NEW YORK (AP) — The four-game series between the Detroit Tigers and visiting St. Louis Cardinals has been postponed with 13 members of the Redbirds' traveling party testing positive for the coronavirus. The series was scheduled to begin Tuesday night after the Cardinals had their series in Milwaukee postponed due to the pandemic. Major League Baseball says the Cards remain quarantined in Milwaukee and continue to be tested daily.

NEW YORK (AP) — The four-game series between the Detroit Tigers and visiting St. Louis Cardinals has been postponed with 13 members of the Redbirds' traveling party testing positive for the coronavirus. The series was scheduled to begin Tuesday night after the Cardinals had their series in Milwaukee postponed due to the pandemic. Major League Baseball says the Cards remain quarantined in Milwaukee and continue to be tested daily.

Cards - Tigers series postponed

White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal had the first four hits of his big league career to help Chicago beat the Kansas City Royals 9-2 and finish a three-game sweep. Two of Madrigal's hits came during a seven-run seventh inning in which he scored the go-ahead run. 

Yasmani Grandal added three RBIs and Nicky Delmonico two in support of Dylan Cease, who went six innings to earn the win. Scott Barlow took the loss for Kansas City on a rough day for its entire bullpen.&nbsp;

White Sox prospect Nick Madrigal had the first four hits of his big league career to help Chicago beat the Kansas City Royals 9-2 and finish a three-game sweep. Two of Madrigal's hits came during a seven-run seventh inning in which he scored the go-ahead run. Yasmani Grandal added three RBIs and Nicky Delmonico two in support of Dylan Cease, who went six innings to earn the win. Scott Barlow took the loss for Kansas City on a rough day for its entire bullpen.&nbsp;

Madrigal's four hits help White Sox defeat the Royals

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain has become the latest player to opt out of the 2020 season. The Brewers announced the two-time All-Star’s decision Saturday hours after news broke that their scheduled home opener would be postponed for a second straight day because members of the St. Louis Cardinals had tested positive for COVID-19. 

 The whole series at Miller Park was later called off. Cain’s announcement comes on the same day that Miami Marlins second baseman Isan Diaz announced he was opting out. At least 21 members of the Marlins’ traveling party have tested positive for the disease.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain has become the latest player to opt out of the 2020 season. The Brewers announced the two-time All-Star’s decision Saturday hours after news broke that their scheduled home opener would be postponed for a second straight day because members of the St. Louis Cardinals had tested positive for COVID-19. The whole series at Miller Park was later called off. Cain’s announcement comes on the same day that Miami Marlins second baseman Isan Diaz announced he was opting out. At least 21 members of the Marlins’ traveling party have tested positive for the disease.

Brewers Cain opts out for rest of 2020 season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Engel hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and that was all the offense the Chicago White Sox needed in a 3-2 win over Kansas City that spoiled the Royals’ home opener. 

Dallas Keuchel picked up the win for the White Sox. Alex Colome converted his first save opportunity. Kris Bubic settled down after struggling early in his big league debut for Kansas City. He allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Adam Engel hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and that was all the offense the Chicago White Sox needed in a 3-2 win over Kansas City that spoiled the Royals’ home opener. Dallas Keuchel picked up the win for the White Sox. Alex Colome converted his first save opportunity. Kris Bubic settled down after struggling early in his big league debut for Kansas City. He allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits.&nbsp;

Royals lose a close game in home opener

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus has forced another change in Major League Baseball’s schedule. That brings the league’s total to eight teams affected in the first nine days of the 60-game season. 

Friday’s game between St. Louis and Milwaukee was postponed after two Cardinals employees tested positive for the coronavirus. The league says the postponement in Milwaukee is “consistent with protocols to allow enough time for additional testing and contact tracing to be conducted.” The teams plan to resume their schedule tomorrow night at Miller Park, pending test results. 

Two other games scheduled for today involving the Marlins, Nationals, Blue Jays and Phillies had already been postponed because of an outbreak among Miami players and two positive tests on Philadelphia’s coaching staff.

NEW YORK (AP) — The coronavirus has forced another change in Major League Baseball’s schedule. That brings the league’s total to eight teams affected in the first nine days of the 60-game season. Friday’s game between St. Louis and Milwaukee was postponed after two Cardinals employees tested positive for the coronavirus. The league says the postponement in Milwaukee is “consistent with protocols to allow enough time for additional testing and contact tracing to be conducted.” The teams plan to resume their schedule tomorrow night at Miller Park, pending test results. Two other games scheduled for today involving the Marlins, Nationals, Blue Jays and Phillies had already been postponed because of an outbreak among Miami players and two positive tests on Philadelphia’s coaching staff.

Cards - Brewers postponed after two positive tests

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With fall camp right around the corner, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;earned his third appearance on a watch list as he is one of 30 quarterbacks nationally to be named a preseason candidate for the Manning Award, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced.

It is the third preseason watch list honor for Thompson, who is a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy – which honors community service – and the Maxwell Award – which goes to the college football player of the year.

Thompson is one of four Big 12 signal callers on the Manning Award watch list, joining Baylor’s Charlie Brewer, Texas’ Sam Ehlinger and Iowa State’s Brock Purdy. It is the third time a K-State quarterback is up for the award, as current Wildcat quarterbacks coach Collin Klein was one of 10 finalists in 2012 and Jake Waters was a preseason candidate in 2014.

Thompson begins his final campaign in Manhattan ranked in the top 10 in K-State history in 10 career categories. He is looking to become the first player in school history to throw for 6,000 career yards and rush for 1,000 career yards, needing 1,605 yards through the air this season to accomplish the feat. He is one of only four in school history to reach the 4,000/1,000 yard mark, but he was the first to do so prior to the end of his junior season.

A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson produced a career season in 2019, setting career highs in passing yards (2,315), passing touchdowns (12), rushing yards (405) and rushing touchdowns (11) en route to Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades, the first Wildcat signal caller to earn postseason accolades from the league’s coaches since Waters in 2014.

The Manning Award is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting. Ten finalists will be selected prior to the postseason and the winner will be announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596125265964.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;With fall camp right around the corner, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;earned his third appearance on a watch list as he is one of 30 quarterbacks nationally to be named a preseason candidate for the Manning Award, the Allstate Sugar Bowl announced.It is the third preseason watch list honor for Thompson, who is a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy – which honors community service – and the Maxwell Award – which goes to the college football player of the year.Thompson is one of four Big 12 signal callers on the Manning Award watch list, joining Baylor’s Charlie Brewer, Texas’ Sam Ehlinger and Iowa State’s Brock Purdy. It is the third time a K-State quarterback is up for the award, as current Wildcat quarterbacks coach Collin Klein was one of 10 finalists in 2012 and Jake Waters was a preseason candidate in 2014.Thompson begins his final campaign in Manhattan ranked in the top 10 in K-State history in 10 career categories. He is looking to become the first player in school history to throw for 6,000 career yards and rush for 1,000 career yards, needing 1,605 yards through the air this season to accomplish the feat. He is one of only four in school history to reach the 4,000/1,000 yard mark, but he was the first to do so prior to the end of his junior season.A product of Independence, Missouri, Thompson produced a career season in 2019, setting career highs in passing yards (2,315), passing touchdowns (12), rushing yards (405) and rushing touchdowns (11) en route to Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades, the first Wildcat signal caller to earn postseason accolades from the league’s coaches since Waters in 2014.The Manning Award is the only quarterback award that includes the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting. Ten finalists will be selected prior to the postseason and the winner will be announced following the College Football Playoff National Championship.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's Thompson earns nod on Manning Award watch list

&nbsp;K-State Athletics announced today that the 2020 Powercat Auction, slated for August 29, will remain as scheduled but will move to a virtual format. “We know K-Staters look forward to this event each and every year and wanted to be able to provide an opportunity for them to bid on unique items all while getting together virtually to celebrate the beginning of the 2020-21 year,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “As much as we wanted to host the annual event in person, it was in the best interest and safety of our fans and donors to shift this year’s event to the virtual format. The Powercat Auction annually is a major fundraising event for K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund that traditionally brings hundreds of our terrific donors together for one special evening, and we look forward to reuniting in person for the Auction next spring.” The virtual program will be held at 6 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29, and fans can participate by visiting k-statesports.com. More information surrounding the auction, including a list of all items available, as well as bidding&nbsp;<a href="https://one.bidpal.net/powercat2020/welcome" target="_blank">details can be found here</a>. Bidding will go live at 8 a.m. CDT, Monday, August 24, and close at 8 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29. For any inquiries or questions, please contact Casey Taylor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ctaylor@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">ctaylor@kstatesports.com</a>. Both the ticket office (1.800.221.CATS) and Ahearn Fund office (1.888.232.9074) have staff available to take calls 8:30 a.m. CDT, to 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday. Fans can also log into their on-line account or purchase new tickets at kstatesports.com.

KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

&nbsp;K-State Athletics announced today that the 2020 Powercat Auction, slated for August 29, will remain as scheduled but will move to a virtual format. “We know K-Staters look forward to this event each and every year and wanted to be able to provide an opportunity for them to bid on unique items all while getting together virtually to celebrate the beginning of the 2020-21 year,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “As much as we wanted to host the annual event in person, it was in the best interest and safety of our fans and donors to shift this year’s event to the virtual format. The Powercat Auction annually is a major fundraising event for K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund that traditionally brings hundreds of our terrific donors together for one special evening, and we look forward to reuniting in person for the Auction next spring.” The virtual program will be held at 6 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29, and fans can participate by visiting k-statesports.com. More information surrounding the auction, including a list of all items available, as well as bidding&nbsp;<a href="https://one.bidpal.net/powercat2020/welcome" target="_blank">details can be found here</a>. Bidding will go live at 8 a.m. CDT, Monday, August 24, and close at 8 p.m. CDT, Saturday, August 29. For any inquiries or questions, please contact Casey Taylor at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ctaylor@kstatesports.com" target="_blank">ctaylor@kstatesports.com</a>. Both the ticket office (1.800.221.CATS) and Ahearn Fund office (1.888.232.9074) have staff available to take calls 8:30 a.m. CDT, to 5 p.m. CDT, Monday through Friday. Fans can also log into their on-line account or purchase new tickets at kstatesports.com.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

2020 Powercat Auction moved to virtual format

DETROIT (AP) — Jonathan Schoop and Christin Stewart each hit a two-run homer in the third inning to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Whit Merrifield hit a three-run shot in the top of the third for Kansas City, but the Tigers answered quickly and held on from there. 

Tyler Alexander and four other relievers held the Royals scoreless for the final six innings. Rony Garcia worked the first three innings for Detroit in his major league debut. He allowed the homer by Merrifield.

DETROIT (AP) — Jonathan Schoop and Christin Stewart each hit a two-run homer in the third inning to lift the Detroit Tigers to a 4-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Whit Merrifield hit a three-run shot in the top of the third for Kansas City, but the Tigers answered quickly and held on from there. Tyler Alexander and four other relievers held the Royals scoreless for the final six innings. Rony Garcia worked the first three innings for Detroit in his major league debut. He allowed the homer by Merrifield.

Royals lose in Detroit

Former Junction City Blue Jay&nbsp; Nick Heath has been called up by the Kansas City Royals. The 2012 graduate of Junction City High School has been working his way up through the Royals' minor league system in recent seasons as an outfielder.

The Royals were in Detroit for a game Tuesday night. During his pregame interview Kansas City Manager Mike Matheny was asked about Heath. "He's got a gift, he's got the knack, he's got that first step quickness and then the overall speed to come in and be a huge threat."&nbsp;

Matheny pointed out that making it to the big leagues and the first day for a player is a big deal. "Overcoming odds. The day you decide to be a professional player, whether it's in the first round or you're a free agent it doesn't matter. It's hard to get here. Great to have Nick and he brings a very unique skill set to this team that I believe is going to help us win games."

Nick's mother Kim Milleson got the telephone call from her son that he was being called up to the majors on Monday night. "We are beyond excited and it's still kind of surreal. It's kind of one of those things that you've been waiting for forever, and forever and forever&nbsp; and then it just happens just like that. He was extremely excited and I think he kind of had some tears there, just kind of like when they drafted him.

There was one frustration for Kim and Mike Milleson. They had always planned to attend Nick's first game in the big leagues but could not because of COVID-19. Fans cannot attend the games.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595979172970.jpeg" alt="Nick Heath - ( Photo Kim Milleson )" />
 <figcaption>Nick Heath - ( Photo Kim Milleson )</figcaption>
 </figure>Former Junction City Blue Jay&nbsp; Nick Heath has been called up by the Kansas City Royals. The 2012 graduate of Junction City High School has been working his way up through the Royals' minor league system in recent seasons as an outfielder.The Royals were in Detroit for a game Tuesday night. During his pregame interview Kansas City Manager Mike Matheny was asked about Heath. "He's got a gift, he's got the knack, he's got that first step quickness and then the overall speed to come in and be a huge threat."&nbsp;Matheny pointed out that making it to the big leagues and the first day for a player is a big deal. "Overcoming odds. The day you decide to be a professional player, whether it's in the first round or you're a free agent it doesn't matter. It's hard to get here. Great to have Nick and he brings a very unique skill set to this team that I believe is going to help us win games."Nick's mother Kim Milleson got the telephone call from her son that he was being called up to the majors on Monday night. "We are beyond excited and it's still kind of surreal. It's kind of one of those things that you've been waiting for forever, and forever and forever&nbsp; and then it just happens just like that. He was extremely excited and I think he kind of had some tears there, just kind of like when they drafted him.There was one frustration for Kim and Mike Milleson. They had always planned to attend Nick's first game in the big leagues but could not because of COVID-19. Fans cannot attend the games.

Former Blue Jay Nick Heath moves up to the Kansas City Royals

The Kansas State High School Activities Association Executive Board has decided to allow all fall activities to begin as scheduled for the upcoming school year. That includes practice and competition. For example fall sports teams can begin practice Aug. 17.

Local school districts will retain the right to modify the starting dates for practice or competition based on their local and county health recommendations.&nbsp;

The Kansas State High School Activities Association Executive Board has decided to allow all fall activities to begin as scheduled for the upcoming school year. That includes practice and competition. For example fall sports teams can begin practice Aug. 17.Local school districts will retain the right to modify the starting dates for practice or competition based on their local and county health recommendations.&nbsp;

KSHSAA Fall activities will be permitted to begin as scheduled

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes is joining the ownership group of the Kansas City Royals. The Royals announced the addition of Mahomes, the star quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl title last season, on Tuesday.

 Mahomes was once a baseball prospect and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2014. He says he loves the people of Kansas City and is excited to deepen his roots in the community. 

Mahomes’ decision to focus on football certainly worked out for him, but his baseball ties run deep. His father Pat pitched in more than 300 big league games, mostly as a reliever.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes is joining the ownership group of the Kansas City Royals. The Royals announced the addition of Mahomes, the star quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl title last season, on Tuesday. Mahomes was once a baseball prospect and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2014. He says he loves the people of Kansas City and is excited to deepen his roots in the community. Mahomes’ decision to focus on football certainly worked out for him, but his baseball ties run deep. His father Pat pitched in more than 300 big league games, mostly as a reliever.

Mahomes joins Royals ownership group

DETROIT (AP) — Maikel Franco hit two of Kansas City’s six home runs, and the Royals pounded the Tigers 14-6, spoiling Detroit’s fan-free home opener. Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, finishing a triple shy of the cycle on a night when the Royals rallied from an early 5-1 deficit. 

Foster Griffin won in relief, but he also had to leave his major league debut with a left forearm strain. Detroit's Michael Fulmer allowed three homers in his first start back from Tommy John surgery.

DETROIT (AP) — Maikel Franco hit two of Kansas City’s six home runs, and the Royals pounded the Tigers 14-6, spoiling Detroit’s fan-free home opener. Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBIs, finishing a triple shy of the cycle on a night when the Royals rallied from an early 5-1 deficit. Foster Griffin won in relief, but he also had to leave his major league debut with a left forearm strain. Detroit's Michael Fulmer allowed three homers in his first start back from Tommy John surgery.

Royals hit their way to a victory over the Tigers

MIAMI (AP) — Two major league games scheduled for Monday night have been postponed after more than a dozen Miami Marlins players and staff members tested positive for the coronavirus in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia. 

The Marlins’ home opener against Baltimore was called off, as was the New York Yankees’ game at Philadelphia. The Yankees would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend.

 A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that nine Marlins players on the 30-man roster, two taxi squad players and two staff members tested positive.

MIAMI (AP) — Two major league games scheduled for Monday night have been postponed after more than a dozen Miami Marlins players and staff members tested positive for the coronavirus in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia. The Marlins’ home opener against Baltimore was called off, as was the New York Yankees’ game at Philadelphia. The Yankees would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that nine Marlins players on the 30-man roster, two taxi squad players and two staff members tested positive.

Two MLB games postponed as Marlins deal with outbreak

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco struck out 10 and won his first start since being stricken with leukemia last year, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Carrasco hadn't started since May 30, 2019, only days before he was diagnosed with cancer. 

The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. José Ramírez homered twice, drove in four runs and scored four as Cleveland won two of three in the series. Kansas City manager Mike Matheny used his bullpen because he's missing two starters who tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco struck out 10 and won his first start since being stricken with leukemia last year, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 9-2 win over the Kansas City Royals. Carrasco hadn't started since May 30, 2019, only days before he was diagnosed with cancer. The right-hander allowed two runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings. José Ramírez homered twice, drove in four runs and scored four as Cleveland won two of three in the series. Kansas City manager Mike Matheny used his bullpen because he's missing two starters who tested positive for coronavirus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Royals fall to Cleveland on Sunday

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland’s order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule. 

Holland fanned César Hernández, José Ramírez and Francisco Lindor for the unique save. Jorge Soler and Salvador  Pérez hit back-to-back homers in the first for Kansas City. Royals right-hander Brady Singer pitched five solid innings in his major league debut.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland’s order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule. Holland fanned César Hernández, José Ramírez and Francisco Lindor for the unique save. Jorge Soler and Salvador Pérez hit back-to-back homers in the first for Kansas City. Royals right-hander Brady Singer pitched five solid innings in his major league debut.

Royals win extra inning game in Cleveland

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas added Southern Illinois to open its football season in just over a month. The decision came after New Hampshire backed out of the game Sept. 5 because of the Colonial Athletic Conference’s decision to suspend fall sports due to COVID-19. 

The Jayhawks and Salukis will play for the fourth time on Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium. Whether the game actually takes place has yet to be determined. The Salukis play in the Missouri Valley, whose own school presidents are expected to address their football season in the coming week.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas added Southern Illinois to open its football season in just over a month. The decision came after New Hampshire backed out of the game Sept. 5 because of the Colonial Athletic Conference’s decision to suspend fall sports due to COVID-19. The Jayhawks and Salukis will play for the fourth time on Aug. 29 at Memorial Stadium. Whether the game actually takes place has yet to be determined. The Salukis play in the Missouri Valley, whose own school presidents are expected to address their football season in the coming week.

KU adds Southern Illinois to open football season--for now

Shane Bieber was fantastic in the Indians' 2-0 shutout of the Royals, striking out 14 while surrendering four hits in six innings. It was the most strikeouts by a Cleveland pitcher on opening day and the most for any hurler in an opener since Randy Johnson fanned 14 in 1996. 

Cleveland did its scoring in the sixth inning on Oscar Mercado's RBI single and a double by Cesar Hernandez.

The Royals will play at Cleveland on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. The pregame broadcast will begin at 3:30 p.m. on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK AM.

Shane Bieber was fantastic in the Indians' 2-0 shutout of the Royals, striking out 14 while surrendering four hits in six innings. It was the most strikeouts by a Cleveland pitcher on opening day and the most for any hurler in an opener since Randy Johnson fanned 14 in 1996. Cleveland did its scoring in the sixth inning on Oscar Mercado's RBI single and a double by Cesar Hernandez.The Royals will play at Cleveland on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. The pregame broadcast will begin at 3:30 p.m. on 107.9 FM and 1420 KJCK AM.

Royals fall in opener at Cleveland

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A day after being named to a watch list for his work in the community, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;has been honored for his play on the field as he was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the College Football Player of the Year, the Maxwell Football Club announced Friday.

It marks the fourth-straight season a Wildcat has been up for the award following quarterback Jesse Ertz (2017) and running backs Alex Barnes (2018) and James Gilbert (2019). Quarterbacks Michael Bishop (1998) and Collin Klein (2012) were each finalists for the award.

A native of Independence, Missouri, Thompson enters his final campaign in Manhattan ranked in the top 10 in K-State history in 10 career categories. He is one of four players in school history to throw for 4,000 career yards and rush for 1,000 career yards. He needs just 605 yards to become the second player in school history to join the 5,000/1,000 club (Ell Roberson), while he is 1,605 yards shy of becoming the first Wildcat to throw for 6,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career.

Thompson is coming off a banner year in 2019 in which he set career highs in passing yards (2,315), passing touchdowns (12), rushing yards (405) and rushing touchdowns (11) as he earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors, the first Wildcat signal caller to earn postseason accolades from the league’s coaches since 2014. He finished 10th&nbsp;in school history in single-season completions (177), while he tied for 10th&nbsp;in touchdowns responsible for (23).

His 11 rushing touchdowns last season tied for eighth nationally among quarterbacks and included seven over a two-game stretch in wins over then-No. 5 Oklahoma and Kansas. He had four rushing scores against the Sooners to go along with 213 passing yards en route to Maxwell Award Player of the Week, Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 List and Manning Award Star of the Week accolades.

The Maxwell Award is the last of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) to unveil their preseason watch lists over the past two weeks. Thompson is also a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy, while he is joined on watch lists by junior defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert, who was named a candidate for both the Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and senior place kicker&nbsp;Blake Lynch, who was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595605705002.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A day after being named to a watch list for his work in the community, Kansas State senior quarterback&nbsp;Skylar Thompson&nbsp;has been honored for his play on the field as he was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the College Football Player of the Year, the Maxwell Football Club announced Friday.It marks the fourth-straight season a Wildcat has been up for the award following quarterback Jesse Ertz (2017) and running backs Alex Barnes (2018) and James Gilbert (2019). Quarterbacks Michael Bishop (1998) and Collin Klein (2012) were each finalists for the award.A native of Independence, Missouri, Thompson enters his final campaign in Manhattan ranked in the top 10 in K-State history in 10 career categories. He is one of four players in school history to throw for 4,000 career yards and rush for 1,000 career yards. He needs just 605 yards to become the second player in school history to join the 5,000/1,000 club (Ell Roberson), while he is 1,605 yards shy of becoming the first Wildcat to throw for 6,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a career.Thompson is coming off a banner year in 2019 in which he set career highs in passing yards (2,315), passing touchdowns (12), rushing yards (405) and rushing touchdowns (11) as he earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors, the first Wildcat signal caller to earn postseason accolades from the league’s coaches since 2014. He finished 10th&nbsp;in school history in single-season completions (177), while he tied for 10th&nbsp;in touchdowns responsible for (23).His 11 rushing touchdowns last season tied for eighth nationally among quarterbacks and included seven over a two-game stretch in wins over then-No. 5 Oklahoma and Kansas. He had four rushing scores against the Sooners to go along with 213 passing yards en route to Maxwell Award Player of the Week, Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 List and Manning Award Star of the Week accolades.The Maxwell Award is the last of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) to unveil their preseason watch lists over the past two weeks. Thompson is also a candidate for the Wuerffel Trophy, while he is joined on watch lists by junior defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert, who was named a candidate for both the Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and senior place kicker&nbsp;Blake Lynch, who was named to the Lou Groza Award watch list.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's Thompson named candidate for Maxwell Award

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Friday morning to Jim Ryun, a former Kansas congressmen who was the first high school runner to clock a mile in under 4 minutes.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npwSbOYZpU">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the ceremony&nbsp;

Trump honored the three-time Olympian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.&nbsp;

 The Wichita native entered the record books in 1964 at age 17 by becoming the first high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59 seconds. 

He competed in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in 1968. He was the last American runner to hold the world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1, set in 1967.

He graduated from KU in 1970 and later served as a 4-term congressman from Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595605618937.png" alt="President Trump presents the Presidential medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun during a White House Ceremony Friday morning -photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump presents the Presidential medal of Freedom to Jim Ryun during a White House Ceremony Friday morning -photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump awarded the nation's highest civilian honor Friday morning to Jim Ryun, a former Kansas congressmen who was the first high school runner to clock a mile in under 4 minutes.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3npwSbOYZpU">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of the ceremony&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595003758174.png" alt="Image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Trump honored the three-time Olympian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House.&nbsp; The Wichita native entered the record books in 1964 at age 17 by becoming the first high school runner to break the 4-minute barrier in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 59 seconds. He competed in the 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics and earned a silver medal in the 1,500 meters in 1968. He was the last American runner to hold the world record in the mile with a time of 3:51.1, set in 1967.He graduated from KU in 1970 and later served as a 4-term congressman from Kansas.

🎥  Kansas legend Jim Ryun awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom 

In regard to the fall high school sports season start date that is scheduled for Aug. 17, Kansas State High School Activities Association Executive Board members have asked KSHSAA staff to conduct a survey of superintendents regarding the anticipated first day of school for respective districts. Pending results of the survey, the Executive Board would decide if it was necessary to convene the Board of Directors for consideration of a possible modification to the start of the fall activity season.

It is anticipated this survey, review and determination by the Executive Board would be completed by early next week.

In regard to the fall high school sports season start date that is scheduled for Aug. 17, Kansas State High School Activities Association Executive Board members have asked KSHSAA staff to conduct a survey of superintendents regarding the anticipated first day of school for respective districts. Pending results of the survey, the Executive Board would decide if it was necessary to convene the Board of Directors for consideration of a possible modification to the start of the fall activity season.It is anticipated this survey, review and determination by the Executive Board would be completed by early next week.

KSHSAA will survey superintendents about the start of school

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Organizers of the 2020 Cayman Islands Classic are relocating the fourth annual tournament to Niceville, Florida and Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus, officials announced on Wednesday (July 22).

K-State is one of eight schools scheduled to participate in the tournament, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, November 23-25. The Wildcats are slated to be joined in the field by La Salle, Miami (Fla.), Nevada, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Western Kentucky.

The complete bracket, including matchups and broadcast times, will be announced in the near future. The tournament will once again be broadcast on FloSports, the live sports streaming service.

<a>"The Cayman Islands Government will be implementing a phased re-opening of its borders in the final quarter of this year that also involves a five-day self-quarantine for each visitor,” said&nbsp;Joe Wright, Chief Executive Officer for CaymaxSports.&nbsp;“Any adjustments made to this phased approach will depend on the results of the first phase.</a>

"Although these conditions do not make it possible for this year's tournament to be held in Cayman, we completely understand and respect the Government's decision and approach.&nbsp;The Cayman Islands Government has done a phenomenal job in suppressing and controlling the COVID-19 disease and we commend them for that. We look forward to bringing the tournament back to the Cayman Islands in 2021.”

The tournament was originally slated for John Gray Gymnasium, just minutes away from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea about an hour away from Miami.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595438627842.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Organizers of the 2020 Cayman Islands Classic are relocating the fourth annual tournament to Niceville, Florida and Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus, officials announced on Wednesday (July 22).K-State is one of eight schools scheduled to participate in the tournament, which runs from Monday-Wednesday, November 23-25. The Wildcats are slated to be joined in the field by La Salle, Miami (Fla.), Nevada, Northern Iowa, Ole Miss, Oregon State and Western Kentucky.The complete bracket, including matchups and broadcast times, will be announced in the near future. The tournament will once again be broadcast on FloSports, the live sports streaming service.<a>"The Cayman Islands Government will be implementing a phased re-opening of its borders in the final quarter of this year that also involves a five-day self-quarantine for each visitor,” said&nbsp;Joe Wright, Chief Executive Officer for CaymaxSports.&nbsp;“Any adjustments made to this phased approach will depend on the results of the first phase.</a> "Although these conditions do not make it possible for this year's tournament to be held in Cayman, we completely understand and respect the Government's decision and approach.&nbsp;The Cayman Islands Government has done a phenomenal job in suppressing and controlling the COVID-19 disease and we commend them for that. We look forward to bringing the tournament back to the Cayman Islands in 2021.”The tournament was originally slated for John Gray Gymnasium, just minutes away from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea about an hour away from Miami.

Organizers move 2020 Cayman Islands Classic to Florida

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Texas and Oklahoma have had discussions with the Southeastern Conference about leaving the Big 12. 

A person with knowledge of the situation says the two schools have talked about switching conferences with SEC officials, but no formal invitations have been extended. The person also tells the AP that Texas initiated the discussions. 

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the two schools all declined comment. Such a move would give the SEC 16 football teams. It would be a devastating blow to the 10-member Big 12.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Texas and Oklahoma have had discussions with the Southeastern Conference about leaving the Big 12. A person with knowledge of the situation says the two schools have talked about switching conferences with SEC officials, but no formal invitations have been extended. The person also tells the AP that Texas initiated the discussions. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the two schools all declined comment. Such a move would give the SEC 16 football teams. It would be a devastating blow to the 10-member Big 12.

Texas and Oklahoma talk to the SEC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs began the intake process for first-year players Monday after the NFL gave them the go-ahead along with the Houston Texans, their opponent in the season opener Sept. 10. But it could be quite a while before they get on the field for training camp. All players must test negative twice before they are admitted to the facility, then they will spend a couple of days doing the more routine physicals and getting their equipment sorted out. Veterans are due July 28, and coach Andy Reid said it could be 10 days after that before full practices begin.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs began the intake process for first-year players Monday after the NFL gave them the go-ahead along with the Houston Texans, their opponent in the season opener Sept. 10. But it could be quite a while before they get on the field for training camp. All players must test negative twice before they are admitted to the facility, then they will spend a couple of days doing the more routine physicals and getting their equipment sorted out. Veterans are due July 28, and coach Andy Reid said it could be 10 days after that before full practices begin.

Chiefs begin to welcome first-year players

Major League Baseball is adding on-field advertising this season, both real and virtual. Allowed locations include the back of the pitcher’s mound, behind home plate, on tarps in the stands and in the grass in foul territory down the first-base lines. Teams have the choice whether to make the ads real or project them virtually during telecasts. 

In addition, physical ads can be put on the on-deck circle. The New York Mets took advantage of the new rules to put an ad for Ford Motor Co. on the back of the Citi Field mound for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Yankees.

Major League Baseball is adding on-field advertising this season, both real and virtual. Allowed locations include the back of the pitcher’s mound, behind home plate, on tarps in the stands and in the grass in foul territory down the first-base lines. Teams have the choice whether to make the ads real or project them virtually during telecasts. In addition, physical ads can be put on the on-deck circle. The New York Mets took advantage of the new rules to put an ad for Ford Motor Co. on the back of the Citi Field mound for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Yankees.

MLB allows on-field advertising in pandemic shortened season

The same pandemic-related questions that have bedeviled professional and college sports are front and center for high school administrators across the country and they are far more complicated.  Setting up tightly regimented bubbles for professional athletes or setting protocols for thousands of college athletes who answer to a handful of coaches is not happening at the high school level. Instead, more than 13,000 districts are trying to figure how to safely stage sports for some 8 million participants, nearly all of them minors. Some states have announced fall sports will have at least a delayed start. Prep sports heavyweights like Texas, Florida and California all have big decisions coming up fast.

The same pandemic-related questions that have bedeviled professional and college sports are front and center for high school administrators across the country and they are far more complicated. Setting up tightly regimented bubbles for professional athletes or setting protocols for thousands of college athletes who answer to a handful of coaches is not happening at the high school level. Instead, more than 13,000 districts are trying to figure how to safely stage sports for some 8 million participants, nearly all of them minors. Some states have announced fall sports will have at least a delayed start. Prep sports heavyweights like Texas, Florida and California all have big decisions coming up fast.