Good news came down the pipeline this weekend for a few NPHS athletes as they were named to statewide all-star games.&nbsp; First up from the Football squad, a guy who never quits:&nbsp;

Congratulations Dalton! Also up a trio of Lady Bulldog soccer players going to the senior showcase in a final opportunity to don the Blue and Gold:&nbsp;

Ayres will be continuing her soccer career playing for Central Community College.&nbsp; Clow will be suiting up for William Penn to play soccer.&nbsp;

Haneborg will head a short distance down I-80 to play soccer for Hastings college.&nbsp;

Good news came down the pipeline this weekend for a few NPHS athletes as they were named to statewide all-star games.&nbsp; First up from the Football squad, a guy who never quits:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Huge news for anyone who considers themselves a Bulldog fan. <a href="https://twitter.com/DaltonLunkwitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaltonLunkwitz</a> will be participating in the Shrine Bowl for the North team on July 11 in Kearney! Only the best players in the state of Nebraska get this opportunity. Congrats Big Fella! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnceABulldog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnceABulldog</a>&mdash; Bulldog Football (@NPHSBulldogsFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPHSBulldogsFB/status/1276876771502231554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Congratulations Dalton! Also up a trio of Lady Bulldog soccer players going to the senior showcase in a final opportunity to don the Blue and Gold:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Official Roster of the day! Team Five Points Bank- Class B girls. Congratulations to all those selected to play! Come watch this star-studded roster on July 24th, at 5:30 pm at Skutt Catholic High School. <a href="https://t.co/lD6xmlTCC4">pic.twitter.com/lD6xmlTCC4</a>&mdash; SONE East Region (@SONE_EastRegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/SONE_EastRegion/status/1276557414490390529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ayres will be continuing her soccer career playing for Central Community College.&nbsp; Clow will be suiting up for William Penn to play soccer.&nbsp;Haneborg will head a short distance down I-80 to play soccer for Hastings college.&nbsp;

NPHS athletes earn honors 

The NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July, though contingency plans are in place.

Hours after the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason, the 32 team owners on Thursday were updated on a variety of issues, many dealing with working through the coronavirus pandemic. Most notably, according to NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, the owners were told about plans to fully reopen team facilities for training camp next month.

“The clubs have been advised that training camps are expected to open on the normal schedule,” Pash said. “The dates set forth in the collective bargaining agreement, for most clubs that would be July 28. Obviously they can bring in rookies and certain other players before that.

“The preseason number of games, we’re in active discussions with the players association on those issues, and will continue at that and expect to have some resolution relatively soon and will advise the clubs at that time.”

Earlier Thursday, the league and the Pro Football Hall of Fame canceled the opening preseason game between Dallas and Pittsburgh set for Aug. 6. The hall’s induction ceremonies set for Aug. 8, and for mid-September for a special centennial class, have been moved to August 2021, when the Cowboys and Steelers will play in the game.

Team facilities were closed in late March due to the pandemic and have been reopened to limited personnel. No players other than those rehabilitating injuries are allowed at those facilities.

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, stressed that what the general public should be doing during the pandemic is exactly what the league and its players should be doing.

“We remain in very active discussion with the players association on the protocols dealing with testing and screening and treatment, response and travel,” Sills said. “And so we updated the ownership about where we stand with those issues and our approach to that.

“We certainly emphasized through that that testing alone is not going to be sufficient to keep everyone healthy. It’s still vitally important that everyone respect physical distancing, the use of masks when possible and overall good health habits of reporting symptoms and limiting contact with individuals that may be sick not only at the team facility, but away from the team facility.”

In response to Tom Brady and other NFL players holding private workouts even after Thom Mayer, the union’s medical officer, advised against it, Sills said:

“This is, again, a place where the NFLPA and the NFL are in the same exact place, which is we want whatever makes it the safest possible environment for all of our constituents. ... Again, this is all about risk reduction and trying to mitigate risk. We know that we can’t eliminate risk. And so we will work very much hand in hand with the players association because, again, this is where everyone in that team environment is going to share the same risk. But they’ll also share the same responsibility to each other.”

Sills also noted that the league and union are looking into the use of personal protective equipment by players. That includes modifications to the helmet that may provide additional risk reduction.

“Obviously we have to think about any potential unintended consequences of that modification. So a lot of work is still being done on that,” he said.

— Barring the unlikely prospect of having full stadiums, every stadium will have seat coverings during the season in an effort to protect people in the stadium, something owners approved Thursday.

“They will provide clear separation between the players and the fans,” said Renie Anderson, the NFL’s chief revenue officer.

“Clearly, obviously, it will provide a unified look on broadcasts as well. ... There’s no requirement for the clubs to integrate advertising. It’s somewhat of an added benefit if there is an opportunity there. There’

— If limited attendance is allowed by local governments, tickets would be distributed to long-term season ticket holders and personal seat license holders. Contingencies exist for moving games from where they can not be played safely.

“But the focus would be on playing in home stadiums, even if initially that is without fans in some stadiums,” said Peter O’Reilly, the league’s executive vice president of club business and events.

— The NFL is kicking off a voting education and registration initiative. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is developing programs and working with the players association, Players Coalition and other organizations such as RISE and the US Vote Foundation. The programs will focus on education, registration and activation.

The goal is for NFL players, coaches, executives and staff to register to vote, inspire others to vote and vote themselves. The NFL also will support players who have plans or programs to achieve the same in their communities.

In recent conversations with players, Goodell said voting was a subject they consistently stressed as important to them.

Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.

The NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July, though contingency plans are in place.Hours after the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason, the 32 team owners on Thursday were updated on a variety of issues, many dealing with working through the coronavirus pandemic. Most notably, according to NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, the owners were told about plans to fully reopen team facilities for training camp next month.“The clubs have been advised that training camps are expected to open on the normal schedule,” Pash said. “The dates set forth in the collective bargaining agreement, for most clubs that would be July 28. Obviously they can bring in rookies and certain other players before that.“The preseason number of games, we’re in active discussions with the players association on those issues, and will continue at that and expect to have some resolution relatively soon and will advise the clubs at that time.”Earlier Thursday, the league and the Pro Football Hall of Fame canceled the opening preseason game between Dallas and Pittsburgh set for Aug. 6. The hall’s induction ceremonies set for Aug. 8, and for mid-September for a special centennial class, have been moved to August 2021, when the Cowboys and Steelers will play in the game.Team facilities were closed in late March due to the pandemic and have been reopened to limited personnel. No players other than those rehabilitating injuries are allowed at those facilities.Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, stressed that what the general public should be doing during the pandemic is exactly what the league and its players should be doing.“We remain in very active discussion with the players association on the protocols dealing with testing and screening and treatment, response and travel,” Sills said. “And so we updated the ownership about where we stand with those issues and our approach to that.“We certainly emphasized through that that testing alone is not going to be sufficient to keep everyone healthy. It’s still vitally important that everyone respect physical distancing, the use of masks when possible and overall good health habits of reporting symptoms and limiting contact with individuals that may be sick not only at the team facility, but away from the team facility.”In response to Tom Brady and other NFL players holding private workouts even after Thom Mayer, the union’s medical officer, advised against it, Sills said:“This is, again, a place where the NFLPA and the NFL are in the same exact place, which is we want whatever makes it the safest possible environment for all of our constituents. ... Again, this is all about risk reduction and trying to mitigate risk. We know that we can’t eliminate risk. And so we will work very much hand in hand with the players association because, again, this is where everyone in that team environment is going to share the same risk. But they’ll also share the same responsibility to each other.”Sills also noted that the league and union are looking into the use of personal protective equipment by players. That includes modifications to the helmet that may provide additional risk reduction.“Obviously we have to think about any potential unintended consequences of that modification. So a lot of work is still being done on that,” he said.Also:— Barring the unlikely prospect of having full stadiums, every stadium will have seat coverings during the season in an effort to protect people in the stadium, something owners approved Thursday.“They will provide clear separation between the players and the fans,” said Renie Anderson, the NFL’s chief revenue officer.“Clearly, obviously, it will provide a unified look on broadcasts as well. ... There’s no requirement for the clubs to integrate advertising. It’s somewhat of an added benefit if there is an opportunity there. There’— If limited attendance is allowed by local governments, tickets would be distributed to long-term season ticket holders and personal seat license holders. Contingencies exist for moving games from where they can not be played safely.“But the focus would be on playing in home stadiums, even if initially that is without fans in some stadiums,” said Peter O’Reilly, the league’s executive vice president of club business and events.— The NFL is kicking off a voting education and registration initiative. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is developing programs and working with the players association, Players Coalition and other organizations such as RISE and the US Vote Foundation. The programs will focus on education, registration and activation.The goal is for NFL players, coaches, executives and staff to register to vote, inspire others to vote and vote themselves. The NFL also will support players who have plans or programs to achieve the same in their communities.In recent conversations with players, Goodell said voting was a subject they consistently stressed as important to them.___Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.

NFL training camps still on original schedule for late July

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Division I Council has extended the recruiting dead period: <a href="https://t.co/cGExRdbLrl">https://t.co/cGExRdbLrl</a> <a href="https://t.co/se3BFgg8wY">pic.twitter.com/se3BFgg8wY</a>&mdash; Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsidetheNCAA/status/1276277929870340097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

NCAA Division I extending recruiting dead period

The weight of the COVID-19 outbreak is being felt across the nation. From jobless claims to hospital bills and everything in between, it seems no one is immune to the effects.&nbsp; Including two Junior Colleges in Wyoming.&nbsp;

Yesterday the&nbsp; Northern Wyoming Community College Trustees put forth a new budget to be considered at a special meeting to be held on July 1st. The budget features cuts from many areas, the largest being the removal of all athletics aside from rodeo. The move could save the organization $2.8 million.&nbsp;

“This decision was far from easy and definitely not something we wanted to take away from our student-athletes. However, we simply cannot maintain a vision that includes full-time coaches, full-ride athletic scholarships coming from our general fund, and expensive recruitment and travel,” said NWCCD President Dr. Walter Tribley.

The announcement comes on the heels of some of the most successful seasons from both programs. Last season the Gillette Womens basketball team finished the season ranked 21st nationally and were one win away from a national tournament bid. They expected to open the upcoming season ranked in the top 15 nationally. Sheridan College has had a fantastic run the past few years culminating in hosting the Region IX Men's tournament in 2018-19.&nbsp; According to the board of trustees in cases where the budget cuts impact students, NWCCD is committed to making special arrangements. All scholarships will be honored and students enrolled in discontinued academic programs will have the opportunity to complete required degree requirements. All athletes will be released from their commitments to NWCCD.

According to Tribley, the long-term goal is to eventually bring back additional athletic opportunities with Division III teams in the future. Rodeo teams at both Gillette and Sheridan Colleges will continue, with significantly reduced budgets.

The weight of the COVID-19 outbreak is being felt across the nation. From jobless claims to hospital bills and everything in between, it seems no one is immune to the effects.&nbsp; Including two Junior Colleges in Wyoming.&nbsp;Yesterday the&nbsp; Northern Wyoming Community College Trustees put forth a new budget to be considered at a special meeting to be held on July 1st. The budget features cuts from many areas, the largest being the removal of all athletics aside from rodeo. The move could save the organization $2.8 million.&nbsp;“This decision was far from easy and definitely not something we wanted to take away from our student-athletes. However, we simply cannot maintain a vision that includes full-time coaches, full-ride athletic scholarships coming from our general fund, and expensive recruitment and travel,” said NWCCD President Dr. Walter Tribley.The announcement comes on the heels of some of the most successful seasons from both programs. Last season the Gillette Womens basketball team finished the season ranked 21st nationally and were one win away from a national tournament bid. They expected to open the upcoming season ranked in the top 15 nationally. Sheridan College has had a fantastic run the past few years culminating in hosting the Region IX Men's tournament in 2018-19.&nbsp; According to the board of trustees in cases where the budget cuts impact students, NWCCD is committed to making special arrangements. All scholarships will be honored and students enrolled in discontinued academic programs will have the opportunity to complete required degree requirements. All athletes will be released from their commitments to NWCCD.According to Tribley, the long-term goal is to eventually bring back additional athletic opportunities with Division III teams in the future. Rodeo teams at both Gillette and Sheridan Colleges will continue, with significantly reduced budgets.

Two Region IX colleges end athletic programs

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wants his players to feel comfortable speaking out about social justice in any way they see fit, provided it’s done “thoughtfully and with class.”

Tomlin said Tuesday the club has engaged in “intimate discussions” with players about how to use their public platform to help effect social change amid the fallout from the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while being taken into police custody in Minneapolis last month.

“Our position is simple,” Tomlin said. “We are going to support our players and their willingness to partake in this, whether it is statements or actions. You guys know my feelings, I have stated them in the past. Statements are good, but impact is better. Particularly long-term impact.”

The Steelers are going to leave it up to the players to let them determine how best to make that impact, though the team has created what Tomlin described as “structural committees” designed to help them organize their actions so they can “do things properly.”

Tomlin’s tone was a marked departure from his sense of frustration in 2017, when a miscommunication during the national anthem before a game against the Chicago Bears&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2bb0e68886074d3e83408528c0d70418">left offensive tackle and Army veteran Alejandro Villaneuva standing alone on the field</a>&nbsp;saluting the flag while the rest of the team remained out of sight in a tunnel.

Tomlin stressed in the aftermath that his focus was on football and that figuring out what served as an appropriate form of protest was for “political beatniks to ponder.”

The league’s third-longest tenured head coach said his issue three years ago was timing. The chaos in Chicago happened during the regular season. Floyd’s death, coming during a relatively quiet period for the NFL, “allowed us to really unearth some discussions and take our time,” according to Tomlin.

All-Pro defensive end Cam Heyward said last week the&nbsp;<a href="https://pro32.ap.org/fltimes/article/steelers-heyward-team-will-be-united-if-it-opts-protest" target="_blank">Steelers would be united</a>&nbsp;in any form of protest they may choose to adopt in 2020.

Tomlin has long pointed toward his team’s work off the field — particularly on Tuesdays in the fall, when the players are typically off and doing charity work in the Pittsburgh area — as proof it is not just interested in making statements on Sunday afternoons. He doesn’t anticipate that changing.

“This unrest is an opportunity to learn, to listen and to grow and to make sure you take care of yourself, your own heart and your own home first and work from there,” said Tomlin, who is one of the three active Black head coaches in the league. “That’s something I try to live by and try to encourage our guys to live by.”

When he’s not trying to help his players navigate an uncertain social landscape, Tomlin is focusing on attempting to get 90 players ready for a training camp unlike any other.

The national lockdown created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NFL to conduct its offseason program remotely. Lots of Zoom calls. Lots of adapting. And zero practice time together, something Tomlin admitted has caused “angst” and “anxiety.”

The loss of the estimated 1,000 snaps usually associated with Organized Team Activities and minicamp will force the Steelers and the rest of the league to play catch-up when training camp starts next month. For the Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, the time frame will be even more condensed.

They are scheduled to face each other in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6, meaning they will have maybe two weeks to prepare themselves for their first game action in more than seven months.

“I’m not comfortable, but I imagine none of my peers are comfortable either, so I’m comfortable with that,” Tomlin said.

Given the challenges created by the virtual offseason, Tomlin expects most of the newcomers to face an even steeper climb than usual when trying to make the team.

“The big thing is that we have to leave the door open for viable men, and those men have to move quickly in terms of developing, understanding and displaying that understanding.,” he said. “There is going to be big-time urgency in that regard.”

Tomlin doesn’t feel the same urgency when it comes to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56ac963927e14d6b83e811cee01f7e28">recovery from right elbow surgery</a>&nbsp;that cut short his 2019 season after just six quarters.

Though Tomlin has yet to see Roethlisberger work out in person, he’s heard nothing but positives from those who have caught passes from Roethlisberger during informal training sessions as well as the medical staff monitoring the 38-year-old’s rehab.

The two biggest question marks heading into 2020 are along the offensive and defensive lines. Matt Feiler will move from right tackle to left guard, with Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner taking Feiler’s old spot. Tyson Alualu will have the inside track at nose tackle following Javon Hargrave’s departure to Philadelphia in free agency.

Two Steelers have been diagnosed with coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, though Tomlin said both have recovered and are “back to work.”

The team moved training camp away from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Heinz Field for 2020.

Tomlin will miss certain aspects of going away to camp but he remains upbeat about the possibility of the NFL figuring out how to move forward safely in time for the start of the regular season.

“I’m comfortable with the overall trajectory of where we are headed,” he said. “I’m sure by the time we are called to execute procedures and protocol and policy that they will be realistic, doable and appropriate, but until that time, there’s going to be some anxiety for all of us. I’m trying to keep my emotions in check.”

By WILL GRAVES -- Associated PressPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wants his players to feel comfortable speaking out about social justice in any way they see fit, provided it’s done “thoughtfully and with class.”Kneeling included.Tomlin said Tuesday the club has engaged in “intimate discussions” with players about how to use their public platform to help effect social change amid the fallout from the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while being taken into police custody in Minneapolis last month.“Our position is simple,” Tomlin said. “We are going to support our players and their willingness to partake in this, whether it is statements or actions. You guys know my feelings, I have stated them in the past. Statements are good, but impact is better. Particularly long-term impact.”The Steelers are going to leave it up to the players to let them determine how best to make that impact, though the team has created what Tomlin described as “structural committees” designed to help them organize their actions so they can “do things properly.”Tomlin’s tone was a marked departure from his sense of frustration in 2017, when a miscommunication during the national anthem before a game against the Chicago Bears&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2bb0e68886074d3e83408528c0d70418">left offensive tackle and Army veteran Alejandro Villaneuva standing alone on the field</a>&nbsp;saluting the flag while the rest of the team remained out of sight in a tunnel.Tomlin stressed in the aftermath that his focus was on football and that figuring out what served as an appropriate form of protest was for “political beatniks to ponder.”The league’s third-longest tenured head coach said his issue three years ago was timing. The chaos in Chicago happened during the regular season. Floyd’s death, coming during a relatively quiet period for the NFL, “allowed us to really unearth some discussions and take our time,” according to Tomlin.All-Pro defensive end Cam Heyward said last week the&nbsp;<a href="https://pro32.ap.org/fltimes/article/steelers-heyward-team-will-be-united-if-it-opts-protest" target="_blank">Steelers would be united</a>&nbsp;in any form of protest they may choose to adopt in 2020.Tomlin has long pointed toward his team’s work off the field — particularly on Tuesdays in the fall, when the players are typically off and doing charity work in the Pittsburgh area — as proof it is not just interested in making statements on Sunday afternoons. He doesn’t anticipate that changing.“This unrest is an opportunity to learn, to listen and to grow and to make sure you take care of yourself, your own heart and your own home first and work from there,” said Tomlin, who is one of the three active Black head coaches in the league. “That’s something I try to live by and try to encourage our guys to live by.”When he’s not trying to help his players navigate an uncertain social landscape, Tomlin is focusing on attempting to get 90 players ready for a training camp unlike any other.The national lockdown created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NFL to conduct its offseason program remotely. Lots of Zoom calls. Lots of adapting. And zero practice time together, something Tomlin admitted has caused “angst” and “anxiety.”The loss of the estimated 1,000 snaps usually associated with Organized Team Activities and minicamp will force the Steelers and the rest of the league to play catch-up when training camp starts next month. For the Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, the time frame will be even more condensed.They are scheduled to face each other in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6, meaning they will have maybe two weeks to prepare themselves for their first game action in more than seven months.“I’m not comfortable, but I imagine none of my peers are comfortable either, so I’m comfortable with that,” Tomlin said.Given the challenges created by the virtual offseason, Tomlin expects most of the newcomers to face an even steeper climb than usual when trying to make the team.“The big thing is that we have to leave the door open for viable men, and those men have to move quickly in terms of developing, understanding and displaying that understanding.,” he said. “There is going to be big-time urgency in that regard.”Tomlin doesn’t feel the same urgency when it comes to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56ac963927e14d6b83e811cee01f7e28">recovery from right elbow surgery</a>&nbsp;that cut short his 2019 season after just six quarters.Though Tomlin has yet to see Roethlisberger work out in person, he’s heard nothing but positives from those who have caught passes from Roethlisberger during informal training sessions as well as the medical staff monitoring the 38-year-old’s rehab.The two biggest question marks heading into 2020 are along the offensive and defensive lines. Matt Feiler will move from right tackle to left guard, with Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner taking Feiler’s old spot. Tyson Alualu will have the inside track at nose tackle following Javon Hargrave’s departure to Philadelphia in free agency.Two Steelers have been diagnosed with coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, though Tomlin said both have recovered and are “back to work.”The team moved training camp away from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Heinz Field for 2020.Tomlin will miss certain aspects of going away to camp but he remains upbeat about the possibility of the NFL figuring out how to move forward safely in time for the start of the regular season.“I’m comfortable with the overall trajectory of where we are headed,” he said. “I’m sure by the time we are called to execute procedures and protocol and policy that they will be realistic, doable and appropriate, but until that time, there’s going to be some anxiety for all of us. I’m trying to keep my emotions in check.”

Tomlin: Steelers will support players if they opt to kneel

Story by Philip Senff - NPCC Sports Information Coordinator

The North Platte Community College softball team has added two student athletes to the 2020-21 recruiting class.

Kyleigh Sullivan joins the Knights out of Brewer High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

“After taking a year off, I started researching,&nbsp;and NPCC is my perfect fit,” Sullivan said. “I cannot wait to play the sport I love and become a Knight. I’m excited to make new friends and further my education to become a teacher and hopefully a coach.”

NPCC head softball coach Janelle Higgins said Sullivan will bring more depth to the pitching staff.

“After taking a year off from the game, she is hungry to be back on the field and ready to do a lot of work in the circle for us,” said Higgins.

Jenny Singer will join NPCC from Browness High School in Alberta, Canada. Singer competed for the Thunder Creek Titans traveling team.

“North Platte Community College will help me perform at my best ability,”&nbsp;Singer said. “I’m looking forward to advancing my play at a higher level, meeting new people and becoming more of a family with the new team.&nbsp;I’m excited to be coached from a different perspective and also&nbsp;have&nbsp;the chance to be coached at a college level.”

Higgins said Singer will add versatility to NPCC’s program. Singer is a pitcher and a first baseman.

“She will also add depth to our pitching staff and infield,” Higgins said. “I’m excited to have both of these young ladies joining our family and can’t wait to see what the team can do as a whole.”

Story by Philip Senff - NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorThe North Platte Community College softball team has added two student athletes to the 2020-21 recruiting class.Kyleigh Sullivan joins the Knights out of Brewer High School in Fort Worth, Texas.“After taking a year off, I started researching,&nbsp;and NPCC is my perfect fit,” Sullivan said. “I cannot wait to play the sport I love and become a Knight. I’m excited to make new friends and further my education to become a teacher and hopefully a coach.”NPCC head softball coach Janelle Higgins said Sullivan will bring more depth to the pitching staff.“After taking a year off from the game, she is hungry to be back on the field and ready to do a lot of work in the circle for us,” said Higgins.Jenny Singer will join NPCC from Browness High School in Alberta, Canada. Singer competed for the Thunder Creek Titans traveling team.“North Platte Community College will help me perform at my best ability,”&nbsp;Singer said. “I’m looking forward to advancing my play at a higher level, meeting new people and becoming more of a family with the new team.&nbsp;I’m excited to be coached from a different perspective and also&nbsp;have&nbsp;the chance to be coached at a college level.”Higgins said Singer will add versatility to NPCC’s program. Singer is a pitcher and a first baseman.“She will also add depth to our pitching staff and infield,” Higgins said. “I’m excited to have both of these young ladies joining our family and can’t wait to see what the team can do as a whole.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593014210787.jpeg" alt="Singer.jpg" />
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593014300393.jpeg" alt="Sullivan.jpg" />
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NPCC softball team adding two players to 2020-21 roster

NASCAR went to Talladega Superspeedway on heightened alert after Bubba Wallace, its only Black driver, took on an active role in a push for racial equality.

Wallace had successfully called for the ban of the Confederate flag and received threats. Fans paraded past the main entrance of the Alabama track displaying the flag, and a plane circled above the speedway pulling a Confederate flag banner that read “Defund NASCAR.”

So NASCAR moved quickly when one of Wallace’s crew members discovered a rope that resembled a noose in their garage stall. The sanctioning body called in federal authorities, who ruled Tuesday it had been hanging there since at least last October and was not a hate crime.

U.S. Attorney Jay Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. said the investigation determined “nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned” to that same stall. NASCAR said it was the lone garage stall with a pull down rope that resembled a noose.

NASCAR has defended its reaction and insisted it would call the FBI again. A defiant Wallace said there is no confusion and the rope had been fashioned into a noose.

“I wanted to make sure this wasn’t just a knot,” Wallace said on CNN. “It was a noose. Whether it was tied in 2019 ... it is a noose.”

Wallace never saw the rope. He said NASCAR President Steve Phelps came to see him Sunday night at the track with “tears running down his face.”

“The evidence he brought to me was that a hate crime has been committed, quote-on-quote,” said Wallace, who instantly began to fear for the safety of his family.

Even after the conclusion it was not a hate crime, Wallace remained angry at what he perceives as constant tests of his character. He holds no ill-will toward NASCAR.

“I stand behind Steve and I stand behind NASCAR,” he said. “NASCAR was worried about Talladega. We had that one circled on the radar with everything going on.”

NASCAR opened the Talladega gates to 5,000 fans, its highest number so far during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since finding his voice over the last month, the 26-year-old Mobile, Alabama native has embraced an international role in NASCAR’s attempt to push past its rocky racial history. Wallace has worn an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt, raced with a Black Lives Matter paint scheme in Virginia and successfully lobbied for the Confederate flag ban.

NASCAR has assigned security to Wallace at the track and has been protective of the driver. The first word of the incident came in a sharply worded statement in which NASCAR said it was “angry and outraged” over the “heinous act” that the series directly linked to racism.

The FBI sent 15 agents to Talladega for Monday’s rescheduled race at the same time the industry rallied around Wallace. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, every team member on pit road lined up behind him during the national anthem.

Phelps has taken exactly nine questions about the finding in Wallace’s garage and none provided any details of the incident. Because of health protocol restrictions, a limited number of personnel have access to the garage. Only a handful of Wallace’s crew members and NASCAR saw the rope.

Roughly 48 hours after the discovery, federal authorities said video confirmed the rope “was in that garage as early as October 2019” hanging from a garage door. The rope was referred to as a noose, but can be used as a handle when closing the door.

Phelps continued to call it a noose after authorities said no charges would be filed, and held firm in that NASCAR is investigating why the rope was tied that way. He was pleased it wasn’t a hate crime directed at Wallace, but insisted NASCAR would have conducted its investigation the same way even now knowing it was just a coincidence.

“We would have done the same investigation. It was important for us to do,” he said.

“The evidence was very clear that the noose that was in the garage was in there previously. The last race we had in October, that noose was present. The evidence we had, it was clear we needed to look into this.”

He took no questions on the FBI’s findings.

Meanwhile, Wood Brothers Racing team said it cooperated with the investigation and an employee recalled “seeing a tied handle in the garage pull down rope from last fall,” when the team had the stall.

NASCAR saying it had found a noose stunned the stock car series as it takes an active position in a push for inclusion. The series first tried to ban the Confederate flag five years ago but did nothing to enforce the order.

NASCAR has yet to detail how it will answer Wallace’s call to stop the display of the flag.

By JENNA FRYER - Associated PressNASCAR went to Talladega Superspeedway on heightened alert after Bubba Wallace, its only Black driver, took on an active role in a push for racial equality.Wallace had successfully called for the ban of the Confederate flag and received threats. Fans paraded past the main entrance of the Alabama track displaying the flag, and a plane circled above the speedway pulling a Confederate flag banner that read “Defund NASCAR.”So NASCAR moved quickly when one of Wallace’s crew members discovered a rope that resembled a noose in their garage stall. The sanctioning body called in federal authorities, who ruled Tuesday it had been hanging there since at least last October and was not a hate crime.U.S. Attorney Jay Town and FBI Special Agent in Charge Johnnie Sharp Jr. said the investigation determined “nobody could have known Mr. Wallace would be assigned” to that same stall. NASCAR said it was the lone garage stall with a pull down rope that resembled a noose.NASCAR has defended its reaction and insisted it would call the FBI again. A defiant Wallace said there is no confusion and the rope had been fashioned into a noose.“I wanted to make sure this wasn’t just a knot,” Wallace said on CNN. “It was a noose. Whether it was tied in 2019 ... it is a noose.”Wallace never saw the rope. He said NASCAR President Steve Phelps came to see him Sunday night at the track with “tears running down his face.”“The evidence he brought to me was that a hate crime has been committed, quote-on-quote,” said Wallace, who instantly began to fear for the safety of his family.Even after the conclusion it was not a hate crime, Wallace remained angry at what he perceives as constant tests of his character. He holds no ill-will toward NASCAR.“I stand behind Steve and I stand behind NASCAR,” he said. “NASCAR was worried about Talladega. We had that one circled on the radar with everything going on.”NASCAR opened the Talladega gates to 5,000 fans, its highest number so far during the coronavirus pandemic.Since finding his voice over the last month, the 26-year-old Mobile, Alabama native has embraced an international role in NASCAR’s attempt to push past its rocky racial history. Wallace has worn an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt, raced with a Black Lives Matter paint scheme in Virginia and successfully lobbied for the Confederate flag ban.NASCAR has assigned security to Wallace at the track and has been protective of the driver. The first word of the incident came in a sharply worded statement in which NASCAR said it was “angry and outraged” over the “heinous act” that the series directly linked to racism.The FBI sent 15 agents to Talladega for Monday’s rescheduled race at the same time the industry rallied around Wallace. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, every team member on pit road lined up behind him during the national anthem.Phelps has taken exactly nine questions about the finding in Wallace’s garage and none provided any details of the incident. Because of health protocol restrictions, a limited number of personnel have access to the garage. Only a handful of Wallace’s crew members and NASCAR saw the rope.Roughly 48 hours after the discovery, federal authorities said video confirmed the rope “was in that garage as early as October 2019” hanging from a garage door. The rope was referred to as a noose, but can be used as a handle when closing the door.Phelps continued to call it a noose after authorities said no charges would be filed, and held firm in that NASCAR is investigating why the rope was tied that way. He was pleased it wasn’t a hate crime directed at Wallace, but insisted NASCAR would have conducted its investigation the same way even now knowing it was just a coincidence.“We would have done the same investigation. It was important for us to do,” he said.“The evidence was very clear that the noose that was in the garage was in there previously. The last race we had in October, that noose was present. The evidence we had, it was clear we needed to look into this.”He took no questions on the FBI’s findings.Meanwhile, Wood Brothers Racing team said it cooperated with the investigation and an employee recalled “seeing a tied handle in the garage pull down rope from last fall,” when the team had the stall.NASCAR saying it had found a noose stunned the stock car series as it takes an active position in a push for inclusion. The series first tried to ban the Confederate flag five years ago but did nothing to enforce the order.NASCAR has yet to detail how it will answer Wallace’s call to stop the display of the flag.

Rope found hanging in Wallace’s garage was coincidence

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball issued a 60-game schedule Tuesday night that will start July 23 or 24 in empty ballparks as the sport tries to push ahead amid the coronavirus following months of acrimony.

A dramatically altered season with games full of new rules was the final result of failed financial negotiations. But for fans eager to see any baseball this year, at least now they can look forward to opening day.

The announcement by MLB came while more players continue to test positive for the virus —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fae68d3c11de45cef74214c3ed1553e2">at least seven on the Philadelphia Phillies alone.</a>&nbsp;And a stark realization remained, that if health situations deteriorate, all games could still be wiped out.

“What happens when we all get it?”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/_BAnderson30_/status/1275228793335152641" target="_blank">Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted</a>&nbsp;Monday.

One day after the players’ association rejected an economic agreement and left open the possibility of a grievance seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, the bickering sides agreed on an operations manual.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-2020-regular-season" target="_blank">Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred then unilaterally imposed the schedule</a>, his right under a March agreement with the union.

In a twist, the sides expanded the designated hitter to games between National League teams for the first time and instituted the radical innovation of starting extra innings with a runner on second base.

Playoff teams remain at 10 for now — there is still talk of a possible expansion. The rejected deal had called for 16 teams.

Players will start reporting for the resumption of training on July 1. It remains to be seen which players will report back to work — high-risk individuals are allowed to opt out and still receive salary and service time, but others who sit out get neither money nor the service credit needed for eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration.

Each team will play 10 games against each of its four division rivals and 20 total games against the five clubs in the corresponding regional division in the other league, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.

This will be MLB’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1878.shtml" target="_blank">shortest season since 1878</a>, a schedule of such brevity that some fans may question the legitimacy of stats and records.

No matter what, the season will be among the most unusual ever for a sport that takes pride in the race for titles being a marathon and not a sprint: Washington started 19-31 and 27-33 last year but finished 93-69 to earn a wild card and won a seven-game World Series for its first title.

“There’s a lot more pressure because in a 60-game schedule, I think that you have 25% more teams that can compete, that had no idea they were going to compete for 162 games,” said Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, now a broadcaster.

The trade deadline will be Aug. 31 and the deadline to be in an organization for postseason eligibility is Sept. 15. Teams can resume making trades Friday, when rosters will no longer be frozen.

Active rosters will be 30 players during the first two weeks of the season, 28 during the second two weeks and 26 after that. They will not expand to 28 on Sept. 1, as originally intended this year.

With no minor leagues, teams would be allowed to retain 60 players each, including a taxi squad. Up to three players from the taxi squad can travel with a team to a game, and one of the three must be a catcher.

MLB is keeping the planned innovation that pitchers must face three batters or finish a half inning — players refused to agree a year ago but also waived their right to block.

The injured list minimum for pitchers will remain 10 days rather than revert to 15, as initially intended.

Public opinion shredded both sides as they locked in a ferocious financial battle during a pandemic that has led to more than 120,000 deaths and 2.3 million infections in the U.S. and led to a 14.7% unemployment rate, the highest since the Great Depression.

MLB hoped to be the first U.S. major league to return, at first with an 82-game schedule starting around the Fourth of July, but sniping broke out between management and players who distrust teams’ claims of economic losses following years of franchise appreciation. MLB claimed that without gate-related revenue it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75087708a030c20637c5ea25b5c99c40">would lose $640,000</a>&nbsp;for each additional regular-season game, a figure the union disputed.

MLB became exasperated with the union’s leadership team, headed by former All-Star first baseman Tony Clark and Bruce Meyer, a litigator hired in August 2018. Manfred and Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem were infuriated when Clark said he considered the result of a one-on-one meeting with Manfred last week a proposal rather than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/760ccc6a32da17ef6afe2a87463b9910">what MLB termed a framework</a>&nbsp;for a deal.

Rather than play&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0e417f01801e485ca5aba06c94c990f5">162 games over 186 days</a>, the season will be 60 games over 66 or 67 days, depending on whether there is a nationally televised Thursday night opener. It is scheduled to end Sept. 27, which leaves little margin to make up September rainouts. MLB insisted it needed to complete the World Series in October, avoiding any second wave of the virus.

Players are being given staggered reporting times over several days for intake screening. The time will be used for coronavirus testing ahead of the resumption of workouts, which were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b45f634e08bf738b34ced03d319913ab">stopped March 12</a>&nbsp;due to the pandemic.

Because of an uptick in infections in Florida and Arizona’s summer heat, 28 teams currently are leaning toward training in their regular-season ballparks. Detroit remained partial to Lakeland, Florida, and Toronto was hoping to gain government permission to work out at Rogers Centre.

Under terms of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0c">the deal the sides reached on March 26</a>, which was to have been opening day, players would receive prorated portions of their salaries if the 60-game schedule is not cut short by the virus. Salaries originally totaled $4 billion, and the prorated portion of about 37% reduces pay to $1.48 billion.

Salaries were to have ranged from $563,500 at the minimum to $36 million for Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at the top, but the spread would now be from $208,704 to $13,333,333.

MLB initially had sought last month in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea330800b6886f0396d3b000680584e">initial economic plan</a>&nbsp;to reduce pay to about $1 billion, and players vowed not to give up full prorated pay and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37af758bdd54bbfba85ed359dfd85df4">proposed a 114-game schedule</a>&nbsp;that amounted to $2.8 billion.

The relationship deteriorated back to the level of the acrimonious labor disputes that led to eight work stoppages from 1972-95, and the union has threatened a grievance claiming MLB didn’t fulfill the provision in the March deal requiring the longest season economically feasible, conditioned by several other provisions. MLB would claim the union bargained in bad faith, and the case would be argued before arbitrator Mark Irvings.

That would be a prelude to the expiration of the current labor contract on Dec. 1, 2021, which likely will be followed by a lockout.

By RONALD BLUM - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball issued a 60-game schedule Tuesday night that will start July 23 or 24 in empty ballparks as the sport tries to push ahead amid the coronavirus following months of acrimony.A dramatically altered season with games full of new rules was the final result of failed financial negotiations. But for fans eager to see any baseball this year, at least now they can look forward to opening day.The announcement by MLB came while more players continue to test positive for the virus —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fae68d3c11de45cef74214c3ed1553e2">at least seven on the Philadelphia Phillies alone.</a>&nbsp;And a stark realization remained, that if health situations deteriorate, all games could still be wiped out.“What happens when we all get it?”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/_BAnderson30_/status/1275228793335152641" target="_blank">Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted</a>&nbsp;Monday.One day after the players’ association rejected an economic agreement and left open the possibility of a grievance seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, the bickering sides agreed on an operations manual.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-announces-2020-regular-season" target="_blank">Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred then unilaterally imposed the schedule</a>, his right under a March agreement with the union.In a twist, the sides expanded the designated hitter to games between National League teams for the first time and instituted the radical innovation of starting extra innings with a runner on second base.Playoff teams remain at 10 for now — there is still talk of a possible expansion. The rejected deal had called for 16 teams.Players will start reporting for the resumption of training on July 1. It remains to be seen which players will report back to work — high-risk individuals are allowed to opt out and still receive salary and service time, but others who sit out get neither money nor the service credit needed for eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration.Each team will play 10 games against each of its four division rivals and 20 total games against the five clubs in the corresponding regional division in the other league, according to details obtained by The Associated Press.This will be MLB’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1878.shtml" target="_blank">shortest season since 1878</a>, a schedule of such brevity that some fans may question the legitimacy of stats and records.No matter what, the season will be among the most unusual ever for a sport that takes pride in the race for titles being a marathon and not a sprint: Washington started 19-31 and 27-33 last year but finished 93-69 to earn a wild card and won a seven-game World Series for its first title.“There’s a lot more pressure because in a 60-game schedule, I think that you have 25% more teams that can compete, that had no idea they were going to compete for 162 games,” said Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, now a broadcaster.The trade deadline will be Aug. 31 and the deadline to be in an organization for postseason eligibility is Sept. 15. Teams can resume making trades Friday, when rosters will no longer be frozen.Active rosters will be 30 players during the first two weeks of the season, 28 during the second two weeks and 26 after that. They will not expand to 28 on Sept. 1, as originally intended this year.With no minor leagues, teams would be allowed to retain 60 players each, including a taxi squad. Up to three players from the taxi squad can travel with a team to a game, and one of the three must be a catcher.MLB is keeping the planned innovation that pitchers must face three batters or finish a half inning — players refused to agree a year ago but also waived their right to block.The injured list minimum for pitchers will remain 10 days rather than revert to 15, as initially intended.Public opinion shredded both sides as they locked in a ferocious financial battle during a pandemic that has led to more than 120,000 deaths and 2.3 million infections in the U.S. and led to a 14.7% unemployment rate, the highest since the Great Depression.MLB hoped to be the first U.S. major league to return, at first with an 82-game schedule starting around the Fourth of July, but sniping broke out between management and players who distrust teams’ claims of economic losses following years of franchise appreciation. MLB claimed that without gate-related revenue it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75087708a030c20637c5ea25b5c99c40">would lose $640,000</a>&nbsp;for each additional regular-season game, a figure the union disputed.MLB became exasperated with the union’s leadership team, headed by former All-Star first baseman Tony Clark and Bruce Meyer, a litigator hired in August 2018. Manfred and Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem were infuriated when Clark said he considered the result of a one-on-one meeting with Manfred last week a proposal rather than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/760ccc6a32da17ef6afe2a87463b9910">what MLB termed a framework</a>&nbsp;for a deal.Rather than play&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0e417f01801e485ca5aba06c94c990f5">162 games over 186 days</a>, the season will be 60 games over 66 or 67 days, depending on whether there is a nationally televised Thursday night opener. It is scheduled to end Sept. 27, which leaves little margin to make up September rainouts. MLB insisted it needed to complete the World Series in October, avoiding any second wave of the virus.Players are being given staggered reporting times over several days for intake screening. The time will be used for coronavirus testing ahead of the resumption of workouts, which were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b45f634e08bf738b34ced03d319913ab">stopped March 12</a>&nbsp;due to the pandemic.Because of an uptick in infections in Florida and Arizona’s summer heat, 28 teams currently are leaning toward training in their regular-season ballparks. Detroit remained partial to Lakeland, Florida, and Toronto was hoping to gain government permission to work out at Rogers Centre.Under terms of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0c">the deal the sides reached on March 26</a>, which was to have been opening day, players would receive prorated portions of their salaries if the 60-game schedule is not cut short by the virus. Salaries originally totaled $4 billion, and the prorated portion of about 37% reduces pay to $1.48 billion.Salaries were to have ranged from $563,500 at the minimum to $36 million for Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at the top, but the spread would now be from $208,704 to $13,333,333.MLB initially had sought last month in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea330800b6886f0396d3b000680584e">initial economic plan</a>&nbsp;to reduce pay to about $1 billion, and players vowed not to give up full prorated pay and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37af758bdd54bbfba85ed359dfd85df4">proposed a 114-game schedule</a>&nbsp;that amounted to $2.8 billion.The relationship deteriorated back to the level of the acrimonious labor disputes that led to eight work stoppages from 1972-95, and the union has threatened a grievance claiming MLB didn’t fulfill the provision in the March deal requiring the longest season economically feasible, conditioned by several other provisions. MLB would claim the union bargained in bad faith, and the case would be argued before arbitrator Mark Irvings.That would be a prelude to the expiration of the current labor contract on Dec. 1, 2021, which likely will be followed by a lockout.

Baseball’s back: MLB sets 60-game sked, opens July 23 or 24

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/845473531&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/post-podcast-catching-up-with-legion-hc-butler" title="Post Podcast: Catching up with Legion HC Butler" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Post Podcast: Catching up with Legion HC Butler</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: NP Legion HC Butler on hot start

Story By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated Press

Late last week, Clemson announced 28 athletes and athletic staffers had tested positive for COVID-19.

On Saturday, Kansas State said it was shutting down its voluntary workouts for athletes at team facilities after a spike of 14 positive cases.

And on Monday, Notre Dame reported one positive among 91 tested football players, Wisconsin had two positives among 117 athletes tested and Iowa’s latest round of testing found nine positives among 40 overall.

As colleges and universities ponder how to reopen campuses to droves of students during a pandemic, sports programs around the country are providing a daily glimpse at the challenges that lie ahead — and maybe some solutions.

“When you’re thinking about athletes, people are very worried about sports and the close contact they have. And there’s a little bit less concern when it comes to the general student body because of their interactions being different,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security and a member of the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel. “But I do think it speaks to the fact that the colleges are going to have to come up with a plan for dealing with these cases.”

With an eye toward preparing for competition in a couple months — the major college football season kicks off in most places around the Labor Day weekend — athletic departments began bringing groups of athletes back to campus June 1.

The goal is to create something of a bubble around players, using frequent testing to catch positive cases and contact tracing and quarantining to mitigate spread.

Positive tests were anticipated, and they should be when the rest of the students come back. For athletes, the hope is by mid-July football teams will be able to move into larger group activities, then full-blown practices in early August.

To do so, athletic administrators and coaching staffs are stressing to players that there is only so much that can be put in place to protect them from contracting coronavirus. Some of it is on the players themselves.

Kansas State University athletic director Gene Taylor told The Athletic a spike in cases might have had two causes: A small number of athletes not completing their quarantine after they arrived on campus and been tested, and then that group joining some other athletes in attending an off-campus party.

“It wasn’t that they did anything on purpose. They just weren’t taking it serious,” Taylor told The Athletic.

The University of Houston suspended its voluntary workouts on June 12 after six athletes tested positive with symptoms.

Not every school is revealing testing results. There have been no reports of athletes being hospitalized.

College students, and especially college athletes, are mostly among the lowest risk groups for becoming severely sick or dying from COVID-19. For most athletes, the greater personal risk is being sidelined from competition or possibly infecting teammates and causing an outbreak that disrupts a season.

The average student isn’t facing that type of pressure to take precautions, which worries Dr. Greg Stewart, the team physician for Tulane athletics.

“The general student population, it’s not that they are not going to care, but they’re not going to care as much,” Stewart said. “It’s not going to be the same for them as it is for the football team.”

Setting up protocols for the return of athletes has been a campus-wide project, extending outside the athletic department at most schools. Stewart said he speaks with speaks with Tulane’s director of student health at least once a week.

“They’ve got access to some resources that under normal circumstances we wouldn’t have access to,” Stewart said. “We’re doing things that they haven’t done yet.”

The reports of positive tests can be jarring when the numbers are large like Clemson had last week. LSU would not confirm to AP a Sports Illustrated report from this past weekend that about 30 athletes were in isolation or quarantine, but a school official said the number did not cross a threshold to force workouts to be shut down.

“What we have right now is quite manageable,” said LSU senior associate athletic director of Health and Wellness Shelly Mullenix.

Adalja said managing the virus on campuses should be the goal for every school. Using the same volume of testing being used for athletes is not realistic or warranted for an entire student body, he said.

“There has to be some degree of risk tolerance that’s going to have to be in place,” Adalja said. “If we’re going to open colleges there has to be some understanding that we’re going to get cases. Hopefully, we’ll be able to keep them from causing outbreaks on college campuses based on other layers of mitigation that will be in place, meaning isolation and contact tracing, all of that.”

Story By RALPH D. RUSSO - Associated PressLate last week, Clemson announced 28 athletes and athletic staffers had tested positive for COVID-19.On Saturday, Kansas State said it was shutting down its voluntary workouts for athletes at team facilities after a spike of 14 positive cases.And on Monday, Notre Dame reported one positive among 91 tested football players, Wisconsin had two positives among 117 athletes tested and Iowa’s latest round of testing found nine positives among 40 overall.As colleges and universities ponder how to reopen campuses to droves of students during a pandemic, sports programs around the country are providing a daily glimpse at the challenges that lie ahead — and maybe some solutions.“When you’re thinking about athletes, people are very worried about sports and the close contact they have. And there’s a little bit less concern when it comes to the general student body because of their interactions being different,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security and a member of the NCAA’s COVID-19 advisory panel. “But I do think it speaks to the fact that the colleges are going to have to come up with a plan for dealing with these cases.”With an eye toward preparing for competition in a couple months — the major college football season kicks off in most places around the Labor Day weekend — athletic departments began bringing groups of athletes back to campus June 1.The goal is to create something of a bubble around players, using frequent testing to catch positive cases and contact tracing and quarantining to mitigate spread.Positive tests were anticipated, and they should be when the rest of the students come back. For athletes, the hope is by mid-July football teams will be able to move into larger group activities, then full-blown practices in early August.To do so, athletic administrators and coaching staffs are stressing to players that there is only so much that can be put in place to protect them from contracting coronavirus. Some of it is on the players themselves.Kansas State University athletic director Gene Taylor told The Athletic a spike in cases might have had two causes: A small number of athletes not completing their quarantine after they arrived on campus and been tested, and then that group joining some other athletes in attending an off-campus party.“It wasn’t that they did anything on purpose. They just weren’t taking it serious,” Taylor told The Athletic.The University of Houston suspended its voluntary workouts on June 12 after six athletes tested positive with symptoms.Not every school is revealing testing results. There have been no reports of athletes being hospitalized.College students, and especially college athletes, are mostly among the lowest risk groups for becoming severely sick or dying from COVID-19. For most athletes, the greater personal risk is being sidelined from competition or possibly infecting teammates and causing an outbreak that disrupts a season.The average student isn’t facing that type of pressure to take precautions, which worries Dr. Greg Stewart, the team physician for Tulane athletics.“The general student population, it’s not that they are not going to care, but they’re not going to care as much,” Stewart said. “It’s not going to be the same for them as it is for the football team.”Setting up protocols for the return of athletes has been a campus-wide project, extending outside the athletic department at most schools. Stewart said he speaks with speaks with Tulane’s director of student health at least once a week.“They’ve got access to some resources that under normal circumstances we wouldn’t have access to,” Stewart said. “We’re doing things that they haven’t done yet.”The reports of positive tests can be jarring when the numbers are large like Clemson had last week. LSU would not confirm to AP a Sports Illustrated report from this past weekend that about 30 athletes were in isolation or quarantine, but a school official said the number did not cross a threshold to force workouts to be shut down.“What we have right now is quite manageable,” said LSU senior associate athletic director of Health and Wellness Shelly Mullenix.Adalja said managing the virus on campuses should be the goal for every school. Using the same volume of testing being used for athletes is not realistic or warranted for an entire student body, he said.“There has to be some degree of risk tolerance that’s going to have to be in place,” Adalja said. “If we’re going to open colleges there has to be some understanding that we’re going to get cases. Hopefully, we’ll be able to keep them from causing outbreaks on college campuses based on other layers of mitigation that will be in place, meaning isolation and contact tracing, all of that.”

Return of college athletes gives glimpse of back to school

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length, putting the sport on track for a combative return to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Commissioner Rob Manfred and union head Tony Clark met last week and outlined plans that included expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to 16, widening use of the designated hitter to National League games and an experiment to start extra innings with a runner on second base. But the latest version of the deal proposed by MLB was rejected by the Major League Baseball Players Association’s executive board in a 33-5 vote on Monday.

“Needless to say, we are disappointed by this development,” MLB said in a statement. “The framework provided an opportunity for MLB and its players to work together to confront the difficulties and challenges presented by the pandemic. It gave our fans the chance to see an exciting new postseason format. And, it offered players significant benefits.”

MLB’s control owners approved going unilaterally with the 60-game schedule in ballparks without fans if the final arrangements can be put in place, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.

MLB asked the union to respond by 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday as to whether players can report to training by July 1 and whether the players’ association will agree on the operating manual of health and safety protocols. The schedule would be the shortest since the National League’s third season.

Given the need for three days of virus testing and 21 days of workouts, opening day likely would be during the final week of July. MLB already has started to investigate charter flights that could bring players back from Latin America, another person told the AP, also on condition of anonymity because no announcements were made.

The union announced its rejection, and the vote total was confirmed by a person familiar with that meeting who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the balloting was not made public. The decision likely will provoke what figures to be lengthy and costly litigation over the impact of the coronavirus on the sport, similar to the collusion cases that sent baseball spiraling to a spring training lockout in 1990 and a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that wiped out the World Series for the first time in nine decades.

It also eliminates a $25 million postseason players’ pool, meaning players will not get paid anything above meal money during the playoffs and World Series, and the clubs’ offer to forgive $33 million in salary advanced to 769 players at the bottom of the salary scale with lower rates of pay while in the minors: $16,500, $30,000 or $60,000 for each of them.

“It’s absolute death for this industry to keep acting as it has been. Both sides,” Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted in a rare instance of a player criticizing the union. “We’re driving the bus straight off a cliff. How is this good for anyone involved? Covid 19 already presented a lose lose lose situation and we’ve somehow found a way to make it worse. Incredible.”

Teams lose what would have been a new right to sell advertising patches on uniforms, broadcast enhancements such as having players wear microphones during games and a 2020 suspension of the luxury tax that for a 60-game season projected to save the New York Yankees $8.5 million, Houston $3 million, the Los Angeles Dodgers $434,000 and the Chicago Cubs $116,000.

Manfred loses what would have been an additional $60 million to the commissioner’s discretionary fund.

The union said in a statement that the “board reaffirmed the players’ eagerness to return to work as soon and as safely as possible.”

“To that end we anticipate finalizing a comprehensive set of health and safety protocols with Major League Baseball in the coming days, and we await word from the league on the resumption of spring training camps and a proposed 2020 schedule,” the union said.

While the framework had included the expanded playoffs for both 2020 and 2021, and Manfred offered to drop it from the second season if players feared it would decrease their future bargaining leverage.

Spring training was suspended on March 12, two weeks ahead of scheduled openers, and the sides have reverted to the familiar financial infighting that fractured the sport in the past. An initial deal March 26 called for players to receive prorated salaries and gave Manfred power to set the schedule, but that agreement did not require MLB to play in ballparks without fans.

Teams sought additional salary concessions, claiming they would lose $640,000 for each additional regular-season game. The union was skeptical, requested additional documents and said it did not receive enough to evaluate the true financial picture.

Players refused to budge from their insistence on prorated salaries, and MLB finally agreed to that last week during the one-on-one meeting between Manfred and Clark. While Manfred called it a framework for an agreement, Clark said it was merely a proposal and further angered MLB.

At that point, the sides remained about $275 million apart after weeks of talks. MLB offered 60 games and $1.48 billion from salaries that originally totaled $4 billion, plus a $25 million postseason players’ pool. The union wanted 70 games and $1.73 billion plus a $50 million pool.

Players are expected to file a grievance, claiming MLB violated a provision in the March agreement requiring both sides to “work in good faith to as soon as is practicable commence play, and complete the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible” consistent with several provisions. MLB is expected to file a grievance accusing the union of negotiating in bad faith.

Arbitrator Mark Irvings would hear the case. If the union proves a longer schedule had been feasible, each game on the schedule would be worth $25 million in salary across the 30 teams.

Reduced revenue for clubs this year is expected to cause a drop in the free-agent market, which next offseason is slated to include Mookie Betts, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, James Paxton, Marcus Stroman and Bauer.

All the while, the coronavirus upended plans of many clubs to resume training at their Florida facilities due to a rise in virus cases in the state. Twenty-nine teams intend to work out in their regular-season ballparks, with Toronto awaiting additional talks with the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial governments.

The sides have discussed expanding rosters to 30 active players during the season’s first two weeks, and 28 during the third and fourth weeks before settling in at the new 26-player limit. Because there are no minor league affiliates playing, each team would keep 60 players around.

More bickering and turmoil lies ahead. Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2021, and the virus damaged the already deteriorated relationship and became just another of the financial issues that point toward a spring training lockout ahead of the 2022 season.

“If there’s going to be a fight the time for that fight is after the ’21 season when a new CBA is negotiated. 5 years of potential change,” Bauer tweeted. “We’re doing irreparable damage to our industry right now over rules that last AT MOST 16 months.”

This dispute has played out following five straight years of relatively flat salaries, a failed grievance alleging the Chicago Cubs manipulated the service time of Kris Bryant to delay the free agency of the star third baseman and a still-pending grievance that some teams did not use revenue sharing money as the labor contract specified, part of the union’s claim teams are “tanking.”

MLB says clubs have the right to determine when prospects are ready for the majors and also are free to lower major league payrolls for rebuilding.

Further, the failed negotiations sparked criticism of Clark and union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer by agents, though there is no evidence yet that the displeasure has extended to players.

Until now, the latest openers were on May 1 during five seasons in the 1800s, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, but since 1900 it had been April 25 following the end of the 1994-95 strike. Players interrupted the 1981 season with a strike that started June 12, and the second half of a split season started on Aug. 10.

Story by RONALD BLUM - Associate PressNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball plans to unilaterally issue a 60-game schedule for its shortest season since 1878 after the players’ association rejected a negotiated deal of the same length, putting the sport on track for a combative return to the field amid the coronavirus pandemic.Commissioner Rob Manfred and union head Tony Clark met last week and outlined plans that included expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to 16, widening use of the designated hitter to National League games and an experiment to start extra innings with a runner on second base. But the latest version of the deal proposed by MLB was rejected by the Major League Baseball Players Association’s executive board in a 33-5 vote on Monday.Those innovations now disappear.“Needless to say, we are disappointed by this development,” MLB said in a statement. “The framework provided an opportunity for MLB and its players to work together to confront the difficulties and challenges presented by the pandemic. It gave our fans the chance to see an exciting new postseason format. And, it offered players significant benefits.”MLB’s control owners approved going unilaterally with the 60-game schedule in ballparks without fans if the final arrangements can be put in place, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement had been made.MLB asked the union to respond by 5 p.m. EDT Tuesday as to whether players can report to training by July 1 and whether the players’ association will agree on the operating manual of health and safety protocols. The schedule would be the shortest since the National League’s third season.Given the need for three days of virus testing and 21 days of workouts, opening day likely would be during the final week of July. MLB already has started to investigate charter flights that could bring players back from Latin America, another person told the AP, also on condition of anonymity because no announcements were made.The union announced its rejection, and the vote total was confirmed by a person familiar with that meeting who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the balloting was not made public. The decision likely will provoke what figures to be lengthy and costly litigation over the impact of the coronavirus on the sport, similar to the collusion cases that sent baseball spiraling to a spring training lockout in 1990 and a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that wiped out the World Series for the first time in nine decades.It also eliminates a $25 million postseason players’ pool, meaning players will not get paid anything above meal money during the playoffs and World Series, and the clubs’ offer to forgive $33 million in salary advanced to 769 players at the bottom of the salary scale with lower rates of pay while in the minors: $16,500, $30,000 or $60,000 for each of them.“It’s absolute death for this industry to keep acting as it has been. Both sides,” Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted in a rare instance of a player criticizing the union. “We’re driving the bus straight off a cliff. How is this good for anyone involved? Covid 19 already presented a lose lose lose situation and we’ve somehow found a way to make it worse. Incredible.”Teams lose what would have been a new right to sell advertising patches on uniforms, broadcast enhancements such as having players wear microphones during games and a 2020 suspension of the luxury tax that for a 60-game season projected to save the New York Yankees $8.5 million, Houston $3 million, the Los Angeles Dodgers $434,000 and the Chicago Cubs $116,000.Manfred loses what would have been an additional $60 million to the commissioner’s discretionary fund.The union said in a statement that the “board reaffirmed the players’ eagerness to return to work as soon and as safely as possible.”“To that end we anticipate finalizing a comprehensive set of health and safety protocols with Major League Baseball in the coming days, and we await word from the league on the resumption of spring training camps and a proposed 2020 schedule,” the union said.While the framework had included the expanded playoffs for both 2020 and 2021, and Manfred offered to drop it from the second season if players feared it would decrease their future bargaining leverage.Spring training was suspended on March 12, two weeks ahead of scheduled openers, and the sides have reverted to the familiar financial infighting that fractured the sport in the past. An initial deal March 26 called for players to receive prorated salaries and gave Manfred power to set the schedule, but that agreement did not require MLB to play in ballparks without fans.Teams sought additional salary concessions, claiming they would lose $640,000 for each additional regular-season game. The union was skeptical, requested additional documents and said it did not receive enough to evaluate the true financial picture.Players refused to budge from their insistence on prorated salaries, and MLB finally agreed to that last week during the one-on-one meeting between Manfred and Clark. While Manfred called it a framework for an agreement, Clark said it was merely a proposal and further angered MLB.At that point, the sides remained about $275 million apart after weeks of talks. MLB offered 60 games and $1.48 billion from salaries that originally totaled $4 billion, plus a $25 million postseason players’ pool. The union wanted 70 games and $1.73 billion plus a $50 million pool.Players are expected to file a grievance, claiming MLB violated a provision in the March agreement requiring both sides to “work in good faith to as soon as is practicable commence play, and complete the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible” consistent with several provisions. MLB is expected to file a grievance accusing the union of negotiating in bad faith.Arbitrator Mark Irvings would hear the case. If the union proves a longer schedule had been feasible, each game on the schedule would be worth $25 million in salary across the 30 teams.Reduced revenue for clubs this year is expected to cause a drop in the free-agent market, which next offseason is slated to include Mookie Betts, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, James Paxton, Marcus Stroman and Bauer.All the while, the coronavirus upended plans of many clubs to resume training at their Florida facilities due to a rise in virus cases in the state. Twenty-nine teams intend to work out in their regular-season ballparks, with Toronto awaiting additional talks with the Canadian federal and Ontario provincial governments.The sides have discussed expanding rosters to 30 active players during the season’s first two weeks, and 28 during the third and fourth weeks before settling in at the new 26-player limit. Because there are no minor league affiliates playing, each team would keep 60 players around.More bickering and turmoil lies ahead. Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, 2021, and the virus damaged the already deteriorated relationship and became just another of the financial issues that point toward a spring training lockout ahead of the 2022 season.“If there’s going to be a fight the time for that fight is after the ’21 season when a new CBA is negotiated. 5 years of potential change,” Bauer tweeted. “We’re doing irreparable damage to our industry right now over rules that last AT MOST 16 months.”This dispute has played out following five straight years of relatively flat salaries, a failed grievance alleging the Chicago Cubs manipulated the service time of Kris Bryant to delay the free agency of the star third baseman and a still-pending grievance that some teams did not use revenue sharing money as the labor contract specified, part of the union’s claim teams are “tanking.”MLB says clubs have the right to determine when prospects are ready for the majors and also are free to lower major league payrolls for rebuilding.Further, the failed negotiations sparked criticism of Clark and union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer by agents, though there is no evidence yet that the displeasure has extended to players.Until now, the latest openers were on May 1 during five seasons in the 1800s, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, but since 1900 it had been April 25 following the end of the 1994-95 strike. Players interrupted the 1981 season with a strike that started June 12, and the second half of a split season started on Aug. 10.

MLB plans 60-game slate, shortest since 1878, as union balks

North Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic.   On Monday and Tuesday, July 20th-21st, the 2020 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Lake Maloney and River's Edge Golf Courses.  Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska.   This year’s tournament will also include an optional Team Scoring Competition for Teams of Four High-School Aged Golfers.  The Players self-select their 4-person team with entry into the tournament.   

Day 1: July 20th , play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 4:30pm.

Day 2: July 21st  play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 3:00pm.

Golf Academy: July 20th, Afternoon Instructional Clinic 1:00pm-4:00pm.  (for newer golfers)

All participants will receive a special signature event Adidas backpack. Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament as well as trophies for lowest team scores for kids who sign up for the team component.  The trophy presentation will be held at the end of play on July 21st at Rivers Edge Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.    If media members would like a text message for the exact time of the trophy presentation, please email tlucas@nlnb.com.   Social Distancing and Compliance with local health directives will be applicable.  

Due to the generous sponsorship of local businesses, the entry fee for the full tournament is only $30 for 9-hole players and $40 for 18-hole players.  The Golf Academy is only $30.

Golfer Registration forms can be downloaded at the NP Chamber's website

(www.NParea.com), or picked up at the River’s Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Shops, Bill Summer Ford and NebraskaLand National Bank's Main location.

North Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. On Monday and Tuesday, July 20th-21st, the 2020 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Lake Maloney and River's Edge Golf Courses. Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska. This year’s tournament will also include an optional Team Scoring Competition for Teams of Four High-School Aged Golfers. The Players self-select their 4-person team with entry into the tournament. The Tournament Schedule:Day 1: July 20th , play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 4:30pm.Day 2: July 21st play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 3:00pm.Golf Academy: July 20th, Afternoon Instructional Clinic 1:00pm-4:00pm. (for newer golfers)All participants will receive a special signature event Adidas backpack. Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament as well as trophies for lowest team scores for kids who sign up for the team component. The trophy presentation will be held at the end of play on July 21st at Rivers Edge Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. If media members would like a text message for the exact time of the trophy presentation, please email tlucas@nlnb.com. Social Distancing and Compliance with local health directives will be applicable. Due to the generous sponsorship of local businesses, the entry fee for the full tournament is only $30 for 9-hole players and $40 for 18-hole players. The Golf Academy is only $30.Golfer Registration forms can be downloaded at the NP Chamber's website(www.NParea.com), or picked up at the River’s Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Shops, Bill Summer Ford and NebraskaLand National Bank's Main location.

2020 Junior Ambassador Classic Two-Day Golf Tournament

North Platte St. Pats has a couple of summer camps that will continue this summer. They will be taking all the necessary precautions under the directives set out by the governor in the midst of the COVID outbreak.&nbsp; You can see the flyers below:&nbsp;

North Platte St. Pats has a couple of summer camps that will continue this summer. They will be taking all the necessary precautions under the directives set out by the governor in the midst of the COVID outbreak.&nbsp; You can see the flyers below:&nbsp;<figure>
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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592566566394.jpeg" alt="NPSP Volleyball camp.jpeg" />
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