.</li><li>Held
 individual team Diversity and Inclusion education sessions.</li><li>Supported
 local black-owned businesses through social media awareness and posts. K-State Athletics Women Leaders donated $1,120 to Help
 Lake Street Clean-up &amp; Rebuild efforts and Douglass Community Rec
 Center.&nbsp;</li><li>Held Unity games at home competitions for men's
 basketball and soccer to celebrate
 diversity and inclusion.</li>
 </ul>“I am excited to help make
K-State a better place – an environment where people from all different
backgrounds feel welcomed,” said Archibong. “We want to continue to build
knowledge, skills and retention surrounding all of our Diversity and Inclusion
events, and I look forward to continuing to develop collaborative relationships
and taking forward steps with all diverse groups in our athletics community.” 
 
“We must keep working to raise awareness about the racial injustices of the
past and those that are still present today,” Burns said. “I see this as an
opportunity to restore justice to our country from our hateful history,
starting with our University. Indifference about issues of social justice is
not okay, and all people deserve love and respect no matter their color of
skin, their gender, or choices of beliefs and religion.” 
 
“This is just the beginning,” added Taylor. “We are committed to diversity and
inclusion and for improving the overall experience for not only our black
students but all of our student-athletes. K-State is a special place, and it is
only going to get better.” 
 
More information on the department’s <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2018/7/2/mission-values-vision.aspx">Strategic
Plan</a> and mission and also its <a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/2017/8/23/diversity-inclusion.aspx">Diversity
and Inclusion plan</a> can be found in the links shown.--- K-State Athletics ---

K-State athletics continues to grow diversity and inclusion programming  

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Jen-Bagley-Trotter---MWSU-Softball-Coach-eg5hvv">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU SOFTBALL COACH JEN BAGLEY TROTTER</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley Trotter.  Trotter will be in her 20th season at MWSU this upcoming school year and she talks about the 2021 schedule, how recruiting is different right now, her team working out this summer, conversations she's having with her team about social issues in our country right now and much more.

The Griffon softball team had its season cut short this past spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  They were 13-9 when the season was canceled and 2-0 in the MIAA.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Jen-Bagley-Trotter---MWSU-Softball-Coach-eg5hvv">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU SOFTBALL COACH JEN BAGLEY TROTTER</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley Trotter. Trotter will be in her 20th season at MWSU this upcoming school year and she talks about the 2021 schedule, how recruiting is different right now, her team working out this summer, conversations she's having with her team about social issues in our country right now and much more.The Griffon softball team had its season cut short this past spring because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They were 13-9 when the season was canceled and 2-0 in the MIAA.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley Trotter

NEW YORK -- Baseball's minor leagues canceled their seasons Tuesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half of the 160 teams are in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections.

The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the minor league governing body, made the long-expected announcement.

"We are a fans-in-the-stands business. We don't have national TV revenues," association president Pat O'Conner said during a digital news conference. "There was a conversation at one point: Well, can we play without fans? And that was one of the shortest conversations in the last six months. It just doesn't make any sense."

O'Conner estimated that 85-90% of revenue is related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues, averaging 4,044 fans per game.

MLB teams are planning a 60-game regular season, and most of their revenue will come from broadcast money.

"I had a conversation with the commissioner, and we were unable to find a path that allowed us to play games," O'Conner said. "It wasn't an acrimonious decision on our part."

O'Conner said many minor league teams have received money through the federal Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.

"That was a Band-Aid on a hemorrhaging industry," he said. "Many of our clubs have gone through one, two, maybe three rounds of furloughs. In our office here, we've had varying levels of pay cuts between senior management, staff, and we've furloughed some individuals as well and are just about to enter in a second round of furloughs."

He hopes for passage of H.R. 7023, which would provide $1 billion in 15-year federal loans from the Federal Reserve to businesses that had 2019 revenue of $35 million or less and "have contractual obligations for making lease, rent, or bond payments for publicly owned sports facilities, museums, and community theaters."

In addition, the Professional Baseball Agreement between the majors and minors expires Sept. 30, and MLB has proposed reducing the minimum affiliates from 160 to 120.

"There's no question that what the pandemic has done is made us somewhat weaker economically," O'Conner said. "I don't think it's challenged our resolve. I don't think it's impacted our desire to stick together and get a good deal."

There have not been substantive talks for about six weeks.

"There are very many teams that are not liquid, not solvent, not able to proceed under normal circumstances, and these are anything but normal circumstances given the PBA and the uncertainty of the future for some of these ballclubs," O'Conner said. "So I think the coronavirus has really cut into many clubs' ability to make it. And I think that we're looking at, without some government intervention, without doing something to take on equity partners, you might be looking at half of the 160 who are going to have serious problems."

MLB already told clubs to retain expanded 60-player pools, of which 30 players can be active during the first two weeks of the season starting in late July.

Conner said the financial impact of the pathogen might extend into 2023.

"As serious as the threat from Major League Baseball was," O'Conner said, "this threat from the coronavirus, it transcends any list that anybody wants to make with respect to the possibility of teams not being around in the future."

NEW YORK -- Baseball's minor leagues canceled their seasons Tuesday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half of the 160 teams are in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections.The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the minor league governing body, made the long-expected announcement."We are a fans-in-the-stands business. We don't have national TV revenues," association president Pat O'Conner said during a digital news conference. "There was a conversation at one point: Well, can we play without fans? And that was one of the shortest conversations in the last six months. It just doesn't make any sense."O'Conner estimated that 85-90% of revenue is related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues, averaging 4,044 fans per game.MLB teams are planning a 60-game regular season, and most of their revenue will come from broadcast money."I had a conversation with the commissioner, and we were unable to find a path that allowed us to play games," O'Conner said. "It wasn't an acrimonious decision on our part."O'Conner said many minor league teams have received money through the federal Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act."That was a Band-Aid on a hemorrhaging industry," he said. "Many of our clubs have gone through one, two, maybe three rounds of furloughs. In our office here, we've had varying levels of pay cuts between senior management, staff, and we've furloughed some individuals as well and are just about to enter in a second round of furloughs."He hopes for passage of H.R. 7023, which would provide $1 billion in 15-year federal loans from the Federal Reserve to businesses that had 2019 revenue of $35 million or less and "have contractual obligations for making lease, rent, or bond payments for publicly owned sports facilities, museums, and community theaters."In addition, the Professional Baseball Agreement between the majors and minors expires Sept. 30, and MLB has proposed reducing the minimum affiliates from 160 to 120."There's no question that what the pandemic has done is made us somewhat weaker economically," O'Conner said. "I don't think it's challenged our resolve. I don't think it's impacted our desire to stick together and get a good deal."There have not been substantive talks for about six weeks."There are very many teams that are not liquid, not solvent, not able to proceed under normal circumstances, and these are anything but normal circumstances given the PBA and the uncertainty of the future for some of these ballclubs," O'Conner said. "So I think the coronavirus has really cut into many clubs' ability to make it. And I think that we're looking at, without some government intervention, without doing something to take on equity partners, you might be looking at half of the 160 who are going to have serious problems."MLB already told clubs to retain expanded 60-player pools, of which 30 players can be active during the first two weeks of the season starting in late July.Conner said the financial impact of the pathogen might extend into 2023."As serious as the threat from Major League Baseball was," O'Conner said, "this threat from the coronavirus, it transcends any list that anybody wants to make with respect to the possibility of teams not being around in the future."--- Associated Press ---

Minor League Baseball officially cancels their seasons Tuesday

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert21/episodes/Rachel-Benzing---MWSU-Lacrosse-Coach-eg3fj3">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU LACROSSE COACH RACHEL BENZING</a>

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Griffon Athletics' newest team, women's lacrosse, will compete as an associate member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2021.

The addition of women's lacrosse was announced in November. The team will begin competition this spring and with Missouri Western becoming the first MIAA member and state school in Missouri to sponsor the sport, associate membership in another conference was necessary.

"We are very excited to join the GLVC as an associate member and are appreciative to Commissioner Naumovich and the GLVC's Council of Presidents for supporting MWSU's entry into the NCAA's fastest growing sport," MWSU vice president of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Josh Looney said. "The opportunity to grow the game in our region and compete for a conference championship alongside three other NCAA Division II women's lacrosse programs in the state of Missouri is an early win and important strategic step forward for our newest athletic program."

Rachel Benzing was tasked with ushering in MWSU's 17th NCAA DII sport and will lead her Griffons into a conference she is familiar with. Benzing finished her playing career at Lindenwood University which is now a full member of the GLVC and helped start the program at GLVC member Maryville University as an assistant coach.

"MWSU women's lacrosse is extremely grateful to join the GLVC in our inaugural season," Benzing said. "With strong ties to this conference, it will be an exciting and meaningful experience to be a part of the growth of women's lacrosse in both the GLVC and the Midwest region. I look forward to seeing our student-athletes compete on this stage against some of the top teams in the country."

The GLVC will feature eight women's lacrosse programs in 2021. Last year, women's lacrosse became the 23rd sponsored sport in the GLVC. Missouri Western will face in-state foes Maryville, Rockhurst and Lindenwood in addition to Quincy (Ill.), McKendree (Ill.), Lewis (Ill.) and Indianapolis.

With 15 total NCAA DII member institutions, the GLVC spans three Midwest states and has been in existence for more than 40 years. The conference sponsors 24 championship sports.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert21/episodes/Rachel-Benzing---MWSU-Lacrosse-Coach-eg3fj3">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU LACROSSE COACH RACHEL BENZING</a>INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Griffon Athletics' newest team, women's lacrosse, will compete as an associate member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 2021.The addition of women's lacrosse was announced in November. The team will begin competition this spring and with Missouri Western becoming the first MIAA member and state school in Missouri to sponsor the sport, associate membership in another conference was necessary."We are very excited to join the GLVC as an associate member and are appreciative to Commissioner Naumovich and the GLVC's Council of Presidents for supporting MWSU's entry into the NCAA's fastest growing sport," MWSU vice president of intercollegiate athletics Dr. Josh Looney said. "The opportunity to grow the game in our region and compete for a conference championship alongside three other NCAA Division II women's lacrosse programs in the state of Missouri is an early win and important strategic step forward for our newest athletic program."Rachel Benzing was tasked with ushering in MWSU's 17th NCAA DII sport and will lead her Griffons into a conference she is familiar with. Benzing finished her playing career at Lindenwood University which is now a full member of the GLVC and helped start the program at GLVC member Maryville University as an assistant coach."MWSU women's lacrosse is extremely grateful to join the GLVC in our inaugural season," Benzing said. "With strong ties to this conference, it will be an exciting and meaningful experience to be a part of the growth of women's lacrosse in both the GLVC and the Midwest region. I look forward to seeing our student-athletes compete on this stage against some of the top teams in the country."The GLVC will feature eight women's lacrosse programs in 2021. Last year, women's lacrosse became the 23rd sponsored sport in the GLVC. Missouri Western will face in-state foes Maryville, Rockhurst and Lindenwood in addition to Quincy (Ill.), McKendree (Ill.), Lewis (Ill.) and Indianapolis.With 15 total NCAA DII member institutions, the GLVC spans three Midwest states and has been in existence for more than 40 years. The conference sponsors 24 championship sports.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffon lacrosse to compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference

Manhattan (AP) — Legendary former Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder says he misses being on the field but has no interest in returning to the sidelines more than 18 months after wrapping up a Hall of Fame career.

Snyder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bf2c52a682ba4a07832d8b9a8fde05a8">stepped away</a>&nbsp;in 2018 after 27 seasons on the sidelines that included winning 215 games, reaching 19 bowls and claiming a pair of Big 12 titles. He said he’s now mostly at home spending time with his wife and family.

“I don’t wake up thinking, ‘Boy do I miss football,’” Snyder told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article243789582.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle</a>&nbsp;during a recent video conference. “I don’t really think about it all that much.”

Snyder said that when he first retired in 2005, it took him about half a year to get accustomed to the new role. And though he returned from retirement three years later, it’s never bothered him since.

“I can’t say that I don’t miss being on the field, but it’s not something that I think about going back to,” Snyder said. “The time has come and passed and I enjoyed it.”

Snyder arrived at Kansas State in the fall of 1988, a nondescript offensive coordinator from Iowa who once coached high school swimming before learning under legendary Hawkeyes coach Hayden Fry. During his tenure in Manhattan, which began in the Big Eight, he weathered seismic shifts in college football. Along the way he overcame throat cancer, sent dozens of players to the NFL and gave countless more an opportunity to succeed on and off the field.

Snyder said he still talks to many of his former players and recently made the case for Michael Bishop and Darren Sproles to join him in the College Football Hall of Fame

Synder said he’s always loved mentoring young players and imparting wisdom. He offered insight to anyone struggling with the unprecedented times we’re living through.

“I would like to think that it would be virtually the same,” Snyder said. “With all the turmoil that goes on, one thing that stands at the top is the quality of character and the type of person that you are and the value system that you possess.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593432632894.png" alt="Bill Snyder -photo courtesy K-State Athletics&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Bill Snyder -photo courtesy K-State Athletics&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan (AP) — Legendary former Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder says he misses being on the field but has no interest in returning to the sidelines more than 18 months after wrapping up a Hall of Fame career.Snyder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/bf2c52a682ba4a07832d8b9a8fde05a8">stepped away</a>&nbsp;in 2018 after 27 seasons on the sidelines that included winning 215 games, reaching 19 bowls and claiming a pair of Big 12 titles. He said he’s now mostly at home spending time with his wife and family.“I don’t wake up thinking, ‘Boy do I miss football,’” Snyder told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article243789582.html" target="_blank">The Wichita Eagle</a>&nbsp;during a recent video conference. “I don’t really think about it all that much.”Snyder said that when he first retired in 2005, it took him about half a year to get accustomed to the new role. And though he returned from retirement three years later, it’s never bothered him since.“I can’t say that I don’t miss being on the field, but it’s not something that I think about going back to,” Snyder said. “The time has come and passed and I enjoyed it.”Snyder arrived at Kansas State in the fall of 1988, a nondescript offensive coordinator from Iowa who once coached high school swimming before learning under legendary Hawkeyes coach Hayden Fry. During his tenure in Manhattan, which began in the Big Eight, he weathered seismic shifts in college football. Along the way he overcame throat cancer, sent dozens of players to the NFL and gave countless more an opportunity to succeed on and off the field.Snyder said he still talks to many of his former players and recently made the case for Michael Bishop and Darren Sproles to join him in the College Football Hall of FameSynder said he’s always loved mentoring young players and imparting wisdom. He offered insight to anyone struggling with the unprecedented times we’re living through.“I would like to think that it would be virtually the same,” Snyder said. “With all the turmoil that goes on, one thing that stands at the top is the quality of character and the type of person that you are and the value system that you possess.”

Longtime Kansas State coach Snyder says he enjoys retirement

The Kansas City Royals released their 60-man player pool on Sunday as those players can begin workouts this Friday at Kauffman Stadium. 

The Royals added Bobby Witt, Jr. to their player pool as he was not invited to their initial spring training back in February.  Witt is the Royals' top pick from the 2019 MLB Draft.

Witt and many of the Royals' top pitching prospects are in the 60-man player pool.  Brady Signer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic were all high draft picks in 2018 and were in spring training back in February.

Since there probably will not be a Minor League season players not on the 40-man roster who made the 60-man player pool will not accrue service time.

“With the circumstances we’re going through,” General Manager Dayton Moore said, “there really isn’t a clear pathway to develop this year, other than this. We’re trying to accommodate as many players as we can, not just for 2020, but for 2021 and 2022.”

The Royals did not put their top draft pick this season, left-hander Asa Lacy, in the player pool.

“There was some talk about adding him,” Moore said, “but at the end of the day, we like where he is right now -- he’s got a good workout spot at College Station [Texas]. We could only have so many players on the 60. There were a lot of players left off. But hopefully there’ll be an opportunity for many of them this fall in Arizona.”

Teams will have an initial 30-man roster for opening day, July 23-24. Two weeks from then, rosters will be reduced to 28, then two weeks later to 26.

Pitchers (32): Chance Adams, Scott Barlow, Scott Blewett, Kris Bubic, Austin Cox, Danny Duffy, Heath Fillmyer, Foster Griffin, Jesse Hahn, Tim Hill, Greg Holland, Jakob Junis, Brad Keller, Ian Kennedy, Jackson Kowar, Jorge López, Richard Lovelady, Daniel Lynch, Kevin McCarthy, Mike Montgomery, Jake Newberry, Randy Rosario, Trevor Rosenthal, Braden Shipley, Brady Singer, Glenn Sparkman, Gabe Speier, Josh Staumont, Daniel Tillo, Stephen Woods Jr., Kyle Zimmer, Tyler Zuber

Catchers (6): Nick Dini, Cam Gallagher, MJ Melendez, Salvador Perez, Sebastian Rivero, Meibrys Viloria

Infielders (11): Humberto Arteaga, Maikel Franco, Kelvin Gutierrez, Jeison Guzman, Nicky Lopez, Ryan McBroom, Adalberto Mondesi, Ryan O'Hearn, Nick Pratto, Matt Reynolds, Bobby Witt Jr.

Outfielders (11): Hunter Dozier, Alex Gordon, Nick Heath, Kyle Isbel, Khalil Lee, Seuly Matias, Erick Mejia, Whit Merrifield, Brett Phillips, Jorge Soler, Bubba Starling

The Kansas City Royals released their 60-man player pool on Sunday as those players can begin workouts this Friday at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals added Bobby Witt, Jr. to their player pool as he was not invited to their initial spring training back in February. Witt is the Royals' top pick from the 2019 MLB Draft.Witt and many of the Royals' top pitching prospects are in the 60-man player pool. Brady Signer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch and Kris Bubic were all high draft picks in 2018 and were in spring training back in February.Since there probably will not be a Minor League season players not on the 40-man roster who made the 60-man player pool will not accrue service time.“With the circumstances we’re going through,” General Manager Dayton Moore said, “there really isn’t a clear pathway to develop this year, other than this. We’re trying to accommodate as many players as we can, not just for 2020, but for 2021 and 2022.”The Royals did not put their top draft pick this season, left-hander Asa Lacy, in the player pool.“There was some talk about adding him,” Moore said, “but at the end of the day, we like where he is right now -- he’s got a good workout spot at College Station [Texas]. We could only have so many players on the 60. There were a lot of players left off. But hopefully there’ll be an opportunity for many of them this fall in Arizona.”Teams will have an initial 30-man roster for opening day, July 23-24. Two weeks from then, rosters will be reduced to 28, then two weeks later to 26.Here is the Royals' 60-man player pool:Pitchers (32): Chance Adams, Scott Barlow, Scott Blewett, Kris Bubic, Austin Cox, Danny Duffy, Heath Fillmyer, Foster Griffin, Jesse Hahn, Tim Hill, Greg Holland, Jakob Junis, Brad Keller, Ian Kennedy, Jackson Kowar, Jorge López, Richard Lovelady, Daniel Lynch, Kevin McCarthy, Mike Montgomery, Jake Newberry, Randy Rosario, Trevor Rosenthal, Braden Shipley, Brady Singer, Glenn Sparkman, Gabe Speier, Josh Staumont, Daniel Tillo, Stephen Woods Jr., Kyle Zimmer, Tyler ZuberCatchers (6): Nick Dini, Cam Gallagher, MJ Melendez, Salvador Perez, Sebastian Rivero, Meibrys ViloriaInfielders (11): Humberto Arteaga, Maikel Franco, Kelvin Gutierrez, Jeison Guzman, Nicky Lopez, Ryan McBroom, Adalberto Mondesi, Ryan O'Hearn, Nick Pratto, Matt Reynolds, Bobby Witt Jr.Outfielders (11): Hunter Dozier, Alex Gordon, Nick Heath, Kyle Isbel, Khalil Lee, Seuly Matias, Erick Mejia, Whit Merrifield, Brett Phillips, Jorge Soler, Bubba Starling

Royals release 60-man player pool ahead of camp

The St. Louis Cardinals announced 44 players they will bring to Busch Stadium for their training camp this week.  The club said the rest of the 60-man player pool, which teams had until 3 p.m. CT Sunday to submit, will be announced later.

Catchers (5): Jose Godoy, Ivan Herrera, Andrew Knizner, Yadier Molina, Matt Wieters

Infielders (10): Matt Carpenter, Paul DeJong, Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt, Brad Miller, John Nogowski, Rangel Ravelo, Max Schrock, Edmundo Sosa, Kolten Wong

Outfielders (7): Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson, Austin Dean, Dexter Fowler, Tyler O’Neill, Lane Thomas, Justin Williams

Pitchers (22): Génesis Cabrera, Brett Cecil, Junior Fernandez, Jack Flaherty, Giovanny Gallegos, John Gant, Austin Gomber, Ryan Helsley, Jordan Hicks, Dakota Hudson, Kwang-Hyun Kim, Carlos Martínez, Miles Mikolas, Andrew Miller, Johan Oviedo, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Alex Reyes, Ricardo Sánchez, Adam Wainwright, Tyler Webb, Kodi Whitley, Jake Woodford

The St. Louis Cardinals announced 44 players they will bring to Busch Stadium for their training camp this week. The club said the rest of the 60-man player pool, which teams had until 3 p.m. CT Sunday to submit, will be announced later.Catchers (5): Jose Godoy, Ivan Herrera, Andrew Knizner, Yadier Molina, Matt WietersInfielders (10): Matt Carpenter, Paul DeJong, Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt, Brad Miller, John Nogowski, Rangel Ravelo, Max Schrock, Edmundo Sosa, Kolten WongOutfielders (7): Harrison Bader, Dylan Carlson, Austin Dean, Dexter Fowler, Tyler O’Neill, Lane Thomas, Justin WilliamsPitchers (22): Génesis Cabrera, Brett Cecil, Junior Fernandez, Jack Flaherty, Giovanny Gallegos, John Gant, Austin Gomber, Ryan Helsley, Jordan Hicks, Dakota Hudson, Kwang-Hyun Kim, Carlos Martínez, Miles Mikolas, Andrew Miller, Johan Oviedo, Daniel Ponce de Leon, Alex Reyes, Ricardo Sánchez, Adam Wainwright, Tyler Webb, Kodi Whitley, Jake Woodford

St. Louis Cardinals announce 44 of their 60-man player pool

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is reviewing its options after a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd prompted outrage from several students, including two football players who threatened to leave, the school’s president said Friday.

On Thursday, one month since Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”

University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”

“We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms,” Myers said. “We are launching an immediate review of the university’s options. Black Lives Matter at Kansas State University and we will continue to fight for social justice.”

McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil. Students released a video last week under the #BlackAtKState hashtag and asked for America First Students to be removed from campus. And a petition has circulated on Twitter asking that the group be banned from campus because it spreads “hateful rhetoric,” The Manhattan Mercury reported.

McNeil did not respond to a message to America First Students seeking comment Friday. He has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”

Kansas State spokesman Jeff Morris said America First Students is currently not registered on the campus. He said independent student organizations need to have at least five members and renew registration every year, The Kansas City Star reported.

Wide receiver Joshua Youngblood and defensive back Walter Neil Jr. both tweeted that they would not play for the school unless McNeil is removed from campus, though Youngblood has since removed his tweet. Several other players posted tweets criticizing McNeil.

Athletics director Gene Taylor and football coach Chris Klieman both criticized McNeil’s tweet and said they would not tolerate racial hate on campus.

“Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice,” Klieman wrote in a tweet. “I love our players and they know I have their backs.”

College athletes around the country have marched and used their influence to push for social justice since Floyd’s death.

On June 3, University of Missouri athletes and coaches joined with police and other administrators in walking to the Boone County Courthouse and knelt in honor of Floyd, before 62 football players registered to vote. That came on a campus that was roiled by controversy and demonstrations five years ago over the treatment of minorities on campus. Several members of the football team threatened to boycott until the then-president of the school resigned.

McNeil received several tweets of support Friday, including from conservative syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University is reviewing its options after a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd prompted outrage from several students, including two football players who threatened to leave, the school’s president said Friday.On Thursday, one month since Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”“We condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms,” Myers said. “We are launching an immediate review of the university’s options. Black Lives Matter at Kansas State University and we will continue to fight for social justice.”McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil. Students released a video last week under the #BlackAtKState hashtag and asked for America First Students to be removed from campus. And a petition has circulated on Twitter asking that the group be banned from campus because it spreads “hateful rhetoric,” The Manhattan Mercury reported.McNeil did not respond to a message to America First Students seeking comment Friday. He has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”Kansas State spokesman Jeff Morris said America First Students is currently not registered on the campus. He said independent student organizations need to have at least five members and renew registration every year, The Kansas City Star reported.Wide receiver Joshua Youngblood and defensive back Walter Neil Jr. both tweeted that they would not play for the school unless McNeil is removed from campus, though Youngblood has since removed his tweet. Several other players posted tweets criticizing McNeil.Athletics director Gene Taylor and football coach Chris Klieman both criticized McNeil’s tweet and said they would not tolerate racial hate on campus.“Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice,” Klieman wrote in a tweet. “I love our players and they know I have their backs.”College athletes around the country have marched and used their influence to push for social justice since Floyd’s death.On June 3, University of Missouri athletes and coaches joined with police and other administrators in walking to the Boone County Courthouse and knelt in honor of Floyd, before 62 football players registered to vote. That came on a campus that was roiled by controversy and demonstrations five years ago over the treatment of minorities on campus. Several members of the football team threatened to boycott until the then-president of the school resigned.McNeil received several tweets of support Friday, including from conservative syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin.--- Associated Press ---

Kansas State athletes, officials decry student's Floyd tweet

ST. JOSEPH - Coming off the best combined seasons for the Missouri Western football and basketball teams in more than a decade, Griffon Athletics is finding its fan base is energized for the coming 2020-21 seasons.

Last year saw a 9-3 record for Griffon football with its second consecutive Live United Bowl championship and a 13th place ranking among NCAA Division II average attendance. The men's and women's basketball teams both finished fourth in the MIAA standings, going 26-3 in the MWSU Fieldhouse in front of the nation's ninth and 10th largest average crowds, respectively.

The recent Gold Coat Club membership drive indicates a strong desire to see that success and support continue an upward climb. Gold Coat memberships and 2020-21 season ticket renewals are moving at a record pace. The historically-high interest has been fueled by a 95% renewal rate to date and an 18% surge in new memberships. The upward trajectory has currently pushed Griffon Athletics to 103% of its Gold Coat goal.

"Our coaches, staff and student-athletes feel this energy and I'm thrilled to report that we are ALL IN beside #OURCITY with 100% of full-time athletic department employees committed as Gold Coat members," said MWSU vice president for intercollegiate athletics Josh Looney. "Continuing this momentum is crucial as we prepare for, and recover from, a disruptive year for higher education."

Last week, in response to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the MIAA unveiled revised conference schedules which are now posted at GoGriffons.com. MWSU maintained a five-game home football schedule that includes a week-nine rivalry showdown with Northwest. While the 2020-21 basketball schedule will not feature neutral site competition at Civic Arena or non-conference competition, the MIAA conference schedule has been increased to feature 22 basketball games including 11 home doubleheaders.

"As we move closer to the 2020-21 academic year, we remain committed to hosting fans at our games," Looney said. "Our intent is to play in front of a full stadium. We will follow local health guidelines and recommendations at that time and, if attendance alterations are necessary, Gold Coat members will receive priority access to tickets."

Gold Coat memberships may be reserved online, by calling 816-271-4481, or by emailing MWSU senior associate athletic director Brett Esely (esely@missouriwestern.edu).

2020-21 Gold Coat Board Members Zack Workman (President) Nancy Black Chip Brock Don Daffron Scott Graham Jake Heston Mike Holden Rich Loehnig Rodney Saunders Ralph Schank Charles Schwichtenberg Kim Sigrist Lyle Smith Tom Tewell Don Tolly

ST. JOSEPH - Coming off the best combined seasons for the Missouri Western football and basketball teams in more than a decade, Griffon Athletics is finding its fan base is energized for the coming 2020-21 seasons.Last year saw a 9-3 record for Griffon football with its second consecutive Live United Bowl championship and a 13th place ranking among NCAA Division II average attendance. The men's and women's basketball teams both finished fourth in the MIAA standings, going 26-3 in the MWSU Fieldhouse in front of the nation's ninth and 10th largest average crowds, respectively.The recent Gold Coat Club membership drive indicates a strong desire to see that success and support continue an upward climb. Gold Coat memberships and 2020-21 season ticket renewals are moving at a record pace. The historically-high interest has been fueled by a 95% renewal rate to date and an 18% surge in new memberships. The upward trajectory has currently pushed Griffon Athletics to 103% of its Gold Coat goal."Our coaches, staff and student-athletes feel this energy and I'm thrilled to report that we are ALL IN beside #OURCITY with 100% of full-time athletic department employees committed as Gold Coat members," said MWSU vice president for intercollegiate athletics Josh Looney. "Continuing this momentum is crucial as we prepare for, and recover from, a disruptive year for higher education."Last week, in response to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, the MIAA unveiled revised conference schedules which are now posted at GoGriffons.com. MWSU maintained a five-game home football schedule that includes a week-nine rivalry showdown with Northwest. While the 2020-21 basketball schedule will not feature neutral site competition at Civic Arena or non-conference competition, the MIAA conference schedule has been increased to feature 22 basketball games including 11 home doubleheaders."As we move closer to the 2020-21 academic year, we remain committed to hosting fans at our games," Looney said. "Our intent is to play in front of a full stadium. We will follow local health guidelines and recommendations at that time and, if attendance alterations are necessary, Gold Coat members will receive priority access to tickets."Gold Coat memberships may be reserved online, by calling 816-271-4481, or by emailing MWSU senior associate athletic director Brett Esely (esely@missouriwestern.edu).2020-21 Gold Coat Board Members Zack Workman (President) Nancy Black Chip Brock Don Daffron Scott Graham Jake Heston Mike Holden Rich Loehnig Rodney Saunders Ralph Schank Charles Schwichtenberg Kim Sigrist Lyle Smith Tom Tewell Don Tolly--- MWSU Athletics ---