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.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<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.

High school sports face challenges as school year nears

NEW YORK (AP) — Five more baseball players tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week, raising the total to 80 since testing started in late June.

Major League Baseball and the players’ association said six of 10,548 samples were new positives in the week ending Thursday, a rate of 0.05%. In addition to players, one staff member tested positive.

The sides do not announce names of those who test positive, but some players have allowed teams to identify themselves. Tampa Bay All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the injured list Thursday night after testing positive for the coronavirus

The week included a five-day span with no new positive tests, MLB and the union said Friday.

For the past two weeks of monitoring testing, 23 of 17,949 samples have been new positives, a rate of 0.1% The new positives included 18 players and five staff members, all among 13 teams.

Including the initial intake screening that started in late June, 93 of of 21,701 samples have resulted in new positives, a rate of 0.4%. The positives included 80 players and 13 staff members, including four players who were additions to 60-man club player pools.

Twenty-eight teams have had a positive test result, including players and staff.

NEW YORK (AP) — Five more baseball players tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week, raising the total to 80 since testing started in late June.Major League Baseball and the players’ association said six of 10,548 samples were new positives in the week ending Thursday, a rate of 0.05%. In addition to players, one staff member tested positive.The sides do not announce names of those who test positive, but some players have allowed teams to identify themselves. Tampa Bay All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the injured list Thursday night after testing positive for the coronavirusThe week included a five-day span with no new positive tests, MLB and the union said Friday.For the past two weeks of monitoring testing, 23 of 17,949 samples have been new positives, a rate of 0.1% The new positives included 18 players and five staff members, all among 13 teams.Including the initial intake screening that started in late June, 93 of of 21,701 samples have resulted in new positives, a rate of 0.4%. The positives included 80 players and 13 staff members, including four players who were additions to 60-man club player pools.Twenty-eight teams have had a positive test result, including players and staff.

Five more MLB players test positive for COVID-19

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released a statement through twitter concerning the upcoming fall sports season.

The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall.

This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall&nbsp;activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement Wednesday (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.

Governor Kelly announced on Wednesday that she plans to issue an executive order next Monday delaying the start of the K-12 school year until after Labor Day.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released a statement through twitter concerning the upcoming fall sports season.The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall.This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall&nbsp;activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement Wednesday (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.Governor Kelly announced on Wednesday that she plans to issue an executive order next Monday delaying the start of the K-12 school year until after Labor Day.

KSHSAA issues statement about the fall sports season

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Three Kansas State football players – fullback&nbsp;Nick Lenners, defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;and kick returner&nbsp;Joshua Youngblood&nbsp;– have been named to the 2020 Preseason All-Big 12 team as chosen by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Thursday.

It is the first honor for all three players, each of whom were&nbsp;named First Team All-Big 12 performers by the league’s coaches following the 2019 season. The three Wildcats on the list are tied for the fourth most in the league and are the most by K-State since 2017.

Lenners played in 13 games a year ago with four starts, tallying 13 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. It was the most catches by a Wildcat fullback or tight end since 2014 and the most yards among those positions since 2015. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lenners was also a force in the running attack, helping block for a unit that ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 178.0 rushing yards per game and third in the league with 29 rushing touchdowns.

Hubert, who also received votes for the conference’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards in 2019, tallied 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks in 12 games a year ago. He has 11.5 career sacks to tie for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign. Hubert, a product of Topeka, Kansas, enters the 2020 season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in TFLs per game (0.91).

The 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Youngblood was an All-American as a kick returner by multiple outlets after he returned a nation-leading three kickoffs for touchdowns. The first true freshman in Big 12 history to be named the league’s player of the year on offense, defense or special teams, Youngblood averaged 35.9 yards per kickoff return, a mark that would have led the nation and set the school record if he had two more attempts to meet the NCAA required minimum. A native of Tampa, Florida, Youngblood’s three kickoff returns – including a 100-yarder at Texas Tech – ranks third in Big 12 history and fourth in K-State history for a season.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594926313439.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Three Kansas State football players – fullback&nbsp;Nick Lenners, defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;and kick returner&nbsp;Joshua Youngblood&nbsp;– have been named to the 2020 Preseason All-Big 12 team as chosen by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Thursday.It is the first honor for all three players, each of whom were&nbsp;named First Team All-Big 12 performers by the league’s coaches following the 2019 season. The three Wildcats on the list are tied for the fourth most in the league and are the most by K-State since 2017.Lenners played in 13 games a year ago with four starts, tallying 13 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. It was the most catches by a Wildcat fullback or tight end since 2014 and the most yards among those positions since 2015. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lenners was also a force in the running attack, helping block for a unit that ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 178.0 rushing yards per game and third in the league with 29 rushing touchdowns.Hubert, who also received votes for the conference’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards in 2019, tallied 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks in 12 games a year ago. He has 11.5 career sacks to tie for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign. Hubert, a product of Topeka, Kansas, enters the 2020 season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in TFLs per game (0.91).The 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Youngblood was an All-American as a kick returner by multiple outlets after he returned a nation-leading three kickoffs for touchdowns. The first true freshman in Big 12 history to be named the league’s player of the year on offense, defense or special teams, Youngblood averaged 35.9 yards per kickoff return, a mark that would have led the nation and set the school record if he had two more attempts to meet the NCAA required minimum. A native of Tampa, Florida, Youngblood’s three kickoff returns – including a 100-yarder at Texas Tech – ranks third in Big 12 history and fourth in K-State history for a season.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

Three Wildcats earn nod on Preseason All-Big 12 team

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State was rewarded for an outstanding year in the classroom, as the Wildcats earned the 2019-20 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award in an announcement by the organization on Thursday (July 16).

Each year, the NABC recognizes men’s basketball programs across all levels (NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA Divisions and community colleges) with the Team Academic Excellence Award for excelling in academics during the athletics year. To be eligible for the honor, a team must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

“I’m extremely proud of our guys for their efforts in the classroom,” said head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber. “Obviously, this has been a challenging academic environment for our players and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work. Many thanks to Mike (Furlong) on our staff as well as Maryclare (Wheeler), Liane (Fowler) and many other members of the student-athlete services department for the support and dedication they give to our players.”

K-State was one of a selected number of teams from power conferences to earn the honor in 2019-20, including one of four schools (Oklahoma State, Texas and West Virginia) from the Big 12. It also marked the first time that the Wildcats have been selected for the honor since the award’s inception in 2012-13.

The accolade capped another solid academic year for K-State in 2019-20, as three players (Cartier Diarra,&nbsp;Pierson McAtee&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mike McGuirl) were selected to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Team, sophomore&nbsp;DaJuan Gordon&nbsp;was named to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and players combined to place 20 times on the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Rolls, including a program-best 12 this past spring.

In addition to Weber and the coaching staff, several individuals play a pivotal role in the support of men’s basketball academic excellence, including director of student-athlete development&nbsp;Mike Furlong, academic counselor&nbsp;Maryclare Wheeler, director of specialized learning&nbsp;Liane Fowler, assistant director of specialized learning&nbsp;Jana Buehler&nbsp;and learning specialist&nbsp;Rebekah Thornton-Savage.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State was rewarded for an outstanding year in the classroom, as the Wildcats earned the 2019-20 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award in an announcement by the organization on Thursday (July 16).Each year, the NABC recognizes men’s basketball programs across all levels (NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA Divisions and community colleges) with the Team Academic Excellence Award for excelling in academics during the athletics year. To be eligible for the honor, a team must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.“I’m extremely proud of our guys for their efforts in the classroom,” said head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber. “Obviously, this has been a challenging academic environment for our players and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work. Many thanks to Mike (Furlong) on our staff as well as Maryclare (Wheeler), Liane (Fowler) and many other members of the student-athlete services department for the support and dedication they give to our players.”K-State was one of a selected number of teams from power conferences to earn the honor in 2019-20, including one of four schools (Oklahoma State, Texas and West Virginia) from the Big 12. It also marked the first time that the Wildcats have been selected for the honor since the award’s inception in 2012-13.The accolade capped another solid academic year for K-State in 2019-20, as three players (Cartier Diarra,&nbsp;Pierson McAtee&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mike McGuirl) were selected to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Team, sophomore&nbsp;DaJuan Gordon&nbsp;was named to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and players combined to place 20 times on the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Rolls, including a program-best 12 this past spring.In addition to Weber and the coaching staff, several individuals play a pivotal role in the support of men’s basketball academic excellence, including director of student-athlete development&nbsp;Mike Furlong, academic counselor&nbsp;Maryclare Wheeler, director of specialized learning&nbsp;Liane Fowler, assistant director of specialized learning&nbsp;Jana Buehler&nbsp;and learning specialist&nbsp;Rebekah Thornton-Savage.

K-State earns NABC Team Academic Excellence Award

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Organizers say they have canceled the 2021 Rose Parade because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on planning for the New Year’s tradition and the risk of spreading infections. 

The Pasadena, California, Tournament of Roses Association said Wednesday the decision was put off until organizers were certain that safety restrictions would prevent staging of the 132nd parade. Since its inception in 1891, the parade has only not occurred during the wartime years of 1942, 1943 and 1945. The association says planning is continuing for the Rose Bowl college football game that normally follows the parade.&nbsp;

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Organizers say they have canceled the 2021 Rose Parade because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on planning for the New Year’s tradition and the risk of spreading infections. The Pasadena, California, Tournament of Roses Association said Wednesday the decision was put off until organizers were certain that safety restrictions would prevent staging of the 132nd parade. Since its inception in 1891, the parade has only not occurred during the wartime years of 1942, 1943 and 1945. The association says planning is continuing for the Rose Bowl college football game that normally follows the parade.&nbsp;

2021 Rose Parade cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/college-football-schedules-unsettled-coronavirus-cases-spike-kansas-and-us">Kansas News Service</a>

BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — College athletics departments
 in Kansas are needing to make a call as the number of coronavirus cases
 climb across the country and in their own ranks: Cancel fall sports, 
delay them until the spring, try in-conference games only or something 
in between.

At the center of it all is football — the 
high-contact sport that brings in money from the top college level to 
the small schools.&nbsp;

Dozens of schools have reported coronavirus 
cases among team members at voluntary workouts. And earlier this summer,
 Kansas State became one of the first major college teams in the country
 to shut the workouts down because of a high number of positive tests. 
The University of Kansas soon followed suit.

Already, three of 
the five major college conferences (Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference 
and Pac-12) have said they’ll only play against teams in their 
conference. The Ivy and Patriot leagues are calling off their fall 
seasons entirely. The National Junior College Athletic Association voted
 to move football to the spring.

The Big 12, which includes KU and K-State, is expected to make its decision at the end of the month.

Without
 the money from big-time sports, universities that are already hurting 
financially after having to shift fully online in the spring will 
suffer. But so will the college towns.

Baker University drives 
the economy in Baldwin City, Kansas, a town of more than 4,700 that’s 
about a half-hour from Lawrence. Of the roughly 800-plus students on 
campus at Baker, 66% play one of the school’s 24 varsity sports.

In
 early June, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 
(NAIA) announced that all of its schools — Baker included — would be 
reduced to nine regular-season games from 11. It’s still uncertain if 
fans will be allowed to attend the home games because the NAIA is 
leaving it up to schools to follow state and local requirements.

“The potential of not having our family at games, it’s something 
that’s going to be very, very different,” Baker athletics director Nate 
Houser said.

Already, Baldwin City’s 63rd annual Maple Leaf 
Festival has been cancelled for the fall. Apryl Strawn, the manager of 
Jo’s Diner in town, said the possibility of football without fans could 
be devastating to their business.&nbsp;

“It’ll be awful,” Strawn said. “It’ll be absolutely awful.”&nbsp;

The athletes’ health vs. financial health&nbsp;

Whether
 football is played in Baldwin City or at KU, the issue is the same: How
 do you avoid transmission of coronavirus in a sport where you’re lined 
up next to each other and hit other players constantly?

It’s a question KU Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been pondering all summer, and hasn’t been able to answer.

"We
 don’t know what the impact of practicing, closed-quarters hitting, 
tackling, all those things will have on a team,” Long said during a 
Kansas City Public Library virtual forum last month.

Players came
 back to campus for voluntary workouts from all over the country, 
including Texas, which has seen a dramatic spike in cases.&nbsp;

But epidemiologist Dr. Chris Hostler, who is a consultant for the NFL
 and the Big 12 (which KU and K-State are a part of), said coronavirus 
can be anywhere.

“We’re going to continue to have athletes and 
staff who are positives, who are coming from different areas of the 
country,” said Hostler, who is based in Durham, North Carolina. “Or even
 just remaining in their communities.”

And there’s another thing 
to consider: If any scholarship athlete, man or woman, chooses to sit 
out this fall as a health precaution, would he or she lose that full 
ride to college? The Pac-12 says no. With the Big 12 leaving it up to 
its members — K-State says it will honor scholarships but is still 
working out the terms of the language, while KU hadn’t provided its 
policy by the time this story went to print.&nbsp;

But more than 
anything, college administrators are aware of the added financial pinch 
if there are no college football games this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When people 
ask, ‘Why is it so important for you to play football, play basketball?”
 It’s to generate the revenue to fund that program,” Long said.

A major college football program like KU or K-State generates an average of $78 million according to a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/04/14/college-football-major-programs-could-see-billions-revenue-go-away/2989466001/">recent study by USA Today</a>.

Within
 the Big 12, the Texas schools (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU) 
figure to already see less money. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently 
mandated that no schools can have more than 50% fan capacity at home 
games.

But Hostler said what’s happening in Texas won’t dictate a uniform set of recommendations.

“What
 happens in West Virginia is going to be very different than what 
happens a couple states away in Iowa or in Oklahoma,” he said.

Greg Echlin is a freelance sports reporter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758329334.png" alt=" Kansas State's football team had several players test positive for COVID-19 this summer. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo" />
 <figcaption> Kansas State's football team had several players test positive for COVID-19 this summer. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/college-football-schedules-unsettled-coronavirus-cases-spike-kansas-and-us">Kansas News Service</a>BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — College athletics departments
 in Kansas are needing to make a call as the number of coronavirus cases
 climb across the country and in their own ranks: Cancel fall sports, 
delay them until the spring, try in-conference games only or something 
in between.At the center of it all is football — the 
high-contact sport that brings in money from the top college level to 
the small schools.&nbsp;Dozens of schools have reported coronavirus 
cases among team members at voluntary workouts. And earlier this summer,
 Kansas State became one of the first major college teams in the country
 to shut the workouts down because of a high number of positive tests. 
The University of Kansas soon followed suit.Already, three of 
the five major college conferences (Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference 
and Pac-12) have said they’ll only play against teams in their 
conference. The Ivy and Patriot leagues are calling off their fall 
seasons entirely. The National Junior College Athletic Association voted
 to move football to the spring.The Big 12, which includes KU and K-State, is expected to make its decision at the end of the month.Without
 the money from big-time sports, universities that are already hurting 
financially after having to shift fully online in the spring will 
suffer. But so will the college towns.Baker University drives 
the economy in Baldwin City, Kansas, a town of more than 4,700 that’s 
about a half-hour from Lawrence. Of the roughly 800-plus students on 
campus at Baker, 66% play one of the school’s 24 varsity sports.In
 early June, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 
(NAIA) announced that all of its schools — Baker included — would be 
reduced to nine regular-season games from 11. It’s still uncertain if 
fans will be allowed to attend the home games because the NAIA is 
leaving it up to schools to follow state and local requirements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758388532.jpeg" alt=" Nate House is Baker University's athletic director. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption> Nate House is Baker University's athletic director. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>“The potential of not having our family at games, it’s something 
that’s going to be very, very different,” Baker athletics director Nate 
Houser said.Already, Baldwin City’s 63rd annual Maple Leaf 
Festival has been cancelled for the fall. Apryl Strawn, the manager of 
Jo’s Diner in town, said the possibility of football without fans could 
be devastating to their business.&nbsp;“It’ll be awful,” Strawn said. “It’ll be absolutely awful.”&nbsp;The athletes’ health vs. financial health&nbsp;Whether
 football is played in Baldwin City or at KU, the issue is the same: How
 do you avoid transmission of coronavirus in a sport where you’re lined 
up next to each other and hit other players constantly?It’s a question KU Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been pondering all summer, and hasn’t been able to answer."We
 don’t know what the impact of practicing, closed-quarters hitting, 
tackling, all those things will have on a team,” Long said during a 
Kansas City Public Library virtual forum last month.Players came
 back to campus for voluntary workouts from all over the country, 
including Texas, which has seen a dramatic spike in cases.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758418685.jpeg" alt=" The field before last year's KU vs. K-State rivarly game. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo" />
 <figcaption> The field before last year's KU vs. K-State rivarly game. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>But epidemiologist Dr. Chris Hostler, who is a consultant for the NFL
 and the Big 12 (which KU and K-State are a part of), said coronavirus 
can be anywhere.“We’re going to continue to have athletes and 
staff who are positives, who are coming from different areas of the 
country,” said Hostler, who is based in Durham, North Carolina. “Or even
 just remaining in their communities.”And there’s another thing 
to consider: If any scholarship athlete, man or woman, chooses to sit 
out this fall as a health precaution, would he or she lose that full 
ride to college? The Pac-12 says no. With the Big 12 leaving it up to 
its members — K-State says it will honor scholarships but is still 
working out the terms of the language, while KU hadn’t provided its 
policy by the time this story went to print.&nbsp;But more than 
anything, college administrators are aware of the added financial pinch 
if there are no college football games this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When people 
ask, ‘Why is it so important for you to play football, play basketball?”
 It’s to generate the revenue to fund that program,” Long said.A major college football program like KU or K-State generates an average of $78 million according to a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/04/14/college-football-major-programs-could-see-billions-revenue-go-away/2989466001/">recent study by USA Today</a>.Within
 the Big 12, the Texas schools (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU) 
figure to already see less money. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently 
mandated that no schools can have more than 50% fan capacity at home 
games.But Hostler said what’s happening in Texas won’t dictate a uniform set of recommendations.“What
 happens in West Virginia is going to be very different than what 
happens a couple states away in Iowa or in Oklahoma,” he said.Greg Echlin is a freelance sports reporter.

College football schedules unsettled as virus cases spike

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season against the Indians in Cleveland next week. The 31-year-old Duffy will make his third start on opening day, although this one is far different than the others. 

The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that will last through August and September. Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season against the Indians in Cleveland next week. The 31-year-old Duffy will make his third start on opening day, although this one is far different than the others. The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that will last through August and September. Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

Danny Duffy to start opening day for Royals against the Indians

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game abbreviated season but actually contend into the final weeks of September. 

Already, that flexibility has been put to the test with four positive COVID-19 tests, including both of the catchers on their 40-man roster. All were asymptomatic and they hope all of them are back for the start of the season next week in Cleveland.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game abbreviated season but actually contend into the final weeks of September. Already, that flexibility has been put to the test with four positive COVID-19 tests, including both of the catchers on their 40-man roster. All were asymptomatic and they hope all of them are back for the start of the season next week in Cleveland.

Royals hope youthful flexibility a plus during unique season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the signing. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the signing. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

AP; Chiefs, Jones agree to 4-year, $85M extension

Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that only two student-athletes are currently being isolated for active COVID-19, as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Since the department began testing in June a total of 29 student-athletes had tested positive for COVID-19 following PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) testing of 190 student-athletes.

The football program began its summer access program on Monday, which includes eight hours of weight training, conditioning and film review per week. The men's basketball, women's basketball, soccer and volleyball are continuing voluntary workouts.

Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that only two student-athletes are currently being isolated for active COVID-19, as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Since the department began testing in June a total of 29 student-athletes had tested positive for COVID-19 following PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) testing of 190 student-athletes.The football program began its summer access program on Monday, which includes eight hours of weight training, conditioning and film review per week. The men's basketball, women's basketball, soccer and volleyball are continuing voluntary workouts.

K-State athletics provides a COVID-19 update

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the top returning defensive ends in the nation in 2020, Kansas State junior&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;has been named to the watch list for the 26th&nbsp;annual Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.

Hubert is the first Kansas State Wildcat to land on the watch list for the Bednarik Award – presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year – since&nbsp;D.J. Reed&nbsp;in 2017. He is the eighth player in school history to be considered for the award, which includes 1996 finalist&nbsp;Chris Canty&nbsp;and 2012 semifinalist&nbsp;Arthur Brown.

A 2019 First Team All-Big 12 performer, Hubert enters his junior season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in career tackles for loss per game (0.91). Hubert, who earned votes for both the league’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards last year, has recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons, tied for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign.

Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started 12 games last season with 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He tied for second in the Big 12 in sacks and was 10th&nbsp;in TFLs. He tied his career high with 2.0 sacks against both Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, while he had a season-high for tackles and 1.5 TFLs in K-State’s win over No. 5 Oklahoma.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the top returning defensive ends in the nation in 2020, Kansas State junior&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;has been named to the watch list for the 26th&nbsp;annual Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.Hubert is the first Kansas State Wildcat to land on the watch list for the Bednarik Award – presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year – since&nbsp;D.J. Reed&nbsp;in 2017. He is the eighth player in school history to be considered for the award, which includes 1996 finalist&nbsp;Chris Canty&nbsp;and 2012 semifinalist&nbsp;Arthur Brown.A 2019 First Team All-Big 12 performer, Hubert enters his junior season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in career tackles for loss per game (0.91). Hubert, who earned votes for both the league’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards last year, has recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons, tied for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign.Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started 12 games last season with 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He tied for second in the Big 12 in sacks and was 10th&nbsp;in TFLs. He tied his career high with 2.0 sacks against both Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, while he had a season-high for tackles and 1.5 TFLs in K-State’s win over No. 5 Oklahoma.RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

Wyatt Hubert is named to the Bednarick Award watch list

Catfish anglers from multiple states will travel to Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan on Aug. 29 for a King Kat Tournament Trail qualifier event.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local and traveling anglers will be vying for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to compete at the 2020 King Kat Classic which will feature a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes.

Teams may consist of one to three anglers but limit are based on a two-person team.&nbsp;Early registration can be accomplished on the King Kat website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling (502) 384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Late entries are subject to a $25.00 late fee.

Participating anglers must be a member of the King Kat Association (KKA). Membership is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for spouse and youth memberships.&nbsp;

Anglers will sign up at registration, be given a copy of guidelines for social distancing which will apply during the coronavirus pandemic, be given a copy of the rules, and their weigh-in voucher. At that point, they will leave the registration site.

At the weigh-in, social distancing will be maintained in the weigh-in line and only allow a few teams at a time to be in the line. Other anglers can wait in vehicles and boats. All staff will be wearing face masks and officials encourage all anglers and spectators to do the same.

A pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at Four Points by Sheraton. 530 Richards Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502. Only one member of a team may enter at a time to complete registration and receive their voucher.

Late Sign-in begins at 5:00 pm and runs to 7:00 pm. The normal National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing and seminar will not be held due to the coronavirus.

The tournament weigh-in will be held at Wildcat Marina, 8220 Spillway Marina Rd beginning at 3:00 pm and anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm. Social distancing rules will be followed.

Host lodging is Four Points by Sheraton, 530 Richards Dr. in Manhattan (785-539-5311). The number of rooms in the area may be limited. It is recommended that participants make their reservations early.

This year’s Cabela’s King Kat Classic Championship will be held October 30 – 31, 2020 on Milford Lake in Geary County. The Classic features a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes. The points race is set to payout $30,000 to the top 20 places based on competitor’s the top-five finishes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594481476112.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Catfish anglers from multiple states will travel to Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan on Aug. 29 for a King Kat Tournament Trail qualifier event.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local and traveling anglers will be vying for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to compete at the 2020 King Kat Classic which will feature a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes.Teams may consist of one to three anglers but limit are based on a two-person team.&nbsp;Early registration can be accomplished on the King Kat website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling (502) 384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Late entries are subject to a $25.00 late fee.Participating anglers must be a member of the King Kat Association (KKA). Membership is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for spouse and youth memberships.&nbsp;Anglers will sign up at registration, be given a copy of guidelines for social distancing which will apply during the coronavirus pandemic, be given a copy of the rules, and their weigh-in voucher. At that point, they will leave the registration site.At the weigh-in, social distancing will be maintained in the weigh-in line and only allow a few teams at a time to be in the line. Other anglers can wait in vehicles and boats. All staff will be wearing face masks and officials encourage all anglers and spectators to do the same.A pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at Four Points by Sheraton. 530 Richards Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502. Only one member of a team may enter at a time to complete registration and receive their voucher.Late Sign-in begins at 5:00 pm and runs to 7:00 pm. The normal National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing and seminar will not be held due to the coronavirus.The tournament weigh-in will be held at Wildcat Marina, 8220 Spillway Marina Rd beginning at 3:00 pm and anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm. Social distancing rules will be followed.Host lodging is Four Points by Sheraton, 530 Richards Dr. in Manhattan (785-539-5311). The number of rooms in the area may be limited. It is recommended that participants make their reservations early.This year’s Cabela’s King Kat Classic Championship will be held October 30 – 31, 2020 on Milford Lake in Geary County. The Classic features a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes. The points race is set to payout $30,000 to the top 20 places based on competitor’s the top-five finishes.

King Kat Tournament Trail travels to Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>Beginning with a charity exhibition game in October, Kansas State will rekindle its men’s basketball rivalry against Wichita State with a four-game, regular-season series launching in the 2021-22 season, the schools announced on Friday (July 10).</a>

The teams, which last faced off in 2003, will first meet on Saturday, October 24 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita in a charity exhibition game to benefit organizations providing services for COVID-19 relief. Head coaches&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;of K-State and&nbsp;Gregg Marshall&nbsp;of Wichita State designated charities to benefit from proceeds raised through ticket sales for the game, including Konza United Way, Crisis Center, Inc., United Way of the Plains and the Wichita Children’s Home. Ticket information for the charity exhibition game will be released at a later date. The charity game has been approved by the NCAA.

The four-game, regular-season agreement calls off-campus at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita on December 5, 2021, where WSU will be designated home team, and at the newly renamed T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2023, with K-State serving as the home team. The Wildcats will host the Shockers on December 3, 2022 at Bramlage Coliseum and the series will wrap up with a game at Charles Koch Arena on December 7, 2024.

“We are excited about renewing the series with Wichita State,” said Weber. “Coach Marshall has built a great program in Wichita and this will be yet another opportunity for our players to play against the best.

“I want to thank WSU athletics director&nbsp;Darron Boatright, Coach Marshall and his staff as well as (Executive Associate AD)&nbsp;Casey Scott&nbsp;and (Director of Operations)&nbsp;Drew Speraw&nbsp;for their hard work in getting this series completed. This is a win-win for the schools, their fan bases and our state.”

The regular-season matchup in December 2021 will be the first meeting between the schools since a 54-50 win by K-State on December 10, 2003 at Bramlage Coliseum. The game at the T-Mobile Center in 2023 will be the first in a city other than Manhattan and Wichita, while the visit to Koch Arena in 2024 will be the first on the WSU campus since a 79-66 win by the Wildcats at then Levitt Arena on December 7, 2002.

TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594393942521.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>Beginning with a charity exhibition game in October, Kansas State will rekindle its men’s basketball rivalry against Wichita State with a four-game, regular-season series launching in the 2021-22 season, the schools announced on Friday (July 10).</a>The teams, which last faced off in 2003, will first meet on Saturday, October 24 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita in a charity exhibition game to benefit organizations providing services for COVID-19 relief. Head coaches&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;of K-State and&nbsp;Gregg Marshall&nbsp;of Wichita State designated charities to benefit from proceeds raised through ticket sales for the game, including Konza United Way, Crisis Center, Inc., United Way of the Plains and the Wichita Children’s Home. Ticket information for the charity exhibition game will be released at a later date. The charity game has been approved by the NCAA.The four-game, regular-season agreement calls off-campus at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita on December 5, 2021, where WSU will be designated home team, and at the newly renamed T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2023, with K-State serving as the home team. The Wildcats will host the Shockers on December 3, 2022 at Bramlage Coliseum and the series will wrap up with a game at Charles Koch Arena on December 7, 2024.“We are excited about renewing the series with Wichita State,” said Weber. “Coach Marshall has built a great program in Wichita and this will be yet another opportunity for our players to play against the best.“I want to thank WSU athletics director&nbsp;Darron Boatright, Coach Marshall and his staff as well as (Executive Associate AD)&nbsp;Casey Scott&nbsp;and (Director of Operations)&nbsp;Drew Speraw&nbsp;for their hard work in getting this series completed. This is a win-win for the schools, their fan bases and our state.”The regular-season matchup in December 2021 will be the first meeting between the schools since a 54-50 win by K-State on December 10, 2003 at Bramlage Coliseum. The game at the T-Mobile Center in 2023 will be the first in a city other than Manhattan and Wichita, while the visit to Koch Arena in 2024 will be the first on the WSU campus since a 79-66 win by the Wildcats at then Levitt Arena on December 7, 2002.—www.kstatesports.com—TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

Charity exhibition and four game regular season series ahead for Kansas State - Wichita State 

BROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State forward&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;has joined the Brooklyn Nets as a Substitute Player for the reminder of the 2019-20 NBA season, which is scheduled to resume later this month at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Beasley will playing for his eighth NBA franchise in a professional career that spans 11 seasons and includes stints with the Miami Heat (2008-10; 2013-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Houston Rockets (2015-16), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18) and the L.A. Lakers (2018-19). He has played in 609 games in his NBA career, averaging 12.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.

Beasley will be returning to the NBA for the first time since February 2019, as he played in 26 games for the Lakers during the 2018-19 season. He most recently played professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019, averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in helping the squad to the 2019 CBA Championship.

BROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State forward&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;has joined the Brooklyn Nets as a Substitute Player for the reminder of the 2019-20 NBA season, which is scheduled to resume later this month at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.Beasley will playing for his eighth NBA franchise in a professional career that spans 11 seasons and includes stints with the Miami Heat (2008-10; 2013-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Houston Rockets (2015-16), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18) and the L.A. Lakers (2018-19). He has played in 609 games in his NBA career, averaging 12.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.Beasley will be returning to the NBA for the first time since February 2019, as he played in 26 games for the Lakers during the 2018-19 season. He most recently played professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019, averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in helping the squad to the 2019 CBA Championship.