LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced late Friday it had reached a settlement with former football coach David Beaty, who had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract.

The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.

The two sides had been in a legal battle since shortly after Kansas fired Beaty near the end of the 2018 season. His contract called for a $3 million buyout, but the school refused to pay it after discovering potential NCAA infractions during routine end-of-season interviews with Beaty's coaching staff.

The school reported the discoveries to the NCAA and was given a Level II violation.

Beaty, who won just six games in four seasons, filed his lawsuit in March 2019 in an attempt to get the full sum of his contract. The settlement will be paid from the money placed in escrow the year after he was fired.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced late Friday it had reached a settlement with former football coach David Beaty, who had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract.The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.The two sides had been in a legal battle since shortly after Kansas fired Beaty near the end of the 2018 season. His contract called for a $3 million buyout, but the school refused to pay it after discovering potential NCAA infractions during routine end-of-season interviews with Beaty's coaching staff.The school reported the discoveries to the NCAA and was given a Level II violation.Beaty, who won just six games in four seasons, filed his lawsuit in March 2019 in an attempt to get the full sum of his contract. The settlement will be paid from the money placed in escrow the year after he was fired.--- Associated Press ---

Kansas agrees to $2.55M settlement with ex-football coach Beaty

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Taylor-Schwartzkopf---MWSU-Soccer-Senior-ef06ne">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU SOCCER SENIOR TAYLOR SCHWARTZKOPF</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western senior soccer player Taylor Schwartzkopf.  The senior from Farmington, Missouri discussed being quarantined the last few months, her career at MWSU, high expectations for the 2020 season and much more.

Schwartzkopf is a two-time Honorable Mention All-MIAA selections.  She tied for the team lead last season with three goals, and led the Griffons with 63 shots and 27 shots on goal.  

Schwartzkopf added three goals and one assist during her sophomore season in 2018, and she had six goals and two assists in seven games her freshman season.  Schwartzkopf tore her ACL in the seventh game of that 2017 season and missed the rest of the season as MWSU went 17-5 and qualified for their first even NCAA Tournament.

Missouri Western went 4-11-3 last year and 1-8-2 in the MIAA, but they return their entire team as they had no seniors on the 2019 roster. 

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Taylor-Schwartzkopf---MWSU-Soccer-Senior-ef06ne">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU SOCCER SENIOR TAYLOR SCHWARTZKOPF</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western senior soccer player Taylor Schwartzkopf. The senior from Farmington, Missouri discussed being quarantined the last few months, her career at MWSU, high expectations for the 2020 season and much more.Schwartzkopf is a two-time Honorable Mention All-MIAA selections. She tied for the team lead last season with three goals, and led the Griffons with 63 shots and 27 shots on goal. Schwartzkopf added three goals and one assist during her sophomore season in 2018, and she had six goals and two assists in seven games her freshman season. Schwartzkopf tore her ACL in the seventh game of that 2017 season and missed the rest of the season as MWSU went 17-5 and qualified for their first even NCAA Tournament.Missouri Western went 4-11-3 last year and 1-8-2 in the MIAA, but they return their entire team as they had no seniors on the 2019 roster.

1-on-1 with Griffon soccer senior Taylor Schwartzkopf

SPRINGFIELD –
Missouri State University Director of Athletics Kyle Moats announced today the
implementation of a department-wide educational initiative that values
inclusion of diversity, tolerance and social responsibility.

The plan calls for
three initial steps to begin immediately with the 2020-21 academic year and
expand in future years after annual evaluations. The first-phase components
include:

“We have the
capacity to make things better,” said Moats. “From a very young age, athletics
provides a unique training ground for people to work together with others from
different backgrounds and beliefs. In our current environment, that’s an asset
that can be utilized to make a difference. We can be leaders on our campus and
in our community while establishing a stronger foundation for all of our
programs here.”

Moats also noted
that creating a culture of education that values the inclusion of diversity and
acceptance is paramount to making long-term strides.

“The bottom line is
how we treat people,” said Moats. “If we can be more visible in the community
and help young people. If we can be leaders in establishing a better campus
culture. If we can help eradicate discrimination in our corner of the world and
have empathy for those who face oppression. Then we will be doing our part.”

“Like most
Americans, as I have had time to reflect on the events of this past week, my
thoughts have covered the gamut. From disbelief, anger, sorrow and
disappointment, I’ve felt the entire range.&nbsp;

As you can imagine, we have had some of our coaches and family
members passionately articulate their feelings.&nbsp;I welcome and support
their voices in these difficult times. I’m proud that we have coaches who care
and want to make a difference for the student-athletes they lead and the
families they represent. Our department stands by them and is committed to
making a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We don’t have all
the answers. But I know I have the ability and the responsibility to make a
difference to our staff and the 400 student-athletes on our campus to make them
better citizens and better human beings. We are a diverse group of people who
represent many races, nationalities, religions, economic backgrounds, political
beliefs and values. But, when we compete to&nbsp;represent Missouri State, we
are all one.

I am committed to the
development of programs to better educate our staff &amp; student-athletes; to
be more prominent in the community and making youth aware of these important
issues; and promoting tolerance and accountability for all.&nbsp;I promise we
will use our platform to make things better. Valuing the inclusion of diversity
is everybody’s responsibility. It’s the right thing to do and we’re going to do
our part.”&nbsp;

SPRINGFIELD –
Missouri State University Director of Athletics Kyle Moats announced today the
implementation of a department-wide educational initiative that values
inclusion of diversity, tolerance and social responsibility.The plan calls for
three initial steps to begin immediately with the 2020-21 academic year and
expand in future years after annual evaluations. The first-phase components
include:<ol>
 <li>Required
 annual diversity and sensitivity training for all athletic department
 employees and student-athletes</li><li>Development
 of a community engagement program to increase Missouri State
 student-athlete involvement in local schools and youth sports programs</li><li>Establishment
 a formal procedure for student-athletes and staff to report discriminatory
 behavior of any kind, while utilizing existing campus resources when
 needed to advise students who have experienced discrimination</li>
 </ol>“We have the
capacity to make things better,” said Moats. “From a very young age, athletics
provides a unique training ground for people to work together with others from
different backgrounds and beliefs. In our current environment, that’s an asset
that can be utilized to make a difference. We can be leaders on our campus and
in our community while establishing a stronger foundation for all of our
programs here.”Moats also noted
that creating a culture of education that values the inclusion of diversity and
acceptance is paramount to making long-term strides.“The bottom line is
how we treat people,” said Moats. “If we can be more visible in the community
and help young people. If we can be leaders in establishing a better campus
culture. If we can help eradicate discrimination in our corner of the world and
have empathy for those who face oppression. Then we will be doing our part.”Statement from
Kyle Moats “Like most
Americans, as I have had time to reflect on the events of this past week, my
thoughts have covered the gamut. From disbelief, anger, sorrow and
disappointment, I’ve felt the entire range.&nbsp;As you can imagine, we have had some of our coaches and family
members passionately articulate their feelings.&nbsp;I welcome and support
their voices in these difficult times. I’m proud that we have coaches who care
and want to make a difference for the student-athletes they lead and the
families they represent. Our department stands by them and is committed to
making a difference.&nbsp;&nbsp;We don’t have all
the answers. But I know I have the ability and the responsibility to make a
difference to our staff and the 400 student-athletes on our campus to make them
better citizens and better human beings. We are a diverse group of people who
represent many races, nationalities, religions, economic backgrounds, political
beliefs and values. But, when we compete to&nbsp;represent Missouri State, we
are all one.I am committed to the
development of programs to better educate our staff &amp; student-athletes; to
be more prominent in the community and making youth aware of these important
issues; and promoting tolerance and accountability for all.&nbsp;I promise we
will use our platform to make things better. Valuing the inclusion of diversity
is everybody’s responsibility. It’s the right thing to do and we’re going to do
our part.”&nbsp;

Missouri State AD announces educational initiative

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

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

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

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

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

‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas City’s signature franchise

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

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

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

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

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

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

How 1918 pandemic sparked founding of Negro Leagues in Kansas City

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Roy-Robles---MWSU-Baseball-LHP-eeuu8e">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU LHP ROY ROBLES</a>

Dave Riggert was able to catch up with Missouri Western baseball left-handed pitcher Roy Robles.  The senior from Hermiston, Oregon discusses the season getting canceled, getting another year of eligibility, his career in junior college &amp; at MWSU and much more.

Robles was a senior this past season, but the NCAA said after the season was canceled that all spring student-athletes will not lose a year of eligibity, so Robles will get a second senior season.

He went 1-4 this past season with an ERA of 8.53 but did have 41 strikeouts in 25.1 innings.  Rolbes' one win came in the season opener when he struck out 17 batters in six innings to defeat Oklahoma Baptist 5-3.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Roy-Robles---MWSU-Baseball-LHP-eeuu8e">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU LHP ROY ROBLES</a>Dave Riggert was able to catch up with Missouri Western baseball left-handed pitcher Roy Robles. The senior from Hermiston, Oregon discusses the season getting canceled, getting another year of eligibility, his career in junior college &amp; at MWSU and much more.Robles was a senior this past season, but the NCAA said after the season was canceled that all spring student-athletes will not lose a year of eligibity, so Robles will get a second senior season.He went 1-4 this past season with an ERA of 8.53 but did have 41 strikeouts in 25.1 innings. Rolbes' one win came in the season opener when he struck out 17 batters in six innings to defeat Oklahoma Baptist 5-3.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western senior LHP Roy Robles


















WICHITA, Kan. – University of Kansas
men’s basketball standout Drew Gooden will be part of the Kansas Sports Hall of
Fame (KSHOF) Class of 2020, the KSHOF announced Wednesday. Gooden, along with
nine others, will be inducted on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Kansas Star Casino.


Gooden was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at KU in 2001 and 2002. The
Richmond, Calif., forward was a Consensus All-America First Team selection in
2002 in which Kansas went 33-4, 16-0 in Big 12 play and advanced to the Final
Four in Atlanta. The 2002 team is the only squad in Big 12 history to go
undefeated in league play. Also in 2002, Gooden was the Big 12 Player of the
Year, Basketball America
National Player of the Year and Co-National Player of the Year by the NABC.


Gooden led Kansas in scoring in 2002 (19.8 ppg, in rebounds in 2000 (7.5 rpg)
and 2002 (11.4 rpg) and in steals with 65 in 2002. He is the second player in
KU history to total at least 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 100
steals for a career. In only three seasons at KU, Gooden ranks 21st
in scoring (1,526, sixth in rebounds (905) and 18th in blocked
shots (107).


Gooden was drafted fourth overall in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by
the Memphis Grizzlies. He played 14 professional seasons with the Grizzlies,
Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, San
Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington
Wizards. He ended his NBA career with 8,653 points, 896 assists, 544 steals,
474 blocks, 5,618 rebounds, in 790 games played. Gooden’s KU jersey was retired
in 2003 and he has also been an inducted into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame
located in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.


Joining Gooden in the KSHOF Class of 2020 are five-time NCAA track and field
All-American and Olympic heptathlete, Kym Carter Begel from Wichita; three-time
Wichita State baseball All-American selection and 13-year MLB veteran, Casey
Blake; five-time shot put national champion at Emporia State and seven-time
All-American, Heather Leverington Dotterer from Rosalia; two-time K-State track
All-American selection and Olympian in the decathlon, Steve Fritz from Gypsum;
two-time All-Big East basketball selection and nine-year NBA veteran, Adrian
Griffin from Wichita; champion skeet shooter and 1964 Olympic bronze medalist,
Bill Morris from Russell; K-State football All-American selection and 11-year
NFL veteran, Jordy Nelson from Leonardville; K-State football All-American
selection and 15-year NFL veteran, Terence Newman from Salina; and K-State
football All-American selection and 14-year NFL veteran, Darren Sproles from
Olathe.

The induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at the Kansas
Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan., just south of Wichita. The 10-member class raises
the total number of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame inductees to 307. The Kansas
Sports Hall of Fame is in its 59th year of operation and is located at the
Wichita Boathouse. Tickets for the induction ceremony will go on sale August 1.
For information on tickets, events surrounding the ceremony and sponsorship one
can go <a href="http://www.kshof.org">www.kshof.org</a>.

WICHITA, Kan. – University of Kansas
men’s basketball standout Drew Gooden will be part of the Kansas Sports Hall of
Fame (KSHOF) Class of 2020, the KSHOF announced Wednesday. Gooden, along with
nine others, will be inducted on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Kansas Star Casino.
Gooden was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at KU in 2001 and 2002. The
Richmond, Calif., forward was a Consensus All-America First Team selection in
2002 in which Kansas went 33-4, 16-0 in Big 12 play and advanced to the Final
Four in Atlanta. The 2002 team is the only squad in Big 12 history to go
undefeated in league play. Also in 2002, Gooden was the Big 12 Player of the
Year, Basketball America
National Player of the Year and Co-National Player of the Year by the NABC.
Gooden led Kansas in scoring in 2002 (19.8 ppg, in rebounds in 2000 (7.5 rpg)
and 2002 (11.4 rpg) and in steals with 65 in 2002. He is the second player in
KU history to total at least 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 100
steals for a career. In only three seasons at KU, Gooden ranks 21st
in scoring (1,526, sixth in rebounds (905) and 18th in blocked
shots (107).
Gooden was drafted fourth overall in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by
the Memphis Grizzlies. He played 14 professional seasons with the Grizzlies,
Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, San
Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington
Wizards. He ended his NBA career with 8,653 points, 896 assists, 544 steals,
474 blocks, 5,618 rebounds, in 790 games played. Gooden’s KU jersey was retired
in 2003 and he has also been an inducted into the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame
located in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.
Joining Gooden in the KSHOF Class of 2020 are five-time NCAA track and field
All-American and Olympic heptathlete, Kym Carter Begel from Wichita; three-time
Wichita State baseball All-American selection and 13-year MLB veteran, Casey
Blake; five-time shot put national champion at Emporia State and seven-time
All-American, Heather Leverington Dotterer from Rosalia; two-time K-State track
All-American selection and Olympian in the decathlon, Steve Fritz from Gypsum;
two-time All-Big East basketball selection and nine-year NBA veteran, Adrian
Griffin from Wichita; champion skeet shooter and 1964 Olympic bronze medalist,
Bill Morris from Russell; K-State football All-American selection and 11-year
NFL veteran, Jordy Nelson from Leonardville; K-State football All-American
selection and 15-year NFL veteran, Terence Newman from Salina; and K-State
football All-American selection and 14-year NFL veteran, Darren Sproles from
Olathe.
The induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at the Kansas
Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan., just south of Wichita. The 10-member class raises
the total number of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame inductees to 307. The Kansas
Sports Hall of Fame is in its 59th year of operation and is located at the
Wichita Boathouse. Tickets for the induction ceremony will go on sale August 1.
For information on tickets, events surrounding the ceremony and sponsorship one
can go <a href="http://www.kshof.org">www.kshof.org</a>.



--- KU Athletics ---

KU great Drew Gooden to be inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame



KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA athletic administrators approved a series of Principles to help guide campus decisions about “Return to Competition” as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The principles were recommended by the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force.

<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/1d1cdb33-4e55-4319-a419-37c33162c091?elinkdata=145763" target="_blank">The MIAA’s Guiding Principles</a>&nbsp;focus on the safety of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the Association and acknowledges decisions will be made by each campus according to local government restrictions. It also allows the conference office to serve as a resource for member institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The MIAA's&nbsp;Guiding Principles for Return to Campus, Return to Competition is an important tool for our member institutions as they continue to develop action plans and protocols to welcome students, staff, and visitors back to campus", explained MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "These important decisions about how each campus will prepare for fall sports will be made at the local level, and the MIAA office will continue to provide important resources to aid these decisions."

The Guiding Principles document notes two important resources for MIAA member athletic departments, the&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/c3c0724e-6642-4cb5-89b6-3bf14e250e22?elinkdata=145763" target="_blank">NCAA’s Core Principles and Campus Action Plan</a>&nbsp;considerations “for the Resocialization of Sports” and the U.S. Council on Athletes Health’s intercollegiate athletics focused&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/f88f71ad-d472-42f5-8442-6b740c94eae3?elinkdata=145763" target="_blank">document titled “Return to Sports Health and Safety Framework”</a>.&nbsp;

“The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force has been working diligently these last several months to help guide our member institutions through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. The task force has now shifted its focus to help guide our member institutions transitioning to the 2020-2021 year,” stated Lori Hopkins, chairperson of the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force and IRC. We are discussing and recommending guidelines to help schools put the health and safety of our student-athletes first as we begin to prepare for returning to campus and future competitions.”

"Campus leadership, community health partnerships, and industry-specific athletic health resources, like the information being shared with the MIAA from the US Council for Athletes' Health, will be the keys to our success in playing sports this fall," added Racy.&nbsp;



KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA athletic administrators approved a series of Principles to help guide campus decisions about “Return to Competition” as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The principles were recommended by the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force.<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/1d1cdb33-4e55-4319-a419-37c33162c091?elinkdata=145763" target="_blank">The MIAA’s Guiding Principles</a>&nbsp;focus on the safety of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the Association and acknowledges decisions will be made by each campus according to local government restrictions. It also allows the conference office to serve as a resource for member institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The MIAA's&nbsp;Guiding Principles for Return to Campus, Return to Competition is an important tool for our member institutions as they continue to develop action plans and protocols to welcome students, staff, and visitors back to campus", explained MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "These important decisions about how each campus will prepare for fall sports will be made at the local level, and the MIAA office will continue to provide important resources to aid these decisions."The Guiding Principles document notes two important resources for MIAA member athletic departments, the&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/c3c0724e-6642-4cb5-89b6-3bf14e250e22?elinkdata=145763" target="_blank">NCAA’s Core Principles and Campus Action Plan</a>&nbsp;considerations “for the Resocialization of Sports” and the U.S. Council on Athletes Health’s intercollegiate athletics focused&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/f88f71ad-d472-42f5-8442-6b740c94eae3?elinkdata=145763" target="_blank">document titled “Return to Sports Health and Safety Framework”</a>.&nbsp;“The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force has been working diligently these last several months to help guide our member institutions through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. The task force has now shifted its focus to help guide our member institutions transitioning to the 2020-2021 year,” stated Lori Hopkins, chairperson of the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force and IRC. We are discussing and recommending guidelines to help schools put the health and safety of our student-athletes first as we begin to prepare for returning to campus and future competitions.”"Campus leadership, community health partnerships, and industry-specific athletic health resources, like the information being shared with the MIAA from the US Council for Athletes' Health, will be the keys to our success in playing sports this fall," added Racy.&nbsp;

--- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA releases return to competition guiding principles

For the first time since 2009, the Kansas City Chiefs will not hold their annual training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

All 32 NFL teams were told by Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday to hold training camps at their home facilities this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chiefs were one of ten teams last year to hold their training camp away from their own facility and have been at MWSU for ten straight years.  In February, Kansas City announced a three-year deal with Missouri Western to continue training in St. Joe and enhance facilities on campus.

The Chiefs have not made an announcement at this time, but Missouri Western did release a statement on Tuesday, "The University has been in active discussions with the Chiefs in planning for training camp to return to MWSU this summer.  We're awaiting confirmation of any NFL policy."

Mosaic Lifecare is the official sponsor of camp and they also released a statement on Tuesday, "No official confirmation that the Chiefs are not coming this summer."

It was a record-breaking training camp in 2019 as more fans attended the camp than any training camp in history.  More than 62,000 fans turned out during the three-week training camp, shattering the old record of 55,000 set in 2010.

The 2019 total is nearly double the number of fans (33,000) who showed up to watch training camp in 2018 and and 2020 was expected to surpass last year after the Chiefs Super Bowl victory in February.

In addition, NFL teams will not be allowed to hold joint training camp practices with other teams, according to the memo sent to NFL teams.

"We believe that each of these steps will enhance our ability to protect the health and safety of players and your football staffs and are consistent with a sound approach to risk management in the current environment," Goodell said in the memo.

"The NFLPA was strongly in favor of these two decisions, which were made to limit exposure risks by avoiding the need for clubs to clean and maintain two facilities, by limiting the need for players and club staffs to travel to another location (sometimes located at a considerable distance from the home facility, and by limiting travel and contact between players on different clubs in the context of joint practices," Goodell added. "These steps are being taken for the 2020 preseason to address the current conditions and are not expected to be in place in 2021."

For the first time since 2009, the Kansas City Chiefs will not hold their annual training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.All 32 NFL teams were told by Commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday to hold training camps at their home facilities this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.The Chiefs were one of ten teams last year to hold their training camp away from their own facility and have been at MWSU for ten straight years. In February, Kansas City announced a three-year deal with Missouri Western to continue training in St. Joe and enhance facilities on campus.The Chiefs have not made an announcement at this time, but Missouri Western did release a statement on Tuesday, "The University has been in active discussions with the Chiefs in planning for training camp to return to MWSU this summer. We're awaiting confirmation of any NFL policy."Mosaic Lifecare is the official sponsor of camp and they also released a statement on Tuesday, "No official confirmation that the Chiefs are not coming this summer."It was a record-breaking training camp in 2019 as more fans attended the camp than any training camp in history. More than 62,000 fans turned out during the three-week training camp, shattering the old record of 55,000 set in 2010.The 2019 total is nearly double the number of fans (33,000) who showed up to watch training camp in 2018 and and 2020 was expected to surpass last year after the Chiefs Super Bowl victory in February.In addition, NFL teams will not be allowed to hold joint training camp practices with other teams, according to the memo sent to NFL teams."We believe that each of these steps will enhance our ability to protect the health and safety of players and your football staffs and are consistent with a sound approach to risk management in the current environment," Goodell said in the memo."The NFLPA was strongly in favor of these two decisions, which were made to limit exposure risks by avoiding the need for clubs to clean and maintain two facilities, by limiting the need for players and club staffs to travel to another location (sometimes located at a considerable distance from the home facility, and by limiting travel and contact between players on different clubs in the context of joint practices," Goodell added. "These steps are being taken for the 2020 preseason to address the current conditions and are not expected to be in place in 2021."

Chiefs will not hold camp in St. Joe as NFL says teams must stay at own facilities

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Keegan-Zars---MWSU-FB-Offensive-Lineman-eetd4n">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU JUNIOR OL KEEGAN ZARS</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western junior offensive lineman Keegan Zars.  The junior from Shawnee, Kansas talks about missing spring ball, getting significant playing time last season, proving people wrong and answering the questions about the offensive line in 2020 and much more.

Zars played in all 12 games as a redshirt sophomore last fall as he play all of the offensive line positions except for center.  The Mill Valley High School graduate will likely be one of five new starters on the O-Line for the Griffons in 2020.  MWSU lost all five of their starters to graduation and that is certainly the position group with have a spotlight on them this fall.

Missouri Western still doesn't know when they will kick off the 2020 football season as the NCAA has said each Division II school can only play 10 games this year.  A new schedule is suppose to be released this month and the season should start the second week in September.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Keegan-Zars---MWSU-FB-Offensive-Lineman-eetd4n">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU JUNIOR OL KEEGAN ZARS</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western junior offensive lineman Keegan Zars. The junior from Shawnee, Kansas talks about missing spring ball, getting significant playing time last season, proving people wrong and answering the questions about the offensive line in 2020 and much more.Zars played in all 12 games as a redshirt sophomore last fall as he play all of the offensive line positions except for center. The Mill Valley High School graduate will likely be one of five new starters on the O-Line for the Griffons in 2020. MWSU lost all five of their starters to graduation and that is certainly the position group with have a spotlight on them this fall.Missouri Western still doesn't know when they will kick off the 2020 football season as the NCAA has said each Division II school can only play 10 games this year. A new schedule is suppose to be released this month and the season should start the second week in September.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western junior OL Keegan Zars

KANSAS CITY -- Words alone fail us. There is no place in our world for the senseless acts of racial injustice that have tragically taken lives. No place in Kansas City, nor in any city. Not today, not ever.

We humbly stand in solidarity and peaceful protest with the Black community, both here and across America. We pledge to actively and intentionally use our voice for good. And to live by a standard that says we treat all of us the way each of us wants to be treated.

The Kansas City Royals are committed to doing all we can, wherever we can, to help turn this moment into the sustained change we seek.

KANSAS CITY -- Words alone fail us. There is no place in our world for the senseless acts of racial injustice that have tragically taken lives. No place in Kansas City, nor in any city. Not today, not ever.We humbly stand in solidarity and peaceful protest with the Black community, both here and across America. We pledge to actively and intentionally use our voice for good. And to live by a standard that says we treat all of us the way each of us wants to be treated.The Kansas City Royals are committed to doing all we can, wherever we can, to help turn this moment into the sustained change we seek.--- Royals Press Release ---

Royals say "We humbly stand in solidarity and peaceful protest with the Black community"

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA Conference Office shared a statement on the current state of affairs in the United States. 

As a conference, the MIAA promotes equality and justice for all. We are firm believers in sports bringing all people together in moments of celebration and triumph, and sports serving as a catalyst for social change.

We are a conference committed, as individuals and together, to taking the steps to make our society just and equal for all people. We stand for treating each student, coach, administrator, staff member, and fan with respect, equity, and love. The MIAA is dedicated to a culture of caring. 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA Conference Office shared a statement on the current state of affairs in the United States. As a conference, the MIAA promotes equality and justice for all. We are firm believers in sports bringing all people together in moments of celebration and triumph, and sports serving as a catalyst for social change.We are a conference committed, as individuals and together, to taking the steps to make our society just and equal for all people. We stand for treating each student, coach, administrator, staff member, and fan with respect, equity, and love. The MIAA is dedicated to a culture of caring. You can #CountUsIn. --- MIAA Press Release ---

MIAA office shares message on inequality and injustice

Due
to the on-going developments related to COVID-19 the Big 12 Conference
previously announced that all team activities whether required or voluntary, including
team and individual practices, meetings, and other organized gatherings, were
suspended until May 31 and would be re-evaluated at that time. In addition, all
conference and non- conference competitions were cancelled through the end of
the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic
year. After re-evaluation, the following Big 12 Student-Athlete policies become
effective June 1.

Each
institution should use its discretion to make the best decision for its
student-athletes when determining when student-athletes return to campus prior to
the first permissible date to begin voluntary activity. 

1.&nbsp; No in-person, required
team activities of any type, in any location.

a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Football: Voluntary on-campus activity is
permissible beginning June 15.

b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Other
Fall Sports:
Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning July 1.

c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Basketball: Voluntary on-campus activity is
permissible beginning July 6.

d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
All
Other Sports:
Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning July 15.

--sports medicine treatments, physical
therapy and rehabilitation

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The
Big 12 Conference Board and Directors of Athletics will convene regularly to
assess changing circumstances and to make shared decisions regarding amendments
to the above-listed policies. The policies noted will commence at 7am CDT,
Monday, June 1, 2020 and remain in effect until further notice or until
additional guidance is provided.

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Decisions
on the structure, schedule and components of training during the post Pandemic
period will be made as circumstances dictate.

Big 12 Camps, Clinics and Other
Instruction Policy

Virtual
and in-person institutional camps and clinics with individuals are prohibited
through August 31, 2020. In addition, athletics department staff members are
prohibited from the following: (1) working, volunteering or otherwise
participating in any outside camps and clinics with individuals, including
virtual and fantasy camps; (2) working, volunteering or otherwise participating
with a local sports club; and (3) providing private lessons to any individual.
Coaching clinics involving coach-to-coach interaction are permissible.

Due
to the on-going developments related to COVID-19 the Big 12 Conference
previously announced that all team activities whether required or voluntary, including
team and individual practices, meetings, and other organized gatherings, were
suspended until May 31 and would be re-evaluated at that time. In addition, all
conference and non- conference competitions were cancelled through the end of
the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic
year. After re-evaluation, the following Big 12 Student-Athlete policies become
effective June 1.Each
institution should use its discretion to make the best decision for its
student-athletes when determining when student-athletes return to campus prior to
the first permissible date to begin voluntary activity. 1.&nbsp; No in-person, required
team activities of any type, in any location.<ol>
 <li>No in-person, voluntary
 activities (e.g., workouts, film study sessions, meetings, technique
 drills or captains’ practices/OTA sessions) of any type, in any location.</li>
 </ol>a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Football: Voluntary on-campus activity is
permissible beginning June 15.b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Other
Fall Sports:
Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning July 1.c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Basketball: Voluntary on-campus activity is
permissible beginning July 6.d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
All
Other Sports:
Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning July 15.<ol>
 <li>Virtual
 or on-line supervised physical workouts and skill instruction, regardless
 of location, are not permitted.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>All
 required “virtual” activities, including film study, are limited to eight
 hours per week in all sports. Only countable coaches may conduct virtual
 film study, technical discussions, tactical sessions and other
 non-physical activities. These policies will be revisited and adjusted at
 regular intervals and as circumstances dictate.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Coaches
 can recommend written, self-directed workout plans provided&nbsp; they&nbsp;
 are approved in accordance with proper procedures&nbsp; as&nbsp; outlined
 by each institution’s appropriate sport performance, medical and/or
 athletic training personnel (and in accordance with the NCAA
 Recommendations on Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death). Taped
 demonstration videos on respective workout plans are allowed in order to
 demonstrate proper form and technique. Institutional personnel may not
 supervise, conduct or monitor workouts on or off campus.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In-person,
 on-campus meals and nutritional supplements may be provided pursuant to
 NCAA guidance. Off-campus nutritional supplements are limited to the
 permissible items as outlined in NCAA Bylaw 16.5.2.8.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>It
 is fully permissible to provide non-athletically-related support to
 student-athletes including:</li>
 </ol>--sports medicine treatments, physical
therapy and rehabilitation--academic support--mental health and wellness support<ol>
 <li>It
 is permissible for institutions to provide student-athletes with apparel
 and personal equipment that is regularly available to student-athletes
 when they are on campus for conditioning workouts. The provision of other
 equipment is not to extend to rental, purchase or arrangement of
 conditioning or strength training equipment or machines (e.g. stationary
 bicycles, treadmills, free weights, benches or weight machines) but is
 intended to allow for reasonable supplies such as stretching band/straps,
 foam rollers, etc. It is not permissible to provide incoming signed
 prospects with apparel or equipment until they trigger student-athlete status.</li>
 </ol>9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
The
Big 12 Conference Board and Directors of Athletics will convene regularly to
assess changing circumstances and to make shared decisions regarding amendments
to the above-listed policies. The policies noted will commence at 7am CDT,
Monday, June 1, 2020 and remain in effect until further notice or until
additional guidance is provided.10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
Decisions
on the structure, schedule and components of training during the post Pandemic
period will be made as circumstances dictate.Big 12 Camps, Clinics and Other
Instruction PolicyVirtual
and in-person institutional camps and clinics with individuals are prohibited
through August 31, 2020. In addition, athletics department staff members are
prohibited from the following: (1) working, volunteering or otherwise
participating in any outside camps and clinics with individuals, including
virtual and fantasy camps; (2) working, volunteering or otherwise participating
with a local sports club; and (3) providing private lessons to any individual.
Coaching clinics involving coach-to-coach interaction are permissible.--- Big 12 Press Release ---

Big 12 releases a revised Student-Athlete athletic activities policy

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Olaya-Garrido-Rivas---MWSU-Tennis-Coach-eeo24f">CLICK TO LISTEN TO MWSU TENNIS COACH OLAYA GARRIDO-RIVAS</a>

Dave Riggert was able to talk with Missouri Western women's tennis coach Olaya Garrido-Rivas and she discusses her season getting canceled by COVID-19, her first year as a head coach, growing up in Spain and coming to the United States in 2013.

Garrido-Rivas was a player at South Florida and TCU before starting her coaching career as an assistant at Middle Tennessee State before coming to MWSU.  The Griffons were 6-5 in her first year as a head coach before the rest of the spring season was canceled.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Olaya-Garrido-Rivas---MWSU-Tennis-Coach-eeo24f">CLICK TO LISTEN TO MWSU TENNIS COACH OLAYA GARRIDO-RIVAS</a>Dave Riggert was able to talk with Missouri Western women's tennis coach Olaya Garrido-Rivas and she discusses her season getting canceled by COVID-19, her first year as a head coach, growing up in Spain and coming to the United States in 2013.Garrido-Rivas was a player at South Florida and TCU before starting her coaching career as an assistant at Middle Tennessee State before coming to MWSU. The Griffons were 6-5 in her first year as a head coach before the rest of the spring season was canceled.

1-on-1 with Griffon tennis coach Olaya Garrido-Rivas

University of Missouri men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin made his first public comments Sunday on the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis.

The 48-year old Martin is an East St. Louis native and he posted a powerful statement on Twitter and Instagram.

“It has to stop," Martin wrote. "The violence toward people of color, the hate, the racism, the systemic oppression. It has to stop. Our voices matter. Our LIVES matter. For too long, we’ve see it time and time again — from Dr. King’s marches to the LA riots, and our fight today — it’s gone on far too long and it cannot keep happening.

“I am heartbroken at the murder of George Floyd and so many others, and to see them senselessly ripped away from loved ones. I am a husband, a parent and a leader of inspiring young black men. We shouldn’t have to live in fear —enough is enough. While I’m on this earth, my voice won’t be silent until the injustice stops.

“It goes beyond a post on social media. It’s time to join together in our pain, to mourn, to stand united against oppression and ACT to create change. We must live and lead with compassion for one another. Now, more than ever before, it’s important to love each other, to listen to each other and grow together. All a man ever wants to do is be respected. We must do better. It has to stop.”

University of Missouri men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin made his first public comments Sunday on the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis.The 48-year old Martin is an East St. Louis native and he posted a powerful statement on Twitter and Instagram.“It has to stop," Martin wrote. "The violence toward people of color, the hate, the racism, the systemic oppression. It has to stop. Our voices matter. Our LIVES matter. For too long, we’ve see it time and time again — from Dr. King’s marches to the LA riots, and our fight today — it’s gone on far too long and it cannot keep happening.“I am heartbroken at the murder of George Floyd and so many others, and to see them senselessly ripped away from loved ones. I am a husband, a parent and a leader of inspiring young black men. We shouldn’t have to live in fear —enough is enough. While I’m on this earth, my voice won’t be silent until the injustice stops.“It goes beyond a post on social media. It’s time to join together in our pain, to mourn, to stand united against oppression and ACT to create change. We must live and lead with compassion for one another. Now, more than ever before, it’s important to love each other, to listen to each other and grow together. All a man ever wants to do is be respected. We must do better. It has to stop.”

Mizzou's Cuonzo Martin: "My voice won’t be silent until the injustice stops"

University of Kansas Unified Against Racism

“Our core mission of Kansas Athletics is to protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes. We do not tolerate any acts of racism or violence and promote an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. We celebrate individuals from all walks of life and do not discriminate based on background, color of skin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or anything else. Recent acts of racial divide and violence are unacceptable. We respect and support each and every one of our 450-plus student-athletes and value their individuality. We join together as an athletic department, united in hopes to end the unconscionable acts of racism.”

Statement from men’s basketball head coach Bill Self:

“In most of our lives, things are only put into perspective because of an event that directly affects us or someone close to us. However, the recent tragedies over the past week are something that should personally affect each individual across this country that requires our full commitment to create change. The avoidable death of George Floyd, and too many others, saddens my family greatly.

It is incomprehensible that this level of racism still occurs in this day and age, and it’s unacceptable. Anyone possessing basic human kindness must support each other and stand up for those that have been oppressed for far too long.

No one should have to worry that they will be treated differently, or worse yet fear for their lives on a daily basis, simply because the color of their skin or where they are from.

The conversations we have had as a team recently about the racial acts of violence is one that no amount of words can ever do justice. I am frustrated that we as a country have not done our part to create equal rights for all individuals. We must be better.”

Statement from football head coach Les Miles:

“As a football coach, I have had the good fortune of bringing young men together from different backgrounds to achieve a common goal – becoming a team.

I have struggled to express the feelings and emotions with the events that have occurred over the past several days. My deepest condolences to the Floyd family. I am a father, and also a coach to many players both past and present who have enriched my life, and I am thankful for that.

I’ve had players from around the country with a variety of backgrounds and have truly enjoyed working with and serving those quality young men. I encourage these men to go be leaders and make a positive impact in the world.

My heart hurts as I reflect on the racism that still exists in this country and the civil unrest we currently find ourselves in. Regardless of race and color we cannot keep turning a blind eye to those that need our support through words and actions now more than ever.

University of Kansas Unified Against Racism“Our core mission of Kansas Athletics is to protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes. We do not tolerate any acts of racism or violence and promote an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. We celebrate individuals from all walks of life and do not discriminate based on background, color of skin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or anything else. Recent acts of racial divide and violence are unacceptable. We respect and support each and every one of our 450-plus student-athletes and value their individuality. We join together as an athletic department, united in hopes to end the unconscionable acts of racism.”Statement from men’s basketball head coach Bill Self:“In most of our lives, things are only put into perspective because of an event that directly affects us or someone close to us. However, the recent tragedies over the past week are something that should personally affect each individual across this country that requires our full commitment to create change. The avoidable death of George Floyd, and too many others, saddens my family greatly.It is incomprehensible that this level of racism still occurs in this day and age, and it’s unacceptable. Anyone possessing basic human kindness must support each other and stand up for those that have been oppressed for far too long.No one should have to worry that they will be treated differently, or worse yet fear for their lives on a daily basis, simply because the color of their skin or where they are from.The conversations we have had as a team recently about the racial acts of violence is one that no amount of words can ever do justice. I am frustrated that we as a country have not done our part to create equal rights for all individuals. We must be better.”Statement from football head coach Les Miles:“As a football coach, I have had the good fortune of bringing young men together from different backgrounds to achieve a common goal – becoming a team.I have struggled to express the feelings and emotions with the events that have occurred over the past several days. My deepest condolences to the Floyd family. I am a father, and also a coach to many players both past and present who have enriched my life, and I am thankful for that.I’ve had players from around the country with a variety of backgrounds and have truly enjoyed working with and serving those quality young men. I encourage these men to go be leaders and make a positive impact in the world.My heart hurts as I reflect on the racism that still exists in this country and the civil unrest we currently find ourselves in. Regardless of race and color we cannot keep turning a blind eye to those that need our support through words and actions now more than ever.God Bless.”--- KU Athletics ---

Kansas athletics Unified Against Racism

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Evan-Chohon---MWSU-FB-Linebacker-eene5u">CLICK TO LISTEN TO MWSU FOOTBALL LB EVAN CHOHON</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western senior linebacker Evan Chohon.  The senior from Columbus, Nebraska discusses he and his teammates missing spring practices, his career at MWSU, the expectations for the Griffons in 2020 and much more.

Chohon led Missouri Western in tackles last season with 94, and he added 6.0 tackles for loss and two pass breakups.  Chohon and the Griffons finished 9-3 and third in the MIAA in 2019.  It was there best finish since 2012.

It's not know when Missouri western will open the 2020 football season as the NCAA has said each Division II school can only play 10 games this season.  A new schedule will likely be released in June and the season should start the second week in September.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Evan-Chohon---MWSU-FB-Linebacker-eene5u">CLICK TO LISTEN TO MWSU FOOTBALL LB EVAN CHOHON</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western senior linebacker Evan Chohon. The senior from Columbus, Nebraska discusses he and his teammates missing spring practices, his career at MWSU, the expectations for the Griffons in 2020 and much more.Chohon led Missouri Western in tackles last season with 94, and he added 6.0 tackles for loss and two pass breakups. Chohon and the Griffons finished 9-3 and third in the MIAA in 2019. It was there best finish since 2012.It's not know when Missouri western will open the 2020 football season as the NCAA has said each Division II school can only play 10 games this season. A new schedule will likely be released in June and the season should start the second week in September.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western senior LB Evan Chohon

The 2020 Academic All-District® Men's Track &amp; Field /
Cross Country Team, selected by CoSIDA,
recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on
the field and in the classroom.



Northwest Missouri State's Marcus Klein (Harlan, Iowa) earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District squad after
posting a 3.98 grade point average in mathematics.&nbsp;In this past season's
indoor campaign, Klein jumped 7.45 meters to earn the 10th-best jump in the
nation. His best leap of the year came at the Gorilla Classic on Feb. 14. Klein
is a two-time indoor national championship qualifier. Klein secured All-America
honors in the long jump at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track &amp; Field
Championships.&nbsp;



The CoSIDA Academic All-America®
program separately recognizes track &amp; field/cross country honorees in four
divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Honorees selected first-team Academic All-District® will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® ballot.
Academic All-America® honorees will be announced from June 22-25.

The CoSIDA Academic All-District®
teams include the student-athletes listed are divided into geographic districts
across the United States and Canada. 

The Division II and III CoSIDA Academic All-America® programs
are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national
governance structures to assist CoSIDA
with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2019-20 Divisions II and
III Academic All-America® programs. The NAIA CoSIDA Academic All-America® program is
partially financially supported through the NAIA national office.

For more information about CoSIDA's
Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit
AcademicAllAmerica.com on CoSIDA.com.

The 2020 Academic All-District® Men's Track &amp; Field / Cross Country Team, selected by CoSIDA, recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

Northwest Missouri State's Marcus Klein (Harlan, Iowa) earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District squad after posting a 3.98 grade point average in mathematics. In this past season's indoor campaign, Klein jumped 7.45 meters to earn the 10th-best jump in the nation. His best leap of the year came at the Gorilla Classic on Feb. 14. Klein is a two-time indoor national championship qualifier. Klein secured All-America honors in the long jump at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships. 

The CoSIDA Academic All-America® program separately recognizes track &amp; field/cross country honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. Honorees selected first-team Academic All-District® will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® ballot. Academic All-America® honorees will be announced from June 22-25.

The CoSIDA Academic All-District® teams include the student-athletes listed are divided into geographic districts across the United States and Canada. The Division II and III CoSIDA Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2019-20 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs. The NAIA CoSIDA Academic All-America® program is partially financially supported through the NAIA national office.

For more information about CoSIDA's Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com on CoSIDA.com.

The 2020 Academic All-District® Men's Track &amp; Field /
Cross Country Team, selected by CoSIDA,
recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on
the field and in the classroom.

Northwest Missouri State's Marcus Klein (Harlan, Iowa) earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District squad after
posting a 3.98 grade point average in mathematics.&nbsp;In this past season's
indoor campaign, Klein jumped 7.45 meters to earn the 10th-best jump in the
nation. His best leap of the year came at the Gorilla Classic on Feb. 14. Klein
is a two-time indoor national championship qualifier. Klein secured All-America
honors in the long jump at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track &amp; Field
Championships.&nbsp;

The CoSIDA Academic All-America®
program separately recognizes track &amp; field/cross country honorees in four
divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Honorees selected first-team Academic All-District® will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® ballot.
Academic All-America® honorees will be announced from June 22-25.

The CoSIDA Academic All-District®
teams include the student-athletes listed are divided into geographic districts
across the United States and Canada. The Division II and III CoSIDA Academic All-America® programs
are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national
governance structures to assist CoSIDA
with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2019-20 Divisions II and
III Academic All-America® programs. The NAIA CoSIDA Academic All-America® program is
partially financially supported through the NAIA national office.

For more information about CoSIDA's
Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit
AcademicAllAmerica.com on CoSIDA.com.The 2020 Academic All-District® Men's Track &amp; Field / Cross Country Team, selected by CoSIDA, recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.Northwest Missouri State's Marcus Klein (Harlan, Iowa) earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District squad after posting a 3.98 grade point average in mathematics. In this past season's indoor campaign, Klein jumped 7.45 meters to earn the 10th-best jump in the nation. His best leap of the year came at the Gorilla Classic on Feb. 14. Klein is a two-time indoor national championship qualifier. Klein secured All-America honors in the long jump at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championships. The CoSIDA Academic All-America® program separately recognizes track &amp; field/cross country honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA. Honorees selected first-team Academic All-District® will advance to the CoSIDA Academic All-America® ballot. Academic All-America® honorees will be announced from June 22-25.The CoSIDA Academic All-District® teams include the student-athletes listed are divided into geographic districts across the United States and Canada. The Division II and III CoSIDA Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2019-20 Divisions II and III Academic All-America® programs. The NAIA CoSIDA Academic All-America® program is partially financially supported through the NAIA national office.For more information about CoSIDA's Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com on CoSIDA.com.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest's Marcus Klein secures academic all-district honor



INDIANAPOLIS -&nbsp;The NCAA announced the attendance numbers for the 2019 football season which had seven MIAA members in the Top 25.&nbsp;

Pittsburg State finished fifth nationally in Division II with an average of 7,705 fans per game last season. Central Missouri ranked ninth as it had an average of 7,360 fans per game. In the top 15 was Missouri Western with an average of 5,833 fans and Washburn with an average of 5,654.&nbsp;

Northwest Missouri and Fort Hays State each averaged over 5,400 fans per game to finish the season in the Top 18 in the Division. Missouri Southern was the final member of the Association to be rank in the top 25 as it drew an average of 4,802 fans.&nbsp;

Over 343,500 fans attended a football game on an Association’s campus last fall. The 2019 season also saw an increase of MIAA football fans compared to the previous year. To see the complete attendance numbers for the NCAA,&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/797ad82d-40f5-441b-9c48-480bf36c57bc?elinkdata=145283" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;

INDIANAPOLIS -&nbsp;The NCAA announced the attendance numbers for the 2019 football season which had seven MIAA members in the Top 25.&nbsp;Pittsburg State finished fifth nationally in Division II with an average of 7,705 fans per game last season. Central Missouri ranked ninth as it had an average of 7,360 fans per game. In the top 15 was Missouri Western with an average of 5,833 fans and Washburn with an average of 5,654.&nbsp;Northwest Missouri and Fort Hays State each averaged over 5,400 fans per game to finish the season in the Top 18 in the Division. Missouri Southern was the final member of the Association to be rank in the top 25 as it drew an average of 4,802 fans.&nbsp;Over 343,500 fans attended a football game on an Association’s campus last fall. The 2019 season also saw an increase of MIAA football fans compared to the previous year. To see the complete attendance numbers for the NCAA,&nbsp;<a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/797ad82d-40f5-441b-9c48-480bf36c57bc?elinkdata=145283" target="_blank">click here</a>.&nbsp;--- MIAA Press Release ---

Seven MIAA football teams rank in the Top 25 in attendance; MWSU 13th

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Matt-Williamson---MWSU-Head-Football-Coach-eeo32i">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU FB COACH MATT WILLIAMSON</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to catch up with Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson and they discuss how Griffon players will be able to come back to campus on June 8th, the NCAA allowing the coaches to work individually with the players this summer and how his team has been able to improve despite the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic canceled spring practices for Missouri Western and nearly all college football teams around the country, but for the first time, the NCAA is allowing coaches to work with players individually in June and July.  The hope is to make up for missing spring ball and accelerate the process of getting ready for the 2020 season.

Missouri Western doesn't know when they will open the 2020 football season as the NCAA has said each Division II school can only play 10 games this season.&nbsp; A new schedule will likely be released next month and the season should start the second week in September.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Matt-Williamson---MWSU-Head-Football-Coach-eeo32i">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU FB COACH MATT WILLIAMSON</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to catch up with Missouri Western head football coach Matt Williamson and they discuss how Griffon players will be able to come back to campus on June 8th, the NCAA allowing the coaches to work individually with the players this summer and how his team has been able to improve despite the pandemic.The COVID-19 pandemic canceled spring practices for Missouri Western and nearly all college football teams around the country, but for the first time, the NCAA is allowing coaches to work with players individually in June and July. The hope is to make up for missing spring ball and accelerate the process of getting ready for the 2020 season.Missouri Western doesn't know when they will open the 2020 football season as the NCAA has said each Division II school can only play 10 games this season.&nbsp; A new schedule will likely be released next month and the season should start the second week in September.

Griffon football players can return June 8; NCAA allowing coaches to work with players individually

ST. JOSEPH - Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Candi Whitaker announced the addition of three transfers to the signing class for the 2020-21 season.

Two of the three will come to MWSU after initially heading for the NCAA Division I level after high school.

G | So. | 5-7 | Central Arkansas/UMKC | Kansas City, Mo.

Prospects Nation ranked Budgetts as the No. 22 point guard in the country coming out of Lincoln Prep Academy and the No. 120-ranked prospect overall. She earned All-State honors following her senior season and was a three-time first team all-conference selection. Budgetts did not see playing time her freshman year at Central Arkansas.

Whitaker: "Brionna is a play-making guard who will help us play fast and up-tempo. She's proven she can score in a variety of ways as well as create for others. We are excited she's staying close to home and that we will have the chance to invest in her as a Griffon."

F | Jr. | 6-0 | Butler Community College | Oklahoma City, Okla.

Gross averaged 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season at Butler County where she started 30 games for a Grizzlies team that went 25-8 and claimed the NJCAA Region VI title for a second consecutive season. As a freshman at Butler, Gross shot 55.8% while averaging 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

Whitaker: "Jelesa joins us from a tremendous junior college program at Butler and knows what it takes to compete at a high level. She brings great length and versatility to our team and we are looking forward to getting her to campus and working with her."

G/F | Jr. | 5-10 | South Plains Community College / UMass | Atlanta, Ga.

Another junior college regional champion, McCoy averaged 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as South Plains went 32-1 and claimed the NJCAA Region V championship. McCoy shot 60.4% from the field and 45.5% from 3-point range in her lone season at South Plains. She started 16 games and appeared in 26 as a freshman at UMass, averaging 4.7 points and 3.8 rebounds. McCoy prepped at Archer High School where she picked up All-State, All-Region and All-County honors helping her team to the Georgia Final Four.

Whitaker: "Asia brings great experience to our team and has shown the ability to play multiple positions at a high level. Her rebounding ability on both ends of the court is something we are really excited about. We are thrilled to welcome Asia to the Griffon family."

This trio joins Kelcie Hale to give Whitaker's second recruiting class at MWSU four total transfers and nine total after five incoming freshmen signed in November.

Whitaker led the Griffons to a 21-8 record in her first season at Missouri Western, becoming just the second coach in program history to win more than 20 in year one.

ST. JOSEPH - Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Candi Whitaker announced the addition of three transfers to the signing class for the 2020-21 season.Two of the three will come to MWSU after initially heading for the NCAA Division I level after high school.Brionna BudgettsG | So. | 5-7 | Central Arkansas/UMKC | Kansas City, Mo.Prospects Nation ranked Budgetts as the No. 22 point guard in the country coming out of Lincoln Prep Academy and the No. 120-ranked prospect overall. She earned All-State honors following her senior season and was a three-time first team all-conference selection. Budgetts did not see playing time her freshman year at Central Arkansas.Whitaker: "Brionna is a play-making guard who will help us play fast and up-tempo. She's proven she can score in a variety of ways as well as create for others. We are excited she's staying close to home and that we will have the chance to invest in her as a Griffon."Jelesa GrossF | Jr. | 6-0 | Butler Community College | Oklahoma City, Okla.Gross averaged 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season at Butler County where she started 30 games for a Grizzlies team that went 25-8 and claimed the NJCAA Region VI title for a second consecutive season. As a freshman at Butler, Gross shot 55.8% while averaging 4.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.Whitaker: "Jelesa joins us from a tremendous junior college program at Butler and knows what it takes to compete at a high level. She brings great length and versatility to our team and we are looking forward to getting her to campus and working with her."Asia McCoyG/F | Jr. | 5-10 | South Plains Community College / UMass | Atlanta, Ga.Another junior college regional champion, McCoy averaged 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game as South Plains went 32-1 and claimed the NJCAA Region V championship. McCoy shot 60.4% from the field and 45.5% from 3-point range in her lone season at South Plains. She started 16 games and appeared in 26 as a freshman at UMass, averaging 4.7 points and 3.8 rebounds. McCoy prepped at Archer High School where she picked up All-State, All-Region and All-County honors helping her team to the Georgia Final Four.Whitaker: "Asia brings great experience to our team and has shown the ability to play multiple positions at a high level. Her rebounding ability on both ends of the court is something we are really excited about. We are thrilled to welcome Asia to the Griffon family."This trio joins Kelcie Hale to give Whitaker's second recruiting class at MWSU four total transfers and nine total after five incoming freshmen signed in November.Whitaker led the Griffons to a 21-8 record in her first season at Missouri Western, becoming just the second coach in program history to win more than 20 in year one.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western women's basketball adds three transfers

ST. JOSEPH - For a fifth consecutive semester, Missouri Western student-athletes broke their department's academic records. The athletic department's cumulative GPA was 3.22 following the Spring 2020 semester, eclipsing the previous high of 3.15 following the Fall 2019 semester.

It was the highest cumulative GPA ever recorded by student-athletes at MWSU, aided by a semester GPA of 3.45. Fifteen of the department's 16 active teams achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The only team under 3.0 had a 2.92 following the spring semester. That made the first time in Griffon Athletics history every team had at least a 2.90 cumulative GPA.

The Griffon tennis team paced women's teams at Missouri Western with a spring semester GPA of 4.0 and led the department with a 3.76 cumulative GPA. Baseball led the way amongst men's teams with a 3.30 cumulative GPA.

ST. JOSEPH - For a fifth consecutive semester, Missouri Western student-athletes broke their department's academic records. The athletic department's cumulative GPA was 3.22 following the Spring 2020 semester, eclipsing the previous high of 3.15 following the Fall 2019 semester.It was the highest cumulative GPA ever recorded by student-athletes at MWSU, aided by a semester GPA of 3.45. Fifteen of the department's 16 active teams achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The only team under 3.0 had a 2.92 following the spring semester. That made the first time in Griffon Athletics history every team had at least a 2.90 cumulative GPA.The Griffon tennis team paced women's teams at Missouri Western with a spring semester GPA of 4.0 and led the department with a 3.76 cumulative GPA. Baseball led the way amongst men's teams with a 3.30 cumulative GPA.--- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU student-athletes break another record in the classroom

COLUMBIA, Mo.  – Mizzou Women's Basketball will host TCU at Mizzou Arena in the 2020 SEC/Big 12 Challenge this upcoming season, as announced by the league offices on Thursday. Official game information and start times will be announced at a later date.

It will be the third matchup and the first since 1990 between the two schools, with the Tigers holding a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series. Mizzou earned a 67-59 victory over the Horned Frogs in Forth Worth, Texas on Dec. 31, 1989 and a 71-48 win in Columbia on Dec. 29, 1990. 

This season’s matchup will be the third time Mizzou has participated in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Previously, Mizzou earned wins over Kansas State (73-59 – Nov. 30, 2017) and at West Virginia (68-51 – Dec. 2, 2018). 

Mizzou is coming off a 2019-20 campaign where the freshman duo of Aijha Blackwell (Berkeley, Mo.) and Hayley Frank (Strafford, Mo.) both earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors. Blackwell led Mizzou in scoring (15.0 ppg, rebounding (7.3 rpg) and assists (2.7 apg) while Frank averaged 11.8 points per game and led in the SEC in free throw percentage (.878).

2020 SEC/Big 12 Women’s Basketball Challenge Matchups

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women's Basketball will host TCU at Mizzou Arena in the 2020 SEC/Big 12 Challenge this upcoming season, as announced by the league offices on Thursday. Official game information and start times will be announced at a later date.It will be the third matchup and the first since 1990 between the two schools, with the Tigers holding a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series. Mizzou earned a 67-59 victory over the Horned Frogs in Forth Worth, Texas on Dec. 31, 1989 and a 71-48 win in Columbia on Dec. 29, 1990. This season’s matchup will be the third time Mizzou has participated in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Previously, Mizzou earned wins over Kansas State (73-59 – Nov. 30, 2017) and at West Virginia (68-51 – Dec. 2, 2018). Mizzou is coming off a 2019-20 campaign where the freshman duo of Aijha Blackwell (Berkeley, Mo.) and Hayley Frank (Strafford, Mo.) both earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors. Blackwell led Mizzou in scoring (15.0 ppg, rebounding (7.3 rpg) and assists (2.7 apg) while Frank averaged 11.8 points per game and led in the SEC in free throw percentage (.878).2020 SEC/Big 12 Women’s Basketball Challenge MatchupsSouth Carolina @ Iowa StateKentucky @ Kansas StateAlabama @ Oklahoma StateTexas A&amp;M @ TexasTennessee @ West VirginiaBaylor @ ArkansasKansas @ Ole MissOklahoma @ GeorgiaTCU @ MizzouTexas Tech @ Vanderbilt--- Mizzou Athletics ---