When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in mid March, it cancelled the High School Track and Field season before it really even started.&nbsp; For this years Seniors, it denied them of their final chance to compete for their High School teams.&nbsp; AHS Senior Brock Brass was looking forward to his final season,&nbsp; looking to improve his times and hopefully qualify for the State Championships.&nbsp; Brock says he was very disappointed that he could not finish the year with his friends and teammates, but&nbsp; is excited to move on and compete at the college level.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brock signed Tuesday to compete in Track and Field at the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK).&nbsp; 

At Alliance, Brock lettered 4 years in track and field and 1 year in cross country. He also played football for 3 seasons.&nbsp; He was a multi-event medal winner, competing in the sprints and relays.&nbsp; AHS head track and cross country Coach Nate Lanik says. " Brock was a great teammate and leader as well as a very versatile athlete".&nbsp; Coach Lanik says besides the sprints and relays, Brock was also going to compete in longer distance events this season.&nbsp; He will concentrate on sprints and relays at UNK.

Brock was an NSAA and Lincoln Journal Star Academic All-State and Western Conference Scholar Athlete award winner his senior year at AHS.&nbsp; He is the son of Melisa and Brad Brass of Alliance.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in mid March, it cancelled the High School Track and Field season before it really even started.&nbsp; For this years Seniors, it denied them of their final chance to compete for their High School teams.&nbsp; AHS Senior Brock Brass was looking forward to his final season,&nbsp; looking to improve his times and hopefully qualify for the State Championships.&nbsp; Brock says he was very disappointed that he could not finish the year with his friends and teammates, but&nbsp; is excited to move on and compete at the college level.&nbsp;&nbsp;Brock signed Tuesday to compete in Track and Field at the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK).&nbsp; At Alliance, Brock lettered 4 years in track and field and 1 year in cross country. He also played football for 3 seasons.&nbsp; He was a multi-event medal winner, competing in the sprints and relays.&nbsp; AHS head track and cross country Coach Nate Lanik says. " Brock was a great teammate and leader as well as a very versatile athlete".&nbsp; Coach Lanik says besides the sprints and relays, Brock was also going to compete in longer distance events this season.&nbsp; He will concentrate on sprints and relays at UNK.Brock was an NSAA and Lincoln Journal Star Academic All-State and Western Conference Scholar Athlete award winner his senior year at AHS.&nbsp; He is the son of Melisa and Brad Brass of Alliance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591726365352.jpeg" alt="L-R: Brad Brass, Brock Brass, Melisa Brass" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Brad Brass, Brock Brass, Melisa Brass</figcaption>
 </figure>

AHS Senior Brock Brass signs with UNK for Track and Field

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska says receiver JD Spielman has put his name into the transfer portal. Spielman is the first player to put together three straight 800-yard receiving seasons for the Cornhuskers and leaves No. 3 in career receptions and yards. 

Nebraska coach Scott Frost announced in March that Spielman had left the team to deal with an unspecified health matter and probably would miss all of spring practice. Spielman would have been a senior in eligibility this fall. It was unclear if he’s on track to graduate this summer, which would make him immediately eligible at his next school. He is the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska says receiver JD Spielman has put his name into the transfer portal. Spielman is the first player to put together three straight 800-yard receiving seasons for the Cornhuskers and leaves No. 3 in career receptions and yards. Nebraska coach Scott Frost announced in March that Spielman had left the team to deal with an unspecified health matter and probably would miss all of spring practice. Spielman would have been a senior in eligibility this fall. It was unclear if he’s on track to graduate this summer, which would make him immediately eligible at his next school. He is the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

Huskers leading receiver Spielman transferring

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any “unethical behavior or bias” based on race after being accused by several former players of contributing to what they allege is systemic racism in the program. Doyle was placed on administrative leave Saturday. The move was made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program. Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program and attributed many to Doyle. The 51-year-old assistant coach issued a statement Sunday on Twitter in which he disputes the claims.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle denies any “unethical behavior or bias” based on race after being accused by several former players of contributing to what they allege is systemic racism in the program. Doyle was placed on administrative leave Saturday. The move was made by coach Kirk Ferentz in what he called “a defining moment” for Iowa’s football program. Several black former players posted on social media Friday night about issues they saw in the football program and attributed many to Doyle. The 51-year-old assistant coach issued a statement Sunday on Twitter in which he disputes the claims.

Hawkeyes strength & conditioning coach denies race bias mistreatment

DENVER (AP) — Players and coaches for the Denver Broncos joined demonstrations in downtown Denver on Saturday. Players wore black T-shirts with the words “Justice for George Floyd” and the fist of power emblazoned on the front in memory of the handcuffed black man who died when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes last month in Minnesota. 

Many Broncos also wore black face masks with the phrase “I can't breathe” written in white letters. Safety Kareem Jackson was instrumental in organizing the Broncos' participation. 

Jackson says the players needed to march with demonstrators to show their support for racial justice and police reform.

DENVER (AP) — Players and coaches for the Denver Broncos joined demonstrations in downtown Denver on Saturday. Players wore black T-shirts with the words “Justice for George Floyd” and the fist of power emblazoned on the front in memory of the handcuffed black man who died when a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes last month in Minnesota. Many Broncos also wore black face masks with the phrase “I can't breathe” written in white letters. Safety Kareem Jackson was instrumental in organizing the Broncos' participation. Jackson says the players needed to march with demonstrators to show their support for racial justice and police reform.

Broncos lead rally for racial justice and police reform

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director

&nbsp;CHADRON, Neb. – June 4, 2020 –&nbsp;Chadron State College athletics director&nbsp;Joel R. Smith&nbsp;announced on Thursday the hiring of&nbsp;Shane Paben&nbsp;as the school's next head men's basketball coach. "We are excited to have&nbsp;Shane Paben&nbsp;be our next men's basketball coach," said Smith. "He is a seasoned coach with years of coaching and academic achievements. We believe he will build on our foundation and lead the Eagles to success in the RMAC." Paben's previous coaching stop was at Bellevue University, just outside of Omaha, where he led the Bruins to 10 consecutive NAIA tournaments, 10 straight regular season conference titles, and six conference tournament titles in 11 seasons. His teams finished nationally ranked each season. Paben brings a career head coaching record of 275-100. The four-time conference coach of the year has mentored 20 First Team All-Conference players, 10 who received honorable mention, six conference Newcomers of the Year, four Defensive Players of the Year, and two Most Valuable Players. In addition, his players have received eight All-America awards and four for All-America honorable mention. On top of his teams' success on the court, Paben's student-athletes achieved milestones in the classroom as well. While he was head coach at Bellevue, he implemented an Academic Support Center for all the athletic programs. As a result, his players earned 14 conference scholar-athlete awards, increasing the number of Academic All-Americans and All-Conference student-athletes in program history by more than double. His 2016-17 team earned the NABC and NAIA team academic awards. Prior to Bellevue, Paben was an assistant coach at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma and Morningside College in Iowa. Both programs sent teams to the NAIA championships and received top-15 rankings during his tenure. He was also a successful high school boys basketball coach from 1996-2004, before embarking on a collegiate coaching career. Paben graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1997, and he received his master's in 2007 from the University of South Dakota. "I'm very excited for the opportunity to join Chadron State," said Paben. "It's a tremendous place to coach, with a wealth of possibilities for success. Hopefully I can build a successful program and lead us to the NCAA tournament." Coming with Paben to Chadron are his wife, Dr. Michelle Burns, and his sons Drew and Will. CSC athletics will host a virtual press conference introducing Paben on Wednesday, June 10, at 3 p.m., via Zoom conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director&nbsp;CHADRON, Neb. – June 4, 2020 –&nbsp;Chadron State College athletics director&nbsp;Joel R. Smith&nbsp;announced on Thursday the hiring of&nbsp;Shane Paben&nbsp;as the school's next head men's basketball coach. "We are excited to have&nbsp;Shane Paben&nbsp;be our next men's basketball coach," said Smith. "He is a seasoned coach with years of coaching and academic achievements. We believe he will build on our foundation and lead the Eagles to success in the RMAC." Paben's previous coaching stop was at Bellevue University, just outside of Omaha, where he led the Bruins to 10 consecutive NAIA tournaments, 10 straight regular season conference titles, and six conference tournament titles in 11 seasons. His teams finished nationally ranked each season. Paben brings a career head coaching record of 275-100. The four-time conference coach of the year has mentored 20 First Team All-Conference players, 10 who received honorable mention, six conference Newcomers of the Year, four Defensive Players of the Year, and two Most Valuable Players. In addition, his players have received eight All-America awards and four for All-America honorable mention. On top of his teams' success on the court, Paben's student-athletes achieved milestones in the classroom as well. While he was head coach at Bellevue, he implemented an Academic Support Center for all the athletic programs. As a result, his players earned 14 conference scholar-athlete awards, increasing the number of Academic All-Americans and All-Conference student-athletes in program history by more than double. His 2016-17 team earned the NABC and NAIA team academic awards. Prior to Bellevue, Paben was an assistant coach at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma and Morningside College in Iowa. Both programs sent teams to the NAIA championships and received top-15 rankings during his tenure. He was also a successful high school boys basketball coach from 1996-2004, before embarking on a collegiate coaching career. Paben graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1997, and he received his master's in 2007 from the University of South Dakota. "I'm very excited for the opportunity to join Chadron State," said Paben. "It's a tremendous place to coach, with a wealth of possibilities for success. Hopefully I can build a successful program and lead us to the NCAA tournament." Coming with Paben to Chadron are his wife, Dr. Michelle Burns, and his sons Drew and Will. CSC athletics will host a virtual press conference introducing Paben on Wednesday, June 10, at 3 p.m., via Zoom conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron State hires new men's head basketball coach

(AP) Called out, Bowling Green has saved its baseball program, which had been cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletic department spokesman Jason Knavel said that baseball is back immediately after “our passionate baseball alumni and donors have committed $1.5 million over the next three years.”

The Ohio school announced last month it was dropping baseball because of a projected $2 million athletic budget shortfall stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. Former players immediately began a “Save BGSU Baseball” campaign and managed to raise the funds to rescue a program that produced former All-Star pitcher Orel Hershiser.

Like Bowling Green, other schools in the Mid-American Conference have had to drop sports as a result of financial hardships triggered by the pandemic.

(AP) Called out, Bowling Green has saved its baseball program, which had been cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Athletic department spokesman Jason Knavel said that baseball is back immediately after “our passionate baseball alumni and donors have committed $1.5 million over the next three years.”The Ohio school announced last month it was dropping baseball because of a projected $2 million athletic budget shortfall stemming from the coronavirus outbreak. Former players immediately began a “Save BGSU Baseball” campaign and managed to raise the funds to rescue a program that produced former All-Star pitcher Orel Hershiser.Like Bowling Green, other schools in the Mid-American Conference have had to drop sports as a result of financial hardships triggered by the pandemic.

Cut because of coronavirus impact, Bowling Green bringing baseball back

Instead of X's and O's, the Denver Broncos spent Tuesday talking about racial injustice, police brutality and healing a nation rocked by&nbsp;demonstrations over George Floyd’s death&nbsp;in Minneapolis on top of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic devastation.

Team president Joe Ellis addressed the offense and defense in separate Zoom calls that replaced the team’s regular video conference sessions, which are a substitute for in-person training during the pandemic.

Coach Vic Fangio and general manager John Elway also participated in the calls in which Ellis emphasized society’s need to eradicate racism and told the players that the organization shares in the outrage over Floyd’s death at the hands of police.

Ellis, who told players he wanted to hear from them before issuing a statement, also listened as more than a dozen players spoke up on the calls.

“My takeaway from it was that we have to figure out what we can do, not only as a team, but as an organization,” safety Kareem Jackson said. “How can we get out and how can we impact the Denver community? Maybe we can get out and put together a march as a team or something like that.”

After the Zoom calls, the&nbsp;Broncos tweeted, “We will stand by our players. We will lift up their voices. We can do more. We will do more.”

The team also retweeted several players’ personal posts, including Malik Reed’s: “I have been one of the ones to not be outspoken about the things we go through, but that doesn’t help create change. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone due to the wickedness of this world.”

Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on the handcuffed black man’s neck for several minutes. He was fired along with three other officers and faces homicide charges.

Fangio started off a media call a few hours later by saying, “I was shocked, sad and angry at what I saw a policeman do to a handcuffed George Floyd ... He should be punished to fullest extent of the law for the crimes he has been charged with in addition to being charged with treason for failing to uphold the badge.”

Fangio said he has the utmost respect for police but added that Chauvin “failed the 99 percent of police that do a great job and we are all paying the price for that.”

Denver is among the dozens of cities where peaceful protests during daylight hours have been followed by looting and clashes with police come nightfall.

Fangio said society could learn a lot from an NFL locker room, where skin color is no barrier.

Fangio said the words of Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Broncos safety Justin Simmons especially resonated with him over a weekend of increasing unrest and said that sports brings people together “and I look forward to the Broncos and the NFL leading that charge.”

Simmons, the team’s 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, helped lead a peaceful protest in Florida on Sunday. He called for unity and non-violence.

Simmons implored a crowd to “understand that we are fighting for equality, not superiority. All lives matter when black lives matter. We pledge our allegiance to the flag for freedom and justice for all and we do not have our justice. So let’s understand that. We will get it, (but) not by force.”

Fangio also praised Simmons, saying, “I think Justin is one of those guys that will help us find solutions and lead us out of this mess that we’re in.”

Instead of X's and O's, the Denver Broncos spent Tuesday talking about racial injustice, police brutality and healing a nation rocked by&nbsp;demonstrations over George Floyd’s death&nbsp;in Minneapolis on top of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic devastation.Team president Joe Ellis addressed the offense and defense in separate Zoom calls that replaced the team’s regular video conference sessions, which are a substitute for in-person training during the pandemic.Coach Vic Fangio and general manager John Elway also participated in the calls in which Ellis emphasized society’s need to eradicate racism and told the players that the organization shares in the outrage over Floyd’s death at the hands of police.Ellis, who told players he wanted to hear from them before issuing a statement, also listened as more than a dozen players spoke up on the calls.“My takeaway from it was that we have to figure out what we can do, not only as a team, but as an organization,” safety Kareem Jackson said. “How can we get out and how can we impact the Denver community? Maybe we can get out and put together a march as a team or something like that.”After the Zoom calls, the&nbsp;Broncos tweeted, “We will stand by our players. We will lift up their voices. We can do more. We will do more.”The team also retweeted several players’ personal posts, including Malik Reed’s: “I have been one of the ones to not be outspoken about the things we go through, but that doesn’t help create change. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone due to the wickedness of this world.”Floyd died May 25 after a white Minneapolis officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee on the handcuffed black man’s neck for several minutes. He was fired along with three other officers and faces homicide charges.Fangio started off a media call a few hours later by saying, “I was shocked, sad and angry at what I saw a policeman do to a handcuffed George Floyd ... He should be punished to fullest extent of the law for the crimes he has been charged with in addition to being charged with treason for failing to uphold the badge.”Fangio said he has the utmost respect for police but added that Chauvin “failed the 99 percent of police that do a great job and we are all paying the price for that.”Denver is among the dozens of cities where peaceful protests during daylight hours have been followed by looting and clashes with police come nightfall.Fangio said society could learn a lot from an NFL locker room, where skin color is no barrier.Fangio said the words of Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Broncos safety Justin Simmons especially resonated with him over a weekend of increasing unrest and said that sports brings people together “and I look forward to the Broncos and the NFL leading that charge.”Simmons, the team’s 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, helped lead a peaceful protest in Florida on Sunday. He called for unity and non-violence.Simmons implored a crowd to “understand that we are fighting for equality, not superiority. All lives matter when black lives matter. We pledge our allegiance to the flag for freedom and justice for all and we do not have our justice. So let’s understand that. We will get it, (but) not by force.”Fangio also praised Simmons, saying, “I think Justin is one of those guys that will help us find solutions and lead us out of this mess that we’re in.”

Broncos coach says society could learn a lot from NFL locker room

Rules are being released for high school student-athletes in Nebraska who need to begin preparation for their upcoming seasons. 

Fitness-building is the only focus for the activities that are being allowed at this point. There will not be any sport-specific coaching, equipment or drills allowed.

The Nebraska School Activities Association has posted a thorough set of rules and precautions that must be followed when strength and conditioning activities are allowed to begin June 1.

Below are the details directly from the NSAA:

Beginning June 1st&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to conduct voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.&nbsp;While permitting school-sponsored summertime conditioning programs, prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.

These requirements must be followed:

Additionally, NSAA member school-sponsored camps and clinics are prohibited in any sport at this time.

Pursuant to the Governor’s DHM, the following activities are prohibited: basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and wrestling (“Prohibited Sports”).

NSAA member schools may have open gyms where sport-specific drills are permitted, and sport-specific equipment may be used by individuals except in the Prohibited Sports.

It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:

Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorRules are being released for high school student-athletes in Nebraska who need to begin preparation for their upcoming seasons. Fitness-building is the only focus for the activities that are being allowed at this point. There will not be any sport-specific coaching, equipment or drills allowed.The Nebraska School Activities Association has posted a thorough set of rules and precautions that must be followed when strength and conditioning activities are allowed to begin June 1.Below are the details directly from the NSAA:Beginning June 1st&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to conduct voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.&nbsp;While permitting school-sponsored summertime conditioning programs, prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.These requirements must be followed:<ol>
 <li>Maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart at all times.</li><li>Groups of&nbsp;a maximum 25 persons (students) or less&nbsp;must be pre-determined50% of rated occupancy does not apply to high school weight rooms per the express directive of the Governor’s office.Member schools located in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties are limited to groups of 10 students per local directed health measures (DHMs).</li><li>50% of rated occupancy does not apply to high school weight rooms per the express directive of the Governor’s office.</li><li>Member schools located in Hall, Hamilton, Merrick and Dakota counties are limited to groups of 10 students per local directed health measures (DHMs).</li><li>Once groups are determined, students may not switch from one group to another.</li><li>Interaction between groups shall be avoided.</li><li>Sessions can only include weightlifting, running, and exercises designed to promote physical fitness.</li><li>Sport-specific drills are not permitted, and sport-specific equipment may not be used as part of school-sponsored summer conditioning.</li><li>Implement diligent and effective cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces following the guidance of the CDC.</li>
 </ol>Additionally, NSAA member school-sponsored camps and clinics are prohibited in any sport at this time.Pursuant to the Governor’s DHM, the following activities are prohibited: basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, and wrestling (“Prohibited Sports”).NSAA member schools may have open gyms where sport-specific drills are permitted, and sport-specific equipment may be used by individuals except in the Prohibited Sports.It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:<ol>
 <li>The above requirements; and,</li><li>The NSAA Summer Activities Bylaws.</li>
 </ol>Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

Fitness & strength activities allowed June 1 under updated NSAA rules

(AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will split its 24-team playoff format in two hub cities, which have yet to be determined should the league resume play.

Bettman says each hub will play host to the top 12 teams in each conference with one based in an Eastern Conference city, and another in the West.

The league has narrowed its focus of hub cities to 10, and will make a final decision based on approval from local health officials.

The league expects players can begin returning to their home rinks early next month.

Training camps won’t open until July 1 at the earliest.

Bettman said the league is open to playing into early fall.

Bettman says games during the play-in format to determine the top 16 teams will be played under regular-season rules. The conference finals and Stanley Cup Final will feature seven-game series.

Bettman says the league has yet to determine whether the first two playoff rounds will be five- or seven-game series.

(AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the league will split its 24-team playoff format in two hub cities, which have yet to be determined should the league resume play.Bettman says each hub will play host to the top 12 teams in each conference with one based in an Eastern Conference city, and another in the West.The league has narrowed its focus of hub cities to 10, and will make a final decision based on approval from local health officials.The league expects players can begin returning to their home rinks early next month.Training camps won’t open until July 1 at the earliest.Bettman said the league is open to playing into early fall.Bettman says games during the play-in format to determine the top 16 teams will be played under regular-season rules. The conference finals and Stanley Cup Final will feature seven-game series.Bettman says the league has yet to determine whether the first two playoff rounds will be five- or seven-game series.

NHL moving straight to Stanley Cup Playoffs when games can resume

(AP) Iowa State athletic director Jaime Pollard is telling Cyclones fans that football home games will be played at no more than 50% capacity at Jack Trice Stadium, pending a change in state and local health guidelines. That means no more than 30,000 fans.

Pollard made the announcement in a letter posted to the ISU athletics website Tuesday.

About 22,000 season tickets have been renewed, leaving about 8,000 seats to be filled. Fans not renewing their season tickets and making their Cyclone Club donation by June 12 won’t be allowed to attend games unless guidelines change and capacity can exceed 50%. Single-game tickets sales are unlikely unless capacity is increased.

Season ticket holders who don’t renew for 2020 will continue to have first rights on their same seats for 2021. Season ticket holders who renew but later decide they aren’t comfortable attending games because of fear of coronavirus infection can request a refund or defer the purchase of their season tickets to the 2021 season.

Pollard wrote that ISU will take measures to mitigate the risk to fans and announce them later.

“After consulting with campus officials, we have concluded there is no reasonable way to guarantee that no one will contract the COVID-19 virus,” Pollard said. “Trying to adhere to a standard of absolute protection is simply not reasonable. We would either be held accountable for being far too restrictive or, more likely, not restrictive enough.”

Pollard added, “It will ultimately be up to each attendee to decide whether they are comfortable attending games given the mitigation strategies we will implement. That decision will remain a personal choice that all attendees need to make.”

PAC-12 allowing voluntary workouts to begin June 15

The Pac-12 Conference said it’s allowing voluntary in-person workouts on campus for all sports beginning June 15, subject to the decision of each individual school and where allowed by local and state guidelines.

The decision by Pac-12 leaders followed the announcement last week by the NCAA to permit schools to reopen for voluntary activities beginning June 1.

The Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee created a series of guidelines and protocols for schools to follow once they decide to open for individual workouts.

“As states have either already opened or begin to open up access to parks, gyms and other training facilities, student-athletes should have the option at this time to be in, what for many, will be a much safer environment on campus, where they can have access to the best available health, well-being and training support,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said.

The guidelines created by the medical advisory committee cover returning to campus; returning to an athletic facility; facility specific considerations; return to exercise and response to infection or presumed infection. The conference said each school will develop its own health and safety plan consistent with recommendation and local public health guidance.

(AP) Iowa State athletic director Jaime Pollard is telling Cyclones fans that football home games will be played at no more than 50% capacity at Jack Trice Stadium, pending a change in state and local health guidelines. That means no more than 30,000 fans.Pollard made the announcement in a letter posted to the ISU athletics website Tuesday.About 22,000 season tickets have been renewed, leaving about 8,000 seats to be filled. Fans not renewing their season tickets and making their Cyclone Club donation by June 12 won’t be allowed to attend games unless guidelines change and capacity can exceed 50%. Single-game tickets sales are unlikely unless capacity is increased.Season ticket holders who don’t renew for 2020 will continue to have first rights on their same seats for 2021. Season ticket holders who renew but later decide they aren’t comfortable attending games because of fear of coronavirus infection can request a refund or defer the purchase of their season tickets to the 2021 season.Pollard wrote that ISU will take measures to mitigate the risk to fans and announce them later.“After consulting with campus officials, we have concluded there is no reasonable way to guarantee that no one will contract the COVID-19 virus,” Pollard said. “Trying to adhere to a standard of absolute protection is simply not reasonable. We would either be held accountable for being far too restrictive or, more likely, not restrictive enough.”Pollard added, “It will ultimately be up to each attendee to decide whether they are comfortable attending games given the mitigation strategies we will implement. That decision will remain a personal choice that all attendees need to make.”PAC-12 allowing voluntary workouts to begin June 15The Pac-12 Conference said it’s allowing voluntary in-person workouts on campus for all sports beginning June 15, subject to the decision of each individual school and where allowed by local and state guidelines.The decision by Pac-12 leaders followed the announcement last week by the NCAA to permit schools to reopen for voluntary activities beginning June 1.The Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee created a series of guidelines and protocols for schools to follow once they decide to open for individual workouts.“As states have either already opened or begin to open up access to parks, gyms and other training facilities, student-athletes should have the option at this time to be in, what for many, will be a much safer environment on campus, where they can have access to the best available health, well-being and training support,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said.The guidelines created by the medical advisory committee cover returning to campus; returning to an athletic facility; facility specific considerations; return to exercise and response to infection or presumed infection. The conference said each school will develop its own health and safety plan consistent with recommendation and local public health guidance.

CFB: Iowa State AD says 30,000 fans can attend Cyclone games, likely no single-game sales

NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie at the major league minimum would keep about 47% of his original salary this year while multimillionaire stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose more than 77% under a sliding-scale proposal by big league teams that players found “extremely disappointing.” 

Major League Baseball made the proposal to the players’ union Tuesday rather than the 50-50 revenue-sharing plan that owners initially approved for their negotiators on May 11, several people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press. The union said “the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols” aimed at starting the coronavirus-delayed season around July 4.

NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie at the major league minimum would keep about 47% of his original salary this year while multimillionaire stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose more than 77% under a sliding-scale proposal by big league teams that players found “extremely disappointing.” Major League Baseball made the proposal to the players’ union Tuesday rather than the 50-50 revenue-sharing plan that owners initially approved for their negotiators on May 11, several people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press. The union said “the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols” aimed at starting the coronavirus-delayed season around July 4.

Sliding-scale salary proposal may be pushing baseball's start back further

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State College System will pay $900,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging Chadron State College failed to prevent dating violence that led to a softball player's 2015 suicide.

Chadron State also will conduct suicide training, review its policies, establish a scholarship in honor of Fatima Lissette Larios and maintain a memorial on campus commemorating her life, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/chadron-state-to-pay-900-000-in-settlement-of-title-ix-lawsuit/article_c41b20d0-bfd3-5b5a-88b4-a8d692fc4df3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.

According to the lawsuits, Larios was beaten and emotionally abused by her then-boyfriend for months, including during violent arguments in an on-campus dorm room that could be heard by others. The lawsuit said Larios' coaches also observed "suspicious bruising" and informed Chadron State's athletic director, who notified the campus Title IX office responsible for investigating instances of sexual and dating violence.

While the Title IX coordinator emailed Larios a copy of the college's policy on sexual violence and harassment and Larios discussed the situation with coaches, her parents' complaint alleged the college failed "to respond to reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment and attend to the needs of the student involved."

An attorney for the state college system, George Martin, said the school was confident that no wrongdoing would be proven in court but wanted to avoid costly attorneys' fees and court courts. He said another goal was to "bring closure to the family, employees of Chadron State College, and her classmates."

Larios' parents said in a statement that the memorial was "a fitting tribute to someone who lived life with passion, purpose and unyielding faith in the power of every person to have a positive impact on those around them."

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska State College System will pay $900,000 to settle two lawsuits alleging Chadron State College failed to prevent dating violence that led to a softball player's 2015 suicide.Chadron State also will conduct suicide training, review its policies, establish a scholarship in honor of Fatima Lissette Larios and maintain a memorial on campus commemorating her life, the Lincoln Journal Star&nbsp;<a href="https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/chadron-state-to-pay-900-000-in-settlement-of-title-ix-lawsuit/article_c41b20d0-bfd3-5b5a-88b4-a8d692fc4df3.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1" target="_blank">reported</a>.According to the lawsuits, Larios was beaten and emotionally abused by her then-boyfriend for months, including during violent arguments in an on-campus dorm room that could be heard by others. The lawsuit said Larios' coaches also observed "suspicious bruising" and informed Chadron State's athletic director, who notified the campus Title IX office responsible for investigating instances of sexual and dating violence.While the Title IX coordinator emailed Larios a copy of the college's policy on sexual violence and harassment and Larios discussed the situation with coaches, her parents' complaint alleged the college failed "to respond to reports of sexual violence or sexual harassment and attend to the needs of the student involved."An attorney for the state college system, George Martin, said the school was confident that no wrongdoing would be proven in court but wanted to avoid costly attorneys' fees and court courts. He said another goal was to "bring closure to the family, employees of Chadron State College, and her classmates."Larios' parents said in a statement that the memorial was "a fitting tribute to someone who lived life with passion, purpose and unyielding faith in the power of every person to have a positive impact on those around them."

Chadron State to pay $900K in settlement of Title IX lawsuit

So, Division II schools are being mandated to cap their football schedules at 10 games.&nbsp; That's going to cause a lot of changes nationwide, and Chadron State must lop-off a contest from its current 11-game slate.

What a disappointment.&nbsp; A gut-punch to the slow-building positive momentum we've been seeing for college football to return.

It's understandable to a degree though, seeing as the NCAA is trying to help maintain competitive balance while primarily looking out for the financial health of smaller colleges in relation to travel costs and road trips amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

As expected, CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith confirmed the CSC road games at Missouri S&amp;T and Western Oregon will be the first two considered for removal.&nbsp; 

Keep in mind however, the RMAC hasn't done anything different with its league schedule in response to the pandemic situation yet.&nbsp; So, if something prevents an RMAC team from playing this fall, or the league makes a change like the NCAA and lowers the number of RMAC games that schools play, CSC could theoretically keep both non-conference match-ups.&nbsp; I doubt that will be the case, but as we've learned throughout this entire pandemic things change by the hour, and the "I-never-would-have-thought" scenarios have actually come true.

That also got me thinking, since it's now governors and local leadership making primary decisions on opening up the economy, what about the possibility certain states can't play football because of the pandemic?

If that's the case this fall and the sport is essentially forced to end up with inter-conference schedules to fill out a season things could be pretty exciting in Nebraska...

Chadron State could end up kicking-off a game against UNK...&nbsp; How exciting would that be to get arguably the Eagles biggest rival on the gridiron one more time?!

What about Wayne State?&nbsp; The Eagles would face former offensive coordinator Logan Masters who went back to his Alma mater in the off-season to help build the Wildcats program he was once a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist for.

Think that's impossible to see this fall?&nbsp; It's not.&nbsp;&nbsp;

I asked Smith about it, and he confirmed the idea of scheduling those two schools, or say, Doane College or Nebraska Wesleyan (NAIA schools) has been discussed if in-state games are needed.

Plenty of major restrictions would have to fall in line for that to actually happen. UNK and WSU play in conferences that only hold games within their league borders, so the MIAA or NSIC would have to be forced into a situation where their teams couldn't play only in-house, or a state within those conferences would have to ban schools from play due to the pandemic.

I mean, at this point the desperation to get a season played is forcing athletic administrators and the NCAA to think way outside of the box, flex regulations, make emergency rulings, and may end up creating the craziest schedules we could ever see.

By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorSo, Division II schools are being mandated to cap their football schedules at 10 games.&nbsp; That's going to cause a lot of changes nationwide, and Chadron State must lop-off a contest from its current 11-game slate.What a disappointment.&nbsp; A gut-punch to the slow-building positive momentum we've been seeing for college football to return.It's understandable to a degree though, seeing as the NCAA is trying to help maintain competitive balance while primarily looking out for the financial health of smaller colleges in relation to travel costs and road trips amid the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.As expected, CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith confirmed the CSC road games at Missouri S&amp;T and Western Oregon will be the first two considered for removal.&nbsp; Keep in mind however, the RMAC hasn't done anything different with its league schedule in response to the pandemic situation yet.&nbsp; So, if something prevents an RMAC team from playing this fall, or the league makes a change like the NCAA and lowers the number of RMAC games that schools play, CSC could theoretically keep both non-conference match-ups.&nbsp; I doubt that will be the case, but as we've learned throughout this entire pandemic things change by the hour, and the "I-never-would-have-thought" scenarios have actually come true.That also got me thinking, since it's now governors and local leadership making primary decisions on opening up the economy, what about the possibility certain states can't play football because of the pandemic?If that's the case this fall and the sport is essentially forced to end up with inter-conference schedules to fill out a season things could be pretty exciting in Nebraska...Chadron State could end up kicking-off a game against UNK...&nbsp; How exciting would that be to get arguably the Eagles biggest rival on the gridiron one more time?!What about Wayne State?&nbsp; The Eagles would face former offensive coordinator Logan Masters who went back to his Alma mater in the off-season to help build the Wildcats program he was once a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist for.Think that's impossible to see this fall?&nbsp; It's not.&nbsp;&nbsp;I asked Smith about it, and he confirmed the idea of scheduling those two schools, or say, Doane College or Nebraska Wesleyan (NAIA schools) has been discussed if in-state games are needed.Plenty of major restrictions would have to fall in line for that to actually happen. UNK and WSU play in conferences that only hold games within their league borders, so the MIAA or NSIC would have to be forced into a situation where their teams couldn't play only in-house, or a state within those conferences would have to ban schools from play due to the pandemic.Could CSC play the Huskers?I mean, at this point the desperation to get a season played is forcing athletic administrators and the NCAA to think way outside of the box, flex regulations, make emergency rulings, and may end up creating the craziest schedules we could ever see.

Chadron State taking on rival UNK? We just might see it this fall

The Nebraska Athletic Executive Committee has given the go-ahead for American Legion Baseball to be played in Nebraska this summer. The announcement was made Wednesday on the Nebraska American Legion Baseball (NALB) website.  Nebraska has already cancelled the Area and State, Junior and Senior Legion Tournaments for this year, but this will allow regular season games to be played.   

The NALB  recommends that all Nebraska American Legion Baseball teams follow local, State and Federal health guidelines, and participation is completly voluntary.  Teams will need to follow the new registration and insurance procedure and the rule book will be updated outlining the new guidelines regarding physical distancing, equipment use, field use and spectators. 

On May 11, Governor Pete Ricketts eased the restrictions regarding baseball and softball, to allow practices beginning June 1 and games starting June 18.&nbsp; Teams will be allowed to schedule games through July 31.

The Alliance First National Bank-Omaha, Spartan Junior and Senior legion teams are planning to play a full schedule of games.. as allowed. General Manager, Marty Dean says games will begin on June 18 and run through August 1....&nbsp; " We will stay within the guidelines that have been set forth by the CDC, Governor, City of Alliance and the American Legion. As per the guidelines set forth by the Governor,&nbsp; we regret to inform our community that we will only be allowed to let player’s household members in to watch through the end of June,&nbsp; if this changes, we will allow spectators as the guidelines allow....also we will not be charging a gate fee this year".&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The Alliance Spartans Board has also decided to cancel our Enchilada Fundraiser....we thank you for your support."&nbsp; If you have purchased enchiladas,&nbsp; you should be contacted by a player or parent in the next week. We will refund your money if requested,&nbsp;otherwise the funds will be used to carry out the season.&nbsp; Please let me know or the player you purchased from by June 10th so we have adequate time to budget for the season."...&nbsp; "The Spartan players are also selling the&nbsp;Bull pen raffle tickets. We will hold the raffle even if our season is cancelled with more prizes to give back to those who support us.....Remember this is a time to support our local businesses as they provide much needed support in our communities for youth activities. Buy local to support those who support us."&nbsp;

KCOW Radio is currently making arrangements to broadcast a number of games this season. Once the schedule is finalized, we will announce our broadcast schedule. The team will also show some games on facebook live.&nbsp; For additional updates check...alliancespartans.com

By: Mike GlesingerThe Nebraska Athletic Executive Committee has given the go-ahead for American Legion Baseball to be played in Nebraska this summer. The announcement was made Wednesday on the Nebraska American Legion Baseball (NALB) website. Nebraska has already cancelled the Area and State, Junior and Senior Legion Tournaments for this year, but this will allow regular season games to be played. The NALB recommends that all Nebraska American Legion Baseball teams follow local, State and Federal health guidelines, and participation is completly voluntary. Teams will need to follow the new registration and insurance procedure and the rule book will be updated outlining the new guidelines regarding physical distancing, equipment use, field use and spectators. On May 11, Governor Pete Ricketts eased the restrictions regarding baseball and softball, to allow practices beginning June 1 and games starting June 18.&nbsp; Teams will be allowed to schedule games through July 31.The Alliance First National Bank-Omaha, Spartan Junior and Senior legion teams are planning to play a full schedule of games.. as allowed. General Manager, Marty Dean says games will begin on June 18 and run through August 1....&nbsp; " We will stay within the guidelines that have been set forth by the CDC, Governor, City of Alliance and the American Legion. As per the guidelines set forth by the Governor,&nbsp; we regret to inform our community that we will only be allowed to let player’s household members in to watch through the end of June,&nbsp; if this changes, we will allow spectators as the guidelines allow....also we will not be charging a gate fee this year".&nbsp;&nbsp;"The Alliance Spartans Board has also decided to cancel our Enchilada Fundraiser....we thank you for your support."&nbsp; If you have purchased enchiladas,&nbsp; you should be contacted by a player or parent in the next week. We will refund your money if requested,&nbsp;otherwise the funds will be used to carry out the season.&nbsp; Please let me know or the player you purchased from by June 10th so we have adequate time to budget for the season."...&nbsp; "The Spartan players are also selling the&nbsp;Bull pen raffle tickets. We will hold the raffle even if our season is cancelled with more prizes to give back to those who support us.....Remember this is a time to support our local businesses as they provide much needed support in our communities for youth activities. Buy local to support those who support us."&nbsp;KCOW Radio is currently making arrangements to broadcast a number of games this season. Once the schedule is finalized, we will announce our broadcast schedule. The team will also show some games on facebook live.&nbsp; For additional updates check...alliancespartans.com

Nebraska American Legion gives go-ahead for regular season baseball-Updated

All the old cliche's can be used to sum up the 2019-20 school year..."what if?"..."what might have been"..."who would have thought...."..."never in a million years did I think...." and any more we can think of. 

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and school was suspended on March 16, not only did we lose the entire spring season, but this years Seniors were denied the chance to finish the year with a graduation ceremony, prom, music concerts, academic honors and athletic competitions.&nbsp; But despite the unfortunate events, The Bulldog Student/Athletes celebrated a lot of achievments with a digital Banquet.&nbsp; 

AHS Activities Director, Anita James summed up the year in her remarks....."I know none of us thought the year would end this way, it is disappointing and I’m sad for our students and coaches who didn’t get the opportunity to experience the spring sports season, but we also have to celebrate what we did get to experience this year"......"I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it takes awhile for that reason to sink in or come about, but I believe that things, people, events, and moments come and go in our lives for a reason. We missed some important days over these past few months...and&nbsp;like many of you I wondered why, why is this all happening?"......."If there is anything we’ve learned throughout this whole 9 months, it’s that we can’t buy more time, our life as we live it, goes by so fast you can’t stop it, you most certainly can’t go back, and yes, fate has other plans. So, if you’re sitting there thinking about any regrets or doubts you have about this past year, I challenge you to do something about it. What are you going to do from this moment on.... What are you going to do to be the best Bulldog you can be? "...."It’s hard to explain it, but we’ve created some amazing opportunities for our students and I can’t wait to see what is in store for our activities in the years to come. Seniors I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, underclassmen, we will see you next fall and we will continue to build upon the legacy of the Alliance Bulldogs!&nbsp; &nbsp;

The following awards were presented on Tuesday, May 19.

Honorary A-Club Member 2019-2020....&nbsp; Jon &amp; Sandra Sperl

Charles J. Sherlock Senior Citizen Booster Award......Robert &amp; Rita Moravek

Outstanding A-Club Member...Joel Baker, Laykin Sperl, Lilli Otto, Colter Mann

Mike Garwood Memorial Scholarship....Payton Weber and Joel Baker	                

Western Conference Student Activities Scholarship.. Khloë Felker

3D Sports Award......Jordan Hopp, Payton Weber

Western Conference Scholar Athletes.....Brock Brass....Caeson Clarke....Crayten Cyza....Parker Dahlberg....Khloe Felker....Erik Folchert....Payten Gibsen....Olivia Knapp....Taylor Manion...Lillie Otto.....Payton Weber

Girl Athlete of the Year....Payton Weber	

A-Club Officers for 2020-21:&nbsp; &nbsp; President: Caeson Clarke, Vice President: Crayten Cyza,&nbsp; Sect/Tres: Caisey Pfeiffer,&nbsp; Sergeant-at-Arms: Keeley Mazanec

The Head Coaches from each sport presented their team awards;

			Mr. Bulldog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Folchert

			Trench Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colter Mann

			Fox Hole Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Folchert

			Scout Team Player of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waylon Cash

			Offensive MVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor DuBray

			Defensive MVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Folchert

Career Passing 3011 Yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor DuBray

Career Sacks 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bradyn Palmer

Omaha World Herald All-Class Honorable Mention

Lincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable Mention

Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star Game

NSAA NCPA Academic All-State : Sydney Allard, Regan Lambert

Lincoln Journal Star Academic All-State : Julia Carlson, Regan Lambert

Senior letter winners: *Chance Crowe				*Devin&nbsp; Garcia				*Kirk Sanders

By: Mike GlesingerAll the old cliche's can be used to sum up the 2019-20 school year..."what if?"..."what might have been"..."who would have thought...."..."never in a million years did I think...." and any more we can think of. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and school was suspended on March 16, not only did we lose the entire spring season, but this years Seniors were denied the chance to finish the year with a graduation ceremony, prom, music concerts, academic honors and athletic competitions.&nbsp; But despite the unfortunate events, The Bulldog Student/Athletes celebrated a lot of achievments with a digital Banquet.&nbsp; AHS Activities Director, Anita James summed up the year in her remarks....."I know none of us thought the year would end this way, it is disappointing and I’m sad for our students and coaches who didn’t get the opportunity to experience the spring sports season, but we also have to celebrate what we did get to experience this year"......"I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it takes awhile for that reason to sink in or come about, but I believe that things, people, events, and moments come and go in our lives for a reason. We missed some important days over these past few months...and&nbsp;like many of you I wondered why, why is this all happening?"......."If there is anything we’ve learned throughout this whole 9 months, it’s that we can’t buy more time, our life as we live it, goes by so fast you can’t stop it, you most certainly can’t go back, and yes, fate has other plans. So, if you’re sitting there thinking about any regrets or doubts you have about this past year, I challenge you to do something about it. What are you going to do from this moment on.... What are you going to do to be the best Bulldog you can be? "...."It’s hard to explain it, but we’ve created some amazing opportunities for our students and I can’t wait to see what is in store for our activities in the years to come. Seniors I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, underclassmen, we will see you next fall and we will continue to build upon the legacy of the Alliance Bulldogs!&nbsp; &nbsp;The following awards were presented on Tuesday, May 19.Honorary A-Club Member 2019-2020....&nbsp; Jon &amp; Sandra SperlCharles J. Sherlock Senior Citizen Booster Award......Robert &amp; Rita MoravekOutstanding A-Club Member...Joel Baker, Laykin Sperl, Lilli Otto, Colter MannA-Club Scholarship.....Laykin SperlMike Garwood Memorial Scholarship....Payton Weber and Joel Baker	 Western Conference Student Activities Scholarship.. Khloë Felker3D Sports Award......Jordan Hopp, Payton WeberWestern Conference Scholar Athletes.....Brock Brass....Caeson Clarke....Crayten Cyza....Parker Dahlberg....Khloe Felker....Erik Folchert....Payten Gibsen....Olivia Knapp....Taylor Manion...Lillie Otto.....Payton WeberGirl Athlete of the Year....Payton Weber	Boy Athlete of the Year....Trevor DuBrayA-Club Officers for 2020-21:&nbsp; &nbsp; President: Caeson Clarke, Vice President: Crayten Cyza,&nbsp; Sect/Tres: Caisey Pfeiffer,&nbsp; Sergeant-at-Arms: Keeley MazanecThe Head Coaches from each sport presented their team awards;Football: Chris SeebohmIndividual Special Honors			Mr. Bulldog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Folchert			Trench Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colter Mann			Fox Hole Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik Folchert			Scout Team Player of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waylon Cash			Offensive MVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor DuBray			Defensive MVP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erik FolchertNSAA NCPA Academic All - StateWaylon CashErik FolchertLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateErik FolchertSchool RecordsCareer Passing 3011 Yards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor DuBrayCareer Sacks 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bradyn PalmerVolleyball: Jessica KaiserVolleyball AwardsSaphina AchiJV : Most SpiritedBilli AlvaradoOmaha World Herald All-Class Honorable MentionWestern Conference Honorable MentionAmauri BrowningOmaha World Herald All-Class Honorable MentionVarsity : Most ImprovedShelbee BurkeJV : Most Valuable PlayerSharyce DuBrayReserve : Most InspirationalKhloë FelkerOmaha World Herald All-Class Honorable MentionNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateBelievers &amp; Achievers AwardVarsity : PerseveranceLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateJordan HoppOmaha World Herald All-Class Second TeamLincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable MentionVarsity : Most Valuable PlayerWestern Conference All ConferenceNebraska Coaches Association All-Star GameSchool Record : 407 Career BlocksPeyton KindredReserve : Most ImprovedOlivia KnappJV : Most InspirationalKenna MontesReserve : Most Valuable PlayerLillian OttoSenior AwardNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateBelievers &amp; Achievers AwardVarsity : Team CaptainLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateLeyton SchnellJV : Most Valuable PlayerCameron TritleOmaha World Herald All-Class Honorable MentionVarsity : Most InspirationalPayton WeberOmaha World Herald All-Class Honorable MentionVarsity : Most Valuable PlayerWestern Conference Honorable MentionVarsity : Team CaptainEmma WoodJV : Most ImprovedGirls Golf: Berlyn ClearTeam AwardsMost Improved : Donna LeMunyanNSAA NCPA Academic All-State : Sydney Allard, Regan LambertLowest Season Average : Morgan YoungLincoln Journal Star Academic All-State : Julia Carlson, Regan LambertBoys Tennis: Scott MillsSenior letter winners: *Chance Crowe				*Devin&nbsp; Garcia				*Kirk SandersCross Country: Nate LanikNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateBrock Brass, Shelby CarrJournal Star Academic All-StateBrock Brass, Dianna KollarsSpecial HonorsBest Teammate : Laykin SperlMost Improved Runner : Gabriel SandersHardest Worker : Dianna KollarsMost Valuable Runner : Alec GarciaSoftball: Carlos PalomoSoftball AwardsJaycee AcostaVarsity : Most Valuable PlayerKylie AdamsBlue CollarValeria CarilloMost Improved PlayerAubrey GarrettNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateClutch Performer of the YearSchool Record : Career RBI 95School Record : 2B in a Season 11 (2019)School Record : Single Season Hits 42School Record : Single Season Batting Average .519School Record : Single Season Home Run 8School Record : Career Home Run 16Emily GarzaMost Improved PlayerBrianna HustonNewcomer of the YearTaylor ManionNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateDefensive Player of the YearMost Improved PlayerShaylee MessersmithMost Improved PlayerMorgan MoomeyJV : Most Valuable PlayerBrandi SeebohmClutch Player of the YearCeleste Whitwer&nbsp;Biggest Darrell AwardWrestling: Nick MyersState Placers/QualifiersMatthew Escamilla : 195 #Asa Johnson : 138 #Jaxon Minnick : 132 #Outstanding WrestlerAsa JohnsonMost Improved WrestlerJaxon Minnick“Relentless” Bulldog AwardHunter KlinkermanHardest WorkerMatthew EscamillaGirls Basketball: Dr. Troy UnzickerPost Season AwardsShelbee BurkeWestern Conference Honorable MentionNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateJV : Team CaptainJV : Most Valuable PlayerJV : Best TeammateVarsity : 6th ManDelany ChildersFreshman : Miss HustleFreshman : 6th ManAngie DavisVarsity : Miss HustleLuna GonzalezJV : Miss HustleDezyrae HaumannFreshman : Most ImprovedJordan HoppWestern Conference Honorable MentionBrianna HustonFreshman : 6th ManKeeley MazanecJV : Team CaptainKenna MontesFreshman : Team CaptainFreshman : Most Valuable PlayerFreshman : Miss HustleFreshman : Best TeammateBraelyn ShrewsburyJV : Most ImprovedBailey StarkFreshman : Team CaptainJV : 6th ManCameron TritleVarsity : Team CaptainPayton WeberWestern Conference All ConferenceNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateVarsity : Team CaptainVarsity : Most Valuable PlayerVarsity : Miss HustleVarsity : Best TeammateLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateHaley WeareFreshman : Miss DefenseEmma WoodJV : Miss DefenseJV : Miss HustleBoys Basketball: Michael Baker Post Season AwardsJoel BakerLincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable MentionOmaha World Herald 2nd Team All-StateWestern Conference All ConferenceNebraska Coaches Association All-Star GamePanhandle Prep All-Star GameNSAA NCPA Academic All-State1000 Point Career ScorerLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateCaeson ClarkeOmaha World Herald All- State Honorable MentionWestern Conference All ConferenceLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateTrevor DuBrayLincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable MentionOmaha World Herald All-State Honorable MentionWestern Conference Honorable MentionKaden KindredOmaha World Herald All-State Honorable MentionWestern Conference Honorable MentionPanhandle Prep All-Star GameBradyn PalmerLincoln Journal Star All- State Honorable MentionOmaha World Herald All-State Honorable MentionWestern Conference All ConferencePanhandle Prep All-Star GameCollin SchrawyerNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateUnified Bowling: Joe and Laura MangasSpecial HonorsMost Improved : Noah DrewMost Dependable : Dylan SwardBlack Diamond : Tyler JensenRising Star : Ian HutsonTeam Spirit : Ian Gomez7-10 Split : Chance CroweMost Valuable Player : Alesha FortnerRookie of the Year : Moises GarzaCheerleading: Danielle SwansonSpecial HonorsNCA Top All-American . . Maycee QuickNCA All-American Team . . Dianna Kollars, Brionna Schafer, Maycee QuickMost School Spirit .. . .Chloe Blumanthal, Calysta TrevinoMost Encouraging . . . . . Riley Lawrence, Carly TschacherOutstanding Leadership&nbsp; . . . . . . . Crystal Garza, Kaitlyn SchulzeSharpest Cheerleader. . . . . Riley Lawrence, Calysta TrevinoOutstanding Voice Projection&nbsp; . . . . . .Emmerae Korte, Calysta TrevinoBrightest Smile. . . . . . .Dianna Kollars, Vicenta FloodBest Jumper. . . . .&nbsp; Maycee Quick, Maribel CarilloMost Improved. . . . . . . . . . Kaitlyn SchulzeAll-Around Cheerleader&nbsp; .. . Maycee QuickBoys Golf: Matt WhitneySenior letter winners:&nbsp;&nbsp;*Aaron Farritor				*Cameron WoodNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateIsaac Weems, Cameron WoodGirls Tennis: Scott MillsSenior letter winners:&nbsp;&nbsp;*Jo Flood					*Alysha Gunn				*Taylor Manion *Kali SteggallNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateKaylie Bolinger, Emmerae KorteGirls &amp; Boys Track...Unified Track: Nate LanikNSAA NCPA Academic All-StateBrock Brass, Erik Folchert, Lillie Otto, Payton WeberLincoln Journal Star Academic All-StateBrock Brass, Erik Folchert, Diana Kollars, Payton WeberSpecial note...*Due to Covid 19, All Seniors who participated in spring sports will receive a sports letter. Spring Sport athletes earned a letter based on the 2018-2019 season. If they letter last year and participated this year, they earned a letter. Athletes who participated the 2019-2020 season will have the chance to earn a letter retroactively if they participate and earn a letter in the 2020-2021 season. If they earn a letter in the&nbsp; 2020-2021 season they will earn one for the 2019-2020 season.To check the complete program go to&nbsp; alliancebulldogs.org

AHS, A-Club awards presented for 2019-20

Chadron State's football schedule will be trimmed by one game.

The move is a mandate by the NCAA that was put in place by the Division II Presidents Council Tuesday after being recommended by the Division II Management Council last week. It changes the minimum and maximum number of games teams can play this fall.

According to our source Tuesday night the minimum number of football games a school must play to be considered for the postseason is seven, while the maximum is now ten, down from 11.

CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith confirmed the change Wednesday morning and says CSC plans to play the new maximum - ten games - unless budgets get severely cut, in which other games could be in jeopardy.

Chadron State currently has an 11-game football schedule with nine RMAC and two non-conference games - at Missouri S&amp;T in Week 2 and at Western Oregon in November.

As expected, Smith confirmed that one of the two non-conference games will be the first options of games that will be canceled. 

The Missouri S&amp;T and Western Oregon games are the two longest road trips, likely bear the heaviest costs to the school, and simply aren't in-conference, which makes them options A and B.&nbsp; Smith says CSC will not drop a conference game before a non-conference opponent.

But, there are still unknowns that could change today's outlook as schools across Division II begin working under the new schedule rule.&nbsp; 

The virus has significantly impacted Colorado more than Nebraska and South Dakota among the RMAC landscape.&nbsp; Could the RMAC schedule end up getting re-worked in some fashion?

Smith said the RMAC hasn't had that discussion yet, but "it's probably coming."

So, it's still possible that if the RMAC makes scheduling changes, or if a school has a COVID-19 situation and can't play at some point during the season the Eagles could potentially keep both non-conference games because that RMAC contest would need to be canceled out of necessity.

We'll stay on top of it and let you know how the schedule changes unfold.&nbsp; 

For now, sadly we know one thing for sure, COVID-19 is shaving the schedule from 11 to 10 games.

By: Dave Collins, Sports DirectorChadron State's football schedule will be trimmed by one game.The move is a mandate by the NCAA that was put in place by the Division II Presidents Council Tuesday after being recommended by the Division II Management Council last week. It changes the minimum and maximum number of games teams can play this fall.According to our source Tuesday night the minimum number of football games a school must play to be considered for the postseason is seven, while the maximum is now ten, down from 11.CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith confirmed the change Wednesday morning and says CSC plans to play the new maximum - ten games - unless budgets get severely cut, in which other games could be in jeopardy.Chadron State currently has an 11-game football schedule with nine RMAC and two non-conference games - at Missouri S&amp;T in Week 2 and at Western Oregon in November.As expected, Smith confirmed that one of the two non-conference games will be the first options of games that will be canceled. The Missouri S&amp;T and Western Oregon games are the two longest road trips, likely bear the heaviest costs to the school, and simply aren't in-conference, which makes them options A and B.&nbsp; Smith says CSC will not drop a conference game before a non-conference opponent.<figure>
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 </figure>But, there are still unknowns that could change today's outlook as schools across Division II begin working under the new schedule rule.&nbsp; The virus has significantly impacted Colorado more than Nebraska and South Dakota among the RMAC landscape.&nbsp; Could the RMAC schedule end up getting re-worked in some fashion?Smith said the RMAC hasn't had that discussion yet, but "it's probably coming."So, it's still possible that if the RMAC makes scheduling changes, or if a school has a COVID-19 situation and can't play at some point during the season the Eagles could potentially keep both non-conference games because that RMAC contest would need to be canceled out of necessity.We'll stay on top of it and let you know how the schedule changes unfold.&nbsp; For now, sadly we know one thing for sure, COVID-19 is shaving the schedule from 11 to 10 games.

Chadron State football schedule forced to drop from 11 to 10 games

Presidents Council to consider varied reductions to maximums, 33% reductions to minimums

The NCAA Division II Management Council on Friday voted to recommend the Division II Presidents Council reduce the maximum number of permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each sport’s reduction to its maximum in the recommendation varies. The Presidents Council, which meets by videoconference Tuesday, will consider the recommendation and make the final decision.&nbsp;

The Management Council also voted to recommend the Presidents Council take action to reduce both the minimum number of contests for Division II championships selection and for sports sponsorship by 33% for the upcoming academic year.

All three of the Management Council’s recommendations from its videoconference meeting came after considering feedback from several leadership groups, Division II governance committees and two surveys of the division’s leadership.

In April, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association conducted a survey in which nearly 95% of the division’s athletics directors participated. From the survey, the Division II CCA put forward the initial proposal to reduce minimums and maximums. The proposal was brought to the Division II Championships Committee, Membership Committee, Legislation Committee and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for their discussion and recommendations.

The Management Council also considered the results of a Division II membership survey, specific to reducing maximums, that 435 division leaders responded to earlier this week. The survey was taken by 258 athletics directors, 154 presidents and chancellors, and 23 conference commissioners. Roughly 85% of the survey respondents said they supported some form of reduction to the maximum permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year.

“These decisions are extremely difficult to make, but the feedback from across Division II and our committees was vital in guiding the Management Council,” said Chris Graham, commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and chair of the Management Council. “As many schools face financial struggles, and some have started to cut sports entirely due to COVID-19, it was imperative to provide scheduling flexibility in Division II while maintaining competitive equity and continuing to give student-athletes the opportunities they deserve to compete in NCAA championships.” &nbsp;

The Management Council voted to recommend to the Presidents Council that men’s and women’s basketball teams may not exempt two contests played as part of a conference challenge event or games played in the Tip-Off Classic for the 2020-21 academic year. Typically, schools can exempt these contests.

Additionally, the Management Council voted to recommend discretionary exemptions, such as scrimmages and exhibitions, against non-Division II four-year schools remain exempt against maximum contest totals. The council also recommended that no reductions be implemented for maximums for National Collegiate Championship sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey for the 2020-21 academic year.

Sport by sport recommended maximums for the 2020-21 academic year only:

Women’s rowing is the lone exception to the recommended 33% reduction to minimums for championships selection, which would set their minimums at three contests. Rowing’s minimum requirement instead was decreased from five to four contests. The rationale behind rowing’s exception was that a team could conceivably compete three times in one weekend, as one race equals one contest. The increase ensures teams must compete on at least two weekends to be selected for the Division II championship.

The recommendation for a 33% reduction to the minimums for sports sponsorship include all Division II sports, including National Collegiate Championships sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey.

<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-management-council-recommends-lowering-contest-maximums-minimums-2020-21">NCAA.org</a>&nbsp;release

<h2>Presidents Council to consider varied reductions to maximums, 33% reductions to minimums</h2>By Corbin McGuire | NCAAThe NCAA Division II Management Council on Friday voted to recommend the Division II Presidents Council reduce the maximum number of permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.Each sport’s reduction to its maximum in the recommendation varies. The Presidents Council, which meets by videoconference Tuesday, will consider the recommendation and make the final decision.&nbsp;The Management Council also voted to recommend the Presidents Council take action to reduce both the minimum number of contests for Division II championships selection and for sports sponsorship by 33% for the upcoming academic year.All three of the Management Council’s recommendations from its videoconference meeting came after considering feedback from several leadership groups, Division II governance committees and two surveys of the division’s leadership.In April, the Division II Conference Commissioners Association conducted a survey in which nearly 95% of the division’s athletics directors participated. From the survey, the Division II CCA put forward the initial proposal to reduce minimums and maximums. The proposal was brought to the Division II Championships Committee, Membership Committee, Legislation Committee and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for their discussion and recommendations.The Management Council also considered the results of a Division II membership survey, specific to reducing maximums, that 435 division leaders responded to earlier this week. The survey was taken by 258 athletics directors, 154 presidents and chancellors, and 23 conference commissioners. Roughly 85% of the survey respondents said they supported some form of reduction to the maximum permissible contests for the 2020-21 academic year.“These decisions are extremely difficult to make, but the feedback from across Division II and our committees was vital in guiding the Management Council,” said Chris Graham, commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and chair of the Management Council. “As many schools face financial struggles, and some have started to cut sports entirely due to COVID-19, it was imperative to provide scheduling flexibility in Division II while maintaining competitive equity and continuing to give student-athletes the opportunities they deserve to compete in NCAA championships.” &nbsp;<h2>Maximums Notes</h2>The Management Council voted to recommend to the Presidents Council that men’s and women’s basketball teams may not exempt two contests played as part of a conference challenge event or games played in the Tip-Off Classic for the 2020-21 academic year. Typically, schools can exempt these contests.Additionally, the Management Council voted to recommend discretionary exemptions, such as scrimmages and exhibitions, against non-Division II four-year schools remain exempt against maximum contest totals. The council also recommended that no reductions be implemented for maximums for National Collegiate Championship sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey for the 2020-21 academic year.Sport by sport recommended maximums for the 2020-21 academic year only:<ol>
 <li>Baseball: 40</li><li>Women’s basketball: 22</li><li>Men’s basketball: 22</li><li>Cross country: 6</li><li>Field hockey: 14</li><li>Football: 10</li><li>Men’s golf: 16</li><li>Women’s golf: 16</li><li>Men’s lacrosse: 13</li><li>Women’s lacrosse: 13</li><li>Women’s rowing: 14</li><li>Men’s soccer: 14</li><li>Women’s soccer: 14</li><li>Softball: 44</li><li>Swimming and diving: 12</li><li>Men’s tennis: 17</li><li>Women’s tennis: 17</li><li>Indoor track and field: 14</li><li>Outdoor track and field: 14</li><li>Women’s volleyball: 20</li><li>Men’s wrestling: 12</li>
 </ol><h2>Minimums Notes</h2>Women’s rowing is the lone exception to the recommended 33% reduction to minimums for championships selection, which would set their minimums at three contests. Rowing’s minimum requirement instead was decreased from five to four contests. The rationale behind rowing’s exception was that a team could conceivably compete three times in one weekend, as one race equals one contest. The increase ensures teams must compete on at least two weekends to be selected for the Division II championship.The recommendation for a 33% reduction to the minimums for sports sponsorship include all Division II sports, including National Collegiate Championships sports, emerging sports and Division II men’s ice hockey.<a href="https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/dii-management-council-recommends-lowering-contest-maximums-minimums-2020-21">NCAA.org</a>&nbsp;release

NCAA DII Management Council recommends lowering contest maximums, minimums for 2020-21



CHADRON, Neb. -- May 14, 2020 --&nbsp;Final grades are in for the 2019-20 Chadron State College academic year, and CSC student athletes performed exceptionally well, according to grade information compiled by the athletics compliance office on Thursday.

In summary, the student-athlete body collectively scored a 3.08 out of 4.00 annual grade point average, good for more than a B average. Additionally, a quarter of the collegians had straight-As. 

A couple of programs could be in contention for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Brechler Awards, given to the team in each league sport with the highest grades.

The top team GPA this year went to the women's golf program, coached by&nbsp;Dr. John Ritzen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dr. Willie Hoffman. The ladies crushed it this year with a 3.83 GPA, and they also had one of the best seasons, while shortened, in program history. All nine members had at least a 3.0, including seven with perfect grades. By comparison Fort Lewis, the Brechler winner in 2018-19, earned a 3.57.

Women's cross country was next-best with a 3.49. They were followed closely by the top team sport, volleyball, with a 3.47, edging women's basketball at 3.46.' Women's track and field, which includes the distance runners, had a 3.40.

The biggest improvement between semesters made by any program was found in men's rodeo, which started with a 2.85 in the fall, but finished with a 3.70 in the spring to average 3.24 for the year.

The Eagles football team, Brechler winners in four of the first seven years the award has been offered, earned a 3.03 GPA. Each of the past three times the program has topped 3.00, it was the best in the RMAC.

Next to golf, softball made the biggest jump from last years grades, for women's sports. The team's 3.13 was a tenth higher than its 3.03 in 2018-19.

Among men's sports, track and wrestling saw the greatest improvement year over year. Track and field gained 0.16 to finish at 2.79, while the wrestlers improved from 2.83 to 2.88 in 2019-20. More than half of both teams carried a 3.00 throughout the year.

The men's basketball program saw half its 18 members earn a 3.00 or better, finishing the spring semester with an annual GPA of 2.78.

The league's team academic superlatives are typically announced in June of each year, and the teams are recognized with a plaque at the annual awards ceremony over the summer.



By: CSC Athletics

CHADRON, Neb. -- May 14, 2020 --&nbsp;Final grades are in for the 2019-20 Chadron State College academic year, and CSC student athletes performed exceptionally well, according to grade information compiled by the athletics compliance office on Thursday.In summary, the student-athlete body collectively scored a 3.08 out of 4.00 annual grade point average, good for more than a B average. Additionally, a quarter of the collegians had straight-As. A couple of programs could be in contention for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Brechler Awards, given to the team in each league sport with the highest grades.The top team GPA this year went to the women's golf program, coached by&nbsp;Dr. John Ritzen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dr. Willie Hoffman. The ladies crushed it this year with a 3.83 GPA, and they also had one of the best seasons, while shortened, in program history. All nine members had at least a 3.0, including seven with perfect grades. By comparison Fort Lewis, the Brechler winner in 2018-19, earned a 3.57.Women's cross country was next-best with a 3.49. They were followed closely by the top team sport, volleyball, with a 3.47, edging women's basketball at 3.46.' Women's track and field, which includes the distance runners, had a 3.40.The biggest improvement between semesters made by any program was found in men's rodeo, which started with a 2.85 in the fall, but finished with a 3.70 in the spring to average 3.24 for the year.The Eagles football team, Brechler winners in four of the first seven years the award has been offered, earned a 3.03 GPA. Each of the past three times the program has topped 3.00, it was the best in the RMAC.Next to golf, softball made the biggest jump from last years grades, for women's sports. The team's 3.13 was a tenth higher than its 3.03 in 2018-19.Among men's sports, track and wrestling saw the greatest improvement year over year. Track and field gained 0.16 to finish at 2.79, while the wrestlers improved from 2.83 to 2.88 in 2019-20. More than half of both teams carried a 3.00 throughout the year.The men's basketball program saw half its 18 members earn a 3.00 or better, finishing the spring semester with an annual GPA of 2.78.The league's team academic superlatives are typically announced in June of each year, and the teams are recognized with a plaque at the annual awards ceremony over the summer.

Eagle sports soar in academic year, grades will be among best in RMAC

Former Husker quarterback and Bishop Neumann High School star Noah Vedral has announced his transfer destination:

Story thumbnail photo credit: Noah Vedral Twitter account

Former Husker quarterback and Bishop Neumann High School star Noah Vedral has announced his transfer destination:<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am all in! Can’t wait to join the F.A.M.I.L.Y. and get to work! <a href="https://twitter.com/Coach__Gleeson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Coach__Gleeson</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GregSchiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregSchiano</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHOP</a>🪓 <a href="https://t.co/UWkZfwIQNc">pic.twitter.com/UWkZfwIQNc</a>&mdash; ⚡Noah Vedral⚡ (@Noah11_V) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noah11_V/status/1260562648455938049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Story thumbnail photo credit: Noah Vedral Twitter account

Husker QB transferring to Big Ten school

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish authorities have arrested a former top-tier soccer player who confessed to killing his 5-year-old son while the boy was being treated in hospital on suspicion of a COVID-19 infection. Cevher Toktas handed himself in to police and confessed to having smothered his son with a pillow on May 4. 

The boy’s death was initially not believed to be suspicious, although he tested negative for COVID-19. 

His body has been exhumed for an autopsy as part of the investigation, Anadolu reported. 

Toktas told police that he tried to suffocate his son because he did not love him, Turkish media reported.

Associated PressANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish authorities have arrested a former top-tier soccer player who confessed to killing his 5-year-old son while the boy was being treated in hospital on suspicion of a COVID-19 infection. Cevher Toktas handed himself in to police and confessed to having smothered his son with a pillow on May 4. The boy’s death was initially not believed to be suspicious, although he tested negative for COVID-19. His body has been exhumed for an autopsy as part of the investigation, Anadolu reported. Toktas told police that he tried to suffocate his son because he did not love him, Turkish media reported.