According to a report from CBS Sports College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein, the 2020 Big East-Big 12 Battle matchups have been set for next season.  

This is the second year of the Big 12-Big East Battle, which adds another marquee non-conference opponent to the already difficult schedules for teams in both leagues. In 2019, the Big East won eight of the 10 matchups against the Big 12.

The upcoming slate will feature Creighton facing Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse and  Villanova playing Texas in Austin.  Other games include Oklahoma State at Marquette, Baylor at Seton Hall, Providence at TCU, St. John’s at Texas Tech, Oklahoma at Xavier, West Virginia at Georgetown, DePaul at Iowa State, and Kansas State at Butler.

According to a report from CBS Sports College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein, the 2020 Big East-Big 12 Battle matchups have been set for next season. This is the second year of the Big 12-Big East Battle, which adds another marquee non-conference opponent to the already difficult schedules for teams in both leagues. In 2019, the Big East won eight of the 10 matchups against the Big 12.The upcoming slate will feature Creighton facing Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse and Villanova playing Texas in Austin. Other games include Oklahoma State at Marquette, Baylor at Seton Hall, Providence at TCU, St. John’s at Texas Tech, Oklahoma at Xavier, West Virginia at Georgetown, DePaul at Iowa State, and Kansas State at Butler.

Report: Matchups set for the 2020 Big East-Big 12 Battle

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The NCAA has announced players ejected from football games for targeting will be allowed to remain on the sidelines. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved the rules change no longer requiring players to head to the locker room after targeting is confirmed. 

The panel also approved a pace-of-play guideline for instant replay officials to complete video reviews in less than two minutes. Game officials’ jurisdiction will begin 90 minutes before kickoff instead of the current 60 because of concerns over pregame dust-ups between teams.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The NCAA has announced players ejected from football games for targeting will be allowed to remain on the sidelines. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved the rules change no longer requiring players to head to the locker room after targeting is confirmed. The panel also approved a pace-of-play guideline for instant replay officials to complete video reviews in less than two minutes. Game officials’ jurisdiction will begin 90 minutes before kickoff instead of the current 60 because of concerns over pregame dust-ups between teams.--- Associated Press ---

NCAA approves new college football rules for 2020

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Rachel-Benzing---MWSU-Lacrosse-Head-Coach-ed2s3d">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU LACROSSE COACH RACHEL BENZING</a>

All college spring sports were cut short this season because of COVID-19, but one spring sport at Missouri Western has dealt with the challenges of the pandemic without losing their season.  The Griffon lacrosse team.

The Missouri Western athletic department announced in November that the University will add women's lacrosse as its 17th intercollegiate sport.  Women's lacrosse is a spring sports, but Griffon head coach Rachel Benzing has spent this spring recruiting as their first competitive season will be in the spring of 2021.

Benzing has already had 17 student-athletes either sign national letters of intent or verbally commit to play for MWSU.  Benzing said that 10 of the first 11 student-athletes they brought on campus committed to Missouri Western, but it has slowed down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Rachel-Benzing---MWSU-Lacrosse-Head-Coach-ed2s3d">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU LACROSSE COACH RACHEL BENZING</a>All college spring sports were cut short this season because of COVID-19, but one spring sport at Missouri Western has dealt with the challenges of the pandemic without losing their season. The Griffon lacrosse team.The Missouri Western athletic department announced in November that the University will add women's lacrosse as its 17th intercollegiate sport. Women's lacrosse is a spring sports, but Griffon head coach Rachel Benzing has spent this spring recruiting as their first competitive season will be in the spring of 2021.Benzing has already had 17 student-athletes either sign national letters of intent or verbally commit to play for MWSU. Benzing said that 10 of the first 11 student-athletes they brought on campus committed to Missouri Western, but it has slowed down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western lacrosse coach Rachel Benzing

St. Joseph, MO - Bishop LeBlond High School Athletic Director Michael Evans has announced the hiring of Chuck Davis as the next head football coach of the Golden Eagles.  Davis replaces Eric Fairchild, who spent one season at the helm and led the LB to a 2-7 record in their inaugural 8-man season.

"Accepting the role of head coach is a tremendous honor that I do not take lightly.  My grandparents, mother, aunts and uncles, myself and all five of my siblings graduated from Bishop LeBlond.  I understand the community and expectations involved," said Davis.  A 2008 graduate of LB, Davis spent three years playing collegiately at Avila University before graduating in 2012.

Evans said he is excited to have Coach Davis be the next head football coach at Bishop LeBlond.  "With Chuck being an LB graduate, he brings a sense of passion and pride to the job," said Evans.  "Since he's been an assistant in our athletic department, Coach Davis has done a tremendous job of building relationships and the kids have always bought into him as a coach and mentor."

Davis has spent the last four years as an assistant football coach with the Golden Eagles, serving in roles such as defensive coordinator and receivers/defensive backs coach.  "As someone who grew up going to every game, and then becoming a member of the first freshman class to play in our own stadium, plus having the opportunity to coach under the great Tony Dudik, this next step is a dream come true," said Davis.

Davis will continue to serve as freshman boys basketball coach and will immediately begin putting together his coaching staff for the 2020 season.  "I think discipline, accountability and competition will really shape the future of the program," he said.  Over the years younger generations have adopted the attitude that just going through the motions is "good enough."  I hope to use competition in practice and high energy coaching to bring back the tenacity of LeBlond football.  I hope to bring the pride back to the program."

St. Joseph, MO - Bishop LeBlond High School Athletic Director Michael Evans has announced the hiring of Chuck Davis as the next head football coach of the Golden Eagles. Davis replaces Eric Fairchild, who spent one season at the helm and led the LB to a 2-7 record in their inaugural 8-man season."Accepting the role of head coach is a tremendous honor that I do not take lightly. My grandparents, mother, aunts and uncles, myself and all five of my siblings graduated from Bishop LeBlond. I understand the community and expectations involved," said Davis. A 2008 graduate of LB, Davis spent three years playing collegiately at Avila University before graduating in 2012.Evans said he is excited to have Coach Davis be the next head football coach at Bishop LeBlond. "With Chuck being an LB graduate, he brings a sense of passion and pride to the job," said Evans. "Since he's been an assistant in our athletic department, Coach Davis has done a tremendous job of building relationships and the kids have always bought into him as a coach and mentor."Davis has spent the last four years as an assistant football coach with the Golden Eagles, serving in roles such as defensive coordinator and receivers/defensive backs coach. "As someone who grew up going to every game, and then becoming a member of the first freshman class to play in our own stadium, plus having the opportunity to coach under the great Tony Dudik, this next step is a dream come true," said Davis.Davis will continue to serve as freshman boys basketball coach and will immediately begin putting together his coaching staff for the 2020 season. "I think discipline, accountability and competition will really shape the future of the program," he said. Over the years younger generations have adopted the attitude that just going through the motions is "good enough." I hope to use competition in practice and high energy coaching to bring back the tenacity of LeBlond football. I hope to bring the pride back to the program."--- Bishop LeBlond Press Release ---

Bishop LeBlond hires Chuck Davis as new football coach

Irving, Texas - The Big 12 Conference has announced its 2020 Winter
Scholar-Athletes of the Year. The following student-athletes have been selected
as award winners for their respective sports based on the votes of each sport’s
respective head coaches.

2020 Big 12 Men’s basketball
scholar-Athlete of the Year

Freddie Gillespie, Baylor, Gr., St. Paul, Minn.

2020 Big 12 Women’s basketball
Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Peyton Williams, Kansas State, Sr., Topeka, Kan.

2020 Big 12 equestrian Scholar-Athlete of
the Year

Rachael Davis, Baylor, Jr., Woodinville, Wash.

2020 Big 12 gymnastics Scholar-Athlete of
the Year

Maddie Karr, Denver, Sr., Stillwater, Minn.

2020 Big 12 men’s swimming &amp; diving
Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Kevin Chao, TCU, Jr., Irvine, Calif.

2020 Big 12 women’s swimming &amp; diving
CO-Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Emma Ruehle, Iowa State, Sr., Plymouth, Minn.

Haley Downey, Kansas, Sr., Bartlesville, Okla.

2020 Big 12 wrestling Scholar-Athlete of
the Year

Cordell Eaton, North Dakota State, R-Sr., Long Grove, Iowa

The Big 12 Conference established its Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Award in 2012-13. A recipient is named in each conference-sponsored sport.
Every Big 12 institution nominates one individual per sport with the winners
selected by a vote of the league head coaches for that sport, who are not
allowed to vote for their own student-athletes. Scholar-Athlete of the Year
nominees must be a junior or senior (athletic and academic standing, have a
cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher, participate in at least 20
percent of the team’s scheduled contests and have a minimum of one year in
residence at the institution.

Irving, Texas - The Big 12 Conference has announced its 2020 Winter
Scholar-Athletes of the Year. The following student-athletes have been selected
as award winners for their respective sports based on the votes of each sport’s
respective head coaches.2020 Big 12 Men’s basketball
scholar-Athlete of the YearFreddie Gillespie, Baylor, Gr., St. Paul, Minn.<ol>
 <li>Political
 science major with a 3.52 GPA and 100 percent participation.</li><li>Voted
 as the Big 12’s Most Improved Player, while garnering All-Big 12 Second
 Team and Big 12 All-Defensive Team accolades.</li><li>Collected
 Academic All-Big 12 First Team recognition in 2019 and 2020. </li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 Women’s basketball
Scholar-Athlete of the YearPeyton Williams, Kansas State, Sr., Topeka, Kan.<ol>
 <li>Double
 Major in Anthropology and International Studies with a 3.945 GPA and
 participated in 96% of this year’s contests.</li><li>Became the first women’s
 basketball player to earn Scholar-Athlete of the Year twice. </li><li>Collected All-Big
 12 First Team honors, while earning CoSIDA Academic All-America Second
 Team and Senior CLASS Award All-America Second Team.</li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 equestrian Scholar-Athlete of
the YearRachael Davis, Baylor, Jr., Woodinville, Wash.<ol>
 <li>Health
 Science Studies major with a 3.77 GPA and participated in every
 competition this season.</li><li>Named Big 12 Flat Rider of the
 Year and First Team NCEA Flat All-American.</li><li>Completed the
 2019-20 Equestrian season with an 11-2 record in the flat, earning four
 Most Outstanding Player honors.</li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 gymnastics Scholar-Athlete of
the YearMaddie Karr, Denver, Sr., Stillwater, Minn.<ol>
 <li>Business
 Analytics major with a 3.62 GPA and 100 percent participation.</li><li>2020 All-Big 12 performer in the
 All-Around, Bars, Floor and Vault. </li><li>Three-time
 Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree (2018, 2019, 2020) and 2017
 Academic All-Rookie honoree. </li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 men’s swimming &amp; diving
Scholar-Athlete of the YearKevin Chao, TCU, Jr., Irvine, Calif.<ol>
 <li>Biology
 major with a 3.712 GPA and 100 percent participation.</li><li>Reached
 three finals at the Big 12 Championships: 1650 free (4th, 500 free (7th)
 and 400 IM (8th).</li><li>Two-time
 member of the Academic All-Big 12 Team (2019, 2020).</li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 women’s swimming &amp; diving
CO-Scholar-Athlete of the YearEmma Ruehle, Iowa State, Sr., Plymouth, Minn.<ol>
 <li>Kinesiology
 major that holds a 3.98 GPA and 100 percent participation this season.</li><li>Set
 a personal record in back-to-back meets in the 50-meter freestyle (24.98).</li><li>Three-time
 Academic All-Big 12 First-Team honoree (2018, 2019 and 2020) and 2017
 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team honoree.</li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 women’s swimming &amp; diving
CO-Scholar-Athlete of the YearHaley Downey, Kansas, Sr., Bartlesville, Okla.<ol>
 <li>An exercise science/pre-physical
 therapy major that boasts a 4.0 GPA and 100 percent participation this
 season.</li><li>Finished
 second in the 200-yard breaststroke, fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke
 and fifth in the 200-yard individual medley at the 2020 Big 12
 Championship</li><li>Three-time Academic All-Big 12
 performer (2018, 2019 and 2020) and a 2017 Academic All-Rookie Team
 member.</li>
 </ol>2020 Big 12 wrestling Scholar-Athlete of
the YearCordell Eaton, North Dakota State, R-Sr., Long Grove, Iowa<ol>
 <li>Earning
 a degree in agricultural and biosystems engineering with a 3.831 GPA and
 94.1 percent participation.</li><li>Placed sixth at the 2020 Big 12
 Championship, earning a qualifying spot in the NCAA Wrestling
 Championship. </li><li>Named Academic All-Big 12 First
 Team honoree in four consecutive seasons (2017, 2018, 2019 and
 2020).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
 </li>
 </ol>The Big 12 Conference established its Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Award in 2012-13. A recipient is named in each conference-sponsored sport.
Every Big 12 institution nominates one individual per sport with the winners
selected by a vote of the league head coaches for that sport, who are not
allowed to vote for their own student-athletes. Scholar-Athlete of the Year
nominees must be a junior or senior (athletic and academic standing, have a
cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher, participate in at least 20
percent of the team’s scheduled contests and have a minimum of one year in
residence at the institution.- Big12Sports.com -

Big 12 announces winter Scholar-Athletes of the Year

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Missouri Western freshman Allycia Gan was among 10 women's golfers named to the Women's Golf Coaches Association Division II All-Central Region team.

Gan ended an abbreviated first collegiate season at MWSU as the No. 4-ranked women's golfer in the region and No. 11 in Division II. She turned in three top-three finishes, finishing third at the Central Region Fall Preview, MIAA Fall Preview and Midwest Classic. Gan recorded a season-low 2-under par in the first round of the MIAA Fall Preview and had an average score of 76 on the season.

WGCA Division II All-Central Region Team Mariana Flores, Rogers State University Allycia Gan, Missouri Western State University Hannah Hankinson, Augustana University (South Dakota) Aitana Hernandez, Northeastern State University Rosie Klausner, University of Central Missouri Jacqueline Klemm, Arkansas Tech University Taylor Loeb, Henderson State University Susana Olivares, University of Central Oklahoma Olivia Sobaski, University of Central Missouri Alex Stone, Augustana University (South Dakota) --- MWSU Athletics ---

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Missouri Western freshman Allycia Gan was among 10 women's golfers named to the Women's Golf Coaches Association Division II All-Central Region team.Gan ended an abbreviated first collegiate season at MWSU as the No. 4-ranked women's golfer in the region and No. 11 in Division II. She turned in three top-three finishes, finishing third at the Central Region Fall Preview, MIAA Fall Preview and Midwest Classic. Gan recorded a season-low 2-under par in the first round of the MIAA Fall Preview and had an average score of 76 on the season.WGCA Division II All-Central Region Team Mariana Flores, Rogers State University Allycia Gan, Missouri Western State University Hannah Hankinson, Augustana University (South Dakota) Aitana Hernandez, Northeastern State University Rosie Klausner, University of Central Missouri Jacqueline Klemm, Arkansas Tech University Taylor Loeb, Henderson State University Susana Olivares, University of Central Oklahoma Olivia Sobaski, University of Central Missouri Alex Stone, Augustana University (South Dakota) --- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western's Allycia Gan named WGCA All-Region

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State head coach Bruce Weber added to his highly-touted 2020 recruiting class with the signing of junior college forward Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) to a National Letter of Intent on Monday (April 20).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

K-State basketball signs junior college PF Carlton Linguard

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling alum and three-time national champion J'den Cox (Colorado Springs, Colo./Titan Mercury WC/USOPTC) has been named the winner of the 2019 John Smith Award as the Freestyle Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling. It is the first time that he has won this prestigious award. The award is named in honor of two-time Olympic champion and four-time World champion John Smith. Cox won his second straight World Championships gold medal, when he powered through the 92 kg bracket to win the World title in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan in September. He defeated Ali Reza Karimimachiani of Iran in the gold-medal finals, 4-0. Cox had a 4-0 record at the World Championships without allowing a point, defeating his four opponents by a 26-0 margin. It was his fourth straight medal at the World and Olympic level, to go along with his 2016 Olympic bronze medal, his 2017 World bronze medal and his 2018 World gold medal. Cox went the entire 2019 year without a loss. He added gold medals at two other major competitions, the Pan American Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April, and the Yasar Dogu International in Turkey in July. Among the athletes that Cox beat at the Pan American Championships was 2012 Olympic silver medalist Jaime Espinal of Puerto Rico. At the Yasar Dogu, which was a UWW Ranking Series event, Cox went 4-0, scoring technical falls in all four matches, and beating his opponents by a 43-0 margin. In the Yasar Dogu finals, Cox beat Bendeguz Toth of Hungary, 10-0. To qualify for this fourth straight USA World or Olympic team, Cox defeated Bo Nickal in Final X: Rutgers in June in two consecutive matches, 5-0 and 4-2. Later in the season, Nickal became a U23 World champion. Cox also won his match in the Beat the Streets Gala event, the "Grapple at the Garden" held in Madison Square Garden's Hulu Theater in May, stopping Patrick Brucki in a 13-0 technical fall. Cox is a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center resident athlete. He was a three-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American for the University of Missouri. Cox was a four-time Missouri state champion for Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo --- Mizzou Athletics ---

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Wrestling alum and three-time national champion J'den Cox (Colorado Springs, Colo./Titan Mercury WC/USOPTC) has been named the winner of the 2019 John Smith Award as the Freestyle Wrestler of the Year by USA Wrestling. It is the first time that he has won this prestigious award. The award is named in honor of two-time Olympic champion and four-time World champion John Smith. Cox won his second straight World Championships gold medal, when he powered through the 92 kg bracket to win the World title in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan in September. He defeated Ali Reza Karimimachiani of Iran in the gold-medal finals, 4-0. Cox had a 4-0 record at the World Championships without allowing a point, defeating his four opponents by a 26-0 margin. It was his fourth straight medal at the World and Olympic level, to go along with his 2016 Olympic bronze medal, his 2017 World bronze medal and his 2018 World gold medal. Cox went the entire 2019 year without a loss. He added gold medals at two other major competitions, the Pan American Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina in April, and the Yasar Dogu International in Turkey in July. Among the athletes that Cox beat at the Pan American Championships was 2012 Olympic silver medalist Jaime Espinal of Puerto Rico. At the Yasar Dogu, which was a UWW Ranking Series event, Cox went 4-0, scoring technical falls in all four matches, and beating his opponents by a 43-0 margin. In the Yasar Dogu finals, Cox beat Bendeguz Toth of Hungary, 10-0. To qualify for this fourth straight USA World or Olympic team, Cox defeated Bo Nickal in Final X: Rutgers in June in two consecutive matches, 5-0 and 4-2. Later in the season, Nickal became a U23 World champion. Cox also won his match in the Beat the Streets Gala event, the "Grapple at the Garden" held in Madison Square Garden's Hulu Theater in May, stopping Patrick Brucki in a 13-0 technical fall. Cox is a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center resident athlete. He was a three-time NCAA champion and four-time All-American for the University of Missouri. Cox was a four-time Missouri state champion for Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo --- Mizzou Athletics ---

Former Tiger J’den Cox Named USA Freestyle Wrestler of the Year

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Mizzou Men's Golf bolstered its 2020-21 roster with the signing of graduate transfer Walker Kesterson on Monday. Kesterson, an Ashland, Mo., native returns to his home state after four years at Southern Miss. He was granted a waiver for an additional fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA after COVID-19 cut his senior campaign short this spring. 

"Walker is a fierce competitor and we're excited for him to bring that fire to our team next season," head coach Mark Leroux said. "He's always dreamed of being a Missouri Tiger growing up down the road in Ashland. He loves Mizzou, and will represent our University well."

Before the 2019-20 season ended in March, Kesterson competed in eight tournaments for the Golden Eagles, boasting a 73.71 scoring average. He racked up four Top-35 individual finishes, including a 7-under par T-5th performance at the Sam Hall Intercollegiate and a 6-under par T-14th outing at the LaTour Intercollegiate.

As a senior, Kesterson tallied 10 rounds of par or better, ballooning his career number to 31 rounds of par or better. He's fired eight rounds in the 60s in his career and owns a 74.25 career scoring average. He also won the 2019 Missouri Amateur Championship.

Kesteron was a 2018-19 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-American Scholar and a three-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Kesterson attended Southern Boone High School in Missouri, where he was a four-time all-conference, all-district, all-sectional and all-state selection.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Mizzou Men's Golf bolstered its 2020-21 roster with the signing of graduate transfer Walker Kesterson on Monday. Kesterson, an Ashland, Mo., native returns to his home state after four years at Southern Miss. He was granted a waiver for an additional fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA after COVID-19 cut his senior campaign short this spring. "Walker is a fierce competitor and we're excited for him to bring that fire to our team next season," head coach Mark Leroux said. "He's always dreamed of being a Missouri Tiger growing up down the road in Ashland. He loves Mizzou, and will represent our University well."Before the 2019-20 season ended in March, Kesterson competed in eight tournaments for the Golden Eagles, boasting a 73.71 scoring average. He racked up four Top-35 individual finishes, including a 7-under par T-5th performance at the Sam Hall Intercollegiate and a 6-under par T-14th outing at the LaTour Intercollegiate.As a senior, Kesterson tallied 10 rounds of par or better, ballooning his career number to 31 rounds of par or better. He's fired eight rounds in the 60s in his career and owns a 74.25 career scoring average. He also won the 2019 Missouri Amateur Championship.Kesteron was a 2018-19 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-American Scholar and a three-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. Kesterson attended Southern Boone High School in Missouri, where he was a four-time all-conference, all-district, all-sectional and all-state selection.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou men’s golf lands grad transfer Walker Kesterson

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Hayden-Eatinger---Former-MWSU-FB-Offensive-Lineman-ecstkt">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO FORMER MWSU OL HAYDEN EATINGER</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with former Missouri Western offensive lineman Hayden Eatinger as he prepares for the 2020 NFL Draft this week.

Eatinger didn't miss a game over the last four years and started all 46 games for the Griffons in his career.  He was a four-time All-MIAA selection.  Eatinger was honorable mention as a freshman, second team as a sophomore and he finished his career as first team All-MIAA as a junior and senior.

The Raymore, Missouri native hopes to be the first Missouri Western football player drafted since David Bass in 2012.  Since the season ended in the December, Eatinger was invited to and participated in the 2020 College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas and the Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Both events included college seniors from all over the country from all levels of football, including power five Division I schools.  Eatinger was able to practice for a week in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and then cap off the week with an All-Star game.

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the draft preparation process leading up to this week though, as Eatinger was not able to have a pro day in front of more scouts and he wasn't able to take visits to any NFL franchises.

Eatinger is hopeful his name is called this week as the NFL Draft begins Thursday and will conclude Saturday.  If he doesn't get drafted, Eatinger thinks he has a great shot to sign with a team as an undrafted rookie free agent.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Hayden-Eatinger---Former-MWSU-FB-Offensive-Lineman-ecstkt">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO FORMER MWSU OL HAYDEN EATINGER</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with former Missouri Western offensive lineman Hayden Eatinger as he prepares for the 2020 NFL Draft this week.Eatinger didn't miss a game over the last four years and started all 46 games for the Griffons in his career. He was a four-time All-MIAA selection. Eatinger was honorable mention as a freshman, second team as a sophomore and he finished his career as first team All-MIAA as a junior and senior.The Raymore, Missouri native hopes to be the first Missouri Western football player drafted since David Bass in 2012. Since the season ended in the December, Eatinger was invited to and participated in the 2020 College Gridiron Showcase in Fort Worth, Texas and the Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. Both events included college seniors from all over the country from all levels of football, including power five Division I schools. Eatinger was able to practice for a week in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams and then cap off the week with an All-Star game.The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the draft preparation process leading up to this week though, as Eatinger was not able to have a pro day in front of more scouts and he wasn't able to take visits to any NFL franchises.Eatinger is hopeful his name is called this week as the NFL Draft begins Thursday and will conclude Saturday. If he doesn't get drafted, Eatinger thinks he has a great shot to sign with a team as an undrafted rookie free agent.

Former Griffon OL Eatinger hopeful of getting drafted this week

Lincoln – University of Nebraska men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed Saturday that Charlie Easley has entered the transfer portal and will transfer following the spring semester.

Easley, a 6-foot-2 guard who walked on to the Husker program out of Lincoln Pius X, played in 28 games, including four starts, as a freshman in 2019-20. He averaged 1.9 points, 0.5 assists and 0.6 steals per game and tallied five or more points on six occasions, highlighted a season-high eight points and three steals in 16 minutes against Indiana on Jan. 18. He had multiple steals on five occasions, including three each against Indiana and Michigan.

“We loved having Charlie as part of our program over the last year,” Hoiberg said. “He worked hard to earn a scholarship for the spring semester and took advantage of the opportunity to earn playing time last season. That put Charlie in a position where he can be a significant contributor for a program. I thank Charlie for his contributions and everyone in our program wishes him the best in the future.”

Lincoln – University of Nebraska men’s basketball coach Fred Hoiberg confirmed Saturday that Charlie Easley has entered the transfer portal and will transfer following the spring semester.Easley, a 6-foot-2 guard who walked on to the Husker program out of Lincoln Pius X, played in 28 games, including four starts, as a freshman in 2019-20. He averaged 1.9 points, 0.5 assists and 0.6 steals per game and tallied five or more points on six occasions, highlighted a season-high eight points and three steals in 16 minutes against Indiana on Jan. 18. He had multiple steals on five occasions, including three each against Indiana and Michigan.“We loved having Charlie as part of our program over the last year,” Hoiberg said. “He worked hard to earn a scholarship for the spring semester and took advantage of the opportunity to earn playing time last season. That put Charlie in a position where he can be a significant contributor for a program. I thank Charlie for his contributions and everyone in our program wishes him the best in the future.”--- NU Athletics ---

Nebraska's Easley to transfer after spring semester

SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State head football coach Bobby Petrino has landed greatly-coveted quarterback Jaden Johnson who accepted a scholarship offer from the Bears late Friday.

Johnson, who redshirted during the 2019 season at Southern Miss, will be eligible immediately at MSU and have four seasons to play in Springfield.

The 6-foot-2, 208-pound signal caller was rated as the No. 20 pro-style quarterback in the nation by 247sports.com his senior year at Kirby High School in Memphis, Tenn. He was rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a three-star standout from Rivals and 247sports. Johnson also earned acclaim as the No. 18 prospect in his home state of Tennessee.

"We recruited Jaden at Louisville and really connected during that process," said Petrino. "He's a dynamic quarterback who has the potential to really be a game changer for our program."

In 2018, he led coach Chester Flowers' Kirby High School offense that averaged 43.1 points per game at the Class 5A level. The Cougars finished 11-2 overall and made their first state quarterfinal appearance since 1998. He averaged 199.1 yards of total offense per game for Kirby and accounted for 19 touchdowns. Johnson was a Commercial Appeal All-Metro Team selection in 2018 and earned a spot in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game. 

In addition to scholarship offers from Louisville and Southern Miss out of high school, Johnson also received offers from Georgia, Indiana and Memphis. 

Missouri State also added a highly-touted defensive end during this week's extended signing period with the addition of transfer Isaiah Sayles from San Diego Mesa Community College. He is a 6-foot-33, 230-pounder who will be a junior this fall. 

Originally from San Antonio, Texas (Wagner High School, Sayles posted a team-high 69 total tackles at San Diego Mesa in 2019, including 37 solos and 18 tackles for loss. He also contributed 10 sacks for the Olympians and had an interception. The Region III All-California first-teamer helped coach Gary Watson's Mesa squad to a 7-4 campaign and No. 17 final ranking in 2019 with a trip to the Patriotic Bowl. He notched a team-high 10 tackles vs. El Camino with 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in the Patriotic Bowl contest. 

As a freshman, Sayles, brought down 23 ball carriers in 7 appearances with 9 solo stops, 6 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. As a high school senior, Sayles registered 100 total tackles with 39 solos in addition to 51 tackles for loss for coach Charles Bruce's Thunderbirds with 12.0 sacks and 14 hurries.

SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State head football coach Bobby Petrino has landed greatly-coveted quarterback Jaden Johnson who accepted a scholarship offer from the Bears late Friday.Johnson, who redshirted during the 2019 season at Southern Miss, will be eligible immediately at MSU and have four seasons to play in Springfield.The 6-foot-2, 208-pound signal caller was rated as the No. 20 pro-style quarterback in the nation by 247sports.com his senior year at Kirby High School in Memphis, Tenn. He was rated as a four-star prospect by ESPN and a three-star standout from Rivals and 247sports. Johnson also earned acclaim as the No. 18 prospect in his home state of Tennessee."We recruited Jaden at Louisville and really connected during that process," said Petrino. "He's a dynamic quarterback who has the potential to really be a game changer for our program."In 2018, he led coach Chester Flowers' Kirby High School offense that averaged 43.1 points per game at the Class 5A level. The Cougars finished 11-2 overall and made their first state quarterfinal appearance since 1998. He averaged 199.1 yards of total offense per game for Kirby and accounted for 19 touchdowns. Johnson was a Commercial Appeal All-Metro Team selection in 2018 and earned a spot in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl High School All-Star Game. In addition to scholarship offers from Louisville and Southern Miss out of high school, Johnson also received offers from Georgia, Indiana and Memphis. Missouri State also added a highly-touted defensive end during this week's extended signing period with the addition of transfer Isaiah Sayles from San Diego Mesa Community College. He is a 6-foot-33, 230-pounder who will be a junior this fall. Originally from San Antonio, Texas (Wagner High School, Sayles posted a team-high 69 total tackles at San Diego Mesa in 2019, including 37 solos and 18 tackles for loss. He also contributed 10 sacks for the Olympians and had an interception. The Region III All-California first-teamer helped coach Gary Watson's Mesa squad to a 7-4 campaign and No. 17 final ranking in 2019 with a trip to the Patriotic Bowl. He notched a team-high 10 tackles vs. El Camino with 2 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in the Patriotic Bowl contest. As a freshman, Sayles, brought down 23 ball carriers in 7 appearances with 9 solo stops, 6 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. As a high school senior, Sayles registered 100 total tackles with 39 solos in addition to 51 tackles for loss for coach Charles Bruce's Thunderbirds with 12.0 sacks and 14 hurries.--- Missouri State Athletics ---

Missouri State football adds spring transfers

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Marian-Carbin---MWSU-VB-Head-Coach-ectg24">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU VOLLEYBALL COACH MARIAN CARBIN</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western volleyball coach Marian Carbin as her team is another fall sport affected by COVID-19 during the spring.  The Griffons were schedule to wrap up their spring practices on Friday but nearly all of their workouts were canceled.

Missouri Western went 17-13 overall in 2019 and 11-9 in the MIAA.  They finished fifth in the league as they lost to fourth-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals.

The Griffons return 13 players off of last years team, including First Team All-MIAA selection Ali Tauchen.  MWSU is scheduled to begin their 2020 season the first weekend in September.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Marian-Carbin---MWSU-VB-Head-Coach-ectg24">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU VOLLEYBALL COACH MARIAN CARBIN</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western volleyball coach Marian Carbin as her team is another fall sport affected by COVID-19 during the spring. The Griffons were schedule to wrap up their spring practices on Friday but nearly all of their workouts were canceled.Missouri Western went 17-13 overall in 2019 and 11-9 in the MIAA. They finished fifth in the league as they lost to fourth-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the MIAA Tournament Quarterfinals.The Griffons return 13 players off of last years team, including First Team All-MIAA selection Ali Tauchen. MWSU is scheduled to begin their 2020 season the first weekend in September.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western volleyball coach Marian Carbin

St. Joseph, MO - Bishop LeBlond High School Athletic Director Michael Evans has announced that boys and girls golf coach Pat Clark will retire effective immediately from his post as head coach.  Clark spent 37 years at the helm of the Golden Eagles golf program and retires as one of the winningest coaches in the state of Missouri.  During his tenure, Bishop LeBlond gold won 3 MSHSAA state championships, 10 District Championships and 10 MEC Championships.  His team also recorded two 3rd place finishes.  Currently, two of his former golfers are playing at the Division I collegiate level.

"We are very appreciative for all that Coach Clark did for our golf program and Bishop LeBlond," said Evans.  "He was recognized in the state of Missouri as the leader of one of the top golf programs over the last 10 years and I think both the team and individual championships speak for themselves.  He is not only a graduate of Bishop LeBlond, but after coaching and teaching at LeBlond for 38 years he will surely be missed.  He truly exemplifies what Bishop LeBlond is all about."

Clark was named the NFHS Missouri Golf Coach of the Year in 2018 as well as the NFHS Midwest Section Coach of the year which included nominees from six state in the region.  Clark has been named the New-Press Golf Coach of the Year twice and the News-Press Spring Coach of the Year once.  The Bishop LeBlond golf program was recognized as one of the Top 10 programs of the decade for their tremendous run between 2010-2019.

Bishop LeBlond is pleased to announce that former Missouri Western golfer Mitch Girres as the next head coach.  Girres also currently serves as the head boys basketball coach and physical education teacher at Bishop LeBlond.

St. Joseph, MO - Bishop LeBlond High School Athletic Director Michael Evans has announced that boys and girls golf coach Pat Clark will retire effective immediately from his post as head coach. Clark spent 37 years at the helm of the Golden Eagles golf program and retires as one of the winningest coaches in the state of Missouri. During his tenure, Bishop LeBlond gold won 3 MSHSAA state championships, 10 District Championships and 10 MEC Championships. His team also recorded two 3rd place finishes. Currently, two of his former golfers are playing at the Division I collegiate level."We are very appreciative for all that Coach Clark did for our golf program and Bishop LeBlond," said Evans. "He was recognized in the state of Missouri as the leader of one of the top golf programs over the last 10 years and I think both the team and individual championships speak for themselves. He is not only a graduate of Bishop LeBlond, but after coaching and teaching at LeBlond for 38 years he will surely be missed. He truly exemplifies what Bishop LeBlond is all about."Clark was named the NFHS Missouri Golf Coach of the Year in 2018 as well as the NFHS Midwest Section Coach of the year which included nominees from six state in the region. Clark has been named the New-Press Golf Coach of the Year twice and the News-Press Spring Coach of the Year once. The Bishop LeBlond golf program was recognized as one of the Top 10 programs of the decade for their tremendous run between 2010-2019.Bishop LeBlond is pleased to announce that former Missouri Western golfer Mitch Girres as the next head coach. Girres also currently serves as the head boys basketball coach and physical education teacher at Bishop LeBlond.--- Bishop LeBlond Press Release ---

Bishop LeBlond golf coach Pat Clark retires after 37 years

COLUMBIA, Mo.  – Mizzou Women's Basketball head coach Robin Pingeton announced the addition of Auburn University transfer Lauren Hansen on Friday. A four-star recruit by ESPNW in the Class of 2019, Hansen will have three years of eligibility remaining when she suits up in the Black &amp; Gold.

“We are beyond excited to have Lauren join our program,” said Pingeton. “She adds SEC experience and a great deal of talent to our roster. Lauren is an excellent three-point shooter with a high basketball IQ and an impressive offensive skill set. Most importantly, she is a high character young lady who aligns with our core values. She will be an incredible addition to our family.”

In her freshman campaign at Auburn, the 5-foot-8 guard played in 25 games and made 20 starts, averaging 7.9 points, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game. A sharpshooter from deep, Hansen made 33.3 percent (40-of-120) of her shots from three-point range, while her 1.6 three-pointers per game ranked 10th in the SEC. Hansen’s seven three-pointers in a 24-point performance against Drake (12/1/19) tied for the most three-pointers made by an SEC player in a single game during the season.

Hailing from Long Island, N.Y., Hansen was the No. 71-ranked prospect and the No. 20-ranked guard in the Class of 2019 by ESPNW HoopGurlz. In her senior season at Ward Melville High School, Hansen averaged 27 points, six rebounds and five assists per game while earning all-conference and USA Today first team all-state team honors. Hansen also helped lead Ward Melville to back-to-back state championships in her sophomore and junior campaigns.

Hansen is the fourth member in a talented group of Mizzou newcomers heading into the 2020-21 season, joining signees Jayla Kelly, Sara-Rose Smith and Mama Dembele.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women's Basketball head coach Robin Pingeton announced the addition of Auburn University transfer Lauren Hansen on Friday. A four-star recruit by ESPNW in the Class of 2019, Hansen will have three years of eligibility remaining when she suits up in the Black &amp; Gold.“We are beyond excited to have Lauren join our program,” said Pingeton. “She adds SEC experience and a great deal of talent to our roster. Lauren is an excellent three-point shooter with a high basketball IQ and an impressive offensive skill set. Most importantly, she is a high character young lady who aligns with our core values. She will be an incredible addition to our family.”In her freshman campaign at Auburn, the 5-foot-8 guard played in 25 games and made 20 starts, averaging 7.9 points, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals per game. A sharpshooter from deep, Hansen made 33.3 percent (40-of-120) of her shots from three-point range, while her 1.6 three-pointers per game ranked 10th in the SEC. Hansen’s seven three-pointers in a 24-point performance against Drake (12/1/19) tied for the most three-pointers made by an SEC player in a single game during the season.Hailing from Long Island, N.Y., Hansen was the No. 71-ranked prospect and the No. 20-ranked guard in the Class of 2019 by ESPNW HoopGurlz. In her senior season at Ward Melville High School, Hansen averaged 27 points, six rebounds and five assists per game while earning all-conference and USA Today first team all-state team honors. Hansen also helped lead Ward Melville to back-to-back state championships in her sophomore and junior campaigns.Hansen is the fourth member in a talented group of Mizzou newcomers heading into the 2020-21 season, joining signees Jayla Kelly, Sara-Rose Smith and Mama Dembele.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou women add Auburn transfer Lauren Hansen

ST. JOSEPH - Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Candi Whitaker has signed a transfer guard to join the Griffons for the 2020-21 season. Kelcie Hale will come to MWSU after two seasons at North Iowa Area Community College.

"Kelcie is a proven winner and great competitor," Whitaker said. "She is a true run-the-show point guard who has shown tremendous leadership skills as well as the ability to shoot the ball well beyond the arc. Griffon fans will enjoy watching her play the next two years."

Kelcie Hale G | 5-4 | Earlham, Iowa | Earlham HS | North Iowa Area CC

Hale was a first team All-NJCAA Region XI and All-ICCAC selection as a sophomore, averaging 10.2 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. She was selected the NJCAA Region XI tournament MVP, after scoring 24 pints in NIACC's 95-73 regional championship win over Kirkwood. Hale helped guide the Trojans to a 32-1 season and a No. 1 ranking in the final four NJCAA Division II national polls. As a freshman at NIACC, Hale was named third team All-NJCAA Region XI, honorable mention All-ICCAC and was selected to the NJCAA Region XI All-Tournament team. At Earlham High School, Hale lettered varsity all four years. She was a two-time all-conference selection, earning first team honors as a senior.

Hale will join a Griffon team that went 21-8 in Whitaker's first season as head coach, finishing in a tie for fourth place in the MIAA standings.

ST. JOSEPH - Missouri Western women's basketball head coach Candi Whitaker has signed a transfer guard to join the Griffons for the 2020-21 season. Kelcie Hale will come to MWSU after two seasons at North Iowa Area Community College."Kelcie is a proven winner and great competitor," Whitaker said. "She is a true run-the-show point guard who has shown tremendous leadership skills as well as the ability to shoot the ball well beyond the arc. Griffon fans will enjoy watching her play the next two years."Kelcie Hale G | 5-4 | Earlham, Iowa | Earlham HS | North Iowa Area CCHale was a first team All-NJCAA Region XI and All-ICCAC selection as a sophomore, averaging 10.2 points, 4.5 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. She was selected the NJCAA Region XI tournament MVP, after scoring 24 pints in NIACC's 95-73 regional championship win over Kirkwood. Hale helped guide the Trojans to a 32-1 season and a No. 1 ranking in the final four NJCAA Division II national polls. As a freshman at NIACC, Hale was named third team All-NJCAA Region XI, honorable mention All-ICCAC and was selected to the NJCAA Region XI All-Tournament team. At Earlham High School, Hale lettered varsity all four years. She was a two-time all-conference selection, earning first team honors as a senior.Hale will join a Griffon team that went 21-8 in Whitaker's first season as head coach, finishing in a tie for fourth place in the MIAA standings.--- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU women's basketball officially signs Junior College PG Kelcie Hale

Columbia, Mo.- The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors voted to grant relief of&nbsp;portions of the MSHSAA By-Laws that include summer limits on contact between coaches and student-athletes, at its April meeting on Thursday, April 16th.

Dependent upon approval from local and state health officials, the MSHSAA Board voted to make the summertime dead period and the summer limits on contact optional for the summer of 2020. MSHSAA By-Law 1.5 requires member schools to establish a period of nine consecutive days beginning on a Saturday and lasting to the second following Sunday, in which no contact takes place between school coaches/directors of MSHSAA-sponsored activities and students enrolled in the member school, or who will be enrolled in the member school during the next school year. With Thursday’s decision, a school may choose to comply with this “dead period” or to allow teams to hold activities. This decision also relieves portions of By-Law 3.15.3 and 3.15.4, which limits teams to 20 days of contact during the summer. Member schools may allow teams to have more than 20 days of contact in which any coaching or instruction in the skills and techniques of any sport takes place.

“The abrupt changes that took place to our normal system of education this spring, have our schools pleading for access to students this summer,” said MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn. “The membership asked about what possible flexibility and modifications to by-law restrictions that could be offered. If there is no local, state, or national clearance for safe contact with students, then any allowances dealing with summer will be moot. But, in an effort to be prepared for what we hope is possible, this action was taken to grant some relief for the member schools.”

In other action, the Board of Directors voted to allow seniors to be viewed as enrolled students through the summer, which allows them to represent their high schools in summertime interscholastic competition. This relief of By-Law 3.15 is designed for this summer only.

“Hopefully, this will allow schools to play contests against other schools to provide closure and recognition for students and allow teams and kids to play together this summer,” said Urhahn.

At this point, no action was taken to alter any other sections of By-Law 3.15, or the fall no contact period (3.15.1.b) that is scheduled to take place between August 3, 2020 and August 9, 2020. All summertime activities remain optional for students, attendance or participation could not be required.

“The first thing that needs to be clearly understood is that all decisions about anything summer-related – be it contact, access, practice, games, conditioning, etc. - must first be approved, cleared and deemed safe by the CDC, State and Local Health Departments, the Governor, and local Mayors” Urhahn concluded. “The end of social distancing and ‘safe at home’ is still not clearly visible yet, and summer activities may not be possible due to the covid-19 pandemic and its own timeline.”

Columbia, Mo.- The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Board of Directors voted to grant relief of&nbsp;portions of the MSHSAA By-Laws that include summer limits on contact between coaches and student-athletes, at its April meeting on Thursday, April 16th.Dependent upon approval from local and state health officials, the MSHSAA Board voted to make the summertime dead period and the summer limits on contact optional for the summer of 2020. MSHSAA By-Law 1.5 requires member schools to establish a period of nine consecutive days beginning on a Saturday and lasting to the second following Sunday, in which no contact takes place between school coaches/directors of MSHSAA-sponsored activities and students enrolled in the member school, or who will be enrolled in the member school during the next school year. With Thursday’s decision, a school may choose to comply with this “dead period” or to allow teams to hold activities. This decision also relieves portions of By-Law 3.15.3 and 3.15.4, which limits teams to 20 days of contact during the summer. Member schools may allow teams to have more than 20 days of contact in which any coaching or instruction in the skills and techniques of any sport takes place.“The abrupt changes that took place to our normal system of education this spring, have our schools pleading for access to students this summer,” said MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn. “The membership asked about what possible flexibility and modifications to by-law restrictions that could be offered. If there is no local, state, or national clearance for safe contact with students, then any allowances dealing with summer will be moot. But, in an effort to be prepared for what we hope is possible, this action was taken to grant some relief for the member schools.”In other action, the Board of Directors voted to allow seniors to be viewed as enrolled students through the summer, which allows them to represent their high schools in summertime interscholastic competition. This relief of By-Law 3.15 is designed for this summer only.“Hopefully, this will allow schools to play contests against other schools to provide closure and recognition for students and allow teams and kids to play together this summer,” said Urhahn.At this point, no action was taken to alter any other sections of By-Law 3.15, or the fall no contact period (3.15.1.b) that is scheduled to take place between August 3, 2020 and August 9, 2020. All summertime activities remain optional for students, attendance or participation could not be required.“The first thing that needs to be clearly understood is that all decisions about anything summer-related – be it contact, access, practice, games, conditioning, etc. - must first be approved, cleared and deemed safe by the CDC, State and Local Health Departments, the Governor, and local Mayors” Urhahn concluded. “The end of social distancing and ‘safe at home’ is still not clearly visible yet, and summer activities may not be possible due to the covid-19 pandemic and its own timeline.”--- MSHSAA Press Release ---

MSHSAA Board approves changes to summer by-laws

The MINK League announced on Friday they are postponing the start of the collegiate summer baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The St. Jospeh Mustangs are apart of the MINK League and were schedule to begin their season on Wednesday, May 27th.

The MINK League released the following statement:

We have made an executive decision to officially move the league start date to June 15, with the ability to move it back to July 1, if needed. These decisions are based off local, state, and national guidelines as it pertains to our league.

The MINK League understands and supports the decisions being made across the nation during this time. The MINK League’s number one goal is to provide a safe environment for players, coaches, fans, host families, staff, and all of the tremendous people who are a part of the MINK League. League officials continue to monitor developments during this fluid situation.

Additionally, each team is welcoming college seniors who have been granted an additional year of eligibility. We will continue to prepare for the 2020 season and provide updates as we progress.

The MINK League announced on Friday they are postponing the start of the collegiate summer baseball season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The St. Jospeh Mustangs are apart of the MINK League and were schedule to begin their season on Wednesday, May 27th.The MINK League released the following statement:We have made an executive decision to officially move the league start date to June 15, with the ability to move it back to July 1, if needed. These decisions are based off local, state, and national guidelines as it pertains to our league.The MINK League understands and supports the decisions being made across the nation during this time. The MINK League’s number one goal is to provide a safe environment for players, coaches, fans, host families, staff, and all of the tremendous people who are a part of the MINK League. League officials continue to monitor developments during this fluid situation.Additionally, each team is welcoming college seniors who have been granted an additional year of eligibility. We will continue to prepare for the 2020 season and provide updates as we progress.

MINK League pushes back opening day to June 15

<a href="https://clyp.it/h2jwghtb">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU RB SHAMAR GRIFFITH</a>

Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western running back Shamar Griffith as the Griffons were scheduled to play their annual spring football game this weekend.  The senior-to-be from Hannibal, Missouri talks about missing spring ball, his career as a Griffon, helping to build MWSU football back up and he looks ahead to 2020.

Griffith started all 12 games in 2019 as a junior and ran for 826 yards and four touchdowns.  He averaged 6.2 yards per carry and added 11 receptions for 186 yards and one score.

Griffth was part of Matt Williamson's first recruiting class and has helped to build the program up from four wins in 2017, to seven wins in 2018 and nine wins last season.  In his first three seasons, Griffith has 1891 rushing yards and eight touchdowns and is averaging 6.2 yards per carry for his career.

He and the Griffons are schedule to kick off their 2020 season on Thursday, September 3 at Central Oklahoma.

<a href="https://clyp.it/h2jwghtb">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU RB SHAMAR GRIFFITH</a>Dave Riggert had a chance to talk with Missouri Western running back Shamar Griffith as the Griffons were scheduled to play their annual spring football game this weekend. The senior-to-be from Hannibal, Missouri talks about missing spring ball, his career as a Griffon, helping to build MWSU football back up and he looks ahead to 2020.Griffith started all 12 games in 2019 as a junior and ran for 826 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry and added 11 receptions for 186 yards and one score.Griffth was part of Matt Williamson's first recruiting class and has helped to build the program up from four wins in 2017, to seven wins in 2018 and nine wins last season. In his first three seasons, Griffith has 1891 rushing yards and eight touchdowns and is averaging 6.2 yards per carry for his career.He and the Griffons are schedule to kick off their 2020 season on Thursday, September 3 at Central Oklahoma.

1-on-1 with Missouri Western running back Shamar Griffith

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Six of Mizzou Athletics’ most highly compensated staff members have agreed to take a voluntary reduction in their salaries from May 1 through July 31, Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced Thursday evening.

As a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, Sterk will participate in the process announced earlier this week by MU President Dr. Mun Choi, and will be joined by Mizzou Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Cuonzo Martin, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Robin Pingeton, Head Wrestling Coach Brian Smith and Head Baseball Coach Steve Bieser.

“In the wake of the unprecedented challenges the University of Missouri, our state and nation are facing, collectively we believed it was important to step forward and support President (Mun) Choi and other University leaders at this time,” Sterk said. “As leaders, I believe it is important that we lead by example, especially in times of crisis, and this is one way that we can demonstrate that.

“Part of our Win it Right culture includes togetherness, and I appreciate Eliah, Cuonzo, Robin, Brian and Steve’s unselfishness and willingness to step forward in these difficult times to voluntarily give up a part of their compensation. All five of them have impeccable character and understand the role that they play as leaders on our campus.”

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Six of Mizzou Athletics’ most highly compensated staff members have agreed to take a voluntary reduction in their salaries from May 1 through July 31, Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced Thursday evening.As a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, Sterk will participate in the process announced earlier this week by MU President Dr. Mun Choi, and will be joined by Mizzou Head Football Coach Eliah Drinkwitz, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Cuonzo Martin, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Robin Pingeton, Head Wrestling Coach Brian Smith and Head Baseball Coach Steve Bieser.“In the wake of the unprecedented challenges the University of Missouri, our state and nation are facing, collectively we believed it was important to step forward and support President (Mun) Choi and other University leaders at this time,” Sterk said. “As leaders, I believe it is important that we lead by example, especially in times of crisis, and this is one way that we can demonstrate that.“Part of our Win it Right culture includes togetherness, and I appreciate Eliah, Cuonzo, Robin, Brian and Steve’s unselfishness and willingness to step forward in these difficult times to voluntarily give up a part of their compensation. All five of them have impeccable character and understand the role that they play as leaders on our campus.”--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou Athletics leaders step forward with voluntary salary reductions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiefs getting set for 2020 NFL Draft next week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jayhawks' David McCormack to return for junior season

The Northwest Missouri State University men's and women's tennis programs have players featured in the latest ITA Division II rankings.

The men's team has three Bearcats ranked among the top 11 players in the Central region. Freshman Andrea Zamurri is ranked No.4, while sophomore Franco Oliva is ranked No. 10 and sophomore Fabien Calloud is ranked No. 11.

The doubles pairing of Zamurri and Calloud is ranked No. 4 in the Central region. Zamurri and Calloud captured the ITA Central Region title at the fall event and qualified for the ITA Cup. Zamurri and Calloud posted a mark of 6-2 in tournament play and 9-7 overall.

The women's team had senior Tania Teruel ranked No. 11 and freshman Vera Alenicheva ranked No. 13. The Bearcat women's team received votes in the national ITA top 25 poll.

The Bearcat men finished the 2019-2020 season with a dual mark of 3-5, while the women's squad finished 5-3.

Bearcat head tennis coach Mark Rosewell has posted 1,125 career coaching victories overall in 38 seasons. Rosewell has earned 1,103 total wins in 36 seasons at Northwest.

The Northwest Missouri State University men's and women's tennis programs have players featured in the latest ITA Division II rankings.The men's team has three Bearcats ranked among the top 11 players in the Central region. Freshman Andrea Zamurri is ranked No.4, while sophomore Franco Oliva is ranked No. 10 and sophomore Fabien Calloud is ranked No. 11.The doubles pairing of Zamurri and Calloud is ranked No. 4 in the Central region. Zamurri and Calloud captured the ITA Central Region title at the fall event and qualified for the ITA Cup. Zamurri and Calloud posted a mark of 6-2 in tournament play and 9-7 overall.The women's team had senior Tania Teruel ranked No. 11 and freshman Vera Alenicheva ranked No. 13. The Bearcat women's team received votes in the national ITA top 25 poll.The Bearcat men finished the 2019-2020 season with a dual mark of 3-5, while the women's squad finished 5-3.Bearcat head tennis coach Mark Rosewell has posted 1,125 career coaching victories overall in 38 seasons. Rosewell has earned 1,103 total wins in 36 seasons at Northwest.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest tennis players featured in ITA Division II Central region rankings

COLUMBIA, Mo.  – Mizzou Women's Basketball head coach Robin Pingeton announced the addition of Mama Dembele on Thursday, as the Spanish point guard signed a national letter of intent to continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Missouri. The Manlleu, Spain native joins Mizzou with a wealth of success at the international level, and earned a trip stateside to participate in a Global Basketball Camp organized by the NBA and FIBA.

Dembele’s signing brings Mizzou’s 2020 recruiting class to three, after Jayla Kelly and Sara-Rose Smith inked NLI’s in November. Kelly ranks as the No. 79 overall recruit in the nation by ESPNW, while Smith boasts experience at the international level with the Australian national team.

"We are very excited to have Mama joining our basketball family,” said Pingeton. “She has an incredible motor, has tremendous speed, she is a great defender, and has a very high basketball IQ. She will be a great floor general for us. In addition, Mama is a high character young lady who we know will be a fantastic addition to our program.”

Dembele earned All-Star recognition at the 2018 U16 European Championships, as the shifty point guard helped lead the Spaniards to bronze medal finish after averaging 5.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. She played her best game of the tournament in the opening round of group play, as she scored 16 points, had six rebounds, four assists and six steals in a 96-66 win over Latvia. In the bronze medal game, Dembele dished out eight assists, grabbed five rebounds and had five steals in a 64-47 win over Turkey.

Dembele joined Spain’s national team once again in the summer of 2019 at the U18 European Championships where she averaged 3.3 points and 3.7 assists per game. In group play, Dembele scored 10 points and dished out three assists against Czech Republic. Against Israel, Dembele dished out eight dimes.

Dembele joined an impressive group of international prospects at the 2020 NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, hosted by FIBA during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. She was one of 64 boys and girls (age 16-18) from 34 countries who visited Chicago and got to attend the dunk contest, 3-point shootout and the All-Star Game. In addition, each player participated in drills, practices and scrimmages in front of NBA and WNBA teams. For her efforts in Chicago, Dembele received the Defensive MVP Award. 

At her high school, IES Joaquim Blume, Dembele was named the best student-athlete for the 2019-20 season.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women's Basketball head coach Robin Pingeton announced the addition of Mama Dembele on Thursday, as the Spanish point guard signed a national letter of intent to continue her athletic and academic career at the University of Missouri. The Manlleu, Spain native joins Mizzou with a wealth of success at the international level, and earned a trip stateside to participate in a Global Basketball Camp organized by the NBA and FIBA.Dembele’s signing brings Mizzou’s 2020 recruiting class to three, after Jayla Kelly and Sara-Rose Smith inked NLI’s in November. Kelly ranks as the No. 79 overall recruit in the nation by ESPNW, while Smith boasts experience at the international level with the Australian national team."We are very excited to have Mama joining our basketball family,” said Pingeton. “She has an incredible motor, has tremendous speed, she is a great defender, and has a very high basketball IQ. She will be a great floor general for us. In addition, Mama is a high character young lady who we know will be a fantastic addition to our program.”Dembele earned All-Star recognition at the 2018 U16 European Championships, as the shifty point guard helped lead the Spaniards to bronze medal finish after averaging 5.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. She played her best game of the tournament in the opening round of group play, as she scored 16 points, had six rebounds, four assists and six steals in a 96-66 win over Latvia. In the bronze medal game, Dembele dished out eight assists, grabbed five rebounds and had five steals in a 64-47 win over Turkey.Dembele joined Spain’s national team once again in the summer of 2019 at the U18 European Championships where she averaged 3.3 points and 3.7 assists per game. In group play, Dembele scored 10 points and dished out three assists against Czech Republic. Against Israel, Dembele dished out eight dimes.Dembele joined an impressive group of international prospects at the 2020 NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, hosted by FIBA during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. She was one of 64 boys and girls (age 16-18) from 34 countries who visited Chicago and got to attend the dunk contest, 3-point shootout and the All-Star Game. In addition, each player participated in drills, practices and scrimmages in front of NBA and WNBA teams. For her efforts in Chicago, Dembele received the Defensive MVP Award. At her high school, IES Joaquim Blume, Dembele was named the best student-athlete for the 2019-20 season.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou women's basketball adds Spanish PG Mama Dembele

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

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

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

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

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

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

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