Lincoln – The Nebraska men’s basketball program size in the frontcourt with the signing of Eduardo Andre to a National Letter-of-Intent on Friday.

Andre, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound center from London, England, played at AZ Compass Prep during the 2019-20 season. Andre, who chose NU over offers from Illinois, Maryland and Texas A&amp;M among others, averaged 10.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game as a senior.  

“Eduardo brings length and explosiveness to our frontcourt,” Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “His ability to protect the rim gives us a dimension that we didn’t have last year, and he has the skillset to play inside-out. Eduardo has only been playing competitively for a few years, but he has a lot of upside, and we think can develop in our program.”

A three-star recruit by both 247 Sports and Rivals, he was ranked among the top 200 seniors in the country by 247 Sports. Prior to his transfer to AZ Compass Prep, Andre was rated among the top 10 recruits in Texas in the class of 2020.

Andre who didn’t begin playing competitive basketball until he was 14 years old, played two seasons of basketball at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, where he averaged 12.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game during his junior campaign. For his efforts, he was named the District 11-5A Defensive Player of the Year. He played AAU basketball with the Dallas Mustangs program. 

Andre joins a recruiting class which includes grad transfer Kobe Webster (Western Illinois, transfers Kobe King (Wisconsin, Trey McGowens (Pittsburgh) and Trevor Lakes (University of Indianapolis) and junior college transfers Teddy Allen (Western Nebraska CC) and Lat Mayen (Chipola College).

Lincoln – The Nebraska men’s basketball program size in the frontcourt with the signing of Eduardo Andre to a National Letter-of-Intent on Friday.Andre, a 6-foot-10, 220-pound center from London, England, played at AZ Compass Prep during the 2019-20 season. Andre, who chose NU over offers from Illinois, Maryland and Texas A&amp;M among others, averaged 10.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game as a senior. “Eduardo brings length and explosiveness to our frontcourt,” Nebraska Coach Fred Hoiberg said. “His ability to protect the rim gives us a dimension that we didn’t have last year, and he has the skillset to play inside-out. Eduardo has only been playing competitively for a few years, but he has a lot of upside, and we think can develop in our program.”A three-star recruit by both 247 Sports and Rivals, he was ranked among the top 200 seniors in the country by 247 Sports. Prior to his transfer to AZ Compass Prep, Andre was rated among the top 10 recruits in Texas in the class of 2020.Andre who didn’t begin playing competitive basketball until he was 14 years old, played two seasons of basketball at Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, where he averaged 12.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.3 blocks per game during his junior campaign. For his efforts, he was named the District 11-5A Defensive Player of the Year. He played AAU basketball with the Dallas Mustangs program. Andre joins a recruiting class which includes grad transfer Kobe Webster (Western Illinois, transfers Kobe King (Wisconsin, Trey McGowens (Pittsburgh) and Trevor Lakes (University of Indianapolis) and junior college transfers Teddy Allen (Western Nebraska CC) and Lat Mayen (Chipola College).--- NU Athletics ---

Nebraska men's basketball adds three-star recruit Eduardo Andre

The Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 2020 preseason schedule Friday as they announced the dates and times for their four games.

The Chiefs will open the preseason at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m.  They will then travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m.  The third game of the preseason will be at the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m., and Kansas City's preseason finale will be inside Arrowhead Stadium against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m.

The Kansas City Chiefs finalized their 2020 preseason schedule Friday as they announced the dates and times for their four games.The Chiefs will open the preseason at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m. They will then travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Saturday, August 22 at 8:00 p.m. The third game of the preseason will be at the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m., and Kansas City's preseason finale will be inside Arrowhead Stadium against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m.

Chiefs finalize 2020 preseason schedule

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---MWSU-Womens-Basketball-Coach-ee3ku6">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU WBB COACH CANDI WHITAKER</a>

Dave Riggert talked with Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker as she discussed the challenges of recruiting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitaker enters here second season as the head coach of the Griffons as she led them to a fourth place finish in the MIAA last season.  MWSU went 21-8 and 13-6 in league play.

Whitaker will have a big recruiting class in 2020 as she's signed six high school seniors and one transfer so far.  She expecting to sign as many as 10 total student-athletes.

<a href="https://anchor.fm/dave-riggert/episodes/Candi-Whitaker---MWSU-Womens-Basketball-Coach-ee3ku6">CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO MWSU WBB COACH CANDI WHITAKER</a>Dave Riggert talked with Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker as she discussed the challenges of recruiting during the COVID-19 pandemic.Whitaker enters here second season as the head coach of the Griffons as she led them to a fourth place finish in the MIAA last season. MWSU went 21-8 and 13-6 in league play.Whitaker will have a big recruiting class in 2020 as she's signed six high school seniors and one transfer so far. She expecting to sign as many as 10 total student-athletes.

1-on-1 with MWSU women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Spring sport MIAA academic awards continued to roll out, Friday, with 10 returning members of the Missouri Western softball team earning MIAA Academic Honor Roll distinction.  

Named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll from the softball team were Brea Blanton, Markee Brown, Kalyn Damgaard, Olivia Goodale, Sydni Hawkins, Kaili Hinds, Taylor Hoelscher, Emma Hoffart, Lauren Houston and Melanie Rasmussen. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll list, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 or above at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.

Academic awards for freshmen and first-year transfer student-athletes will be released at a later date.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Spring sport MIAA academic awards continued to roll out, Friday, with 10 returning members of the Missouri Western softball team earning MIAA Academic Honor Roll distinction. Named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll from the softball team were Brea Blanton, Markee Brown, Kalyn Damgaard, Olivia Goodale, Sydni Hawkins, Kaili Hinds, Taylor Hoelscher, Emma Hoffart, Lauren Houston and Melanie Rasmussen. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll list, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 or above at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.Academic awards for freshmen and first-year transfer student-athletes will be released at a later date.--- MWSU Athletics ---

10 Griffons named to MIAA softball Academic Honor Roll

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat softball team had six of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the field.

The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2020 softball season. Nearly 135 softball student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.

To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for softball is available here.

Karli Allen	Sr.	3.06	Communication/Public Relations	Arnold, Missouri

Olivia Daugherty	So.	3.30	Recreation: Corporate Recreation/Wellness	Kansas City, Missouri

Erin Keeney	Sr.	3.57	Recreation: Corporate Recreation/Wellness	Blue Springs, Missouri

Kailey Siemonsma	Jr.	3.80	Biology: Biomedical Sciences	Fort Calhoun, Nebraska

Rachel Smith	Sr.	3.59	Art Education	Kimballton, Iowa

Ady Watts	So.	3.31	Social Science	Gretna, Nebraska

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat softball team had six of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the field.The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2020 softball season. Nearly 135 softball student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for softball is available here.Name	Year	GPA	Major	HometownKarli Allen	Sr.	3.06	Communication/Public Relations	Arnold, MissouriOlivia Daugherty	So.	3.30	Recreation: Corporate Recreation/Wellness	Kansas City, MissouriErin Keeney	Sr.	3.57	Recreation: Corporate Recreation/Wellness	Blue Springs, MissouriKailey Siemonsma	Jr.	3.80	Biology: Biomedical Sciences	Fort Calhoun, NebraskaRachel Smith	Sr.	3.59	Art Education	Kimballton, IowaAdy Watts	So.	3.31	Social Science	Gretna, Nebraska--- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest softball players earn MIAA academic honors

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Pepper Rodgers, who was the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks from 1967-70 passed away on Thursday, May 14, in Reston, Va. He was 88.

Rodgers joined the Jayhawks in 1967, where he led Kansas to a 5-5 record including a 5-2 record in the Big Eight, to tie for second in the conference. In his second year at the helm in 1968, he led KU to a 9-2 overall record and a share of the Big Eight Conference title. In the same season, he led KU to its second Orange Bowl appearance, where they fell to the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, 14-15, finishing the season with a No. 6 national ranking.

In his four seasons as the head coach at Kansas, Rodgers led the Jayhawks to a 20-22 overall record, while being named Big Eight Coach of the Year twice.

From Atlanta, Georgia, Rodgers played college football at Georgia Tech under head coach Bobby Dodd, where he was a member of the Yellow Jackets’ 1952 National Championship team. As a quarterback and place-kicker, Rodgers threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal and three extra points in Georgia Tech’s 24-7 win over Ole Miss in the 1953 Sugar Bowl, and passed for 195 yards and three touchdowns and added a field goal and two extra points, being named the MVP of the 1954 Sugar Bowl.

In 2018, Rodgers was inducted as a member of the inaugural AllState Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.

Prior to Kansas, Rodgers served as an assistant coach at Air Force (1958-59, Florida (1960-64) and UCLA (1965-66).

Following his four seasons in Lawrence, Rodgers returned to UCLA from 1971-73, before returning to his Alma Mater, Georgia Tech, from 1974-79. In his 13 years of college coaching experience, he coached his teams to a 73-65-3 overall record, while making appearances in the 1968 Orange Bowl (Kansas) and 1978 Peach Bowl (Georgia Tech).

Rodgers went on to coach the Memphis Steamboats of the United States Football League from 1984-85 and the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League in 1995. Rodgers later served as the vice president of football operations for the NFL’s Washington Redskins from 2001-04.

Rodgers was drafted in the 12th round of the 1954 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, but instead entered the Air Force where he spent five years as a pilot.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet Lake Livingston.

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Pepper Rodgers, who was the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks from 1967-70 passed away on Thursday, May 14, in Reston, Va. He was 88.Rodgers joined the Jayhawks in 1967, where he led Kansas to a 5-5 record including a 5-2 record in the Big Eight, to tie for second in the conference. In his second year at the helm in 1968, he led KU to a 9-2 overall record and a share of the Big Eight Conference title. In the same season, he led KU to its second Orange Bowl appearance, where they fell to the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, 14-15, finishing the season with a No. 6 national ranking.In his four seasons as the head coach at Kansas, Rodgers led the Jayhawks to a 20-22 overall record, while being named Big Eight Coach of the Year twice.From Atlanta, Georgia, Rodgers played college football at Georgia Tech under head coach Bobby Dodd, where he was a member of the Yellow Jackets’ 1952 National Championship team. As a quarterback and place-kicker, Rodgers threw for a touchdown and kicked a field goal and three extra points in Georgia Tech’s 24-7 win over Ole Miss in the 1953 Sugar Bowl, and passed for 195 yards and three touchdowns and added a field goal and two extra points, being named the MVP of the 1954 Sugar Bowl.In 2018, Rodgers was inducted as a member of the inaugural AllState Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame.Prior to Kansas, Rodgers served as an assistant coach at Air Force (1958-59, Florida (1960-64) and UCLA (1965-66).Following his four seasons in Lawrence, Rodgers returned to UCLA from 1971-73, before returning to his Alma Mater, Georgia Tech, from 1974-79. In his 13 years of college coaching experience, he coached his teams to a 73-65-3 overall record, while making appearances in the 1968 Orange Bowl (Kansas) and 1978 Peach Bowl (Georgia Tech).Rodgers went on to coach the Memphis Steamboats of the United States Football League from 1984-85 and the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League in 1995. Rodgers later served as the vice president of football operations for the NFL’s Washington Redskins from 2001-04.Rodgers was drafted in the 12th round of the 1954 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, but instead entered the Air Force where he spent five years as a pilot.He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet Lake Livingston.--- KU Athletics ---

Former Kansas football head coach Pepper Rodgers passes away at 88

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Nine members of the Missouri Western baseball team were recognized on the Academic Honor Roll as the association released its academic awards for returning baseball student-athletes on Friday.

Receiving the distinction for the Griffons were Chas Verduzco, Andrew Meier, Jack Hazlett, Zack Pych, Chad Smith, Nolan Meyer, Talbott Buford, Kyle Heckenbach and Kobe Cummings. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll list, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 or above at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Nine members of the Missouri Western baseball team were recognized on the Academic Honor Roll as the association released its academic awards for returning baseball student-athletes on Friday.Receiving the distinction for the Griffons were Chas Verduzco, Andrew Meier, Jack Hazlett, Zack Pych, Chad Smith, Nolan Meyer, Talbott Buford, Kyle Heckenbach and Kobe Cummings. To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll list, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 or above at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.Academic awards for freshmen and first-year transfer student-athletes will be released at a later date.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Griffon baseball players named to MIAA Academic Honor Roll

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team had 22 of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the court.

The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2020 baseball season. More than 175 baseball student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.

The prestigious Academic Excellence Award was earned by Bearcat senior Tim Olson. Olson was among five baseball student-athletes to received the MIAA's Academic Excellence Award. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of at least 4.00 at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Excellence members for the 2020 baseball season is available here.

Tim Olson	Sr.	4.00	MBA - General	Buena Park, California

To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for baseball is available here.

Chase Broeker	R-Fr.	3.81	Biology/Psychology	Leavenworth, Kansas

Peter Carlson	Jr.	3.43	Business Management	Arvada, Colorado

Caden Diel	R-Fr.	3.53	Business Economics	O'Fallon, Missouri

Matt Gastner	Jr.	3.21	Business Management	Liberty, Missouri

Nick Healton	R-Fr.	3.08	Undecided	West Palm Beach, Florida

Zane Jackson	R-Fr.	3.33	Finance: Financial Services	Wayne, Nebraska

Ryan Koski	So.	3.62	Business Management	Kearney, Nebraska

Tristan Ledger	Sr.	3.18	BAS - Agriculture	Brighton, Iowa

Elias Manners	R-Fr.	3.58	Biology: Biomedical Sciences	St. Joseph, Missouri

Mitchell McCallister	Jr.	3.56	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Kansas City, Missouri

Jordan Peck	So.	3.76	Physical Education	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Connor Quick	Sr.	3.21	Cybersecurity	Fenton, Missouri

Calvin Rudolph	Sr.	3.90	Finance: Financial Services	Omaha, Nebraska

Richie Sander	So.	3.64	Finance: Financial Services	Kansas City, Missouri

Matt Schingel	Sr.	3.86	Finance: Corporate Finance	Crystal Lake, Illinois

Russell Simmons	So.	3.40	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Bonner Springs, Kansas

Alex Slocum	So.	3.31	Marketing	Liberty, Missouri

Daniel Smith	So.	3.95	Biology: Biomedical Sciences	Ashland, Missouri

Max Spitzmiller	Jr.	3.40	Middle School Education	St. Charles, Missouri

Colton Thomas	Jr.	3.53	Business Management	Olathe, Kansas

Quintin Van Ackeren	Sr.	3.16	Business Management	Omaha, Nebraska

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat baseball team had 22 of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the court.The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2020 baseball season. More than 175 baseball student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.The prestigious Academic Excellence Award was earned by Bearcat senior Tim Olson. Olson was among five baseball student-athletes to received the MIAA's Academic Excellence Award. An MIAA Academic Excellence Award recipient must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of at least 4.00 at the certifying member institution. The honoree also must have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Excellence members for the 2020 baseball season is available here.Name	Year	GPA	Major	HometownTim Olson	Sr.	4.00	MBA - General	Buena Park, CaliforniaTo be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for baseball is available here.Name	Year	GPA	Major	HometownChase Broeker	R-Fr.	3.81	Biology/Psychology	Leavenworth, KansasPeter Carlson	Jr.	3.43	Business Management	Arvada, ColoradoCaden Diel	R-Fr.	3.53	Business Economics	O'Fallon, MissouriMatt Gastner	Jr.	3.21	Business Management	Liberty, MissouriNick Healton	R-Fr.	3.08	Undecided	West Palm Beach, FloridaZane Jackson	R-Fr.	3.33	Finance: Financial Services	Wayne, NebraskaRyan Koski	So.	3.62	Business Management	Kearney, NebraskaTristan Ledger	Sr.	3.18	BAS - Agriculture	Brighton, IowaElias Manners	R-Fr.	3.58	Biology: Biomedical Sciences	St. Joseph, MissouriMitchell McCallister	Jr.	3.56	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Kansas City, MissouriTim Olson	Sr.	4.00	MBA - General	Buena Park, CaliforniaJordan Peck	So.	3.76	Physical Education	Winnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaConnor Quick	Sr.	3.21	Cybersecurity	Fenton, MissouriCalvin Rudolph	Sr.	3.90	Finance: Financial Services	Omaha, NebraskaRichie Sander	So.	3.64	Finance: Financial Services	Kansas City, MissouriMatt Schingel	Sr.	3.86	Finance: Corporate Finance	Crystal Lake, IllinoisRussell Simmons	So.	3.40	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Bonner Springs, KansasAlex Slocum	So.	3.31	Marketing	Liberty, MissouriDaniel Smith	So.	3.95	Biology: Biomedical Sciences	Ashland, MissouriMax Spitzmiller	Jr.	3.40	Middle School Education	St. Charles, MissouriColton Thomas	Jr.	3.53	Business Management	Olathe, KansasQuintin Van Ackeren	Sr.	3.16	Business Management	Omaha, Nebraska--- Northwest Athletics ---

22 Northwest baseball players earn MIAA academic honors

Missouri Western Athletics kicked off it's annual Gold Coat Club membership drive this past week as 45 volunteers made up of Gold Coat members, Griffon coaches and community members began the process of securing renewals and cultivating new members.

The Gold Coat&nbsp;Club is the athletics&nbsp;booster organization of Missouri Western State University. Founded in 1969, the club raises funds to support the endeavors of the now 17 Griffon sports programs with the addition of women's lacrosse this past fall and the spirit squads.&nbsp;

Membership&nbsp;in the Gold Coat&nbsp;Club assists in providing our student-athletes and coaches the necessary resources to help compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II and is open to anyone with interest in Griffon Athletics. Your support helps enhance the following areas: team travel, recruiting, equipment, academic&nbsp;support and facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most Gold Coat packages include: season tickets, reserved seat opportunities, premium parking, football stadium club access and other amenities available to members. Those not seeking benefits of a package may earmark a gift to the department or a sport of their choice.

While we firmly believe the 2020-21 season will be contested, should competition not take place, the following options will be in place for pledges made:1. Convert pledge to a 100% tax deductible gift2. Apply this year's pledge toward the 2021-22 season3. Receive a refund

A copy of this years brochure is listed via the link above and by&nbsp;<a href="https://gogriffons.com/sports/2011/10/26/GEN_1026113336.aspx?id=8">clicking here</a>.

Joining the Gold Coat&nbsp;Club is easy- Sign-up&nbsp;<a href="https://gogriffons.com/sports/2018/5/7/gold-coat-form.aspx?id=125">online</a>- Return the pledge form via mail to the address listed- Or call 816-271-5904.

Missouri Western Athletics kicked off it's annual Gold Coat Club membership drive this past week as 45 volunteers made up of Gold Coat members, Griffon coaches and community members began the process of securing renewals and cultivating new members.The Gold Coat&nbsp;Club is the athletics&nbsp;booster organization of Missouri Western State University. Founded in 1969, the club raises funds to support the endeavors of the now 17 Griffon sports programs with the addition of women's lacrosse this past fall and the spirit squads.&nbsp;Membership&nbsp;in the Gold Coat&nbsp;Club assists in providing our student-athletes and coaches the necessary resources to help compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II and is open to anyone with interest in Griffon Athletics. Your support helps enhance the following areas: team travel, recruiting, equipment, academic&nbsp;support and facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;Most Gold Coat packages include: season tickets, reserved seat opportunities, premium parking, football stadium club access and other amenities available to members. Those not seeking benefits of a package may earmark a gift to the department or a sport of their choice.While we firmly believe the 2020-21 season will be contested, should competition not take place, the following options will be in place for pledges made:1. Convert pledge to a 100% tax deductible gift2. Apply this year's pledge toward the 2021-22 season3. Receive a refundA copy of this years brochure is listed via the link above and by&nbsp;<a href="https://gogriffons.com/sports/2011/10/26/GEN_1026113336.aspx?id=8">clicking here</a>.Joining the Gold Coat&nbsp;Club is easy- Sign-up&nbsp;<a href="https://gogriffons.com/sports/2018/5/7/gold-coat-form.aspx?id=125">online</a>- Return the pledge form via mail to the address listed- Or call 816-271-5904.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Missouri Western's annual Gold Coat drive now underway

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four members of the Missouri Western women's tennis team were recognized as MIAA Academic Awards for women's tennis were released. Mireia Birosta, Federica Salmaso, Karolina Ström and Katherine Yeacker were all named on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

To qualify for MIAA Academic Honor Roll, student-athletes must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 or above at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.

MIAA Academic Awards for freshmen and first-year transfer student-athletes will be released at a later date.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Four members of the Missouri Western women's tennis team were recognized as MIAA Academic Awards for women's tennis were released. Mireia Birosta, Federica Salmaso, Karolina Ström and Katherine Yeacker were all named on the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.To qualify for MIAA Academic Honor Roll, student-athletes must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 or above at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms.MIAA Academic Awards for freshmen and first-year transfer student-athletes will be released at a later date.--- MWSU Athletics ---

Four Griffon tennis players named to MIAA Academic Honor Roll

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat women's tennis team had five of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the court.

The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 women's tennis season. Nearly 50 women's tennis student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.

To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for women's tennis is available here.

Julia Aliseda	So.	3.46	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Tarragona, Spain

Marta Ferrando	Sr.	3.59	Criminology: Adult System	Valencia, Spain

Sara Grozdanovic	Sr.	3.85	International Business	Berlin, Germany

Tess Lovig	Sr.	3.93	Business Management	Columbia, Missouri

Tania Teruel	Sr.	3.36	Criminology: Adult System	Almeria, Spain

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat women's tennis team had five of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the court.The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 women's tennis season. Nearly 50 women's tennis student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for women's tennis is available here.Name	Year	GPA	Major	HometownJulia Aliseda	So.	3.46	Applied Health: Exercise Science	Tarragona, SpainMarta Ferrando	Sr.	3.59	Criminology: Adult System	Valencia, SpainSara Grozdanovic	Sr.	3.85	International Business	Berlin, GermanyTess Lovig	Sr.	3.93	Business Management	Columbia, MissouriTania Teruel	Sr.	3.36	Criminology: Adult System	Almeria, Spain--- Northwest Athletics ---

Five Bearcat women's tennis players earn MIAA Academic Awards

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State Athletics Communications Office was named to the 2019 Super 11 field of sports information departments, and head coach Chris Klieman was honored as the Super 11 Coach of the Year as the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced both awards, which are based on media accessibility, relationships and operations.

It is the second time in the 11-year history of the award that K-State has been recognized as having one of the best sports information departments in the FBS (2015). Klieman is the second Super 11 Coach of the Year honoree after Arizona State’s Herm Edwards took home the inaugural award last year.

K-State was joined on the 2019 Super 11 list by Appalachian State, California, Clemson, Colorado, Iowa, Memphis, Mississippi State, Navy, NC State and San Diego State.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Ryan Lackey and Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/Public Relations Kenny Lannou lead the office in matters related to the Wildcat football program. Other department staffers who worked primarily with football throughout the 2019 season include Video Producer Preston Koerner, Football Creative Specialist Emily Starkey and Director of Creative Media for Football Bo Savage.

Additional in-season support was provided by Director of Men’s Basketball Communications Tom Gilbert, Office Manager Mary Gorman, Athletics Communications Assistant Grant Leibee, Director of Social Media and Creative Services Kevin McCarty, Director of Social Media and Digital Engagement Jay Moline, Director of Digital Media Scott Retzlaff, Graphic Designer Ron Cook, Creative Writing Specialist Corbin McGuire and Staff Photographer Scott Weaver.

The winners of the Super 11 Award are deemed by FWAA observers to have had good accessibility from program’s head coach, assistant coaches and players during the week of the game and after the game. Other criteria include how press boxes and gameday operations were run, quality and timeliness of information provided, the amount of information presented and appropriately updated on websites, personal responsiveness to media inquiries as well as the accessibility of players and coaches. 

The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,300 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America teams.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas State Athletics Communications Office was named to the 2019 Super 11 field of sports information departments, and head coach Chris Klieman was honored as the Super 11 Coach of the Year as the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced both awards, which are based on media accessibility, relationships and operations.It is the second time in the 11-year history of the award that K-State has been recognized as having one of the best sports information departments in the FBS (2015). Klieman is the second Super 11 Coach of the Year honoree after Arizona State’s Herm Edwards took home the inaugural award last year.K-State was joined on the 2019 Super 11 list by Appalachian State, California, Clemson, Colorado, Iowa, Memphis, Mississippi State, Navy, NC State and San Diego State.Assistant Athletics Director for Communications Ryan Lackey and Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications/Public Relations Kenny Lannou lead the office in matters related to the Wildcat football program. Other department staffers who worked primarily with football throughout the 2019 season include Video Producer Preston Koerner, Football Creative Specialist Emily Starkey and Director of Creative Media for Football Bo Savage.Additional in-season support was provided by Director of Men’s Basketball Communications Tom Gilbert, Office Manager Mary Gorman, Athletics Communications Assistant Grant Leibee, Director of Social Media and Creative Services Kevin McCarty, Director of Social Media and Digital Engagement Jay Moline, Director of Digital Media Scott Retzlaff, Graphic Designer Ron Cook, Creative Writing Specialist Corbin McGuire and Staff Photographer Scott Weaver.The winners of the Super 11 Award are deemed by FWAA observers to have had good accessibility from program’s head coach, assistant coaches and players during the week of the game and after the game. Other criteria include how press boxes and gameday operations were run, quality and timeliness of information provided, the amount of information presented and appropriately updated on websites, personal responsiveness to media inquiries as well as the accessibility of players and coaches. The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,300 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America teams.--- K-State Athletics ---

 K-State Athletics Communications, Klieman earn Super 11 Awards from FWAA

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's tennis team had six of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the court.

Fabien Calloud, So.,&nbsp;Business Management, 3.60 GPA from Tokyo, Japan

Louis Compas, Sr., Business Management, 3.60 GPA from  Reims, France

Spyridon Kaperonis, Sr.,&nbsp;Computer Science, 3.28 GPA from Patras, Greece

Bjorn Kurtze, Sr.,  Business Economics, 3.39 GPA from Munich, Germany

Franco Oliva, Jr.,&nbsp;Business Economics, 3.03 GPA from Mar Del Plata, Argentina

Agustin Velasco, Jr., Finance: Financial Management, 3.81 GPA from San Luis, Argentina

The MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 men's tennis season. More than 45 men's tennis student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.

To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for men's tennis is available <a href="https://bearcatsports.com/documents/2020/5/14//2020_Academic_Awards_Men_s_Tennis_Academic_Honor_Roll.pdf?id=2646">here</a>. --- Northwest Athletics ---

The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcat men's tennis team had six of its student-athletes honored by the MIAA for their effort in the classroom and on the court.Fabien Calloud, So.,&nbsp;Business Management, 3.60 GPA from Tokyo, JapanLouis Compas, Sr., Business Management, 3.60 GPA from Reims, FranceSpyridon Kaperonis, Sr.,&nbsp;Computer Science, 3.28 GPA from Patras, GreeceBjorn Kurtze, Sr., Business Economics, 3.39 GPA from Munich, GermanyFranco Oliva, Jr.,&nbsp;Business Economics, 3.03 GPA from Mar Del Plata, ArgentinaAgustin Velasco, Jr., Finance: Financial Management, 3.81 GPA from San Luis, ArgentinaThe MIAA announced its Academic Awards for the 2019-2020 men's tennis season. More than 45 men's tennis student-athletes from league schools were recognized for their classroom achievements.To be recognized on the Academic Honor Roll, one must have a grade point average used by the institution for purposes of NCAA academic certification of 3.00 at the certifying member institution. The individual must also have at least two terms of attendance at the certifying member institution, excluding summer terms. The complete list of Academic Honor Roll recipients for men's tennis is available <a href="https://bearcatsports.com/documents/2020/5/14//2020_Academic_Awards_Men_s_Tennis_Academic_Honor_Roll.pdf?id=2646">here</a>. --- Northwest Athletics ---

Northwest Missouri State men's tennis earns MIAA academic honors

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two Missouri Western student-athletes were named finalists for MIAA Fall Student-Athlete of the Year awards as announced by the association on Wednesday.

Griffon football's Shawn Rouse was one of five finalists for the MIAA Fall Male Student-Athlete of the Year while Griffon volleyball's Ali Tauchen was one of five finalists for the female award. The awards are the association's highest honor in 2019-20 for student-athletes in their respective seasons.

Missouri Western joined Pittsburg State as the only two MIAA members to have both female and male finalists for the fall season. The winners of the Fall Student-Athlete of the Year award will be announced on Thursday, May 21. Winners of the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year award will be announced on Friday, May 22.

The 2019-2020 Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given in lieu of the annual Ken B. Jones award due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The MIAA's COVID-19 Task Force recommended an award that properly recognizes the top student-athletes from the fall and winter but not limit the spring sport student-athletes who were unable to finish their seasons and collect accolades for a fair and competitive resume.

A 15-member committee comprised of one administrator from each MIAA institution and the conference office ranked each candidate based on excellence in three categories: Athletic Achievement in that academic year, Career Academic Achievements, and Community/Campus Service during the Academic Year. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.

2019 Female Fall Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Allysa Gann - Central Missouri, Soccer Dominique Lipari - Central Oklahoma, Volleyball Ali Tauchen - Missouri Western, Volleyball Julianne Jackson - Nebraska Kearney, Volleyball Piper Misse - Pittsburg State, Cross Country 2019 Male Fall Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Jace McDown - Emporia State, Football Mortiz Walther - Fort Hays State, Soccer Shawn Rouse - Missouri Western, Football Ryan Dodd - Pittsburg State, Football Kyle Hinton - Washburn, Football 2019 Female Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Morgan Fleming - Central Missouri, Basketball Kacey Kennett - Fort Hays State, Basketball Elena Bisotto - Missouri Southern, Indoor Track &amp; Field Tiara Schmidt - Nebraska Kearney, Indoor Track &amp; Field Haven Lander - Pittsburg State, Indoor Track &amp; Field 2019 Male Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Brandon Ball - Fort Hays State, Wrestling Kizan David - Lincoln, Indoor Track &amp; Field Cam Martin - Missouri Southern, Basketball Matt Malcom - Nebraska Kearney, Wrestling Levi Wyrick - Pittsburg State, Wrestling

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Two Missouri Western student-athletes were named finalists for MIAA Fall Student-Athlete of the Year awards as announced by the association on Wednesday.Griffon football's Shawn Rouse was one of five finalists for the MIAA Fall Male Student-Athlete of the Year while Griffon volleyball's Ali Tauchen was one of five finalists for the female award. The awards are the association's highest honor in 2019-20 for student-athletes in their respective seasons.Missouri Western joined Pittsburg State as the only two MIAA members to have both female and male finalists for the fall season. The winners of the Fall Student-Athlete of the Year award will be announced on Thursday, May 21. Winners of the Winter Student-Athlete of the Year award will be announced on Friday, May 22.The 2019-2020 Student-Athlete of the Year awards are given in lieu of the annual Ken B. Jones award due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The MIAA's COVID-19 Task Force recommended an award that properly recognizes the top student-athletes from the fall and winter but not limit the spring sport student-athletes who were unable to finish their seasons and collect accolades for a fair and competitive resume.A 15-member committee comprised of one administrator from each MIAA institution and the conference office ranked each candidate based on excellence in three categories: Athletic Achievement in that academic year, Career Academic Achievements, and Community/Campus Service during the Academic Year. A nominee must have at least a 3.25 cumulative grade-point average through the previous full semester term through February 1 of the academic year of nomination at the certifying member institution.2019 Female Fall Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Allysa Gann - Central Missouri, Soccer Dominique Lipari - Central Oklahoma, Volleyball Ali Tauchen - Missouri Western, Volleyball Julianne Jackson - Nebraska Kearney, Volleyball Piper Misse - Pittsburg State, Cross Country 2019 Male Fall Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Jace McDown - Emporia State, Football Mortiz Walther - Fort Hays State, Soccer Shawn Rouse - Missouri Western, Football Ryan Dodd - Pittsburg State, Football Kyle Hinton - Washburn, Football 2019 Female Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Morgan Fleming - Central Missouri, Basketball Kacey Kennett - Fort Hays State, Basketball Elena Bisotto - Missouri Southern, Indoor Track &amp; Field Tiara Schmidt - Nebraska Kearney, Indoor Track &amp; Field Haven Lander - Pittsburg State, Indoor Track &amp; Field 2019 Male Winter Student-Athlete of the Year Finalists Brandon Ball - Fort Hays State, Wrestling Kizan David - Lincoln, Indoor Track &amp; Field Cam Martin - Missouri Southern, Basketball Matt Malcom - Nebraska Kearney, Wrestling Levi Wyrick - Pittsburg State, Wrestling--- MWSU Athletics ---

MWSU's Rouse, Tauchen named finalists for MIAA Fall Student-Athlete of the Year

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball has always produced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation and the 2020-21 slate is no different. The Jayhawks’ 18-game schedule renews an old rival with Missouri, a battle against preseason top-10 foe Creighton, clashes with Pac-12 foe USC and Ivy League power Harvard.

Adding the Big 12 Conference contests, Kansas will potentially face 10 teams, 12 games, currently ranked in the NCAA March Madness Power 36 for 2020-21, with No. 2 Baylor and No. 4 Creighton each ranked ahead of No. 7 Kansas. Kentucky at No. 8, Virginia (10, Texas Tech (17, West Virginia (18, UCLA (19, Texas (22) and Oklahoma (26) are also potential upcoming KU foes ranked in the NCAA March Madness preseason poll. Virginia and UCLA, along with Georgetown, are part of the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Nov. 26-27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Additionally, these figures do not include KU’s Jan. 30 opponent for the Big 12/SEC Challenge.

“Once again we will have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We have a minimum of four games against teams that will be ranked in the preseason top 10 with Kentucky, Creighton and Baylor. And that does not even mention the other teams that will be ranked like USC, Colorado, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Texas and the SEC opponent just to mention a few. I’m already excited for the season and know our fans will be as well.”

Kansas Athletics recently announced that for the 2020-21 season, Allen Fieldhouse will expand from three to eight pricing tiers, including four tiers that are lower than any season ticket price from last season. This new structure will lower the cost of season tickets for almost 45 percent of Allen Fieldhouse season ticket holders from last year.

Additionally, the Dec. 12 Border Showdown vs. Missouri at the Sprint Center is only available by purchasing season tickets through KU. Once KU season ticket sales are completed, all remaining inventory for the Dec. 12 game will be made available to Missouri. If they do not sell that allotment, those limited tickets will be made available to the general public.

To order season tickets, fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which starts at $100 annually. Men’s basketball season tickets are allocated according to Williams Education Fund policies and subject to availability. More information is available through the Williams Education Fund by calling 785.864.3946 or wef@ku.edu  .

The season starts off with the two winningest programs in NCAA Division I history with Kansas facing Kentucky in the Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10. KU will then open home play for three games against Southern Utah (Nov. 13, Eastern Illinois (Nov. 16) and Stony Brook (Nov. 20) before heading to the Wooden Legacy Tournament.

Creighton finished No. 7 in the final Associated Press poll in March and will make its first trip to Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 3. KU will then host Omaha Dec. 8 before playing host to Missouri Dec. 12 in the first of six Border Showdown Series matchups. USC will then play at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 19 and KU will close out the pre-holiday slate at former conference foe Colorado on Dec. 22. KU will host Harvard on Dec. 29 before opening Big 12 play Jan. 2.

Kansas is coming off a 28-3 record in 2019-20 where the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title with a conference record 17 wins in going 17-1 and winning its final 16 games of the season. KU ended 2019-20 No. 1 in the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls before the pandemic shortened season.

KU ended No. 2 in the 2019-20 NET rankings. The Jayhawks’ strength of schedule was No. 1. Kansas was the only school with 12 Quadrant 1 wins. KU’s 20 Q1 and Q2 combined wins are also more than any other school.

Over the last 17 seasons, the Big 12 has proven to be one of the toughest league’s in the NCAA, making the Jayhawks’ run of 15 league titles since 2004 even more impressive. Beginning in the 2003-04 season, the Big 12 has ranked as the nation’s No. 1 conference in the RPI/NET rankings six times and in the top-three on 11 occasions. In 2019-20, the conference trended in the same direction as it ended as the second highest-rated league in the NET rankings.

The Big 12 Conference schedule will be released later in the summer. Below is brief series information on the 2020-21 KU nonconference schedule.

Nov. 10 (Tues.) – Kentucky (Champions Classic, United Center, Chicago)

* The two winningest programs in college basketball square off in the Champions Classic. Kentucky at 2,318 wins and Kansas at 2,302 victories are the only two schools to amass 2,300 all-time wins.

* Kentucky is coming off a 25-6 season where it won the SEC by three games going 15-3 in 2019-20.

* Kentucky leads the overall series with Kansas, 22-9, but the Jayhawks have won three of the last four meetings.

* In the Champions Classic, Kentucky holds a 2-1 series advantage. While at Kansas, Jayhawks’ head coach Bill Self is 6-4 against Kentucky.

* Kentucky is coached by former Kansas assistant John Calipari who is 330-77 in 11 seasons at UK and 733-215 in 28 seasons overall.

* Kansas and Southern Utah will be meeting for the first time in men’s basketball.

* Southern Utah went 17-15 last season and finished seventh in the Big Sky Conference with a 9-11 league mark.

* The Thunderbirds are coached by Todd Simon who is 53-78 in four seasons at Southern Utah.

* Eastern Illinois will be the second-straight team Kansas will be facing for the first time in men’s basketball.

* The Panthers finished 17-15 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the 12-team Ohio Valley Conference with a 9-9 league record.

* Eastern Illinois is coached by Jay Spoonhour who is 110-139 in eight seasons at EIU.

* Kansas and Stony Brook will also be meeting for the first time.

* Stony Brook finished second in the American East Conference last season, posting a 20-13 overall and 10-6 league record.

* The Seawolves are coached by Geno Ford who is 20-14 after his first season at Stony Brook. Ford is 185-169 overall with stints at Kent State and Bradley prior to Stony Brook.

Nov. 26-27 – TBD (Wooden Legacy Tournament, Anaheim Arena, Anaheim, Calif. – Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia) Georgetown 

* In a series which started in the 1987 NCAA Tournament, Kansas is 3-1 all-time against Georgetown and the Jayhawks have won the last three meetings. The two teams last met in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014, a KU 75-70 road win.

* Last year Georgetown posted a 15-17 record and finished tied for ninth in the Big East with a 5-13 league record.

* The Hoyas are coached by legendary alum Patrick Ewing, who is 49-46 in three seasons at Georgetown.

* UCLA leads the series with Kansas, 10-8, but the Jayhawks have won the last four and five of the last six meetings with the Bruins. The last two battles were in the Maui Invitational, a KU 92-73 win in 2015 and a KU 72-56 victory in 2011.

* Last year, UCLA went 19-12 and finished second in the Pac-12 Conference with a 12-6 league record, one game behind league champion Oregon.

* The Bruins are coached by Mick Cronin, who will be entering his second season at UCLA and is 384-182 overall with stints at Murray State and Cincinnati before taking over UCLA in 2019.

* Kansas is 2-1 all-time against Virginia with all three meetings in 1995 and 1996. UVA won the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Sweet 16, 67-58, on March 24, 1995, in Kansas City, Mo., while KU won 72-66 in the Great Eight on Nov. 29, 1995, in Auburn Hills, Mich., and 80-63, on Nov. 27, 1996, in the title game of the Maui Invitational.

* With the abrupt ending to the 2019-20 season, Virginia will still be defending its 2019 NCAA National Championship next year.

* The Cavaliers went 23-7 in 2019-20 and finished tied for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 15-5, one game behind league champion Florida State.

* UVA is coached by Tony Bennett who is 277-96 in 11 seasons at Virginia and 346-129 overall with three seasons at Washington State before taking over at Virginia in 2009-10.

* Creighton will make its first-ever trip to Allen Fieldhouse as its last visit to Lawrence was in 1950. Kansas leads the series 9-6 but the teams’ previous meeting was in the 1974 NCAA Midwest Regional opening round, at KU 55-54 win in Tulsa. Kansas would later advance the 1974 Final Four in Greensboro, N.C.

* Last season, Creighton finished No. 7 in the Associated Press poll posting a 24-7 overall record. The Blue Jays tied Villanova and Seton Hall for the Big East regular-season title with a 13-5 league record.

* Creighton is coached by Greg McDermott who is 231-116 in 10 seasons at Creighton and is 511-311 overall.

* Kansas won the only series meeting with Omaha, 109-64, on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse.

* Last year the Mavericks finished 16-16 overall and tied for fourth in the Summit League with a 9-7 conference record.

* The Mavericks are coached by Derrin Hansen who is 241-214 in 15 seasons at Omaha.

Dec. 12 (Sat.) – MISSOURI (Border Showdown Series, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.) 

* On October 21, 2019, the Border Showdown between Kansas and Missouri was renewed starting with the Dec. 9 contest at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The two teams will meet six times over the next six seasons through 2025-26 with two meetings at Sprint Center (2020, 2025, two in Lawrence (2021, 2023) and two in Columbia (2022, 2024).

* The Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River until 2012 when Missouri departed the Big 12 for the SEC.

* This series dates back to 1907 and Kansas holds a 174-95 advantage. The two teams did meet in and exhibition game at Sprint Center, a KU 93-87 win on Oct. 22, 2017, in a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

* Last year, MU went 15-16 overall and tied for 10th in the SEC with a 7-11 league record.

* The Tigers are coached by Cuonzo Martin who is 50-46 in three seasons at MU and 236-166 overall with stops at Missouri State, Tennessee and California prior to Missouri.

* This series dates back to 1935 with Kansas leading 11-5. The Jayhawks have won the last seven matchups with the Trojans with the last meeting a 63-47 KU win in Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 2011.

* Last season, USC finished 22-9 and tied for third in the Pac-12 Conference at 11-7, two games behind league winner Oregon.

* The Trojans are coached by Andy Enfield who is 132-102 in seven seasons at USC and 173-130 overall, which includes two years at Florida Gulf Coast before taking over at USC in 2013.

* This series between Kansas and Colorado dates back to 1931 and KU leads 124-40 after its 72-58 win on Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. Colorado’s 75-72 win on Dec. 7, 2013, in Boulder, ended a Kansas 19-straight series win streak against CU. Kansas has won 46 of the last 48 meetings with CU dating back to 1991. As conference members - Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12 - Kansas was 116-35 against Colorado, which included 21 meetings in the Big Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament and postseason conference play. As members of the Big 12, Kansas was 31-1 against Colorado – 29-1 in regular-season play and 2-0 in the league tournament.

* Colorado finished 21-11 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the Pac-12 Conference at 10-8.

* The Buffs are coached by former Kansas guard Tad Boyle who is 210-134 in 10 seasons at CU and 266-200 in 14 seasons overall. Boyle coached four seasons at Northern Colorado before taking over at Colorado in 2010-11.

* Kansas won its only meeting with Harvard, 75-69, on Dec. 5, 2015, in Allen Fieldhouse.

* Last season Harvard finished 21-8 and second in the Ivy League at 10-4, one game behind Ivy champ Yale at 11-3.

* The Crimson are coached by Tommy Amaker who is 251-139 in 13 seasons at Harvard and 426-277 overall. Amaker, who has guided the Crimson to seven Ivy League titles in the last 10 seasons, was head coach at Seton Hall from 1997-98 until 2000-01, Michigan from 2001-02 until 2006-07 before taking over at Harvard.

Jan. 30 (Sat.) – at TBD (Big 12/SEC Challenge) 

* After its 74-68 win against Tennessee on Jan. 25, 2020, in Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 5-2 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, having split with Florida in 2013-14 and 2014-15, as both teams claimed home victories. KU then swept a home-and-home series with Kentucky, claiming a 90-84 overtime in Allen Fieldhouse in 2016 and a 79-73 win in Lexington, Kentucky in 2017. In 2018, Kansas defeated Texas A&amp;M, 79-68, in Allen Fieldhouse and lost at Kentucky, 71-63, in 2019.

* With the Big East/Big 12 Battle starting up in 2019-20, dating back to 2007, Kansas is 8-4 in conference challenges (1-1 vs. Arizona, 2-0 vs. UCLA, 1-1 vs. Florida, 2-1 vs. Kentucky, 1-0 vs. Tennessee, 1-0 vs. Texas A&amp;M and 0-1 vs. Villanova).

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas men’s basketball has always produced one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the nation and the 2020-21 slate is no different. The Jayhawks’ 18-game schedule renews an old rival with Missouri, a battle against preseason top-10 foe Creighton, clashes with Pac-12 foe USC and Ivy League power Harvard.Adding the Big 12 Conference contests, Kansas will potentially face 10 teams, 12 games, currently ranked in the NCAA March Madness Power 36 for 2020-21, with No. 2 Baylor and No. 4 Creighton each ranked ahead of No. 7 Kansas. Kentucky at No. 8, Virginia (10, Texas Tech (17, West Virginia (18, UCLA (19, Texas (22) and Oklahoma (26) are also potential upcoming KU foes ranked in the NCAA March Madness preseason poll. Virginia and UCLA, along with Georgetown, are part of the Wooden Legacy Tournament, Nov. 26-27, 2020, in Anaheim, Calif. Additionally, these figures do not include KU’s Jan. 30 opponent for the Big 12/SEC Challenge.“Once again we will have one of the toughest schedules in the country,” Kansas head coach Bill Self said. “We have a minimum of four games against teams that will be ranked in the preseason top 10 with Kentucky, Creighton and Baylor. And that does not even mention the other teams that will be ranked like USC, Colorado, West Virginia, Texas Tech, Texas and the SEC opponent just to mention a few. I’m already excited for the season and know our fans will be as well.”Kansas Athletics recently announced that for the 2020-21 season, Allen Fieldhouse will expand from three to eight pricing tiers, including four tiers that are lower than any season ticket price from last season. This new structure will lower the cost of season tickets for almost 45 percent of Allen Fieldhouse season ticket holders from last year.Additionally, the Dec. 12 Border Showdown vs. Missouri at the Sprint Center is only available by purchasing season tickets through KU. Once KU season ticket sales are completed, all remaining inventory for the Dec. 12 game will be made available to Missouri. If they do not sell that allotment, those limited tickets will be made available to the general public.To order season tickets, fans must be active members of the Williams Education Fund, which starts at $100 annually. Men’s basketball season tickets are allocated according to Williams Education Fund policies and subject to availability. More information is available through the Williams Education Fund by calling 785.864.3946 or wef@ku.edu .The season starts off with the two winningest programs in NCAA Division I history with Kansas facing Kentucky in the Champions Classic at the United Center in Chicago on Nov. 10. KU will then open home play for three games against Southern Utah (Nov. 13, Eastern Illinois (Nov. 16) and Stony Brook (Nov. 20) before heading to the Wooden Legacy Tournament.Creighton finished No. 7 in the final Associated Press poll in March and will make its first trip to Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 3. KU will then host Omaha Dec. 8 before playing host to Missouri Dec. 12 in the first of six Border Showdown Series matchups. USC will then play at Allen Fieldhouse on Dec. 19 and KU will close out the pre-holiday slate at former conference foe Colorado on Dec. 22. KU will host Harvard on Dec. 29 before opening Big 12 play Jan. 2.Kansas is coming off a 28-3 record in 2019-20 where the Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title with a conference record 17 wins in going 17-1 and winning its final 16 games of the season. KU ended 2019-20 No. 1 in the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches’ polls before the pandemic shortened season.KU ended No. 2 in the 2019-20 NET rankings. The Jayhawks’ strength of schedule was No. 1. Kansas was the only school with 12 Quadrant 1 wins. KU’s 20 Q1 and Q2 combined wins are also more than any other school.Over the last 17 seasons, the Big 12 has proven to be one of the toughest league’s in the NCAA, making the Jayhawks’ run of 15 league titles since 2004 even more impressive. Beginning in the 2003-04 season, the Big 12 has ranked as the nation’s No. 1 conference in the RPI/NET rankings six times and in the top-three on 11 occasions. In 2019-20, the conference trended in the same direction as it ended as the second highest-rated league in the NET rankings.The Big 12 Conference schedule will be released later in the summer. Below is brief series information on the 2020-21 KU nonconference schedule.Nov. 10 (Tues.) – Kentucky (Champions Classic, United Center, Chicago)* The two winningest programs in college basketball square off in the Champions Classic. Kentucky at 2,318 wins and Kansas at 2,302 victories are the only two schools to amass 2,300 all-time wins.* Kentucky is coming off a 25-6 season where it won the SEC by three games going 15-3 in 2019-20.* Kentucky leads the overall series with Kansas, 22-9, but the Jayhawks have won three of the last four meetings.* In the Champions Classic, Kentucky holds a 2-1 series advantage. While at Kansas, Jayhawks’ head coach Bill Self is 6-4 against Kentucky.* Kentucky is coached by former Kansas assistant John Calipari who is 330-77 in 11 seasons at UK and 733-215 in 28 seasons overall.Nov. 13 (Fri.) – SOUTHERN UTAH * Kansas and Southern Utah will be meeting for the first time in men’s basketball.* Southern Utah went 17-15 last season and finished seventh in the Big Sky Conference with a 9-11 league mark.* The Thunderbirds are coached by Todd Simon who is 53-78 in four seasons at Southern Utah.Nov. 16 (Mon.) – EASTERN ILLINOIS * Eastern Illinois will be the second-straight team Kansas will be facing for the first time in men’s basketball.* The Panthers finished 17-15 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the 12-team Ohio Valley Conference with a 9-9 league record.* Eastern Illinois is coached by Jay Spoonhour who is 110-139 in eight seasons at EIU.Nov. 20 (Fri.) – STONY BROOK * Kansas and Stony Brook will also be meeting for the first time.* Stony Brook finished second in the American East Conference last season, posting a 20-13 overall and 10-6 league record.* The Seawolves are coached by Geno Ford who is 20-14 after his first season at Stony Brook. Ford is 185-169 overall with stints at Kent State and Bradley prior to Stony Brook.Nov. 26-27 – TBD (Wooden Legacy Tournament, Anaheim Arena, Anaheim, Calif. – Georgetown, UCLA, Virginia) Georgetown * In a series which started in the 1987 NCAA Tournament, Kansas is 3-1 all-time against Georgetown and the Jayhawks have won the last three meetings. The two teams last met in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 10, 2014, a KU 75-70 road win.* Last year Georgetown posted a 15-17 record and finished tied for ninth in the Big East with a 5-13 league record.* The Hoyas are coached by legendary alum Patrick Ewing, who is 49-46 in three seasons at Georgetown.UCLA * UCLA leads the series with Kansas, 10-8, but the Jayhawks have won the last four and five of the last six meetings with the Bruins. The last two battles were in the Maui Invitational, a KU 92-73 win in 2015 and a KU 72-56 victory in 2011.* Last year, UCLA went 19-12 and finished second in the Pac-12 Conference with a 12-6 league record, one game behind league champion Oregon.* The Bruins are coached by Mick Cronin, who will be entering his second season at UCLA and is 384-182 overall with stints at Murray State and Cincinnati before taking over UCLA in 2019.Virginia * Kansas is 2-1 all-time against Virginia with all three meetings in 1995 and 1996. UVA won the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Sweet 16, 67-58, on March 24, 1995, in Kansas City, Mo., while KU won 72-66 in the Great Eight on Nov. 29, 1995, in Auburn Hills, Mich., and 80-63, on Nov. 27, 1996, in the title game of the Maui Invitational.* With the abrupt ending to the 2019-20 season, Virginia will still be defending its 2019 NCAA National Championship next year.* The Cavaliers went 23-7 in 2019-20 and finished tied for second in the Atlantic Coast Conference at 15-5, one game behind league champion Florida State.* UVA is coached by Tony Bennett who is 277-96 in 11 seasons at Virginia and 346-129 overall with three seasons at Washington State before taking over at Virginia in 2009-10.Dec. 3 (Thurs.) – CREIGHTON * Creighton will make its first-ever trip to Allen Fieldhouse as its last visit to Lawrence was in 1950. Kansas leads the series 9-6 but the teams’ previous meeting was in the 1974 NCAA Midwest Regional opening round, at KU 55-54 win in Tulsa. Kansas would later advance the 1974 Final Four in Greensboro, N.C.* Last season, Creighton finished No. 7 in the Associated Press poll posting a 24-7 overall record. The Blue Jays tied Villanova and Seton Hall for the Big East regular-season title with a 13-5 league record.* Creighton is coached by Greg McDermott who is 231-116 in 10 seasons at Creighton and is 511-311 overall.Dec. 8 (Tues.) – OMAHA* Kansas won the only series meeting with Omaha, 109-64, on Dec. 18, 2017, in Allen Fieldhouse.* Last year the Mavericks finished 16-16 overall and tied for fourth in the Summit League with a 9-7 conference record.* The Mavericks are coached by Derrin Hansen who is 241-214 in 15 seasons at Omaha.Dec. 12 (Sat.) – MISSOURI (Border Showdown Series, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.) * On October 21, 2019, the Border Showdown between Kansas and Missouri was renewed starting with the Dec. 9 contest at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. The two teams will meet six times over the next six seasons through 2025-26 with two meetings at Sprint Center (2020, 2025, two in Lawrence (2021, 2023) and two in Columbia (2022, 2024).* The Border Showdown was known as the longest continuous rivalry west of the Mississippi River until 2012 when Missouri departed the Big 12 for the SEC.* This series dates back to 1907 and Kansas holds a 174-95 advantage. The two teams did meet in and exhibition game at Sprint Center, a KU 93-87 win on Oct. 22, 2017, in a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.* Last year, MU went 15-16 overall and tied for 10th in the SEC with a 7-11 league record.* The Tigers are coached by Cuonzo Martin who is 50-46 in three seasons at MU and 236-166 overall with stops at Missouri State, Tennessee and California prior to Missouri.Dec. 19 (Sat.) – USC * This series dates back to 1935 with Kansas leading 11-5. The Jayhawks have won the last seven matchups with the Trojans with the last meeting a 63-47 KU win in Los Angeles on Dec. 22, 2011.* Last season, USC finished 22-9 and tied for third in the Pac-12 Conference at 11-7, two games behind league winner Oregon.* The Trojans are coached by Andy Enfield who is 132-102 in seven seasons at USC and 173-130 overall, which includes two years at Florida Gulf Coast before taking over at USC in 2013.Dec. 22 (Tues.) – at Colorado * This series between Kansas and Colorado dates back to 1931 and KU leads 124-40 after its 72-58 win on Dec. 7, 2019, in Lawrence. Colorado’s 75-72 win on Dec. 7, 2013, in Boulder, ended a Kansas 19-straight series win streak against CU. Kansas has won 46 of the last 48 meetings with CU dating back to 1991. As conference members - Big Seven, Big Eight and Big 12 - Kansas was 116-35 against Colorado, which included 21 meetings in the Big Seven/Eight Holiday Tournament and postseason conference play. As members of the Big 12, Kansas was 31-1 against Colorado – 29-1 in regular-season play and 2-0 in the league tournament.* Colorado finished 21-11 in 2019-20 and tied for fifth in the Pac-12 Conference at 10-8.* The Buffs are coached by former Kansas guard Tad Boyle who is 210-134 in 10 seasons at CU and 266-200 in 14 seasons overall. Boyle coached four seasons at Northern Colorado before taking over at Colorado in 2010-11.Dec. 29 (Tues.) – HARVARD * Kansas won its only meeting with Harvard, 75-69, on Dec. 5, 2015, in Allen Fieldhouse.* Last season Harvard finished 21-8 and second in the Ivy League at 10-4, one game behind Ivy champ Yale at 11-3.* The Crimson are coached by Tommy Amaker who is 251-139 in 13 seasons at Harvard and 426-277 overall. Amaker, who has guided the Crimson to seven Ivy League titles in the last 10 seasons, was head coach at Seton Hall from 1997-98 until 2000-01, Michigan from 2001-02 until 2006-07 before taking over at Harvard.Jan. 30 (Sat.) – at TBD (Big 12/SEC Challenge) * After its 74-68 win against Tennessee on Jan. 25, 2020, in Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas is 5-2 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, having split with Florida in 2013-14 and 2014-15, as both teams claimed home victories. KU then swept a home-and-home series with Kentucky, claiming a 90-84 overtime in Allen Fieldhouse in 2016 and a 79-73 win in Lexington, Kentucky in 2017. In 2018, Kansas defeated Texas A&amp;M, 79-68, in Allen Fieldhouse and lost at Kentucky, 71-63, in 2019.* With the Big East/Big 12 Battle starting up in 2019-20, dating back to 2007, Kansas is 8-4 in conference challenges (1-1 vs. Arizona, 2-0 vs. UCLA, 1-1 vs. Florida, 2-1 vs. Kentucky, 1-0 vs. Tennessee, 1-0 vs. Texas A&amp;M and 0-1 vs. Villanova).--- KU Athletics ---

KU releases 2020-2021 men's basketball non-conference schedule

The impact Bill Snyder has had on the game of football and the student-athletes who participate in it has been considerable and commendable. And, in recognition of those contributions, the Kansas state chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) has been renamed the Coach Bill Snyder Family/ Sunflower Chapter. 

“Throughout his life, Coach Snyder has developed winners on and off the field,” long-time Chapter President Gerry McGuire said. “The chapter board of directors strongly believes naming the chapter in his honor is a collective ‘thank you’ on behalf of all those associated with the game; and it provides a platform to communicate his important message to our youth.” 

Snyder has been integrally involved in chapter activities from its ince​ption, McGuire said. That includes serving as a banquet speaker, providing guidance to the chapter, and helping to garner resources to support chapter activities. 

“It is truly a fitting tribute to Bill Snyder’s Hall of Fame legacy to have his name on the NFF Chapter in Kansas,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “A dedicated and tireless worker, Coach Snyder made a huge impact at all levels of the game, and he cared and built one of the college football’s premier programs from scratch and the bottom up. It’s great that his name and accomplishments are now forever connected to the chapter, which will inspire future coaches and players to follow in his footsteps of excellence for years to come.” 

Snyder, who spent a portion of his childhood in Salina, turned around a struggling Kansas State football program, leading it to 19 bowl games during his tenure from 1989-2005; 2009-18. He had a 215-117-1 career record with conferen​ce titles in 2003 and 2012. The football stadium at Kansas State is named in his honor (Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium) and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. 

“I am honored to have my family’s name associated with the Kansas chapter of the National Football Foundation,” Snyder said. “The game of football provides a wonderful vehicle to develop life skills for our youth. I look forward to helping to serve the NFF’s mission to the benefit of others. The state of Kansas and its people have a special place in my heart.” 

Each year, a limited number of Kansas high school seniors are selected as NFF Scholars and recognized at a banquet. One of the recipients is honored with a scholarship, while additional awards are presented to high school coaches, officials and special contributors.  More than 300 high school football players from the state of Kansas have been honored by the chapter since its inception in 1991. ​ The Chapter Board of Directors decided that​ this year’s banquet, which was to be the 27th since the chapter was formed, will not be conducted due to social distancing guidelines presented by the State of Kansas. McGuire said the honorees would be announced in the upcoming weeks. About the National Football Foundation Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people.  

Leader. Educator. Coach. The impact Bill Snyder has had on the game of football and the student-athletes who participate in it has been considerable and commendable. And, in recognition of those contributions, the Kansas state chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF) has been renamed the Coach Bill Snyder Family/ Sunflower Chapter. “Throughout his life, Coach Snyder has developed winners on and off the field,” long-time Chapter President Gerry McGuire said. “The chapter board of directors strongly believes naming the chapter in his honor is a collective ‘thank you’ on behalf of all those associated with the game; and it provides a platform to communicate his important message to our youth.” Snyder has been integrally involved in chapter activities from its ince​ption, McGuire said. That includes serving as a banquet speaker, providing guidance to the chapter, and helping to garner resources to support chapter activities. “It is truly a fitting tribute to Bill Snyder’s Hall of Fame legacy to have his name on the NFF Chapter in Kansas,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “A dedicated and tireless worker, Coach Snyder made a huge impact at all levels of the game, and he cared and built one of the college football’s premier programs from scratch and the bottom up. It’s great that his name and accomplishments are now forever connected to the chapter, which will inspire future coaches and players to follow in his footsteps of excellence for years to come.” Snyder, who spent a portion of his childhood in Salina, turned around a struggling Kansas State football program, leading it to 19 bowl games during his tenure from 1989-2005; 2009-18. He had a 215-117-1 career record with conferen​ce titles in 2003 and 2012. The football stadium at Kansas State is named in his honor (Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium) and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. “I am honored to have my family’s name associated with the Kansas chapter of the National Football Foundation,” Snyder said. “The game of football provides a wonderful vehicle to develop life skills for our youth. I look forward to helping to serve the NFF’s mission to the benefit of others. The state of Kansas and its people have a special place in my heart.” Each year, a limited number of Kansas high school seniors are selected as NFF Scholars and recognized at a banquet. One of the recipients is honored with a scholarship, while additional awards are presented to high school coaches, officials and special contributors. More than 300 high school football players from the state of Kansas have been honored by the chapter since its inception in 1991. ​ The Chapter Board of Directors decided that​ this year’s banquet, which was to be the 27th since the chapter was formed, will not be conducted due to social distancing guidelines presented by the State of Kansas. McGuire said the honorees would be announced in the upcoming weeks. About the National Football Foundation Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, the National Football Foundation (NFF) is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. About the NFF Chapter Network The NFF Chapter Network, spread across 120 outposts in 47 states, serves as the pulse of a nationwide effort to encourage leadership, sportsmanship and academic excellence among America’s young football players. The first meeting to discuss the formation of chapters was held by the Cincinnati Club in 1954, and today more than 12,000 passionate members carry on the legacy of the early pioneers, which is simply to ​Build Leaders Through Football ​ . Collectively, they host more than 300 events each year, reaching more than 500,000 football players at 5,000 high schools. About the NFF Chapter Network The state of Kansas signed its NFF chapter charter in 1991 as the Jayhawk Chapter. It later transitioned to the Sunflower Chapter. It’s mission is to recognize outstanding high school seniors who excel on the gridiron, in the classroom and as leaders in their schools and communities. Dillon’s Food Stores, which maintains a large presence in the state of Kansas, sponsors the chapter awards program and banquet. --- NFF Press Release ---