COLUMBIA, MO. - University of Missouri junior TE Albert Okwuegbunam (Springfield, Ill.) was selected Saturday in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and the standout pass-catcher will be reunited with his former quarterback Drew Lock with the Denver Broncos.  Denver selected Okwuegbunam with the 12th pick of the fourth round (No. 118 overall, making him the second Tiger to be taken in this year's draft (DT Jordan Elliott - 3rd round to Cleveland).

Okwuegbunam burst onto the scene in 2017 for Mizzou as a redshirt freshman and played his way to 2nd-Team All-SEC honors and the All-Freshman SEC team when he caught 29 passes for 415 yards and an eye-popping 11 touchdowns (most receiving TDs in the SEC).  He followed by putting together a very strong 2018 season that had him on track to win national honors, only to see his season end prematurely with a scapula injury in game nine.  Prior to that injury he caught 43 passes for 466 yards and six scores - earning him a spot among the finalists for the 2018 John Mackey Award.

He saw action in 11 games in 2019, but was not fully healthy, and his production dipped a bit because of that.  Even so, Okwuegbunam still led the Tigers in receptions with 26 catches over 11 games that went for 306 yards and six touchdowns.  For his Tiger career, Okwuegbunam started 25 times in 33 appearances and ended with 98 career receptions for 1,187 yards and 23 touchdowns - the latter of which was the second-most in MU history, trailing only 2008 Mackey Award Winner Chase Coffman (30 from 2005-08).  Okwuegbunam's touchdown rate of once per every 4.2 receptions is the best in program history.

COLUMBIA, MO. - University of Missouri junior TE Albert Okwuegbunam (Springfield, Ill.) was selected Saturday in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and the standout pass-catcher will be reunited with his former quarterback Drew Lock with the Denver Broncos. Denver selected Okwuegbunam with the 12th pick of the fourth round (No. 118 overall, making him the second Tiger to be taken in this year's draft (DT Jordan Elliott - 3rd round to Cleveland).Okwuegbunam burst onto the scene in 2017 for Mizzou as a redshirt freshman and played his way to 2nd-Team All-SEC honors and the All-Freshman SEC team when he caught 29 passes for 415 yards and an eye-popping 11 touchdowns (most receiving TDs in the SEC). He followed by putting together a very strong 2018 season that had him on track to win national honors, only to see his season end prematurely with a scapula injury in game nine. Prior to that injury he caught 43 passes for 466 yards and six scores - earning him a spot among the finalists for the 2018 John Mackey Award.He saw action in 11 games in 2019, but was not fully healthy, and his production dipped a bit because of that. Even so, Okwuegbunam still led the Tigers in receptions with 26 catches over 11 games that went for 306 yards and six touchdowns. For his Tiger career, Okwuegbunam started 25 times in 33 appearances and ended with 98 career receptions for 1,187 yards and 23 touchdowns - the latter of which was the second-most in MU history, trailing only 2008 Mackey Award Winner Chase Coffman (30 from 2005-08). Okwuegbunam's touchdown rate of once per every 4.2 receptions is the best in program history.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou's Albert Okwuegbunam drafted by Broncos in 4th round

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football’s Hakeem Adeniji was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 180th  overall pick of the sixth round on Saturday afternoon. Adeniji becomes the first KU offensive lineman drafted since 2012, when Tanner Hawkinson was also selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round.

Adeniji, a native of Garland, Texas, concluded his Jayhawk career by tying the school record in consecutive games started, starting all 48 games of his collegiate career on the offensive line. Adeniji was also selected as a team captain in 2019, as voted on by the team.

“We couldn’t be happier for Hakeem. He’s a great young man who was a leader on and off the field for our program.  I look forward to watching his NFL career progress with the Bengals. He will provide some positional flexibility and can play multiple positions along the offensive line and has what it takes to play in the National Football League for a long time,” Head Coach Les Miles said.

In 2019, Adeniji took home All-Big 12 first team honors for the first time in his career. He helped pave the way for KU’s most productive offensive output in 10 years, averaging 377.3 yards per game, including three games with more than 500 yards of total offense.

In addition to earning first-team honors, Adeniji earned an honorable mention nod for Offensive Lineman of the Year, and was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, awarded to the nation’s best interior offensive lineman.

Following his outstanding senior season, Adeniji was invited to the 2020 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Adeniji impressed NFL scouts at the Combine and at the Kansas football Pro Day, earning pre-draft meetings with several teams. Adeniji also represented KU at the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

In addition to his success on the field, Adeniji excelled off the field, being named a candidate for the Senior CLASS award, and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in each of the last three years.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas football’s Hakeem Adeniji was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 180th overall pick of the sixth round on Saturday afternoon. Adeniji becomes the first KU offensive lineman drafted since 2012, when Tanner Hawkinson was also selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round.Adeniji, a native of Garland, Texas, concluded his Jayhawk career by tying the school record in consecutive games started, starting all 48 games of his collegiate career on the offensive line. Adeniji was also selected as a team captain in 2019, as voted on by the team.“We couldn’t be happier for Hakeem. He’s a great young man who was a leader on and off the field for our program. I look forward to watching his NFL career progress with the Bengals. He will provide some positional flexibility and can play multiple positions along the offensive line and has what it takes to play in the National Football League for a long time,” Head Coach Les Miles said.In 2019, Adeniji took home All-Big 12 first team honors for the first time in his career. He helped pave the way for KU’s most productive offensive output in 10 years, averaging 377.3 yards per game, including three games with more than 500 yards of total offense.In addition to earning first-team honors, Adeniji earned an honorable mention nod for Offensive Lineman of the Year, and was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, awarded to the nation’s best interior offensive lineman.Following his outstanding senior season, Adeniji was invited to the 2020 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. Adeniji impressed NFL scouts at the Combine and at the Kansas football Pro Day, earning pre-draft meetings with several teams. Adeniji also represented KU at the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.In addition to his success on the field, Adeniji excelled off the field, being named a candidate for the Senior CLASS award, and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in each of the last three years.--- KU Athletics ---

KU's Hakeem Adeniji taken in 6th Round of 2020 NFL Draft

Nebraska twin defensive linemen Carlos and Khalil Davis were both selected on the third day of the NFL Draft Saturday. The Davis twins were All-Big Ten selections on the football field and All-America discus throwers in track and field during their Husker careers.

The Davises are the first brothers in the history of Nebraska football to be selected in the same NFL Draft. They are also the second twins in Husker history to both be chosen in the NFL Draft and are among 11 sets of brothers who played at Nebraska and were then drafted.

Khalil Davis was the first Husker selected, as he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round with the 194th overall pick. Carlos Davis, the older of the Davis twins by five minutes, was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round with the No. 232 overall pick.

Khalil is the 11th Husker to be selected by Tampa Bay and the first since Kenny Bell in 2015. Davis joins a Buccaneer defense that features former Husker All-Americans Ndamukong Suh and Lavonte David, both of whom have been first-team All-Pro selections in their NFL careers. Nebraska inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud, the Huskers' all-time leading tackler, was also drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and Ruud spent six seasons with the Buccaneers during his eight-year professional career. Nebraska has another tie to Tampa Bay, as the Bucs' general manager is Jason Licht, who was born in Fremont and was a member of the Husker football team from 1989 to 1991.

Carlos is the 15th Husker to be selected by Pittsburgh, but just the second this century and the first since Keith Williams in 2011. Davis was the lone defensive linemen chosen by the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he is the first Husker defensive lineman to be drafted by the organization. Davis will get the chance to play for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who also coached Nebraska head coach Scott Frost when Frost was a safety with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, his final season in the NFL.

Khalil Davis, DL, 6th Round, 194th Pick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Khalil Davis improved throughout his Husker career, which saw him start as a 4-3 defensive tackle before switching to defensive end in a 3-4 scheme for his final three seasons. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree, Davis made 106 tackles and had 26 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks in 47 career games.

Davis played in 12 games in 2016, and two of his five tackles as a redshirt freshman came behind the line of scrimmage. He played in every game as a sophomore, totaling 15 tackles with four TFLs, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup, setting the stage for a productive final two seasons. Davis was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior in 2018, when he led the Husker defensive line with 41 tackles, eight TFLs and 3.0 sacks, all of which were career highs. Davis then eclipsed each of those totals en route to third-team All-Big Ten recognition as a senior. In 2019, Davis again led all of Nebraska's defensive linemen in tackles (45, and he led all Huskers with 12 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks.

Nebraska's Defensive Lineman of the Year in both 2018 and 2019, Davis also showed his strength as a thrower for the Husker track and field team. He finished third in the discus at the 2016 Big Ten Outdoor Championships and earned honorable-mention All-America honors with a 23rd-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Nebraska twin defensive linemen Carlos and Khalil Davis were both selected on the third day of the NFL Draft Saturday. The Davis twins were All-Big Ten selections on the football field and All-America discus throwers in track and field during their Husker careers.The Davises are the first brothers in the history of Nebraska football to be selected in the same NFL Draft. They are also the second twins in Husker history to both be chosen in the NFL Draft and are among 11 sets of brothers who played at Nebraska and were then drafted.Khalil Davis was the first Husker selected, as he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round with the 194th overall pick. Carlos Davis, the older of the Davis twins by five minutes, was taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round with the No. 232 overall pick.Khalil is the 11th Husker to be selected by Tampa Bay and the first since Kenny Bell in 2015. Davis joins a Buccaneer defense that features former Husker All-Americans Ndamukong Suh and Lavonte David, both of whom have been first-team All-Pro selections in their NFL careers. Nebraska inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud, the Huskers' all-time leading tackler, was also drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft, and Ruud spent six seasons with the Buccaneers during his eight-year professional career. Nebraska has another tie to Tampa Bay, as the Bucs' general manager is Jason Licht, who was born in Fremont and was a member of the Husker football team from 1989 to 1991.Carlos is the 15th Husker to be selected by Pittsburgh, but just the second this century and the first since Keith Williams in 2011. Davis was the lone defensive linemen chosen by the Steelers in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he is the first Husker defensive lineman to be drafted by the organization. Davis will get the chance to play for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who also coached Nebraska head coach Scott Frost when Frost was a safety with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003, his final season in the NFL.Khalil Davis, DL, 6th Round, 194th Pick, Tampa Bay BuccaneersKhalil Davis improved throughout his Husker career, which saw him start as a 4-3 defensive tackle before switching to defensive end in a 3-4 scheme for his final three seasons. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree, Davis made 106 tackles and had 26 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks in 47 career games.Davis played in 12 games in 2016, and two of his five tackles as a redshirt freshman came behind the line of scrimmage. He played in every game as a sophomore, totaling 15 tackles with four TFLs, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup, setting the stage for a productive final two seasons. Davis was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior in 2018, when he led the Husker defensive line with 41 tackles, eight TFLs and 3.0 sacks, all of which were career highs. Davis then eclipsed each of those totals en route to third-team All-Big Ten recognition as a senior. In 2019, Davis again led all of Nebraska's defensive linemen in tackles (45, and he led all Huskers with 12 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks.Nebraska's Defensive Lineman of the Year in both 2018 and 2019, Davis also showed his strength as a thrower for the Husker track and field team. He finished third in the discus at the 2016 Big Ten Outdoor Championships and earned honorable-mention All-America honors with a 23rd-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships.Khalil Davis, DL, 6th Round, 194th Pick, Tampa Bay BuccaneersKhalil Davis improved throughout his Husker career, which saw him start as a 4-3 defensive tackle before switching to defensive end in a 3-4 scheme for his final three seasons. A two-time All-Big Ten honoree, Davis made 106 tackles and had 26 tackles for loss and 13.0 sacks in 47 career games.Davis played in 12 games in 2016, and two of his five tackles as a redshirt freshman came behind the line of scrimmage. He played in every game as a sophomore, totaling 15 tackles with four TFLs, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass breakup, setting the stage for a productive final two seasons. Davis was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection as a junior in 2018, when he led the Husker defensive line with 41 tackles, eight TFLs and 3.0 sacks, all of which were career highs. Davis then eclipsed each of those totals en route to third-team All-Big Ten recognition as a senior. In 2019, Davis again led all of Nebraska's defensive linemen in tackles (45, and he led all Huskers with 12 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks.Nebraska's Defensive Lineman of the Year in both 2018 and 2019, Davis also showed his strength as a thrower for the Husker track and field team. He finished third in the discus at the 2016 Big Ten Outdoor Championships and earned honorable-mention All-America honors with a 23rd-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Championships.--- NU Athletics ---

Nebraska twin DL Carlos & Khalil Davis each drafted on day three

The Kansas City Chiefs spent the past few weeks conducting plenty of virtual chats with Willie Gay Jr. and those around him, drilling into a series of incidents that caused the Mississippi State linebacker to play just five games last season and enter the NFL draft with several red flags.

General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid logged off those chats comfortable with what they heard.

So with their initial pick of Day 2 on Friday night, the Chiefs chose the play-making Gay at No. 63 overall to bolster a linebacker group in need of an upgrade. The Super Bowl champs lost Reggie Ragland to free agency, and Gay has the coverage chops and sideline-to-sideline tackling ability to step into an immediate starting role.

“We're coming off a championship-caliber team but you want to get better. Where can you strengthen the team?" said Reid, whose team chose LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with their first-round selection, then grabbed TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang in the third round to provide some depth. “(Gay) was the linebacker we wanted and it was kind of weird how it all worked out.”

The pick comes with a certain amount of risk, though.

Gay was suspended eight games by the NCAA as part of an academic fraud investigation that swept up 10 players total and led to severe sanctions for the program. He also was ejected from the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss in 2018 after two he was given two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, and he was the teammate that allegedly hurt Mississippi State quarterback Garrett Shrader in a practice fight leading up to last season's Music City Bowl.

“You know, they asked me about everything: the quarterback situation, the suspension for the academic thing. I'm not saying it wasn't my fault. It was something I could have avoided,” Gay said. “I dealt with the consequences of it. It made me a better man, a better person. It made me appreciate the game of football. It made me love football even more.”

The Chiefs have plenty of confidence in their strong locker room culture and Reid's leadership, leading them to select several players with baggage over the years. But the results have been mixed. The results have been mixed. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce turned into stars, landing lucrative long-term contracts; running back Kareem Hunt and cornerback Marcus Peters instead were considerable headaches during their time in Kansas City.

“We did our homework on everything,” Reid said. “We felt very comfortable taking him at that spot, and it also helps to have the people in the locker room we have with Tyrann (Mathieu) and Frank (Clark). They'll take him under their wing. That whole linebacking room is a tight group. They'll take him in and make sure he's in the right hands.”

The Chiefs are bringing back 20 of 22 starters from their Super Bowl championship team, but that stability comes at a significant cost. They franchised Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones and signed cornerback Bashaud Breeland and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to one-year contracts, a series of moves that put pressure on their salary cap.

Veach carved out some room by restructuring contracts for defensive end Frank Clark, offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and wide receiver Sammy Watkins — three of the most expensive players on the roster.

Still, the Chiefs know they will have to give quarterback Patrick Mahomes a potentially record-setting payday in the coming months. That combined with the contracts already on the books left Veach and Reid searching for players who could make a significant impact in the coming years while on their relatively paltry rookie contracts.

Edwards-Helaire should become the immediate backup to talented but injury-prone starter Damien Williams, and Gay should have a chance to play alongside Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson in their 4-3 defense.

Niang is a developmental player that the Chiefs believe could play just about anywhere along the offensive line.

“I just been waiting honestly the last two days for them to call me. I thought that was where I was going to end up,” Niang said. “The anticipation was wild, thinking I was going to end up there and not knowing.”

The biggest surprise wasn't that the Chiefs picked any of those guys but that they didn't target a cornerback. They still have holes in the defensive backfield after losing Kendall Fuller and Morris Claiborne to free agency, and high-end targets such as Louisiana Tech's Amik Robertson and Virginia's Bryce Hall were still on the board.

“I think we stick to working on our team and our roster,” Veach said, “and I think having an opportunity to win a Super Bowl, I don't think we're competing against any one team. We're trying to find players that come in and play right away.”

The Kansas City Chiefs spent the past few weeks conducting plenty of virtual chats with Willie Gay Jr. and those around him, drilling into a series of incidents that caused the Mississippi State linebacker to play just five games last season and enter the NFL draft with several red flags.General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid logged off those chats comfortable with what they heard.So with their initial pick of Day 2 on Friday night, the Chiefs chose the play-making Gay at No. 63 overall to bolster a linebacker group in need of an upgrade. The Super Bowl champs lost Reggie Ragland to free agency, and Gay has the coverage chops and sideline-to-sideline tackling ability to step into an immediate starting role.“We're coming off a championship-caliber team but you want to get better. Where can you strengthen the team?" said Reid, whose team chose LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with their first-round selection, then grabbed TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang in the third round to provide some depth. “(Gay) was the linebacker we wanted and it was kind of weird how it all worked out.”The pick comes with a certain amount of risk, though.Gay was suspended eight games by the NCAA as part of an academic fraud investigation that swept up 10 players total and led to severe sanctions for the program. He also was ejected from the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss in 2018 after two he was given two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, and he was the teammate that allegedly hurt Mississippi State quarterback Garrett Shrader in a practice fight leading up to last season's Music City Bowl.“You know, they asked me about everything: the quarterback situation, the suspension for the academic thing. I'm not saying it wasn't my fault. It was something I could have avoided,” Gay said. “I dealt with the consequences of it. It made me a better man, a better person. It made me appreciate the game of football. It made me love football even more.”The Chiefs have plenty of confidence in their strong locker room culture and Reid's leadership, leading them to select several players with baggage over the years. But the results have been mixed. The results have been mixed. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce turned into stars, landing lucrative long-term contracts; running back Kareem Hunt and cornerback Marcus Peters instead were considerable headaches during their time in Kansas City.“We did our homework on everything,” Reid said. “We felt very comfortable taking him at that spot, and it also helps to have the people in the locker room we have with Tyrann (Mathieu) and Frank (Clark). They'll take him under their wing. That whole linebacking room is a tight group. They'll take him in and make sure he's in the right hands.”The Chiefs are bringing back 20 of 22 starters from their Super Bowl championship team, but that stability comes at a significant cost. They franchised Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones and signed cornerback Bashaud Breeland and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson to one-year contracts, a series of moves that put pressure on their salary cap.Veach carved out some room by restructuring contracts for defensive end Frank Clark, offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and wide receiver Sammy Watkins — three of the most expensive players on the roster.Still, the Chiefs know they will have to give quarterback Patrick Mahomes a potentially record-setting payday in the coming months. That combined with the contracts already on the books left Veach and Reid searching for players who could make a significant impact in the coming years while on their relatively paltry rookie contracts.Edwards-Helaire should become the immediate backup to talented but injury-prone starter Damien Williams, and Gay should have a chance to play alongside Anthony Hitchens and Damien Wilson in their 4-3 defense.Niang is a developmental player that the Chiefs believe could play just about anywhere along the offensive line.“I just been waiting honestly the last two days for them to call me. I thought that was where I was going to end up,” Niang said. “The anticipation was wild, thinking I was going to end up there and not knowing.”The biggest surprise wasn't that the Chiefs picked any of those guys but that they didn't target a cornerback. They still have holes in the defensive backfield after losing Kendall Fuller and Morris Claiborne to free agency, and high-end targets such as Louisiana Tech's Amik Robertson and Virginia's Bryce Hall were still on the board.“I think we stick to working on our team and our roster,” Veach said, “and I think having an opportunity to win a Super Bowl, I don't think we're competing against any one team. We're trying to find players that come in and play right away.”--- Associated Press ---

Chiefs gamble on LB Willie Gay in second round, add T Niang

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri junior defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (Missouri City, Texas) saw his decision to bypass his final year of eligibility pay off Friday as he was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.  Elliott, who was a first-team All-American selection for the 2019 season (Pro Football Focus, as well as a first-team All-SEC pick, was the 24th pick in the third round, and the 88th overall selection of the draft.

Elliott's selection extends Mizzou Football's streak of having a Tiger drafted to 16 straight drafts (2005-20, and he becomes the 13th MU defensive lineman to be drafted in that same stretch.  Elliott totaled a career-best 44 tackles for Mizzou in 2019, including 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks.  In his two-year Tiger career, Elliott saw action in 25 games overall and finished with 68 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Elliott is the first Tiger to be draft by Cleveland since All-American TE Martin Rucker was chosen in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

The draft will continue Saturday with rounds 4-7 to be held virtually.

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri junior defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (Missouri City, Texas) saw his decision to bypass his final year of eligibility pay off Friday as he was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Elliott, who was a first-team All-American selection for the 2019 season (Pro Football Focus, as well as a first-team All-SEC pick, was the 24th pick in the third round, and the 88th overall selection of the draft.Elliott's selection extends Mizzou Football's streak of having a Tiger drafted to 16 straight drafts (2005-20, and he becomes the 13th MU defensive lineman to be drafted in that same stretch. Elliott totaled a career-best 44 tackles for Mizzou in 2019, including 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 quarterback sacks. In his two-year Tiger career, Elliott saw action in 25 games overall and finished with 68 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.Elliott is the first Tiger to be draft by Cleveland since All-American TE Martin Rucker was chosen in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft.The draft will continue Saturday with rounds 4-7 to be held virtually.--- Mizzou Athletics ---

MU's Jordan Elliott selected by Browns in third round of NFL Draft

Benton High School senior Chol Ater has verbally committed to play basketball at Iowa Central Community College next season. Ater made his announcement on Twitter Friday.

The 6-foot-1 Ater helped the Cardinals to a 17-9 record this past season and they went 4-3 in the MEC.  He led the Cardinals in nearly every category as he averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

Iowa Central is a junior college located in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  Ater joins a Triton team that went 10-20 last season and they were 3-11 in their conference.

Benton High School senior Chol Ater has verbally committed to play basketball at Iowa Central Community College next season. Ater made his announcement on Twitter Friday.The 6-foot-1 Ater helped the Cardinals to a 17-9 record this past season and they went 4-3 in the MEC. He led the Cardinals in nearly every category as he averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game.Iowa Central is a junior college located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ater joins a Triton team that went 10-20 last season and they were 3-11 in their conference.

Benton's Ater commits to play basketball at Iowa Central CC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced the names of the Hall of Fame Class for 2020. The class consists of seven student-athletes, two officials, two coaches, and two teams. Below are bios of each inductee for this year’s class. The Hall of Fame inductions of individuals will be held at the annual MIAA Awards Ceremony presented by Husch Blackwell, at a date yet to be determined due to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The announcement of the event will be announced after local, state, and national health officials properly advise for such activities to take place.&nbsp; MIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Inductees Dina (Wathan) Blevins - Pittsburg StateVolleyball Student-Athlete (2000-2003)Dina Wathan earned third-team NCAA Division II All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as a senior in 2003. A three-time All-Region and four-time All-MIAA performer (first-team All-MIAA in 2002 &amp; 2003, Wathan set eight school records: career games played (468, career kills (1,814, career attacks (5,477, career service aces (158, career digs (2,326, single-season kills (481, single-season attacks (1,481) and single-season digs (671). Her career digs total ranks second all-time in NCAA Division II history. As a senior in 2003, Wathan helped the Gorillas to a 26-8 record and the program’s first-ever NCAA Division II National Tournament appearance.&nbsp; Robert Corn - Missouri SouthernMen’s Basketball Coach (1999-2014)Robert Corn retired in 2014 following 25 years as the head coach at his alma mater. He directed the Lions to a 30-3 record and an Elite Eight win in the NCAA Division II Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky during the 1999-2000 season. Corn left the program as the winningest coach with 413 career wins. He currently is third-best in all-time wins by a men’s basketball coach in the MIAA. He guided the Lions to two MIAA regular-season titles (1999-2000 and 2010-2011, as well as three MIAA Tournament Titles (1993, 2000, 2014). He coached the team to five NCAA Tournament Appearances in 1993, 2000, 2011, 2012 and 2014.&nbsp; Keith Hernandez - Emporia StateBaseball Student-Athlete (2007-2008)Keith Hernandez was the 2008 ABCA National Player of the Year and first-team All-American as a senior after hitting .462 with 18 home runs and 80 RBI. That same year, he was the MIAA Player of the Year and first-team All-MIAA at catcher. Hernandez led the conference in six offensive categories during the 2008 season as the Hornets won the MIAA regular-season title. His 18 home runs that year ranked fourth on the MIAA single-season chart at the time. As a junior in 2007, he hit .321 with 11 homers and 78 RBI. Hernandez led ESU to the NCAA Tournament both seasons he played and was an MIAA Scholar-Athlete and recipient of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll Award. Venessa Lee - Pittsburg StateWomen’s Track &amp; Field Student-Athlete (2004-2009)Venessa Lee completed a decorated career as a middle distance runner for Pittsburg State as a three-time NCAA Division II National Champion and a six-time All-America performer in the 800-meter run. She captured 11 MIAA individual titles and earned All-MIAA honors on 15 occasions. She set school records in the indoor 800m (2:08.77) and mile run (4:58.97) and the outdoor 800m (2:06.42) in 2007. She also earned All-MIAA honors in cross country in 2005. In the classroom, she was a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-America® selection as well as the 2008-2009 MIAA Ken B. Jones Award Winner. Lee also was selected the 2010 NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award winner for cross country/track &amp; field. Tom Myers - Central Missouri and Pittsburg StateBaseball Coach (UCM 2008-14 &amp; PSU 2016-18)Tom Myers had a career record of 367-139 (.725 winning percentage) at two stops in the MIAA. He has the second most wins UCM history with six consecutive NCAA Regional appearances (2008-13). Myers guided the Mules to three regional championships (2008, 2010, 2011, four MIAA Tournament Championships, and four MIAA regular-season Championships. With UCM, he was twice named the Central Region Coach of the Year and MIAA Coach of the Year. Myers coached the 2009 NCAA Division II Pitcher of the Year and five first-team All-Americans. He became the head coach at his alma mater, Pittsburg State, in 2016 where he went 56-48 in two seasons. In 2017, Myers took the Gorillas to their first NCAA Division II National Tournament since 2002. Caitlin (Pankratz) Peterson - Central MissouriVolleyball Student-Athlete (2005-2009)Caitlin (Pankratz) Peterson led the Jennies in assists, totaling 5,502 in her career, second-most in UCM history and still the eighth-most in MIAA history. As a senior, Pankratz helped Central Missouri to its first MIAA title since 2000, winning in 2009. One of the most decorated athletes in UCM Volleyball history, Pankratz was an All-American, two-time All-Region selection, two-time All-MIAA performer and three-time Academic All-District selection. She also was an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Tongula (Givens) Steddum - Missouri SouthernWomen’s Track &amp; Field Student-Athlete (1993-1995)Givens still holds many of the top-10 outdoor marks in both the triple jump and the long jump. She is the only female in school history to surpass 41 feet in the outdoor triple jump and one of two to surpass 20 feet in the long jump. Givens was an eight-time All-America at MSSU, including national championships in the triple jump in 1994 (outdoor) and 1995 (indoor). She collected three MIAA high-point individual awards during her career as a Lion and held program records in the triple jump and long jump at the time of her graduation and held the MIAA meet record for the outdoor triple jump until 2018.&nbsp; Tom Svehla - Official&nbsp;Baseball, Basketball, and Football OfficialTom Svehla spent over 30 years as an official for the MIAA in baseball, basketball, and football. He was on the court for 31 years as a basketball official which included being an official for the 2002 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Elite Eight, four Division II regionals, and multiple MIAA Conference Tournaments. In football, Svehla was an official for 26 years, highlighted by being selected for the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship game. He also was selected for the two National Quarterfinal games and several Division II Playoff games. He spent six seasons as an MIAA umpire before moving up to NCAA Division I level where he worked 10 regionals. Bill Titcomb - Official&nbsp;Football and Men’s Basketball OfficialBill Titcomb spent 29 years officiating in the MIAA in the sports of football and men’s basketball. He was selected to 19 consecutive MIAA postseason tournaments from 1993 to 2011 and officiated the championship game four different times. Titcomb was also selected for five NCAA Division II National Tournaments and four regional championship games, three NCAA Division II Elite Eights, and in 2008 officiated the National Championship game. In football, Titcomb served the MIAA for 14 seasons, highlighted by his selection to officiate the 2006 NCAA Division II National Semifinal game.&nbsp; Seth Wand - Northwest Missouri&nbsp;Football Student-Athlete (1998-2002)Seth Wand was an offensive tackle for the Bearcats as he started three seasons at the left tackle position and allowed just one sack in his career. He was named a first-team All-American by four different publications in both 2002 and 2001. Wand was a CCA, CoSIDA, and Daktronics second-team All-American both seasons as well. He earned first-team All-MIAA honors in 2000, 2001, and 2002 along with three MIAA Championships and one NCAA Division II National Championship. Wand was drafted in the 2003 NFL draft in the third round, 75th overall pick, and appeared in 53 games with 18 starts. Legacy InducteeTammy Wilson - Central MissouriWomen’s Basketball Student-Athlete (1985-1989)Tammy Wilson remains the Jennies’ career leader in scoring (2,104 points) and rebounding (1,205 rebounds). She is the only basketball player in Central Missouri history, male or female, to score over 2,000 career points and have over 1,000 career rebounds. Wilson earned back-to-back All-American awards (1987-88, 1988-89). In addition to holding the Jennies’ career scoring and rebounding records, she also is the Jennies’ career leader in field goal percentage (59.3) and is the Jennies’ single-season record holder for points (676) and field goal percentage (62.7). Wilson led the Jennies in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage as a sophomore, junior and senior. She was the MIAA most valuable player as a sophomore and a junior. Wilson is still sixth in the MIAA all-time in scoring and second in rebounding.&nbsp; Class of 2020 Hall of Fame TeamsBelow are teams that were selected as members of the 2020 MIAA Hall of Fame Class. Teams will not be recognized at the MIAA Awards Ceremony, each institution will determine when the team is formally recognized and celebrated. 1997-1998 Emporia State Women’s Basketball TeamThe Lady Hornets were the first Emporia State athletic team to play for an NCAA Division II National Championship as they went 33-1 on the season.&nbsp; 2004 Pittsburg State Football TeamThe 2004 Pittsburg State University football team posted a 14-1 record in finishing as the NCAA Division II National Runner-up.&nbsp; Class of 2021 Hall of Fame TeamsBelow are teams that were automatically inducted as the first members of the 2021 MIAA Hall of Fame class after winning National Championships during the 2015-16 season. Teams will not be recognized at the MIAA Awards Ceremony, each institution will determine when the team is formally recognized and celebrated. 2015 Northwest Missouri Football TeamThe 2015 Northwest Missouri football team went undefeated to claim the program’s fifth National Championship on December 19, 2015. 2016 Lincoln Women’s Indoor Track and Field TeamThe 2016 Lincoln Women’s Indoor Track and Field Team claimed the program’s fifth National Championship on March 12, 2015. 2016 Pittsburg State Women’s Outdoor Track and Field TeamThe 2016 Pittsburg State Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Team won the first National Championship in program history on May 28, 2016. --- Northwest Athletics ---

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The MIAA announced the names of the Hall of Fame Class for 2020. The class consists of seven student-athletes, two officials, two coaches, and two teams. Below are bios of each inductee for this year’s class. The Hall of Fame inductions of individuals will be held at the annual MIAA Awards Ceremony presented by Husch Blackwell, at a date yet to be determined due to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The announcement of the event will be announced after local, state, and national health officials properly advise for such activities to take place.&nbsp; MIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Inductees Dina (Wathan) Blevins - Pittsburg StateVolleyball Student-Athlete (2000-2003)Dina Wathan earned third-team NCAA Division II All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as a senior in 2003. A three-time All-Region and four-time All-MIAA performer (first-team All-MIAA in 2002 &amp; 2003, Wathan set eight school records: career games played (468, career kills (1,814, career attacks (5,477, career service aces (158, career digs (2,326, single-season kills (481, single-season attacks (1,481) and single-season digs (671). Her career digs total ranks second all-time in NCAA Division II history. As a senior in 2003, Wathan helped the Gorillas to a 26-8 record and the program’s first-ever NCAA Division II National Tournament appearance.&nbsp; Robert Corn - Missouri SouthernMen’s Basketball Coach (1999-2014)Robert Corn retired in 2014 following 25 years as the head coach at his alma mater. He directed the Lions to a 30-3 record and an Elite Eight win in the NCAA Division II Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky during the 1999-2000 season. Corn left the program as the winningest coach with 413 career wins. He currently is third-best in all-time wins by a men’s basketball coach in the MIAA. He guided the Lions to two MIAA regular-season titles (1999-2000 and 2010-2011, as well as three MIAA Tournament Titles (1993, 2000, 2014). He coached the team to five NCAA Tournament Appearances in 1993, 2000, 2011, 2012 and 2014.&nbsp; Keith Hernandez - Emporia StateBaseball Student-Athlete (2007-2008)Keith Hernandez was the 2008 ABCA National Player of the Year and first-team All-American as a senior after hitting .462 with 18 home runs and 80 RBI. That same year, he was the MIAA Player of the Year and first-team All-MIAA at catcher. Hernandez led the conference in six offensive categories during the 2008 season as the Hornets won the MIAA regular-season title. His 18 home runs that year ranked fourth on the MIAA single-season chart at the time. As a junior in 2007, he hit .321 with 11 homers and 78 RBI. Hernandez led ESU to the NCAA Tournament both seasons he played and was an MIAA Scholar-Athlete and recipient of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll Award. Venessa Lee - Pittsburg StateWomen’s Track &amp; Field Student-Athlete (2004-2009)Venessa Lee completed a decorated career as a middle distance runner for Pittsburg State as a three-time NCAA Division II National Champion and a six-time All-America performer in the 800-meter run. She captured 11 MIAA individual titles and earned All-MIAA honors on 15 occasions. She set school records in the indoor 800m (2:08.77) and mile run (4:58.97) and the outdoor 800m (2:06.42) in 2007. She also earned All-MIAA honors in cross country in 2005. In the classroom, she was a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-America® selection as well as the 2008-2009 MIAA Ken B. Jones Award Winner. Lee also was selected the 2010 NCAA Today’s Top VIII Award winner for cross country/track &amp; field. Tom Myers - Central Missouri and Pittsburg StateBaseball Coach (UCM 2008-14 &amp; PSU 2016-18)Tom Myers had a career record of 367-139 (.725 winning percentage) at two stops in the MIAA. He has the second most wins UCM history with six consecutive NCAA Regional appearances (2008-13). Myers guided the Mules to three regional championships (2008, 2010, 2011, four MIAA Tournament Championships, and four MIAA regular-season Championships. With UCM, he was twice named the Central Region Coach of the Year and MIAA Coach of the Year. Myers coached the 2009 NCAA Division II Pitcher of the Year and five first-team All-Americans. He became the head coach at his alma mater, Pittsburg State, in 2016 where he went 56-48 in two seasons. In 2017, Myers took the Gorillas to their first NCAA Division II National Tournament since 2002. Caitlin (Pankratz) Peterson - Central MissouriVolleyball Student-Athlete (2005-2009)Caitlin (Pankratz) Peterson led the Jennies in assists, totaling 5,502 in her career, second-most in UCM history and still the eighth-most in MIAA history. As a senior, Pankratz helped Central Missouri to its first MIAA title since 2000, winning in 2009. One of the most decorated athletes in UCM Volleyball history, Pankratz was an All-American, two-time All-Region selection, two-time All-MIAA performer and three-time Academic All-District selection. She also was an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient. Tongula (Givens) Steddum - Missouri SouthernWomen’s Track &amp; Field Student-Athlete (1993-1995)Givens still holds many of the top-10 outdoor marks in both the triple jump and the long jump. She is the only female in school history to surpass 41 feet in the outdoor triple jump and one of two to surpass 20 feet in the long jump. Givens was an eight-time All-America at MSSU, including national championships in the triple jump in 1994 (outdoor) and 1995 (indoor). She collected three MIAA high-point individual awards during her career as a Lion and held program records in the triple jump and long jump at the time of her graduation and held the MIAA meet record for the outdoor triple jump until 2018.&nbsp; Tom Svehla - Official&nbsp;Baseball, Basketball, and Football OfficialTom Svehla spent over 30 years as an official for the MIAA in baseball, basketball, and football. He was on the court for 31 years as a basketball official which included being an official for the 2002 NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Elite Eight, four Division II regionals, and multiple MIAA Conference Tournaments. In football, Svehla was an official for 26 years, highlighted by being selected for the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship game. He also was selected for the two National Quarterfinal games and several Division II Playoff games. He spent six seasons as an MIAA umpire before moving up to NCAA Division I level where he worked 10 regionals. Bill Titcomb - Official&nbsp;Football and Men’s Basketball OfficialBill Titcomb spent 29 years officiating in the MIAA in the sports of football and men’s basketball. He was selected to 19 consecutive MIAA postseason tournaments from 1993 to 2011 and officiated the championship game four different times. Titcomb was also selected for five NCAA Division II National Tournaments and four regional championship games, three NCAA Division II Elite Eights, and in 2008 officiated the National Championship game. In football, Titcomb served the MIAA for 14 seasons, highlighted by his selection to officiate the 2006 NCAA Division II National Semifinal game.&nbsp; Seth Wand - Northwest Missouri&nbsp;Football Student-Athlete (1998-2002)Seth Wand was an offensive tackle for the Bearcats as he started three seasons at the left tackle position and allowed just one sack in his career. He was named a first-team All-American by four different publications in both 2002 and 2001. Wand was a CCA, CoSIDA, and Daktronics second-team All-American both seasons as well. He earned first-team All-MIAA honors in 2000, 2001, and 2002 along with three MIAA Championships and one NCAA Division II National Championship. Wand was drafted in the 2003 NFL draft in the third round, 75th overall pick, and appeared in 53 games with 18 starts. Legacy InducteeTammy Wilson - Central MissouriWomen’s Basketball Student-Athlete (1985-1989)Tammy Wilson remains the Jennies’ career leader in scoring (2,104 points) and rebounding (1,205 rebounds). She is the only basketball player in Central Missouri history, male or female, to score over 2,000 career points and have over 1,000 career rebounds. Wilson earned back-to-back All-American awards (1987-88, 1988-89). In addition to holding the Jennies’ career scoring and rebounding records, she also is the Jennies’ career leader in field goal percentage (59.3) and is the Jennies’ single-season record holder for points (676) and field goal percentage (62.7). Wilson led the Jennies in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage as a sophomore, junior and senior. She was the MIAA most valuable player as a sophomore and a junior. Wilson is still sixth in the MIAA all-time in scoring and second in rebounding.&nbsp; Class of 2020 Hall of Fame TeamsBelow are teams that were selected as members of the 2020 MIAA Hall of Fame Class. Teams will not be recognized at the MIAA Awards Ceremony, each institution will determine when the team is formally recognized and celebrated. 1997-1998 Emporia State Women’s Basketball TeamThe Lady Hornets were the first Emporia State athletic team to play for an NCAA Division II National Championship as they went 33-1 on the season.&nbsp; 2004 Pittsburg State Football TeamThe 2004 Pittsburg State University football team posted a 14-1 record in finishing as the NCAA Division II National Runner-up.&nbsp; Class of 2021 Hall of Fame TeamsBelow are teams that were automatically inducted as the first members of the 2021 MIAA Hall of Fame class after winning National Championships during the 2015-16 season. Teams will not be recognized at the MIAA Awards Ceremony, each institution will determine when the team is formally recognized and celebrated. 2015 Northwest Missouri Football TeamThe 2015 Northwest Missouri football team went undefeated to claim the program’s fifth National Championship on December 19, 2015. 2016 Lincoln Women’s Indoor Track and Field TeamThe 2016 Lincoln Women’s Indoor Track and Field Team claimed the program’s fifth National Championship on March 12, 2015. 2016 Pittsburg State Women’s Outdoor Track and Field TeamThe 2016 Pittsburg State Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Team won the first National Championship in program history on May 28, 2016. --- Northwest Athletics ---

MIAA announces 2020 Hall of Fame Class

COLUMBIA,
Mo. – With little to
no live sports for fans to take in, former Mizzou record-setting quarterback
Chase Daniel is looking to provide Tiger fans an exciting way to pass the
time.&nbsp; On Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. (central time, Daniel will hold an
online “Chase Chats – The Reunion” event that will feature as many as 10 of his
teammates from the 2007 team that eventually rose to No. 1 in the nation while
finishing with a school-record 12 wins and final ranking of No. 4.

Daniel,
who will co-host the chat along with the Voice of the Tigers Mike Kelly, will
be joined by fellow Tiger legends Pig Brown, Chase Coffman, Ziggy Hood, Jeremy Maclin,
William Moore, Martin Rucker, Tommy Saunders, Tony Temple, Sean Weatherspoon
and Lorenzo Williams.&nbsp; The event will be streamed on Daniel’s Twitter
(@ChaseDaniel) and Facebook (OfficialChaseDaniel) channels.

In
addition to what should prove to be a memorable event, Daniel is tying in a
charitable push and is asking Tiger fans to consider donating to The Food Bank
for Central &amp; Northeast Missouri.&nbsp; Daniel has set a goal of raising
$50,000 for the Food Bank, and he’s pledged to match funds up to $25,000 on his
own to get things started.

“I’m
so excited for this chat,” said Daniel, who signed a free agent contract this
off-season with the Detroit Lions.&nbsp; “My time at Mizzou was
transformational for me and my teammates and certainly the 2007 season was a
big part of it.&nbsp; This will be a great way to catch up with a bunch of guys
and have fun talking about such a memorable season.&nbsp; I’m confident our
fans will enjoy it just as much as us, and I’m also excited about the chance
for all of us to do something impactful for the Food Bank.&nbsp; They do
amazing work for the community that has such a special place in my heart, and
in this time of need, I hope fans will help us do something special for them,”
he said.

Fans
can donate to the Food Bank online at the following secure website:

<a href="http://www.sharefoodbringhope.org/chasechats">www.sharefoodbringhope.org/chasechats</a>

The
site is active and now accepting donations and will remain up indefinitely.

The
gridiron achievements by the group of Tigers assembled by Daniel for this chat
is quite impressive.&nbsp; Collectively, they amassed:

COLUMBIA,
Mo. – With little to
no live sports for fans to take in, former Mizzou record-setting quarterback
Chase Daniel is looking to provide Tiger fans an exciting way to pass the
time.&nbsp; On Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. (central time, Daniel will hold an
online “Chase Chats – The Reunion” event that will feature as many as 10 of his
teammates from the 2007 team that eventually rose to No. 1 in the nation while
finishing with a school-record 12 wins and final ranking of No. 4.Daniel,
who will co-host the chat along with the Voice of the Tigers Mike Kelly, will
be joined by fellow Tiger legends Pig Brown, Chase Coffman, Ziggy Hood, Jeremy Maclin,
William Moore, Martin Rucker, Tommy Saunders, Tony Temple, Sean Weatherspoon
and Lorenzo Williams.&nbsp; The event will be streamed on Daniel’s Twitter
(@ChaseDaniel) and Facebook (OfficialChaseDaniel) channels.In
addition to what should prove to be a memorable event, Daniel is tying in a
charitable push and is asking Tiger fans to consider donating to The Food Bank
for Central &amp; Northeast Missouri.&nbsp; Daniel has set a goal of raising
$50,000 for the Food Bank, and he’s pledged to match funds up to $25,000 on his
own to get things started.“I’m
so excited for this chat,” said Daniel, who signed a free agent contract this
off-season with the Detroit Lions.&nbsp; “My time at Mizzou was
transformational for me and my teammates and certainly the 2007 season was a
big part of it.&nbsp; This will be a great way to catch up with a bunch of guys
and have fun talking about such a memorable season.&nbsp; I’m confident our
fans will enjoy it just as much as us, and I’m also excited about the chance
for all of us to do something impactful for the Food Bank.&nbsp; They do
amazing work for the community that has such a special place in my heart, and
in this time of need, I hope fans will help us do something special for them,”
he said.Fans
can donate to the Food Bank online at the following secure website:<a href="http://www.sharefoodbringhope.org/chasechats">www.sharefoodbringhope.org/chasechats</a>
The
site is active and now accepting donations and will remain up indefinitely.The
gridiron achievements by the group of Tigers assembled by Daniel for this chat
is quite impressive.&nbsp; Collectively, they amassed:<ol>
 <li>22
 – 1st-Team All-Big 12 honors…</li><li>6
 – NFL Draft 1st-round picks…</li><li>5
 – Special award winners: 2007 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year; 2007
 Big 12 Athlete of the Year; 2007 Big 12 Freshman of the Year; 2007 Heisman
 Trophy Finalist; 2008 Mackey Award Winner…</li><li>4
 – 1st-Team All-Americans…</li>
 </ol>COLUMBIA,
Mo. – With little to
no live sports for fans to take in, former Mizzou record-setting quarterback
Chase Daniel is looking to provide Tiger fans an exciting way to pass the
time.&nbsp; On Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. (central time, Daniel will hold an
online “Chase Chats – The Reunion” event that will feature as many as 10 of his
teammates from the 2007 team that eventually rose to No. 1 in the nation while
finishing with a school-record 12 wins and final ranking of No. 4.Daniel,
who will co-host the chat along with the Voice of the Tigers Mike Kelly, will
be joined by fellow Tiger legends Pig Brown, Chase Coffman, Ziggy Hood, Jeremy Maclin,
William Moore, Martin Rucker, Tommy Saunders, Tony Temple, Sean Weatherspoon
and Lorenzo Williams.&nbsp; The event will be streamed on Daniel’s Twitter
(@ChaseDaniel) and Facebook (OfficialChaseDaniel) channels.In
addition to what should prove to be a memorable event, Daniel is tying in a
charitable push and is asking Tiger fans to consider donating to The Food Bank
for Central &amp; Northeast Missouri.&nbsp; Daniel has set a goal of raising
$50,000 for the Food Bank, and he’s pledged to match funds up to $25,000 on his
own to get things started.“I’m
so excited for this chat,” said Daniel, who signed a free agent contract this
off-season with the Detroit Lions.&nbsp; “My time at Mizzou was
transformational for me and my teammates and certainly the 2007 season was a
big part of it.&nbsp; This will be a great way to catch up with a bunch of guys
and have fun talking about such a memorable season.&nbsp; I’m confident our
fans will enjoy it just as much as us, and I’m also excited about the chance
for all of us to do something impactful for the Food Bank.&nbsp; They do
amazing work for the community that has such a special place in my heart, and
in this time of need, I hope fans will help us do something special for them,”
he said.Fans
can donate to the Food Bank online at the following secure website:<a href="http://www.sharefoodbringhope.org/chasechats">www.sharefoodbringhope.org/chasechats</a>
The
site is active and now accepting donations and will remain up indefinitely.The
gridiron achievements by the group of Tigers assembled by Daniel for this chat
is quite impressive.&nbsp; Collectively, they amassed:<ol>
 <li>22
 – 1st-Team All-Big 12 honors…</li><li>6
 – NFL Draft 1st-round picks…</li><li>5
 – Special award winners: 2007 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year; 2007
 Big 12 Athlete of the Year; 2007 Big 12 Freshman of the Year; 2007 Heisman
 Trophy Finalist; 2008 Mackey Award Winner…</li><li>4
 – 1st-Team All-Americans</li>
 </ol>--- Mizzou Athletics ---

Mizzou legend Chase Daniel to hold 2007 team reunion chat to benefit Food Bank of Central & Northeast Missouri

The Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd pick of the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night.

In just one season as a starter, Edwards-Helaire finished his career with 2,123 rushing yards and added another 595 receiving yards.  He ranks No. 15 in school history in career rushing yards and holds the LSU single-season record for receptions by a running back (55).

Edwards-Helaire helped the Tigers go 15-0 last season and win the 2020 National Championship.&nbsp; He put together one of the best seasons for a running back in LSU history as he ran for 1,414&nbsp; yards and added 453 receiving yards on 55 receptions.  It was the third most rushing yards in a season in school history.

The Chiefs have only four more draft picks over the final six rounds as they have one each in the second, third, fourth and fifth rounds.

Edwards-Helaire was the only running back selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.  Round two will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd pick of the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night.In just one season as a starter, Edwards-Helaire finished his career with 2,123 rushing yards and added another 595 receiving yards. He ranks No. 15 in school history in career rushing yards and holds the LSU single-season record for receptions by a running back (55).Edwards-Helaire helped the Tigers go 15-0 last season and win the 2020 National Championship.&nbsp; He put together one of the best seasons for a running back in LSU history as he ran for 1,414&nbsp; yards and added 453 receiving yards on 55 receptions. It was the third most rushing yards in a season in school history.The Chiefs have only four more draft picks over the final six rounds as they have one each in the second, third, fourth and fifth rounds.Edwards-Helaire was the only running back selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Round two will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday.

Chiefs select LSU RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire with 32nd overall pick

University of Missouri men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin got a verbal commitment from junior college forward Ed Chang on Thursday.  Chang announced his decision on Twitter.

The 6-foot-8 Chang transfers to Mizzou from Salt Lake Community College where he averaged 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and shot 39.7 percent from beyond the three-point line in his one year at SLCC.  Chang began his career at San Diego State as he appeared in 13 games as a true freshman.  He averaged 1.6 points off the bench for the Aztecs.

Chang is an Papillion, Nebraska native as he played high school basketball at Papillion-La Vista High School for three years before finishing his high school career at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington.  He originally committed to Washington out of high school but then changed his mind and ended up at San Diego State.  Missouri did offer him a scholarship after he decommitted from Washington.  Chang will have two years of eligibility at Mizzou.

University of Missouri men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin got a verbal commitment from junior college forward Ed Chang on Thursday. Chang announced his decision on Twitter.The 6-foot-8 Chang transfers to Mizzou from Salt Lake Community College where he averaged 8.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and shot 39.7 percent from beyond the three-point line in his one year at SLCC. Chang began his career at San Diego State as he appeared in 13 games as a true freshman. He averaged 1.6 points off the bench for the Aztecs.Chang is an Papillion, Nebraska native as he played high school basketball at Papillion-La Vista High School for three years before finishing his high school career at Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington. He originally committed to Washington out of high school but then changed his mind and ended up at San Diego State. Missouri did offer him a scholarship after he decommitted from Washington. Chang will have two years of eligibility at Mizzou.

Mizzou gets verbal commitment from JUCO forward Ed Chang


















KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Central Missouri claimed the 2019-2020 Commissioner’s Cup presented by McCownGordon
Construction. UCM finished with 104 points and had an average of 10.4
points to win its third commissioner’s cup in four years. This year’s standings
only reflect the fall and winter seasons as the spring season was canceled due
to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.&nbsp;


The Mules and Jennies scored conference championships during the 2019-2020
season in women’s soccer and women’s basketball with a co-championship in
football. Central Missouri was runner-up in women’s cross country with
third-place finishes in men’s cross country and volleyball.


"Central Missouri is extremely honored to receive the Commissioner's Cup
trophy for the 2019-2020 season,” stated Jerry Hughes, Vice President
Intercollegiate Athletics. “It is a reflection of the success of our tremendous
coaches and our student-athletes. We're very proud of all that they
accomplished on the field and the role models they are in our community.”


Northwest Missouri was narrowly edged out of the top spot as it finished second
with 93.5 points and an average of 10.38 points. Third place went to Pittsburg
State with 81.7 points, an average of 10.21 points. Nebraska Kearney had 94.7
points with an average of 9.47 points for fourth place and Missouri Southern
closed out the top-five with an average of 9.44 points and 85 points.


Sixth place was slotted to Fort Hays State as Central Oklahoma came in seventh
place. Northeastern State finished eighth with Washburn and Emporia ending in
ninth and 10th respectively. Missouri Western was 11th and Lincoln rounded out
the 2019-2020 standings.


“As a conference, it is important for us to celebrate the championships that
did occur this academic year and recognize the program achievements in
2019-2020,” said MIAA
Commissioner Mike Racy. “This award will footnote the interrupted spring season
but it will allow us to celebrate the 11 MIAA Championships that we completed
this academic year.”


This marks the third consecutive year McCownGordon has been the presenting
sponsor of the Commissioner’s Cup.&nbsp; McCownGordon has significant
experience in a variety of market sectors including planning, servicing, and
completing higher education and sports projects and is recognized as one of the
region’s largest construction managers with offices in both Missouri and
Kansas.&nbsp;


“McCownGordon is proud to partner with the MIAA to present the 2019-2020
Commissioner’s Cup to the University of Central Missouri. The trophy awards
competitive excellence and embodies the true spirit of teamwork and
collaboration. We are also proud to continue our association with the MIAA, its
member institutions, and each student-athlete being honored for this outstanding
achievement,” stated Ramin Cherafat, McCownGordon Construction CEO.

The MIAA Commissioner’s Cup presented by McCownGordon Construction will be
presented to the University of Central Missouri at the annual MIAA Awards
Ceremony presented by Husch Blackwell, at a date yet to be determined due to
the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The announcement of the event will be
announced after local, state, and national health officials properly advise for
such activities to take place. To learn more information about the
Commissioner’s Cup, <a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/f75ab8bf-dc69-4fe0-b495-d8732102c616?elinkdata=142069">click
here</a>.&nbsp;


2019-2020 Final MIAA
Commissioner’s Cup Standings


*Does Not Include The Spring
Season Due To The COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic Cancelling The Remainder of
the Season.





KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Central Missouri claimed the 2019-2020 Commissioner’s Cup presented by McCownGordon
Construction. UCM finished with 104 points and had an average of 10.4
points to win its third commissioner’s cup in four years. This year’s standings
only reflect the fall and winter seasons as the spring season was canceled due
to the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic.&nbsp;
The Mules and Jennies scored conference championships during the 2019-2020
season in women’s soccer and women’s basketball with a co-championship in
football. Central Missouri was runner-up in women’s cross country with
third-place finishes in men’s cross country and volleyball.
"Central Missouri is extremely honored to receive the Commissioner's Cup
trophy for the 2019-2020 season,” stated Jerry Hughes, Vice President
Intercollegiate Athletics. “It is a reflection of the success of our tremendous
coaches and our student-athletes. We're very proud of all that they
accomplished on the field and the role models they are in our community.”
Northwest Missouri was narrowly edged out of the top spot as it finished second
with 93.5 points and an average of 10.38 points. Third place went to Pittsburg
State with 81.7 points, an average of 10.21 points. Nebraska Kearney had 94.7
points with an average of 9.47 points for fourth place and Missouri Southern
closed out the top-five with an average of 9.44 points and 85 points.
Sixth place was slotted to Fort Hays State as Central Oklahoma came in seventh
place. Northeastern State finished eighth with Washburn and Emporia ending in
ninth and 10th respectively. Missouri Western was 11th and Lincoln rounded out
the 2019-2020 standings.
“As a conference, it is important for us to celebrate the championships that
did occur this academic year and recognize the program achievements in
2019-2020,” said MIAA
Commissioner Mike Racy. “This award will footnote the interrupted spring season
but it will allow us to celebrate the 11 MIAA Championships that we completed
this academic year.”
This marks the third consecutive year McCownGordon has been the presenting
sponsor of the Commissioner’s Cup.&nbsp; McCownGordon has significant
experience in a variety of market sectors including planning, servicing, and
completing higher education and sports projects and is recognized as one of the
region’s largest construction managers with offices in both Missouri and
Kansas.&nbsp;
“McCownGordon is proud to partner with the MIAA to present the 2019-2020
Commissioner’s Cup to the University of Central Missouri. The trophy awards
competitive excellence and embodies the true spirit of teamwork and
collaboration. We are also proud to continue our association with the MIAA, its
member institutions, and each student-athlete being honored for this outstanding
achievement,” stated Ramin Cherafat, McCownGordon Construction CEO.
The MIAA Commissioner’s Cup presented by McCownGordon Construction will be
presented to the University of Central Missouri at the annual MIAA Awards
Ceremony presented by Husch Blackwell, at a date yet to be determined due to
the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The announcement of the event will be
announced after local, state, and national health officials properly advise for
such activities to take place. To learn more information about the
Commissioner’s Cup, <a href="https://themiaa.com/services/go.ashx/f75ab8bf-dc69-4fe0-b495-d8732102c616?elinkdata=142069">click
here</a>.&nbsp;
2019-2020 Final MIAA
Commissioner’s Cup Standings
1.Central Missouri - 10.40 points
2. Northwest Missouri - 10.38 points
3. Pittsburg State - 10.21 points
4. Nebraska Kearney - 9.47 points
5. Missouri Southern - 9.44 points
6. Fort Hays State - 8.40 points
7. Central Oklahoma - 8.12 points
8. Northeastern State - 7.70 points
9. Washburn - 7.18 points
10. Emporia State - 7.00 points
11. Missouri Western - 6.72 points
12. Lincoln - 6.33 points
*Does Not Include The Spring
Season Due To The COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic Cancelling The Remainder of
the Season.

MIAA announces 2019-2020 Commissioner's Cup results

LAWRENCE, Kan. –  Kansas Alum Terry Nooner joins the Kansas women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach, announced by head coach Brandon Schneider on Thursday. 

Nooner's responsibilities at KU will include recruiting, scouting, game preparation, skill development and position coach for forwards.

“I’ve told Terry on several occasions that we’d like to bring him back to KU," said Schneider.  "This time, the timing is perfect for him, his family, and Kansas women’s basketball.  Terry is an elite recruiter, a terrific teacher, and an outstanding coach on the floor.  He has been extremely successful at every stop in his basketball journey, and I’m excited about the positive impact he’s going to have in every phase of our program.  We are elated to welcome him, his wife Tracy, and their three children back to Lawrence.”

Having found success at all levels of basketball, Nooner returns to Kansas after serving as an assistant at Texas during the 2019-20 season. His responsibilities at Texas included instructing players at the post position, defensive coordination, and recruiting. 

While with the Longhorns, Nooner helped Texas rank nationally in the Top 25 of rebounds per game [43.0] and rebound margin [+7.6]. He coached a pair of standout post players at Texas in Joyner Holmes, who was recently selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, and Charli Collier, a top-10 finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award. 

Before his time at Texas, Nooner spent the 2018-19 season at the professional level with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers as a player development coach. 

Prior to his stint with the Cavaliers, Nooner spent three seasons at the University of Maryland as an assistant coach. He helped the Terrapins to back-to-back Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and three NCAA Tournaments. He also helped recruit the nation's No. 1 class in 2016 and the No. 4 class of 2017.

Before joining the Maryland staff, Nooner was at Alabama for two seasons from 2013-15. 

Prior to Alabama, Nooner spent one season at Kansas as an assistant with the women's basketball team under Coach Bonnie Henrickson. He helped the Jayhawks to one of their most successful seasons, as KU finished with a 20-14 overall record in 2012-13. The Jayhawks advanced to the fourth NCAA Sweet 16 in program history and their first in back-to-back seasons. 

He returned to Lawrence after serving as an assistant for one season at Southern Illinois (2011-12).

“My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to come back home and be a part of the Kansas Women’s Basketball Family," said Nooner. "Coach Brandon and I have always had a great relationship, and I am excited to be a part of his staff. It’s been a full circle kind of thing. It’s going to be a fun opportunity coming back to Lawrence.”

“I’ve always kept an eye on the team, especially coming back to the league and having to scout them. Seeing the growth of the team from where they were last year and how they battled this year has me excited for the future.”

Nooner, a Raytown, Mo., native, was a former guard and team captain for the University of Kansas from 1997-2000. He helped lead the Jayhawks to a Sweet Sixteen, four NCAA Tournament appearances and three Big 12 Championships.

Nooner and his wife Tracy have two daughters, Tarynn and Tatum, and a son, Terry III.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Alum Terry Nooner joins the Kansas women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach, announced by head coach Brandon Schneider on Thursday. Nooner's responsibilities at KU will include recruiting, scouting, game preparation, skill development and position coach for forwards.“I’ve told Terry on several occasions that we’d like to bring him back to KU," said Schneider. "This time, the timing is perfect for him, his family, and Kansas women’s basketball. Terry is an elite recruiter, a terrific teacher, and an outstanding coach on the floor. He has been extremely successful at every stop in his basketball journey, and I’m excited about the positive impact he’s going to have in every phase of our program. We are elated to welcome him, his wife Tracy, and their three children back to Lawrence.”Having found success at all levels of basketball, Nooner returns to Kansas after serving as an assistant at Texas during the 2019-20 season. His responsibilities at Texas included instructing players at the post position, defensive coordination, and recruiting. While with the Longhorns, Nooner helped Texas rank nationally in the Top 25 of rebounds per game [43.0] and rebound margin [+7.6]. He coached a pair of standout post players at Texas in Joyner Holmes, who was recently selected as the 19th overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, and Charli Collier, a top-10 finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award. Before his time at Texas, Nooner spent the 2018-19 season at the professional level with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers as a player development coach. Prior to his stint with the Cavaliers, Nooner spent three seasons at the University of Maryland as an assistant coach. He helped the Terrapins to back-to-back Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles and three NCAA Tournaments. He also helped recruit the nation's No. 1 class in 2016 and the No. 4 class of 2017.Before joining the Maryland staff, Nooner was at Alabama for two seasons from 2013-15. Prior to Alabama, Nooner spent one season at Kansas as an assistant with the women's basketball team under Coach Bonnie Henrickson. He helped the Jayhawks to one of their most successful seasons, as KU finished with a 20-14 overall record in 2012-13. The Jayhawks advanced to the fourth NCAA Sweet 16 in program history and their first in back-to-back seasons. He returned to Lawrence after serving as an assistant for one season at Southern Illinois (2011-12).“My family and I are extremely excited about the opportunity to come back home and be a part of the Kansas Women’s Basketball Family," said Nooner. "Coach Brandon and I have always had a great relationship, and I am excited to be a part of his staff. It’s been a full circle kind of thing. It’s going to be a fun opportunity coming back to Lawrence.”“I’ve always kept an eye on the team, especially coming back to the league and having to scout them. Seeing the growth of the team from where they were last year and how they battled this year has me excited for the future.”Nooner, a Raytown, Mo., native, was a former guard and team captain for the University of Kansas from 1997-2000. He helped lead the Jayhawks to a Sweet Sixteen, four NCAA Tournament appearances and three Big 12 Championships.Nooner and his wife Tracy have two daughters, Tarynn and Tatum, and a son, Terry III.--- KU Athletics ---

Terry Nooner returns to Kansas as women's basketball assistant

The 2020 National Football League Draft will get underway Thursday night.

The Northwest Missouri State Bearcat football program has had six players selected through the years in the NFL Draft. Let's take a look at the selections through the years.

Fullback Ed Tillison became the first Bearcat to be selected in the NFL Draft in 1992. The Detroit Lions picked Tillison in the 11th round with the 306th overall selection. Tillison ranks No. 4 in Bearcat history with 3,525 rushing yards on 597 carries. Tillison was on the Lions roster in 1992 and 1993 and saw action in six NFL games.

Quarterback Chris Greisen led the Bearcats to their first NCAA national title in 1998 became the second draft pick in school history. The Arizona Cardinals tabbed Greisen with the 239th overall pick in the 7th round. Greisen played in five games for the Cardinals from 1999 to 2001. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent and was on their roster in 2010 and 2011. Greisen ranks No. 3 in Bearcat history with 68 touchdown passes. Greisen also ranks No. 4 at Northwest with 7,457 career passing yards.

Offensive tackle Seth Wand is the highest draft pick in school history with the Houston Texans selecting him in the third round with the 75th overall pick of the 2003 draft. Wand played three seasons with the Texans and started all 16 games in 2004. Wand would go on to play seven games for the Tennessee Titans in 2006 before completing his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2007 and 2008. Wand started 18 NFL games and saw action in 53 contests. 

Defensive end Dave Tollefson was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round (253rd overall selection) in the 2006 NFL Draft. Tollefson spent 2006 season on the Packers practice squad. He was signed to the Raiders practice squad in 2007, however in October 2007 he was signed by the New York Giants to their practice squad. Tollefson went on to play six games for the Giants in 2007 en route to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. Tollefson played 63 career games for the Giants and helped the franchise to another Super Bowl title in 2011 over the Patriots. Tollefson finished his NFL career with the Raiders in 2012. He played in 78 NFL games and registered 90 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Tollefson ranks No. 6 in sacks (21.0) in Bearcat history.

Running back Xavier Omon was taken by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round (179th overall pick) in the 2008 NFL Draft. Omon played in seven NFL games and rushed 11 times for 27 yards for the Bills in 2008 and 2009. Omon also spent time on the practice squad for the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos. Omon holds numerous Bearcat records including 7,073 career rushing yards, 92 career rushing touchdowns, 590 career points, 98 career total touchdowns, 2,337 single-season rushing yards, 37 single-season rushing touchdowns, 309 single-game rushing yard and five single-game rushing touchdowns.

Defensive back Brandon Dixon went to the New York Jets in the sixth round (195th overall pick) of the 2014 NFL Draft. Dixon saw his first NFL action in 2014 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he played in 14 games with an interception. Dixon also started five games for the New York Giants in 2017. Dixon finished his NFL career with 30 tackles. He also was on the roster of the Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Dixon was a first-team All-America pick for the Bearcats in 2013 as he helped lead the program to its fourth NCAA Division II national title.

The 2020 National Football League Draft will get underway Thursday night.The Northwest Missouri State Bearcat football program has had six players selected through the years in the NFL Draft. Let's take a look at the selections through the years.Fullback Ed Tillison became the first Bearcat to be selected in the NFL Draft in 1992. The Detroit Lions picked Tillison in the 11th round with the 306th overall selection. Tillison ranks No. 4 in Bearcat history with 3,525 rushing yards on 597 carries. Tillison was on the Lions roster in 1992 and 1993 and saw action in six NFL games.Quarterback Chris Greisen led the Bearcats to their first NCAA national title in 1998 became the second draft pick in school history. The Arizona Cardinals tabbed Greisen with the 239th overall pick in the 7th round. Greisen played in five games for the Cardinals from 1999 to 2001. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent and was on their roster in 2010 and 2011. Greisen ranks No. 3 in Bearcat history with 68 touchdown passes. Greisen also ranks No. 4 at Northwest with 7,457 career passing yards.Offensive tackle Seth Wand is the highest draft pick in school history with the Houston Texans selecting him in the third round with the 75th overall pick of the 2003 draft. Wand played three seasons with the Texans and started all 16 games in 2004. Wand would go on to play seven games for the Tennessee Titans in 2006 before completing his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2007 and 2008. Wand started 18 NFL games and saw action in 53 contests. Defensive end Dave Tollefson was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round (253rd overall selection) in the 2006 NFL Draft. Tollefson spent 2006 season on the Packers practice squad. He was signed to the Raiders practice squad in 2007, however in October 2007 he was signed by the New York Giants to their practice squad. Tollefson went on to play six games for the Giants in 2007 en route to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. Tollefson played 63 career games for the Giants and helped the franchise to another Super Bowl title in 2011 over the Patriots. Tollefson finished his NFL career with the Raiders in 2012. He played in 78 NFL games and registered 90 tackles and 10.5 sacks.Tollefson ranks No. 6 in sacks (21.0) in Bearcat history.Running back Xavier Omon was taken by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round (179th overall pick) in the 2008 NFL Draft. Omon played in seven NFL games and rushed 11 times for 27 yards for the Bills in 2008 and 2009. Omon also spent time on the practice squad for the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos. Omon holds numerous Bearcat records including 7,073 career rushing yards, 92 career rushing touchdowns, 590 career points, 98 career total touchdowns, 2,337 single-season rushing yards, 37 single-season rushing touchdowns, 309 single-game rushing yard and five single-game rushing touchdowns.Defensive back Brandon Dixon went to the New York Jets in the sixth round (195th overall pick) of the 2014 NFL Draft. Dixon saw his first NFL action in 2014 for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he played in 14 games with an interception. Dixon also started five games for the New York Giants in 2017. Dixon finished his NFL career with 30 tackles. He also was on the roster of the Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. Dixon was a first-team All-America pick for the Bearcats in 2013 as he helped lead the program to its fourth NCAA Division II national title.--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest Missouri State's all-time NFL Draft picks

COLUMBIA, Mo.  – Mizzou Athletics placed 43 student-athletes on the 2019-20 Winter Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, announced Wednesday (April 23) by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.

The 2019-20 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll includes the sports of basketball, equestrian, gymnastics and swimming &amp; diving. It is based on grades from the 2019 Spring, Summer and Fall terms.

A total of 710 student-athletes from the SEC's 14 institutions were recognized on the year's list. The complete 2019—20 SEC Honor Roll and its corresponding nomination criteria can be found here.

All five eligible programs which Mizzou sponsors were represented in this year's Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll. Women's Swimming &amp; Diving led the way with 19 total recognitions, while Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball each had four representatives.

Mizzou Representatives on the 2019-20 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll Men's Basketball Parker Braun – Undeclared Brooks Ford – Undeclared Dru Smith – Business Administration Evan Yerkes – Undeclared Women's Basketball Elle Brown – Textile &amp; Apparel Management Jordan Roundtree – Business Administration Hannah Schuchts – Business Administration Haley Troup – Parks, Recreation and Sport Gymnastics Chelsey Christensen – Biological Sciences Lauren Clevenger – Health Science Hannah McCrary – Psychology Morgan Porter – Nutritional Sciences Aspen Tucker – Health Science Men's Swim &amp; Dive Matthew Connealy – Computer Science Jack Dahlgren – Mechanical Engineering Jack Dubois – International Studies Carter Grimes – Biological Sciences Giovanni Gutierrez Lozano – Health Science Daniel Hein – Mechanical Engineering Jackson Kent – Accountancy Ike Khamis – Health Science Danny Kovac – Undeclared Alex Moore – Accountancy Nick Staver – Mechanical Engineering Women's Swim &amp; Dive Allison Bloebaum – Elementary Education Tally Brown – Nutrition &amp; Exercise Physiology Anna Davis – Speech, Language, &amp; Hearing Sciences Molly Gowans – Health Science Audrey Guyett – Health Science Danielle Hepler – Journalism Rowan Hodgins – Business Administration Haley Hynes – Art History &amp; Archaeology Kayla Jones – Elementary Education Megan Keil – Economics Jennifer King – Psychology CJ Kovac – Undeclared Sammie Jo Porter – Nursing Ana Pozder – Nutrition &amp; Exercise Physiology Sarah Rousseau – Biological Sciences Lauren Savoy – Environmental Sciences Amanda Smith – Health Science Emily Snyder – Educational Studies Sarah Thompson – Biological Engineering --- Northwest Athletics ---

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Athletics placed 43 student-athletes on the 2019-20 Winter Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, announced Wednesday (April 23) by SEC commissioner Greg Sankey.The 2019-20 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll includes the sports of basketball, equestrian, gymnastics and swimming &amp; diving. It is based on grades from the 2019 Spring, Summer and Fall terms.A total of 710 student-athletes from the SEC's 14 institutions were recognized on the year's list. The complete 2019—20 SEC Honor Roll and its corresponding nomination criteria can be found here.All five eligible programs which Mizzou sponsors were represented in this year's Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll. Women's Swimming &amp; Diving led the way with 19 total recognitions, while Women's Basketball and Men's Basketball each had four representatives.Mizzou Representatives on the 2019-20 Winter SEC Academic Honor Roll Men's Basketball Parker Braun – Undeclared Brooks Ford – Undeclared Dru Smith – Business Administration Evan Yerkes – Undeclared Women's Basketball Elle Brown – Textile &amp; Apparel Management Jordan Roundtree – Business Administration Hannah Schuchts – Business Administration Haley Troup – Parks, Recreation and Sport Gymnastics Chelsey Christensen – Biological Sciences Lauren Clevenger – Health Science Hannah McCrary – Psychology Morgan Porter – Nutritional Sciences Aspen Tucker – Health Science Men's Swim &amp; Dive Matthew Connealy – Computer Science Jack Dahlgren – Mechanical Engineering Jack Dubois – International Studies Carter Grimes – Biological Sciences Giovanni Gutierrez Lozano – Health Science Daniel Hein – Mechanical Engineering Jackson Kent – Accountancy Ike Khamis – Health Science Danny Kovac – Undeclared Alex Moore – Accountancy Nick Staver – Mechanical Engineering Women's Swim &amp; Dive Allison Bloebaum – Elementary Education Tally Brown – Nutrition &amp; Exercise Physiology Anna Davis – Speech, Language, &amp; Hearing Sciences Molly Gowans – Health Science Audrey Guyett – Health Science Danielle Hepler – Journalism Rowan Hodgins – Business Administration Haley Hynes – Art History &amp; Archaeology Kayla Jones – Elementary Education Megan Keil – Economics Jennifer King – Psychology CJ Kovac – Undeclared Sammie Jo Porter – Nursing Ana Pozder – Nutrition &amp; Exercise Physiology Sarah Rousseau – Biological Sciences Lauren Savoy – Environmental Sciences Amanda Smith – Health Science Emily Snyder – Educational Studies Sarah Thompson – Biological Engineering --- Northwest Athletics ---

Mizzou Athletics places 43 on winter SEC academic honor roll

Lafayette High School senior T.J. Alexander has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota.

Alexander was a starter for the Fighting Irish this past season and helped LHS get to the Class 4 Quarterfinals.  Lafayette finished 19-10 and won the MEC title with a perfect 7-0 record.  Alexander averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor.

Mount Marty is an NAIA school that plays in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.&nbsp; Alexander will join a team that went 20-12 last season and they finished 10-10 in the GPAC.

Lafayette High School senior T.J. Alexander has signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota.Alexander was a starter for the Fighting Irish this past season and helped LHS get to the Class 4 Quarterfinals. Lafayette finished 19-10 and won the MEC title with a perfect 7-0 record. Alexander averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor.Mount Marty is an NAIA school that plays in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.&nbsp; Alexander will join a team that went 20-12 last season and they finished 10-10 in the GPAC.

Lafayette's Alexander signs to play basketball at Mount Marty

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brett Veach used his first two drafts as general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs to put the finishing touches on a roster that won the franchise its first Super Bowl in 50 years, all without making a single selection in the first round.

Now, on the eve of his third draft, the always-aggressive Veach is finally poised to pick on Day 1 — just barely.

The Chiefs are not due on the clock Thursday night until the final selection of the first round, the reward for having beaten the San Francisco 49ers in Miami a couple of months ago.

But even at No. 32, the selection would be more than a dozen picks higher than the Chiefs have made their initial choice the past two seasons, when Veach and Co. traded away first-round selections for players that proved to be instrumental in their Super Bowl run.

“It's good to have the 32nd pick and know you're Super Bowl champs,” Veach acknowledged, “but we all look at the mock drafts and the issue with that is there are so many variables, and there are always so many twists and turns in the draft, and the further down you are, the more twists and turns.”

Veach has been the catalyst for several of those twists and turns the past two years.

Just before he replaced the fired John Dorsey as GM, he was the front-office executive pounding the table in 2017 for the Chiefs to send their first-round pick the following year to Buffalo to jump to No. 10 overall.

The target was a QB from Texas Tech named Patrick Mahomes, who has merely become the face of the franchise after winning the league's MVP award in his first season as starter and the Super Bowl MVP award in his second.

It came at a cost, though one the Chiefs would pay every time given the way things played out. They also traded away first- and third-round picks in 2017, making it a package of three premium picks that the organization shipped to Buffalo.

Last year, the Chiefs were set to pick 29th after falling to New England in the AFC title game. But in the days before the draft, Veach traded the pick along with a third-round selection and a conditional second-round pick this year to Seattle for defensive end Frank Clark — who proceeded to turn in a Pro Bowl season — and a third-round pick.

Again without a first-round choice, Veach used his initial selection in 2019 on wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Veach had another second-round pick that he used on safety Juan Thornhill. Both became key playmakers this past season, when the Chiefs made their triumphant march to the championship.

What might it look like if the Chiefs actually pick Thursday night?

Well, they signed most of their pending free agents, which means 20 of 22 starters from their championship team are due back next season. That gives them the flexibility to pick just about any position, rather than plugging a desperately needed hole.

Among the options are running back, where they could have the pick of anybody in the entire draft, along with wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back — three positions in which the Chiefs need depth for the future.

“We’re looking to add high-level talent and stick to that best-player-available philosophy,” Veach said. "But you never want to go into a draft and pigeon-hole yourself and say you're definitely moving down or definitely staying there.”

Ah, yes. That's where the “maybe” comes into play with that first-round pick.

Veach's aggressive approach to trading picks the past two years means the Chiefs are left with just five total during the three-day draft, one in each of the first five rounds.

So while they would love nothing more than to add a starting-caliber player in Round 1, the reality is they might again be trading away their top choice Thursday night.

The value in the 32nd pick is that it carries a fifth-year option on whichever player is taken, and that means a team that is eager to lock in a certain player for an extra season could be willing to trade up into Kansas City's place.

For the Chiefs, that could mean trading back and acquiring a couple of more selections.

“Obviously the more picks, the more flexibility you have in any draft to position yourself for guys you want,” Veach explained. “Only having five picks and wanting to add as much talent around Patrick Mahomes on the offensive side, and (Tyrann Mathieu) on the defensive side, we'd like to add more picks. I wouldn't rule it out. But we want to assess the board and see what happens as we get closer to our pick."

In fact, Veach refuses to rule out anything. He's so confident in himself that the Chiefs could even trade up Thursday night if they identify a player they really like; a seemingly audacious rumor floated this week that Kansas City was intrigued by Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III if he dropped into the 20s.

Regardless, it likely will be another long wait before the Chiefs make a move in the draft.

“The last three or four days we’ve gone through every possible scenario. There are certain positions we feel good about the first two or three rounds and other positions that aren’t so deep,” Veach said. “We’re trying to build this thing not just for next year but for the next five or 10 years.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Brett Veach used his first two drafts as general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs to put the finishing touches on a roster that won the franchise its first Super Bowl in 50 years, all without making a single selection in the first round.Now, on the eve of his third draft, the always-aggressive Veach is finally poised to pick on Day 1 — just barely.And just maybe.The Chiefs are not due on the clock Thursday night until the final selection of the first round, the reward for having beaten the San Francisco 49ers in Miami a couple of months ago.But even at No. 32, the selection would be more than a dozen picks higher than the Chiefs have made their initial choice the past two seasons, when Veach and Co. traded away first-round selections for players that proved to be instrumental in their Super Bowl run.“It's good to have the 32nd pick and know you're Super Bowl champs,” Veach acknowledged, “but we all look at the mock drafts and the issue with that is there are so many variables, and there are always so many twists and turns in the draft, and the further down you are, the more twists and turns.”Veach has been the catalyst for several of those twists and turns the past two years.Just before he replaced the fired John Dorsey as GM, he was the front-office executive pounding the table in 2017 for the Chiefs to send their first-round pick the following year to Buffalo to jump to No. 10 overall.The target was a QB from Texas Tech named Patrick Mahomes, who has merely become the face of the franchise after winning the league's MVP award in his first season as starter and the Super Bowl MVP award in his second.It came at a cost, though one the Chiefs would pay every time given the way things played out. They also traded away first- and third-round picks in 2017, making it a package of three premium picks that the organization shipped to Buffalo.Last year, the Chiefs were set to pick 29th after falling to New England in the AFC title game. But in the days before the draft, Veach traded the pick along with a third-round selection and a conditional second-round pick this year to Seattle for defensive end Frank Clark — who proceeded to turn in a Pro Bowl season — and a third-round pick.Again without a first-round choice, Veach used his initial selection in 2019 on wide receiver Mecole Hardman. Veach had another second-round pick that he used on safety Juan Thornhill. Both became key playmakers this past season, when the Chiefs made their triumphant march to the championship.What might it look like if the Chiefs actually pick Thursday night?Well, they signed most of their pending free agents, which means 20 of 22 starters from their championship team are due back next season. That gives them the flexibility to pick just about any position, rather than plugging a desperately needed hole.Among the options are running back, where they could have the pick of anybody in the entire draft, along with wide receiver, linebacker and defensive back — three positions in which the Chiefs need depth for the future.“We’re looking to add high-level talent and stick to that best-player-available philosophy,” Veach said. "But you never want to go into a draft and pigeon-hole yourself and say you're definitely moving down or definitely staying there.”Ah, yes. That's where the “maybe” comes into play with that first-round pick.Veach's aggressive approach to trading picks the past two years means the Chiefs are left with just five total during the three-day draft, one in each of the first five rounds.So while they would love nothing more than to add a starting-caliber player in Round 1, the reality is they might again be trading away their top choice Thursday night.The value in the 32nd pick is that it carries a fifth-year option on whichever player is taken, and that means a team that is eager to lock in a certain player for an extra season could be willing to trade up into Kansas City's place.For the Chiefs, that could mean trading back and acquiring a couple of more selections.“Obviously the more picks, the more flexibility you have in any draft to position yourself for guys you want,” Veach explained. “Only having five picks and wanting to add as much talent around Patrick Mahomes on the offensive side, and (Tyrann Mathieu) on the defensive side, we'd like to add more picks. I wouldn't rule it out. But we want to assess the board and see what happens as we get closer to our pick."In fact, Veach refuses to rule out anything. He's so confident in himself that the Chiefs could even trade up Thursday night if they identify a player they really like; a seemingly audacious rumor floated this week that Kansas City was intrigued by Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III if he dropped into the 20s.Regardless, it likely will be another long wait before the Chiefs make a move in the draft.“The last three or four days we’ve gone through every possible scenario. There are certain positions we feel good about the first two or three rounds and other positions that aren’t so deep,” Veach said. “We’re trying to build this thing not just for next year but for the next five or 10 years.”--- Associated Press ---

Chiefs GM Veach poised to finally make first-round pick -- Maybe

The University of Missouri officially announced that Michael Maietti has joined the Tiger football team as a graduate transfer.   Maietti will be able to play immediately and will have just one season of eligibility left.

The West Orange, New Jersey native spent four seasons at Rutgers.  He redshirted in 2016, started nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and then started all 12 games each of the past two seasons at center.  

Maietti was a 2019 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

The University of Missouri officially announced that Michael Maietti has joined the Tiger football team as a graduate transfer. Maietti will be able to play immediately and will have just one season of eligibility left.The West Orange, New Jersey native spent four seasons at Rutgers. He redshirted in 2016, started nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and then started all 12 games each of the past two seasons at center. Maietti was a 2019 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

Mizzou football adds Rutgers grad transfer Michael Maietti

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

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 -