

ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;For the fourth time in history, Missouri Western State University, partnered with the St. Joseph Sports Commission, will host the 2021 NCAA Division II Women's Golf Central Regional at St. Joseph Country Club, May 3-5 as announced by NCAA sport liaison Jay Jay Rackley.

Sixty-six players will make up the field. The top 12 teams and six individuals not on a quality team from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA, Great America Conference (GAC) and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) will comprise the Central Region field.

"St. Joseph Country Club is an excellent test of golf, great tournament course and perfect venue for this championship," tournament director&nbsp;Brett Esely&nbsp;said. "St. Joseph has a great tradition of hosting NCAA events as our proximity, venues, hospitality and people take great pride in creating a great experience for all involved."

This marks the fourth golf regional hosted at the venue as St. Joseph Country Club hosted the DII Men's Golf Regionals in 1997 and 2005 along with the DII Women's Golf Regional in 2013.

As a whole, this will be the 15th NCAA Championship hosted in St. Joseph as in addition to the above, other events have included:

Division II Men's Basketball Regional - 1995

Division II Women's Basketball Regional - 1994, 1995, 2007

Division II Women's Basketball Finals - 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011

Division II Football Playoffs - 2011, 2012

Missouri Western will be seeking its fifth consecutive selection to regional competition. 2021's event will be even more significant given the cancellation of all 2020 spring championships.

More information regarding the championship will be released as the event nears closer. For information about all NCAA Championships, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://gogriffons.com/services/go.ashx/cf2bc9a0-e802-4de6-ae91-944298b925e2?elinkdata=220817" target="_blank">ncaa.com</a>.

ST. JOSEPH -&nbsp;For the fourth time in history, Missouri Western State University, partnered with the St. Joseph Sports Commission, will host the 2021 NCAA Division II Women's Golf Central Regional at St. Joseph Country Club, May 3-5 as announced by NCAA sport liaison Jay Jay Rackley.Sixty-six players will make up the field. The top 12 teams and six individuals not on a quality team from the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA, Great America Conference (GAC) and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) will comprise the Central Region field."St. Joseph Country Club is an excellent test of golf, great tournament course and perfect venue for this championship," tournament director&nbsp;Brett Esely&nbsp;said. "St. Joseph has a great tradition of hosting NCAA events as our proximity, venues, hospitality and people take great pride in creating a great experience for all involved."This marks the fourth golf regional hosted at the venue as St. Joseph Country Club hosted the DII Men's Golf Regionals in 1997 and 2005 along with the DII Women's Golf Regional in 2013.As a whole, this will be the 15th NCAA Championship hosted in St. Joseph as in addition to the above, other events have included:Division II Men's Basketball Regional - 1995Division II Women's Basketball Regional - 1994, 1995, 2007Division II Women's Basketball Finals - 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011Division II Softball Finals - 2011Division II Football Playoffs - 2011, 2012Missouri Western will be seeking its fifth consecutive selection to regional competition. 2021's event will be even more significant given the cancellation of all 2020 spring championships.More information regarding the championship will be released as the event nears closer. For information about all NCAA Championships, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://gogriffons.com/services/go.ashx/cf2bc9a0-e802-4de6-ae91-944298b925e2?elinkdata=220817" target="_blank">ncaa.com</a>.--- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU, St. Joseph Sports Commission to host 2021 DII Women's Golf Regional

Missouri Western officially introduced Will Martin as its sixth head men's basketball coach in school history on Monday.

This is the first head coaching job for the 31-year old as he takes over for Sundance Wicks, who stepped down last week to take an assistant coaching job at Wyoming.  Martin has been the top assistant for the Griffons the last two years under Wicks.

Martin will lead a Missouri Western team that had its best season in 10 years as the Griffons went 18-14 and finished fourth in the MIAA at 13-6.

<a href="https://clyp.it/520j2bal">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO COACH MARTIN'S PRESS CONFERENCE</a> <a href="https://clyp.it/mhzyki4l">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU AD JOSH LOONEY</a>

Missouri Western officially introduced Will Martin as its sixth head men's basketball coach in school history on Monday.This is the first head coaching job for the 31-year old as he takes over for Sundance Wicks, who stepped down last week to take an assistant coaching job at Wyoming. Martin has been the top assistant for the Griffons the last two years under Wicks.Martin will lead a Missouri Western team that had its best season in 10 years as the Griffons went 18-14 and finished fourth in the MIAA at 13-6.<a href="https://clyp.it/520j2bal">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO COACH MARTIN'S PRESS CONFERENCE</a> <a href="https://clyp.it/mhzyki4l">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU AD JOSH LOONEY</a>

Griffons officially introduce new men's basketball coach Will Martin

Bishop LeBlond high school is now in search of a new head football coach as Eric Fairchild announced that he will resign as the end of the school year.

Fairchild said in a statement the move is “not what I wanted to do, but I felt that it was necessary for myself and my family.”

Fairchild spent just one season at LeBlond as he took over for Tony Dudik in 2019 and helped the Golden Eagles in their transition to 8-man football.  He went 2-7 in his only season as head coach.

Fairchild came to Bishop LeBlond after three years at Southwest Livingston, where he went 24-9.

LeBlond’s search for a head football coach and physical education teacher will begin immediately.

Bishop LeBlond high school is now in search of a new head football coach as Eric Fairchild announced that he will resign as the end of the school year.Fairchild said in a statement the move is “not what I wanted to do, but I felt that it was necessary for myself and my family.”Fairchild spent just one season at LeBlond as he took over for Tony Dudik in 2019 and helped the Golden Eagles in their transition to 8-man football. He went 2-7 in his only season as head coach.Fairchild came to Bishop LeBlond after three years at Southwest Livingston, where he went 24-9.LeBlond’s search for a head football coach and physical education teacher will begin immediately.

Eric Fairchild steps down as Bishop LeBlond football coach

The NCAA will permit spring sport athletes who had their seasons shortened by the coronavirus outbreak to have an additional year of eligibility.

The NCAA Division I Council voted Monday to give college athletes who compete in spring sports such as baseball, softball and lacrosse a way to get back the season they lost, but did not guarantee financial aid.

Winter sports were not included in the decision. Council members declined to extend eligibility for student-athletes in sports where all or much of their regular seasons were completed.

How much scholarship money will be made available to each athlete will be determined by the athlete's school. The amount could range from nothing to as much the athlete received the year before.

Roster limits will be adjusted to fit returning athletes along with incoming freshmen.

The NCAA will permit spring sport athletes who had their seasons shortened by the coronavirus outbreak to have an additional year of eligibility.The NCAA Division I Council voted Monday to give college athletes who compete in spring sports such as baseball, softball and lacrosse a way to get back the season they lost, but did not guarantee financial aid.Winter sports were not included in the decision. Council members declined to extend eligibility for student-athletes in sports where all or much of their regular seasons were completed.How much scholarship money will be made available to each athlete will be determined by the athlete's school. The amount could range from nothing to as much the athlete received the year before.Roster limits will be adjusted to fit returning athletes along with incoming freshmen.--- Associated Press ---

NCAA approves extra year of eligibility for Division I spring athletes

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will renew one of its oldest rivalries in the coming years, as the Wildcats have inked a three-game men's basketball series with former conference foe Nebraska, starting Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, the schools announced Sunday (March 29).

The three-game agreement calls for a road game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, December 18, 2021 and a home game at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday December 17, 2022.

"This is a nice three-game series for us and a real win-win for both schools," said head coach Bruce Weber. "(Director of Operations) Drew (Speraw) was looking for a neutral site game at the same time as Nebraska and it just worked out for both parties. We started with the game in Kansas City then added the home-and-home series later. With the shared conference history, the closeness of both campuses and our relationship with Coach (Fred) Hoiberg and his staff, a series like this just makes too much sense."

The two schools, which played 219 games through five conferences (Missouri Valley, Big Six, Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12, will reignite a rivalry that started more than 100 years ago with a 50-14 victory by Nebraska on February 19, 1906 and was last played at the Devaney Sports Center on February 23, 2011, a 61-57 Wildcat win.

K-State leads the all-time series, 126-93, including a 19-3 mark in games played in Kansas City. The 219 meetings represent the fourth-longest series in school history, following Kansas (293, Missouri (237) and Iowa State (231).

K-State will host Nebraska in the 11th Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center in December, which will be the 23rd meeting between the schools in Kansas City and the first since a 62-58 win by K-State in the first round of the 2001 Big 12 Championship on March 8 at Kemper Arena (now Hy-Vee Arena). The Wildcats are 8-2 all-time in Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center, including wins in 5 of the last 6 games.

This will be the first non-conference games between the schools since the 2001 Big 12 Championship. The teams played 7 times between the first meeting in 1906 and before Nebraska joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1915. They also played 15 times in the Big Eight Holiday Tournament (1944-77) and 7 times in Big Eight/12 Championship (1979-2001, all in Kansas City.

The Wildcats have won 10 consecutive games against the Huskers in Kansas City, including a 7-0 mark in Big Eight/12 Championship play. The Sprint Center will be the third different Kansas City venue to host the matchup, following Municipal Auditorium (1944-73) and Kemper Arena (1974-2001).

Nebraska is led by a familiar face in former Iowa State player and head coach Fred Hoiberg, who is entering his second season in Lincoln. A two-time All-Big Eight selection for the Cyclones from 1991-95, he led Iowa State to 115 wins, four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big 12 Championships (2014, 2015) from 2010-15 before leaving to become the Chicago Bulls head coach (2015-18).

The Huskers are coming off a transition year in 2019-20, in which, they posted a 7-25 overall record, including a 2-18 mark in Big Ten play with zero returning starters and 14 newcomers.

The Nebraska series is yet another exciting piece to the 2020-21 non-conference slate, which already includes home games with UNLV and in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. K-State has also committed to play in the Cayman Islands Classic, November 23-25, in a field that includes La Salle, Miami (Fla., Nevada, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Western Kentucky.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State will renew one of its oldest rivalries in the coming years, as the Wildcats have inked a three-game men's basketball series with former conference foe Nebraska, starting Saturday, December 19, 2020 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, the schools announced Sunday (March 29).The three-game agreement calls for a road game at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, December 18, 2021 and a home game at Bramlage Coliseum on Saturday December 17, 2022."This is a nice three-game series for us and a real win-win for both schools," said head coach Bruce Weber. "(Director of Operations) Drew (Speraw) was looking for a neutral site game at the same time as Nebraska and it just worked out for both parties. We started with the game in Kansas City then added the home-and-home series later. With the shared conference history, the closeness of both campuses and our relationship with Coach (Fred) Hoiberg and his staff, a series like this just makes too much sense."The two schools, which played 219 games through five conferences (Missouri Valley, Big Six, Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12, will reignite a rivalry that started more than 100 years ago with a 50-14 victory by Nebraska on February 19, 1906 and was last played at the Devaney Sports Center on February 23, 2011, a 61-57 Wildcat win.K-State leads the all-time series, 126-93, including a 19-3 mark in games played in Kansas City. The 219 meetings represent the fourth-longest series in school history, following Kansas (293, Missouri (237) and Iowa State (231).K-State will host Nebraska in the 11th Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center in December, which will be the 23rd meeting between the schools in Kansas City and the first since a 62-58 win by K-State in the first round of the 2001 Big 12 Championship on March 8 at Kemper Arena (now Hy-Vee Arena). The Wildcats are 8-2 all-time in Wildcat Classic at the Sprint Center, including wins in 5 of the last 6 games.This will be the first non-conference games between the schools since the 2001 Big 12 Championship. The teams played 7 times between the first meeting in 1906 and before Nebraska joined the Missouri Valley Conference in 1915. They also played 15 times in the Big Eight Holiday Tournament (1944-77) and 7 times in Big Eight/12 Championship (1979-2001, all in Kansas City.The Wildcats have won 10 consecutive games against the Huskers in Kansas City, including a 7-0 mark in Big Eight/12 Championship play. The Sprint Center will be the third different Kansas City venue to host the matchup, following Municipal Auditorium (1944-73) and Kemper Arena (1974-2001).Nebraska is led by a familiar face in former Iowa State player and head coach Fred Hoiberg, who is entering his second season in Lincoln. A two-time All-Big Eight selection for the Cyclones from 1991-95, he led Iowa State to 115 wins, four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big 12 Championships (2014, 2015) from 2010-15 before leaving to become the Chicago Bulls head coach (2015-18).The Huskers are coming off a transition year in 2019-20, in which, they posted a 7-25 overall record, including a 2-18 mark in Big Ten play with zero returning starters and 14 newcomers.The Nebraska series is yet another exciting piece to the 2020-21 non-conference slate, which already includes home games with UNLV and in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. K-State has also committed to play in the Cayman Islands Classic, November 23-25, in a field that includes La Salle, Miami (Fla., Nevada, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Western Kentucky.--- K-State Athletics ---

K-State, Nebraska ink three-year men's basketball series

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western State University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Josh Looney has announced the promotion of Will Martin to head men's basketball coach. Martin served as the assistant coach the past two seasons and becomes the sixth head coach in program history.

"Will Martin has been a critical leader for the dramatic shift in culture, competitiveness and community support MWSU men's basketball has experienced over the past two years," Looney said. "I am all-in on Will's vision to continue our rise and I am all-in on the student-athletes he has brought into this program. The current momentum in our program is powerful and Will has all of the characteristics and experiences to lead us to our ultimate goals. Most importantly, Will will run a basketball program that St. Joseph will be proud to engage and support."

"I am so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead this program," Martin said. "My confidence does not come from me, but from this team and what we have accomplished together. I am fully aware that I would not be sitting in this position if not for the sacrifice of our players and the entire Griff community for the collective success of this team. I want to thank every mentor, coach and player that has been a part of my journey. I am blessed to have learned from the absolute best. Who I am and what I bring to Griff Nation is a credit to everyone who has invested in me along the way. With faith, love, ownership and work, I am excited to flow into this new era of Griffon basketball."

Martin was instrumental in the resurgence of the men's basketball program at Missouri Western. In his first season at MWSU, the Griffons doubled their win total from the previous season and saw three players receive All-MIAA honors. Martin's second season as an assistant at MWSU saw the Griffons turn in their most successful season in a decade, going 18-13 overall with a 13-6 record in MIAA play and a fourth place finish in the MIAA standings. The 2019-20 season brought the most wins for the program in a decade; most MIAA wins in 18 years; highest MIAA finish in 10 years; longest home win streak (11) in 17 years; most home wins in 14 years; and a program-record 305 made 3-point field goals in a season. In his two years at MWSU, Wicks had six players named All-MIAA including the program's first-ever MIAA Freshman of the Year (Will Eames, 2020) and first, first team All-MIAA and NABC All-District selection (Tyrell Carroll, 2020) in 14 years.

Before coming to Missouri Western, Martin served as assistant men's basketball coach and director of athletic admissions at Martin Methodist College (NAIA). Prior to that, Martin was the director of basketball operations at the University of San Francisco under head coach Rex Walters. Martin also gained Division I experience as a graduate assistant and video coordinator at Tulsa from 2013-15. There, Martin was a part of the Danny Manning-led 2014 Conference USA Champions staff and also worked under head coach Frank Haith.

As an undergraduate, Martin served as a men's basketball manager at the University of Kentucky under head coach John Calipari. During Martin's tenure with the Wildcats, the team reached the Elite 8 on three occasions, the Final Four on two occasions and Martin served as the head manager of the 2012 National Championship team.

In addition to his duties with the men's basketball program, Martin served as captain of the University of Kentucky Ethics Debate team from 2009-2011. Under his direction, Kentucky claimed its first-ever Regional Championship and national appearance in the team's history.

Martin received his bachelors from the University of Kentucky in 2012 and obtained his master's in education from the University of Tulsa in 2015.

Off the hardwood, Martin also is involved in a prison ministry project – "Against the Grain" – where he serves as a volunteer teacher of the "180 Project."

A 2007 graduate of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, Martin and his fiancé Avens Ridgeway reside in St. Joseph.

ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western State University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Josh Looney has announced the promotion of Will Martin to head men's basketball coach. Martin served as the assistant coach the past two seasons and becomes the sixth head coach in program history."Will Martin has been a critical leader for the dramatic shift in culture, competitiveness and community support MWSU men's basketball has experienced over the past two years," Looney said. "I am all-in on Will's vision to continue our rise and I am all-in on the student-athletes he has brought into this program. The current momentum in our program is powerful and Will has all of the characteristics and experiences to lead us to our ultimate goals. Most importantly, Will will run a basketball program that St. Joseph will be proud to engage and support.""I am so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead this program," Martin said. "My confidence does not come from me, but from this team and what we have accomplished together. I am fully aware that I would not be sitting in this position if not for the sacrifice of our players and the entire Griff community for the collective success of this team. I want to thank every mentor, coach and player that has been a part of my journey. I am blessed to have learned from the absolute best. Who I am and what I bring to Griff Nation is a credit to everyone who has invested in me along the way. With faith, love, ownership and work, I am excited to flow into this new era of Griffon basketball."Martin was instrumental in the resurgence of the men's basketball program at Missouri Western. In his first season at MWSU, the Griffons doubled their win total from the previous season and saw three players receive All-MIAA honors. Martin's second season as an assistant at MWSU saw the Griffons turn in their most successful season in a decade, going 18-13 overall with a 13-6 record in MIAA play and a fourth place finish in the MIAA standings. The 2019-20 season brought the most wins for the program in a decade; most MIAA wins in 18 years; highest MIAA finish in 10 years; longest home win streak (11) in 17 years; most home wins in 14 years; and a program-record 305 made 3-point field goals in a season. In his two years at MWSU, Wicks had six players named All-MIAA including the program's first-ever MIAA Freshman of the Year (Will Eames, 2020) and first, first team All-MIAA and NABC All-District selection (Tyrell Carroll, 2020) in 14 years.Before coming to Missouri Western, Martin served as assistant men's basketball coach and director of athletic admissions at Martin Methodist College (NAIA). Prior to that, Martin was the director of basketball operations at the University of San Francisco under head coach Rex Walters. Martin also gained Division I experience as a graduate assistant and video coordinator at Tulsa from 2013-15. There, Martin was a part of the Danny Manning-led 2014 Conference USA Champions staff and also worked under head coach Frank Haith.As an undergraduate, Martin served as a men's basketball manager at the University of Kentucky under head coach John Calipari. During Martin's tenure with the Wildcats, the team reached the Elite 8 on three occasions, the Final Four on two occasions and Martin served as the head manager of the 2012 National Championship team.In addition to his duties with the men's basketball program, Martin served as captain of the University of Kentucky Ethics Debate team from 2009-2011. Under his direction, Kentucky claimed its first-ever Regional Championship and national appearance in the team's history.Martin received his bachelors from the University of Kentucky in 2012 and obtained his master's in education from the University of Tulsa in 2015.Off the hardwood, Martin also is involved in a prison ministry project – "Against the Grain" – where he serves as a volunteer teacher of the "180 Project."A 2007 graduate of Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee, Martin and his fiancé Avens Ridgeway reside in St. Joseph.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons elevate assistant Will Martin to head men's basketball coach

The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to a one-year deal, a source confirmed to the Kansas City Star. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported that the contract is worth $2,297,500 fully guaranteed, though only about $1 million will count against the Chiefs’ salary cap.

According to the source, Robinson drew interest on the open market. General manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs, however, remained focused on bringing him back and kept the lines of communications open before eventually agreeing to terms.

Robinson appeared in all 16 regular-season games with 10 starts in 2019, recording 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns on 55 targets. His biggest game came in Week 2, when he totaled six catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a healthy 28.6 yards per catch.

The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to a one-year deal, a source confirmed to the Kansas City Star. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported that the contract is worth $2,297,500 fully guaranteed, though only about $1 million will count against the Chiefs’ salary cap.According to the source, Robinson drew interest on the open market. General manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs, however, remained focused on bringing him back and kept the lines of communications open before eventually agreeing to terms.Robinson appeared in all 16 regular-season games with 10 starts in 2019, recording 32 catches for 449 yards and four touchdowns on 55 targets. His biggest game came in Week 2, when he totaled six catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a healthy 28.6 yards per catch.--- Associated Press ---

Chiefs re-sign WR Demarcus Robinson

ALBANY, New York - Northwest Missouri State University sophomore guard Trevor Hudgins was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association 2020 Men's Basketball All-America Teams that were voted on by the NCAA Division II members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) led the nation with a 53.8 three-point field goal percentage (105-of-197, while averaging 19.6 points, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the No. 1-ranked Bearcats. Hudgins earned MIAA and D2CCA Central Region player of the years honors after helping lead the Bearcats to a 31-1 overall record.

Hudgins was joined on the first team by Jordan Floyd (King University, Andrew Sischo (Daemen, Qua Grant (West Texas A&amp;M) and Brett Hanson (Florida Southern).

ALBANY, New York - Northwest Missouri State University sophomore guard Trevor Hudgins was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association 2020 Men's Basketball All-America Teams that were voted on by the NCAA Division II members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) led the nation with a 53.8 three-point field goal percentage (105-of-197, while averaging 19.6 points, 6.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the No. 1-ranked Bearcats. Hudgins earned MIAA and D2CCA Central Region player of the years honors after helping lead the Bearcats to a 31-1 overall record.Hudgins was joined on the first team by Jordan Floyd (King University, Andrew Sischo (Daemen, Qua Grant (West Texas A&amp;M) and Brett Hanson (Florida Southern).--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest's Hudgins named D2CCA First Team All-American

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost Blake Bell to free agency as the Dallas Cowboys have signed the former Chiefs tight end to a one-year deal. 

The Wichita, Kansas native spent just one season in KC as he signed as a free agent last year.  Bell did start seven games last season and had eight receptions on 15 targets for 67 yards. He caught his first touchdown pass with the Chiefs during their divisional playoff win over Houston and added one catch in Super Bowl LIV against San Francisco.

For his career, Bell has 38 receptions for 424 yards as he played for the Chiefs, Jaguars, Vikings and 49ers.  He was drafted in the fourth round by San Francisco in 2015 out of Oklahoma.

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost Blake Bell to free agency as the Dallas Cowboys have signed the former Chiefs tight end to a one-year deal. The Wichita, Kansas native spent just one season in KC as he signed as a free agent last year. Bell did start seven games last season and had eight receptions on 15 targets for 67 yards. He caught his first touchdown pass with the Chiefs during their divisional playoff win over Houston and added one catch in Super Bowl LIV against San Francisco.For his career, Bell has 38 receptions for 424 yards as he played for the Chiefs, Jaguars, Vikings and 49ers. He was drafted in the fourth round by San Francisco in 2015 out of Oklahoma.

Former Chiefs TE Blake Bell signs with Cowboys

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.

The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.

“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”

Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."

Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.

Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.

Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

HOUSTON (AP) —Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FHarlemGlobetrotters%2Fposts%2F10157522339583717&width=500" width="500" height="467" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div>The Globetrotters said Neal died in his home outside of Houston on Thursday morning.“We have lost one of the most genuine human beings the world has ever known,” Globetrotters general manager Jeff Munn said&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Globies/status/1243257947481833478?s=20">in a statement on Twitter</a>. “Curly’s basketball skill was unrivaled by most, and his warm heart and huge smile brought joy to families worldwide.”Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963-85, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism. He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.Neal was a crowd favorite with his trademark shaved head, infectious smile and ability to dribble circles around would-be defenders. He was a key player during the Globetrotters' most popular era in the ‘70s and ’80s, appearing on TV shows and specials like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Love Boat” and "Gilligan's Island."Neal and the Globetrotters also appeared in numerous TV commercials, episodes of “Scooby-Doo” and had their own cartoon series.Neal was a star high school player in Greensboro, North Carolina, and led Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte to the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association title after averaging 23 points per game as a senior. He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in a 2008 class that included North Carolina coach Roy Williams.Neal also was inducted into the Globetrotters' Legends ring in 1993 and continued to make appearances for them as an “Ambassador of Goodwill.”

Harlem Globetrotters great Curly Neal dies at 77

The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) has released its 2020 All-State basketball teams for each of the&nbsp;Girls and Boys&nbsp;MSHSAA Classes.&nbsp; The process begins with all-district selection,&nbsp;providing the pool for the final All-State Teams.&nbsp; &nbsp;Click the links below to view the 2020 teams. <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/3832-2140488/2020_BOYS_ALL_STATE_TEAMS.pdf#_ga=2.243694213.121630107.1585192510-1062694647.1585192510">2020 MBCA BOYS ALL-STATE TEAMS</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/e860-2140489/2020_GIRLS_ALL_STATE_TEAMS__2_.pdf#_ga=2.152564281.121630107.1585192510-1062694647.1585192510">2020 MBCA GIRLS ALL-STATE TEAMS</a>

The Missouri Basketball Coaches Association (MBCA) has released its 2020 All-State basketball teams for each of the&nbsp;Girls and Boys&nbsp;MSHSAA Classes.&nbsp; The process begins with all-district selection,&nbsp;providing the pool for the final All-State Teams.&nbsp; &nbsp;Click the links below to view the 2020 teams. <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/3832-2140488/2020_BOYS_ALL_STATE_TEAMS.pdf#_ga=2.243694213.121630107.1585192510-1062694647.1585192510">2020 MBCA BOYS ALL-STATE TEAMS</a> <a href="https://cdn1.sportngin.com/attachments/document/e860-2140489/2020_GIRLS_ALL_STATE_TEAMS__2_.pdf#_ga=2.152564281.121630107.1585192510-1062694647.1585192510">2020 MBCA GIRLS ALL-STATE TEAMS</a>

MBCA releases 2020 All-State High School Basketball teams

<a href="https://clyp.it/2lf5ysot">Click here to listen to Sundance Wick talk about leaving MWSU</a> <a href="https://clyp.it/vxo314lm">Click here to listen to MWSU AD Josh Looney</a> ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western head men's basketball coach Sundance Wicks has announced his resignation to join the men's basketball coaching staff at the University of Wyoming. Wicks will join new head coach Jeff Linder's staff at Wyoming after two seasons leading the Griffons.

"This is bitter sweet. Leaving a place you love dearly for the place you were raised and call home is as hard a decision as I have ever made," Wicks said. "Wyoming has always been my Graceland and it is a dream to connect my family back home with the profession I love in the state I grew up in. The hardest part is knowing I won't be getting to work again with our amazing young men and the staff we assembled. However, I know that this basketball program is in a better place than when we found it and the future is bright.

"It was an honor to share in creating this culture and building this program back up to where it is now. The returning players know how to change their best daily and are now player led by the sacrifices they have made. A program and a team is never about one person but about the heart that lives on through its collective pride."

"I will forever be grateful for Dr. Josh Looney, President Wilson and past President Dr. Vartabedian for the entrusting me with my first opportunity to lead a program. I can never thank all the administration and coaches in the athletic department enough for the friendship, late night talks and leadership examples. I learned something new every single day. This is an amazing job with special people. To all the special souls that I connected with, you know who you are, I will miss you all and your text messages, tweets and phone calls to keep us juiced! None of what we accomplished this past two years was possible without every single one of you." 

In two seasons, Wicks turned around a once proud program at Missouri Western. His first Griffon team doubled its win total from the previous season and his 2019-20 team improved by six wins over his first season to finish&nbsp;18-14 overall, 13-6 in the MIAA with a fourth place finish in the conference standings and an MIAA Championship semifinal appearance. Wicks' second season brought the most wins for the program in a decade; most MIAA wins in 18 years; highest MIAA finish in 10 years; longest home win streak (11) in 17 years; most home wins in 14 years; and a program-record 305 made 3-point field goals in a season. In his two years at MWSU, Wicks had six players named All-MIAA including the program's first-ever MIAA Freshman of the Year (Will Eames, 2020) and first, first team All-MIAA and NABC All-District selection (Tyrell Carroll, 2020) in 14 years.

"Two years ago, we set out on a mission to find a leader who could re-connect our community with Missouri Western men's basketball, pack the Fieldhouse again, ignite pride in Griffon fans and serve the city of St. Joseph," said MWSU Vice President for Intercollege Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. "Under Coach Wicks, we have seen a massive program shift in 24 months and are in position to sustain this momentum thanks to the young men Coach Wicks has brought into this program and a community that has gotten behind this vision. We will continue to make St. Joseph proud. Sundance has certainly done that, and we are incredibly appreciative for his leadership."

Wicks went 30-32 overall in his two seasons at Missouri Western and 19-19 in the MIAA. A search for the sixth head coach of Griffon men's basketball will begin immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585158764539.jpeg" alt="Sundance Wicks on the Griffon sidelines/Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University" />
 <figcaption>Sundance Wicks on the Griffon sidelines/Photo courtesy of Missouri Western State University</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://clyp.it/2lf5ysot">Click here to listen to Sundance Wick talk about leaving MWSU</a> <a href="https://clyp.it/vxo314lm">Click here to listen to MWSU AD Josh Looney</a> ST. JOSEPH – Missouri Western head men's basketball coach Sundance Wicks has announced his resignation to join the men's basketball coaching staff at the University of Wyoming. Wicks will join new head coach Jeff Linder's staff at Wyoming after two seasons leading the Griffons."This is bitter sweet. Leaving a place you love dearly for the place you were raised and call home is as hard a decision as I have ever made," Wicks said. "Wyoming has always been my Graceland and it is a dream to connect my family back home with the profession I love in the state I grew up in. The hardest part is knowing I won't be getting to work again with our amazing young men and the staff we assembled. However, I know that this basketball program is in a better place than when we found it and the future is bright."It was an honor to share in creating this culture and building this program back up to where it is now. The returning players know how to change their best daily and are now player led by the sacrifices they have made. A program and a team is never about one person but about the heart that lives on through its collective pride.""I will forever be grateful for Dr. Josh Looney, President Wilson and past President Dr. Vartabedian for the entrusting me with my first opportunity to lead a program. I can never thank all the administration and coaches in the athletic department enough for the friendship, late night talks and leadership examples. I learned something new every single day. This is an amazing job with special people. To all the special souls that I connected with, you know who you are, I will miss you all and your text messages, tweets and phone calls to keep us juiced! None of what we accomplished this past two years was possible without every single one of you." In two seasons, Wicks turned around a once proud program at Missouri Western. His first Griffon team doubled its win total from the previous season and his 2019-20 team improved by six wins over his first season to finish&nbsp;18-14 overall, 13-6 in the MIAA with a fourth place finish in the conference standings and an MIAA Championship semifinal appearance. Wicks' second season brought the most wins for the program in a decade; most MIAA wins in 18 years; highest MIAA finish in 10 years; longest home win streak (11) in 17 years; most home wins in 14 years; and a program-record 305 made 3-point field goals in a season. In his two years at MWSU, Wicks had six players named All-MIAA including the program's first-ever MIAA Freshman of the Year (Will Eames, 2020) and first, first team All-MIAA and NABC All-District selection (Tyrell Carroll, 2020) in 14 years."Two years ago, we set out on a mission to find a leader who could re-connect our community with Missouri Western men's basketball, pack the Fieldhouse again, ignite pride in Griffon fans and serve the city of St. Joseph," said MWSU Vice President for Intercollege Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. "Under Coach Wicks, we have seen a massive program shift in 24 months and are in position to sustain this momentum thanks to the young men Coach Wicks has brought into this program and a community that has gotten behind this vision. We will continue to make St. Joseph proud. Sundance has certainly done that, and we are incredibly appreciative for his leadership."Wicks went 30-32 overall in his two seasons at Missouri Western and 19-19 in the MIAA. A search for the sixth head coach of Griffon men's basketball will begin immediately.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Sundance Wicks steps down as MWSU men's basketball coach

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced today that Northwest Missouri State University head coach Ben McCollum is the 2020 NABC Division II Coach of the Year presented by Wilson.

McCollum has become a regular as NABC Division II Coach of the Year, winning the honor in three of the last four seasons. The Bearcats finished the season with a 31-1 record and were ranked first in the final NABC Division II poll. McCollum won his sixth MIAA Coach of the Year honor as Northwest closed out its season on 23-game win streak. Northwest surpassed the 30-win mark for the fifth time in program history (third time in four years) and the 20-win mark for the ninth consecutive season.

"I would like to accept this award on behalf of my players who deserve the national accolades," McCollum said. "I am humbled and thankful to be able to coach the best players in the country. I would also like to thank the NABC for everything they do to support college basketball and for honoring our program with this award."

McCollum equaled Cal State Bakersfield's Pat Douglass for the most NABC Division II Coach of the Year awards with three. Douglass captured his awards in 1993, 1994 and 1997. McCollum has been the NABC Coach of the Year in 2017, 2019 and 2020.

KANSAS CITY, MO. – The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced today that Northwest Missouri State University head coach Ben McCollum is the 2020 NABC Division II Coach of the Year presented by Wilson.McCollum has become a regular as NABC Division II Coach of the Year, winning the honor in three of the last four seasons. The Bearcats finished the season with a 31-1 record and were ranked first in the final NABC Division II poll. McCollum won his sixth MIAA Coach of the Year honor as Northwest closed out its season on 23-game win streak. Northwest surpassed the 30-win mark for the fifth time in program history (third time in four years) and the 20-win mark for the ninth consecutive season."I would like to accept this award on behalf of my players who deserve the national accolades," McCollum said. "I am humbled and thankful to be able to coach the best players in the country. I would also like to thank the NABC for everything they do to support college basketball and for honoring our program with this award."McCollum equaled Cal State Bakersfield's Pat Douglass for the most NABC Division II Coach of the Year awards with three. Douglass captured his awards in 1993, 1994 and 1997. McCollum has been the NABC Coach of the Year in 2017, 2019 and 2020.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Bearcats' McCollum named NABC Division II Coach of the Year

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive tackle Mike&nbsp;Pennel to a one-year contract, his agent announced Tuesday night.

Pennel&nbsp;signed with the Chiefs about halfway through the 2019 season and appeared in eight regular season games.  He recorded 24 tackles and one sack during the regular season and then started two of the team's three playoffs games.

Pennel&nbsp;was undrafted in 2014 and signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent out of Division II Colorado State-Pueblo.  He spent three seasons with the team, appearing in 37 total games before being claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.&nbsp;Pennel spent the next two seasons with New York, appearing in all 32 games and making 10 starts.

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed defensive tackle Mike&nbsp;Pennel to a one-year contract, his agent announced Tuesday night.Pennel&nbsp;signed with the Chiefs about halfway through the 2019 season and appeared in eight regular season games. He recorded 24 tackles and one sack during the regular season and then started two of the team's three playoffs games.Pennel&nbsp;was undrafted in 2014 and signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent out of Division II Colorado State-Pueblo. He spent three seasons with the team, appearing in 37 total games before being claimed off waivers by the New York Jets.&nbsp;Pennel spent the next two seasons with New York, appearing in all 32 games and making 10 starts.

Chiefs re-sign DL Mike Pennel to one-year contract

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been officially postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers have decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The games were scheduled to begin July 24.

<a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee">Click here to read the joint statement</a> from IOC and Tokyo organizing committee.

The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

TOKYO&nbsp;(AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.

Abe said after his telephone talks with Bach that he requested a postponement of about one year “taking into consideration the current circumstances” and to secure an environment in which athletes can perform in their best conditions and the sense of safety and security for the audience.

Abe held telephone talks with Bach after the IOC said it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks.

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been officially postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers have decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The games were scheduled to begin July 24.<a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee">Click here to read the joint statement</a> from IOC and Tokyo organizing committee.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After his telephone talks with IOC President Bach, PM Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, and the games will be held by the summer of 2021. <a href="https://t.co/ihe8To2g3R">pic.twitter.com/ihe8To2g3R</a>&mdash; PM&#39;s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPN_PMO/status/1242428276464812033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To safeguard the health of the athletes and everyone involved in the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will now take place no later than summer 2021.&mdash; #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020/status/1242440149310435328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>--------TOKYO&nbsp;(AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.Abe said after his telephone talks with Bach that he requested a postponement of about one year “taking into consideration the current circumstances” and to secure an environment in which athletes can perform in their best conditions and the sense of safety and security for the audience.Abe held telephone talks with Bach after the IOC said it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks.---------

2020 Summer Olympics postponed amid coronavirus pandemic

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Western men's basketball point guard Tyrell Carroll has been named second team All-Central District by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The sophomore became the first Griffon to receive NABC postseason recognition in 14 years.

Carroll ended the regular season ranked second in assists and steals, fifth in scoring and assist to turnover ratio, sixth in minutes played and eighth in field goal percentage. The Omaha, Nebraska, native averaged 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game in his sophomore season. Carroll shot 47.2% from the field and led the Griffons to their most successful season in a decade that culminated in a fourth place finish in the MIAA standings and an MIAA Championship semifinal appearance. He also became the first Griffon named first team All-MIAA in 14 years. Demarius Bolds was the last Griff named first team All-MIAA and was also the last program representative on an NABC All-District team, earning first team honors following the 2005-06 season.

Four MIAA men's basketball student-athletes were honored on the NABC All-Central District teams. Northwest Missouri's Ryan Hawkins and Trevor Hudgins were first team selections along with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.

NABC All-CENTRAL DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Kevin Buckingham, Southeastern Oklahoma Jhonathan Dunn, Southern Nazarene Ryan Hawkins, Northwest Missouri State Trevor Hudgins, Northwest Missouri State Cam Martin, Missouri Southern State Brandon Myer, UM Duluth Coach of the Year: Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri State SECOND TEAM Tyrell Carroll, Missouri Western Harrison Cleary, UM Crookston Parker Fox, Northern State Cameron Kirksey, Minnesota State Micah Speight, Southern Nazarene --- MWSU Athletics ---

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Western men's basketball point guard Tyrell Carroll has been named second team All-Central District by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The sophomore became the first Griffon to receive NABC postseason recognition in 14 years.Carroll ended the regular season ranked second in assists and steals, fifth in scoring and assist to turnover ratio, sixth in minutes played and eighth in field goal percentage. The Omaha, Nebraska, native averaged 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.1 steals per game in his sophomore season. Carroll shot 47.2% from the field and led the Griffons to their most successful season in a decade that culminated in a fourth place finish in the MIAA standings and an MIAA Championship semifinal appearance. He also became the first Griffon named first team All-MIAA in 14 years. Demarius Bolds was the last Griff named first team All-MIAA and was also the last program representative on an NABC All-District team, earning first team honors following the 2005-06 season.Four MIAA men's basketball student-athletes were honored on the NABC All-Central District teams. Northwest Missouri's Ryan Hawkins and Trevor Hudgins were first team selections along with Missouri Southern's Cam Martin.NABC All-CENTRAL DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Kevin Buckingham, Southeastern Oklahoma Jhonathan Dunn, Southern Nazarene Ryan Hawkins, Northwest Missouri State Trevor Hudgins, Northwest Missouri State Cam Martin, Missouri Southern State Brandon Myer, UM Duluth Coach of the Year: Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri State SECOND TEAM Tyrell Carroll, Missouri Western Harrison Cleary, UM Crookston Parker Fox, Northern State Cameron Kirksey, Minnesota State Micah Speight, Southern Nazarene --- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffons' Tyrell Carroll named 2nd Team NABC All-District

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed XFL quarterback Jordan Ta'amu to a contract on Monday according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman.

Ta'amu played for the St. Louis BattleHawks and he led the XFL in completion percentage and touchdowns.  Ta'amu was the third-rated QB in the league as he completed 72% of his passes for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games.

Ta'amu played two years at Ole Miss and threw for 5,600 yards and 30 touchdowns.  He went undrafted in 2019 and spent training camp with the Houston Texans before being cut prior to the start of the regular season.

Ta'amu will compete with Chad Henne for the back-up job to Patrick Mahomes.  Henne re-signed with the Chiefs last week after missing all of last season with a broken leg.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed XFL quarterback Jordan Ta'amu to a contract on Monday according to his agent, Kenny Zuckerman.Ta'amu played for the St. Louis BattleHawks and he led the XFL in completion percentage and touchdowns. Ta'amu was the third-rated QB in the league as he completed 72% of his passes for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns in five games.Ta'amu played two years at Ole Miss and threw for 5,600 yards and 30 touchdowns. He went undrafted in 2019 and spent training camp with the Houston Texans before being cut prior to the start of the regular season.Ta'amu will compete with Chad Henne for the back-up job to Patrick Mahomes. Henne re-signed with the Chiefs last week after missing all of last season with a broken leg.

Chiefs sign QB Jordan Ta'amu of XFL's St. Louis BattleHawks

The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced today the 2020 NABC Coaches' Division II All-District teams and coaches, recognizing the best men's collegiate basketball student-athletes and coaches in the division.  Selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC in NCAA Division II, these 88 student-athletes represent the finest basketball players across America. 

Northwest Missouri State's Ryan Hawkins and Trevor Hudgins each were named to the Central Distric First Team. Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum garnered his third career NABC Central District Coach of the Year honor. He previously won the award in 2017 and 2019.

Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) led the nation in three-point field goal percentage (53.3% - 105-of-197). Hudgins averaged 19.6 points per game, 6.0 assists per game and 1.5 steals per game Hudgins has already earned first-team all-MIAA, first-team D2CCA all-region, D2CCA region player of the year, MIAA Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player at the 2020 MIAA Tournament. Hudgins had 18 20-point scoring games to go along with four 30-point scoring contests. He collected the school's first triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists vs. Fort Hays State (Jan. 25). His 626 points this season ranks as the sixth-most for a Bearcat in a single season. His 191 assists in 2019-2020 ranks as the second-best total in Bearcat history behind his mark of 203 set last season. 

Hawkins (Atlantic, Iowa) led the Bearcats in scoring at 22.7  per game, in rebounding at 7.4  per contest, in steals at 2.1 per game and in blocks at 0.8 per game. Hawkins collected eight double-doubles, reached 30 or more points on five occasions and posted 20 20-point scoring contests. Hawkins set the Bearcat single-game scoring record with 44 against Southern Nazarene on Nov. 2. The Atlantic, Iowa, native was selected as the MIAA's Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season, while also being tabbed a first-team all-MIAA performer. Hawkins poured in 726 points in the 2019-2020 season, which ranks as the third-most points ever scored by a Bearcat in a single season. He is one of only four Bearcats to ever score 700 or more points in a season. 

McCollum guided the Bearcats to a 31-1 record, the MIAA regular season championship and the MIAA postseason tournament crown in 2019-2020. Northwest has won seven consecutive MIAA regular season titles and five straight MIAA tournament crowns. The Bearcats led the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 45.7% (359-of-785). The Bearcats were ranked No. 1 in the final NABC and D2CCA national polls in 2019-2020.

CENTRAL DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Kevin Buckingham, Southeastern Oklahoma Jhonathan Dunn, Southern Nazarene Ryan Hawkins, Northwest Missouri State Trevor Hudgins, Northwest Missouri State Cam Martin, Missouri Southern State Brandon Myer, UM Duluth Coach of the Year: Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri State SECOND TEAM Tyrell Carroll, Missouri Western Harrison Cleary, UM Crookston Parker Fox, Northern State Cameron Kirksey, Minnesota State Micah Speight, Southern Nazarene --- Northwest Athletics ---

The National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) announced today the 2020 NABC Coaches' Division II All-District teams and coaches, recognizing the best men's collegiate basketball student-athletes and coaches in the division. Selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC in NCAA Division II, these 88 student-athletes represent the finest basketball players across America. Northwest Missouri State's Ryan Hawkins and Trevor Hudgins each were named to the Central Distric First Team. Bearcat head coach Ben McCollum garnered his third career NABC Central District Coach of the Year honor. He previously won the award in 2017 and 2019.Hudgins (Manhattan, Kansas) led the nation in three-point field goal percentage (53.3% - 105-of-197). Hudgins averaged 19.6 points per game, 6.0 assists per game and 1.5 steals per game Hudgins has already earned first-team all-MIAA, first-team D2CCA all-region, D2CCA region player of the year, MIAA Player of the Year and the Most Outstanding Player at the 2020 MIAA Tournament. Hudgins had 18 20-point scoring games to go along with four 30-point scoring contests. He collected the school's first triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists vs. Fort Hays State (Jan. 25). His 626 points this season ranks as the sixth-most for a Bearcat in a single season. His 191 assists in 2019-2020 ranks as the second-best total in Bearcat history behind his mark of 203 set last season. Hawkins (Atlantic, Iowa) led the Bearcats in scoring at 22.7 per game, in rebounding at 7.4 per contest, in steals at 2.1 per game and in blocks at 0.8 per game. Hawkins collected eight double-doubles, reached 30 or more points on five occasions and posted 20 20-point scoring contests. Hawkins set the Bearcat single-game scoring record with 44 against Southern Nazarene on Nov. 2. The Atlantic, Iowa, native was selected as the MIAA's Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight season, while also being tabbed a first-team all-MIAA performer. Hawkins poured in 726 points in the 2019-2020 season, which ranks as the third-most points ever scored by a Bearcat in a single season. He is one of only four Bearcats to ever score 700 or more points in a season. McCollum guided the Bearcats to a 31-1 record, the MIAA regular season championship and the MIAA postseason tournament crown in 2019-2020. Northwest has won seven consecutive MIAA regular season titles and five straight MIAA tournament crowns. The Bearcats led the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 45.7% (359-of-785). The Bearcats were ranked No. 1 in the final NABC and D2CCA national polls in 2019-2020.CENTRAL DISTRICT FIRST TEAM Kevin Buckingham, Southeastern Oklahoma Jhonathan Dunn, Southern Nazarene Ryan Hawkins, Northwest Missouri State Trevor Hudgins, Northwest Missouri State Cam Martin, Missouri Southern State Brandon Myer, UM Duluth Coach of the Year: Ben McCollum, Northwest Missouri State SECOND TEAM Tyrell Carroll, Missouri Western Harrison Cleary, UM Crookston Parker Fox, Northern State Cameron Kirksey, Minnesota State Micah Speight, Southern Nazarene --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest's McCollum, Hawkins & Hudgins earn NABC All-District honors

INDIANAPOLIS – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named to the 2020 U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) All-America Team, the USBWA announced Monday. Azubuike was a first-team honoree, while Dotson received second-team recognition.

Azubuike and Dotson give Kansas a USBWA All-America selection each of the last four seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. In 2017, Frank Mason III was a first-team honoree and the Oscar Robertson Trophy recipient as the USBWA’s national player of the year. In KU head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 14 Jayhawks named to USBWA All-America teams (see below).

Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.

INDIANAPOLIS – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named to the 2020 U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) All-America Team, the USBWA announced Monday. Azubuike was a first-team honoree, while Dotson received second-team recognition.Azubuike and Dotson give Kansas a USBWA All-America selection each of the last four seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. In 2017, Frank Mason III was a first-team honoree and the Oscar Robertson Trophy recipient as the USBWA’s national player of the year. In KU head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 14 Jayhawks named to USBWA All-America teams (see below).Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.--- KU Athletics ---

Jayhawks' Azubuike & Dotson Named USBWA All-Americans

East Buchanan High School has hired it new head football coach as Dan Ritter will take over the Bulldog program.

Ritter comes to East Buchanan after serving as an assistant coach at Central High School in St. Joseph.  He was the head freshmen coach for the Indians and varsity linebackers coach.

Ritter is a St. Joseph native as he graduated from Lafayette High School and then played football at Missouri Western State University.  Ritter finished up in 2012 at MWSU and was a back-up linebacker on the Griffons 2012 MIAA championship team as he played in all 14 games.

Ritter will take over for Kevin Bryan, who announced his retirement in January after 13 years at East Buchanan.  Bryan won multiple district championships and guided the Bulldogs to two state semifinal appearances in 2015 and 2017.  East Buchanan went 4-7 this past season and they finished 2-5 in the KCI.

East Buchanan High School has hired it new head football coach as Dan Ritter will take over the Bulldog program.Ritter comes to East Buchanan after serving as an assistant coach at Central High School in St. Joseph. He was the head freshmen coach for the Indians and varsity linebackers coach.Ritter is a St. Joseph native as he graduated from Lafayette High School and then played football at Missouri Western State University. Ritter finished up in 2012 at MWSU and was a back-up linebacker on the Griffons 2012 MIAA championship team as he played in all 14 games.Ritter will take over for Kevin Bryan, who announced his retirement in January after 13 years at East Buchanan. Bryan won multiple district championships and guided the Bulldogs to two state semifinal appearances in 2015 and 2017. East Buchanan went 4-7 this past season and they finished 2-5 in the KCI.

Dan Ritter named head football coach at East Buchanan

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 men's and women's basketball seasons. Over 140 men's and women's student-athletes were recognized for their classroom achievements including more than 10 who achieved Academic Excellence and nearly 20 that qualified as Scholar-Athletes.

Eight Griffons received recognition from their efforts in the classroom. First year and transfer athletes will be recognized at the end of the academic year. The list goes as follows:

Jason Jones, Will Eames, Tony Chukwuemeke, Beau Baker, Zach Anderson, Jonathan Mesmacque, Kameron Freemyer, Katrina Roenfeldt

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 men's and women's basketball seasons. Over 140 men's and women's student-athletes were recognized for their classroom achievements including more than 10 who achieved Academic Excellence and nearly 20 that qualified as Scholar-Athletes.Eight Griffons received recognition from their efforts in the classroom. First year and transfer athletes will be recognized at the end of the academic year. The list goes as follows:MIAA ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL:Jason Jones, Will Eames, Tony Chukwuemeke, Beau Baker, Zach Anderson, Jonathan Mesmacque, Kameron Freemyer, Katrina RoenfeldtMIAA SCHOLAR ATHLETE:Katrina Roenfeldt--- MWSU Athletics ---

Eight Missouri Western basketball players earn MIAA academic awards

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named Associated Press All-America Second Team, the AP announced Friday. The Associated Press All-America Team was selected and voted on by a media panel of 65.

Azubuike and Dotson gives Kansas an Associated Press All-America selection each of the last five seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. Frank Mason III (first) and Josh Jackson (third) were named in 2017 with Mason being named 2017 Associated Press Player of the Year. Perry Ellis was a second-team selection in 2016. In head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 18 Jayhawks named to the Associated Press All-America teams (see below).

Associated Press All-America Selections Under Bill Self (since 2003-04)

2020 – Udoka Azubuike (2nd); Devon Dotson (2nd)

2017 – Frank Mason III (1st; AP Player of the Year); Josh Jackson (3rd)

2013 – Ben McLemore (2nd); Jeff Withey (3rd)

2012 – Thomas Robinson (1st); Tyshawn Taylor (3rd)

2010 – Sherron Collins (2nd); Cole Aldrich (3rd)

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named Associated Press All-America Second Team, the AP announced Friday. The Associated Press All-America Team was selected and voted on by a media panel of 65.Azubuike and Dotson gives Kansas an Associated Press All-America selection each of the last five seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. Frank Mason III (first) and Josh Jackson (third) were named in 2017 with Mason being named 2017 Associated Press Player of the Year. Perry Ellis was a second-team selection in 2016. In head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 18 Jayhawks named to the Associated Press All-America teams (see below).Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.Associated Press All-America Selections Under Bill Self (since 2003-04)Season – Name (AP team)2020 – Udoka Azubuike (2nd); Devon Dotson (2nd)2019 – Dedric Lawson (3rd)2018 – Devonte’ Graham (1st)2017 – Frank Mason III (1st; AP Player of the Year); Josh Jackson (3rd)2016 – Perry Ellis (2nd)2014 – Andrew Wiggins (2nd)2013 – Ben McLemore (2nd); Jeff Withey (3rd)2012 – Thomas Robinson (1st); Tyshawn Taylor (3rd)2011 – Marcus Morris (2nd)2010 – Sherron Collins (2nd); Cole Aldrich (3rd)2009 – Sherron Collins (3rd)2005 – Wayne Simien (1st)2004 – Wayne Simien (3rd)--- KU Athletics ---

KU's Azubuike, Dotson named Second Team AP All-Americans

The MIAA announced earlier this week that all spring sports at their 14-member institutions will be canceled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.&nbsp; That obviously includes Missouri Western and the University made members of the athletic department available to the media on Thursday.&nbsp;

Click the links below to listen to interviews with Josh Looney, Jen Bagley Trotter and Matt Williamson.

<a href="https://clyp.it/tljwzhcm">Josh Looney - Missouri Western AD</a>

<a href="https://clyp.it/xnigpjfi">Jen Bagley Trotter - MWSU Softball Coach</a>

<a href="https://clyp.it/thhhymuu">Matt Williamson - MWSU Football Coach</a>

The MIAA announced earlier this week that all spring sports at their 14-member institutions will be canceled for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.&nbsp; That obviously includes Missouri Western and the University made members of the athletic department available to the media on Thursday.&nbsp;Click the links below to listen to interviews with Josh Looney, Jen Bagley Trotter and Matt Williamson.<a href="https://clyp.it/tljwzhcm">Josh Looney - Missouri Western AD</a><a href="https://clyp.it/xnigpjfi">Jen Bagley Trotter - MWSU Softball Coach</a><a href="https://clyp.it/thhhymuu">Matt Williamson - MWSU Football Coach</a>

Griffon athletic department discusses cancellation of spring sports

SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University has officially halted all remaining intercollegiate athletic team practices, scrimmages and activities for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, Director of Athletics Kyle Moats verified Thursday (March 19).

Thursday’s announcement comes less than a week after the MVC President’s Council took formal action on March 13 to cancel all remaining spring competitions.

In an effort to remain in concert with campus policies, procedures and social distancing standards related to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) threat, the following updates are now in place:

• Discontinuation of all team practices, individual instruction, in-person team meetings and film sessions

• Discontinuation of team strength and conditioning workouts and weight room activities

• Cancellation of spring football workouts and spring game

• Cancellation of Bears All-Sports Showcase and Maroon and White Banquet

• All athletic fields, courts, competition facilities and workout facilities will be closed for the remainder of the semester

• Missouri State student-athletes will continue to have access to the following facilities with revised hours of operation:

- Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Academic Achievement Center

- Athletic Medical and Rehabilitation Services staff and athletic training facilities 

“In communicating with other Missouri Valley Conference schools, all of them are either following the same protocol we are or headed that direction in the coming days,” said Moats. “Being responsive to the changing landscape of this issue is a priority for all of us.”

SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State University has officially halted all remaining intercollegiate athletic team practices, scrimmages and activities for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, Director of Athletics Kyle Moats verified Thursday (March 19).Thursday’s announcement comes less than a week after the MVC President’s Council took formal action on March 13 to cancel all remaining spring competitions.In an effort to remain in concert with campus policies, procedures and social distancing standards related to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) threat, the following updates are now in place:• Discontinuation of all team practices, individual instruction, in-person team meetings and film sessions• Discontinuation of team strength and conditioning workouts and weight room activities• Cancellation of spring football workouts and spring game• Cancellation of Bears All-Sports Showcase and Maroon and White Banquet• All athletic fields, courts, competition facilities and workout facilities will be closed for the remainder of the semester• Missouri State student-athletes will continue to have access to the following facilities with revised hours of operation:- Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Academic Achievement Center- Athletic Medical and Rehabilitation Services staff and athletic training facilities “In communicating with other Missouri Valley Conference schools, all of them are either following the same protocol we are or headed that direction in the coming days,” said Moats. “Being responsive to the changing landscape of this issue is a priority for all of us.”--- Missouri State Athletics ---

Missouri State officially cancels spring practices and team activities 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 men's and women's indoor track and field season. Over 370 men's and women's student-athletes were recognized for their work in the classroom including at least 40 who achieved Academic Excellence and nearly 35 that qualified as Scholar-Athletes.

22 Missouri Western student-athletes received recognition from the conference office for their efforts in the classroom. Eight Griffon men received Academic Honor Roll honors, while 14 women received the same distinction.

First-Year and Transfer Athletes will receive recognition at the end of the academic year. You can see the full list of Missouri Western Honorees below:

MIAA ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE (4.0 CUMULATIVE GPA):

ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL (MIN. 3.0 GPA AND AT LEAST TWO TERMS AT MWSU):

Nathan Haggarty, Dallas Thompson, Graham Buresh, Andrew Wright, Logan Cutler, Nate Daugherty-Parrish, Konner Larkin, Jacob Oyler, Lynzi Miller, Bailey Gilbert, Tara Bergman, Savannah Simmons, Kallin Sheppard, Grace Bryant, Kelsey Cox, Allison Goos, Megan Gillen, Grace Langford, Sydney Stigall, Claire Reedy, Morgan Doyle, Taylor Robinson

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 men's and women's indoor track and field season. Over 370 men's and women's student-athletes were recognized for their work in the classroom including at least 40 who achieved Academic Excellence and nearly 35 that qualified as Scholar-Athletes.22 Missouri Western student-athletes received recognition from the conference office for their efforts in the classroom. Eight Griffon men received Academic Honor Roll honors, while 14 women received the same distinction.First-Year and Transfer Athletes will receive recognition at the end of the academic year. You can see the full list of Missouri Western Honorees below:MIAA ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE (4.0 CUMULATIVE GPA):Jacob Oyler, Taylor RobinsonACADEMIC HONOR ROLL (MIN. 3.0 GPA AND AT LEAST TWO TERMS AT MWSU):Nathan Haggarty, Dallas Thompson, Graham Buresh, Andrew Wright, Logan Cutler, Nate Daugherty-Parrish, Konner Larkin, Jacob Oyler, Lynzi Miller, Bailey Gilbert, Tara Bergman, Savannah Simmons, Kallin Sheppard, Grace Bryant, Kelsey Cox, Allison Goos, Megan Gillen, Grace Langford, Sydney Stigall, Claire Reedy, Morgan Doyle, Taylor Robinson--- MWSU Athletics ---