&nbsp; Nebraska offensive coordinator&nbsp;Matt Lubick&nbsp;met with members of the media following day five of fall camp Wednesday. Lubick spoke on Wednesday's practice and the focus of fall camp.&nbsp; "We were happy with today," Lubick said of the Huskers' return to practice after the team had Tuesday off. "It is always a big concern when guys take a day off. Just getting that sense of urgency and snapping right back into it. We were happy. Far from perfect but the intent was there and the mindset was there which is what we were looking for." Lubick discussed what he is looking for from offensive players during fall camp, specifically at the running back position. "Consistency," he said. "And that's not just at running back. That's every position. Who can we count on to do the right assignment? We ask our right and left backs to do a lot. We ask our pass protection to run down the middle. We ask them to catch balls. So who can do that the best on a consistent basis? And that's really every position. That's the quarterback. That's the offensive line. And that's the receivers as well."&nbsp; Lubick also commented on the strength of the tight end position, which the media noted drew the attention of NFL scouts during the portion of practice open to the media. "The NFL scouts should be looking at those guys," Lubick said. "I think my last year at Oregon we had three tight ends that all went to the NFL. These are the best two (Austin Allen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Travis Vokolek) I have ever been around from consistency, leadership and just the way they practice. (Tight ends) Coach&nbsp; (Sean) Beckton does a great job with them. They are making plays. We ask a lot from our tight ends because they have to be the point of attack in the run game but we also split them out as wide receivers. And they have to be able to make plays in the passing game. So it is a lot on them mentally and physically, and they have done great. They are leaders of our football team. The way they lead by example and how hard they practice is contagious and spreads to other guys." The Huskers will return to the practice field Thursday morning for their sixth day of fall camp.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628174409499.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: NU Athletic Media Relations&nbsp; Nebraska offensive coordinator&nbsp;Matt Lubick&nbsp;met with members of the media following day five of fall camp Wednesday. Lubick spoke on Wednesday's practice and the focus of fall camp.&nbsp; "We were happy with today," Lubick said of the Huskers' return to practice after the team had Tuesday off. "It is always a big concern when guys take a day off. Just getting that sense of urgency and snapping right back into it. We were happy. Far from perfect but the intent was there and the mindset was there which is what we were looking for." Lubick discussed what he is looking for from offensive players during fall camp, specifically at the running back position. "Consistency," he said. "And that's not just at running back. That's every position. Who can we count on to do the right assignment? We ask our right and left backs to do a lot. We ask our pass protection to run down the middle. We ask them to catch balls. So who can do that the best on a consistent basis? And that's really every position. That's the quarterback. That's the offensive line. And that's the receivers as well."&nbsp; Lubick also commented on the strength of the tight end position, which the media noted drew the attention of NFL scouts during the portion of practice open to the media. "The NFL scouts should be looking at those guys," Lubick said. "I think my last year at Oregon we had three tight ends that all went to the NFL. These are the best two (Austin Allen&nbsp;and&nbsp;Travis Vokolek) I have ever been around from consistency, leadership and just the way they practice. (Tight ends) Coach&nbsp; (Sean) Beckton does a great job with them. They are making plays. We ask a lot from our tight ends because they have to be the point of attack in the run game but we also split them out as wide receivers. And they have to be able to make plays in the passing game. So it is a lot on them mentally and physically, and they have done great. They are leaders of our football team. The way they lead by example and how hard they practice is contagious and spreads to other guys." The Huskers will return to the practice field Thursday morning for their sixth day of fall camp.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Lubick explains focus of offense on day five of Husker fall camp

KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd each scored a pair of goals and the United States won the bronze medal in women’s soccer at the Tokyo Olympics with a 4-3 victory over Australia. It was arguably the best the Americans had looked during the course of a rocky tournament that opened with an uncharacteristic 3-0 loss to Sweden. Rapinoe set the tone early with a goal scored directly from a corner kick. The loss spoiled the Australians’ first-ever trip to the medal round at the Olympics.

KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd each scored a pair of goals and the United States won the bronze medal in women’s soccer at the Tokyo Olympics with a 4-3 victory over Australia. It was arguably the best the Americans had looked during the course of a rocky tournament that opened with an uncharacteristic 3-0 loss to Sweden. Rapinoe set the tone early with a goal scored directly from a corner kick. The loss spoiled the Australians’ first-ever trip to the medal round at the Olympics.

Rapinoe and Lloyd score goals in USA bronze medal soccer victory

DENVER (AP) — Patrick Wisdom hit a three-run double to back a solid outing from Alec Mills and lead the Chicago Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 3-2. Mills overcame a rocky start to pitch six innings and earn his first win since July 7, and Wisdom finished with three hits. Manuel Rodriguez gave up a two-out single in the ninth but got Sam Hilliard on a comebacker to pick up his first career save. Raimel Tapia had two doubles and nearly made a run-saving catch in the sixth for Colorado.

DENVER (AP) — Patrick Wisdom hit a three-run double to back a solid outing from Alec Mills and lead the Chicago Cubs past the Colorado Rockies 3-2. Mills overcame a rocky start to pitch six innings and earn his first win since July 7, and Wisdom finished with three hits. Manuel Rodriguez gave up a two-out single in the ninth but got Sam Hilliard on a comebacker to pick up his first career save. Raimel Tapia had two doubles and nearly made a run-saving catch in the sixth for Colorado.

Cubs clip Rockies on one big hit

SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — Kevin Durant and the Americans still have their grip on gold and it’s going to take more than a few bad minutes for anyone to take it away from them. Durant scored 23 points, Devin Booker had 20 and the U.S. blew past and eventually blew away Australia 97-78 on Thursday in the Olympic men’s basketball semifinals after falling into a 15-point hole. With their gold-medal streak looking in jeopardy midway through the second quarter, the Americans overwhelmed the Australians with a 48-14 stretch that gave them a 74-55 lead after three periods. They will play France for gold.

SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — Kevin Durant and the Americans still have their grip on gold and it’s going to take more than a few bad minutes for anyone to take it away from them. Durant scored 23 points, Devin Booker had 20 and the U.S. blew past and eventually blew away Australia 97-78 on Thursday in the Olympic men’s basketball semifinals after falling into a 15-point hole. With their gold-medal streak looking in jeopardy midway through the second quarter, the Americans overwhelmed the Australians with a 48-14 stretch that gave them a 74-55 lead after three periods. They will play France for gold.

Americans rout Australia to earn trip to gold medal men's basketball game

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director

&nbsp; The Chadron State College football team was voted third, out of 10 teams, by the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference head coaches in the 2021 RMAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll, released Wednesday at rmacsports.org. CSC received 62 out of 81 possible points from the league's ten head coaches, who ranked their opposition 1-9 without voting for their own squad. The Eagles were slotted behind only Colorado School of Mines, with 76 points and seven first-place votes, and CSU Pueblo, with 70 points and two first-place votes. Behind them, in order, were Colorado Mesa, Western Colorado, South Dakota School of Mines, Adams State, New Mexico Highlands, Black HIlls State, and Fort Lewis. Adams State received the 10th and final first-place vote. In addition to the poll, the RMAC released footage of the conference's Virtual Media Day at rmacnetwork.com. CSC Head Football Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=503">Jay Long</a>, together with senior quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6739">Dalton Holst</a>&nbsp;and senior linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6798">Travis Wilson</a>, fielded questions from RMAC Director of Media Relations Zack Chavez, as well as invited media members, on a video conference call. The Eagles will begin the 2021 season at Western Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. They open Elliott Field at Don Beebe Stadium on Sept. 11, in a 1 p.m. kickoff against Angelo State University of Texas, which was picked as the runner-up in the preseason Lone Star Conference poll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628133461771.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director&nbsp; The Chadron State College football team was voted third, out of 10 teams, by the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference head coaches in the 2021 RMAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll, released Wednesday at rmacsports.org. CSC received 62 out of 81 possible points from the league's ten head coaches, who ranked their opposition 1-9 without voting for their own squad. The Eagles were slotted behind only Colorado School of Mines, with 76 points and seven first-place votes, and CSU Pueblo, with 70 points and two first-place votes. Behind them, in order, were Colorado Mesa, Western Colorado, South Dakota School of Mines, Adams State, New Mexico Highlands, Black HIlls State, and Fort Lewis. Adams State received the 10th and final first-place vote. In addition to the poll, the RMAC released footage of the conference's Virtual Media Day at rmacnetwork.com. CSC Head Football Coach&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/coaches.aspx?rc=503">Jay Long</a>, together with senior quarterback&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6739">Dalton Holst</a>&nbsp;and senior linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6798">Travis Wilson</a>, fielded questions from RMAC Director of Media Relations Zack Chavez, as well as invited media members, on a video conference call. The Eagles will begin the 2021 season at Western Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. They open Elliott Field at Don Beebe Stadium on Sept. 11, in a 1 p.m. kickoff against Angelo State University of Texas, which was picked as the runner-up in the preseason Lone Star Conference poll.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron State picked #3 in pre-season RMAC football poll

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Yuki Yanagita tied it with an RBI grounder off Scott McGough in the ninth inning, Takuya Kai hit a winning single against Edwin Jackson in the 10th and Japan beat the United States 7-6 Monday night to reach the Olympic semifinals. Japan overcame a 6-5, ninth-inning deficit against McGough, a 31-year-old former Miami Marlins reliever with 16 saves in his third season with the Central League’s Yakult Swallows. He walked Seiya Suzuki with one out as rain started to fall, then allowed a single to Hideto Asamura that put runners at the corners. Yanagita hit a chopper to second, driving in a run on the groundout.

YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) — Yuki Yanagita tied it with an RBI grounder off Scott McGough in the ninth inning, Takuya Kai hit a winning single against Edwin Jackson in the 10th and Japan beat the United States 7-6 Monday night to reach the Olympic semifinals. Japan overcame a 6-5, ninth-inning deficit against McGough, a 31-year-old former Miami Marlins reliever with 16 saves in his third season with the Central League’s Yakult Swallows. He walked Seiya Suzuki with one out as rain started to fall, then allowed a single to Hideto Asamura that put runners at the corners. Yanagita hit a chopper to second, driving in a run on the groundout.

Japan rallies to walk-off Americans in Olympic baseball, 7-6

Carey claims gold for US in women's floor exercise

KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — Jessie Fleming scored on a penalty kick in the 74th minute and Canada earned a 1-0 semifinal victory over the United States in the Olympic women’s soccer competition. Canada goes on to face Sweden, the late semifinal winner in Yokohama. The gold medal match is set for Friday at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. It is the second straight Olympics that the United States has been knocked out of contention for the gold medal. The United States will face Australia for the bronze medal.

KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — Jessie Fleming scored on a penalty kick in the 74th minute and Canada earned a 1-0 semifinal victory over the United States in the Olympic women’s soccer competition. Canada goes on to face Sweden, the late semifinal winner in Yokohama. The gold medal match is set for Friday at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. It is the second straight Olympics that the United States has been knocked out of contention for the gold medal. The United States will face Australia for the bronze medal.

Canada knocks USA women out of gold medal soccer game

The bracket is now set for the 2021&nbsp; Nebraska American Legion Class&nbsp; B Senior State Baseball Tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 8-team, double elimination tournament gets underway Saturday July 31 and will run through Wednesday August 4,&nbsp; at Thom Stallard Legion Field in Crete, NE.&nbsp;

The Alliance First National Bank-Omaha Spartans will represent Area 7 and will meet the Area 3 Champion, Arlington, at 1 pm CT on Saturday, July 31.&nbsp; &nbsp;Other first round matchups....Area 5-Columbus Lakeview vs Area 4-Central City at 10 am CT,&nbsp; &nbsp;Area 1-Hickman vs Area 6-Broken Bow at 4 pm CT&nbsp; and the host team&nbsp; Crete vs Area 2-Roncalli at 7 pm.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday games will be at noon,&nbsp; 2:30, 5 and 7:30 pm.&nbsp; There will be 3 games Monday, at 1, 4 and 7 pm.&nbsp; 2 games Tuesday,&nbsp; at 4 and 7 pm&nbsp; and the Championship game is set for 4 pm on Wednesday August 4,&nbsp; if a second game is needed it would follow after the 4 pm game.&nbsp;

KCOW, 1400 AM &amp; 92.5 FM and panhandlepost.com will have coverage of the Alliance Spartans throughout the tournament.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627566223581.jpeg" alt="American Legion Senior State Tournament Bracket" />
 <figcaption>American Legion Senior State Tournament Bracket</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerThe bracket is now set for the 2021&nbsp; Nebraska American Legion Class&nbsp; B Senior State Baseball Tournament.&nbsp; &nbsp;The 8-team, double elimination tournament gets underway Saturday July 31 and will run through Wednesday August 4,&nbsp; at Thom Stallard Legion Field in Crete, NE.&nbsp;The Alliance First National Bank-Omaha Spartans will represent Area 7 and will meet the Area 3 Champion, Arlington, at 1 pm CT on Saturday, July 31.&nbsp; &nbsp;Other first round matchups....Area 5-Columbus Lakeview vs Area 4-Central City at 10 am CT,&nbsp; &nbsp;Area 1-Hickman vs Area 6-Broken Bow at 4 pm CT&nbsp; and the host team&nbsp; Crete vs Area 2-Roncalli at 7 pm.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday games will be at noon,&nbsp; 2:30, 5 and 7:30 pm.&nbsp; There will be 3 games Monday, at 1, 4 and 7 pm.&nbsp; 2 games Tuesday,&nbsp; at 4 and 7 pm&nbsp; and the Championship game is set for 4 pm on Wednesday August 4,&nbsp; if a second game is needed it would follow after the 4 pm game.&nbsp;KCOW, 1400 AM &amp; 92.5 FM and panhandlepost.com will have coverage of the Alliance Spartans throughout the tournament.

American Legion Senior State Tournament begins Saturday 

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 36th home run, one of the few highlights for the Los Angeles Angels in a 12-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies. Brendan Rodgers and pinch-hitter Sam Hilliard homered to back six effective innings from winner Austin Gomber as Colorado improved to 11-37 on the road. 

Los Angeles trailed 10-0 in the fifth before Ohtani launched a 463-foot drive to center field for a two-run shot. The two-way sensation pitched seven strong innings Monday night and hit an RBI single in a 6-2 win over the Rockies. Gomber allowed two earned runs and five hits in six innings. He struck out seven and walked two.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 36th home run, one of the few highlights for the Los Angeles Angels in a 12-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies. Brendan Rodgers and pinch-hitter Sam Hilliard homered to back six effective innings from winner Austin Gomber as Colorado improved to 11-37 on the road. Los Angeles trailed 10-0 in the fifth before Ohtani launched a 463-foot drive to center field for a two-run shot. The two-way sensation pitched seven strong innings Monday night and hit an RBI single in a 6-2 win over the Rockies. Gomber allowed two earned runs and five hits in six innings. He struck out seven and walked two.

Rockies rout Angels despite Ohtani's 36th HR

SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — The U.S. basketball team got back to winning — and winning easily. Damian Lillard scored 21 points and the Americans rebounded from an opening loss with their first victory of these Olympics, romping past Iran 120-66 on Wednesday. Devin Booker scored 16 points and Jayson Tatum had 14 for the Americans, who had their 25-game Olympic winning streak snapped with an 83-76 loss to France on Sunday. The U.S. not only bounced back with a win but did it in a Dream Team-type performance against an overmatched opponent. The U.S. made 19 3-pointers and 23 of its 37 shots (62%) inside the arc.

SAITAMA, Japan (AP) — The U.S. basketball team got back to winning — and winning easily. Damian Lillard scored 21 points and the Americans rebounded from an opening loss with their first victory of these Olympics, romping past Iran 120-66 on Wednesday. Devin Booker scored 16 points and Jayson Tatum had 14 for the Americans, who had their 25-game Olympic winning streak snapped with an 83-76 loss to France on Sunday. The U.S. not only bounced back with a win but did it in a Dream Team-type performance against an overmatched opponent. The U.S. made 19 3-pointers and 23 of its 37 shots (62%) inside the arc.

USA Basketball bounces back from loss, crushes Iran 120-66

On the hottest week of the summer, the Alliance First National Bank-Omaha Spartans were the hottest team in the Area 7 Senior tournament. The Spartans defended their 2019 Area title, defeating Ogallala 14-2 , Tuesday at Bower/Shankland Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Alliance began the tournament as the #2 seed and opened with a 10-2 win over Sidney last Friday,&nbsp; while Ogallala defeated Chadron.&nbsp; Saturday, #1 seed Gering defeated Chadron 7-3&nbsp; while Alliance was a winner over Ogallala 4-0.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday saw Ogallala defeat Sidney 7-3 and in a showdown of top seeds, Alliance defeated Gering 4-2,&nbsp; which moved the Spartans into the title game.&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday,&nbsp; Ogallala was a winner over Gering in a close, competitive game 7-6,&nbsp; which set up the Championship round on Tuesday.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alliance got off to a quick start, scoring 6 runs in the top of the first and never trailed.&nbsp; Ogallala threatened in the first, before the Spartans turned a double play to end the inning.&nbsp; Ogallala got on the board scoring a run in the 3rd, to make it 6-1,&nbsp; but Alliance answered scoring 4 runs in the 4th and adding 4 more in the top of the 5th.&nbsp; Ogallala scored a run in the bottom of the 5th,&nbsp; before Alliance finished the game on an infield fly to clinch the&nbsp; 14-2 win and the Area 7 Championship.

Chase King went 4 1/3 innings on the mound,giving up 2 runs and 5 hits with 6 strikeouts. Jacob Callen finished the game getting the final 2 outs. For the Spartans Mario Garza had 3 hits and drove in 4 runs.&nbsp; AJ Escamilla and Caeson Clarke each had 2 hits and 4 runs batted in.&nbsp; Aydan Halligan had 3 hits for Ogallala.

With the win Alliance advances to the Class B Senior State Tournament in Crete, Ne. which begins on July 31 and will run thru August 4.&nbsp; Alliance has&nbsp; record of 40-11 on the season.&nbsp;

Team members include..Brantz Halouska, Jacob Callen, Vic Hinojosa, Caeson Clarke, Kellen Muhr, Mario Garza, Chance Crowe, AJ Escamilla, Chase Boyer, Chase King, Espen Lanik, Eli Blanco, Drew Romick, Tyzen Brown, Kysen walker, Seth Morrison, Landen Crowe and Nick Wright.&nbsp; Head Coach, Carlos Palomo.&nbsp; Assistant Coaches, Jerry Garza,&nbsp; JJ Garza and Adrian Gonzalez.

KCOW, 1400-AM-92.5 FM will broadcast the games from Crete.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627479746738.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo: Erica Muhr" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo: Erica Muhr</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerOn the hottest week of the summer, the Alliance First National Bank-Omaha Spartans were the hottest team in the Area 7 Senior tournament. The Spartans defended their 2019 Area title, defeating Ogallala 14-2 , Tuesday at Bower/Shankland Field.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alliance began the tournament as the #2 seed and opened with a 10-2 win over Sidney last Friday,&nbsp; while Ogallala defeated Chadron.&nbsp; Saturday, #1 seed Gering defeated Chadron 7-3&nbsp; while Alliance was a winner over Ogallala 4-0.&nbsp; &nbsp;Sunday saw Ogallala defeat Sidney 7-3 and in a showdown of top seeds, Alliance defeated Gering 4-2,&nbsp; which moved the Spartans into the title game.&nbsp; &nbsp;Monday,&nbsp; Ogallala was a winner over Gering in a close, competitive game 7-6,&nbsp; which set up the Championship round on Tuesday.&nbsp; &nbsp; Alliance got off to a quick start, scoring 6 runs in the top of the first and never trailed.&nbsp; Ogallala threatened in the first, before the Spartans turned a double play to end the inning.&nbsp; Ogallala got on the board scoring a run in the 3rd, to make it 6-1,&nbsp; but Alliance answered scoring 4 runs in the 4th and adding 4 more in the top of the 5th.&nbsp; Ogallala scored a run in the bottom of the 5th,&nbsp; before Alliance finished the game on an infield fly to clinch the&nbsp; 14-2 win and the Area 7 Championship.Chase King went 4 1/3 innings on the mound,giving up 2 runs and 5 hits with 6 strikeouts. Jacob Callen finished the game getting the final 2 outs. For the Spartans Mario Garza had 3 hits and drove in 4 runs.&nbsp; AJ Escamilla and Caeson Clarke each had 2 hits and 4 runs batted in.&nbsp; Aydan Halligan had 3 hits for Ogallala.With the win Alliance advances to the Class B Senior State Tournament in Crete, Ne. which begins on July 31 and will run thru August 4.&nbsp; Alliance has&nbsp; record of 40-11 on the season.&nbsp;Team members include..Brantz Halouska, Jacob Callen, Vic Hinojosa, Caeson Clarke, Kellen Muhr, Mario Garza, Chance Crowe, AJ Escamilla, Chase Boyer, Chase King, Espen Lanik, Eli Blanco, Drew Romick, Tyzen Brown, Kysen walker, Seth Morrison, Landen Crowe and Nick Wright.&nbsp; Head Coach, Carlos Palomo.&nbsp; Assistant Coaches, Jerry Garza,&nbsp; JJ Garza and Adrian Gonzalez.KCOW, 1400-AM-92.5 FM will broadcast the games from Crete.

Alliance FNBO Spartans Area 7 Champs

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.

She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.

When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.

The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.

Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. <a href="https://t.co/6ILdtSQF7o">pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1420266286441922562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re thinking of you, Simone. ❤️ Your strength and courage to focus on your wellbeing is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being the leader you are. <a href="https://t.co/Jnaa96AKse">pic.twitter.com/Jnaa96AKse</a>&mdash; Team USA (@TeamUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/1420306841351819265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

Superstar Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.

Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.

So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.

The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.

Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.

“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.

In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.

Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.

Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.

Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”

Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.

The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.

She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.

“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.

“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”

Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.

“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.

In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.

The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.

The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.

Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.

The U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.

The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”

Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.

The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.

USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.

Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.

The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.

Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.

The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.

Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement: &quot;Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.&quot; Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.Perhaps in more ways than one.In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”-------TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.Great Britain edged Italy for bronzeThe U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.---------TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

U.S. star, Biles withdraws from gymnastics final to protect team, self

TOKYO (AP) — The expected Olympic showdown between the top two women’s volleyball teams in the world turned out to be a one-sided affair. The U.S. women swept defending gold medalist China 29-27, 25-22, 25-21 in a pool-play match that left the Americans at the top of Pool B and the Chinese seeking to win their first set of the tournament after two straight sweeps to open the Games. China was also swept by Turkey in the opener but showed five years ago in Rio de Janeiro how little the pool-play matches can mean after losing three of five of them before rallying to win gold.

TOKYO (AP) — The expected Olympic showdown between the top two women’s volleyball teams in the world turned out to be a one-sided affair. The U.S. women swept defending gold medalist China 29-27, 25-22, 25-21 in a pool-play match that left the Americans at the top of Pool B and the Chinese seeking to win their first set of the tournament after two straight sweeps to open the Games. China was also swept by Turkey in the opener but showed five years ago in Rio de Janeiro how little the pool-play matches can mean after losing three of five of them before rallying to win gold.

USA volleyball cruises by China in #1 vs #2 showdown

TOKYO (AP) — The Russian Olympic Committee has won the gold medal in women’s gymnastics after U.S. star Simone Biles exited with a medical issue. The ROC posted a team score of 169.528, ahead of the U.S. in second place at 166.096. The gold is the first for the Russians since the Unified Team triumphed in Barcelona in 1992 and came a day after the ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain won bronze.

TOKYO (AP) — The Russian Olympic Committee has won the gold medal in women’s gymnastics after U.S. star Simone Biles exited with a medical issue. The ROC posted a team score of 169.528, ahead of the U.S. in second place at 166.096. The gold is the first for the Russians since the Unified Team triumphed in Barcelona in 1992 and came a day after the ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain won bronze.

Biles withdraws, ROC defeats Americans in women's gymnastics for Gold

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani pitched seven strong innings and hit an early RBI single as the Los Angeles Angels earned a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. In his 15th pitching start of the season and second since the All-Star break, Ohtani gave up one run and five hits with five strikeouts. He has allowed a combined one run in two pitching appearances since participating in the Home Run Derby and starting on the mound in the All-Star Game at Colorado this month. Jack Mayfield added a two-run homer for the Angels, his third in his last five games. Raisel Iglesias worked a scoreless ninth for his 22nd save. Dom Nunez and Brendan Rodgers went deep for Colorado.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani pitched seven strong innings and hit an early RBI single as the Los Angeles Angels earned a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies. In his 15th pitching start of the season and second since the All-Star break, Ohtani gave up one run and five hits with five strikeouts. He has allowed a combined one run in two pitching appearances since participating in the Home Run Derby and starting on the mound in the All-Star Game at Colorado this month. Jack Mayfield added a two-run homer for the Angels, his third in his last five games. Raisel Iglesias worked a scoreless ninth for his 22nd save. Dom Nunez and Brendan Rodgers went deep for Colorado.

Ohtani wins showdown with Marquez, 6-2

(AP) Oklahoma and Texas took the first formal step toward moving to the Southeastern Conference. They notified the Big 12 that they would not be renewing an agreement than binds the league's members through 2025. 

The schools sent out a joint statement that made no mention of the SEC and said they intend to honor agreements that give the conference control of the school's media rights. Those arrangements run concurrent with the Big 12's television contracts with ESPN and Fox. 

Texas and Oklahoma have been in discussions with the SEC about joining the league, though neither the two schools nor the powerhouse conference has acknowledged that publicly.

(AP) Oklahoma and Texas took the first formal step toward moving to the Southeastern Conference. They notified the Big 12 that they would not be renewing an agreement than binds the league's members through 2025. The schools sent out a joint statement that made no mention of the SEC and said they intend to honor agreements that give the conference control of the school's media rights. Those arrangements run concurrent with the Big 12's television contracts with ESPN and Fox. Texas and Oklahoma have been in discussions with the SEC about joining the league, though neither the two schools nor the powerhouse conference has acknowledged that publicly.

Texas, Oklahoma notify Big 12 of intent to not renew agreement in 2025

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday. Chris Taylor added a pair of home runs and the short-handed Dodgers won consecutive games against the Rockies with just four total runs. Smith broke a tie with the home run to left center with one out in the eighth against right-hander Carlos Estevez. It was his 14th home run of the season and his third in the seven-game homestand. Taylor hit home runs in the first and fifth innings to give him 16 on the season. Phil Bickford worked a scoreless inning for the victory, and Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his first save.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 3-2 on Sunday. Chris Taylor added a pair of home runs and the short-handed Dodgers won consecutive games against the Rockies with just four total runs. Smith broke a tie with the home run to left center with one out in the eighth against right-hander Carlos Estevez. It was his 14th home run of the season and his third in the seven-game homestand. Taylor hit home runs in the first and fifth innings to give him 16 on the season. Phil Bickford worked a scoreless inning for the victory, and Joe Kelly pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his first save.

Dodgers spoil late Rockies lead to win series Sunday

Five former&nbsp;student-athletes will be inducted into the University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend this Oct. 8-9. The 2021 Hall of Fame members are volleyball player&nbsp;Erin (Brosz) Byrd&nbsp;('06), men's golfer&nbsp;CJ Farber&nbsp;('99), men's basketball player&nbsp;Anthony Harms&nbsp;('03), women's basketball player&nbsp;Kalee (Modlin) O'Connor&nbsp;('08) and football player&nbsp;Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;('68). Due to the pandemic there wasn't a 2020 Athletic HOF Class.&nbsp; &nbsp;

On Saturday, Oct. 9, the class will be recognized at half time of the homecoming football game vs. Missouri Western State. That contest kicks off at 2 p.m.

Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;is among the most accomplished running backs in Kearney State College/UNK history. He was a two-time All-Nebraska Conference College (NCC) selection who led the Lopers in rushing in 1965 and 1966. He also was KSC's leading receiver in 1965 and was twice named NAIA All-District 11. Finishing with 1,606 career rushing yards with 20 touchdowns, the Alliance native was on teams that went a combined 31-5 and won three league titles. That included the 1967 team that went 9-0, just the second Loper team to post an undefeated record. KSC also finished that fall ranked sixth nationally. During these years, KSC was among the nation's best at running the football. A longtime teacher and coach in his hometown, Shelmadine resides in Alliance with his wife, Karen. They have three children (Stephanie, Tim and Brian) as well as 12 grandchildren.

&nbsp; Erin Byrd&nbsp;was a two-time All-American middle blocker for the Lopers, earning honorable mention honors in 2004 and named second-team in 2005. The Grand Island native is one of 10 UNK volleyball players to earn multiple All-American honors in a career. Redshirting in 2001, she also was a three-time All-RMAC pick, making the second-team in 2003 and advancing to the first-team in 2004 and 2005. On the UNK career lists Byrd is first in attack percentage (.372), sixth in blocks (475) and 15th in kills (1,192). A two-time Academic All-District selection, her play helped UNK go a combined 109-10 between 2003-05. The Lopers reached the Elite Eight each season, finishing as national runners-up in 2005, and winning RMAC titles in 2004 and 2005.&nbsp; Byrd stayed involved with volleyball after player days, serving a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha before serving as head coach at Millard West High School for eight seasons. Holding degrees from UNK and UNO, she currently resides in Elkhorn with her husband, Ryan, and their five children; Emma, Emily, Ellie, Austin and Isaac.&nbsp;

&nbsp; A Kearney native, CJ Farber&nbsp;is one of just for UNK men's golfers to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors. He was a 1999 PING honorable mention selection and also an All-RMAC pick. His single season stroke average of 74.58 during 1997-98 set a new school-record and now ranks sixth on the all-time list. Farber averaged a 75.47 as a senior, making him one of just five Lopers to have two season stroke averages in the UNK all-time top 18. &nbsp; The 1997 RMAC Championships runner up, Farber helped the Lopers win three RMAC titles and finish as runners up once. Posting a 75.46 career stroke average, eighth best in UNK lore, he also set the program's 36-hole record with a 141 at the Baker (Kan.) Invite. Farber and his wife, Mandy, live in Kearney with their children, Macie Farber and Hannah Hardin. He currently is an Account Manager with Coca-Cola. Anthony Harms&nbsp;is among the top scorers in Loper history, finishing with 1,643 points in a career that spanned from 1999-02. The Filley native was a three-time All-RMAC selection who played on teams that went a combined 86-31 and reached the NCAA Tournament twice.&nbsp;

&nbsp; A three-time Academic All-RMAC qualifier, Harms had one of the most memorable games in UNK history when he went for 37 points in a 1999 NCAA Tourney second round win at Wayne State. The effort helped the Lopers upset the top-seeded Wildcats and allowed UNK to reach the Sweet 16. Subsequently, he made the all-tournament team. Three years later Harms&nbsp;was named to the 2002 All-RMAC tourney squad.&nbsp; Harms currently ranks 12th on UNK's career scoring list, is second in made threes (238), fourth in three-point percentage (41.3), ninth in assists (352) and 10th in steals (156). Finally, he is one of eight Lopers to have two games of at least 35 points in a career. After graduation Harms remained in the game, serving as the head boys basketball coach at Waverly High School for six seasons. He currently serves as the WHS head strength &amp; conditioning coach. He lives in Waverly with his wife, Sarah, and their children; Preston, Anastyn and Emery. Kalee O'Connor&nbsp;starred on the UNK women's basketball team between 2003-06. The Iowa native was a rare four-time All-RMAC pick, a two-time all-region selection and a 2004 honorable mention All-American. The post player is one of seven Lopers to have been named a Division II All-American.

&nbsp; The 2003 RMAC Freshman of the Year and the 2004 RMAC Tournament MVP, O'Connor played on teams that won 85 games and reached two NCAA Tournaments. UNK also won two RMAC regular season titles and one RMAC tourney title during her career. &nbsp; She currently ranks in the Lopers all-time top 10 in six different categories including second in points (1,700), third in scoring average (14.9) and double doubles (20) and fourth in blocks (113). A three-time RMAC All-Academic qualifier, O'Connor resides in Ankeny, Ia., with her husband, Jason, and their daughters, Korie and Averie. She currently is a Nuclear Technologist with Nuclear Sonics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627305920176.png" alt="Couresy photo: Lannie Shalmadine" />
 <figcaption>Couresy photo: Lannie Shalmadine</figcaption>
 </figure>By: UNK Athletic Dept.Five former&nbsp;student-athletes will be inducted into the University of Nebraska at Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend this Oct. 8-9. The 2021 Hall of Fame members are volleyball player&nbsp;Erin (Brosz) Byrd&nbsp;('06), men's golfer&nbsp;CJ Farber&nbsp;('99), men's basketball player&nbsp;Anthony Harms&nbsp;('03), women's basketball player&nbsp;Kalee (Modlin) O'Connor&nbsp;('08) and football player&nbsp;Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;('68). Due to the pandemic there wasn't a 2020 Athletic HOF Class.&nbsp; &nbsp;On Saturday, Oct. 9, the class will be recognized at half time of the homecoming football game vs. Missouri Western State. That contest kicks off at 2 p.m.Lannie Shelmadine&nbsp;is among the most accomplished running backs in Kearney State College/UNK history. He was a two-time All-Nebraska Conference College (NCC) selection who led the Lopers in rushing in 1965 and 1966. He also was KSC's leading receiver in 1965 and was twice named NAIA All-District 11. Finishing with 1,606 career rushing yards with 20 touchdowns, the Alliance native was on teams that went a combined 31-5 and won three league titles. That included the 1967 team that went 9-0, just the second Loper team to post an undefeated record. KSC also finished that fall ranked sixth nationally. During these years, KSC was among the nation's best at running the football. A longtime teacher and coach in his hometown, Shelmadine resides in Alliance with his wife, Karen. They have three children (Stephanie, Tim and Brian) as well as 12 grandchildren.&nbsp; Erin Byrd&nbsp;was a two-time All-American middle blocker for the Lopers, earning honorable mention honors in 2004 and named second-team in 2005. The Grand Island native is one of 10 UNK volleyball players to earn multiple All-American honors in a career. Redshirting in 2001, she also was a three-time All-RMAC pick, making the second-team in 2003 and advancing to the first-team in 2004 and 2005. On the UNK career lists Byrd is first in attack percentage (.372), sixth in blocks (475) and 15th in kills (1,192). A two-time Academic All-District selection, her play helped UNK go a combined 109-10 between 2003-05. The Lopers reached the Elite Eight each season, finishing as national runners-up in 2005, and winning RMAC titles in 2004 and 2005.&nbsp; Byrd stayed involved with volleyball after player days, serving a graduate assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha before serving as head coach at Millard West High School for eight seasons. Holding degrees from UNK and UNO, she currently resides in Elkhorn with her husband, Ryan, and their five children; Emma, Emily, Ellie, Austin and Isaac.&nbsp; &nbsp; A Kearney native, CJ Farber&nbsp;is one of just for UNK men's golfers to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors. He was a 1999 PING honorable mention selection and also an All-RMAC pick. His single season stroke average of 74.58 during 1997-98 set a new school-record and now ranks sixth on the all-time list. Farber averaged a 75.47 as a senior, making him one of just five Lopers to have two season stroke averages in the UNK all-time top 18. &nbsp; The 1997 RMAC Championships runner up, Farber helped the Lopers win three RMAC titles and finish as runners up once. Posting a 75.46 career stroke average, eighth best in UNK lore, he also set the program's 36-hole record with a 141 at the Baker (Kan.) Invite. Farber and his wife, Mandy, live in Kearney with their children, Macie Farber and Hannah Hardin. He currently is an Account Manager with Coca-Cola. Anthony Harms&nbsp;is among the top scorers in Loper history, finishing with 1,643 points in a career that spanned from 1999-02. The Filley native was a three-time All-RMAC selection who played on teams that went a combined 86-31 and reached the NCAA Tournament twice.&nbsp;&nbsp; A three-time Academic All-RMAC qualifier, Harms had one of the most memorable games in UNK history when he went for 37 points in a 1999 NCAA Tourney second round win at Wayne State. The effort helped the Lopers upset the top-seeded Wildcats and allowed UNK to reach the Sweet 16. Subsequently, he made the all-tournament team. Three years later Harms&nbsp;was named to the 2002 All-RMAC tourney squad.&nbsp; Harms currently ranks 12th on UNK's career scoring list, is second in made threes (238), fourth in three-point percentage (41.3), ninth in assists (352) and 10th in steals (156). Finally, he is one of eight Lopers to have two games of at least 35 points in a career. After graduation Harms remained in the game, serving as the head boys basketball coach at Waverly High School for six seasons. He currently serves as the WHS head strength &amp; conditioning coach. He lives in Waverly with his wife, Sarah, and their children; Preston, Anastyn and Emery. Kalee O'Connor&nbsp;starred on the UNK women's basketball team between 2003-06. The Iowa native was a rare four-time All-RMAC pick, a two-time all-region selection and a 2004 honorable mention All-American. The post player is one of seven Lopers to have been named a Division II All-American.&nbsp; The 2003 RMAC Freshman of the Year and the 2004 RMAC Tournament MVP, O'Connor played on teams that won 85 games and reached two NCAA Tournaments. UNK also won two RMAC regular season titles and one RMAC tourney title during her career. &nbsp; She currently ranks in the Lopers all-time top 10 in six different categories including second in points (1,700), third in scoring average (14.9) and double doubles (20) and fourth in blocks (113). A three-time RMAC All-Academic qualifier, O'Connor resides in Ankeny, Ia., with her husband, Jason, and their daughters, Korie and Averie. She currently is a Nuclear Technologist with Nuclear Sonics.

UNK names 2021 Athletic Hall of Fame Class 

DENVER (AP) — Austin Gomber pitched effectively for six innings in his return from the injured list, Dom Nunez hit a three-run double in a five-run first inning and the Colorado Rockies beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3. Gomber allowed three solo home runs in his first appearance in a month. He'd been out with tightness in his left forearm. Gomber has won four decisions in a row. Kyle Seager, Mitch Haniger and Luis Torrens all homered for the Mariners.

DENVER (AP) — Austin Gomber pitched effectively for six innings in his return from the injured list, Dom Nunez hit a three-run double in a five-run first inning and the Colorado Rockies beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3. Gomber allowed three solo home runs in his first appearance in a month. He'd been out with tightness in his left forearm. Gomber has won four decisions in a row. Kyle Seager, Mitch Haniger and Luis Torrens all homered for the Mariners.

Rockies score five runs in first inning to split series with Seattle

(AP) Texas and Oklahoma have had discussions with the Southeastern Conference about leaving the Big 12 and joining the powerhouse league. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press a report in The Houston Chronicle that the two schools have talked about switching conferences with SEC officials, but no formal invitations have been extended. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were intended to be confidential, said Texas initiated the discussions. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the two schools all declined comment. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby did not return messages. Such a move would give the SEC 16 football teams. It would be a devastating blow to the 10-member Big 12.

(AP) Texas and Oklahoma have had discussions with the Southeastern Conference about leaving the Big 12 and joining the powerhouse league. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press a report in The Houston Chronicle that the two schools have talked about switching conferences with SEC officials, but no formal invitations have been extended. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were intended to be confidential, said Texas initiated the discussions. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and the two schools all declined comment. Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby did not return messages. Such a move would give the SEC 16 football teams. It would be a devastating blow to the 10-member Big 12.

Sooners, Longhorns in discussion to join SEC?

The Alliance First National Spartan Senior American Legion baseball team will host the Class B,&nbsp; Area 7 tournament beginning Friday, July 23 at Bower/Shankland Field.&nbsp; &nbsp;Gering will be the top seed in the 5-team, double elimination tournament.&nbsp; The rest of the field includes #2 seed Alliance, #3 seed Ogallala, #4 seed Chadron and #5 seed Sidney.&nbsp;

The opening game will be at 4:30 pm (MT) July 23 with Ogallala vs Chadron.&nbsp; Alliance will face Sidney at 7 pm (MT).&nbsp; &nbsp;Gering will meet the Chadron-Ogallala losing team on Saturday, July 24,&nbsp; at&nbsp; 4:30 pm with the Alliance-Sidney winner vs the Ogallala-Chadron winner at 7 pm Saturday.&nbsp; The tournament continues into Sunday, July 25, with games scheduled for 2 and 5:30 pm.&nbsp; Depending on the outcome of Saturday and Sunday games, there will be an elimination game Monday, July 26,&nbsp; at 6 pm, with the Championship game at 4:30 pm Tuesday,&nbsp; July 27.... if a second game is necessary , that would be played immediately following the first game.&nbsp;

The Area 7 Champion will advance to the Class B State Tournament in Crete beginning July 31.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623964067563.jpeg" alt="courtesy photo: Mike Glesinger" />
 <figcaption>courtesy photo: Mike Glesinger</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerThe Alliance First National Spartan Senior American Legion baseball team will host the Class B,&nbsp; Area 7 tournament beginning Friday, July 23 at Bower/Shankland Field.&nbsp; &nbsp;Gering will be the top seed in the 5-team, double elimination tournament.&nbsp; The rest of the field includes #2 seed Alliance, #3 seed Ogallala, #4 seed Chadron and #5 seed Sidney.&nbsp;The opening game will be at 4:30 pm (MT) July 23 with Ogallala vs Chadron.&nbsp; Alliance will face Sidney at 7 pm (MT).&nbsp; &nbsp;Gering will meet the Chadron-Ogallala losing team on Saturday, July 24,&nbsp; at&nbsp; 4:30 pm with the Alliance-Sidney winner vs the Ogallala-Chadron winner at 7 pm Saturday.&nbsp; The tournament continues into Sunday, July 25, with games scheduled for 2 and 5:30 pm.&nbsp; Depending on the outcome of Saturday and Sunday games, there will be an elimination game Monday, July 26,&nbsp; at 6 pm, with the Championship game at 4:30 pm Tuesday,&nbsp; July 27.... if a second game is necessary , that would be played immediately following the first game.&nbsp;The Area 7 Champion will advance to the Class B State Tournament in Crete beginning July 31.

Alliance to host Class B,  Area 7 Senior Baseball Tournament

This is a breaking news story.&nbsp; Check back for updates.

&nbsp; University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green announced Wednesday that&nbsp;Trev Alberts&nbsp;has been named Nebraska's Athletic Director. Alberts, who becomes the 16th Athletic Director in program history, returns to his alma mater after spending the last 12 years at Nebraska-Omaha, guiding the program through a successful transition to the Division I level, including securing conference affiliation for all of Omaha's athletic programs.&nbsp;He served as UNO's Director of Athletics since 2009, and was elevated to Vice Chancellor for Athletics in 2014. Alberts helped spearhead Omaha's newest facilities, including Baxter Arena and Maverick Park. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Alberts&nbsp;is one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. As a senior in 1993, he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, was the Big Eight Defensive MVP and was a first-team All-American. He was Big Eight Male Athlete of the Year in 1993-94 and received the NCAA's highest honor, The Today's Top Six Award, in 1993. A three-time academic All-Big Eight honoree, Alberts was a also CoSIDA Academic All-American in 1993. UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green on the Hiring of&nbsp;Trev Alberts&nbsp;as Huskers Athletic Director:

"I am excited to announce&nbsp;Trev Alberts&nbsp;as the new Athletic Director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Since his winning days in Memorial Stadium, Trev has been passionate about Nebraska and has gained tremendous experience in collegiate athletics. He knows how to help build competitive, winning programs and is committed to long-term success. He knows how to navigate the complex financial aspects of a media-driven business. He remains a student athlete at heart and prioritizes student success, on and off the playing field. I am so pleased to welcome this Husker back home to Husker Nation." Nebraska Athletic Director&nbsp;Trev Alberts: "It is such a tremendous honor to have this opportunity to lead Husker Athletics. UNL has incredibly talented coaches and student athletes, and a fan base like no other program in the country.&nbsp; The future of Big Red is bright. I can't wait to join the Husker Athletics team and get going." University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter: "Trev Alberts&nbsp;understands the special role that Husker athletics plays in our state, and he knows firsthand the discipline and hard work necessary to compete with the best. I'm thrilled that we have found someone in the Nebraska family to lead our student-athletes, coaches and staff forward."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join us in welcoming back one of our own to the Big Red Family: Trev Alberts, Athletic Director.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBR</a> <a href="https://t.co/jPoCtAAKJt">pic.twitter.com/jPoCtAAKJt</a>&mdash; Nebraska Huskers (@Huskers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Huskers/status/1415317643746230279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>This is a breaking news story.&nbsp; Check back for updates.Courtesy: NU Athletics Communications&nbsp; University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green announced Wednesday that&nbsp;Trev Alberts&nbsp;has been named Nebraska's Athletic Director. Alberts, who becomes the 16th Athletic Director in program history, returns to his alma mater after spending the last 12 years at Nebraska-Omaha, guiding the program through a successful transition to the Division I level, including securing conference affiliation for all of Omaha's athletic programs.&nbsp;He served as UNO's Director of Athletics since 2009, and was elevated to Vice Chancellor for Athletics in 2014. Alberts helped spearhead Omaha's newest facilities, including Baxter Arena and Maverick Park. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Alberts&nbsp;is one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. As a senior in 1993, he won the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker, was the Big Eight Defensive MVP and was a first-team All-American. He was Big Eight Male Athlete of the Year in 1993-94 and received the NCAA's highest honor, The Today's Top Six Award, in 1993. A three-time academic All-Big Eight honoree, Alberts was a also CoSIDA Academic All-American in 1993. UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green on the Hiring of&nbsp;Trev Alberts&nbsp;as Huskers Athletic Director: "I am excited to announce&nbsp;Trev Alberts&nbsp;as the new Athletic Director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Since his winning days in Memorial Stadium, Trev has been passionate about Nebraska and has gained tremendous experience in collegiate athletics. He knows how to help build competitive, winning programs and is committed to long-term success. He knows how to navigate the complex financial aspects of a media-driven business. He remains a student athlete at heart and prioritizes student success, on and off the playing field. I am so pleased to welcome this Husker back home to Husker Nation." Nebraska Athletic Director&nbsp;Trev Alberts: "It is such a tremendous honor to have this opportunity to lead Husker Athletics. UNL has incredibly talented coaches and student athletes, and a fan base like no other program in the country.&nbsp; The future of Big Red is bright. I can't wait to join the Husker Athletics team and get going." University of Nebraska System President Ted Carter: "Trev Alberts&nbsp;understands the special role that Husker athletics plays in our state, and he knows firsthand the discipline and hard work necessary to compete with the best. I'm thrilled that we have found someone in the Nebraska family to lead our student-athletes, coaches and staff forward."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Update: Huskers hire Trev Alberts as new Athletic Director

ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio football coach Frank Solich is retiring after leading the program through 16 seasons of unprecedented success to focus on his health. 

The school announced that Solich was stepping down less than two months before the start of the season and his 77th birthday. Offensive coordinator Tim Albin was promoted to head coach. He received a four-year contract. 

Solich is the winningest head coach in the history of the Mid-American Conference with 115 victories. Including a stint as head coach at Nebraska, his alma mater, Solich is 173-101 as a major college football head coach.

ATHENS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio football coach Frank Solich is retiring after leading the program through 16 seasons of unprecedented success to focus on his health. The school announced that Solich was stepping down less than two months before the start of the season and his 77th birthday. Offensive coordinator Tim Albin was promoted to head coach. He received a four-year contract. Solich is the winningest head coach in the history of the Mid-American Conference with 115 victories. Including a stint as head coach at Nebraska, his alma mater, Solich is 173-101 as a major college football head coach.